《High Martial Arts Era》


 Chapter 1: Li Yuan

    <h4>Chapter 1: Li Yuan</h4>


    "September 2042, China, Jiangbei Province, Jiangcheng."


    A city known as the ''city of stoves,'' where wintersts more than a year, and early September is the hottest time.


    "Guanshan District No. 1 High School"


    On the back ckboard of every ssroom in the senior three teaching building, there hangs a simr banner: ''Without striving, there is no gain. Senior three is a tough battle, fight throughout the year without regrets.'' ''If senior three isn''t tough, how can we stand firm?''..."


    However, on the east side of the first floor, there is a particrlyrge ssroom, covering nearly a thousand square meters. Unlike regr ssrooms, there are no desks or chairs here. One side is filled with arge number of cold weapons such as knives, guns, swords, and sticks. On the other side, there are many special instruments and a special track paved with dark red metal.


    This is the ssroom for martial arts sses.


    At this moment, there are over a hundred students practicing standing exercises in the ssroom, performing various movements.


    Some resemble monkeys, some like flying birds, and some appear simr to tigers... Their spirit and energy are all excellent.


    "The root is in the feet, initiated by the legs, controlled by the waist, and thebined strength of the whole body manifests in the fingertips..." A burly middle-aged man in a ck martial arts uniform walks among the group.


    His face is stern, he stands nearly two meters tall, his voice is booming like a bell, and his gaze is as fierce as that of a tiger, staring at each student.


    The most striking thing about him is his right arm, which is a silver metal prosthetic, seamlessly integrated with the remaining limb, and agile in movement.


    "By rights, these are the foundational techniques you should have mastered in your sophomore year. Yet, here we are in senior year, and each of you is still struggling with basic standing exercises." The burly man berated angrily as he walked, casually patting a sweating student down with his metallic arm, "If your stance is unstable, your bnce is difficult to maintain. Fundamental techniques are the foundation of martial arts!"


    "Practice your fist techniques every day to improve daily. If you skip a day, you''ll be behind for a hundred days. I can tell that some of you took half a month off during summer vacation andpletely rxed without practicing at home."


    "You''re all in your senior year and still want to rx? You''re just ordinary ss students without awakened spirituality. If you don''t work harder, how will you get into a martial arts university?"


    "Even if you''re not preparing to apply for a martial arts university and choose the acadamic path, martial arts achievements still count for 30%..." The burly man continued to angrily reprimand.


    These students dare not even take a breath, bing increasingly serious in their training.


    "Report."


    "Report." Immediately, more than ten voices echoed in session at the ssroom door, where a group of students dressed in martial arts uniforms appeared.


    "The second group that participated in the spirituality test is back?" The burly man nced towards the door.


    Immediately, the burly man''s sharp gaze fell upon one of the students.


    This student stands nearly six feet tall with a buzz cut, appearing unremarkable at first nce. However, upon closer observation, one would notice his upright posture, with his spine straight and an aura of unshakable stability when standing casually.


    Clearly, this student has integrated the basic training methods such as "lifting the head top and sinking the tailbone" into their daily movements and sitting postures.


    Truly achieving harmony of heart and movement, where intention guides spirit.


    This martial arts mastery has already surpassed all students practicing standing exercises in the ssroom.


    "Li Yuan, how are you?" The burly man looked towards the person


    The nearly hundred students practicing standing exercises couldn''t help but sneak nces at a student named Li Yuan.


    "Teacher Xu, I didn''t awaken," said the student named Li Yuan calmly, shaking his head without showing any disappointment.


    Upon hearing this, the burly man furrowed his brow.


    Li Yuan is the student in his ss with the most potential to awaken martial arts spirituality.


    "Li Yuan couldn''t make it?"


    "At the end of sophomore year exams, his martial arts performance ranked in the top thirty of the year. His physical fitness had reached level 6 at that time, and now it''s surely stronger. Yet he still hasn''t awakened his martial arts spirituality? "


    "Awakening martial arts spirituality is really difficult!" The nearly hundred students practicing standing exercises couldn''t help but feel secretly amazed.


    Nowadays, throughout Xia Country and even the entire Blue Star, talent selection has two paths: academic courses and martial arts practice.


    And all students, starting from middle school, will be taught the basic training methods of martial arts by the state, practicing martial arts.


    Guanshan District First High School has over 2,000 students in the senior three grade, divided into a total of twenty sses.


    However, there is only one martial arts elite ss; the rest are regr sses.


    The martial arts elite ss has over sixty students, each of whom has awakened martial arts spirituality. They often dominate the top fifty rankings in martial arts performance for their grade.


    Li Yuan''s ability to rank in the top thirty in martial arts performance among regr sses is truly impressive.


    "What about the others? Anyone else awakened?" The burly man''s gaze swept over the others.


    A silence fell over the group.


    "Everyone,e in." The burly man showed no surprise.


    In reality, most people who awaken martial arts spirituality do so in their freshman or even middle school years.


    Awakening in senior year? The hope is very slim!


    The burly man originally only had hope for Li Yuan. He waved his hand and said, "Group Three, go to the martial arts building for spiritual testing."


    "Boom~"


    Upon hearing that, some of the students practicing standing exercises, already feeling their legs sore and feet painful, quickly stood up and rushed out of the ssroom.


    Meanwhile, Li Yuan and his group returned to their positions and resumed their standing exercises.


    "Brother Yuan, it seems like Teacher Xu''s ss is a bit disappointed," muttered a mature-looking student with a square face and a short beard next to Li Yuan. "But you, Brother Yuan, just got the results of the spirituality test. Aren''t you feeling even a bit disappointed?"


    "Don''t say anymore."


    "Let''s continue training. Practicing the basic techniques for four hours every day is fundamental," Li Yuan said calmly. He had anticipated the oue early on and wasn''t disappointed.


    "Four hours?" muttered the mature-looking student. "No wonder he''s the second best in our ss."


    Upon hearing this, Li Yuan smiled and ignored the other person. He gently closed his eyes, stood in his position with slightly bent legs, and his demeanor transformed instantly. He exuded a strong presence, akin to a solid rock, emanating an unshakable aura.


    "The Rock Formation Technique." Li Yuan recalled various movements associated with this practice method in his mind.


    He had practiced these movements thousands of times and knew them by heart.


    In this era, martial arts thrive.


    The Seven Basic Training Methods of the Seven Star Alliance, open to all citizens of the seven majors, are not ranked by superiority but by suitability.


    Whether wealthy and powerful ormon citizens, everyone starts with the basic training methods if they practice martial arts.


    "The Rock Formation Technique" is precisely the practice method chosen by Li Yuan.


    He has been practicing it for more than five years now.


    Each basic training method can greatly stimte human potential, continuously enhance physical fitness, and even lead to theplete awakening of spiritual abilities.


    Not to mention, Li Yuan''s physical fitness is not yet at level 7.


    Even martial artists with physical fitness surpassing level 9 continue to practice basic training methods regrly.


    "Hoo!"


    "Hoo!"


    Each basic training method consists of thirty-six practice movements and also includes a dedicated breathing technique toplement it.


    Li Yuan''s breathing alternated between rapid and slow, synchronized with his limb movements, causing faint sounds to emanate from his body.


    The muscles and bones resonate together!


    "Feels reallyfortable," Li Yuan immersed himself in this practice.


    He could feel his muscles and bones throughout his body being continuously stimted, bing stronger and more robust.


    This is the evolution of life.


    In this era, ordinary young people have the potential to break the sprint world record set a century ago.


    What they rely on is the practice of martial arts.


    "Unfortunately, I didn''t break into the top twenty in thest midterm assessment. Otherwise, besides the five thousand yuan schrship, I could have received more Qi and blood medicine this semester," Li Yuan thought to himself. "With more Qi and blood medicine, my physical fitness would improve faster, and it could also ease some financial pressure on Uncle and Aunt."


    Li Yuan is an orphan raised by his uncle and aunt.


    Li Yuan''s uncle is a state-owned enterprise employee, while his aunt is a teacher at a junior high school.


    In theory, such a family should be consideredfortable if not affluent, sufficient for a decent standard of living.


    But since Li Yuan was weak and sickly from a young age, his aunt spent a lot of money on his treatment.


    Later, following the doctor''s advice, starting from middle school, Li Yuan''s uncle and aunt invested a considerable amount of money in his martial arts training, even surpassing what they spent on their own children.


    Fortunately.


    Li Yuan has a good talent and is diligent in his practice. He passed the entrance exam and enrolled in Guanshan District First High School. His grades improved continuously in high school, entering the top hundred in his sophomore year and breaking into the top thirty by the end of his sophomore year exams.


    This brought great joy to his uncle and aunt.


    However, martial arts training not only requires talent but also financial investment.


    Especially after his physical fitness reached level 6, the costs for supplements from the Star Realm, such as food, medicinal herbs for Qi and blood, medicinal meals, and special equipment, all amounted to a significant sum of money.


    Compared to the other students in the top thirty of his grade, Li Yuan''s external conditions are quite average, or even considered below average.


    However, Li Yuan understands in his heart that his uncle and aunt have done their utmost to support him.


    There are younger siblings at home, so he cannot ask for more.


    "But this is the sixth time."


    "Since the beginning of junior high, I''ve failed the spiritual testing every year," Li Yuan pondered. "If thetent spirituality in my body could awaken, and I could get a 10% bonus on exams, I could easily break into the top ten of my grade."


    "Upon awakening martial arts spirituality, I can also receive a government subsidy."


    Whether to awaken martial arts spirituality or not.


    Across the entire Blue Star and even the seven majors, it is one of the most important indicators for evaluating a person''s martial arts talent.


    Unfortunately, Li Yuan has never managed to awaken his martial arts spirituality.


    "Over the years, fewer than five students from our school have been admitted to the top five prestigious universities," Li Yuan silently contemted. "With my current grades, getting into an ordinary martial arts university shouldn''t be a problem."


    "But to aspire to the top five prestigious universities, without awakening spirituality, the hope is very slim."


    The poption of China is nearly 2 billion, with 24 administrative provinces. Each province has a martial arts university that recruits students only within the province. This is the goal for most aspiring martial arts students.


    The top five prestigious universities are established by China and admit students nationwide.


    In ordinary martial arts universities, students receive a fair amount of training resources, but much more depends on their own efforts and abilities.


    Students at the top five martial arts universities receive substantial resources from the government, with each student benefiting from significant national investment.


    "Receiving national resources for training is crucial for my martial arts journey to advance further, aiming to be an advanced warrior like Teacher Xu, or even surpassing Teacher Xu," Li Yuan silently thought to himself.


    His goal for the college entrance examination (¸ß¿¼) is to enter one of the top five martial arts universities.


    However, the top five martial arts universities have extremely high score requirements.


    "Let''s take it step by step; there are nine months left until the college entrance examination (¸ß¿¼)," Li Yuan practiced quietly, his mind bing less cluttered with distractions.


    ....


    "Not long after, bursts of noise could be heard outside the ssroom. Over ten students from Group Three returned to the ssroom door, their faces showing signs of excitement."


    "Teacher Xu, Wan Xiao has awakened his spiritual consciousness."


    "Teacher Xu,....." before the burly man could ask, many students couldn''t help but shout out.


    The ssroom instantly erupted into chaos.


    "Wan Xiao, he awakened his martial spirit?"


    "Is he going to the elite ss?"


    "The students in the elite ss are said to be able to practice higher-level cultivation techniques in advance." Most of the students couldn''t help but show envy in their eyes.


    "Awakening martial spirit is the requirement to enter the elite ss."


    Otherwise, even if someone like Li Yuan ranks in the top thirty of the grade, they still have to stay in the regr ss.


    "Wan Xiao?" Li Yuan opened his eyes and couldn''t help but look towards the burly figure at the ssroom door, whose face was slightly flushed.


    He stood nearly two meters tall, with an extremely robust and bear-like physique, his arms impressively thick. Only his face appeared somewhat youthful.


    He was none other than Wan Xiao, the only student in the ss, aside from Li Yuan, who ranked among the top hundred in martial arts achievements in the grade.


    "Li Yuan." Wan Xiao, still excited, seemed to notice Li Yuan''s gaze and nced back at him, smiling.


    Li Yuan smiled back in return.


    In terms of martial arts achievements, Li Yuan surpasses Wan Xiao.


    In terms of family background, Wan Xiao is much better off.


    As the top two students in the ss, Li Yuan and Wan Xiao may seem topete for schrships, but their rtionship is actually quite good.


    The friendships among ssmates are often very pure.


    "Dang! Yuan ge, you didn''t awaken, yet this Wan bear actually did. He''s just in lucky." The mature-looking guy standing next to Li Yuan couldn''t help muttering, "By the looks of it, with the martial spirit bonus, his martial arts achievements are catching up to yours, Yuan ge."


    Wan Xiao''s nickname is "Bear."


    Li Yuan chuckled softly and said, "Old Zhou, jealous much?"


    The male student''s name is Zhou Qi, nicknamed "Old Zhou" due to his thick hair and mature appearance.


    He was Li Yuan''s middle school ssmate, admitted together to Guanshan No. 1 High School, and assigned to the same ss again.


    Over the past five or six years, they''ve be good brothers.


    "I envy what, huh." Zhou Qi whispered, "My academic performance is enough to get into a top university. Taking martial arts sses is mainly for physical fitness. I can''t always be a weak dog, and in the future, I won''t even be able to keep up with you... I''m just feeling indignant on your behalf."


    Li Yuan smiled.


    Zhou Qi''s physical fitness is average, he almost failed level 4, but his academic performance is very good, ranking in the top fifty of the grade.


    National resources are limited, so the number of students recruited by martial arts universities is ultimately small.


    Most students ultimately enter different universities based on their academic scores.


    "Wan Xiao has good physical fitness, so it''s normal for him to awaken his martial spirit," Li Yuanughed. "Besides, the college entrance exam is apetition among all high school seniors in the province or even nationwide, not just apetition between me and Wan Xiao."


    Li Yuan would only feel happy for Wan Xiao upon awakening his martial spirit.


    In our school''s senior ss alone, there are more than sixty students who have awakened their martial spirit. If we look across the province or the whole country, there are too many to count.


    Instead of worrying about others, it''s better to improve oneself. This is a principle Li Yuan has understood since childhood.


    .....


    Wan Xiao''s sessful awakening has provided a significant boost to the morale of the other students, and those who haven''t been tested yet are feeling a bit hopeful.


    The fourth group, the fifth group... failed, failed.


    In the end, all students in ss 3-2 of the senior year were tested, and only Wan Xiao awakened his martial spirit.


    Once all students returned to the ssroom.


    With a sweeping gaze, Teacher Xu, who had a robust physique, spoke in a deep voice: "Alright, today''s foundational training ends here. Stop."


    ~rustle~


    "Rustle~" Immediately, all students stopped. Many students had already felt their legs bing sore and weak.


    Due to Teacher Xu''s sternness, no one dared to lie down on the ground.


    The basic training methods are very physically demanding.


    Even though most senior students have a physical fitness level of around level 4, the two-hour-long practice still leaves many feeling exhausted.


    "It''s a good thing that some students have awakened their martial spirits. For those who haven''t seeded, don''t be discouraged."


    "In January, there will be a midterm exam, and in April, there will be a final exam. The school will organize another spiritual test."


    "Before the college entrance examination, there will be a nationwide unified spiritual test."


    "As long as you awaken your spiritual consciousness before the college entrance examination, your martial arts achievements will receive extra points," Teacher Xu said in a deep voice. "But remember, exam scores are the foundation. If your basic score is high enough, then the extra points will be useful."


    "Even in the elite ss, not everyone can get into martial arts universities."


    "How do you achieve good grades? Through hard work!"


    "Like Li Yuan, without any spiritual bonus, his martial arts score still exceeds 800 points, surpassing most of the elite ss students," Teacher Xu scolded. "And his dedication, I don''t need to borate."


    Most students couldn''t help but look at Li Yuan, their eyes filled with admiration.


    Li Yuan''s diligence in practice made him quite famous throughout the entire senior ss.


    "Yuan ge, Teacher Xu is drawing envy towards you again," murmured Zhou Qi quietly from the side.


    Li Yuan smiled wryly.


    Since his martial arts achievements surged into the top hundred of the grade, Li Yuan had be ustomed to being seen as "someone else''s child."


    Teacher Xu, whose real name is Xu Bo, is the martial arts ss instructor for Li Yuan''s ss. He is one of only two special-grade martial arts teachers at Guanshan No. 1 High School in the Guanshan District.


    From what Li Yuan knows, Teacher Xu''s physical fitness level has exceeded level 15, which is impressive even among advanced martial artists. He originally served as a military martial artist and retired due to injury beforeing to Guanshan High School to teach.


    It should be noted that surpassing level 9 in physical fitness categorizes one as an advanced martial artist, whichmands a very high status in society.


    For ordinary adults, their physical fitness generally ranges around level 5 to 6.


    "You are currently at a stage of rapid improvement in physical fitness. Senior year is a crucial year that will determine your destiny," Teacher Xu continued his admonition. "There must be no cking off."


    "Now, take a half-hour break. After that, I will conduct the skills assessment one by one," Teacher Xu finished his admonition and then turned away.


    "Ah?"


    "Skills assessment?"


    "Going to get bloodied by Teacher Xu''s assessment again. I bet you won''tst three moves,"


    "Can you endure three moves against Teacher Xu?" Many students whispered excitedly to each other.


    In Li Yuan''s eyes, there flickered an inexplicable gleam as well


    Blue Star and even the seven majors have always faced threats of war, where powerful martial artists y crucial roles.


    Therefore, it is a consensus for the entire poption to practice martial arts.


    In human society, the status of top martial arts experts is extremely high.


    Students like Li Yuan greatly admire martial arts experts.


    Xu Bo is already one of the top martial arts experts that students like Li Yuan cane into contact with in real life.


    "Yuan ge, skills assessment is your strong suit," Zhou Qi eximed excitedly.


    "First, think about yourself. I noticed you didn''t make much progresspared tost semester when you were standing still," Li Yuan chuckled. "Later, don''t let Teacher Xu knock you down with a stick. It would be embarrassing in front of Peng Lingling."


    Peng Lingling is the object of Zhou Qi''s unrequited love.


    Zhou Qi''s expression stiffened, saying, "I''m not nning to apply to martial arts universities anyway. Lingling wouldn''t mind."


    ....


    In the ssroom, each student retrieved their weapon from the weapon cab behind the ssroom.


    Shortly after, they each put on their protective gear.


    In this era, every high school student is provided by the state with one or two unsharpened cold weapons, primarily knives, spears, shields, and a few choose axes, halberds, swords, and the like.


    As for hammers, maces, hooks, forks, whips, and bronze weapons, almost no students choose them.


    In the practice of cold weapons, knives and spears are the mainstream choices.


    The martial arts college entrance examination has a base score of 1000 points, consisting of three parts: physical fitness, martial arts skills, and cultural knowledge, with respective weightings of 50%, 40%, and 10%.


    If one awakens their spiritual abilities, there will be additional bonuses.


    Therefore, the skills assessment is extremely important and is the top priority in students'' daily training.


    If one only has good physical fitness, they won''t be able to get into a martial arts university.


    ~phew~


    Li Yuan also took out his own weapon from the dedicated weapon cab: a ck spear, nearly three meters long and weighing about five kilograms.


    It''s called a spear, but the spearhead is just for decoration, more like a long staff. After all, it''s provided by the state for training purposes rather than actualbat.


    "Phew!"


    Li Yuan gripped the spear shaft and casually swung it as if to thrust.


    "Whoa! The spear tip stabbed into the empty space, faintly creating a tearing sound, causing the faces of the nearby ssmates to subtly change."


    With Li Yuan''s strength, a casual thrust, even without a sharp edge, carries tremendous force.


    "This type ofrge spear, only Li Yuan in our ss can handle it proficiently."


    "Li Yuan holding the spear gives me the feeling of facing a whole army." Many ssmates whispered and showed looks of admiration and envy.


    There are quite a few students in the ss who study spear techniques, but most are unwilling to practice with such a long spear.


    "Each inch longer, each inch stronger."


    However, the longer the spear, the harder it is to control.


    Weapons require lifelong immersion and practice; what suits oneself best is ultimately the most ideal.


    "Skills first! In Li Yuan''s sophomore year martial arts assessment, he scored 356 points, the only student in the entire grade to surpass 350 points," Zhou Qi chuckled and said, "Even the students in other sses say that Li Yuan''s spear technique is very solid."


    Many ssmates nodded in agreement.


    Without extra spiritual bonus points and not having the highest physical fitness, how did Li Yuan manage to break into the top thirty of the grade in martial arts?


    It''s because his spear technique far surpasses others of his age.


    In the field of martial arts skills, Li Yuan is recognized as the undisputed number one in the grade.


    Very soon.


    Xu Bo, with a strong and sturdy build, casually carried a long staff as he re-entered the ssroom.


    His gaze lingered on Li Yuan for a while.


    "I''ll conduct the test ording to the standards of the college entrance examination."


    "Take every test seriously, treat each one as if it''s the college entrance exam. When the real exames, it''ll just be another test." Xu Bo''s voice was low and serious as he carried the long staff.


    "ording to student numbers, we''ll go backwards one by one."


    "Number 112, Zhou Qi."

 Chapter 2: Physical Fitness Level 6.5

    <h4>Chapter 2: Physical Fitness Level 6.5</h4>


    "Why is it in reverse order by student number this time? Is Teacher Xu targeting me?" Zhou Qiyi shrank his neck.


    He originally thought he would be thest one to be tested, and by then, the other students probably wouldn''t be paying much attention, so he wouldn''t be embarrassed.


    As a result, it was done in reverse order? Zhou Qi felt an urge to die.


    "Go on." Li Yuan patted Zhou Qi on the shoulder and said with a smile, "Whether you stick your neck out or pull it back, it''s still a knife."


    Zhou Qi pouted, "If you''re going to behead me, at least give me time to wash my neck first."


    Muttering under his breath, Zhou Qi, physically honest, afraid of Teacher Xu''s reprimand, hurriedly took his long spear and walked to the center of the ssroom.


    In the center of the ssroom, there is a huge circr area paved with silver metal, distinctly different from the other flooring materials in the ssroom.


    The silver circr floor has a diameter of about 12 meters, giving the impression of a tform at first nce.


    Meanwhile, Li Yuan, Wan Xiao, and over a hundred other students all tacitly withdrew from the silver tform.


    "Authorization granted." Teacher Xu suddenly spoke in a low voice. On his left wrist was a device resembling a smartwatch, emitting a faint red light. "Senior 3 (ss 2), martial arts skills test, physical fitness assessment, simultaneously recorded!"


    Immediately


    Whoosh~ Above the ssroom, many previously inactive instruments immediately started shing with white light.


    The white light shone down, perfectly covering the silver circr area.


    "Wow~" One of the devices suddenly emitted two beams of red light, which spread out and simultaneously enveloped both Zhou Qi and Teacher Xu.


    To everyone present, this scene was considered normal.


    Only three seconds.


    "Li!" The electronic screen at the back of the ssroom suddenly lit up, disying two very prominent lines of white text--


    "Zhou Qi (Student), Physical Fitness: Level 3.9 (Last test: 3.7)"


    "Xu Bo (Teacher), Physical Fitness: Level 12.0 (Exceeding test limit)"


    ...


    "Wow, it''s been so long since myst test, and I''ve actually improved by 0.2 levels?" Zhou Qi''s face showed a hint of delight. "It seems like all the effort over these past few months is starting to pay off."


    "Physical fitness is still not even at level 4?" Xu Bo frowned slightly.


    A physical fitness level of 3.9 is actually not considered bad among the hundreds of thousands of senior high school students in the province; it can even be considered average.


    However, you should know that in Guanshan District''s top high school, which is a key school in the provincial capital, this level of physical fitness would be considered bottom-tier.


    "It seems Old Zhou talks about lying low, but his body is still very honest." Li Yuan couldn''t help but chuckle.


    At their age, it''s a period of rapid improvement in physical fitness. Being able to increase physical fitness by 0.2 levels in three months shows that Zhou Qi has been working hard in private.


    With this rate of improvement, it''s hopeful that Zhou Qi could reach a physical fitness level of 4.5 by the time of the college entrance examination (¸ß¿¼).


    "However, the school''s vitality detection instrument is somewhat basic; it cannot urately measure Teacher Xu''s true physical fitness," Li Yuan whispered.


    The vitality detection device is amon device in this era,monly found in schools and various levels of martial halls.


    Many households also have such devices equipped withplex sensing principles, specifically designed to measure the intensity of life''s vital energy and blood, which are then converted into corresponding levels of physical fitness.


    Level 5.0 is considered the standard for normal adult physical fitness.


    Level 10.0 is the threshold for entry-level martial artists. Only those who reach this level can be considered true martial artists in the truest sense, and they are eligible for various benefits such as national subsidies.


    Devices like the school''s vitality detection instrument are primarily for student use. They typically have a testing limit of 12.0 levels, which may seem basic but is highly stable and unlikely to easily break down.


    For such highly utilized instruments, durability is paramount.


    Certainly, the physical fitness assessment in the college entrance examination (¸ß¿¼) involves more than just instrument measurements. It also includes specialized tests on aspects such as speed, punching power, and others, with the final score being aprehensive evaluation.


    "During the test, I will assess your scores ording to the standards of the college entrance examination (¸ß¿¼). I will only use strength and speed equivalent to about level 5.0. I hope that under the scoring system, you can demonstrate a level of 300 points," Xu Bo said.


    In martial arts skills, there are a total of 400 points avable. Achieving 300 points in this category is the threshold for admission to a martial arts university.


    Zhou Qi, ten meters away, was already sweating in his palms.


    Level 5?


    So, it means that Xu Bo''s speed and strength that he will use will be much stronger than Zhou Qi''s.


    "What are you waiting for? Attack!" Xu Bo shouted.


    "Understood."


    Zhou Qi held the Zhongping-style spear and suddenly stepped forward, diving down with astonishing speed. In an instant, he covered ten meters and his two-meter-long spear swayed, directly thrusting towards Xu Bo.


    Spear technique emphasizes the thrust.


    Zhou Qi''s physical fitness level may not seem high, but his punching force exceeds 150 kilograms.


    Moreover, he has been practicing spear for two years. Even though his aptitude is average and he is not particrly diligent, he still has a solid foundation.


    At the very least, this thrust looks decent enough.


    This is also why students need to wear full-body protective gear during testing.


    In closebat with cold weapons, even if the weapons are not sharpened, without any protection, injuries could lead to either severe wounds or permanent disability.


    "Whew!"


    Xu Bo, who has a sturdy build and isn''t wearing any protective gear, casually seems to shift to the left, moving at a leisurely pace but easily dodging Zhou Qi''s fierce thrust.


    The spearhead and his body were seemingly just millimeters apart.


    At first nce, it seemed extremely dangerous.


    "This footwork?" Li Yuan''s eyes brightened from the sidelines as he recognized the skillfulness in Xu Bo''s move.


    Not more, not less, exactly one point.


    To conserve energy to the maximum extent possible.


    This demonstrates absolute control over one''s own body, coupled with precise anticipation of the enemy''s attacks, leaving no room for error.


    "Dodged?" Without hesitation, Zhou Qi in the arena immediately pulled back his spear, swiftly turned the spearhead, shook off the spear flower, and thrust again towards Xu Bo.


    Xu Bo merely took a step back and seemingly avoided the danger once again.


    Huff! Huff! Huff!


    Zhou Qi swung his spear with full force, stabbing, shing, or sweeping horizontally, but all his attacks missed in the face of Xu Bo''s exquisite footwork.


    "Almost, just a little bit more." Zhou Qi gritted his teeth.


    "It''s not just a little bit off, it''s way off," Li Yuan sighed quietly from the sidelines.


    He observed keenly, not that Zhou Qi''s spear technique wascking, but that Xu Bo''s footwork was exceptionally refined.


    His seemingly unhurried steps moved with terrifying precision, already anticipating every move and trajectory of Zhou Qi''s long spear.


    After swinging his long spear more than ten times in session, it became a huge burden for Zhou Qi. His arms grew weak, and his spear movements slowed down.


    At that very moment.


    "Rip!"


    The sound of air tearing apart, Xu Bo, who had been evading all along, suddenly stepped forward. His left hand thrust out a medium-length staff with a resounding force. The head of the staff, like a venomous snake, instantly bypassed Zhou Qi''s spear defense, lifting his long spear into the air.


    "Bang~"


    The staff tip shed down, lightly touching Zhou Qi''s hand back, causing him to feel a sudden pain, instinctively releasing the long spear.


    tter~ The long spear fell to the ground.


    The staff has been retracted.


    Inside the ssroom, silence fell like a pin drop as all the students watched this scene.


    Xu Bo took over as their ss''s martial arts instructor justst semester.


    However, during the skills assessment at the end of the second year, Xu Bo did not disy such astonishing agility and strength.


    "Is this Xu''s true strength?"


    "Even though Xu''s speed seems slow, probably slower than mine, but his footwork..." More than a hundred students were astonished; many students had physical abilities surpassing level 5.


    In past lessons, these students knew that Xu Bo possessed extremely strong physical fitness and had excellent martial arts skills.


    But when teaching them, Xu Bo had never demonstrated in realbat the speed and strength of someone with a level 5 physical fitness.


    Teaching exercises and realbat are two different things.


    Perhaps many students have seen more impressivebat videos online.


    However, there is a difference between watching videos and experiencing the impact up close.


    Tick-tock!


    On the screen at the back of the ssroom, the number "1 - 245 points" appeared.


    The score is calcted by a program that integrates data and the process of the fight to assess and determine the result.


    During the college entrance examination (¸ß¿¼), each student''s skills assessment will also include manual evaluation.


    "Score is actually lower thanst semester?" Zhou Qi muttered to himself, not feeling too embarrassed about it.


    At least I managed to thrust so many times.


    .....ording to the student ID number.


    Each student undergoes the test, with most scoring between 4.5 and 5.5 in physical fitness assessments.


    As for the martial arts skills assessment?


    Thepetitive process was mostly simr to Zhou Qi''s assessment process.


    First, the students attacked, but Xu Bo easily dodged each attack with his agility. Finally, he struck with a staff, and even though many students exhibited superior speed and strength, they couldn''t withstand it.


    Scores, for the most part, were difficult to exceed 300 points.


    Even for student number 2, Wan Xiao, whose physical fitness assessment reached level 6.0, his speed and strength far exceeded level 5.0 by a significant margin.


    However, he could only withstand three strikes from Xu Bo.


    In the end, Wan Xiao''s skill score was 322 points.


    He is also the only one in the ss so far to exceed 320 points.


    "Wan Xiao, didn''t you score 329 points at the end ofst semester? How did you regress?"


    "It''s not that he regressed; the assessment standards have be much stricter. Haven''t you noticed that most scores in our ss have decreased?"


    "Last semester''s final exam was based on the standards for second-year high school students, while this assessment follows the standards for the college entrance examination (¸ß¿¼)."


    "Only Li Yuan remains."


    "I wonder how many strikes Li Yuan can withstand from Xu Bo." All ssmates'' eyes were now focused on Li Yuan, and even many female students seemed quite expectant.


    In martial arts achievements, Li Yuan ranks in the top thirty in the entire grade, but in the senior high school ss (ss Two), he is unquestionably first.


    With good grades and a pleasant personality, he will definitely be more popr.


    During their student years, most students are not as materialistic as in society.


    "Li Yuan," a barely noticeable expectation shed in Xu Bo''s eyes.


    "Teacher Xu," Li Yuan walked into the circr arena paved with silver metal, holding his long spear.


    Whoosh!


    A red light shot out, enveloping Li Yuan''s entire body.


    Three secondster.


    On the screen at the back of the ssroom, the data revealed: "Li Yuan (Student), Physical Fitness: Level 6.5 (Last test: Level 6.0)."

 Chapter 3: The Unawakened Higher Spirituality

    <h4>Chapter 3: The Unawakened Higher Spirituality</h4>


    "Did I see that right? Li Yuan''s physical fitness is at level 6.5? He improved by 0.5 levels since the end of June?"


    "In less than three months, he improved by 0.5 levels?"


    "Even Lin Lanyue, the current martial arts grade champion who is said to have a chance of getting into Starry Sky University, hasn''t progressed this quickly."


    "Is the equipment broken?"


    "It''s only used by the school, never seen it get repaired, so it''s normal if it''s broken." More than a hundred students were astonished, their eyes moving between Li Yuan and the screen.


    Most of them understood that the likelihood of the equipment malfunctioning was almost zero.


    The key point was that Li Yuan''s physical fitness improvement was indeed astonishing.


    Even among the elite ss, where students have awakened martial arts spirituality ande from affluent families, it''s rare to see such an extreme rate of physical fitness improvement.


    "I''ve been working so hardtely, spending my holidays in the practice room, taking all sorts of supplements daily, and I''ve only managed to reach a physical fitness level of 6.0. I thought I could narrow the gap with Li Yuan," muttered Wan Xiao, who had a physique like a bear. "But the result is that the gap has widened even further?"


    The two get along well, and Wan Xiao has always seen Li Yuan as his target, hoping to catch up with him.


    "Level 6.5! Awesome, Yuan Ge is 666!" Zhou Qi couldn''t help but exim, instinctively feeling happy for Li Yuan.


    Ten meters away.


    "Level 6.5? How did Li Yuan improve so quickly?" Teacher Xu Bo also seemed somewhat uneasy.


    Today''s test revealed that Li Yuan hasn''t awakened his martial arts spirituality yet, which disappointed him somewhat.


    Wan Xiao awakening his martial arts spirituality was a pleasant surprise.


    Now, Li Yuan''s physical fitness level is truly a pleasant surprise.


    "If he had awakened his martial arts spirituality and practiced advanced techniques, a 0.5-level improvement in less than three months wouldn''t be too surprising. But he was tested just this afternoon, and clearly hasn''t awakened his martial arts spirituality," thought Teacher Xu Bo to himself. "Besides, he hasn''t had time to practice either."


    As a seasoned martial practitioner with military experience, Xu Bo''s perspective extends beyond what students canprehend.


    In just a few seconds, he considered multiple possibilities.


    "Li Yuan," Teacher Xu Bo''s voice was deep. "Let''s not rush to test your skill level. First, go to the track and test your explosive speed. After that, we''ll test your punching power again."


    "Understood," Li Yuan nodded. He understood Teacher Xu''s thoughts.


    The lifeblood detection device has a very low error probability, but there are ways to deceive its sensing system and manipte the data to falsify it.


    There is a possibility of falsification.


    However, the speed and intensity one can explosively generate cannot be falsified.


    "This is going to be aprehensive test."


    "It seems Xu Bo doesn''t have absolute certainty either."


    "How fast can Li Yuan''s explosive speed go?"


    "It''s hard to say. The lifeblood detection device measuresprehensive data, and everyone''s situation is different. Even if their physical fitness level is the same, some people might be faster, others might have stronger punches, and some might have greater endurance," murmured all the students, with most of them paying close attention.


    They were all curious in their hearts.


    If Li Yuan''s physical fitness is truly at level 6.5, his ranking in the martial arts achievements across the entire grade would be significantly high.


    "Grant ess, initiate sprint speed test, punching power test, record," Teacher Xu Bo''s voice was cold, a faint red light shimmering at his wrist.


    "Hum~" A white light projected from above the ssroom, illuminating the dark red metal track about 40 meters long on the left side of the ssroom.


    On the track, there were many faint glimmers of light flickering.


    That''s why the martial arts ssroom upies such arge space.


    Arge amount of technological equipment used for monitoring physical data does require space.


    The martial arts ssrooms in elite sses often upy arger area, resembling a small sports arena.


    "Testing explosive speed?" Li Yuan ced hisrge spear on the silver metal ground, walked to the entrance of the track, took a deep breath, and quicklyposed himself.


    Speed testing isn''t limited to just short sprints.


    During the martial arts entrance exam, speed tests typically include distances of forty meters, one hundred meters, one kilometer, and ten kilometers.


    The forty-meter speed test holds the highest percentage of the score, followed by the ten-kilometer long-distance run.


    One tests instantaneous burst speed, while the other tests endurance.


    "Inbat, a warrior''s life and death can often be determined in just three or two moves, or even in an instant," Li Yuan swiftly adjusted his mindset. "But in war, one is often faced with more than one enemy, and the battle canst a long time. Endurance is also crucial."


    Li Yuan understood clearly that the initial purpose of the martial arts entrance exam was closely rted to warfare.


    In this era, civilizations of humans on Blue Star and even the seven majors face enormous survival crises.


    Warfare dominates the entire society.


    "Phew!"


    By using breathing techniques to adjust himself, with each breath, Li Yuan quickly rxed. His mental strength was formidable, allowing him to faintly sense the heartbeat of his internal organs, the steady flow of blood from his heart, and the subtle strength in his limbs and body.


    In the next moment!


    Boom! Li Yuan, with his spine as the core, suddenly tightened all his muscles, akin to drawing arge bowstring taut. The force transmitted through his waist and hips directly into his legs, propelling him forward like an arrow released from a bowstring, sprinting instantaneously.


    The source of strength lies in the feet, originating from the legs.


    The instantaneous explosive power of the thighs is far stronger than that of other parts of the body.


    "swoosh"


    Li Yuan sprinted across the forty-meter track in seconds, crashing directly into the cushioned end barrier.


    The cushioned barrier is simr to sponge but made from a more specialized material, custom-made by the school to protect students.


    Tick-tock!


    On the screen mounted on the wall at the end of the track, the data appeared: "14.2 meters per second."


    This is Li Yuan''s sprinting speed at the finish line, not his average speed.


    "Very fast."


    "It seems Li Yuan''s physical fitness really has reached 6.5 level." The observing students exchanged whispers among themselves, thoroughly convinced.


    They all knew that Li Yuan''s foundational cultivation technique was the "Rock Solid Practice Method," which excelled in strength training.


    Li Yuan is already so fast; how about his strength?


    "14.2 meters per second? Not bad." Teacher Xu Bo nodded slightly and said directly, "Now test your punch strength."


    The area for testing punch strength is much smaller, located in the corner of the ssroom, and is not very noticeable.


    Li Yuan stood on the testing ground.


    "Wow~ Several white beams of light were projected from the instrument above, directly covering Li Yuan to check whether his movements were standard and qualified."


    The punch strength test does not aim to pursue extreme explosive power; instead, it measures the maximum strength that can be exerted by a single arm while maintaining a stable posture.


    If you can''t maintain your posture while punching, no matter how strong the force is, it is meaningless. In a life-and-death battle, the enemy will seize the opportunity to kill you with one move.


    First, rx.'' Li Yuan adjusted his breathing. His tense body gradually rxed, his feet parted, and his knees slightly bent to generate greater thrust at the moment of punching.


    Following this, as he exhaled, Li Yuan''s spine moved like a great dragon. His left foot slightly stepped to the side, his right foot pushed against the ground, and through the twisting of his waist and abdomen, he instantly mobilized the strength of his waist and back, channeling the power from the lower body up to his right arm.


    Five fingers clenched into a fist!


    His right fist, like a shell fired from a cannon, fiercely mmed into the huge sandbag hanging in front of him.


    "''Boom!'' A dull explosion sound."


    In an instant.


    The screen on the punch strength testing ground clearly disys:


    "424 kilograms (Qualified motion)"


    "Wow!"


    "424 kilograms! Awesome!"


    "This kind of punch strength is not far from the Level 7 physical fitness standard. I remember Level 7 requires 450 kilograms of punch strength." There was an uproar; Li Yuan''s ssmates werepletely shocked.


    "Martial arts is not just about physical fitness. The data from lifeblood detectors can only ever be a reference."


    "What is demonstrated in realbat is what truly convinces people."


    "The entire Blue Star and even the Seven Star Alliance strictly categorize burst speed and punch strength corresponding to physical fitness levels:"


    Level 5: 10 meters per second, punch strength 200 kilograms


    Level 6: 13 meters per second; punch strength 300 kilograms


    Level 7: 15 meters per second; punch strength 450 kilograms


    Level 8: 18 meters per second; punch strength 800 kilograms


    Level 9: 20 meters per second; punch strength 1000 kilograms


    ...


    While individual talents and different training methods may cause variations in each person''s strengths, they generally won''t deviate significantly from the standard levels.


    Li Yuan''s lifeblood detector shows he is at Level 6.5, with burst speed falling within the normal range.


    But his punch strength is very close to the Level 7 standard.


    "My punch strength burst is still almost 300 kilograms away," Wan Xiao subconsciously tightened his grip on the battle sword. "Is the gap between me and Li Yuan really this big?"


    "Training in tension and rxation, utilizing rxation within tension, and using real tension to unleash vigorous and explosive force. It seems my student has truly mastered the essence of foundational training methods," Teacher Xu Bo''s keen insight noticed.


    For most people, it''s difficult to utilize their full physical strength. Being able to utilize ny percent of it is already quite impressive.


    One must thoroughlyprehend the strength throughout the body, consolidate this force, in order to unleash one hundred percent of their power.


    Li Yuan has clearly achieved this to arge extent.


    "Not bad," Teacher Xu Bo rarely showed a hint of a smile.


    This scene surprised many students secretly.


    It''s worth noting that when Wan Xiao awakened his martial spirit, his teacher Xu Bo didn''t smile.


    Li Yuan listened to the sounds around him, appearing calm on the surface but feeling somewhat dissatisfied inside.


    "ording to the Divine Pce disy, my instantaneous burst speed should reach 14.4 meters per second, and my maximum punch strength burst should be 426 kilograms," Li Yuan frowned slightly. "It seems I still haven''t fully realized my physical potential."


    At this moment.


    In Li Yuan''s field of vision, there was an almost transparent light screen that others couldn''t perceive, visible only to him.


    ____


    [Life Level: 6.6 (Not Entered Stage)]


    Physical Fitness Index: 72 (Measuring various aspects such as explosive power, endurance, speed, physique, mental strength, etc.)


    Punch Strength: 426 kilograms


    Speed: 14.4 meters per second


    Mental Strength: Level 12.4


    Physical Training Method: (Rock Solid Training Method)


    Spiritual Training Method: (Observing the Great Sun Starry Sky Scripture)


    Skill Proficiency: Spear Technique (Third Stage 36%), Body Movement (Third Stage 21%), Boxing Technique (Third Stage 88%)


    [Note: There is a dormant higher spiritual potential hidden within the body.]


    ____


    The entire light screen would appear before Li Yuan''s eyes whenever he willed it, clearly disying his martial arts cultivation.


    This was awakened suddenly by Li Yuan after his physical fitness reached Level 5.0 in the second year of high school.


    At first, Li Yuan thought this was simr to the ''systems'' or ''data panels'' he had seen in some novels.


    Later, after repeated attempts to confirm, Li Yuan discovered that the light screen itself only had detection functions, much like an extremely sophisticated ''cultivation assessment device''.


    It cannot directly enhance Li Yuan''s martial arts cultivation.


    "However, the Observing the Great Sun Starry Sky Scripture brought by the Spiritual Pce has already provided me with considerable help," Li Yuan silently thought to himself.


    In contemtion.


    Li Yuan returned to the silver metal ground and picked up his ck spear.


    His gaze fell on Teacher Xu Bo, who was ten meters away. The panel in front of his eyes flickered and disyed a series of text messages:


    [Target individual, life level exceeds sensing limit (current life level sensing limit is 16.6)]


    "Teacher Xu, please enlighten me," Li Yuan first bowed respectfully. In an instant, he leaped several meters forward, and with a sudden burst of power, his long spear roared through the air with a piercing sound, heading straight for Xu Bo.


    "Hmm? This spear technique!" Xu Bo''s eyes lit uppletely.

 Chapter 4: Spear Techniques and Scores

    <h4>Chapter 4: Spear Techniques and Scores</h4>


    The spear tip tore through the air, emitting a sharp whistle.


    "So fast!"


    "Li Yuan''s spear." Most students held their breath as they watched, feeling that Li Yuan''srge spear was too fast, crossing several meters in the blink of an eye.


    Be aware that Li Yuan and Teacher Xu Bo are less than ten meters apart, and the spear in Li Yuan''s hand is nearly three meters long. With Li Yuan''s explosive speed, the spear tip is aimed directly at Teacher Xu Bo''s chest.


    "Zhongping Spear?" Zhou Qi tightly gripped the spear in his hand, recognizing Li Yuan''s move.


    Spear techniques are varied, but the basic moves are nothing more than block, hold, thrust, stab, chop, smash, point, coil, and twist. All spear techniques are derived from these fundamental moves.


    The Zhongping Spear can be considered the most basic of all spear techniques, yet it is also the most important.


    The so-called Zhongping involves a level thrust and straight stab, taking the shortest line between two points, with the attack moving forward like an arrow.


    It relies on uracy, speed, and strength.


    "Clearly, it''s the same move, but Brother Yuan''s thrust could probably kill me instantly," Zhou Qi thought to himself in amazement.


    In the field.


    "Direct thrust? Using the advantage of weapon and strength?" Xu Bo discerned Li Yuan''s intention.


    The saying goes, "A knife like a fierce tiger, a sword like a swimming dragon, a staff sweeping through arge area, a spear picking a single line."


    A staff is shorter than arge spear.


    In this straight-line confrontation, therge spear will inevitably arrive first, and Li Yuan''s speed and strength far surpass Xu Bo''s explosive power at a level of 5.


    Boom!


    Facing Li Yuan''s attack, Xu Bo no longer dodged as before. Instead, he took the initiative to strike, stepping forward. Immediately, his long staff traced a smooth arc in the air, lightning-like as it whipped against the spear tip, using the force to abruptly alter its direction.


    He avoided Li Yuan''s fierce strike.


    "Shi~!" Li Yuan seemed to have anticipated it early on. In the instant the gun recoiled, he swiftly leveraged the force, using his waist as the core, suddenly twisting and exerting power. The gun barrel rotated 180 degrees violently, shing towards Xu Bo like a fierce wolf''s axe de.


    This time, both sides are closer, and the eruption speed is faster.


    "Haha!" Teacher Xu Bo chuckled suddenly, as if foreseeing it, he swiftly stepped back, evading Li Yuan''s fierce strike as if he knew it wasing.


    "He can dodge this too?" Li Yuan thought with slight surprise. "Teacher''s reaction speed is unbelievably fast."


    Before he could think any further.


    "Hu!" A blurry silhouette of a staff had already taken advantage of the missed horizontal sweep of therge spear, smashing fiercely down.


    "Retreat!" Li Yuan immediately shifted his stance and swiftly stepped back, while simultaneously using the horizontal spear to try to block the staff strike.


    Peng~ The weapons collided.


    Li Yuan, however, did not feel the forceful impact of the opponent''s staff. It was as if his spear had been stuck to the opponent''s staff.


    That''s tough.


    Hu!


    Xu Bo suddenly took a step forward, closing the distance with Li Yuan once again. The staff in his hand swiftly jabbed, fast and fierce.


    "Hey!" Li Yuan was forced to step back and evade. A spear is a long weapon that requires ample space to wield its full power.


    What surprised Li Yuan was that, despite his agility being intact, he couldn''t create enough space. Teacher Xu Bo''s staff always managed to strike precisely at the right moments, preventing him from fully unleashing the spear''s power and forcing him into defensive positions repeatedly.


    The staff alternated between ferocity and gentleness, unpredictable and ever-changing.


    Boom! Boom! Boom!


    The weapons shed like lightning more than ten times. Li Yuan had already retreated to the edge of the silver ground.


    "Boom~" Another staff strike swept past; Li Yuan felt a slight pain in his chest and involuntarily stumbled backwards.


    He retreated several steps and then stopped.


    Wearing full armor, Li Yuan was unaffected by the force unleashed by Teacher Xu Bo''s training staff strikes; they didn''t cause any harm to him.


    "I''ve lost." Li Yuan raised hisrge spear in resignation. "Teacher Xu, with my speed and strength advantage, I couldn''t even hold off your attacks for twenty moves."


    It only goes to show that there''s a significant gap in the proficiency of our meleebat skills.


    Around them, silence fell like a pin drop.


    All the students stared in disbelief at Li Yuan and Teacher Xu Bo.


    The confrontation between them was short but intense, almost like a real battle. The skill test they just underwent was clearly on a different level altogether.


    "You blocked more than ten of my moves," Teacher Xu Bo responded upon hearing this, a rare smile appearing on his usually stern face. "Your spear technique has improved significantly sincest semester''s final exam. I had to give it my all to defeat you."


    Did he really give it his all?


    Li Yuan sighed inwardly, realizing that this was just Teacher Xu''s full effort at his Level 5 physical fitness standard.


    If both sides had unleashed their strength and speed equally, Li Yuan feared he wouldn''t be able to withstand even three moves.


    This is the difference in skill level.


    "Inst semester''s final exam, both my spear technique and agility were at the 99% proficiency level of the second stage. It was only after the exam that I made a breakthrough," Li Yuan thought to himself. "Based on this, I specte that Teacher Xu''s skill level is at least at the fourth stage."


    Li Yuan isn''t quite sure of the specific differences between the first stage, second stage, and third stage on the panel.


    But he could vaguely judge that among his ssmates, only a very few like Wan Xiao had reached the second stage level in their skills with cold weapons.


    At the same time, Li Yuan was certain about one thing.


    If his spear technique and agility improved, Li Yuan was certain it would reflect in the panel data.


    Tick-tock!


    On the screen at the back of the ssroom, Li Yuan''s martial arts skill score appeared: "365 points."


    "So high?"


    "It''s over 360 points!" Zhou Qi''s eyes lit up.


    "This is like a college entrance exam difficulty level. Li Yuan''s martial arts score has increased so much sincest semester, just entering senior year," Zhou Qi eximed.


    "This individual score is probably among the most outstanding in the city," Zhou Qi remarked.


    "By the time of the college entrance exam, Li Yuan might even contend for the top spot in martial arts skills across the whole city," Zhou Qi spected.


    "Li Yuan is definitely going to get into a martial arts university," Zhou Qi remarked.


    "If only my spear technique were as formidable as Li Yuan''s..."


    "Whoever''s urine is yellow,e and ssh water to wake them up."


    "These ssmates were both shocked and envious, whispering among themselves. As"


    If Li Yuan had only scored 320 or 330 points, these ssmates might be jealous of him, because the gap between them wouldn''t be so outrageous.


    But the gap is toorge; most people can only admire him.


    Most people have self-awareness; why envy someone who is clearly not on the same level as oneself?


    Moreover, martial arts skills and physical fitness are also different.


    If the family conditions are extremely good, they could afford specialized dietitians, physiotherapists, and tailor-made training ns. Coupled with an awakening of martial arts spirituality... During the third year of high school, elevating physical fitness to level 7 or even higher is entirely possible.


    However, improvement in martial arts skills cannot be achieved solely by throwing money at it.


    ...


    With Li Yuan''s assessment concluded, it was already half past five in the afternoon.


    "Alright."


    "From the tests today, it''s evident that after entering the third year of high school, most students are working hard." Teacher Xu Bo''s voice resumed its cold tone: "However, there are also some students who are regressing instead of progressing."


    "You are already third-year high school students. The college entrance examination doesn''t determine your destiny, but it''s at least a significant opportunity in your life... I wille again the day after tomorrow afternoon to supervise your martial arts practice after school." Teacher Xu Bo turned and walked away.


    Following closely, another sentence floated over: "Li Yuan, Wan Xiao, the two of youe to my office."


    Many students who had already been practicing felt sore feet, drenched in sweat. Upon hearing this, they immediately dispersed.


    Many boys drank water eagerly while calling out to hurry to the cafeteria to secure seats.


    Some girls were discussing going to the restroom first.


    "Yuan ge, Yan Zhou and I will go to the cafeteria first to save seats for you! We''ll also get you a nutritious meal," Zhou Qi shouted.


    "Old Zhou, we need to get two portions of food for Yuan ge," chuckled the robust boy named Yan Zhou, waving to Li Yuan. "Yuan ge, leave the food to us, you go to the office quickly."


    "Thanks, I''ll reimburse youter," Li Yuan chuckled.


    "Don''t worry, thest few times you helped me with breakfast, I didn''t pay you back. I''ll return the favor with dinner tonight," Yan Zhouughed.


    Li Yuan smiled.


    In addition to Zhou Qi, Li Yuan also had several other ssmates with whom he had a close rtionship.


    "Li Yuan, let''s go." The sturdy Wan Xiao called out to Li Yuan, "What does Teacher Xu want with us?"


    "He''s looking for you to transfer you to the elite ss," Li Yuan chuckled.


    As for why he was looking for him, Li Yuan had some guesses in his mind, but he couldn''t confirm anything yet.

 Chapter 5: I Believe in You

    <h4>Chapter 5: I Believe in You</h4>


    The setting sun cast its nting rays, enveloping the campus in a golden twilight.


    After ss, students in groups, dressed in uniform martial arts attire, streamed out of the ssrooms, bustling towards the cafeteria amid lively chatter andughter.


    Li Yuan and Wan Xiao walked out of the Grade 3 teaching building, circled around arge flowerbed, and entered the office building.


    At the end of the left corridor on the first floor is Xu Bo''s office.


    It''s called an office, but it''s actually an incredibly spacious martial arts room.


    "Report."


    "Report." As they arrived at the door, Li Yuan nced around, estimating that this martial arts room exceeded five hundred square meters.


    This was his second visit.


    Various instruments like life-force detectors and punching strength testing fields were arranged, all noticeably more advanced.


    On one side of the wall, there were also disyed cold weapons such as spears, swords, and axes, most of which were not sharpened.


    But there were also sharpened cold weapons disyed.


    Moreover, Li Yuan even caught sight of an independent restroom and a physiotherapy room at the end of the office.


    "Li Yuan, this is the true training room for martial artists. Advanced practitioners can train here in peace," whispered Wan Xiao beside him, his eyes showing a hint of envy. "My family''s training room is less than a hundred square meters, not even one-fifth the size of Xu Ban''s here, and we don''t even have a dedicated physiotherapy room."


    "If I need physical therapy on normal days, my dad has to drive me to the martial hall, which is quite troublesome."


    Li Yuan remained silent.


    A physiotherapy room? He didn''t even have a separate training room at home.


    As for going to the martial hall? He didn''t have that kind of money either.


    As far as Li Yuan knew, a martial artist training room of several hundred square meters like the one in front of him would cost upwards of tens of millions of Blue Star coins just for the decoration alone.


    In Jiangcheng, even in slightly better locations, the price of bare houses can exceed 20,000 Blue Star coins per square meter.


    ording to Li Yuan''s estimate, the total price of this martial arts room in front of him is at least twenty million Blue Star Coins.


    What''s the average monthly sry in Jiangcheng? Li Yuan remembers seeing it on the news not long ago; it should be 11,342 Blue Star Coins.


    The median ie is even lower.


    "You two,e in." Teacher Xu Bo stood in the center of the martial arts room, his whole figure resembling an iron tower. Especially his metal right arm, which exuded an even greater sense of intimidation.


    Xu Bo''s presence was even more restrained than it had been in the ssroom earlier.


    But somehow, it gave off a more dangerous feeling.


    "Teacher." Li Yuan and Wan Xiao said obediently.


    "Wan Xiao, I have already submitted your transfer application. It should be approved by 6 PM. Once approved, you can report directly to the Elite ss tomorrow," Xu Bo said, looking at Wan Xiao.


    Wan Xiao, nicknamed "Bear," was burly, but in front of Xu Bo, he actually seemed somewhat small.


    "So soon?" Wan Xiao was somewhat caught off guard.


    "Don''t worry, it''s not that I''m rushing you out," Xu Bo''s voice was cold yet patient. "Once you awaken your spiritual energy, you''ll be able to practice advanced cultivation methods, which are far more efficient than basic ones."


    "The college entrance exam is getting closer, and it''s quitete for you to awaken your martial spirit. Entering the Elite ss earlier might give you an extra point on the exam."


    Xu Bo continued, "Once the application is approved, the introductory methods you tested earlier that suit you will be sent to your school ount. I remember you have a training room at home, so don''t attend evening study tonight. Go home and try practicing each one."


    "After you report tomorrow, the teachers in the Elite ss will provide one-on-one guidance until you havepletely mastered it," Xu Bo said.


    "Thank you, teacher," Wan Xiao said gratefully.


    He understood that Xu Bo wasn''t trying to rush him out; on the contrary, he was genuinely considering his best interests.


    "Go ahead," Xu Bo waved his hand.


    Wan Xiao saluted and turned to leave.


    "Li Yuan," Xu Bo looked at Li Yuan again, a hint of curiosity in his eyes. "Your spearmanship and agility should both be at the third level by now."


    "Third level?" Li Yuan was taken aback.


    In regr high school teaching, there is no concept of first level, second level, or third level.


    There are only skill scores.


    "Oh, I forgot." Seeing Li Yuan''s expression, Xu Bo realized and said: "That''s how martial artists talk. Let me put it another way: Have you reached the gold rank on the Starry Sky Fighting website?"


    "Just reached it half a month ago," Li Yuan said.


    Blue Star, along with the other six majors, all have virtualworks spread across their respectives, with simtion realism exceeding 70%. The most popr game in these virtualworks is "Starry Sky Fighting".


    "Starry Sky Fighting is very special; it''s not just a simple game." Xu Bo looked at Li Yuan and said, "It primarily tests a person''s martial arts skills and is also very good for training."


    Li Yuan couldn''t help but nod.


    The reason Starry Sky Fighting is so popr and is vigorously promoted across all thes by the Seven Star Alliance is inseparable from its tremendous positive impact on reality.


    "Being able to stand firm in the gold rank indicates that your marksmanship and agility should both be at the level of the third stage," Xu Bo said. "For someone your age to reach this level in martial arts skills is very impressive."


    Li Yuan smiled and said, "It''s because of good teaching from my teacher."


    A rare smile appeared on Xu Bo''s usually stern face.


    "Your physical fitness has improved quickly as well," Xu Bo remarked, a hint of curiosity in his eyes. "Could you tell me the reason behind it, taught by your teacher?"


    He was indeed curious.


    "I simply follow regr training routines," Li Yuan shook his head and said. "My teacher knows my family situation; I can''t afford those special medications."


    "Don''t worry, I''m not suspecting you used any banned drugs to enhance your potential," Xu Bo reassured him.


    In this era, there are some special treasures that can rapidly enhance physical fitness, but most of them involve overdrawing one''s life potential and have long-term consequences.


    After use, they can lead to serious side effects; lightly, it can be difficult to further improve strength, and severely, it can shorten life.


    Several decades ago, when the martial arts entrance examination had just begun, many students would secretly use them, hoping to get into a good university.


    Later, as the rules for the martial arts entrance examination were perfected, such drugs and potions were ssified as banned substances, and their production and use were strictly prohibited.


    Before the entrance examination, various devices are used to conductprehensive tests on students.


    "Regr training alone leads to such progress? Excellent!" Xu Bo smiled, a rare sight. "I have high hopes for your future as a martial artist."


    "You have high hopes for me?" Li Yuan was taken aback.


    After the other person took over as the ss teacher, he indeed received a lot of attention and respect.


    But it''s limited to the teacher''s attention toward good students.


    "Having high hopes for myself to be a martial artist? This is the first time Teacher Xu has said that," Li Yuan remarked.


    Bing a martial artist is really tough!


    "Teacher, I haven''t awakened my martial spirit yet," Li Yuan couldn''t help but say.


    "Is awakening the martial spirit very important?" Xu Bo asked in return.


    Li Yuan looked puzzled, "Isn''t it important?"


    "It is very important," Xu Bo reflected, "but in a certain sense, it''s also not important."


    Li Yuan became even more puzzled.


    "What is martial spirit? Essentially, it''s the alignment with the seven advanced cultivation methods," Xu Bo exined.


    "Alignment exceeding ny percent allows for early cultivation of advanced techniques, significantly boosting physical fitness efficiency," Xu Bo exined. "Therefore, the hope of bing a powerful martial artist greatly increases."


    "This is why the Seven Star Alliance ces great importance on martial spirits."


    "Even the top five national universities prefer students who have awakened their martial spirits for the same reason," Xu Bo added.


    "After all, starting advanced cultivation techniques early increases the probability of bing an advanced martial artist, and the younger one bes a martial artist, the greater the hope of achieving great aplishments," Xu Bo concluded.


    Li Yuan nodded involuntarily.


    In youth, when one''s vitality is vigorous, breakthroughs in martial arts cultivation are easier to achieve.


    "Martial arts cultivation is the magical evolution of life," Xu Bo''s eyes sparkled. "In fact, we humans still know very little about life cultivation, whether it''s the seven foundational techniques or the seven advanced techniques... All of these have been gradually summarized over hundreds of years by numerous advanced martial artists of the Seven Star Alliance."


    "Over eighty years ago, during the first martial arts entrance examination, the Seven Star Alliance only announced three major advanced cultivation techniques."


    Li Yuan''s eyes brightened slightly.


    Many of the things Xu Bo mentioned were previously unclear to Li Yuan.


    "All cultivation methods aim to promote life evolution and continuously enhance our physical fitness," Xu Bo looked at Li Yuan. "And yet, you, practicing only foundational techniques without many valuable resources, have improved your physical abilities faster than most students in the elite ss."


    "What does that mean?"


    "Perhaps your true talent is actually quite high," Xu Bo sighed lightly. "It''s just that it doesn''t align with any of the seven advanced cultivation methods."

 Chapter 6: Martial Arts is a Money Pit.

    <h4>Chapter 6: Martial Arts is a Money Pit.</h4>


    "Maybe I have a high talent?" Li Yuan''s pupils contracted slightly.


    He couldn''t help but think of thest remark on the data panel of the Divine Pce: "Contains a certain type of high-level spirituality that has not yet awakened."


    Li Yuan trusted the detection of the Divine Pce panel; it had never been wrong over the past year.


    It should be more reliable than Professor Xu Bo''s spection.


    The information provided by Professor Xu Bo today also gave Li Yuan more ideas.


    Previously, although Li Yuan had searched many times on the virtualwork, he often couldn''t find much information due to insufficient ess rights.


    "Do I have high talent? I possess the Divine Pce of the mind; perhaps this is also a kind of talent," Li Yuan silently pondered.


    Over the past century, numerous cultivation methods have gradually be essible, and with the development of technology, arge number of martial practitioners have emerged in human civilization.


    And for those extraordinary martial artists who can fly through the skies and survive even under nuclear explosions, whose growth experiences are not filled with legends?


    Li Yuan didn''t believe that the Divine Pce of the mind that he possessed would be an exception.


    "Teacher, what should I do?" Li Yuan asked proactively.


    He was clever; since Professor Xu Bo had proactively called him over, it surely wasn''t just to encourage him a bit.


    "Persevere," Xu Bo looked at Li Yuan. He had originally intended to say ''step by step,'' but changed the word at thest moment.


    Seeing Li Yuan''s puzzled expression, Xu Bo continued, "Your progress has been very fast. There''s no need to worry too much about the unawakened martial spirit. With your achievements, it''ll be easy for you to get into the Martial Arts University."


    "Through normal training, at most two to three years, your physical fitness should reach level 10.0,"


    "Once you be an advanced martial artist, higher-level cultivation methods will no longer be beyond your reach."


    "Who knows, maybe in the future you''ll create a set of advanced cultivation methods tailored specifically for yourself," Xu Bo chuckled.


    "Creating cultivation methods?" Li Yuan couldn''t help but ask, "Can I really do that?"


    "Haha, what''s impossible?" Xu Bo chuckled, "How old are you? You''re young, with unlimited possibilities ahead."


    "Even the founders of the Three Great Martial Halls, who knew what achievements they could have made when they were young?" Xu Bo smiled at Li Yuan, "The founders of the Three Great Martial Halls are distant figures, but shouldn''t you at least aspire to surpass my ambitions?"


    "My physical fitness is only at level 19."


    Li Yuan held his breath.


    Since Xu Bo became his martial arts ss instructor, Li Yuan had always regarded him as his goal.


    Now he realized that Xu Bo''s strength and physical fitness were actually at level 19.


    No wonder he''s a top-level martial arts teacher.


    "Let''s talk about something practical," Xu Bo looked at Li Yuan and said, "Although your martial spirit hasn''t awakened yet, your physical fitness and martial arts skills are quite impressive. Considering your family situation, I will apply to the school to grant you a third-ss schrship."


    "A third-ss schrship?" Li Yuan''s eyes lit up.


    Martial arts training requires a lot of resources.


    Therefore, for students with excellent martial arts achievements, the government provides various bonuses and subsidies starting from high school.


    As the top high school in Guanshan District and a provincial key school, it receives more funding from the governmentpared to ordinary schools.


    During each major unified examination, martial arts achievements within the top hundred of the year level receive additional rewards.


    The top fifty receive a reward of two thousand Blue Star coins.


    The top thirty receive a reward of five thousand Blue Star coins.


    The top twenty receive additional rewards of two doses of basic vitality potions, on top of the rewards given to the top thirty.


    The top ten in the grade receive an additional individual martial arts training room, on top of the rewards given to the top twenty.


    The rewards mentioned above are for examination achievements.


    Schrships are more special,bining academic performance with family background, and usually require a teacher''s rmendation to be considered.


    Very few people receive the schrships.


    "Your progress has been significant, but your martial arts ranking is still within the top thirty of your year level. If you aim to apply for schrships higher than third ss, it will be quite challenging," Xu Bo exined. "However, there''s still hope for a third-ss schrship. Of course, even if you are approved, it''s not much money¡ªjust twenty thousand blue star coins. Don''t think it''s too little."


    "Thank you for your efforts, teacher," Li Yuan felt deeply grateful.


    "Twenty thousand blue star coins? That''s equivalent to two months'' sry for me,"


    All the schrships I''ve received since high school don''t add up to twenty thousand blue star coins.


    "Is there something specific you want me to do, teacher?" Li Yuan asked.


    "You don''t need to do anything special, just focus on training and aim for good scores," Xu Bo waved his hand. "Go have your meal now. I''ll inform you once the application is processed."


    "Got it," Li Yuan said, leaving. As he closed the door behind him on his way out.


    He watched Li Yuan leave.


    "This kid, does he still think I want something from him?" Xu Bo chuckled softly.


    Suddenly, his brow furrowed slightly.


    The man, as sturdy as a tower, now revealed a hint of pain on his face.


    "Need to take medicine again?" Xu Bo gritted his teeth against the pain and headed towards the therapy room.


    .....


    He walked out of the office building.


    "Good." Li Yuan couldn''t help but clench his fist, struggling to contain his joy.


    Before entering the office, he had a feeling that something good was about to happen.


    But he hadn''t expected it to be this good.


    "Before, did Teacher Xu not mention these things because he thought my past performance was good but not excellent enough?" Li Yuan wondered to himself. "Is my performance today good enough?"


    Li Yuan has read many books.


    In some stories, many seniors like to promote their juniors.


    But the premise is that the juniors are worthy of promotion.


    "If I''m not diligent enough, not excellent enough, then even if opportunitiese my way, I''ll miss them," Li Yuan silently thought to himself.


    "Should I send a message in the family group?" This thought crossed Li Yuan''s mind briefly before he immediately dismissed it.


    Phew!


    A gust of wind passed by, helping Li Yuan be even calmer.


    "No rush."


    "Teacher Xu is a top-tier teacher, but he''s not part of the school''s management. Even if approved, it''ll probably take some time for the application to go through," Li Yuan thought to himself. "If it doesn''t work out, it''ll just be a momentary joy."


    "It''s better to wait until the schrship/grant actuallyes through before telling Uncle and Aunt."


    "Well, this matter can''t be told to other ssmates either," Li Yuan had already thought it through. "Teacher Xu called me alone and let Wan Xiao leave first, probably because he didn''t want others to know."


    "If the school wants to publicize it, let them announce itter."


    The experiences all along, along with some books he had read, made Li Yuan understand that ''sesses from secrecy, and failure from disclosure.


    Don''t go around spreading things that haven''t been settled yet.


    "''Let''s go eat first.'' Li Yuan regained hisposure and ran to the cafeteria."


    ...


    At Guanshan District No. 1 High School, there are more than 6,000 students, so the cafeteria is veryrge.


    Li Yuan entered the cafeteria entrance.


    "Yuan ge, over here." Zhou Qi, squatting at a distance, waved and called out. Wan Xiao, Yan Zhou, and more than ten other boys were upying tworge tables, eating.


    Li Yuan smiled and walked over when he saw the scene.


    The male students in the ss like to eat together in groups.


    "Yuan ge, here are your two portions of nutritious meals." Zhou Qi pushed two specially prepared meal boxes in front of Li Yuan while eating.


    "Who swiped the card? Was it Yan Zhou?" Li Yuan asked with a smile as he sat down and started eating.


    "Speaking of which, I still owe you," Yan Zhou chuckled.


    "The breakfasts I brought you, like the hot dry noodles and soy milk with eggs, altogether cost less than fifty blue star coins," Li Yuan shook his head. "These two nutritious meals of mine will cost around one hundred and fifty blue star coins."


    Among all these male students here, there''s a significant difference in the prices of the meals they are eating.


    Like a regr meal with two meat dishes and two vegetable dishes, or three meat dishes and two vegetable dishes, a single serving costs less than twenty blue star coins.


    Zhou Qi and Yan Zhou are indeed eating this kind of meal.


    Because they have evening cultural sses and won''t engage in vigorous physical activity afterward, their energy expenditure is rtively low.


    For someone like Li Yuan who engages in high-intensity martial arts training in the evening, a regr meal is not sufficient. Over time, this could lead to depletion of the body''s qi and blood.


    He must eat the specially prepared nutritious meals from the cafeteria, but they are also much more expensive.


    One serving costs seventy-five blue star coins, and Li Yuan needs to eat two servings.


    To be precise, Li Yuan''s regr three meals a day add up to nearly three hundred blue star coins per day in expenses.


    "At least 8,000 blue star coins per month."


    This is far from enough to support Li Yuan''s regr training. asionally, he also needs to consume various expensive qi and blood tonics and supplements.


    If you include therapy, the monthly expenses are a staggering figure.


    This is because Li Yuan is a student and can continuously practice in the school''s martial arts room. Various training equipment like cold weapons, sandbags, and ces to practice spear techniques are all well-equipped.


    The effectiveness is not as good as a dedicated martial arts training room, but the advantage of the school''s martial arts room is that it is free of charge.


    If one were to go to a formal martial arts gym in society, the rent is calcted by the hour, which is simply unaffordable for ordinary families.


    Martial arts indeed consume a lot of money; it''s no empty talk.


    That''s also why Li Yuan is eager to be admitted to one of the top five prestigious universities.


    Because his martial arts training has progressed to this point, Uncle Chan and Aunt are finding it very difficult to continue supporting him.


    .....


    Walking out of the cafeteria.


    "Brother Yuan, we are heading to the Culture Building. See you tomorrow," Zhou Qi and Yan Zhou said to Li Yuan.


    "Alright," Li Yuan nodded.


    In this era, students start from the first year of high school, studying cultural subjects every morning and practicing martial arts every afternoon.


    In the evening, it''s up to the students to choose which path they want to take based on their own desires.


    There are only twenty-nine martial arts universities in the entire Xia Kingdom.


    However, there are over a thousand cultural universities nationwide.


    If applying to a martial arts university, cultural grades are converted into a total score, ounting for 10%.


    If following the path of cultural courses, martial arts grades will be converted and ount for 30% of the total score.


    Although the choice between martial arts and cultural paths is decided during the voluntary selection process, most students begin to lean towards one path starting from the first year of high school.


    Li Yuan returned to the martial arts ssroom.


    Looking around, there were fewer than ten people left in the ssroom, making it feel empty.


    In ss 3 (2) of Grade 12, most students have chosen to focus on cultural courses, which is also the choice of the vast majority of students.


    "It''s indeed difficult to aim for a martial arts university," Li Yuan thought to himself.


    Jiangbei Province has millions of college entrance exam candidates each year.


    Jiangbei Martial Arts University, the only one of its kind, admits fewer than ten thousand students annually, ounting for less than 1% of all candidates.


    As the top high school in Guanshan District and a provincial key institution, it''s also challenging for them to have more than a hundred students admitted to martial arts universities each year.


    The sky is not yet dark.


    The dozen or so people in the ssroom are mostly chatting with each other.


    During the evening martial arts practice, there is no teacher supervision; it relies entirely on self-discipline.


    "Li Tianyou." Li Yuan nced at the figure in the corner of the ssroom


    A boy about 1.8 meters tall, with a somewhat thin face, dressed in martial arts clothing, was silently and seriously practicing basic cultivation techniques.


    He was not at all affected by the chatter of others.


    From the sweat dripping from his forehead, it was clear that he had been practicing for quite some time.


    "Such dedication!" Li Yuan sighed to himself. "No wonder he is the top hard worker in the ss."


    He didn''t disturb anyone else.


    Li Yuan took a spear from his weapon cab, chose a bright spot in the ssroom, and began practicing his spear techniques.


    Why not practice the basic cultivation techniques?


    Because Li Yuan wakes up around three in the morning every day,es to school, and practices basic cultivation techniques alone in the empty martial arts ssroom for over two hours.


    Then, around six o''clock, he goes to the cafeteria for breakfast and proceeds to study in the cultural ssroom.


    In the afternoon, he practices cultivation techniques with everyone else for two hours.


    Every day''s cultivation practice is divided into two to three sessions, totaling about four hours, which has been repeatedly experimented with by numerous martial arts experts and proven to be optimal.


    Evolution of life, physical conditioning of muscles and bones, recovery, and growth all require time.


    Going too far is as bad as not going far enough.


    In the remaining time, Li Yuan devotes himself to refining his spear techniques and body movements.


    Two hourster.


    The school bell echoed across the campus, and students in the ssrooms had already left one after another. Except for Li Yuan, who was still practicing spear techniques, only Li Tianyou remained, practicing swordsmanship.


    Suddenly.


    In Li Yuan''s field of vision, suddenly appeared a piece of information visible only to him.


    [Your spear technique proficiency has increased from Stage Three 36% to Stage Three 37%.]

 Chapter 7: Home in the Late Night

    <h4>Chapter 7: Home in the Late Night</h4>


    "Has it increased to 37%?"


    "I haven''t even felt it myself yet, but the system panel has already sensed it urately," Li Yuan''s eyes lit up slightly.


    The system panel cannot directly enhance Li Yuan''s martial arts cultivation.


    But its greatest benefit is that it directly reflects Li Yuan''s efforts and progress in the form of data.


    It''s like a progress bar.


    An absolute positive feedback mechanism.


    No one doesn''t want to seed, but many people worry that their efforts will yield no results.


    With the system panel, Li Yuan can clearly see his own progress, giving him greater motivation for his cultivation.


    Cultivation is very arduous.


    "But the rewards of cultivation are also immense." Li Yuan suddenly exerted his strength, the spear in his hand became a blur, and he thrust it out fiercely.


    "Whoosh!"


    "Whoosh! Whoosh!"


    There was a faint, piercing whistling sound exploding, forming blurry spear shadows in the air.


    "Martial arts cultivation, with each attempt to break through the limits of life, is indeed exhrating," Li Yuan said, suddenly retracting his spear and revealing a smile.


    More than a hundred years ago, before the widespread practice of cultivation methods and when only traditional martial arts existed, even ordinary people got addicted to fitness.


    How much more so with advanced martial arts cultivation?


    Li Yuan greatly enjoyed the process of his body bing increasingly powerful.


    Tiring, but very satisfying.


    "Li Yuan, your spear technique is truly impressive," a sincere voice suddenly eximed.


    Li Yuan turned his head and said with a smile, "Tianyou, your de technique is also impressive. I remember your martial arts skill score was 312 today."


    Next to him, Li Tianyou had a thin face, but his eyes were very bright.


    "I can''t keep up with you," Li Tianyou said with a smile, standing tall and straight.


    "It''s nine o''clock, everyone else has left," Li Yuan suddenly nced around, "Aren''t you going home?"


    The Ministry of Education has set the start time for morning self-study at seven and the end time for evening self-study at nine.


    sses are held six days a week.


    Perhaps the subordinate counties and cities are even morepetitive, but as a key high school in the provincial capital, it naturally has to enforce these rules strictly.


    "I''ll practice a bit more," Li Tianyou said.


    "Alright," Li Yuan said with a smile, "I''ll head home first."


    "Mm-hmm," Li Tianyou nodded.


    Li Yuan put his spear into the weapon cab and walked out of the ssroom.


    He watched Li Yuan leave.


    The smile on Li Tianyou''s face disappeared, and he muttered to himself, "Why isn''t my de technique as impressive as Li Yuan''s spear technique?"


    "It would be great if I could awaken my martial arts spirit as well."


    In ss 3 (2), Li Tianyou''s martial arts grades consistently ranked in the top five. asionally, he could ce third, but there was always a gap between him and Wan Xiao, let alonepared to Li Yuan.


    Shaking his head to clear away the distracting thoughts, Li Tianyou picked up his long de and continued to diligently practice his de technique.


    Outside, it was a long night.


    Most of the ssrooms had already turned off their lights.


    Only this martial arts ssroom remained lit. Li Tianyou, already thin, looked somewhat lonely at this moment.


    ...


    Under the night sky, on Luoyu Street.


    After a whole day of training, Li Yuan''s clothes were soaked with sweat as he boarded the driverless ''517'' tram.


    There were very few people on the tram.


    In an era of highly advanced virtualworks and abundant material resources, most people''s work ispleted online.


    Even for offline jobs, most workers have already finished work and gone home.


    "...Inte August, relevant national departments and the China branch of the Starry Sky Martial Hall conducted a joint operation, sessfully eliminating the Astral Realm aquatic creatures in the Huai River basin of Jiangbei Province. However, a few managed to escape. Residents along the river are advised to remain vignt. ..."


    "Next, here is the report on the rted conflicts in the secondary Astral Realms: the ''Luo Bu Sea'' in the Northern Frontier Province and the ''Os Moon Sea'' in the Firefly Star secondary Astral Realm..."


    The electronic disy screen above the driverless tram continuously broadcasted thetest news.


    Li Yuan sat on a single seat, pushed open the window, and felt the wind blowing in through the window as he watched the street scenes swiftly passing by outside.


    It felt veryfortable!


    "Both the stars and love should be pursued with determination. Xinghai World reminds you that we have arrived at Quanyan Station ." The sudden station announcement pulled Li Yuan''s thoughts back to reality.


    "Xinghai World sure advertises a lot," Li Yuan thought to himself, shaking his head slightly.


    He got off the tram.


    A little over ten meters away was the entrance to Li Yuan''s residentialplex¡ªWanhua tinum Mansion.


    The name of theplex sounded grand, but the buildings were quite ordinary. Compared to the nearby newplex, "Xiongchu Tiandi," it even seemed a bit rundown.


    "Wee home, resident," a gentle female voice said.


    Li Yuan entered theplex after passing through facial recognition.


    There were no security guards at the entrance of theplex, only two intelligent robots standing at a distance.


    Inside theplex, there were only 11-story mid-rise buildings.


    Due to the long-term threat of war, super high-rise buildings had not been permitted for decades. The vast majority of buildings were around ten stories, with the highest not exceeding eighteen stories.


    Although Wanhua tinum Mansion was over twenty years old, it was still maintained quite well overall.


    Li Yuan''s home was in Building 2, Unit 2.


    "Little Yuan, you''re back from ss?" asked an elderly couple jogging around the green path of theplex.


    "Yes, Grandma Sun, you are exercising again," Li Yuan responded with a smile.


    Although this is amercial residential area, most of the people who bought here originally were employees of the same state-owned enterprise, enjoying discounted prices.


    So, in a sense, this area could be considered aspany welfare housing.


    Plus, after all these years.


    Many residents within themunity know each other.


    "Grandma Sun and the others are almost ny years old, but they''re still in good health, and none of them even bought a home assistant robot," Li Yuan remarked to himself. "ording to the books, over a hundred years ago, the average lifespan was only seventy or eighty years."


    Due to the spread of cultivation methods, apart from idental deaths, the average lifespan of Blue Star residents has exceeded one hundred years, and Xia Kingdom residents have an average lifespan closer to one hundred and ten years.


    If they be advanced martial practitioners, their lifespans be even more astonishing.


    Li Yuan had just arrived downstairs.


    "Brother?" a pleasantly surprised voice of a girl rang out from nearby.


    "Brother~" another voice of a young boy chimed in.


    The sound of footsteps approached, and two teenagers, about twelve or thirteen years old, wearing loose martial arts uniforms, jogged over from the shadows in the distance.


    "Qianqian, Muhua," Li Yuan smiled and asked, "Why haven''t you gone home yet?"


    The girl is lively and beautiful, with fair skin and very bright eyes.


    The boy has a youthful face, but he is nearly as tall as Li Yuan, standing half a head taller than the girl.


    Li Qianqian and Li Muhua.


    They are indeed the twins, children of Li Yuan''s uncle and aunt, fourteen years old and both in the second year of junior high school.


    "Brother, we just came back from the martial arts room," Li Qianqian said with a smile, linking her arm with Li Yuan''s and shaking it.


    Li Yuan nodded with a smile, "How was it?"


    Each residential area has a public sports hall, as mandated by national regtions. These facilities are constructed with government funding and managed by property management for free ess to residents.


    "Not great, quite crowded, not much space for practice," Muhua shook his head and said.


    "At your age, focus onying a solid foundation, practice more standing exercises, and contemte cultivation methods," Li Yuan advised. "Especially you, Muhua, since you''ve already awakened your martial arts spirit, take your time with your practice."


    Li Muhua has a very high talent in martial arts.


    Li Qianqian, on the other hand, has much lower talent in martial arts, but her academic performance is very good.


    "Yeah," nodded Li Muhua, then he seemed to remember something. "Brother, I remember today is the day your school tests martial arts spirits, right?"


    Li Qianqian also looked at Li Yuan.


    "It didn''t seed," Li Yuan said casually, shaking his head indifferently.


    Li Qianqian and Li Muhua nced at each other.


    "Brother, don''t be discouraged. Even without awakening martial arts spirit, you can still get into a martial arts university," Li Qianqian chuckled. "Let''s head home first. Mom just messaged me asking when we''ll be back."


    "Little brother, go to the property management office to pick up the delivery."


    Li Qianqian pulled Li Yuan''s sleeve and headed towards the direction of the elevator.


    "Sis,st time I went to pick up the delivery, this time it''s your turn," Muhua said with a helpless expression.


    "Good little brother!"


    "Qianqian, go with Muhua," Li Yuan patted Li Qianqian on the head.


    "Brother!!!"


    ...


    "Yi!" The door opened.


    "Mom, Brother and we are back!" Li Qianqian called out before even entering the door.


    "Everyone''s back?"


    Voices could also be heard inside the house.


    Li Yuan followed his younger siblings into the house, enteringst. ncing around, he noted that the room was fairly spacious.


    It''s a four-bedroom, one-living roomyout, covering an area of 130 square meters.


    Visibly, various decorations and furnishings appeared somewhat outdated.


    "Uncle, Aunt," Li Yuan greeted as he saw his uncle and aunt emerge from the bedroom. His aunt was dressed in long-sleeved pajamas and had no makeup on.


    His uncle had gained some weight, with dark skin tone, but was neatly dressed in a ck short-sleeved shirt, long pants, and outdoor sneakers on his feet.


    "Ai Yuan," the aunt smiled when she saw Li Yuan.


    "Qianqian, you and Muhua go back to your room, wash up. Your dad and I need to talk to your brother," Aunt instructed.


    "Okay."


    "Brother, don''t open my package, okay? I want to open it myselfter," Li Qianqian said as she pulled Muhua along and headed towards their room after setting down the delivery.


    In the living room.


    Only Li Yuan and his uncle and aunt remained.


    "Uncle, another business trip?" Li Yuan whispered, noticing therge suitcase in the living room.


    Li Yuan''s uncle was a state-owned enterprise employee involved in civil engineering construction, frequently traveling nationwide for work. Business trips were a regr part of his life.


    "Yeah, just got the notice this afternoon," nodded his uncle.


    "Where are you going? Why the rush?" Li Yuan asked.


    There was a hint of hesitation on his aunt''s face.


    "What''s there to hide? Little Yuan is grown up now," his uncle chuckled, looking at Li Yuan. "I''m headed to North Xinjiang."


    "Leaving in such a hurry, and to Northern Xinjiang again." Li Yuan was taken aback for a moment, then seemed to realize something, and his expression became slightly tense: "The Secondary Astral Realm ''Luo Bu Sea''?"

 Chapter 8: Some Things, Someone Has to Do

    <h4>Chapter 8: Some Things, Someone Has to Do</h4>


    "You saw the news too?" Uncle said.


    "Yes," Li Yuan nodded.


    The seven majors are far apart from each other, and many astral realms have appeared on each.


    The number of astral realms on Blue Star is rtively smallpared to the other seven majors.


    Astral realms, which can lead to alien civilizations in the depths of the star sea, are the frontlines of the war between human civilization and these alien realms.


    Conflicts frequently ur.


    The highest-level astral realm within the borders of the Xia Kingdom is the ''Luo Bu Sea Astral Realm'' in the northern border province. It is a second-level astral realm, with arge military presence stationed there year-round.


    In the past few days at school, Li Yuan heard that another conflict had erupted in the Luo Bu Hai Astral Realm, but he was not clear about the severity.


    Now it seems to be very critical.


    "The outbreak of the Luo Bu Sea war was very sudden, and the headquarters has ordered us to go support the construction efforts," Uncle said with a smile, appearing quite rxed.


    "He is leaving tonight, the high-speed train departs at 3 a.m.," said Aunt beside him, her eyes filled with worry.


    Li Yuan looked at his uncle, feeling equally worried.


    In Li Yuan''s memory, the impression of his parents was already very vague, as they had passed away when he was only two or three years old.


    Li Yuan was raised by his uncle and aunt, who treated him as their own child.


    In Li Yuan''s eyes, his uncle and aunt were equivalent to his parents.


    His uncle, named Li Changzhou, had a decent martial arts talent. He graduated from Jiangbei Martial Arts University and double-majored in ''Civil, Hydraulic, and Ocean Engineering.'' After graduation, he steadily climbed the ranks to be a mid-level manager in a state-owned enterprise, earning a good sry.


    His aunt, named Chen Hui, is a high school math teacher.


    Over the decades, the couple should have saved enough to umte a considerable estate, so why do they still live in an old neighborhood?


    Li Yuan knew it was because of him!


    When he was a child, the cost of his medical treatments and surgeries umted to over a million Blue Star coins. Later, the expenses for nurturing his body, various supplements, recuperation fees, and biological agents were also a significant burden.


    Since middle school, practicing martial arts has also been a money pit.


    His cousin, Li Muhua, showed martial arts talent that surpassed Li Yuan''s during his middle school years. In fact, Li Muhua had already awakened his martial arts spirituality by the first year of middle school.


    However, the various training resources that his cousin now receives are still not as good as what Li Yuan had back then.


    Uncle and Aunt never say anything about it.


    His younger cousins also never felt that Li Yuan had taken up their resources.


    But Li Yuan himself felt somewhat guilty towards his uncle, aunt, and even his younger cousins.


    This was also one of the important reasons why Li Yuan had consciously started to train intensely since middle school.


    He didn''t want his uncle and aunt''s hopes and efforts to be in vain, so he was determined to achieve something significant.


    Especially after entering high school, he further rified his goals, hoping that through his own efforts, he could repay his uncle and aunt in the future and also make it up to his younger cousins.


    At the beginning of his second year of high school, Li Yuan''s physical fitness reached level 5.0, and he subsequently awakened the mystical Mind Pce, which caused his martial arts cultivation to advance rapidly.


    "The Divine Pce is indeed mystical, but if one does not work hard, it is all in vain." Li Yuan realized this after awakening the Divine Pce.


    Therefore, he became even more diligent and did not dare to ck off.


    "Get into a martial arts university."


    "Or even get into one of the top five prestigious schools and ultimately be a high-level martial artist." This has always been Li Yuan''s aspiration.


    Not just for himself, but also for his family.


    Earlier, when Li Yuan learned that his uncle was about to go to Luo Bu Sea, his heart trembled.


    Uncle Li Changzhou spoke as if it were no big deal.


    But Li Yuan, who had been following the news for years, knew that soldiers and martial artists were the most at risk when it came to defending against the invasion of alien civilizations from the other side of the astral realms.


    Next in danger were the workers involved in constructing various military defense facilities.


    This time, Uncle Li Changzhou was essentially going as abat engineer.


    It should be noted that powerful astral creatures cannot be stopped by ordinary heavy firearms; only some advanced technological weapons or high-level martial artists can handle them.


    Extremely dangerous.


    "If I hadn''t been sick back then, or if my martial arts training hadn''t cost so much, Uncle could have stayed in the city, doing some municipal maintenance work. He wouldn''t have had to choose to be sent out just to earn that extra allowance," Li Yuan thought, feeling even more uneasy.


    ....


    "Little Yuan,e to the bedroom first. Let''s talk slowly." Uncle Li Changzhou called Li Yuan into the master bedroom.


    In the master bedroom, there were two small stools. Li Yuan sat down.


    Uncle sat on the edge of the bed.


    "Click~" Chen Hui gently closed the door.


    Li Changzhou''s hair was already somewhat sparse, and although he was slightly plump, he still had a schrly elegance.


    "Actually, your aunt advised me not to tell you, fearing it might affect your studies in your third year of high school," Li Changzhou said, smiling at Li Yuan. "But I believe that a man of the Li family should be able to handle any pressure."


    Chen Hui remained silent and sat down beside them.


    Uncle, please speak," Li Yuan said softly.


    "ording to the information I received, several of Luo Bu Sea''s entry and exit defense systems have been severely damaged, and there have been significant casualties among the military and the Starry Sky Martial Pce," Li Changzhou said calmly. "This attack was repelled, but if there is another assault, there is a risk of it beingpletely breached."


    Li Yuan held his breath. Completely breached?


    The entry and exit points of the astral realms are crucial gateways for human civilization to fend off invasions.


    If they were to be breached, it would undoubtedly be a catastrophe.


    Back then, his parents had died in an astral realm disaster.


    "This time, there is a risk of death," Li Changzhou said calmly, looking at Li Yuan. "It''s war, after all. When has there ever been a war without casualties?"


    "Uncle, is there any way you don''t have to go?" Li Yuan couldn''t help but ask.


    "Headquarters is requiring us to go, but if I really don''t want to, there are ways around it. After all, the state has only issued a level three alert," Li Changzhou said with a smile.


    Li Yuan listened intently.


    China has ssified the war danger response into three alert levels: Level Three being the lowest and Level One being the highest.


    Once a Level One alert is activated, it means the entire country will enter a state of war, withprehensive mobilization. All citizens and all resources must be ready to respond to conscription orders at any time.


    In the past century, China has only activated a Level One alert once, in 2028.


    Above the Level One alert, there is the ''Civilization Alert,'' which can only be issued through joint confirmation by the highest council of the Seven Star Alliance and the three major martial pces.


    Once issued, it signifies that at least one human-inhabited has entered a situation of life and death, requiring full support from others.


    Since the formation of the alliance hundreds of years ago, the Civilization Alert has been activated only once.


    However, even the lowest level, Level Three alert, once issued, signifies significant consumption of resources and casualties.


    "Little Yuan, I can choose not to go," Uncle Li Changzhou smiled. "But if I don''t go, someone else will have to take my ce."


    "In this war, someone has to go, isn''t that right?"


    Li Yuan fell silent.


    "Are you the only capable one? Is such a bigpany relying solely on you?" Aunt Chen Hui suddenly shouted, her eyes tinged with redness.


    Li Changzhou had already discussed it with her just now.


    In addition, fearing that Li Qianqian and Li Muhua might notice something in the living room, she suppressed her emotions and didn''t reveal anything.


    But now, upon hearing Li Changzhou''s words, she couldn''t hold back any longer and blurted out.


    Li Changzhou paused for a moment, then reached out and gently embraced his wife Chen Hui around the waist,forting her silently.


    Chen Hui kept her head low, her eyes reddened, and she didn''t say anything more.


    After a while.


    "Little Yuan, don''t worry too much," Li Changzhouforted his wife and then looked at Li Yuan. "After all, I''m not like other martial artists who engage in closebat and assassinations. It''s not that dangerous for me."


    "Besides, I am at least an advanced-level martial artist with some self-defense ability," Li Changzhou chuckled.


    Li Yuan remained silent.


    Uncle Li Changzhou graduated from the Martial Arts University, reaching a peak physical level of over level 12. However, after many years of work, he might now be around level 10 or 11, and manybat skills may have be rusty.


    Martial arts is not cultivation like in immortal cultivation novels; it requires diligent daily practice.


    Suddenly.


    "Ding!" Li Yuan suddenly felt a vibration on his wrist and instinctively raised his hand to look at it.


    "Your ount ending in 1486 has received 56,000.00 blue stars... transferred from ount ending in... bnce 58,324.12 blue stars," appeared clearly on the disy screen.


    I''m sorry, it seems like the message got cut off. Could you please rify your question?


    He immediately recognized that the ount number receiving the transfer belonged to his uncle, Li Changzhou.


    "This is your living expenses for September and October."


    "Since thework in North Xinjiang Province might not be reliable, I''m transferring it all to you today. Manage it yourself," Li Changzhou smiled and said. "Remember when I took you to buy the qi and blood medicine from Uncle Zhong before? You should be familiar with it now."


    "I''ve talked to Uncle Zhong about it."


    "When you have time next weekend, go to the martial hall and buy it from him," Li Changzhou said. "Your aunt will transfer your living expenses for the rest of the monthter."


    Li Yuan looks at his aunt.


    "Listen to your uncle," Chen Hui''s mood slightly calmed, her voice bing calm again. "Take the money and don''t worry about home."


    Li Yuan fell silent and did not ask any more questions.


    He needs money for his own cultivation right now.


    "By the way."


    "Have you thought about your college entrance exam preferences?" Li Changzhou asked Li Yuan.

 Chapter 9: Qi and Blood Elixirs

    <h4>Chapter 9: Qi and Blood Elixirs</h4>


    It stands to reason that high school seniors already face significant pressure and should not be asked such sensitive questions now.


    Moreover, there are still nine months until the college entrance examination.


    However, Li Changzhou was about to embark on a long journey and believed that Li Yuan would not be affected, so he asked.


    Aunt Chen Hui couldn''t help but look at Li Yuan. She had been taking care of Li Yuan''s daily life for a long time, so she naturally cared.


    "College entrance exam aspirations?" Li Yuan thought for a moment and said, "Uncle, Aunt, I still n to be a full-time martial artist. My primary goal is the top five martial arts schools in the country."


    "If I can''t get into those, then I''ll strive to enter the ''Martial Artist ss'' at Jiangbei Martial Arts University."


    "Full-time martial artist?"


    Li Changzhou and Chen Hui exchanged a worried nce.


    Graduates from martial arts universities do not necessarily be full-time martial artists.


    Take Li Changzhou, for example; he attended a martial arts university and did quite well, but in the end, he double-majored in other disciplines.


    Martial artists haveprehensive advantages over ordinary people. Even in daily jobs, their energy and thinking speed are far superior to ordinary people, making them more likely to achieve great sess.


    But full-time martial artists, as the name suggests, devote themselves entirely to martial arts, aiming to go further in the field, which is more dangerous.


    Because the further martial artists progress, the more they need to endure various life-and-death battles to advance.


    "Little Yuan, can''t you double major in another field? After graduation, you could take a civil service exam or be a martial arts teacher. Wouldn''t that be good?" Chen Hui couldn''t help but say.


    In her eyes, Li Yuan was no different from Li Muhua.


    She was like a mother, most worried about Li Yuan''s safety.


    To her, bing a civil servant or a martial arts teacher was the best job.


    "Full-time martial artist?" Li Changzhou did not object but pondered, "Can you get into the top five martial arts schools? Your school only has a few students who get in every year. Did you awaken your martial arts talent in today''s test?"


    Li Changzhou was well aware of the difficulty of getting into the top five martial arts schools.


    Jiangbei Martial Arts University recruits ten thousand students annually in Jiangbei Province.


    And the top five martial arts schoolsbined recruit only about ten thousand students nationwide each year.


    In Jiangbei Province, they recruit only a few hundred students each year.


    "I didn''t awaken," Li Yuan shook his head.


    "You didn''t awaken, then you..." Li Changzhou frowned.


    "But in today''s school test, my physical fitness is at level 6.5," Li Yuan said. "My martial arts skills scored over 360 points."


    Li Changzhou''s eyes lit up, and he couldn''t hide his excitement.


    He understood the significance of Li Yuan''s words.


    "Really?" Chen Hui was also quite surprised.


    She remembered that although Li Yuan was excellentst semester, he seemed far from his current level.


    Especially his physical fitness, which had increased by 0.5 levels in a short time, was quite astonishing.


    "Teacher Xu Bo personally tested it. The martial arts skill score is based on the college entrance exam standards," Li Yuan added.


    Xu Bo''s test?


    Li Changzhou nodded slightly.


    He knew Xu Bo and knew that he had a certain reputation throughout Guanshan District.


    Previously, when he heard that Xu Bo had be Li Yuan''s martial arts ss teacher, he was very pleased, thinking that Li Yuan had found a good teacher.


    "Good!"


    "Little Yuan, at this rate, not to mention getting into the top five martial arts schools, your chances of entering Jiangbei University''s ''Martial Artist ss'' are very high," Li Changzhou said with a smile. This was the best news he had heard today.


    Li Yuan looked at his uncle and aunt, sighing inwardly.


    He originally nned to surprise them during the January mock exam.


    But with his uncle about to leave, Li Yuan thought he should let him be at ease.


    Parents'' greatest concern is their children''s safety, followed by their future.


    "College entrance exam aspirations are not urgent. Whether or not you be a full-time martial artist can be decided after you get into a martial arts university," Li Changzhou advised. "For now, just work hard."


    "I understand," Li Yuan nodded heavily.


    "My trip to Beijiang, you should keep it to yourself for now," Li Changzhou said. "In the future, when I''m not home, help your aunt look after your younger siblings when you have time... Okay, you''ve had a long day, go back to your room and rest."


    "Okay." Li Yuan thought for a moment and decided not to mention the third-ss schrship.


    He got up and left the master bedroom.


    The door closed.


    "Old Li." Chen Hui looked at Li Changzhou, her tone angry. "Were you just supporting Little Yuan in bing a full-time martial artist?"


    She was indeed angry.


    "Didn''t you hear his scores?" Li Changzhou shook his head. "A martial arts skill score over 360 points, this rate of improvement... I don''t think even Big Brother had such high scores in his college entrance exam."


    "You still remember Big Brother." Chen Hui bit her lip. "Big Brother and Sister-inw, they saved us back then..."


    "Enough," Li Changzhou frowned.


    "If you don''t let me talk, I insist on saying it." Chen Hui suddenly stood up, staring at her husband with slightly red eyes. "Big Brother and Sister-inw helped us so much, leaving only Little Yuan. Don''t you know how dangerous it is to be a full-time martial artist?"


    "How many of your ssmates who chose the full-time martial artist path are still alive?"


    "I understand what you mean." Li Changzhou looked at his wife, sighed lightly, and pulled her to sit down.


    "But the child is grown up and has his own will."


    "We can only advise, not force him." Li Changzhou said, "After I leave, you can slowly persuade him."


    "Besides, the path of a full-time martial artist is not easy."


    "How many students who get into martial arts universities don''t aspire to be full-time martial artists? But in the end, very few walk this path."


    "When he gets into university and sees there are always people better than him, even if we don''t advise him, he will calm down." Li Changzhou said.


    Chen Hui reluctantly nodded.


    "Wife, stay with me a little longer." Li Changzhou hugged his wife.


    Chen Hui quieted down, leaning against her husband''s chest.


    Time passed.


    Close to midnight.


    "The kids should be asleep." Li Changzhou finally stood up and whispered, "Wife, I should go, or I''ll miss the high-speed train."


    "When I get to Beijiang, I''ll transfer the promised 500,000 blue star coins subsidy from the state to you."


    "The family... I''ll leave it to you."


    ...


    In Li Yuan''s room.


    The light was off, with only the faint light from the streetmp and the moon shining through the window.


    In the less than 20-square-meter room, apart from two wardrobes and a micro-sized home virtualwork cabin upying about two square meters.


    The rest of the space was empty.


    One wardrobe in Li Yuan''s room was a foldable Murphy bed designed to save space and facilitate his simple training at home.


    However, since he awakened his Divine Pce in his second year of high school, Li Yuan rarely used the Murphy bed, mostly sitting directly on the wooden floor.


    Today was no exception.


    "Hmm?" Li Yuan, sitting cross-legged, twitched his ears.


    His powerful physical fitness gave him extraordinary hearing, and in the quiet of the night, he was very sensitive to any slight sound.


    "Uncle has left?"


    Li Yuan heard the faint sound of the door opening and closing, and like a cat, he got up without making a sound.


    He went to the window.


    Half a minuteter, Li Yuan saw his uncle, Li Changzhou, carrying a suitcase, hurriedly walking out of the building.


    After a few steps, Li Changzhou paused, looked back at the upstairs window, then continued without stopping, disappearing around the corner.


    Li Yuan stood by the window for a long time.


    "Uncle, are you really willing to go to Beijiang?" Li Yuan sighed inwardly.


    His uncle''s words, "Someone has to go," had a profound impact on him.


    From childhood to now, his uncle had been filled with patriotism and had always guided Li Yuan.


    However, in Li Yuan''s view, the situation in Beijiang didn''t seem that dire yet.


    "Uncle went, not just because of the state''s call but probably also for that substantial subsidy." Li Yuan''s eyes dimmed. "With both Mu Hua and I training in martial arts, the family''s financial burden is immense."


    He raised his hand.


    Buzz! Silently, a beam of light shot from Li Yuan''s wrist, forming a transparent screen projection in front of him.


    It disyed extensive war news about the ''Luo Bu Sea Astral Realm,'' including news about bat subsidies'' and ''support subsidies.''


    "I must get into the top five martial arts schools." Li Yuan silently vowed, his determination growing stronger.


    Whoosh!


    Li Yuan went to the wardrobe by the window, gently pressed it, and the door bounced open.


    Inside, besides clothes, there was only a special metal box. The box''s outer shell was decorated with a pattern of endless starry sky, shining brightly.


    This was the emblem of the ''Starry Sky Martial Hall,'' one of the three major martial halls.


    He opened the box.


    "Basic Qi and Blood Elixir." Li Yuan stared at the box, which held two rows of ten elixirs, with nine bottles empty and only one remaining intact.


    He took out thest bottle of elixir, holding it in his hand.


    "Two thousand per bottle." Li Yuan stared at the exquisite bottle, which was nearly transparent, smooth, and delicate, feeling a slight chill in his hand.


    This was a special bottle designed to preserve the efficacy of the elixir for a long time.


    Through the bottle, he could see the red liquid flowing inside, slightly red under the faint moonlight, giving off a faint sense of vitality.


    This was themon Basic Qi and Blood Elixir.


    Ordinary food, even nutritious meals, could only ensure that the body wouldn''t be depleted during intense training.


    But to elerate physical improvement, various precious elixirs and treasures were needed.


    As far as Li Yuan knew, many precious elixirs were more effective than the Basic Qi and Blood Elixir, but they were also much more expensive.


    In terms of cost-effectiveness, the Basic Qi and Blood Elixir was the best auxiliary training elixir.


    But even so, each bottle cost two thousand Blue Star coins.


    Li Yuan consumed one bottle every three days for his training.


    In a month, he would need about twenty thousand Blue Star coins just for the Basic Qi and Blood Elixir.


    Adding daily meal expenses.


    Li Yuan''s monthly training expenses were close to thirty thousand Blue Star coins.


    Not counting clothing and tuition fees.


    Considering Li Qianqian and Li Muhua''s expenses... the financial burden on his uncle and aunt was immense.


    "ording to the schedule, I should drink a bottle today." Li Yuan gently removed the stopper.


    A peculiar fragrance spread out.


    "Gulp~." Li Yuan skillfully tilted his head back and drank the entire bottle of Basic Qi and Blood Elixir.


    He made sure not a drop was left.


    Then he put the empty bottle back in the box.


    Soon, Li Yuan felt waves of heat spreading through his body, gradually dissipating to all parts, hungrily absorbed by his muscles and bones.


    It felt veryfortable.


    "After the intense training of thest three days, the effect of the previous bottle of Qi and Blood Elixir has mostly worn off, and my muscles and bones are in great need of replenishment." Li Yuan was very satisfied with the elixir''s effect.


    "Okay."


    "It''s past midnight; time to practice the ''Great Sun Star Sutra''." Li Yuan sat cross-legged, closed his eyes.


    Gradually, his mind emptied, and his spirit calmed.


    His consciousness focused on his mind.


    Boom!


    Silently, his consciousness reached a mysterious ce.


    There, a strange pce was floating.

 Chapter 10: Observing the Great Sun and Starry Sky Sutra

    <h4>Chapter 10: Observing the Great Sun and Starry Sky Sutra</h4>


    This mysterious ce is boundless and endless, with no end in sight.


    "Spiritual Consciousness."


    "Every time consciousness enters my spiritual world, I am still somewhat shaken," Li Yuan sighed inwardly.


    This mysterious ce awakened when his physical fitness reached level 5.0.


    After multiple attempts.


    "After multiple attempts, Li Yuanfang finally confirmed that this ce should be the source of his spiritual consciousness, namely the spiritual world."


    The so-called spiritual world has been described in the numerous martial arts books that Li Yuan has received. Those powerful martial artists have various names for it, such as the Upper Dantian Pce, the Mind Sea, and the Consciousness Sea.


    In simple terms, it''s the brain!


    It is the core of the soul''s consciousness in life.


    If Li Yuan wants to leave, a single thought will allow him to do so.


    "The Divine Pce." Li Yuan''s consciousness focused on that peculiar Divine Pce within the spiritual world.


    This Divine Pce appears to be four stories high from the outside.


    This is the greatest aid that has rapidly boosted Li Yuan''s strength over the past year.


    Buzz~ In the spiritual world, distance is irrelevant. With a single thought, Li Yuan''s consciousness had already entered this peculiar Divine Pce.


    The interior of the Divine Pce was vast and expansive.


    "Divine Pce panel." With a single thought from Li Yuan, this data panel instantly appeared in his field of consciousness.


    The Divine Pce panel appeared when Li Yuan''s consciousness first perceived the spiritual world and then entered the Divine Pce.


    It was the first benefit he gained from this Divine Pce.


    But at this moment, Li Yuan''s consciousness entered the Divine Pce not just to wander around.


    His consciousness had already noticed the only furnishing in the vast pce¡ªa jade pedestal.


    It was entirely crimson, crystal-clear, and upon closer inspection, engraved with numerous mysterious patterns. These patterns seemed to follow certain special rules, subtly containing some indescribable magical power.


    "Great Sun Jade Pedestal," Li Yuan thought to himself. This was the name he had given to the jade pedestal.


    In the next moment, Li Yuan''s consciousness converged directly on the jade pedestal, as if he were sitting atop this peculiar jade pedestal.


    "Boom~" Li Yuan''s previously active consciousness immediately began to quiet down, and the environment around his consciousness changed instantly.


    Beneath him was no longer the jade pedestal, and around him was no longer the first floor of the Divine Pce.


    It had transformed into an infinite starry sky, and within that starry sky was a zing sun, illuminating the endless expanse.


    "Visualization within the Divine Pce."


    "Observe the Great Sun and Starry Sky Scripture." The contents of this visualization method involuntarily surfaced in Li Yuan''s mind.


    "ording to ancient records, the ''Observe the Great Sun and Starry Sky Scripture'' contains profound principles and vast imagery. The Great Sun hangs high, its mes zing like a fierce fire refining steel, enough to sharpen one''s will, making it as firm as a rock, unafraid of hardships. This is the visualization of the Great Sun, symbolizing brilliant virtue and unparalleled might."


    "With the mind extending to the stars, filling the heart''s universe, one can focus and perceive the all-epassing star map, linking meridians and simting thews of heaven and earth. This is the imagery of the starry sky, containing infinite changes and boundless vitality."


    "The Great Sun and Starry Sky merge together, shaping the spirit and heart...."


    Li Yuan had unconsciously mastered the "Observe the Great Sun and Starry Sky Scripture" the first time he perceived the jade pedestal.


    This was a miraculous visualization method capable of refining the mind and consciousness.


    At this moment.


    Li Yuan''s consciousness was now directly facing the zing Great Sun, as if subjected to scorching fire. Intense pain instantly swept through his entire being, making his body tremble involuntarily... It was excruciatingly painful.


    "This is the torment of the mind, not real pain, and my body won''t sustain any injuries," Li Yuan reminded himself, having grown ustomed to it and enduring it with all his might.


    It should be noted that Li Yuan had been practicing martial arts since middle school. Martial arts training is very arduous, involving both sweat and blood, especially when practicing with a spear.


    Tired or sleepy? Keep practicing!


    Hot weather? Practice!


    Cold weather? Practice!


    After training continuously for a month, you want to ck off and rest for a day? No way!


    It can be said that since Li Yuan began his martial arts training, he has been consciously striving to be a powerful martial artist.


    His determination and perseverance far exceeded that of ordinary people, and this became even more pronounced after years of training.


    Even so, a year ago, when he first practiced the "Observe the Great Sun and Starry Sky Scripture," Li Yuan could only endure it for less than ten seconds.


    This kind of pain is indeed unimaginable.


    After a year of this, almost every day, not only did it strengthen his mental power, but it also tempered his will.


    As the meaning unfolds like stars, filling his heart and mind, Li Yuan endures the pain while practicing the visualization technique.


    Humming silently, waves of gentle power flowed from the endless starry sky, nourishing Li Yuan''s mind and consciousness, gradually alleviating his fatigue.


    ...enabling him to withstand the scorching heat of the great sun.


    Time passed by second by second... Li Yuan ultimately endured for about three minutes.


    Boom! His consciousness copsed.


    "Hmm?"


    Li Yuan opened his eyes, and as soon as his consciousness regained rity, he calmed his mind slightly before closing his eyes again, concentrating his consciousness to enter the pce of his mind, beginning the process anew... It was as if he were tormenting himself.


    A quarter of an hour!


    Half an hour.


    One hour.


    Suddenly, Li Yuan received a notification from the pce panel:


    [Your mental power level has increased from 12.4 to 12.5]


    ...


    "Finally, another 0.1 level increase." Li Yuan thought to himself. Then, without dwelling on it, he continued his relentless training.


    Another hourter.


    "Hmm?" Li Yuan tried again, only to find that he could no longer concentrate his consciousness on the jade tform.


    He opened his eyes and looked down at the smart ring on his wrist.


    "It''s 2:11 AM."


    "Another two hours of training?" This was something Li Yuan had discovered through trial and error.


    Practicing the "Grand Sun and Starry Sky Sutra" could be sustained for a maximum of two hours each day, after which it was impossible to continue.


    ording to Li Yuan''s spection, the practice of this technique was so painful and repeatedly forced him to leave the inner world. There was probably a hidden cost he had yet to realize.


    Practicing for a maximum of two hours each day was most likely a form of self-protection by the pce of the mind.


    "Enough."


    "After practicing the ''Grand Sun and Starry Sky Sutra'' for just one year, my mental power level has grown from 5.9 when I entered sophomore year to 12.5 now," Li Yuan noticed the change in his body.


    Compared to his exhausted body two hours ago, Li Yuan now feltpletely restored to health.


    Symptoms like muscle soreness havepletely disappeared.


    It''s as if he had deeply slept for ten hours and then received the most professional therapy.


    That''s another significant benefit of practicing the "Grand Sun and Starry Sky Sutra" ¡ª deep rejuvenation.


    "Comfortable."


    Li Yuan stood up, revealing a smile on his face.


    Besides his physical state returning to its peak, he noticed that his perception of his body and sensitivity to the environment around him had significantly improved.


    "The stronger your mental power, the better control you have over your body."


    "Then, whether practicing marksmanship, agility, or basic cultivation techniques, my efficiency will be much higher," Li Yuan''s eyes gleamed with determination.


    Why have I made such rapid progress over this past year?


    Firstly, it''s because of the pce panel, which keeps me informed of my progress at all times and fills me with motivation for practice.


    Secondly, it''s because I''ve obtained the "Grand Sun and Starry Sky Sutra" visualization technique.


    His mental power surpasses that of ordinary people!


    His training efficiency is even higher!


    This allows his body to rapidly recover to peak health daily in a short time, saving him a significant amount of therapy expenses.


    "Like Wan Xiao or some elite students, after their arduous training, they resort to therapies like electrical massage or medicinal baths for body recovery," Li Yuan murmured to himself. "But I reckon none of them canpare to the additional benefits I gain from practicing the ''Grand Sun and Starry Sky Sutra.''"


    This is indeed a very mystical visualization technique.


    "However, no matter how miraculous the technique, one still needs to diligently practice step by step," Li Yuan understood this principle well.


    Many people have opportunities and encounters.


    For example, if one is born into the wealthiest family on Blue Star, would that be considered an opportunity?


    For example, if someone is born into the family of the strongest in the Seven Star Alliance, would that be considered an opportunity?


    However.


    Regardless of the circumstances or opportunities one encounters, if they rely solely on these opportunities, they may becent and neglect their practice.


    Then it will be difficult to reach the peak in the future.


    "In this world."


    "In this world, many are born into wealthy and powerful families with resources, high talents, and enough diligence," Li Yuan murmured to himself. "If I don''t work hard, how can Ipare myself to them?"


    With this in mind, Li Yuan stood up.


    "It''s time to study the academic courses," Li Yuan entered the virtualwork cabin in his room.

 Chapter 11: Martial Arts Is Me

    <h4>Chapter 11: Martial Arts Is Me</h4>


    The ''smart ring watch'' worn by Li Yuan is simr to early mobile phones but with more powerful features. It can project holographic screens and monitor various body conditions, but it cannot connect to the virtualwork through consciousness.


    And the virtualwork pod is an essential electronic device for every household in this era.


    Only by using it can one connect to the virtualwork through consciousness.


    Its appearance is simr to early space pod gaming consoles.


    "Iris authentication!"


    "Consciousness connection." Li Yuan reclined in the pod chair, put on the neural connection device, and felt the cold metal touch his scalp.


    In an instant, his consciousness connected to the virtualwork.


    This was the Blue Star Virtual Network!


    The sevens are separated by vast stretches of space, so each''s virtualwork is rtively independent... at least Li Yuan does not have the authority to ess the virtualworks of others.


    Whew!


    Li Yuan''s consciousness had descended into a unique space.


    As long as he wished, he could leave at any time.


    "Although the virtualwork allows for consciousness connection, it always has a sense of unreality and can''t achieve 100% authenticity," Li Yuan thought to himself. "Not to mention achieving a one-to-one replication of body data as described in some novels."


    "The virtual can never truly rece the real."


    But regardless, a virtualwork with 70% realism is already incredibly remarkable.


    Since its inception decades ago, it has brought about monumental changes to human civilization.


    Whew! Whew!


    In Li Yuan''s field of vision, numerous options appeared:


    Study Space (Virtual School/ssroom/Laboratory/Library/Martial Arts Room...)


    Virtual City (Jiangcheng/Beijing/Harbin/Suzhou...)


    Social Space (Music/Friendship/Fate/Games...)


    Commerce (Virtual Mall/Real Estate/Hotel Booking). A vast array of options.


    Most of the options were in color, indicating that they could be selected and entered.


    However, there were a few options that were gray.


    For example: Adult Series (Restricted for Minors)


    .....


    "Enter personal study room." Li Yuan, familiar with the process, directly entered his personal study room.


    He began to review cultural knowledge.


    In theory, students'' cultural course studies can be fullypleted through online teaching, but the virtualwork can never achieve 100% realism.


    Moreover, real-world materials are the hardware, the foundation of all virtual experiences.


    Therefore, schools, office buildings, service halls, and the like still exist in reality, and students still need to attend school.


    Of course, most tasks such as office work, cultural exams, andpany interviews are nowpleted online.


    And for students, if they have high self-discipline, their efficiency online can be even higher.


    Li Yuan was among the extremely self-disciplined ones.


    After an hour of efficient self-study.


    "With a total score of 1000 points in cultural subjects, I scored 658 in the final exam of the second year of high school. In the third year, I''ll strive to reach 700 points," Li Yuan muttered to himself. "Just hope I don''t fall too far behind."


    Everyone has limited energy.


    Li Yuan had a talent for martial arts and a keen intuition for marksmanship.


    Before he encountered the Mind Pce, his marksmanship was already at the second level, showing his remarkable intuition.


    However, in cultural studies, his talent was quite average. He couldn''t keep up with Zhou Qi and Yan Zhou and spent very little effort on it.


    Let alone scoring 700 points now.


    Even if he scored 700 points, he would still be in the lower middle tier at Guanshan District''s No. 1 High School.


    This was due to Li Yuan''s improved study efficiency over the past year as his mental power level increased, which led to a rise in his cultural grades.


    Otherwise, Li Yuan wouldn''t even be confident about scoring 700 points in the college entrance exam.


    "All-rounder?"


    "There are not many all-rounders. What I need to do is to fully exploit my strongest point and seed with one unique skill!" Li Yuan had a clear understanding of himself.


    Why did he want to pursue the path of a full-time martial artist?


    First, it was due to his strong passion for it.


    Second, after awakening the Divine Pce, Li Yuan believed that his hope of achieving great sess in martial arts was much higher than following the cultural route.


    ...


    A little past three in the morning.


    "It''s time to go to school," Li Yuan said as he stepped out of the virtualwork pod.


    He grabbed his bag.


    Without disturbing his aunt, brother, and sister, he quietly left the house.


    ....


    Driverless trams and subways operate 24 hours a day, but after midnight, the intervals between each run be very long.


    Therefore, Li Yuan often chooses to run to school, using it as a warm-up exercise.


    At a little past three in the morning, the streets are empty except for the streetlights and asional passing vehicles.


    Passing by the corner "Fu Wei Noodle Shop," Li Yuan could see the owner already up and starting the day''s preparations.


    "Hey there, boss. Good morning," Li Yuan called out with a smile.


    "Out for a night run again? Stay safe," the owner, dressed in his work uniform, stood up and greeted Li Yuan with a smile.


    They often ran into each other.


    Though they didn''t know each other''s names or identities, over time, they had be familiar strangers.


    ....


    In twenty minutes, Li Yuan arrived at school.


    Facial recognition to enter the school.


    Entering the ssroom, the lights turned on.


    "I''ll start with two hours of basic cultivation practice," Li Yuan said to himself as he stood in a corner of the ssroom, calming his mind and quickly entering a standing meditation state.


    His posture was as steady as a rock, and he began his new day of training with a breathing techniquebined with the thirty-six movements.


    With movements like "Foundation Establishment," "Rock Breaking Mountain Copse," "Pir of Strength," "Stone Shattering Shock," "Hard Battle with Vajra," and "Mountain Standing Still," the thirty-six movements were essentially derived from the "Rock Fist Technique."


    These movements were divided into training andbat techniques.


    In fact, Li Yuan had invested even more effort into the "Rock Cultivation Method" than into his spearmanship.


    "Spearmanship can be refined slowly."


    "But my martial intuition is destined to be hard to awaken in a short time. The seven advanced cultivation methods are not suitable for me," Li Yuan thought. "So, I must continue to train with the ''Rock Cultivation Method''."


    "Even after bing a martial artist, I will probably continue to train with this cultivation method, so I must diligently study the ''Rock Fist Technique,''" Li Yuan thought clearly. "The higher my mastery of the fist technique, the more efficient my physical training will be."


    Physical fitness is the foundation; spearmanship and body techniques are the means to fully utilize this physical strength.


    "Moreover, spearmanship, body techniques, and fist techniques are all essentially thebination of body and mind. Progress in one martial art will also elerate progress in others."


    Time passed.


    Li Yuan tirelessly practiced, and gradually, a subtle flow of warmth spread from his lower abdomen, prating his entire body and being absorbed by his muscles and bones.


    The basic blood and energy potion he had taken a few hours earlier was gradually taking effect.


    His muscles became tighter, his bone strength further increased, and his internal organs grew stronger and more robust. Intense training was necessary to ensure the potion''s efficacy wasn''t wasted.


    Li Yuan continued his relentless practice without fatigue.


    In his mind, the famous words of the strongest martial artist in human civilization, "Dongfang Ji," unconsciously surfaced: "What is martial arts?"


    "Martial arts is not about surpassing others. Martial arts is about pouring all your blood and passion into it, training day and night, practicing sixteen hours a day, and persevering for a hundred years. When you look back after another hundred years, you will realize that you are martial arts!"


    "Martial arts is me."


    ....


    A little past four in the morning, the sky was still dark.


    "Boom!" An intelligent off-road vehicle drove in through the school gate.


    The car parked automatically.


    A towering figure and a well-built woman in ck got out of the car.


    The two of them walked towards the office building.


    "Is this the school where you stay?" The woman in ck had a rugged face and eyes as sharp as an eagle''s. She surveyed the entire campus as they walked. "It''s my first time visiting you since you retired."


    Xu Bo rarely smiled. "You must be in a real hurry this time. Passing through Jiangcheng, you only have four hours to stay."


    "I''m here specifically to check on your medication situation," the woman in ck nced at him. "Otherwise, with the mission being so tight, I wouldn''t have stayed in Jiangcheng at all. Come on, take me to your therapy room so I can do a preliminary assessment."


    "If your nerve injury worsens, the director and the others will have toe up with another solution for you."


    Suddenly, the woman in ck stopped in her tracks.


    "A student is already here training so early? And it seems quite good¡ªalmost mastering the basic cultivation method, with a high degree of control over the body," the woman in ck remarked with some surprise.


    She looked into the distance.


    In the entire senior year building, only one ssroom on the first floor was lit.


    Through the window, she could see a student inside, focused on practicing his fist techniques.


    Every move and stance was as steady as a rock, giving an impression of being unshakeable.


    "Li Yuan?" Xu Bo beside her frowned slightly. "He''s here training at just past four in the morning."


    "Can his body handle it?"


    "Training should be done in moderation."


    In Xu Bo''s view, ensuring adequate sleep, rest, diet, and recuperation is essential for effective training.


    "Judging by his vitality, his energy and spirit are abundant, and he seems very well-rested," the woman in ck smiled. "Iron Tower, do you know him? Is he your student?"


    "Yes, he is my student," Xu Bo replied, looking thoughtfully at Li Yuan.


    "Let''s go, to my martial arts room first."

 Chapter 12: Ultimate Move ’Hidden Dragon in the Ravine’

    <h4>Chapter 12: Ultimate Move ''Hidden Dragon in the Ravine''</h4>


    Xu Bo and the woman in ck passed by the ssroom. They concealed their presence and didn''t observe for long, so Li Yuan didn''t notice them at all.


    He waspletely immersed in his training.


    When studying cultural courses, Li Yuan was serious, but his mindset was more about pleting a task,'' making it difficult to achieve the highest efficiency.


    However, when practicing fist techniques or marksmanship, he felt genuine joy as he experienced gradual improvements in his physical fitness and martial arts skills.


    He was focused to the extreme.


    To make significant progress in any endeavor, one must immerse themselves in it and truly love it from the heart.


    Time passed by slowly.


    Suddenly,


    [Your fist technique proficiency has increased from 88% of the third level to 89% of the third level.]


    [Your punching power has increased from 426 kilograms to 427 kilograms.]


    [Your speed has increased from 14.4 meters per second to 14.5 meters per second.]


    Three consecutive notifications appeared in Li Yuan''s field of vision, and the data on his Mind Pce panel also changed.


    However, being deeply immersed in his training, he didn''t even notice the slight improvements in his physical fitness.


    Until his smart ring watch suddenly vibrated.


    "It''s already 5:30? Time flies," Li Yuan thought as he was startled awake.


    He was covered in sweat.


    "Hmm? My physical fitness has improved again?" Li Yuan then noticed the notifications on his Divine Pce panel.


    He felt increasingly satisfied.


    "A little progress every day, persistently," Li Yuan thought to himself.


    Since awakening his Divine Pce a year ago and learning the "Observation of the Great Sun and Star Sutra," Li Yuan found that as long as he meditated for two hours each day, enduring the hellish mental torment, his physical fatigue would bepletely eliminated, better than sleep or deep therapy.


    From then on, he developed the habit of arriving at school around three in the morning to train.


    Even during holidays, he would find a ce to train by himself in the neighborhood.


    Striving to the extreme.


    Only through such dedication had he achieved such rapid progress in martial arts over the past year.


    Li Yuan wiped off his sweat and put away the towel.


    Suddenly, he noticed something and looked back.


    "Tianyou? Here so early?" Li Yuan smiled at the slender figure with a backpack.


    "You came even earlier than me." Li Tianyou looked at Li Yuan with slight surprise.


    "I just arrived a little while ago and just put down my bag." Li Yuan smiled as he took out hisrge gun. "I left yesterday''s evening study session earlier than you, so I naturally have to work harder for the morning study session."


    "Is that so?" Li Tianyou stared at Li Yuan, puzzled.


    He had lost count of how many times this had happened.


    Every time during the evening study session, he was thest to leave the ssroom, earning him the nickname "King of Diligence" among his ssmates.


    However!!


    Only Li Tianyou knew that whether he arrived at the ssroom at 6:30, 6:15, or even 6:00, there was always one figure already in the ssroom¡ªLi Yuan.


    Today, he deliberately arrived early at 5:40.


    Li Yuan was still already in the ssroom.


    "Seriously!"


    Not far away, Li Yuan had taken out hisrge gun and had already begun silently practicing his marksmanship.


    "Could it be that Li Yuan arrives at school every day at 5:30 or even earlier?" Li Tianyou wondered as he watched Li Yuan.


    He quickly shook his head.


    Impossible!


    "My home is just one street away from the school, so I live very close."


    "If I arrive a little after 5:00, I feel sleepy during the day," Li Tianyou thought to himself. "To stay energetic all day, I still need to wake up at 6:15."


    Li Tianyou was also highly self-disciplined.


    "Li Yuan''s family situation is only slightly better than mine. He can''t afford advanced therapy and lives so far away... If he arrives at school by 5:30, he''d have to get up at 5:00. His body wouldn''t be able to handle it."


    "He probably, like me, asionally arrives at school around 5:00 to train."


    "It''s just a coincidence that we ran into each other these few times," Li Tianyou spected.


    Without thinking much more about it, he began to practice his basic training method alone.


    Until 6:30.


    As the sky brightened, a few more ssmates started to arrive at the martial arts ssroom.


    "You two diligent kings are here again?" some ssmates joked, and then they each began their own training.


    It''s not that the students of ss 2, Grade 3, weren''t hardworking; most of them focused on cultural courses. Even if they arrived early, they would usually go to the cultural ssroom to review their cultural subjects.


    "ng~"


    Li Yuan ced hisrge spear into the weapons cab and left the ssroom, heading toward the cafeteria.


    It was time for breakfast.


    Having three meals a day at scheduled times and adjusting meals ording to the body''s needs is a basic discipline for a martial arts student.


    After finishing breakfast,


    Li Yuan went straight to the cultural ssroom to begin a morning of studying cultural subjects.


    ....


    Day after day,


    Li Yuan trained methodically.


    For high school seniors, whether focusing on cultural courses or martial arts, the process was extremely tedious and arduous.


    But Li Yuan understood well that there is no true genius in the truest sense.


    Genius is always 99% perspiration and 1% talent. Sometimes, when breaking through bottlenecks, that 1% of talent is indeed crucial.


    However, without the 99% perspiration, even the highest talent is ultimately just a castle in the air.


    Because this world is never short of geniuses.


    What is alwayscking are geniuses who put in the effort.


    ...


    Day after day, in the blink of an eye, it was already mid-September.


    During this period, Li Yuan took some time to visit the "Starry Sky Martial Hall Guanshan Branch" to buy a whole box of basic blood and energy potions from Uncle Zhong. It cost him 19,000 Blue Star Coins.


    Uncle Zhong, a friend of Li Yuan''s uncle Li Changzhou, was an entry-level martial artist and a member of the Starry Sky Martial Hall. He helped Li Yuan get a discount on the potions.


    Even so, this expense caused Li Yuan some pain.


    But it was an unavoidable cost.


    Without the basic blood and energy potions, his physical fitness progress would be at least halved.


    Moreover, his body couldn''t withstand such intense training without them and would start to deteriorate.


    Martial arts require not only talent and effort but also a substantial financial investment.


    All three are indispensable.


    Now, more than ten days had passed since his teacher Xu Bo had promised the third-ss schrship.


    Although Li Yuan longed for it in his heart, he never mentioned it, whether during martial arts sses or when he encountered Xu Bo between sses.


    It was as if the conversation had never happened.


    "I can only wait for the schrship; I absolutely cannot ask for it," Li Yuan thought to himself with a sigh.


    Because he felt unqualified.


    Since Teacher Xu Bo hadn''t brought it up, there must have been some difficulty.


    Proactively asking about it would only make the other party unhappy.


    ...


    In the blink of an eye, another five days passed.


    Under the hazy moonlight, the asphalt road outside the senior year teaching building was bathed in a cool, clear glow.


    In the empty martial arts ssroom of ss 2, Grade 3, about a dozen students were each engrossed in their training.


    On one side of the room, Li Yuan was deeply immersed in practicing his spearmanship.


    He stood there, like an unshakable giant rock, exuding an invisible pressure, with both hands holding a spear.


    He repeatedly practiced various spear techniques.


    "Swish!"


    "Whoosh!" The spear tip traced invisible arcs in the air, forming phantoms, sometimes as swift as a gale, aggressively thrusting forward.


    "Boom!" Then, as solid as a rock, the spear shadows flowed continuously.


    With each turn, thrust, block, and upward sweep, Li Yuan''s movements precisely hit the pre-determined points in his mind.


    As his spine arched and his waist twisted, every muscle and bone in his body moved in harmony with the spear, reaching a high level of integration between body, mind, and weapon.


    Suddenly,


    Just as Li Yuan was in a defensive stance, he abruptly advanced with a fierce thrust, like a hidden dragon in a ravine, gathering strength to strike.


    Before the spear''s explosive thrust, it was concealed to the utmost.


    But when this thrust was unleashed, its power reached an unparalleled level of ferocity.


    "Boom!" In an instant, the spear''s shadow blurred, and the air seemed to reverberate with a faint explosion.


    This scene startled the surrounding students, who couldn''t help but turn to watch Li Yuan''s execution of the move.


    "Finally, I''ve perfected this killing move."


    "Hidden Dragon in the Ravine!" Li Yuan retracted his spear, a faint glimmer in his eyes. "With this killing move,bined with my previously created killing move ''Foundation Pir,'' I have a bnced offense and defense."


    "I have a real chance to surpass 500 points in the gold rank on the Starry Sky Martial Arts Network."


    The Starry Sky Martial Arts Network had long established that if someone could reach 500 points in the gold rank before turning eighteen, they would be rewarded with 50,000 Blue Star Coins.


    "Hmm?" Li Yuan suddenly noticed a notification on his Mind Pce panel.


    [Your spear technique proficiency has increased from 40% of the third level to 46% of the third level.]

 Chapter 13: Xu Bo’s Test

    <h4>Chapter 13: Xu Bo''s Test</h4>


    "Just by creating this new ultimate move, my spear technique proficiency increased by 6%?" A slight smile appeared on Li Yuan''s face.


    This kind of improvement was within his expectations.


    Li Yuan remembered that near the end of the second semester of his sophomore year, his spear technique proficiency had been stuck at 99% of the second level, unable to break through.


    At that time, Teacher Xu Bo gave him three pieces of advice.


    First, fist techniques and body techniques are the integration of body and mind. As one gradually enhances their control over their body, they can maximize the mobilization of physical strength, often resulting in the continuous improvement of both fist techniques and body techniques, and vice versa.


    Second, the spear is an external tool. Training with the spear essentially involves the integration of body, mind, and tool. Since the tool is external and not part of the body, it is more challenging to train. However, a tool can extend beyond the body''s natural strength, allowing one to unleash terrifyingbat power that exceeds physical limitations.


    Third, when you reach a bottleneck in spear training, you can try transforming fist techniques into spear techniques!


    "Historically, the traditional martial art ''Xingyi Quan'' evolved from spear techniques," Li Yuan thought. "By incorporating the force application and technique variations of spear techniques into unarmedbat, it truly achieved the transition from spear to fist."


    "In modern times, thebination of stance training and breathing techniques in cultivation methods has made physical training far more efficient than in ancient times. The entire human civilization has embarked on a path of life evolution, repeatedly breaking life limits, and eventually producing martial artists capable of extraordinary feats. However, the fundamental principles of martial arts techniques remain unchanged," Li Yuan reflected. "The ''Rock Fist Technique'' and Xingyi Quan in traditional martial arts share the same essence and can simrly transform into spear techniques."


    This was the direction Li Yuan chose after receiving guidance from Teacher Xu Bo.


    It was also one of the reasons why Li Yuan was so fervently studying the ''Rock Fist Technique.''


    Fist techniques, spear techniques, and body techniques were never independent of each other but mutually reinforcing.


    During the final exam of his second year, Li Yuan had been unable to break through.


    Therefore, during the holidays, he did not rx at all and kept intensely studying and practicing.


    As his mental power continued to improve, during the final half-month before the new school term started.


    Li Yuan used basic spear techniques as a foundation andbined them with the core mysteries of the "Rock Fist Technique" to create his first true spear technique ultimate move¡ªFoundation Pir.


    This move was a fusion of the "Foundation Establishment" and "Pir of Strength" techniques from the Rock Fist Technique, adapted into a spear technique.


    Both the "Rock Cultivation Method" and the "Rock Fist Technique" emphasize a strong foundation and force generated from the ground, making them the strongest in defense among the seven basic cultivation methods.


    This spear technique, Foundation Pir, is also a defensive spear move.


    Creating "Foundation Pir" allowed Li Yuan to break through from 99% of the second level to the third level in spear technique proficiency.


    During the initial test of the school term and a sparring session with Teacher Xu Bo, it was this ultimate move that enabled Li Yuan to withstand more than ten attacks.


    A defensive spear technique can save one''s life.


    But to defeat an enemy? An offensive move is necessary.


    So, in the past two months, Li Yuan had been pondering how to create an offensive spear technique.


    "The Rock Fist Technique excels in defense, so creating a defensive ultimate move is easy, but creating an offensive ultimate move is difficult."


    The seven fundamental cultivation methods include seven major fist techniques, such as the "me Fist Technique" and the "True Gold Fist Technique," which excel in offense and can more easily lead to the creation of offensive ultimate moves.


    Through continuous practice of fist and spear techniques, and as his proficiency increased, Li Yuan finally understood after studying the concept of the ''Turning Horse Spear.''


    "The ''Turning Horse Spear'' is about feigning weakness, pretending to be defeated and retreating, then suddenly turning around to counterattack. This is cavalry spear technique," Li Yuan thought. "My Rock Spear Technique excels in defense. Whether it''s the force application, footwork, or grip, it all instinctively leans towards defense."


    "So, if I take the initiative to attack, the transition between spear techniques would easily reveal my intentions to the enemy."


    "Only defensive counterattacks will work."


    "Using defense as offense, waiting for the enemy to let their guard down, or for them to be exhausted after a fierce assault, and then striking suddenly for a lethal blow," Li Yuan''s eyes gleamed with insight.


    Based on this concept, Li Yuan ultimately created the ultimate move ''Hidden Dragon in the Ravine.''


    "Based on the individual guidance from Teacher Xu during these past two weeks of martial arts sses," Li Yuan pondered, "the first and second levels form the foundation of technique."


    During the recent lessons," Li Yuan pondered, "Teacher Xu''s individual guidance has been particrly insightful. The first and second levels form the foundation of technique.


    Teacher Xu Bo would always give Li Yuan individual guidance during the recent lessons.


    "The third level emphasizes the integration of body, mind, and tool, striving to fully utilize one''s physical strength," Li Yuan thought. "The spear and fist techniques I usually perform instinctively are difficult to fully maximize my strength."


    "Only when I find the opportunity to use an ultimate move can I fully unleash my power."


    Techniques that can fully harness one''s physical strength can be considered true ultimate moves or killing moves.


    Li Yuan currently had only two such ultimate moves.


    "Next, if I can create more ultimate moves," Li Yuan began to formte his future ns, "and even reach a point where any punch or spear thrust I perform can perfectly utilize my strength without any waste, then my martial arts skills will break through to the fourth level."


    This was based on what Teacher Xu Bo had exined.


    The so-called ''fourth level'' has another name¡ªUnity of Person and Weapon.


    It''s also called ''Unity of Body, Mind, and Weapon.''


    In ancient times, if one''s skills reached the fourth level, they would be barely qualified to be called a ''master of spear techniques'' or a ''master of fist techniques.''


    "Unity of person and weapon? That''s a bit distant," Li Yuan shook his head slightly. "One step at a time; I''ll continue to refine more ultimate moves."


    Each ultimate move essentially represents a specific way of exerting force with the body to perfection.


    The more ultimate moves he creates, the more perfect his overall way of exerting force will be, and eventually, he will naturally step into the fourth level.


    "Whew!"


    "Swish!" Li Yuan continued practicing his spear techniques, further familiarizing himself with the ''Hidden Dragon in the Ravine'' move.


    "The day after tomorrow."


    "The day after tomorrow, with the holiday, I''ll have enough time to strive to reach 500 points in the gold rank," Li Yuan resolved.


    No longer waiting for the schrship.


    Therefore, to alleviate the financial burden on his family, he had to find a way himself.


    Li Yuan had been eyeing the 50,000 Blue Star Coins prize from the Star Martial Arts Network for a long time.


    ...


    Office building, first floor.


    Teacher Xu Bo''s office was incredibly spacious.


    "This kid is progressing really fast," Xu Bo, who looked like a towering figure, stood in the center of the martial arts room wearing his martial arts uniform.


    In front of him,


    Arge screen, about two meters high and two and a half meters wide, was formed by concentrated light.


    The screen disyed the martial arts ssroom of ss 2, Grade 3.


    The erged image showed Li Yuan practicing his spear techniques and performing the ''Hidden Dragon in the Ravine'' move.


    "He''s also quite patient, noting to ask me about it all this time. His temperament is very steady," Xu Bo remarked with a teasing smile on his face.


    As the homeroom teacher and a special-grade teacher at the school, he had high-level ess within the school, allowing him to freely retrieve ssroom surveince footage.


    Therefore, when he saw Li Yuan arriving at school around four in the morning that day,he began to pay special attention to Li Yuan and retrieved arge amount of previous surveince footage.


    This discovery left Xu Bo, who was ustomed to grand spectacles, somewhat astonished.


    He found that Li Yuan had been arriving at school around three in the morning for an entire year.


    Never missing a single day.


    "He''s determined and resilient, a promising talent," Xu Bo thought to himself. "Moreover, my earlier suspicions were correct. Despite his average family background, his body can withstand such intense training? It seems his physical talent is indeed remarkable."


    Xu Bo was unaware of the existence of the "Great Sun Starry Sky Sutra."


    He attributed Li Yuan''s ability to endure such rigorous training while remaining energetic to his ''extraordinary talent.''


    Xu Bo, with his broad perspective, knew that there were many exceptional talents in the world.


    What Li Yuan demonstrated was nothing extraordinary inparison.


    What Xu Bo valued the most was Li Yuan''s perseverance and insight.


    "Having talent alone means nothing."


    "It''s the effort to fully utilize that talent that truly matters."


    However, even after thoroughly investigating, Xu Bo, apart from his regr guidance and teaching, took no additional measures.


    He still needed to observe and test Li Yuan.


    Just because a student has talent doesn''t mean he should use his resources and connections to nurture them. Who said so? Li Yuan wasn''t Xu Bo''s own son.


    He was just a student, after all.


    Therefore, he wanted to use the matter of the schrship to see what kind of temperament Li Yuan had.


    If Li Yuan waited only a few days before anxiouslying to ask about it, Xu Bo would understand. It''s human nature. He would still apply for the schrship, and might even help apply for a second-ss schrship, fulfilling his duty as a teacher.


    But he wouldn''t do more than that, because a promising student worthy of Xu Bo''s attention shouldn''t be an "ordinary person."


    "That''s enough."


    "Senior year is crucial, and I can''t dy too long. Besides, he''s still just a kid; I can''t be too harsh," Xu Bo said, staring at the screen. "ck Dog, connect me to Principal Tan."


    "Yes, Master."


    "Beep¡ªbeep¡ª" The projection screen changed.


    Soon,


    The screen disyed an office scene, and a middle-aged man, looking about forty, was seated at the desk.


    If Li Yuan saw this man, he would immediately recognize him as the school principal, Tan Zhenlong.


    Tan Zhenlong''s actual age was over seventy.


    In this era, the retirement age for ordinary people was eighty; martial artists could choose to dy retirement until they were one hundred.


    "Old Tan," Xu Bo began directly.


    "Xu Bo," Principal Tan smiled, "Calling me at night, what''s up?"


    "I need to apply for a special schrship slot. Please approve it," Xu Bo said directly.

 Chapter 14: Special Scholarship

    <h4>Chapter 14: Special Schrship</h4>


    "Special schrship?" Principal Tan, who was flipping through some documents, suddenly had his smile freeze.


    He instinctively doubted his hearing, "Xu Bo? Did you say special?"


    "What else?" Xu Bo red. "Old Tan, cut the crap and just approve it quickly."


    Principal Tan felt a headacheing on.


    As the principal, he wielded considerable power, and technically, all the teachers were his subordinates... but Xu Bo held a very special position.


    "Xu Bo, it''s not that I won''t approve it," Principal Tan adjusted his sses and said helplessly, "Special schrships aren''t like first-ss schrships. A first-ss schrship is just 100,000 Blue Star Coins, and I can approve that directly."


    "A special schrship is 500,000 Blue Star Coins. Even if I agree, it still needs to be reported to the education bureau."


    "I know." Xu Bo nodded as if it were obvious. "You approve it first, and then I''ll call Director He."


    Principal Tan was stunned.


    The "Director He" Xu Bo mentioned was indeed his direct superior.


    Principal Tan knew that while Xu Bo''s physical strength wasn''t overwhelmingly powerful¡ªhis fitness level was just at 19 after his injury¡ªhis connections were profound, having survived over twenty years in the Star Realm and returned alive.


    Principal Tan also knew that when Xu Bo first came to Guanshan District No. 1 High School, Director He personally escorted him.


    "Xu Bo," Principal Tan shook his head, "if you want my approval, you need to tell me the reason. Which student? Or is it some promising middle school talent?"


    Principal Tan understood Xu Bo''s character well.


    He was very strict in teaching students but also extremely responsible, always considering the best interests of the students.


    Xu Bo was the school''s top teacher.


    Otherwise, even with Xu Bo''s widework, Principal Tan wouldn''t truly care about him.


    As for suspecting Xu Bo of wanting to embezzle the 500,000 Blue Star Coins? Principal Tan never considered that.


    It was well known that Xu Bo''s office was renovated at his own expense, costing over ten million Blue Star Coins... The wealth umted by a powerful martial artist who had ventured in the Star Realm for many years was truly astonishing.


    "There''s a promising student, but not from middle school," Xu Bo replied. "A senior in high school."


    "A promising high school senior? Worthy of a special schrship?" Principal Tan was slightly surprised.


    He didn''t recall any such student.


    Schrships take into ount various aspects, including academic performance, family background, talent, and political background.


    "I''ll send you the information," Xu Bo said.


    Soon, Principal Tan received the digital files and began reviewing them immediately. With over fifty years of experience in education, his capabilities were strong.


    "Xu Bo, this Li Yuan is indeed a promising student with a lot of potential. Discovering him is a credit to you," Principal Tan first praised Xu Bo''s discernment.


    Then he shifted his tone, "But for a special schrship? To be honest, Li Yuan falls a bit short."


    "How so?" Xu Bo''s face showed displeasure. "Didn''t you see his spear technique footage?"


    "I did, and it''s impressive," Principal Tan replied.


    Principal Tan shook his head, "But the schrship is issued by the state. The approval process requires not only my consent and Director He''s, but also the Intelligent Supervision Bureau''s approval."


    "The Intelligent Supervision Bureau doesn''t conduct manual reviews; they only recognize major exam scores. Whether martial arts aptitude has awakened is also an important criterion."


    "In thest final exam, his scores barely made it into the top thirty of his grade, and he hasn''t awakened his martial arts aptitude yet... It''s difficult to pass the final review," Principal Tan said.


    "With his current strength, he has a chance to break into the top twenty of his grade," Xu Bo retorted.


    "That''s your opinion," Principal Tan shook his head. "The Intelligent Supervision Bureau only recognizes major exam scores. At least wait until the January adjustment exam."


    "January adjustment exam?" Xu Bo looked displeased. "That''s several months away; the opportunity will have passed by then."


    "Old Tan, you''re a martial artist too; you know how important this age is," Xu Bo said. "What resources can you provide now?"


    "Now?"


    Principal Tan thought for a moment. "I can directly approve a second-ss schrship."


    "Fifty thousand Blue Star Coins? Not enough," Xu Bo shook his head decisively.


    "I only have so much authority," Principal Tan spread his hands and added, "How about this: I''ll allocate him a private martial arts room, which is a privilege usually reserved for the top ten students in the grade."


    Xu Bo frowned, seemingly still unsatisfied.


    "Xu Bo, that''s enough," Principal Tan said.


    "A senior student, fifty thousand should be enough to buy two to three months'' worth of basic blood and energy potions," Principal Tan continued. "By the January adjustment exam, if he can break into the top twenty of his grade, I''ll help apply for a first-ss schrship."


    "Top twenty? Old Tan, I must say, you''re underestimating him," Xu Bo shook his head. "Li Yuan has a real chance of breaking into the top ten by the January adjustment exam."


    This made Principal Tan smile.


    "Without awakening his martial arts aptitude," Principal Tan said, "breaking into the top ten is almost impossible. If he really manages that... I''ll do everything I can to help him apply for the special schrship."


    "If the application doesn''t go through, I''ll personally sponsor him with some funds," Principal Tan said with a smile.


    "It''s a deal."


    Xu Bo''s eyes lit up, a sly glint appearing in his gaze. "You said it, and I recorded it... Alright, I''ve already sent you the report for the second-ss schrship. Hurry up and approve it."


    "I have other things to do, so I''ll hang up now."


    "Beep¡ª"


    Xu Bo had already disconnected the video call.


    Left in his office, Principal Tan, still processing what had just happened, looked at the new "Pending Approval" document on his work screen.


    He paused for a moment.


    Principal Tan quickly realized what had happened.


    He had been outmaneuvered.


    If Xu Bo had really intended to apply for a special schrship, why would the second-ss schrship application have appeared the moment the call ended?


    It was clear that Xu Bo had prepared it in advance.


    Xu Bo''s true aim was the second-ss schrship all along... Mentioning the special schrship was just a negotiating tactic.


    "This Xu Bo," Principal Tan smiled helplessly and said, "Nine."


    "Open the pending approval document."


    "Approve."


    ...


    In the office building, inside Xu Bo''s office.


    "Special schrship?" Xu Bo revealed a cryptic smile. "Calling Director He? I''m not that foolish."


    Xu Bo knew that with Li Yuan''s current situation, there was no way he could pass the Intelligent Supervision Bureau''s review.


    "This is enough."


    "And we even got a private martial arts room," Xu Bo chuckled. "That old Tan is too rigid. Every time I ask for a bit of money, he fusses about it."


    "The funds are allocated by the state, and he acts like it''s his secret stash behind his wife''s back. I''m not going to waste it..."


    "Hmm? Approved?"


    "This time it was quite swift." Xu Bo thought for a moment and said, "ck Dog, send Principal Tan a smiley face."


    "Oh no, send him my saved selfie with a smile."


    "Yes, Master."


    .....


    At nine in the evening.


    The sound of students leaving their evening self-study echoed across the campus as they slowly departed.


    In the martial arts ssroom of ss 2, Grade 3,


    Only Li Yuan and Li Tianyou remained, both practicing with their cold weapons.


    "Li Yuan, aren''t you leaving?" Li Tianyou couldn''t help but call out.


    "No worries, you go ahead," Li Yuan smiled. "I''ll stay and practice a bit longer."


    Li Tianyou paused for a moment.


    He had arrived at school at 5:45 AM today, nning to go home early for some rest... but now he hesitated.


    "Li Yuan arrives earlier than me and leavester," Li Tianyou gritted his teeth. "I may not match his talent, but I can match his effort."


    "Continue practicing."


    In the distance, Li Yuan hadn''t noticed the change in Li Tianyou''s expression. He was focused on the data disyed on his Mind Pce panel.


    _ _


    [Life Level: 6.7 (Not yet entered the ranks)]


    Body Fitness Index: 74 (This index is aprehensive measurement of explosive power, endurance, speed, constitution, mental power, etc.)


    Punching Power: 445 kilograms


    Speed: 14.7 meters/second


    Mental Power: 12.9


    Physical Cultivation Method: "Rock Cultivation Method"


    Mental Cultivation Method: "Observation of the Great Sun Starry Sky Sutra"


    Skill Proficiency: Spear Technique (Level 3, 46%), Body Technique (Level 3, 29%), Fist Technique (Level 3, 94%)


    [Note: A higher-leveltent spiritual power is hidden within the body, yet to awaken]


    <strong>_ _</strong>


    "Compared to the beginning of the month, both my physical fitness and mental power have been steadily improving," Li Yuan thought with satisfaction.


    He firmly believed that as long as he continued to train persistently,one day, he would be a powerful martial artist.


    Today, what excited him the most was creating the ultimate move "Hidden Dragon in the Ravine."


    "Just created it, still not very proficient in executing it."


    "I need to continue refining it over the next few days," Li Yuan thought.


    Suddenly.


    "Li Yuan," a cold voice, resonant like a great bell, echoed through the ssroom.


    Both Li Yuan and Li Tianyou turned their heads.


    "Teacher Xu?" Li Yuan was slightly surprised.


    "Come to my office," Xu Bo said in a deep voice, then turned and disappeared into the night.


    "Tianyou, I won''t being back to the ssroomter," Li Yuan said quickly, putting hisrge spear into the weapons cab.


    He grabbed his bag and swiftly left the ssroom.


    "Thiste," Li Tianyou murmured.


    "Teacher Xu came to find Li Yuan?" A hint of envy shed in Li Tianyou''s eyes. "No wonder Li Yuan wasn''t in a hurry to leave today; Teacher Xu must be giving him special guidance."


    Li Tianyou shook his head and thought to himself, "Li Tianyou, don''t worry about others."


    "Focus on yourself!" His eyes became determined once again as he resumed his diligent practice of his sword techniques.


    ....


    In Xu Bo''s office.


    "A second-ss schrship? Fifty thousand Blue Star Coins?" When Li Yuan heard this good news, he was initially stunned, followed by immense joy.


    With his usual temperament, he found it hard to hide his happiness.


    In reality, for Li Yuan, these fifty thousand Blue Star Coins not only helped ease the financial burden on his family but also alleviated the pressure he felt in his heart.


    It could reduce some of the guilt he felt towards his uncle and aunt.


    "So happy?" Xu Bo, observing Li Yuan''s barely concealed joy, felt quite surprised.


    Xu Bo immediately realized that this schrship was probably more important to Li Yuan than he had anticipated.


    "This is so important to Li Yuan."


    "Yet for the past half month, he hasn''t said a word ore to me, not showing any hint of it. He''s quite steady," Xu Bo thought, raising his evaluation of Li Yuan.


    Once Li Yuan hadpletely calmed down,


    "Thank you, Teacher Xu," Li Yuan said gratefully.


    Li Yuan believed that the change from a third-ss schrship to a second-ss one was likely the reason Xu Bo had dyed for so long.


    "The schrship will be deposited into your ount next Monday," Xu Bo said. "Additionally, I have two more pieces of good news for you."


    "Good news?" Li Yuan listened intently.


    More good news?


    "First, I had to pull some strings and talk to the principal five or six times before he agreed to allocate a private martial arts room for you so you can focus more on your training," Xu Bo said seriously.


    A private martial arts room? Li Yuan was shocked; this was a privilege usually reserved for the top ten in the grade, with almost no exceptions.


    "Thank you for your efforts, teacher," Li Yuan felt even more grateful.


    "Second, the principal has agreed that if you can make it into the top ten in the grade during the January exams, I can help you apply for a first-ss schrship, which is 100,000 Blue Star Coins," Xu Bo said, looking at Li Yuan. "If you can make it into the top five, there''s a chance to apply for the special schrship."


    "The special schrship is 500,000 Blue Star Coins!"


    "The opportunity is yours."


    "Whether you can seize it depends on you."

 Chapter 15: The Goal of 860 Points

    <h4>Chapter 15: The Goal of 860 Points</h4>


    Li Yuan''s heart raced.


    Entering the top ten would mean a first-ss schrship of 100,000 Blue Star Coins?


    Top five, a special schrship of 500,000 Blue Star Coins?


    That''s Blue Star Coins!


    If Li Yuan remembered correctly, his aunt, as a high school teacher, earned around 100,000 Blue Star Coins a year.


    His uncle, unless stationed in some dangerous ce, would also earn only a few hundred thousand Blue Star Coins a year.


    "Teacher, really?" Li Yuan asked instinctively.


    It''s understandable for Li Yuan to react this way.


    No matter how mature and well-disciplined he was.


    After all, he was still a seventeen-year-old boy. In his understanding, 100,000 Blue Star Coins was already a significant amount of wealth.


    "Would I lie to you?" Xu Bo''s voice remained cold. "The rewards are real, but don''t even think about the top five. Can your martial arts grades break into the top ten during the January exams?"


    Li Yuan also calmed down.


    Yes!


    No matter how good the reward is, you have to be able to get it first.


    If it were the top twenty in the grade, Li Yuan believed he still had a chance. But the top ten? The chances were indeed very slim.


    The most important reason is martial arts aptitude... Students who have awakened their aptitude receive a 10% score bonus in martial arts, which is a significant advantage.


    If Li Yuan scores 900 points, an elite ss student would only need a raw score of 820 to surpass Li Yuan''s total score.


    "The top ten is indeed difficult, but you still have some hope."


    "Additionally, I''ve also worked hard with the principal to secure this: even if you don''t make it into the top ten, as long as your raw score reaches second in the grade," Xu Bo said, looking at Li Yuan, "you will still receive some additional support, though it won''t be as good as the schrship."


    "Raw score, second in the grade?" Hope reignited in Li Yuan''s heart.


    In thest final exam, his raw score was already sixth in the grade.


    Second in raw score? That seemed more hopeful than making it into the top ten overall.


    "Thank you, teacher," Li Yuan said sincerely. He felt that while Teacher Xu Bo seemed cold, he was actually warm-hearted and treated him very well.


    "It''ste, go home and rest."


    "Starting tomorrow, you''ll have ess to the private martial arts room. You''ll receive the specific room number tomorrow," Xu Bo waved his hand.


    "Yes," Li Yuan nodded and left the office, closing the door behind him.


    Listening to the faint sound of Li Yuan''s footsteps fading away, a slight smile appeared on Xu Bo''s usually cold face. "Aim high and you''ll reach the middle; aim for the middle and you''ll reach the bottom; aim for the bottom and you''ll achieve nothing."


    "Kid, don''t me me when you find out the truth."


    Xu Bo had observed Li Yuan for a long time and knew he was steady in temperament and diligent in his training.


    But Xu Bo also understood human nature well. A certain amount of pressure and temptation was needed to inspire greater motivation.


    In short¡ªdangling a carrot!


    However, the carrot shouldn''t be dangled too high; otherwise, it would be out of reach and cause discouragement. That''s why Xu Bo ultimately set a more attainable goal for Li Yuan: "second in raw score."


    "Three goals."


    "Kid, if you can just reach the middle target, it will actually be top-notch," Xu Bo thought to himself. "I hope you don''t disappoint me."


    Among the two thousand students in this cohort, Li Yuan was the second to catch his eye.


    ....


    Wanhua tinum Residence, Building Two.


    "Mu Hua, you need to spend 20,000 Blue Star Coins this month?" Li Yuan was in his room.


    His heart felt heavy.


    Although his aunt, Chen Hui, had intentionally avoided talking in front of Li Yuan and quietly discussed it with his younger brother Li Mu Hua in the master bedroom, not wanting Li Yuan to overhear... Li Yuan''s hearing had be too good.


    Standing in the living room, he still faintly heard some of it.


    "I need at least 30,000 a month, Mu Hua also needs about 30,000, and Qian Qian nearly 20,000. Plus daily expenses..." Li Yuan had mentally calcted this budget countless times.


    The household expenses totaled at least 90,000 Blue Star Coins a month.


    In reality, if the three children weren''t training in martial arts, their uncle and aunt could fully support the family... But the cost of various supplements and potions for martial arts training was truly staggering.


    "Moreover, Qian Qian and Mu Hua aren''t like me."


    "I have awakened the Mind Pce, and the ''Observation of the Great Sun Starry Sky Sutra'' provides rxation and therapeutic effects for my body, equivalent to advanced therapy costing tens of thousands of Blue Star Coins a month," Li Yuan understood clearly. "But Qian Qian and Mu Hua, especially Mu Hua."


    "If they want to achieve great sess in martial arts, the current resources invested are not enough."


    "This schrship is worth 100,000 Blue Star Coins."


    "Over the weekend, I must reach 500 points in the gold rank and get an additional 50,000 Blue Star Coins," Li Yuan resolved.


    As for the three promises made by Teacher Xu Bo?


    On the tram ride home, Li Yuan had calmed down and thought it through.


    "500,000 Blue Star Coins!"


    "If I can get it, the financial pressure on my family will be greatly alleviated."


    "But, top five in the grade?" Li Yuan thought about it, and his heart sank.


    On the way home.


    Using his smart ring watch, Li Yuan reviewed the rankings from the final exam of his sophomore year.


    His total martial arts score was 802, with a raw score ranking him sixth in the grade and a total score cing him twenty-ninth.


    The top five students in the grade were all from the elite ss, and their raw scores alone exceeded 800. Including the bonus points... the total score of the top student in the grade reached an astonishing 962.5!


    "Without awakening martial arts aptitude, my raw score is my total score."


    "The top student in the grade is too incredible; I have no hope there."


    "To break into the top five in the grade, my raw score needs to be at least 860 to have a slim chance," Li Yuan thought. "Even for the top ten, the raw score needs to be around 840 or higher."


    A raw score of 840.


    In the context of the final exam of his sophomore year, a raw score of 840 would have already been the second-highest in the grade.


    "Work hard."


    "By the January exams, aim to get over 410 points in physical fitness, over 375 points in martial arts skills, and over 75 points in cultural subjects," Li Yuan set three specific targets for himself.


    He needed to achieve all of these.


    Only then would he have a slim chance of reaching the top five in the grade.


    ...


    In the master bedroom, Chen Hui was on a video call with Li Changzhou.


    "Honey, did you receive the money?" Li Changzhou''s face appeared even darker.


    "Yes."


    "Don''t worry, I''ll manage things at home," Aunt Chen Hui nodded. "This 500,000, along with what we had before, will be enough until February or March next year."


    "Alright." Li Changzhou smiled, "Don''t worry too much, dear. There will be another bonus from thepany at the end of the year, and my sry as well... Once Little Yuan finishes his college entrance exams, things will get easier."


    Chen Hui nodded, trying to smile and appear more rxed.


    Suddenly,


    "Buzz~" The video call on the other end started vibrating, and Li Changzhou, who had been sitting in a chair, suddenly stood up.


    "Bang!" The door in the video, which had been slightly ajar, was suddenly thrown open, and the faint sound of a massive explosion could be heard outside.


    "Manager Li, hurry! Hurry!" A worker covered in dirt rushed in, urgently saying, "We''re ordered to end our break and get back to work immediately."


    "Alright."


    Li Changzhou nodded repeatedly, then turned to Chen Hui on the video call, "Honey, I need to work overtime. I''ll call you backter."


    Buzz¡ªthe video call ended.


    "Old Li," a trace of worry appeared on Chen Hui''s face. She then closed her smart ring watch and closed her eyes.


    Opening her eyes again, Chen Hui had regained a rxed expression on her face as she walked out of the master bedroom. "Qian Qian, Mu Hua, it''s time for bed."


    "Little Yuan, don''t stay up toote."


    "Okay, Mom!"


    "Got it, Aunt."


    ....


    The next day at noon.


    In the school cafeteria, students were eating and asionally looking up at the news on the electronic screen.


    "..st night, intense conflicts erupted again at the Luo Bu Sea in the secondary Star Realm of Beijiang Province. Our national defense forces and allied support troops fought bravely and fearlessly..." the news continued to broadcast.


    "They''re always fighting."


    "Yeah, it hasn''t stopped for a while. I heard a lot of people have died, and some star realm creatures even broke through the defense line."


    "Hope they can hold the line," the students murmured quietly as they ate.


    Li Yuan sat next to Zhou Qi, silently watching the news asionally, a trace of worry shing in his eyes.

 Chapter 16: Private Martial Arts Room

    <h4>Chapter 16: Private Martial Arts Room</h4>


    For the past half month,


    Aside from his intense training, Li Yuan had been closely following the war in Beijiang Province.


    After all, his uncle was there building defense facilities.


    ording to the news, the human coalition forces were achieving sessive victories, inflicting significant damage on the star realm creatures.


    However, Li Yuan sensed something was off.


    "Battle reports can be deceptive, but the battle lines cannot," Li Yuan thought as he ate, ncing at the news on the electronic screen.


    "Based on past experiences, if our human civilization truly held the advantage, after the first wave of attacks, they would quickly organizerge armies and martial artist groups to prate deep into the star realm..." Li Yuan''s science grades were average, but his humanities grades were quite good.


    He was particrly good in history and geography.


    Especially modern history.


    "This time, the battle in the Luo Bu Sea Star Realm has been ongoing for half a month, with the front lines seemingly locked in a constant tug-of-war at several key entry points into the star realm," Li Yuan''s eyes were filled with worry.


    What does this indicate?


    The human coalition has been unable to push back!


    The battle is likely very fierce.


    "I hope Uncle cane back safely," Li Yuan thought. Over the past few days, his uncle asionally called or sent messages to reassure him not to worry.


    Phew!


    "Old Zhou, Yan Zhou, I''m leaving first," Li Yuan said as he picked up his lunch tray, preparing to head to the tray return station.


    "Yuan, wait for us to go to the martial arts ssroom together," Zhou Qi called out. "We''re almost done."


    "I''m going to the elite building, not the same way," Li Yuan said quietly.


    Guanshan District No. 1 High School covers arge area, with separate buildings for cultural studies, martial arts, administration, and the elite.


    The so-called elite buildingprises threerge martial arts ssrooms and dozens of private martial arts rooms.


    The elite building is specifically for the three elite sses from grades one to three, amodating fewer than two hundred students in total.


    "Going to the elite building?" Zhou Qi and Yan Zhou didn''t quite grasp it immediately.


    "Looking for someone? Wan Xiao?" Yan Zhou asked, puzzled.


    "I''ll be training there from now on," Li Yuan exined after a moment of thought. "The school has assigned me a private martial arts room, so I''ll be doing my martial arts self-study there."


    Martial arts sses with Teacher Xu only happened every other day.


    Schrships weren''t publicly announced, so no one knew, and Li Yuan wouldn''t mention it to draw attention.


    But a private martial arts room? It was there, and word would get out sooner orter, so Li Yuan decided to mention it early.


    "A private martial arts room? Whoa!"


    "Yuan''s got one?"


    "It must have been approved by Teacher Xu!"


    "Yuan is awesome!" Yan Zhou, Zhou Qi, and the other ten or so boys eximed excitedly.


    Their shouts quickly attracted the attention of many nearby students.


    "Keep it low-key. I''m only telling you guys, so don''t spread it around," Li Yuan said quietly.


    "Got it."


    "Yuan, we want to check it out. I''ve never been inside a private martial arts room before."


    "A private martial arts room, huh? I never even dared to dream of that." The group of boys lowered their voices, but they remained curious.


    They didn''t envy Li Yuan. Even if some had thoughts about it, they wouldn''t be foolish enough to show it.


    After all, their small group of about a dozen boys somewhat looked up to Li Yuan as their leader.


    Besides, they all knew that Li Yuan''s martial arts scores were excellent, and his raw scores had already ced him in the top ten in the grade.


    "I haven''t been there either," more of them chimed in.


    "Alright, I''ll take you there sometime," Li Yuan said with a smile. "But not today. It''s my first time going, so I need to get familiar with it first."


    Everyone nodded in agreement.


    ...


    The elite building and the senior year martial arts building are separated by a small yground and must be crossed over the office building, making them rtively independent.


    Therefore, this area is very quiet.


    The road is lined with green trees, and the breeze blowing against one''s body is quite refreshing.


    "The Elite Building." Li Yuan soon arrived in front of the building, taking in its rather antique decoration.


    In front of the building stood a statue.


    "Dongfang Ji." Li Yuan immediately recognized the statue.


    The strongest individual in human civilization, the strongest in Xia Country, the founder of the Xinghuo Martial Hall... also the first martial artist to walk out alive from the epicenter of a nuclear explosion.


    He was Li Yuan''s most admired idol.


    "Martial arts is me." Li Yuan approached the statue, where that famous quote was inscribed at the base.


    At one o''clock in the afternoon, it was time to return to the martial arts ssroom for self-study, so there were quite a few studentsing and going.


    However, no one paid much attention to Li Yuan.


    Freshmen assumed Li Yuan was a sophomore or junior, while juniors thought he was a sophomore.


    Perhaps Li Yuan was somewhat well-known in the senior year, but that was limited to his name being recognized.


    Except for his ssmates, students from other sses rarely knew him.


    Suddenly, "Li Yuan," a slightly surprised voice called out. Li Yuan turned to look.


    A tall, burly figure, resembling a bear, dressed in martial arts attire, was walking up the steps.


    "Wan Xiao, long time no see," Li Yuan smiled and waved.


    The person was Wan Xiao, who had transferred to the elite ss after awakening his martial arts aptitude.


    "Yes, it has been a while," Wan Xiao replied with a smile.


    Though they were in the same school, being in different sses made it difficult for them to run into each other.


    "How''s the elite ss?" Li Yuan asked with a smile.


    "It''s alright," Wan Xiao nodded. "The advanced cultivation methods are indeed exceptional, and the ssmates are all very skilled. Sparring with each other is quite effective..."


    "You better work hard, or I might surpass you in the next exam," Wan Xiao joked half-seriously.


    "I''m looking forward to it," Li Yuan said with a smile, knowing their good rtionship meant there was no offense taken.


    "By the way, I haven''t asked you yet, what brings you to the elite building?" Wan Xiao asked curiously. "Looking for someone?"


    "Looking for a ssroom," Li Yuan replied with a smile. "How do I get to Martial Arts Room 4011?"


    "4011?" Wan Xiao was taken aback. "The fourth floor? That''s for the senior year''s private martial arts rooms, but Room 11 isn''t open, right? There''s no one there."


    "There wasn''t anyone until now," Li Yuan said with a smile. "Now that I''m here, there will be."


    Wan Xiao''s eyes widened slightly. He wasn''t slow-witted and couldn''t help but ask, "Your own private martial arts room?"


    Li Yuan nodded with a smile. "It''s my first time here. Can you show me the way?"


    ...


    On the fourth floor, in front of Private Martial Arts Room 4011.


    Watching Li Yuan unlock the martial arts room door through "facial recognition," Wan Xiao finally believed that what Li Yuan had said was true.


    His face still showed unmistakable shock.


    "Impressive. Did Teacher Xu approve this?" Wan Xiao said, standing at the entrance of the martial arts room, feeling a sense of admiration.


    Li Yuan smiled.


    "Indeed," Wan Xiao continued. "Apart from not awakening martial arts aptitude, based on your raw scores, you certainly deserve to be here."


    Deep down, Wan Xiao admired Li Yuan.


    Standing inside the martial arts room, Li Yuan looked around. The room was about 150 square meters and meticulously clean.


    He drew back the curtains.


    Sunlight streamed in, brightening the space.


    The room was equipped with a punching power test area, a life and blood vitality detector, a projector, a camera, and even a virtualwork pod.


    Aside fromcking a speed test track due to space constraints, it had all the advanced technological equipment one could need.


    "From today onwards, this will be my private martial arts room?" A trace of joy appeared deep in Li Yuan''s eyes.


    With a private martial arts room, free from disturbances, his training efficiency would naturally be higher.


    Wan Xiao stood at the entrance of the martial arts room, a hint of envy in his eyes.


    A private martial arts room? He didn''t really care about that!


    The martial arts room at his home was just as good, if not better, than the school''s private martial arts room.


    What Wan Xiao cared about was the honor associated with it.


    Suddenly, "Wan Xiao, what are you doing here? Who gave you permission to open the door to Room 4011?" a cold voice echoed from the end of the hallway.

 Chapter 17: A Legally Protected Bet

    <h4>Chapter 17: A Legally Protected Bet</h4>


    "It wasn''t me who opened it," Wan Xiao quickly waved his hands.


    The martial arts room had excellent soundproofing, but with the door open and Li Yuan''s keen hearing, he naturally heard the voice approaching.


    He turned his head to see a teenager in a ck martial arts uniform with a well-proportioned build and a buzz cut swiftly step to the door of Martial Arts Room 4011. The teenager was half a head shorter than Wan Xiao, about the same height as Li Yuan, and had a rather delicate appearance.


    "Wan Xiao, how could you... wait, why does this martial arts room have an owner now?" The teenager started to speak but then noticed the green indicator on the door.


    These martial arts rooms had three indicators showing different statuses¡ªowner present, vacant, and intruded. A green indicator meant it was opened by the owner.


    "4011 was supposed to be empty... who are you? How do you have ess to 4011?" The teenager finally noticed Li Yuan inside the room, looking puzzled.


    The teenager wasn''t foolish. He initially thought Wan Xiao had climbed in through the window to open the room. But from Wan Xiao''s words and the green indicator, he quickly deduced that Li Yuan was the owner of the martial arts room.


    "Wan Xiao, aren''t you going to introduce us?" Li Yuan smiled.


    He could see that the teenager had no ill intentions and was just straightforward and without guile.


    "This is Gu Qianghan from ss 1 of Senior Year," Wan Xiao introduced with a smile. "His nickname is ''Not Fierce.''"


    In each grade, ss 1 was the elite ss.


    "Wan Xiao, I told you, call me Gu Qiang. If you call me by my full name again, I''ll really get mad," the teenager said with a displeased look.


    Wan Xiao just smiled and ignored him, then pointed to Li Yuan. "Gu Qiang, you''ve been asking about Li Yuan since Teacher Xu''sst ss. Well, here he is."


    The previously annoyed teenager''s eyes lit up and he stared at Li Yuan. "You''re the Li Yuan that Teacher Xu mentioned, the one with amazing spear skills?"


    "Uh, amazing spear skills?" Li Yuan smiled. "I wouldn''t say that, but if Teacher Xu was talking about Li Yuan from ss 2 of Senior Year, then that would be me."


    Li Yuan already knew who the teenager was. While checking the rankings from the final exam of his sophomore year, he had paid attention to the top ten in the grade. Gu Qianghan had ranked third in martial arts scores.


    However, his delicate appearance was a bit unexpected for someone with such a name.


    "If Teacher Xu says you''re impressive, then you must be," Gu Qianghan''s eyes sparkled. "I checked, and in the final examst semester, your martial arts technique score was the highest in the entire grade."


    "Yeah." Li Yuan looked at the teenager with interest.


    "I want to challenge you," Gu Qianghan said excitedly, his eyes filled with anticipation.


    "Li Yuan, don''t underestimate him."


    "This kid is really sneaky. When I first joined the elite ss, I was fooled by his appearance," Wan Xiao quickly added.


    "What do you mean fooled? I didn''t ambush you; I challenged you openly," Gu Qianghan retorted with disdain. "You look like a bear, yet you couldn''t take even ten punches from me. And you still dare to talk."


    Wan Xiao was momentarily speechless.


    When he first joined the elite ss, Gu Qianghan had challenged him. Seeing Gu Qianghan''s delicate appearance, he thought he was easy to deal with, but he ended up losing badly.


    "Ten punches?" Li Yuan nodded slightly, not surprised. Based on the sophomore year-end results, Gu Qianghan''s raw scores were even higher than his own, so it was normal for him to defeat Wan Xiao.


    "So, what do you say?" Gu Qianghan stared at Li Yuan. "Let''s have a full-armor fight. I want to test your spear skills."


    Gu Qianghan''s eyes gleamed with battle intent.


    Li Yuan smiled.


    From their conversation, Li Yuan had already guessed the reason for the challenge.


    It was likely that Teacher Xu had used his spear skills as an example in the elite ss, saying some unttering things like, "You call yourselves an elite ss? None of you canpare to Li Yuan from ss 2 of Senior Year."


    "A Li Yuan who hasn''t even awakened his martial arts aptitude can beat all of you with his spear skills."


    Using students from other sses as examples to put pressure on the ss being taught was amon tactic among teachers.


    Unintentionally, this had garnered Li Yuan a lot of resentment from the elite ss.


    "Li Yuan, if you''re a true martial artist, you''ll ept my challenge," Gu Qianghan said.


    Li Yuan nced at Wan Xiao with an amused look. It had been a while since he''d heard something so childish.


    Wan Xiao shrugged, indicating that Gu Qianghan was always like this.


    "I don''t ept," Li Yuan shook his head.


    "What? Don''t you have a martial artist''s spirit?" Gu Qianghan widened his eyes.


    "I''m not even a martial artist yet, so naturally, I don''t have a martial artist''s spirit." Li Yuan rolled his eyes at Gu Qianghan.


    "Alright, this is my martial arts room, and I need to train."


    In reality, Li Yuan wasn''t afraid of the challenge. It was just meaningless and risky.


    Sparring with Teacher Xu was different. The teacher''s strength far surpassed that of the students, allowing him to control the situation and ensure no one got hurt.


    However, when two students with simr strength spar with cold weapons, it''s impossible to control themselves fully.


    Even with full armor and using blunt weapons, it''s easy to get seriously injured or even die.


    Such incidents were not umon.


    Li Yuan wasn''t willing to take risks for something with no benefit.


    "You..." Gu Qianghan was about to say something.


    "Gu Qianghan, who gave you the guts to challenge people to private duels?" A low, stern voice suddenly came from outside the door.


    Gu Qianghan''s face stiffened. He wasn''t angry at being called by his full name; instead, a trace of fear shed in his eyes.


    "Sis¡ª" Gu Qianghan turned around abruptly and put his hand on Li Yuan''s shoulder, his face now full of smiles. "I was just joking with Li Yuan. Isn''t that right, Li Yuan?"


    Li Yuan was momentarily stunned, caught off guard.


    Wan Xiao shrugged, indicating this was typical.


    Gu Qianghan shook Li Yuan''s shoulder vigorously, desperately signaling with his eyes.


    But Li Yuan stood firm, unmoved like a rock, his gaze fixed on the figure at the door.


    A girl of about seventeen or eighteen, wearing a tight-fitting red martial arts uniform, with a face that was both delicate and strong, sharp eyes, and a determined expression.


    Her jet-ck hair was tied up high behind her head, giving her a particrly efficient look.


    However, the most noticeable thing was the fiery red long sword hanging at her waist.


    "Li Yuan, hello, I''m Lin Lanyue from ss 1 of Senior Year," the girl said, looking at Li Yuan. "I apologize on behalf of my brother. He tends to act impulsively. I hope you don''t mind."


    "I''m fine," Li Yuan said, waving his hand with a smile.


    The girl nodded and her gaze turned sharp again as she looked at Gu Qianghan, making his scalp tingle.


    "Sis!" Gu Qianghan quickly removed his hand from Li Yuan''s shoulder.


    "If I find out you''ve been challenging people to private duels again, even calling for mom won''t help you," the girl said coldly.


    Gu Qianghan awkwardly scratched his head, not daring to speak.


    Since childhood, he had always been naturally intimidated by this cousin who was only half a year older.


    "It''s all small stuff."


    "Don''t me him, we''re all fine," Li Yuan said with a smile.


    He immediately recognized the person in front of him.


    She had spoken at school assemblies more than once.


    Since starting school, her name had been consistently on the honor roll.


    The top martial artist in the senior year, and widely regarded as the most likely to be admitted to Starry Sky University¡ªLin Lanyue.


    "It''s good that you don''t mind."


    The girl nodded, her eyes still fixed on Li Yuan. "Li Yuan, my brother was wrong to challenge you, but Teacher Xu said your martial arts skills are better than anyone in our ss. Not only my brother, but I also don''t believe it."


    "In fact, I don''t ept it."


    Li Yuan was taken aback.


    Wan Xiao was also stunned.


    Gu Qianghan''s eyes lit up with excitement. He knew his cousin''s personality very well.


    She seemed gentle on the surface, but she was very strong-willed.


    "I also want to learn from you. I want to see just how good the spear skills are that Teacher Xu praised so highly. But not in a real fight," the girl said, staring at Li Yuan. "How about a match on the Starry Sky Combat Network?"


    The Starry Sky Combat Network was for virtual battles, where no one would get hurt.


    "What''s in it for me?" Li Yuan shrugged with a smile. "I never do anything without benefits."


    "Benefits?" Lin Lanyue frowned.


    "How about this, let''s make a bet." Li Yuan smiled. "If you win, I''ll publicly acknowledge you as the best martial artist in the grade."


    "If I win, you give me two thousand Blue Star Coins. How about that?" Li Yuan smiled.


    "What kind of bet is that?" Gu Qianghan eximed. "You have nothing to lose and everything to gain. Dream on."


    "Up to you."


    Li Yuan smiled. "If you don''t agree, please leave. Don''t waste my time for training."


    "Alright, I ept," Lin Lanyue said, looking at Li Yuan.


    "Sis!" Gu Qianghan was shocked.


    "Be quiet," Lin Lanyue frowned.


    "Then let''s do it Sunday at 2 PM. How about that?" Li Yuan smiled. "Let''s exchange contact information, and I''ll send you my ount name."


    "Alright."


    Soon, they became virtualwork friends.


    "Gu Qiang, let''s go," Lin Lanyue turned and left, with Gu Qianghan reluctantly following.


    Only Li Yuan and Wan Xiao remained.


    "Li Yuan, you''ve really missed out," Wan Xiao couldn''t help but say. "You don''t know, Lin Lanyue''s family is very wealthy. If you had bet five thousand or even ten thousand Blue Star Coins, she would have probably agreed."


    Li Yuan shook his head. "Fool."


    "China''sws stipte that on the Starry Sky Combat Network, the bet for minors cannot exceed two thousand Blue Star Coins."


    "Anything over two thousand Blue Star Coins is not legally protected."

 Chapter 18: Starry Sky University

    <h4>Chapter 18: Starry Sky University</h4>


    "Protected byw?" Wan Xiao paused for a moment, then raised his thumb. "Li Yuan, I''m impressed."


    "To do great things, you need to understand thew first," Li Yuan replied with a smile.


    Then, changing the subject, he asked, "Are Lin Lanyue and Gu Qianghan siblings?"


    "Yeah," Wan Xiao said. "I think they''re cousins. They don''t have the samest name, but they''re very close. Gu Qianghan isn''t afraid of anyone except his sister."


    "ording to him, it''s because he can''t beat her yet. Once he can, he definitely won''t be scared anymore," Wan Xiaoughed. "But I have a feeling he''ll never be able to beat her."


    "Even you, in full-armorbat, probably aren''t a match for Lin Lanyue," Wan Xiao said seriously.


    Li Yuan nodded slightly.


    If he had a small reputation in the senior year, Lin Lanyue was truly well-known to everyone.


    Her beauty was only a small part of it.


    In the entire First High School of Guan District, with thousands of students, there were certainly a few beautiful girls. As a provincial key school, there was no talk of school beauties or handsome boys.


    Most students didn''t care much about others in their ss, let alone other sses.


    Lin Lanyue, as the only "public figure," was mainly known for her overwhelmingly superior martial arts scores.


    She was absolutely the first.


    Since her first year, in every exam rted to martial arts, she was basically always first.


    In the final exam of the second year, her raw score was 875 points, with a total score of 962.5, outstripping the second ce by over fifty points.


    The only exception was the martial arts technique score in the final exam of the second year.


    That was the first time Li Yuan had taken first ce from her.


    "Full-armorbat?" Li Yuan pondered for a moment. "What''s her physical strength level?"


    "It should be over 8.0," Wan Xiao said. "That''s just my guess. Since I joined the elite ss, there hasn''t been a small test."


    Li Yuan nodded slightly.


    From Lin Lanyue''s physical fitness scorest semester and her rate of improvement, he could estimate... it should be between 8.0 and 8.3.


    That was already very impressive.


    By the college entrance exam standards, a physical fitness score of 500 points was full marks, which required a level of 10.0.


    9.0 was 470 points.


    8.0 was 440 points.


    7.0 was 400 points.


    6.0 was 360 points.


    5.0 was 300 points.


    "At least 8.0? With her rate of improvement, her physical fitness could reach 9.0 by the college entrance exam," Li Yuan thought to himself. "No wonder people say she has a chance to get into one of the top three martial arts universities in the world, Starry Sky University."


    "The top three martial arts universities globally, Starry Sky University, Starlight University, and ck Stone University, are better than the five top universities in China."


    Li Yuan never underestimated others.


    Lin Lanyue was one of the top talents among the tens of thousands of senior year students in Guan District. She came from an excellent family, and most importantly, she worked hard in her training... she was a true hardworking martial arts genius.


    "Teacher Xu used your spear skills as aparison in the elite ss," Wan Xiaoughed. "But he never mentioned your scores. I haven''t revealed your small test scores either, so Lin Lanyue probably doesn''t know."


    Li Yuan nodded slightly.


    The full score for martial arts techniques was 400 points. By the college entrance exam standards, 320 and 360 were significant thresholds that were hard to cross.


    "To exceed 320 points, martial arts techniques should reach the second level," Li Yuan thought to himself. "To exceed 360 points, spear skills and body techniques should both reach the third level."


    As for the requirements for full marks? Li Yuan didn''t know.


    He hadn''t asked Teacher Xu, to avoid giving the impression that he was aiming too high.


    "Full-armorbat, her physical strength is nearly two levels higher than yours, so your chances of winning are slim," Wan Xiao said with a bit of excitement. "But in virtualbat? Haha! I believe in your spear skills."


    "When the match happens on Sunday, I want to watch. Remember to send me the room number," Wan Xiao said.


    "Alright," Li Yuan nodded.


    .....


    After sending Wan Xiao off, Li Yuan closed the door to the martial arts room.


    Complete silence.


    "Little Jade, connect via Bluetooth and take over the intelligent management of Martial Arts Room 4011. The authorization code is..." Li Yuan suddenly said.


    Quickly.


    "Master, I''ve taken over the control of the martial arts room. I''m pleased to serve you," a gentle female voice responded.


    "Activate the martial arts technique evaluation system."


    "Activate the video analysis system," Li Yuan continued, then opened the weapon cab beside him.


    Inside were various weapons, including six spears of different lengths and weights.


    Li Yuan took out his usual type of standardized spear and ced it on the weapon rack beside him.


    Then, he silently began to practice the "Rock Technique."


    "A bet of two thousand Blue Star Coins?" Li Yuan thought as he felt the slight changes in his muscles and bones, also pondering today''s events.


    Li Yuan didn''t take the uing match to heart; he was never worried about losing.


    Losing wasn''t shameful.


    The opponent was the top student and a martial arts prodigy.


    Winning or losing? As long as it helped his martial arts progress and didn''t cost him anything, what did it matter?


    "Dongfang Ji, the greatest warrior of human civilization, lost more than once on his path to growth," Li Yuan thought. "Martial arts is my way; external factors can''t disturb my heart."


    "Failure is just part of the journey."


    Li Yuan had read many biographies of Dongfang Ji.


    His concept of "martial arts is my way" didn''t mean that he represented martial arts but rather that "martial arts is my path."


    "As long as you wholeheartedly pursue martial arts, you shouldn''t care about others'' opinions, whether praise or criticism," Li Yuan thought with clear eyes. "Practicing my way, my heart, and my thoughts is the true essence of martial arts; this is my path."


    In simple terms, it meant following your own path and letting others talk.


    In martial arts, the goal is to surpass oneself.


    "However."


    "College admissions are based on rankings. Sparring with Lin Lanyue can also help me understand the current level of martial arts techniques among these top senior year students," Li Yuan pondered.


    ...


    In Room 4001, the private martial arts room.


    "Sis, are you really going to spar with him? If he loses, he won''t lose anything," Gu Qianghan grumbled on the side.


    "Two thousand Blue Star Coins doesn''t mean much to me," Lin Lanyue said, her voice clear and cold like pearls falling on a jade te.


    She was practicing a set of boxing techniques, with her fists and palms generating faint sounds of air bursts.


    "It''s not about the money."


    "It''s about face," Gu Qianghan shook his head. "You''re the top student, and he''s only ranked in the twenties. Losing would be embarrassing."


    "Face?"


    Lin Lanyue abruptly stopped her punches and fixed her sharp gaze on Gu Qianghan. "Are you pursuing face in your martial arts training?"


    Gu Qianghan quickly shook his head. "Of course not, but..."


    "Shut up."


    Lin Lanyue frowned. "Aunt spoiled you. You always seek out sparring partners to show off your skills and gain face? No wonder you dare to engage in private duels."


    "Sis, I really won''t dare anymore," Gu Qianghan hurriedly said, but secretly thought, aren''t you also looking for a duel?


    "Don''t think I don''t know what you''re thinking."


    "I want to spar not to defeat him, but to see how impressive the spear skills praised by Teacher Xu really are," Lin Lanyue said coldly. "As for winning or losing?"


    "If I lose, will it stop me from getting into Starry Sky University?"


    "It''s two o''clock. Get back to your martial arts room and train," Lin Lanyue frowned.


    "Alright," Gu Qianghan turned and left, not wanting to stay another second.


    .....


    Close to the end of ss, inside Martial Arts Room 4011.


    [Your spear technique level has increased from 47% of the third level to 48% of the third level.]


    Li Yuan noticed the notification in his vision and abruptly retracted his spear.


    "Another one percent increase?"


    "Since creating the ''Dragon Hidden in the Ravine'' technique, my spear skills have been improving faster," Li Yuan thought. "However, creating the ''Mountains and Rivers'' technique I have in mind will take some more time."


    Creating such perfect body-force techniques bes rtively easier after developing one or two.


    Eventually, every move will be perfect, reaching the fourth level of spear technique.


    ....


    Soon after, Li Yuan left the elite building. Before he could reach the cafeteria, he saw a group of ssmates approaching from a distance.


    It was Zhou Qi, Yan Zhou, and the others, who seemed to have been waiting for a while.


    "Yuan, we heard you''re going to spar with Lin Lanyue to decide who has the best martial arts skills?"


    "No, I heard it''s to determine who is the true top student in the grade."


    "Huh? I heard Yuan challenged Lin Lanyue..."


    "I heard that if Yuan wins, Lin Lanyue agreed to date him..." The group chattered.


    Li Yuan: "..."


    "Stop!" Li Yuan shouted, and the surroundings fell silent.


    "Who told you that?" Li Yuan asked.


    "Wan Xiao mentioned it first in the ss group chat. Didn''t you see the messages?"


    "It''s all over the ce," Zhou Qiughed. "Yuan, tell us, are you really going after Lin Lanyue?"


    The others were also curious.


    "There is a bet," Li Yuan frowned. "But it''s just a regr spar, nothing more."


    "I''m going to eat now. I have trainingter," Li Yuan turned and headed to the cafeteria.


    The group exchanged nces.


    "A regr spar?"


    "If it''s just a regr spar, would Yuan need to hide it? And why leave so quickly?" Zhou Qi shook his head. "There''s definitely more to it."


    "Yeah, I think so too."


    .....


    Sunday afternoon, 1:50 PM.


    On the Blue Star Virtual Network, Starry Sky Combat Network.


    Personal duel tform, room number 8673795.


    "Spectator count: 369?" Li Yuan''s virtual avatar stood on the stage, holding a long spear, looking at the disyed spectator count and the densely packed virtual avatars in the stands.


    Li Yuan frowned.


    "Yuan, go get her! Beat Lin Lanyue!"


    "Yuan, crush her!"


    "Senior Year ss 2, Yuan is the best!"


    "Lin Lanyue, beat Li Yuan!"


    "Li Yuan looks so arrogant; he deserves a beating."


    "I think he''s quite handsome, more handsome than both of my boyfriends." Various voices echoed from the stands.


    In the virtual world, people''s behavior tended to be more unrestrained than in reality.


    Li Yuan couldn''t understand why an ordinary virtual duel had turned into such a spectacle.


    But now, Li Yuan just felt that the high realism of the virtualwork wasn''t always a good thing.


    "Li Yuan, get ready," Lin Lanyue stood on the other side of the stage, holding a long sword.


    Her virtual appearance was very simr to her real appearance.


    However, her long hair was now short and dyed red, giving her a wilder look.

 Chapter 19: The Golden Expert

    <h4>Chapter 19: The Golden Expert</h4>


    "Wan Xiao and Zhou Qi, they both have big mouths," Li Yuan thought, feeling somewhat helpless.


    On the day he agreed to the duel with Lin Lanyue, the news had spread throughout the entire senior year by the end of the evening study session.


    Lin Lanyue was a well-known figure, and Li Yuan also had a bit of fame.


    There were all sorts of rumors.


    The main reason was that Lin Lanyue had never agreed to a duel with any other student in the past few years. Li Yuan was the first.


    Initially, Li Yuan thought he could ignore the rumors, believing in the concept of "innocent people will clear themselves." But he soon realized he was being naive.


    Today, more than 300 people came to watch their match on the Xingkong Combat Network, and the number was quickly approaching 400.


    This was a staggering number, considering it was just a personal duel without any live broadcast.


    "Yuan, look at me, I brought the whole ss to cheer for you!" Zhou Qi, with his yellow explosive hair and wearing leather pants, shouted from the stands.


    The virtualwork''s 70% realism made the entire arena almost identical to reality, and the crowd of hundreds around the ring made it quite lively.


    "Go for it."


    "Yuan, your spear must be eager to go."


    The noisy voices continued, with many people holding banners and glow sticks, which were free props provided by the system.


    There were quite a few supporters for Li Yuan.


    But most of the audience supported Lin Lanyue; she had good grades and was pretty, which made her very popr... especially among the boys.


    Most boys are quite single-minded, only liking pretty eighteen-year-old girls.


    Moreover, Lin Lanyue was only seventeen.


    ...On the tform.


    "Get ready." Li Yuan thought.


    The 30-meter-diameter tform''s surrounding lights instantly turned from red to green.


    Li Yuan and Lin Lanyue''s virtual bodies vanished.


    At the same time, a huge countdown appeared above the tform: 30, 29, 28...


    "Neitherbatant is in the Meteorite rank; the system has set the battle''s physical fitness to level 8.0."


    "You have 24 seconds left to choose your weapon, or it will be automatically selected ording to your habits."


    In the preparation space, Li Yuan heard the system''s voice in his ear.


    "Level 8.0 physical fitness," Li Yuan felt the changes in his body''s strength, already ustomed to it.


    "Weapon scheme number one," Li Yuan said directly.


    As someone who had fought over a thousand matches on the Xingkong Combat Network, he chose different weapon schemes for different types of matches and opponents.


    Li Yuan had set up a total of five weapon schemes.


    "Selected weapon: Type 9 standard long spear, length 2.3 meters, weight..."


    "Armor: Type 4 standard light armor, weight..." Arge amount of data shed before Li Yuan''s eyes.


    A 2.3-meter long spear was rtively short. If Li Yuan were to duel with other spear experts, it would be a disadvantage.


    Longer weapons are generally stronger.


    Since Lin Lanyue used a sword, a longer spear wouldn''t necessarily be more advantageous due to itsck of flexibility.


    "A lion fights a rabbit with all its strength, let alone for two thousand blue star coins," Li Yuan thought.


    Li Yuan never wasted anything.


    ...


    The crowd around the tform surged, and the number of spectators exceeded 400, including some outsiders.


    For example¡ªTeacher Xu Bo and Principal Tan Zhenlong.


    "It''s quite lively."


    Principal Tan stood at the corner, wearing a hat and looking different from his real appearance, so no students recognized him.


    "It is lively," Xu Boughed, "Look, it''s about to start."


    Principal Tan nodded. He had been pulled here by Xu Bo mainly because he had nothing else to do.


    Lin Lanyue, being the top seed in the senior year, naturally caught Principal Tan''s attention.


    On the tform.


    The countdown reached 3, 2, 1... swoosh! swoosh!


    Li Yuan and Lin Lanyue reappeared on the sides of the tform, both equipped with their battle armor and weapons.


    What attracted the most attention were the golden icons above their heads.


    "Golden rank?"


    "Golden expert?"


    "Both are in the golden rank?" In an instant, exmations arose around the tform.


    "Yuan is in the golden rank? Last time in the battle royale, he was still in the silver rank." Zhou Qi and Wan Xiao stared wide-eyed.


    "Did he secretly rank up without us?" Yan Zhou said, "Next time, we should have Yuan carry us in the battle royale."


    "Golden expert? Both are in the golden rank?" Li Tianyou stood in the corner, looking at the golden icons above the two on the tform, "Lanyue is also in the golden rank?"


    Lin Lanyue didn''t know Li Tianyou.


    But that didn''t stop Li Tianyou from having a crush on Lin Lanyue.


    Many senior year boys had a crush on Lin Lanyue, but few dared to confess.


    "Damn, Li Yuan is also in the golden rank?" Gu Qianghan stared at the icon above Li Yuan''s head, "No wonder Teacher Xu praised Li Yuan so much."


    Having bothbatants in the golden rank instantly heightened the atmosphere.


    "Oh? Both are in the golden rank?" Principal Tan was slightly surprised, "I wonder if they''ve reached 500 points; if they have, they''re eligible for special recruitment."


    "Old Tan, I told you, these two students are extraordinary," Xu Boughed, "Otherwise, why would I bring you here?"


    Not to mention senior year students.


    Even many university students in martial arts couldn''t reach the golden rank.


    ...


    "You''ve reached the golden rank?" Li Yuan held his spear, staring at the red-haired Lin Lanyue, feeling surprised.


    On the Starry Sky Combat Network, ranks are divided into nine stages: Bronze, Silver, Gold, Meteorite, Bright Moon, Eclipse, Transcendent, Legendary, and Martial Saint.


    It''s extremely rare for minors to reach the golden rank.


    Even many so-called martial arts experts who are big streamers are mostly at the Bright Moon rank, with few reaching the Eclipse rank.


    As for the Transcendent rank and above? Those who reach it are top martial arts experts in reality and unlikely to livestream.


    At least, Li Yuan had never seen a Transcendent rank expert in livestreams.


    The most he had seen was in somebat videos.


    "You think you''re the only one who can break through?" Lin Lanyue looked at Li Yuan, her voice cold.


    Lin Lanyue wasn''t surprised that Li Yuan had reached the golden rank; she had expected it.


    "Hostile towards me?" Li Yuan faintly sensed it.


    In the next instant.


    "Boom!" Lin Lanyue moved.


    Her light armor was also red, and she looked like a ball of fire, rushing towards Li Yuan like lightning.


    With an 8.0-level physical fitness, the explosive speed is 18 meters per second, and the standard punch force is 800 kilograms.


    And the tform''s diameter was only 30 meters.


    From start to closebat, Lin Lanyue could reach Li Yuan in at most 2.2 seconds.


    "Shhh~" A red long sword struck towards Li Yuan like lightning.


    "Rip~"


    Li Yuan grinned, gripping his spear, his body moving instantly, thrusting forward.


    Central thrust!


    "ng!" The red long sword shed with the spear, the spear vibrating and deflecting to one side, while the long sword in mid-air twisted like a snake, striking again.


    "This sword technique."


    "Quite strange, and the explosive force is stronger than my spear thrust. Is this a move from an advanced cultivation method?" Li Yuan thought.


    He had long heard that Lin Lanyue practiced one of the seven advanced cultivation methods, the "me ze Heaven Cultivation Method."


    Each cultivation method is divided into various parts, including stance exercises, breathing techniques, and fist techniques.


    Li Yuan had never encountered advanced cultivation methods.


    But he knew that it was the advanced version of one of the seven basic cultivation methods, the "me Cultivation Method."


    "The ''me Cultivation Method'' is known for its offense, and this advanced method should be the same. Direct confrontation isn''t my strength; her sword technique is also at the third level." Li Yuan''s spear technique instantly changed, "I need to be careful."


    The spear quickly retracted, no longer attacking but switching to a defensive stance.


    At the same time, Li Yuan began to move his body, using footwork to dissipate force.


    "ng!" "ng!" The sword light and spear shadows shed, exchanging over ten moves in the blink of an eye.


    "How can his footwork and foundation be so stable?" Lin Lanyue was also surprised, "I used the ''Sea of mes'' move, and he deflected it with a single spear thrust."


    To Lin Lanyue, the defensive Li Yuan felt like a turtle.


    She couldn''t break through.


    ...


    "So fast!"


    "Such an exchange, Lin Lanyue''s sword strikes one after another, how is Li Yuan blocking them?"


    "Amazing!"


    "His footwork is so exquisite."


    "Li Yuan''s spear technique is so stable." Most of the students watching were amazed.


    They had seen higher-level live duels andbat videos.


    But subconsciously, they didn''t expect their ssmates to be this strong.


    "Now you know what it means to be the first in martial arts skills for the year?"


    "I''ve always said, Lin Lanyue isn''t a match for Yuan."


    "Yuan, go for it, beat her."


    "Yuan''s spear is always enduring!"


    "He can block Teacher Xu''s attacks for several moves, let alone Lin Lanyue''s?"


    The students from Senior Year ss 2 were excited.


    Their skills weren''t high, but they understood a basic martial arts principle: the one who can''t break through and gets tired usually expends more energy.


    "His defense is really solid."


    "This sword technique should be derived from the ''Sea of mes,'' an aggressive attack." Principal Tan alsomented, somewhat amazed, "Li Yuan can block it. His spear technique is indeed stable; he must have mastered a defensive killing move."


    "Xu Bo, you''ve taught a good student," Principal Tan smiled.


    "Old Tan, since you''re saying that, just approve his first-ss schrship already," Xu Boughed.


    Principal Tan immediately fell silent.


    "Mm?" Xu Bo chuckled and continued watching, suddenly his eyes lit up, then he shook his head, "Lin Lanyue made a mistake."


    ...


    On the tform, Lin Lanyue continued to use her sword techniques, her attacks like raging mes, pressing forward step by step.


    "ng!" "ng!" "ng!"


    Li Yuan''s spear either swept horizontally, lifted, or retreated with footwork, asionally thrusting straight to force Lin Lanyue to dodge.


    Lin Lanyue couldn''t get close.


    After mastering the ''Rock Foundation Pir'' move, Li Yuan''s defense had a solid, rock-like essence.


    "Fifty-seventh strike."


    Li Yuan silently counted, "She''s been attacking continuously, consuming a lot of energy; her sword momentum is weakening."


    "She''s getting anxious."


    "In a life-or-death battle, getting anxious leads to mistakes. Wait for it."


    On the fifty-ninth strike, Li Yuan keenly detected a slight change in the strength of Lin Lanyue''s sword technique.


    On the sixty-third strike.


    "Woosh!" The sword light was as swift as fire, incredibly fast.


    Lin Lanyue continued her fierce assault, determined to break Li Yuan''s defense. Her sword technique was sharp, but unknowingly, her defense had loosened.


    After all, from start to finish, Li Yuan had not attacked, only defended.


    "This is the moment!" Li Yuan''s eyes suddenly brightened.


    "Boom!"


    Li Yuanpletely ignored Lin Lanyue''s sword, his spear shaking violently, like a dragon hidden in the depths of the mountains, thrusting fiercely.


    Spear killing move¡ªMountain Ravine Dragon!


    "Not good!" Lin Lanyue instantly sensed something wrong. She felt Li Yuan''s aura change abruptly, like a beast showing its fangs.


    An intimidating force.


    "No time to retreat." Lin Lanyue realized this, her eyes shing coldly, without hesitation.


    Instead of retreating, she attacked even more fiercely.


    "Thud!!"


    The long spear, like a dragon, pierced through the armor, directly through Lin Lanyue''s chest, blood sttering. Her body instantly vanished.


    Light armor couldn''t withstand Li Yuan''s spear.


    "Rip!"


    In the next moment, the ferocious sword also struck Li Yuan''s shoulder, blood flying.


    "ng~" The long sword fell to the ground.


    On the tform, only the injured Li Yuan remained.


    "A spear is longer than a sword, giving me an extra 0.1 seconds of reaction time," Li Yuan shook his head, then smiled.


    "One minute, two thousand blue star coins in the bag."


    "Feels great!"

 Chapter 20: The Rewards of the Meteor Rank

    <h4>Chapter 20: The Rewards of the Meteor Rank</h4>


    "Congrattions on your victory in the duel, Defender Yuan. Your ount has received 2000 Blue Star Coins, which can be transferred to..." Li Yuan had already received a reminder from the Star Combat Network.


    The bet between the two parties was agreed upon before the match, and Lin Lanyue had transferred the funds in advance. Therefore, as soon as he won, the money was immediately credited to Li Yuan''s ount.


    "Near-realbat without worrying about injury is indeed more satisfying than painstaking practice in reality." Li Yuan grinned, "It''s just a pity that it''s not 100% realistic, not that thrilling."


    In this era, why do martial arts masters emerge inrge numbers? The virtualwork has an irreceable role.


    For example, the Starry Sky Combat Network has many ws, such as the inability to fully simte real-life moves, and some data may be distorted. It also cannot scan each person''s real physical data; the data of the consciousness body and the real body differ and cannot bepletely consistent.


    However, through consciousness connection, participants can still engage in arge number of battles and moves that are difficult to continuously experiment with in reality. In realbat, one mistake can mean serious injury or death.


    In the past, how many realbats could a martial artist experience in a lifetime? Most of them practiced alone, and having a few sparring partners was already good. But in this era, every martial artist can experience thousands of virtual battles before fighting star beasts in realbat, which not only improves their training efficiency by ten or a hundred times but also hones their mentality, courage, and skills.


    In the battle between Li Yuan and Lin Lanyue, both were over 16 years old, so the blood and severed limbs simted during the fight were very realistic. However, due to their age, the pain sensation was only 10%. For adultpetitors, the minimum pain setting is 20%, and the highest can be adjusted to a staggering 80%, infinitely close to a life-and-death fight.


    "Starry Sky Combat Network is essentially a realbat training camp for martial artists," Li Yuan sighed.


    The entire human civilization now revolves around ''war.''


    Li Yuan and Lin Lanyue fought fiercely. The battle ended in less than a minute. After all, with each strike of their spear and sword weighing over a thousand kilograms, catching a single w meant certain death.


    Before Li Yuan''s explosive strike, many students still thought Lin Lanyue had the upper hand, except for teacher Xu Bo who had foreseen the oue.


    "Li Yuan kept retreating; prolonged defense will lead to failure! Can he defend like this?" a male student wondered.


    "What do you know!" Zhou Qi scoffed, "Yuan Ge is the strongest."


    Zhou Qi didn''t understand, but he knew that Li Yuan had the highest martial arts skill score.


    "Lin Lanyue''s attacks are fierce; as long as Yuan Ge makes the slightest mistake, he''ll lose," Wan Xiao, with sharper eyes, said, "But Yuan Ge''s defense is wless... I feel his spear technique is stronger than during thest test."


    "Who should I support to win?" Li Tianyou, conflicted, stared.


    Suddenly.


    "Yuan Ge is awesome!" Wearing leather pants, Zhou Qi jumped up, wildly waving his fists in excitement, "He won!"


    "What?"


    "An explosive strike? Lanyue lost?" Li Tianyou stared in disbelief.


    "Damn!"


    "So ruthless, how could he stab her chest?"


    "My sister actually lost?" Gu Qianghan held his breath, "This Li Yuan shows no mercy."


    "So fast, Li Yuan is so ruthless." Exmations filled the spectator stands as the students marveled.


    They thought that even if Li Yuan''s defensive counterattack was to win, it would take dozens more moves. They never expected a sudden reversal when Lin Lanyue''s offensive peaked.


    A direct strike erupted.


    Lin Lanyue was pierced through, even her armor, showing how dominant this strike was. Ruthless to the extreme.


    "Li Yuan won!"


    "So what if they''re from the elite ss? They still got beaten!"


    "Yuan Ge, the top in skills." The students of ss 2 were thrilled, sharing in the glory.


    So what if they are from the elite ss? So what if they awakened martial arts talents?


    Defeating the so-called favored ones is a deeply ingrained tradition in Chinese culture and the most beloved story.


    "Li Yuan, no pity for a beauty? That''s Lin Lanyue!" Some boys were resentful.


    "Are you joking?"


    "Idiot!"


    "Moron, in a life-and-death fight, should you go easy on the enemy? Can''t stop licking?"


    "Getting aroused now?"


    "Have the guts to fight Li Yuan yourself."


    "If you like someone, respect them." This led to more rebuttals from students, "When fighting star beasts, should you go easy if they''re pretty?"


    Most boys came to support Lin Lanyue. But they didn''t think Li Yuan was ruthless, just fierce and dominant. When Li Yuan won, they cheered too.


    In a fight, you should give it your all. Carelessness and underestimation are irresponsible to oneself.


    The purpose of fighting is victory!


    This is the first lesson every student learns in martial arts sses.


    "The greatest respect to the enemy is to kill them with all your might. Only those who win and survive can talk about spirit and honor." This is a famous quote from the world''s second-strongest ''Lante.''


    At this time.


    The system announcement echoed above the duel tform: "The moment of glory has arrived. Victory belongs to ''Defender Yuan,'' whose spear is an insurmountable barrier, sessfully defending his honor and emerging as the ultimate victor."


    ...


    "The duel space will close soon, 60, 59..." A countdown appeared on the screen above the tform.


    Many began to leave quickly.


    Just eliminated, Lin Lanyue reappeared on the tform, no longer wearing her armor. She had returned to her original attire. Li Yuan''s shoulder wound had healed, and his weapons and armor had disappeared.


    In nonbat status and space, no one can harm others.


    "Lin Lanyue, thanks for the match." Li Yuan smiled.


    Lin Lanyue frowned slightly, "Your spear technique is indeed powerful. I''m not as good as you."


    In the ten seconds after the fight, Lin Lanyue reviewed it and understood that Li Yuan''s skill level was indeed higher. Otherwise, she couldn''t have been easily blocked and finally defeated by a single counterattack.


    It only showed there was a gap between them.


    "But there''s something I hope you''ll exin to others." Lin Lanyue stared at Li Yuan.


    "Exin?" Li Yuan was puzzled, then instantly understood the initial hostility from her.


    "You mean those rumors?" Li Yuan shook his head and was about to exin, "It has nothing to do with me, it''s just them..."


    Boom!!


    A figure rushed onto the tform.


    "Yuan Ge, now that you''ve won, what should we do next?" Zhou Qi excitedly ran up.


    Li Yuan was speechless, "..."


    "It has nothing to do with you?" Lin Lanyue nced at Li Yuan, then at Zhou Qi, frowned slightly but said no more. She left the virtual space directly.


    "Uh? Lin Lanyue left?" Zhou Qi, realizingte, said, "Yuan Ge, did I ruin your moment? I was just too excited!"


    Li Yuan was silent for three seconds, then said slowly, "Zhou Qi, I want you to do something."


    "What is it? Just tell me, Yuan Ge." Zhou Qi promised.


    "Be my sparring partner."


    "Fight me ten rounds." Li Yuan''s face showed a slight smile, "Or I won''t feelfortable."


    "Sparring partner?" Zhou Qi turned to run.


    ...


    "He''s really handsome!"


    "Why didn''t I notice at school before?"


    "I kind of want Li Yuan to be my third boyfriend. I''ll ask him at school tomorrow."


    "Let me have him. I only have one." A few girls whispered, worried others might hear.


    The 60-second countdown ended, and the battle space closed.


    ...


    After sparring (abusing) with Zhou Qi and Wan Xiao for three rounds each, Li Yuan let them go.


    Returning to his personalbat space, everything quieted down.


    "Next, it''s time to rank up." Li Yuan thought, and a light screen appeared before him:


    Ranked Match: Gold Rank.


    Points: 112 (1000 points to enter promotion match)


    Ranked Win Rate: 52%


    Historical Win Rate: 57%


    "ording to the rules, underage yers receive a 50,000 Blue Star Coin reward for reaching 500 points in the Gold Rank," Li Yuan thought, "If I reach the Meteor Rank, I''ll be rewarded with 500,000 Blue Star Coins."


    "My birthday is in August. Achieving the Meteor Rank in the next year is too difficult."


    "But with my two killer moves, reaching 500 points in the Gold Rank is still hopeful." Li Yuan clicked to queue.


    "Winning a match earns 1-12 points, losing deducts 1-12 points," Li Yuan thought, "Winning against a higher-ranked opponent grants more points."


    "Losing to a lower-ranked opponent will deduct more points."


    "Hope to rank up in one go today." Li Yuan thought.


    Beep¡ªmatch found.


    "Entering ranked match. Opponent: Gold Rank (322 points). Prepare for battle," the system reminded.


    "Entering battle space in 10, 9..."

 Chapter 21: 192 Matches! 496 Points!

    <h4>Chapter 21: 192 Matches! 496 Points!</h4>


    The Starry Sky Battle Network is divided into more than ten differentbat modes, including Thousand-Person Battle Royale, Star Realm Survival, Ranked Matches, Matchmaking, and Personal Duels.


    Modes like Thousand-Person Battle Royale and Star Realm Survival usually involve teams of 3-10 people, focusing not only on individual strength but also on team coordination, making them very popr. Many martial arts streamers frequently participate in these two modes. With good teamwork, it''s entirely possible to defeat stronger opponents.


    Li Yuan, Yan Zhou, Zhou Qi, and their friends often team up for these modes during their leisure time, only to get brutally defeated...


    However, those truly dedicated to pushing their limits and honing their martial arts skills focus more on the Ranked Matches.


    In Ranked Matches, both participants have identical physical attributes and randomly assigned cold weapons, making it a pure test of martial arts skills andbat awareness.


    Only the victor survives.


    Since the second year of high school, Li Yuan has dedicated almost all his spare time, including holidays, to ranked matches, using these near-real virtual battles to sharpen his martial arts skills.


    ...In the ranked matchbat space, there is a massive arena with no audience.


    Shua! Shua!


    Li Yuan and a fiery red figure appeared simultaneously on opposite sides of the arena.


    "Li Yuan?"


    "Lin Lanyue, you''re in ranked matchmaking too?" They stared at each other, taken aback.


    Neither expected to be matched against each other again just minutes after their previous duel.


    This was incredibly rare. Whether it''s a ranked match or a matchmaking match, the system matches yers with simr ranks globally.


    How many golden rank yers are there worldwide? At least tens of millions.


    Both were silent for a moment.


    "I won''t surrender," Lin Lanyue was the first to speak, her eyes fixed coldly on Li Yuan. "Your martial arts skills may be slightly better than mine, but that doesn''t mean I''ll definitely lose."


    "Mm, you''re right," Li Yuan nodded.


    Forty-two secondster.


    On the arena.


    "Puchi!"


    Li Yuan''s spear struck like a dragon, once again piercing through Lin Lanyue''s chest with a swift and fierce attack.


    "You..." Lin Lanyue, enduring the intense pain of the spear through her body, managed to utter one word before her figure dissolved into nothingness.


    "You''ve gotten a bit smarter, not attacking recklessly and instead probing my defenses," Li Yuan retracted his spear and shook his head lightly. "But you still fell for my feint."


    "You want to win too badly."


    "The more you want to win, the easier it is to lose," Li Yuan muttered to himself. "You must always stay calm."


    "Calm like an old dog to advance steadily."


    At this moment, Li Yuan received a system notification: "Congrattions, Defender Yuan. You have won this golden rank match. Points +10!"


    "Her rank points are higher than mine."


    "So the system gave me a bonus for winning?" Li Yuan thought.


    Winning a match and gaining 10 points was quite substantial.


    "Continue matchmaking," Li Yuanmanded mentally.


    ...


    In another personal space.


    "So frustrating!!"


    "Damn Li Yuan, he must be doing it on purpose. Ahhh!!" Standing alone in a starry sky scene with dyed red hair, Lin Lanyue couldn''t hold back her anger, muttering through gritted teeth, "I curse you to never find a wife."


    Losing didn''t bother Lin Lanyue much. She had lost countless times in ranked matches.


    If she had just lost to Li Yuan twice, she wouldn''t be so angry.


    Having agreed to the duel, she had already prepared herself mentally for defeat.


    The issue was the way she lost.


    Twice, her chest was pierced by a spear. Once could be a coincidence, but twice?


    "Calm down! Lin Lanyue, you need to stay calm," Lin Lanyue took a deep breath, trying to steady herself. "Martial arts training requires a calm mind. Don''t panic when things go wrong."


    Suddenly.


    Beep¡ªamunication request.


    Seeing the name on themunication disy.


    "Second Brother?" Lin Lanyue hesitated and then said softly, "Little Qing, answer the call."


    Buzz¡ªthe projection changed, showing a young man in a blue martial arts uniform, quite handsome.


    The man resembled Lin Lanyue somewhat.


    "Little Sister," the man smiled.


    "Second Brother," Lin Lanyue suppressed her frustration, smiling slightly. "Why are you contacting me all of a sudden?"


    "What, I can''t contact you?" the young man smiled.


    "Hmph!"


    Lin Lanyue couldn''t help but snort, "Second Brother, how long has it been since youst contacted me?"


    The young man smiled indulgently, "I heard from Little Qiang that you lost a duel on the Starry Sky Battle Network. I''m here to check on you."


    "That big mouth Gu Qianghan," Lin Lanyue frowned. "I''ll teach him a lesson tomorrow."


    "Little Qiang told me because he''s worried about you," the young man smiled. "You''re his elder sister, don''t bully him too much."


    "I know¡ª¡ª" Lin Lanyue drawled, her mind already plotting how to handle Gu Qianghan at school tomorrow.


    "I watched your battle video," the young man said seriously. "Losing is normal. Besides the weapon disadvantage, that boy''s spear skills are much better than yours. I estimate he''s at mid-tier third stage."


    "Mid-tier third stage?" Lin Lanyue was slightly surprised. She knew the martial arts skill stages.


    Lin Lanyue could sense Li Yuan''s skills were superior, but didn''t expect the gap to be that wide.


    "His footwork should also be at third stage, possibly qualifying for the ''Blue Star Youth List,''" the young man said. "That''s the standard for special recruitment."


    "Blue Star Youth List?" Lin Lanyue was increasingly astonished. She understood the significance of that list due to her family''s background.


    "How''s his physical strength?" the young man asked casually.


    "Average, probably just over 6th level, not awakened to martial intuition yet," Lin Lanyue shook her head. She knew a bit about Li Yuan''s situation.


    "Not awakened to martial intuition?" The young man was taken aback, shaking his head. "That''s a pity."


    The young man had only asked out of curiosity and didn''t really care about Li Yuan''s situation.


    To him, Li Yuan''s performance didn''t matter.


    "Little sister, your sword skills just broke through to third stage, right?" the young man smiled. "In a hundred duels, you''d rarely win against that boy."


    Lin Lanyue couldn''t help but bite her lip. She was unwilling to ept this but knew her second brother''s judgment was more urate than Teacher Xu''s.


    "Having such a martial arts genius as a ssmate is a good thing," the young man smiled. "It serves as a wake-up call, preventing you from getting too proud just because you''re the top student in your grade."


    "I''m not proud," Lin Lanyue frowned. "Second Brother, are you here tofort me or to lecture me?"


    "Haha, alright."


    "My fault, I won''t lecture you," the young manughed. "Focus on honing your sword skills. There''s still half a year left. Strive to make it onto the Blue Star Youth List."


    "With that credential, you''ll be more valued when you enter Starry Sky University, and Father can request more resources from the family for you," the young man said.


    "Yes, I understand," Lin Lanyue nodded. She was old enough to understand how her family operated.


    There were many children, and only those who excelled would receive family resources.


    Otherwise, even upon reaching adulthood, she would only get 50,000 Blue Star Coins a month for living expenses.


    No additional resources.


    "In two weeks, Big Brother and I will return from the g Country to visit you," the young man smiled.


    "Is Fathering?" Lin Lanyue was pleasantly surprised.


    "Father has business in Russia with the military," the young man shook his head.


    "Oh!" Lin Lanyue pursed her lips, a bit disappointed.


    Soon after.


    Lin Lanyue ended the call with her second brother.


    "Third stage mid-tier spear skills and footwork?" Lin Lanyue murmured. "Li Yuan has progressed so quickly."


    She remembered clearly.


    In her first year, Li Yuan wasn''t even ranked in the top students. He suddenly emerged in the second year.


    In just a year, he ranked in the top thirty in the second-year final exams, even surpassing her in martial arts skills.


    Losing one top spot had little impact on Lin Lanyue but made her remember Li Yuan''s name.


    "That exam, my skill score was only a few points behind, meaning the gap wasn''t big," Lin Lanyue bit her lip. "Now, his martial arts skills are much better?"


    Lin Lanyue didn''t understand.


    Despite receiving excellent martial arts education from a young age, having a specialized swordsmanship teacher, and training diligently, she was still surpassed by Li Yuan.


    "Perhaps."


    "As Father said, there are always geniuses in the world," Lin Lanyue shook her head. "It''s a pity he hasn''t awakened martial intuition. Achieving great sess in martial arts will be very difficult."


    She was upset, thinking Li Yuan intentionally targeted her in both duels.


    But deep down, Lin Lanyue felt a bit sorry for Li Yuan.


    "Let''s continue."


    "Following Father''s mental training method, I can handle about forty ranked matches in one go," Lin Lanyue resumed matchmaking.


    Ordinary people feel mentally exhausted after long video game sessions.


    The Starry Sky Battle Network''s virtual battles impose much greater mental strain.


    Especially when injured or defeated, the intense pain severely stresses the mind.


    So, virtual battles can''t be sustained indefinitely.


    ...


    Night, 9 PM.


    In the virtualwork, Starry Sky Battle Network, in Li Yuan''s personal space.


    "Finally, almost there," Li Yuan took a deep breath, ncing at his ranked match panel:


    Ranked Match: Golden Rank.


    Points: 496 (1000 points to qualify for promotion match)


    ...


    From 2 PM to 9 PM.


    Seven hours of nearly non-stop battles, 192 matches.


    120 wins, 72 losses.


    Increasing his points from 112 to 496.


    Just one more win to reach 500 points.

 Chapter 22: Global Rank [4684]

    <h4>Chapter 22: Global Rank [4684]</h4>


    In the ranked match mode, with continuous victories, Li Yuan asionally encountered those experts with over 500 points in the gold rank, but they were in the minority. Most of the time, the system prioritized matching with yers of simr rank points.


    "After creating ''Hidden Dragon in Rocky Ravine'' my spear skills have significantly improved. When facing low-rank gold-level martial artists, my win rate has greatly increased." Li Yuan felt a bit mentally fatigued but was still full of fighting spirit.


    His points kept soaring until now.


    "Ordinary adults, without strong mental power, might need to rest after six or seven battles and can only fight twenty or thirty battles a day at most. Otherwise, it would be too taxing and affect real-life training." Li Yuan''s eyes sparkled. "But I can maintain peak condition even after experiencing two hundred virtual battles in one day."


    Over the past year, why did Li Yuan''s martial skills keep improving rapidly? Besides having a natural talent for spear techniques, it was also inseparably linked to his ever-growing mental strength. The stronger the mental power, the better he controlled his body during daily training, and the faster his spear skills improved. Simrly, in virtualwork battles, he could fight more battles. Li Yuan''s virtual battle experience in one year equaled that of many people''s three or even five years of virtual battle training. Thus, it''s no wonder his martial skills improved so quickly.


    "Thest battle, I must win."


    "The 50,000 yuan is mine." Li Yuan clicked the option box - start matching.


    Beep¡ªmatch sessful.


    "You are about to enter a ranked match, opponent''s rank: Gold (499 points)... countdown 10, 9...".


    ...


    In a livestream room on the Starry Sky Fighting Network, the stream title was ''Road to Martial Champion, Rushing to 500 Points in Gold Rank.''


    In the room, there was a girl in an elf costume, about seventeen or eighteen years old, and a middle-aged manmentating.


    "Brothers."


    "Xiuer aims to be the martial champion of Nanming City. In thest school martial test, her martial skills score exceeded 360 points... Today she attempts to reach 500 points in the gold rank."


    The girl asionally tilted her head, looking very cute while waiting for the match. Meanwhile, the middle-agedmentator was very excited.


    "Gold rank 500 points, not just in Nanming City, but even in the entire Jiangbei Province, there are less than 50 people under 18 who can reach this rank... Let''s see if Xiuer can seed on her third attempt today." Thementator spoke quickly.


    "Matched sessfully!"


    "The opponent''s score is 496, seems like another martial expert aiming for the gold rank."


    "The opponents in the previous two attempts were all over 600 points. This opponent is only 496 points... Let''s wait and see... 5, 4..." Thementator was excited.


    Gold-ranked martial streamers were numerous, but underage streamers who could reach the gold rank were quite rare. Thebination of aiming for the top in the high school martial exam, being a cute elf girl, and having a pretty face made her quite a hit. The girl, known as ''Xiuer,'' had quite a following on the Starry Sky Fighting Network, with over 2,000 viewers at the moment. Of course, as a minor, she could not stream alone. Streamers had to be at least 16 years old, and must have a guardian present. There were also time restrictions on their weekly streams as per thew.


    "This time, she should make it."


    "The opponent''s 496 points seem weaker than the previous ones."


    "Defeat them."


    "Xiuer has fought over 30 battles today, with a win rate of 56.6%. That''s pretty good. Sending a reward."


    "I''ve been watching Xiuer''s streams for two years."


    "Training her up! Training her to be a martial champion, I look forward to the day Xiuer bes the champion."


    "She will definitely win." Manyments, voice messages, and image messages shed by, along with various rewards being sent.


    Suddenly.


    Swoosh! The live scene changed to a tform scene, with a boy holding a long spear appearing on the other side of the tform.


    "A boy?"


    "The opponent looks young. Could he be underage too?"


    "He must be an adult. This is just a virtual image. If he were underage, wouldn''t he also bepeting for the high school martial champion?" The audience discussed.


    ...


    On the battle tform.


    "Hmm? So many people?" Li Yuan just stood on the tform and noticed the originally empty spectator stands now filled with arge number of spectators, densely packed.


    Looking around, there seemed to be thousands of people.


    "A big streamer?" Li Yuan nced around and finally fixed his eyes on the elf girl with a silver spear about twenty meters away.


    In normal gold rank matches, even if encountering a streamer, having over a hundred spectators was already impressive. Encountering a big streamer with thousands of spectators? This was the first time for Li Yuan today.


    Li Yuan couldpletely mute the audience sound, but he didn''t choose to.


    "A streamer?"


    "Seems to be an underage girl streamer?" Li Yuan heard some audience voices. "Let''s see how strong she is."


    In fact, Li Yuan had tried streaming. He once thought of making money through streaming to reduce his family''s financial burden... but he soon realized.


    This industry was tooplicated.


    Unless one reached the ''Eclipse Rank'' of super experts, it was extremely difficult to be famous. Famous streamers'' martial skills were only part of the reason.


    Being good at fighting didn''t mean being good at streaming.


    Making money wasn''t easy.


    Moreover, Li Yuan understood clearly that virtual battles were just an auxiliary to honing martial skills. Real-life training was the core.


    The purpose of making money was to train in martial arts.


    One shouldn''t neglect the fundamental goal.


    "Xiuer?" Li Yuan looked at the elf girl''s name and vaguely remembered. It seemed like he hade across her stream video before.


    But the impression wasn''t deep, so she probably wasn''t a top-tier streamer.


    "Hello."


    "Can you let me win this round?" The elf girl, holding a silver spear, smiled cutely.


    Li Yuan frowned slightly.


    Swoosh!


    The elf girl suddenly moved, with 8.0 level physical fitness, her speed was extremely fast, like lightning, she rushed towards Li Yuan.


    "Xiuer started being dishonest again."


    "Stab him!"


    "This kid probably got tricked too, probably hasn''t watched Xiuer''s streams." The audience roared.


    "Whoosh!" The silver spear thrust straight!


    "Straight thrust?"


    Li Yuan didn''t hesitate at all, holding the spear with his left hand, supporting it with his right hand, also performing a middle thrust.


    It seemed like a mutual destruction move.


    But the spear chosen by Li Yuan was nearly three meters long, half a meter longer than the opponent''s... and Li Yuan''s character model was taller with a longer arm span.


    It was destined that Li Yuan''s spear would reach the opponent first.


    An inch longer, an inch stronger.


    "Boom~"


    At the moment the spear tips crossed, the elf girl''s silver spear suddenly shook, bursting out terrifying power trying to knock Li Yuan''s spear away... Obviously, she also realized her weapon''s disadvantage.


    "Boom~"


    However, Li Yuan seemed to foresee this, and also shook his spear, confronting it head-on.


    Then, Li Yuan nced aside, retreating swiftly tond and dissipate the force.


    "Whoosh!" The violent spear wind howled.


    The elf girl''s following thrust missed, the spear tip just an inch away from Li Yuan''s head.


    "She can maintain spear stability and continue attacking after continuous collisions... This must be a set of killing moves." Li Yuan dodged the thrust, making a judgment: "I need to be cautious."


    In normalbat, after continuous collisions, the rebound force would affect oneself through the spear, making many movements difficult to perform, requiring readjustment.


    The opponent could continue attacking, indicating thebo was very special.


    A killing move means being able to perfectly manipte force, achieving defensive and offensivebos that ordinary people can''t.


    "Such fast reflexes, strong footwork." The elf girl was equally astonished.


    This set ofbos was one of her killing moves, often solving battles in two or three moves during sudden attacks.


    ...


    "Such impressive footwork."


    "Very steady!"


    "A hidden expert."


    "Xiuer got shown up." The audienceughed. They didn''t really care about winning or losing.


    ...


    "ng!" "ng!" "ng!"


    After multiple collisions, both were considered spear experts, their bodies moving rapidly, constantly testing each other.


    Trying to catch the opponent''s ws and find opportunities.


    But Li Yuan was very steady, mostly defending, not seeking merits but avoiding faults, repeatedly blocking the elf girl''s silver spear.


    "Virtual battles are for honing spear skills, fighting one more or one less doesn''t make a difference." Li Yuan''s mind was calm, not in a hurry.


    But the elf girl grew increasingly anxious.


    She could hear the audience''s sighs and many were teasing her with remarks like ''boring,'' ''not fighting,'' ''charge ahead,'' ''running in circles,'' ''are they acting?'' ''can''t live up to the name Xiuer?'' ''bluffing before,'' ''told you she''s not good''...


    The elf girl wanted to win, to reach 500 points and get the reward, and also wanted a good show for the livestream.


    "This guy, like a turtle."


    "Continuing like this, it won''t end in five minutes, probably half the audience will leave, can''t wait anymore." The elf girl braced herself and attacked.


    "ng!" "Boom~"


    After several collisions of spear shafts and tips, Li Yuan kept retreating while the elf girl stepped forward.


    "There''s a chance." The elf girl''s eyes brightened.


    After less than ten collisions, Li Yuan was almost forced to the edge of the tform. Just when the elf girl thought she was about to win.


    "Whoosh!" After a whole battle of defense, Li Yuan suddenly exploded, thrusting his spear forward.


    "Rip~"


    The spear pierced through the air, emitting a sharp whistle!


    "Not good." The elf girl ''Xiuer'' narrowed her pupils. Just as she tried to retreat, the spearhead had already pierced through her throat.


    It was too fast!


    After nearly two minutes ofbat, with more than ny percent of the time, she was in control.


    But in the moment of old force fading and new force yet to arise, she got caught by Li Yuan and defeated in an instant.


    "Martial arts streaming can generate ie if it has good viewing effects and attracts rewards from viewers."


    "Audience can sometimes stimte one''s fighting spirit." Li Yuan quietly retracted his spear, ncing at the bustling audience stand: "But riding on the trend can often lead to being trapped or disturbed by it."


    "Life-and-deathbat should be pure."


    "Fighting is not for entertainment, but to determine life and death."


    "Your martial skills are not inferior to mine, but your mind wasn''t fully focused on the battle." Li Yuan stared at the now-vanished elf girl: "So, you lost."


    Life-and-deathbat is never solely determined by physical fitness or martial skills.


    Mindset is crucial.


    Practicing ''Rock Steady Training Method,'' Li Yuan had a terrifyingly stable mindset.


    "Congrattions, Defender Yuan, you have won this gold-ranked match, points +10."


    "Congrattions, Defender Yuan, you have reached 500 points in the gold rank and are eligible for the 50,000 yuan reward."


    "Congrattions, Defender Yuan, you have entered the ''Blue Star Youth Ranking,'' ranked globally at [4684], [1224] in the China Country area, and [47] in the Jiangbei sub-region. Detailed rankings can be queried through the following methods..."

 Chapter 23: Special Admission Qualification

    <h4>Chapter 23: Special Admission Qualification</h4>


    Starry Sky Combat Network, personal space.


    Li Yuan''s conscious body had just returned.


    Suddenly, countless lights and shadows converged, forming the figure of a young girl dressed in ancient green attire.


    "Defender Yuan, congrattions on being listed on the Blue Star Youth Ranking. Your status in the Starry Sky Combat Network has been elevated." The green-d girl smiled slightly. "From today onwards, I am your exclusive AI customer service representative in the Starry Sky Combat Network, here to serve you fully. You may give me a name."


    "Exclusive AI customer service?" Li Yuan was slightly taken aback.


    In this era, AI intelligence is very advanced. As far as Li Yuan knew, usually only those who recharge a certain amount in the ''Starry Sky Combat Network'' and purchase many additional services could get exclusive AI customer service.


    Unexpectedly, being listed on this so-called Blue Star Youth Ranking also provided this benefit.


    "Little Jade." Li Yuan said directly, naming her after his smart wristband.


    "Little Jade is delighted to serve you." The green-d girl bowed slightly, looking very pure.


    "I want to see the Blue Star Youth Ranking and the ranking details," Li Yuan said directly.


    "Yes." With a wave of her small green hand, a light screen projection appeared before Li Yuan.


    It was filled with a lot of textual descriptions, images, and pictures.


    Li Yuan quickly understood.


    "The Blue Star Youth Ranking ispiled by the ''Starry Sky Combat Network''. Anyone who reaches 500 points in the Golden Tier is eligible to enter." Li Yuan pondered, "It''s rumored that behind the Starry Sky Combat Network are the Seven Star Alliance, the Three Great Martial Temples, and major countries... It serves both to intensely hone martial artists'' skills and to filter out martial arts geniuses."


    Looking at it now, the rumors were true.


    "The Blue Star Youth Ranking is purely about martial arts skills," Li Yuan nodded slightly. "Which makes sense, as the Starry Sky Combat Network''s selection process barely consumes additional resources, making it very easy."


    "If it had to consider both martial arts skills and physical aptitude... wouldn''t that just be the college entrance exam?" Li Yuan couldn''t help but smile.


    Whether for the entirety of human civilization or a single country, every effort is made to identify tech talents and martial arts geniuses. The college entrance exam is thergest scale and mostprehensive evaluation method.


    The Starry Sky Combat Network, on the other hand, is a single-category selection for martial arts skills.


    "The Blue Star Youth Ranking covers the entire Blue Star, and the list is cleared every September 1st each year..." Li Yuan continued to review.


    "Anyone who is under 18 years old by the deadline on September 1st each year is eligible to enter the next year''s Blue Star Youth Ranking."


    Li Yuan immediately understood that this so-called Blue Star Youth Ranking does not consist only of minors.


    The oldest listed could be close to 19 years old.


    For example, someone born on September 2nd.


    But simrly, if someone is truly a martial arts genius, reaching 500 points in the Golden Tier at fourteen or fifteen, they could potentially be listed on the Blue Star Youth Ranking for four or five consecutive years.


    "By this calction, this session of the Blue Star Youth Ranking has been updated for less than a month?" Li Yuan thought, "In less than a month, 4,684 people have been listed?"


    And this is just within Blue Star.


    Looking at the human civilization across the seven majors, how many would be listed?


    By the time a year passes, by next August, how many more will be listed?


    And this is just the martial arts geniuses emerging within Blue Star in one year.


    "Those who can reach 500 points in the Golden Tier have martial arts skills not inferior to mine." Li Yuan shook his head slightly, "My martial arts skills in the First High School of Guan Mountain District are now considered unmatched."


    "But looking at the world? It''s not that impressive." Li Yuan calmed down.


    He realized his own insignificance.


    The world is indeed vast.


    "However, the road is taken step by step. At least I''ve made it to the list." Li Yuan suddenly smiled, "In the entire Jiangbei Province, there are only 47 people including me, and most of them are probably high school sophomores and seniors."


    Jiangbei Province has over a million high school seniors.


    At least in terms of martial arts skills, Li Yuan has already reached the forefront of a million high school seniors.


    A year ago, Li Yuan couldn''t even dream of achieving such a feat.


    After reviewing all the content.


    "Rank rewards?" Li Yuan''s eyes lit up as he focused on the final page.


    ¡ª¡ªRank Rewards (before turning 18 years old):


    Reaching 500 points in the Golden Tier, rewards 50,000 Blue Star Coins.


    Reaching the Meteor Star Tier, rewards 500,000 Blue Star Coins.


    Reaching the Bright Moon Tier, rewards 20 million Blue Star Coins.


    ¡ª¡ªRank Rewards (ages 18 to 30):


    Reaching the Meteor Star Tier, rewards 10,000 Blue Star Coins.


    Reaching the Bright Moon Tier, rewards 200,000 Blue Star Coins.


    Reaching the Eclipse Sun Tier: rewards 5 million Blue Star Coins.


    ...


    "That''s really amazing." Li Yuan murmured to himself, "A reward of 20 million Blue Star Coins?"


    Twenty million!


    An ordinary person would need to work for a hundred years to possibly earn that much.


    But Li Yuan had to admit, the difficulty is indeed high, requiring one to reach the Bright Moon Tier before the age of 18.


    If over 18, even if one reaches the Bright Moon Tier, the reward would only be 200,000 Blue Star Coins.


    "Not to mention the Bright Moon Tier, even reaching the Meteor Star Tier before the age of 18 would be difficult." Li Yuan shook his head, casually asking, "Little Jade, how many people on the Blue Star Youth Ranking have reached the Meteor Star Tier so far?"


    "As of today, there are 44." The green-d girl Xiao Yu said, "But the specific list cannot be disclosed."


    Li Yuan nodded.


    He had just tried to check and found that when viewing the rankings, he could only see general statistical data.


    But the specific list? Who exactly is on the Blue Star Youth Ranking?


    He couldn''t find out.


    "Perhaps this is a form of protection." Li Yuan thought, "In a sense, those who make it to the list are future martial arts masters, but they haven''t fully grown yet."


    Though a lot of information could also be found through various national school exam results, college entrance exam results, etc., the difficulty of collecting information is clearly not on the same level.


    "Rewards." Li Yuan looked at the three segment rewards on the page, deep in thought.


    "The Bright Moon Tier? That''s too far and unrealistic."


    "But the Meteor Star Tier?"


    "My birthday is on August 29th, so I have about eleven months to hone my martial arts skills."


    "Even if I can''t reach it before the college entrance exam, it doesn''t matter, I can continue to work hard after."


    "As long as I reach the Meteor Star Tier, I''ll get a reward of 500,000 Blue Star Coins." Li Yuan set his goal in mind.


    He was filled with anticipation and motivation.


    Because this was a goal that he truly had hope of achieving.


    As long as he reaches 1000 points in the Golden Tier and then passes the promotionpetition, he can be a Meteor Star Tier.


    "Let''s try a few more matches." Li Yuan couldn''t help but click on ''Ranked Match''.


    Six minutester.


    "Lose!"


    "Lose!"


    "Lose three matches in a row, all against experts with over 600 points, and I lost every time." Li Yuan returned to his personal space, feeling quite helpless.


    Not only did he not gain points, but he also fell back to 491 points.


    Li Yuan calmed down.


    "It seems that 500 points is indeed a threshold. With my strength, my win rate against those below 500 points is over 80%." Li Yuan reflected on today''s battles, "But against experts with over 500 points, especially those with over 600 points, my win rate is less than 30%."


    "This shows that my martial arts skills are far from dominating the Golden Tier."


    Trying to reach the Meteor Star Tier without being nearly invincible in the Golden Tier?


    That''s basically a pipe dream.


    Each segment in the Starry Sky Combat Network has a huge gap, almost insurmountable.


    "Little Jade, my points dropped below 500, does that affect my eligibility for the reward?" Li Yuan asked.


    "It doesn''t."


    "The Blue Star Coin reward is based on the highest historical achievement." The green-d girl smiled, "The 50,000 Blue Star Coin reward will be directly transferred to your bank ount after a unified review on Monday."


    "Great." Li Yuan nodded.


    The Starry Sky Combat Network, as the number one virtualwork game with official backing, was trustworthy.


    "Exit." Li Yuan moved his consciousness.


    He left the virtualwork.


    ...


    Walking out of his room.


    "Brother,e eat some apples, I''ve cut them for you." His sister Li Qianqian called from the sofa.


    "Okay." Li Yuan smiled, "Watching something? What show is this?"


    "Brother, it''s not a drama, it''s a documentary, ''Exploring the Luo Bu Sea Star Realm'', about our country''s first explorer entering the Luo Bu Sea..." His younger brother Li Muhua exined, reciting it all by heart.


    "Oh?" Li Yuan nodded, sitting down, eating apples while watching the documentary with his younger brother and sister.


    The interior of the star realm is very special, with many technological devices rendered useless.


    Combined with numerous rampant star realm creatures, it''s extremely dangerous... Over the past few decades, human civilization has been fighting continuously, but there is still limited information and imagery about the deep star realm.


    "These explorers are all martial artists, effortlessly leaping up cliffs tens of meters high." Li Muhua couldn''t help but say.


    "Without martial artist strength, daring to venture into the star realm would be seeking death?" Li Yuanughed, "Besides, they are not ordinary martial artists."


    At least, their physical fitness must exceed level 20!


    ...


    After watching the documentary for half an hour, their aunt came out of the main bedroom and urged them to sleep.


    After washing up, Li Yuan returned to his room.


    He didn''t rush to tell his aunt about reaching 500 points in the Golden Tier.


    "I''ll wait until the money is actually in the ount." Li Yuan stood barefoot in his room.


    "I spent the whole day in the virtualwork today."


    "The basic cultivation methods cannot be neglected."


    "First, I''ll practice ''Rock Solid Cultivation Method'' for two hours, then ''Great Sun Starry Sky Sutra''." Li Yuan quickly made his decision.


    For Li Yuan, being able to eat some snacks and watch TV shows with his siblings was a rare rxation.


    Martial arts cultivation has no shortcuts.


    It is a day-to-day umtion.


    ...


    Late at night.


    When Li Yuan got up at around three o''clock, quietly leaving home to head to school.


    In Jiangbei Province, at the Martial Arts Hall.


    The intelligent system and staff on duty had received an inconspicuous file waiting for review.


    "Blue Star Youth Ranking 2042-2043 period, ranked number [4684] on the list, name ''Li Yuan'', registered in ''Jiangcheng, Guanshan District, Jiangbei Province''... Please conduct aprehensive assessment within ten days to confirm if the individual is eligible for martial arts special admission."

 Chapter 24: Arrival! Joy!

    <h4>Chapter 24: Arrival! Joy!</h4>


    At eight o''clock in the morning, in the No. 1 High School of Guanshan District.


    Li Yuan was frowning, twirling his pen, working on the math test in front of him, feeling a headache from derivatives, limits, continuity, indefinite integrals, and linear transformations¡ªtopics that were once college-level content a century ago but were now part of high school math exams. In this era, people''s physical fitness had greatly improved, learning efficiency was higher, and the difficulty of exams had also increased.


    "Math is really hard."


    "Memorizing history and biology is much easier," Li Yuan muttered to himself, but he diligently continued working on the math problems.


    Since his second year of high school, Li Yuan''s mental power had been continuously increasing, which significantly enhanced his thinking speed and memory. As a result, even though he only spent four hours a day on academic subjects, his academic performance had not fallen behind his ssmates. In fact, his ranking in the entire grade had improved.


    It''s important to note that Guanshan District''s No. 1 High School is a key school. A mid-level student here would be considered a top student in many regr high schools.


    However, this was also close to the limit of Li Yuan''s academic learning. His increased memory significantly boosted his scores in subjects requiring a lot of rote memorization, likenguages, history, and biology, but math and physics remained challenging.


    Unfortunately, math and physics ounted for thergest proportion of the high school entrance exam scores.


    "I still need to study hard and strive to get full marks in the basics of math, physics, and chemistry," Li Yuan resolved.


    Just then, his smart bracelet vibrated twice.


    "Hmm?" Li Yuan nced at it out of the corner of his eye and his eyes lit up.


    "Your ount ending in 1486 has received 50,000 Blue Star coins... transferred to ount ending in... bnce 83,124.64 Blue Star coins."


    "Your ount ending in 1486 has received 50,000 Blue Star coins... transferred to ount ending in... bnce 133,124.64 Blue Star coins."


    Two sums of money, one 50,000 reward from the Star Battle Network, and another 50,000 as a second-ss schrship.


    "Great." Li Yuan couldn''t help but clench his fist. If he weren''t in ss, he might have jumped up in excitement.


    A hundred thousand Blue Star coins!


    For the first time in his life, Li Yuan had received such arge sum of money. More importantly, this was a reward he had earned through his own efforts, fundamentally different from money given by his uncle and aunt. It''s like how many people remember their first paycheck vividly, even if theyter earn ten or a hundred times more. The first paycheck holds special significance.


    The first time is always special.


    "Yuan, what''s up? Why are you so happy? Did you solve the big problem?" Nearby, Yan Zhou, who was staring at his own test paper, whispered, "Let me see."


    "No."


    Li Yuan calmed down, instinctively ncing at the teacher to see if he had noticed. "I only do the first question."


    Suddenly, a cold voice rang out, "Some students, don''t think I can''t see you. I just don''t want to call you out. Do it yourself! Can you cheat in the college entrance exam?"


    Li Yuan and Yan Zhou both lowered their heads and kept quiet.


    ...


    At nine in the morning, in the principal''s office.


    Principal Tan Zhenlong was working when he looked up at the shing light on the projection screen.


    "Principal, it''s Director Wang from the Education Bureau," a gentle voice announced.


    "Number Nine, answer the call," Principal Tan put down his pen, "Activate reception mode."


    "Yes."


    Swish¡ªthe principal''s office transformed, with beams of light altering the office''s ambiance, making it visually morefortable.


    "Director Wang," Principal Tan smiled.


    A young man in his thirties wearing a jacket appeared in the projection.


    "Principal Tan, sorry to bother you," Director Wang smiled, "There''s a matter concerning one of your students."


    "A student?" Principal Tan was puzzled.


    "This morning, the City Martial Arts Bureau notified us to report on a student named Li Yuan, a senior at your school," Director Wang exined. "He just made it into the Blue Star Youth Ranking yesterday..."


    "Li Yuan? I know this student, he''s promising," Principal Tan nodded repeatedly, "I understand, I''ll gather the information and send it to you."


    Having worked in education for decades, Principal Tan had encountered simr situations more than once. He knew what he needed to do.


    "Okay, it''s routine business, I won''t take up more of your time," Director Wang smiled. "You get busy."


    Ending the call.


    "Li Yuan?"


    "Blue Star Youth Ranking? He made it so soon?" Principal Tan sat at his desk, surprised.


    Yesterday, he had been invited to watch Li Yuan and Lin Lanyue''s duel and felt that Li Yuan had the potential to make it to the Blue Star Youth Ranking. But he didn''t expect it to happen so quickly.


    After thinking for a moment.


    "Number Nine, contact Teacher Xu Bo," Principal Tan said, quickly connecting.


    "Old Tan, what''s up?" Xu Bo appeared in the video, smiling. "What''s up? Hurry up, don''t waste my practice time."


    "Practicing during work hours?" Principal Tan red.


    "I don''t have martial arts sses in the morning, what else should I do?" Xu Bo said righteously. "I''m practicing hard to do my job well."


    Principal Tan smiled helplessly: "Let''s not argue, I have something to tell you."


    Quickly, Principal Tan exined the situation.


    "Blue Star Youth Ranking? Martial Arts Bureau? Must be about special admissions to the top five schools," Xu Bo shook his head. "In my experience, it''s unlikely he''ll get special admission."


    In this era, the National Martial Arts Department, responsible for managing warriors, had enormous power. Its subordinates, the Martial Arts Hall and Martial Arts Bureau, were also very powerful.


    "Yes, I think so too," Principal Tan sighed. "Without awakening martial arts intuition, he won''t match any high-level cultivation methods, and his future physical progress willg behind other warriors. It''s indeed difficult to get special admission directly into the top five schools."


    Xu Bo nodded slightly without saying much. He suspected that Li Yuan''s physical improvement was impressive and that his actual talent was high... but that was just his guess. Over the years, not to mention the entire human civilization, even within the country, there had been many students like Li Yuan¡ªstrong in martial arts skills and decent in physical fitness but unable to awaken martial arts intuition. Very few of them eventually stood out.


    "Still, we should nurture him well," Principal Tan thought. "Even if special admission doesn''t work out, with his grades, getting into a martial arts university won''t be difficult. His future will be bright."


    "Who knows, he might even surpass you in the future," Principal Tanughed.


    "Let''s hope," Xu Bo replied, then changed the subject, "By the way, Old Tan, since it''s special admission, why don''t you first..."


    Before Xu Bo could finish his sentence.


    "Number Nine!" Principal Tan''s smile vanished, and he waved, "Hang up."


    ...


    "Special admission?"


    Xu Bo, wearing his martial arts uniform, stood in his office, thinking for a moment, then decided, "Forget it. If it''s uncertain, better not to tell Li Yuan. It will only make him anxious."


    Xu Bo continued practicing his basic cultivation method.


    "After losing an arm, the neurotoxins haven''t been fully eliminated, my source power is not running smoothly, my dantian is also damaged, and my physical fitness has dropped by four levels," Xu Bo thought. "But at least I''m still alive."


    "As long as I don''t give up, there''s always a glimmer of hope," Xu Bo''s eyes sparkled.


    ...


    Li Yuan was unaware of his selection for the special admission screening of the top five schools.


    At noon, after ss.


    "Old Zhou, you go to the cafeteria first. I have something to do," Li Yuan told Zhou Qi and the others to go ahead.


    The ssmates gradually left, leaving Li Yuan alone.


    He walked to the ssroom door, checked the corridor to ensure no one was around, and couldn''t hold back any longer. He immediately activated his smart bracelet: "Xiaoyu, connect to Auntie."


    "Beep¡ªbeep¡ª"


    It took six seconds.


    Buzz¡ªa light screen projected in front of Li Yuan, visible only to him... an anti-peep screen.


    "Xiao Yuan, what''s wrong? Why are you calling so urgently?" Aunt Chen Hui looked at Li Yuan, her background showing she was in her office.


    Chen Hui is a middle school teacher.


    "Auntie, put on your earphones," Li Yuan smiled. "I have good news for you."


    "Good news?" Aunt Chen Hui was puzzled.


    Soon she put on her earphones.


    "Auntie, it''s about the schrship and..." Li Yuan quickly exined, emphasizing at the end, "Auntie, don''t worry, I''m not lying. Both sums of money have been credited."


    As he spoke, Li Yuan sent a screenshot of his ount to his aunt.


    "100,000 Blue Star coins?" Aunt Chen Hui''s mouth opened slightly in surprise.


    That''s almost equivalent to her annual sry.


    "Good!"


    "Good!" Aunt Chen Hui repeated twice, her eyes slightly moist. She reminded, "Xiao Yuan, go eat first. Remember to call your uncle after lunch. They have a lunch break from one to two."


    "He''ll be thrilled to hear this."


    Since her son and daughter entered middle school, along with Li Yuan, Chen Hui had felt immense financial pressure in recent years. Especially this month, her husband Li Changzhou had gone to the war front in North Xinjiang Province for a high subsidy.


    Chen Hui ofteny awake at night, fearing sudden bad news. But she couldn''t show this in front of the children.


    Chen Hui knew that Li Yuan''s recent windfall of 100,000 Blue Star coins couldn''t solve all the family''s problems. But at that moment, she finally saw a glimmer of hope.


    ...


    After hanging up with his aunt.


    Li Yuan tried calling his uncle, Li Changzhou, to share the good news.


    Beep¡ªbeep¡ª


    No answer.


    "No answer?" Li Yuan was puzzled, feeling a tinge of worry. Then he reassured himself, "Uncle is probably busy."


    He left a detailed message, exining everything and sent a screenshot of his bnce to Li Changzhou.


    Having done everything, Li Yuan finally rxed and walked out of the ssroom.


    Thete September sunlight fell on the corridor and on Li Yuan.


    Warm andforting.


    "Today''s sunlight is lovely," Li Yuan smiled, heading downstairs to the cafeteria.

 Chapter 25: Communication from the Martial Hall

    <h4>Chapter 25: Communication from the Martial Hall</h4>


    After lunch, students walked out of the cafeteria in small groups, strolling along the tree-lined path towards the martial arts building. Despite the exhausting life of a senior high school student, their faces were filled with smiles and youthful exuberance during these rare moments of leisure, brimming with endless hopes for the future, in stark contrast to the tired workers heading home from their jobs.


    Li Yuan and Wan Xiao walked towards the elite building. Zhou Qi and Yan Zhou had parted ways after lunch as their paths differed.


    "Is that Li Yuan?"


    "Seems like it."


    "Wan Xiao used to be in the same ss as Li Yuan. If they''re together, the other one must be Li Yuan."


    "Is he the one who defeated Lin Lanyue?"


    "I heard he likes Lin Lanyue, but he didn''t hold back." Many senior students from ss One noticed Li Yuan and Wan Xiao, turning their heads to look.


    "Li Yuan, you''re quite famous now after that match," Wan Xiao said with a lowugh. "A lot of people were watching you in the cafeteria earlier. Your fame is spreading across the entire grade, even among the first and second years."


    "Jealous? Isn''t it all because of your gossip?" Li Yuan nced at him. "Want to spar again?"


    Wan Xiao winced. "I told you, it wasn''t me who spread it, it was Zhou Qi..."


    "You started it, and he amplified it," Li Yuan pointed out clearly.


    Wan Xiao suddenly changed the subject, "By the way, Li Yuan, are you really not interested in Lin Lanyue? I see many boys in the elite ss fancy her but don''t dare to confess. Is it because she isn''t pretty?"


    "Lin Lanyue is quite pretty," Li Yuan replied casually, not noticing what was behind him. With so many peopleing and going, it was impossible to keep track of everyone.


    Suddenly, two girls walked past Li Yuan and Wan Xiao. One of them was tall, wearing martial arts clothes, with her hair tied up high. She nced at Li Yuan from the corner of her eye. It was Lin Lanyue.


    "Did she hear that? This guy Wan Xiao did it on purpose," Li Yuan instantly realized.


    "Li Yuan, don''t be a coward. If you like her, say it out loud," Wan Xiao shouted,ughing as he ran away.


    Li Yuan shook his head, not bothering to chase him, and instead waved his hand, greeting Lin Lanyue openly. This action surprised Lin Lanyue. She had indeed overheard Li Yuan''s words but didn''t expect him to greet her so directly. Seeing Li Yuan''s smiling face, she subconsciously touched her chest, recalling the virtual battle from yesterday.


    "Lanyue, he greeted you," said the girl with waist-length hair beside Lin Lanyue, winking and nudging her.


    "Qiqi, let''s go," Lin Lanyue said softly, arranging a strand of hair at her temple and quickening her pace without responding to Li Yuan or looking at him again.


    "This Lin Lanyue was quite polite the first time we met, but today she ignored my greeting," Li Yuanughed. He wasn''t the type to be intimidated by pretty girls. Watching Lin Lanyue and her friend enter the elite building, Wan Xiao suddenly appeared.


    "How was my assist, Li Yuan?" Wan Xiao asked.


    "Great job. To thank you,e to my martial arts room, and I''ll give you some extra training for free," Li Yuan said, putting his arm around Wan Xiao''s shoulder with a grip so strong that he couldn''t break free.


    "Li Yuan, let me go. I''m not interested in you."


    By almost two o''clock, in martial arts room 4011, Li Yuan stood by the window, gazing into the distance. His body was slightly sweaty afterpleting a half-hour basic training session, slightly improving his physical fitness. Suddenly, his smart bracelet beeped.


    "Uncle?" Li Yuan answered, a smile spreading across his face as his worry dissipated.


    "Little Yuan, your aunt already told me," said Li Changzhou, sitting in a chair, wearing a helmet. "Good job, kid. I''ve been on the Starry Sky Combat Network for decades and haven''t reached 500 points in the gold rank."


    Li Yuan felt warm inside, not because he had surpassed his uncle, but because of his uncle''s acknowledgment.


    "Uncle, how are things over there?" Li Yuan asked.


    "Don''t worry. The Starry Sky Martial Hall has sent reinforcements, and I estimate we''llunch a counterattack in a few days. I called you because there''s something rted to you," Li Changzhou said.


    "Uncle, please go ahead."


    "It''s about your Uncle Zhong. He specifically called me. It seems he wants to recruit you into the Starry Sky Martial Hall," Li Changzhou said.


    "Join the Starry Sky Martial Hall?" Li Yuan was surprised.


    Human civilization had three great martial halls: the Starry Sky Martial Hall, ck Stone Martial Hall, and Starfire Martial Hall. The Starlight Martial Hall was founded by the world''s strongest man, Dongfang Ji, and the ck Stone Martial Hall by the second strongest, Lante. The Starry Sky Martial Hall was on par with the other two, representing the most formidable martial forces and being the main defense against the star realm creatures. Their branches were spread across seven majors.


    "Isn''t the Starry Sky Martial Hall only for martial artists?" Li Yuan asked, puzzled.


    "You can start as a preparatory member," Li Changzhou exined. "Your Uncle Zhong probably learned through some channel that you made it to the Blue Star Youth Ranking... It''smon."


    Listening intently, Li Yuan knew his uncle, a martial artist himself, was once a member of the Starry Sky Martial Hall and was familiar with it.


    "There are three types of memberships in the martial hall. The first is a registered member, which is just a name on the list without benefits or rights. Most martial artists have this kind of membership, including myself."


    "Registered membership doesn''t prevent martial artists from joining other groups, organizations, or national special departments."


    Li Yuan nodded. A registered membership was essentially useless.


    "The second type is an internal member. It''s like being apany employee. You sign a contract, receive a sry from the martial hall, get resources for training, and must follow orders in critical times," Li Changzhou continued. "Your Uncle Zhong is an internal member."


    Every time I buy basic qi and blood potions, it''s through Uncle Zhong because he gets an internal discount of 5% off.


    "Internal members are also ranked. If you''re below level 15, the assessments are strict," Li Changzhou said. "It''s not easy to get in."


    Li Yuan understood. Like joining a bigpany, you need high qualifications and experience. The high standards for martial hall members were normal.


    "The third type is a preparatory member. Talented individuals can sign up before bing martial artists," Li Changzhou smiled. "Your Uncle Zhong''s interest means he thinks highly of you."


    "Preparatory members receive plenty of training resources, expert guidance, and free blood qi potions."


    "Free?" Li Yuan''s eyes lit up.


    "Listen first," Li Changzhou cautioned. "There''s no free lunch in the world. You have to give something in return. Once you sign up as a preparatory member, you must join the Starry Sky Martial Hall and be an internal member when you be a martial artist. Moreover, while regr members can terminate their contracts with some penalties, the conditions for preparatory members are much stricter. So, think carefully."

 Chapter 26: He Is Somewhat Special

    <h4>Chapter 26: He Is Somewhat Special</h4>


    After listening to his uncle''s words, Li Yuan immediately thought of the trainees in many entertainment agencies. It seemed very simr.


    When big stars change agencies, the contracts they sign are often quite lenient. But for trainees? A 90-10 split is already considered very good. Some agencies don''t even n to train the trainees; they just intend to make money from the breach of contract fees.


    "Don''t worry too much." In the holographic projection, Li Changzhou seemed to notice Li Yuan''s concerns and smiled. "Martial artists, who gather their great power in one person, be increasingly difficult to restrain as they grow stronger. The peak martial arts experts possess the power to destroy the heavens and the earth... Even if you sign a contract in advance, it won''t be as dark as you imagine."


    "In fact, signing up in advance is more beneficial than harmful to you," Li Changzhou continued, showing a rare trace of sadness on his face. "Your aunt and I have limited capabilities."


    "Uncle, don''t say that. You''ve already done so much," Li Yuan interrupted, asking, "What should I do now?"


    "ording to your Uncle Zhong, he wants to talk to you in person," Li Changzhou said. "I guess he wants to see your martial arts talent... This is a good thing."


    "Arrange a time with your Uncle Zhong and have a talk. But no matter what conditions they offer, don''t agree immediately. Wait until they''ve made an offer and then contact me," Li Changzhou instructed. "You just turned seventeen... You have potential in martial arts. Keep working hard, and maybe even the Starlight Martial Hall will approach you."


    "Also, now that you''ve made it into the Blue Star Youth Ranking, the state should contact you through the school for a special early recruitment."


    "Think it over carefully. I''ll also reach out to some ssmates to understand the situation. This decision will shape your entire life."


    Li Yuan nodded. He understood that his task was to demonstrate his talent and then choose the best offer.


    "Alright, we''ll stop here for today. I have to get back to work," Li Changzhou said with a smile.


    After themunication ended, Li Yuan put down his smart ring and thought, "Special recruitment? Signing with the Starry Sky Martial Hall?" He calmed himself, "No rush."


    "I awakened the Divine Pce just a year ago. From now until the college entrance examination, as my mental strength improves, my martial arts skills will progress faster, and my control over my body will increase." Li Yuan''s eyes shone with determination. "Even if I can''t practice high-level martial arts, my physical fitness won''t fall behind."


    Over the past year, Li Yuan''s physical fitness had improved rapidly, outpacing most of the students in the elite ss. Why? It was due to his rapid advancement in martial arts skills and his continuous practice of the "Great Sun Starry Sky Sutra."


    "Let''s practice the spear."


    Li Yuan settled down and retrieved a spear from the weapon cab, silently contemting his spear techniques.


    After more than an hour, a notification appeared:


    [Your spear technique has advanced from Level 3 (48%) to Level 3 (49%).]


    "Regrly practicing spear techniques in reality and honing them through virtualbat on weekends is indeed fast," Li Yuan smiled. "Since the start of school, my Level 3 spear technique has improved by nearly 20%."


    Improving this much in less than a month would definitely be shocking if told to others.


    ...


    The Martial Halls are very unique organizations. They are somewhat like multinational corporations but not entirely equivalent. The branches of the three major Martial Halls in various countries are highly autonomous. Ordinary departments have no jurisdiction over them; only the Ministry of Martial Arts does.


    The Starry Sky Martial Hall, Guanshan District Branch, was a twelve-story, vast ring-shaped building, muchrger than typicalmercialplexes and not far from the First High School of Guanshan District. In an opulently decorated office on the twelfth floor, a knock on the door resounded.


    "Master, it''s First-Level Martial Artist ''Zhong Cheng''," a gentle voice echoed in the office.


    "Let him in," an icy female voice responded from the lounge.


    With a click, the door opened. A middle-aged man in a ck suit entered the office and slightly nodded. "Lord Song."


    If the internal members of the Starry Sky Martial Hall''s Guanshan District branch were here, they would instantly recognize the office''s owner as ''Song Yi,'' one of the three deputy hall masters of the branch. The Guanshan District branch was only a fifth-level branch of the Starry Sky Martial Hall, yet the deputy hall master wielded considerable power, far beyond the reach of ordinary martial artists.


    A young woman with a graceful figure, whose loose martial arts robe could not conceal her form, walked out from the lounge. She had no makeup on, but her skin was fair, her face was oval-shaped, and her eyes were exceptionally sharp. Her every movement exuded an aura of profound martial arts mastery.


    "Zhong Cheng, how did the contact go?" Song Yi''s sharp gaze fixed on the suited man.


    "I''vemunicated with Li Yuan''s guardian today, and they''ve agreed to let us approach," Zhong Cheng nodded. "Additionally, I''ve met Li Yuan twice and understand his situation... The young man is decent and diligent in his practice."


    "However, it seems neither the Starlight Martial Hall nor the Martial Arts Hall has contacted Li Yuan," Zhong Cheng noted.


    "That''s good," Song Yi''s red lips curled into a smile. "If the Martial Arts Bureau had contacted him, our chances would be much smaller, wouldn''t they?"


    "In the China, most martial arts talents eventually opt for special recruitment," Song Yi said. "We often have to wait until they graduate from university to recruit them."


    Zhong Cheng nodded in agreement.


    "Lord Song," Zhong Cheng hesitated, "I''ve reviewed Li Yuan''s information objectively. There''s a reason why the Starlight Martial Hall and the Martial Arts Bureau haven''t taken any action... Li Yuan hasn''t awakened his martial spirit. His martial arts skills are decent but not extraordinary."


    "The Blue Star Youth Ranking in Jiangbei Province produces hundreds of individuals annually. There are many other martial arts talents..." Zhong Cheng felt puzzled. "Is Li Yuan worth such a significant investment to sign early?"


    ording to thews of the Seven Star Alliance, Martial Halls need to provide at least one million Blue Star coins worth of training resources annually for a minimum of six years when signing underage talents. This excludes intangible benefits such as "expert guidance" and "training facilities." At least half must be in mary rewards, with the rest in tangible resources like qi and blood potions. This prevents Martial Halls from signing talents indefinitely.


    This means that once signed, the Starry Sky Martial Hall must invest at least six million Blue Star coins, not including other soft expenses¡ªa considerable cost.


    "Under normal circumstances, this Li Yuan indeed doesn''t warrant early signing," Song Yi said slowly. "However, he is somewhat special."


    "Special?" Zhong Cheng was taken aback.


    Suddenly, beams of light shot down from the ceiling, forming a holographic projection disying extensive data, including text, images, and videos.


    "What''s this?" Zhong Cheng asked.


    "The Starry Sky Combat Network is directly controlled by our Starry Sky Martial Hall," Song Yi smiled mysteriously. "Our Martial Hall is also thergest shareholder of the entire virtualwork."


    "ording to the Seven Star Alliance agreement, the Starry Sky Combat Network must share a lot of information with the other two Martial Halls and the host country."


    "So, the Starlight Martial Hall and Chins''s Martial Arts Ministry were immediately aware of Li Yuan''s entry into the Blue Star Youth Ranking... But we won''t share the detailed match information and win rates with them."


    "Take a look, and you''ll understand," Song Yi said, pointing to the screen.


    Zhong Cheng immediately started browsing through the information, which was all about Li Yuan.


    Quickly, Zhong Cheng noticed something unusual.


    "He fought 196 virtual battles in one day?" Zhong Cheng was shocked. "How did he manage that? How can his mental state handle it?"


    He continued to look through historical records and was further astonished to find that almost every weekend for the past three months, Li Yuan had engaged in high-intensity virtual battles, ranging from ny to over two hundred matches each time.


    "This? This!"


    "Li Yuan''s mental strength?" Zhong Cheng''s eyes lit up as he realized, "Is at the level of a martial artist?"


    "There''s a ny percent chance," Song Yi smiled. "Although it hasn''t been specifically tested, my estimate is that his mental strength is at least level 11."


    "Coupled with his martial arts skills."


    "Now, do you think he''s worthy of early signing?"

 Chapter 27: Class C? Class D Contract

    <h4>Chapter 27: ss C? ss D Contract</h4>


    "Enough."


    "He has improved his martial arts skills quickly, which must be rted to his mental strength, but the most important thing is his understanding of spearmanship," said Zhong Cheng, dressed in a ck suit, with slight excitement.


    "His age, he just turned seventeen... it''s very different from those who enter the Blue Star Youth List at nearly neen."


    "So young, with such a high level of spearmanship."


    "Normally, his spearmanship has a great hope of breaking through to the fourth stage in the future." Zhong Cheng took a deep breath, "His mental strength is very strong. Once his body bes stronger, his mental strength might soon exceed the level of 20."


    "Hall Master Song, the two major difficulties of bing a source martial artist are not problems for Li Yuan in the future." Zhong Cheng looked at Song Yi.


    As a formal member of the Starry Sky Martial Hall, Zhong Cheng was very familiar with the operation mode of the Martial Hall.


    He was very clear that the value paid by the Martial Hall for signing up prospective members in advance was at least tens of millions of Blue Star coins.


    Even higher.


    And paying such a high price, is it just to train a first-level martial artist with a physical quality of more than ten levels?


    It is totally not worth it.


    Signing up in advance, focusing on training, the goal is only one¡ªto train a source martial artist.


    Like Song Yi, who is a source martial artist.


    It is because of her strong strength that Song Yi can firmly hold the position of deputy hall master of the Guanshan District Sub-Hall.


    "There are three major difficulties to bing a source martial artist," Song Yi smiled slightly. "For most people, the most difficult is mental strength, as mental strength can only rely on talent."


    Zhong Cheng couldn''t help but nod.


    Low physical quality? It can be improved by external objects; there are many kinds of treasures. Theoretically, as long as there is enough money, anyone can meet the physical requirements of a martial artist.


    Martial arts skills? It depends onprehension, but if there is a famous teacher''s guidance, the improvement will be very fast.


    Mental strength? The treasures that can enhance mental strength are incredibly expensive, unimaginable even for source martial artists, so it basically depends on talent.


    And now.


    In Zhong Cheng and Song Yi''s view, Li Yuan is such a talented person with extraordinary mental strength.


    Combined with his level of marksmanship.


    He is very worth cultivating!


    "Should we contact him this week?" Zhong Cheng asked, "Let hime to the Martial Hall?"


    "Too urgent." Song Yi shook her head.


    Zhong Cheng was stunned, and anxious.


    It was Song Yi who asked him to contact Li Changzhou immediately, and now she says it''s urgent?


    "I asked you to contact him immediately because I was afraid that the Martial Arts Bureau and the Starlight Martial Hall would see the clues and get ahead of us." Song Yi picked up the coffee beside her and stirred it gently, "But now it''s basically confirmed that no one has contacted him."


    "Li Yuan is a child. He might agree in a moment of excitement, but his uncle Li Changzhou is not stupid."


    "Now if we go to them, they will definitely ask to improve the contract terms."


    "So, let him cool for a few days."


    "Once they realize that only we are interested, it will be easier to negotiate." Song Yi smiled.


    "Press the price?" Zhong Cheng frowned slightly.


    Pressing the price is not a good choice.


    Because martial artists themselves represent force, and force is the source of all power.


    Pressing the price during early signing, once the other party bes strong, it is easy to face bacsh.


    "Press the price first," Song Yi smiled slightly and then spat out three more words, "Then raise the price."


    "Form a difference in treatment."


    "This way, it will show that our Starry Sky Martial Hall values talent, and it will also make Li Yuan grateful." Song Yi smiled, "Besides, I''ll leave the matter of this contract to you."


    "At most, I give you the authority of a C-level contract. Don''t disappoint me."


    "Thank you, Pce Master Song." Zhong Cheng nodded repeatedly, "I will definitely handle this well."


    ...


    At night, past nine o''clock, Li Yuan finished his training and took an unmanned tram back home from school.


    His aunt was always sitting on the sofa waiting.


    "Aunt!" Li Yuan called out.


    "Back? First drink the high-energy milk, it''s on the table, just made." His aunt said.


    "Okay." Li Yuan nodded.


    Except for eating at home on Sundays, he had his three meals at school from Monday to Saturday.


    His aunt always worried that his night training consumed too much, so every night she would time it and make him a cup of high-energy milk.


    Picking up the cup on the dining table, Li Yuan sat down in the living room.


    "Aunt, the two months'' living expenses that uncle gavest time, plus the money I got today, I estimate I can use it until February, so you don''t have to give me any for now." Li Yuan said proactively while drinking milk.


    "Okay." Chen Hui smiled, looking at Li Yuan drinking milk with satisfaction.


    She was always very satisfied with Li Yuan.


    Obedient, sensible, sometimes showing maturity beyond his age, always making her feel at ease.


    As he grew older, Li Yuan gradually showed extraordinary talent in martial arts.


    What worried Chen Hui the most before was that she and her husband couldn''t provide enough financial support for Li Yuan.


    This time, Li Yuan got two bonuses by himself, which made her a little relieved.


    "Your uncle sent me a message." Chen Hui said, "The Starry Sky Martial Hall intends to sign you in advance, what do you think?"


    "Depends on the conditions of the Starry Sky Martial Hall." Li Yuan put down the empty cup and thought for a moment, "However, if the Martial Arts Hall is willing to give me a special recruitment, I still prefer the special recruitment route."


    "Right."


    "Best to get special recruitment." Chen Hui was quite satisfied, "Special recruitment is equivalent to reserving a spot in the five major schools. After graduation, you get job assignments, and you might directly enter the City Martial Arts Bureau."


    As a high school teacher, Chen Hui was quite familiar with special recruitment and hoped Li Yuan could take that path.


    In her view, national special recruitment not only guarantees job assignments but also is much safer as long as you don''t join the military sequence.


    But if you sign with the Martial Hall, the future is uncertain.


    Martial Hall members fight at the forefront of the star realm battlefield, with a casualty rate no less than that of military martial artists.


    "Yes, yes, I''ll listen to you, aunt." Li Yuan smiled, understanding his aunt''s concerns.


    Li Yuan also had his considerations.


    The three major Martial Halls each gather arge number of martial artists, making them the most powerful martial artist groups, even surpassing the country in this aspect.


    From the perspective of martial arts training, choosing the Martial Hall means faster progress but also more danger.


    And taking the special recruitment route of the Martial Arts Hall provides administrative establishment, which is best for the family.


    With national resources for cultivation, the progress in martial arts won''t be slow either.


    ...


    When Li Yuan was full of expectations.


    The development of eventspletely exceeded his expectations.


    Except for the contact from the Starry Sky Martial Hall the day after entering the Blue Star Youth List, there was no more news.


    Not only did the Starry Sky Martial Hall lose contact, but the Martial Arts Bureau and the Starlight Martial Hall didn''t show any signs either. No one came looking for him... as time passed day by day.


    In a blink of an eye, more than half a month had passed.


    The time came to mid-October.


    Even with Li Yuan''s steady personality, waiting for so long made him a bit confused.


    At noon that day, his uncle Li Changzhou called.


    "Little Yuan."


    "Your uncle Zhong sent me a message today, he felt a bit embarrassed, so there was no news for so many days, he is in charge of signing in the Martial Hall." In the video projection, Li Changzhou said seriously, "He really hopes to sign you."


    "Mm." Li Yuan nodded slightly.


    Zhong Cheng and his uncle Li Changzhou were long-time friends, there was no doubt about that.


    "But he said frankly, your problem lies in martial arts spirituality, so his application was stuck in the second review. Now the Martial Hall''s higher-ups are discussing it." Li Changzhou looked at Li Yuan, "But the result wille in these two days."


    "The result in these two days? Because of martial arts spirituality?" Li Yuan listened quietly.


    Is it because of martial arts spirituality again?


    "Don''t be discouraged, your uncle Zhong also said he will try his best to fight for you." Li Changzhou said, "We were too optimistic. Even if it doesn''t work out, don''t be disappointed."


    "Don''t ck off in your training either." Li Changzhou urged.


    "Don''t worry, uncle, I don''t practice martial arts just for the Starry Sky Martial Hall''s early signing." Li Yuan smiled, "When the timees, even if they want to sign, I might not agree."


    Hanging up the video.


    The smile on Li Yuan''s face disappeared.


    Standing in the 4011 Martial Arts Room.


    "Martial arts spirituality?"


    "Because it hasn''t awakened, does the Martial Arts Hall and the Starlight Martial Hall not give any chances?"


    "Maybe without uncle Zhong, the Starry Sky Martial Hall wouldn''t have a glimmer of hope either." Li Yuan gripped his long gun, his heart heavy, "Without suitable high-level training methods, is there no hope of bing a strong martial artist?"


    Neither Li Yuan nor Li Changzhou thought that this was deliberate by the Starry Sky Martial Hall.


    After all, with the Martial Arts Hall and Starfire Martial Hall asparisons, there was no news from either of them.


    "Tear!"


    Li Yuan suddenly thrust his spear forward, a terrifying force burst out, almost creating afterimages. Following that, the spear shadows changed, producing sharp whistles in the air.


    Suddenly, two prompts shed across Li Yuan''s vision.


    [Your spearmanship realm has increased from 56% of the third stage to 57%.]


    [Your life level has increased from 6.8 to 6.9.]


    ...


    The next day, close to ten o''clock in the evening.


    While in his room, Li Yuan suddenly received a video call.


    "Uncle Zhong?" Li Yuan''s eyes brightened.


    He answered.


    Buzz~ In the projection, a middle-aged man in casual clothes appeared, looking quite energetic.


    "Uncle Zhong." Li Yuan smiled.


    "Little Yuan." Zhong Cheng smiled cheerfully, "Calling you sote, hope I didn''t disturb you."


    "No."


    "That''s good." Zhong Cheng smiled, seeming a bit emotional, "I have good news for you. Your signing application has been approved, it''s a D-level contract."


    "Approved?" Li Yuan''s eyes brightened, "Thank you, Uncle Zhong."


    He was ready for it not to be approved.


    "No need to thank me, it''s your own excellence."


    "Come to the Martial Hall at nine on Sunday morning, we''ll discuss the specific terms." Zhong Cheng smiled, "Is that okay?"


    "No problem."

 Chapter 28: I, Li Changzhou, Am Not Dead Yet

    <h4>Chapter 28: I, Li Changzhou, Am Not Dead Yet</h4>


    After ending the video call with Zhong Cheng, Li Yuan thought for a moment and decided not to disturb his uncle Li Changzhou''s rest with a direct video call. Instead, he left a message exining the situation.


    Only five minutester, the video call rang back. Li Changzhou had called, and Li Yuan immediately answered.


    "Uncle," Li Yuan said, looking at Li Changzhou in the video projection. His uncle appeared dusty, as if he had just finished some work.


    "I have a rough idea," Li Changzhou''s face did not show the joy Li Yuan had expected. Instead, his brows were furrowed. "If the Starry Sky Martial Hall ultimately only offers a D-level contract, whether you sign it or not will be another matter."


    "Oh?" Li Yuan was slightly puzzled.


    The special recruitment by the Martial Arts Hall had always been Li Yuan''s primary goal, but there had been no news for over half a month. Initially, Li Yuan wasn''t particrly eager for an early contract with the Martial Hall. However, these past days, he had researched a lot online and found that early contracts from the major martial halls were generally good, with few pitfalls besides being somewhat binding.


    Most importantly, an early contract, regardless of its level, would significantly alleviate the family''s financial pressure. It could even provide cash rewards to support the family.


    Li Yuan felt indebted to his uncle and aunt. He always felt that his uncle''s risky venture to the northern provinces was partly because of him.


    "I''ve looked into it through some connections," Li Changzhou patiently exined. "Over the years, the early contracts of the three major martial halls are divided into five levels: D, C, B, A, and S, from lowest to highest."


    "The terms of the same level contract are simr across different martial halls."


    Li Yuan nodded slightly. It seemed that in the eyes of the Starry Sky Martial Hall, he belonged to the lowest tier. However, getting an early contract was already an excellent achievement.


    "A D-level contract provides one million Blue Star coins per year for six years," Li Changzhou said gravely. "It sounds good, but you need to understand."


    "The resources you need for training now and the resources required after bing a martial artist in university are two different concepts."


    "For example, a basic blood qi potion costs only 2,000 Blue Star coins per bottle, and you spend about 20,000 Blue Star coins a month now."


    "After bing a martial artist, a basic first-level blood qi potion costs 10,000 Blue Star coins per bottle, and you might need ten to thirty bottles a month." Li Changzhou emphasized, "Just the most basic item will cost at least a million Blue Star coins a year."


    "And there''s the ''auxiliary spirit-nurturing treasures.'' If you aim to be a second-level source martial artist in the future, these are essential, costing millions of Blue Star coins a year..."


    "Plus, physical therapy..."


    "And purchasing weapons and various auxiliary equipment. Martial artists fight against star realm creatures; can the equipment be ordinary? It''s expensive and easily damaged." Li Changzhou looked at Li Yuan. "One million is a lot for you now."


    "If you''re not keen on martial arts and want to double major in other subjects at university."


    "Then you don''t need to spend much on martial arts. You can slowly train in university, aiming to be a 15-level martial artist in the future. This contract can even be considered generous, possibly allowing you to save millions of Blue Star coins." Li Changzhou said, "After graduation, ording to the contract, the Starry Sky Martial Hall must offer you a job."


    "At that time, you can be an ordinary member of the Martial Hall like your Uncle Zhong, with benefits and treatmentparable to civil servants."


    "If the Starry Sky Martial Hall unterally terminates the contract and doesn''t offer you a job, you can take the millions of Blue Star coins and find another job, ensuring you won''t lose out."


    "This is a clear and easy path," Li Changzhou stared at Li Yuan.


    Li Yuan was surprised.


    He hadn''t expected such a possibility.


    "But Xiao Yuan, are you really willing to be an ordinary person? An ordinary martial artist?" Li Changzhou stared at Li Yuan.


    Li Yuan remained silent.


    "You are not willing," Li Changzhou shook his head and sighed. "I''ve watched you grow up, how could I not understand? You train so hard not just to help the family, but because you have the heart of a martial artist."


    "From the second year of middle school to your third year of high school, have you ever taken a break, even on weekends, summer, or winter holidays? You were even training during the New Year."


    "You are hard on yourself."


    "This kind of determination, I''ve never seen before. I''m not as good as you, and your father wasn''t either back in the day," Li Changzhou said slowly.


    Li Yuan''s eyes flickered. Over the years, his uncle rarely spoke so much, and never mentioned his deceased father.


    "Your aunt always wanted you to take the civil servant exam and be a teacher in the future. She always med me, thinking I shouldn''t support you."


    "Why didn''t I oppose you bing a full-time martial artist?" Li Changzhou''s voice carried a hint of excitement. "I don''t want you to regret it at forty like I did."


    Li Yuan was shocked, looking at his uncle in surprise.


    "Being a full-time martial artist is dangerous."


    Li Changzhou smiled calmly. "But throughout history, which good man hasn''t dreamed of fighting on the battlefield and pursuing the limits of martial arts?"


    "To truly stand shoulder to shoulder with gods with the human body and explore the limits of life."


    "It''s toote for me in this life."


    "But you still have hope," Li Changzhou smiled at Li Yuan. His helmet was covered in mud, looking a bit shabby.


    Li Yuan listened intently.


    "If you want to be a full-time martial artist, this money, this contract money, is far from enough," Li Changzhou continued. "But your future will be constrained by this contract."


    Hesitating for a moment, Li Yuan couldn''t help but say, "Uncle, ording to what I''ve found, as long as I perform well enough, the Starry Sky Martial Hall will upgrade the contract."


    "But what if the Starry Sky Martial Hall doesn''t upgrade it?" Li Changzhou retorted. "Why put your fate in someone else''s hands?"


    Li Yuan realized the truth.


    "Your Uncle Zhong is a good person, but many things are not decided by an ordinary member like him," Li Changzhou said. "Moreover, from what I know, if you sign with the Martial Hall in advance, your development at the Martial Arts University will be limited."


    "Limited?" Li Yuan was stunned. This was something he didn''t know.


    "The five major universities in China are funded by the state," Li Changzhou said. "If you sign with the Martial Hall in advance, you are destined to join the Martial Hall after graduation... When ites to special resources at the university, if a choice has to be made between you and a student recruited by the Martial Arts Hall, who do you think the university will favor?"


    Li Yuan''s eyes flickered.


    Signing with the Martial Hall in advance is indeed a kind of constraint.


    "This contract."


    "Go to the Martial Hall on Sunday and talk to your Uncle Zhong. If you can upgrade it to a C-level contract with passive upgrade uses, such as reaching certain standards before a certain age, it will automatically upgrade to B-level or even A-level, then it''s okay to sign." Li Changzhou patiently advised.


    "If you want to be a full-time martial artist, the Martial Hall is indeed a better choice, but if the restrictions are too great, don''t sign."


    "Li Yuan, I understand your thoughts about wanting to help the family," Li Changzhou stared at Li Yuan. "But remember, your uncle is still alive."


    "It''s not yet time for you topletely support this family."


    "At least before you go to university, don''t worry about it. What you need to do is focus entirely on your training. Understand?" Li Changzhou said seriously.


    "Yes, Uncle." Li Yuan nodded heavily.


    "I believe in you, I won''t be wrong," Li Changzhou looked at Li Yuan.


    "Now the Starlight Martial Hall and the Starry Sky Martial Hall not signing you is their loss."


    "When your college entrance exam resultse out, or even when you enter university, you will naturally receive better contracts."


    "Then it won''t be toote to sign."


    ...


    Uncle Li Changzhou''s words made Li Yuan calm downpletely and think about the matter more calmly.


    "Uncle is right."


    "Why rush? In the end, they''ll be the ones rushing." Li Yuan smiled slightly.


    He continued his training.


    In the blink of an eye, it was two dayster, Saturday. Li Yuan followed his routine of going to school and returning home every day.


    Saturday afternoon.


    All third-year students were having their martial arts ss in the martial arts ssroom.


    At the school gate.


    Several ck cars slowly arrived, and six figures stepped out of the cars one after another.


    Five of them were dressed in ck suits, while one middle-aged man wore a ck Tang suit. Though he appeared ordinary, he exuded an invisible aura.


    "Hall Master Wan."


    "Hall Master Wan, wee to our school." Principal Tan Zhenlong and several vice principals stepped forward, smiling to greet him.


    "Iron Tower." The middle-aged man directly looked at Xu Bo, who was standing in the distance, and smiled. "It''s been a long time since we parted in the star realm."


    "Old Wan." Xu Bo then walked up, grinning. "I didn''t expect you to be the new Hall master of the Starlight Martial Hall''s Guanshan Branch."


    "Wee!"

 Chapter 29: The Shocked Xu Bo

    <h4>Chapter 29: The Shocked Xu Bo</h4>


    Seeing the middle-aged man in the Tang suit ignore them and speak directly with Xu Bo, the faces of several vice principals changed slightly. They couldn''t help but turn to look at Xu Bo.


    Previously, although they had heard many rumors, they had not seen anything with their own eyes, so they were somewhat skeptical of Xu Bo. Now? There was no more doubt.


    Only Principal Tan Zhenlong remained calm. He knew Xu Bo''s background best, which is why he had specifically called Xu Bo to the school gate to greet them. The result was as he expected.


    "Iron Tower, your hand, I heard..." The middle-aged man in the Tang suit looked at Xu Bo''s silver mechanical right arm.


    "Old Wan, it''s all in the past." Xu Bo waved his hand with a smile. "Today is your first official visit to our school for inspection during your term. Let''s talk business first."


    "This is Principal Tan." Xu Bo introduced proactively.


    "Principal Tan." Pce Master Wan smiled slightly.


    "Hall Master Wan, hello. I have long heard of your reputation in the astral realm." Principal Tan slightly bowed and offered his hand.


    Principal Tan lowered his posture. As the Hall Master of the Starlight Martial Hall''s Guanshan Branch, Hall Master Wan held an extremely high status. This status came from the prestige of the Martial Hall and Hall Master Wan''s own strength.


    "Principal Tan, let''s go into the school." Hall Master Wan smiled. "I just returned from the astral realm, so I''m not familiar with many things. Let''s follow the usual routine and first look at the students in the three elite sses."


    "Alright."


    "Hall Master Wan, this way please. The students in the three elite sses are all waiting in the martial arts ssroom." Principal Tan smiled.


    A group of people surrounded Hall Master Wan, Principal Tan, and Xu Bo as they entered the school.


    ...


    Two hourster, the group emerged from the elite building, surrounding Hall Master Wan, Principal Tan, and Xu Bo.


    "Principal Tan and the teachers have taught well." Hall Master Wan smiled. "The students in the elite sses are excellent, especially the third-year students. I see many who have the potential to get into the five major universities."


    "I believe that in a few years, our Guanshan District will see a new batch of martial artists emerge." Hall Master Wan praised.


    "Hall Master Wan, you tter us." Principal Tan smiled. "By the way, is there any student that caught your eye?"


    Several vice principals and teachers looked at Hall Master Wan with some expectation.


    Why does the Martial Hall conduct inspections?


    Essentially, it''s to see if any students qualify for early contracts with the Martial Hall. For the school, getting students special recruitment by the Martial Arts Hall is the best oue, but those numbers are very small.


    If students can get early contracts with the Martial Hall, their chances of getting into the five major universities increase significantly, which is also a political achievement for the school leadership.


    In fact, why are there only the Starlight Martial Hall and the Starry Sky Martial Hall within China? And why do these two Martial Halls have such great power?


    In a sense, these two Martial Halls appear independent but actually have some official nature.


    "These students are all excellent, but some things are not for me to decide alone." Hall Master Wan smiled. "When I return, I will have the Martial Hall conduct aprehensive evaluation of these students. I believe there will be good results."


    The school leaders showed some disappointment in their eyes. Apparently, Hall Master Wan did not see any student he immediately favored.


    "Hall Master Wan, would you like to take a look at the students in the regr sses?" Principal Tan''s smile remained. "There are also some excellent students in the regr sses."


    Hall Master Wan smiled but did not speak.


    "Principal Tan, the Hall Master has limited time today, and it''s gettingte." A man in ck clothing beside him said softly. "What do you think?"


    "Oh, okay. Then we will wait for another opportunity next time." Principal Tan nodded repeatedly.


    This was normal. There were too many students in the regr sses, and the probability of bing martial artists was low... Whether it was the Starlight Martial Hall or the Starry Sky Martial Hall conducting inspections, they rarely went to the regr sses.


    After all, inspecting school students is just a small part of the Martial Hall''s work.


    And there are dozens of middle and high schools in Guanshan District alone. There isn''t enough time to look at each one individually, so they mostly check martial arts scores directly.


    "Old Wan."


    Xu Bo, who had been silent, suddenly spoke up. "I selected a few good seedlings from the regr sses. Would you mind staying a little longer to take a look?"


    Everyone looked at Xu Bo.


    "Xu..." Principal Tan was about to speak.


    "Iron Tower, you think they''re good?" Hall Master Wan showed a hint of curiosity and smiled. "Selected from the regr sses? If you think they''re good, they probably have some potential. Alright, I''ll take a look."


    Hall Master Wan was willing, partly to give Xu Bo face.


    Secondly, as the new Hall Master, he indeed wanted to make some achievements. But today, the students in the three elite sses had not satisfied him.


    "Good, Teacher Xu, lead the way." Principal Tan smiled.


    "Yes, this way." Xu Bo led the way.


    ...


    "Today, Teacher Xu Bo asked me toe here and specifically told me not to go anywhere else. Why?" Li Yuan wondered, ncing at the other three students.


    Two were second-year students, and one was a first-year student. They didn''t know each other well.


    Including Li Yuan, there were only four of them in this martial arts ssroom.


    Suddenly.


    "Hmm?" Li Yuan''s ears twitched. He heard noiseing from the end of the corridor.


    It was Teacher Xu Bo''s voice.


    "Hall Master Wan?" Li Yuan heard a title in the voices.


    Before he could think more, Xu Bo, Hall Master Wan, Principal Tan, and a group of people entered the martial arts ssroom.


    Facing such a scene, the other three students were visibly nervous, but Li Yuan, who had been prepared, remained the calmest.


    "Hall Master Wan, is he from the Starry Sky Martial Hall or the Starlight Martial Hall?" Li Yuan''s peripheral vision fell on the middle-aged man in the Tang suit, and a string of text messages appeared in his view.


    [Target character, life level exceeds detection limit (current detection limit is 16.9).]


    The man stood at the front, his outfit the most distinctive, clearly indicating his high status.


    Moreover, just one look at the middle-aged man in the Tang suit gave Li Yuan an intense sense of danger, especially his eyes, which seemed calm but felt as sharp as des, making one instinctively want to look away.


    "What a powerful martial artist. He might be even stronger than Teacher Xu." Li Yuan was secretly amazed.


    His spiritual pce panel''s detection ability consumed his mental energy every time it was used, making him feel fatigued after multiple uses, simr to experiencing arge number of virtual battles. Therefore, Li Yuan rarely used it in daily life.


    "Hall Master of the Martial Hall? Apanied by the principal and Teacher Xu? What is he here for?" Thoughts raced through Li Yuan''s mind.


    At the same time, Li Yuan and the other three students greeted in unison, "Principal, Teacher Xu."


    "Teacher Xu."


    As for the vice principals? Li Yuan and the others only recognized their faces and knew they were school leaders but didn''t know their names, so they naturally didn''t address them.


    "Alright."


    "Listen up, this is a very important opportunity for you today. Show all your physical fitness and martial arts skills," Xu Bo said solemnly. "Xiong Yifan, you go first for the physical fitness tests."


    The three tests referred to the life blood detection, punch strength test, and burst speed test.


    Immediately.


    The first-year student stepped into the life blood detection range...


    Hall Master Wan did not pay much attention to the first-year student. Instead, he seemed to sense something, his gaze involuntarily falling on Li Yuan, and he asked softly, "Iron Tower, what''s this student''s name?"


    Xu Bo noticed Hall Master Wan''s gaze and said, "His name is Li Yuan. Old Wan, do you think he''s promising?"


    "Li Yuan?" Hall Master Wan''s eyes flickered as if recalling something, and he smiled. "Let''s take a look first, no rush."


    "Yes." Xu Bo nodded.


    Soon.


    The three first and second-year students finished their tests. Their physical fitness data were all above average in their respective grade elite sses.


    However, that was all, not enough to change Hall Master Wan''s mind.


    In the end, everyone''s attention turned to Li Yuan.


    "Is he Li Yuan?"


    "I''ve heard of him."


    "His martial arts skills seem pretty good."


    "But he hasn''t awakened his martial arts spirituality in his third year of high school. It''s unlikely he''ll get an early contract." The school leaders whispered among themselves. They didn''t know that Li Yuan had made it onto the Blue Star Youth List, but they had heard his name.


    After defeating Lin Lanyue in a virtual battle, Li Yuan became a minor celebrity in the school.


    "Li Yuan, go ahead," Xu Bo said solemnly. "Take it seriously and show all your strength."


    Of the four students selected from the regr sses, Xu Bo valued Li Yuan the most.


    Or rather, in his eyes, Li Yuan had the best chance of getting an early contract with the Martial Hall.


    "Yes."


    Li Yuan nodded and stepped directly onto the silver circr floor in the center of the martial arts ssroom. This area was both the skill testing zone and the life blood detection range.


    Whoosh!


    A red light shot out, enveloping Li Yuan''s body.


    Three secondster.


    The screen at the back of the ssroom disyed data¡ª"Li Yuan (student), physical fitness: 6.9 st test: 6.5)."


    "Historical data: September 5: 6.5."


    "Historical data: June 25: 6.0."


    ...


    "6.9? An increase of 0.4 in just over a month?" Xu Bo''s eyes showed a hint of surprise as he looked at Li Yuan in shock.


    "Interesting." Hall Master Wan smiled.

 Chapter 30: B-Level Contract

    <h4>Chapter 30: B-Level Contract</h4>


    "6.9? Three months ago, it was only 6.0? A month ago, it was 6.5? His physical fitness improved so quickly?" Principal Tan Zhenlong was also extremely surprised.


    Due to Xu Bo''s multiple rmendations and the summary of Li Yuan''s special recruitment information a few weeks ago, Tan Zhenlong had a deep impression of Li Yuan. However, he had only expected Li Yuan''s physical fitness to reach about 6.6. After all, normally, the further one progresses in training, the slower the improvement in physical fitness.


    "Two months to improve from 6.0 to 6.5?"


    "And in just over a month, another 0.4 increase?" Several vice principals and martial artists from the Martial Hall were all shocked.


    A physical fitness level of 6.9 alone wasn''t enough to shock anyone. Among the people present, aside from the few students like Li Yuan, almost everyone else was a martial artist. Even the school leaders had a minimum physical fitness level of 9.8. In this era, the probability of martial artists holding high positions was much greater than that of non-martial artists. Evenpared to students, there were several in the elite ss with physical fitness levels above 7.0. The strongest, Lin Lanyue, had reached 8.5.


    But what shocked people about Li Yuan was his rapid improvement. After all, everyone present knew that Li Yuan had not awakened his martial arts spirituality. Could his physical fitness improve so quickly just by practicing basic techniques?


    "Good." Xu Bo''s eyes lit up. He had often observed Li Yuan through surveince and knew that Li Yuan''s physical fitness had improved significantly, but he hadn''t expected it to be this remarkable.


    "Li Yuan," Xu Bo''s voice was like a bell, "Continue with the other two tests. Focus."


    "Yes." Li Yuan wasn''t foolish; he could tell from everyone''s reaction that he had performed well. He also realized that regardless of which Martial Hall this mysterious pce master came from, this was an opportunity for him.


    "Today is likely the annual inspection by the Martial Hall that I heard about before," Li Yuan thought, "But in the past, they only inspected the elite sses. This opportunity was fought for by Teacher Xu. Many times, good opportunitiese only once or twice."


    Without further thought, Li Yuan stepped into the punch strength testing area, positioned himself, adjusted his stance, and then suddenly threw a powerful punch.


    "Boom~" With a dull thud, his fist struck therge sensor bag.


    Instantly, the screen above the punch strength testing area disyed: "454 kg (movement qualified)."


    Afterpleting the punch strength test, Li Yuan didn''t stay long. He made a slight adjustment and went to the starting point of the runway. A 40-meter-long testing runway! Under the white light from above the ssroom, the dark red metal runway gleamed.


    "Whoosh!" Li Yuan adjusted himself, took a deep breath, and then sprinted out with full force. Like a shadow, he dashed across the runway and hit the cushioning wall at the end.


    Beep!


    The electronic disy screen at the end of the runway showed the data: "15.1 meters/second."


    "What a fast speed."


    "Did the life blood detection instrument make a mistake?"


    "How can Li Yuan''s actual data be so high?" Low whispers were heard, as the school leaders and five martial artists from the Martial Hall were all surprised.


    Why were they surprised? Because Li Yuan''s punch strength and burst speed data had both exceeded the 7.0 standard set by the Seven Star Alliance: 15 meters per second and 450 kg punch strength. Normally, a slight deviation in either direction was eptable. But for both metrics to be above standard? Unusual.


    "Good." Xu Bo and Tan Zhenlong exchanged a nce and smiled.


    "Teacher Xu, I finished the tests." Li Yuan walked back to the center of the ssroom.


    "Old Wan." Xu Bo looked at Hall Master Wan.


    "Don''t rush." Hall Master Wan smiled mysteriously and turned to the others behind him. "Instructor Xing, what do you think? Is he qualified?"


    The five martial artists from the Martial Hall exchanged nces.


    "Hall Master," Instructor Xing said in a deep voice, "This kid has good physical talent. Bing a martial artist shouldn''t be difficult, but without awakening his martial arts spirituality, signing him early might need more consideration."


    Instructor Xing could see the close rtionship between the Hall Master and Xu Bo, so he didn''t give a definitive answer. But everyone present could infer his true meaning: not qualified enough.


    "No rush, let''s keep watching." Hall Master Wan smiled, then looked at Xu Bo. "Iron Tower, I believe your student is best at martial arts techniques... let''s test that."


    "You noticed?" Xu Bo smiled.


    "The life blood detection instrument usually doesn''t make mistakes." Hall Master Wan smiled. "But his ability to exceed in strength and burst speed indicates he has high body control, and his strength maniption is likely near perfect."


    "From his walking posture, his basic boxing techniques should be almost perfect."


    "I suspect his martial arts skills are the best among your students, probably by a significant margin."


    Xu Bo and Principal Tan exchanged smiles.


    "As expected of Old Wan, sharp eyes." Xu Boughed.


    Xu Bo knew that Hall Master Wan had only been in office for less than a week. Without checking previous records, he probably didn''t know about Li Yuan''s inclusion in the Blue Star Youth List.


    "Li Yuan, take out your spear." Xu Bo called to Li Yuan. "Let''s conduct a skills test."


    "Yes." Li Yuan walked over to the weapons cab nearby. He had already prepared his weapon in this ssroom at Xu Bo''s instruction earlier.


    Meanwhile, Li Yuan couldn''t help but nce again at the middle-aged man in the Tang suit. "What sharp eyes."


    Li Yuan had also heard Hall Master Wan''s deductions.


    ...


    With his spear in hand, the martial arts skills test had begun. Numerous instruments in the ssroom activated.


    Li Yuan, holding his spear, stood facing Xu Bo.


    "Come, attack me, and show your spear skills to the fullest," Xu Bo said, holding a long staff.


    "Yes." Li Yuan nodded, knowing his teacher intended for him to showcase his abilities.


    Without hesitation.


    "Boom!" Li Yuan moved like lightning,unching a fierce spear thrust.


    "ng!" The staff met the spearhead in a powerful collision.


    If this had been over a month ago, just this sh might have overwhelmed Li Yuan. But now, his spear skills had advanced further.


    "Swish~" The spear shaft slid downward, the rear hand retracted, and the front hand quickly touched, creating a swirl that seemed to produce dozens of spear shadows in an instant.


    "The teacher''s physical fitness seems to be around level 7, attack." Li Yuan attacked fiercely.


    It is said, "The spear fears shaking." This means that when the spear body shakes, making the spearhead unpredictable, it is when the spear''s attack is most terrifying.


    Swish! Swish! Swish!


    One thrust after another, continuously and swiftly, aimed at Xu Bo with precision and power.


    This was Li Yuan''s newly created ultimate move¡ªMountains and Valleys.


    A confusing attack method, also suitable for groupbat.


    "Haha, not bad." Xu Boughed, wielding his staff in his left hand, each strike urately hitting the spearhead, preventing Li Yuan from fully utilizing his strength.


    In the blink of an eye, they exchanged dozens of moves.


    "Li Yuan, be careful." Xu Bo suddenly roared, his steps shifting, and his staff thrust forward like a spear.


    The timing was perfect.


    This thrust came just as Li Yuan was retracting his spear after a failed attack.


    "Not good." Li Yuan''s spear techniques shifted from offense to defense, his skillful transitions surprising the onlooking martial artists.


    Without hesitation.


    Li Yuan executed ''Foundation Pir,'' turning himself into a rock, fiercely defending against Xu Bo''s attacks.


    After several more exchanges.


    "Good, stop," Xu Bo suddenly retreated, creating distance between himself and Li Yuan, and smiled.


    Li Yuan stopped, his blood surging.


    The teacher''s attacks were fierce, precise, and relentless, making it hard for him to keep up.


    "But at least I defended for so long, much better thanst time." Li Yuan took a deep breath.


    Xu Bo tapped his smart wristband and said, "Skills testpleted."


    Beep¡ª


    The ssroom''s rear screen disyed a score: "374 points (college entrance exam standard)."


    "374 points?"


    "So high!"


    "College entrance exam standard, over 370 points?"


    "I remember Lin Lanyue scored 361 points earlier."


    "Last year, the top martial arts skill score in Jiang City was just over 380 points." Several vice principals were thoroughly shocked.


    Lin Lanyue: 361 points.


    Li Yuan: 374 points.


    The difference seemed like just a few points, but in martial arts, a few points could signify a significant gap in skill.


    Exceeding 360 points.


    A difference of even 5 points indicates a clear disparity in martial arts skills.


    A 10-point difference means that in a virtual battle, the oue would be almost certain.


    "Could our school produce a city-level top scorer? There''s still time before the college entrance exam."


    "Our district''s education quality has never been top-notch in the city." The vice principals exchanged nces, each contemting this possibility.


    Especially the vice principal in charge of ''teaching,'' who smiled the brightest.


    "Alright, Li Yuan, put your weapon back," Xu Bo said.


    Li Yuan obediently put his spear away.


    "Old Wan, what do you think?" Xu Bo put his staff aside and walked over.


    "Instructor Xing? What do you think?" Hall Master Wan smiled, still not giving a direct answer.


    The martial artists exchanged nces.


    "If he can awaken his martial arts spirituality, he meets the C-level contract standard; without it, he''s stillcking, but he qualifies for a D-level contract." Instructor Xing hesitated.


    In his mind, Li Yuan was slightly below the D-level contract standard.


    High martial arts skills?


    Without awakening martial arts spirituality, it was a significant drawback.


    "D-level contract?"


    Hall Master Wan nodded slightly and then said, "Iron Tower, Principal Tan, I''d like to speak with Li Yuan alone. Is that okay?"


    Speak alone?


    Principal Tan and Xu Bo exchanged nces, each deep in thought.


    "Sure." Principal Tan smiled, "It''s a good thing that Hall Master Wan wants to talk to Li Yuan alone."


    "Let''s go outside." Principal Tan led the other school leaders out of the ssroom.


    "Speak alone?" Li Yuan, who had just walked over, was a bit confused.


    What''s going on?


    "Li Yuan, this is Hall Master Wan Qinghe from the Guanshan Branch of the Starlight Martial Hall. Have a good talk," Xu Bo whispered.


    Starlight Martial Hall Guanshan Branch Hall Master? Li Yuan was surprised but remained calm. This was a significant figure in his eyes.


    Soon, the school leaders, martial artists, and the other three students left the ssroom, leaving only Li Yuan and Hall Master Wan.


    The ssroom door closed.


    "Li Yuan, my name is Wan Qinghe." Hall Master Wan smiled.


    "Hall Master Wan." Li Yuan felt anxious, unsure of the other''s intentions.


    "I want to invite you to join the Starlight Martial Hall with an early contract." Hall Master Wan smiled at Li Yuan, "A B-level contract with a passive upgrade use."


    "Once you awaken your martial arts spirituality, it will immediately upgrade to an A-level contract."


    "What do you think?"

 Chapter 31: Given Too Much

    <h4>Chapter 31: Given Too Much</h4>


    "B-level contract?"


    "If I awaken my martial arts spirituality, it will directly upgrade to an A-level contract?" Li Yuan felt a bit dizzy, as if he had been suddenly overwhelmed by happiness.


    After all, even after making it to the Blue Star Youth List, neither the Starlight Martial Hall nor the Martial Arts Hall had contacted him. The only interest hade from the Starry Sky Martial Hall, and after half a month of stalling, they had only offered a D-level contract.


    The difference between a D-level and a B-level contract was enormous.


    Phew!


    Li Yuan took a deep breath and didn''t let the excitement cloud his judgment. He instantly remembered his uncle Li Changzhou''s teachings from childhood: "No matter how excited or angry you are, always ask yourself three questions before making a major decision."


    What!


    Why!


    How!


    Summarized in four words: "Stay calm! Don''t rush!"


    In just a few seconds, Li Yuan calmed down and identified the core issue: "Why?"


    Why was Hall Master Wan offering him a B-level contract? This contract was worth tens of millions, with almost ten million Blue Star coins in cash alone.


    He wasn''t Lu Bu, with so many adoptive fathers loving him.


    "Hall Master Wan," Li Yuan said calmly, "A B-level contract is excellent, beyond my expectations... but why would you offer me such a contract? I haven''t even awakened my martial arts spirituality."


    If something seems off, there must be a reason.


    Was it because of his physical fitness? There were plenty of students in the elite ss who were better than him.


    Martial arts skills? He was good, but not unparalleled.


    "You''re quite steady, not letting the benefits go to your head." Hall Master Wan smiled at Li Yuan, his evaluation rising.


    "I don''t want to hide anything from you," Hall Master Wan continued. "I''m offering you a B-level contract because your mental strength is very strong, probablyparable to a first-level martial artist."


    Mental strength? Li Yuan was slightly shocked.


    Could the other party sense the strength of his mental power?


    Indeed, his daily practice of the "Observing the Great Sun and Starry Sky Sutra" had continually enhanced his mental strength, reaching 13.2, which was not weak even among martial artists.


    Mental strength generally improved in tandem with physical strength.


    "Of course, I can only sense it vaguely, my judgment isn''t precise," Hall Master Wan continued. "Technological instruments can''t directly test mental strength. Generally, it requires a third-level martial artist to test it personally... I''m only a second-level source martial artist. With a special cultivation method and your rtively weak ability to fully conceal your mental strength, I can sense a bit of it."


    "If you were a martial artist with your mental strength concealed in your consciousness, I wouldn''t be able to sense it." Hall Master Wan spoke frankly, without any superior airs.


    He treated Li Yuan as if they were chatting casually, making him feel at ease.


    Hall Master Wan''s words rified many of Li Yuan''s doubts but also raised new ones.


    "Is mental strength alone enough for a B-level contract?" Li Yuan couldn''t help but ask.


    He knew mental strength was important, but to what extent? He wasn''t sure.


    There wasn''t much detailed information online.


    "Whether it''s important depends on the person," Hall Master Wan smiled. "If you aim to be a second-level source martial artist, then mental strength is crucial. But if you''re only aiming to be a first-level martial artist, the difference between strong and weak mental strength isn''t significant."


    "After all, no matter how strong your mental strength is, if someone cuts off your head, you''ll still die."


    Li Yuan nodded slightly, thinking, "Source martial artist? So this Hall Master Wan is a source martial artist? He''s indeed stronger than Teacher Xu."


    A first-level martial artist?


    A second-level source martial artist?


    The ssification of martial artists wasn''tpletely secret in society. High school seniors like Li Yuan were generally well-informed and interested.


    Martial artist levels were based on physical fitness:


    1-9.9 were ordinary people.


    10.0-19.9 were entry-level martial artists, also called first-level martial artists.


    20.0-29.9 were second-level martial artists.


    Source martial artists were those above the second level.


    Entry-level martial artists with physical fitness between 10-19 typically needed to use thermal weapons tobat star realm creatures.


    Source martial artists, with physical fitness of at least 20, could use mystical source energy, making them immensely powerful, almost immune to ordinary thermal weapons.


    They used cold weaponsbined with source energy to battle powerful star realm creatures, but source martial artists were extremely rare.


    In his entire life, Li Yuan had never encountered a source martial artist in person, only in various media. Hall Master Wan was the first.


    "Your rapid improvement in martial arts skills and physical fitness is likely directly rted to your mental strength," Hall Master Wan smiled. "Mental strength is hard to measure directly. Plus, those with extraordinary mental strength are extremely rare... for example, in a city of twenty million like Jiangcheng, not even one might emerge in a year."


    "Therefore, mental strength isn''t included in assessments like the college entrance exam or special recruitment."


    "Moreover, such mental talent usually bes apparent in university and can be specially trained then."


    Li Yuan understood, quickly grasping the concept.


    Testing mental strength? It generally required a third-level martial artist, and second-level source martial artists were already rare.


    The strength of a third-level martial artist was beyond ordinaryprehension; such people wouldn''t have time for such tasks.


    The investment wouldn''t be worth the return.


    "But you, Li Yuan," Hall Master Wan smiled, "are one of those rare individuals with extraordinary mental strength."


    Li Yuan was taken aback.


    Extraordinary mental strength? Probably not.


    "But with my cultivation of the ''Observing the Great Sun and Starry Sky Sutra,'' my potential exceeds those with innate talent." Li Yuan thought to himself.


    From Hall Master Wan''s attitude, Li Yuan realized how precious the "Observing the Great Sun and Starry Sky Sutra" was. It could directly enhance mental strength, an incredibly rare method.


    However, Li Yuan had no intention of revealing it for now.


    From his own experience, just having the method seemed insufficient.


    "I can only practice by concentrating my consciousness on the Great Sun Jade tform in my spiritual pce," Li Yuan pondered. "If I give the method away, it might endanger myself."


    "How would I exin where the method came from? im I awakened it?"


    Who would believe that?


    Might he be taken by powerful figures for experimentation? Entirely possible.


    In just two seconds, Li Yuan had figured it out. Until he understood the true secrets of the "Observing the Great Sun and Starry Sky Sutra" and had enough strength to protect himself, he must not reveal the secrets of his spiritual pce.


    "In the future, I must be careful while practicing the ''Observing the Great Sun and Starry Sky Sutra,'' ensuring no one notices." Li Yuan resolved.


    "Li Yuan."


    "What do you think?" Hall Master Wan smiled. "A B-level contract is the highest authority I can grant, with 9 million Blue Star coins in cash, another 9 million in resource treasures, and additional resources and guidance worth 18 million Blue Star coins, including spear techniques and source energy manuals."


    "These will be provided over six years in six installments."


    "If you''re still not satisfied, I''m willing to personally sponsor you with an additional one million in cash." Hall Master Wan smiled at Li Yuan.


    Li Yuan held his breath, doubting his ears.


    He had imagined a good B-level contract but never to this extent.


    The value of 18 million Blue Star coins for guidance and manuals aside, just the cash and treasures alone totaled 18 million Blue Star coins.


    That''s three times the value of a D-level contract!


    Even if it was spread over six years, it was incredibly generous for a high school senior like Li Yuan.


    Moreover, Hall Master Wan was willing to personally sponsor an additional one million in cash? That''s astonishing.


    Hall Master Wan smiled, "If you still aren''t satisfied, I can personally sponsor you an additional one million in cash."


    Li Yuan was astounded.


    He had expected a good B-level contract but not to this extent.


    The guidance and manuals valued at 18 million Blue Star coins aside, the cash and treasures alone totaled 18 million Blue Star coins.


    That''s three times the value of a D-level contract!


    Even if it was spread over six years, it was incredibly generous for a high school senior like Li Yuan.


    Moreover, Hall Master Wan was willing to personally sponsor an additional one million in cash? That was even more incredible.


    "Wow!"


    Li Yuan took a deep breath, struggling to remain calm.


    It wasn''t that Li Yuancked steadiness; it was simply that the offer was overwhelming.


    Hall Master Wan wasn''t in a hurry, smiling at Li Yuan.


    "Hall Master Wan."


    Li Yuan finally spoke, "Your offer is so good that I can''t refuse... but I need to discuss it with my family first."


    "No problem. You''re still a minor, and an early contract would require your guardian''s signature," Hall Master Wan nodded.


    "Also," Li Yuan hesitated, "a few days ago, the Starry Sky Martial Hall approached me about an early contract. They offered a D-level contract, but I haven''t epted yet."


    "I originally nned to discuss it this weekend." Li Yuan decided to be honest, not exaggerating.


    "Starry Sky Martial Hall?"


    "They approached you for an early contract? Why?" Hall Master Wan was surprised.


    In just a second, Hall Master Wan seemed to realize something.


    "Li Yuan, hold on." Hall Master Wan raised his hand and checked his smart wristband quickly.


    Soon, he stopped scrolling.


    "I see."


    Hall Master Wan smiled, "Li Yuan, you''ve made it onto the Blue Star Youth List. I just took office and didn''t know about this document."


    "The Blue Star Youth Listes from the Starry Sky Fighting Network... the Starry Sky Martial Hall is ying a clever game."


    "They must have found out."


    "But based on your qualifications, they should have at least offered you a C-level contract."


    "Offering you a D-level contract? That''s an insult to a martial arts genius like you." Hall Master Wan gently shook his head.


    "An insult to me?" Li Yuan was stunned.

 Chapter 32: Greatest Sincerity

    <h4>Chapter 32: Greatest Sincerity</h4>


    <strong>Insult?</strong> Li Yuan didn''t expect Hall Master Wan to use such a word to describe the Starry Sky Martial Hall. In fact, from the moment they met until now, Li Yuan had a very good impression of Hall Master Wan... As the hall master and a powerful source martial artist, he treated Li Yuan, a high school student, almost as an equal. The contract terms he offered were beyond anything Li Yuan had ever imagined.


    In recent years, Li Yuan''s uncle had taken on the most dangerous assignments, earning only around a million Blue Star coins annually.


    "Hall Master Wan... but previously only the Starry Sky Martial Hall was willing to sign me early," Li Yuan said hesitantly.


    He still felt grateful to the Starry Sky Martial Hall and Uncle Zhong.


    "Haha, it seems you don''t understand the true nature of the Starry Sky Martial Hall," Pce Master Wanughed. "How about this, I''ll let your teacher exin it to you. He will understand as soon as I exin."


    Hall Master Wan indeed wanted to show his respect for Li Yuan by criticizing the Starry Sky Martial Hall. But he also knew that signing a genius like Li Yuan was just the first step; it was best to foster a good rtionship.


    If he himself exined, it might seem petty.


    Soon, Hall Master Wan invited Xu Bo and Principal Tan over.


    In front of Li Yuan, Hall Master Wan quickly exined the situation to the two of them, directly discussing the B-level contract, Li Yuan''s extraordinary mental strength, and the private negotiations with the Starry Sky Martial Hall.


    "Extraordinary mental strength? B-level contract?" Principal Tan was extremely surprised, looking at Li Yuan in shock.


    As a 16th-level martial artist himself, he knew how important mental strength was to bing a source martial artist. Extraordinary mental strength? Principal Tan had only heard of it but had never seen it before. It was extremely rare.


    "Old Wan, you want to offer a B-level contract? The Starry Sky Martial Hall contacted Li Yuan privately and only offered a D-level contract?" Xu Bo''s face changed upon hearing this, showing a hint of anger. "It''s likely that guy Song Yi!"


    "Song Yi? The deputy hall master of the Starry Sky Martial Hall?" Hall Master Wan thought. He had just taken office and had only met the main hall master of the Starry Sky Martial Hall''s Guanshan branch. He knew about a few deputy pce masters but had not met them yet.


    "Yes." Xu Bo nodded. He had been in the Guanshan area for several years and was familiar with the local leaders.


    "Li Yuan." Xu Bo looked at the somewhat confused Li Yuan and said softly, "You quickly made it onto the Blue Star Youth List... did you have over a hundred consecutive matches on the Starry Sky Fighting Network?"


    "Yes." Li Yuan began to understand.


    "When you made it onto the Blue Star Youth List, both the Martial Arts Bureau and the Starlight Martial Hall knew about it, but they didn''t have your detailed data from the Starry Sky Fighting Network," Xu Bo exined directly. "But the Starry Sky Martial Hall would know because the Starry Sky Fighting Network is directly controlled by them."


    Starry Sky Martial Hall? Starry Sky Fighting Network?


    Li Yuan instantly understood and realized why only the Starry Sky Martial Hall had been willing to sign him. There was an information gap.


    "Li Yuan, I thought your physical talent was exceptional, but it turns out your mental strength is extraordinary..." Xu Bo shook his head. "If it''s really Song Yi, based on what I know about her, she would likely upgrade your contract to a C-level during negotiations."


    "In this way." "You would naturally feel grateful and likely sign immediately," Xu Bo said, looking at Li Yuan. "Once you sign, even if you find out the truthter, she wouldn''t have treated you poorly. She could im to be your mentor and offer various excuses. You wouldn''t be able to do much about it."


    Li Yuan held his breath. He never imagined there could be so many schemes behind a contract.


    But Xu Bo was right. If the Starry Sky Martial Hall had nned it this way and there had been no twists today, he would probably have agreed to the contract.


    "This Song Yi, always ying tricks, now targeting my student." Xu Bo''s face grew colder.


    After he was injured, his strength diminished, but his strongwork made most second-level source martial artists in Guanshan respect him. Song Yi''s actions seemed like a p in the face to him.


    "Li Yuan." Hall Master Wan remained calm, smiling. "I brought your principal and teacher here to show you... the contract terms I offer are with the utmost sincerity."


    "I believe that even if your principal reports this to the Martial Arts Bureau, their special recruitment terms wouldn''t match a B-level contract." Hall Master Wan spoke candidly.


    Li Yuan nodded slightly.


    "Li Yuan, I will report your situation again, but based on my experience, the Martial Arts Bureau would likely only offer C-level contract terms," Principal Tan nodded. "Special recruitment by the Martial Arts Bureau is usually much stricter... the decision is still yours to make."


    Special recruitment by the Martial Arts Bureau is much stricter? Li Yuan thought about this.


    "Li Yuan, don''t worry. I will give you time to think and discuss with your family," Hall Master Wan smiled. "I will send the detailed contract terms to your teacher Xu Bo tonight."


    "Within a month, if you are willing, contact me anytime."


    "My virtual V number is..." Hall Master Wan smiled.


    "Li Yuan, write it down," Xu Bo said.


    "Yes." Li Yuan quickly opened his smart wristband, noted it down, and added Hall Master Wan as a friend.


    Immediately, Li Yuan noticed this wasn''t the hall master''s work V number but his personal number.


    "Alright." "Principal Tan, Tieta, I only invited the two of you here. You should understand my intentions," Hall Master Wan smiled.


    Principal Tan and Xu Bo exchanged a nce.


    "Yes." Xu Bo nodded. "Don''t worry, I will keep it confidential."


    "Rest assured, Hall Master Wan." Principal Tan nodded solemnly.


    "Good, I have other matters to attend to, so I will leave now." "Oh, Principal Tan, Iron Tower, if Lin Lanyue is willing, the Starlight Martial Hall can offer her a C-level contract, but her family... please pass on the message," Hall Master Wan smiled.


    "Rest assured, Hall Master Wan," Principal Tan smiled.


    Hall Master Wan nodded and finally looked at Li Yuan. "Li Yuan, I hope to see you training at the Starlight Martial Hall."


    Then, Hall Master Wan left the martial arts ssroom and headed outside the school.


    After seeing him off, Xu Bo took Li Yuan back to his office.


    "Li Yuan, the terms offered by Hall Master Wan are very good," Xu Bo said after some thought. "If your mental strength talent is reported, the Martial Arts Bureau will definitely offer special recruitment, but the terms might not be as favorable."


    "Teacher, why?" Li Yuan couldn''t help asking.


    "Because you don''t understand," Xu Bo smiled. "The Martial Arts Bureau uses taxpayer money, and official audits are very strict... the people at the Martial Arts Bureau are more concerned with political achievements and avoiding responsibility. They recruit students only if they are absolutely sure they will seed."


    Li Yuan understood. Without awakening his martial arts spirituality, the uncertainty was too high. The Martial Arts Bureau wouldn''t take such a big risk easily.


    "In fact." "Hall Master Wan is likely offering you a B-level contract because he just took office," Xu Bo smiled. "He wants to make a mark."


    "Your contract is somewhat of a gamble." "If you don''t reach a 16th-level martial artist by the age of 30, he will face the consequences."


    "Of course, he is strong enough not to care, but if you do sign, you should work hard." "An early contract will make your martial arts journey faster," Xu Bo advised.


    "I understand." Li Yuan nodded.


    If his teacher hadn''t exined, he wouldn''t have known theplexities behind the scenes.


    Beep¡ª Li Yuan''s smart wristband vibrated, indicating a pending file.


    "This is the B-level contract sent by Hall Master Wan. He just sent it to me. He really values you and has shown the utmost sincerity. He probably had it drafted as soon as he got in the car," Xu Bo said with emotion, looking at Li Yuan. "It''s almost dinner time."


    "After dinner, don''t attend evening self-study. Go home and discuss with your family to make a decision as soon as possible." "Of course, if you want to wait for the Martial Arts Bureau''s special recruitment result or negotiate with the Starry Sky Martial Hall again... that''s fine too," Xu Bo hesitated, not fully persuading him.


    After all, he was just Li Yuan''s homeroom teacher, not a personal mentor. Such a major life decision couldn''t be made on behalf of Li Yuan.

 Chapter 33: You Treat Me as a Noble

    <h4>Chapter 33: You Treat Me as a Noble</h4>


    Walking out of Xu Bo''s office, Li Yuan didn''t rush to the cafeteria for dinner. Instead, he first returned to the elite building, to the 4011 martial arts room.


    After waiting for a while, he calcted the time and called his uncle, Li Changzhou, for a video call.


    Soon enough, the video call connected, and Li Changzhou was eating.


    "Uncle," Li Yuan began.


    "Little Yuan, why are you calling me suddenly?" Li Changzhou asked, smiling as he ate. "Have you had dinner?"


    "Not yet," Li Yuan shook his head. "Uncle, listen, I have something important to tell you..."


    Quickly, Li Yuan exined everything that happened that afternoon to his uncle and sent him the B-level contract file.


    At first, Li Changzhou listened while eating, but soon he put down his chopsticks and seriously reviewed the document. asionally, he would ask for more details and then fall into deep thought.


    When Li Yuan finished exining everything, he said hesitantly, "Uncle, I was nning to call you tonight, but I feel like it might be better to make a decision sooner."


    "That''s right. You''re thinking correctly," Li Changzhou said, looking at Li Yuan with admiration. "This matter should indeed be decided sooner. You should go to your teacher, Xu Bo, and tell him that you have decided to sign with the Starlight Martial Hall."


    "Once your teacher agrees, immediately inform Hall Master Wan that you are very satisfied with the B-level contract and are willing to sign it at any time, even tonight," Li Changzhou said firmly.


    "Right now? Tonight?" Li Yuan was a bit stunned by his uncle''s decisive attitude. He remembered his uncle advising him topare offers before.


    Seeing Li Yuan''s confusion, Li Changzhou patiently exined, "Little Yuan, you have goodnguage skills. Do you remember an old saying?"


    "Those who treat me as a noble, I will repay as a noble; those who treat me as amoner, I will repay as amoner."


    "With your principal and teacher vouching for you, I believe they wouldn''t deceive a kid like you."


    Li Changzhou looked at Li Yuan through the video. "Moreover, the Starry Sky Martial Hall controls the Starry Sky Fighting Network. I know a bit about it, but I didn''t realize your mental strength talent... I was only a level 12 martial artist back then, and I can''t even be considered a true martial artist now, so there are many things I don''t understand."


    Li Yuan listened intently. Although his uncle''s martial artist level wasn''t high, he had a clear understanding of many things.


    "In this matter, the Starry Sky Martial Hall has not been sincere with you," Li Changzhou shook his head. "Your Uncle Zhong is a good person, but it''s normal for him to have his own interests... everyone has to live."


    Li Yuan nodded slightly. He didn''t me Uncle Zhong. He wasn''t a high-ranking member of the martial hall and didn''t have decision-making power.


    "But this Hall Master Wan has shown you the greatest sincerity, even willing to sponsor you personally," Li Changzhou said seriously. "If we wait for the Martial Arts Bureau and the Starry Sky Martial Hall''s offers, it will make us seem greedy."


    "Sometimes, benefits are important. But sometimes, you need to stay true to your heart," Li Changzhou said. "Especially since you are about to embark on the path of martial arts."


    "Remember this: a martial artist values a clear conscience."


    "A clear conscience," Li Yuan nodded, silently noting it down.


    "You should ept the offer," Li Changzhou continued. "Not just Hall Master Wan, but your teacher Xu Bo and even Principal Tan will think you are decisive and sincere."


    "You might not care about this when you be powerful in the future. You might not get immediate benefits. But reputation matters in the long run. When you venture into the astral realms, having a good reputation among martial artists could save your life in critical moments," Li Changzhou advised.


    "I understand," Li Yuan nodded firmly.


    Since middle school, especially in high school, his uncle had often imparted life lessons through small matters.


    "Alright, go ahead. I''ll inform your aunt. If you need to sign the contract tonight, I''ll ask her toe over," Li Changzhou said.


    His uncle and aunt were Li Yuan''s guardians.


    "Okay," Li Yuan nodded.


    Ending the video call, Li Yuan went straight to Xu Bo''s office without eating dinner and knocked on the door.


    "Come in," a deep voice sounded.


    Opening the door, Li Yuan said directly, "Teacher Xu, I just talked with my family. My uncle and I are willing to sign with the Starlight Martial Hall."


    "I''ll inform Hall Master Wan now if you think it''s appropriate," Li Yuan got straight to the point.


    "You want to sign now?" Xu Bo''s eyes shed with surprise. "You''re not waiting for the Martial Arts Bureau''s offer?"


    "No," Li Yuan shook his head. "My family and I are very satisfied with Hall Master Wan''s offer and see no need to wait."


    "We''re ready to sign anytime, even tonight," Li Yuan added.


    "Haha, very well," Xu Bo''s cold face showed a rare smile. "You made the right decision. I''ll call Hall Master Wan right away. He probably hasn''t reached home yet."


    "Remember, don''t speak," Xu Bo advised.


    Li Yuan nodded.


    Immediately, Xu Bo called Hall Master Wan in front of Li Yuan.


    The light condensed into a projection as the call connected.


    "Old Wan," Xu Bo smiled.


    "Iron Tower, what''s up?" Pce Master Wan, sitting in his car, replied with a hint of a smile.


    From Hall Master Wan''s perspective, he couldn''t see Li Yuan.


    "Good news for you," Xu Bo smiled. "Just now, Li Yuan talked with his uncle and aunt. Initially, they wanted to wait and see the Martial Arts Bureau''s offer, but Li Yuan, being sensible, persuaded his family and agreed to sign with your Starlight Martial Hall."


    "The contract terms you proposed are eptable without any additional conditions."


    "When would be a good time to sign? Tonight or tomorrow?" Xu Bo asked with a smile.


    "So quickly decided?" Hall Master Wan was a bit surprised but smiled even more. "Good, I knew I wasn''t wrong about him."


    "Since this young man trusts me."


    "Alright, the contract terms remain unchanged," Hall Master Wan thought for a moment. "I''ll personally sponsor him an additional one million Blue Star coins and give him another one million points."


    "Haha, as expected from a pce master, so generous," Xu Boughed. "A million points are worth as much as a million Blue Star coins outside."


    "You praised this young man highly before I left. If you, Iron Tower, think highly of him, I trust you," Hall Master Wan smiled faintly. "Besides, you know these points are of little use to me. Giving them away costs me nothing."


    "Good. I thank you on Li Yuan''s behalf," Xu Boughed. "Don''t worry, this young man is grateful and won''t disappoint you."


    Hall Master Wan smiled.


    "I have a dinner appointment tonight... let''s sign the contract tomorrow at ten in the morning," Hall Master Wan decided. "Give your student a half-day off, no problem, right?"


    "No problem," Xu Boughed.


    They ended the call.


    "Li Yuan, you heard it all," Xu Bo said, looking at Li Yuan with a smile. "Points are used within the Starlight Martial Hall and can be exchanged for many good things. One million points are worth as much as a million Blue Star coins."


    "Thank you, teacher," Li Yuan said sincerely. He had listened to the conversation. Without Xu Bo''s deliberate praise, he wouldn''t have received this extra benefit.


    "Thank me for what? A teacher should always think of their students," Xu Bo waved his hand with a smile. "Otherwise, why would I be a teacher?"


    "Helping you also depends on your ability," Xu Bo smiled. "You haven''t eaten yet, right? Go have dinner."


    "We''ll sign the contract tomorrow. Come to school first, and I''ll go with you."

 Chapter 34: The Rights of Martial Hall Members

    <h4>Chapter 34: The Rights of Martial Hall Members</h4>


    At 10:30 a.m. the next day.


    In the Guanshan branch of Starlight Martial Hall, on the sixth floor.


    Inside a conference room with rather ancient decorations.


    "Li Yuan, sign your name here, here, and here..." Instructor Xing, whom they had met the previous day, pointed to the ces on the contract that needed signatures one by one.


    Li Yuan listened while sitting on a chair with his aunt, Chen Hui, and began to sign his name one by one.


    Both Li Yuan and his aunt had carefully reviewed this contract the previous evening.


    Everything was clear, with no issues.


    Once Li Yuan and Chen Hui finished signing, Instructor Xing handed the documents to the Hall Master Wan.


    For a B-level contract, the Hall Master''s signature was required.


    Once the signing waspleted, the staff who had been waiting immediately took photos and recorded videos.


    The files were then uploaded to the virtualwork.


    "Buzz~" Li Yuan''s smart wristband vibrated. He looked down and saw that he had received a message from the virtualwork¡ªa notarized document.


    It was sent by the Jiangbei Provincial Martial Arts Department.


    "So fast," Li Yuan thought to himself.


    "Li Yuan, keep a copy of the document. You should also have received the electronic contract on the virtualwork, notarized by the Martial Arts Department."


    "It now has legal effect," Hall Master Wan stood up, smiling as he extended his hand. "Wee, you are officially joining the Starlight Martial Hall."


    "Thank you, Hall Master Wan." Li Yuan stood up and shook hands.


    Li Yuan was very grateful to Hall Master Wan.


    "ording to the contract, you will be provided with 1.5 million Blue Star Coins, 1.5 million Martial Hall points, and 3 million training points each year for six years," Hall Master Wan said. "Today, the cash will be directly transferred to your card, and the points and training points will appear under your name once youplete the ''Martial Hall Member Certification.''"


    "In addition, my personal sponsorship of 1 million Blue Star Coins and 1 million points will be in ce today, so don''t worry," Hall Master Wan smiled.


    "Alright," Li Yuan nodded.


    "Next, Instructor Xing will take you to handle the specifics," Hall Master Wan said with a smile. "If you encounter anything you don''t understand or something that Instructor Xing can''t solve, contact me and I''ll help you."


    "Yes," Li Yuan nodded, ncing instinctively at Instructor Xing.


    Hall Master Wan''sst two sentences seemed to be directed at Instructor Xing.


    However, Instructor Xing''s face was full of smiles, showing no change in emotion.


    Then, Hall Master Wan greeted Chen Hui and left with two subordinates.


    "Li Yuan, the contract is signed."


    "You don''t need to go to school today," said Xu Bo, who had not spoken until now, in a deep voice. "Familiarize yourself with the Martial Hall environment first, ande to school tomorrow."


    "Alright," Li Yuan nodded repeatedly. The morning was for cultural sses, and it was toote to attend.


    In the afternoon and evening? Those were martial arts self-study sses, the same wherever he was.


    "Old Xing, my student is now your responsibility," Xu Bo said to Instructor Xing.


    "It''s a small matter," Instructor Xing said enthusiastically. "It''s my honor to guide Li Yuan."


    Only Li Yuan, his aunt, and three Martial Hall members, including Instructor Xing, were left in the conference room.


    "Li Yuan, Ms. Chen," Instructor Xing said with a smile. "Come with me. Let''s first handle your identity certification, and then I''ll give you a tour of the Martial Hall building."


    "Do I need to do this too?" Chen Hui was taken aback.


    "Ms. Chen, since Li Yuan is joining Starlight Martial Hall, he can normally apply for two family member cards, allowing family members to enjoy some of the Martial Hall''s benefits," a martial artist in ck said with a smile. "For example, free lunch and dinner, free martial arts sses on weekends, free martial arts rooms, free therapy, and so on."


    Li Yuan was quietly impressed.


    He had heard at school that formal members of the Martial Hall received many benefits.


    Now it seemed that even the benefits of a family member card were worth quite a bit.


    "Is it that good?" Chen Hui was initially pleased, then hesitated. "Only two cards?"


    "Yes, Li Yuan is an L3 level member of the Martial Hall and has the privilege of two family member cards," the martial artist in ck nodded.


    "Forget it, I won''t apply," Chen Hui shook her head.


    She wanted to save the two slots for Li Muhua and Li Qianqian.


    "Ms. Chen, don''t worry," Instructor Xing said with a smile. "I will give you two W3 level membership cards. You just need to bind one, and the benefits are the same as the family member cards, valid for six years."


    "After six years, Li Yuan might have advanced to L4 or even higher levels, naturally increasing the number of family member slots. How about that?" Instructor Xing smiled.


    Chen Hui looked at Li Yuan.


    "Aunt, Instructor Xing is being kind. ept it," Li Yuan said. He vaguely understood what was happening.


    This was Instructor Xing''s way of showing goodwill towards him.


    Not epting it would be impolite.


    Afterpleting the identity certification and membership card certification, Li Yuan officially became a preparatory member of Starlight Martial Hall.


    After a brief tour, his aunt Chen Hui left first.


    Only Li Yuan remained.


    He followed Instructor Xing to the seventh floor.


    "The entire building."


    "The first to sixth floors are open to the public, for selling various auxiliary cultivation treasures, therapy rooms, martial arts rooms, martial arts sses, weapon sses, and so on," Instructor Xing exined to Li Yuan. "The seventh to twelfth floors are usually only essible to internal members of the Martial Hall."


    "Formal members at L1 and L2 levels are equipped with public martial arts rooms, shared by many."


    "L3 level members, aside from martial arts geniuses who can sign B-level contracts like you, are middle-level managers and high-level martial artists. High-level martial artists refer to those at least at level 16," Instructor Xing smiled. "They all have individual martial arts rooms."


    As he spoke, Instructor Xing led Li Yuan to the door of martial arts room number ''7024,'' verified his identity, and opened the door.


    Immediately.


    A spacious martial arts room appeared before Li Yuan''s eyes, definitely over 400 square meters.


    "So big," Li Yuan''s eyes moved slightly.


    This was much better than the independent martial arts rooms at school.


    The area was more than double, and the technological equipment was moreplete, with dedicated therapy and rest rooms.


    Even if it wasn''t as good as Teacher Xu Bo''s office, it was close.


    "Your identity certification isplete. From today, you have the right to use this martial arts room for six years," Instructor Xing said with a smile. "Of course, there is a one-month trial period. If you feel ufortable, you can request a change."


    "All mine?" Li Yuan was quite pleased.


    Six years of usage rights were enough.


    Even wealthy families with assets of tens of millions couldn''t build such a martial arts room.


    Time passed.


    After lunch, and another hour, through Instructor Xing''s introduction and exnation, Li Yuan gradually understood the entire operation process of the Martial Hall, its personnel structure, and what he should do next.


    "Li Yuan, detailed rules within the Martial Hall can be found on the virtualwork," Instructor Xing said with a smile. "If there''s anything you don''t understand, juste to me."


    "Alright, thank you, Instructor Xing," Li Yuan said with a smile. "I''ll mention it to Hall Master Wan when I get the chance."


    "Haha, thank you," Instructor Xingughed.


    After seeing the instructor off.


    Li Yuan returned to martial arts room 7024. Although it was a fully enclosed room, the air was very fresh.


    "The matter of my mental power is kept secret. Instructor Xing probably doesn''t understand why I could sign a B-level contract," Li Yuan thought to himself. "Maybe he thinks I have some special rtionship with Hall Master Wan, so he''s being very cautious."


    Otherwise, as the chief instructor of the entire Guanshan branch, second only to the main and deputy hall masters.


    Why be so polite to a high school student?


    Suddenly.


    "Beep¡ª" The doorbell rang, and the disy at the door showed the scene outside.


    It was a delivery robot, the meal Li Yuan had ordered ten minutes ago.


    After taking the meal, Li Yuan went to the table at the end of the martial arts room and started eating.


    "I''m really hungry."


    Li Yuan ate heartily. "Two nutritious meals for only 40 points? But better than the 50 Blue Star Coin meals at school."


    "Instructor Xing wasn''t wrong. Points are more useful than equivalent Blue Star Coins in many things."


    After eating.


    Li Yuan didn''t rush to cultivate but used the advanced virtualwork pod in the martial arts room.


    He entered the virtual world.


    "Enter Starlight Space," Li Yuan''s consciousness connected and directly issued themand.


    Buzz~ The space transformed.


    "Honorable L3 member, wee to Starlight Space. I am your exclusive AI..." A pleasant voice rang out.


    "Change the housekeeper''s name to ''Little Jade'' with the appearance of an ancient girl," Li Yuan said directly.


    "Yes." A girl in purple appeared in front of Li Yuan. "Little Jade at your service."


    Li Yuan ignored her and checked the virtual space he had just received permission to enter.


    Starlight Space was the ''exclusive space'' of Starlight Martial Hall.


    Only Starlight Martial Hall members and members could enter.


    "My Starlight level." Li Yuan''s gaze fell on the side panel:


    Name: Li Yuan (ID 2042100806492)


    Affiliation: China¡ªJiangbei Province¡ªJiang City


    Level: L3


    Points: 2,499,960.15


    Training Points: 2,800,000


    "250,000 points, of which 150,000 points are provided by the B-level contract, and another 100,000 points are sponsored by Hall Master Wan," Li Yuan thought.


    Through checking the user manual andbining it with Instructor Xing''s previous introduction, Li Yuan quickly understood.


    Points are essentially the internal currency of Starlight Martial Hall, used to purchase various items and services.


    From various auxiliary cultivation treasures such as basic qi and blood potions, first-order qi and blood potions, spirit-nurturing potions, source force elixirs... to various precious weapons, martial arts manuals, source force manuals, and so on.


    These are for martial arts cultivation.


    For daily life, such as financial management, renting or buying vis, buying luxury cars, private airnes, yachts, legal representation, daily necessities, hospital bed priority... anything involving daily life, the Martial Hall can help solve it.


    Provided that one is willing to spend enough points.


    "Points are indeed more useful than money in many things," Li Yuan thought.


    Today''s experience had a significant impact on him, truly broadening his horizons.


    It gave him a preliminary glimpse into... the world of martial artists.


    "One way to earn points is through employment, holding a position in the Martial Hall, receiving a monthly sry," Li Yuan thought. "The second way is bypleting various tasks of the Martial Hall, such as going to the astral realms..."


    Li Yuan only nced briefly and didn''t focus on the ways to earn points.


    For now, it had nothing to do with him.


    "A little guy with a physical fitness of just level 7, earning points?"


    "I''m just a preparatory member, not a formal member."


    "The Martial Hall brought me here to spend money."


    "What I need to do now," Li Yuan''s eyes glowed, "is to use the points and money given by the Martial Hall."


    "Improve my family and... enhance my strength," Li Yuan''s eyes glowed. "Work hard to get into one of the top five prestigious schools and be a martial artist."

 Chapter 35: Cultivation Plan

    <h4>Chapter 35: Cultivation n</h4>


    Through conversations with Teacher Xu Bo and Instructor Xing, Li Yuan understood that signing a contract in advance did not mean he could skip university. The early contract was essentially an investment by the Martial Hall. The hall would provide Li Yuan with certain cultivation guidance, but it wouldn''t cover everything.


    The best path for him was still to take the college entrance exam and go to a martial arts university.


    "ording to Teacher Xu, the Martial Hall is a gathering ce for martial artists, bearing the responsibility ofbat rather than training within human civilization."


    "The Martial Hall needsbat power," Li Yuan thought. "The responsibility of training falls on martial arts universities, where the mostprehensive martial artist training takes ce."


    "Whether it''s the state or the Seven Star Alliance, all kinds of precious resources are allocated to martial arts universities."


    "Many precious resources are provided for free at universities but cost a fortune at the Martial Hall."


    "Some precious resources aren''t avable even at the Martial Hall."


    Going to a martial arts university would provide the best martial arts education.


    Many top martial artists would rotate through various martial arts universities to teach and mentor younger generations.


    "Only by undergoing systematic training at a martial arts university can one tread a more stable and farther path as a martial artist," Li Yuan did not dare to be arrogant.


    Sure, he had the fortunate awakening of the Divine Pce, but the more he saw, the more he realized his own insignificance.


    "Just like Uncle said."


    "On the path of growth, sometimes one needs the support of benefactors and the aid of opportunities," Li Yuan murmured to himself. "Teacher Xu Bo is my benefactor."


    "Signing with Starlight Martial Hall early is my opportunity."


    "My task is to make good use of them to help me enter broader fields."


    ...


    In the Starlight Space.


    "Little Jade, don''t I have 3 million cultivation points?" Li Yuan asked in confusion. "Why does it show 2.8 million?"


    "Master."


    "As an L3 member, you enjoy many privileges each year, such as family cards and your exclusive martial arts room, which require a deduction of 200,000 points. This deduction is mandatory," the girl in purple exined yfully. "Cultivation points are unique to those who signed early as martial arts geniuses."


    "They function simrly to points but can only be used to purchase non-material martial arts cultivation services."


    "The 200,000 points to be deducted will be offset by your cultivation points first," the girl in purple said.


    Li Yuan immediately understood.


    If points were the internal currency of the Martial Hall, then cultivation points... were like ''coupons'' for those who signed early, with many restrictions.


    "They can only be used to pay annual fees, receive guidance from master teachers, purchase skill manuals, source power manuals, and cultivation video guidance..." Li Yuan reviewed the uses of cultivation points.


    All non-material items.


    "No wonder the Martial Hall is so generous," Li Yuan muttered. "Three million cultivation points? Nominally worth three million Blue Star Coins, but items like manuals and training videos... the Martial Hall can copy countless copies if they wish, costing almost nothing."


    Some cultivation resources could be replicated and were not truly valuable, so the Martial Hall appeared generous.


    However, physical resources, such as qi and blood potions, required significant resources to produce and were strictly controlled in terms of gifting.


    Of course, while cultivation points weren''t as valuable as points, they were still quite beneficial.


    .....


    "The higher the level within the Martial Hall, the greater the privileges, and the fewer points needed for the same services?" Li Yuan read the Starlight level description. "I''m currently L3, which isn''t too bad among all Martial Hall members."


    From his discussions with Instructor Xing, he had some understanding.


    L1 was for trial members.


    L2 was the level of most Martial Hall members, with martial artists below level 15, including preparatory members with D-level and C-level contracts.


    L3 typically included grassroots managers or preparatory members with B-level contracts.


    L4 and L5 often required a second-tier source martial artist.


    Like Hall Master Wan, who was an L5 member.


    "Unless I upgrade to an A-level contract, I''ll remain an L3 member until I be a second-tier source martial artist," Li Yuan reviewed the requirements of his B-level contract.


    To advance in Starlight levels? It depended on talent, strength, and contributions to the Martial Hall.


    Preparatory members with A-level contracts were L4 members.


    Preparatory members with S-level contracts? They were directly L5 members!


    If Li Yuan wanted to upgrade from a B-level to an A-level contract? ording to the contract, there were three ways.


    "First, awaken martial arts spirituality."


    "Second, get admitted to Starlight University."


    "Third, reach 300 points in the Meteor Rank on the Starry Sky Combat Network before turning 18," Li Yuan frowned slightly.


    The first and second paths were almost the same in Li Yuan''s eyes.


    "If I can awaken martial arts spirituality, with a 10% score bonus, the probability of me getting into Starlight University after eight months of hard training is very high," Li Yuan thought. "Without awakening spirituality, the probability of getting into Starlight University is almost zero."


    Starlight University, along with Starry Sky University and ckstone University, were the top three martial arts schools globally.


    From their names, it was clear that these top three martial arts schools were closely linked to the three major Martial Halls.


    Getting into them was much harder than getting into the top five universities in China.


    The top five universities in Chinabined enroll about 10,000 students annually nationwide.


    Globally, there are over a dozen martial arts universitiesparable to the top five in China


    But Starlight University, as Li Yuan knew, enrolled fewer than 1,000 students globally each year, with no more than 300 in China.


    Those who could get into the top three martial arts schools from China, except for a few specially recruited students, were at least top ten martial arts geniuses in the province.


    "Legend has it that those who sessfully graduate from Starlight University are basically second-tier source martial artists," Li Yuan shook his head slightly.


    Provincial martial arts universities, the top five universities in China, and the top three martial arts schools globally... These were three distinct levels.


    "Top ten in martial arts in the province?"


    It wasn''t that Li Yuan didn''t dare to think about it, but without awakening martial arts spirituality, how could he imagine it?


    Even if Li Yuan scored 1000 points in martial arts, it would be hard to break into the top ten in the province.


    Others had a total score of 1100.


    One must be realistic.


    "My score hasn''t even reached the top ten in my grade at school, let alone the province?" Li Yuan stopped thinking about it. "Compared to the first two, the third path is more realistic."


    Before turning 18, reaching 300 points in the Meteor Rank on the Starry Sky Combat Network.


    This path was also difficult, but with Li Yuan''s rapid progress in martial arts skills, there was a glimmer of hope.


    .....


    After rifying everything.


    Li Yuan said softly, "Little Jade, I need a cultivation guidance n tailored to me."


    "Alright."


    "Please re-enter your information urately," Little said. "This will allow the Martial Hall''s intelligent system to create the best n."


    Woosh~


    With a wave of Little Jade''s hand, a light screen appeared.


    It had numerous fields to fill in.


    Age, gender, life level, punch power, burst speed, weapon used, martial arts skills, cultivation methods... over a hundred items.


    "The Martial Hall should have my information, but they probably want to confirm it again," Li Yuan thought as he filled out each item.


    With the Divine Pce interface, the uracy of Li Yuan''s information would inevitably surpass other preparatory members.


    "Please wait, Master," Little Jade said. "I''m requesting intelligent resources to generate your cultivation n."


    More than ten minutester.


    "Master, it is done," Little said. "Please review it."


    Buzz~


    Arge light screen quickly appeared before Li Yuan, filled with dense text and descriptions.


    "To improve physical fitness, mainly take basic qi and blood potions, one bottle every two days... Since no high-level cultivation methods are practiced, take at least one source power elixir monthly," Li Yuan read the first item. "Monthly cost: about 130,000 Blue Star Coins/points."


    "Basic spirit-nourishing potions, three bottles monthly, cost about 90,000 Blue Star Coins/points..."


    "Deep medicinal baths, once every ten days, monthly cost about 30,000 Blue Star Coins/points..."


    "Purchase second-tier spear technique ''Starry Spear Technique,'' price: 1 million cultivation points."


    "Purchase second-tier movement technique ''Dragon Walk Movement Technique,'' price: 1 million cultivation points."


    "Master guidance, hire a second-tier source martial artist for spear and movement technique guidance, once a month, each session costs 100,000 cultivation points/points/Blue Star Coins..."

 Chapter 36: Source Power Elixir

    <h4>Chapter 36: Source Power Elixir</h4>


    Based on the information provided by Li Yuan, the intelligent system used its extensive database to generate a very detailed cultivation n. The n was highly targeted and included thorough exnations and reasons for each rmendation.


    After reviewing the entire n, Li Yuan couldn''t help but admit that the intelligent system''s analysis was quite reasonable.


    "AI based on big data is indeed extraordinary," Li Yuan thought.


    However, this n was very costly.


    "If I follow the entire n provided by the intelligent system, I will have to spend about 400,000 Blue Star Coins/points per month," Li Yuan calcted, feeling a bit overwhelmed. "That''s nearly 5 million a year."


    The Blue Star Coins and points gifted by the Martial Hall amounted to a total of 3 million per year.


    At this moment, Li Yuan truly understood his uncle Li Changzhou''s words.


    Full-time martial arts?


    No money? What martial arts?


    Bing a powerful martial artist requires a significant financial investment.


    "I haven''t even be an entry-level martial artist yet. Once I do, the expenses will only increase," Li Yuan thought, shaking his head slightly.


    Of course, Li Yuan also understood that the cultivation n provided by the intelligent system was of the highest caliber. It was designed to maximize efficiency in improving physical fitness, martial arts skills, and mental strength.


    Improving in all three areas would greatly increase his chances of bing a source martial artist in the future.


    However, the expenses were enormous.


    Even a wealthy family like Wan Xiao''s might only dare to spend this much during the final year of high school.


    "Lin Lanyue''s family background seems even better than Wan Xiao''s, so perhaps she has ess to this level of resources," Li Yuan thought. "No wonder her progress far surpasses that of other ssmates."


    Good talent, hard work, and ample resources.


    How could ordinary peoplepare to Lin Lanyue?


    "My advantage lies in the Divine Pce," Li Yuan thought. "With the ''Great Sun Star Scripture,'' I can not only quickly improve my mental strength but also achieve deep sleep, eliminating all fatigue,parable to the highest level of therapy."


    The rapid improvement in Li Yuan''s physical fitness wasrgely due to the ''Great Sun Star Scripture.''


    "So, spirit-nourishing potions and top-level physical therapy can be excluded," Li Yuan decided.


    While using them might increase training efficiency, Li Yuan had to be economical.


    "Being poor means choosing the most cost-effective method."


    Li Yuan scanned the other items on the list: "This way, the main expenses will be threefold: improving physical fitness with basic qi and blood potions and source power elixirs."


    "The second item is deep medicinal baths."


    "The third is practicalbat training, with a level 15 martial artist twice a week, costing 20,000 Blue Star Coins per week," Li Yuan thought.


    Adding it all up, it would cost about 240,000 Blue Star Coins/points per month.


    This way, the total cost until the college entrance exam in June next year would be around 2 million Blue Star Coins/points.


    "The next gift from the Martial Hall will be in October next year," Li Yuan thought. "Besides, I need to save some points for after I be an entry-level martial artist."


    After entering university, there would be many cultivation resources avable, but that was still uncertain.


    Li Yuan had to n carefully.


    "As for the cultivation points, for spear techniques, movement techniques, and master guidance, I''ll ask Teacher Xu Bo when I return to school," Li Yuan decided.


    Time passed.


    Suddenly, Li Yuan received two bank notifications, disyed directly in the virtualwork.


    "Your ount ending in 1486 has received 1,000,000.00 Blue Star Coins..."


    "Your ount ending in 1486 has received 1,200,000.00 Blue Star Coins..."


    Two deposit notifications.


    "Hmm? Two sums of money. One should be the gift from Hall Master Wan, and the other should be the contract reward from the Martial Hall," Li Yuan wondered. "But why is the contract reward 1.2 million Blue Star Coins?"


    "Is there an extra 300,000 Blue Star Coins that will be sent to meter?"


    Li Yuan was about to ask Little Jade.


    "Master, the cash reward from the Martial Hall has been credited. ording to the contract, all contract rewards for the 2042-2043 year have been fully credited," Little Jade said proactively.


    "Why is the contract reward short by 300,000 Blue Star Coins?" Li Yuan couldn''t help but ask.


    "Taxes!"


    "This kind of contract reward from the Martial Hall is handled through a public ount, under national supervision, and must be taxed. The Martial Hall has paid the taxes on your behalf. You can check the virtual tax space for details," Little Jade exined immediately. "Normally, forrge amounts of ie exceeding 1 million, the excess portion is taxed at a maximum rate of 50% personal ie tax."


    "But contract rewards are considered special ie, and the state offers tax exemptions, so only 20% is deducted."


    "Reminder, Master, tax evasion is illegal. If caught, the fines start at ten times the amount evaded."


    Little Jade said with a cheeky smile, "But don''t worry, Master. The other 1 million Blue Star Coins are a personal gift and are not subject to tax."


    "As for points and cultivation points, they are distributed internally by the Martial Hall and are ounted for and taxed by the hall, so you don''t have to worry about it."


    Li Yuan was stunned.


    Taxes?


    300,000 Blue Star Coins? Just like that? Li Yuan felt a pang of pain.


    After a moment of silence.


    "Well, it''s right to pay taxes," Li Yuan consoled himself. "The state needs money for the star realm war, infrastructure, education, and public welfare. Paying taxes is every citizen''s duty."


    From a young age, Li Yuan had received such education.


    In the past, it was just a slogan, but now he truly understood it.


    "I''ll try to use points for cultivation."


    "Cash is always more versatile," Li Yuan thought, with a hint of anticipation. "Besides, I should give some cash to Auntie."


    After all this hard work, isn''t it for today?


    Easing the family''s financial burden had always been one of Li Yuan''s motivations.


    Li Yuan didn''t stay at Starlight Martial Hall for long. By around 4 p.m., he had returned to school.


    He found Xu Bo in the office.


    "Back so soon?" Xu Bo was a bit surprised, smiling. "How was it?"


    "The Martial Hall is excellent," Li Yuan said sincerely.


    "The Martial Hall''s cultivation conditions are always top-notch," Xu Bo smiled. "You came back so quickly to see me. Is there something you need?"


    "Yes."


    "I''d like some guidance from you," Li Yuan said respectfully and quickly exined the cultivation n provided by the intelligent system.


    "The intelligent AI has given you a veryprehensive cultivation n, but it''s very costly. With limited resources, you need to choose the most cost-effective items," Xu Bo said. "I''ll only mention two points."


    "Please, Teacher," Li Yuan listened intently.


    "First, try to get the basic Source Power Elixir," Xu Bo said seriously.


    "The n suggests taking one a month, but it''s best to adjust ording to your body''s tolerance... If your body can handle it, taking two a month is ideal."


    "The basic Source Power Elixir is expensive, costing 100,000 Blue Star Coins per pill," Xu Bo said, looking at Li Yuan. "But its effects are excellent."


    "You haven''t awakened martial arts spirituality and can''t practice high-level cultivation methods. Taking the Source Power Elixir can greatlypensate for this shoring."


    "Your physical talent is already impressive."


    "If the effects are good enough."


    "By the time of the college entrance exam, your physical fitness might reach 8.5 or even 9.0, surpassing Lin Lanyue," Xu Bo said seriously.


    Li Yuan''s eyes lit up, feeling excited but also pressured.


    Despite bing a millionaire, why did he feel poorer than ever?

 Chapter 37: The Magical Source Force

    <h4>Chapter 37: The Magical Source Force</h4>


    "Two in a month?" Li Yuan sighed inwardly.


    "The Basic Source Force Pill costs 100,000 Blue Star Coins/Points per pill. If I take two, my monthly budget will increase significantly."


    "You haven''t taken a Basic Source Force Pill before," Xu Bo looked at Li Yuan.


    "No," Li Yuan shook his head. His family couldn''t afford such a valuable cultivation treasure.


    Families like his aunt and uncle''s, who could provide basic blood and energy elixirs for children long-term, were actually rare.


    "The Basic Source Force Pill? Those who dare to buy and use it long-term are probably billionaires."


    "Then let me tell you, the Basic Source Force Pill is essentially a substitute for advanced cultivation techniques," Xu Bo said. "Do you know the fundamental difference between basic and advanced cultivation techniques?"


    "Efficiency of cultivation," Li Yuan replied.


    "That''s the result, not the reason," Xu Bo said. "Basic cultivation techniques efficiently absorb the energy generated from the food we eat, thereby promoting the progress of life."


    Li Yuan nodded involuntarily.


    The most essential difference between modern humans and ancient traditional martial arts lies in cultivation techniques.


    This is the key to unlocking evolutionary progress in life.


    "But basic cultivation techniques have limits," Xu Bo said. "No matter how strong our digestive systems are, can we eat a hundred pounds of food every day?"


    "No," Li Yuan shook his head.


    "Right, even with high-energy food, there are impurities, and the body can''t handle too much," Xu Bo continued. "However, powerful warriors not only continue to promote physical evolution but also consume enormous amounts of energy just to maintain their physical condition."


    "Like an electric car, the more powerful the motor, the more energy it consumes."


    "Like me."


    Boom!


    Xu Bo took a step forward, and his whole body seemed to flicker like a phantom. The air instantly exploded, and the airflow surged into a wind.


    Xu Bo had already stopped at the other end of the office.


    "This?"


    "This is a Level 19 warrior?" Li Yuan held his breath, looking at him with a hidden excitement in his heart.


    He dared to affirm that just now, Teacher Xu''s instantaneous eruption speed definitely exceeded 50 meters per second.


    You should know that this is an instantaneous eruption from a stationary position, not even Xu Bo''s fastest eruption speed.


    This is what a truly powerful warrior looks like.


    Xu Bo slowly walked back, saying as he walked, "Every day, to maintain a strong body like mine, if relying solely on eating, I would need to eat dozens of pounds of high-energy food at least."


    "This is still in urban life. If fighting with creatures from the star realms, the consumption would be even greater. Two hundred pounds of high-energy food would not be enough."


    Li Yuan was speechless.


    He thought of elephants, giraffes, and other animals that spend most of their time eating every day.


    If they exercise, their consumption would be even greater.


    "Therefore, we have produced blood and energy elixirs," Xu Bo said. "These elixirs are essentially extracted from food, easier for the human body to absorb than high-energy food, with almost no impurities, but they are expensive."


    "Taking them can reduce the demand for food."


    Li Yuan nodded slightly.


    Using blood and energy elixirs not only reduces the burden of eating but also doubles the efficiency of cultivation.


    "But as you advance to bing a Level 15 warrior and even stronger, even blood and energy elixirs are difficult to maintain."


    "In recent decades, the Source Force Pill has appeared, which allows us to directly absorb source force."


    "What is source force?"


    "Since the six major star bridges changed hundreds of years ago, the most magical energy ''source force'' has appeared in the cosmic starry sky," Xu Bo said with emotion. "Once we can absorb source force, the speed of evolution in our bodies will increase by ten or even a hundred times."


    Li Yuan listened intently.


    Source force, extremely magical.


    Powerful warriors, in just a few decades, can fly and move through the earth and even walk safely out of the center of a nuclear explosion... all relying on absorbing source force and promoting bodily evolution.


    With human bodies, they can match gods.


    "If you want to absorb source force, there are three methods."


    "The first is that your physical fitness must reach at least Level 19, and your skills must be advanced enough,bining body, mind, and intention to barely sense source force and achieve initial absorption," Xu Bo said solemnly. "This is the most primitive absorption method, with very low efficiency, but the first-generation warriors relied on this method to grow step by step."


    "Later."


    "As the number and strength of warriors increased, they finally deduced the first advanced cultivation technique, which increased the efficiency of absorbing source force by more than ten times," Xu Bo said. "Then they created the second and third techniques... and now, our human civilization has developed seven major advanced cultivation techniques."


    "Moreover, if one can match the corresponding advanced cultivation technique, even ordinary people can achieve initial absorption of source force, greatly increasing their physical fitness efficiency," Xu Bo looked at Li Yuan with regret.


    Li Yuan understood the teacher''s meaning.


    Awakening martial spirit is not as mysterious as the ''spirit root'' in novels.


    It is essentially thepatibility with the seven major advanced cultivation techniques.


    If thepatibility exceeds 85%, it is an awakening.


    Why does human civilization attach so much importance to martial spirit? Because if ordinary people practice advanced cultivation techniques, they can gradually absorb the source force from the universe to strengthen their bodies.


    In this way, the efficiency of bodily evolution greatly increases, and the hope of bing a Source Warrior will greatly increase.


    This is why students in the elite ss generally have strong physical fitness.


    Secondly, source force exists everywhere in the cosmic starry sky.


    Not only is its effect much stronger than that of blood and energy elixirs, but it is also inexhaustible, saving a lot of resources for the entire human civilization.


    "Absorbing source force through advanced cultivation techniques is the second method, and it is the best method," Xu Bo shook his head. "But you can''t do it now... Li Yuan, if you want to absorb the source force from the universe through yourself, you can only use the most primitive absorption method."


    "Then, you must improve your physical fitness to Level 19."


    Li Yuan nodded slightly.


    To improve physical fitness to Level 19 without absorbing source force, you can imagine how difficult it is.


    It must rely on arge amount of external resources.


    "Of course, if you really be a very powerful Source Warrior in the future, maybe you can create an advanced cultivation technique that suits you."


    "Or even create an advanced cultivation technique suitable for many ordinary people," Xu Bo sighed. "Then you will be a great hero for the human civilization."


    "The world''s strongest ''D¨­ngf¨¡ng J¨ª'' once said that everyone is unique and should have a suitable advanced cultivation technique."


    "If our human civilization can create a hundred advanced techniques, then everyone from a young age will find a suitable advanced cultivation technique, and there will be no talk of martial spirit."


    "By then, the speed of producing warriors in human civilization will be more than ten times faster than it is now," Xu Bo quoted D¨­ngf¨¡ng J¨ª. "And this requires generations of warriors to strive for."


    "A hundred advanced cultivation techniques?" Li Yuan sighed inwardly.


    Since the era of human life evolution began nearly two hundred years ago, a total of only seven universal advanced cultivation techniques have been born.


    However,pared to more than eighty years ago when there were only three advanced cultivation techniques.


    In this era, the speed at which warriors are born in human civilization has increased several times.


    This is a virtuous cycle.


    It makes human civilization continue to grow stronger.


    "The third method of absorbing source force is the Source Force Pill, which has emerged in thest twenty or thirty years," Xu Bo said. "The pill contains a trace of source force. Once taken, it can be absorbed."


    "However, source force is domineering."


    "Without advanced cultivation techniques to assist in resolving it, absorption will be very difficult," Xu Bo said. "So, for ordinary people, one pill a month is enough."


    "Your physical talent is actually among the top tier, it''s just that you haven''t found a suitable advanced cultivation technique," Xu Bo looked at Li Yuan with some regret. "With your strong mental power, maybe you could take two pills a month."


    "Thank you for your guidance, Teacher Xu," Li Yuan nodded, then smiled calmly. "There''s no suitable advanced cultivation technique for me."


    "Then in the future, I''ll strive to create one."


    "Haha," Xu Boughed at his words. "Ambitious. I''ll be waiting, Teacher."


    ...


    "This ''Starry Spear Technique'' and ''Dragon Movement Body Technique,'' which are in the same line as the ''Rock Cultivation Technique,'' I suggest you switch," Xu Bo continued. "These two major manuals are highly renowned among warriors for directly targeting the Fifth Stage of Skills."


    "Directly targeting the Fifth Stage of Skills?" Li Yuan pondered.


    His skills were only at the Third Stage.


    "Teacher, can''t you teach me a Second Stage manual?" Li Yuan couldn''t help but ask.


    "Me?" Xu Bo was momentarily stunned, then smiled and said, "I have indeed practiced many Second Stage manuals, such as spear techniques, sword techniques, and body techniques."


    "But I can''t teach you," Xu Bo shook his head. "Haven''t you noticed that I''ve never taught you Second Stage manuals before?"


    "Why?" Li Yuan was puzzled.


    "I only have the right to learn, not the right to pass on," Xu Bo said. "Like the boxing, spear, and body techniques you are learning now, they are all First Stage manuals suitable for students at the First and Second Stages of Skills."


    "Arge number of First Stage manuals and cultivation techniques are fully open and free to all citizens."


    "However, from the Second Stage manuals onwards, they are copyrighted," Xu Bo said. "You must purchase them before you can use them."

 Chapter 38: Xu Bo’s Assistance

    <h4>Chapter 38: Xu Bo''s Assistance</h4>


    "If you don''t have a purchase record but are caught stealing or spreading techniques, you''ll be judged as breaking thew."


    "Once verified, the Martial Arts Bureau and the Cultural Bureau will jointly punish you, starting with a tenfold penalty." Xu Bo shook his head. "If the situation is serious, you could even be sent to prison."


    "Prison?" Li Yuan held his breath.


    "Teacher, wouldn''t this approach hinder the evolution of martial arts for human civilization?" Li Yuan hesitated slightly. "What about the poor?"


    "If they don''t have money, does that mean they don''t qualify to learn advanced techniques?"


    "Your concern is valid; it does seem unfair to the poor." Xu Bo said. "Copyright protection is a double-edged sword."


    "Overprotecting it will stifle innovation."


    "But without any protection, innovation will also be stifled." Xu Bo said. "So, after numerous social experiments, we''ve ended up with the current system."


    "Cultivation techniques, whether basic or advanced, arepletely open, and many first-stage manuals are entirely free."


    "This allows ordinary people to try martial arts for free," Xu Bo said.


    "For most people, reaching the third stage of skills is extremely difficult."


    "But if someone is truly a martial arts genius," Xu Bo said, "with incredible skill or physical talent, then the nation and even the Seven-Star Alliance have various channels to discover talent and provide free cultivation resources."


    "All forces of human civilization strive to discover all martial arts geniuses."


    "For example, the Martial Hall signed you in advance as a way to discover talent." Xu Bo smiled. "Simrly, students of martial arts universities have free ess to many second and even third-stage manuals in the ''Martial Arts Network.''"


    "Martial arts university students'' copyright fees for these manuals are paid by the nation."


    Li Yuan suddenly understood.


    It turned out that the nation, or rather the entire human civilization, had long considered this issue.


    "There are copyright fees."


    "Driven by profit, strong warriors are more motivated to create new skill manuals and cultivation techniques." Xu Bo said. "Paying copyright fees also encourages warriors to share their created manuals rather than keeping them to themselves."


    "Through mutual exchange, every warrior can learn the wisdom of others and grow faster."


    Xu Bo looked at Li Yuan. "In the future, if you create powerful skill manuals, you can upload them to the Cultural Bureau and collect copyright fees."


    "You can earn money from home."


    Li Yuan smiled and thought of many historical techniques that were only passed down to one or two people per generation. Once something happened, they were lost forever.


    The continuous strength of human civilizationes from the generational inheritance of knowledge.


    Martial arts are the same.


    "With your current martial arts level, learning two second-stage manuals is enough." Xu Bo advised. "Wait until your spear and body techniques break through to the fourth stage before learning more second-stage manuals."


    "Yes," Li Yuan nodded.


    If one''s martial arts level is not high enough, it''s a joke to think of mastering the best of all schools without first mastering one.


    "Of course."


    "In your cultivation n, you don''t need the monthly guidance from renowned teachers." Xu Bo said. "My guidance is enough for you."


    "If you purchase the manuals'' copyrights, my guidance won''t vite copyrightws."


    "Not seeking guidance from a Source Warrior?" Li Yuan was slightly hesitant.


    Having Teacher Xu guide him was naturally something he desired, but Teacher Xu was only at level 19.


    Could he match the guidance of a second-stage Source Warrior?


    "What, looking down on your teacher?" Xu Bo saw through Li Yuan''s thoughts and smiled. "Don''t worry, my martial arts level is not weaker than most Source Warriors. If back then... forget it, there''s no need to say more."


    Xu Bo sighed and his smile faded, seeming somewhat disinterested.


    "Teacher, I was wrong." Li Yuan quickly bowed his head and apologized.


    "I''m not ming you; it''s not your fault." Xu Bo shook his head and continued. "From now on, every Wednesday evening in my office, I will guide you once on spear and body techniques."


    "No extra charge."


    "Thank you, Teacher." Li Yuan was grateful.


    Once a week?


    "However, you will need to find someone for your bi-weekly practicalbat sparring with a warrior." Xu Bo said. "I don''t have that much time."


    "Yes," Li Yuan nodded.


    It was already extremely fortunate that the teacher would specifically take the time to guide him on spear and body techniques.


    He couldn''t ask for more.


    You should know, if you invite a second-stage Source Warrior for guidance, it would cost 100,000 cultivation points each time.


    Suddenly.


    "Mm?" Xu Bo frowned, gritted his teeth, and showed a painful expression.


    "What''s wrong, Teacher?" Li Yuan was startled.


    "Nothing." Xu Bo said deeply, his voice trembling slightly. "An old ailment from the battlefield."


    "Alright, let''s leave it at that."


    "In martial arts cultivation, no matter how much guidance others give, you still have to practice it yourself."


    "Don''t worry, I''ll be fine after taking some medicine. You can go back and think about it yourself." Xu Bo said, enduring the pain.


    "Yes." Li Yuan was worried.


    But he was smart and saw that Teacher Xu didn''t want to show weakness in front of him.


    Once Li Yuan left the office.


    "The effect of the medicine issting shorter and shorter." Xu Bo gritted his teeth. "Just now, I couldn''t resist using source force to demonstrate to Li Yuan, and it elerated the onset."


    Xu Bo walked slowly to the rest room, took a delicately packaged bottle from the refrigerator.


    After taking the medicine, the pain quickly subsided.


    "I don''t know how many years I have left." Xu Bo murmured, a hint of fierceness in his eyes. "If it reallyes to the end, I''ll apply to return to the star realm."


    "I, Xu Bo."


    "Even if I die, I will die on the battlefield."


    After a while, Xu Bo finally returned to normal. Suddenly, his smart wristband vibrated with an unread message.


    "Hmm? A message from Li Yuan asking about my condition?" Xu Bo felt a warm feeling in his heart. "This kid, he''s quite considerate."


    Xu Bo could guess that if he didn''t reply, Li Yuan would probablye to his office to check on him.


    "ck Dog."


    "Reply to Li Yuan, tell him I''m fine." Xu Bo said deeply.


    "Yes, Master."


    ...


    "d the teacher is okay." Li Yuan received Xu Bo''s reply in the school''s independent martial arts room.


    He closed the smart wristband.


    "Let''s enter the virtualwork." Li Yuan entered the virtualwork cabin beside him.


    Connecting his consciousness, he directly arrived at the Starfire Space.


    "Master." A purple-clothed girl appeared out of nowhere.


    "Purchase the second-stage manual ''Dragon Movement Body Technique,'' the second-stage manual ''Starry Spear Technique'' with cultivation points." Li Yuan said directly. "And with points, buy a Source Force Pill."


    Basic blood and energy elixir? There are still a few bottles at home, no rush to buy.


    "Master, please confirm the purchase list." Little Jade waved her hand, and a light screen appeared in front of Li Yuan, listing the items.


    Li Yuan nced over it and confirmed it was correct.


    "Confirm."


    Quickly.


    "Acquired the usage rights for the second-stage manual ''Dragon Movement Body Technique,'' registered with the Martial Arts Bureau and Cultural Bureau, inquiry code is... 1,000,000 cultivation points deducted."


    "Acquired the usage rights for the second-stage manual ''Ster Spear Technique''... 1,000,000 cultivation points deducted."


    "Acquired one Source Force Pill, please fill in the delivery address... 100,000 points deducted."


    Li Yuan immediately received three notifications from ''Starlight Space.''


    "Delivery address, set it to home." Li Yuan thought for a moment. "Delivery time, 10 PM."


    As a level L3 member of the Martial Hall, he could have 24-hour delivery.


    "Master, the Source Force Pill will be delivered to your door tomorrow." Little Jade said cheerfully. "ording to copyrightw, all second-stage and above manuals must be studied in virtual space, and there are no physical manuals."


    "Master has obtained all the information on the manuals and can choose to study in the personal space."


    "Good." Li Yuan nodded slightly.


    If there were physical manuals, it would be too easy to spread them privately. If spread in the virtualwork?


    The entire virtualwork is monitored by human civilization.


    "I want to see how powerful the second-stage manuals are." Li Yuan was quite looking forward to it.


    ...


    While Li Yuan was studying skill manuals in the virtualwork.


    In the office of Song Yi on the twelfth floor of the Guanshan branch of the Starry Sky Martial Hall.


    "Bang~"


    The teacup was instantly crushed, and tea sshed everywhere.


    But the elegantly dressed Song Yi didn''t care, the ss fragments couldn''t harm her fingers at all.


    Song Yi''s eyes were sharp and cold. "What did you say? Li Yuan refused the meeting tomorrow? Why?"


    "Yes."


    Zhong Cheng, dressed in ck, stood and smiled bitterly. "I just received Li Yuan''s message this afternoon. I tried to contact him, but he didn''t respond."


    "I then contacted his uncle and found out that he had already signed with the Starlight Martial Hall in advance." Zhong Cheng said softly.


    "Starfire Martial Hall?"


    "They snatched the person I had my eyes on?" Song Yi''s eyes shed with anger. "Clearly, we invited him first, and the Starlight Martial Hall broke the rules?"


    "And this Li Yuan!"


    "We had already arranged a meeting, and he canceled it without giving you a reason." Song Yi''s eyes were cold. "Is this the promising candidate you spoke of?"


    Instantly, Zhong Cheng felt a bit of resentment.


    ming me for your n?


    "Hall Master Song." Zhong Cheng said softly. "To my knowledge, Li Yuan''s refusal of us is understandable."


    "Understandable? Are you siding with him?" Song Yi stared at Zhong Cheng, her eyes as sharp as ever.


    "Starlight Martial Hall offered a B-level contract." Zhong Cheng quickly said.


    Song Yi''s pupils shrank.


    The room fell into dead silence.


    After a while.


    "Leave." Song Yi suddenly shouted.


    "Yes." Zhong Cheng nodded and left, seemingly forgetting to close the door.

 Chapter 39: Starry Spear Technique

    <h4>Chapter 39: Starry Spear Technique</h4>


    "B-level contract?" Song Yi sat on the sofa, murmuring to herself, "In a level-five sub-hall, only the hall master has the authority to sign a B-level contract, and there are at most two slots per year."


    "To get more slots, you need to apply to the Jiangcheng sub-hall or even the Jiangbei sub-hall." Whether it''s the Starlight Martial Hall or the Starry Sky Martial Hall, the levels of the sub-halls are generally equivalent.


    The Guanshan District sub-hall is a level-five sub-hall, the most basic level. The Jiangcheng City sub-hall is a level-four sub-hall. The Jiangbei Province sub-hall is a level-three sub-hall. Above that is the China headquarters, a level-two sub-hall, and the Blue Star headquarters, a level-one sub-hall.


    "Wan Qinghe?" "The rumors were true, he loves to gamble." Song Yi whispered to herself, "Just arrived, and already giving me a hard time."


    "Let''s see what happens." "A kid with decent mental strength but no awakened martial arts spirituality, at best worth a C-level contract, and you actually gave him a B-level contract. I''ll be watching to see you make a fool of yourself."


    As a source warrior and vice hall master, Song Yi wasn''t really concerned about losing out on signing a martial arts genius. It was just that this matter made her feel embarrassed. ... After 10 PM, at Wanhua tinum Residence, in the Li family home, Li Qianqian and Li Muhua would usually be washed and in bed by this time. Today, the living room lights were on, and the whole family was present.


    "Qianqian, Muhua." Li Yuan sat on the sofa, his smart ring watch projecting a light screen, his fingers moving swiftly across it, filling in information quickly. Li Qianqian and Li Muhua stood excitedly beside Li Yuan, staring at the light screen.


    Suddenly, a popup appeared on the screen indicating ¡ª Family Card approval. "Good." Li Yuan smiled, "Your family cards are ready. Tomorrow, you can use facial recognition to enter the family area of the Starlight Martial Hall."


    "Wow! Martial Hall!" "Thest time I visited was during a school event. The ce is huge." "Training there must be so much better than in themunity martial arts room."


    "Brother, is it really all free?" Li Qianqian and Li Muhua were extremely excited, eagerly asking Li Yuan. Chen Hui, sitting on a small stool, smiled as she watched this scene.


    "Not everything is free." "But things like fruits, drinks, basic therapy, public martial arts rooms, and the weekly public martial arts sses... these are free. Some things do require payment, like nutritional meals, but your family cards are linked to my ount. If you want to buy something small, just swipe." Li Yuan said, "From now on, you will have dinner at the Martial Hall and then train in the public martial arts room every evening."


    Middle school students don''t have evening self-study sessions. "At 9 PM, wait for me at the Martial Hall entrance, and we''ll take the car home together." Li Yuan looked at his younger siblings.


    L3-level members are provided with a ''personal electric car'' by the Martial Hall, with usage rights, avable on call within Jiangcheng City. "Yay!" "My ssmate bragged about having a W2-level membership card for the Martial Hall." Li Muhua''s eyes sparkled, "Brother, from what I read, the family card has even higher privileges, equivalent to a W3-level membership card."


    "And therapy." Li Qianqian was also excited, "I always feel sore all over after training..." The siblings chatted more and more excitedly.


    Li Yuan felt joy as he watched them. Since the second year of middle school, he had devoted himself entirely to training. It was all for moments like this, to improve his family''s conditions.


    Li Yuan always felt that he had taken up resources and care meant for his siblings... being able topensate them was his greatest joy. "Alright, the cards are ready." Chen Hui''s smile faded, and she spoke sternly, "Your brother worked hard to get this early contract."


    "I don''t expect you to be as outstanding as your brother, but you must train diligently at the Martial Hall, understand?" "Got it, Mom." Li Qianqian smiled. "Mom, I will definitely learn from my brother and strive to get an early contract with the Martial Hall too." Li Muhua was full of determination, "Then I''ll buy you a big house."


    "Sure, sure, I''ll wait for you to show your filial piety. Now go take a bath." Chen Hui urged them to the bathroom. A few minutester, Chen Hui returned to the living room.


    "Aunt, I just transferred one million Blue Star coins to you. Did you receive it?" Li Yuan asked quietly. "I told you, we still have money." Chen Hui sighed, "You''ll need plenty of money once you be a martial artist."


    "Aunt." "This money is for Qianqian and Muhua." Li Yuan said solemnly, "Muhua has awakened his martial arts spirituality. If he follows the usual path, getting into a martial arts university won''t be difficult."


    "But Qianqian... she hasn''t awakened her martial arts spirituality. The basic blood and qi potions must not be stopped; otherwise, her martial arts training will fall behind."


    "Qianqian''s martial arts talent..." Chen Hui hesitated. She hadn''t nned to let Li Qianqiandelve deeply into martial arts training. "Aunt." Li Yuan interrupted Chen Hui, "Qianqian''s martial arts talent isn''t high, but that''s exactly why we need to cultivate her as much as possible. For the college entrance exam, even if she takes the academic route, martial arts scores still ount for 30%."


    "Qianqian excels academically. As long as her martial arts scores are slightly better, she has a chance to get into a C9 university." Li Yuan said earnestly. "As for me?" "The money I have left is enough for now." "After the midterm exams in January, the school will award schrships." Li Yuan smiled, "When I get into university, there will be various national schrships."


    After much persuasion, Chen Hui reluctantly agreed to ept the money. ... Late at night, back in his room. "I gave Aunt one million Blue Star coins." "My cash bnce is now 1.33 million." Li Yuan nced at his ount bnce.


    The next cash payment from the Martial Hall, 1.2 million Blue Star coins, woulde in October next year. In other words, Li Yuan''s current cash and Martial Hall points, used for various martial arts resources, might notst until then.


    But Li Yuan didn''t regret it. "In martial arts training, money is never enough. If you want to find an excuse not to give, there will always be one." Li Yuan''s eyes were sharp, "But my siblings, these years are crucial for them too."


    "Not enough resources?" "I''ll find a way." "There are still three months until the midterm exams. I''ll give it my all to get into the top five." Li Yuan hadn''t forgotten Mr. Xu Bo''s promise.


    Top ten in the grade, ten thousand Blue Star coins. Top five, fifty thousand Blue Star coins in special schrship. "First, learn the spear technique." Li Yuan sat in the virtualwork pod, connecting his consciousness.


    Entering his personal training space. Spacious, over 200 meters in length and width, and more than 50 meters high. "Learn the Starry Spear Technique." Li Yuan said aloud, "First-time learning."


    Immediately. "Boom~" A lot of light converged, finally forming the figure of a burly man in ck battle clothes, holding a long spear, with sharp eyes. He stared at Li Yuan. The invisible aura he emitted made Li Yuan instinctively tense up, but it was only for a moment.


    "Virtual teaching?" Li Yuan looked at the man in ck. "The Starry Spear Technique is a second-level spear technique, an advanced version of the first-level technique Rock Spear Technique." "The Rock Spear Technique originates from the Rock Practice Method, implying stability and immovability like a rock." The man in ck said in a deep voice, "It emphasizes defending by attacking, neutralizing the enemy''s momentum..."


    "Swish!" As the man in ck spoke, he began to wield the long spear, sometimes withdrawing the spear, sometimes thrusting, chopping, or striking, sometimes parrying... the moves seemed simple, but to Li Yuan, they were familiar. It was the Rock Spear Technique he had practiced countless times, and he could see traces of his own spear techniques in it.


    Rock Foundation, Hidden Dragon in the Ravine, Mountains and Valleys... one move followed another. It looked ordinary, but in the hands of the man in ck, it had a magical, transformative quality. "This!" "This! This!" Li Yuan''s eyes widened, "I''ve practiced spear techniques for years, first mastering the basic moves, then practicing the Rock Spear Technique, finally breaking through to the third stage, andprehending a few ultimate moves."


    "But my moves are nowhere near as seamless and wless." Li Yuan held his breath. Too powerful! The same moves, but in different hands, had vastly different power; the man in ck was far superior to Li Yuan.


    "Fourth stage." "The spear technique disyed by this man in ck is definitely at the fourth stage, perfectly integrating the body''s strength. He is the spear, and the spear is him." Li Yuan understood, "This is the realm of a spear master."


    "The Rock Fist Technique has eighteen moves." "The Rock Spear Technique also has eighteen routines." The man in ck continued to demonstrate,

 Chapter 40: Li Yuan’s Strength

    <h4>Chapter 40: Li Yuan''s Strength</h4>


    Inte December, Jiangcheng had already entered winter, with temperatures hovering around zero degrees Celsius. However, within the Guanshan sub-hall of Starlight Martial Hall, the temperature was maintained at a constant andfortable 20 degrees Celsius.


    Room 7024.


    Two men, fully equipped with protective gear, including tightly fitting helmets, were engaged in an intense battle with cold weapons.


    "Kill!" One figure, almost 1.8 meters tall in shoes, wielded a silver spear. His steps moved like a dragon''s, and the spear swiftly turned into a blur as it thrust towards his opponent.


    Fast! Precise! Ruthless!


    The other figure, nearly two meters tall and extremely burly, held a saber in one hand and a shield in the other. His reactions were even faster, countering with preemptive strikes.


    Therge shield smashed down like an indestructible copper wall, colliding fiercely with the iing spear.


    "Boom~" Li Yuan, holding the spear, felt as if he had struck a steel te. The terrifying force rebounded through the spear. An ordinary warrior would have felt their arm go numb from such a collision.


    "Stick!" Li Yuan''s spear moved fluidly, retreating to absorb the force. Even the spear itself moved back, minimizing the impact.


    Retreating did not mean he was at a disadvantage. Sometimes, only by dissipating the force could the body avoid injury.


    "Whoosh!" The spear thrust again, whistling through the air. In an instant, it seemed to create dozens of illusions, enveloping the opponent.


    This was ''Mountains and Valleys'', one of the five ultimate moves of the Rock Spear Technique, specializing in group attacks and confusion.


    Swish! Swish! Swish! Numerous de lights burst forth, shing with the spear shadows. The ck-armored warrior wielding the saber and shield retreated eight steps but managed to block Li Yuan''s entire set of attacks.


    "Watch out." Li Yuan suddenly shouted, his voice like thunder.


    Luckily, this was a soundproof room, or they would definitely beined about for disturbing the peace.


    After more than twenty consecutive thrusts, Li Yuan''s momentum had reached its peak. Apanied by his shout, his spear roared like a dragon, striking down with terrifying force.


    This was ''Rock Steadies the World'', the most ferocious of the five ultimate moves of the Rock Spear Technique. It turned the spear into a heavy cudgel, a war halberd, or an unstoppable rolling boulder.


    The transition between the two ultimate moves was extremely quick. The ck-armored figure instinctively raised his shield to block the spear strike.


    "Bang~" The fierce collision left the ck-armored figure somewhat battered, but he managed to withstand the impact, retreating only slightly.


    "Stop!"


    "Li Yuan, you''ve won." The ck-armored figure spoke with a hint of resignation and a touch of admiration.


    Li Yuan retracted his spear and stood still.


    ck~


    ck~ Both men removed their helmets.


    "Li Yuan, your spear skills have improved at an astonishing rate. You connected two ultimate moves in yourst attack, right?" The man with the shield was a bearded middle-aged man with a scar on his face.


    "Yes." Li Yuan smiled and nodded. "It''s from the basic chapter of the second-level manual ''Starry Spear Technique''. I just recently mastered the connection between these two ultimate moves."


    Indeed, in the past few days, Li Yuan had finally grasped thest of the five ultimate moves, ''Rock Steadies the World'', in the virtualwork.


    Today was the first time he used it in actualbat.


    "Impressive."


    "I''ve been your sparring partner for two months, and your spear skills have progressed frighteningly fast. At first, my saber skills could suppress you, but now my skills are inferior to yours." The bearded man sighed. "Just now, I used a physique around level 8.0, with superior speed and strength, yet I couldn''t suppress you."


    "Thest strike, I estimated my body strength at nearly level 9.0, otherwise, I wouldn''t have been able to block it."


    Li Yuanughed.


    Using ''Rock Steadies the World'' directly inbat could easily be dodged by the opponent. The best approach was to build momentum with ''Mountains and Valleys'' and thennd a decisive blow.


    "Your spear skills," the bearded man looked at Li Yuan, "are already a notch above my saber skills, almost approaching the fourth stage."


    "Not quite there yet." Li Yuan shook his head. "I haven''t fully mastered the basic chapter of the second-level manual. I still need your help, Uncle Hu."


    "Haha, no problem." The bearded manughed. "Shall we switch roles? You defend, and I attack?"


    "Sure." Li Yuan nodded.


    This bearded man, named Fang Longhu, was an ordinary instructor at Starlight Martial Hall and a level 15 warrior. He was rmended as a sparring partner by Instructor Xing for Li Yuan.


    Twice a week, one hour each session, costing 10,000 Blue Star coins per session.


    A sparring partner needed to be significantly stronger than the person they were training with. At least a level 15 warrior could better control the situation inbat with Li Yuan.


    Half an hourter, Li Yuan finished today''s sparring session and saw off Fang Longhu.


    "Whoo!"


    "Actualbat is much more exhrating than virtual battles." Li Yuan murmured to himself, feeling excited.


    Virtual battles couldprehensively train various techniques, but theycked a sense of realism. Actualbat was the ultimate goal.


    "Each real battle makes me feel my spear skills and movement techniques improve faster." Li Yuan thought to himself, "It''s just a pity that realbat opportunities are rare."


    First, realbat could easily lead to injuries, and recovery would take a long time, dying training.


    Second, good sparring partners were hard to find and expensive, something ordinary people couldn''t afford.


    "A professional sparring partner like Fang Longhu, aside from his daytime job at the Martial Hall, can earn hundreds of thousands of Blue Star coins each month just from sparring." Li Yuan thought.


    Fang Longhu had essentially given up on bing a source warrior, spending little on martial arts and only maintaining his physical condition. Hence, he could easily earn millions annually.


    "Martial arts training is a money pit, but if you achieve even a small sess, you can earn a lot without taking risks." Li Yuan thought. "A level 15 warrior can make such money, so can a source warrior. No wonder Hall Master Wan didn''t mind giving me one million Blue Star coins."


    "My spear skills."


    "Tonight, they''ve improved by another 1%. Lately, the progress has been slowing down." Li Yuan thought, his vision disying the Divine Pce panel.


    _____


    <strong>Life Level: 7.7 (Unranked)</strong>


    Physical Fitness Index: 80 (Measures various aspects such as explosive power, endurance, speed, constitution, and mental strength)


    Punching Power: 724 kg


    Speed: 17.3 m/s


    Mental Strength: 14.2


    Physical Training Method: "Rock Training Method"


    Mental Training Method: "Observing the Great Sun Starry Sky Sutra"


    Skill Level: Spear Techniques (Third Stage 88%), Movement Techniques (Third Stage 65%), Fist Techniques (Third Stage 99%)


    <strong>Note: Atent high-level spirituality within the body remains unawakened</strong>


    <strong>____</strong>


    "At my recent progress rate, it will take at least another month to improve my spear techniques to 99% of the third stage." Li Yuan thought, "Going from the third to the fourth stage is a major bottleneck."


    "This step has trapped countless powerful warriors."


    In the past few months at Starlight Martial Hall, Li Yuan had met many warriors.


    Through his training, he gradually understood the significance of the fourth stage of skill.


    "Among the dozen or so level 16 and above warriors I know at the Martial Hall, aside from Instructor Xing, none have reached the fourth stage of skill." Li Yuan shook his head slightly.


    Most first-level warriors had martial arts skills at the third stage level. Most of them weren''t even as skilled as Li Yuan currently was.


    "Mr. Xu Bo''s staff techniques can easily crush mine." Li Yuan recalled the past two months.


    Every week, he received guidance from Mr. Xu Bo.


    "Why hasn''t a teacher with such high skills be a source warrior? Is it due to an injury?" Li Yuan had many spections.


    Feeling well-rested, Li Yuan pushed these thoughts aside.


    "Never mind."


    "Keep practicing the spear."


    "I just mastered the five ultimate moves of the Rock Spear Technique. If I can connect them perfectly, I might reach 99% of the third stage." Li Yuan was very excited. "I aim to get my spear techniques close to 99% before the midterm exams in January."


    There were only ten days left until the midterm exams.


    "Whoo!"


    "Whoo!" Li Yuan continued practicing his spear techniques, and in no time, another hour passed. It was already past 8 PM.


    He put his spear back into the weapon cab.


    Sweating all over, Li Yuan first took a refreshing hot shower in the rest area.


    Then, he took a carefully packaged bottle of medicine from the therapy room.


    "Source Power Essence Pill."


    "It''s been about 20 days since thest one. It''s time for another dose." Li Yuan carefully took out an essence pill.


    He was very cautious. After all, each pill was worth 100,000 Blue Star coins.


    The Source Power Essence Pill, with a thumb-sized, purplish glow, emitted a tempting aroma.


    He swallowed it directly.


    Li Yuan returned to the center of the martial arts room, spreading his legs and bending his knees, standing firm like a rock, focusing his mind.


    Soon, a hot and domineering energy began to spread from his chest to his limbs, causing Li Yuan''s body to tremble slightly.


    This was source power.


    "Ah~ sofortable!" Li Yuan enjoyed the sensation.


    "Sizzle~"


    "Sizzle~" The muscles, tendons, and bones within Li Yuan''s body seemed to devour the source power like a ravenous beast, growing stronger.


    <strong>Your life level has increased from 7.7 to 7.8</strong> <strong>Your punching power has increased...</strong> <strong>Your burst speed has increased...</strong>

 Chapter 41: I Am Only a C-Level, Why Is He a B-Level?

    <h4>Chapter 41: I Am Only a C-Level, Why Is He a B-Level?</h4>


    Half an hourter.


    Li Yuan finally felt the dominant and intense energy coursing through his body gradually dissipate.


    "Every time I take a Source Power Essence Pill, my body undergoes a significant change," Li Yuan thought to himself. "Today, my life level increased by 0.1."


    Feeling his body transform so dramatically was indeed a pleasant sensation.


    "In just over half an hour, my maximum punching power has increased to 732 kilograms?" Li Yuan nced at the Divine Pce panel.


    The effects of the Source Power Essence Pill hadn''t been fully absorbed but had instead hidden within his body.


    Over the next ten days, Li Yuan would need to train diligently to allow his muscles and bones to fully absorb and utilize the energy without wasting any of it.


    "Before the midterm exams in January, I wonder if my physical fitness can reach a level of 7.9," Li Yuan pondered.


    From mid-October to now, over two months had passed. It seemed that his physical fitness had only increased by 0.9 levels, simr to his rate of improvement before taking the Source Power Essence Pills.


    However, the increase in life levels is not linear; the further one progresses, the more significant the difference bes with each level.


    The standard punching power for a level 6 physical fitness is 300 kilograms.


    The standard for level 7 is 450 kilograms.


    And for level 8, it is 800 kilograms.


    In other words, in just over two months, Li Yuan''s punching power had increased by nearly 300 kilograms.


    "The gap between levels 7 and 8 in physical fitness is thergest within the first 10 levels; the indicators nearly double," Li Yuan thought. "Many martial arts university students, if they haven''t awakened their martial arts spirituality, may not even reach level 8 by graduation."


    Interacting with numerous warriors at the Martial Hall had broadened Li Yuan''s understanding.


    More than 80% of the ranked warriors had awakened their martial arts spirituality.


    "I''ve been able to improve so quickly," Li Yuan reflected. "The Source Power Essence Pills y the biggest role. Even though my body doesn''t absorb and digest them as quickly as Mr. Xu Bo suggested¡ªtwo pills a month¡ªbeing able to fully digest one in twenty days is still impressive."


    In just over two months, Li Yuan had consumed four Source Power Essence Pills. The cost was enormous, but the results were remarkable.


    Without the Source Power Essence Pills, relying solely on basic blood and qi tonics, Li Yuan estimated his physical fitness would be around 7.3 or 7.4.


    "Mr. Xu Bo was right as well," Li Yuan thought. "Once the body reaches a certain level of strength, maintaining it, let alone improving, bes difficult."


    Li Yuan waved his hand suddenly.


    "Whoosh!"


    His palm sliced through the air like a de.


    Since breaking through to a life level of 7.5, Li Yuan had noticed the diminishing effect of the Source Power Essence Pills.


    Eating nutritional meals and taking basic blood and qi tonics had even weaker effects.


    Li Yuan could foresee that once he became a warrior, if he only consumed nutritional meals and basic blood and qi tonics, his physical fitness might not improve at all.


    By then, the auxiliary role of the Source Power Essence Pills would also significantly diminish... The stronger the body, the more energy it consumes during training andbat.


    To continue improving rapidly? First, one would need to use higher-level treasures, and second, the body must be able to withstand them.


    "Martial arts spirituality!"


    "If I can practice high-level cultivation methods, I could directly absorb Source Power from the universe," Li Yuan''s eyes shed. "No wonder the Seven Stars Alliance values martial arts spirituality so highly."


    Practicing high-level cultivation methods greatly saves resources. This benefits not only the individual but also the entire human civilization.


    Thinking of this, Li Yuan raised his smart ring watch and checked the bnce in his national bank and Martial Hall ounts.


    Bank bnce: 1,125,124 Blue Star coins


    Martial Hall points: 1,946,880


    Martial Hall cultivation points: 750,000


    ...


    At 9 PM, Li Yuan changed his clothes and left the martial arts room, heading towards the elevator.


    "Li Yuan, leaving now?"


    "Uncle Wang."


    "Brother Liu."


    Warriors greeted Li Yuan warmly, and he responded to each one.


    "Li Yuan, heading out? Your brother and sister just went downstairs," said a short-haired young instructor, smiling as he walked over to Li Yuan.


    "Thanks, Brother Liu," Li Yuan smiled.


    This young man had just graduated from martial arts university and had recently be a warrior. He was responsible for teaching the public free martial arts sses.


    Li Qianqian and Li Muhua were among his students.


    As a result, he was quite familiar with Li Yuan.


    Over the past two months, most of the warriors in the Guanshan sub-hall of Starlight Martial Hall knew that Li Yuan was a B-level martial arts genius who had signed an early contract with the Martial Hall.


    A B-level contract implied that he would be at least a level 16 warrior in the future, with a certain probability of bing a source warrior, showing great potential.


    Moreover, even the chief instructor, Instructor Xing, was always warm and courteous towards Li Yuan. Naturally, the other ordinary warriors and instructors were even more so.


    "In the past, I was just an ordinary student. When I came to the Martial Hall building, I couldn''t even get in the door, and no one would pay attention to me," Li Yuan thought.


    "Now? When Brother Liu guides Qianqian and Muhua in their training, he is more enthusiastic than when he teaches other middle school students."


    When one is strong, the people around them be friendly and kind.


    ...


    The elevator doors opened, and just as Li Yuan was about to enter, he saw a familiar face.


    "Li Yuan?" The girl standing in the elevator seemed surprised as well.


    "Lin Lanyue, long time no see." Li Yuan greeted her graciously.


    A few months ago, their virtual battle had caused quite a stir at school. But since then, Li Yuan hadn''t made any further moves, and as the pressures of senior year increased, the rumors had long since died down.


    In contrast, when they asionally met at school, they could still greet each other.


    Today, Lin Lanyue wasn''t wearing her martial arts uniform. Instead, she was dressed in casual clothes: a long cashmere coat over a fitted turtleneck sweater, highlighting her fair skin. She wore light blue jeans that entuated her long, shapely legs, a noticeable difference from her usual student attire.


    "Li Yuan, what are you doing at the Martial Hall?" Lin Lanyue asked, slightly puzzled.


    "I had some business," Li Yuan replied with a smile, not borating.


    Neither the principal nor Mr. Xu Bo had mentioned Li Yuan''s early contract with Starlight Martial Hall at school. It hadn''t spread within the school.


    Without any benefit, Li Yuan had no desire to draw attention to himself and naturally didn''t talk about it.


    "Yueyue, is this your ssmate? I don''t think I''ve seen him before," said a young woman in her thirties, dressed in a fur coat, with a hint of wariness in her eyes.


    She remembered that Lin Lanyue rarely greeted boys proactively.


    "He''s from Senior Three, ss Two," Lin Lanyue exined.


    "Senior Three, ss Two?" The young woman frowned slightly.


    An ordinary ss student? How do they know each other?


    "Li Yuan, this is my aunt," Lin Lanyue introduced.


    Lin Lanyue respected Li Yuan for defeating her in martial arts skills and admired him. Moreover, in the past few months, Li Yuan had never tried to contact her, making Lin Lanyue realize that he was different from the boys who tried to pursue her.


    "Hello, Auntie," Li Yuan greeted politely.


    The young woman was taken aback. Auntie? Do I look that old?


    Ding~ The elevator door opened.


    "I have some matters to attend to, so I''ll be off. See you at school," Li Yuan said with a smile and walked out of the elevator.


    "See you at school," Lin Lanyue nodded and slowly followed the young woman out of the elevator.


    They didn''t leave immediately but watched Li Yuan walk away.


    "Yueyue, you should avoid associating with boys from ordinary sses," the young woman frowned.


    Lin Lanyue was initially puzzled but then smiled, "Auntie, do you remember when I was defeated on the Starry Sky Fighting Network?"


    "Hmm? Little Qiang mentioned it. Was it him?" The young woman recalled.


    "Yes," Lin Lanyue nodded, looking at Li Yuan in the distance. "His spear skills are impressive. I couldn''t defeat him in virtualbat."


    "So what if his skills are impressive? Without awakening martial arts spirituality, at best, he''ll get into Jiangbei Martial Arts University. Can he get into one of the top five universities?" The young woman scoffed.


    Lin Lanyue smiled without retorting. She knew her aunt''s personality. It wasn''t that she looked down on Li Yuan; she was just displeased with being called "auntie."


    "Look, Instructor Xing is over there." The young woman''s eyes lit up. "Let''s go say hello."


    "Okay," Lin Lanyue nodded.


    She rarely visited Starlight Martial Hall and wasn''t concerned about any instructors.


    Suddenly.


    "That boy?" The young woman raised her eyebrows in confusion. "Is Instructor Xing stopping to talk to him?"


    "Really?" Lin Lanyue was also surprised.


    Not far away, Instructor Xing had stopped Li Yuan and was smiling and chatting with him. To an outsider, it didn''t seem like an elder talking to a junior but rather like peers conversing.


    After a while, Instructor Xing waved goodbye to Li Yuan, who then left the building. Instructor Xing then walked towards the elevator.


    The young woman pulled Lin Lanyue and approached him.


    "Instructor Xing," the young woman greeted with a bright smile.


    "Miss You," Instructor Xing recognized the young woman and smiled. "Here for therapy again?"


    Instructor Xing looked at Lin Lanyue, "You must be Lin Lanyue, Lin Hall Master''s daughter?"


    "You know me?" Lin Lanyue was surprised.


    "Of course. I met you when you were little, back when Hall Master Lin was still in Jiangcheng," Instructor Xing smiled. "I was also present during thest school assessment, but there were too many people, so I didn''t get a chance to greet you."


    "Later, our Martial Hall sent you a C-level contract invitation, but you didn''t ept it."


    Lin Lanyue smiled. Her father was a member of Starry Sky Martial Hall, so naturally, he wouldn''t agree to her signing an early contract with Starlight Martial Hall.


    "Instructor Xing, who was that boy just now?" The young woman pointed to Li Yuan, who had just left the building.


    "Oh? Are you talking about Li Yuan?" Instructor Xing nced back and smiled. "He''s from the same school as Lin Lanyue. Don''t you know him?"


    "Not very well," Lin Lanyue shook her head.


    "He is a B-level contract member of our Martial Hall," Instructor Xing smiled. "This young man is very talented."


    ...


    Instructor Xing walked into the elevator.


    "Yueyue."


    "You lied to me? Didn''t you say he was from an ordinary ss? How could he have signed an early B-level contract with Starlight Martial Hall?" The young woman looked at Lin Lanyue with suspicion. "Are you two involved? Why did you lie to me?"


    "Auntie, I didn''t lie to you," Lin Lanyue, with a puzzled look, confirmed, "Li Yuan is indeed from Senior Three, ss Two."


    "I''ve never heard of anyone who hasn''t awakened martial arts spirituality signing an early B-level contract," the young woman shook her head. "Your results were good, and even yourst assessment only qualified you for a C-level contract."


    Lin Lanyue didn''t respond to her aunt and fell into deep thought.


    That''s right. I''m only a C-level.


    Why did Li Yuan get a B-level contract?

 Chapter 42: A Gentleman Does Not Stand Under a Dangerous Wall

    <h4>Chapter 42: A Gentleman Does Not Stand Under a Dangerous Wall</h4>


    "Could it be because his martial arts skills are high?"


    Lin Lanyue could only think of this one possibility. Then she said, "Aunt, let''s go home. I still need to do some homework."


    "Alright." The young woman nodded, walking and ncing at Lin Lanyue, "Yueyue, you really didn''t know about Li Yuan signing an early contract with Starlight Martial Hall?"


    "I really didn''t know." Lin Lanyue shook her head.


    "Maybe you should ask him about it? A B-level contract¡ªthere are only two or three slots a year at the Martial Hall." The young woman was curious, "It seems you two have a good rtionship."


    "I won''t ask." Lin Lanyue shook her head decisively, "If someone doesn''t say something, there must be a reason for it."


    "By the way, don''t mention this in the parents'' group or gossip about it," Lin Lanyue looked at her aunt. She knew her aunt had a big mouth.


    "Alright." The young woman replied dismissively.


    "I mean it," Lin Lanyue said seriously, "Or I won''t help you with your membership cardter."


    "Okay, okay, my little ancestor, I promise not to say anything." The woman in the fur coat raised her hands in surrender.


    ...


    As Li Yuan was taking his younger siblings home in the Martial Hall''s special car, on the twelfth floor of the Martial Hall building, in a quaintly decorated office.


    "Hall Master."


    Instructor Xing pushed open the door and walked in.


    In front of arge floor-to-ceiling window, a middle-aged man in a Tang suit was standing with his back to the door, looking down at the night scene outside.


    "How did it go?" Hall Master Wan didn''t turn around, his voice calm.


    "I asked and also retrieved the data from the testing equipment in each martial arts room. The six pre-signed members performed well," Instructor Xing reported respectfully. "The best performance and the greatest improvement was from Li Yuan."


    "ording to Fang Longhu, Li Yuan''s physical fitness should be close to level 8, and his skill level is nearing the third stage perfection," Instructor Xing said. "Compared to two months ago, the progress is astounding."


    "Oh?"


    "Indeed, his progress is quite fast." Hall Master Wan finally turned around, smiling, "What do you think, Instructor Xing?"


    "Hall Master, you have a keen eye." Instructor Xing bowed his head.


    "Rx, old Xing, don''t worry about my intentions," Hall Master Wan smiled. "I know what you''re thinking. In your mind, based on Li Yuan''s current performance, he barely qualifies for a C-level contract, right?"


    "I wouldn''t dare," Instructor Xing quickly said.


    "Don''t worry," Hall Master Wanughed. "I have my reasons for giving him a B-level contract. Just keep recording the data."


    "Yes," Instructor Xing replied.


    He secretly thought, "You''re the Hall Master. As long as you don''t me meter, whatever you say goes."


    After Instructor Xing left,


    "The person rmended by Iron Tower is indeed good," Hall Master Wan sighed. "But if he ultimately can''t awaken his martial arts spirituality, growth will be tough after reaching level 10..."


    He shook his head lightly and stopped thinking about it.


    The pre-signed martial arts geniuses were only a small part of his work, something he checked on once a month.


    Half an hourter.


    "Alert¡ªalert¡ª" A voice suddenly sounded in the office.


    Buzz~


    Hall Master Wan''s smart ring shed red, making his face change. He quickly checked the message, "Astral Realm creatures? At least nine at level one, the strongest nearing level two? Appearing in the area between Southeast Lake and Lakeside Road, already causing at least thirty-five deaths?"


    "Could it be the remnants from thest sweep along the Xiang River?" Hall Master Wan instantly recalled the previous operation.


    Every warrior is registered with the Martial Arts Hall.


    Their identity information is linked to their smart ring.


    Once a Astral Realm creature appears and is detected by the ''Sk'' system of China, it immediately notifies nearby warriors for assistance.


    As a source warrior, Hall Master Wan''s smart ring had a maximum detection range of 100 kilometers.


    This meant that if a Astral Realm creature of sufficient strength appeared within a 100-kilometer radius, he would be alerted.


    Without hesitation.


    "Dahe, immediately notify the Martial Hall''sbat-ready warriors, teams one and two, to mobilize and coordinate with the military for eradication and containment," Hall Master Wan ordered. "Bring me my weapons."


    "Yes, master," the auxiliary AI responded in the office.


    One of the important duties of the Martial Hall is to protect local residents.


    Every grassroots Martial Hall has warrior teams on standby, ready to deploy at any time.


    Whoosh! Whoosh!


    Two furniture robots emerged from the weapon room, one carrying a shield and the other a battle saber.


    Hall Master Wan grabbed the shield and battle saber, then lightly pressed a metal button on his chest.


    Immediately, his loose Tang suit rapidly transformed into a thin, metallic battle suit, covering his entire body in a ck, oppressive and cold armor.


    "Master, the single-person aircraft has arrived," the AI announced. "Shall I open the window?"


    "Open the window," Hall Master Wanmanded.


    With a loud rumble, therge window opened outwards, exposing the room to the gusty wind.


    Whoosh!


    With a slight push of his leg, Hall Master Wan''s figure shot forward, crossing dozens of meters in an arc, like a cannonball falling directly to the ground.


    This was from the twelfth floor! More than forty meters above ground!


    Boom!


    A loud explosion echoed in the air as a single-person aircraft, shaped like a speedboat, skimmed at high speed, catching Hall Master Wan perfectly.


    The aircraft shot up, flying about a hundred meters above ground, rapidly heading towards the incident location.


    ...


    The next day, after training all night, Li Yuan finally left home at around four in the morning.


    Walking on the street.


    In winter, it was still pitch dark at five in the morning, with a light drizzle making the ground slippery.


    "Hmm?" Li Yuan had just left his residential area when he noticed something unusual. He saw heavily armed troops in the distance.


    There were also two patrolling soldiers.


    asionally, drones flew overhead, conducting surveince.


    The area was heavily guarded.


    "Are they capturing a fugitive? No, could it be..." Li Yuan instantly thought of a possibility.


    Without hesitation.


    Li Yuan immediately opened his smart ring and entered an app called ''Astral Realm Creature Alert'', setting his location to Guanshan District, Jiangcheng City.


    He scanned the dozens of alert messages posted there.


    "It''s really Astral Realm creatures? How dare they appear in Jiangcheng?" Li Yuan was shocked. "ording to the news, so far, there have been dozens of casualties?"


    "Over thirty Astral Realm creatures have been killed."


    "Up until now, there are still suspected Astral Realm creatures atrge, and the entire Guanshan District is under lockdown for a thorough search?"


    Thinking for a moment.


    Li Yuan turned around.


    He went upstairs and returned home.


    "Even though there are military vehicles and drones outside, it looks safe, but walking alone on the street is too conspicuous," Li Yuan thought. "Lakeside Road is less than ten kilometers from here."


    "With bad luck, walking on the street alone, I might actually encounter a fleeing Astral Realm creature."


    "At home."


    "The residential area has warning systems in ce, the buildings and windows are reinforced, the corridors require facial recognition to enter, and home is very safe," Li Yuan thought. "Although the probability is low, it''s better not to take risks."


    Right!


    As an elite student, Li Yuan''s martial strength was already better than most adults... but he was still no match for firearms, let alone Astral Realm creatures?


    A gentleman does not stand under a dangerous wall.


    This was something his uncle, Li Changzhou, had taught him since he was a child.


    Simrly.


    From early childhood, all students are taught one rule: If you do not have the strength of a warrior, when faced with a Astral Realm creature, disperse and flee immediately! Call for help and report it as soon as possible!


    In fact.


    All warriors are also given a warning: If you do not have the strength of a source warrior, do not engage a Astral Realm creature alone. Wait for heavy weapons! Wait for attack drones andbat robots!


    ...


    Back home, Li Yuan was not too flustered.


    Instead, he opened the door.


    Then, in his bedroom, he calmly practiced his stance and punched, continuing with his basic cultivation methods.


    From a young age.


    Li Yuan remembered that every half a year or even shorter, Jiangcheng would encounter attacks from Astral Realm creatures.


    There was no way around it.


    Jiangcheng was a city of interconnected rivers andkes, with water systems running throughout.


    Jiangcheng was one of the cities in China most frequently attacked by Astral Realm creatures.


    Most attacks were small-scale, and it was best to stay calm and wait for the military and warriors to clear them.


    As forrge-scale attacks? Li Yuan had only experienced one when he was very young, and his memories of it were very vague.


    Soon, at around six in the morning.


    "The alert has been lifted?" Li Yuan received a notification on his smart ring.

 Chapter 43: Martial Arts Are Meant to Kill Enemies

    <h4>Chapter 43: Martial Arts Are Meant to Kill Enemies</h4>


    "The alert has beenpletely lifted, it should be safe now," Li Yuan thought for a moment and then stepped out of his room. His aunt and younger siblings were still asleep.


    "Let''s head to school first." Li Yuan left home and walked out of the residential area. The military vehicles that had been stationed at the end of the street at 4 a.m. were gone, as were the patrolling soldiers. However, Li Yuan''s sharp eyes spotted a drone hovering several hundred meters in the air, seemingly on guard.


    Li Yuan headed to the bus stop to catch an electric car, but after waiting for a while, no bus arrived.


    "Forget it."


    "I''ll just run to school." Li Yuan turned and started jogging along the street toward the school. With his physical fitness, a so-called jog could maintain a speed of about eight to nine meters per second. It would take him less than ten minutes to reach school.


    On both sides of the street, many shops were opening, and there were also many pedestrians who seemed to be heading to work. The presence of more people added a sense of safety.


    As he rounded a corner, suddenly...


    "Young man, you''rete for your morning run today," a cheerful voice called out.


    "There was a Astral Realm creature attackst night, so I waited for the alert to be lifted before heading out," Li Yuan slowed his pace and responded with a smile, "Boss, you''re opening your shop today? I thought you''d be taking a break."


    The person calling out to Li Yuan was the owner of the Fuwei Noodle Shop. He was moving some things around. The two had encountered each other many times and were familiar strangers.


    "Got to pay the rent, can''t afford to stop," the ownerughed. He was slightly chubby but had strong arms, easily lifting arge table.


    "Hope you make a fortune," Li Yuan said casually as he continued jogging.


    As he passed a narrow alley, dark and unlit, he nced instinctively. He saw a blurred figure emerging from the sewer at the end of the alley, seemingly about to rush out onto the main road.


    "Hmm?" Li Yuan''s heart tightened, feeling an instinctual sense of danger. But his running body, driven by inertia, had already moved twenty meters ahead. He stoppedpletely, turned around, and stared intently at the alley, instinctively stepping back.


    "Thump~" "Thump~" Li Yuan''s keen hearing picked up the faint, rapid soundsing from the alley.


    "Whoosh!" "Whoosh!" It seemed there was also heavy, rapid breathing.


    Instinctively, Li Yuan retreated to the side of a closed shop, where two hollow metal rods were leaning against the wall, apparently used for supporting goods. Something in his subconscious told him to run now. But before he could react...


    Boom!


    A tall, thin figure burst out of the narrow alley and stood on the sidewalk. Li Yuan''s sharp eyesight immediately took in the scene.


    It was a humanoid creature nearly two meters tall with four arms, blue skin like the color of the sea, green hair, and red eyes gleaming with intelligence. It seemed to havee straight from the water.


    Its limbs were long, proportionally more so than a human''s, giving it a sense of elegance. Its fingers had evolved into sharp, webbed ws, and the most striking feature was a structure on its back that looked like both a fin and a tail.


    "A Fish Spirit n? A Astral Realm creature!" Li Yuan recognized it instantly, his hair standing on end.


    Astral Realm creatures were varied and bizarre, resembling animals, humanoid beings, or erged insects from Blue Star. Among them, humanoid creatures made up about a third. The Fish Spirit n was particrly well-known for their ability to live both onnd and in water.


    They had been the main force in many of the attacks on Jiangcheng.


    "How is there still a Astral Realm creature here?" Li Yuan was on high alert, feeling like he was facing a formidable enemy. "Wasn''t the alert lifted?"


    Almost instinctively...


    <strong>Target creature, life level is 10.2, a ranked creature, in critical condition, currently around 9.2. Killing it can yield spiritual nourishment.</strong> Li Yuan''s thoughts triggered a slight fatigue in his mental awareness, revealing the creature''s life information.


    10.2 level! Already a ranked creature, equivalent to a real warrior.


    However, the information showing it was critically injured slightly boosted Li Yuan''s spirits.


    Its effective physical fitness seemed to be around 9.2.


    "Shot?" Li Yuan noticed a bullet wound on the creature''s chest, though there wasn''t much blood, making it hard to see at first nce.


    A body with a warrior''s level of fitness was robust; a small-caliber bullet wouldn''t be fatal unless it hit a vital point.


    Aside from noticing the creature''s critical condition, Li Yuan also paid attention to thest sentence in the information: "Killing it can yield spiritual nourishment."


    What was that?


    Li Yuan had examined many warriors'' life levels before but had never encountered such a prompt.


    It seemed slow, but in reality, within a second of the Fish Spirit n creature rushing out of the alley, Li Yuan had already identified and assessed the enemy.


    Instinctively, Li Yuan grabbed one of the hollow metal rods beside him, adopting an attack stance, and stared at the creature.


    From all the Astral Realm creature data Li Yuan had studied since childhood, he knew these creatures were incredibly violent and would inevitably engage inbat upon encountering someone.


    But unexpectedly...


    Boom!


    The injured Fish Spirit n creature, sensing Li Yuan was not to be trifled with, immediately turned and leapt, its webbed ws scraping the ground as it pounced toward the Fuwei Noodle Shop owner dozens of meters away.


    Its speed was astonishing.


    Clearly, it sensed Li Yuan was a formidable opponent.


    "A Astral Realm creature?" The noodle shop owner saw the Fish Spirit n creature pouncing towards him, adrenaline surging, and instinctively grabbed a kitchen knife!


    At that moment...


    "Whoosh!" The air exploded with a sharp whistle!


    A nearly three-meter-long hollow metal rod flew through the air like a giant arrow, stabbing directly at the Fish Spirit n creature.


    The creature was fast, but the metal rod was even faster and more ferocious!


    "Roar~"


    The Fish Spirit n creature instinctively sensed the danger and dodged, but it was slower onnd and injured.


    "Thud~"


    The metal rod struck the creature''s shoulder with terrifying force, sending its nearly two-meter-tall body crashing to the ground.


    Bricks shattered.


    The creature rolled on the ground.


    Blood seeped from its scale-like shoulder, quickly stopping!


    "Huff! Huff~"


    The creature flipped over, emitting strange low growls filled with rage, staring at Li Yuan from dozens of meters away, ignoring the closer noodle shop owner.


    It raised its arms slightly, the sides of its limbs gleaming with a chilling light, like bone knives.


    "Want to kill me?" Li Yuan gripped thest metal rod, staring at the creature.


    Earlier, seeing the noodle shop owner in danger, Li Yuan had instinctively thrown the metal rod.


    Li Yuan always acted cautiously, avoiding unnecessary risks.


    He knew his life was irreceable.


    But standing by and watching someone, especially a familiar face, die?


    Li Yuan couldn''t do it.


    After throwing the metal rod, facing the Fish Spirit n creature and its bloodthirsty eyes, Li Yuan felt no fear.


    Or rather, he had no time for fear, only instincts.


    "Martial arts are meant to kill enemies," Li Yuan thought, filled with indescribable courage and resolve.


    "Roar~"


    The Fish Spirit n creature roared, leaping towards Li Yuan with astonishing speed.


    Boom!


    Without hesitation, Li Yuan activated the "Dragon Movement" technique, moving like a dragon to meet the creature.


    A long weapon required enough space to wield.


    "Whoosh" "Whoosh!"


    The Fish Spirit n creature realized Li Yuan was a formidable opponent and didn''t attack as carelessly as it would an ordinary human. Its arms swung like des, trying to sh Li Yuan.


    "Whoosh!"


    The metal rod, like a spear, elerated at thest moment, creating dozens of afterimages that momentarily distracted the creature.


    Then, the metal rod pierced through the gap between its arms, striking its eye.


    One of the five ultimate moves of the Rock Spear Technique: Mountains and Valleys.


    "Thud~"


    The creature''s eye burst like a grape, blood and fluid sttering!


    The impact made Li Yuan''s arm tremble, and he quickly retreated, absorbing the force.


    "Ahh~" The pain of the burst eye made the Fish Spirit n creature howl in agony, its vision cking out.


    Instinctively, it covered the injured eye with one hand.


    "Thud~"


    But Li Yuan''s metal rod was agile, striking the creature''s other eye without mercy.


    Both eyes exploded! The creature wailed in agony.


    "Your skills are too poor, not even reaching the third stage," Li Yuan murmured.


    He raised the metal rod high and, with a powerful swing, smashed it down on the creature''s head.

 Chapter 44: The Two Hall Masters

    <h4>Chapter 44: The Two Hall Masters</h4>


    In this era, advancements in materials science meant that even hollow metal rods had excellent strength and toughness. Most importantly, this Fish Spirit n member''s physical fitness was only at level 10.2, just entering the first tier. Its bones and muscles were tough, but not to the point of ignoring ordinary weapons.


    "Whoosh!" "Thud~" "Thud~" Li Yuan''s first two strikes with the metal rod were delivered with single-handed precision, each blow causing the Fish Spirit n member''s head to cave in, blood sttering. Itypletely still on the ground, its long body still twitching.


    Li Yuan didn''t stop; he knew the importance of finishing off an enemy. His third strike involved gripping the rod with both hands, the most effective stance for exerting force with a heavy weapon. The techniques for using a spear and a rod shared many simrities.


    "Whoosh!" Li Yuan''s entire body unleashed its strength in an instant, performing the move ''Rock Steadies the World,'' where the rod''s head struck down with the force of a spear.


    "Splut~ Thud!!!" The terrifying force of over a thousand kilograms exploded precisely at the previous impact spot, causing the Fish Spirit n member''s head to burst open like a watermelon. Blood and scales scattered, with some blood even sshing onto Li Yuan.


    The Fish Spirit n member''s body no longer moved.


    "Whoosh!" "Whoosh!" Li Yuan gripped the long rod tightly, still wary, and stared at the Fish Spirit n member''s body. "This time, it should be dead."


    This was Li Yuan''s first life-and-death battle. But thanks to thousands of virtual death matches and multiple realbat practices with Fang Longhu, especially the daily torment of the ''Observing the Great Sun Starry Sky Sutra,'' Li Yuan''s heart was already incredibly resilient. His spear and movement techniques, along with hisbat instincts, had long been ingrained in him.


    "I, Li Yuan, can kill a Astral Realm creature one-on-one?" Li Yuan took a deep breath, gripping the metal rod tighter. He felt a sense of aplishment, as if he had experienced a major life event, with his soul undergoing a baptism. Some transformations in life oftene suddenly and unexpectedly, and all one can do is be prepared in advance.


    Clearly, through years of martial arts training, Li Yuan had prepared both mentally and physically for life-and-deathbat. He had delivered a satisfactory answer to himself: no fear, no hesitation, only courage, decisiveness, and caution.


    Stepping back five paces, Li Yuan still faced the Fish Spirit n member''s body while scanning the surroundings with his peripheral vision, wary of any sudden Astral Realm creatures.


    "Young man, are you a warrior?" The noodle shop owner, holding a kitchen knife, looked at Li Yuan in shock. He never expected that the young man he often saw jogging in the morning could be so formidable. Within two moves, the powerful Astral Realm creature had been taken down and appeared to be dead. Instinctively, the noodle shop owner assumed the young man was a warrior. In his understanding, only a warrior could defeat a Astral Realm creature in meleebat.


    "No," Li Yuan replied.


    "Then you?" The noodle shop owner gulped, about to say something when suddenly...


    "Rustle~" Two small figures darted out of the alley. Li Yuan''s pupils shrank, then he rxed slightly. They were two smallbat robots, less than half a meter tall and resemblingrge spiders, equipped with gun barrels. Whoosh! Whoosh! Thebat robots scanned the area, then converged on the Fish Spirit n member''s body, emitting red beams as if scanning.


    Li Yuan stepped back further and rxedpletely. He realized that the gunshot wounds on the Fish Spirit n member were likely caused by thesebat robots during a chase. There were tens of thousands of suchbat robots in Jiangcheng, and except for some extremely powerful Star Realm creatures, most could be eliminated bybat robots in conjunction withbat drones.


    "Should I leave now?" As Li Yuan thought this, a loud noise erupted from above. He looked up to see two aircraft resembling speedboats flying at high speed at an altitude of several dozen meters, a safe height in modern cities where buildings were no taller than twelve stories.


    "Single-person aircraft?" Li Yuan held his breath. Before the aircraftnded, two figures dressed in ck battle suits jumped out, moving like phantoms with incredible speed, yetnding lightly without damaging the ground. They then walked towards Li Yuan.


    "Jumping down from at least thirty meters?" Li Yuan watched in awe. With his current strength, he could jump from a height of five meters and roll to disperse the impact without injury. The two warriors revealed only their eyes, with the rest of their bodies covered in ck battle suits. Their invisible aura made Li Yuan uneasy, and he instinctively activated the Divine Pce to probe.


    <strong>Target individuals, life levels exceed detection limits (current detection limit is level 17.8)</strong>


    Both individuals exceeded Li Yuan''s detection limit, further exhausting his mental energy.


    "We were chasing that second-tier leader and missed this little guy. It''s dead now?" One figure''s battle suit retracted, revealing a bald head with features like chiseled stone. The other figure, rtively slender, had a battle suit that retracted to reveal a woman with brown curly hair, around thirty years old, with an exotic look.


    "A foreign warrior?" Li Yuan wondered.


    "Young man, I''m a real citizen of China," the brown-haired woman said in fluent Mandarin, smiling. "My family has been citizens since my great-grandfather''s generation."


    Li Yuan was speechless; high-level warriors had impressive hearing.


    "Kid, did thebat robots tell me you killed this Astral Realm creature? Are you a martial arts university student?" The bald man walked up to Li Yuan, opening his smart ring to check the surrounding surveince.


    "Yes, I killed it. I''m in the third year at Guanshan No. 1 High School," Li Yuan said directly.


    The bald man didn''t respond, looking at the surveince footage disyed on the smart ring''s hologram. The brown-haired woman also looked over.


    In less than ten seconds.


    "Hmm?" "What? That rod technique? No, it''s spear technique!" "Yes, it''s spear technique." The two powerful warriors looked at Li Yuan in surprise. They initially thought the Fish Spirit n member was heavily injured and that Li Yuan had just finished it off. But the surveince footage revealed that although the Fish Spirit n member was injured, it retained most of its strength. Yet Li Yuan had pierced its eyes with a metal rod in one move and then smashed its head with brutal force. This level of skill and ferocity amazed both the bald man and the brown-haired woman. A high school student? Since when were high school students this formidable?


    "What''s your name?" The bald man asked Li Yuan.


    "Li Yuan," Li Yuan replied.


    "Li Yuan? Would you like to sign a contract with Starry Sky Martial Hall?" The bald man offered a seemingly friendly smile. "I''m Lu Huai, the Hall Master of Starry Sky Martial Hall''s Guanshan sub-hall."


    Li Yuan was stunned. This bald man was a Hall Master, equivalent in rank to Hall Master Wan? He must be a source warrior.


    "Greetings, Hall Master Lu," Li Yuan shook his head. "I''ve already signed an early contract with Starlight Martial Hall."


    After a moment''s thought, Li Yuan added, "A B-level contract."


    "Starlighht Martial Hall? A B-level contract?" The bald man was taken aback. "I''ve never heard of that."


    "A B-level contract? Li Yuan, from No. 1 High School?" The brown-haired woman''s eyes lit up. She nudged the bald man yfully. "Old Lu, I remember now."


    "Last month, Xing Zixuan mentioned that Hall Master Wan signed a B-level contract with a high school student."


    "He said it was poached from your Starry Sky Martial Hall, so it must be him."


    "I was going to ask Hall Master Wan at the year-end meeting," the brown-haired woman smiled at Li Yuan, her eyes filled with approval. "Now there''s no need. With his courage to save people, fearlessness in the face of danger, and nearly fourth-stage spear technique, a B-level contract is well deserved."


    Li Yuan was even more puzzled but inferred that the brown-haired woman seemed familiar with Hall Master Wan.


    "Poached from my Starry Sky Martial Hall? Why wasn''t I informed?" Lu Huai frowned, looking at Li Yuan.


    "Don''t look at Li Yuan, you''ll scare our Martial Hall''s young warrior," the brown-haired woman red at the bald man. "If you want to know, ask your Martial Hall members yourself."


    "Fine, I won''t ask him," the bald man reluctantly agreed.


    "Li Yuan." "Let''s take a photo and sign." The brown-haired woman smiled at Li Yuan, opening her smart ring. "Don''t worry, I''ll report your killing of the Astral Realm creature, and then notify your school to get you an honorary title and rewards."


    "Thank you, senior," Li Yuan, still dazed, followed her instructions.


    Quickly, they took a photo with the Astral Realm creature''s corpse and signed on the brown-haired woman''s hologram.


    "Don''t call me senior, my surname is Zuo," the brown-haired woman said. "I''m the Deputy Hall Master of Starlight Martial Hall''s Guanshan sub-hall, in charge ofbat patrols and Astral Realm creature apprehensions."


    "Deputy Hall Master Zuo?" Li Yuan was slightly surprised. He had heard other warriors at Starlight Martial Hall mention her but hadn''t paid much attention and hadn''t looked up her details.


    "You know me?" Deputy Hall Master Zuo smiled at Li Yuan. "Was this your first time killing a Astral Realm creature? Do you need to go home and rest for a day?"


    The first time killing a Astral Realm creature, especially a humanoid one, could make many people very tense, even causing psychological issues.


    "No need for leave." "Deputy Hall Master Zuo, I should go to school," Li Yuan said seriously. "I still have sses today."


    "School?" Deputy Hall Master Zuo was taken aback, thenughed. "I''ll take you."

 Chapter 45: This World Has Never Known Peace

    <h4>Chapter 45: This World Has Never Known Peace</h4>


    Li Yuan declined Deputy Hall Master Zuo''s kind offer and, after chatting a bit more, headed to school alone.


    However, perhaps to ensure his safety, Deputy Hall Master Zuo ordered two spiderbat robots to follow Li Yuan along the way. They only left when he was almost at the school.


    As for inside the school? In modern big cities, ces like schools, research institutes, government buildings, andrge shopping malls all havebat robots stationed there. There are also numerousbat robots patrolling the streets and residential areas.


    Because of this, small-scale Astral Realm creature attacks, once discovered, are quickly exterminated. Although minor casualties are inevitable,rge-scale disruptions are rare. This city defense system has gradually formed over the past century with the progress of human civilization, technology, and umted experience.


    Li Yuan arrived at school just before seven o''clock and headed straight to the cafeteria. Despite the tense atmosphere outside, the cafeteriadies were still diligently preparing breakfast.


    "Yuan, over here," Zhou Qi called out to Li Yuan.


    Li Yuan bought some soy milk and two bowls of hot dry noodles and sat down with his ssmates.


    "Li Yuan, I''ve noticed you''ve been arriving quitete recently," Li Tianyou said while eating.


    "There was a Astral Realm creature attack alert. I waited for the all-clear beforeing out," Li Yuanughed. "Didn''t you guys do the same?"


    "I waited for the all-clear too."


    "My dad drove me to school to avoid any danger," a few others chimed in. "I heard that a lot of people diedst night on Lakeside Road."


    "Yeah! I hope none of them were from our school."


    Even though a Astral Realm creature attack with dozens of casualties had just urred in Guanshan District, Li Yuan''s ssmates seemed somewhat used to it, despite their sighs of concern. It was all too frequent.


    "Li Yuan," Li Tianyou said seriously, "it''s not just today. For the past two months, you''ve often been arrivingter than me in the morning."


    "Are you cking off?"


    "Can''t keep up with the grind," Li Yuan joked. "You''re the number one overachiever in our ss."


    Since signing with Starlight Martial Hall and learning two second-tier secret techniques, Li Yuan had been training his spear and movement techniqueste into the night in the virtualwork. As a result, he didn''t always arrive at school before five, and sometimes he even arrived after six.


    "Tianyou, not everyone is like you, waking up earlier than the roosters and sleepingter than the mules," Zhou Qi teased. "Look at you, you''ve even lost weight since the start of the term. Take it easy."


    "Yeah, Tianyou, you''re pushing yourself too hard. Remember to take more qi and blood supplements," Yan Zhou added. "You can''t skimp on that for martial arts training."


    "Yeah, I know," Li Tianyou mumbled, his head down as he ate.


    Li Yuan nced at Li Tianyou. He could see that despite Li Tianyou''s intense training, his physical fitness hadn''t improved significantly. Clearly, he wasn''t keeping up with his nutritional needs. Li Yuan had tried to subtly remind him a few times, but Li Tianyou only paid lip service. After a while, Li Yuan decided to stop.


    Everyone has their own fate; he could only be responsible for himself.


    "Yuan, the mid-January exams areing up, and there''s going to be a spiritual potential test," Zhou Qi said, putting down his bowl and chopsticks. "What do you think?"


    "Spiritual potential test?" Li Yuan was taken aback, then shook his head. "I don''t know."


    The other students began discussing it. The spiritual potential test adds 10% to the total martial arts score, which can be life-changing. It can be enough to help a student with no hope of getting into a martial arts university to touch the threshold of one.


    In this era, unless your academic scores are high enough to get into the C9 League, most students know that martial arts offer a better future than academics. However, getting into a martial arts university is extremely difficult.


    <strong>You have killed a ranked creature and obtained spiritual nourishment. Your spiritual awakening degree has reached 0.6%.</strong> As Li Yuan quickly finished his breakfast, he looked at the recent notification on his Divine Pce panel and became lost in thought.


    This notification appeared after he killed the Fish Spirit n member, even causing a change in the Divine Pce panel.


    _____


    <strong>Life Level: 7.8 (Not Entered Tier)</strong>


    Physical Fitness Index: 81 (measuring overall attributes such as explosive power, endurance, speed, constitution, and mental strength)


    Punch Strength: 732 kg


    Speed: 17.4 m/s


    Mental Strength: 14.2


    Spiritual Awakening Degree: 0.6% (current limit: 20%)


    Physical Training Method: "Rock Solid Training Method"


    Mental Training Method: "Observing the Great Sun Starry Sky Sutra"


    Skill Levels: Spear Technique (Third Stage 88%), Movement Technique (Third Stage 65%), Punch Technique (Third Stage 99%)


    <strong>Note: As the spiritual awakening degree reaches 25%, 50%, 75%, 100%, and 125%, spiritual guidance will gradually be obtained.</strong>


    <strong>____</strong>


    "What is the spiritual awakening degree?" Li Yuan wondered. "Is it rted to thepatibility with higher-tier training methods?"


    The Divine Pce panel offered no exnation. Or rather, since he gained the ability to sense the Divine Pce, Li Yuan had never received much exnation. Most of it was up to him to interpret.


    "ording to thest note on the Divine Pce panel, if my spiritual awakening degree reaches 25%, I will receive spiritual guidance?" Li Yuan frowned. "But my current limit is only 20%."


    What is spiritual guidance? Li Yuan wasn''t sure. However, he suspected that the advanced spiritual entity shown on the Divine Pce panel and the martial arts spiritual potential valued by human civilization might not be the same concept.


    "If I want to increase my spiritual awakening degree, I need to kill ranked Astral Realm creatures to obtain spiritual nourishment?" Li Yuan mused. "Nourishment that nourishes my own spirit?"


    With only one example, Li Yuan couldn''t verify his hypothesis.


    However, with a spiritual awakening degree of 0.6%, Li Yuan didn''t feel any significant change in himself.


    "Most likely, I need to reach a spiritual awakening degree of 25% to notice any significant changes. Maybe it will bring benefits simr to ''Observing the Great Sun Starry Sky Sutra''," Li Yuan thought, feeling a hint of anticipation. "But how can I increase the spiritual awakening limit from 20% to 25%?"


    "Physical fitness? Or mental strength?"


    "Or perhaps a breakthrough in martial arts skills?"


    Li Yuan had no answers.


    ....


    Unable to figure out the changes in the Divine Pce panel, Li Yuan decisively ignored it. So far, the Divine Pce panel had only recorded his martial arts progress without directly enhancing his abilities. Strength still had to be built step by step through training.


    "No matter what spiritual awakening is, for now, I will continue my training as nned. As my strength increases, perhaps I will understand it better," Li Yuan thought.


    Experimenting by killing Astral Realm creatures? Li Yuan dismissed the idea immediately. This time, he managed to kill the Fish Spirit n member because he was strong enough and lucky that it was injured. If he encountered an uninjured ranked Astral Realm creature, even at level 11 or 12, with their absolute superior physical fitness, Li Yuan would have almost no chance of winning.


    Moreover, even if Li Yuan wanted to kill, where would he find such creatures?


    "No rush. Once the limit increases to 25%, I will figure it out," Li Yuan decided calmly.


    .....


    "I have bad news to share with everyone."


    "Last night''s Astral Realm creature attack resulted in the confirmed deaths of two students from our school: one from Year Two, ss Sixteen, and one from Year Three, ss Eight," said Mr. Chen, the homeroom teacher, his voice heavy with sadness as he stood at the podium.


    A hush fell over the ssroom. Even the students whispering at the back fell silent. Although it wasn''t the first time, and the deceased weren''t from their ss, it was enough to touch everyone''s hearts as they were from the same school.


    "Astral Realm creatures," Li Yuan''s eyes narrowed, his fists clenching instinctively. From childhood, nearly everyone had lost friends or ssmates to such attacks.


    "The school willunch a donation drive. The ount details have been published on the school website," Mr. Chen continued. "The amount isn''t important; we won''t list the donors or involve any third parties. After the deadline, the funds will be directly handed over to the families of the two students."


    "Contribute what you can; there''s no obligation."


    "Alright, let''s continue with the lesson."


    "Everyone, look at the second-tost big question. This is a popr question type this year and will definitely appear in the college entrance exams. I''ve exined it many times, but many of you are still getting it wrong. Today will be thest time I exin it. Fifteen points, a free gift for you, so pay attention..."


    .....


    "This Astral Realm creature attack imed the lives of two students," said Instructor Xu Bo in the martial arts ssroom, his voice booming like thunder. "I hope you all understand this."


    "This world has never known peace."


    "I don''t expect all of you to get into a martial arts university or to join the army and fight on the front lines, but I hope you won''t ck off in your martial arts training."


    "Be a little stronger."


    "In the future, if you encounter simr dangers, your chances of survival will be higher."


    .....


    The Astral Realm creature attack in Jiangcheng ultimately resulted in 86 deaths. However, it didn''t cause much of a stir, not even making the top trends on China''s virtualwork for a full day.


    Because, at the same time, a massive battle erupted at Luo Bu Sea. Astral Realm creatures attacked in waves, and in just one day, the military reported over three thousand deaths...


    ...


    On January 3, 2043, the mid-January exams for the third year of high school in Jiangcheng were held as scheduled.

 Chapter 46: Mid-January Exams

    <h4>Chapter 46: Mid-January Exams</h4>


    The Mid-January examssted three days. The first day and the morning of the second day were for cultural subject exams, while the afternoon of the second day was reserved for the ''spiritual potential test.'' The third day was dedicated to the martial arts assessment.


    Li Yuan didn''t let the exams disrupt his training schedule. As usual, he arrived at school around four in the morning to practice his foundational exercises. At seven, he took a shower in the martial arts room before heading to the cafeteria for breakfast. Then, he joined Zhou Qi, Yan Zhou, and others on their way to the exam hall.


    The Mid-January exams are one of the two most critical standardized tests before the college entrance exams. Both the education bureau and the school take them very seriously. All standards are strictly in line with the college entrance exams. Devices like smart rings are not allowed in the exam halls, and various checks are in ce. The twenty sses were divided into forty exam halls.


    The seating arrangement in the cultural exam hall was based on the students'' cultural subject rankings from thest major exam.


    "Yuan, we''re heading upstairs," Zhou Qi waved with a smile.


    "Yuan, do well in the exams, we''ll be waiting for you upstairs," a group of ssmates teased as they headed up. The higher the floor of the exam hall, the better the ranking.


    "These guys," Li Yuan shook his head, smiling.


    He nced at Li Tianyou''s exam admission ticket beside him and grinned, "Tianyou, I''m in exam hall 29, and you''re in hall 33. Do well, I''ll be waiting for you upstairs."


    With that, Li Yuan headed upstairs, leaving Li Tianyou looking bewildered.


    The students in exam hall 29 were among the middle to lower achievers in cultural subjects at Guanshan No. 1 High School. However, as a top high school, even students in exam hall 35 had a chance of getting into a top-tier cultural university.


    After sitting down, Li Yuan scanned the room and saw many familiar faces, including several from the elite ss. Students in the elite martial arts ss generally didn''t perform as well in cultural subjects because their focus and energy were limited.


    "Gu Qianghan, you''re here too?" Li Yuan smiled at a nearby student.


    "Call me Gu Qiang," the delicate-looking boy said stubbornly.


    "Alright, Little Qiang," Li Yuan chuckled. "I remember your sister calling you that a few days ago."


    Li Yuan and Gu Qianghan often ran into each other in the independent martial arts rooms on the fourth floor of the elite building.


    The delicate-looking boy red at Li Yuan and stood up, seemingly ready to argue.


    "The proctor ising, your homeroom teacher," Li Yuan pointed to the distance and sat up straight.


    Gu Qianghan turned his head, saw no one, and angrily looked back at Li Yuan, "You tricked me."


    "This time, she''s reallying," Li Yuan suddenly said seriously, "your homeroom teacher."


    "I don''t believe you," Gu Qianghan raised his middle finger at Li Yuan, looking disdainful.


    "Gu Qianghan! Sit down! We''re about to distribute the test papers!" A stern voice suddenly erupted from the ssroom door, making Gu Qianghan shiver and quickly sit down.


    The cultural homeroom teacher for the elite martial arts ss in their third year was a female warrior. At Guanshan No. 1 High School, she and Xu Bo were known as the "Literary and Martial Ashuras."


    .....


    The cultural examssted a day and a half and were uneventful for Li Yuan. Over the past year, his mental strength had continuously improved, making it easy to remember a lot of rote learning content. However, increased mental strength didn''t directly trante to higher intelligence, and he had spent very little time on cultural subjects.


    "Zhou Qi and the others originally had good academic performance and spent a lot of time on it," Li Yuan thought. "My cultural subject ranking should improve slightlypared to thest exam... but it probably won''t be a significant change. I''ll do my best."


    .....


    After the cultural exams, all students returned to their cultural ssrooms, where many began discussing their answers.


    "What was the answer to thest math multiple-choice question? Was it B?" a noticeable student asked excitedly.


    "It should be C," replied a student who usually scored near perfect in math.


    "But I just guessed, so I might be wrong," the math genius added.


    "Damn, I originally thought it was C, but then I changed it to B... It looks like I won''t get 150 in math again," the noticeable studentmented.


    The total math score is 200 points, making it the most critical subject.


    Amid the noise, Li Yuan sat in his seat, daydreaming. He never checked answers. It wasn''t out of confidence but rather indifference. The total score for cultural subjects was 1,000 points, but if one chose to pursue a martial arts university, the cultural score would be converted to 100 points, ounting for only 10%.


    For Li Yuan, scoring 700 points or 800 points in cultural subjects only made a 10-point difference in the total score. However, the effort required was vastly different.


    "Traditionally, the Mid-January exams are slightly harder than the college entrance exams," Li Yuan calcted silently. "This time, I should get most of the basic points. Scoring over 650 in cultural subjects would be a sess."


    Suddenly, their homeroom teacher, Mr. Chen, walked into the ssroom with a serious expression, "Everyone, settle down. The schedule for the spiritual potential test is out. Our ss is at 2 PM, and we are the first to be tested."


    ss 3-1 was the elite ss, and all students had awakened their martial arts potential, so they didn''t need to be tested again. ss 3-2 would be tested first.


    "After the test, it''s self-study," Mr. Chen continued. "But don''t overexert yourselves in martial arts practice today. Tomorrow, we have the 10,000-meter test." With that, Mr. Chen left the ssroom.


    "Spiritual potential test! It''s here again."


    "I wonder if I can change my fate."


    "Don''t dream."


    "It''s senior year, wake up. If my urine isn''t yellow enough, I won''t be motivated." The students started discussing again.


    Many of the top students in cultural subjects quietly took out their books to study. If they chose the academic route, even if they awakened their martial arts potential, it wouldn''t give them extra points.


    "Yuan, your physical fitness seems to have surpassed level 7.0. You should have awakened your potential," Zhou Qi said excitedly.


    "Maybe," Li Yuan pondered for a moment. He wasn''t sure if his spiritual awakening degree of 0.6% would make a difference.


    ...


    Over an hourter.


    "I''ve awakened my martial arts potential?" Zhou Qi was shocked and confused as he walked out of the testing room, looking at his test results in disbelief, drawing the attention of his ssmates.


    "Zhou Qi, awakened?"


    "Really?" Discussions broke out as almost everyone found it unbelievable. Zhou Qi was widely known as being at the bottom of the ss in martial arts.


    "Zhou Qi awakened?" Li Yuan smiled slightly, ncing at his own test result marked ''not awakened.''


    He wasn''t surprised by his result; the Divine Pce panel had already indicated it. However, Zhou Qi''spatibility with high-tier training methods exceeding 85% in his senior year was unexpected.


    "Some people chase something desperately and never achieve it, while others get it without even trying," Li Yuan nced at Li Tianyou, who was enviously watching Zhou Qi being the center of attention.


    "Perhaps sometimes it''s just about fate," Li Yuan thought.


    .....


    ss 3-2''s testing concluded, and Zhou Qi was the only one who sessfully awakened his potential.


    As one gets older, their bones be set, and the hope of achievingpatibility with high-tier training methods diminishes. It''s already rare for ss 3-2 to have two students awaken their martial arts potential within one semester.


    .....


    In the martial arts assessment, qi and blood tests, punch strength tests, and martial arts skills were conducted in closed tests, so other students didn''t immediately know the specific data. However, physical fitness tests like the 40-meter, 100-meter, 1-kilometer, and 10-kilometer runs were public.


    On the third day of the Mid-January exams, ss 3-2 students followed the elite ss to the school''srgest sports field for the 10,000-meter run test.


    The first physical test was the 40-meter sprint.


    "The elite ss students are so fast."


    "14.5 meters per second!"


    "That one reached 15.7 meters per second, their physical fitness must be over level 7."


    "Wow! 17.2 meters per second? Almost level 8."


    "No wonder they''re in the elite ss." Li Yuan''s ssmates eximed as they watched the elite ss students cross the finish line.


    No wonder ss 3-2 students were impressed; their physical fitness was generally only above level 5. After half a year of senior year training, even the weakest elite ss student had surpassed level 6, with nearly half exceeding level 7.0.


    Training with high-tier methods allowed even a tiny bit of cosmic energy absorption, giving them a significant advantage.


    However, even in the elite ss, students with physical fitness reaching level 8.0 were few and far between.


    "Look, Lin Lanyue."


    "The top martial arts student in the grade."


    "It''s her."


    On the track, a bright-eyed and beautiful girl in red training clothes immediately drew everyone''s attention.


    In senior year, Lin Lanyue was extremely famous.


    "Lin Lanyue?" Li Yuan looked over curiously. Her physical fitness was indeed strong.


    Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!


    Six figures on the track sprinted, with the red figure breaking away with terrifying speed. In just over two seconds, Lin Lanyue crossed the finish line, far ahead of the others.


    The electronic disy showed her final result¡ª"19.7 meters per second."


    "Wow."


    "Is that a university student?"


    "Almost a martial artist."


    "Damn, she''s twice as fast as me. She could definitely beat me with one punch." A chorus of exmations filled with shock.


    Li Yuan''s gaze lingered on Lin Lanyue, and he initiated his scan, revealing the results: <strong>Target: Life Level 9.0.</strong>


    "9.0?" Li Yuan was surprised.


    A quickparison made him conclude, "Her progress in physical fitness seems as fast as mine."


    Logically, the progress should slow down as one advances. However, Lin Lanyue''s physical fitness showed no signs of slowing, even elerating.


    The 40-meter test proceeded quickly, and soon it was ss 3-2''s turn.


    "Randomized numbers, first group, 36, 1, 8..." The proctor called out the numbers.


    As the top martial arts student in his ss, Li Yuan''s number was 1. He stepped up to the starting line.


    "Li Yuan is up?"


    "What''s his physical fitness level now?"


    "Not sure."


    "It should be over level 7. He was already 6.5 at the start of the term." Li Yuan''s appearance drew attention from many students, even those from the elite ss.


    Li Yuan had made it into the top thirty in the grade from a regr ss and was recognized as having the best martial arts skills. His victory over Lin Lanyue in a virtual fight further boosted his reputation.


    "Lanyue, look, Li Yuan is... you''re already watching him," a chubby girl next to Lin Lanyue said, intending to call her attention.


    She then noticed Lin Lanyue had already stopped and was watching Li Yuan.


    "Li Yuan?" Lin Lanyue watched seriously, curious. Why did Li Yuan sign a B-level contract with Starlight Martial Hall? Maybe this exam would provide some answers.


    "Lanyue, what do you think Li Yuan''s physical fitness level is?" the chubby friend asked.


    "Him?" Lin Lanyue hesitated. "Maybe around 7.4."


    "That high?" The chubby friend was surprised. That level would put him near the top ten in the elite ss.


    At that moment.


    Whoosh! Whoosh!


    Six figures on the track instantly sprinted out, with Li Yuan like an arrow, quickly leaving his five ssmates far behind. He crossed the finish line nearly twice as fast.


    "Beep¡ª"


    The electronic disy showed Li Yuan''s result¡ª"17.8 meters per second."

 Chapter 47: Only Seeking No Regrets

    <h4>Chapter 47: Only Seeking No Regrets</h4>


    "17.8 meters per second?"


    "I didn''t see that wrong, right?"


    "How can he be so fast? It''s unbelievable. Is he really from the regr ss?"


    "Yuan is amazing!"


    "Li Yuan is incredible." The hundred or so students outside the testing area erupted into exmations of surprise.


    Li Yuan''s ssmates from ss 3-2 were mostly filled with shock and excitement. If there was one phrase to describe their feelings, it would be ''Li Yuan is bing more and more impressive.''


    However, the elite ss students, while also shocked, had a different reaction: ''This Li Yuan is so impressive?''


    "Did he really not awaken his martial arts potential?"


    "With this kind of physical fitness, he must be close to level 8.0, maybe even already at level 8.0." The elite ss students were full of disbelief.


    As elite ss students, they generally had a sense of superiority over those in the regr sses. They knew Li Yuan was strong, especially in martial arts skills, even surpassing Lin Lanyue. However, they subconsciously believed that without awakening martial arts potential, Li Yuan''s cultivation speed would be much slower.


    But Li Yuan''s current performance? It was already surpassing most of the elite ss students.


    "Damn! He''s even faster than me. His physical fitness is almost the same as mine? How did he improve so quickly?" Gu Qianghan was wide-eyed. "Does that mean his raw score will outshine mine?"


    Gu Qianghan, who ranked third in martial arts in the year-end exams of the second year, had a 40-meter burst speed of 17.6 meters per second.


    "Lanyue, he...?"


    The chubby girl standing next to Lin Lanyue had her mouth wide open in a circle: "With this burst speed, he would rank third in our ss, right?"


    Lin Lanyue ignored her friend, lost in thought: "How did he do it? Is this why he could sign with Starlight Martial Hall?"


    The winter sun was just right, and a gentle breeze blew.


    The girl stared at the handsome boy in the white martial arts uniform amidst the crowd.


    The boy had a bright smile, basking in the enthusiastic cheers from his ssmates, without ncing at the girl.


    "Lanyue, stop daydreaming."


    The chubby girl couldn''t help but push her friend''s hand: "I admit Li Yuan is handsome, even more so than the boys in our ss, but you don''t have to be so infatuated."


    "You''re the one who''s infatuated," Lin Lanyue nced at her friend. "I''m just curious about how he improved so quickly."


    "Curious?"


    The chubby girl, Peng Qiqi,ughed coquettishly: "Curiosity is the first step to falling for someone. If you don''t want the handsome guy, I won''t be polite."


    "Looks like you''re the one falling for him," Lin Lanyue tilted her head. "Besides, I don''t think Li Yuan is handsome. As martial arts students, we prioritize strength, not looks."


    "This isn''t handsome?" Peng Qiqi teased, "Then you must not like any of the boys in our school."


    "To catch my eye, they at least have to stand on the podium first." Lin Lanyue smiled slightly, pulling her friend''s hand: "Let''s go, it''s time for the 100-meter test."


    "The podium?"


    "Lanyue, listen to yourself," Peng Qiqi exaggeratedly said, "Only the top martial arts student in the year gets on the podium. Who canpete with you? Oh, I know, you''re interested in the juniors from the first and second years?"


    "So you like the young ones, huh!"


    .....


    "Young man, are you really from the regr ss?" The two proctors, who were from other schools, were equally astonished by Li Yuan''s performance.


    Among third-year students, it''s rare to find those who haven''t awakened their martial arts potential with physical fitness above 6.5.


    Let alone reaching 7.9 or 8.0.


    The two teachers paused the test to check the equipment and reconfirm Li Yuan''s identity from a distance.


    "Yes," Li Yuan nodded.


    "Impressive, another good talent from Guanshan." One of the older martial arts teachers couldn''t help but praise: "Young man, keep up the good work. Even without the potential bonus, with your physical fitness, you have a shot at getting into the martial artist ss at Jiangbei Martial Arts University."


    "Thank you, teacher," Li Yuan smiled.


    The martial artist ss at Jiangbei Martial Arts University is simr to the elite ss, receiving the best training from the university. However, that wasn''t Li Yuan''s goal.


    ...


    Time passed, and the physical tests for 100 meters, 1 kilometer, and 10 kilometers continued.


    Lin Lanyue was the most eye-catching. Her physical fitness was overwhelmingly ahead, leaving all the elite ss students far behind, even exceeding the second-ce student by a significant margin.


    Li Yuan was the second most watched. In terms of physical test data, there were several students in the elite ssparable to Gu Qianghan. But Li Yuan was unique; he was from the regr ss and couldn''t practice high-level training methods, yet his physical fitness surpassed 90% of the elite ss students.


    "Li Yuan''s progress is incredible."


    "Did he really not awaken his martial arts potential? How did his physical fitness improve so quickly?"


    "I just checked, at the end of the second year, his physical fitness was only around level 6.0."


    "In just half a year, his physical fitness improved by almost two levels, more exaggerated than the top students in the elite ss."


    "By the college entrance exams, how high will his physical fitness be? Level 9? Will he be a martial artist?"


    "He''s the top in martial arts skills and now so impressive in physical fitness?"


    "What will his martial arts score be in this exam? I think he could break into the top twenty in the year."


    "Top twenty for sure, maybe even top ten."


    "Top ten? No way."


    "He didn''t awaken his martial arts potential. The top ten usually have potential bonuses. It''s too hard for Li Yuan to break into the top ten, no matter how high his skills score is, he can''t get a perfect score." Many third-year students were discussing.


    For a time, Li Yuan became a hot topic at school, receiving much attention.


    The story of an underdog rising is always popr.


    Li Yuan wasn''t exactly an underdog, but hisck of awakened martial arts potential made him rtable and likable to many regr students.


    .....


    The three-day Mid-January exams ended. The evening was for self-study, and the results would be announced the next day.


    At around seven in the evening, Li Yuan was in the 7024 martial arts room at Starlight Martial Hall''s Guanshan branch.


    "Boom!"


    "Whoosh!" "Bang!" Li Yuan, wearing a loose martial arts uniform, was practicing the ''Rock Fist Technique.''


    This technique, aligned with the ''Rock Training Method,'' was essentially an extension of the basic stances and exercises.


    Every move seemed slow, but the sudden bursts of power were incredibly sharp.


    "Fist techniques train control over the body."


    "Spear techniques train control over weapons."


    "My spear technique broke through to level three because my fist technique broke through first," Li Yuan thought while practicing, ncing at the Divine Pce panel: "My spear technique just broke through to 90% of level three, but my fist technique has long reached 99% of level three."


    "Level four spear techniques require unity of mind, body, and weapon."


    "But level four fist techniques only require unity of mind and body," Li Yuan pondered, "If I can''t achieve perfect unity of mind and body, how can I achieve unity of mind, body, and weapon?"


    Unity of mind and body is the foundation for the unity of mind, body, and weapon.


    Fist and spear techniques are closely rted. Practicing the spear is essentially also practicing the fist, but Li Yuan asionally focused solely on his fist technique.


    "The Divine Pce panel shows my physical fitness as 7.8, but based on today''s physical test data, it should be simr to other students at 7.9," Li Yuan mused, "ording to the college entrance exam standards, my physical fitness score should be around 435."


    "My skill score, I didn''t make any mistakes today, should be over 380," Li Yuan sighed.


    A score of 360 represents a level three standard. To reach 380, Li Yuan estimated it required mid-level three skills.


    With his near-perfect level three spear skills, how many points could he get? Li Yuan wasn''t sure.


    "However."


    "At the most conservative estimate, as long as my cultural score is over 65, my total martial arts score should exceed 880," Li Yuan calcted. "There''s hope to break into the top ten."


    Li Yuan was fairly confident about breaking into the top ten in the year. But the top five?


    "The chances are slim, so I won''t hope for it," Li Yuan threw a powerful punch, making the surrounding air tremble slightly.


    Li Yuan wasn''t feeling down at all. He had done everything he could, and now it was time to wait.


    "No matter the result, I have no regrets. Why worry?" Li Yuan''s mind was calm as water, silently practicing his fist techniques.


    The heart of a martial artist seeks only to have no regrets.


    .....


    At nine in the evening, at Guanshan No. 1 High School, Principal Tan Zhenlong was still working overtime.


    "Beep¡ª" the intelligent assistant''s voice rang out, "Master, Teacher Xu Bo is video calling you."


    "Xu Bo?"


    "This guy, he can''t wait for even a quarter of an hour," Tan Zhenlong shook his head with a smile, putting down the results sheet. "Little Nine, connect the call."


    Whoosh~ a mass of light converged, forming a holographic screen.


    The tower-like Xu Bo appeared on the screen, smiling widely.


    "Old Tan, did you see the Mid-January exam results?" Xu Bo''s face was full of smiles.


    "I saw them."


    Tan Zhenlong nodded calmly, "What''s the matter, Teacher Xu, to contact me sote?"


    "It''s about Li Yuan," Xu Bo said.


    "Li Yuan?" Tan Zhenlong nodded. "He performed quite well."


    "So what?" Xu Bo looked at Tan Zhenlong.


    "So what?" Tan Zhenlong smiled, looking at Xu Bo.


    "What''s with your attitude?" Xu Bo red, "Don''t y dumb with me. I have a video recording fromst time."


    "Hurry up."


    "I''ve already sent you the schrship application, hurry up and approve it."

 Chapter 48: 900 Points? Final Ranking

    <h4>Chapter 48: 900 Points? Final Ranking</h4>


    January 6, 2043.


    Li Yuan did not train in the virtualwork with the "Starry Spear Technique" or the "Dragon Walk Manual" today. So, he left home early at around three in the morning as usual.


    "It''s been days since I''ve seen Jiang City''s night at three in the morning," Li Yuan looked up at the dark sky, "Daily training shouldn''t be neglected."


    Upon arriving at the school''s personal martial arts training room, he first trained in the basic cultivation method for two hours as usual before starting his spear practice.


    "Swish! Swish!" The spear shadows changed as the spear in Li Yuan''s hand moved unpredictably. With his footwork, the spear was sometimes like a swift storm, sometimes like an illusion, and sometimes ferociously violent. asionally, when he suddenly thrust forward, the speed of the spearhead would surge, causing the air to roar.


    Li Yuan had long mastered the eighteen spear routines of the "ck Stone Spear Technique" to the extreme.


    "I''ve alreadyprehended the five ultimate moves of the ck Stone Spear Technique."


    "ording to Instructor Xu Bo''s guidance, what I need to do now is to practice repeatedly, imprinting the force operation of the five ultimate moves into my bones," Li Yuan thought to himself, "Eventually, I won''t have to deliberately use a specific ultimate move; every move will be perfectly executed."


    "Mind and body in harmony."


    "Then, it will be a fourth-stage spear technique," Li Yuan pondered, "Improving my skills relies solely on myself."


    "And ording to the intelligent teacher, the breakthrough from the third-stage perfection to the fourth stage is a mysterious leap, a breakthrough in the awareness of the mind and body."


    "Some martial artists might just sleep on it, and suddenly they break through."


    "Some might gain insight during life-and-death battles and achieve the breakthrough."


    "But more martial artists are stuck at the third-stage perfection for their entire lives."


    "From the third stage to the fourth stage, there''s no guaranteed path to sess," Li Yuan thought, "What I need to do now is practice again and again."


    "A thousand times is not enough."


    "Then ten thousand times!"


    "First, train my spear technique to 99% of the third stage," Li Yuan was filled with desire, "Then go to virtual battles and realbat."


    Years of spear training had taught Li Yuan.


    If there''s no breakthrough, it means the umtion isn''t enough. Then go and train!


    "Read a book a thousand times, and its meaning naturally bes clear," Li Yuan wielded the long spear in his hand, "The same applies to the spear."


    "I''ve only heard of masters trained through practice."


    An hourter.


    [Your spear technique has improved from 90% of the third stage to 91% of the third stage.]


    ...


    At around seven o''clock, Li Yuan arrived in the ssroom.


    Most of the students were already there. However,pared to the usual scene where most students were diligently studying, the ssroom today was much more subdued, with most people distracted.


    "Old Zhou, why are you so down?" Li Yuan asked as he sat down and took out some test papers.


    "Yuan Ge, the results of the January exam are about to be released," Zhou Qi said gloomily, "Aren''t you nervous?"


    "Not at all," Li Yuan shook his head, "It''s just a difference of a few points."


    "That''s because you''re a martial arts student, and cultural subjects only ount for 100 points," Zhou Qi sighed, "But I''m a cultural student. If I don''t do well, I''ll be skinned alive when I get home."


    "Then you''ll be called Zhou Skinner," Li Yuan replied casually.


    Zhou Qi nced at Li Yuan, toozy to retort.


    "Did you tell your family about awakening your martial arts spirit?" Li Yuan asked.


    "I did," Zhou Qi replied, "But what''s the use? My dad just asked if I could get into a martial arts university with only a few months left."


    "People should have self-awareness. I never expected to get into a martial arts university anyway," Zhou Qi said, "So I''ve decided not to go to the elite ss."


    "Just learning the advanced cultivation method is enough."


    Li Yuan was taken aback.


    Indeed, Zhou Qi''s body quality was only at 4.3 levels now, and his martial arts performance was quite poor. Not going to the elite ss couldn''t be considered wrong.


    "It''s fine," Li Yuan smiled, "With your martial arts spirit awakened, you can cultivate the advanced method, and your martial arts performance will improve much faster."


    "Even if you take the cultural route, martial arts still ount for 30%."


    "Yeah, yeah," Zhou Qi nodded.


    At this moment.


    The cultural ss teacher, Ms. Chen, dressed in a tweed jacket and pencil pants, appeared at the front door of the ssroom.


    Teacher Chen''s face was stern, holding a stack of papers and two ranking lists.


    Instantly!


    The ssroom fell silent. Everyone knew that the rankings were about to be revealed.


    Especially those who chose the cultural route, each of them was nervous, with many people unable to help but lower their heads.


    They all silently prayed, "Don''t call my name."


    Of course, a few top students were fantasizing, "Maybe I''ll improve by a few ces this time."


    For martial arts students like Li Yuan, they were rtively calmer since they had a rough idea of their martial arts scores.


    "Bang!" The test papers were thrown on the podium.


    The atmosphere grew more oppressive.


    "This time''s January exam really revealed your true levels. One by one, you all act carelessly, neither studying well in cultural subjects nor training properly in martial arts..." Ms. Chen''s voice was cold, "You think just staying at Guanshan will get you into a top university? Dream on!"


    "ording to the city rankings this time, a few of you will struggle to get into even a second-tier university. I won''t name names; you know who you are!!" Ms. Chen''s scolding was like a machine gun.


    Many students bowed their heads even lower.


    The January exam, as the first major unified exam in senior year, had a higher difficulty level, meant to strike down the students'' confidence and make them settle down to study harder.


    At this stage, as the cultural ss teacher, Ms. Chen would never let her students becent.


    After scolding for more than ten minutes without repeating herself, even Li Yuan, with his strong mental resilience, began to doubt if he was one of those "extremely few individuals" and "bad apples" Ms. Chen was talking about.


    Finally.


    "But there are also a few students who have made great progress and deserve encouragement," Ms. Chen said lightly, "Alright, I''ll now announce the cultural test scores. Listen carefully."


    In high school, there was no concern for protecting students'' grade privacy.


    "Li Shutong, 889 points," Ms. Chen paused, "Second ce in the grade for cultural subjects."


    This immediately caused a burst of exmations. Scoring above 850 points in cultural subjects was definitely the mark of a top student.


    "Li Wanxing, 868 points."


    ...


    "Zhou Qi, 849 points."


    Zhou Qi, who had his head down, slightly raised it, his face full of pride. His cultural performance was quite good.


    As Ms. Chen announced the scores of one student after another, some smiled with satisfaction, while others looked disappointed.


    Since there were rankings, some people improved, and some fell behind.


    Half the students would be dissatisfied.


    "Li Yuan, 742 points," Ms. Chen said when she called out Li Yuan''s name, adding, "Not bad, great improvement."


    Immediately, many students looked at Li Yuan, making him feel a bit embarrassed.


    Top scorers with over 800 points didn''t get praised.


    But she praised him for scoring just over 700?


    "Yuan Ge, you scored over a hundred points more thanst time, right?" Zhou Qi said, wide-eyed, "Improved by almost a hundred points?"


    "Yeah, I''ve been spending more time reviewing," Li Yuan smiled.


    "Bullshit," Zhou Qi retorted immediately, "When have you evere to the cultural ss during evening study?"


    "I reviewed in the martial arts training room," Li Yuan said calmly.


    One by one, the students'' scores were announced.


    Li Tianyou''s score was 586 points, making him one of the lowest in the ss, and his cultural ranking in the grade was probably even worse thanst time.


    In fact, among the dozen martial arts students, Li Yuan''s cultural score was a clear leader.


    ...


    After reading out the cultural scores, Ms. Chen didn''t pause and went straight to the martial arts scores, "Now I''ll announce the martial arts scores, listen carefully."


    Everyone perked up their ears.


    With cultural scores known, knowing the martial arts scores would allow them to calcte their total scores.


    Ms. Chen looked at the second score sheet, ncing at Li Yuan with some hesitation.


    "Li Yuan," Ms. Chen paused for a moment before slowly saying, "827 points."


    Boom!


    The ssroom instantly exploded with exmations, many looking at Li Yuan in disbelief.


    To know, this martial arts score didn''t include the cultural score, meaning the total score was only 900 points.


    Li Yuan scored over 800 points?


    And not just a bit over!


    Even though Li Yuan had made a big impression during the martial arts assessment yesterday, he hadn''t been as dominant as Lin Lanyue. This score was simply astonishing.


    "827 points? Yuan Ge, your cultural score conversion is 74 points. Adding that," Zhou Qi quickly calcted for Li Yuan, "Damn! Yuan Ge, your martial arts total score is over 900!!"


    "Raw score, 901 points." Zhou Qi couldn''t help but shout.


    "901 points?"


    "Raw score over 900? Li Yuan." All the students were shocked.


    This was incredibly impressive.


    Cultural scores might improve significantly in a short time, but martial arts scores generally improve very slowly.


    "Quiet!" Ms. Chen coughed twice, bringing the ss back to order.


    "Li Yuan did perform well this time."


    "Body quality score, 438 points, third in the grade," Ms. Chen said, "Martial arts skill... 389 points, first in the grade."


    "His martial arts skill score is also the highest in the whole Guan District and the second highest in Jiang City."


    Boom!


    The students in the ss were once again excited and shocked.


    Whether it was the 389 martial arts skill score or the second ce in Jiang City, it was beyond their understanding.


    Normally, this kind of martial arts score shouldn''t appear in a regr ss.


    It was almost surreal.


    "389 points?" Li Yuan was calm, thinking to himself, "Not bad. It seems that to exceed 390 or get close to a perfect score in martial arts skills, I need to reach the fourth stage of spear technique."


    A total martial arts score of 901 points was much better than Li Yuan expected.


    "Teacher, with a total martial arts score of 901, what rank is Li Yuan in the grade? Did he make it to the top ten?" a student couldn''t help but ask.


    Others looked at Ms. Chen with curious and expectant eyes.


    A total score over 900.


    Even without the spiritual score, the grade ranking must be impressive.


    Li Yuan also looked at Ms. Chen, slightly clenching his fists.


    Could he make the top five?


    "In raw scores, Li Yuan is second," Ms. Chen said directly, "The first raw score in martial arts is Lin Lanyue from the elite ss, 929 points."


    "As for the final total score, Li Yuan is sixth in the grade and 212th in the city," Ms. Chen rarely smiled, "Based on previous rankings, this score has a chance to get into the top five prestigious universities."


    Clearly, Ms. Chen was extremely satisfied with Li Yuan''s performance.


    "Top five prestigious universities?"


    "Ranked over 200 in the city?"


    "Sixth in the grade?" Other students were even more shocked, all looking at Li Yuan.


    "Yuan Ge, you''re amazing!!" Zhou Qi was more excited than Li Yuan.


    "Sixth in the grade?" Li Yuan only showed a slight smile, thinking, "Still one ce short?"

 Chapter 49: Invitations from Martial Arts Universities

    <h4>Chapter 49: Invitations from Martial Arts Universities</h4>


    Last September, when Teacher Xu Bo helped Li Yuan apply for the second-ss schrship, he promised Li Yuan that if he could rank in the top ten in the grade, he would be rewarded with a first-ss schrship of 100,000 Blue Star Coins. If he ranked in the top five, he would receive a special schrship of 500,000 Blue Star Coins.


    "Just one ce short," Li Yuan sighed inwardly.


    He wasn''t exactly disappointed; he had given it his all, so there was no need to dwell on it. One couldn''t rely on others to underperform.


    "It''s enough," he thought. "At least I can get 100,000 Blue Star Coins." Moreover, he remembered the encounter with Vice Dean Zuo at the martial hall a few days ago. Vice Dean Zuo had mentioned that awards and recognition from the Martial Arts Hall and the Martial Arts Administration were also on their way, likely bringing a substantial amount of money.


    Li Yuan''s bank ount still had a good bnce of Blue Star Coins and martial hall points. However, his martial arts training consumed resources rapidly, making it necessary to think ahead.


    "Li Yuan, keep it up," Teacher Chen said, ncing at Li Yuan before continuing, "I hope other students will learn from Li Yuan''s example."


    "Now, I''ll read out the other students'' martial arts scores. Listen carefully."


    "Li Tianyou, 685 points," Teacher Chen announced.


    Li Tianyou followed Li Yuan closely, ranking second in martial arts scores in the ss. However, despite his second ce, the gap between his score and Li Yuan''s was striking.


    "685 points?" Li Tianyou''s expression softened slightly, though he still didn''t look too pleased.


    With his cultural score converted to 59 points, his total martial arts score was only 744 points, making it challenging to secure a spot in a martial arts university.


    "Am I not working hard enough?" Li Tianyou clenched his fists, feeling a deep sense of frustration. "If I had more training resources and more guidance from teachers, my score would definitely be higher."


    Li Tianyou wasn''t foolish. He trained intensely, pushing his body to its limits, and the asional well-meaning reminders from ssmates were not lost on him. But what could he do if his family couldn''t afford it?


    "Gu Yaoyao, 664 points," Teacher Chen continued.


    Most ssmates'' martial arts scores were average, with no significant fluctuations. Martial arts training required talent and substantial resources. Unlike cultural exams, where there could be moments of inspiration or exceptional performance, martial arts assessments only had two oues: normal performance or underperformance. There was no such thing as an extraordinary performance. Strength was strength, and weakness was weakness.


    After announcing the scores, it was time to hand out the test papers and go over the questions. Li Yuan listened intently.


    "I spend very little time on cultural studies, so I must pay close attention in ss," Li Yuan thought. "If I aim to get into one of the top five martial arts universities, I need to strive for every single point. Improving my cultural score by a few points could make a significant difference."


    Every point mattered, especially in suchpetitive fields. Li Yuan''s cultural score had significantly contributed to his total martial arts score this time, pushing it over 900 points.


    At ten o''clock, during the fifteen-minute break, Teacher Chen posted three ranking sheets on the bulletin board next to the ckboard. She then called out, "Li Yuan, Li Tianyou, and Wang Zihan,e to my office. The rest of you are dismissed."


    Immediately, a wave of students surged toward the bulletin board to check their rankings. Earlier, Teacher Chen had only announced the scores without reading out all the rankings. The posted sheets included the grade, district, and city rankings.


    "I made it! I''m in the top 10,000 in the city!"


    "Damn, missed it by one point, and my city rank dropped by over a hundred ces? So many strongpetitors."


    "Sigh, my parents will scold me again."


    "I didn''t perform well this time. My total cultural score ranked thirteenth in the grade, didn''t even make it to the top ten."


    As the students discussed, there were mixed feelings. Some were happy, while others were disappointed, most of them calcting how a few more points in each subject could have improved their rankings.


    Li Yuan and the others followed Teacher Chen to her office. Li Yuan was calm, while Li Tianyou and Wang Zihan appeared nervous.


    "You two wait outside," Teacher Chen instructed. "Li Yuan,e in with me."


    Inside the office, Teacher Chen sat down, organizing her papers and greeting other teachers, momentarily ignoring Li Yuan. This was amon tactic used by experienced teachers¡ªto let the student stew for a while, ncing at them asionally with a cold stare, making the student increasingly nervous until they confessed their mistakes voluntarily.


    However, in major exams, being called to the office usually meant one of two things: significant progress or significant decline. Li Yuan believed he was in the former category.


    "Teacher, the water has gone cold. Let me refill it for you," Li Yuan said, picking up Teacher Chen''s cup.


    Without waiting for her response, he took the cup to the water dispenser. He poured out the cold water, refilled it with an appropriate mix of hot and cold water, tested the temperature, and wiped the cup with a tissue before cing it gently on Teacher Chen''s left side.


    "Teacher, the water temperature is just right," Li Yuan said with a smile. "Would you like a drink?"


    "You!" Teacher Chen watched the entire process and couldn''t help butugh. She seemed to be in a good mood.


    Teachers generally appreciated students who were attentive and respectful.


    "I called you here to discuss something," Teacher Chen said, sipping her water. "You did very well this time, ranking sixth in the grade. Especially your martial arts skill score¡ªit could havepeted for the top spot in the city in previous years."


    Li Yuan listened attentively.


    "Unfortunately, this year, a genius student from the Teachers'' University Affiliated High School scored full marks in martial arts skills," Teacher Chen said, slightly regretful. "Her name is Wu Dongdong. She also topped the city in overall martial arts score, with 900 points, and a total martial arts score of 1077 points."


    "Full marks in two categories? That''s impressive!" Li Yuan genuinely admired the achievement.


    This was an extraordinarily high score, far surpassing even Lin Lanyue''s.


    A total martial arts score of 900 points indicated that the student had a body quality score of at least 10.0, coupled with an excellent cultural score. The Teachers'' University Affiliated High School had always been the best in Jiangcheng, known nationwide, so it was no surprise to see such a martial arts prodigy emerge.


    In reality, Li Yuan was not surprised to see someone far surpassing him. He understood that the highest advance signing level for the martial hall was S-level, which meant some students had reached that level. Even if Li Yuan awakened his martial spirit, he would only qualify for an A-level contract.


    The world was never short of geniuses, a truth Li Yuan had known since childhood.


    "Don''t worry about others. You''ve done exceptionally well," Teacher Chen said. "After the January exams, Jiangbei Martial Arts University will hold a ''tour invitation event'' in early March. Our school has ten spots, and the top ten students in the grade''s martial arts scores will be able to go."


    "Would you like to go?" Teacher Chen asked.


    "An invitation from Jiangbei Martial Arts University?" Li Yuan was surprised.


    "Yes, they will invite top high school martial arts students from across the city and even the province, probably around a thousand students, for five days," Teacher Chen exined. "If a professor takes a liking to you and thinks you''re worth cultivating, they might invite you to start special training right after the college entrance exams."


    "Martial arts training is different from cultural studies. At your age, three months can make a significant difference if used wisely," Teacher Chen added.


    "Right," Li Yuan nodded, understanding the importance of those three months.


    "Teacher, my goal for the college entrance exam is ''Kunlun Martial Arts University''," Li Yuan said.


    The five major martial arts universities in China were named after Xia Jing, Nanhai, Kunlun, Donghai, and Jixing. Kunlun Martial Arts University had the most admission spots in Jiangbei Province, making it the top choice for martial arts elites in the region.


    "I know," Teacher Chen replied. "If you can get into Kunlun Martial Arts University, it should be your first choice. Your scores give you a good chance, but without awakening your martial spirit, do you have a hundred percent certainty?"


    Li Yuan fell silent.


    "Your goal is to strive for Kunlun Martial Arts University, but Jiangbei Martial Arts University is your backup. Visiting, experiencing the campus, and getting to know the professors won''t hurt," Teacher Chen said. "Don''t you agree?"


    Li Yuan nodded, realizing the logic in Teacher Chen''s words.


    "Alright, I''ll send the application form and detailed itinerary to your V-Chat. Fill it out and e-sign it, then send it back to me," Teacher Chen said. "By the way, after the school''s mobilization meeting this afternoon, your schrship for ranking in the top ten will be deposited into your ount. Check it then."


    "Thank you, teacher," Li Yuan nodded.


    Inrge exams like these, students ranking in the top ten of the grade in martial arts scores would receive a schrship of 5,000 Blue Star Coins, along with several bottles of blood tonic as a reward. They would also get an independent martial arts room, though Li Yuan already had one.


    ...


    Li Tianyou was thest to enter the office among the three students. He was far more nervous than Li Yuan.


    "Teacher," Li Tianyou greeted.


    "Don''t worry, I didn''t call you here to criticize you. You did well this time," Teacher Chen smiled. "Remember when I mentioned applying for the third-ss schrshipst time?"


    Li Tianyou''s eyes lit up.


    "This exam,bined with your family situation, helped your application seed," Teacher Chen smiled. "I know you''re very diligent, but you need to bnce work and rest. Don''t push yourself too hard. The 20,000 Blue Star Coins will be in your ount today."


    "Thank you, teacher," Li Tianyou said, feeling a mix of relief and gratitude.


    "Good, keep this to yourself. No need to announce it," Teacher Chen said, patting his shoulder as he left.


    Sitting back down, Teacher Chen''s smile faded. She opened her smart bracelet and stared at a document in thought¡ª"Third-ss Schrship Application Review Opinion: Not Approved."


    "Sigh," Teacher Chen sighed deeply.


    After a moment, she forwarded the document to Xu Bo. The schrship application had been jointly submitted by her and Xu Bo for Li Tianyou.


    ...


    After lunch, Li Yuan returned to Room 4011, his martial arts room, and entered the virtualwork pod. Connecting his consciousness, he found himself in his personal space, reviewing the invitation from Jiangbei Martial Arts University:


    Dear Student Li Yuan...


    "All fluff," Li Yuan muttered, skimming through the introductory pages.


    Suddenly, he stopped, focusing on the itinerary.


    Day 4 Schedule: Practical Assessment: Hunting Astral Realm Creatures.


    ...


    After considering for a while, Li Yuan filled out his information, signed electronically, and clicked to ept the invitation.


    "Hope it doesn''t disappoint," Li Yuan murmured as he disconnected from the virtualwork.

 Chapter 50: Commendation on the Podium

    <h4>Chapter 50: Commendation on the Podium</h4>


    On January 7, 2043, the day after the Yuan month examination, Guanshan District First High School held a school-wide assembly. The theme was tomend students who performed excellently in the examination.


    At nine o''clock in the morning, the entire school gathered on the yground. On the podium, Principal Tan Zhenlong and several school leaders were lined up.


    Exiting the virtualwork capsule, Li Yuan began his martial arts training for the day, starting with basic exercises and then practicing his spear techniques. This had be a habit for him. It wasn''t until 3:30 in the afternoon that Li Yuan took a hot shower in the rest area and left the martial arts room.


    ording to what Teacher Chen said in the morning, there would be a school-wide assembly at four o''clock in the afternoon, and all students had to gather on the yground without beingte.


    Just as he closed the door to the martial arts room, he heard a cheerful voice from not far away: "Li Yuan? You''re still in the martial arts room? Hurry up, I thought I was the only one left."


    "Little Qiang, you haven''t left yet?" Li Yuan smiled, spotting the delicate-looking boy at the end of the corridor.


    Students often liked to have a buddy to apany them when eating, going to the bathroom, going to the yground, or leaving school. Boys were no exception.


    After nearly a semester, Li Yuan and Gu Qianghan often met up, and they had be quite familiar with each other.


    Having interacted frequently, Li Yuan had long realized that Gu Qianghan, despite his impulsive nature, had no bad intentions and was quite straightforward, making him a good friend.


    "Call me Gu Qiang! Gu Qiang!" Gu Qianghan jumped, "That''s what my sister calls me."


    "If your sister can call you that, why can''t I?" Li Yuanughed as he approached, "Let''s go, downstairs."


    "My sister can call me that because she''s my sister. You''re not my brother-inw, so why can you call me Little Qiang?"


    "And what if I do? You can''t beat me anyway," Li Yuan joked.


    "Your bare score is higher than mine," Gu Qianghan retorted.


    Indeed, he had seen the score sheet and knew Li Yuan''s terrifying score in the Yuan month examination, ranking second in bare scores, far ahead of the third ce. In terms of realbat, higher bare scores often meant a greater advantage and higher victory rate.


    "Tch!" Gu Qianghan raised his middle finger, "So what if your bare score is higher? I have spiritual bonuses, and my total score is second in the grade, while you''re only sixth..."


    Seeing Li Yuan''s indifferent reaction, Gu Qianghan realized it was not appropriate to say that and quickly waved it off, "Okay, I forgive you for tricking me during the exam. Remember to call me Gu Qiang from now on, not Little Qiang."


    "Got it, Gu Qiang~~han," Li Yuan deliberately dragged out thest syble.


    "You''re not going to have any friends if you keep this up," Gu Qianghan red.


    ...


    Li Yuan and Gu Qianghan continued their "friendly banter" as they walked to the yground. It was only two minutes before four o''clock when they arrived. Most of the sses had already lined up in an orderly fashion.


    ss 1 and ss 2 of the senior year stood next to each other.


    "Lanyue," the chubby girl Peng Qiqi nudged Lin Lanyue''s hand, "Look, your brother is getting along so well with Li Yuan. They''rete together."


    "Is Li Yuan trying to get close to you by befriending your brother?" Peng Qiqi teased, winking.


    "Qiqi, have you been reading too many romance novels?" Lin Lanyue yfully pinched her friend''s neck, making Peng Qiqi giggle.


    Many boys around them couldn''t help but nce over. In the martial arts ss, many liked Lin Lanyue, but no one dared to confess.


    "Hehe," Peng Qiqiughed, "Then why is he so close to Gu Qiang?"


    "You know Gu Qiang''s personality," Lin Lanyue shook her head, "If you can pin him down a few times, he''ll be willing to be your friend too."


    "Did Gu Qiang spar with Li Yuan?" Peng Qiqi was surprised.


    "Yes, their individual martial arts rooms are next to each other," Lin Lanyue nodded, "They''ve fought several times in virtual battles, and Gu Qiang lost every time."


    Peng Qiqi pondered, "That makes sense. Li Yuan''s bare score ranked second this time, over 900 points, not much lower than yours."


    "28 points lower," Lin Lanyue emphasized.


    She was indeed very attentive to Li Yuan''s scores. Her culture teacher had told her about his scores and ranking first thing in the morning, also mentioning that Li Yuan''s technique score was the highest in the district and second in the city, which had shocked her.


    However, she didn''t want to admit this in front of her friend.


    "You remember his score so clearly," Peng Qiqi giggled, "By the way, you said you only like those who stand on the podium. Next time, Li Yuan might surpass you in bare scores."


    Lin Lanyue blinked her long eyshes, "We''ll see when he surpasses me."


    "Even if he does, his total score will still be lower than mine. The one who stands on the podium is the total score champion, not the bare score champion," Lin Lanyue said calmly.


    Subconsciously, she felt that Li Yuan had a chance to surpass her in bare scores.


    "You''re so stubborn," Peng Qiqiughed, then suddenly stuck out her tongue, "Old Xia is here."


    Xia Laoshi was the culture teacher for ss 1 of the senior year.


    ...


    "Today, we have the honor of weing several distinguished guests to our school. They are Director Zhang from the Guanshan District Martial Arts Bureau, representatives from the Guanshan District Education Bureau, Deputy Chief Zuo from the Starlight Martial Hall Guanshan Branch, and Chief Song from the Starry Sky Martial Hall Guanshan Branch..." The host teacher introduced the guests on the podium.


    There were more than ten people in total.


    "Deputy Chief Zuo is here?" Standing in the lineup, Li Yuan looked at the woman with brown curly hair and a heroic air on the podium, slightly surprised. Normally, for an internal school assembly, why were there so many leaders? Even representatives from the two major martial halls were present.


    "Yuan-ge, didn''t you notice? There seem to be many reporters today," Yan Zhou whispered, pointing to the cameras on both sides of the podium.


    "Yeah," Li Yuan nodded, realizing he hadn''t noticed this earlier when he arrivedte.


    "Respected leaders, teachers..." Principal Tan Zhenlong began his speech enthusiastically.


    Principal Tan read from his script while looking at the thousands of students below, seemingly envisioning a scene of vibrant vitality and prosperity.


    As time passed, and one leader after another spoke, the students below began to yawn.


    Finally, the most important part of the event began¡ªthemendation assembly.


    "In this January month examination, our senior year students have achieved outstanding results once again... Wan Qingling... and ten other students ranked in the top ten for culture scores."


    "Lin Lanyue, Gu Qianghan... Li Yuan... and ten other students ranked in the top ten for martial arts scores. Let us all congratte these students and strive to learn from them," the host teacher announced passionately.


    Sparse apuse followed from the students below, most of whom were now thoroughly uninterested and just wanted to return to their ssrooms. Especially the junior and sophomore students, who felt like they were merely here as cheap "NPC audience," exchanging silent pleasantries with the leaders.


    "Lanyue, it''s almost your turn to go on stage," Peng Qiqi whispered, "Good luck."


    As the culture and martial arts first-ce student, Lin Lanyue was used to this process after three years in high school.


    However, the host teacher on the podium did not introduce the two grade champions as expected. Instead, he handed the microphone back to Principal Tan Zhenlong.


    "Today''s assembly," Principal Tan announced solemnly, "besides summarizing the january month examination andmending outstanding students, we also have a very specialmendation."


    A specialmendation? This immediately piqued the interest of many students.


    "As all of you should know, just a week ago, our Guanshan District suffered a severe attack from astral realm creatures..." Principal Tan''s voice was low and heavy.


    At this moment, the previously dull atmosphere began to stir, and many students looked up at Principal Tan with curiosity. A specialmendation? What did it have to do with the astral realm creatures'' attack?


    Even Lin Lanyue and Gu Qianghan were curious.


    "... But when the astral realm creature charged at the crowd, in such a critical moment, a seventeen-year-old high school student, passing by, disregarded his own safety, picked up a simple weapon, and stood between the astral realm creature and the innocent people..." Principal Tan recounted the intense battle that had urred not long ago.


    The students below were listening intently, finding this far more interesting than the previous speeches.


    "Wow! Fighting a astral realm creature? Who is it?" Peng Qiqi asked in surprise, "Lanyue, is it you?"


    In fact, many senior year students from the elite ss and other sses looked at Lin Lanyue, thinking that since Principal Tan was recounting this, the student who fought the starfield creature must be from their school. They believed that only Lin Lanyue could barely fight an entering starfield creature.


    "No, it''s not me," Lin Lanyue shook her head, curiosity shing in her eyes, "Who could it be?"


    In fact, she had fought astral realm creatures before, but always in controlled environments and against non-entering astral realm creatures. To voluntarily fight an entering astral realm creature? Lin Lanyue admitted she neither had the courage nor the strength for that.


    "Finally, after a tough battle," Principal Tan continued, "this seventeen-year-old student managed to kill the astral realm creature and saved many innocent lives. Tomend this student for his bravery and outstanding contribution during the starfield creature attack, the Jiangcheng Martial Arts Hall, Education Bureau, Strarlight Martial Hall Jiangcheng Branch, and Starry Sky Martial Hall Jiangcheng Branch have decided to jointly award him the title of ''Youth Hero'' role model."


    "Let us wee Li Yuan from ss 2 of the senior year to the stage to receive thismendation!" Principal Tan announced with excitement in his eyes.


    "Wow!" Apuse erupted like a tide.


    Junior and sophomore students craned their necks, eagerly looking towards the podium to see which senior student was so impressive.


    Several sses near ss 2 of the senior year stared wide-eyed at the young figure slowly walking out of the lineup.


    Dressed in white martial arts attire, with a well-proportioned build and confident demeanor, the young man walked onto the podium with a calm and slight smile under the eyes of all.


    ...


    "Lanyue, Li... Li Yuan, he really made it onto the podium," Peng Qiqi looked at the white-d figure with wide eyes, somewhat smitten, then whispered, "Do you really not like Li Yuan? If you don''t want him, don''tpete with me."


    "Let''s talk about itter," Lin Lanyue''s gaze remained fixed on the podium, her eyes unblinking.

 Chapter 51: Generous Rewards

    <h4>Chapter 51: Generous Rewards</h4>


    On the podium, a series of leaders came forward to take photos and shake hands with Li Yuan, whispering a few words of encouragement. Most of it was just pleasantries.


    "Li Yuan, you did well. Last time, you brought great honor to our Martial Hall by killing the astral creature." When it was the turn of the Deputy Hall Master, she smiled brightly, her eyes filled with affection as she looked at Li Yuan, almost as if she were looking at her own nephew.


    In interpersonal rtionships, first impressions are crucial. The Deputy Hall Master had a great first impression of Li Yuan. After returningst time, she had thoroughly reviewed Li Yuan''s records and believed him to be of excellent character and temperament. In her heart, Li Yuan was a young talent worth nurturing.


    "Thank you, Hall Master." Li Yuan also smiled warmly. He knew that his significant achievement and the ''Young Hero'' title were partly due to his sess in killing the astral creature. However, he was also aware that the Starlight Martial Hall had worked behind the scenes to help him. Otherwise, having meritorious deeds wouldn''t necessarily guarantee rewards.


    "Li Yuan, this is Hall Master Song Yi from the Starry Sky Martial Hall," the Deputy Hall Master introduced with a smile. "You could consider her your benefactor."


    Song Yi''s expression changed slightly, looking somewhat ufortable but unable to show it.


    "Hello, Hall Master Song," Li Yuan greeted earnestly, pretending not to know anything.


    Of course, Li Yuan knew who she was. When he agreed to sign with the Starlight Martial Hall, his mentor, Teacher Xu Bo, had mentioned her. She was Zhong Cheng''s superior and probably the one who decided on his D-level contract.


    "Mm, you''re quite good. Keep up the hard work," Hall Master Song forced a smile. When she learned that the ''Young Hero'' title was awarded to Li Yuan, she had no desire to attend the event. However, Lu Huai required her to represent the Starry Sky Martial Hall.


    ...


    In the audience, reporters were busy taking photos. Killing an astral creature was significant, but the real highlight was that it was done by an underage high school student, making it a rare and valuable promotional point in the astral creature incident.


    On the yground, students from all grades were whispering among themselves. Most of theirments were along the lines of "so impressive," "amazing," "is this senior Li Yuan?" and "he''s so handsome."


    If Li Yuan was only known for his academic excellence, it would be hard for him to gain widespread admiration, and he might even evoke jealousy. But fighting astral creatures to the death? In this era, society held warriors who fought astral creatures in high regard, and students were no exception. To them, Li Yuan''s actions were far more impressive than merely excelling in exams. Heroism and bravery have always been admired by the young.


    "Lanyue, you''re still staring at Li Yuan?" Peng Qiqi waved her hand in front of Lin Lan Yue''s face, unable to suppress herughter. "Are you really falling for him?"


    "It''s not like that," Lin Lanyue turned her gaze to her friend, smiling softly. "I was just thinking about something and felt a bit sentimental."


    "What are you thinking about?" Peng Qiqi asked, puzzled.


    "Li Yuan''s family isn''t well-off," Lin Lanyue said. "He hasn''t awakened his martial spirit either. Even though he has exceptional talent in martial arts, achieving what he has now must have required a lot of effort."


    Peng Qiqi was taken aback, having never considered this.


    "Just like you said, he looked so handsome on the podium," Lin Lanyue continued. "But when he fought the astral creature, he must have only wanted to save people, not thinking about any rewards."


    "He probably had never fought an astral creature before," Lin Lanyue recalled. "It takes a lot of courage to face such a battle voluntarily."


    "Lanyue, what are you trying to say? Do you like him or not?" Peng Qiqi was even more confused.


    "It has nothing to do with liking," Lin Lanyue pinched her friend''s chubby face and smiled. "I just admire him."


    ...


    After the school assembly ended, the leaders left, and the students orderly returned to their martial arts sses. Li Yuan, however, followed Principal Tan Zhenlong to his office.


    Upon entering, Li Yuan noticed two people waiting inside. "Teacher Xu? Director Li?" he greeted.


    Director Li was a representative from the Education Bureau.


    "Li Yuan, have a seat," Principal Tan greeted Director Li and the others before inviting Li Yuan to sit down.


    Li Yuan obediently sat on a single sofa, looking at the others. It was clear that this meeting wasn''t ordinary.


    "Director Li, please go ahead," Principal Tan smiled.


    "Alright," Director Li, dressed in a ck work uniform with a square face, looked at Li Yuan. "Li Yuan, the Education Bureau and the Martial Arts Bureau have discussed your situation."


    "We called you here to inform you of a few things."


    "First, the special schrship your principal and Teacher Xu applied for on your behalf has been approved. By 6 PM tonight, a reward of fifty thousand Blue Star Coins will be deposited into your ount. This is a state reward, tax-free."


    "A special schrship?" Li Yuan was slightly surprised, feeling excited inside. Fifty thousand Blue Star Coins!


    He instinctively looked at Teacher Xu Bo, who had mentioned that he would need to rank in the top five of his grade to qualify.


    Teacher Xu nodded slightly, signaling Li Yuan to remain calm.


    "Second, you have been awarded the title of ''Young Hero,'' a martial arts title. ording to the regtions, you will receive 20 extra points in the martial arts section of the college entrance exam. However, the bonus points are not cumtive. If you awaken your martial spirit before the exam, you must choose between the two."


    "I understand," Li Yuan felt even more delighted.


    There were many bonus point categories in the college entrance exam, such as spiritual awakening, hero titles, and martyrs'' children, but the points were not cumtive. Li Yuan knew that awakening his martial spirit seemed unlikely, as hispatibility with the seven major high-level cultivation methods was low.


    Therefore, the 20 extra points were crucial.


    "Third, in this month''s assessment, your martial arts skills scored first in the district and second in the city. The district has decided to reward you with an additional one hundred thousand Blue Star Coins to support your martial arts training," Director Li smiled. "I hope you don''t find it too little."


    "That''s a lot," Li Yuan quickly said. "Thank you, Director."


    "Don''t thank me," Director Li smiled. "Thank the country. For true martial arts talents, even those who haven''t awakened their martial spirit, the country provides significant support and cultivation."


    Li Yuan nodded slightly. The more he trained, the more he appreciated the advantages of high-level cultivation methods. It would be extremely difficult to grow into a level 19 warrior with just basic methods, requiring immense resources.


    Therefore, the country''s support was selective, only for the best.


    ...


    After Director Li left, Principal Tan and Teacher Xu Bo returned to the office.


    "Li Yuan, are you satisfied?" Teacher Xu Boughed.


    "I was already satisfied before. Now I''m even more grateful to you and Principal Tan," Li Yuan said gratefully. Then he couldn''t help but look at Principal Tan. "Principal, didn''t you say I needed to rank in the top five of my grade to apply for the special schrship?"


    "Top five? Did I say that?" Principal Tan was confused. "When did I set such a high requirement? Didn''t I say the top ten could strive for it?"


    Now it was Li Yuan''s turn to be confused. The principal only required the top ten?


    "Li Yuan, the principal might be getting a bit forgetful with age. It''s normal," Xu Bo quickly said, grabbing Li Yuan''s shoulder like a giant w. "It''s gettingte, and the principal needs to rest. Let''s not disturb him."


    Whoosh! With a sh, Xu Bo had taken Li Yuan tens of meters away, leaving the door open.


    "Top ten? Top five? That Xu Bo," Principal Tan chuckled. "Strive for the best? But even the best needs to be reasonable."


    "Aren''t you afraid of setting the bar too high and discouraging Li Yuan?" Principal Tan sighed. "But Li Yuan is indeed excellent."


    "With 20 extra points in the college entrance exam, it looks like Li Yuan can get into one of the top five universities, even without awakening his martial spirit." Principal Tan smiled.


    As for achievements? At his age, there was no hope for promotion. He just wanted to cultivate as many outstanding students as possible during his tenure.


    ...


    In Teacher Xu Bo''s martial arts room in the office building.


    "Will there be another reward from the Starlight Martial Hall?" Li Yuan was surprised as he looked at Teacher Xu.


    "Yes," the towering Xu Bo smiled. "You''ve performed so well this time. Naturally, the Starlight Martial Hall will give you additional rewards. Joining the Martial Hall, the contract rewards are set by the highest level of the hall, unchangeable by anyone."


    "If you perform averagely after signing the contract, you will just follow through with it. But if you exceed expectations during this period, even if you can''t upgrade the contract, the lower-level hall you''re affiliated with will give extra rewards."


    "And if your performance is outstanding enough, the hall might even upgrade your contract level," Xu Bo exined to Li Yuan.


    Li Yuan understood. He knew about contract upgrades but was unclear about the other details.


    He wisely didn''t question the top five versus top ten issue, realizing that Teacher Xu wasn''t trying to deceive him but rather motivate him.


    "By the way, have you looked at the invitation from Jiangbei Martial Arts University?" Xu Bo asked.


    "Teacher Chen mentioned it, and I agreed," Li Yuan replied.


    "That''s good," Xu Bo smiled. "Teacher Chen isn''t a martial arts instructor, so he might not know, but I can tell you that this invitation isn''t solely organized by Jiangbei Martial Arts University."


    "Really?" Li Yuan was puzzled.


    "Although the location is at Jiangbei Martial Arts University, representatives from the top five universities will be there to observe," Xu Bo exined.

 Chapter 52: Thanking My Past Efforts

    <h4>Chapter 52: Thanking My Past Efforts</h4>


    "Observers from the five major schools?" Li Yuan asked, slightly curious. "Is Jiangbei Martial Arts University okay with that?"


    "Haha, they naturally aren''t too willing, but they can''t stop it," Xu Bo replied with a slight smile. "After all, the five major schools are far superior."


    "And besides, what difference does it make even if they could block it?"


    "Do you think the top five hundred martial arts students in the province would willingly choose Jiangbei Martial Arts University?" Xu Bo asked.


    Li Yuan nodded slightly. That made sense!


    Being a student in Jiangbei Martial Arts University''s martial arts ss might not offer resources and training that differ significantly from those in the five major schools. However, those who stand out among a million examinees in the province would hardly believe they would be at the bottom of the five major schools.


    Li Yuan himself believed that even if he didn''t find a suitable high-level cultivation method in a short time, getting into one of the five major schools would still allow him to rise step by step.


    "Teacher, what will the five major schools mainly observe?" Li Yuan asked curiously. "Normally, isn''t it based on scores?"


    "It''s different!"


    "Have you seen the detailed schedule?" Xu Bo asked. "There are actualbat assessments included."


    "I have seen it," Li Yuan replied.


    "There are skillpetitions, actualbat assessments, and other special tests," Xu Bo exined. "Do you understand the purpose of training warriors, both for the country and the Seven Stars Alliance?"


    "To kill enemies and protect the nation," Li Yuan replied instinctively.


    "Exactly," Xu Bo nodded emphatically. "The purpose of training warriors is for actualbat, to cultivate powerful warriors who can fight for human civilization."


    "So, many things cannot be judged by scores alone. We must spend time and effort to discern them through various events."


    "The simplest example."


    "Some people have high talent and strong physical qualities butck the right mindset. They be afraid when facing life-and-death battles, unable to exert even a tenth of their strength. Can such people be cultivated as key talents?" Xu Bo smiled.


    "High scores but low abilities?" Li Yuan understood immediately.


    "Some people seem highly talented but are extremely selfish, considering only themselves," Xu Bo continued with a somber tone, recalling something. "If such individuals are cultivated, they might, in the future, pose a threat to human civilization for their own gain."


    "Threaten human civilization for personal gain?" Li Yuan held his breath.


    "Don''t be surprised," Xu Bo shook his head. "This isn''t umon in ancient history. Everyone has selfish desires, but there should be limits."


    "Those who are extremely selfish will be scrutinized closely once discovered, and their cultivation will be handled cautiously."


    Li Yuan nodded lightly, agreeing with this viewpoint.


    "I''m not worried about you passing these tests and observations," Xu Bo said, looking at Li Yuan. "I believe my judgment of people is quite urate."


    Over time, Xu Bo had grown to appreciate and like Li Yuan even more.


    "Teacher," Li Yuan couldn''t help but touch his head, feeling a bit embarrassed.


    "For this invitation event, ording to what I''ve heard, more than three hundred people from Jiangcheng alone will attend. Province-wide, there might be over a thousand," Xu Bo continued.


    "So many?" Li Yuan was slightly surprised. The scale was muchrger than what Teacher Chen had mentioned.


    Organizing an event for over a thousand people, selecting candidates from all over the province, required tremendous human and material resources. The high level of importance attached to this invitation event was evident.


    "The tentative schedule is for March, just before your April assessments," Xu Bo said. "You have three months, enough time to further improve your strength."


    Li Yuan listened intently.


    "What you need to do is train diligently and perform well during the event, striving to secure an early invitation for special training from the five major schools," Xu Bo said seriously.


    "Special training invitation?" Li Yuan recalled what Teacher Chen had mentioned.


    "Martial arts students and academic students are different."


    "Academic students start university in September and are slowly cultivated," Xu Bo exined. "But martial arts students, from the moment they submit their applications and receive admission notices inte June, will start receiving various cultivation resources from the state."


    Li Yuan nodded slightly. This was well-known.


    Why did China only recruit over two hundred thousand martial arts students annually? Was it because the state didn''t want to cultivate more?


    The truth was that the resource subsidy for each martial arts university student was an astronomical figure.


    For academic university students, the state subsidized a few tens of thousands of Blue Star Coins per year. For martial arts university students, the starting amount was ten times that.


    Not only in the Xia Nation but across the Blue Star and the seven majors, the vast resources of human civilization were poured into martial arts universities.


    "Students from the five major schools start their studies in early July," Xu Bo said. "But normal entry and training differ from special training."


    "Those selected for special training are recognized elites who will receive numerous resources from the university," Xu Bo exined. "If you can get into the special training list from the start, your chances of bing a second-tier source warrior will greatly increase."


    Li Yuan listened with bated breath.


    There were many information gaps. For families of warriors from the five major schools, this wasn''t a secret.


    Li Yuan, however, was not aware. After all, his uncle Li Changzhou was just an ordinary student at Jiangbei Martial Arts University.


    "Will those who perform well in the invitation event receive invitations?" Li Yuan pondered.


    "Yes."


    "In a way, this is your greatest opportunity," Xu Bo said seriously.


    "My greatest opportunity?" Li Yuan was puzzled.


    "The normal special training list is still based on scores," Xu Bo exined. "For instance, the top fifty in the provincial exams, barring any special circumstances, must be included in the special training list. This is mandated by the state to prevent maniption."


    Li Yuan nodded slightly. Determining rankings by scores was the right approach, rather than unteral decisions by the schools. Forming a system ensured long-term stability.


    "If you don''t awaken your martial spirit, even with 20 extra points, do you have confidence in making it into the top fifty in the province?" Xu Bo looked at Li Yuan.


    Li Yuan thought for a moment, then shook his head. "No."


    Indeed, he wasn''t confident. Based on past experiences, the top fifty in the province typically had martial arts scores exceeding 1000 points.


    "The major schools have limited discretionary slots," Xu Bo said. "So you must seize this opportunity to showcase your strengths."


    "For example, your mental strength, martial arts skills, and actualbat abilities... strive to secure a special training contract in advance."


    "Your ''Young Hero'' title will also help, adding to your prestige," Xu Bo smiled.


    When Xu Bo learned of Li Yuan''s honor this morning, he was both surprised and delighted.


    "It was just a coincidence," Li Yuan touched his head again.


    "Coincidence? It still required your strength," Xu Bo shook his head. "Opportunitiese to those who are prepared."


    "Could other students have seized it?"


    "Surviving an astral creature encounter would be fortunate enough," Xu Bo said with emotion.


    Li Yuan nodded lightly.


    "After the invitation event, sign with whichever school offers you a special training slot. Don''t fixate solely on Kunlun Martial Arts University," Xu Bo said.


    "Understood," Li Yuan nodded.


    He had heard that many students who performed exceptionally well in the January and April assessments were eagerly sought after by the five major schools for targeted contract signing.


    "Thank you for the guidance, Teacher," Li Yuan said gratefully.


    Without Xu Bo''s reminder, Li Yuan might not have valued this event as much and could have missed the opportunity.


    "No need to thank me."


    "You earned the chance by getting into the top ten of your grade," Xu Bo smiled. "Opportunities are earned through your own efforts."


    "If you want to thank someone, thank your past self for working hard."


    "I''m just fulfilling my duty as a teacher."


    "Alright."


    "It''s past five. Go eat dinner now, or you''ll have to queue," Xu Bo waved.


    ...


    At night, at home in Wanhua tinum Mansion.


    "Mom, Mom, look! Brother is on TV!!" Li Qianqian pulled Chen Hui''s hand, urgently pointing to the distant screen projection.


    "I''m watching, I''m watching," Chen Hui said.


    "Brother is so handsome," Li Muhua''s eyes widened. The projection showed Jiangcheng TV''s coverage of today''smendation event.


    The segment wasn''t long, just over twenty seconds, but it was enough to convey the whole story.


    "Brother, I want to be a young hero too. Brother, you''re really cool," Li Muhua looked at Li Yuan with admiration.


    Li Yuan was about to speak.


    p! A palmnded on Li Muhua''s butt.


    "What hero? Do you have your brother''s skills?" Chen Hui frowned and scolded. "Protect yourself, understand? Talk about being a hero when you''re a warrior in the future."


    p! Another palm on Li Muhua''s butt.


    "Mom, okay, I get it. Protect myself, stay away and report any danger, don''t join crowds, don''t go near the river, don''t go near theke..." Li Muhuaughed and jumped around, reciting the "Li Family Rules."


    Li Yuan and Li Qianqian couldn''t help butugh.


    "And you."


    "Li Yuan, why didn''t you tell me about such a big thing earlier?" Chen Hui looked at Li Yuan with concern. "If your teacher hadn''t messaged me, I wouldn''t have known."


    "Auntie, I''m fine," Li Yuan quickly said. "I didn''t want you to worry, so I didn''t mention it. Next time, I''ll be more careful."


    "You think there should be a next time?"


    "If anything happens to you, how would I exin to your uncle?" Chen Hui''s words flowed like a machine gun. "This time, you were lucky the astral creature wasn''t strong. Can you guarantee..."


    Li Yuanforted his aunt with a smile.


    He knew she was worried about his safety.


    ...


    Late at night, the house was quiet. Li Yuan entered the virtualwork.


    In the Starlight space, Li Yuan nced at the two screens in front of him, disying his bank ount and points:


    Bank Bnce: 1,885,340 Blue Star Coins


    Martial Hall Points: 1,714,280


    Martial Hall Cultivation Points: 700,000


    ...


    "The Martial Hall rewarded me 200,000 Blue Star Coins this time?" Li Yuan looked at his bank ount bnce.


    He had received three transfers today.


    He checked the message from the Vice Hall Master.


    "This solves my immediate needs," Li Yuan thought. "The next few months will be all about diligent training."


    "Improve my strength as much as possible before the invitation event."

 Chapter 53: 8.8! Three Skills at 99%!

    <h4>Chapter 53: 8.8! Three Skills at 99%!</h4>


    At the school''s award ceremony, Li Yuan received the title of "Young Hero." His fame spread not only throughout the school, overshadowing Lin Lanyue, but also made him an idol for many younger students. Through various news media reports, he gained some recognition online, although it was limited to Jiang City.


    On the morning of January 8th, shortly after ten o''clock, in the cultural ssroom of ss 2, Grade 12, it was break time.


    "Brother Yuan, you''ve really be famous this time," Zhou Qi eximed excitedly as he browsed the inte. "Look, your blog ount has been found, and your followers increased by more than a thousand overnight."


    Many ssmates curiously nced at Zhou Qi''s screen.


    "Most of the followers are just curious onlookers, mainly from our school. With so much news these days, the attention will fade in a couple of days," Li Yuan said with a chuckle. "Do you really believe it?"


    "When I walk out of school, even the noodle shop owner at the gate probably won''t recognize me," Li Yuan added with a smile.


    "True enough," Zhou Qiughed, scratching his head as he turned off his smart wristband.


    "Brother Yuan, did you see the report on Lake Lop?" Yan Zhou, who was sitting in the back row, asked. "I remember you said your uncle went to work there."


    "I saw it," Li Yuan''s smile faded a bit. "The battle there is very intense. It seems it hasn''tpletely subsided yet."


    Ten days ago, two days after Jiang City was attacked by astral creatures and before the preliminary exam in early January, a massive battle erupted once again in the secondary astral realm of Lake Lop.


    To this day, it remains the top news story in both China and the entire Blue Star. Li Yuan had been following the news closely, sending messages to his uncle Li Changzhou almost every day. Li Changzhou would asionally reply, reassuring him.


    "Yesterday, I saw a news report that said nearly ten thousand people have died in the battle since September," Li Tianyou sighed. "The casualties are really severe."


    The atmosphere in the ssroom suddenly became heavy. In this age of advanced inte, even high school seniors facing the college entrance exams paid attention to national and global news, contemting their future choices. After all, the destiny of high school seniors was closely linked to the fate of their nation and human civilization as a whole.


    "Don''t worry," Li Yuan suddenly smiled. "We''ve held our ground in many battles before, and we''ll do it again this time."


    The ss bell rang, and the students returned to their seats, ending the discussion.


    "Lake Lop," Li Yuan muttered to himself, looking out the window. His thoughts began to drift. The Northern Frontier Province, nearly ten thousand kilometers from Jiangbei Province. While Jiang City remained peaceful, the front lines of Luo Bu Sea were engulfed in mes of war...


    Life for Li Yuan returned to its usual calm routine. He maintained a daily schedule of school, home, and training at the Starlight Martial Hall''s Guanshan branch. Aside from cultural studies in the morning, he diligently practiced foundational martial arts and spear techniques. He continuously bought and used basic blood tonic and source power pills ording to his physical condition.


    The daily repetition was monotonous and his bank and martial hall ounts were quickly drained of money and points. Yet, Li Yuan''s strength steadily improved. Martial cultivation required hard work and there were no shortcuts. The moments of glory often required ten years of effort and sweat to achieve.


    Time flew by, and soon it was February 10th, 2043, the most important traditional festival in China, the Spring Festival. Celebrations were held across the country and even globally. Schools were closed for ten days, even for the seniors.


    At home in Wanhua tinum Residence, his aunt Chen Hui sat at the main seat, with an empty chair beside her. On the table, a smart wristband projected a holographic image.


    "Changzhou, Happy New Year," Chen Hui greeted her husband in the projection.


    "Happy New Year, dear," Li Changzhou responded with a smile, holding up a ss of water. His face had darkened considerably. "Little Yuan, Qianqian , Muhua, Happy New Year."


    "Happy New Year, Uncle and Aunt," Li Yuan replied, raising his ss.


    "Happy New Year, Dad, Mom, and Brother," said Li Qianqian and Li Muhua.


    Although Li Changzhou was far away, he joined his family via video projection to celebrate the New Year together.


    After dinner, Li Qianqian and Li Muhua cleaned up, while Li Yuan went to his room to train before the Spring Festival G started.


    On the sofa, Chen Hui sat with her smart wristband, talking to her husband in the projection.


    "Changzhou, when will you be able toe home? You said you would be back in January," Chen Hui asked with concern.


    "It''ll probably be another two months," Li Changzhou replied. "Things have been very tensetely. The team that was supposed to rece us is now at Lop Lake, working day and night alongside us."


    "Hopefully, the next batch wille soon," he added.


    "Alright, just be safe," Chen Hui nodded reluctantly.


    "Don''t worry. After the big battle half a month ago, our forces have been advancing. It was dangerousst month, but this month we''ve been pushing forward," Li Changzhou reassured her. "My current position is on the edge of the astral realm, but we''re working in arge fortress behind the front lines, so it''s rtively safe."


    "Good," Chen Hui nodded.


    If she didn''t know her husband was in a rtively safer positionpared tost month, she would have been even more worried.


    "Try not to tell them too much detail, especially Little Yuan. The college entrance exams areing up," Li Changzhou whispered.


    "I understand," Chen Hui nodded.


    Regarding his uncle Li Changzhou''s situation, Li Yuan knew very little. It wasn''t that he didn''t care, but Li Changzhou rarely shared the true situation, making Li Yuan mistakenly believe his uncle''s work was still far from the astral realm.


    After the Spring Festival, the pace of life for seniors became more intense. Every ssroom, whether for cultural or martial arts sses, disyed a "100-day countdown" to the college entrance exams. As the exam approached, Li Yuan''s heart grew calmer. He had been training tirelessly, never cking in physical training, spear practice, or cultural studies.


    "The college entrance exam is just a result," Li Yuan thought. "The oue depends not on how seriously you take the exam over those three days, but on whether you''ve worked hard enough every day and night for the past three, six, or even twelve years. If you''ve umted enough, sess wille naturally. If not, no amount of anxiety will help."


    "Brother Yuan, my physical fitness has reached 4.8," Zhou Qi announced excitedly after another ss test. "High-level training methods are really amazing."


    "Impressive! But don''t ck off. Your previous physical fitness was not high. Now that you''ve awakened high-level training methods, you need to catch up," Li Yuan advised with a smile. "Aim to improve as much as you can before the exams."


    "My goal is to reach 5.2 before the exams, to meet the ss average," Zhou Qi said confidently.


    This was the power of high-level training methods, absorbing source energy from the universe, equivalent to taking supplements every day. Zhou Qi''s physical fitness, initially the lowest in the ss, had risen to mid-level in just over two months. Given another year, his physical fitness level could easily reach the top ten in the ss.


    On March 8th, 2043, in the school''s martial arts room 4011, Instructor Xu Bo spoke to Li Yuan.


    "Li Yuan, after half a year of training, your spear techniques, body movements, and boxing skills have all reached the third stage of perfection without any substantial ws," Xu Bo said. "Starting next week, you no longer need toe to me for guidance."


    "No need toe?" Li Yuan was slightly taken aback.


    "I''ve taught you everything I can. From the third to the fourth stage, you need to find your own path," Xu Bo said, looking at Li Yuan with a smile. "I''ll leave you with one final piece of advice: First the body, then the mind, and finally the weapon. Achieve unity from within."


    "First the body, then the mind, and finally the weapon?" Li Yuan repeated, bowing deeply. "Thank you, Teacher, for all your guidance."


    What started as a typical teacher-student rtionship had grown over time. Xu Bo''s meticulous guidance and full-hearted teaching had fostered a bond beyond the usual student-teacher rtionship, akin to the ancient master-disciple connection in martial arts.


    "Thank you, Teacher," Li Yuan said sincerely.


    "Good, it''ste. Go home and rest," Xu Bo said, helping Li Yuan up with a smile.


    Xu Bo had taught many students over the years, but few had reached the level of connection he felt with Li Yuan.


    Late at night, around two in the morning, Li Yuan woke from his mind training. A notification from his training interface caught his eye:


    <strong>Your mental power has increased from 14.9 to 15.0.</strong>


    "After days of arduous training and enduring the harsh mental discipline, my mental power has finally reached 15.0," Li Yuan thought, feeling a sense of joy. Reaching 10 and 15 were significant milestones in martial arts, and Li Yuan felt that 15 was also a critical threshold for mental power.


    "With just one week left until the invitation from Jiangbei Martial Arts University," Li Yuan nced at his training interface:


    _____


    <strong>Life Level: 8.8 (Unranked)</strong>


    <strong>Physical Fitness Index: 91 (Measured in various aspects such as explosiveness, endurance, speed, physique, mental power, etc.)</strong>


    <strong>Punching Force: 988 kg</strong>


    <strong>Speed: 19.6 m/s</strong>


    <strong>Mental Power: 15.0</strong>


    <strong>Spiritual Awakening Level: 0.6% (Current limit 20%)</strong>


    <strong>Physical Training Method: "Rock Training Method"</strong>


    <strong>Mental Training Method: "Observing the Great Sun Starry Sky Scripture"</strong>


    <strong>Skill Proficiency: Spear Techniques (Third Stage 99%), Body Movement (Third Stage 99%), Boxing Techniques (Third Stage 99%)</strong>


    <strong>Note: Upon reaching 25%, 50%, 75%, 100%, 125% in spiritual awakening, you will progressively receive spiritual guidance.</strong>


    <strong>_____</strong>


    "Let''s try the Meteor Rank promotion match today," Li Yuan thought as he got into the virtualwork pod.

 Chapter 54: Meteor Rank Promotion Match

    <h4>Chapter 54: Meteor Rank Promotion Match</h4>


    Li Yuan connected his consciousness and entered the virtualwork, heading straight to his personal space on the Starry Combat Network.


    "Master, you have finally arrived," greeted a cheerful girl in white. "Your personal assistant, Little Jade, at your service."


    Li Yuan smiled andmanded, "Disy my personal ranking match record."


    With a swoosh, a light screen appeared:


    <strong>Ranking Match: Gold Rank</strong>


    <strong>Points: 990 (1000 points needed for promotion match)</strong>


    <strong>Win Rate: 88%</strong>


    "990 points. I hope I don''t run into a Meteor Rank opponent and can get the remaining 10 points in one match," Li Yuan thought. "Otherwise, it will be a waste of time."


    Two months ago, Li Yuan''s spear technique improved to 99% at the third stage. A week ago, his movement technique also reached 99% at the third stage. Since achieving 99% in his spear technique, he had been dominating the Gold Rank matches in the Starry Combat Network. He rarely lost a match, pushing his win rate from around 50% to much higher. Last week, when his movement technique reached 99%, he won 56 matches in a row, essentially bing invincible in the Gold Rank.


    Then, the matchmaking system seemed to punish him. In three consecutive matches, he was pitted against Meteor Rank experts. He managed to hold out for a few moves in one match, but in the other two, he was defeated in just a few moves.


    "Let''s start," Li Yuan said, setting up his weapon configuration.


    Beep¡ªmatchmaking sessful.


    "Entering ranking match, opponent Gold Rank (996 points). Prepare for battle," the system reminded. "Entering battle space in 10, 9..."


    "996 points? Could he be an expert? Is my luck that bad?" Li Yuan wondered.


    A sh of light, and Li Yuan appeared in arge arena with no audience. On the opposite side, a middle-aged man with a spear and shield appeared.


    "A spear and shield?" Li Yuan gripped his long spear.


    Warriors usingbinations like sword and shield or spear and shield weremon. A spear, though a long weapon, was often shorter than a single spear since it was a one-handed weapon, making it less flexible. However, the shield greatly increased survivability, allowing for more margin for error in life-and-death battles.


    But the drawback of shieldbinations was theirck of flexibility. Li Yuan, not used to using a shield, believed his long spear alone was enough to ovee any challenge.


    "Boy, if I defeat you, I can enter the promotion match," the middle-aged manughed. "Today, I''ve already won ten matches in a row."


    "Ten wins in a row?" Li Yuan was surprised.


    "Yes," the man nodded confidently. "You won''t be a match for me. You might as well surrender to avoid getting hurt."


    In ranking matches, surrendering was allowed. The advantage was avoiding mental trauma, but the downside was losing more points.


    "Uncle, I know why you were matched with me," Li Yuan suddenly grinned.


    "Why?" the middle-aged man was puzzled.


    "Because the system wants me to punish you!" Li Yuanughed and suddenly moved like a dragon, fully unleashing his strength and speed.


    "So fast! Is he at 8.0 level physical fitness?" The middle-aged man was startled, realizing his opponent was formidable.


    In the virtualwork, one could change appearance and attire freely. However, to prevent fraud, each person was bound to their identity information, disallowing gender changes and restricting age alterations to within five years.


    Boom! The middle-aged man moved as well. Being able to reach over 900 points in the Gold Rank meant he was no weakling.


    The man wielded his shield to block, shifting his steps and trying to deflect Li Yuan''s thrust to the side.


    Bang! Spear and shield collided.


    "Blocked," the man smiled, but his expression quickly changed.


    Rip! The long spear that should have crashed heavily against the shield seemed to cling to it instead. The spearhead retracted, scraping along the shield with a piercing sound. In the next instant, the spear pulled back half a meter and then thrust forward like lightning, avoiding the shield.


    The swift spear change was too fast, causing the man to feel fear.


    In a life-and-death moment, the man hurled his spear. If Li Yuan continued his thrust, he would be impaled, potentially resulting in a tie.


    ng! Without hesitation, Li Yuan withdrew his spear and deflected the flying spear with a burst of strength, sending it crashing into the ground outside the arena.


    In the arena, Li Yuan turned his spear and executed "Bncing Heaven and Earth," shing down hard on the middle-aged man.


    Boom! The man blocked with his shield but was pushed back by the force.


    "Go!" Li Yuan withdrew and adjusted his stance, thenunched a mid-level thrust, his spear shing like lightning.


    ng! Boom! The sounds of repeated shes echoed as the man, despite his skill, was pushed to his limits. Although he was highly skilled, Li Yuan''s mastery of physical control, mental awareness, and weapon handling was superior.


    On the neenth strike, Li Yuan found an opening, piercing through the man''s throat with a swift thrust.


    Blood sttered.


    "I lost?" The man''sst thought before disappearing was of Li Yuan''s brutal skill.


    "Your shield technique was good, but your spear and shield coordination and physical control werecking," Li Yuan mused. He had defeated hundreds of such opponents in the past two months.


    The system notification arrived: "Congrattions, Defender Yuan... Points +10."


    "Your points have reached 1000. Would you like to enter the promotion match? Note: Promotion match cooldown is one week. Failure will result in a 50-point deduction. Sess will promote you to Meteor Rank permanently."


    "Enter the promotion match," Li Yuan decided.


    His figure disappeared from the arena.


    ...


    He appeared on a small ind with lush trees and roaring waves in the distance.


    "This is the fifth time. I wonder if my perfected movement technique will help me pass this time," Li Yuan, in light armor and holding a long spear, scanned the surroundings.


    Quickly, twelve humanoid creatures emerged from the distant forest. They were of varying heights, with the tallest over 1.8 meters and the shortest around 1.7 meters. They had four arms, blue skin, webbed ws, and fish-like tails with fins.


    "Fish Spirit Tribe," Li Yuan muttered.


    In the Starry Combat Network''s promotion matches, opponents were not other warriors but pre-set astral creatures. Each rank had multiple astral creature choices. Li Yuan always chose the Fish Spirit Tribe.


    Roar! The Fish Spirit creatures charged at Li Yuan with red eyes and sharp ws, as if they had seen a mortal enemy.


    "The virtualwork''s realism is impressive, even simting the hatred of these creatures," Li Yuan thought.


    He advanced with his spear, targeting the tallest Fish Spirit. His spear left afterimages as it thrust towards the creature''s throat.


    ng! The creature reacted swiftly, blocking with its ws.


    ng! ng! Li Yuan''s spear changed direction, deftly shing with the creature''s ws three times before piercing its chest.


    Blood sttered, but instead of finishing it off, Li Yuan withdrew his spear and swung it like a heavy club to block an attack from the right.


    There were twelve opponents in total.

 Chapter 55: Breakthrough! Global 996

    <h4>Chapter 55: Breakthrough! Global 996</h4>


    "ng!"


    "ng!" Li Yuan''s long spear shifted continuously, deflecting three w strikes in quick session. He then executed a nimble roll, narrowly evading another two ws that aimed to cut him down.


    "Thud!" As he rolled back to his feet, Li Yuan instinctively counterattacked, his spearhead shing as it pierced through the eye socket of an approaching Fish Spirit, shattering its brain.


    "Kill count +1," the system announced.


    Compared to his previous four attempts at the promotion match, Li Yuan''s spear technique hadn''t fundamentally improved. The biggest progress was in his movement skills, allowing him to better handle the Fish Spirits'' encirclement.


    "Too clumsy," Li Yuan thought. "In terms of physical fitness, these Fish Spirits are likely around level eight, maybe even close to level nine, significantly stronger than me. But their skill level is probably just at the peak of the second stage."


    In a one-on-one fight, Li Yuan could easily kill a Fish Spirit in a single encounter. However, their sheer numbers posed a significant challenge. Even ants can overwhelm an elephant, and these Fish Spirits wielded ws capable of exerting over a thousand kilograms of force.


    "Roar!" "Howl!!" The Fish Spirit warriors howled in fury at the death of theirrade, their red eyes fixed on Li Yuan, determined to kill him.


    "Thud!" "Thud!" Li Yuan deftly dodged and blocked, only asionallyunching a sudden spear attack. Most of the time, he focused on defense. However, whenever he found an opportunity to strike, the Fish Spirits either died or were seriously injured.


    "Despite their numbers, the spatial constraints mean that at most three or four can attack me at once," Li Yuan noted, constantly using leverage to counterattack.


    Time ticked by.


    "Kill count +1"


    "Kill count +1" The system notifications continued.


    In less than a minute, six Fish Spiritsy in pools of blood, and the pressure on Li Yuan eased slightly.


    Suddenly, one Fish Spirit let out a shrill cry, its four arms iling wildly, ws shing like knives. One of its ws clipped the end of Li Yuan''s spear.


    "Thud!" The unexpected force sent a jolt through Li Yuan''s arm, slowing his movements.


    In a life-or-death battle, even a slight dy could mean the difference between life and death.


    "Whoosh!" "Swoosh!" Several green figures lunged at Li Yuan, leaving him no space to escape. Six wed strikes came from all directions.


    "ng!" "ng!" "Boom!" Li Yuan blocked two ws with his spear but felt a tremendous impact on his back as if he had been struck heavily. His whole body went numb, and he coughed up blood.


    Whoosh! Li Yuan steadied himself, mustering all his strength to dodge another iing w. But more ws wereing, just as his old strength waned and new strength hadn''t yet surged.


    "This isn''t good," Li Yuan thought, feeling a tingling fear of death.


    In his previous four promotion matches, he had been overwhelmed and killed twice. The third time, he managed to kill three Fish Spirits. The fourth time, he killed five.


    He thought his improved movement skills would give him a chance this time, but he realized he had underestimated the difficulty of the Meteor Rank promotion match.


    After killing six Fish Spirits, the remaining six seemed to go berserk, their speed and power bing even more exaggerated.


    "Kill! I need to be faster! Faster!" Li Yuan''s eyes reddened, goingpletely berserk, knowing he had little chance of survival. He unleashed his spear technique with all his might. In that instant, he felt his blood boiling, as if his body''s survival instincts had kicked in.


    His entire being¡ªspirit, will, and body¡ªreached a peak state of harmony and power.


    "Whoosh!" At that moment, Li Yuan felt as if he had broken through some barrier, his control over his body bing incredibly precise.


    His spear''s speed and power surged. The spearhead traced a semicircle in the air.


    "Thud!" "Thud!" The spear deflected a w and shed through the throats of two Fish Spirits. Blood sprayed out.


    "Kill count +1"


    "Kill count +1"


    The system notifications shed in quick session.


    "Boom!" "Thud!" The other Fish Spirits'' attacks finallynded, ws tearing into Li Yuan. One particrly precise strike hit his neck.


    The world spun, and pain shot through Li Yuan''s consciousness before it vanished.


    The Meteor Rank promotion match, his fifth attempt, had failed.


    Kill count: eight.


    ...


    In his personal space within the Starry Combat Network, Li Yuan stood in a daze, not feeling disappointed at his failure. Instead, his eyes were filled with excitement and joy.


    "That final spear strike?" Li Yuan recalled.


    In that moment of unprecedented pressure, he had only one thought: faster! Faster!


    There were no deliberate techniques, just a desperate will tond a blow before dying.


    In that madness, his entire body reached a state of perfect harmony. This allowed him to counterattack in his final moments, killing two more Fish Spirits.


    "Perfect transmission of force, without the slightest hindrance," Li Yuan thought, looking at his skill interface.


    ____


    Skill Level: Spear Techniques (Third Stage 99%), Movement Techniques (Third Stage 99%), Fist Techniques (Fourth Stage 0%)


    ____


    "The breakthrough happened," Li Yuan realized, eyes shining. "My fist techniques have reached the fourth stage. Fist techniques focus on the union of body and mind, naturally the first to break through."


    "Ha ha ha!" Li Yuan couldn''t help butugh out loud, feeling an unprecedented sense of relief and joy. "My fist techniques reached the third stage 99% three or four months ago. My spear techniques reached the third stage 99% two months ago. I''ve been training my spear techniques like mad these past months," he said with a glimmer in his eyes. "But I couldn''t break through."


    "Last night, my teacher told me to keep practicing on my own, and I might break through at any moment."


    "I didn''t expect it to happen so soon, in a single promotion match," Li Yuan thought, ted.


    Failing the promotion match but breaking through in martial arts skill, Li Yuan knew this wasn''t a breakthrough achieved in life-and-death, but a culmination of countless hours of training, understanding, and a bit of luck.


    This breakthrough opened up a new world for him.


    "Master," said the cheerful girl beside him, "Congrattions on breaking into the top 1000 of the Blue Star Youth Rankings. Your current rank is 996."


    "996?" Li Yuan was momentarily stunned, then noticed a system message.


    "Defender Yuan, for killing eight guardians in the promotion match, your rank in the Blue Star Youth Rankings has risen from 1132 to 996 globally, 243 in China, and 9 in the Jiangbei region."


    Li Yuan had been too excited to notice the message earlier.


    "996?" Li Yuan murmured. "The opponent I faced earlier also had 996 points. Maybe 996 is my lucky number today?"


    "But I''m clearly aiming for 007," he joked to himself before dismissing the ranking.


    The Blue Star Youth Rankings were based on rank points and promotion match performance. Each promotion attempt had caused his ranking to surge. This time, he broke into the global top 1000, an impressive feat given thepetition.


    Li Yuan nced at the statistics: "Blue Star Youth Rankings, 2042-2043 term, total ranked participants: 36,874."


    In half a year, the rankings had grown from over 4000 to over 30,000. He couldn''t see the detailed list but could see the total number. This allowed every ranked martial arts talent to have a rough idea of their standing, preventing blind arrogance.


    "If I had another chance at the promotion match, I might pass the Meteor Rank," Li Yuan thought. "But there''s no chance now."


    After failing a promotion match, there was a seven-day cooldown period.


    "Little Jade, how many have reached the Meteor Rank in the Blue Star Youth Rankings?" Li Yuan asked casually.


    "As of today, 164," the green-d Little Jade replied. "The list of names is not disclosed."

 Chapter 56: Senior Brother, I Recommend Someone to You

    <h4>Chapter 56: Senior Brother, I Rmend Someone to You</h4>


    "In total, 164? Six more thanst week," Li Yuan nodded slightly. He had to admit, despite his rapid progress in martial arts, there were still many prodigious talents worldwide.


    "Little Jade, is there any special reward for entering the global top 1000?" Li Yuan asked with a smile.


    "No," the girl replied. "But if you reach the Meteor Rank before the age of 18, you''ll receive a reward of 500,000 Blue Star coins."


    Li Yuan nodded, but his goal wasn''t the 500,000 Blue Star coins reward from the Starry Combat Network. The most important thing was the A-level contract with the Martial Hall.


    "To upgrade from a B-level contract to an A-level contract, one of the three paths is to reach 300 points in the Meteor Rank on the Starry Combat Network before turning 18," Li Yuan thought, feeling a sense of anticipation. Once upgraded, the resources provided by the Martial Hall would increase significantly, worth at least tens of millions of Blue Star coins.


    Whoosh! Li Yuan exited the virtualwork.


    ...


    At around three in the morning, Li Yuan, as usual, arrived early at the school. In the martial arts room 4011, all the lights were on, and the recording and technique analysis functions were fully activated.


    "Whoosh!" Standing in the center of the martial arts room, Li Yuan began practicing the Rock Fist technique. His stance was as immovable as a boulder, transitioning smoothly between punches and palms.


    "Boom~" asionally, the sound of air discement echoed in the room as he practiced.


    Foundation Pir, Hidden Dragon in the Valley, Grinding the Stone Mill, Birth of All Things, Bnce of Heaven and Earth... These were moves Li Yuan had practiced thousands of times. Today, practicing them again, he felt something entirely different.


    "Swish, swish~" Li Yuan''s mind was calm. As he practiced, he quietly sensed the flow of blood in his body, the strong beat of his heart, and the transmission of strength through his muscles, tendons, and bones. All his strength converged along his spine... His powerful mental strength allowed him to perceive all of this deeply.


    Every ounce of his body''s strength was under his control. With just a thought, he could perfectly mobilize his body, wasting no effort.


    Everything within his body was under his ''perception,'' as if he had an extra pair of eyes inside.


    "Is this what the teacher called ''inner vision''?" Li Yuan marveled. "This is the master realm pursued by countless ancient martial artists."


    Times have changed. In ancient times, without training methods, auxiliary equipment, or virtualworks, reaching the master realm in martial arts was extremely difficult. It was the pinnacle of ancient martial arts. However, in the high martial era, while still a milestone, the master realm was no longer a secret among countless martial artists.


    "In the past, I could vaguely sense the subtleties of my muscles and bones due to my strong mental strength," Li Yuan reflected, "but it wasn''t as clear as now."


    "Inner vision allows me to control every ounce of my strength and clearly perceive every corner of my body."


    "With this, my efficiency in training the fundamental cultivation method will also increase," Li Yuan thought joyfully.


    Why is martial arts skill so valued in the cultivation of human civilization? Because it''s fundamental. For instance, one of the three requirements to be a second-tier source martial artist is to reach the fourth stage in martial arts skill.


    <strong>Your fist technique level has increased from 4th stage 0% to 4th stage 1%.</strong>


    <strong>Your fist technique level has increased from 4th stage 1% to 4th stage 2%.</strong>


    As these reminders shed on the training interface, Li Yuan practiced his fist technique repeatedly for over two hours, asionally taking breaks. He elevated his fist technique level to 4th stage 5% before stopping.


    "Perfect force," Li Yuan smiled. "Precise control. I''ve just broken through, so consolidating my fist technique realm has already improved it significantly."


    "Further progress will be increasingly difficult," Li Yuan wasn''t in a rush to train his spear technique. The key to uniting body, mind, and weapon is the unity of body and mind. Once the fist technique level is high enough, the body movement technique will naturally reach the fourth stage, and the spear technique will follow with some practice.


    Many martial arts masters, who may not have trained with weapons extensively, can still perform wonders with any weapon in hand. Why? Because their body-mind unity is at an extremely high level, at the fourth stage of perfection. Any weapon they wield, with a little practice, can reach the fourth stage of skill.


    ...


    Unbeknownst to Li Yuan, his entry into the global top 1000 of the Blue Star Youth Rankings had automatically triggered the Starry Combat Network system to send relevant documents to China''s Martial Arts Bureau, the Starry Sky Martial Hall, and the Starlight Martial Hall.


    The top 1000 were always under special attention, especially those like Li Yuan, who had shown significant progress.


    .....


    At eleven o''clock in the morning, at the Starry Sky Martial Hall, Guanshan Branch.


    "Bang!" "Lu Huai, you bastard!" Dressed in stylish clothes, Song Yi furiously smashed the teacup in her hand on the ground, tea and shards scattering everywhere. Her mind was still reeling from her recent encounter with Lu Huai, who had handed her a document about Li Yuan and casually remarked, "Hall Master Song, I think you were a bit shortsighted in signing Li Yuan early. If the higher-ups hold you ountable, be prepared."


    Though not a direct reprimand, his words implied severe criticism of her ''negligence.''


    "Just global top 1000? What''s so impressive about that?" Song Yi gritted her teeth. "It''s not like his spear technique has broken through to the fourth stage. Why make such a big deal and call me over?"


    However, deep down, Song Yi felt a twinge of regret. While she couldn''t see every match Li Yuan fought, the documents sent to the Martial Hall detailed his recent performance and win rate. An 88% win rate in the Gold Rank, with a streak of over fifty wins! This was enough to prove that Li Yuan''s martial arts skill had reached the third stage of perfection, just a step away from the fourth stage.


    If it were just a seventeen-year-old with perfect third-stage skills, it wouldn''t be too extraordinary. But a year ago, Li Yuan was only at the Silver Rank with second-stage skills. This rate of progress was rming. In all her years in Guanshan, Song Yi had never seen such an impressive martial arts talent.


    "Hmph. Perfect third stage? There are countless martial artists stuck at this step who may never break through before turning eighteen," Song Yi thought. "Even if he does, so what? Without awakening martial arts spirituality, who knows how long it will take to be a source martial artist."


    She was angry because she felt embarrassed and took it out on Li Yuan. However, Song Yi didn''t intend to harm Li Yuan. Despitepetition between different Martial Halls, cooperation always outweighed rivalry, with the shared goal of fighting for human civilization.


    ...


    At the Starlight Martial Hall, Guanshan Branch, on the twelfth floor.


    "Li Yuan, Blue Star Youth Rankings, global top 1000?" Hall Master Wan, dressed in a Tang suit, looked at the document in his hand with slight surprise. "So soon?"


    After some thought, Wan Qingshan contacted Xu Bo to inquire about Li Yuan''s training progress in detail. He also called Instructor Xing to ask about Li Yuan''s recent activities at the Martial Hall. After gathering all the information, Wan Qingshan marveled at the collected data. "This Li Yuan is truly a rough gem," he thought, astonished at how quickly Li Yuan''s physical fitness had improved with limited resources. "Could he be a top-tier talent in physical aptitude,cking only the right advanced training methods?" Wan Qingshan spected, though he couldn''t be certain.


    After pondering for a while, Wan Qingshan opened his smart wristband and selected a highlighted contact from hismunication list. He ced the call.


    Beep¡ªbeep¡ªconnection established.


    A holographic projection appeared, revealing a burly man wielding a battle de, exuding an impressive aura.


    "Junior Brother Wan, what urgent matter brings you to me?" the burly man asked with a heartyugh.


    "Ninth Senior Brother," Wan Qingshan greeted respectfully. "Kunlun Martial Arts University is soon to visit Jiangbei Province for special training invitations and assessments. I want to rmend someone to you."

 Chapter 57: Terrible News! Level 2 War Alert!

    <h4>Chapter 57: Terrible News! Level 2 War Alert!</h4>


    "You''re rmending someone to me?" The burly man, referred to as the Ninth Senior Brother by Hall Master Wan, was slightly surprised. He set his battle de aside and pondered, "Junior Brother Wan , have you returned from the Sea Ruins Astral Realm?"


    The Sea Ruins Astral Realm, located in the southern seas of China, was also a secondary astral realm, though less renowned than the Lou Bu Sea. Wan Qingshan had spent a long time in the Sea Ruins Astral Realm.


    "Yes, I''ve been back for more than half a year. I forgot to mention it to you, Ninth Senior Brother," Hall Master Wan smiled. "I''m now the hall master of a fifth-level Martial Hall in Jiang City."


    Ninth Senior Brother wasn''t aware of his current situation, which didn''t surprise Hall Master Wan. Their master was one of China''s top martial artists, capable of flight and considered one of the cornerstones of Kunlun Martial Arts University. Hall Master Wan had been fortunate to be a registered disciple, while the burly man in the video was a direct disciple. Despite being a year older than his senior brother and having joined the school earlier, all registered disciples were required to address direct disciples as ''senior brother'' ording to the rules. The status gap between registered and direct disciples was significant, and over the years, the difference in their strengths had grown even more, leading to less frequent interaction over the past decade.


    "Junior Brother Wan, you should know that although I am the Vice Dean of the Eight Halls, I am only responsible for teaching. I am not leading the team to Jiangbei Province for the assessment," the burly man exined. "I don''t handle admissions directly, at most, I can offer suggestions. If the candidate''s talent and strength aren''t outstanding, they won''t pass the final review."


    He instinctively assumed Hall Master Wan wanted to use his connections, a notion he wasn''t keen on. Still, he didn''t want to strain their rtionship, as Junior Brother Wan had helped him significantly when he first became a disciple.


    "Haha, don''t worry, Ninth Senior Brother," Hall Master Wan smiled. "I''m not here to trouble you. On the contrary, I genuinely want to rmend a promising talent to you."


    "The person I''m rmending is seventeen and a half years old, with martial arts skills at the pinnacle of the third stage," Hall Master Wan quickly said. "Yesterday, he entered the top 1000 of the Blue Star Youth Rankings. Moreover, his mental strength is exceptionally high,parable to a martial artist at level 13 or 14."


    He listed all of Li Yuan''s strengths.


    "Oh?" The burly man showed a hint of surprise. "ording to what you said, this young fellow is indeed quite exceptional."


    "Wait," the burly man frowned. "Junior Brother Wan, if he''s as talented as you say, why not aim for Starlight University? Whye to me? Does he have a physical disability? Missing limbs?" Ninth Senior Brother asked. "Or some other w?"


    "Senior Brother, you see clearly," Hall Master Wan smiled wryly. "He hasn''t awakened his martial spirit."


    "Ah, I see," the burly man instantly understood. Martial spirit was the most crucial measure of martial talent. This fact was reflected in the weight of its score in the entrance exams.


    "This young fellow, ording to what you said, could be a source martial artist with enough resources, even if it costs billions of Blue Star coins," the burly man said. "But without apatible advanced training method, it would be challenging to break through to level 25, let alone be a flying martial artist."


    "It is difficult," Hall Master Wan agreed.


    Hall Master Wan couldn''t help but think that his Ninth Senior Brother had high standards, casually mentioning level 25 while he himself hadn''t reached that level yet. However, he knew that his Ninth Senior Brother was only a step away from bing a flying martial artist.


    "His skills are so advanced, and his mental strength is strong. Ideally, as long as hispatibility exceeds 80%, he should barely be able to sense cosmic source energy with the right training method," the burly man frowned. "But his age is nearing the limit... There''s a 99% chance that the seven high-level training methods of our human civilization aren''tpatible with him."


    "If he wants to achieve great sess in the future, he must create a high-level training method that suits him," the burly man''s voice carried a hint of regret.


    The burly man had high standards. He knew that the seven high-level methods were mostly developed by flying martial artists or those at the pinnacle, through their own experiences and repeated experiments. Creating a high-level training method, even the simplest, tailored to oneself, was extremely difficult for a source martial artist. Such genius figures were rare across the entire human civilization.


    "Yes, it''s very difficult," Hall Master Wan acknowledged the challenge of creating a training method. "But he is a promising talent, with a significant chance of bing a source martial artist."


    "A source martial artist?" The burly man thought for a moment. "Alright, Junior Brother Wan, send me his detailed information. I''ll mention him to Teacher Fan Jin and ask him to keep an eye on him."


    "Teacher Fan Jin? He''s the teacher leading the assessment in Jiangbei?" Hall Master Wan''s eyes lit up.


    Fan Jin had been one of his instructors.


    "Yes, there are eight teachers leading the Jiangbei assessment, one from each of the Eight Halls," the burly man exined. "You know, Jiangbei Province is one of thergest sources of recruits for Kunlun Martial Arts University."


    Hall Master Wan nodded. Each of the five major schools in China had around 2,000 admission slots annually, totaling about 10,000 students. Jiangbei Province alone ounted for about 500 of those slots, with Kunlun Martial Arts University enrolling over 300.


    However, only up to 15% of the admitted students would be selected for special training.


    "As long as this young fellow is as talented as you say, he should make it onto the special training list," the burly man didn''t make any absolute promises.


    "Thank you, Ninth Senior Brother," Hall Master Wan said.


    After ending themunication, Hall Master Wan thought, "Li Yuan, I''ve done everything I can for you. I hope you seize this opportunity."


    He sent a message to Xu Bo.


    ....


    In the afternoon, around 1 PM, after lunch, Li Yuan arrived at Xu Bo''s office. The door was open.


    "Teacher, you called for me," Li Yuan said, standing at the door.


    He had received a message from Xu Bo and came immediately.


    "Come in," Xu Bo said, standing by the window, looking at the cherry blossoms blooming along the roadside. Every year in March and April, Jiang City was adorned with cherry blossoms, attracting tourists from all over the country.


    "You made it into the top 1000 of the Blue Star Youth Rankings," Xu Bo said. "Your progress is faster than I expected."


    "Teacher knows?" Li Yuan was slightly surprised. He had attempted the promotion match at around 2 AM.


    "News from the Starlight Martial Hall," Xu Bo exined, then briefed Li Yuan on Hall Master Wan''s contact with Kunlun Martial Arts University.


    "A dean from Kunlun Martial Arts University?" Li Yuan held his breath.


    Martial arts universities were not to bepared with ordinary cultural universities. From what Li Yuan knew, even to serve in an ordinary martial arts university, one had to be at least a source martial artist. A dean was undoubtedly a significant figure.


    "I don''t know the specifics, but Hall Master Wan has good intentions," Xu Bo said. "The observer from Kunlun Martial Arts University will likely focus on you during the invitation activities. Prepare well and seize the opportunity."


    "I understand," Li Yuan said earnestly.


    He realized this was a rare opportunity. Normally, disying his strength might get him a training invitation from one of the top five schools. However, with additional attention, the chances were better.


    "What a pity," Xu Bo sighed suddenly.


    "Teacher, what''s wrong?" Li Yuan asked, puzzled.


    "I was just thinking, if you had awakened your martial spirit, with its added benefits, you could have aimed for Starry Sky University or Starlight University," Xu Bo said with regret.


    "The world''s top three martial arts schools?" Li Yuanughed, having never dared to dream about them. The world''s top three martial arts schools only enrolled about 1,000 students annually, with provincial top ten rankings being almost a requirement. Li Yuan''s initial goal had been just the top five schools.


    .....


    As days passed, Li Yuan continued his routine of intense training. Apart from cultural studies in the morning, he devoted all his time to practicing fist and spear techniques, hoping to break through with his spear technique.


    On March 13th, in the 4011 martial arts room.


    "Techniques are interconnected. With body-mind unity, my control over my body''s strength is seamless," Li Yuan thought. "I''m even starting to tap into deeperyers of my strength. My spear technique''s power is constantly improving."


    Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh! Li Yuan''s long spear transformed continuously, thrusting, shing, sweeping, and striking with increasing intensity.


    "Boom!" "Boom!" "Boom!" The heavy sandbags suspended in the martial arts room, weighing over a thousand kilograms each, thudded with each strike.


    Li Yuan had reced these training sandbags at his own expense a month ago to enhance his training.


    "The Rock Spear technique''s five killing moves are now deeply ingrained in me," Li Yuan''s eyes were bright, his spear movements fluid and integrated with his being.


    "However, I still can''t fully master the first move of the Starry Spear technique, ''Star Illumination,''" Li Yuan kept trying.


    The spear technique''s power kept rising, but for several days, the skill interface still showed his spear technique at 99% of the third stage.


    "No system prompts yet, but I can feel it," Li Yuan''s eyes gleamed. "This move is bing more refined. If I keep practicing, I''ll soon fully master the first move."


    Li Yuan had a premonition that once he perfected it, his spear technique would enter the fourth stage.


    He wasn''t worried about slow progress, only about losing hope.


    "Beep¡ªbeep¡ª" A sudden sound interrupted him.


    "Master, your sister, Li Qianqian, is urgently contacting you," his assistant AI announced.


    "Urgent contact?" Li Yuan was startled, immediately sheathing his spear. "Connect."


    Whoosh~


    A light screen formed, showing Li Qianqian''s anxious face, her eyes brimming with tears. She appeared to be standing in a hallway corner.


    "Brother!" Li Qianqian called as soon as the connection was made.


    "Qianqian, what''s wrong?" Li Yuan''s voice was low. "What happened? Don''t rush, tell me slowly."


    "Lou Bu Sea!" "The war in the Lou Bu Sea Astral Realm has escted, many people have died," Li Qianqian''s voice trembled. "The country has issued a Level 2 war alert. Our teacher just announced it in ss."


    "A Level 2 war alert?" Li Yuan''s pupils contracted.


    For the past six months, the war had been under a Level 3 alert. He had just video-called his uncle a couple of days ago, and the war in the Lou Bu Sea Astral Realm was supposed to be ending soon. Now, not only had it not ended, but it had escted?


    "I tried calling Dad, but he''s out of service," Li Qianqian was extremely anxious. "I called Mom, but she didn''t answer either."


    "Brother, do you think something might have happened to Dad?"

 Chapter 58: Li Changzhou’s Life and Death Unknown

    <h4>Chapter 58: Li Changzhou''s Life and Death Unknown</h4>


    "Out of service area?" Li Yuan''s heart skipped a beat. If it was temporarily unreachable, it was normal; perhaps his uncle was busy. But being out of service area only had two possibilities.


    First, his uncle''s location had a signal interference.


    Second, his uncle was in the astral realm. From what Li Yuan knew, the interior of the astral realm was very unique and seemed not to be in the same space as the normal Blue Star world. Many technological weapons became ineffective, andmunication was extremely inconvenient.


    "Could it be that my uncle has already entered the astral realm?" Li Yuan''s heart sank.


    ording to the news about the war in the Lou Bu Sea, the military and martial hall warriors had alreadyunched a counterattack deep into the astral realm. And when hemunicated with his uncle, his uncle had always said he was at the rear ''Base 7.''


    In an instant, many thoughts shed through Li Yuan''s mind.


    "Qianqian, don''t worry too much. Uncle will be fine," Li Yuan remained calm on the surface. He didn''t want to rm his sister.


    "It must be the signal being affected, that''s why it''s out of the service area. Uncle is always at the rear, even if something unexpected happens in the war, he can quickly evacuate," Li Yuanforted. "Aunt might be in ss and couldn''t answer the phone, don''t worry too much."


    Li Qianqian and Li Muhua''s middle school was not the same school where Chen Hui worked.


    "Really, brother?" Li Qianqian seemed somewhat relieved but was still full of worry. "Is Dad really at the rear?"


    "Of course," Li Yuan smiled. "Go back to ss, I''ll tell you if I hear anything."


    After hanging up the phone, the smile on Li Yuan''s face disappeared. He immediately spoke, "Little Jade, search for thetest battle situation in the Lou Bu Sea and check if the Level 2 war alert has been issued."


    A Level 3 war alert already meant arge-scale mobilization of troops and warriors for reinforcement. A Level 2 alert meant there was a risk of the entire astral realm front line beingpletely breached. All provinces would certainly providerge-scale support.


    "Yes, Master," the AI assistant responded.


    Within seconds, a holographic projection formed. It disyed a news video featuring China''s military spokesperson. The news was released thirty minutes ago. The spokesperson, dressed in military uniform, reported with a serious expression and a hint of sorrow.


    "...The secondary astral realm of Lou Bu Sea... sincest September, over 11,000 people have sacrificed... a Level 2 war alert has been issued," the spokesperson said gravely. "I believe that in this battle, China will win, humanity will win."


    Following this, the holographic disy showed one news report after another aboutrge-scale mobilizations and deployments.


    "Support teams from 29 martial arts universities."


    "Combat robot legion."


    "Aerospace forces."


    Endless multifunctionalbat vehicles speeding across the vast wilderness...


    On the airport runway, one fighter jet and aircraft after another took off continuously...


    On both sides of the high-speed rail lines, an endless stream of fully equippedbat robot legions...


    In various parts of China, thebat readiness teams stationed in the two major martial halls also began their emergency departures.


    Support from all directions.


    .....


    All these scenes highlighted the urgency and danger of the war in the Lou Bu Sea astral realm.


    Watching the news reports on the holographic screen, Li Yuan couldn''t help but clench his fists, the veins on the back of his hands bulging.


    In a sh, Li Yuan thought of the astral realm disaster he had personally experienced over a decade ago. He had survived, but his parents had left him forever.


    Was this scene going to y out again? Even if his uncle was at the so-called rear, it was still the rear of the front line. Was it really safe?


    With this thought, Li Yuan instinctively looked out the window. The sun was still shining, and the cherry blossoms were fragrant. Through the window, he could see many students continuing their martial arts training in an orderly manner, and many were even ying around.


    The Level 2 war alert had just been issued. Besides the military and the two major martial halls, most ordinary people probably weren''t aware yet. Moreover, the Northern Frontier Province was far from Jiangbei Province. A Level 2 war alert mainly involved the mobilization of military warriors, perhaps recalling retired soldiers, but it wouldn''t lead to a total mobilization and wouldn''t have a significant impact on Jiang City.


    "Little Jade, connect me to my uncle," Li Yuan said in a low voice.


    "Beep¡ª The target is out of service area, unable to contact," Little Jade responded.


    "Connect me to my aunt," Li Yuan said again.


    "Beep¡ª beep¡ª" Every second felt like a long wait.


    It connected. But Chen Hui didn''t enable the video, only voicemunication.


    "Aunt?" Li Yuan spoke directly, "Lake Lop..."


    "Little Yuan, I know, don''t worry," Chen Hui''s voice was quite calm. "As soon as I received the news, I immediately called a colleague at your uncle''spany headquarters to ask."


    "Your uncle''s location, Base 7, hasn''t been attacked. They''ve started to retreat, but the signal is likely affected."


    Chen Hui said, "He''ll probably call us tonight or tomorrow."


    "Is that so?" Li Yuan felt slightly relieved. His biggest concern was that his uncle''s location had been attacked and lost contact.


    "Yes, don''t worry too much," Chen Hui''s voice was quite rxed. "Alright, I have to go to a meeting now, I''ll hang up first."


    "Okay."


    After hanging up, Li Yuan felt a bit more at ease, less worried than before.


    Suddenly, his eyes widened. No, something''s wrong!


    "If uncle is really safe, aunt would definitely show concern, maybe evenin a bit to me," Li Yuan thought quickly. "But aunt spoke too lightly."


    This wasn''t like his aunt''s personality. At the same time, Li Yuan realized, why didn''t his aunt turn on the video?


    Could it be?


    After taking a deep breath, Li Yuan spoke again, "Little Jade, connect me to Wang Haoyu, noted as Uncle Wang."


    Wang Haoyu was his uncle''s former colleague and friend. Li Yuan remembered when he was in elementary school, Uncle Wang and his uncle Li Changzhou often drank and ate together. However, since his uncle applied for an overseas assignment, they had less contact.


    The call connected quickly, and a middle-aged man in a suit appeared on the holographic screen.


    "Uncle Wang," Li Yuan said anxiously, "Have you heard from my second uncle? Have they managed to evacuate?"


    "Little Yuan, you know everything?" Uncle Wang was slightly taken aback.


    "I know most of it," Li Yuan said anxiously. "Weren''t they saying the war was almost over? How did this happen suddenly? Do you know thetest situation, Uncle Wang?"


    "Since your aunt has told you, I won''t hide it," Uncle Wang sighed. "Base 3, where your uncle is, wasn''t attacked in the first wave, but it''s on the astral realm''s edge. Now it seems to have lost contact and might have been surrounded."


    Base 3? Li Yuan felt as if struck by lightning. His uncle wasn''t at Base 7 but Base 3?


    "But Base 3 is an advance base, the most fortified. The country is mobilizing forces for rescue," Uncle Wang said solemnly. "There is hope for rescue..."


    "Moreover," Uncle Wang hesitated, then said, "Little Yuan, I heard you have made progress in martial arts and even earned the title of ''Young Hero.'' I was so happy for you when I heard."


    "You''ve grown up. If, I mean if... the worst happens, you must stay strong and take care of your aunt and siblings, understand?" Uncle Wang looked at the white-d teenager on the other end of the video, his heart aching.


    Uncle Wang felt a pang of guilt, even thinking his words were a bit harsh. He had watched Li Yuan grow up but felt he needed to say something now.


    "I understand, I understand everything," Li Yuan said in a low voice. "Don''t worry, Uncle Wang, I''ll take care of the family."


    "Alright, I''lle to see you and your aunt in a couple of days," Uncle Wang said finally. "I''m still busy here. Call me if you need anything."


    "Okay, thank you, Uncle Wang," Li Yuan hung up the call.


    In the martial arts room, Li Yuan felt disoriented, even a bit dizzy. His mind was filled with Uncle Wang''s words¡ªBase 3! Lost contact, possibly overrun?


    And he also sensed from Uncle Wang''s words that there was a high probability his uncle wouldn''t return alive.


    "There must be hope," Li Yuan clenched his fists, his heart aching with despair. But he still held onto a sliver of hope.


    Standing still for a long time, Li Yuan seemed toe to a realization. He began sending messages to various people, including his siblings.


    Whoosh! Li Yuan bent down and picked up the spear from the floor.


    "What''s happened can''t be changed. Whether my uncle survives is up to the military and the warriors," Li Yuan gritted his teeth, his heart wrenching with worry and fear. "I can only pray my uncle returns safely."


    To Li Yuan, his uncle was no different from his father.


    "If... the worst happens," Li Yuan''s eyes reddened, "just like Uncle Wang said."


    "I have to support this family."


    "Uncle would want me to live like a man, not in sadness and despair," Li Yuan clenched his fists.


    His eyes reddened, but he didn''t shed a tear. He didn''t make any more calls or check the news. Instead, he resumed practicing his spear.


    Shadows of the spear appeared again, constantly whistling and blooming in the martial arts room. Foundation Pir, Hidden Dragon in the Valley, Mountains and Rivers ... one by one, the deadly moves of the Rock Spear technique were executed.


    "Kill!" "Kill!" At that moment, the sandbags before Li Yuan seemed to transform into fish-like creatures, into bloodthirsty astral beings.


    Li Yuan''s heart was filled with an uncontroble mix of worry, sorrow, and a hint of rage, needing an outlet.


    With each thrust and sh, time passed, and Li Yuan''s spear technique grew faster and more powerful. He was surpassing his previous limits, truly beginning to touch a new realm.

 Chapter 59: Fourth-Level Spear Technique

    <h4>Chapter 59: Fourth-Level Spear Technique</h4>


    In the past five or six days, Li Yuan''s fist technique had improved to 6% of the fourth level, but his spear technique had not yet broken through.


    The integration of body and mind is the foundation for the unity of body, mind, and weapon.


    Therefore, Li Yuan practiced the Rock Spear Technique repeatedly, and repeatedly pondered over the first move of the Starry Spear Technique.


    This continuous practice gradually increased the power of his spear technique.


    However!


    The integration of body, mind, and weapon focuses on the word ''weapon,'' meaning mastering the use of the weapon.


    A weapon is an extension of the body.


    But it is ultimately not a part of the body; the mind''s awareness and nerves cannot truly connect to the weapon.


    Thus, sensing the force within the weapon as one would sense the muscles and tendons of the body is extremely difficult.


    Over these few days, the power of his spear technique had increased.


    This indicated that Li Yuan''s perception of the excess force generated when wielding, striking, retracting, and thrusting with the weapon had be increasingly clear.


    Until today.


    Until this moment.


    When the news of his uncle''s uncertain fate arrived, Li Yuan repeatedly swung his spear filled with anger and murderous intent.


    Again and again, he practiced!


    An entire hour passed.


    Li Yuan''s mind was solely focused on the spear technique, wanting to exhaust all his energypletely.


    Finally, whether it was due to umted effort or a stroke of luck.


    "Boom!" In Li Yuan''s mind, it was as if a door had been gently pushed open.


    His powerful mental strength seemed to grow eyes, subtly prating into the weapon''s interior.


    He sensed the extremely minute forces operating within the weapon.


    "Sss!"


    The spear moved, the tip cutting through the air with dazzling arcs, unpredictable, tearing the air with a shocking sound.


    Body, mind, spear!


    The three elements fully united.


    Swish! Swish! Swish!


    Swish!


    The overwhelming spear lights flickered, enveloping Li Yuan in the center, like stars twinkling in the night sky, wless and impregnable.


    It was the ''Star Illumination,'' one of the five ultimate moves of the Starry Spear Technique.


    The Starry Spear Technique is renowned for its defense. The first move, Star Illumination, is both the starting move and the core move.


    Mastering the first move.


    Only then can one gradually develop the subsequent four moves, and ultimatelybine the five moves toprehend the essence of the stars.


    [Your spear technique has advanced from 99% of the third level to 2% of the fourth level]


    A notification shed across Li Yuan''s Divine Pce interface.


    Phew!


    This unprecedented burst,bined with the previous hours of training.


    Finally exhausted all of Li Yuan''s energy.


    Li Yuan felt unprecedented fatigue in both mind and body, a wave of tiredness surged over him, and his eyelids became heavy.


    ng! The 20-kilogram spear fell to the ground.


    Li Yuan sat down directly, theny on the ground.


    He fell asleep immediately.


    Too tired.


    ...


    Over an hourter.


    Li Yuan was already lying on the bed in his resting room, snoring loudly.


    Next to him, Zhou Qi and Li Tianyou were sweating profusely.


    Practicing the basic cultivation method continuously improves physical fitness and makes the body heavier. It took both of them a lot of effort to get Li Yuan onto the bed.


    Then, they covered him with a thin nket.


    Jiang City in March still had a bit of a chill.


    "Teacher Xu, is Li Yuan okay?" Zhou Qi couldn''t help but ask, a hint of worry in his eyes.


    "He''s fine."


    "He must have practiced his spear technique to the limit, exhausted his strength, and got too tired," Xu Bo, who stood like an iron tower beside them, said indifferently.


    "How did you know something happened to Li Yuan?" Xu Bo looked at the two of them.


    Zhou Qi and Li Tianyou exchanged nces.


    "Teacher, didn''t something happen at the Luo Bu Sea?" Li Tianyou volunteered, "Li Yuan''s uncle has always been at the Luo Bu Sea, and when Li Yuan didn''te down for dinner... we got worried and came up to check."


    "The door was ajar, and when we pushed it open, we found him," Li Tianyou exined.


    "And you?" Xu Bo looked at Lin Lanyue, who was standing by the door.


    "I saw theming out of the martial arts room in a panic, so I came to check," Lin Lanyue, dressed in a red cloud martial arts uniform today, said, "I immediately sent a message to you, Teacher."


    Lin Lanyue''s gaze fell on Li Yuan''s face.


    Xu Bo nodded slightly and asked, "Has Li Yuan''s uncle not returned to Jiang City yet?"


    "No," Zhou Qi shook his head, "ording to Li Yuan, it seems he has been staying at the frontline."


    "Okay, I understand," Xu Bo nodded, "Zhou Qi, you two go eat."


    "Yes."


    Zhou Qi and Li Tianyou left the martial arts room.


    "Lin Lanyue," Xu Bo looked at Lin Lanyue and said solemnly, "The incident with Li Yuan''s uncle seems to have affected him greatly."


    "Tomorrow afternoon."


    "You will set off for Jiangbei Martial Arts University. You are more familiar with that ce... try to help him as much as you can."


    "Li Yuan..." Xu Bo nced at Li Yuan lying on the bed and sighed, "He''s not been very lucky."


    "Unlucky?" Lin Lanyue was taken aback and asked, "His fainting has to do with his uncle? Is his uncle that important to him?"


    In Lin Lanyue''s impression, Li Yuan should have a strong will.


    "He''s an orphan."


    Xu Bo said lightly, "His uncle raised him. As far as I know, his uncle ventured to the Lob Sea to get more allowances for Li Yuan''s martial arts training."


    Lin Lanyue''s heart trembled, and she couldn''t help but nce at Li Yuan lying on the bed.


    She had no idea that Li Yuan''s background was so special.


    She had never known before.


    "Did his uncle sacrifice himself?" Lin Lanyue couldn''t help but ask.


    "Not sure," Xu Bo shook his head, "You know, the situation over there is chaotic, but looking at Li Yuan''s expression, it doesn''t seem good... Star Boundary wars are unpredictable."


    Lin Lanyue nodded slightly. Her background had given her a broad perspective.


    In some areas, even Xu Bo might not have as much insight as her.


    "Teacher Xu, I will do my best to help Li Yuan in this invitation event," Lin Lanyue said, ncing at Li Yuan again, as if she had made some kind of decision, "I will try to help him get selected for the special training list."


    "But."


    "You don''t need to tell Li Yuan about this," Lin Lanyue added, "Given his character, he probably wouldn''t want to ept direct help from others."


    "Okay, I''ll thank you on Li Yuan''s behalf," Xu Bo smiled slightly, "You can go back now, don''t worry."


    ...


    After watching Lin Lanyue leave, Xu Bo''s gaze fell on Li Yuan again, his brows furrowed slightly.


    "Is it really from practicing the spear to the limit? Can it be this exhausting?" Xu Bo muttered to himself.


    The initial tests with the resting room''s instruments confirmed that Li Yuan''s body had no major problems.


    All indicators were normal.


    Thinking of this, Xu Bo left the resting room, gently closing the door, and softly spoke, "ck Dog, I need to review the footage from Martial Arts Room 4011, requesting video ess."


    Each independent martial arts room, except for the resting room, is monitored.


    But ordinary teachers don''t have ess to view them.


    After a moment.


    "Master, request sessful. You can view the video from the past seven days," the auxiliary intelligent voice sounded.


    Buzz~


    Xu Bo''s intelligent wristband projected a light screen, disying the scene inside the martial arts room.


    "y the scene from two hours ago," Xu Bo ordered.


    The scene on the screen changed immediately, showing Li Yuan practicing his spear in the martial arts room.


    With just one look.


    "This spear technique?" Xu Bo''s eyes revealed a hint of amazement. He could clearly see the impressive improvement in Li Yuan''s spear techniquepared to before.


    Time passed.


    Fast forward! Fast forward! Xu Bo kept watching, finally stopping at the most critical moment.


    "Fourth-level spear technique!" Xu Bo''s eyes widened, full of shock.


    "Seventeen and a half years old, fourth-level spear technique?"


    Xu Bo knew that with Li Yuan''s progress speed, he would eventually break through to the fourth-level spear technique.


    But he never expected Li Yuan to break through so quickly.


    "The special training list is secured," Xu Bo grinned.


    Then, his peripheral vision caught the slightly ajar door, and his smile faded.


    "Sigh."


    ...


    After eight in the evening.


    Li Yuan slowly woke up from his deep sleep, feeling a splitting headache and extreme fatigue.


    "Am I on a bed?" Li Yuan noticed the thin nket covering him.


    The light suddenly turned on, and the door opened, the bright light was dazzling.


    Li Yuan instinctively shielded his eyes.


    "Awake?" A pleasant voice sounded. A girl in a red clouds martial arts uniform stood at the door, holding a few boxes of nutritional meals.


    "Lin Lanyue?" Li Yuan recognized the voice.


    "I just reheated the nutritional meals. They''re on the table. Get up and eat," Lin Lanyue said, "I''ll call Teacher Xu over."


    Putting down the items, Lin Lanyue turned and left.


    Li Yuan sat up, quickly regaining his senses, his headache easing quickly, "Did I copse while practicing the spear?"


    After washing up.


    Li Yuan walked out of the resting room and approached the table where four boxes of nutritional meals wereid out.


    He was starving and didn''t want to think much, so he started eating voraciously.


    "Finally awake? Seems like you have a good appetite," Xu Bo''s voice came from the door.


    "Teacher," Li Yuan put down his chopsticks and tried to stand up.


    "Don''t get up, just sit and eat," Xu Bo smiled, "The first time using the fourth-level spear technique, the massive energy consumption at once, you must be hungry."


    "Teacher knows I reached the fourth level?" Li Yuan was slightly surprised.


    Xu Bo smiled but didn''t exin.


    "Where''s Lin Lanyue?" Li Yuan instinctively looked towards the door.


    "I sent her back to practice," Xu Bo said, "She was kind enough to buy you meals around six, worried you wouldn''t have enough, so she bought four boxes."


    Li Yuan felt a warm sensation in his heart and couldn''t help but ask, "Did she find me unconscious?"


    "It was Zhou Qi and Li Tianyou who found you," Xu Bo said, "Then Lin Lanyue happened to be around and called me."


    Li Yuan nodded and continued to eat voraciously.


    He was indeed very hungry.


    "You overdid it with the spear practice, then suddenly broke through, and your body couldn''t handle the energy consumption, so you passed out," Xu Bo stood beside him, "Don''t worry, you''ll get used to it as your body adjusts."


    As he ate, Li Yuan asked, "Teacher, does breaking through to the fourth level always cause this?"


    "Usually not," Xu Bo said, "Most martial artists break through to the fourth level at around level 15, when their bodies are strong enough."


    "Your body is too weak."


    "The integration of body, mind, and weapon,bined with your mental strength being much stronger than your body, caused a massive energy drain, leading to this," Xu Bo exined.


    Li Yuan understood.


    He devoured another meal box like a whirlwind, still not feeling full.


    At this point, Li Yuan felt he could eat an entire cow.


    "Li Yuan, your uncle is at Base No. 3, right?" Xu Bo suddenly asked.


    Li Yuan was stunned, then asked excitedly, "Teacher, is there news?"


    "Base No. 3 has not fallen yet," Xu Bo said solemnly.

 Chapter 60: Sky Warrior, Blade of Civilization

    <h4>Chapter 60: Sky Warrior, de of Civilization</h4>


    "Really?" Li Yuan looked at Xu Bo excitedly, momentarily forgetting to continue eating.


    When he broke through to the fourth level of fist technique, Li Yuan was very excited and joyful. At that time, he nned to share this good news with his uncle once his rank in the Starry Combat Network was promoted to Meteor Star.


    However, upon reaching the fourth level in spear technique, Li Yuan did not feel much joy in his heart.


    It was only now, upon learning that Base No. 3 had not yet fallen, that Li Yuan''s previously suppressed emotions were greatly relieved.


    A spark of hope ignited in his heart.


    "Teacher, where did you hear this news?" Li Yuan couldn''t help but ask.


    "I heard about your uncle from Zhou Qi," Xu Bo said. "The school has some records of your uncle. I then asked someone to check the records of the Ninth Bureau of Summer Steel. Their reinforcement teams are mainly concentrated in War Bases No. 3 and No. 4."


    "At present, only Base No. 3 has lost contact," Xu Bo continued. "Given your current situation, I specte that your uncle should be at Base No. 3."


    Li Yuan nodded slightly.


    After spending so much time together, Li Yuan had long discovered that despite his teacher''s rough appearance, he was meticulous.


    "My second uncle is at Base No. 3," Li Yuan said.


    "From what I know, this is the fiercest counterattack by the alien races in the depths of the Luo Bu Sea in years. They have been umting their strength for years, luring the enemy deep..." Xu Bo briefly exined. "The casualties are significant. The first three forward war bases are besieged, with Bases No. 1 and No. 2 already fallen."


    "Base No. 3, the longest-established forward base, is the most fortified and has been confirmed to still be resisting."


    "The country has dispatched arge amount of reinforcement to suppress the alien races back within the Astral Realm of the Luo Bu Sea," Xu Bo said. "Currently, efforts are focused on rescuing Base No. 3."


    Li Yuan listened intently.


    Xu Bo''s words were simple, but the information they contained was substantial.


    "Can they be rescued?" Li Yuan couldn''t help but ask.


    "Let me show you a recentbat video. This is an internal military video, so don''t share its contents," Xu Bo said, not exining where the video came from.


    "ck Dog, y the video."


    Beep!


    An intelligent wristband on Xu Bo''s hand projected a light screen, disying a video.


    Li Yuan watched the video.


    The sky was dark, and it was raining.


    The sky was vaguely blood-colored, with majestic, continuous mountain ranges extending deep into the earth.


    The mountains were littered with countless rocks, with sparse vegetation, and faintly visible remnants of corpses, giving a rather eerie and terrifying impression.


    "The Astral Realm of the Luo Bu Sea?" Li Yuan''s pupils constricted.


    He had watched many documentaries about the Astral Realm of the Lou Bu Sea and had some understanding of it.


    "This is the periphery of the Astral Realm," Xu Bo said. "Keep watching."


    Quickly, the scene changed.


    "Boom~" At the same time, an extremely intense roaring sound came from the video.


    A massive metal war fortress, covering an enormous area and standing over a thousand meters tall, appeared in the video. The fortress was built against a mountain, resembling an indomitable steel city.


    Visible to the naked eye, countless exits appeared on the fortress''s outermostyer, revealing numerous gun barrels and cannons, looking ferocious and terrifying.


    At that moment, countless fire serpents were pouring out from those cannons.


    "Roar!"


    "Roar!" "Roar!" Numerousrge creatures with beast-like appearances were charging madly from the sky and from the valleys of the continuous mountain ranges, rushing towards the distant steel war fortress at astonishing speed.


    "Astral Realm beasts?" Li Yuan held his breath.


    Flesh and blood against thermal weapons.


    "Boom!" Countless artillery shells exploded, smoke and dust filled the air.


    Whiz! Whiz! These Astral Realm beasts, ranging from several meters to dozens of meters in size, moved at incredible speeds, spaced tens to hundreds of meters apart, dodging the firepower as they advanced.


    The high-caliber, high-rate-of-fire metal bullet streams, like fire serpents, raged crazily, hitting the ground.


    Most Astral Realm beasts, once hit by the high-caliber bullet streams or artillery shells, were instantly torn apart.


    However, when the bullet streams hit a few Astral Realm beasts, a thinyer of red light would instantly appear on their surface, causing them only to be pushed back, without tearing their bodies apart.


    Moreover, a few Astral Realm beasts with red light on their bodies could sh hundreds of meters in a moment, advancing through the metal barrage without dodging.


    It was terrifying.


    "Source power?" Li Yuan instinctively said.


    "Yes," Xu Bo also stared at the light screen, speaking softly. "Those that can withstand the metal bullet streams are at least second-tier alien races. They have cultivated source power into their bodies, making them extremely resilient and defensively terrifying."


    "In the Astral Realm , unlike on Blue Star, many high-tech weapons cannot be used."


    Li Yuan watched and listened.


    Many of the knowledge points were taught in middle and high school sses, which he had some familiarity with.


    Like ultra-high-speed missiles guided by satellites, and many long-range weapons, they are difficult to use in the Astral Realm ... because, essentially, the Astral Realm and Blue Star are not in the same world.


    The more advanced the technology, the more restricted it is.


    On the contrary, simple close-range thermal weapons, driven by gunpowder, are less affected by the environment.


    "This is Base No. 3?" Li Yuan nervously watched the video.


    The massive war fortress standing between heaven and earth was like a terrifying metal giant devouring lives, ughtering countless Astral Realm beasts on their way to attack.


    However!!


    The Astral Realm beasts suffered heavy casualties, but their numbers were staggering. They didn''t charge in all at once but spread out, minimizing their losses.


    "They''re consuming the fortress''s ammunition?" Li Yuan quickly judged.


    As time passed, in the video, under the cover of arge number of second-tier beasts, the Astral Realm beast army got closer and closer to the area where the war fortress was located.


    The Astral Realm beasts were purely sacrificing themselves to deplete the fortress''s resources.


    Li Yuan watched the intense battle in the video, extremely nervous, his fists clenched subconsciously.


    As the Astral Realm beast army gradually approached the outer defense line of the war fortress, suddenly.


    "Boom!" A seemingly insignificant exit appeared on the massive war fortress.


    The next moment.


    A golden stream of light burst out from the exit, moving at a terrifying speed, creating a visible shockwave.


    With Li Yuan''s eyesight, he could barely make out the shape of the golden light.


    Buzz~ The video instantly slowed down more than ten times.


    "What is that?" Li Yuan finally saw somewhat clearly that under the golden light was a figure, seemingly wearing a metal battle suit, holding a battle knife.


    Flying in the air!


    "A Sky Warrior?" Li Yuan held his breath, a surge of hot blood boiling in his heart.


    The legendary powerful warriors who could fly and traverse thend were the true guardians of human civilization.


    In just two seconds.


    Buzz~ The video resumed normal speed, and the dazzling golden light had already pierced through the sky, moving at an unknown multiple of the speed of sound!


    Bang~


    Bang~ Bang~ In the sky, those flying second-tier beasts screamed and fled in terror. Under the pressure of death, their flying speed soared to hundreds of meters per second.


    A few flying Astral Realm beasts even burst out near the speed of sound but were still rapidly caught up by the golden light.


    Then, golden de lights burst out in the sky.


    Each golden light marked the fall of a flying Star Boundary beast, their bodies exploding and falling to the ground.


    Then.


    The golden light dived down from thousands of meters in the sky, shattering countless rocks, like a ray of death.


    Wherever it went, powerful second-tier beasts, whether giant snakes over fifty meters long or armored beasts over twenty meters tall like small mountains, were torn apart at a nce.


    The human warrior bathed in golden light was like a ashura from hell!


    ...


    The video ended, and Xu Bo simultaneously turned off the intelligent wristband. The martial arts room fell silent.


    Li Yuan, however, stared wide-eyed, his heart surging with excitement, his blood boiling, unable to calm down for a long time.


    A Sky Warrior!


    This was the supreme power Li Yuan had imagined, capable of flying and traversing thend, roaming the world, standing at the pinnacle of human civilization.


    "Teacher, is that a Sky Warrior?" Li Yuan asked with zing eyes, looking at Xu Bo.


    "He is not yet a Sky Warrior, but in terms of strength, many Sky Warriors are not his match," Xu Bo said.


    Li Yuan felt puzzled.


    "When you enter university, you will gradually understand," Xu Bo said solemnly. "This person is called Yu Jinghe, a graduate of Starlight University. He is considered the top martial arts genius of our country in the past twenty years."


    Clearly, Xu Bo knew a lot about Yu Jinghe.


    "Yu Jinghe?" Li Yuan held his breath, remembering the name.


    Previously, Li Yuan had never heard of him.


    The world of top martial artists is mysterious and vast. They mostly operate in the Astral Realm and only appear on the front lines of wars at critical moments, serving as the sharpest de of human civilization.


    Therefore, most of the time, ordinary people rarely hear the names of Sky Warriors.


    In contrast, many source martial artists who are big streamers are more famous on the virtualwork.


    "The top martial arts genius of our country?" Li Yuan thought.


    Indeed, he was formidable.


    "The alien races of the Lou Bu Sea have been nning for years. Normally, Base No. 3 would inevitably fall," Xu Bo said solemnly. "But Yu Jinghe happened to be at Base No. 3. With him and the fortress''s defense system, there is hope of holding out until reinforcements arrive."


    "So powerful?" Li Yuan was shocked.


    "He has the strengthparable to a Sky Warrior," Xu Bo said deeply. "Each Sky Warrior is nearly a human-shaped nuclear weapon, capable of matching a million-strong army."


    "Each Sky Warrior is a pir of human civilization."


    Li Yuan listened silently.


    In the past, he knew source martial artists were powerful and had heard legends of Sky Warriors.


    But he had never directly felt the terrifying power of a Sky Warrior.


    "Yu Jinghe?"


    "Please, hold on," Li Yuan prayed in his heart. "Uncle, please survive."


    At the same time.


    After watching this video, a seed was also nted in Li Yuan''s heart.


    "A Sky Warrior!"


    "One day, I will also be a Sky Warrior, capable of matching a million-strong army, invincible in the Astral Realm."

 Chapter 61: "Nirvana Divine Codex

    <h4>Chapter 61: "Nirvana Divine Codex</h4>


    The announcement of a level-two war alert within a day had caused a huge stir, prompting reinforcements to head to the Lob Sea. However, it did not significantly affect the daily lives of most citizens in Jiang City.


    Watching the military video yed by Teacher Xu Bo, Li Yuan felt a significant relief from his previously tense state, easing much of his worry.


    At around nine in the evening, after consuming four boxes of nutritional meals and a bottle of basic blood and energy potion, Li Yuan finally felt his hunger subside and his physical fatigue recover substantially.


    "It''s true what they say," he thought. "When you''re hungry, all you can think about is eating. Once you''re full, all sorts of thoughtse flooding in."


    Li Yuan''s worry about his uncle grew stronger.


    After tidying up, he said, "Teacher, I''m heading home now."


    "Yes, go home and get everything ready," Xu Bo replied. "Tomorrow afternoon, we leave for Jiangbei Martial Arts University."


    "Understood."


    As Li Yuan walked out of the elite building, Xu Bo watched him leave the school gates, murmuring to himself, "I hope Li Yuan isn''t too affected. His spear technique has reached the fourth level, and as long as he performs normally, he should make it into the special training list at Kunlun University."


    "Once he passes this hurdle, the path ahead will be much smoother."


    Xu Bo understood that Li Yuan''s cultivation was different from that of ordinary people and required substantial resources. Getting into the core of one of the top five universities was essential.


    ...


    By ten o''clock, Li Yuan returned home. His younger brother and sister were already asleep. His aunt, with a calm demeanor,forted Li Yuan with a new set of reassuring words, telling him not to worry and to focus on preparing for the invitation event at Jiangbei Martial Arts University.


    "Alright, as long as Uncle is fine, I will strive to make it onto the special training list," Li Yuan said, choosing not to expose his aunt''s lie. He understood that she didn''t want to tell him the truth to avoid affecting his performance in the uing assessment.


    "Tomorrow," he thought, "we head to Jiangbei Martial Arts University." Returning to his room, he continued his regr training routine without a hint ofcency despite his spear technique reaching the fourth level.


    On the contrary, having witnessed the power of the Sky Warrior and feeling his own powerlessness while his uncle was in danger, Li Yuan''s drive to cultivate was stronger than ever. Persistence and gradual umtion were the foundation of achieving great sess.


    [Your life level has increased from 8.8 to 8.9]


    [Your fist technique has improved from...]


    [Your speed has increased from...]


    Three consecutive notifications appeared on his Divine Pce interface.


    "Breaking through the fourth level of fist technique," he noted. "Today''s breakthrough in spear technique to the fourth level has led to perfect control over my body''s strength, significantly enhancing my basic cultivation method''s efficiency." Li Yuan nodded to himself. His cultivation efficiency was already faster than most elite ss students and would only continue to elerate.


    ...


    At around one in the morning, while Li Yuan was still training at home using the "Observing the Great Sun Starry Sky Scripture," in the Starry Sky South Lake Community of Guanshan District, the name of themunity was ordinary, but it was one of the topmunities in the district and even in Jiang City.


    Thismunity housed families of martial artists from the Starry Sky Martial Hall, and residents were at least level 15 martial artists. On the east side of themunity, in an enormous, mansion-like standalone vi with tight security, there were not only guards but alsobat robots patrolling, and a flying vehicle parked on thewn.


    In the vi''s basement, an expansive martial arts hall over a thousand square meters in size was equipped with luxurious, state-of-the-art facilities, including a 60-meter-long speed testing track.


    In the center of the martial arts room, a young girl in a Red Clouds practice uniform meditated with closed eyes.


    "Boom~" Around her, fiery red lights, resembling dancing mes, continuously emerged and gathered behind her. Gradually, the shadow of a ming phoenix tree formed behind her, with a ming bird circling it, appearing both real and illusory.


    "This... Little sister, she..." A young man in a blue martial arts uniform standing nearby was shocked at the sight. "Burning Phoenix Tree, Phoenix Soul Refining."


    "My little sister has truly met the requirements to cultivate the ''Nirvana Divine Codex'' before turning eighteen." The young man was dumbfounded. His father had hinted at this possibility before his return, but he had always been skeptical.


    Since childhood, except for her perseverance in cultivation, his little sister had always been less talentedpared to him and their elder brother.


    "Dad is always right," the young man muttered.


    Time passed slowly, and the young man patiently waited. Seeing his sister meet the requirements for cultivating the ''Nirvana Divine Codex'' promised a bright future, which made him, as her brother, genuinely happy.


    Another quarter of an hour passed.


    As the red light gradually merged into Lin Lanyue''s body, she showed signs of pain but endured it with gritted teeth. She could clearly feel the significant transformation urring within her body, as if it was a leap in the level of life itself.


    Finally, everything settled down.


    "Phew!" Lin Lanyue gradually returned to normal. Her skin became more radiant, and a faint me mark appeared on her forehead. When the mark slowly fused into her brow, she opened her eyes.


    "My physical condition...?" Lin Lanyue clenched her fists, sensing the dramatic enhancement in her physical fitness, and couldn''t help but look at the young man in the distance. "Second Brother?"


    "Your physical fitness was already at level 9.6, and now it should surpass level 10.0, meeting the baseline requirement for bing a formal martial artist," the young man smiled.


    "The improvement is so fast? Will it affect my future progress?" Lin Lanyue hesitated. She knew that many treasures that provided rapid enhancement often consumed life potential, limiting future achievements.


    "No," the young man reassured her. "What you consumed was the ''Crimson Dawn Fire Essence Crystal'' that Mother obtained from Fei Xing, which perfectlyplements the ''zing Phoenix Blood Stone'' Father helped you refine into your body years ago."


    "Its main function is to promote your secondary spiritual awakening. In fact, most of these treasures'' effects haven''t even fully manifested yet. As you continue to cultivate, their benefits will unfold gradually."


    Lin Lanyue nodded slightly. She had rarely taken auxiliary cultivation potions like basic blood and energy potions. However, as her body fully developed, her physical fitness improvement speed had significantly increased, primarily due to the foundational treasures left in her body by her father.


    "Second Brother, did I seed just now?" Lin Lanyue couldn''t help but ask.


    "You did," the young man said with emotion. "As Father predicted, you''ve met the requirements to cultivate the ''Nirvana Divine Codex.''"


    "I don''t get it. Both my elder brother and I attempted secondary spiritual awakenings back then but failed. We''ve been stuck cultivating the ''me Burning Heaven Cultivation Method'' and are still only level 29 source martial artists," he chuckled, shaking his head. "If Mother knows you''ve reached the requirements for the ''Nirvana Divine Codex,'' she''ll be very happy."


    "Mother?" Lin Lanyue''s eyes dimmed slightly. She hadn''t seen her mother in many years. Her father and elder brother were also busy. Only her second brother asionally visited her.


    "Where''s Father? Why isn''t he here today?" Lin Lanyue asked.


    "He went to the Lou Bu Sea," the young man said solemnly. "The situation there is intense. The country predicts that the probability of the alien races expanding the entrance to the Lou Bu Sea Astral Realm to a level-three star boundary is very high."


    "A level-three Astral Realm?" Lin Lanyue was shocked. She knew what this meant. There were many level-two Astral Realm on Blue Star, but only one level-three Astral Realm had ever appeared. Another level-three astral realm? And within China?


    It would be catastrophic.


    "No wonder the country issued a level-two war alert," Lin Lanyue thought.


    "Therefore, the Martial Arts Bureau specificallymunicated with Father, asking him to go," the young man exined. "If the situation bes most dangerous, having a powerhouse like Father is essential to prevent the frontline from copsingpletely."


    Lin Lanyue nodded lightly, understanding her father''s importance to the country.


    "Little sister," the young man continued, "I have to leave soon after this. You need to keep working hard in theing months."


    "Achieve good results in your exams. After the college entrance examination, the family''s review team wille."


    "Just arrived, and now leaving again?" Lin Lanyue frowned.


    "I''m the head of the department, with many people waiting on me. I can''tpletely stop," the young man patted her head affectionately. "Don''t worry, I''lle back to see you once the Peni Star Boundary matter is resolved."


    "If there''s anything, we can also talk through the virtualwork."


    "Okay, I know. Don''t worry," Lin Lanyue smiled.


    Although she was reluctant to see her second brother leave, she knew the importance of priorities.


    ...


    March 14, Saturday, 2 p.m.


    First High School in Guanshan District.


    While other students were training in the martial arts ssroom, a vice principal, Xu Bo, and the senior year director were already standing on the yground with Li Yuan, Lin Lanyue, Gu Qianghan, and eight other students, waiting.


    Li Yuan and Gu Qianghan both carried backpacks.


    "Li Yuan, have you been to Jiangbei Martial Arts University before?" Gu Qianghan asked softly.


    "No," Li Yuan shook his head slightly. The campus of Jiangbei Martial Arts University was over a hundred kilometers from Jiang City and strictly controlled.


    "I''ve been there twice, both times with my sister," Gu Qianghan smiled. "She has a permanent pass and can bring people along."


    "Oh?" Li Yuan was somewhat surprised, ncing at Lin Lanyue, who was meditating with her eyes closed. He knew her family was well-off, but having a permanent pass for Jiangbei Martial Arts University?


    "They''re here," Xu Bo suddenly said, looking at the sky.


    Whoosh!


    Arge aircraft, resembling an airship, rapidly descended from high altitude and then slowed down quickly, graduallynding on the school yground.


    It was a massive structure, over seventy meters long and more than twenty meters high, streamlined and emitting a blue glow.


    Very beautiful.


    "A level-two aircraft, RB9 general type, mostly used for short-distance passenger transport," Gu Qianghan recognized it at a nce and murmured, "As expected of Jiangbei Martial Arts University, very generous."


    A level-two aircraft? Li Yuan was secretly amazed. He knew that the aircraft on Blue Star were ssified into ordinary, level-one, level-two, and level-three... The ssification was mainly based on flight speed and defense capability, with each level having multiple types based on their purpose.


    For example, a level-two aircraft indicated that once it was sealed and fully elerated, it could withstand attacks from level-two source martial artists without being destroyed.


    Its flight speed? At full speed, it was at least supersonic, and several times the speed of sound was not umon.


    Buzz~ The cabin door slowly opened.


    "Prepare to board," Xu Bo said softly.

 Chapter 62: Temporarily Classified as Grade A

    <h4>Chapter 62: Temporarily ssified as Grade A</h4>


    Crack~ The cabin door opened fully, an automatic locking mechanism preventing it from closing abruptly. Then, a staircase slowly extended from the doorway,nding steadily on the yground.


    A middle-aged man in a ck martial arts uniform and a young man in a suit appeared at the doorway, following the steps down.


    "You must be Professor Ming, a pleasure to meet you," the vice principal extended his hand.


    The middle-aged man in the martial arts uniform gave a polite smile, "Hello."


    Then, the middle-aged man turned his gaze to Xu Bo, standing nearby, "Xu Bo, long time no see."


    "Senior Ming," Xu Bo greeted with a touch of respect, "I didn''t expect you toe."


    Xu Bo knew how formidable this middle-aged man was. He appeared to be in his forties but was actually eighty years old, a powerful source martial artist and a renowned professor at Jiangbei Martial Arts University, highly respected in the province.


    Xu Bo had once met him briefly. Martial artists have excellent memories, and once they meet someone, they rarely forget.


    "Haha, why wouldn''t Ie?" Senior Ming smiled, "I''m here not just to see you, but to check on the future talents of Jiangbei Province."


    They conversed like old friends.


    "These must be the students your school is rmending this year," Senior Ming''s gaze turned to Li Yuan and the others, his eyes shing with a sharp glint.


    Boom! Boom!


    As his gaze swept over them, Li Yuan instantly felt a powerful oppressive force, his heart pounding.


    It felt like an ordinary person encountering a tiger staring at them from three meters away in the wild.


    His soul was about to explode!


    Fortunately, Li Yuan''s mental strength had already reached level 15, and he had been tempered by the burning sun in his mental pce day and night, his will bing exceptionally strong.


    He remained unfazed!


    In contrast, the other nine students, except for Lin Lanyue and Gu Qianghan, subconsciously took two steps back.


    Some students even let out a cry before realizing nothing was wrong, lowering their heads in embarrassment.


    "Psychic pressure?" Li Yuan thought.


    He recalled from his "Basic Martial Arts Course" book that the stronger a being''s vitality, spirit, and will, the more they naturally exuded a biological maic field that oppressed weaker life forms around them.


    This is what ordinary people refer to as ''aura.''


    "Not bad, all good seedlings," Senior Ming''s aura returned to normal as he smiled.


    "You''re too kind, Senior Ming," the vice principal responded politely.


    Whoosh!


    Senior Ming stepped forward, his figure appearing phantom-like as he crossed ten meters to stand before Lin Lanyue.


    Everyone immediately looked over.


    "Senior Ming," Lin Lanyue greeted respectfully.


    "Lin Lanyue?" Senior Ming''s voice softened, "It seems the Lin family is producing another outstanding heroine."


    "You know me, Senior?" Lin Lanyue was slightly surprised.


    "Yes," Senior Ming smiled, "Years ago, I coborated with your father. I have great respect for him."


    Everyone around was astonished, their eyes fixed on Lin Lanyue. They could tell from the conversation that her father was quite extraordinary.


    "Senior Ming''s attitude is surprisingly good," the vice principal and the senior year director were both surprised.


    They did not know the true background of Lin Lanyue. The ''family information'' she presented was optimized.


    "Thank you, Senior Ming," Lin Lanyue said modestly.


    "Work hard," Senior Ming smiled.


    Then he turned to Li Yuan, standing nearby, "What''s your name, student?"


    "Li Yuan," he responded respectfully.


    "Li Yuan?" Senior Ming smiled, "I''ll remember that. Li Yuan, if you don''t choose one of the top five universities, Jiangbei Martial Arts University''s ''Martial Artist ss'' will always wee you. I''ll keep a special training contract ready for you."


    "What?" Everyone was shocked.


    "Li Yuan is that strong?" Gu Qianghan looked at Li Yuan curiously.


    Other students were equally stunned.


    A spot in the Martial Artist ss at Jiangbei Martial Arts University? Most students present didn''t care much about that.


    As top ten students in their grade, their goals were the top five universities.


    But to have a special training contract reserved specifically?


    This meant Senior Ming had high expectations for Li Yuan, believing his potential far exceeded that of the other students present.


    "Li Yuan didn''t score higher than us in the mock exam," some students exchanged confused nces, wondering if Li Yuan''s strength was far beyond theirs. But none dared to show it.


    "For me? Reserving a special training contract?" Li Yuan was also taken aback.


    Could Senior Ming, like Master Wan, also sense the uniqueness of his mental strength?


    "Li Yuan, thank Senior Ming," Xu Bo urged quietly.


    "Thank you for your kindness, Senior," Li Yuan said respectfully.


    "Haha, no need to be so polite," Senior Mingughed, then addressed all the students, "I know your goals are the top five universities, but you can also consider Jiangbei Martial Arts University as a backup choice."


    "Furthermore, observers from the top five universities will be present at this event."


    "I hope you all strive hard during these five days."


    "Alright, board the aircraft."


    ...


    As the aircraft departed, the vice principal couldn''t help but ask Xu Bo, "Do you know who Lin Lanyue''s father is?"


    "No," Xu Bo shook his head.


    "And Li Yuan?" the senior year director was curious, "In terms of grades, Li Yuan doesn''t even match Lin Lanyue. Why is Senior Ming so partial to him?"


    "Maybe he wants to adopt Li Yuan as his godson," Xu Bo joked.


    The senior year director was speechless.


    ...


    Inside the aircraft, besides Senior Ming and a few teachers from Jiangbei Martial Arts University, there were already a dozen students seated. Judging by their school badges, they were from other schools in Guanshan District.


    "Looks like they''re from First High School."


    "They have so many spots, our school only got two."


    "Don''tin. Their tenth-ranked student probably has better grades than your top student."


    Students from other schools murmured among themselves.


    "Sit ording to your numbers and fasten your seatbelts," the young man in a suit instructed.


    Lin Lanyue, Li Yuan, Gu Qianghan, and the others sat in two rows ording to their grades.


    Li Yuan, ranking sixth in the grade, sat opposite Lin Lanyue.


    "Thanks for yesterday," Li Yuan said softly to Lin Lanyue.


    "It was nothing," Lin Lanyue nodded.


    Gu Qianghan was curious, "Sis, what happened with you and Li Yuan yesterday?"


    "Sit down and shut up," Lin Lanyue said coldly.


    Gu Qianghan dared not ask further.


    "Li Yuan, have you awakened your martial spirit?" the short-haired, sturdy youth sitting in the middle looked at Li Yuan with curiosity and a hint of fighting spirit.


    Other students also looked at Li Yuan curiously.


    They remembered the scene earlier where Senior Ming treated Li Yuan differently.


    "No," Li Yuan shook his head.


    "Not awakened?" the sturdy youth was puzzled, "Then why did Senior Ming..."


    "I don''t know," Li Yuan shook his head.


    The sturdy youth frowned, about to ask further.


    "Dong Haifeng," Lin Lanyue suddenly spoke coldly, "Didn''t anyone teach you not to pry into others'' privacy?"


    "Lanyue, you?" Dong Haifeng''s face changed.


    "Lanyue is what you call her?" Gu Qianghan was displeased, "Use her full name."


    Dong Haifeng was stunned, looking at Lin Lanyue by the window. She had closed her eyes, clearly not wanting to engage with him.


    "Got it," Dong Haifeng muttered.


    Then, his gaze swept over Li Yuan, a faint trace of disdain in his eyes.


    But he said nothing more.


    Disliking someone doesn''t require words.


    "Dong Haifeng?" Li Yuan, with his strong mental strength, sensed his emotions.


    Dong Haifeng, whose martial arts grades were consistently in the top three of the grade, wasparable to Gu Qianghan.


    Li Yuan didn''t know why Dong Haifeng disliked him but didn''t care.


    "I''m not a Blue Star coin, I can''t be liked by everyone," Li Yuan shook his head slightly, "Even Blue Star coins are called the source of all evil by some."


    ...


    Jiangbei Martial Arts University, in its most central area, had a towering steel war fortress over 300 meters high, exuding a strong sense of technological prowess.


    From a distance, it looked like a futuristic steel city.


    Inside the steel city, in a small conference room, over ten men and women in uniform sat in a circle.


    Their uniforms bore a badge with a towering mountain emblem on the chest.


    "The students for the invitation event will arrive this afternoon."


    "These eighty-eight students are our main targets for this visit. Try to persuade them to apply to Kunlun Martial Arts University," said a bald, burly man, around fifty years old, sitting at the head of the table.


    "We''ve quickly reviewed their profiles. Each target has been assigned to you."


    "Three S-level targets."


    "Thirteen A-level targets."


    "Seventy-two B-level targets."


    "Prepare detailed assessment reports. Once you determine a student meets the B-level criteria, interview and sign them immediately. Understood?" the bald man asked in a deep voice.


    "Understood," everyone responded in unison.


    "Any additions?" the bald man asked.


    "Dean Li," a gentle voice suddenly spoke, "I would like to add another assessment target."


    Everyone turned to look.


    "Old Fan?" Dean Li looked over.


    The speaker was an unremarkable-looking elder in his sixties.


    It was Fan Jin, a teacher from Kunlun Martial Arts University''s ''Eighth College.''


    "Who?" Dean Li inquired.


    "Li Yuan," Fan Jin replied.


    "Li Yuan?" Dean Li pondered, "A student from First High School in Guanshan District, Li Yuan?"


    "Yes," Fan Jin nodded.


    "His martial arts skills are decent, A-level standard, but other aspects are average, not enough for B-level," Dean Li shook his head.


    He was thoroughly familiar with the profiles of over a thousand students participating in the invitation event.


    "The information is iplete," Fan Jin said directly. "I''ll add two points."


    "First, his skills are top-notch, already in the top thousand of the Blue Star youth rankings, meeting the S-level standard baseline."


    "Second, his mental strength talent is exceptionally strong,parable to a level-15 martial artist," Fan Jin stated.


    The teachers present were all astonished.


    "Is the information reliable?" Dean Li''s eyes lit up as he asked.


    "Reliable. Last October, he signed a B-level contract with Starlight Martial Hall," Fan Jin confirmed.


    "Alright, temporarily ssify him as A-level, and prioritize his assessment," Dean Li said to Fan Jin. "Old Fan, you''re in charge."


    "Five dayster, I want a detailed assessment report on him."

 Chapter 63: Jiangbei Martial Arts University

    <h4>Chapter 63: Jiangbei Martial Arts University</h4>


    The atmosphere inside the aircraft gradually calmed down as the flight continued. Each student quietly sat in their assigned seat, some with their eyes closed, while others nced around curiously.


    The aircraft made several stops along the way. After picking up students from over ten schools, there were now more than fifty students onboard. The aircraft finally elerated, soaring into the sky.


    From the city center to Jiangbei Martial Arts University campus, it was only a little over a hundred kilometers. The level-two aircraft, traveling at full speed, reached its destination in just a few minutes.


    Slowly descending, the aircraftnded. At four in the afternoon, the cabin door opened, and over fifty students followed Senior Ming and other teachers, disembarking one by one.


    They arrived at arge airport. There were over a hundred aircraft parked on the surrounding runways, most of them looking simr to the one they had taken. Besides the terminal building, there was a distinctive metal tower nearby, with hundreds of students standing densely under it.


    In the distance, at the horizon, stood a massive war fortress, several hundred meters tall.


    "A war fortress?" Many students couldn''t help but exim in awe.


    Li Yuan also couldn''t help but stare.


    In the city, apart from a few special buildings, most were not taller than twelve floors. But the massive war fortress in the distance had smooth, geometrically beautiful lines and a cold technological feel. The fortress''s surface seemed to use reflective materials, constantly flickering with changing light and shadow. Faintly visible were denseser turrets, electromaic turrets, and numerous droneunch tforms.


    With just one nce, Li Yuan was reminded of the thousand-meter-tall ''Base No. 3'' in the Astral Realm of the Luo Bu Sea he had seen in the video; they were very simr. However, watching a video and seeing it in person broughtpletely different impacts.


    "I''ve heard about the war fortress at Jiangbei Martial Arts University, but there are very few photos online," Li Yuan thought. "Why does the university have a war fortress?"


    "Everyone, look over here," the man in the suit leading the group called out. "Let me introduce it to you. The war fortress you see in the distance is ssified as a level-two war fortress within the Seven Star Alliance. It serves as the main teaching building of Jiangbei Martial Arts University."


    "At the same time, it is also a military base. Therefore, during the entire event, photography is strictly prohibited in the campus. Everyone should understand this."


    Main teaching building? Military base? Both in one ce? Many students were puzzled.


    "You are all about to be students of a martial arts university and need to start changing your mindset," the young man in the suit smiled. "Ordinary university students are still ordinary people, just like countless civilians, and are protected."


    "But martial arts university students are not ordinary people. Each martial arts university is a ce where many top martial artists gather for teaching, and vast resources are invested."


    "Every martial arts university student is a reserve soldier. The country invests a lot of resources into martial arts universities for what reason?" the young man in the suit smiled.


    "To kill the enemy and protect the nation!" some students instinctively replied. This was something ingrained in their education from a young age.


    "Exactly. When the timees," the man in the suit said solemnly, "any martial arts university student must unconditionallyply with military conscription."


    Li Yuan, Lin Lanyue, and the others all became serious, listening attentively. Every student aspiring to be a martial artist knew that when entering a martial arts university, they had to sign a ''conscription contract,'' meaning they were bing reserve soldiers.


    A martial artist not only signifies strong power and high social status but also the responsibility of protecting human civilization. Martial artists have the duty to kill enemies and protect the nation. If someone is not prepared for this mindset, they should not apply to martial arts universities and instead live as an ordinary person.


    "Simrly, whether it is one of the top five universities or a provincial martial arts university, the location is chosen with purpose," the young man in the suit continued. "You will understand in the future."


    "Now, look here. The nearby metal tower is an electromaic tower, considered a high-endnd-based arsenal core, part of the outer defenses of the war fortress," the young man in the suit exined. "With many martial artists and military presence in the city, it is very safe."


    "But here, with vast open spaces and frequent aircraft stops, it is easy for flying Astral Realm creatures to attack. So, we have specially built an electromaic weapon tower next to the terminal."


    "Within a radius of dozens of kilometers, any flying Astral Realm creatures that dare to appear or approach will be directly killed by the electromaic cannons in the tower," the young man in the suit exined. "To save energy, it is currently in a hidden state."


    "If fully deployed, there would be over a hundred electromaic cannons," he smiled.


    Many students were amazed. They rarely saw such war weapons while staying in the city.


    "Let''s go."


    "Gather over here. Most of the people have arrived." The young man in the suit led the group toward the base of the electromaic tower.


    In fact, the hundreds of students already waiting under the tower couldn''t help but look over.


    "It looks like more students from Jiang City."


    "There are so many of them. This is the third group."


    "Jiang City gets so many spots."


    "It''s not that Jiang City gets more spots; it''s that their scores are high. University admissions are based on scores, and over a third of the students admitted to Jiangbei Martial Arts University are from Jiang City."


    "Haha, I''m going topete this time. What''s so great about Jiang City?"


    "None of them are handsome." Students from various parts of Jiangbei Province murmured among themselves.


    The students invited to this event were all elite students from across the province. Most of them were prominent figures in their own schools, often ranking first in their grades, naturally carrying some pride.


    The dozens of students from Guanshan District, with Lin Lanyue and Li Yuan at the core, walked over.


    It couldn''t be helped; First High School in Guanshan District had the most students, and Lin Lanyue and Li Yuan had the highest reputations.


    As Lin Lanyue walked next to Li Yuan, she suddenly said softly, "Li Yuan, see that boy over there ying with his smart wristband? His name is Tian Dazhuang. Remember him."


    "Tian Dazhuang?" Li Yuan was taken aback. The name was quite unusual. He looked over and saw an unremarkable boy with short, stout limbs who would be hard to spot in a crowd.


    "What about him?" Li Yuan asked.


    "He''s from the mountainous area of Shizhou," Lin Lanyue whispered. "His family is very poor, but he scored full marks in martial arts skills in the mock exam."


    "Full marks?" Li Yuan was surprised and couldn''t help but take another look at the boy named Tian Dazhuang.


    "Also, the girl in the white clothes from Xiangzhou," Lin Lanyue continued. "Her name is Wang Yu, and she also scored full marks in martial arts skills in the mock exam."


    "Wang Yu?" Li Yuan noted. The girl named Wang Yu wore a tight martial arts uniform, had an excellent figure but an ordinary appearance, far less striking than Lin Lanyue.


    "Anyone else?" Li Yuan couldn''t help but ask.


    "Do you think full marks in martial arts skills are like cabbages? Thest one is Wu Dongdong from the city, but she hasn''t arrived yet," Lin Lanyue shook her head and smiled. "However, a few months have passed since the mock exam. It''s possible others have also made breakthroughs."


    Li Yuan mused to himself. Could there be breakthroughs? If so, that would be him.


    "Remembering them, are we going to fight?" Li Yuan asked.


    "Didn''t you read the schedule?" Lin Lanyue nced at him. "There''s a martial arts skills assessment tonight. Did you think it would be like the college entrance exam with individual tests?"


    "Isn''t it?" Li Yuan was puzzled. He had read the schedule but it didn''t have detailed exnations for each item.


    "A cage battle. Thest one standing wins," Lin Lanyue exined briefly.


    Li Yuan''s pupils contracted. This was abat mode from the Starry Combat Network. It was brutal.


    "Avoid these top experts as much as possible. If you can survive to the end in any match, your evaluation will be higher in the eyes of the observers from the top five universities," Lin Lanyue whispered. "For universities, they don''t just look at scores but value realbat ability more."


    Li Yuan nodded slightly. If someone without absolute strength advantage wins in a chaotic battle, it proves theirbat capability.


    After all, realbat isn''t about scores. The stronger one can still lose to the weaker.


    Knowing others'' strength in advance bes crucial.


    "There are about ten others with martial arts scores over 380. They might have also broken through. I''ll point them out to you, and you remember them," Lin Lanyue said, pointing them out one by one and mentioning their names and scores.


    With his strong mental strength, it wasn''t difficult for Li Yuan to remember a dozen people in a short time.


    After memorizing them all, Li Yuan asked softly, "Why are you helping me?"


    The mock exam scores of various cities weren''t publicly disclosed, and looking up each city''s results wasn''t easy. The key was getting these people''s appearances and remembering them, which was very challenging.


    Normally, who would pay attention to other city''s scores and remember people''s faces? Even in their own city, remembering the top student was impressive enough.


    "Friends help each other," Lin Lanyue smiled. "I''m hoping you can help me during thebat assessment."


    Li Yuan also smiled. Helping Lin Lanyue?


    When he saw Senior Ming''s special treatment in the school yground, Li Yuan used ''detection'' on Lin Lanyue and confirmed her physical fitness had reached an impressive 10.1.


    This exceeded the full score standard in the college entrance exam physical fitness test.


    But Li Yuan didn''t mention it.


    "Alright, mutual help," Li Yuan agreed.


    He felt that from yesterday to today, his rtionship with Lin Lanyue had indeed be more like that of normal friends.


    Moreover, he genuinely appreciated her help. The information was timely.


    With his spear skills just breaking through to the fourth level, he might not win against Tian Dazhuang or Wang Yu.


    As Li Yuan and Lin Lanyue chatted, other students watched from a distance.


    Suddenly, another aircraft arrived, bringing down another group of students.


    "Looks like they''re from Jiang City," Lin Lanyue remarked.


    Li Yuan was surprised; he couldn''t tell at all.


    Leading the group was a ponytailed girl, bouncing and looking around curiously.


    "Gu Qiang, your good friend is here," Lin Lanyue turned to Gu Qianghan, who was boasting to a girl.


    "Good friend? Who?" Gu Qianghan turned his head, his eyes widening. "Damn, that little lunatic."


    He tried to run, but it was toote.


    Whoosh! The ponytailed girl instantly appeared before him, smiling, "Little Qiang, long time no see."


    "Dongdong, it has been a while. You look even prettier," Gu Qianghan forced a smile.

 Chapter 64: Cage Battle, Aiming for First Place

    <h4>Chapter 64: Cage Battle, Aiming for First ce</h4>


    "Did you just try to run away when you saw me?" the ponytailed girl stared at Gu Qianghan.


    "No, I just needed to go to the bathroom," Gu Qianghan quickly shook his head.


    "Really?" The girl''s eyes were filled with suspicion.


    "Really." Gu Qianghan said firmly.


    "Then why didn''t you go?" The girl continued to stare at him.


    "Seeing you made me forget about going to the bathroom," Gu Qianghan blurted out.


    "Bullshit, just admit you wanted to run. Anyway, when I want to beat you up, you can''t escape," the girl snorted.


    The pretty girl beside themughed.


    Gu Qianghan''s face turned green. Just moments ago, he was boasting to the pretty girl about how impressive he was.


    "I''m not talking to you anymore." The ponytailed girl turned her head and looked at Lin Lanyue not far away, her eyes lighting up. She jumped over, calling out, "Sister Yueyue!"


    "Dongdong, long time no see," Lin Lanyue smiled, opening her arms to hug the ponytailed girl.


    Lin Lanyue was half a head taller than the girl, like an elder sister hugging a younger sister.


    Li Yuan watched them from the side.


    After releasing Lin Lanyue, the ponytailed girl looked at Li Yuan curiously and hesitantly asked, "Are you Li Yuan?"


    "Yes," Li Yuan nodded.


    "You''re more handsome than Sister Yueyue described," the ponytailed girl grinned, showing her small tiger teeth, and extended her hand, "Hi, I''m Wu Dongdong."


    "Wu Dongdong?" Li Yuan looked at the girl.


    "She is Wu Dongdong," Lin Lanyue smiled at Li Yuan. "She was the top scorer in the mock exam in Jiang City. Don''t be fooled by her appearance."


    "Yes," Li Yuan nodded slightly, still finding it somewhat unreal.


    She had perfect scores in both martial arts skills and physical fitness in the exam.


    A martial arts prodigy so rare that Jiangbei Province might not see another in a year, and likely one of the top in her age group globally. It was hard to reconcile that with the ponytailed girl before him.


    "Sister Yueyue said your martial arts skills are exceptional, and not many can impress her," Wu Dongdong looked at Li Yuan and extended her smart wristband, "Add me on V, and let''s spar on thebatworkter."


    "Sure," Li Yuan smiled, adding her as a friend.


    Li Yuan noticed that Wu Dongdong had a straightforward personality, exceptional talent, and was very familiar with Lin Lanyue, suggesting she came from a significant background.


    "Dongdong, sparring on thebatwork is fine," Lin Lanyue said softly, "but during the skills assessmentter, in the cage battle, if you encounter Li Yuan..."


    "Got it," Wu Dongdong nodded like a pecking chick, "If I meet Sister Yueyue or Li Yuan, I''ll take out the others first, and then we''ll have a duel."


    "What about me?" Gu Qianghan leaned in with anticipation.


    "You''ll be the first to go down."


    ...


    Time passed, and more aircraft arrived.


    By four in the afternoon, everyone had arrived.


    Senior Ming then gave a rousing speech, finally announcing the start of the invitation tour.


    After that, everyone received a campus ID card.


    First item: Campus Tour.


    ...


    Li Yuan had to admit, Jiangbei Martial Arts University was indeed enormous, far surpassing ordinary universities in size.


    They took a tour bus for an hour just to see the main campus, not even including the interiors of various teaching buildings.


    "So, Li Yuan, you see, martial arts university students usually get around by running," Gu Qianghan pointed to the sides of the road, where students were jogging or sprinting, "Bikes aren''t allowed on campus."


    Li Yuan looked around. Indeed, there were very few leisurely strolling students, most were jogging or sprinting.


    Li Yuan had heard about this online, but it was his first time seeing it in person.


    Scenesmon in ordinary universities, like couples strolling, chatting on the grass, or exploring the mysteries of the human body in the woods, were rare here.


    After a brief tour of Jiangbei Martial Arts University, Li Yuan''s impression was summed up in four words: "Veryrge! Very fast!"


    ...


    After the tour, it was time for dinner.


    "Ten Blue Star coins?" Li Yuan looked at the sumptuous meal on the table, surprised.


    Outside, this would cost at least two hundred Blue Star coins.


    "These ten coins are to prevent waste; the food is essentially free," Gu Qianghan exined. "Martial arts university students receive monthly allowances on their campus cards. It''s generally more than enough for food and lodging, which are actually free, with additional allowances. However, the supply of auxiliary training resources is limited."


    "Every month, there''s a ranking, and the higher the rank, the more training resources you get."


    As Li Yuan ate, he listened to Gu Qianghan''s exnation.


    It was clear that Gu Qianghan knew a lot about martial arts universities.


    "If the benefits at Jiangbei Martial Arts University are this good, what about the top five universities?" The more Li Yuan learned, the more determined he became, "I must get into one."


    "And strive to get into the core."


    Once admitted to one of the top five universities, he couldpletely alleviate his uncle and aunt''s financial burden.


    "Uncle?" Li Yuan thought of the war in the Astral Realm of the Lou Bu Sea, his eyes dimming as he continued eating.


    Wu Dongdong suddenly pped the table and muttered, "I''m going to get another serving."


    She then got up and dashed out.


    "She eats so fast?" Li Yuan was shocked.


    He was only halfway through his meal.


    "You''reparing yourself to her in eating speed?" Gu Qianghan looked at Li Yuan with a strange expression, "Li Yuan, this is her domain."


    Li Yuanughed.


    So, Wu Dongdong was a foodie.


    In ten minutes, Wu Dongdong had gotten fourrge servings and finished them all.


    Li Yuan prided himself on being a big eater but had to concede.


    "Li Yuan, Dongdong''s physical talent is very unique," Lin Lanyue exined, "Her digestion speed is unmatched."


    "Besides normal high-level training, she has to consume two Source Force Pills every month," Lin Lanyue smiled.


    "Incredible," Li Yuan sincerely admired.


    In martial training, normal growth has limits.


    For a martial artist, being able to eat and quickly digest is an exceptional talent, ensuring rapid physical growth.


    "Indeed."


    "At school, it felt like a small pond. Apart from Lin Lanyue, no one could match me," Li Yuan put down his chopsticks, his gaze sweeping over the still-eating Wu Dongdong.


    In the distance were many students. Li Yuan tried using his Divine Pce to detect them.


    Any random student had a physical fitness level above 8.


    "Coming to this event and seeing the province''s top high school elites made me realize my shorings," Li Yuan understood one of the purposes of the national invitation event.


    It was to show these students.


    Top of your grade? Top of your county? High martial arts talent?


    Even if you''re one in a thousand, Jiangbei Province alone produces thousands of such talents each year.


    What about the entire China? The world?


    How many martial arts prodigies emerge annually in all of human civilization?


    "One step at a time."


    "From middle school until now, I''ve worked hard to have the opportunity to participate in this invitation event," Li Yuan''s eyes were filled with longing, "I must seize this opportunity."


    ...


    At eight in the evening, all the visiting students, holding their student cards, entered their assigned amodations at Jiangbei Martial Arts University.


    "A t?"


    Many ''poor students'' like Li Yuan were shocked.


    "Normally, two students share a martial arts room, with an area exceeding 800 square meters, including a martial arts room, bedroom, therapy room, and dining room. There are regr housekeeping services," the senior student leader exined with a smile. "Top 20% of students each semester get individual martial arts rooms."


    "Top 5% get vis, excluding gardens, with a total usable area of 1,200 square meters."


    "You''re here for thepetition, so two people share a room. Don''tin," the senior student leader joked.


    Li Yuan and the others finally understood why the martial arts university campus was sorge.


    Just the dormitory area was enormous.


    "No wonder martial arts student quotas are not high," Li Yuan sighed, "Even without training resources, just the amodation costs are staggering."


    Jiangbei Martial Arts University amodates around 50,000 students year-round, not including teachers and support staff.


    Martial arts universities have a five-year system.


    The more resources you enjoy, the greater your responsibility.


    ...


    Men and women had separate amodations.


    Li Yuan and Gu Qianghan were assigned to a room together.


    After unpacking, they sat in the rest area''s virtualwork pods.


    Consciousness connected.


    "Just as the senior said, after registering the campus card information, we can temporarily enter Jiangbei Martial Arts University''s campus space," Li Yuan smiled.


    With a thought, he entered.


    ...Swish! Swish! Swish! One by one, figures appeared out of thin air, directly seated in their ces.


    This was a massivebat space.


    Quickly, nearly a thousand people filled therge circr tiered viewing tform, creating a bustling scene.


    In the center was a circr arena over 200 meters in diameter.


    "Li Yuan," a clear voice sounded. Sitting next to Li Yuan was Lin Lanyue, with her red-dyed hair.


    The students from Guanshan District appeared before and after him.


    Evidently, the system tried to arrange students from the same school and district together.


    "You''re early," Li Yuan smiled, then nced around, "Do you know thebat rules? By sequence or random?"


    "It should be pseudo-random selection," Lin Lanyue replied.


    "Pseudo-random?" Li Yuan was puzzled.


    "It means trying to separate students from the same school and county to avoid multiple people teaming up, ensuring fairness," Lin Lanyue exined. "For example, if it werepletely random and all ten of our school''s students were selected for the same battle, wouldn''t we team up to eliminate the others first?"


    Li Yuan understood.


    Two minutester, the consciousness of over a thousand students participating in the invitation event arrived in the arena space.


    All the students knew that the first real test of the invitation event was about to begin.


    "Students from all over the province, good evening," a deep voice echoed.


    Swish!


    A nearly two-meter-tall man in a ck martial arts uniform appeared above the arena, standing in the air with an imposing presence.


    "I''ll repeat the rules," his voice, naturally amplified, resounded throughout the venue.


    "Cage battle."


    "Each round selects 200 people, randomly entering the arena to fight. There will be six rounds in total," the ck-d man said deeply. "During the battle, you keep attacking each other. The more enemies you kill and the longer you survive, the higher your score."


    "Until only one remains."


    "Your virtual body fitness levels are all the same, at 10.0."


    "This is a skills assessment."


    "Second to ninth ce in each round gets a reward of 100,000 Blue Star coins."


    "The first ce in each round gets a reward of 500,000 Blue Star coins!" the ck-d man''s powerful voice echoed through thebat space.


    Li Yuan''s eyes lit up instantly.


    "500,000 Blue Star coins?" Li Yuan''s eyes focused.


    With his uncle''s life uncertain, Li Yuan had long resolved that if the worst came, he must be able to support his family.


    What is responsibility?


    First, it''s earning money.


    Not only for his own training but also to cover his siblings'' schooling needs.


    "My goal is first ce," Li Yuan decided, a deep desire in his eyes, "No one can stop me!"

 Chapter 65: Elites? Just One Strike for Me!

    <h4>Chapter 65: Elites? Just One Strike for Me!</h4>


    "Ten thousand Blue Star Coins?" Gu Qianghan, sitting in the lower row, looked back with shining eyes and said, "Sister, if you get it, split it with me; if I get it, I''ll split it with you. How about it?"


    "That would be enough for my pocket money for half a year," Gu Qianghan said expectantly, looking at Lin Lanyue.


    Lin Lanyue nced at Gu Qianghan. "Do you think you can get it?"


    Gu Qianghan was momentarily speechless.


    "Li Yuan, with your spearmanship skills, you have a chance to make it to the top ten, but remember not to be reckless," Lin Lanyue said, looking at Li Yuan. "Surviving longer will score higher than killing more enemies."


    "Hmm," Li Yuan nodded slightly. The top ten, huh?


    "Fifty thousand Blue Star Coins!" Wu Dongdong, sitting in thest two rows, was also extremely excited. He waved and shouted, "Sister Yueyue, with the pocket money I''ve saved up, it''s enough for me to buy that flying motorcycle I showed youst time."


    "I kept pestering my dad for it, but he wouldn''t buy it."


    "I''ve decided, I''ll win the fifty thousand and buy it myself!!!"


    ...


    It wasn''t just Li Yuan and his friends; most students were tempted by the prize money when they heard the amount. Fifty thousand Blue Star Coins? Even ten thousand Blue Star Coins was a fortune in the eyes of most third-year high school students, especially those from families simr to or worse off than Li Yuan''s.


    "Ten thousand Blue Star Coins?"


    "Fifty thousand Blue Star Coins?" A student named Tian Dazhuang, with an unremarkable appearance, had slightly reddened eyes.


    He murmured to himself, "No wonder the director told me before I got on the aircraft that this was a good opportunity to make money."


    "The first test already has fifty thousand Blue Star Coins."


    "ording to the itinerary, will there be more rewardster? Maybe." Tian Dazhuang thought silently. "Over the years, the country has awarded millions of Blue Star Coins in total."


    "In the past six months of body-mind integration training, my physical cultivation has elerated, but my starting point was too low. I only awakened my martial spirit in my second year of high school, and now my physical fitness is only at level 8.5."


    "With poor physical fitness, I probably won''t get first ce in actualbat. My greatest advantage is in my skills."


    "I''ll definitely take first ce in the cage battle." Tian Dazhuang silently stared at the arena.


    He came from a remote mountainous area. In this era, the mountains had convenient transportation, water, and other facilities, and there were many subsidies for poor families... but the wealth gap was inevitable.


    Tian Dazhuang came from the poorest mountainous family, with elderly grandparents, a sick father, a deceased mother, and a younger brother. Since middle school, he had shown terrifying talent in martial arts.


    After entering high school and awakening his martial spirit, Tian Dazhuang''s progress elerated even more. Various bonuses and awards from the school and the state increased, and after awakening his martial spirit in his second year of high school, he was directly recruited by the Martial Arts Bureau, truly changing his family''s fate.


    He was a martial arts genius that the entire school and county hadn''t seen in decades. He also bore the expectations of many.


    "Fate!"


    "My fate must be in my own hands." Tian Dazhuang''s eyes were filled with longing. "The principal and director care so much about me, I must achieve something."


    He attended an ordinary county-level high school, so he was the only one invited to this event. Many knew his name, but few recognized his face.


    ...


    "Fifty thousand Blue Star Coins?" A girl named Wang Yu had burning eyes, not caring at all about the gazes of some boys around her. Wang Yu was used to such attention.


    "I must get it. That way, I can buy a new house for my family sooner."


    "Mom and Dad won''t have to squeeze into a small room anymore."


    ...


    Over a thousand students had their emotions stirred and looked excitedly at the ck-d man on the stage. They were all proud children of heaven. Even knowing their peers were strong, they couldn''t help but be filled with self-confidence.


    "In addition to the cash rewards," the ck-d host above the stage continued excitedly, "observers from the five major schools are watching you from another virtual space."


    "They''re looking forward to your performance."


    "For ordinary students, their college entrance exam is in June," the ck-d man''s voice boomed. "But for you elite students, the college entrance exam has already begun today, at this moment." The ck-d man suddenly raised his fist, trying to stir the atmosphere to a climax.


    People are easily roused, especially the young. The organizers of this invitation event naturally hoped to see the best performances from the participating students.


    "Want to secure a special training contract from the five major schools in advance?"


    "Want to win arge amount of Blue Star Coins?"


    "Want to gain more cultivation resources quickly after entering a martial arts university?" The ck-d man waved his arms, turning to look at different students, shouting excitedly, "Then fight desperately today."


    "Burn your passion and blood, and show your full strength."


    The entirebat space resounded with cheers and shouts apanying the host''s roars. These cheers and shouts didn''te from the over one thousand students but from thebat space''s own musical effects, making many students'' blood boil.


    "I dere the cage battle, where only the victor survives, to begin."


    "First round." The ck-armored man waved his hand fiercely, his voice booming like thunder, "Start now!"


    Swish! Swish! Swish!


    In an instant, the two hundred students selected for the first round disappeared from their seats.


    "Gu Qianghan was selected," Li Yuan immediately noticed Gu Qianghan, who had been sitting in the front row, had vanished.


    "Tian Dazhuang is also gone, selected for the first round?"


    "And Tan Bing." Li Yuan remembered the dozen or so top students Lin Lanyue had mentioned to him.


    The first round had already drawn in three of the top experts.


    "It''s pseudo-random, based on the January assessments." Lin Lanyue whispered beside Li Yuan, "The organizers probably grouped the participants by individual skill scores from the January assessments before randomly selecting them."


    "To ensure that the strength distribution of each round''s participants is bnced."


    Everyone waited patiently.


    ... Thirty secondster, the selection of weapons was over.


    "Boom!"


    Apanied by a loud boom, two hundred people, armed with weapons and armor, simultaneously appeared around the edge of the arena, forming a huge circle. Each person had two people beside them, making it very fair.


    "Hmm?"


    Li Yuan''s eyes moved slightly. "Gu Qianghan is right next to Tian Dazhuang. Looks like he''s unlucky."


    On the arena.


    Gu Qianghan, holding two short axes, was looking around. He swung one short axe, taunting the expressionless Tian Dazhuang, who held a broadsword on his left side.


    "Why is Gu Qianghan provoking Tian Dazhuang?" Li Yuan was surprised. "Did Gu Qianghan''s skills reach full marks?"


    "No, his martial arts skills are only at around 350 points." Lin Lanyue shook her head calmly.


    "Let''s see if he can break through to 360 points before the college entrance exam."


    "Then why?" Li Yuan hesitated. "Doesn''t he know Tian Dazhuang?"


    "I didn''t tell him the details," Lin Lanyue shook her head.


    Seeing Li Yuan''s puzzled expression, Lin Lanyue sighed. "He''s different from you. You didn''t know the itinerary details and couldn''t conveniently look up other participants'' information, which is understandable."


    "But him? He has enough resources to fully understand the event and his opponents beforehand, yet it seems he did nothing." Lin Lanyue sighed. "If he doesn''t care, why should I tell him? It''s better to let him learn a lesson."


    Li Yuan was speechless, feeling a bit sorry for the excited and wriggling Gu Qianghan.


    Is this a sister''s love?


    Lin Lanyue''s gaze fell on the arena, not saying anything more. Some things she didn''t want to say directly to Li Yuan.


    This invitation event was a rare opportunity for martial arts geniuses from ordinary families like Li Yuan, Tian Dazhuang, and Wang Yu. But for people like Lin Lanyue, Wu Dongdong, and even Gu Qianghan?


    If they had potential and were willing to work hard, they nevercked so-called opportunities.


    "Hmm?"


    "Dong Haifeng is also in the first round?" Li Yuan''s eyes scanned the arena and found another schoolmate.


    ...


    As Li Yuan and Lin Lanyue exchanged quickly, the giant countdown timer above the arena had swiftly moved from 15 to 3, 2...


    "1."


    "Begin." The ck-d man in the air roared, his body instantly rising thirty meters to ensure he didn''t interfere with any participants.


    In the next moment, cheers exploded in thebat space.


    On the arena, the 200 participants, previously restricted in their movement, suddenly felt free to move. But no one moved yet. No one wanted to be the conspicuous target.


    Simultaneously, all participants could clearly see their scores and rankings in their respective views.


    This silencested only a second.


    "Whoosh!"


    "Boom!" Someone moved.


    This movement was like a giant stone thrown into a calmke, stirring up waves.


    All other participants moved.


    During the 15-second countdown, everyone had already chosen their first target.


    "Boom!"


    "Boom!" "ng!" Instantly, the arena exploded into a frenzy ofbat.


    With a physical fitness of 10.0, each participant''s burst speed reached 22 meters per second, and their punches delivered 1,300 kilograms of force. Armed with cold weapons, their destructive power was unimaginable.


    Now, all concentrated in such a small arena.


    "Little..." Gu Qianghan had just excitedly shouted two words.


    "sh~"


    A dazzling de light shed across, and Gu Qianghan instantly turned into nothingness.


    "The first one." Tian Dazhuang, holding a broadsword over a meter long, muttered, "Next."


    He didn''t care about Gu Qianghan''s provocation. Growing up in such family conditions, what kind of people hadn''t he encountered?


    To him, Gu Qianghan was just a fool, not worth wasting energy on.


    "Boom!" Tian Dazhuang moved a few meters, charging at a spear expert.


    "ng~" A fierce weapon collision followed by a swift sh.


    The spear expert was cleaved in half by the terrifying broadsword.


    Blood sttered, turning into nothingness.


    One strike, one kill!


    ...


    "Defeated in one move, damn, I''m inst ce!" Gu Qianghan was the first to reappear in his seat.


    "How was it?" Lin Lanyue turned to Li Yuan.


    Li Yuan was intently watching Tian Dazhuang''s fierce ughter on the arena. "His de! So fast! Faster than my spear."


    "Definitely a fourth-stage de technique! And he must have reached the fourth stage long ago," Li Yuan said seriously.


    Deep in Li Yuan''s eyes shed a hint of respect.


    Masters admire other masters.


    "Yes."


    Lin Lanyue nodded. "My swordsmanship teacher reviewed Tian Dazhuang''sbat videos."


    "He said, in terms of martial arts skills, Tian Dazhuang is probably in the top thirty of the Blue Star youth rankings, maybe even higher."

 Chapter 66: Li Yuan Takes the Stage

    <h4>Chapter 66: Li Yuan Takes the Stage</h4>


    "Top thirty on the Blue Star Youth Ranking?" Li Yuan nodded. To reach the Meteor Stage, one must at least achieve mind-body unity. And once that is achieved, mind-body-weapon unity is no longer a bottleneck; sess is inevitable, it''s just a matter of time. ording to the data he received on the Starry Sky Combat Network a few days ago, there were already 164 people who had reached the Meteor Stage on the Blue Star Youth Ranking.


    "Based on my previous estimate, a perfect score in martial arts skills for the college entrance exam is likely equivalent to fourth-stage skills," Li Yuan thought. "Could it be that a few months ago, Tian Dazhuang was already at the fourth stage of his de technique?"


    If that were true, this age is precisely when strength grows rapidly. A few monthster, his strength would certainly be even greater. Top thirty on the Blue Star Youth Ranking? Li Yuan believed it was possible.


    "This world has no shortage of geniuses." Li Yuan increasingly understood the meaning of this phrase.


    At this moment, Gu Qianghan turned to Lin Lanyue, "Sister, don''t scold me. It was just an ident. Next time, if I''m serious, I''ll definitely..."


    "Exin to me?" Lin Lanyue frowned. "You lost, so just watch carefully. Look at your opponents and see where you lost."


    Gu Qianghan immediately shut his mouth and obediently watched the arena.


    In reality, Gu Qianghan was notcking in talent or training resources. However, he was born in wealth, inherently optimistic, and spoiled by his parents, growing up without any pressure. At school, most ssmates were happy to be friends with him.


    ...


    In the arena.


    "So weak! It seems, just as Senior Long said, that across the entire Blue Star, my martial arts skills are among the best of my age group," Tian Dazhuang thought, his eyes showing a slight shake. "Then let the ughter begin."


    "ng!"


    "sh!" "sh!" His de technique was fierce and swift! Each strike was unstoppable.


    Dodge? Impossible!


    Withstand? Unbearable!


    No one could withstand two strikes from his broadsword.


    Blood sttered!


    Tian Dazhuang''s score and ranking soared to first ce and continued to rise, leaving the second ce far behind.


    "So strong? Aren''t physical fitness levels supposed to be the same?"


    "Attack him."


    "Surround him." The other participants'' faces changed, realizing the danger of this killing god. They unhesitatingly surrounded him.


    They knew that if Tian Dazhuang wasn''t dealt with, they couldn''t take first ce.


    Of course, many instinctively retreated, trying to avoid Tian Dazhuang.


    "Surround me?"


    Tian Dazhuang, expressionless, swung his broadsword. His movements were ghostly and much faster than any other participant, breaking through the encirclement directly.


    Then, the ughter continued!


    It should be known that those who came to this invitation event were elite students, all with the hope of entering the top five martial arts universities in the Xia Kingdom.


    However, when these elite students faced the unassuming Tian Dazhuang, wielding his broadsword from the north to the south of the arena, no one could stand against him!


    ...


    All the students who had not yet participated were shocked, watching the figure in the arena.


    "So fierce!"


    "That guy with the de is too strong, on apletely different level from the others."


    "Who is he? I don''t know him."


    Many looked at the giant leaderboard above the arena, visible from all directions.


    "Tian Dazhuang? My great-great-grandfather had a simr name."


    "There are still people with such names?"


    "I remember now, he''s from Shizhou, with a perfect score in martial arts skills during the January assessment! The only perfect score in Shizhou!!"


    "Amazing."


    "Damn, the top scorer in our city got cut down by Tian Dazhuang in three strikes? Feels good! That idiot mocked mest time. Got what he deserved."


    "This is a high school senior?" The entire spectator area was in an uproar.


    The figure wielding the broadsword was unremarkable and under 1.8 meters tall, but at this moment, he was the king of the arena.


    Tian Dazhuang, a very ordinary and even old-fashioned name, was remembered by everyone.


    ...


    At Jiangbei Martial Arts University, in the main teaching building of the war fortress, over fifty people sat in arge conference room, divided into five teams. These were the teachers from the five major martial arts universities in China, serving as the ''observers'' for this invitation event.


    Their task was to observe the students.


    At the moment, all the observers were focused on the holographic projections in front of them, showing the ongoing ''cage battles'' of the invited students. Each observer could rotate the projection 360¡ã to observe thebat from different angles.


    "This Tian Dazhuang."


    "Fourth-stage skills! His de technique is probably close to mid-fourth stage."


    "His body technique is also at the fourth stage."


    "His skill level is barely at SS rank."


    "SS rank? I think he''s a bitcking, but he''s indeed impressive."


    "Not just on the Blue Star, but even within China, based on our collected data, his martial arts skills can definitely rank in the top five." The observers from the five major schools discussed and noted their observations.


    "Check his data."


    "Poor family, certainly has the perseverance, and has awakened his martial spirit. An S rank is appropriate."


    "Look at his decisive moves, calm and collected. He won''t be bad in actualbat."


    "As long as he isn''t too poor in actualbat, he''s fine."


    "At least S rank." The observers from the five major schools had almost reached a consensus.


    They had pre-collected data and categorized the students into expected S, A, and B ranks, from high to low. During the invitation event, they would observe each student''s martial arts skills, physical fitness, actualbat, and other aspects.


    In the end, students meeting A rank and above would receive special training invitations directly.


    B rank? That would depend on the number of students.


    Of course, the data was mainly based on the January assessments. Over time, there would certainly be changes. Almost every year, students would exceed expectations and show greater strength than anticipated.


    ...


    Time passed, and the battles between experts were decided quickly. In less than ten minutes, the first battle ended, with only Tian Dazhuang remaining.


    He was the undisputed first.


    Dong Haifeng? His score ranked around 110th, not very noticeable.


    ...


    Quickly, the second battle began.


    Wang Yu entered and immediately exploded. She wielded a sword and shield, d in light armor, with a fiery figure and even fiercerbat style.


    She also shocked all the students present.


    "So strong."


    "A girl can be this powerful?"


    "Damn, I was just checking her out. Guys, she''s all yours."


    "Amazing." Many students were astonished.


    If Tian Dazhuang''s style was domineering, cutting through everything with his broadsword, then Wang Yu''s swordsmanship was unpredictable, perfectlyplemented by her shield technique, unafraid of being surrounded.


    "Who''s stronger, her or Tian Dazhuang?"


    "Both are strong, hard to say."


    "Also a perfect score in skills. This is what a perfect score means? Damn, fighting them is like being bullied." Many students discussed among themselves.


    If Tian Dazhuang''s outburst in the first battle allowed some to console themselves with "It''s not us, it''s him being too fierce," Wang Yu''s appearance made them truly understand the significance of a perfect score.


    Most elite students had skill scores below 360 points. Even those with 360 or 370 points were mostly defeated by Wang Yu.


    It would take at least high third-stage skills to withstand a few moves. Fourth-stage skills, with mind-body-weapon unity, utilized body potential, muscle, and bone strength far beyond second and third-stage skills.


    "Tian Dazhuang seems stronger," Li Yuan concluded, watching the fiery girl in the arena.


    "Really?" Lin Lanyue was curious. "How can you tell?"


    "Body technique." Li Yuan affirmed, "Tian Dazhuang''s body technique is stronger, and Wang Yu''s shield technique isn''t perfect yet, probably not at the fourth stage."


    Lin Lanyue nodded slightly. Li Yuan''s judgment matched her swordsmanship teacher''s evaluation.


    ...


    In the third battle, Wu Dongdong and Lin Lanyue both participated.


    In this fight, Wu Dongdong shone brightly, wielding a long spear with lightning speed. Her movements were terrifying, sweeping through the arena!


    Li Yuan wasn''t surprised by Wu Dongdong''s performance. What did surprise him was Lin Lanyue.


    "Second ce?" Li Yuan looked at the final scores on the leaderboard.


    Lin Lanyue had taken second ce.


    Part of this was because Wu Dongdong intentionally helped Lin Lanyue, preventing her from being surrounded too much. But another part was due to Lin Lanyue''s improved swordsmanship.


    "High third-stage? Probably around 80% of the third stage." Li Yuan judged.


    In the past six months, his progress had been rapid. Lin Lanyue''s skill improvement wasn''t top-tier, but still very fast.


    ... After the first three battles, there was a one-minute break.


    In the spectator area.


    "Wow, Sister, Dongdong, you both got first and second ce. How will I face the neighborhood now?" Gu Qianghanined, "We''re supposed to be the three heroes of the neighborhood, and I''m the weakling?"


    "Gu Qiang, you''re first too!" Wu Dongdong teased.


    She had swapped seats to sit next to Lin Lanyue.


    "Last ce!" Gu Qianghan shook his head. "I was unlucky to face Dazhuang right away."


    "That''s still first." Wu Dongdongughed.


    "Li Yuan, if you get into the top ten, I''ll really have no face left." Gu Qianghan said pitifully.


    "Okay, I''ll not make the top ten and suicide at the start to apany you, how about that?" Li Yuan joked.


    "Forget it, I was kidding. You should do your best," Gu Qianghan said dejectedly, lying t and looking at the sky. "I should think about how to exin to my dad. Last ce... I''ll get beaten again."


    "Thest time I got beaten... wasst time."


    Everyone aroundughed happily.


    One minute passed.


    In the arena.


    "The fourth battle, begin." The ck-d man announced.


    Swish!


    Li Yuan disappeared from his seat.


    "Li Yuan." Lin Lanyue''s eyes showed a hint of expectation as she watched the arena.


    "Let me see." Wu Dongdong also looked serious. "Sister Yueyue, you''ve been saying he''s good."


    "After observing him all day, he seems nice, just doesn''t talk much."


    "Hope his strength isn''t bad."


    ...


    In the war fortress, in the conference room.


    "Three S-levels appeared in the first three battles, all performed well, and eight A-levels."


    "The fourth battle only has two A-levels."


    "No one has an absolute advantage. Once the fight starts, it''ll probably be intense for a while." The observers from the five major schools chatted leisurely.


    They watched the first three battles very seriously.


    Only the ten observers from Kunlun Martial Arts University noticed another participant besides the two A-level students.


    "Li Yuan."


    "Li Yuan is in this battle too." The teachers from Kunlun University noticed Li Yuan.


    "Hope you don''t disappoint." Teacher Fan Jin thought, focusing on the arena.


    Thirty secondster.


    Swish! Swish! Swish!


    Li Yuan, armed with a long spear and d in light armor, appeared in the arena with the other 199 participants.


    "Hmm?"


    "Not good." Fan Jin''s heart skipped a beat. "Why is Li Yuan next to another A-level student, Wu Luo?"


    "This Wu Luo is also in the top 1000 on the Blue Star Youth Ranking and has been there longer than Li Yuan."


    "Trouble!"

 Chapter 67: Sweeping the Arena

    <h4>Chapter 67: Sweeping the Arena</h4>


    "Is that Wu Luo? Not good." Lin Lanyue''s face changed slightly, noticing something amiss from the observation tform.


    "What''s wrong, Yueyue?" Wu Dongdong asked.


    "Next to Li Yuan is Wu Luo from Hanshui Prefecture, who scored 394 in the martial arts proficiency test in January," Lin Lanyue said solemnly.


    "394?" Wu Dongdong said nonchntly. "Didn''t you say Li Yuan scored 389? They should be about the same."


    "Just worried about any unexpected situations," Lin Lanyue frowned.


    She knew how important this invitation event was for Li Yuan and also understood how significant fifty thousand Blue Star Coins were to him.


    "Yueyue, does he know Wu Luo''s strength?" Wu Dongdong asked.


    Lin Lanyue nodded. "Yes, I told him about it."


    "Then that''s settled," Wu Dongdong said, unusually serious. "Sis, I have to criticize you. I know you want to help Li Yuan."


    "But he also needs to be worth helping."


    "In terms of information, he already has an advantage and a good chance to take the lead. If he still can''t win?" Wu Dongdong said nonchntly. "That''s his own problem."


    Lin Lanyue remained frowning, lost in thought.


    "Yueyue," Wu Dongdong waved a hand in front of Lin Lanyue''s face.


    Lin Lanyue looked at her.


    "You need to think from a different perspective," Wu Dongdong suggested. "Difficulties are sometimes opportunities."


    Lin Lanyue was momentarily puzzled.


    "He''s indeed facing a significant threat with Wu Luo," Wu Dongdong said. "But if he can defeat Wu Luo, won''t his evaluation be higher in the eyes of the observers from the top five universities? Wouldn''t his chances of receiving a special training invitation increase?"


    Lin Lanyue was stunned for a moment, then suddenly smiled. "Dongdong, I didn''t think it through as clearly as you did."


    "Yeah, let''s leave it to Li Yuan," Lin Lanyue said, her gaze fixed on Li Yuan on the stage.


    "Being overly concerned causes confusion," Wu Dongdong said with a yful smile. "Yueyue, since I helped you out, you have to treat me when we get back. I want Liu Bo''s cooking."


    "Sure, you can have whatever you want," Lin Lanyue replied with a smile. "I''ll have Liu Bo prepare it for you."


    "Yueyue, it''s starting!" Wu Dongdong pointed at the arena.


    ....


    "Wu Luo."


    "On this stage, there shouldn''t be many who can match Wu Luo."


    "Maybe he can reach first ce in this round," some students from Hanshui Province also had high hopes for Wu Luo.


    ..The fourth round of the cage match.


    "Begin."


    A man in ck stood high above, his deep voice echoing throughout the entire battle arena.


    The 200 participants on the stage were immediately released from their restraints, and the battle erupted in an instant.


    Having witnessed the previous three rounds of cage battles, the students participating in the fourth round understood what it took to survive longer.


    First, they needed to eliminate the opponents around them as quickly as possible.


    Second, they needed to appear fierce and formidable enough to deter those around them from wanting to provoke them.


    If they started running right from the beginning, they would only be seen as easy targets and get swarmed by everyone.


    "Boom!" "ng!"


    "Bang~" The sound of numerous figures moving swiftly echoed continuously, as swords, spears, staffs, and hammers shed with each other.


    "Whoosh!"


    "Boom!" From the left and the right, two opponents simultaneouslyunched an attack on Li Yuan.


    "Wu Luo? A score of 394 in the January exam? The top scorer in Han Shui Prefecture''s January exam?" Li Yuan had already recognized the opponent on his right.


    As for the other one? He didn''t recognize him!


    In fact, at Li Yuan''s level, he could roughly gauge a person''s skill level through a momentary observation of their burst speed and footwork.


    With the same physical fitness, the higher the skill level, the more one can tap into their body''s strength, resulting in greater speed and power.


    Especially upon reaching the fourth level of skill, it is not an exaggeration to say that with the same physical condition, one could fight ten or even a hundred opponents.


    "Deal with the weaker one first, then test this Wu Luo. There''s a good chance he''s reached the fourth level." This was Li Yuan''s instinctive decision.


    "Whoosh!"


    As Wu Luo and hispanions moved, Li Yuan''s entire body crackled with energy, his feet shifting slightly. Instantly, his presence transformed, giving off the impression of an unbreakable boulder.


    The next moment.


    "Boom! Boom!" Li Yuan''s legs had already exerted force, his whole body shot out like a cannonball, suddenly charging towards the opponent on the right, his speed terrifyingly fast, even faster than Wu Luo who had moved first.


    "So fast?" Wu Luo''s expression immediately changed. "Is that four-stage technique? Who is he?"


    Wu Luo''s technique was already at the peak of the third stage, yet someone could be faster than him by a significant margin?


    Not just Wu Luo.


    In the viewing stands, quite a few students from Jiangcheng were paying attention to Li Yuan.


    In the conference room of the War Fortress, many observers from Kunlun University also noticed Li Yuan''s explosive move.


    His figure shed.


    His burst of speed was much faster than anyone else''s.


    "Mm?" The student who tried to attack Li Yuan panicked the moment he saw Li Yuan''s burst of speed. Instinctively, he swung his sword at the approaching ck figure.


    "ng!"


    The spear, like a suddenly rising dragon, was unstoppable. It directly knocked the attacking sword into the air, and then the spearhead, driven with incredible force, pierced straight through the opponent''s neck.


    "pfft~"


    The fighter wielding a sword was instantly sted away, with a horrifying wound tearing open on their neck, blood sttering everywhere.


    His body dissolved into nothingness in midair.


    One shot, life extinguished!


    Armor for protection?


    With Li Yuan''s marksmanship, using a technique that operates at a four grade advantage, hepletely disregards the opponent''s armor; each shot is destined to strike vital points directly.


    This scene startled Wu Luo. Suddenly, he saw Li Yuan turn his head and nce at him with a cold gaze.


    "Run!" Wu Luo''s face changed drastically as he turned and fled. "This is definitely a fourth grade master."


    "Run?" Li Yuan, having just forcefully killed someone, exuded an overwhelming aura as he mercilessly charged towards Wu Luo.


    "Just now, it seemed like you wanted to kill me."


    Boom! Boom! The two, one chasing and one fleeing, dashed nearly twenty meters toward the center of the arena.


    How big is the entire arena anyway?


    "Whoosh!" A participant, seeing Li Yuan sweep past, instinctively swung his sword at him.


    Among martial arts beginners, those who practice with swords are the mostmon.


    "Get lost!"


    Li Yuan only nced, his spear instantly lifted. He executed the technique "Stabilizing the Heavens," unifying all his strength. The spear, especially the spearhead, erupted like a massive boulder.


    He fiercely swept it toward his opponent.


    If it were a rival of the same level, Li Yuan''s execution of this move would easily provide an opportunity to be countered and killed.


    However, Li Yuan''s strength far surpassed that of most participants at the high second level or early third level.


    They were not on the same level at all.


    Before the sword could reach him, the spear was already there!


    "Bang~"


    The 30-kilogram metal spear shaft instantly smashed into the shield that the panicked participant had raised. With a loud crash, he was sent flying backward, his arm breaking and fracturing on impact.


    "I..." The participant, blood spurting from his mouth, was just about to speak when a sh of the spear already swept past.


    The spear directly shed across his neck, and his body dissolved into nothingness.


    "Pfft!"


    Li Yuan''s spear whistled through the air. After killing this participant, he stepped forward and, in one swift motion, thrust his spear again, piercing through the chest of another participant who was fleeing in panic.


    In one encounter, he killed two people.


    "Shit, retreat!"


    "He! Is he on the same level as Tian Dazhuang and Wu Dongdong? Fourth grade skill?"


    "That''s three now, and herees another one?"


    "Are there so many participants with fourth grade skill this year?" The surrounding participants were stunned, their faces changing as they retreated like a tide.


    After the first three chaotic battles, almost everyone understood that, in theory, with over a hundred people, even at the cost of dozens of lives, they could encircle and kill one participant with fourth grade skill.


    The key issue was that people were not united.


    No one was willing to truly risk their life for others, and so, those with fourth grade skills were destined to ughter their way through the battlefield.


    Secondly, Li Yuan''s disy of dominance and strength was another factor that intimidated others.


    "Let''spete for second ce."


    "Avoid him." This was the thought of most participating students.


    ...On the spectator stands.


    "Holy crap!"


    "Is this guy called Li Yuan?"


    "Yes, Li Yuan! He''s the top contender!"


    "Li Yuan? Never heard of him."


    "From today on, you will."


    "Another foruth grade skill?" Elite students from all over Jiangbei Province had noticed the figure wielding the spear, and they were all shocked.


    While others were still entangled in their fights, Li Yuan had already killed three people. No, he had just killed another one.


    He had killed four now, disying unparalleled ferocity.


    "Yue Yue!"


    Originally not too concerned, Wu Dongdong''s eyes suddenly lit up. "Li Yuan is also a fourth-grade master? Good! Good! Good! You were just pretending to be worried and tricked me earlier."


    "Whoa!"


    Originally sprawled out and lying weakly on the chair, Gu Qianghan instantly jumped up, shouting excitedly, "Awesome! Li Yuan is awesome!"


    "That''s my brother, Li Yuan." Gu Qianghan waved his fist, instantly attracting the attention of many students around him.


    "My brother, Gu Qianghan''s brother!" Gu Qianghan shouted excitedly, as if he were the one dominating the arena.


    While roaring, Gu Qianghan turned around and shouted, "Sis, I was wondering why your attitude towards Li Yuan changed. Turns out you already knew he had broken through to the fourth grade."


    "Me?" Lin Lanyue was just as stunned. She wanted to exin but found herself at a loss for words.


    Moreover, she was also deeply shocked.


    "Fourth grade?" Lin Lanyue stared at the figure on the arena.


    Li Yuan had already caught up to Wu Luo, relentlessly attacking him with one strike after another, forcing Wu Luo to retreat step by step.


    "Li Yuan, when did you break through to the fourth grade?" Lin Lanyue wondered. "Did Teacher Xu not know either? Why did he ask me to help Li Yuan?"


    "With this kind of strength, what help does he need from me?"


    Lin Lanyue knew how difficult it was to advance from the third grade to the fourth.


    "Well, this is good!"


    "Fourth-grade skill." Lin Lanyue suddenly smiled. "There won''t be any issues with Li Yuan''s spot on the special training list. Now it''s just a matter of which school is willing to offer him an A-level special training contract."


    She was unaware of Li Yuan''s talent in mental strength.


    "Li Yuan?" The ssmates from the same school were shocked, staring in disbelief.


    "Li Yuan? This!" Dong Haifeng''s eyes widened as he looked on, and the little schemes he had in mind instantly vanished.


    Compete?


    How could hepete with this?


    ...


    "That student?"


    "Fourth grade!"


    "Absolutely fourth-grade skill! His name is Li Yuan? Why is he not on my pre-invitation list?" The previously rxed dozens of observers were now in shock.


    "Not even a B-level?"


    "He''s only seventeen and a half?"


    "He hasn''t awakened martial spirituality? So he''s not on the list?"


    "Useless! The intelligence gathering team at the admissions office is a bunch of useless fools! With fourth-grade skills, who cares if he hasn''t awakened martial spirituality? He should at least be an A-level candidate." Many observers hurriedly began taking notes in a panic.


    Fourth-grade skill!


    Whether a student of this skill level emerges isrgely a matter of luck. Sometimes, not a single one appears in an entire province. Other times, like in Jiangbei Province this year, four or five might surface.


    Globally, it''s normal for only about two hundred students of this age group to reach this level in a year.


    "Fourth grade?"


    "Much stronger than the information Dean Zhao gave me?" Fan Jin felt a mixture of excitement and anxiety. If Li Yuan''s skill were only at the peak of the third grade, the other five major schools might not want him. But fourth-grade skill? Even without martial spirituality awakening, he was bound to be sought after, at least receiving special training offers.


    "Old Fan." A voice echoed in Fan Jin''s mind.


    "Dean Li." Teacher Fan Jin looked towards the silent, bald man not far away.


    "After the meeting ends, immediatelye with me to invite Li Yuan. Before the other schools learn about his mental strength, directly offer him an S-level special training contract." The voice continued, "And promise him."


    "It doesn''t matter if he hasn''t awakened martial spirituality. Kunlun Martial Arts University will fully support him in bing a source warrior and creating his own techniques."

 Chapter 68: A Visit in the Night

    <h4>Chapter 68: A Visit in the Night</h4>


    On the arena, the battle was still ongoing.


    Li Yuan, holding his long spear, was continuously attacking Wu Luo, who wielded a sword and shield.


    "Bang!" With a fierce sweep of his spear, Li Yuan forced Wu Luo to stumble back.


    "Li Yuan, it was my mistake. I didn''t recognize you at first and shouldn''t have attacked you," Wu Luo said hurriedly while desperately defending himself. "But if you keep fighting me, others will take advantage."


    As a master of both sword and shield techniques, having reached the peak of the third level, Wu Luo could still withstand a few moves from Li Yuan when giving his all.


    "Take advantage?" Li Yuan''s icy gaze swept around. The other participants, who had already retreated far away, panicked and withdrew even further.


    They knew that in the process of chasing Wu Luo, Li Yuan had already killed five participants with ease.


    Such dominance and strength¡ªwho wouldn''t be afraid?


    Moreover, for the other participating students, Wu Luo was also a formidable opponent. If Li Yuan took him down, their chances of making it into the top ten would increase.


    "In this match!"


    "No one is qualified to take advantage." Li Yuan''s voice was cold. "Die!"


    Did he have a grudge against Wu Luo? No!


    But he needed an opponent, so why not Wu Luo?


    To Li Yuan, the other participants were not challenging enough.


    In contrast, Wu Luo was the strongest, capable of exchanging a few blows with him.


    "sh!"


    "Boom! Boom!" Li Yuan thrust his spear again, the spear shadows shifting as each strike was fierce and violent.


    "Damn it! This Li Yuan is a madman," Wu Luo, who was doing his utmost to defend, was almost spitting blood in frustration. Given his strength, breaking into the top ten of the cage brawl should have been a piece of cake.


    "ng!" The two shed like lightning. Li Yuan''s attacks were swift and relentless, like waves, one strike following another.


    Wu Luo''s defense was wless, but each sh left his arms numb, making it increasingly difficult to fend off the attacks. After twelve consecutive strikes, Li Yuan seized an opportunity and pierced his throat directly.


    Blood sttered.


    "Couldn''t hold on... Is this the skill of the fourth grade?" Wu Luo''s body dissolved into nothingness.


    "My attack is much weakerpared to Wu Dongdong and Tian Dazhuang, especially Tian Dazhuang," Li Yuan thought as he watched Wu Luo''s body disappear. "Tian Dazhuang''s broadsword is highly offensive, and his martial skills are indeed much higher than mine, probably around 20% of the fourth level."


    The opponent had broken through at least three months earlier, so it was normal for his skills to be more advanced.


    Moreover, Li Yuan excelled in defense rather than offense.


    Even so, if he were to fight Tian Dazhuang in the arena, Li Yuan believed he still had a chance to win.


    The gap between the peak of the third level and the fourth level was immense.


    But the gap between 2% and 20% of the fourth grade? Both had achieved a unity of mind, body, and weapon; the difference was only in the degree of power exertion, a gap that wasn''t insurmountable.


    "Kill!"


    Li Yuan wielded his spear and continued to attack others.


    In the entire arena, few could withstand even two strikes from him, each falling one by one.


    Surround and attack? Even if they could coordinate, it wouldn''t necessarily be enough to kill Li Yuan.


    The final showdown was between Li Yuan and another student, Xiong Xiaocheng, who had been preselected by the five major schools as an A-level candidate.


    In fact, Li Yuan had deliberately avoided him, giving Xiong Xiaocheng the opportunity to hunt down other participants.


    "I''m already second."


    "First ce? This Li Yuan is too fierce; my chances of winning are slim." Xiong Xiaocheng stared at Li Yuan, feeling as if a tiger was watching him.


    He was already sweating profusely.


    "To win, there''s only one chance."


    "Attack wildly, no matter the cost, and maybe I''ll win." Xiong Xiaocheng made up his mind. He also wielded a long spear.


    Since he was already second, he might as well give it his all.


    "Whoosh!"


    Xiong Xiaocheng lunged at Li Yuan, his spear thrusting fiercely and violently.


    "Gold-Splitting Spear Technique?" From the starting posture and force application, Li Yuan instantly discerned, "He''s an expert in the ''Gold-Splitting Spear Technique''?"


    Like the Starry Spear Technique, which perfectlyplemented the ''Rock Solid Training Method,'' the ''Gold-Splitting Spear Technique,'' one of the seven high-level training methods, also had its matching second-level spear technique.


    Li Yuan had often fought on the Starry Sky Combat Network and had seen many experts, so he could recognize some techniques.


    Especially since he had encountered a Meteor level expert who used the ''Gold-Splitting Spear Technique,'' a fierce and wild technique that had left a deep impression on Li Yuan. He had reviewed the footage multiple times.


    "Boom!"


    "Boom! Boom!" Li Yuan, in a killing frenzy, swung his spear with a whistling sound, attacking with attack. After just three shes, he disarmed Xiong Xiaocheng, sending his spear flying.


    "sh!"


    The spear tip swept across, a head flew, and the body dissolved into nothingness.


    In the entire arena, only Li Yuan remained.


    ...


    "What a steady spear. He must be good at defense," Tian Dazhuang on the spectator stand watched Li Yuan with fiery eyes. "Another fourth-grade expert!"


    "I''ve been too narrow-minded. I can''t take Dragon Senior''s words at face value."


    "Just in Jiangbei Province, with me included, there are already four fourth-grade experts. Are there any more hidden ones?"


    "How many are there nationwide? Globally?" Tian Dazhuang pondered, "Li Yuan?"


    "I''ll remember you."


    ...


    Whoosh!


    Li Yuan''s figure appeared at his seat, immediately attracting the attention of over a hundred students around him, all looking at him.


    "Li Yuan?"


    "From Jiang City? There''s a Wu Dongdong and a Li Yuan in Jiang City; no wonder it''s the provincial capital."


    "But I hadn''t heard any teacher mention his name before."


    "Maybe he was hiding his strength during the early exams?" Many students whispered among themselves.


    In the first three rounds, the three fourth-grade experts who had erupted, Tian Dazhuang, Wang Yu, and Wu Dongdong, were all well-known.


    Many didn''t know their faces but had heard their names.


    Only Li Yuan was different.


    With a total martial score ranking only over two hundred in Jiang City, he was indeed inconspicuous.


    After this battle, Li Yuan was destined to rise in fame among the students participating in the invitation event.


    "Li Yuan, awesome." Gu Qianghan turned around, excitedly shouting.


    Li Yuan smiled.


    "Li Yuan, impressive. I underestimated you before." Wu Dongdong looked at Li Yuan as if discovering a treasure, curiously saying, "You are a fourth-grade spear master; I''m also a fourth-grade spear master. We must spar sometime."


    "Sure," Li Yuan agreed readily.


    But Lin Lanyue only smiled slightly, "Congrattions on taking first ce. Fifty thousand Blue Star coins¡ªyou''ll have to treat uster."


    "Sorry," Li Yuan smiled, "I didn''t tell you before. I just broke through my spear technique yesterday."


    "Oh?"


    "Just broke through yesterday?" Lin Lanyue realized, "So, your copse in the martial arts room yesterday was rted to your breakthrough in spear technique?"


    "Yes," Li Yuan nodded.


    ...


    The fifth and sixth rounds of the cage brawl continued.


    However, no more super experts like Li Yuan or Tian Dazhuang appeared.


    In a sense, this made these two rounds more exciting, giving most participants more room to showcase their skills.


    With all six rounds concluded, of the ten students from No. 1 High School in Guan Mountain District, only Li Yuan and Lin Lanyue secured the first and second ces.


    The other eight students didn''t make it into the top fifty.


    This made Dong Haifeng and the others realize the gap.


    Perhaps in the overall martial scores, some of them slightly surpassed Li Yuan during the early exams due to ''spirituality bonus.''


    But in real strength, the gap was vast.


    In the "Jiangbei Martial Arts University Invitation Event," representing the highest level of high school students in Jiangbei Province, Li Yuan remained the most dazzling.


    While they had be ordinary members among thousands of elite students.


    ...


    "I announce, the cage brawl is over." The ck-d man''s voice remained resonant, "The sixty students who received rewards can check their ounts."


    "All Blue Star coin rewards have been distributed."


    The end of this event also marked the conclusion of the first day''s itinerary for the invitation event.


    ...


    Virtual Network, Personal Space.


    "Fifty thousand Blue Star coins, credited." Li Yuan had already received the bank ount notification, smiling, "Jiangbei Martial Arts University''s efficiency is indeed high."


    The most timely feedback is the best motivator.


    ...


    Exiting the virtualwork pod, Li Yuan chatted with Gu Qianghan while taking a can of c from the fridge.


    "Beep~"


    "Beep~" The doorbell rang at the entrance of the martial arts room.


    "Sote, who could it be?" Gu Qianghan looked puzzled, "Who is it!"


    "I''ll get it," Li Yuan smiled, going to open the door.


    At the door stood a bald man and an elder in a ck robe.


    "Who are you?" Li Yuan felt a bit hesitant; he could sense the aura emanating from the two.


    Moreover, Li Yuan instinctively probed and found that both individuals'' life levels exceeded the detection limit.


    This indicated that both were at least source warriors.


    "Student Li Yuan."


    "I am Vice Dean Li of the Sixth Institute of Kunlun Martial Arts University," the bald man smiled slightly. "I havee to formally extend an S-level special training invitation to you on behalf of Kunlun Martial Arts University."


    "Can we talk privately?"

 Chapter 69: Everything Has a Spirit

    <h4>Chapter 69: Everything Has a Spirit</h4>


    "Dean Li? An S-level special training contract?" Li Yuan looked at the two people in front of him.


    His skill level disyed during the cage fight was sure to attract the attention of the five prestigious schools. However, the speed at which Kunlun Martial Arts University had arrived was unexpected. The entire cage fight had just ended less than two minutes ago.


    What Li Yuan didn''t know was that Dean Li and Teacher Fan Jin had changed their minds and left early, rushing over on an aircraft as soon as the cage fight reached the fifth round.


    "I..." Li Yuan hesitated, then said, "Seniors, I can''t verify your identities."


    Logically, observers from the five prestigious schools shouldn''t arrive so quickly. Signing contracts typically happens after the five-day invitation event concludes.


    Dean Li and Fan Jin exchanged nces and couldn''t help butugh.


    "Li Yuan, I''m Fan Jin," said the elder Fan Jin with a smile. "A few days ago, one of your elders should have submitted your information to Kunlun Martial Arts University specifically."


    "My elder?" Li Yuan immediately thought of Hall Master Wan. Beforeing here, Teacher Xu Bo had mentioned this matter.


    "Because your information was submitted, Dean Li had already listed you as an A-level student before we left Kunlun Martial Arts University for Jiangbei," Fan Jin exined with a smile. "But at that time, we didn''t know you had achieved a breakthrough in your skills."


    "I was initially an A-level?" Li Yuan was surprised. He had some understanding of the S-level and A-level ssifications on the pre-selection list from conversations with Lin Lanyue.


    A-level was already very high.


    "During the cage fight, once we noticed your breakthrough in skills, we immediately decided to upgrade you to an S-level special training contract," Fan Jin said convincingly. "And then we rushed over."


    The result was the same, but Fan Jin had optimized the process significantly.


    "S-level?" Li Yuan held his breath. He now mostly believed their identities and sensed how much Kunlun Martial Arts University valued him.


    Suddenly, "Beep~" Li Yuan''s smart wristwatch vibrated. He nced at it instinctively: "Kunlun Martial Arts University S-level special training invitation letter."


    The message came from Jiangbei Martial Arts University''s official channel.


    "You should have received the invitation letter," Dean Li said with a smile. "Do you believe us now?"


    "Dean Li, Teacher Fan, I apologize," Li Yuan said sincerely. "Please,e in."


    "No problem, it''s good to be cautious," Dean Li smiled. "You have roommates in your room. Let''s talk privately in the meeting room over there."


    "Sure, please lead the way, seniors," Li Yuan responded decisively.


    After thest invitation from the Martial Hall and advice from his uncle Li Changzhou, Li Yuan understood that good opportunities might onlye once or twice.


    Yes, he had good talent, but without suitable advanced cultivation methods, his physical fitness hadn''t even reached level 9.


    Now, with a dean from Kunlun Martial Arts University personally visiting, it showed significant regard. If he acted arrogantly, that would be foolish.


    Genius? He wasn''t a strong person yet.


    ..."Li Yuan."


    "Li Yuan." Gu Qianghan came out of the lounge with freshly cut cantaloupe, looking puzzled. "Where did he go?"


    ...


    At the end of the same floor corridor, there was a small meeting room.


    "Sit," Dean Li said with a smile.


    Teacher Fan Jin closed the door and drew the curtains.


    Li Yuan obediently sat down.


    "On the list prepared by Kunlun Martial Arts University, there are currently four S-level students," Dean Li smiled.


    He was tall and bald, yet his smile gave off a friendly vibe.


    "Tian Dazhuang, Wu Dongdong, Wang Yu, and you," Dean Li said. "However, we came to you first because our expectations of you are the highest."


    "Came to me first?" Li Yuan was a bit hesitant.


    The four S-level students Dean Li mentioned happened to be the four students with grade four skills.


    "Why?" Li Yuan was puzzled. "I haven''t awakened my martial spirit, so my overall evaluation should be much lower than theirs, right?"


    "Your mental talent is stronger," Teacher Fan Jin, also sitting down, smiled. "Dean Li is a level 29 source martial artist, but his mental power is extremely strong,parable to a level 30+ flying martial artist. So, he can urately sense your mental power strength."


    Li Yuan''s pupils shrank.


    "Your mental power should beparable to that of a level 15 martial artist," Dean Li smiled.


    Li Yuan nodded slightly, indeed an urate assessment.


    Of course, Li Yuan wasn''t surprised. Hall Master Wan could sense it before, and although six months had passed with his strength and mental discipline growing, Dean Li''s strength was clearly much greater than Hall Master Wan''s.


    Mental powerparable to a flying martial artist?


    "ording to the Seven Stars Alliance''s unified evaluation standards, you should be ssified as A+, but I believe you qualify for S-level," Dean Li smiled.


    "Why?" Li Yuan was increasingly puzzled.


    "Li Yuan, let me exin something, and you''ll understand," Fan Jin said.


    "A level one martial artist is much stronger physically than an ordinary person," Fan Jin began. "But if only armed with cold weapons, they can still be taken down by weapons, which you should understand."


    Li Yuan nodded, recalling images of the war in the Luo Bu Sea.


    A level one astral realm creature is fragile in the face of a barrage of weapons.


    A carbon-based body has difficulty directlypeting with weapons.


    "A level two martial artist can directly utilize source power, making it very difficult to be killed by weapons," Fan Jin said. "Thus, the five prestigious schools, or top martial arts schools in various countries, or the three top schools on Blue Star, primarily aim to cultivate source martial artists."


    "Source martial artists are the backbone of those who venture into various astral realms to y astral realm creatures," Fan Jin said solemnly.


    Li Yuan couldn''t help but nod.


    He had seen many documentaries where explorers were usually source martial artists above level 20, or at least level 15 martial artists.


    "Bing a source martial artist is extremely difficult," Fan Jin sighed. "First, the physical fitness must reach level 19, then there are skills and mental power requirements."


    "Actually, everything has spirit, and every living being has spirituality. But a specialized medium is needed to directly absorb source power from the universe early on," Fan Jin said.


    "Advanced cultivation methods?" Li Yuan began to understand.


    "Yes," Fan Jin nodded. "Hundreds of years ago, in the early days of the Star Bridge era, early martial artists had no cultivation methods. They relied solely on consuming vast amounts of natural treasures to forcefully raise their physical fitness to level 19."


    "Just by eating?" Li Yuan nodded slightly, aware of that part of history.


    "The outstanding ones had high skills and strong mental power and eventually became source martial artists," Fan Jin said. "Once you be a source martial artist, you will understand...source martial artists can directly sense source power and absorb it without any cultivation methods."


    Li Yuan nodded slightly.


    This point is also mentioned in books, which is one of the reasons why second-level martial artists are called source martial artists.


    "But merely absorbing source power by physical instinct results in very slow physical evolution, making it nearly impossible to reach level 29 in a lifetime."


    "Therefore, the early source martial artists began to create their own cultivation methods."


    "With little guidance."


    "No prior experience, arge number of early source martial artists suffered body explosions and died, with a death rate exceeding 99%," Fan Jin sighed.


    "99%?" Li Yuan was shocked. Such a death rate was too high.


    "The death rate was extremely high, but eventually, a few people seeded in creating simple methods suitable for themselves, reaching level 29," Fan Jin said.


    "However, everyone''s physique is different, and the self-created methods of source martial artists were simple, mainly suitable only for themselves."


    "Then, a very few of the level 29 source martial artists broke through the limits of life and became flying martial artists."


    Li Yuan held his breath and listened.


    He had seen simr history in textbooks but never exined as clearly as Fan Jin did.


    "What happened next?" Li Yuan asked.


    "Flying martial artists have power and realms far beyond ordinary life. They can fly, traverse the earth, enter space with their bodies, and live without eating or drinking for life. They have the ability to create universal cultivation methods," Fan Jin said. "But at that time, there was still no concept of spiritual awakening, and no one could absorb source power before reaching level 20."


    Li Yuan nodded slightly.


    Everyone has spirituality, but without cultivation methods, spirituality is meaningless.


    Early flying martial artists'' self-created methods were also only suitable for themselves.


    "The entire civilization and sevens continuously invested vast resources, and more and more source martial artists seeded in creating methods. After many years, eventually, numerous flying martial artistsbined efforts to deduce the first universal advanced cultivation method, ''Southern Sea Myriad Water Sutra,'' about two hundred years ago."


    "This made it possible for ordinary people to absorb source power."


    "With apatibility rate over 85%, there is hope for cultivation. With apatibility rate over 90%, cultivation is guaranteed."


    "The speed of producing martial artists in the entire civilization began to elerate," Fan Jin said. "The number of level one martial artists rapidly increased, but the consumption of various cultivation resources significantly decreased."


    Li Yuan sighed inwardly.


    Someone like himself, who purely relied on consuming various cultivation treasures, was using a tremendous amount of resources.


    One person consuming a lot wasn''t an issue.


    But what if there were ten, ten thousand, or a million? The entire human civilization couldn''t bear it.


    Early human civilization had no choice; bing a source martial artist required sheer force!


    With advanced cultivation methods, ordinary people who could cultivate absorbed source power from the universe.


    Thus, on the path to bing a source martial artist, the consumption of cultivation resources could be reduced by at least 90%.


    "Without apatible advanced cultivation method, source martial artists attempting breakthroughs to be flying martial artists must create their own methods. A slight mistake means death."


    "Nowadays, with rich experience, the sess rate has increased tenfold, but the mortality rate for source martial artists creating methods is still over 90%," Fan Jin slightly shook his head. "If you have an advanced cultivation method, moving from source martial artist to flying martial artist, the worst that can happen is not breaking through, not dying from cultivation."


    "Therefore, eighty years ago, the martial arts examination system was introduced."


    "For the sake of the entire civilization, the focus shifted to cultivating young peoplepatible with advanced cultivation methods."


    "This is the so-called ''spiritual awakening.''"


    "Reducing resource consumption and decreasing casualties from source martial artists creating methods resulted in the birth of more flying martial artists."


    "The more flying martial artists, the more efficient the deduction of universal advanced cultivation methods."


    "In the past eighty years, top martial artists in human civilization have deduced four new advanced cultivation methods."


    "This has allowed more people to make use of their spirituality," Fan Jin looked at Li Yuan. "You see, it''s not that human civilization doesn''t want to cultivate ordinary people."


    "But expending immense resources to force someone to be a source martial artist, who then faces a 90% chance of dying while creating a method, isn''t feasible."


    "Not to mention, breaking through to be a flying martial artist... The input and output simply don''t match."


    "The same resources used to cultivate people who can directly practice advanced cultivation methods result in exponentially more strong individuals."


    "So."


    "Spirituality bonus points essentially persuade ordinary people to give up on their martial arts university dreams?" Li Yuan mused.


    There had always been societal debates about the 10% bonus points for spirituality on the inte.


    But this policy had remained unshaken for eighty years.


    "Yes," Fan Jin nodded. "This policy may seem unfair to ordinary people, but from the perspective of the entire civilization, it does more good than harm."


    "After all, astral realms continuously appear, threatening the entire civilization," Fan Jin said. "We must maximize resource utilization."


    "Then why was I ssified as S-level?" Li Yuan was puzzled.


    "Because your talent is high enough," Dean Li said firmly.


    High enough talent? Li Yuan was taken aback.


    "Everyone has spirituality."


    "Talent is nothing more than physical talent, mental talent, andprehension talent," Dean Li smiled. "Even without an advanced cultivation method or consuming rare treasures, your physical fitness has still increased rapidly, indicating your physical talent is top-notch."


    "Your mental talent is top-notch."


    "Most importantly, you reached grade four skills at seventeen and a half, demonstrating top-notchprehension talent."


    "You''re onlycking a cultivation method."


    "And creating a method requiresprehension talent above all," Dean Li smiled.

 Chapter 70: S-Rank Special Training Contract

    <h4>Chapter 70: S-Rank Special Training Contract</h4>


    "If yourprehension iscking, having only physical talent and mental talent will at most make you a source warrior, barely a B-level genius," Dean Li continued.


    Li Yuan nodded slightly.


    The Starlight Martial Hall initially offered him a B-level contract, which was already generous.


    Over the past six months, his progress had been astonishing, but if his skills didn''t break through to the fourth grade, he would barely reach A-level.


    The gap between the perfection of the third grade and the fourth grade of skills was very significant.


    "You have top-level talents in all three aspects, which means 1+1+1>5, with no weaknesses," Dean Li said solemnly. "The biggest obstacle on your way to bing a level 29 source warrior is advanced cultivation methods."


    "For ordinary source warriors, the death rate in creating methods exceeds 90%, because theirprehension is average."


    "Moreover, even if they seed by chance, most of them find it difficult to be level 29 source warriors, let alone be flying warriors."


    "But you."


    Dean Li looked at Li Yuan, as if he was staring at a piece of uncut jade, and smiled. "I think your sess rate in creating methods can exceed 50%."


    "As long as you don''t die in the astral realm training."


    "You have a fifty percent chance of bing a level 29 source warrior, and there is even some hope of bing a flying warrior. Why wouldn''t you be worth an S-level contract?"


    ...


    Dean Li and Teacher Fan Jin''s exnations made Li Yuan vaguely see his own future path.


    The path to bing a level 29 source warrior, and even a flying warrior, was clear.


    Of course, Li Yuan did not believe that he would smoothly be a level 29 source warrior, as there were still many challenges.


    Dean Li''s words were credible, but not entirely trustworthy.


    It''s like climbing a mountain; seeing the path ahead and actually reaching the summit are two different things.


    "Seniors," Li Yuan said, "Even if I have potential, why did youe to me first among the four S-level candidates?"


    "Because the other three S-level candidates are very likely not to choose one of the five major schools in China," Fan Jin smiled. "What is an S-level candidate? It is a martial arts genius on a global scale."


    "The other three are very likely to choose Starry Sky University or Starlight University."


    "We observers understand this, and those students themselves are also clear, so our motivation to find them is not that strong."


    "The five major schools in China are good, butpared to Starry Sky University, they are indeed weaker," Fan Jin did not hide this fact. "Our main targets are still A-level students."


    Li Yuan couldn''t help but nod.


    As far as he knew, the top ten scorers in the Jiangbei province college entrance examination almost always went to Starry Sky University or Starlight University.


    This had been the tradition for decades.


    "What about me?" Li Yuan asked.


    Dean Li and Fan Jin bothughed.


    "Li Yuan, you have to understand," Dean Li said solemnly. "First of all, no matter how early you sign a contract, the final university admission is based on your college entrance examination results."


    "When applying to the top three martial arts schools globally, your ''Young Hero'' title adds no points, only your spirit points... This is a rule set by the strongest human, Dongfang Ji."


    "The purpose is to eliminate all forms of maniption."


    "Unless you have an extraordinary talent in one aspect, for example, a fifth-grade skill," Dean Li said. "Then, even without a suitable advanced cultivation method, after being verified by the top officials of the three major martial halls, you can still be admitted based on a single talent. But just having a fourth-grade skill is not enough for special admission to Starlight University or Starry Sky University."


    Li Yuan was speechless.


    A fifth-grade skill? For a high school student? What kind of genius would that be?


    But Li Yuan could understand. It''s indeed fair to base everything on college entrance examination results, treating everyone equally.


    "Secondly, your three talents are all top-notch... But the students at Starlight University and Starry Sky University have many top-notch talents like you," Dean Li looked at Li Yuan. "Do you think the managers of the top three martial arts schools would care whether you seed in creating a method?"


    "Even if you seed in creating a method and be a flying warrior in the future, Starry Sky University and Starlight University wouldn''t mind missing out on you."


    "In history, they have produced many flying warriors," Dean Li sighed. "What theyck the least are geniuses."


    Li Yuan sighed inwardly.


    Indeed, his skill level was excellent.


    But looking globally, there were hundreds of peers like him.


    "If you choose my Kunlun Martial University, aside from theck of a cultivation method, your talent is the highest among all students," Fan Jin said with a smile. "Kunlun Martial University will do its utmost to support you in bing a source warrior and creating methods."


    "All kinds of precious cultivation resources will be prioritized for you, along with various techniques and guidance from many senior source warriors."


    "Even when flying warriorse to the school to give lectures, you will have priority to attend," Fan Jin painted a grand picture for Li Yuan. "All of these will be clearly written in the contract."


    Li Yuan pondered.


    He couldn''t get into the top three martial arts schools globally.


    Then, Kunlun Martial University was indeed his best choice.


    "Don''t think that Kunlun Martial University is weak."


    "The strongest human, Dongfang Ji, graduated from our Kunlun Martial University," Dean Li said proudly. "Nearly twenty percent of flying warriors in China graduated from Kunlun Martial University."


    Li Yuan nodded slightly.


    His idol was Dongfang Ji, so he naturally knew Dongfang Ji''s legendary experience... Graduating from Kunlun Martial University, he stood at the pinnacle of martial arts in just over a decade.


    Among the five major schools in China, Kunlun Martial University and Xia Jing Martial University were slightly stronger than the other three.


    Weakness was rtive to the top three martial arts schools globally.


    "Li Yuan, I''ll send you the S-level special training contract first," Dean Li said. "Take a look."


    Beep!


    Li Yuan''s smart wristband notified him of a new document.


    Li Yuan clicked on it and quickly reviewed it.


    There was a lot of content.


    The resources and rewards were very generous.


    However, Li Yuan remained calm. Upon deeper thought, he found that the benefits were not as good as Dean Li and Teacher Fan Jin had described.


    The contract had many restrictions. If his progress was not fast enough, the subsequent resources and support would decrease, and the overall resources might even be downgraded.


    But Li Yuan understood.


    Cultivation resources were precious. If one''s strength was insufficient, it was better to give the resources to someone more outstanding.


    The same was true for entering Starry Sky University.


    In this era, human civilization was constantly threatened with life and death.


    Competition was everywhere, and there was no room forcency.


    Time passed, and Li Yuan scanned through thest page of the contract.


    After waiting for more than ten seconds and seeing that Li Yuan was still deep in thought,


    "Li Yuan, that''s all for today. You have four more days," Dean Li said, standing up with a smile. "Xia Jing and Nanhai''s martial arts universities will definitelye to you as well, so you can consider your options."


    "Make the choice that is most beneficial to you."


    "Teacher Fan and I will leave now. If you''ve made up your mind, you can respond to my invitation letter."


    Dean Li and Fan Jin headed out of the meeting room.


    ng! Just as the door opened and before Dean Li could step out,


    "Dean Li."


    Li Yuan''s voice suddenly called out, "No need to consider further. I am willing to sign this S-level contract."


    Dean Li, with his back to Li Yuan, did not immediately turn around, but a smile had already appeared on his face.


    The strategy of retreating to advance had seeded.


    Dean Li was increasingly satisfied with Li Yuan.


    ...


    In the meeting room, both partiespleted the electronic signing of the contract directly on their smart wristbands, and then submitted it for review and filing with the ''Martial Arts Department'' and the ''Education Department.''


    Within two minutes, the review waspleted.


    The legally binding electronic contract was sent to Li Yuan''s personal virtualwork space in real-time.


    "Great!"


    "Li Yuan, wee to Kunlun Martial University," Dean Li said with a smile. "Believe me, this decision is not rushed at all."


    "Here is my private V-number, add it."


    "Thank you, senior," Li Yuan said, feeling ttered, and quickly added the private V-number with his smart wristband.


    "Still calling him senior?" Fan Jin joked, "Call him Dean Li."


    "Dean Li," Li Yuan nodded quickly.


    "You can call me whatever you like," Dean Li said cheerfully. "After enrolling in July and being assigned to a department, whether you choose one of the six departments or not, you cane to me if you have any issues."


    "If you have any questions about cultivation after returning to Jiangbei Martial University, you can always ask me. If I have time, I willmunicate with you."


    "Understood," Li Yuan nodded repeatedly, feeling warm inside.


    Normally, after signing the contract, there was no need for the other party to be so considerate.


    "Additionally," Dean Li said after thinking for a moment, "ording to the contract, your first cultivation fund of one million Blue Star Coins will be disbursed within a week."


    "But I must remind you."


    "Your college entrance examination scores must reach the national threshold. In theing months, you must not ck off in your cultivation," Dean Li cautioned. "If your scores do not meet the national threshold, we will be forced to terminate the contract."


    "Understood," Li Yuan said solemnly.


    The martial arts national threshold was the minimum score required by the five major schools.


    ording to the contract, if Li Yuan''s scores were insufficient and the contract was terminated,


    He would not need to return the one million Blue Star Coins.


    ...


    After adding Fan Jin as a contact, Li Yuan escorted Dean Li and Teacher Fan Jin downstairs.


    Just as they reached the door,


    Boom!


    A small aircraft descended slowly from the sky.


    Two figures ''floated'' down from the aircraft about seven or eight meters high.


    "Dean Li? And old Fan?" The middle-aged woman in ck robesnded gracefully, looking surprised.


    Then, her eyes fell on Li Yuan, and she hesitated slightly, "Are you Li Yuan?"


    "Yes," Li Yuan nodded.


    "What!"


    "Old Li, how did you get here so quickly?" the woman in ck robes couldn''t help but ask, "Has Li Yuan already signed the special training contract with you?"


    "Sister Liu."


    The bald and robust Dean Li grinned, revealing a mouthful of white teeth, "Sorry to make youe all the way for nothing. It''s sote, how about we have some barbecue together to make up for it?"

 Chapter 71: One Hundred Million Blue Star Coins

    <h4>Chapter 71: One Hundred Million Blue Star Coins</h4>


    "Li Yuan," the elegant woman in ck didn''t acknowledge Dean Li and directly looked at Li Yuan. "Have you really signed the contract?"


    "Yes," Li Yuan nodded.


    "You are still young, don''t be fooled by this man surnamed Li," the woman in ck smiled. "This old man looks kind when he smiles, but he''s very ruthless in battle... Would you like toe to my Donghai Martial University? Even if you''ve signed, it''s fine, we''ll pay the penalty fee for you."


    Li Yuan was stunned.


    Penalty fee? Can it really work like this?


    "Surnamed Liu, how can you poach people on the spot like this?" Dean Li wasn''t so polite either. "How much penalty fee are you nning to pay?"


    "Five million Blue Star Coins," the woman in ck frowned. "Isn''t that the standard penalty fee for an A-level special training contract?"


    Dean Li and Fan Jin bothughed.


    Li Yuan couldn''t help but show a slight smile at the corner of his mouth.


    "Dean Liu," Teacher Fan Jin smiled warmly, "If you want to sign Li Yuan, besides getting his consent, you also need to pay Kunlun Martial University fifty million Blue Star Coins."


    "Fifty million?" The woman in ck showed a bit of surprise on her face. "Did you sign an S-level special training contract?"


    "What else?" Dean Li smiled. "Or do you think Li Yuan isn''t worth an S-level?"


    The woman in ck instantly turned to stare at Li Yuan and couldn''t help but ask, "Did you awaken martial arts spirituality?"


    Li Yuan shook his head. "Not yet."


    "Then... is it your mental strength?" The woman in ck stared at Li Yuan, guessing, "Is your mental strength talent very high?"


    "Senior, you have keen eyes," Li Yuan nodded.


    "No wonder," the woman in ck understood the reason.


    "Dean Li," the woman in ck looked over, "Such boldness, I admire it. Giving away one of the two S-level special training spots just like that."


    "I am not bold; I just think Li Yuan is worth an S-level spot," Dean Li smiled. "Do you think Li Yuan isn''t worth an S-level?"


    Dean Li asked again.


    "I never said that," the woman in ck said calmly. "You''ve already signed him, there''s no need to provoke anymore."


    Resources are limited.


    Every S-level special training spot represents a huge investment in resources, and the spots are naturally not unlimited.


    For example, for the students of Jiangbei Province, Kunlun Martial University had two S-level special training spots for this invitation event, while the other four major schools had only one each.


    The woman in ck looked at Li Yuan and smiled kindly. "Li Yuan, work hard in your training. I look forward to the day you be a source warrior, or even a flying warrior."


    "Thank you, senior," Li Yuan responded humbly, understanding that the other party was not willing to give up an S-level spot.


    The woman in ck turned and left.


    She acknowledged Li Yuan''s excellence; otherwise, she wouldn''t havee. However, she only had one S-level spot and would have to pay an additional fifty million in penalty fees, so she hesitated.


    After all, there were still three other S-level students and several top ten elite students in the province.


    For example, a student like Wu Luo might not seem as skilled as Li Yuan at first nce, but he could progress more steadily and have a higher baseline in the future.


    He could be considered A+ level.


    However, to ensure they choose one of the five major schools for the college entrance exam, most of them would still need an S-level special training contract to be signed.


    ...


    After sending off the leaders of the two martial universities, Li Yuan had just gone upstairs to his room.


    "Li Yuan, where did you go? Who was knocking on the door?" Gu Qianghan was still leisurely eating melon. "I saved two pieces for you."


    "Nothing much," Li Yuan smiled.


    Beep~ Beep~ The doorbell suddenly rang again.


    ...


    Forty minutester, Li Yuan saw off thest teacher from Extreme Star Martial University.


    "Extreme Star, Xia Jing, Nanhai."


    Gu Qianghan, standing beside him, was dumbfounded. "Bro, you are impressive! You turned down invitations from three martial universities in one go, and they all offered A-level special training contracts."


    "The cage battle just ended, and they all rushed over. Aren''t you satisfied?" Gu Qianghan asked in confusion. "Especially Xia Jing Martial University, they offered very good contract terms."


    "The contracts were indeed good," Li Yuan smiled without exining further.


    "No way!"


    Gu Qianghan suddenly realized and stared wide-eyed. "Was the first doorbell from Kunlun? Or Donghai? Did you already sign a special training contract?"


    "Little Qiang, you''ve gotten smarter," Li Yuan smiled.


    Gu Qianghan''s delicate face was full of shock.


    "I''ve always been smart, okay? Also, call me Gu Qiang," Gu Qianghan said, sitting on the sofa and thinking. "Did you sign right away? No, your four-grade skill is definitely worth an A-level. Didn''t youpare the contracts?"


    Gu Qianghan was usually carefree and didn''t like to use his brain.


    But he wasn''t stupid; on the contrary, he was very smart and had a broad perspective.


    "S-level?" Gu Qianghan thought of a possibility and stared at Li Yuan, somewhat incredulous. "Did a school offer an S-level contract?"


    "Take a guess," Li Yuan smiled.


    "Damn you, Li Yuan!" Gu Qianghan eximed. "An S-level contract? A school offered you an S-level special training contract on the first day?"


    "What did they see in you, your skills? But it''s not a five-grade spear technique."


    Li Yuan couldn''t help butugh.


    Being roommates with Gu Qianghan was actually quite nice, at least it wasn''t boring.


    He was like a lively treasure.


    "Li Yuan, do you really not understand the significance of S-level?" Gu Qianghan couldn''t help but ask. "S-level, and even the top-level SS-level students, enjoy many very special resources."


    "There''s also SS-level?" Li Yuan was surprised.


    "Of course there is."


    Gu Qianghan said matter-of-factly, "There are still some S-level students nationwide every year, but SS-level... ording to my dad, it''s rare to have even one SS-level student nationwide in a year, so it''s not publicized."


    Li Yuan nodded slightly, thinking of Yu Jinghe, who might be that level of genius.


    "You''ve really hit the jackpot."


    Gu Qianghan sighed. "S-level students and above have ess to special resources that even my dad and his peers can''t reach."


    Li Yuan was surprised.


    Although he had never asked, from what he had seen, Gu Qianghan''s father was at least a powerful source warrior.


    "Can''t you just buy it with money?" Li Yuan asked instinctively.


    "If you have enough money, you probably could, but it''s not worth it," Gu Qiang shook his head. "Of course, my dad just mentioned it casually, I don''t know the specifics."


    "ording to my dad, if you were to sell an initial S-level special training spot, it would easily go for one hundred million Blue Star Coins."


    "Of course, that''s just the initial spot. If you can''t maintain it, you would be downgraded to A-level," Gu Qianghan exined. "There''s an annual review."


    Li Yuan held his breath.


    One hundred million Blue Star Coins? He knew S-level spots were precious, but he didn''t realize they were this valuable.


    No wonder the penalty fee was as high as fifty million.


    "Some things can''t be measured by money."


    Gu Qianghan smiled. "Li Yuan, I used to think you were amazing, but now I really admire you."


    "Without awakening martial arts spirituality, you managed to get an S-level special training contract from one of the five major schools. You must have some hidden talent," Gu Qianghanughed. "No wonder my sister always tells me to learn from you."


    Li Yuan was stunned for a moment, then smiled.


    No one is truly foolish in this world.


    "Then you should study hard. Maybe you can get an A-level special training spot," Li Yuan teased.


    "Impossible!"


    "I have no talent," Gu Qianghan shook his head like a rattle drum. "My grades look decent because my dad forces me. If you had my... Let''s not go there. I just want to get into one of the five major schools to make my dad proud."


    "But you can''t rely on your parents forever," Li Yuan smiled. "They will get old eventually..."


    "Li Yuan."


    Gu Qianghan nced at Li Yuan and smiled. "Do you believe that by the time I''m about to die of old age, my parents could still have a bunch of younger brothers for me?"


    Li Yuan was speechless. He understood what Gu Qianghan meant.


    Ordinary people can''t rely on their parents forever, but Gu Qianghan really could!


    "You signed with Kunlun Martial University, right? My dad wants me to apply there too."


    "I can''t count on my sister. She''s probably going to Starry Sky University. We''re good brothers, right? When we get to university, you''ll look out for me," Gu Qianghan said leisurely, lying back down. "All I want in this life is to be a source warrior and then take it easy."


    "Rely on parents at home, rely on brothers outside."


    "Alright," Li Yuan smiled.


    He didn''t take these words to heart. With Gu Qianghan''s connections and background, he didn''t need Li Yuan''s help.


    On the contrary, Li Yuan vaguely understood.


    Today, after revealing his four-grade skills and securing an S-level special training contract, he likely made Gu Qianghan genuinely want to befriend him.


    It wasn''t about Gu Qianghan''s personality, but rather the perspectives ingrained in them from a young age.


    These scions of great families recognize, aside from their own kind, true geniuses.


    "I also need some friends," Li Yuan thought.


    A hero needs three helpers.


    Making more friends and connecting with powerful seniors would be beneficial for his martial path.

 Chapter 72: Mortality Rate of 1.2%

    <h4>Chapter 72: Mortality Rate of 1.2%</h4>


    Gu Qianghan went to the lounge to rest. Li Yuan, on the other hand, approached the nearby weapon cab, took out a long spear, and began practicing. Today, most of the time was spent running around. He couldn''t settle down to cultivate.


    "First practice spear for an hour, then practice meditation technique for two hours," Li Yuan decided. "After that, continue practicing the ''Observing the Great Day Starry Sky Technique''."


    The path of cultivation doesn''t allow for any ck even for a day.


    "Others may want to befriend me, show goodwill not because of my handsome appearance and kind heart," Li Yuan thought deeply, "but because I have enough value."


    Only with value can mutual feelings be stable. Not to mention interacting with others, even between parents and children, it''s the same.


    "Hoo!" "Hoo!" The long spear was like a dragon, and with a casual thrust, Li Yuan could mobilize his entire body''s strength.


    In fact, while practicing spear techniques, Li Yuan was also contemting.


    "Signed the contract."


    "For the college entrance examination, is it enough to reach the score line of the five top universities?" Li Yuan muttered.


    He couldn''t say for sure he would be able to achieve this score line, so cultivation naturally couldn''t be ckened.


    "Starlight University." Li Yuan shook his head slightly.


    Before the third year of high school, Li Yuan had never thought about Starlight University or Starry Sky University.


    At that time, the difference was too great.


    But human ambitions are constantly changing. After the January adjustment and examination, with the improvement of his grades, Li Yuan asionally thought about Starlight University.


    "Recognize reality." Li Yuan suddenly swung his long spear, and the spear struck fiercely against the sandbag.


    "Pong~" The sandbag burst forth with a tremendous roar.


    "Nearly a hundred years ago, Dongfang Ji could walk from Kunlun Martial Arts University to the pinnacle of martial arts," Li Yuan thought to himself. "The quality of a university doesn''t determine everything."


    Whether it''s high school or university, it''s just a stage in the growth of a martial artist.


    Not to mention Kunlun Martial Arts University is not inferior.


    Even Jiangbei Martial Arts University, where the average talent of students is much lower, has produced many transformed students during their university years, and in history, there have been many source martial artist who have emerged, and even more than one sky warrior has been born.


    As for Kunlun Martial Arts University? In terms of the total number of sky warriors born, it is not much less than Starlight University.


    "Nowadays, the conditions of Kunlun Martial Arts University are definitely better than in the era of Dongfang Ji," Li Yuan''s heart was full of ambition.


    "Innovation? Many predecessors in history have sessfully innovated."


    "In the future, I can also be an innovator, a sky warrior."


    ["The proficiency of your spear technique has increased from Grade Four - 2% to Grade Four - 3%."] This message shed across the Divine Pce panel suddenly.


    ...


    The invitations for the second and third days were quite ordinary, including discussions, lectures, and ''one-on-one'' exchanges with elite students of martial arts universities.


    There were also some tests, such as fist strength and burst speed tests.


    Li Yuan informed the observers of the five major universities in advance about signing the contract with Kunlun Martial Arts University, and receiving the S-level contract, but some regretted it.


    Some also thought Li Yuan was not worth the S-level.


    However, Li Yuan was unaware of this.


    The news did not spread among the students either.


    After Gu Qianghan learned about it, he only told Lin Lanyue, and the two of them kept it secret, and even Wu Dongdong did not know.


    On the third day, after dinner, thousands of students gathered in arge conference hall.


    "The practicalbat assessment with astral realm creatures will start early tomorrow morning?"


    "Do we need to sign a death waiver?"


    "In the practicalbat assessment, there is a mortality rate of 1.2%?" Thousands of elite students exploded into discussions upon hearing the exnation from the female teacher on the podium.


    "Quiet!" A deep voice rang out like a bell, instantly suppressing all the discussions.


    Inside the conference room, it becamepletely quiet.


    All the students looked at the podium. Besides the female teacher, there was now a burly man in blue martial arts uniform.


    He was over two meters tall, with an astonishing momentum. Especially when his ice-cold eyes swept over, few students dared to meet his gaze.


    "A mortality rate of 1.2% makes you panic? Are you scared?" The voice of the burly man in blue was cold. "Then in the future, when you face tasks with a mortality rate exceeding 50% in the depths of the astral realm, will you just desert?"


    The entire conference room fell silent.


    "A 1.2% mortality rate?" Li Yuan stood among the crowd, silently listening.


    He wasn''t afraid of any mortality rate, just slightly surprised.


    After all, logically speaking, they were only participating as students.


    There was also a possibility of death?


    On the podium, the burly man in blue nodded to the female teacher, indicating her to continue speaking.


    "The location of the practicalbat assessment is temporarily confidential," the female teacher''s voice was gentle. "During the practicalbat assessment, most of what you''ll face are non-entry-level astral realm creatures, and the strongest will only be Level 12."


    "They have all been screened."


    "During the assessment, Jiangbei Martial Arts University will coborate with the military to ensure your protection throughout, striving for zero casualties."


    "However, it''s still difficult to avoid idents, so we don''t force everyone to participate," the female teacher said. "If you''re unwilling, just fill out the ''Voluntary Waiver of Practical Combat Assessment Application Form''."


    Every student listened, and only when they heard ''full protection'' did they feel somewhat reassured.


    When they heard they could opt out, many students began to think carefully.


    "However," the female teacher''s tone turned, "if you do not participate in the practicalbat assessment, or if you fail to meet the minimum requirements during the assessment, then you will not be eligible for the special training contract of the five major universities."


    "In addition, even if you are admitted to one of the five major universities through the college entrance examination, if you want to be included in the special training list, you will still have to participate in and pass the practicalbat assessment."


    Amotion broke out.


    Most students were previously unaware of this regtion.


    "You have to participate in the practicalbat assessment to be selected for special training?" Li Yuan was also surprised.


    "This is a new rule," Lin Lanyue whispered beside him. "In the past, there was only a practicalbat assessment, but it wasn''t linked to the special training list."


    "This was just announced by the Martial Arts Department. It hasn''t been officially announced yet, so it''s normal that it hasn''t spread widely."


    Li Yuan suddenly realized.


    "There will also be corresponding rewards for the practicalbat assessment," the female teacher continued. "The first ce in the points ranking will be rewarded with 2 million Blue Star Coins."


    "The second to tenth ces in the points ranking will be rewarded with 500,000 Blue Star Coins."


    "Those ranked 11th to 100th will be rewarded with 200,000 Blue Star Coins."


    "Those ranked below 100, as long as they pass the practicalbat assessment, will also be rewarded with 50,000 Blue Star Coins."


    Many students'' eyes lit up.


    The rewards for the practicalbat assessment were obviously higher than those during the skills assessment, with the first ce directly receiving 2 million Blue Star Coins.


    Not to mention the rewards for the top ten rankings.


    As long as they met the standard, they would receive at least 50,000 Blue Star Coins, which was already quite a lot.


    "This is arge-scale subsidy." Li Yuan couldn''t help but say.


    "Everyone who can participate in this activity is an elite student from a province. It''s normal to produce a group of source martial artists in the future," Lin Lanyue smiled softly. "Therefore, it''s not easy to invite them over. Jiangbei Martial Arts University will definitely distribute arge amount of money to gain favor and leave a good impression."


    Li Yuan pondered.


    In a sense, this was an investment in human connections by Jiangbei Martial Arts University.


    As long as they epted this reward, they would indirectly receive a favor from Jiangbei Martial Arts University.


    On the podium.


    "Whether to participate in the practicalbat assessment is your own decision," the female teacher said. "After returning to your dormitory, there will be contract documents on the virtualwork. You can sign or waive them in your personal space."


    ...


    Thousands of students gradually walked out of the conference room, and it was still not dark.


    "Li Yuan, are you participating?" Lin Lanyue asked.


    "Of course," Li Yuan smiled. "I have already signed the special training contract, so I have to go."


    It was stipted in the S-level special training contract signed two days ago that he must participate in the practicalbat assessment.


    Not participating would be considered a breach of contract.


    If he participated but did not pass the assessment, it would not be a breach of contract, but he would have to participate again after enrollment.


    If he failed the assessment twice, his treatment would be reduced.


    "Are you not afraid of the mortality rate?" Lin Lanyue asked with a hint of teasing.


    "What''s there to be afraid of? I''ve received honorary titles," Li Yuan smiled. "If we talk about danger, thest encounter was even more dangerous."


    "That''s true," Lin Lanyue smiled.


    Then she lowered her head, opened her smart ring, and tapped on the light screen.


    Drip~


    Li Yuan''s smart ring immediately vibrated. He looked down and saw that Lin Lanyue had sent a video file through V message.


    "What''s this?" Li Yuan was puzzled.


    "Don''t ask now, there are too many people here," Lin Lanyue smiled. "Watch it on the virtualwork when you get back. See you tomorrow."


    Lin Lanyue walked away directly.


    Li Yuan suppressed his curiosity and did not open it. He walked back to the dormitory building with Gu Qianghan.

 Chapter 73: First Level Astral Realm ’Moon Demon’

    <h4>Chapter 73: First Level Astral Realm ''Moon Demon''</h4>


    Returning to the martial arts room, Li Yuan asked while drinking water, "Gu Qiang, are you going to participate in the practicalbat assessment?"


    "Sigh, I have to," Gu Qianghan sighed. "Yesterday, my mom told me that if I don''t pass the practicalbat assessment, my dad will break my legs when I get home."


    Li Yuanughed. Gu Qianghan always emphasized, "My dad will beat me, and my mom is unhappy with me," but it was clear that his parents loved him very much. If parents truly didn''t care, children would keep their feelings hidden.


    "I''ll go on the virtualwork first," Li Yuan said with a smile. "I need to sign the documents."


    "Alright, I''ll sign in a moment. Let''s have some watermelon today."


    ...Consciousness connected. Directly entering the Jiangbei Martial Arts Campus Network.


    "Death Waiver." Li Yuan flipped through the document, scanning it briefly. There were many uses, but it boiled down to one sentence: "If you die in the practicalbat assessment, Jiangbei Martial Arts willpensate with 500,000 Blue Star Coins."


    That was it.


    "500,000 Blue Star Coins?" Li Yuan clicked to agree, then returned to his personal space on the virtualwork toplete the online signature.


    In his personal space, Li Yuan pondered, "Practicalbat assessment? I hope it won''t disappoint me."


    Li Yuan was determined to participate. First, to meet the special training contract requirements of Kunlun Martial Arts University. Second, for the Blue Star Coins reward.


    "In the skill assessment, the cage melee was divided into six rounds, so I didn''t need topete directly with Wu Dongdong or Tian Dazhuang. I easily took first ce," Li Yuan thought. "But in the practicalbat assessment? There''s only one first ce."


    Winning the 2 million Blue Star Coins reward was extremely difficult. Not to mention, "Wu Dongdong''s spear skills are better than mine, and her physical fitness is as high as 10.5," Li Yuan thought. "Overall, her strength is far superior to mine. The chance of beating her is very low."


    Over the past few days, Li Yuan had used ''Divine Pce Investigation'' on many students. As the number of investigations increased, Li Yuan noticed that the weaker the opponent, the less mental energy was consumed.


    ording to the results of these days'' investigations, Li Yuan found that most of the thousands of elite students participating in the event had physical fitness levels between 8.0 and 8.5. There were very few students below 8.0 or above 9.0.


    Those with physical fitness above 10.0? Only Wu Dongdong and Lin Lanyue. Next was Wang Yu, at 9.5. Tian Dazhuang, possibly due to family reasons and limited cultivation resources, had a physical fitness level of only 8.5.


    In other words, Li Yuan''s physical fitness level of 8.9 was actually among the top 5% of all elite students. During the January adjustment test, Gu Qianghan''s physical fitness was simr to Li Yuan''s. Now, it was only 8.7, falling behind Li Yuan.


    In the past year and a half, in terms of physical fitness improvement speed, Li Yuan was among the top in Jiangbei Province''s million students.


    "Competing for first ce is difficult."


    "But, I must strive to enter the top ten." Li Yuan felt that with effort, he had a great chance to win the 500,000 Blue Star Coins.


    Money was very important. "My younger brother and sister''s martial arts training will require a lot of expenses in the future," Li Yuan thought. "To give them the best conditions, a few million Blue Star Coins won''t be enough until they reach their third year of high school."


    The investment in martial arts training was endless. The more, the better.


    Lastly, and most importantly for Li Yuan, was the spiritual nourishment.


    Li Yuan had always been concerned about this matter. "ording to Dean Li, everything has a spirit, and I shouldn''t be an exception," Li Yuan thought. "So, the spiritual awakening level on my Divine Pce panel... is it referring to the ''advanced spirituality'' noted on the Divine Pce panel initially?"


    Was what he awakened advanced spirituality? This was Li Yuan''s guess.


    "Last time, before I killed the astral realm creature, I received a reminder and then obtained 0.6% spiritual nourishment after killing it."


    "When I investigated human martial artists, I didn''t receive any reminders about obtaining spiritual nourishment," Li Yuan pondered. "Do I have to kill astral realm creatures? It seems so!"


    "Does the target need to be an entry-level life form? Not confirmed!"


    Li Yuan hadn''t seen other astral realm creatures, so there was noparison.


    "Is this spiritual nourishment something my Divine Pce pce takes and absorbs from the deceased... or is it a reward from some mysterious existence for killing astral realm creatures?" This thought suddenly shed in Li Yuan''s mind.


    As his strength increased step by step, Li Yuan asionally thought about the origin of the Divine Pce pce and the Divine Pce panel. Was it some kind of special talent of his own? Or did ite from some unspeakable existence? Or the legendary immortals? Gods? Demons? All were unknown.


    "Take it slow. When my strength bes greater, I will have the opportunity to understand it," Li Yuan thought. "This practicalbat assessment is a test."


    Suppressing distracting thoughts, Li Yuan directly opened the other video file sent by Lin Lanyue.


    Buzz~ The light screen emerged, disying a panoramic projection. Li Yuan stood in ce, as if he was there.


    Under a dim sky, a red moon hung high, with dazzling red light shing across the sky from time to time, looking quite eerie.


    "Is this Blue Star?" Li Yuan wondered.


    His view extended far, with rolling mountains and howling winds, apanied by the asional howls of wild beasts. At the end of the sky was a huge war fortress.


    As the camera zoomed out, this vast world was presented before Li Yuan.


    Simultaneously, a narration began: "First-level Astral Realm ''Moon Demon Astral Realm'', the entrance is located in Jiangbei Province ''Jiangbei Martial Arts University''. It is a fully developed Astral Realm, bordering the extraterrestrial civilization ''Moon Demon Civilization''... The maximum diameter of the entire Astral Realm is about 2341 kilometers... A forward base has been established,pleting the control and secretly monitoring the entire Moon Demon Civilization."


    "The uses of the Astral Realm are: first, secretly capturing Moon Demon Civilization creatures for experiments."


    "Second, the military conducts technological weapon experiments in a ''high source force environment''."


    "Third, as the practicalbat assessment site for Jiangbei Martial Arts University students."


    Li Yuan watched the video in shock. He could easily understand that this was definitely ssified information.


    Moon Demon Astral Realm? Located in Jiangbei Martial Arts University? Li Yuan, a native of Jiangbei Province, had never heard of it.


    "In Jiangbei Province, there is clearly only one first-level Astral Realm ''Fish Spirit''," Li Yuan couldn''t help but think. "Fish Spirit Astral Realm is located in the area between Shizhou and Yizhou, more than 2000 kilometers away from Jiangcheng."


    Fish Spirit Astral Realm, as the name suggests, is the origin of the Fish Spirit n. The entrance of Fish Spirit Astral Realm intersecting with Blue Star is veryrge, with small entrances constantly appearing, making it impossible for China topletely seal it off.


    Fish Spirit n often invades, which has caused multiple towns along the Xiang River to be attacked by extraterrestrial creatures for decades.


    Fortunately, Fish Spirit Astral Realm is only a ''first-level Astral Realm'', and the invading creatures are only first-level, capable ofunching small-scale attacks, not fatal to Jiangbei Province.


    "So, there is another Astral Realm in Jiangbei Martial Arts University?" Li Yuan held his breath.


    ording to high school textbooks, Astral Realms are the areas where human civilization intersects with extraterrestrial civilizations.


    Although ording to the video description, the Moon Demon Astral Realm is under human control and very safe, who can guarantee absolute safety?


    Any Astral Realm is like a super volcano ready to erupt at any time.


    "No wonder Jiangbei Martial Arts University is a military base and has built war fortresses," thoughts shed through Li Yuan''s mind. "It''s probably to seal the Astral Realm entrance immediately in case of an emergency."


    Countless thoughts crossed Li Yuan''s mind, and he had to admit, Lin Lanyue''s background was indeed impressive, being able to obtain such a video.


    Suppressing his thoughts, Li Yuan continued watching.


    "Today, the focus is on the third point, about the practicalbat assessment site," the narration in the video continued. "This is thetest detailed exnation for 2043."


    "The following are introductions to the practicalbat assessment site, distribution of alien creatures, their physical structures, and typicalbat methods..."


    "Moon Demon creatures are primarily beast-like. Their adult forms are generally around level 8, but their intelligence is low, usually equivalent to a 6-year-old human... However, there have been flying-level life forms born, slowly absorbing the source force emitted by the ''Moon''. Second-level Moon Demon warriors have intelligence equivalent to a 12-year-old human..."


    "The main form of Moon Demon creatures resembles ''wolves'', with predominantly ck or red skin, scales growing on their abdomen... Their weak points are..."


    "In the practicalbat assessment site, the distribution of Moon Demon creatures is..."

 Chapter 74: Practical Combat Assessment

    <h4>Chapter 74: Practical Combat Assessment</h4>


    Li Yuan listened quietly. The entire video was very long, a full 22 minutes.


    "Note, this file is ssified, for internal viewing within Jiangbei Martial Arts University only, and must not be leaked." The video ended with this message.


    Li Yuan closed his eyes and silently recalled the content. Then he reopened the video and reviewed it again, mostly speeding through it but rewatching certain parts multiple times until he was sure he had memorized all the information. His strong mental power gave him an impressive memory.


    "Delete the source file."


    "Delete the chat history."


    "Delete the localwork records." Li Yuan executed a triplemand to destroy the evidence.


    Of course, there would still be traces on the virtualwork, but with Li Yuan''s limited knowledge, this was the best he could do.


    "If they really want to investigate, why bother with all the restrictions?" Li Yuan muttered to himself, "Besides, it''s just the internal secret of Jiangbei Martial Arts University, not a military secret."


    Li Yuan estimated that as long as he didn''t spread it, even if it was discovered, the impact shouldn''t be significant.


    "Although, watching this video in advance does seem a bit hical," Li Yuan thought. It wasn''t like he was copying answers directly, but it was akin to knowing the scope and types of questions before an exam, making it naturally easier.


    "However, if Lin Lanyue could get the video, it''s possible that Wu Dongdong and others could get it too." Li Yuan shook his head. He wasn''t a moral saint, and this was just a practicalbat assessment, not the college entrance examination.


    "Given the current situation, I should make the most of this information advantage."


    "I''m not aiming for first ce, but I''ll try to kill as many astral realm creatures as possible to see if I can push my spiritual awakening level to over 10%," Li Yuan resolved.


    Exiting the virtualwork, Li Yuan walked out of the lounge, took out his spear, and continued his martial arts training for the day.


    "Li Yuan, do you never rest? You''re training again?" Gu Qianghan walked out of the therapy room, holding a can of c.


    He looked at Li Yuan in amazement, "These four days, I haven''t seen you rest for a single day."


    "You get up at four in the morning and start training."


    "After lunch, you train for another two hours."


    "In the evening, you train until midnight. Can your body handle it?" Gu Qianghan couldn''t help but say, "You''re a monster!"


    "I don''t have advanced cultivation methods. If I don''t train, how can I catch up with others?" Li Yuanughed.


    "I give up." Gu Qianghan gave a thumbs-up sincerely, "My dad used to tell me that true top-tier experts, like Dongfang Ji, trained at least sixteen hours a day."


    "I never believed it, thought it was just Dongfang Ji glorifying himself after he became famous," Gu Qianghan said casually.


    Li Yuan: "..."


    "After seeing you, I believe it now."


    "But don''t you have any hobbies or fun? How do you keep going with such intense training?" Gu Qianghan looked at Li Yuan.


    "Hobbies?" Li Yuan thought for a moment and smiled, "Why would training be tiring? Watching yourself progress little by little should be enjoyable, right?"


    "If I have to name a hobby," Li Yuanughed, "training is my hobby."


    Perhaps, in the early days, practicing spear techniques and cultivation methods was very tedious and painful for Li Yuan. But as time passed, if he couldn''t adapt to this lifestyle and find passion in the monotony, even if he forced himself to continue, his progress would be slow.


    Passion is the best teacher. Nowadays, Li Yuan thoroughly enjoyed the process of growing stronger through training.


    "Training? A hobby?" Gu Qianghan was silent for a while, then suddenly sighed, "Li Yuan, to be honest, you''d make a great son for my dad."


    "He would definitely like you."


    "Why don''t I introduce you to my dad as a godson," Gu Qianghan said reluctantly, "I could also reluctantly ept you as my godbrother."


    "Come on, call me brother first and let me hear it."


    "Get lost!"


    ...


    Perhaps influenced by Li Yuan, Gu Qianghan, who usually only trained for an hour at night, trained for an extra ten minutes.


    ...


    The next day, to ensure he had enough energy for the practicalbat assessment, Li Yuan didn''t wake up early to practice his spear techniques. Hey in bed and slept for two hours.


    For the first time in over a year, Li Yuan slept in a bed, but perhaps due to his overly strong mental power, the quality of sleep was average.


    "It seems that as my strength increases, someday in the future, simply sleeping might be a luxury," Li Yuan sighed.


    ...After breakfast at around six in the morning, the students gathered at seven.


    On a field not far from the war fortress, thousands of students gathered. Dozens of Jiangbei Martial Arts University students, grouped in threes, were gradually verifying each student''s identity.


    Dozens of Jiangbei Martial Arts University teachers and military base officers stood at a distance. Professor Ming was also there.


    "Very good." The burly man from yesterday was still wearing blue clothes, his voice cold and echoing across the field, "Out of you, 976 chose to participate in the practicalbat assessment. I am proud of your decision."


    "What is martial arts? The way of killing! Without killing, how can it be called martial arts?"


    "Why does the country train martial artists?" The burly man''s voice was thunderous, "To kill enemies and protect the nation!"


    "To put it in broader terms, martial artists are the sharpest de of human civilization."


    "A battle de unsheathed is meant to draw blood."


    "You are all elite students of the province, having trained for six years from middle school to high school. Your strength is close to entry-level martial artists, with some of you even able to rival entry-level martial artists."


    The burly man''s voice was powerful, "I hope that six years of training, countless simted battles on the Starry Sky Fighting Network, and the school''s physical confrontations have prepared you."


    "I wish you all sess in the assessment and to return alive."


    "Collect your equipment and move out!"


    ...


    In the weaponry room, students lined up to receive their equipment.


    "Li Yuan, this is yours: aplete set of first-grade lower-grade protective clothing, first-grade lower-grade soft armor, first-gradebat boots, and a helmet." The senior student handed Li Yuan a box of protective gear, "Try it on to see if it fits. If not,e back and change it."


    "This is a dedicated positioning bracelet. In the assessment area, your smart bracelet won''t have a signal."


    "The positioning bracelet has limited functions, only positioning, emergency rescue, and monitoring your life signs," the senior student exined. "But its biggest feature is its durability."


    "Durability?" Li Yuan was puzzled.


    "Unless a second-level creature attacks it, it won''t break," the senior studentughed. "The more sophisticated something is, the easier it is to break."


    "The simpler, sometimes the more durable."


    Li Yuan couldn''t help but ask, "Made in Rond?"


    "Smart, the genuine ones are developed by Rond''s military! These are our imitated... improved versions, ahem, cheaper and better in performance," the senior student grinned.


    Li Yuan was speechless, holding the box of protective gear, and went into the changing room next door.


    ...


    After putting on the gear, Li Yuan felt it fit perfectly and was veryfortable. The protective clothing didn''t hinder his agility at all.


    Clearly, after a hundred years of war, martial artist equipment had improved significantly.


    "First-grade lower-grade protective clothing, tough and flexible enough to not hinder movement," Gu Qianghan had also changed and stood beside him, smiling. "It can withstand attacks from level 11 martial artists without breaking."


    "For first-grade middle-grade, it can withstand attacks from level 15 martial artists."


    "For first-grade upper-grade protective clothing, it can withstand attacks from level 19 martial artists," Gu Qianghan listed knowledgeably.


    Li Yuan listened. He wasn''t very familiar with martial artist equipment since he never thought about killing extraterrestrial creatures before college.


    "However, protective clothing also has weaknesses," Gu Qianghan exined. "It''s tough and resistant to bites butcks hardness, making it difficult to withstand impacts."


    "That''s why we wear an additionalyer of soft armor and a helmet."


    "While trying not to hinder flexibility, we add an extrayer of protection to the torso''s vital organs and the head," Gu Qianghan said. "Against low-civilization astral realm creatures of the same rank, we human martial artists have a significant advantage with our weapons."


    Li Yuan nodded lightly. He had seen many documentaries. Most astral realm creatures in the Astral Realm had low levels of civilization.


    "When you be a source martial artist , it will be different," Gu Qianghan said enthusiastically. "Second-grade battle suits, or source power battle suits, need to be activated with source power. They are not only tough but can also greatly reduce all kinds of impacts, truly not fearing hot weapons..."


    "You know a lot," Li Yuan marveled.


    "Of course," Gu Qianghan became more excited. "I''m a military and equipment enthusiast."


    He felt a sense of aplishment in being able to teach Li Yuan.


    "Just not very strong," Li Yuan said seriously.


    "Hey!" Gu Qianghan was annoyed, "What about brotherhood?"


    ...


    "Weapons." Li Yuan spent a long time selecting weapons in the armory.


    Finally, he chose a ck spear over two meters long, a half-meter short knife, and a dagger.


    Holding the spear, he ced the dagger on his waist and the short knife in the weapon bag on his soft armor.


    This was to have a short weapon ready in case the spear was lost.


    As a fourth-rank expert, even unfamiliar weapons would be more powerful in his hands than in those of a third-rank master.


    ...


    Everything was ready. All the students lined up to enter an inconspicuous-looking building.


    Following that, they went underground.


    Underground, it was a different world, incredibly spacious, resembling a superrge subway station.


    Several fully enclosed trains with open doors had been waiting for a long time.

 Chapter 75: Killing Can Provide Spiritual Nourishment

    <h4>Chapter 75: Killing Can Provide Spiritual Nourishment</h4>


    "Subway station?"


    "Such arge underground space, it feels like a high-speed rail tform."


    "You can''t tell from the surface, is it hollowed out underneath?" Most of the students were shocked as they got off.


    Li Yuan had already watched the introductory video of the ''Moon Demon Astral Realm'' and had many spections in his mind.


    Instinctively, Li Yuan looked towards Lin Lanyue not far away.


    Lin Lanyue was also dressed in ck soft armor and protective clothing, tall and valiant.


    As if sensing Li Yuan''s gaze, Lin Lanyue turned her head, gently shook it, signaling Li Yuan not to say anything.


    "Board the train in order of your previous numbers," the nearby base officer said in a deep voice.


    Li Yuan boarded the train, ncing around.


    Professor Ming and the other second-level source martial arts teachers and officers stood far away.


    It seemed they had no intention of boarding the train.


    ...


    The train moved,pletely enclosed, with even the ss being opaque.


    It prevented Li Yuan and the others from seeing the outside scenery.


    If not for the slight vibration of the train body, they wouldn''t even notice the train moving.


    Each carriage had about 50 students, divided into two teams, guarded by two martial officer soldiers, one at the front and one at the back.


    Suddenly.


    "Whoosh~" Light gathered at the front, back, and sides of the carriage, forming a light curtain projection.


    In the projection appeared the previously seen tall man in blue.


    "Now, I''ll announce the rules of the practical assessment," the tall man said in a deep voice. "First, the assessment location is a special military base. After entering and leaving, you are not allowed to inquire about or disclose any content rted to the assessment area. Vitors will be considered ''spies''."


    Many students were shocked.


    Spies?


    "Second, killing each other is not allowed during the assessment. The entire assessment area is monitored," the tall man said coldly. "Vitors will be sentenced to death."


    The students'' faces showed even more shock.


    Li Yuan, however, was slightly moved. The first two rules were ''punishments''.


    Is this setting the ground rules?


    "Third, all astral realm creatures are constantly monitored. Therefore, as long as you kill them, the points will be recorded in real-time on the leaderboard. You don''t need to collect tokens separately, and you can check the rankings on your positioning wristbands at any time."


    "Fourth, astral realm creatures below level 10 are worth 1 point, level 10-11 are worth 10 points; level 12 are worth 50 points... If you encounter astral realm creatures above level 12, it''s rmended to run away immediately and seek help."


    "Fifth, obtaining 5 points means passing the assessment."


    "Sixth, if you encounter danger, you can choose to seek help. Attack drones will arrive within 30 seconds... but it also means the end of the assessment, and points will be halved, so act within your limits."


    "Seventh, the assessment starts at 9 o''clock andsts until 4 o''clock in the afternoon, a total of seven hours."


    ...


    After the rules were exined, the projection disappeared, and the train continued moving. Not long after.


    Very abruptly.


    Buzz~ Li Yuan suddenly felt a slight pain in his head, like being continuously pricked by needles, causing him to clench his teeth unconsciously.


    However, for Li Yuan, this pain was minorpared to the torment of practicing "Observing the Grand Sun Starry Scripture."


    At the same time.


    Boom~ An invisible force seemed to squeeze around his body, like entering water and facing resistance from all sides.


    Increasingly ufortable.


    "Ah!" Some students showed painful expressions, their faces red, veins bulging, as if suffering unbearable pain.


    Thud~


    Thump~ Many students couldn''t help but half-kneel, trying to relieve the sudden pressure.


    "Rx," the voice of a martial officer came to their ears. "It''s your first time experiencing this, it will be over in twenty seconds."


    Ten secondster.


    Boom! It was as if their heads were lifted out of water, suddenly breathing fresh air again.


    The students, including Li Yuan, felt unprecedented relief, breathing heavily.


    "Is it over? Just now, we should have passed through the spatial intersection between the Moon Demon Astral Realm and Blue Star," Li Yuan thought calmly, ncing around.


    Except for Lin Lanyue, who was just slightly pale.


    "Whoosh!" Other students were lying on the ground, panting, some even unable to hold their weapons.


    "What are your names?" The officer at the rear of the train asked curiously. "Been here before?"


    "Report, no." Li Yuan said seriously. "My name is Li Yuan."


    "Never been here," Lin Lanyue said calmly.


    "Hmm." The officer smiled. "Good seedlings, good luck."


    A few minutester.


    "Arrived, prepare to disembark," the officer at the front of the carriage said, and the train slowly stopped.


    The carriage doors opened.


    Li Yuan and the others got off one after another. The sky was dim, and it was an extremely spacious stop, like a giant yground, with a metallic floor. In the distance, there was a huge war fortress over 200 meters high.


    Nearby, several small aircraft were parked.


    Students from each carriage were getting off.


    "Look at the sky."


    "A red moon?"


    "So eerie!"


    "We were underground just now, how did we get here in a few minutes? Did we teleport?"


    "And a war fortress? Feels like another world, the moon doesn''t look like this."


    "The mountains are so high, and the nts are unfamiliar." Li Yuan heard the low exmations of other students.


    Li Yuan had anticipated this and immediately saw the red moon in the sky.


    No, to be precise, it was abination of a moon and a sun.


    In Li Yuan''s view, it was twice as big as the sun, but not as ring, with a faint halo at the edges.


    The entire world seemed to be in twilight, quite hazy.


    Strange red light strands asionally appeared and streaked across the sky.


    "This is the Moon Demon Astral Realm?" Li Yuan silently felt the environment.


    It seemed different from Blue Star, but gravity, air, and other important indicators were not much different.


    In fact.


    Except for students like Li Yuan and Lin Lanyue, who knew the information in advance, other students weren''t fools. They had their own guesses.


    But due to the first and second rules, they didn''t dare ask much.


    "In order, board the aircraft." Hundreds of officers maintained order and watched over every student.


    There werebat drones in the sky.


    Not far away, there were also patrolbat robots, very tight security.


    "These officers." Li Yuan thought, ncing around, using his divine pce to probe.


    [Target''s life level: 18.8]


    [Target''s life level: 16.2]


    [Target''s life level: 17.1]


    ...


    Li Yuan selected three high-ranking officers, but found none with a life level above 20.0.


    No second-level source martial artists!


    Thinking of Professor Ming and the other source martial artists who didn''t board the train.


    "Could it be," Li Yuan had a bold guess: "Second-level and above life forms can''t enter the Moon Demon Astral Realm?"


    Is this the difference between a first-level astral realm and a second-level astral realm?


    ...


    Every twenty students boarded a small aircraft, which then took off quickly.


    Boom~


    Inside the aircraft, Li Yuan fastened his seatbelt, as usual sitting opposite Lin Lanyue, waiting for orders.


    Two officers maintained order. Ten minutester.


    Buzz~ The aircraft door suddenly opened, wind rushing in.


    "Li Yuan, get down!" A tall officer said in a deep voice.


    Unfastening his seatbelt, Li Yuan and Lin Lanyue exchanged nces, grabbed their spears, and went to the door. Looking down, the aircraft was about three meters above the ground.


    Whoosh!


    They jumped down,nding lightly.


    Boom~ The aircraft door closed, and the small aircraft quickly ascended and left.


    Only Li Yuan remained on the hillside.


    "Hmm?" Li Yuan looked up, seeing a small ck dot in the sky, abat drone.


    It seemed to be protecting him.


    "It''s 8:45 now." Li Yuan nced at his positioning wristband. "The assessment starts at 9:00?"


    Li Yuan observed his surroundings. It was a mountainside, rocky but sparse trees, quite open.


    "ording to yesterday''s information."


    "The entire practical assessment area is 100 kilometers long and wide." Li Yuan scanned around.


    "My location."


    Finally, Li Yuan saw the distantndmark lone mountain ''de Mountain'', smiling. "I''m in the southeast area, good."


    "Less than five kilometers from the ''Moon Demon Wolf No. 5 Tribe'' gathering area."


    "Wait for orders."


    ...


    Fifteen minutester.


    "The practical assessment starts now!" The positioning wristband sent a reminder.


    "Let''s go." Li Yuan held his spear and immediately headed to his destination.


    To kill more moon demon creatures?


    Besides being strong enough, you need to find their gathering ce!


    ...


    At the highest point of the war fortress in the Moon Demon Astral Realm, in a very spacious meeting room, there were dense monitoring screens.


    "Activate ''Absolute Protection'' for the 18 top-rated students," a burly officer said in a deep voice. "Ensure their safety."


    "Do our best to ensure the safety of other students as well."


    "Yes!"


    ...


    In a deep ravine, Li Yuan was walking.


    "Howl~" Suddenly, threerge moon demon creatures appeared around a corner.


    They were pitch ck, over a meter tall, at least two meters long, with tails nearly a meter long. They resembled ''wolves'' on Blue Star, but their size was close to tigers, with few hairs and dense scales.


    Their eyes were the most striking, blood-red, with a hint of intelligence, making them terrifying.


    "Walked a few kilometers, finally encountered three moon demon wolves." Li Yuan stopped, holding his spear, staring at the three moon demon wolves.


    No fear, only excitement.


    [Target''s life level: 8.2, killing it can obtain spiritual nourishment] Li Yuan smiled after using his divine pce to probe one of them. "Good."

 Chapter 76: Killing and Advancement

    <h4>Chapter 76: Killing and Advancement</h4>


    "[Target creature, life level 7.8, killing it can obtain spiritual nourishment]"


    "[Target creature...]" Li Yuan did not dare to be careless and quickly used his mental power to probe the other two Moon Demon Wolves.


    The results were simr, and Li Yuan felt more confident.


    "Exactly as Lin Lanyue''s information indicated, adult Moon Demon Wolves are around level 8.0," Li Yuan thought. "Once they reach a higher stage, their fur gradually turns red."


    Moon Demon creatures, primarily Moon Demon Wolves, are the main species in Moon Demon civilization.


    Before advancing in rank, their fur and skin are ck.


    After advancing, as they absorb more Moon Demon source energy, they gradually turn ''red.''


    Once fully red, they be¡ªsecond-level Moon Demon Wolves.


    At this moment, Li Yuan''s mental power sensed the auras of the three Moon Demon Wolves, instinctively feeling a slight aversion.


    "Howl~"


    "Roar!!" The three Moon Demon Wolves crouched slightly, their fierce eyes fixed on Li Yuan, full of killing intent.


    Their intelligence was quite high. To them, this creature before them, exuding an ''annoying'' aura so different from theirs, made them extremely ufortable.


    However, the life force it emitted didn''t seem strong.


    Three against one, they had a chance!


    The next moment.


    Boom! Boom! Boom! The three Moon Demon Wolves roared and charged at Li Yuan, like three ck shadows, attacking Li Yuan.


    "Kill!"


    Li Yuan advanced instead of retreating, moving like a swimming dragon, easily avoiding their attacks.


    Immediately, Li Yuan swung his two-meter-four-long ck spear.


    The spear''s shadow danced, and the spearhead struck out like a venomous snake.


    "Thud~"


    "Thud!" "Bang~" In an instant, the spearhead pierced through the jaws of the three Moon Demon Wolves. Their massive bodies continued forward for over ten meters before crashing to the ground.


    Blood sttered.


    The three Moon Demon Wolves twitched a few more times before lying still.


    "[You killed a non-advanced creature, gaining spiritual nourishment. Spiritual awakening reached 0.7%]"


    "[You... spiritual awakening reached 0.8%]"


    "[... spiritual awakening reached 0.9%]" The Divine Pce panel shed three notifications in session.


    "Drip~ St~" Blood dripped from the spearhead onto the withered wood, sttering.


    Li Yuan took a deep breath, thest bit of tension in his heartpletely dissipating.


    He gripped the spear tighter.


    Scenes of practicing spear and fist since junior high shed through his mind.


    And the thousands ofbat matches on the Starry Sky Combat Network.


    As the blue-d man said, six years of preparation led to this moment.


    "Thest time I killed the Fish Spirit was a sudden encounter," Li Yuan thought. "Today, I am fully prepared."


    Li Yuan looked down at the three dead Moon Demon Wolves.


    They were the first astral realm creatures he had truly killed.


    "Martial arts is the way of killing!" Li Yuan muttered, understanding this phrase more deeply.


    Calming down quickly.


    "Killing a non-advanced one increases spiritual nourishment by 0.1% each?" Li Yuan nced at the Divine Pce panel. "So, to reach the 20% requirement, I need to kill 200?"


    A bit difficult.


    How many astral realm creatures were released in the entire assessment area by the military base? Finding them was the main challenge.


    Secondly, as time passed and nearly a thousand students killed, the surviving Moon Demon Wolves would be fewer.


    "Killing one is better than none," Li Yuan thought. "Astral realm creatures aren''t as hard to kill as I imagined."


    Li Yuan knew this had much to do with the information Lin Lanyue provided.


    Knowing the weaknesses of the Moon Demon Wolves in advance.


    "Points +3." Li Yuan nced at the positioning wristband record:


    Assessment Points: 3


    Points Rank: 8


    Note: Minimum requirement for practical assessment not met.


    ...


    Li Yuan walked through the forest, following the directions in the video, heading towards the Moon Demon Wolf No. 5 Tribe''s gathering area.


    On the way.


    asionally, Moon Demon Wolves would appear from behind or from the forest, charging at Li Yuan.


    But they were no match for Li Yuan.


    From beneath a giant rock, a ck shadow shed towards Li Yuan like lightning.


    "Thud!"


    The spear shadow flickered, instantly piercing the Moon Demon Wolf''s head. The spearhead swiftly retracted, and therge wolf carcass fell heavily to the ground, motionless.


    Blood gradually flowed.


    "The eleventh one." Li Yuan nced at therge wolf carcass. "This Moon Demon Wolf''s speed suggests it exceeded level 9.0, and my spiritual awakening increased by 0.3%."


    After killing so many Moon Demon Wolves, Li Yuan noticed.


    Killing non-advanced star realm creatures didn''t always increase by 0.1%; the stronger the Moon Demon Wolf, the greater the boost after killing it.


    "I hope to encounter an advanced Moon Demon Wolf soon." Li Yuan was quite expectant.


    In terms of physical fitness, Li Yuan was already at level 8.9.


    In terms of skills, he was at level four.


    After gradually adapting to life-and-deathbat.


    Non-advanced Moon Demon Wolves posed no challenge to Li Yuan.


    Superior skills,bined with equipment assistance, allowed Li Yuan to easily fight across levels.


    ...


    At 11:30 AM, in the core area of the Moon Demon Wolf No. 5 Tribe''s gathering ce.


    In the dense jungle, withstanding rocks, the roars of Moon Demon Wolves echoed, full of anger, apanied by the sound of many Moon Demon Wolves running.


    Whoosh!


    A burly figure moved swiftly, wielding a sword and shield, dashing through the rocks, the sword light asionally forcing a Moon Demon Wolf to retreat, but failing to cause fatal damage.


    Buzz~ Abat drone hovered silently tens of meters in the air, ready to dive down for rescue at any moment.


    "Damn it!"


    "Damn it!" Dong Haifeng gritted his teeth, his eyes filled with a trace of fear. "Just killed a few wolf pups, how did I provoke so many Moon Demon Wolves?"


    "And those two bastards, seeing the situation, fled first."


    It was Dong Haifeng, Li Yuan''s schoolmate.


    He was quite distressed.


    "I only have 8 points now. If I choose to seek help, my points will be halved, leaving only 4." Dong Haifeng was filled with unwillingness, but he had no choice. One-on-one, he could easily kill an adult Moon Demon Wolf with his strength.


    Unfortunately, there were too many Moon Demon Wolves now.


    "Howl~"


    "Roar!" As time passed, more and more Moon Demon Wolves joined the chase.


    Moon Demon Wolves were inherently fast.


    Suddenly.


    "Roar~" A furious roar echoed, followed by a blurred red figure darting from the distant mountains, like a ck-red shadow rushing towards Dong Haifeng.


    Incredible speed.


    "An advanced Moon Demon Wolf?" Dong Haifeng recognized it instantly, his face changing drastically, instinctively preparing to call for help.


    Failing the assessment would cost only 50,000 Blue Star coins.


    Better than losing his life.


    At this moment.


    Boom! From a dark valley in another direction, a ck figure dashed out, moving quickly towards therge Moon Demon Wolf leader.


    "Li Yuan?" Dong Haifeng saw the face of the ck figure and couldn''t help but shout anxiously, "Be careful! Retreat, that''s an advanced astral realm creature..."


    He disliked Li Yuan, but only to the extent of school rivalry.


    He didn''t want to see Li Yuan die.


    Suddenly, Dong Haifeng''s voice choked, his eyes filled with shock.


    "Thud~"


    "ng!" Li Yuan, seemingly unfazed, holding his long spear, collided head-on with the charging Moon Demon Wolf leader. They shed instantly.


    The battle was too fast.


    Li Yuan, with his long spear, moved like a swimming dragon. Although his speed was slower than the Moon Demon Wolf leader''s, he easily dodged its attacks.


    After dodging its ws twice, Li Yuan''s spear struck like a dragon, piercing through the gaps in its scales, stabbing into the Moon Demon Wolf''s waist and abdomen, blood sttering.


    "Howl~" The Moon Demon Wolf leader howled,nding on its forelimbs, its rear legs kicking, trying to create distance from the spear.


    "Die."


    Li Yuan retracted his spear, stepped forward, and struck fiercely again.


    This time, the Moon Demon Wolf leader was mid-air, unable to find leverage, its fierce eyes watching helplessly as the spear pierced its throat.


    Instant kill!


    Boom~ Therge body of the Moon Demon Wolf leader crashed into a rock, struggling weakly.


    "[You killed an advanced creature, gaining spiritual nourishment. Spiritual awakening reached 5.7%]" The Divine Pce panel shed a notification.


    "Roar~"


    "Howl~" The twenty-odd Moon Demon Wolves chasing Dong Haifeng suddenly stopped, staring at Li Yuan in terror.


    Their powerful leader was killed.


    Li Yuan withdrew his spear, nced at the shocked Dong Haifeng, and smiled faintly. "Dong Haifeng, what a coincidence."


    "Two strikes, and he killed an advanced Moon Demon Wolf?" Dong Haifeng swallowed subconsciously, staring at Li Yuan in shock. "Is Li Yuan this strong in realbat?"

 Chapter 77: Awakening Reaches 10%, First Activation

    <h4>Chapter 77: Awakening Reaches 10%, First Activation</h4>


    Before Dong Haifeng could respond.


    "Roar~" Two of therger Moon Demon Wolves in the pack let out a low growl, ignoring Dong Haifengpletely, and began to flee.


    "Howl~" "Howl~" The other Moon Demon Wolves hurriedly followed suit.


    These Moon Demon Wolves were bloodthirsty but not stupid.


    "Trying to run?"


    "These are all points. You can''t get away." Li Yuan''s eyes narrowed, his legs instantly exerting force. His strong legs pushed off arge rock, propelling him several meters into the air, turning into a phantom chasing the fleeing Moon Demon Wolves.


    "Whoosh!"


    "Whoosh!" The spear shadow continuously flickered, the spear in Li Yuan''s hand seeming almost alive, suddenly bursting with incredible power.


    "Bang~" "Bang~" "Bang~" One by one, the Moon Demon Wolves were caught by Li Yuan, their heads pierced directly by the spear.


    As an advanced weapon, Li Yuan''s spear was extremely sharp, with enough hardness and toughness.


    In just over ten seconds.


    More than ten of the twenty-odd fleeing Moon Demon Wolves were killed by Li Yuan. The rest scattered early, fleeing in panic through the ravine and forest, disappearing from Li Yuan''s sight.


    The forested wastnd, over a hundred meters long, was littered with wolf corpses, blood sttered everywhere, a shocking sight.


    "They actually run?" Li Yuan muttered, stopping the chase.


    Boom!


    A few secondster, Dong Haifeng, panting heavily, ran up to Li Yuan, unable to help but say, "Li Yuan, thanks."


    "Thanks for what?" Li Yuan smiled.


    "You saved me." Dong Haifeng said seriously.


    "I should thank you." Li Yuan smiled faintly. "You lured them here; otherwise, I would have had to spend more effort finding them."


    Dong Haifeng was taken aback.


    "Hmm?" Li Yuan nced at his positioning wristband, where the practical assessment data had already been updated:


    Points: 46


    Rank: 1


    Note: Practical assessment target achieved.


    "That Moon Demon Wolf was level 10.8, giving me 10 points for the kill?" Li Yuan smiled, thinking, "Well, at least I''m back in first ce."


    With the intelligence provided by Lin Lanyue and Li Yuan''s own strength, his points skyrocketed.


    However, every time he reached first ce, ''Wu Dongdong'' would quickly catch up.


    "Wu Dongdong, 42 points?" Li Yuan opened the ''light screen'' on his smart watch and saw the detailed rankings:


    First: Li Yuan, 46 points


    Second: Wu Dongdong, 42 points


    Third: Lin Lanyue, 40 points


    Fourth: Wang Yu, 32 points


    ...


    Most students had less than 10 points, with fewer than 50 reaching 10 points.


    Moreover, Li Yuan noticed that the number of participants had decreased to 745.


    This indicated that more than 200 students had already ended their practical assessment.


    Life-and-deathbat wasn''t easy for most elite students.


    "Dong Haifeng, keep it up. You still have a chance to make it into the top 100," Li Yuan smiled, ncing at the stunned Dong Haifeng. "I''ll be going now."


    With a quick nce to orient himself, Li Yuan headed deeper into the ''Moon Demon Wolf No. 8 gathering area.''


    ording to the information, there should be more Moon Demon Wolves in a gathering area.


    It''s known that.


    The Moon Demon Wolves in the practical assessment area were captured by the military base and fed regrly, so their numbers were significant.


    Watching Li Yuan disappear into the forest.


    Dong Haifeng stood in ce, silent for a long time, before sighing, "I fear Li Yuan never saw me as an opponent."


    "First ce?"


    "Lin Lanyue, third ce?" Dong Haifeng''s eyes dimmed as he looked at their rankings on his smart wristband.


    "I''ve been a fool."


    ...


    Saving Dong Haifeng?


    Though he had inexplicably shown a trace of dislike and hostility on the way to Jiangbei Martial Arts University, Li Yuan never paid it any mind.


    What could the so-called malice between ssmates amount to?


    How could it affect him?


    ...


    In the war fortress of the Moon Demon Astral Realm, in the top floor''srge meeting room.


    Many officers were watching the dense projections on the meeting room''s light screens.


    "Too weak."


    The burly officer shook his head. "These are just the most ordinary Moon Demon Wolves, with few advanced ones. In just a few hours, a quarter of the participants called for help."


    "Look at that kid. His skills and physical fitness are good, but he can''t fully utilize his sword techniques, being forced to retreat step by step." The burly officer pointed to one of the screens, shaking his head and sighing.


    "Old Wang."


    A tall, thin senior officer beside himughed, "They''re just kids. They''ve experienced many virtual battles, but you and I both know that realbat and virtual battles arepletely different."


    "The mindset alone is different," the tall, thin officer said. "In virtual battles, no matter how realistic the simtion, they know they won''t get injured or die, so they''re not afraid."


    "In realbat, a single mistake can mean death or injury. It''s normal to be hesitant the first time."


    "After a few more realbats, they''ll be fine."


    Officer Wang shook his head and sighed, "I''m just anxious watching them."


    Suddenly.


    "Old Wang, look at that kid. Isn''t he doing well?" The tall, thin officer pointed to one of the screens. "He''s so calm, and his spear technique is beautiful."


    "Even though his physical fitness is weaker, he dares to fight the advanced Moon Demon Wolf up close."


    The screen showed Li Yuan saving Dong Haifeng and fighting arge group of Moon Demon Wolves.


    "Oh?" Officer Wang looked over, his eyes brightening, and he couldn''t help but nod. "Indeed, very good!"


    Judging from the speed, they both could tell that Li Yuan''s physical fitness wasn''t very impressive.


    Around level 9.


    But in closebat, Li Yuan''s every move, every strike with the spear, was frighteningly precise.


    The Moon Demon Wolf leader, despite having far greater strength, was no match.


    "Called Li Yuan?"


    The tall, thin officer quickly checked the records, smiling. "Physical fitness at level 8.9? Spear technique at stage four? He''s reached first ce."


    "The other students with better physical fitness and skills are hesitant inbat, their mental fortitude not as strong as his."


    "Plus, he''s been lucky, encountering more Moon Demon Wolves along the way," the tall, thin officer said.


    "With such strength, it''s normal to reach first ce." Officer Wangughed. "I like practicalbat geniuses."


    As soldiers on the front lines of war, they valued actual performance over ''paper strength.''


    In their eyes, the strength one could actually demonstrate was what mattered.


    "Old Ji, check his detailed records." Officer Wang said.


    "Alright."


    The tall, thin officer quickly clicked on the control panel in front of him, soon bringing up Li Yuan''s detailed records.


    "Ordinary family background."


    "Oh? He was awarded the title of ''Youth Hero.'' Old Wang, look at this."


    "Youth Hero?" Officer Wang was even more surprised, looking at the records.


    After reading for over ten seconds.


    Suddenly, the two officers looked up simultaneously, smiling as if they had a tacit understanding.


    "Well?"


    "Give him a spot," Officer Wang grinned. "We didn''t give out any spotsst year, and we got scolded for it."


    "I don''t like giving these spots to those rich kids. Do they need it? Even if we give it, they won''t appreciate it."


    "This Li Yuan, though part of the Starlight Martial Hall and not joining our military, has achieved this much with his background. He fits my temperament."


    "Moreover, anyone who can earn the title of Youth Hero must have good character," Officer Wang listed several reasons.


    "Agreed."


    "I also think he''s good," the tall, thin officer nodded. "There''s another one I think is good."


    "Tian Dazhuang?" Officer Wang asked.


    "You noticed him too?"


    "Yes, hisbat mindset is a bit weaker than Li Yuan''s, but he was specially recruited by the Martial Arts Bureau. Maybe we can try inviting him to join our military."


    ...


    Time passed.


    In the 100-kilometer-long and wide practical assessment area, with its continuous mountains, many students were constantly fighting star realm creatures.


    Many Moon Demon Wolves died.


    Students were continuously forced to seek help, and with thebat drones'' speed, they usually arrived within ten seconds to kill attacking Moon Demon Wolves.


    However, no matter how fast the rescue, or how well the protective clothing shielded vital areas, asionally, students were still injured or even killed.


    This was unavoidable.


    By 3 PM.


    Less than 200 students remained in the practical assessment area.


    In a rocky wastnd on the eastern side of de Mountain.


    "Roar~" "Howl~"


    "Roar!" Moon Demon Wolves roared, trying to surround a ck-armored youth in the center.


    Many Moon Demon Wolf corpsesy scattered on the ground.


    The bloodshed was intense.


    The ck-armored youth stood in the center, unshaken by the tide of attacking Moon Demon Wolves.


    His spear wasn''t fast, but every strike was incredibly precise.


    One by one, the Moon Demon Wolves fell.


    He stood like a rock, unmoved by the assault of over a hundred Moon Demon Wolves.


    "Roar~" On a distant rock, arge Moon Demon Wolf, over three meters long and nearly 1.5 meters tall at the shoulder, growled anxiously, staring at the ck-armored youth.


    It couldn''t understand why the young alien before it, whose life force wasn''t strong, was so terrifying.


    Even it didn''t dare to act rashly.


    "Not sure if I should call it bad luck or good fortune."


    "I actually encountered the ''No. 1 pack'' mentioned in the intelligence." Li Yuan''s mind was calm, his eyes cold. "A 12.1-level wolf king, three wolves over level 10, and over a hundred ordinary Moon Demon Wolves."


    This force was enough to make ordinary advanced martial artists flee.


    Li Yuan wanted to escape, but he couldn''t.


    In terms of running speed, his physical fitness wasn''t great.


    In the past 20-plus minutes of pursuit, Li Yuan had killed over 20 Moon Demon Wolves, including one advanced one.


    In the end, he was surrounded.


    "However, continuous killing has made my spiritual awakening skyrocket." Li Yuan thought, his eyes cold.


    "[... Spiritual awakening reached 9.7%]"


    "[... Spiritual awakening reached 9.9%]" As more Moon Demon Wolves fell, notifications kept shing on the Divine Pce panel.


    Suddenly, with another spear strike, two more notifications shed in the corner of Li Yuan''s vision.


    "[... Spiritual awakening reached 10%]"


    "[Spiritual awakening has reached 10%, allowing one-time source energy infusion]"


    "Hmm? Source energy infusion? What''s this? Isn''t there supposed to be a spiritual guide at 25% spiritual awakening?" Li Yuan was startled.


    Before Li Yuan could think more.


    "Roar~"


    On the distant rock, therge Moon Demon Wolf king finally couldn''t hold back. With a low growl, it leaped, charging like lightning.

 Chapter 78: Moving Like a Dragon, One Spear to Kill

    <h4>Chapter 78: Moving Like a Dragon, One Spear to Kill</h4>


    As the Wolf King lunged, its low growl sounded like an attackmand.


    "Howl!" The Moon Demon Wolf pack, which had initially retreated due to Li Yuan''s cold-blooded ughter, once again frenziedly attacked Li Yuan.


    In their pack, the Wolf King held unquestionable authority.


    "Die!" A murderous intent shed in Li Yuan''s eyes.


    He knew that the most dangerous moment had arrived.


    Although he was prepared to call for help at any time, Li Yuan was reluctant to give up the ''first ce'' he had already secured unless it was truly a desperate situation.


    After all, there was a difference of 500,000 Blue Star Coins and 2 million Blue Star Coins at stake.


    "Boom!" The spear in Li Yuan''s hand suddenly erupted with power.


    His powerful mental energypletely prated the weapon, feeling the subtle force flows within it.


    Body, mind, and weapon, the three became one, unleashing total power.


    "Rip~" The spear danced, its tip drawing dazzling arcs around Li Yuan, moving unpredictably, subtly enveloping him like stars twinkling in the night sky.


    Swish! Swish! Swish!


    The spear''s light filled the air, tearing through it.


    "Thud~" "Thud~" "Thud~" The first Moon Demon Wolves that lunged at him were pierced through their bodies and heads by the spear, copsing to the ground with blood sttering.


    First move of the Starry Spear Technique¡ªStar Illumination!


    After advancing to the fourth grade in spear technique, even Li Yuan''s casual strikes held immense power.


    But the true deadly moves were the five special techniques of the Starry Spear, which could harness his body''stent strength to the maximum.


    Although performing these techniques consumed a great deal of mental and physical energy, their power far surpassed ordinary moves.


    In the blink of an eye, six Moon Demon Wolvesy dead at Li Yuan''s feet, including one that had reached level 10.


    The overwhelming power struck fear into the remaining Moon Demon Wolves.


    At this moment!


    "Roar~" The Moon Demon Wolf King finally closed in, its speed surpassing Li Yuan''s by far.


    "Die." Li Yuan shifted his stance, the spear tip flicking like a snake''s tongue, thrusting toward the Moon Demon Wolf King with lightning speed.


    "Whoosh!" The Moon Demon Wolf King, despite its massive size, was incredibly agile. With a twist of its body, it easily dodged Li Yuan''s fierce thrust.


    In terms of technique, it was far inferior to Li Yuan, relying mostly on battle instincts.


    However, its life level, reaching up to level 12, meant its speed and strength were far superior to Li Yuan''s.


    The foundation determines the limit.


    "Whoosh!" The Wolf King lunged again, probing Li Yuan, while the other Moon Demon Wolves attacked crazily, trying to distract him.


    "ng!"


    "Thud!" "Boom!!"


    In each sh, some Moon Demon Wolves fell under Li Yuan''s spear.


    But under such fierce siege, Li Yuan was gradually losing ground.


    Several times, to avoid the Wolf King''s direct attacks, Li Yuan had to brace himself against the impact of other Moon Demon Wolves'' bodies, causing his blood to churn from the tremendous force.


    "The Wolf King is too fast."


    "The difference in physical strength is too great." Li Yuan struggled, narrowly avoiding the Wolf King''s attacks, pushing his agility to the limit.


    asionally, his sharp spear left small wounds on the Wolf King''s body.


    Both sides were in a frenzy.


    The Moon Demon Wolf King relied on its powerful body and the assistance of many ordinary Moon Demon Wolves.


    Li Yuan relied on his technique, the sharpness of his weapon, and the toughness of his protective clothing.


    "My stamina..."


    "Is starting to run out." Li Yuan appeared frantic, but his mind was extremely calm, precisely calcting his stamina: "I need to find an opportunity."


    "This Wolf King keeps hiding its weaknesses, probing me. I need a chance."


    One crucial strike, could kill the Moon Demon Wolf King.


    ...


    In a conference room in the war fortress.


    Dozens of officers were attentively watching the giant screen showing the fierce battle between Li Yuan and the Moon Demon Wolves.


    Li Yuan was originally the top scorer and had always been the most watched.


    The Moon Demon Wolf King he was facing was also the strongest Moon Demon King in the entire field exercise.


    The only level 12 Star Realm creature.


    "What an amazing spear technique."


    "Truly beautiful."


    "His defense is wless! In previous battles, we could only see his strong attacks. Now, it''s clear that his real strength lies in defense."


    "Fourth-grade spear technique? A high school student?"


    "I''ve been practicing the spear for over ten years and only reached the mid-third stage. Compared to him, I''ve wasted my life."


    "The key is, he''s able to fully unleash his skills in his first life-and-death battle. Truly abat genius!" The officers were all amazed.


    Perhaps Li Yuan''s physical attributes were not high, but his spear technique was indeed pleasing to the eye.


    "Old Wang, should we save him?"


    The tall, thin officer named Ji asked in a deep voice, "This kid''s spear technique is impressive, but the field exercise has been going on for over six hours. I''m afraid his stamina can''t hold out under such intense fighting."


    "There are too many Moon Demon Wolves, he can''t kill them all. Besides, that Wolf King is far stronger than him."


    "I''m worried..." The tall, thin officer seemed concerned.


    They had indeed activated ''Absolute Protection,'' but given the Moon Demon Wolf King''s speed and lethality, it wasn''t foolproof.


    "No rush."


    "Look, those two girls are already approaching." The burly officer named Wang pointed to another screen, "If we save Li Yuan now, he won''t get first ce."


    "Oh?"


    ...


    In the forest, two ck figures, one big and one small, were moving at high speed.


    "Yue Yue, there are many wolf corpses. It seems the battle extended to that wastnd." Wu Dongdong said quickly.


    "Yes."


    "Judging by the battle marks, someone is being chased." Lin Lanyue, holding a sword in both hands, scanned the surroundings and quickly analyzed the situation.


    Whoosh! Whoosh!


    The two moved quickly, and soon, the wastnd came into view. They saw the fierce battle on the wastnd directly.


    "It''s Li Yuan!"


    Wu Dongdong said excitedly, "Sis, there are so many Moon Demon Wolves, and that Wolf King is likely over level 12!!"


    "Li Yuan." Lin Lanyue''s eyes focused on Li Yuan, instantly noticing he was at a disadvantage.


    A natural sense of worry arose in her heart.


    "Hurry, Dongdong, let''s save him."


    Lin Lanyue sped up, moving like a phantom towards the battlefield.


    "Got it!"


    "Watch me kill the Wolf King and reim first ce." Wu Dongdong was extremely excited, following closely behind.


    Both of them had physical attributes that had reached the entry level.


    ...


    "ng!"


    "Boom~" The cunning Moon Demon Wolf King kept testing with its sharp ws, which were extremely hard, unafraid of colliding with the spear or even the spear tip.


    It gave Li Yuan no chance to strike at its vital points.


    Other Moon Demon Wolves also kept attacking, trying to bite or pounce.


    In contrast, Li Yuan''s spear technique seemed to slow down.


    "My stamina is decreasing, and my spear technique is slowing."


    "I must hold on, I must defend." Li Yuan''s mind was even more focused, fully immersed in the battle.


    Li Yuan also realized his weakness.


    Footwork!


    After his fist technique and spear technique broke through, only his footwork hadn''t advanced.


    Fourth-grade footwork theoretically just involves the integration of body and mind.


    Butpared to fist techniques, footwork requires a keen perception and exploration of the surrounding environment.


    Sensing and utilizing the environment, making every movement and dodge as efficient and precise as possible.


    This is the fourth grade of footwork.


    Given another month or two, with his strong mental energy and fist technique level, Li Yuan could definitely break through in footwork.


    However, it had only been ten days since his fist technique reached the fourth stage.


    Although Li Yuan had been practicing the "Dragon Movement Technique," he stillcked a bit of that feeling.


    "If my footwork reached the fourth grade, I could handle the siege of so many Moon Demon Wolves more easily with my spear technique." Li Yuan''s eyes were cold.


    The pressure of a life-and-death battle.


    Would stimte the deepest part of the body, unleashing the most primal evolutionary force.


    No evolution means death!!


    The tension and excitement of walking the edge of life and death are iparable to thousands of virtual battles.


    Whoosh! Whoosh! Li Yuan and the Moon Demon Wolf King shed fiercely.


    Gradually, Li Yuan felt a mysterious sensation, vaguely grasping that fleeting inspiration.


    Whoosh!


    Whoosh! Li Yuan''s steps changed, his movement speed unchanged.


    However, dodging the Moon Demon Wolf King''s attacks became more effortless and agile.


    Like a gust of wind!


    Every time, he seemed to narrowly dodge the Moon Demon Wolves'' attacks.


    "Roar~"


    "Howl!" The Moon Demon Wolf King grew anxious. It had seen hope in killing Li Yuan.


    But now, it felt that hope bing dim, with every attack missing by just a bit.


    Once could be a coincidence, but twice? Thrice?


    How did this weak alien life suddenly improve so much?


    "Boom!" The Moon Demon Wolf King couldn''t hold back any longer, attacking Li Yuan with all its might.


    "Dragon Movement."


    "The wind follows the tiger, and the clouds follow the dragon. The fourth grade of the Dragon Movement Technique is transforming into wind." Li Yuan waspletely immersed in this special state, feeling everything around him.


    Instinctively, his body made the most advantageous choices.


    Moving like a dragon, transforming into wind!


    This is the essence of the Dragon Movement Technique.


    "Roar~" The Moon Demon Wolf King roared, lunging forward, trying to corner Li Yuan with its massive body and explosive speed.


    "After all these tests, it''s finally here."


    "Die!"


    Li Yuan''s eyes suddenly shone with brilliance, his entire body bursting with energy. His spine arched like a bow, all his power transmitted through his waist to his arms.


    The spear moved like rolling stars!


    The spear''s speed exploded.


    "Thud!"


    A sh of cold light, the spear tip shing a blood mark under the Moon Demon Wolf King''s jaw, then piercing through its soft fur, directly into its heart.


    This thrust almost pierced through the Moon Demon Wolf King''s body.


    It was Li Yuan''s long-awaited outburst!


    "Thud~~" Blood sttered.


    Li Yuan swiftly retracted the spear, tossing the nearly thousand-kilogram Moon Demon Wolf King''s corpse over his head, while dodging the attacks of two other Moon Demon Wolves.


    "Boom~"


    The massive corpse of the Moon Demon Wolf King crashed heavily onto a boulder, then rolled to the ground, still struggling, blood flowing.


    "Wow!"


    Li Yuan stood tall, his eyes cold, the spear drawing a semicircle, killing a Moon Demon Wolf that couldn''t retreat in time.


    Showing no signs of weakness.


    "Howl~"


    "Roar~" The remaining Moon Demon Wolves, their eyes filled with fear, growled and instinctively began retreating, wanting to distance themselves from the demon before them.


    "Li Yuan."


    "We came to save you."


    Two voices called out suddenly. Li Yuan saw two ck figures emerge from the forest, charging into the Moon Demon Wolf pack.


    Sword light and spear shadows intertwined, blood sttered, and the Moon Demon Wolves fell one by one.


    "Whoosh!" "Whoosh!" The remaining hundred or so Moon Demon Wolves finally couldn''t hold on, howling in panic as they fled into the distance.


    Huff!


    Seeing this, Li Yuan finally couldn''t hold on any longer, copsing to the ground, gasping for breath.


    His stamina had long been near its limit; he had just been holding on to intimidate the wolves.


    "Spiritual Awakening Level: 12.8% (Current maximum 20%, can guide source energy into the body once)." Li Yuan nced at the column on the divine pce panel and pondered.

 Chapter 79: Absolute First Place

    <h4>Chapter 79: Absolute First ce</h4>


    After hunting down and killing more than twenty fleeing Moon Demon Wolves, Lin Lanyue and Wu Dongdong returned.


    "Li Yuan, you''re incredible!" Wu Dongdong eximed, marveling at the massive, now lifeless body of the Moon Demon Wolf King. "This Moon Demon Wolf King must be level 12."


    "I thought we were going to have to save you," Wu Dongdong continued, baring her small white teeth in a grin. "But you managed to kill it even under the siege of the wolf pack? You''re more impressive than I thought."


    "Just luck," Li Yuan said with a smile.


    "How are you? Not hurt?" Lin Lanyue crouched next to Li Yuan, her eyes scanning the bloodstains on his body, a hint of concern in her gaze.


    "This blood is all from the Moon Demon Wolves," Li Yuan shook his head, smiling. "I''m just a bit exhausted."


    Their faces were quite close for a moment.


    "If you two hadn''te, with so many Moon Demon Wolves left, I might have had to call for help," Li Yuan changed the subject discreetly.


    "We were just lucky," Lin Lanyue smiled and stood up. Seeing that Li Yuan was indeed fine, she let go of her worries.


    "Hey, Li Yuan. I really think you''re lucky, encountering the Wolf King," Wu Dongdong sighed softly. "I can''t catch up to your score now. The 2 million Blue Star Coins are yours. You owe me a big meal."


    "Is that so?" Li Yuan smiled and looked down at the ranking on his locator bracelet:


    1-Li Yuan, 188 points


    2-Wu Dongdong, 129 points


    3-Lin Lanyue, 94 points


    4-Wang Yu, 76 points


    5-Tian Dazhuang, 66 points ...


    Li Yuan''s score was originally only a dozen points ahead of Wu Dongdong. But after this battle, he had far surpassed her. The key was the final Wolf King, whose life level exceeded 12.0, giving Li Yuan a full 50 points.


    "Yue Yue, should we go find more Moon Demon Wolves?" Wu Dongdong turned to Lin Lanyue.


    "Li Yuan is a bit exhausted. I''ll stay here with him," Lin Lanyue said. "We don''t want another Moon Demon Wolf pack to appear."


    "No need," Li Yuan said. "I''ll rest for a bit, and I can still fight at most of my strength. You two continue the trial."


    "Li Yuan, it''s not just about staying with you," Lin Lanyue smiled. "We''ve been fighting for over six hours. We''re tired too."


    "Besides, there''s only half an hour left until the test ends. Do you think our rankings will drop out of the top ten?"


    "As long as we''re in the top ten, the rewards are the same," Lin Lanyue said seriously.


    Li Yuan was at a loss for words and couldn''t argue further.


    "Alright then."


    "Yue Yue, I''ll listen to you," Wu Dongdong said, spreading her hands and shrugging, then plunging her spear heavily into the ground and sitting down. "I can''t surpass Li Yuan anyway. Let''s wait for the test to end together."


    The three of them stayed put.


    Li Yuan rested while observing his divine pce panel.


    _____


    [Life Level: 8.9 (Not yet entered stage)]


    Physical Fitness Index: 93 (Aprehensive measure of explosive power, endurance, speed, constitution, mental power, etc.)


    Punching Force: 991 kg


    Speed: 19.9 m/s


    Mental Power: 15.1


    Spiritual Awakening Level: 12.8% (Current max 20%, can guide source energy into the body once)


    Body Training Method: "Rock Solid Training Method"


    Mind Training Method: "Observing the Great Sun Starry Sky Sutra"


    Skill Realm: Spear Technique (Stage 4, 4%), Footwork (Stage 4, 1%), Fist Technique (Stage 4, 7%)


    [Note: Spiritual awakening at 25%, 50%, 75%, 100%, and 125% will progressively provide spiritual guidance.]


    ...


    The over six-hour field test, especially the fierce battle with the Moon Demon Wolf King, had led to Li Yuan''s footwork breaking through to stage four, marking his overall martial arts skills entering the fourth stage. His spear and fist techniques had also improved slightly.


    However, Li Yuan was most concerned about his spiritual awakening level: "Awakening level 10%, source energy into the body?"


    This change was something he had never considered before. At this moment, calming his mind, Li Yuan vaguely sensed a certain transformation inside his spiritual pce, waiting for him to explore.


    "I''ll try it alone after the test ends," Li Yuan thought.


    Half an hourter.


    "Beep~" "Beep~" The locator bracelets on the three of them vibrated slightly, reminding them that the field test had ended.


    "Second ce, second ce!" Wu Dongdong eximed with augh. "Yue Yue, when I get my flying motorcycle, I''ll take you for a ride."


    "Alright, I''ll be waiting," Lin Lanyue smiled.


    Li Yuan smiled at the scene. A flying motorcycle? That would be a bit extravagant for him.


    Eight minutester.


    "Boom!" A small aircraft descended rapidly, its hatch opening to swiftly pick up Li Yuan, Lin Lanyue, and Wu Dongdong, heading towards the war fortress.


    ...


    The aircraft soon arrived at the metal za outside the war fortress, where dozens of other aircraft had alreadynded. Students were constantly disembarking from the aircraft.


    Li Yuan, Lin Lanyue, and Wu Dongdong disembarked, carrying their weapons.


    "Yue Yue, Li Yuan, look over there," Wu Dongdong pointed into the distance.


    There was a row of stretchers covered with white cloth.


    "Bodies?" Li Yuan''s pupils shrank slightly, and he felt a pang of emotion.


    Eight stretchers, representing eight bodies. Although they had been informed about the death rate of the field test, seeing it in person still made Li Yuan feel a bit sad. In the morning, thesepanions were alive and well. By afternoon, they had be cold corpses?


    Li Yuan was still a seventeen-year-old boy. The joy of winning first ce in the field test wasrgely dispelled.


    "The field test was just a skirmish with some weak Astral Realm creatures, and it was already so dangerous with so many deaths," Li Yuan thought to himself. "What about the future?"


    "Will I also die on the battlefield someday?" Li Yuan unconsciously gripped his spear tighter.


    Strength!


    He needed more strength to ensure his survival.


    ...


    "Li Yuan, you might be approached by the military base''smander," Lin Lanyue whispered suddenly.


    "Me?" Li Yuan was puzzled.


    "Yes," Lin Lanyue''s voice was low, only audible to the two of them. "If they offer you something reasonable, ept it first to get the benefits."


    "Benefits?" Li Yuan was even more puzzled. Wasn''t the reward 2 million Blue Star Coins? What other benefits could there be?


    But with many eyes around, Li Yuan didn''t ask further. He followed the team to the distance.


    "Look, Li Yuan is here!"


    "The first ce in the field test."


    "188 points, amazing! He must have killed over a hundred Moon Demon Wolves."


    "That''s incredible." Many students noticed Li Yuan approaching, their eyes full of admiration.


    Li Yuan was already quite famous. With his decisive first ce in the field test, his reputation soared even higher. Many students watched his score rise rapidly, especially in thest hour.


    The score represented the number of enemies killed! It indicated that Li Yuan had likely faced a siege from the Moon Demon Wolves and had survived till the end, earning everyone''s respect.


    "Li Yuan is awesome! If I were as strong as him, my dad would praise me for peeing on his head."


    "I fought hard to kill 5, almost got injured, and he killed about 180!"


    "Don''t talk about it. I killed 8, but in thest ten minutes, I ran into a wolf pack... and my score dropped to 4. Failed the test!"


    "Li Yuan is fierce, and Wu Dongdong too."


    "Is that beautiful girl beside Li Yuan, Lin Lanyue? She''s in third ce, even higher than Wang Yu."


    Compared to Li Yuan and Wu Dongdong, Lin Lanyue was less well-known, but her beauty added to her fame.


    In the bustling crowd.


    "Li Yuan, you''re amazing." Gu Qianghan suddenly charged over from a distance, punching Li Yuan''s chest excitedly. "You even beat Wu Dongdong! That tyrant couldn''t beat you, you''re my brother!"


    Li Yuan was stunned, motioning to Gu Qianghan with his eyes.


    Lin Lanyue gave a sly smile.


    "What?" Gu Qianghan hadn''t realized.


    "Gu! Qiang! Han!" Wu Dongdong emerged from behind Li Yuan, her face furious, her eyes wide like bells.


    "Oh no, Dongdong, you''re here?" Gu Qianghan''s eyes almost popped out, and he turned to run.


    "Thud~"


    Wu Dongdong tackled him to the ground, shouting, "Sister, Li Yuan, help me."


    Li Yuan and Lin Lanyue exchanged smiles and walked away.


    ...


    Ten minutester.


    Nearly a thousand students, regardless of whether they passed the test, gathered in the za, their eyes on the podium.


    "First, I ask all students to observe a minute of silence for the eight fallen ssmates," the tall, thin officer surnamed Ji said slowly, his gaze sweeping over the students.


    All the students'' eyes dimmed.


    A minute of silence.


    For a long minute, the vast za was silent, only the sound of the wind blowing.


    "Opportunities for realbat training are rare," Officer Ji continued. "In the future, if you enter the battlefield, it will be ten times, a hundred times more dangerous than today."


    "I hope you all will reflect on today''s experience and train harder, so that in the future, there will be fewer sacrifices."


    "I also wish you all to be source warriors soon, truly bing the de of human civilization!"


    "Next, congrattions to the 293 students who sessfully passed the field test," Officer Ji said. "Finally, specialmendations to Li Yuan, Wu Dongdong, Lin Lanyue... and the other top ten students."


    All the students listened attentively.


    After a pause, Officer Ji continued, "Especially Li Yuan, who, alone, managed to kill the level 12 Wolf King under the siege of the Moon Demon Wolves. This was the only case in the entire test, and he is speciallymended."


    Instantly, there were exmations of awe.


    Even though many had spected based on Li Yuan''s soaring score, hearing it confirmed was still shocking.


    A level 12 Astral Realm creature!


    Most students knew that Li Yuan''s physical attributes weren''t particrly remarkable.


    "Li Yuan, you''re really famous now, more so than Tian Dazhuang and the tyrant," a bruised Gu Qianghan whispered.


    "Keep your voice down, or you''ll get beaten again," Li Yuan smiled.


    Gu Qianghan instinctively shrank his neck.


    "Fame?" Li Yuan thought to himself, not caring much about fame.


    He was thinking about when he would receive the 2 million Blue Star Coin reward.


    Secure the bag first!


    ...


    After the ceremony, all the students boarded the vehicles in order to return.


    Li Yuan and Tian Dazhuang, however, were invited by two officers into a meeting room in a small building next to the za.


    "Just me and Tian Dazhuang?" Li Yuan thought, recalling Lin Lanyue''s reminder.


    "Li Yuan, this way," the guiding officer smiled. "Tian Dazhuang, your room is next door."


    Li Yuan nodded, feeling calm.


    Entering the room.


    Li Yuan immediately saw the tall, thin officer who had spoken earlier sitting inside.


    "Li Yuan, hello. My name is Ji. I am the head of this war fortress base," Officer Ji said with a smile. "Congrattions on achieving first ce in the field test."


    "Please, have a seat."


    "The head?" Li Yuan was slightly surprised.


    ording to the video Lin Lanyue had shown, there was only one war fortress in the entire Astral Realm.


    In other words, the person in front of him was the head of the entire Moon Demon Star Realm?


    His authority was undoubtedly immense!


    "Hello, Senior Ji," Li Yuan said respectfully, taking a seat.


    In the martial world, those who were strong and older were respectfully addressed as seniors.


    "Do you know why we didn''t call Wu Dongdong?" Officer Ji smiled.


    Li Yuan shook his head.


    Not only Wu Dongdong, but also Wang Yu wasn''t called.


    "I''ve read your file. The title of ''young hero'' is very rare. You have a strong sense of justice."


    "You have high talent and are excellent inbat."


    "Would you be willing to join our military?" Officer Ji asked with a smile. "Our military lovesbat geniuses with a sense of justice like you."


    "In my eyes, out of all the students this time, you are the absolute number one! Wu Dongdong and the others are far behind you," Officer Ji said firmly.


    Li Yuan was stunned.


    Absolute number one? They think so highly of me?


    ...


    Next door.


    "Tian Dazhuang, you are very outstanding. Coming from an ordinary family, you have trained incredibly hard and truly changed your family''s fate," the burly officer surnamed Wang said.


    Tian Dazhuang''s eyes showed a rare hint of pride.


    "Just from your file, I admire you... In my eyes, you are the absolute number one among these students, far surpassing Li Yuan."


    Officer Wang spoke sincerely, "Would you be willing to join our military?"


    "You will receive the best training our military can offer."

 Chapter 80: A Youth’s Vision Can Create an Eternal Legacy

    <h4>Chapter 80: A Youth''s Vision Can Create an Eternal Legacy</h4>


    In the room.


    "Our training contract is definitely better than the A-level contract of the Starlight Martial Hall," the tall, thin officer surnamed Ji kept offering his conditions, trying to entice Li Yuan. The terms were indeed generous.


    "Senior Ji."


    "I''ve already signed with Starlight Martial Hall," Li Yuan shook his head.


    "Signing doesn''t mean you can''t breach the contract," Officer Ji smiled. "We''ll pay the penalty for you, so you don''t have to spend a dime."


    "No."


    Li Yuan shook his head. "Senior Ji, my rapid growth isrgely due to the help from Starlight Martial Hall. We can discuss other matters, but on this one, I can''tply."


    Li Yuan had his principles. When Hall Master Wan signed him, he was only worth a C-level contract based on his performance, which was already an overvaluation. Later, the Martial Hall arranged a series of resources for his training, enabling his significant progress in just half a year.


    One should not forget their roots.


    More importantly, once he returned, he could attempt to achieve the Meteorite rank on the Starry Sky Combat Network. At that time, his B-level contract with Starlight Martial Hall could be upgraded to an A-level contract.


    The university''s special training contract and the Martial Hall''s training contract were independent and did not interfere with each other. However, contracts with organizations like Starlight Martial Hall, Starry Sky Martial Hall, the Martial Arts Bureau, or otherrge groups could only be signed once.


    This was explicitly stipted in the "Martial Artist Law."


    "Haha, alright, I won''t force you then," Officer Jiughed, a hint of appreciation shing in his eyes.


    He had hoped Li Yuan would agree.


    However, if Li Yuan had agreed immediately, he would have thought less of him... This kind of mindset was not contradictory.


    "Li Yuan, I admire you more and more," Officer Ji said with a smile. "How about this? On behalf of the Jiangbei Provincial Military District, I sponsor you with one million Blue Star Coins."


    "Don''t refuse this," Officer Ji added with augh.


    "A million?" Li Yuan was slightly shocked.


    "Don''t worry, there are no strings attached," Officer Ji reassured him. "This is purely sponsorship. Even if you can''t join the military, if you grow strong, you''ll contribute to the country in the future. Does it matter whether you''re in the military or not?"


    Li Yuan felt a touch of gratitude and couldn''t help but ask, "What about Wu Dongdong and the others?"


    "Them? They don''t need it!" Officer Ji shook his head, smiling. "We believe it''s worth giving resources to someone like you. It won''t be wasted."


    Li Yuan was speechless. He vaguely understood why only he and Tian Dazhuang had been called in.


    Having a strong background sometimes made you less favored.


    "Come, let''s take a sponsorship photo," Officer Ji said with a smile. "A sponsorship contract will be sent to your virtual personal space. Don''t worry, there will be no restrictions."


    "One million Blue Star Coins will be credited within a week."


    ...


    After sending Li Yuan off, Officer Ji leisurely sipped his tea, waiting for two more minutes.


    Bang! Officer Wang walked in, a smile on his face.


    "Did it work?" Officer Ji asked.


    "Yes," Officer Wang nodded. "Since he''s signed with the Martial Arts Bureau, he will eventually be assigned. Why not to our military? I''ll report itter and have it arranged."


    "A martial arts genius like Tian Dazhuang is hard to recruit," Officer Wangughed. "What about you?"


    "No luck," Officer Ji sighed. "Li Yuan is really something, what a pity."


    "Not surprising, given he''s already signed with Starlight Martial Hall."


    "If he had agreed easily, I''d have second thoughts about him," Officer Wangughed. "If you think he''s worth it, why not help him out?"


    "How? Our sponsorship limit is only one million," Officer Ji wondered.


    "Haha, today I''m smarter than you," Officer Wang smiled. "Who said sponsorship is the only help?"


    "We can just spread the word that we offered Li Yuan an ''S-level contract,'' but he refused. Let this news reach Starlight Martial Hall."


    "If Starlight Martial Hall isn''t stupid, they''ll know what to do," Officer Wangughed.


    "I only promised an A-level contract. We don''t have the authority for an S-level contract," Officer Ji frowned.


    "Starlight Martial Hall doesn''t know that," Officer Wang said dismissively.


    "What if it causes trouble and we''re questioned about promising an ''S-level contract''?" Officer Ji was still concerned.


    "me it on rumors! Besides, this small matter won''t be questioned. My dad oversees it," Officer Wang said confidently.


    ...


    On the training ground.


    Li Yuan and Tian Dazhuang walked toward the train in the distance.


    Li Yuan, already 185 cm tall, was significantly taller than Tian Dazhuang.


    "Li Yuan, did you sign?" Tian Dazhuang asked, unable to hold back.


    They had noticed each other a few days ago, but this was their first conversation.


    "No," Li Yuan shook his head. "Did you?"


    "I''m still considering, but I have a preliminary intention," Tian Dazhuang smiled. "I''m a special recruit of the Martial Arts Bureau. After graduating from university, I''ll be assigned anyway."


    Li Yuan nodded. "Joining the military is pretty good."


    "Yes."


    "But my dad wants me to return to the county and strive to be the Martial Arts Bureau chief," Tian Dazhuang said quietly. "He says it''s safe and brings honor to the family."


    Li Yuan casually said, "My aunt wanted me to be a martial arts school teacher for a peaceful life."


    After hearing each other''s words, they both fell silent for two seconds, then burst into heartyughter.


    Theyughed freely and joyfully.


    Then, they walked towards the train together.


    No more words were needed; they understood each other''s thoughts and aspirations.


    A young man with ambition is like a g in the wind; a youth''s fleeting nce can be a timeless stream.


    Youth is always filled with hope and moves forward without hesitation.


    This is youth.


    ...


    After passing through the entrance of the Astral Realm, Li Yuan, Lin Lanyue, and the others arrived at the underground train station of Jiangbei Martial University.


    They disembarked and went upstairs.


    After returning their weapons and equipment and changing back into their clothes, all the students walked out of the building and boarded the sightseeing bus to the cafeteria.


    It was still before six o''clock. The sun was tilting west, and a gentle breeze blew, making it very pleasant.


    "It''s good to be back," Wu Dongdong said, stretching and feeling nostalgic.


    Li Yuan couldn''t help but smile.


    Indeed, after experiencing life-and-death battles in the Moon Demon Star Realm, returning made one appreciate the peace and tranquility even more.


    "So, Li Yuan," Lin Lanyue asked softly, "did you agree to join the military?"


    "No," Li Yuan said. "But the military promised to sponsor me with one million Blue Star Coins without any conditions."


    "Just giving without expecting anything in return?" Lin Lanyue asked, surprised. "Honestly, I had some doubts when Officer Ji mentioned it, but the entire process was legitimate. They didn''t ask me to sign anything or make me agree online immediately."


    "How did you know the military would approach me?" Li Yuan asked in a low voice.


    "The military''s sponsorship targets are usually based on three criteria," Lin Lanyue exined. "First, the potential isrge enough to be a flying martial artist."


    "Second, the family background is not wealthy."


    "Third, they prefer to sponsor students with a sense of justice and patriotism."


    "You perfectly fit these criteria," Lin Lanyue smiled. "And being first in the field test, the military values actualbat ability over exam scores, so I guessed you''d be chosen."


    "Impressive," Li Yuan said sincerely.


    He realized that Lin Lanyue seemed to know everything about the operations of the Moon Demon Astral Realm, even the military''s actions.


    Her background was probably beyond his imagination.


    "What is the military''s purpose?" Li Yuan wondered. "Why don''t they ask for anything?"


    "If you be a flying martial artist one day, and the military needs help from flying martial artists, they''ll invite you," Lin Lanyue smiled. "Would you go?"


    Li Yuan was momentarily stunned.


    "Flying martial artists, in a sense, have personal power beyond secr constraints. They aren''t bound byws alone but by emotions and ties," Lin Lanyue continued.


    Li Yuan nodded, understanding her point.


    If the military faced a major crisis and needed flying martial artists, what could they do?


    They couldn''t just issue an order and expect flying martial artists toply.


    The strength of flying martial artists gave them the right to say ''no.''


    The military''s approach reminded Li Yuan of the rewards from Jiangbei Martial University, essentially fostering good rtionships.


    However, Jiangbei Martial University cast a wide, while the military only selected the top students.


    "Let''s go."


    "Time for dinner," Lin Lanyue smiled. "You consumed a lot of energy today; you need to eat more tonight."


    "Food! Food!" Wu Dongdong eximed excitedly. "I''m going to eat six servings today."


    Everyoneughed.


    Li Yuan had noticed long ago that although Wu Dongdong came from a wealthy background, she never fussed about food and ate like a glutton, epting everything.


    ...


    As night fell, after dinner, Li Yuan and Gu Qianghan returned to the dormitory.


    Bang!


    Li Yuan took out his spear from the weapon cab.


    "Li Yuan, aren''t you tired? Still training tonight?" Gu Qianghan looked at him like he was a monster.


    "I''ll train for a while," Li Yuan smiled.


    Tired? Naturally.


    Can I skip training? No.


    "I''m off to bed," Gu Qianghan said, shaking his head. "You keep training; I''m going to sleep."


    Bang! Gu Qianghan closed his room door.


    Li Yuan smiled faintly, his gaze returning to the spear, his smile fading as he practiced silently.


    Swish! Swish!


    The spear shed like rolling stars, unstoppable. His body moved like a dragon, unpredictable as the wind.


    Starry Spear Technique and Dragon Movement Technique were practiced in tandem.


    Though exhausted, Li Yuan had just broken through to the fourth stage in footwork and needed to consolidate his training.


    Any improvement was good.


    Qualitative changees from quantitative umtion.


    "The fourth stage training is about gradually unlocking the body''s greater potential on the basis of mind-body unity," Li Yuan thought. "The progress is much slower than the third stage."


    He trained until after nine o''clock, sweat dripping on the ground, his body utterly fatigued.


    Only then did he stop.


    "[Your footwork has advanced from stage 4, 1% to stage 4, 2%]," Li Yuan saw the notification from half an hour ago.


    "After midnight."


    "The seven-day cooldown for the promotion match will end, and I can attempt the ''Meteorite Promotion Match'' again," Li Yuan looked forward to it. "Last time I made it to the global top 1000, my skills were only at the third stage."


    What about now?


    Both his spear and footwork had fully entered the fourth stage, and his strength had increased significantly.


    "By then, another 500,000 Blue Star Coins."


    ...


    After ten, Li Yuan showered, changed into his pajamas, and felt extremelyfortable.


    He sat cross-legged on the soft bed.


    The room''s soundproofing was excellent.


    "Gu Qianghan should be asleep."


    "Now, let''s see what ''source energy infusion'' is about," Li Yuan thought, closing his eyes and entering his mental world.

 Chapter 81: Source Energy Infusion

    <h4>Chapter 81: Source Energy Infusion</h4>


    Buzz~ Li Yuan''s consciousness entered his inner world.


    Every day, he practiced "Observing the Great Sun Starry Sky Sutra" for two hours, so he was very familiar with everything in his inner world.


    The inner world was vast and boundless.


    Li Yuan focused his attention on the central spiritual pce, and his consciousness directly entered.


    "Hmm?" As soon as Li Yuan''s consciousness entered, he was shocked to find that in the originally empty pce, besides the Great Sun Jade tform, there was now a white jade staircase.


    "A staircase?" Li Yuan thought, "Could it lead to the second level?"


    The spiritual pce, when viewed from the void outside the pce, appeared to have four levels.


    However, Li Yuan had only been able to enter the first level for a long time.


    He even doubted whether the spiritual pce actually had four levels or if it was just an illusion of his consciousness.


    After all, everything in the inner world was a mental construct and not absolutely real.


    But now, there was a new passage?


    "Let''s try." Li Yuan gathered his consciousness and attempted to explore the higher level of the spiritual pce through the newly appeared staircase.


    As soon as his consciousness body tried to step onto the staircase.


    Boom! An unprecedentedly terrifying pressure swept over him, as if a giant stone had crashed down, causing Li Yuan''s consciousness body to tremble violently.


    His mind went nk, and he felt dizzy.


    After a while.


    Li Yuan''s consciousness recovered, and he re-entered the spiritual pce, staring intently at the newly appeared white jade staircase.


    "In the inner world, the strength of mental power determines the strength of my consciousness," Li Yuan understood. "This staircase has extremely terrifying pressure... my consciousness is too weak to withstand it."


    His mental power was still not strong enough.


    "15.1-level mental power isn''t enough? Maybe I need to wait until my mental power is higher, around 18 or even 20, before trying again," Li Yuan muttered.


    He dared not try again lightly.


    The mental shock just now, if it had happened half a year ago, might have turned him into an idiot.


    Now, although he could barely withstand it, he couldn''t keep taking such hits.


    "The staircase seems to lead to the second level of the spiritual pce, but I can''t go up yet," Li Yuan wondered. "How should I guide the source energy into my body?"


    There were no clues.


    "What should I do?"


    As if sensing Li Yuan''s thoughts, the spiritual pce began to tremble slightly.


    Immediately after, he saw golden mist drifting down from the end of the staircase, from what seemed to be the second level.


    "Golden mist? What''s this?" Li Yuan was taken aback.


    Before he could react.


    Buzz~


    The golden mist, which seemed to have fallen from the second level of the spiritual pce, merged directly into his consciousness body.


    Boom!


    Li Yuan''s consciousness felt as if it was struck by lightning. Darkness swept over him, making him drowsy, and he vaguely sensed that his inner world had changed from the spiritual pce to an endless dark space.


    "Where is this?" Most of Li Yuan''s consciousness had fallen asleep, leaving only a few thoughts.


    Buzz~ Silently, a majestic and vast voice seemed toe from the depths of the endless darkness.


    "Seek the dust and find the micro, merge into one, the essence of the sun and moon, forge the spiritual foundation; let the heart follow the flow of qi, keep the great orifices in mind..." Each ancient word seemed to contain profound truths, directly reflecting into the depths of Li Yuan''s consciousness.


    It was simr to "The Great Sun Starry Sky Sutra," making it unforgettable for Li Yuan.


    Unknowingly, Li Yuan''s mindpletely emptied, and countless stars seemed to appear and drift in the dark space around him, nourishing his consciousness.


    Strengthening his consciousness.


    ...


    In the room.


    Sitting cross-legged on the bed, Li Yuan sensed strands of mysterious power gradually seeping into his body.


    Legend has it that the human body is like a vast universe with 480 million acupuncture points and stars, and Li Yuan now had this illusion.


    "So many!"


    "Prating all limbs and bones."


    "It''s source energy." Li Yuan, familiar with source energy from the many times he had taken source energy pills, recognized it instantly.


    His consciousness became clearer, sensing that the energy entering his body was indeed source energy.


    From the outside world.


    From the heavens and earth.


    And it was much purer than the source energy pills he had taken before.


    "ording to Teacher Xu and Dean Li, doesn''t one need to be a source warrior before the body can autonomously absorb source energy?" Li Yuan was shocked. "Is this the ''source energy infusion'' of the spiritual pce?"


    Li Yuan didn''t ponder further but calmed his mindpletely.


    He observed his own body internally!


    "Source energy!" Li Yuan tried to use his mental power to guide the continuously entering source energy.


    Suddenly.


    Buzz~ Li Yuan clearly felt the source energy entering his body increasing, as if elerating.


    Boom!


    The pure and abundant source energy finally gathered like a flood, flowing through his limbs and bones. Then, countless pure source energy began to be absorbed frantically by Li Yuan''s muscles, bones, and internal organs.


    Li Yuan''s entire body trembled violently.


    "Evolution."


    "My body." Li Yuan was astonished. His muscles, bones, skin, membranes, internal organs, even his blood and hair, were all frantically absorbing the source energy, continuously transforming.


    In the past.


    Taking source energy pills ced a great burden on his body, but today, his body absorbed the source energy as if there were no limits...


    [Your life level has increased from 8.9 to 9.0]


    [Your life level has increased from 9.1 to 9.2]


    [Your punching force has increased from...]


    As his physical fitness improved rapidly, notifications shed on Li Yuan''s spiritual pce panel every so often.


    Clearly, the process of source energy infusion wouldst for several hours.


    ...


    As Li Yuan began to guide the source energy into his body, constantly transforming his physical fitness.


    At eleven o''clock at night.


    In Starlight South Lake Community, more than a hundred kilometers away from Jiangbei Martial University, Jiangcheng, thekeside vi was brightly lit.


    In the basement.


    In a nearly thousand-square-meter martial arts room.


    It was empty, and at the far end of the martial arts room, arge character "Îä" (Martial) was written on the wall.


    The writing was bold and powerful, as if carved with a sword.


    "Unleash the body''s potential."


    "Unite body and mind."


    Wan Qinghe stood in the center of the martial arts room in loose martial arts clothes, his eyes slightly closed, sighing inwardly, "Thisst insight, to see through the details, is truly difficult."


    "After all these years, I still can''t break through." Wan Qinghe was quite distressed.


    His physical fitness had been stuck at level 25 for several years, unable to progress further.


    What hecked was not advanced training methods or mental power.


    But skill!


    The further one advanced in cultivation, the more it tested mental power and martial arts skills... The stronger the skills, the more potential one could unlock in the body, naturally making physical fitness stronger.


    Conversely.


    Even with powerful source energy and body strength, without sufficient skills to control it, it was difficult to exert strength.


    "Senior Jiu Mo told me."


    "I''ve been venturing in the Astral Realm for years, driven by urgency."


    "In life-and-death battles, the difference between life and death is narrow. How can one not be urgent?" Wan Qinghe pondered, "If I want to break through, I must find serenity."


    "So I returned to Jiangcheng and took up the position of Hall Master of the Level 5 Martial Hall."


    While Wan Qinghe was thinking.


    Suddenly.


    "Master, an important person requests a video call." A gentle voice interrupted, "Remark: Ninth Senior Brother."


    "Hmm?"


    "Ninth Senior Brother calling me sote? What could it be?" Wan Qinghe''s heart skipped a beat, and he quickly said, "Answer."


    Buzz~


    The video call connected.


    "Ninth Senior Brother." Wan Qinghe slightly bowed.


    In the video, his Ninth Senior Brother was wearing shorts, revealing his eight-pack abs, holding a wine ss, and lying leisurely on a bed.


    The voices of several women ying could be heard nearby.


    "Junior Brother, still training sote? You''re really diligent. Hope I''m not disturbing you," Ninth Senior Brother said, taking a sip of wine.


    "Senior Brother, you''re joking. I just want to break through as soon as possible," Wan Qinghe smiled. "What''s the matter, Senior Brother, calling me sote?"


    "Nothing particrly important."


    "Just now, Dean Li of Kunlun Martial University contacted me," Ninth Senior Brother said. "He''s the head of the observation team in Jiangbei and mentioned something about Li Yuan."


    "Li Yuan?"


    Wan Qinghe''s eyes lit up, feeling both excited and nervous. "What did Dean Li say?"


    "Hehe, Li Yuan is very good," Ninth Senior Brother smiled. "You rmended a great talent to our Kunlun Martial University. Dean Li has signed him with an ''S-level Special Training Contract.''"


    "S-level Special Training Contract?" Wan Qinghe was shocked.


    He didn''t know about this yet.


    After all, the invitation event was organized by the Martial Arts Bureau, the Education Bureau, and Jiangbei Martial University.


    No one directly informed Starlight Martial Hall.


    "Yes."


    "Moreover, you might not know this, but Li Yuan''s spear and footwork have both reached the fourth stage," Ninth Senior Brother said. "He also ranked first in today''s field test."


    "A decisive first ce," Ninth Senior Brother added.


    "This?" Wan Qinghe was stunned.


    For a moment, he didn''t know whether to be shocked or overjoyed.


    This series of news was beyond his expectations.


    "Ninth Senior Brother, it''s great that Li Yuan signed the S-level Special Training Contract. Thank you, Senior Brother," Wan Qinghe said instinctively.


    The higher the level of the special training contract Li Yuan signed, the stronger his future strength when he returned to Starlight Martial Hall.


    This would benefit Wan Qinghe greatly.


    "Don''t get too happy yet," Ninth Senior Brother smiled. "If it were all good news, I wouldn''t have bothered to inform you. The key is there''s some bad news."


    "Bad news?" Wan Qinghe''s heart skipped a beat.


    "I just found out about this. After today''s field test ended, the military seemed to have offered Li Yuan an ''S-level contract invitation.''"


    "S-level contract?" Wan Qinghe was shocked. "Is that true?"


    "Can''t be sure."


    Ninth Senior Brother shrugged. "But I can confirm two things. First, the military has sponsored Li Yuan with one million."


    "Second, another martial arts genius sponsored by the military, Tian Dazhuang, has confirmed he will join the military and signed an S-level contract."


    Wan Qinghe felt a wave of anxiety.


    He didn''t care which university Li Yuan signed with since the contracts didn''t conflict.


    But if he signed with the military, he would definitely have to terminate his contract with Starlight Martial Hall.


    Yes, the breach fee for a B-level contract was high, but that was rtive to ordinary people.


    A few tens of millions of breach fees were nothing to the military.


    "Alright."


    "Junior Brother, I''ve informed you," Ninth Senior Brother smiled. "What you do next is up to Starlight Martial Hall."


    "I just want to remind you."


    "Li Yuan may not have awakened his martial spirit yet, but a mere B-level contract won''t keep him."


    "I have to go now." Ninth Senior Brother reached out to embrace the enchanting woman on him.


    The video call ended.


    "The military? S-level contract?" Wan Qinghe tried to calm himself and think of a countermeasure.


    He knew.


    The next move, if not handled well, could mean losing his hard-earned achievement.

 Chapter 82: Level 9.6! Meteorite!

    <h4>Chapter 82: Level 9.6! Meteorite!</h4>


    Wan Qinghe''s worries were unknown to Li Yuan, who was still undergoing the ''source energy infusion.''


    In Li Yuan''s room at Jiangbei Martial University, his body was in a state of continuous transformation.


    This state persisted.


    Li Yuan''s consciousness was initially semi-conscious, but eventually, he unknowingly fell asleep.


    In the stillness of the night.


    "Hmm?" Li Yuan, ustomed to starting his training at three o''clock, woke up suddenly as if by biological clock.


    The next second, he was fully awake.


    "Me?"


    Li Yuan immediately noticed the changes in himself. His vision had improved, and it felt like his body was filled with tremendous strength.


    "My body?"


    Li Yuan scanned through the dozens of notifications on his spiritual pce panel, finally focusing on the data disyed.


    ___


    <strong>Life Level: 9.6 (Not yet entered the stage)</strong>


    Physical Fitness Index: 99 (Aprehensive measure of explosive power, endurance, speed, constitution, mental power, etc.)


    Punching Force: 1180 kg


    Speed: 21.1 m/s


    Mental Power: 16.4


    Spiritual Awakening Level: 12.8% (Current maximum 20%)


    ____


    "This?" Li Yuan was both shocked and overjoyed.


    His martial arts skills hadn''t changed, but his physical fitness and mental power had significantly improved.


    "In just five hours, my physical fitness improved by 0.7 levels? And my mental power by 1.3 levels?" Li Yuan held his breath in disbelief.


    It was simply too astounding.


    In the past three months, after continuously taking source energy pills, basic qi and blood potions, and training crazily, his physical fitness had increased by less than one level.


    Moreover, the higher the level, the slower the improvement.


    The transformation he experienced now was simply astonishing.


    "Hmm?" Li Yuan also noticed that the ''can guide source energy into the body once'' prompt on the spiritual pce panel had disappeared.


    "Source energy infusion."


    "It has such an effect? It caused significant changes in my physical fitness and mental power." Li Yuan recalled everything he experiencedst night, still finding it unbelievable.


    The spiritual pce was indeed miraculous.


    Phew!


    Li Yuan took a deep breath, feeling all his fatigue vanish, and his body brimming with energy.


    He opened the door and walked out of the resting room.


    Without turning on the lights.


    The moonlight shining through the windows was enough for Li Yuan to see everything in the martial arts room.


    Phew!


    Boom! Li Yuan didn''t take out his spear, as it would easily wake Gu Qianghan.


    He only practiced his fist techniques. Each punch, each step, every move was powerful, causing the air to hum with the force.


    Strong and vigorous!


    "Refreshing." Li Yuan felt the powerful energy coursing through his limbs and bones, his heart filled with excitement. "If I had this level of foundational strength during yesterday''s field test, killing the Moon Demon Wolf King would have been much easier."


    A physical fitness level of 9.6 was close to entering the stage.


    ...


    After practicing several sets of fist techniques and venting his energy.


    Li Yuan calmed down and returned to his room to think.


    "Is this the benefit of reaching 10% spiritual awakening?" Li Yuan pondered.


    "Source energy infusion is about drawing external source energy into the body to drive evolution?"


    "Then, the increase in mental power must be due to the golden mist in the spiritual pce?" Li Yuan recalled his experiences in the spiritual world.


    The dark space, the flickering stars, the ancient and indistinct sounds, the words and techniques etched into his heart...


    Li Yuan realized.


    The spiritual pce seemed even more mysterious than he initially thought.


    "Source energy infusion drives evolution using source energy, likely without side effects," Li Yuan thought. "At least, I don''t feel any adverse reactions now."


    Li Yuan had heard of some forbidden drugs that could significantly enhance strength.


    But those were at the cost of life potential.


    "My mental power has increased so much."


    "The staircase in the spiritual pce, let''s try it again." Li Yuan closed his eyes and entered the spiritual pce with his consciousness.


    Just three secondster.


    Li Yuan opened his eyes again, shocked: "The white jade staircase? It''s gone?"


    The white jade staircase that suddenly appeared in the spiritual pce a few hours ago.


    Now, it had disappeared.


    The spiritual pce had returned to normal.


    "Could it be that the entrance to the second level only appears when I get the chance for source energy infusion?" Li Yuan spected.


    He looked at the spiritual pce panel again.


    "Spiritual awakening level at 10% granted a source energy infusion opportunity. Will reaching 20% provide another chance?" Li Yuan wondered.


    And he was somewhat expectant.


    This time, his physical fitness increased by 0.7 levels. Next time? Would he directly enter the stage?


    Reaching 25%? Spiritual guidance? Li Yuan felt it was still far off, as his current awakening limit was only 20%.


    And he didn''t know how to increase the limit yet.


    But he knew how to raise his awakening level from 12.8% to 20%¡ªby killing Astral Realm creatures.


    "It seems."


    "I need to find more field test opportunities like yesterday''s." Li Yuan thought.


    He was already very satisfied with his performance in yesterday''s field test.


    He had given it his all in the killing spree.


    Not reaching 20% spiritual awakening level was within his expectations.


    Time passed.


    "First, the spiritual pce, I need to continue exploring and trying. This might be my biggest ace." Li Yuan''s eyes shone with determination. "Second, my mental power has increased significantly, which suits my mental power talent. No problem."


    "Third, my physical fitness surged overnight. If I don''t cover it up, it will definitely attract attention."


    "At least for the next few days, I should avoid physical assessments and try not to let anyone notice. Dy it until the April examination."


    Exposing it during the April examination? Li Yuan wasn''t worried at all.


    "As long as they can''t detect my spiritual pce, it''ll be attributed to my exceptional talent." Li Yuan smiled calmly.


    In this world, there were many special treasures and extraordinary geniuses... It''s not umon for physical fitness to increase by one level in a month.


    It''s not like it increased by ten levels at once.


    "In that case."


    Li Yuan''s lips curled into a smile. "There are still nearly three months until the college entrance examination."


    "As long as source energy infusion has no side effects."


    "I have a good chance of raising my physical fitness to level 10.0 before the exam." Li Yuan''s eyes glowed. "Just like Wu Dongdong."


    "With perfect scores in physical fitness and martial arts skills."


    In Li Yuan''s previous n, his goal was to reach level 10.0 in physical fitness by September this year.


    Now? At least three months ahead of schedule.


    Martial arts training had a golden age, one being from 16 to 20 years old, and the other from 20 to 30 years old.


    The older one gets, the more the body functions decline.


    After figuring everything out.


    "Three thirty? Three and a half hours until the seven o''clock gathering?" Li Yuan nced at his smart wristband.


    "The cooldown time on the Starry Sky Combat Network has ended. Let''s see if I can reach 300 points in the Meteorite rank in one go."


    Once he reached 300 points in the Meteorite rank.


    Then, his contract with Starlight Martial Hall would upgrade from B-level to A-level.


    Phew!


    Li Yuan sat in the virtualwork pod, connecting his consciousness.


    He entered the Starry Sky Combat Network.


    Personal space.


    "Master, long time no see." The purple-d girl''s voice was gentle. "I''ve missed you."


    "Shut up."


    "Ranked match." Li Yuan directly clicked the screen. Just three secondster.


    Match found.


    Li Yuan disappeared and entered the battle space.


    ...


    Five minutester.


    In the battle space, the sixth opponent was turned to nothingness by Li Yuan''s two spears.


    "Congrattions... Points +4."


    "Your rank points have reached 1000. Points cannot continue to increase..." The system voice rang. "Would you like to participate in the promotion match?"


    "Participate," Li Yuan said loudly.


    Buzz~


    Li Yuan''s figure disappeared from the tform, starting his sixth Meteorite promotion match.


    ...


    The familiar ocean, the familiar ind, the familiar silhouettes of the fish spirit warriors.


    Li Yuan appeared, holding a long spear.


    "Roar!"


    "Roar!" The twelve fish spirit warriors red at Li Yuan, filled with murderous intent.


    "Seeing you guys feels so nostalgic." Li Yuan smiled slightly. "Unfortunately, it''s thest time."


    The fish spirit warriors were stunned. They couldn''t understand Li Yuan''s words.


    But they could sense that Li Yuan was smiling.


    Boom!


    Li Yuan moved like the wind toward the group of fish spirits.


    Boom!


    Roar! Over a dozen fish spirits swung their de-like arms furiously at Li Yuan.


    "Good timing." Li Yuan grinned, his spear bursting with countless light shadows, tearing through the air, sweeping everything in its path.


    First move of the Starry Spear Technique¡ªStar Illumination.


    St! St! St!


    Where the spear reached, one fish spirit after another was pierced through the head, turning into nothingness.


    A total of twelve strikes!


    The battle ended.


    After his spear and footwork breakthroughs and the field test, facing more than a dozen fish spirits, Li Yuan was extremelyposed, without any burden in his heart.


    Three secondster.


    "Congrattions, Defender Yuan, you have passed the promotion match. You have reached the Meteorite rank and are eligible for a reward of 500,000 Blue Star Coins," the system informed Li Yuan.


    "Congrattions, Defender Yuan, you have entered the ''Blue Star Youth Genius List,'' ranking 181st globally, 42nd in China, and 5th in Jiangbei Province. For detailed rankings, please check through the following..."


    ...


    Swoosh! Li Yuan returned to his personal space.


    "Congrattions, Master, for ranking on the Blue Star Youth Genius List." The purple-d girl was excited. "There are fewer than two hundred people on the entire Blue Star list."


    "What is the Blue Star Youth Genius List?" Li Yuan asked directly.


    "Please see, Master."


    Quickly, through Little Jade''s exnation, Li Yuan understood that the rules of this list were the same as the ''Blue Star Youth List.''


    The only difference was that to qualify for the list, one must reach the Meteorite rank.


    "So, in Jiangbei Province, besides me, there are four others?" Li Yuan pondered.


    Apart from Wu Dongdong, Wang Yu, and Tian Dazhuang, there was another?


    But Li Yuan didn''t care. There were countless geniuses in the world. The important thing was to focus on oneself and surpass oneself.


    "Continue."


    "Meteorite rank match." Li Yuan started his first Meteorite rank match. "Anyway, I''m at 0 points in Meteorite. Losing still leaves me at 0 points."


    "I won''t drop ranks."


    "Why be afraid!"


    ...


    Li Yuan didn''t know that when his rank in the Starry Sky Combat Network broke into ''Meteorite.''


    The relevant departments of the Jiangbei Martial Arts Bureau, Starlight Martial Hall ''Jiangbei Branch,'' and Starry Sky Martial Hall ''Jiangbei Branch'' received urgent notifications simultaneously.

 Chapter 83: The Order from the Provincial Hall Master

    <h4>Chapter 83: The Order from the Provincial Hall Master</h4>


    Virtual Network, Starry Sky Combat Network.


    In a vastbat space with no spectators around, two experts with virtual physical fitness both at 10.0 were engaged in an intense battle.


    Both were masters of spear techniques.


    One looked to be around forty years old, burly, and d in silver armor.


    The other was a young man in ck armor.


    "ng!"


    "ng!" "ng!"


    Both disyed extremely refined spear techniques. The middle-aged man''s spear shadows shifted continuously, with thrusts, sweeps, strikes, and shes, forcing Li Yuan to defend himself with the Starry Spear Technique.


    "Bang!" "Boom!" The spears shed like lightning, and asionally, Li Yuan would counterattack once or twice.


    "Incredible."


    "The Meteorite rank, every opponent here is a master at the fourth stage, each one extremely tough to handle." Li Yuan felt unprecedented pressure but was also incredibly excited.


    Only by dueling with experts could one improve.


    If you always fight against weaklings, you will eventually be one yourself.


    Suddenly.


    "Boom!" "Swish, swish, swish!" The middle-aged man''s spear burst out, transforming into over ten spear shadows, enveloping Li Yuan like a torrential downpour.


    These spear shadows were actually consecutive thrusts.


    But the speed was so terrifying that it seemed simultaneous to the ordinary eye.


    "ng!" Li Yuan, with his sharp vision, desperately blocked six spears.


    "Shlick~"


    The seventh spear from the middle-aged man finally broke through Li Yuan''s defense.


    But at that moment.


    "Kill!" A glint of determination and madness shed in Li Yuan''s eyes. Ignoring the opponent''s spear aimed at him, heunched a desperate attack with his spear.


    In that instant!


    Li Yuan felt his mental and physical synchronization reach a new height, with his mind gaining deeper control over his body.


    [Your spear technique has advanced from fourth stage 4% to fourth stage 5%] the divine pce panel indicated.


    But Li Yuan had no time to pay attention to it. His eyes were fixed on his spear: "Kill! Faster! Even faster!"


    Boom!


    The spear, like a dragon emerging from a rocky abyss, carried a terrifying killing intent, thrusting straight at the middle-aged man, making his scalp tingle.


    "Shlick!" That terrifying thrust pierced through Li Yuan''s throat and head, making him disappear from the arena in an instant.


    "Shh~"


    The tip of Li Yuan''s spear also shed across the middle-aged man''s face, causing blood to stter.


    The battle ended, with a clear victor.


    "Where did this crazy youngstere from?" The middle-aged man stood in the arena, his heart still pounding.


    "If he didn''t adjust his age, he''s probably only seventeen or eighteen."


    "I used three major killing moves in session and barely defeated him." The middle-aged man felt admiration.


    In the virtualwork, appearance and age could only be adjusted by a maximum of five years.


    ...


    Starry Sky Combat Network, Personal Space.


    "That was exhrating!"


    "Haha, what a rush." Li Yuan appeared instantly, not caring about winning or losing.


    He pursued the essence ofbat itself, aiming to learn from each fight.


    He wasn''t expecting to reach 300 points immediately.


    "12 points?" Li Yuan nced at the screen, which disyed his rank points.


    Ranked Match: Meteorite Rank.


    Points: 12 (1000 points to participate in promotion match)


    Win Rate: 22%


    ...


    In the past two hours, Li Yuan had fought 18 matches, winning only 4 and losing 14.


    More losses than wins.


    "At least I win asionally." Li Yuan grinned.


    When he was still in the Golden rank, he had no chance against Meteorite rank experts.


    At least now, he could fight back.


    Moreover, after dozens of battles, he gradually understood the patterns, fighting mostly against opponents below 500 points in the Meteorite rank.


    "These experts'' martial arts skills are simr to Tian Dazhuang''s." Li Yuan pondered. "Most should not exceed the fourth stage, 30% level."


    "With my current rate of improvement."


    "I should reach 300 points in the Meteorite rank by the time of the college entrance exams." Li Yuan was looking forward to it.


    This was already much faster than he had anticipated.


    Additionally, from this invitation event, Li Yuan had already earned several million Blue Star Coins.


    And he signed a special training contract with Kunlun Martial University, ensuring enough resources for the short term.


    So, Li Yuan wasn''t in a hurry.


    "But apart from the first 500,000 Blue Star Coins, the rest has to wait." Li Yuan muttered to himself. "Hopefully, nothing goes wrong."


    Otherwise, he would be in trouble.


    ...


    At six o''clock, Li Yuan exited the virtualwork and, as usual, went to the martial arts room.


    He began his daily basic cultivation practice.


    Gu Qianghan was still asleep.


    Li Yuan practiced his stances and punches while opening the holographic screen.


    He tuned into the ''Astral Realm Channel'' of China.


    The Astral Realm Channel specifically reported news from various Astral Realms within the Seven Star Alliance.


    When there was no war, it mainly broadcast documentaries about different Astral Realms. During wartime, it often provided live coverage from the front lines, making it very popr.


    Recently, all attention was on the ''Level-2 Astral Realm: Luo Bu Sea'' conflict.


    "Yesterday, news came from the front lines of the Luo Bu Sea Astral Realm..." The host read out the news.


    Li Yuan listened quietly.


    Despite participating in the invitation event these days, Li Yuan had been closely following the news about the Luo Bu Sea Astral Realm, hoping for good news.


    Unfortunately, until today, although the news was often favorable, there was no update on Base No. 3.


    At 6:26.


    "We interrupt with a breaking news update."


    The host''s voice suddenly became urgent: "Just now, the front-line support teams from Starlight Martial Hall and Starry Sky Martial Hall, in cooperation with thebat mech corps, sessfully opened the transport route from Base No. 5 to Forward Base No. 3."


    "Forward Base No. 3 has not fallen! It has not fallen!"


    "The military has organized..." The host''s voice was excited, clearly very moved.


    Outside the screen.


    Li Yuan abruptly stopped his practice, staring wide-eyed at the screen.


    In his mind, only the host''s words echoed: "Base No. 3 has not fallen."


    Not fallen!


    "If Base No. 3 has not fallen, does that mean Uncle is still alive?" Li Yuan felt even more anxious.


    Without hesitation.


    Li Yuan began searching for news about ''Base No. 3'' on his smart wristband.


    Unfortunately, he couldn''t find more information for now.


    ...


    On the fifth day of the event, there were no assessments, just some tours and exnations.


    ording to the schedule.


    The activities would end in the morning, and after lunch, all students would head back.


    Around nine o''clock, during the tour.


    "Li Yuan, why do you seem distracted and keep checking your wristband?" Wu Dongdong asked curiously. "Is something wrong?"


    "Nothing much." Li Yuan forced a smile.


    Inside, Li Yuan was extremely worried.


    If there had been no news, even as hope faded, he would have remainedposed despite his anxiety.


    But now, seeing a glimmer of hope, he felt more restless.


    "Dongdong." Lin Lanyue frowned slightly, giving a look.


    Wu Dongdong, not being foolish, immediately realized something was off. She obediently nodded and walked ahead without asking more.


    "Li Yuan, don''t worry too much."


    Lin Lanyue walked beside Li Yuan, whispering, "The route to Base No. 3 has been cleared. Our Xia Country''s forces have gained the upper hand and are gradually driving them back, waiting for aplete breakout."


    "ording to the reports, most of the trapped personnel are still alive. Your uncle should be fine." Lin Lanyue''s eyes were bright.


    Li Yuan couldn''t help but look at Lin Lanyue.


    "The day you fainted, Teacher Xu told me." Lin Lanyue smiled faintly.


    "Thank you." Li Yuan whispered.


    Many ssmates knew about his uncle in the Luo Bu Sea, so it wasn''t exactly a secret.


    ...


    At eleven o''clock in the morning.


    In Jiangcheng, Starlight Martial Hall''s Jiangcheng Branch.


    As the core of Starlight Martial Hall in Jiangcheng, there were several buildings here, theirbined area asrge as four or five Guanshan branches.


    The central building was only essible to L3 members of Starlight Martial Hall and a few service personnel. Others were not allowed to enter.


    On the sixth floor, in arge office with a retro decoration.


    "Hall Master Fei." Wan Qinghe bowed slightly.


    In the Jiangcheng Branch, there were few people to whom Wan Qinghe would show such respect.


    But the sixty-year-old man in a ck robe sitting at the desk had this qualification.


    He was Fei Qian, the Hall Master of the Jiangcheng Branch and one of the top five figures in Starlight Martial Hall in Jiangbei Province.


    "Little Wan."


    "You submitted an application early this morning, hoping to upgrade Li Yuan''s contract from B-level to A-level in advance." Fei Qian smiled. "I didn''t respond for a few hours, and you came here in person. Is it that urgent?"


    "Hall Master Fei."


    "It''s not that I''m anxious, but I''m worried about unexpected changes." Wan Qinghe suppressed his anxiety. "Have you seen the documents?"


    "I have." Fei Qian smiled cidly, showing no emotions. "And then?"


    "Li Yuan, aside from not having awakened his martial spirit, excels in every other aspect." Wan Qinghe could hardly contain himself. "ording to my investigation, his probability of sessfully creating a technique exceeds 40%!"


    "In the future, his probability of bing a level 29 source warrior is extremely high."


    "He definitely deserves an A-level contract." Wan Qinghe looked at Fei Qian. "Kunlun Martial University directly gave him an S-level special training contract."


    "Although university S-level contracts are not entirely equivalent to ours, it says a lot."


    "More importantly!"


    "I worry that if we keep the original contract without upgrading, the military or Starry Sky Martial Hall will poach him." Wan Qinghe''s voice carried a hint of urgency. "Hall Master Fei, you are always wise. Please consider this carefully."


    Wan Qinghe''s words held deep meaning.


    Fei Qian smiled and was about to speak when the office''s intelligent assistant chimed in: "Master! Importantmunication! It''s a call from Provincial Hall Master Yang. Should I connect?"


    Fei Qian immediately stood up, his expression bing solemn: "Connect!"


    Wan Qinghe, startled, also became respectful.


    Provincial Hall Master?


    Wan Qinghe was merely a district hall master; Fei Qian was a city hall master. Although their ranks differed significantly, they were both source warriors.


    Thus, Wan Qinghe wasn''t too intimidated by Fei Qian.


    But a Provincial Hall Master? That was a true heavyweight, the top leader of Starlight Martial Hall in Jiangbei Province.


    The rank difference was not just in position but in power.


    ording to Starlight Martial Hall''s regtions, a Provincial Hall Master must be a flying warrior.


    A flying warrior was an existence that stood above source warriors.


    "Beep~"


    Themunication was established, just a voice call.


    "Fei Qian." An icy female voice came from the dark screen.


    "Provincial Hall Master." Fei Qian became respectful.


    "I have reviewed the report you submitted this morning." The cold female voice said. "You may grant Li Yuan an A-level contract and increase all resource allocations by 20%."


    "Also, inform him."


    "Before he turns 20, if his technique reaches the fifth stage, he will be upgraded to an S-level contract and given a ''Ster Earth Marrow Crystal''."

 Chapter 84: The Jade Within the Stone

    <h4>Chapter 84: The Jade Within the Stone</h4>


    "Ster Earth Marrow Crystal?" Wan Qinghe''s eyes shed with confusion. What kind of item was that? He had heard of several types of marrow crystals, but never one by that name.


    However, the ck-robed elder Fei Qian was startled upon hearing this: "Ster Earth Marrow Crystal? My lord, are you serious?"


    Fei Qian had only heard other flying warriors mention this treasure asionally but had never actually seen it.


    "Are you questioning my decision?" The cold female voice came from the holographic screen.


    "I wouldn''t dare," Fei Qian hurriedly replied, instinctively lowering his head.


    As the city hall master of the provincial capital and one of the top five figures in the Jiangbei branch of the Starlight Martial Hall, Fei Qian wielded immense power in the eyes of ordinary people. But even the top five or the three vice hall masters of the province had to bow to the provincial hall master, Yang.


    The reason was simple: strength!


    The gap between a level 29 source warrior and a flying warrior was like the difference between heaven and earth. Human source warriors, though powerful with supersonic speeds capable of ttening small towns in battle, still couldn''t fly, and their source energy wasn''t unlimited. They could potentially be killed by a barrage of heavy weaponry.


    Flying warriors?


    Bullets and missiles might not even match their flight speed. Except for extremelyrge-scale destructive weapons like nuclear bombs, conventional arms were essentially ineffective. And even then, the flying warrior would need to be ambushed; if they saw it from a distance, they could escape the st radius, surviving unscathed.


    Human nuclear weapons indeed.


    "Beep~" Themunication was abruptly cut off.


    "Whoo!" Only then did Fei Qian let out a long breath, sitting back down, ncing at Wan Qinghe, who looked anxious.


    "My dear hall master Wan," Fei Qian leaned back and put his feet up on the desk, "Do you think I''m senile, or do you think I don''t value talent? Go on, I''m listening."


    In an instant, Wan Qinghe''s face broke into a smile. He leaned forward and started pouring tea. "Elder Fei, you''ve misunderstood me. I have always thought you were wise and discerning."


    Wan Qinghe clearly understood now. After receiving Li Yuan''s file, Fei Qian must have reported to the provincial hall master Yang; otherwise, she wouldn''t have responded so quickly.


    "I came today to mention Li Yuan, but mainly to report on the preparations for the uing martial arts tournament at the Guanshan branch..." Wan Qinghe started, respectfully handing over the teacup. "Elder Fei, this tea smells excellent."


    "This isst night''s tea."


    "I was toozy to change it this morning, so I just added some hot water." Fei Qian epted the teacup and ced it aside.


    "That was the previous pot," Wan Qinghe chuckled. "I made this fresh when you stepped out."


    "You rascal," Fei Qian shook his head with a smile. "You must have cursed me a hundred times in your heart."


    "I wouldn''t dare."


    "If I didn''t know Elder Fei was wise and magnanimous, how would I daree straight to you?" Wan Qinghe said with righteous conviction.


    "Alright, enough ttery." Fei Qian said seriously, "This Li Yuan is indeed promising. Even before I received his file, I got notified that he reached the ''Meteorite'' rank in the Starry Sky Combat Network."


    "Meteorite rank?" Wan Qinghe nodded, not surprised.


    "Combining your information."


    "An A-level contract is almost appropriate," Fei Qian smiled. "But I chose to apply for an S-level contract for him. Do you know why?"


    Wan Qinghe shook his head.


    Fei Qian, as the city hall master, could directly approve an A-level contract. But for an S-level contract, it required the provincial hall master or at least two vice-provincial hall masters to agree.


    "Progress speed," Fei Qian said, enunciating each word.


    Wan Qinghe pondered.


    "Martial geniuses generally follow two trajectories," Fei Qian smiled. "The first is like Jing He, who showed promise early on and rose brilliantly. Tian Dazhuang, signed by the Martial Arts Bureau this year, has a bit of that vor."


    Wan Qinghe nodded. He had heard of Tian Dazhuang.


    In high-level evaluations, Tian Dazhuang was rated slightly higher than Wu Dongdong. Physical fitness was crucial, but Tian Dazhuang''s poorer condition was mainly due to ack of resources. With more resources, he might catch up with Wu Dongdong.


    "The second is like Fang Hai," Fei Qian said. "Dazzling initially but losing brilliance over time."


    Wan Qinghe nodded.


    Fang Hai, a legend in China''s martial history and even Blue Star''s martial history, was a prodigy with fourth-stage techniques at fourteen and fifth-stage techniques at sixteen. He was once considered a potential peer to the hall master of Starlight, Dongfang Ji.


    Later, though his achievements were still impressive, they fell far short of the highest expectations.


    "And then, there are the rare few who follow a third trajectory: the jade within the stone," Fei Qian smiled.


    "The jade within the stone?" Wan Qinghe savored the metaphor.


    "Initially like a stubborn stone, but as the outeryer wears away, its true nature is revealed," Fei Qian smiled faintly. "The more it''s carved, the more it shines, eventually bing a masterpiece."


    Wan Qinghe held his breath: "Elder Fei means that Li Yuan..."


    "It''s too early for conclusions," Fei Qian smiled. "But if you look at his middle school records, he seemed like an average student."


    Wan Qinghe nodded.


    "In high school, his progress elerated; in the second year, even faster." Fei Qian said. "In the first half of his senior year, his progress has been extraordinary, surpassing other S-level students in terms of speed."


    Wan Qinghe nodded. "Elder Fei has a keen eye."


    "Whether he is jade or not remains to be seen," Fei Qian smiled. "But he is at least a piece of jade."


    "Provincial hall master Yang likely considered this when promising the Ster Earth Marrow Crystal."


    "What is the Ster Earth Marrow Crystal?" Wan Qinghe couldn''t help but ask.


    "Don''t ask."


    "When Li Yuan returns... not today, as I have to go to the headquarters of Xia Country and will be back in twenty days." Fei Qian said. "Your application has been approved. You sign the contract on my behalf, and when I return, bring him to see me."


    "Yes," Wan Qinghe nodded.


    "Go on," Fei Qian said. "Keep an eye on Li Yuan. Report any changes, and handle the minor issues yourself."


    "Understood."


    ...


    Wan Qinghe left Fei Qian''s office and headed straight for the third floor.


    He entered another office.


    "Old Wan, what brings you here?" A chubby middle-aged man was flipping through some files.


    "Tiger, Elder Fei asked me to handle something," Wan Qinghe gestured for privacy.


    The chubby middle-aged man immediately understood it was a private matter.


    "What is it?" He lowered his voice.


    "The Starlight South Lake Community residence, didn''t a unit just be vacant?" Wan Qinghe nudged the man and winked.


    The chubby middle-aged man got up, checked the hallway, and closed the door. "Which unit?"


    "The one in Area 1?"


    "You''ve got quick intel," the chubby middle-aged man said. "Who''s it for?"


    "A youngd about to sign an A-level contract. ording to the contract level, he can stay in Area 2 for free," Wan Qinghe whispered. "Elder Fei wants to upgrade him to Area 1."


    "Area 1 requires at least a source warrior or an S-level contract," the chubby middle-aged man frowned. "Or a special approval from the city hall master."


    "We''ve run out of special approval quotas for the year. If we had one, why would Elder Fei ask you?" Wan Qinghe smiled. "Tiger, I''ve sent you the details. Elder Fei asked you to think of a solution."


    "I''m counting on good news. Next time, dinner is on me."


    With that, Wan Qinghe left without waiting for a response, closing the door behind him.


    "An A-level contract?"


    "Approval timestamped five minutes ago?" The chubby middle-aged man muttered, ncing at Li Yuan''s profile in the contract. "Li Yuan? He hasn''t even awakened his martial spirit?"


    The profile didn''t have Li Yuan''s recent updates.


    The middle-aged man didn''t doubt Wan Qinghe.


    The recent approval of an A-level contract meant Fei Qian had just reviewed it. Coupled with Wan Qinghe''s immediate visit, the answer was clear.


    "Could he be Elder Fei''s illegitimate son? Hey, they even look alike."


    The more he looked, the more he saw the resemnce.


    ...


    At Jiangbei Martial Arts University, after lunch, everyone returned to their dorms to pack.


    "Auntie."


    Li Yuan received a video call from his aunt, Chen Hui.


    "Uncle was at Base No. 3? Not Base No. 7?"


    "Base No. 3 has been relieved? Good! That''s great!" Li Yuan feigned surprise and excitement,forting his aunt.


    He had contacted her twice over the past few days.


    "Auntie, I was first in the practical exam yesterday," Li Yuan said. "I performed very well in this event. Jiangbei Martial Arts University and the military rewarded me with 3.5 million Blue Star Coins. Everything''s going well, so don''t worry."


    "I''ll be home tonight." Li Yuan shared the good news with his aunt.


    As for reaching the Meteorite rank?


    Since it didn''t automatically upgrade his contract to A-level, Li Yuan didn''t mention it for now.


    After ending the call.


    "ording to Lin Lanyue, she knows more than the news. Base No. 3 should be safe," Li Yuan sighed. "But still no updates."


    "I wonder what''s happening."


    He had been scouring the news about the Luo Bu Sea conflict all morning but found nothing new.


    "Li Yuan, let''s go." Gu Qianghan called out, carrying his bag.


    "Alright,ing."


    ...


    At two o''clock in the afternoon.


    At Jiangbei Martial Arts University, numerous aircraft were parked on the massive runway.


    "Li Yuan, see you online sometime." Tian Dazhuang waved to Li Yuan.


    "Sure." Li Yuan smiled and waved back.


    They had added each other on WeChat. Though they had just met and didn''t talk much, they admired each other and felt a mutual respect.


    Soon.


    "Li Yuan, I''m leaving too. Come visit my house sometime," Wu Dongdong showed her little tiger teeth.


    "Absolutely," Li Yuan smiled. Wu Dongdong was outgoing and quickly became friendly with others.


    Soon after, Li Yuan, Lin Lanyue, and the others boarded an aircraft heading to Guanshan District in Jiangcheng.


    They arrived at the school at three o''clock.


    The principal, several vice-principals, and Xu Bo were already at the yground to wee them back.


    "Haha, well done! Li Yuan, Lin Lanyue, the school is proud of your performance," Principal Tan Zhenlong beamed.


    Other school leaders also wore bright smiles.


    They felt that this year''s ''college entrance exam results'' were bing increasingly secure.


    "The school has decided."


    "To reward student Li Yuan with a 200,000 Blue Star Coins." Tan Zhenlong announced solemnly. "And student Lin Lanyue with a 100,000 Blue Star Coins."


    "Other students will also receive..."


    Li Yuan and Dong Haifeng''s fake smiles turned genuine at that moment.


    Money is the real deal!


    ...


    After the wee ceremony, Lin Lanyue and Dong Haifeng went to their martial arts rooms.


    Only Li Yuan was called aside by Xu Bo.


    "Teacher." Li Yuan greeted respectfully.


    "You did a great job this time. You made me proud," Xu Bo smiled.


    "Thanks to your guidance, teacher," Li Yuan said earnestly.


    "Haha." Xu Boughed.


    He viewed Li Yuan differently from other students.


    Other students were just students.


    But Li Yuan was like his half-disciple.


    "Alright,e with me to the office. Hall Master Wan has been waiting for you," Xu Bo said.


    "Hall Master Wan?" Li Yuan was puzzled. "What''s the matter?"


    "It''s probably about upgrading your contract, but it seems more than just an A-level contract," Xu Bo said. "He didn''t tell me much."


    "Upgrading the contract?" Li Yuan was surprised. He hadn''t met the A-level contract standards yet.


    "Right!"


    "One more thing." Xu Bo''s expression suddenly turned serious. "A friend of mine just told me that the first batch of people from Base No. 3 has been rescued."


    "Your uncle''s name is on the list."


    "But he seems to be injured, and the situation isn''t very optimistic." Xu Bo hesitated. "You should prepare yourself mentally."

 Chapter 85: A-Level Contract and Connections

    <h4>Chapter 85: A-Level Contract and Connections</h4>


    "Injured? Prepare myself?" Li Yuan''s face changed slightly, his heart tightened.


    "Teacher," Li Yuan immediately asked, "What''s happened to my uncle?"


    "Calm down and listen to me," Xu Bo said. "ording to thetest information I received, the defense battle at Base No. 3 has been very intense over the past few days. Several times, the alien forces nearly breached the fortress defenses."


    "Your uncle has been working tirelessly to reinforce the defenses. It seems he made significant contributions and has been awarded the Third ss Silver Medal," Xu Bo said solemnly.


    "Third ss Silver Medal?" Li Yuan held his breath.


    To boost morale, the state awards medals to meritorious individuals. Although the titles are varied, they are generally categorized from high to low as National Protection Medals, Gold Medals, Silver Medals, and Bronze Medals, each with three levels: First ss, Second ss, and Third ss.


    Four categories, twelve levels.


    A Third ss Silver Medal might not seem high, but for an ordinary mid-level manager in a state-owned enterprise, it represents an incredible achievement.


    What exactly did Uncle do?


    "Frontline conditions are urgent, and I don''t have all the details. I only found out twenty minutes ago," Xu Bo said in a low voice. "Your uncle seems to have been affected by a special toxin, and his condition is deteriorating."


    "The doctors, medicines, and equipment at the Second Temporary Hospital are insufficient and cannot treat him."


    "The Astral Realm''s environment isplex and vastly different from Blue Star, with a myriad of toxins."


    "The methods of powerful astral creatures can be bizarre and unfathomable."


    "To save your uncle, he must be brought back to Jiangcheng as soon as possible for a specialist consultation and treatment."


    "Dying another two or three days might leave no chance."


    "Although the immediate danger at Base No. 3 has been temporarily resolved, it''s not easy to allocate personnel and an aircraft to airlift someone back from the hospital," Xu Bo sighed helplessly. "The people I know don''t have that capability."


    Li Yuan''s heart trembled as if struck by lightning.


    He understood what Xu Bo was implying: this toxin was not ordinary.


    It might not even be a toxin!


    "Uncle," Li Yuan felt a stabbing pain in his heart.


    The figure in his heart, like a father, who had loved and guided him since childhood, was in such dire straits?


    At this moment!


    Li Yuan wished he could fly to the Luo Bu Sea frontline to bring his uncle back.


    "Li Yuan, listen to me. There''s still a chance," Xu Bo said, noticing Li Yuan''s emotional turmoil. "Meeting Hall Master Wan is your chance to save your uncle."


    "Teacher, please tell me," Li Yuan forced himself to calm down.


    He remembered his uncle''s teaching.


    In critical situations, always stay calm before making any decision.


    "To bring your uncle back immediately for treatment, it''s not about money," Xu Bo said, looking at Li Yuan. "It''s about treatment priority. The people I know can''t elevate your uncle''s treatment priority, understand?"


    "Ask Starlight Martial Hall for help?" Li Yuan said in a low voice, suppressing his anxiety.


    "Yes."


    "Now, the high-levels at Starlight Martial Hall are paying attention to you and likely want to upgrade your contract," Xu Bo nodded solemnly. "You already have a B-level contract, and the upgrade would be to an A-level contract."


    "An A-level contract means the city hall master of Jiangcheng recognizes you."


    "With the high-levels of Starlight Martial Hall stepping in, there''s a good chance of quickly airlifting your uncle back," Xu Bo said. "Although the frontline is tense, with the immediate threat at Base No. 3 resolved, it should be possible to allocate an aircraft."


    "The decision-making team at the frontline includes Starlight Martial Hall, Starry Sky Martial Hall, and the military."


    Li Yuan understood.


    To quickly bring his uncle back, he needed someone with enough authority to intervene.


    "Teacher, take me to see Hall Master Wan," Li Yuan said immediately.


    Now, he didn''t want to waste a minute.


    "Follow me."


    ...


    Inside Xu Bo''s office.


    Xu Bo didn''t enter; Li Yuan went in alone.


    "Li Yuan, congrattions on your excellent performance in the invitation event. You truly impressed me," Wan Qinghe, dressed in traditional Chinese attire, smiled. "Sit down and let''s talk."


    "Hall Master Wan," Li Yuan forced a smile. He was anxious but knew he couldn''t speak rashly.


    Wan Qinghe observed Li Yuan.


    He felt that in just a few months, Li Yuan''s physical vigor and mental strength had improved significantly. Most importantly, there was a subtle, profound aura about him.


    Very faint, but Wan Qinghe, having cultivated spiritual techniques, could sense it.


    An aura thates from experiencing the baptism of killing.


    "Li Yuan, in light of your excellent performance in the invitation event and your breakthrough to the Meteorite rank in the Starry Sky Combat Network," Hall Master Wan smiled, "I reported to Hall Master Fei, the city hall master of Jiangcheng, this morning."


    "I formally applied to upgrade your contract to an A-level contract."


    City hall master of Jiangcheng? Li Yuan understood this was a significant figure.


    "Haven''t I met the standards yet?" Li Yuan couldn''t help but ask.


    "Your performance in other aspects is excellent and sufficient," Hall Master Wan smiled. "Besides, with your rate of progress, you''ll definitely meet the standards before you turn eighteen. Why dy?"


    Li Yuan nodded slightly, indeed, he had five months before turning eighteen.


    "Take a look at the terms of the A-level contract first," Hall Master Wan said, tapping his smart wristband.


    Buzz~


    Li Yuan''s wrist trembled slightly, and he received a document, which he quickly opened.


    Page by page, he scrolled through.


    Compared to the B-level contract, the A-level contract had no changes in other terms, mainly in resources.


    The B-level contract provided 1.5 million cash + 1.5 million points per year, plus 3 million cultivation points.


    The A-level contract provided 6 million cash + 6 million points per year, plus 12 million cultivation points.


    It was a fourfold increase.


    The total value of this contract, just in cash and points, amounted to 72 million Blue Star Coins.


    Of course, it would be distributed over six years.


    Once signed, Starlight Martial Hall would immediatelypensate for the difference in the first year of the two contracts.


    This contract''s benefits were already quite astonishing.


    It was not much inferior to the ''S-level special training contract'' of Kunlun Martial University, and in some ways, even better.


    Because, if the progress under Kunlun Martial University''s special training contract was insufficient, it would be downgraded.


    But Starlight Martial Hall''s contract, once signed, would never be downgraded.


    "Hmm?"


    "An additional 20% annual increase in benefits?" Li Yuan was surprised to see the supplementary use at the end of the contract.


    "Yes, this is a special order from the provincial hall master after learning about your situation. The provincial hall master is very attentive to you," Wan Qinghe smiled.


    Seeing Li Yuan''s confusion.


    "The provincial hall master is the head of Jiangbei Provincial Hall," Wan Qinghe reminded. "A flying warrior must hold this position."


    "Provincial hall master? Flying warrior?" Li Yuan held his breath. This was indeed a figure with both power and martial prowess at the pinnacle of the country.


    Usually, you only see such figures in major news.


    Such a person paying attention to him?


    In Li Yuan''s mind, even a source warrior was already a significant figure.


    "Don''t underestimate yourself," Hall Master Wan smiled. "Your talent is already worth the attention of the provincial hall master."


    Li Yuan''s heart moved upon hearing this.


    "Additionally."


    "The provincial hall master has promised that if your skills reach the fifth level before the age of twenty, your contract will be upgraded to S-level, and you will receive a ''Ster Earth Essence Crystal,''" Hall Master Wan smiled. "When you officially sign, this use will be added to the ''special contract'' in the Starlight space."


    "Ster Earth Essence Crystal? What is it?" Li Yuan was puzzled.


    "A priceless treasure," Hall Master Wan said vaguely. "You will get more details about the treasure when you sign the contract."


    In fact, Hall Master Wan himself did not fully understand.


    But he believed that anything mentioned specifically by the provincial hall master must be a rare and invaluable treasure, beyond mary value.


    "Of course, provided you meet the requirements."


    "The S-level contract of the Martial Hall, in terms of difficulty and benefits, although not as good as the SS-level special training contract of the university, it far surpasses the S-level special training contract of the university," Hall Master Wan smiled.


    "Understood." Li Yuan nodded, knowing the value just from the A-level contract benefits.


    "Are you willing to sign?" Hall Master Wan looked at Li Yuan with a rxed expression.


    "Yes."


    "Thank you, Martial Hall, for nurturing me," Li Yuan said without hesitation. "Also, thank you, Hall Master, for your help. Without your assistance and rmendation, the city hall master and the provincial hall master wouldn''t have given me this contract."


    Hesitation means disloyalty; loyalty means no hesitation.


    This was a principle Uncle Li Changzhou had taught Li Yuan many times.


    Once a decision like choosing a side is made, there must be no hesitation.


    Moreover, Li Yuan genuinely felt grateful.


    "Good." Hall Master Wan''s face showed a satisfied smile. "I haven''t helped much; you''ve worked hard yourself."


    "By the way."


    "I applied for a vi in the ''First District'' of Starlight South Lake Community for you. Ites with a twenty-year residence right, with the first ten years free and the next ten years just paying a property fee annually," Hall Master Wan smiled. "It should be suitable for your family to live in."


    "In a few days, the residence notice and rted information will be sent to your Starlight space. Find a time to move," Hall Master Wan did not mention Fei Qian.


    This was his way of building a rtionship.


    "Starlight South Lake Community?" Li Yuan was surprised. That was one of the topmunities in Guan District.


    It was also reputed to be the safest vimunity.


    Renting a vi there for a year could cost tens of thousands of Blue Star Coins, with the key being the residence qualification.


    Money alone couldn''t buy the qualification.


    "Hall Master, I?" Li Yuan was momentarily speechless.


    Adding this up, the A-level contract was indeed extremely valuable.


    "Don''t worry, live there peacefully."


    "Starlight Martial Hall''s long-standing philosophy is to enable top talents to pursue the ultimate in martial arts without distractions and to contribute to the advancement of human civilization," Hall Master Wan smiled, pouring chicken soup for Li Yuan. "I believe you will achieve the S-level contract in the future, and even be a flying warrior."


    Li Yuan took a deep breath and said earnestly, "Thank you, Hall Master."


    "Any other requests?" Hall Master Wan smiled. "I will help you with whatever I can."


    "What I can''t handle, I''ll report it up and do my best to help you."


    He looked at Li Yuan sincerely.


    "Hall Master, I do have one matter I need the Martial Hall''s help with," Li Yuan said as if he had made a significant decision.


    "Go ahead!"


    Soon, Li Yuan narrated his uncle''s situation to Hall Master Wan.


    "Third ss Silver Medal?"


    "Your uncle? Second Temporary Hospital?" Hall Master Wan nodded repeatedly. "Alright, I understand. I will immediately contact the Starlight Martial Hall warriors at Luo Bu Sea and do my best to arrange it."


    "However."


    "I can''t make absolute guarantees," Hall Master Wan looked at Li Yuan.


    "Thank you, Hall Master," Li Yuan''s eyes reddened.


    ...


    After sending off Hall Master Wan.


    "Did Hall Master Wan agree?" Xu Bo entered the room and asked.


    "Yes, but he couldn''t make absolute guarantees," Li Yuan nodded, forcing a smile. "Teacher, I''ll go back to the martial arts room first. I need to be alone for a while."


    "Alright, if you need anything, let me know," Xu Bo said, understanding the deep bond between Li Yuan and Li Changzhou.


    Closer than father and son.


    Back in Martial Room 4011.


    Li Yuan thought for a while and decided to call a number on his smart wristband.


    "Buzz~ Buzz~"


    Connected!


    "Li Yuan? Back in Jiangcheng?" a hearty voice with a smile came through the call.


    "Principal Li, I need your help," Li Yuan said directly.


    "Go ahead."


    ...


    A few minutester, after ending the call with Principal Li, Li Yuan called another number.


    Soon.


    "Li Yuan?" a gentle voice came through the call. "What''s the matter?"


    "Senior Ji, I''m sorry to bother you," Li Yuan began. "I have an urgent matter I need to discuss with you."

 Chapter 86: Such a Hero Shouldn’t Die

    <h4>Chapter 86: Such a Hero Shouldn''t Die</h4>


    After hanging up the phone, Li Yuan stood by the window, looking at the cherry blossom trees blooming along the path. The cherry blossoms in March were truly beautiful. However, Li Yuan had no interest in admiring them. His mood was oppressive to the extreme, and his mind was filled with his teacher Xu Bo''s previous words.


    Earlier, Li Yuan had suppressed his impulses, patiently conversing with Master Wan to understand his attitude and thoughts before making his request.


    "I''ve done all I can," Li Yuan closed his eyes lightly. "It has to seed."


    The window was open. Li Yuan stood there quietly, letting the wind blow against his face, waiting for news.


    ...


    Half an hourter, the ss bell rang, signaling dinner time.


    In Martial Arts Room 4001.


    "Swish!" "Swish!" "Swish!" Sword light danced, agile yet strong. The girl in a red practice uniform was practicing her swordsmanship.


    Suddenly.


    "Beep~ Master, it''s a video call from your brother. Do you want to answer?" The auxiliary AI''s voice sounded.


    "My brother?" Lin Lanyue was slightly surprised and quickly said, "Answer!"


    Swish~


    Countless light rays converged, forming a holographic projection of a handsome man in ck battle armor.


    "Brother," Lin Lanyue smiled.


    "Back from Jiangbei Martial Arts University?" The man looked at the background in Lin Lanyue''s video.


    "Yes," Lin Lanyue nodded. "Brother, any news?"


    "Yes," the man''s smile faded. "This morning, you asked me to find someone named Li Changzhou, right?"


    Lin Lanyue nodded quickly, "Yes, brother, any news?"


    "Found him," the man nodded. "He was severely injured and was transferred to my base this afternoon. I personally checked on him. He has been poisoned by a toxin called ''me Corrosion Bone Poison'' and has fallen into aa this afternoon."


    "me Corrosion Bone Poison? What is that?" Lin Lanyue asked, puzzled.


    "A toxin from a third-tier me Serpent Demon," the man said solemnly. "It must have been contracted during thest wave of attacks by the astral realm creatures at Base Three... The astral realm''s me Corrosion Bone Poison is much weaker than the original toxin."


    "Third-tier me Serpent Demon?" Lin Lanyue''s face changed.


    She didn''t know what kind of astral realm creature the me Serpent Demon was, but she understood the meaning of the third tier. That was a terrifying existence on par with flying martial artists.


    "Can it be cured?" Lin Lanyue asked urgently.


    "If he had been sent to me a day earlier, he could have been saved," the man shook his head slightly. "But now... it''s very difficult to treat, especially without an antidote in Luo Bu Sea."


    "The toxin has now prated his bones, causing increasing pain and weakness."


    "He won''tst long."


    "Who is this Li Changzhou to you? He doesn''t seem rted to you," the man asked. "Why are you suddenly looking for him?"


    "Brother, don''t ask," Lin Lanyue frowned and said urgently, "Just tell me how to save him?"


    "The best thing to save him now is ''me Tulip Nectar''." The man said, "This item probably doesn''t exist on Blue Star. You know better than me."


    Lin Lanyue''s face changed again. She didn''t know about other treasures, but she knew about me Tulip Nectar. It''s not extremely valuable but very rare. The key is that it''s not produced on Blue Star.


    "And it needs to be quick," the man added. "He won''t survive more than two days."


    "Two days?"


    Lin Lanyue was shocked. After thinking for a moment, she asked, "Brother, can you arrange for a flying vehicle to send him back from Luo Bu Sea immediately?"


    "He was already put on a flying vehicle just before I contacted you," the man said. "He should arrive in Jiang City around ten tonight."


    "So soon?" Lin Lanyue asked.


    "He was awarded a medal. Normally, if no one had jumped the queue, he should have been sent out of Base Three long ago, not dyed until the afternoon," the man shook his head.


    "Just a moment ago, the military, the Starlight Martial Hall, and Kunlun Martial University contacted my base to inquire about his condition and hoped he would be sent back to Jiang City as soon as possible."


    "So, I rearranged the flying vehicle to urgently send him and other wounded back to Jiang City," the man said.


    This time, Lin Lanyue was surprised. So many forces were calling? Was it because of Li Yuan?


    "Alright, brother, I got it," Lin Lanyue shook her head. "I have something else to do. I''ll hang up now."


    Lin Lanyue hung up the call directly.


    After thinking for a moment, she took out another smart bracelet from her backpack.


    She dialed another Vmunication number.


    Beep~ Beep~ Each ring seemed exceptionally long.


    After a full minute, it finally connected, but it was a call, not a video.


    "Little Yue, what is it?" A hoarse voice came through the phone.


    "Uncle, I need your help with something."


    ...


    As night fell in Martial Arts Room 4011.


    Suddenly, the doorbell rang, waking Li Yuan from his waiting.


    He hurried to open the door, "Teacher."


    "I just got the news. Your uncle has been put on a rescue flying vehicle and is expected to arrive at Tianhe Airport in four hours, around ten tonight," Xu Bo said in a low voice.


    Li Yuan was immediately delighted.


    At this time, Li Yuan''s smart bracelet also rang. It was a call from Master Wan.


    Li Yuan immediately answered and quickly hung up.


    "How is it?" Xu Bo asked.


    "Master Wan said he has arranged a small flying vehicle to transfer my uncle directly from the airport to Xieji Hospital," Li Yuan said excitedly.


    Xieji Hospital is one of the top hospitals in the entire of China, first-rate even by global standards.


    After all, China is the number one power on Blue Star.


    "That''s good. Notify your aunt to wait at the airport," Xu Bo said.


    ...


    To Li Yuan, today felt particrly long.


    At ten o''clock in the evening.


    When Li Yuan, who had arrived at the airport, saw his uncle Li Changzhou being wheeled off the ne on a gurney.


    Li Changzhou''s skin was slightly blue, his face withered, and he had fallen into a deepa.


    Clearly, the poisoning was severe.


    "Uncle." Even though Li Yuan was mentally prepared, seeing this still made his heart feel like it was being cut by a knife.


    "Changzhou." Aunt Chen Hui couldn''t hold back her tears anymore. She cried out loud, throwing herself beside the gurney, calling Li Changzhou''s name loudly.


    "Aunt, we have to hurry." Li Yuan suppressed his pain, gently pulling his aunt away, and said in a low voice, "Master Wan, please."


    "Li Yuan."


    Master Wan, standing nearby, said softly, "Don''t worry, I have arranged the best doctors for an overnight consultation and surgery to do everything possible to save your uncle."


    "Okay." Li Yuan nodded.


    Li Changzhou''s gurney was loaded onto a small flying vehicle and quickly headed to the hospital.


    All the doctors were already in ce at the hospital.


    Li Yuan and his aunt then boarded a waiting car.


    "Li Yuan, was that the hall master of the Starlight Martial Hall just now?" Chen Hui asked, regaining someposure after getting into the car.


    She was very anxious these past few days. Her husband, who supported the entire family, had nearly copsed. From what she saw just now, he was on the brink of death.


    But what truly shocked her was Li Yuan.


    In fact, in the afternoon, she had received a message from Li Changzhou''s colleague about the danger he was in.


    But she had no means to do anything.


    Chen Hui never imagined that Li Yuan could arrange a flying vehicle to bring her husband back from nearly ten thousand miles away overnight.


    "Aunt."


    "Don''t worry," Li Yuanforted softly. "With my talent now fully revealed, the Starlight Martial Hall highly values me. They will definitely save uncle."


    "What about the medical expenses?" Chen Hui was very worried.


    Such use of flying vehicles and arranging doctors for consultations must be extremely costly.


    "Aunt, I have over a million on me now, and a few million will be credited soon," Li Yuan said softly. "Even if immediate funds are needed, I can easily borrow a few million."


    Li Yuan believed that if he asked to borrow money, many would be willing to lend it to him.


    "This money is for your future training expenses," Chen Hui shook her head.


    "Aunt, I forgot to tell you, today the Martial Hall upgraded my contract from B-level to A-level," Li Yuan said solemnly. "Four and a half million in cash will be credited tomorrow. We won''t be short of money."


    "Four and a half million Blue Star coins?" Chen Hui was increasingly shocked.


    "Aunt, don''t worry."


    "As long as we can save uncle, even if it takes ten million or a hundred million, I''ll find a way," Li Yuan said with a chilling determination.


    Since junior high, he had been training hard.


    Striving until today.


    Aside from his martial artist dream, Li Yuan''s greatest desire was not to disappoint his uncle and aunt, ensuring their efforts were not in vain.


    To let the family live a good life.


    If his family were gone, what was the point of training so hard?


    ...


    When Li Yuan and his aunt arrived at the hospital, Li Changzhou''s surgery had already begun.


    Xu Bo and Wan Qinghe were waiting there.


    Given Li Changzhou''s condition, to prevent the worst oue, Wan Qinghe had already arranged for Starlight Martial Hall members to bring Li Qianqian and Li Muhua there.


    Chen Huiforted Li Qianqian and Li Muhua.


    "Li Yuan."


    Wan Qinghe walked over to Li Yuan and said in a low voice, "Before your uncle was put on the ne, someone at Base Seven identified the toxin."


    "It''s called me Corrosion Bone Poison."


    Wan Qinghe quickly exined the toxin''s origin to Li Yuan.


    "From a third-tier me Serpent Demon?" Li Yuan''s face changed.


    A third-tier martial artist was equivalent to a flying martial artist.


    "Now, your uncle''s only hope is that this toxin is not the original toxin," Wan Qinghe said solemnly. "After all, the third-tier alien strongmen from the other side of Luo Buu Sea cannot enter the astral realm."


    "They can only use configured toxins, which are much weaker."


    "Then there''s still hope," Wan Qinghe said. "Now, it''s up to the doctors."


    Li Yuan also looked at the closed doors of the operating room.


    "Moreover, we''ve also found out how your uncle got poisoned," Wan Qinghe said. "At the time, in one direction of the war fortress, a defensive structure was damaged, and the toxin spread. No workers dared to go up, and astral realm creatures kept rushing in to kill."


    "Your uncle drove an ultrarge engineering vehicle to block the breach, enduring several attacks from second-tier star realm creatures until martial artists arrived for rescue."


    "Finally, your uncle was poisoned, but he saved more than a hundred workers and, crucially, dyed the astral realm creatures'' assault."


    "This is also why he was awarded the medal," Wan Qinghe sighed. "Your uncle''s character is admirable, no wonder he could teach you."


    "This time, I helped to save your uncle not just because of you, but also because of your uncle. He deserves help."


    "Such a hero should not die."


    Li Yuan was silent, imagining the tragic scene Wan Qinghe described.


    At the same time.


    Li Yuan recalled the nightst September when his uncle was leaving for the Luo Bu Sea star realm front. Before leaving, he had said to Li Yuan¡ª


    "Little Yuan, I can choose not to go to Luo Bu Sea, but if I don''t, someone else will take my ce."


    "Someone has to go to this war, right?"


    ...


    Time passed, and the surgery continued until after four in the morning.


    Li Qianqian and Li Muhua had fallen asleep leaning on each other.


    Wan Qinghe had left for other matters.


    Xu Bo was still apanying, and a few of Li Changzhou''s friends, like Zhong Cheng and Uncle Wang, had alsoe.


    Li Yuan stood silently by the operating room door, waiting.


    "Bang~"


    The operating room door opened.

 Chapter 87: She Went to Soaring Star

    <h4>Chapter 87: She Went to Soaring Star</h4>


    The door to the operating room opened, and two doctors walked out.


    Li Yuan immediately looked up, his eyes filled with anticipation.


    The distant crowd, either awake or half-awake, instantly became alert, swarming around the doctors.


    "Who''s in charge here?" The attending physician scanned the crowd, not spotting Wan Qinghe.


    Instantly, everyone turned to Li Yuan and Chen Hui. Over the long hours, Li Changzhou''s friends hade to understand the whole story and knew that Li Yuan had now be an influential figure.


    "Doctor, how is my uncle?" Li Yuan''s voice was low.


    "You must be Mr. Li Yuan." The doctor sighed lightly. "This toxin isn''t amon one found on Blue Star; it''s a source force toxin. Your uncle was brought in toote, and the poison has spread throughout his body. I''m sorry, we did our best."


    Boom!


    These words hit Li Yuan like a bolt of lightning, making his heart turn ice-cold.


    Aunt Chen Hui was already sobbing uncontrobly.


    Li Qianqian and Li Muhua also turned pale; they understood the situation.


    "Mr. Li Yuan, we can use special medication to stabilize your uncle''s condition and briefly wake him up. But it will onlyst for about half an hour," another doctor quickly added. "This may be thest time he regains consciousness."


    "Make the most of it if there are things you need to say."


    ...


    The next afternoon, around three o''clock.


    In the advanced ward, Li Changzhou, who had undergone surgery, was slightly cleaned up, covered with a nket, and surrounded by tubes. His face was gaunt and pale, but he was awake.


    Li Yuan, Chen Hui, Li Muhua, and Li Qianqian stood around the bed in sterile gowns, holding back their tears.


    "Little Hui, I''m sorry," Li Changzhou''s voice was very weak. He turned his head slightly, trying hard to raise his hand to touch Chen Hui''s face. "I''ve let you down the most in this life."


    "Changzhou, don''t say that." Chen Hui''s eyes were red, her lips tightly pressed together to stop herself from crying. Seeing the man she loved her whole life in such a frail state was heart-wrenching.


    "The money left in my ount, remember to withdraw it. You know the password. After I''m gone, contact Old Wang to handle thepensation from thepany..." Li Changzhou kept giving instructions.


    Li Yuan stood by, turning his head to the side, unable to hold back his tears.


    Li Qianqian and Li Muhua were already in tears.


    "Okay, okay, I know. I will take good care of the kids," Chen Hui kept responding, holding Li Yuan''s hand. "Li Yuan! Come here!!"


    "Changzhou, do you know? Li Yuan has signed with Kunlun Martial Arts University. He will definitely get into Kunlun Martial Arts University."


    "He also signed an A-level contract with the Starlight Martial Hall," Chen Hui held Li Changzhou''s hand, constantly talking to him to reassure him.


    "Really? That''s great! That''s great!" Li Changzhou tried to lift his head a little, looking at Li Yuan, forcing a smile. "Little Yuan, you seem to have grown taller."


    "Uncle," Li Yuan''s voice trembled as he squatted down, getting closer to his uncle, allowing him to touch his head.


    "You''ve grown up, and your martial arts have seeded. I can rest assured." Li Changzhou''s voice was weak. "Your parents were much older than me. They had youte."


    "Over the years, I often thought of them."


    "I always remember your parents''st words to me, ''Run! Keep running! Run fast!''" Li Changzhou muttered. "It''s been almost fifteen years. I''ve been running, always running. Sometimes I''m so tired and want to stop, to see you and your siblings, but I couldn''t stop... When I see big brother and sister-inw, I hope they won''t me me. I really tried my best."


    "Uncle!!" Li Yuan couldn''t hold back any longer. He wanted to stay calm, but the tears kept flowing.


    He could feel his uncle''s life force rapidly diminishing.


    "Muhua, Qianqian." Li Changzhou''s hand trembled as he raised it.


    "Muhua, Qianqian,e closer," Chen Hui pulled Li Muhua to the front, letting them be closer to their father.


    "You two, listen to your mother from now on," Li Changzhou struggled to lift his hand, gently touching Li Qianqian''s hair. "I didn''t aplish anything big in my life, and I don''t have much to leave you. After I''m gone, listen to your big brother. He will tell you what to do. Understand?"


    "Got it, Dad."


    "Dad," the siblings cried.


    Although their age and experience made them less aware of life and death, they knew their beloved father was about to leave them.


    "Uncle, I will take good care of Qianqian and Muhua." Li Yuan fought back his tears. "You can rest assured."


    Time passed.


    Li Changzhou began to cough, his frail body trembling.


    But he still tried hard to speak to Li Yuan and Chen Hui.


    His eyes were filled with deep attachment and reluctance to leave this world.


    "Little Yuan."


    Li Changzhou''s voice grew weaker. "Remember, don''t me anyone for what happened to me."


    "I can''t bear to leave you."


    "But I don''t regret it. If given another chance, I would still charge... cough, cough!" Li Changzhou''s consciousness began to blur.


    Lying on the hospital bed, Li Changzhou looked at the ceiling, gradually losing the ability to hear Li Yuan and Chen Hui''s calls.


    In a daze, he felt like he was back in his youth, returning to a sunny afternoon.


    Springtime, with a gentle breeze blowing into the room, the fan humming softly.


    Outside the room, he could hear his parents cooking.


    Inside the room, heyzily on the bed, half-awake.


    His older brother, who was in middle school, sat nearby, diligently doing homework, asionally stopping to tease him.


    For decades, Li Changzhou had been running tirelessly, never able to revisit that afternoon.


    ...


    At five o''clock in the afternoon, Li Changzhou fell into aa again.


    Two doctors came in to check on him, shook their heads, and left.


    Chen Hui held onto Li Changzhou''s hand, wanting to speak but unable to, her tears just kept flowing.


    Li Yuan stood silently by his aunt''s side.


    They knew that Li Changzhou''s life was now in its final countdown.


    Hours, maybe half a day, and the me of life would be extinguished.


    Ten minutester.


    Suddenly.


    Bang! The door to the room burst open, and a doctor rushed in urgently, saying, "Mr. Li Yuan, someone is here to see you. They say they have a way to save your uncle."


    Whoosh!


    Li Yuan immediately stood up, a glimmer of hope igniting in his heart. "Who is it?"


    "What?" Chen Hui heard this too and quickly got up to look at the doctor.


    "The person said they''re a friend of Miss Lin," the doctor replied. "They didn''t specify who, but one of them imed to be Lu Huai, saying you know him."


    Those words shed like lightning through Li Yuan''s mind.


    Miss Lin? Lu Huai?


    "Take me there immediately." Li Yuan suppressed his excitement. "Aunt,e with me."


    "Okay." Chen Hui quickly wiped her tears.


    From Li Yuan''s demeanor, she sensed that there might be hope for saving her husband.


    Li Yuan and his aunt hurried to a small conference room in the hallway, already crowded with over ten people.


    Not only were the doctors there, but Xu Bo was also present.


    But most notably, standing in the center was a man in a ck robe, tall and about thirty years old, with piercing eyes.


    His face felt familiar to Li Yuan.


    Most importantly, Starlight Martial Hall''s Guanshan Branch Master Lu Huai, usually imposing, stood like a subordinate beside the ck-robed man.


    Everyone turned to Li Yuan.


    "Branch Master Lu, teacher," Li Yuan greeted them respectfully and focused on the ck-robed man. "May I ask who you are, sir?"


    Lu Huai was about to introduce him.


    The ck-robed man raised his hand to stop him, smiling slightly. "No need to call me sir, I''m not much older than you. Just call me Brother Lin."


    "Brother Lin?" Li Yuan was surprised, already guessing, and respectfully said, "Brother Lin, do you have a way to save my uncle?"


    Li Yuan didn''t ask why; that wasn''t important right now.


    "Yes!"


    The ck-robed man nodded. "I brought a special treasure called ''me Tulip Nectar,'' which has an eighty percent chance of saving your uncle and stopping the poison from acting up."


    "But I heard from the doctors that the me Corrosion Bone poison has spread throughout your uncle''s body, even affecting his nerves. Even if he survives, he may not wake up." The ck-robed man said, "You must be prepared."


    "Also."


    "There''s a twenty percent chance the me Tulip Nectar won''t work, as the poison has been in his body for too long. There''s no absolute guarantee."


    "Do you want to proceed? The decision is yours." The ck-robed man looked at Li Yuan.


    "Yes." Li Yuan said firmly.


    "Yes," Chen Hui echoed. It was better to try than to do nothing and face certain death.


    "Alright."


    "Sign the papers, and my team will start the detoxification surgery." The ck-robed man nodded.


    Someone immediately handed over a contract.


    Li Yuan nced at it¡ªjust a liability waiver¡ªsigned without hesitation. Chen Hui followed suit.


    "Let''s begin."


    The ck-robed man waved his hand, and seven or eight people carrying cases rushed into the room.


    ...


    Four hourster, outside the ICU.


    Li Yuan, Aunt Chen Hui, Li Qianqian, and Li Muhua stood by the window.


    Looking at Li Changzhou, whose life signs were stabilizing, they felt a surge of joy and relief.


    "Thank you, Brother Lin!" Li Yuan sincerely thanked the ck-robed man.


    "No need to thank me."


    "I''m just fulfilling a request." The ck-robed man smiled. "The detoxification was sessful, but whether your uncle will wake up... that I can''t guarantee."


    "The rest is up to you."


    "I''m leaving now." The ck-robed man smiled and left quickly with his team of more than ten people.


    Leaving behind Li Yuan and his family.


    "Little Yuan, who is this Brother Lin?" Chen Hui couldn''t help but ask.


    "Who is he?" Li Yuan already had an answer in his heart and smiled. "He''s the one who saved Uncle."


    ...


    A day, two days.


    Li Changzhou remained unconscious, but his life signs were steadily improving, gradually recovering.


    Chen Hui temporarily took leave from work.


    She also urged Li Yuan to return to school. "If your uncle doesn''t wake up, will you just stay here forever? I''ll be here, and you need to prepare for the college entrance exams seriously."


    "When your uncle wakes up and sees you getting into Kunlun Martial Arts University, he''ll be very happy."


    "Okay, Aunt! I will definitely get into Kunlun Martial Arts University." Li Yuan promised.


    ...


    Four dayster.


    Back at school, the first thing Li Yuan did was find Gu Qianghan.


    "You''re looking for my sister?"


    "The day before yesterday, she left with her brother." Gu Qianghan looked at Li Yuan, puzzled. "You didn''t know? She didn''t tell you?"


    Gu Qianghan apparently didn''t know what had happened to Li Yuan''s family.


    "She left with her brother?" Li Yuan was momentarily stunned.


    "Where did she go? When will she be back?" Li Yuan asked.


    "She went to Soaring Star. ording to her, it was for some special training." Gu Qianghan said. "She''ll probably be back before the college entrance exams."


    "Soaring Star?" Li Yuan''s pupils shrank.


    Among the Seven Star Alliance''ss, Soaring Star was the most powerful.


    The headquarters of the three major martial halls were on Soaring Star.


    The Seven Star Alliance headquarters was on Soaring Star.


    Humanity''s strongest fighters, Dongfang Ji and Lante, were both on Soaring Star.


    Soaring Star had no nations,pletely governed by the three major martial halls.


    "Back before the college entrance exams?" Li Yuan muttered to himself.

 Chapter 88: Martial Arts Determined by the Heart! Transformation of Spear Techniques

    <h4>Chapter 88: Martial Arts Determined by the Heart! Transformation of Spear Techniques</h4>


    Without asking Gu Qianghan too many questions, Li Yuan first reported to his cultural ss teacher, Teacher Chen, and then went to Xu Bo''s office.


    The door was open.


    "Teacher," Li Yuan called from the door.


    "Back? Come in." Xu Bo, drenched in sweat from silently practicing his fist techniques, smiled as he saw Li Yuane in and slowly withdrew his fists.


    Li Yuan immediately grabbed a towel from the rack and handed it to Xu Bo.


    "Is everything at home arranged?" Xu Bo took the towel and wiped his sweat, smiling, "I''ve been busy these past few days. I heard your uncle''s condition stabilized, so I didn''t visit."


    "Thank you for your hard work that day, teacher," Li Yuan said earnestly. "If it weren''t for your reminder, my uncle wouldn''t have been brought back so quickly."


    Li Yuan had already understood the events. On the afternoon when the third base was relieved, his uncle was transferred to the seventh base, which was rtively early. However, the seventh base was also chaotic, so he wasn''t immediately sent back to Jiang City. It wasn''t until the high-level inquiries from Starlight Martial Hall that arrangements were made quickly. Moreover, Xu Bo had been at the hospital throughout the operation, staying until early the next morning. Li Yuan remembered all of this.


    "You are my student; it''s what I should do. I didn''t really help much," Xu Bo smiled, then sighed, "I understand your uncle''s situation well. Rest assured, he will wake up."


    "Mm-hmm," Li Yuan nodded slightly, unable to help asking, "Teacher, do you know about Lin Lanyue''s family situation?"


    "Lin Lanyue?" Xu Bo paused, putting the towel aside, "Didn''t her brother tell you? You didn''t ask Lin Lanyue?"


    "I sent messages to Lin Lanyue the night before and yesterday morning to confirm, but she didn''t respond," Li Yuan shook his head, "Today, I found out from Gu Qianghan that she has already gone to Soaring Star."


    Soaring Star and Blue Star''s virtualworks are not interconnected.


    "Soaring Star?"


    "No wonder she asked for a long leave," Xu Bo looked at Li Yuan, "The person you met that day should be her brother. Given your intelligence, you must have guessed some of it."


    Li Yuan nodded slightly.


    "She has a very special family," Xu Bo said in a low voice, "I can only confirm one thing."


    Li Yuan listened intently.


    "Her father is a high-ranking official in the Starry Sky Martial Hall, having served as the head of the Guanshan branch and the Jiang City branch... He should be a flying warrior by now," Xu Bo said.


    "A flying warrior?" Li Yuan was shocked but not entirely surprised.


    Lin Lanyue''s brother, who could make Hall Master Lu Huai seem like a subordinate, must have an extraordinary background.


    "I don''t know more than that," Xu Bo smiled, "The school''s records about her family are fake. Lin is also amon surname."


    "Thank you, teacher," Li Yuan said gratefully.


    "Don''t spread this around," Xu Bo advised, "Flying warriors are involved in significant matters. Just know it yourself, and don''t tell your family."


    "Understood," Li Yuan nodded.


    "Saving your uncle," Xu Bo hesitated and then looked at Li Yuan, "That kindness is indeed immense, so much that you don''t know how to repay it, right?"


    Li Yuan showed a bitter smile.


    He was indeed full of gratitude towards Lin Lanyue but didn''t know how to face her.


    "Did her brother trouble you?" Xu Bo suddenly asked.


    "No," Li Yuan shook his head.


    In fact, that ''Brother Lin'' had a good attitude, never interrogated him, and didn''t look down on them.


    "Here''s my advice: don''t think about repaying the favor for now," Xu Bo considered, "You can''t repay it now, and she probably doesn''t need your help at the moment."


    Li Yuan understood this.


    "Lin Lanyue didn''t tell you herself, which likely has her reasons," Xu Bo smiled.


    "Her brother''s attitude shows that helping you might not be a big deal for her family."


    Li Yuan listened to his teacher''s analysis.


    The same amount of money or treasure means different things to different people.


    "If you want to repay this favor someday, then focus on training," Xu Bo said.


    "Sometimes, favors and troubles are the same. If you feel it''s too much to repay or handle, it''s because your strength is too weak, and the gap is too big."


    Li Yuan''s eyes lit up.


    His teacher''s words dispelled much of his confusion.


    "If you be a Level 29 source warrior, you might be able to help Lin Lanyue with some things," Xu Bo said, "If you be a flying warrior, you can definitely help."


    "But now? You can''t help with anything," Xu Bo looked at Li Yuan.


    Li Yuan nodded lightly, "I understand, thank you, teacher."


    "You''ve signed with Kunlun Martial University."


    Xu Bo advised, "Have lofty ambitions but also be down-to-earth. Focus on training and studying for now, and strive to get into Kunlun Martial University."


    "The April exams areing soon. You performed well in the Jiangbei Martial University''s invitation event, and many people are watching you. Do your best."


    ...


    Walking back to his martial arts room, Li Yuan passed by 4001 Martial Arts Room.


    He nced at it subconsciously.


    This was Lin Lanyue''s martial arts room. For the past six months, Li Yuan had passed by it almost daily and asionally ran into Lin Lanyue... But now, the room was closed.


    Back in his own room, 4011.


    "Whoo!" Li Yuan took out his spear from the weapon cab.


    These past two days, he had been running between the hospital and home.


    Aside from asionally practicing the "Observing the Great Sun Starry Sky Sutra" and basic exercises, Li Yuan hadn''t practiced his spear.


    "The teacher is right."


    "Now, even if I see Lin Lanyue, what can I say?" Li Yuan thought, "Thank you?"


    Verbal gratitude is sometimes essential, but often it has no practical meaning.


    "This time."


    "My uncle was in danger." Li Yuan gripped his spear with both hands.


    Swoosh! Swoosh! Swoosh!


    The spear''s shadow interweaved, the terrifying force tearing through the air, creating sharp whistling sounds.


    Li Yuan quietly felt the movement of power within the spear.


    "Whether it''s Senior Ji, Kunlun Martial University, or Starlight Martial Hall, they helped me because of my uncle. But probably more because they saw a glimmer of hope that I might be a flying warrior during the Jiangbei Martial University''s invitation event."


    One''s own value is fundamental.


    "Then."


    "Make myself stronger." Li Yuan''s eyes grew firm, "If I were strong enough, if I had the strength of Yu Jinghe, then the moment I got the news, I wouldn''t have to wait for results. I could try to save my uncle myself."


    "I could control my destiny."


    "If stronger, strong enough to reach Dongfang Ji''s level, or even beyond!"


    "Then perhaps the war in the Rob Sea Star Realm wouldn''t happen."


    "The country, even all of human civilization, would have countless people like my uncle who wouldn''t have to risk their lives or pay with their lives!" As Li Yuan''s thoughts became clearer, his spear moved faster.


    He remembered every word his uncle said before almost passing.


    "I have no regrets..."


    No regrets!


    His uncle went to the Luo Bu Sea Astral Realm front line for more money for a better life for his family... but he also had the heart of a hero.


    Boom! Boom! Boom!


    Li Yuan''s thoughts grew clearer.


    His uncle''s incident was like a spiritual baptism, making his heart stronger and purer.


    Martial arts are the way of killing.


    But martial arts are determined by the heart. How far one can go often depends on the heart.


    As his heart changed, Li Yuan''s spear seemed to be influenced, moving faster.


    One thrust after another!


    One form after another!


    "Not right! Not right!"


    "My spear should be faster."


    "More stable." Li Yuan muttered, repeatedly practicing basic spear forms, trying to draw more power from his body with the Starry Spear Technique.


    Ten times!


    Fifty times!


    A hundred times! Li Yuan gradually immersed himself, and his spear techniques grew faster.


    His mind became increasingly attuned to his body.


    Finally, as if reaching a critical point.


    Boom! Li Yuan''s spear suddenly exploded with a more terrifying force.


    Swoosh! Swoosh! Swoosh! The spear light shone like arcs, vast and unstoppable, as if a massive star was rolling, with an invincible momentum.


    Like the impact of a star river, wave after wave, rising higher and higher, until it was unstoppable!


    This scene.


    If Xu Bo saw it, he would recognize it instantly.


    Li Yuan was performing the second killing move of the Starry Spear Technique, Star River Waterfall.


    [Your spear technique has improved from Stage 4, 5% to 18%.]


    [Your fist technique has improved from Stage 4, 7% to 20%.]


    [Your footwork has improved from Stage 4, 2% to 13%.]


    Three notifications appeared on the Divine Pce panel.


    However, immersed in his spear technique, Li Yuan didn''t notice.


    ...


    He practiced for an hour straight before fully waking up.


    "Star River Waterfall?" Li Yuan was stunned, and countless insights from his spear practice flooded his mind.


    Had he justprehended the second move of the Starry Spear Technique?


    It had only been half a month since he grasped the first move.


    "Spear Technique Stage 4, 18%? Fist Technique Stage 4, 20%?" Li Yuan noticed the three notifications on the Divine Pce panel, even more shocked.


    Each 1% improvement at Stage 4 was much harder than at Stage 3.


    And he had improved by over 10% in just one hour?


    "Could this be what Teacher Xu Bo called a spiritual enlightenment?" Li Yuan pondered, feeling the changes in the connection between his mind and body.


    The unity of body and mind would unleash more terrifying power.


    Improving his techniques would elerate his body''s evolution.


    "It seems."


    "I won''t have to wait until the college entrance exam; soon, I''ll reach 300 points in the Meteor Rank."


    ...


    Time passed, and Li Yuan''s life gradually returned to normal.


    Though his uncle hadn''t woken up, like a vegetative state, his condition was steadily improving.


    This was already a great result for Li Yuan and his family.


    On the afternoon of March 22, in 4011 Martial Arts Room.


    Suddenly.


    "Master, you have multiple ount notifications," the assistant''s voice rang out.


    "Money arrived?" Li Yuan put down his spear and checked.


    "Your ount ending in 1486 has received 3,600,000.00 Bluestar coins..."


    "Your ount ending in 1486 has received 2,000,000.00 Bluestar coins..."


    "Your ount ending in 1486 has received 1,000,000.00 Bluestar coins..."


    "Your ount ending in 1486 has received 1,000,000.00 Bluestar coins..."

 Chapter 89: Astonishing Harvest

    <h4>Chapter 89: Astonishing Harvest</h4>


    Five ount messages in total.


    "Finally, it''s here. Feels good," Li Yuan muttered as he clicked on the holographic screen, his eyes gleaming with joy as he looked at the dizzying numbers.


    Since his uncle''s health had been steadily improving and he''d put that worry aside, Li Yuan had been eagerly awaiting the reward from the invitation event to be credited to his ount.


    Almost a week had passed, and it was several dayster than the scheduled disbursement time. But today, it all arrived at once.


    "The 3.6 million Blue Star coins are the difference between the first-year A-level contract and the B-level contract with the martial arts hall," Li Yuan murmured to himself. "This 960,000 is the additional 20% training resource from the Starlight Jiangbei branch?"


    The A-level contract of the Starlight Martial Arts Hall is unified by the headquarters and cannot be changed by anyone. However, each branch has ''autonomous funds'' that can be used to give extra rewards to different talents.


    After the January assessment, Li Yuan received a reward of 200,000 Blue Star coins from the Starlight Guanshan Branch for earning the title of Young Hero. The 20% increment on the A-level contract came from the Starlight Jiangbei Provincial Branch.


    "Two deposits together deduct 1.14 million in taxes?" Li Yuan muttered. He didn''t think much of it; paying taxes to the state was only right. Evading taxes was disgraceful.


    "This 2 million is from the actualbat assessment for first ce, rewarded by Kunlun University," Li Yuan noted the next deposit. "The 500,000 Blue Star coins from winning the first ce in the cage fight were given to me a long time ago."


    "The 1 million is from the military sponsorship."


    "And thest 1 million is the first installment of training funds from Kunlun University," Li Yuan thought to himself. "Also known as the contract deposit."


    The deposit was non-refundable.


    These funds, in a sense, all came from the national side to support his training, and therefore were not taxed.


    "Including the 200,000 Blue Star coins rewarded by the school," Li Yuan smiled, "I''ve gained 9.26 million Blue Star coins in just half a month."


    And that was just the Blue Star coins.


    If he included the 5.7 million points and 9 million training points gifted by Starlight Martial Arts Hall... Li Yuan''s total wealth in the past half month exceeded 15 million Blue Star coins.


    To some powerful warriors or super-rich individuals, this amount of wealth might not be much. But for Li Yuan, it was a staggering amount.


    Thinking about this, Li Yuan clicked on the Starlight app, which was published by Starlight Martial Arts Hall on the smart wristband.


    He clicked on his personal ount, and all his wealth was clearly disyed:


    Bank bnce: 10.89 million Blue Star coins


    Martial Hall points: 6.73 million


    Martial Hall training points: 9.65 million


    "Half a year ago, I was still a high school senior worried about 100,000 Blue Star coins," Li Yuan smiled.


    In a blink of an eye, he had be a millionaire.


    A millionaire in pure cash.


    Many so-called billionaires or wealthy entrepreneurs find it difficult to withdraw tens of millions in cash in a short time.


    "From January until now, in just over three months, I spent about 680,000 points and 250,000 Blue Star coins," Li Yuan noted as he looked over his expenditure records.


    The points were mainly spent on basic qi and blood potions, deep medicinal baths, and purchasing source energy elixirs. The Blue Star coins were mainly spent on daily expenses and actualbat training coaches. He spent very little on other things.


    It could be said that Li Yuan spent most of his wealth on training.


    The expenses were significant.


    "But it''s precisely because I didn''t think about saving money and focused on training that I was able to shine in the invitation event," Li Yuan thought.


    For a powerful warrior, what is the meaning of money? The greatest value of money is to gradually transform it into strength, allowing one''s strength to increase faster.


    "For the rest of the year, there are two definite sources of money," Li Yuan thought. "One is in October when the martial hall will release the second year''s training funds."


    "The second is after entering the university, where Kunlun University will gradually disburse the ''S-level special training contract'' resources."


    Combined, without calcting the training points, Li Yuan could receive a total of over 30 million Blue Star coins'' worth of resources in a year.


    However, the martial hall''s resource distribution is annual, while Kunlun University''s resources are released based on half-year assessments.


    "No rush, the current wealth is enough for my steady training," Li Yuan felt calm inside. "What I need to do is use this money well to strengthen my abilities."


    Li Yuan was very clear that this money wasn''t truly earned by his own strength.


    Did his performance in the invitation event really deserve millions of Blue Star coins?


    Of course not!


    One must have self-awareness.


    "These funds are set up by the state and the Seven Star Alliance system, as rewards for martial arts talents like me," Li Yuan thought.


    What is the purpose?


    Not for Li Yuan to use this money for enjoyment or squandering!


    "But to help me be stronger, to be a source warrior or even a flying warrior," Li Yuan recalled what Senior Ji said in the Moon Demon World, "To truly be a sharp de that guards human civilization!"


    This is the important reason why Li Yuan can ''easily'' obtain these funds.


    ...


    Today is Wednesday.


    After the afternoon self-study session, Li Yuan didn''t eat at school but headed straight to the martial hall.


    Every Wednesday is Li Yuan''s actualbat training day.


    At around eight in the evening, in Room 7024, two men in full protective gear were engaging in intensebat, each holding a cold weapon.


    "ng!"


    Li Yuan''s long spear moved swiftly, one strike after another, quick as lightning and continuous like a flowing river, forcing Fang Longhu to retreat step by step, seemingly unable to resist.


    Suddenly, Li Yuan''s waist exerted force as he stepped forward, and the long spear in his hand shed down like a giant axe.


    This was the ultimate burst of the second move of the Starry Spear Technique, ''Star River Waterfall.''


    Using twelve strikes to umte momentum, pushing his own breath and offensive to the peak.


    It was like arge waterfall falling hundreds of meters, crashing to the ground with a terrifying impact.


    "Not good."


    Fang Longhu''s face changed slightly, disregarding the ''training rules,'' he instantly unleashed his full strength, his shield shing in front of him.


    "Boom~"


    The long spear shed down like an axe, hitting therge shield. Even though Li Yuan gave it his all, Fang Longhu, being a level 15 warrior, easily absorbed the impact.


    "Stop!" Fang Longhu suddenly said.


    But Li Yuan had already stopped, smiling, "Coach Fang, you lost again."


    "I lost, I lost!" Fang Longhu put away his shield, feeling a bit emotional, "I didn''t expect that even when I used the strength and speed of about level 12, I still couldn''t stop you."


    "If you had continued your assault, I might not have been able to control my strength and could have hurt you."


    Li Yuanughed.


    Although he didn''t unleash his full strength, the strength nearing the entry-level,bined with the fourth-stage spear technique, created an astonishing force.


    Of course, it still couldn''t threaten Fang Longhu.


    A level 12 warriorpared to a level 15 warrior might sound like only three levels apart.


    But these are post-entry levels, fundamentally different from levels 6 to 9.


    Entry-level warriors have significant gaps in physical qualities between each level.


    A level 12 warrior has an explosive speed of 30 meters per second, with a punch force of 3000 kilograms.


    While a level 15 warrior has an explosive speed of over 50 meters per second, with a punch force easily exceeding 10000 kilograms.


    Not in the same league.


    Facing a level 12 warrior, Li Yuan could still fight with his techniques.


    But if it were Fang Longhu? With absolute speed and power, he could kill Li Yuan in one move.


    Fourth-grade techniques still can''t bridge the gap in absolute power and speed.


    Click~ Click!


    Both men removed their helmets.


    "Li Yuan, I didn''t fulfill my training duties today, so I won''t charge you," Fang Longhu shook his head. "Also, from now on, I won''t take on your actualbat training."


    "Won''t take it?" Li Yuan was surprised.


    "I can''t train with you anymore," Fang Longhu smiled helplessly. "You''re too much of a monster, progressing too quickly. In just six months, your physical qualities and techniques have improved at an unbelievable rate."


    "I''ve been a trainer for over a decade, and I never really believed in top-tier talents," Fang Longhu said. "But after seeing you, I believe it."


    Li Yuan smiled.


    "Don''t worry, I''ll report directly to the Hall Master," Fang Longhu smiled. "I''ll arrange a new actualbat trainer for you. It''s okay to stop for a week, just don''t randomly pick someone."


    "Okay," Li Yuan nodded.


    Actualbat training is important but also dangerous... just being strong doesn''t mean you''re fit for the job.


    Qualified trainers are few, and excellent ones are even fewer.


    Most importantly, safety.


    In actualbat training, incidents where the trainer identally kills the trainee by losing control of their strength are not unheard of.


    Fang Longhu was specifically chosen for Li Yuan by Starlight Martial Arts Hall, experienced and reliable.


    For half a year, Fang Longhu could always adjust his strength ording to Li Yuan''s progress, giving him the right amount of pressure without causing harm.


    "Beep~" Fang Longhu''s smart wristband suddenly buzzed. He looked down and said, "Li Yuan, this is?"


    Li Yuan had transferred him 20,000 Blue Star coins.


    "Coach Fang, thank you for the training over the past six months. Don''t refuse," Li Yuan smiled. "Think of it as a little bonus, don''t think it''s too small."


    "Haha, thanks then," Fang Longhuughed. "If there''s more training in the future, feel free to call me."


    Fang Longhu also wanted to maintain a good rtionship with Li Yuan.


    "Sure," Li Yuan smiled and nodded.


    He had the same intention, thinking that in a few years, when his younger siblings needed actualbat training, Fang Longhu would still be a good choice.


    ...


    At nine in the evening, in the Hall Master''s office on the twelfth floor of Starlight Guanshan Branch.


    "You want to resign from Li Yuan''s training?" Wan Qinghe looked at Longhu in confusion.


    Previously, Longhu had reported to Instructor Xing.


    But since January, under Wan Qinghe''s orders, Longhu had been reporting Li Yuan''s progress every half month.


    "Hall Master."


    "It''s not that I don''t want to continue, but I''m not qualified anymore," Longhu said helplessly. "Li Yuan''s progress is too fast."


    "His techniques far surpass mine, probably at the 300-point level in the meteor rank."


    "His physical qualities, I estimate, are at least at 9.5 level," Longhu shook his head. "For Li Yuan''s sake, Hall Master should assign a more skilled trainer."


    Wan Qinghe was shocked.


    300 points in the meteor rank? Physical qualities above level 9.5? Only a week after the invitation event, and Li Yuan had made such significant progress?


    "Okay, you can go now. I''ll find someone else."


    ...


    At ten-thirty in the evening.


    Li Yuan returned home. After washing up, he felt his smart wristband buzz.


    "An email?"


    Li Yuan clicked to check, "An email from Kunlun University?"

 Chapter 90: A New Evolution

    <h4>Chapter 90: A New Evolution</h4>


    "Kunlun Martial Arts University''s file?" Li Yuan directly clicked to ept it. It was a concise training guide sent by Teacher Fan Jin.


    Li Yuan had just started reading it when his V-Communication buzzed, indicating an iing call from Fan Jin. He immediately chose to answer it.


    Buzz¡ª the video call connected.


    "Teacher Fan," Li Yuan smiled at the elderly man in pajamas on the screen.


    "It''ste; I hope I didn''t disturb your rest," Fan Jin said with a smile.


    "No, you didn''t."


    "Good, you must have received the file," Fan Jin smiled. "Technically, this training guide should be given to you after the college entrance exams. However, I just got news from Starlight Martial Hall that your physical fitness has reached level 9.5?"


    Li Yuan''s expression remained unchanged, but his heart skipped a beat. He understood immediately that it must have been his excitement during today''s sparring session, causing him to reveal his strength inadvertently.


    There was a ny-nine percent chance that Fang Longhu had reported his situation while resigning as his sparring partner. Li Yuan wasn''t surprised by Fang Longhu''s report; given his contract level, the higher-ups at Starlight Martial Hall would undoubtedly continue to monitor his progress. He just hadn''t expected Kunlun Martial Arts University to find out within two hours.


    He could only smile in response.


    "Haha, don''t worry," Teacher Fan Jinughed. "You have signed high-level contracts with both Kunlun Martial Arts University and Starlight Martial Hall. Naturally, we maintainmunication to stay updated on your situation and adjust your training n ordingly."


    "Thank you for your concern, Teacher," Li Yuan smiled. "I just broke through in my techniques the day before the invitation event. For some reason, after using source energy pills recently, my physical fitness improved very quickly. Right now, it should be around 9.3."


    iming 9.5 immediately would be too exaggerated. The difference between 9.5 and 9.3 in power wasn''t significant.


    "9.3?" Fan Jin was equally surprised. "A week ago, you were only at 8.9! Was the previous measurement inurate?"


    Li Yuan smiled without answering.


    "It seems Dean Li was right. Your physical potential is high butcked proper techniques. Previously, you progressed faster than those practicing advanced techniques... hmm, you had just entered the fourth stage, able to dig deeper into your physical strength... a sudden increase of 0.4 isn''t surprising," Fan Jin nodded, his gaze on Li Yuan changing slightly. "Good news! Good news!"


    No need for Li Yuan to exin; Fan Jin had already filled in the gaps himself. After all, such examples weren''t umon in martial arts history.


    "9.3 is close enough," Fan Jin said. "Li Yuan, you should know that improving your physical fitness is different from many other students; you will rely heavily on external substances."


    "I understand, Teacher," Li Yuan replied. Unlike others who could absorb cosmic energy through advanced techniques, he couldn''t.


    "Before reaching 9.5, you can use basic blood-enhancing medicines and ordinary source energy pills to meet your body''s growth needs," Fan Jin said. "But the stronger your body gets, the more energy it consumes.


    "Relying solely on these will see your growth rate decline or even stop once you surpass 9.5."


    Li Yuan nodded slightly. In fact, since his physical fitness exceeded 8.0, he had gradually felt this.


    "My suggestion is to start using first-level blood-enhancing liquid andplement it with Body Cleansing Essence and source energy pills," Fan Jin advised.


    "Body Cleansing Essence? What is that?" Li Yuan asked, familiar with the first two.


    "It''s specially developed for those without techniques," Fan Jin exined. "All medicines and pills contain impurities.


    "Normal martial artists who practice techniques use fewer external substances, so their bodies aren''t as burdened.


    "But you don''t have that option.


    "Body Cleansing Essence continuously removes impurities from your body, allowing you to absorb energy and blood nutrients at near-maximum speed," Fan Jin said. "The early martial artists back then used the initial version of ''Body Cleansing Essence'' to painfully push their physical fitness to level 19."


    Li Yuan understood.


    "Nowadays, few people use Body Cleansing Essence. You should be able to find it in Starlight Space," Fan Jin said. "Follow the usage ratio in the training guide.


    "Try it once first.


    "If your body can handle the pain of Body Cleansing Essence, then continue. If not, stick to your old training n," Fan Jin smiled, looking forward to it. "Aim to improve your physical fitness to level 10 by August, or even higher."


    "At the end of July, the school will organizebat assessments. Although you have passed, you can apply again. The top hundred among the two thousand freshmen will receive cash rewards," Fan Jin smiled. "The top ten will receive 3 million Blue Star Coins."


    He knew how to motivate students.


    "Yes, Teacher," Li Yuan said earnestly.


    After the call,


    "Combat assessment? End of July?" Li Yuan''s eyes were full of excitement.


    He had been pondering where to findbat assessment opportunities to raise his spiritual awakening to 20% and possibly get another spiritual guide chance.


    With his strength, the front lines of war were too dangerous; Starlight Martial Hall and the school wouldn''t allow him to go.


    Unexpectedly, the opportunity came so soon.


    "End of July? Four months left?" Li Yuan thought. "Top ten, with an extra 3 million Blue Star Coins reward?"


    A generous reward.


    "Do your best.


    "Like Teacher Fan Jin said, strive to be a true first-level martial artist," Li Yuan thought.


    Kunlun Martial Arts University, arguably the top martial arts university in China, enrolled two thousand students annually, all elite from across the country.


    However,


    "My goal is first ce!" Li Yuan was full of ambition.


    The top ten had a 3 million Blue Star Coins reward.


    What about first ce? Would it be higher?


    "Body Cleansing Essence is painful? Let''s see how painful it is!"


    ...


    Entering the virtualwork, Starlight Space.


    "Master, I...," the purple-d girl beside him began to speak.


    "Shut up," Li Yuan interrupted. "I need all information on Body Cleansing Essence, including prices and purchase requirements."


    "Yes, Master," the purple-d girl still smiled.


    Buzz¡ª


    A light screen appeared in front of Li Yuan, disying extensive text.


    "I see." Li Yuan understood.


    Then,


    He opened the training guide file, concluding, "ording to the new n, if my body can endure, the growth rate before level 12 can be 50%-100% faster."


    The exact rate varied per individual.


    After level 12? The old n struggled to make any progress beyond level 12.


    "Speed matters.


    "I must seize every opportunity without advanced techniques," Li Yuan decided. "Adopt the new training n."


    The n had one w¡ªmoney!


    Over the past six months, Li Yuan spent about 220,000 Blue Star Coins/points monthly on training resources.


    But under the new n,


    "First-level blood-enhancing liquid costs 10,000 Blue Star Coins per bottle, needing at least 20 bottles monthly," Li Yuan thought. "Three source energy pills monthly.


    "Plus Body Cleansing Essence, three portions monthly, each costing 200,000 Blue Star Coins."


    Monthly expenses totaled at least 1.1 million Blue Star Coins!


    Martial arts were money pits.


    This n''s core was Body Cleansing Essence. Without it, Li Yuan couldn''t absorb so many resources, even with money.


    Even wealth couldn''t buy it.


    "Little Jade, follow the new n and buy one portion of Body Cleansing Essence first," Li Yuan said. "Deliver it to my martial hall address tomorrow."


    "Master, a reminder," the purple-d girl said. "Body Cleansing Essence is extremely painful. If your body or willpower is weak, it''s hard to endure."


    "Rmended for those at least level 10."


    "Right away."


    "Understood."


    The next second,


    Buzz¡ª Li Yuan received a notification, his ount deducted 200,000 Blue Star Coins.


    "Use points!" Li Yuan couldn''t help but say.


    "Master, new items default to Blue Star Coins for the first purchase," the purple-d girl replied weakly.


    "You didn''t ask me first?"


    "You said to do it immediately!" the purple-d girl retorted confidently.


    ...


    The next afternoon,


    Li Yuan requested leave from Teacher Xu Bo and went directly to the martial hall.


    Xu Bo agreed immediately.


    He hadrgely given Li Yuan free rein in training, even allowing him to skip martial arts sses.


    Most high school martial arts teachers were at the ''third stage'' level.


    In terms of technique, Li Yuan was on par with Xu Bo.


    Starlight Guangshan Branch, Martial Hall 7024.


    "Body Cleansing Essence," Li Yuan carefully opened the box, revealing a transparent bottle of green liquid, like jade.


    It emitted a faint glow, pure and wless at a nce.


    "Beautiful," Li Yuan thought. "ording to the instructions, it must be applied all over the body?"


    Hand application? Too outdated!


    Li Yuan took the bottle to the therapy room, gently cing it on the ''full-body therapy machine'' rack.


    Due to practicing "Observing the Grand Sun and Stars," Li Yuan rarely used the therapy room.


    "Little Jade.


    "Activate full-body standing application mode, Body Cleansing Essence, slow application," Li Yuan instructed. "Authorize."


    "Yes," a gentle voice replied.


    Li Yuan undressed and stood in the full-body therapy machine, waiting.


    Buzz¡ª the machine opened the bottle, extracting the green liquid until it was empty.


    Not a drop left.


    Secondster,


    Buzz¡ª buzz¡ª several ''application devices'' resembling hands emitted green liquid, slowly applying it to Li Yuan''s body.


    The devices mimicked hands, slightly warm and veryfortable, but soon Li Yuan felt his back heating up.


    "Body Cleansing Essence? It works quickly as described," Li Yuan thought.


    Soon, Li Yuan felt strange energy seeping through the applied areas, followed by increasing pain throughout his body.


    Pain, like needles stabbing under fingernails.


    Itching, ten times stronger than someone tickling his feet.


    Soreness, like a leg cramp after sitting too long.


    Thesebined sensations would be a nightmare for ordinary people, driving them to despair.


    "That''s it?" Li Yuan frowned, feeling ufortable but tolerable.


    Daily, Li Yuan endured the mental pain of "Observing the Grand Sun and Stars," far more intense than this.


    Suddenly, the applicator moved over a special central body part, very carefully.


    Secondster,


    "Damn!" Li Yuan''s eyes widened, unable to hold back a curse.


    ...


    Two hourster, as night fell,


    The effects of Body Cleansing Essence wore off, and Li Yuan fully recovered.


    "It was tough," Li Yuan thought, ncing at his fit body.


    Visible impurities covered his skin.


    "Cleansing marrow? Seriously?" Li Yuan muttered.


    But, his divine pce panel showed no change in life level.


    Yet he felt lighter, more energetic.


    After showering, his skin seemed smoother and fairer.


    "Try a source energy pill."


    Ten minutester,


    After taking a source energy pill, Li Yuan practiced basic techniques, feeling waves of warm energy spreading through his body, absorbed by his bones and muscles.


    "Effective," Li Yuan''s eyes gleamed. "I took a source energy pill ten days ago; now, I should struggle to absorb it, wasting most of its effect."


    "Now, it feels like I haven''t taken one in a month."


    Without hesitation, Li Yuan ordered a month''s worth of training resources per the new n.


    ...


    "Body Cleansing Essence?"


    "Li Yuan endured that pain?" Wan Qinghe quickly learned of Li Yuan''s order.


    "What incredible willpower!"


    ...


    With the new n, Li Yuan''s slightly slowed progress elerated again.


    Time flew by, and it was April 10th.


    The April exams for Jiangcheng''s high school seniors had arrived.

 Chapter 91: The April Exams

    <h4>Chapter 91: The April Exams</h4>


    Guanshan District No. 1 High School.


    The April mock exam was thestrge-scale unified exam for the entire city before the college entrance examination. However, Li Yuan continued his usual routine, arriving at school for training at three in the morning and taking a shower before heading downstairs at seven. Li Yuan was very disciplined with his training routine.


    "Noting back for the April mock exams?" Li Yuan muttered to himself as he passed the 4001 martial arts room. His gaze lingered, and his steps slowed involuntarily. The electronic lock was new and dust-free, indicating that it was regrly cleaned. Although Gu Qianghan had mentioned half a month ago that Lin Lan Yue wouldn''t be back, as the mock exams approached, Li Yuan found himself hoping otherwise.


    "Just my wishful thinking," Li Yuanughed to himself, shaking off the thought. Traveling from Blue Star to Soaring Star required passing through a star bridge, making the journey difficult. Given Lin Lanyue''s family background and her participation in a mysterious ''special training,'' it was unlikely she would return just for the April mock exams, which, while important, were not the actual college entrance exams.


    "Li Yuan." A voice called out suddenly. A burly teenager greeted him from a distance.


    "Dong Haifeng?" Li Yuan smiled back. It was the student he had saved during thest practical test.


    Dong Haifeng, who had just walked out of the martial arts room, was beaming. After returning from Jiangbei Martial University, Dong Haifeng''s attitude towards Li Yuan had undergone aplete transformation. He greeted Li Yuan warmly and even with a hint of respect each time they met.


    "Gu Qiang isn''t here?" Li Yuan asked as he approached.


    The door to the 4003 martial arts room was also closed, and the trash outside was the same as the previous night.


    "He doesn''te to the martial arts room in the morning," Dong Haifengughed. "He often arriveste for morning self-study too."


    Li Yuan was momentarily stunned, realizing he had never seen Gu Qianghan at six in the morning over the past six months. He usually saw him in the afternoon.


    "No wonder his progress is slow. He hasn''t even seen the four o''clock night of Jiangcheng. How can he train fast?" Li Yuan joked. "Let''s go to the cafeteria together."


    Dong Haifeng was puzzled. The four o''clock night of Jiangcheng? He hadn''t seen it either!


    "Gu Qiang is progressing slowly? That''s a big shot for you," Dong Haifeng muttered to himself.


    In the cafeteria:


    "Brother Yuan, you don''t seem anxious at all," Yan Zhou said, eating a steamed bun as he watched Li Yuan and Dong Haifeng walk in leisurely.


    "What''s there to be anxious about?" Li Yuan smiled, sitting down with his ssmates and starting to eat.


    Zhou Qi had already bought breakfast for Li Yuan: fried sauce noodles, beef noodles, a nutritious breakfast, along with two soda buns and two portions of shaomai.


    In fact, except for the nutritious breakfast, consuming too many carbohydrate-rich foods was not very helpful for martial arts training and could even be harmful. But Li Yuan didn''t mind. With his current physical fitness, he could digest these foods quickly.


    "Slurp!" Li Yuan took a big bite of the fried sauce noodles, feeling quite satisfied. The school''s fried sauce noodles and hot dry noodles weren''t particrly remarkable, but after eating them for so long, Li Yuan would feel ufortable if he missed a meal. These were the foods he had grown up eating.


    "Yan Zhou, you''re the one who''s anxious, right?" Zhou Qiughed while eating. "Last time you were in the 21st exam room, and now you''re in the 22nd. You''re about to fall to the same level as Brother Yuan."


    "Old Zhou, do you think you''re so great? The eternal second exam room," Yan Zhou retorted immediately.


    In thest January mock exam, Yan Zhou didn''t perform well in his cultural subjects, so his exam room was further back this time. This kind of ranking fluctuation was normal, which is why Zhou Qi teased him.


    "What''s wrong with the second exam room?" Zhou Qi raised his head proudly. "It''s the second out of forty exam rooms!"


    "I''m proud!"


    Everyoneughed. Zhou Qi was telling the truth. In their ss of over a hundred students, very few could make it into the top two exam rooms.


    "Brother Yuan, you won''t improve by another hundred points this time, will you?" Zhou Qi suddenly asked Li Yuan, looking somewhat worried. "If you improve by another hundred points, your cultural score will be catching up to mine."


    In the January mock exam, Li Yuan''s cultural score had increased by about a hundred points, moving him from the 29th exam room to the 24th, close to the middle of the year''s rankings.


    "Don''t worry," Li Yuanughed. "I''ll try to improve by 120 points, just enough to surpass you."


    "Damn, you''re ruthless!" Zhou Qiughed and cursed. "Leave some points for us."


    However, no one took Li Yuan''s words seriously. Another 120-point improvement? Impossible!


    "Finished eating."


    "Let''s go. Let''s get to the exam room early and familiarize ourselves with the front and back rows. We need to form a united front."


    "Hope I can reach the key score this time." The ssmates chatted as they walked to the exam room, mostly rxed.


    Li Tianyou was more silent, walking alone at the back.


    As they neared the exam building, the others went upstairs one by one.


    "Tianyou, wait a moment." A low voice suddenly called out beside him.


    Li Tianyou was startled, realizing that Li Yuan had somehow appeared next to him. "Li Yuan, what''s up?"


    He stopped walking.


    "Tianyou." Li Yuan looked at Li Tianyou''s face and smiled. "Have you been losing weight recently?"


    Li Tianyou was stunned, subconsciously touching his face.


    He did seem thinner.


    "Maybe." Li Tianyou forced a smile, not exining.


    Suddenly.


    Buzz~ Li Tianyou''s smart bracelet vibrated slightly. He looked down and saw a transfer notification, showing a deposit of 50,000 Blue Star Coins.


    The sender was Li Yuan.


    There was also a V-message from Li Yuan with a name and V-number.


    "Li Yuan, what''s this?" Li Tianyou was shocked, looking at Li Yuan.


    "With less than two months until the college entrance exam, I know you''ve been training hard, but external aids are essential. Buy some Qi and blood tonics and ensure you have nutritious meals three times a day. This person, Zhong Cheng, is a martial arts worker. Tell him you''re my ssmate, and he''ll give you a discount," Li Yuan smiled. "And to rify, I''m not giving this to you; I''m lending it."


    "But I can''t pay it back," Li Tianyou said, unable to help himself.


    "I''m not asking you to pay it back now. What''s more important, money or health? Really nning to lose weight?" Li Yuan joked. "Once you get into Jiangbei Martial University and graduate, you''ll get a good job and be able to pay it back. Remember, you have to repay me within ten years!"


    Li Tianyou''s eyes turned red instantly.


    He understood that this was just Li Yuan''s way of making it easier for him to ept.


    Who lends money and gives a ten-year repayment period?


    "Li Yuan, I..." Li Tianyou''s voice choked.


    "Tianyou, people are watching. Keep it together," Li Yuan shook his head. "I''m not interested in you, don''t let people misunderstand."


    Li Tianyou was stunned, thenughed.


    "Take it." Li Yuan smiled. "With your grades, you have a good chance of getting into Jiangbei Martial University, but don''t get nervous."


    "Martial arts training gets harder the more you rush it."


    "Stay calm," Li Yuan smiled. "Trust me on this."


    "Mm-hmm." Li Tianyou nodded. In his heart, Li Yuan had great authority in martial arts training.


    As Teacher Xu Bo had openly said in martial arts ss, with Li Yuan''s skill level, he could at least be a ''senior martial arts teacher.''


    "I''m going up," Li Yuan waved. "See youter."


    "50,000 Blue Star Coins." Li Tianyou looked down at his bank ount and couldn''t help but look up at Li Yuan''s back.


    He wanted to tell Li Yuan he didn''t need it, but he couldn''t bring himself to do it.


    Because he did need it.


    "Thank you," Li Tianyou silently said in his heart.


    Finding his seat, Li Yuan had just sat down when:


    "Li Yuan is in our exam room?"


    "This is the 24th exam room. He''s a martial arts student and has such good cultural scores?"


    "Hey, my seat number is in front of Li Yuan''s, so I''m better than him."


    "You wish! Do you want him to punch your snot out?" Many students whispered.


    Since the start of the semester, especially after the Jiangbei Martial University invitation event, Li Yuan''s performance had spread among the seniors. With the school''s deliberate promotion, Li Yuan''s fame had surpassed even Lin Lan Yue''s.


    "Talking about me?" Li Yuan listened to the voices but didn''t care.


    He was thinking about Li Tianyou.


    "Hope this money helps him." Li Yuan sighed.


    Of all the ssmates he knew, Li Yuan admired Li Tianyou the most.


    Sometimes, Li Yuan even thought that if Li Tianyou could awaken the Divine Pce talent, he would be as outstanding, if not more, than himself.


    One must be self-aware.


    "Opportunity and luck sometimes outweigh effort," Li Yuan sighed.


    He had wanted to help Li Tianyou before but couldn''t.


    Why only 50,000 Blue Star Coins? Why say it was a loan?


    Firstly, Li Yuan knew Li Tianyou''s character: very tenacious and dislikes asking for help, so he didn''t want him to feel burdened.


    Secondly, Li Yuan''s intention was to give the money, not expecting repayment.


    Thirdly, and most importantly,


    "I''m still growing, and training costs are high," Li Yuan sighed. "Hope this helps him get into Jiangbei Martial University."


    Getting in would be a turning point in Li Tianyou''s life.


    Buzz, buzz, buzz~ The bell rang.


    The invigtors walked into the ssroom, and everyone ced their smart bracelets at the front of the room.


    The April mock exam officially began.


    ...


    After a day and a half of cultural exams, Li Yuan could only say he did his best.


    "The scores shouldn''t be worse thanst time," Li Yuan thought. "Usually, the April mock exam is less difficult."


    The January mock exam is harder to humble students and prevent overconfidence.


    The April mock exam is usually easier to encourage students.


    ...


    The next afternoon was the martial arts spiritual aptitude test.


    Li Yuan''s test sheet still showed ''not awakened,'' as expected.


    ording to Dean Li, given Li Yuan''s evident physical and mental talent, any match with a high-level cultivation method would have shown by now.


    "No one else in the ss seems to have a match either," Li Yuan nced around.


    In the entire senior year, only Wan Xiao and Zhou Qi had met the requirements for high-level cultivation methods.


    "Everyone has a spirit."


    "Just without a method."


    "The current seven high-level cultivation methods were created by generations of martial artists." Li Yuan silently thought, "In the future, if I be a sky-flying martial artist, maybe I can participate in this great civilization process."


    ...


    The third day was the martial arts physical test.


    A month had passed since the Jiangbei Martial University invitation event.


    Li Yuan finally stopped hiding his physical fitness, fully revealing his strength.


    40-meter sprint test.


    "21.8 meters per second."


    "Damn!"


    "Li Yuan''s sprint speed, this!" All the students present were shocked, staring in disbelief.


    "Brother Yuan?"


    "So awesome!"


    "Is Brother Yuan about to be a real martial artist?" Zhou Qi, Yan Zhou, and Li Tianyou were all stunned. That was a martial artist''s level.


    Even the three invigtors were surprised.


    This sprint speed was almost at the 10.0 level standard.


    Remember, they were testing an ordinary ss.


    "What''s strange about it?"


    "Isn''t this the score Li Yuan should have?" Dong Haifeng, Gu Qianghan, and other top ten students weren''t surprised.


    In their view, someone who had decisively won first ce in the elite martial arts students'' practical test in Jiangbei Province.


    After a month, was it strange for Li Yuan''s physical fitness to approach level 10?


    In the following physical tests, Li Yuan''s results were consistently impressive to students and examiners alike.


    ...


    Inrge exams like this, scoring and grading were very fast.


    That night, in the principal''s office of Guanshan District No. 1 High School, Tan Zhenlong was waiting.


    "Beep¡ª¡ª" The smart assistant sounded, "Master, Director Wang from the Education Bureau is video calling you."


    "Director Wang?" Tan Zhenlong was surprised, "Answer, in reception mode."


    The lights in the office adjusted, subtly changing the atmosphere. A holographic projection formed, showing a man in his thirties in a shirt.


    "Principal Tan, congrattions." The young man smiled.


    "Director Wang, congrattions on what?" Tan Zhenlong was puzzled.


    "The April mock exam."


    "Your school produced two single-subject top scorers in the city." The young man smiled. "Isn''t that worth celebrating?"

 Chapter 92: The True City-wide First Place?

    <h4>Chapter 92: The True City-wide First ce?</h4>


    "Two city-wide top scorers?" Principal Tan Zhenlong was stunned.


    As the principal, Tan Zhenlong was very responsible and knew the situation at his school very well. Although First High School of Guanshan District was quite good, it was only considered a top-tier school in Jiang City, not among the absolute best.


    Usually, the goal he set for his teachers was just to maintain their top position in Guanshan District.


    "Haha, it seems Principal Tan is still not fully aware of his own school," Director Wangughed. "Let me keep you in suspense. When the score sheet arrives, you can see for yourself."


    "Additionally, about the junior high schools in Guanshan District this year..." Director Wang continued with other topics.


    Tan Zhenlong could only patiently engage in the conversation.


    Finally, the video call ended.


    "Two top scorers? Who?" Tan Zhenlong sat on the sofa, a hint of confusion in his eyes. "Li Yuan? His martial arts skills should indeed be full marks. Yes, probably tied with Wu Dongdong from the affiliated school, making them both city-wide firsts."


    "And the other one?"


    "Could it be in the academic subjects? That shouldn''t be right; none of our students cracked the top thirty in the city in the January exams." Tan Zhenlong was quite puzzled.


    Without the consolidated scores, Tan Zhenlong couldn''t figure it out.


    Could there be a dark horse? There were always such cases, but someone who could rise to be the top scorer in a single subject city-wide was very rare.


    Half an hourter, Tan Zhenlong finally received a notification from the assistant AI, indicating that the Education Bureau had sent over the consolidated score sheet.


    He opened the score sheet immediately.


    "What?" Tan Zhenlong''s pupils contracted as he looked at the name listed first. "Physical fitness,prehensive assessment 500 points? How is that possible?"


    Suddenly, Tan Zhenlong thought of something and immediately said, "Little Nine, show me the school''s January exam martial arts score sheet."


    "Yes, master."


    Quickly, Tan Zhenlong had the January exam score sheet. Comparing the two score sheets, he was deeply shocked. "In four months, physical fitness improved by 2.1 levels?"


    "What kind of genius is this?"


    At least, Tan Zhenlong had never seen such a case.


    Suddenly, "Beep~" the assistant AI chimed in, "Master, Teacher Xu Bo is calling."


    "Xu Bo? That guy must have seen the score sheet and ising to brag about how good his judgment is and how great the student he chose is." Tan Zhenlong muttered to himself, then said, "Little Nine, hang up."


    Ten minutester.


    "Knock, knock, knock," the door to the principal''s office sounded.


    "Old Tan."


    Outside, Xu Bo''s loud voice boomed, "Open the door, I brought you a good bottle of wine. We need to celebrate this good day."


    Fifteen secondster.


    Bang, the door opened.


    Tan Zhenlong looked warily at Xu Bo, staring at his empty hands. "Where''s the wine?"


    "It''s in your office, on the bottom shelf of the bookcase," Xu Boughed. "Move aside, I said I brought it."


    Tan Zhenlong red at him, "You dog nose?"


    "My nose is sharper than a dog''s. Don''t forget, I used to be a Source Martial Artist," Xu Bo grinned.


    .....


    April 13th, Monday.


    After morning self-study, most students in ss 2, Grade 3, were distracted, knowing that today was the day the April exam results would be released.


    Along with the results, city-wide rankings and predicted cut-off lines for the first batch of universities, C9 universities, provincial martial arts lines, and national martial arts lines would also be announced.


    With the college entrance exam so close, most students'' April rankings would not fluctuate muchpared to their final exam rankings.


    "Old Zhou, what''s up? Why do you look so down again?" Li Yuan joked. "Worried your mom will turn you into shredded pork?"


    "Brother Yuan," Zhou Qi nced at him helplessly. "You used that jokest time. Can''t youe up with something new?"


    Li Yuan was momentarily stunned, and those aroundughed.


    Soon, the cultural studies homeroom teacher, Mr. Chen, dressed in leather, walked in with the score sheets.


    Instantly, over a hundred students instinctively sat up straight, even Li Yuan, the acknowledged "top student," was no exception.


    It was a strange pressure.


    Over three years, even though Li Yuan now had the strength of an entry-level fighter, he still felt somewhat nervous in front of Mr. Chen.


    However, unexpectedly, this time Mr. Chen did not start with his usual "angry criticism." Instead, he said, "The April exam, you all did quite well."


    "It''s clear everyone put in hard work and was very serious since the January exam."


    "Those few who didn''t perform well, don''t worry. Adjust your mindset. After all, it''s just a mock exam. Performing well in the final exam is what counts."


    No criticism, no scolding.


    His words were mostly encouraging, making the students breathe a sigh of relief.


    However, many students sensed something unusual.


    They instinctively looked at the countdown to the college entrance exam on the front board, feeling a bit dazed.


    After the April exam, the college entrance exam was truly close.


    High school was really about to end.


    ...


    "Now, I''ll announce the results."


    Mr. Chen''s voice became softer. "As usual, starting with the academic scores."


    "Li Shutong, 921 points, first in academics, also first in Guanshan District, 24th in Jiang City," Mr. Chen smiled. "Well done."


    "Dong Cheng, 901 points."


    "Zhou Qi, 898 points, great progress," Mr. Chen smiled. "You''re in the top twenty of the grade."


    Many students couldn''t help but look at Zhou Qi with envy.


    Though the April exam was easier, and scores generally went up, progressing dozens of ranks and breaking into the top twenty was still very difficult.


    "Nice job," Li Yuan smiled.


    "Brother Yuan, it''s because I''ve been practicing high-level cultivation techniques," Zhou Qi whispered. "My physical fitness is over level 5 now."


    "With better physical fitness, my mind feels clearer when doing papers and problems."


    Li Yuan nodded.


    The body is the foundation of everything.


    If the body is weak, everything else is zero.


    Zhou Qi''s body used to be average, yet his academic performance was good, indicating his intelligence was high.


    After practicing high-level cultivation techniques and improving his physical fitness, his academic scores rose significantly. This was normal.


    This was also why, even in academic universities, martial arts scores ounted for 30% of the entrance exam.


    As far as Li Yuan knew, many great scientists in human civilization were martial artists, even Source Martial Artists.


    "Li Yuan, 841 points." Mr. Chen read Li Yuan''s name, paused, then smiled. "Li Yuan, your academic score is almost at the C9 cut-off."


    Wow!


    The ss was in an uproar, all students staring at Li Yuan.


    841 points?


    This academic score alone wasn''t special, but for a martial arts student, it was incredible.


    Many students vaguely remembered that Li Yuan''s academic score in his second year was only in the six hundreds.


    "Brother Yuan, did you improve by over a hundred points again?" Zhou Qi looked at Li Yuan like he was a freak. "How did you study?"


    "Didn''t improve by a hundred points," Li Yuan shook his head calmly.


    After a two-second pause.


    "Zhou Qi, I was 742 pointsst time, and 841 points this time. That''s an improvement of only 99 points," Li Yuan said seriously. "I suspect the grading AI deducted an extra point so I couldn''t brag."


    "Sigh!" Li Yuan sighed deeply, seemingly full of regret.


    Zhou Qi and the surrounding students couldn''t help but have one thought: beat up this master of bragging.


    .....


    After announcing the academic scores, Mr. Chen took out another score sheet and looked at it for a while.


    All the students'' hearts were in their throats. Would they still escape a scolding today?


    "Martial arts scores." Mr. Chen finally spoke, one word at a time: "Li Yuan, first ce."


    Then, silence for a long while.


    Everyone was stunned. Li Yuan being first was expected. Did he not score high?


    "Did something go wrong?" Li Yuan started to doubt himself.


    He knew his martial arts scores well; there shouldn''t be any mistakes.


    "900 points!" Mr. Chen suddenly smiled and announced loudly.


    The entire ssroom was silent for three seconds.


    Then¡ªit exploded.


    "Did I hear wrong?"


    "900 points? Full marks in martial arts!"


    "Damn."


    "Li Yuan, 900 points?" The whole ss went crazy.


    900 points meant Li Yuan was awarded full marks in both physical fitness and martial arts skills.


    Even Li Yuan was a bit stunned. Full marks?


    He couldn''t help but nce at his divine pce panel, which clearly indicated: 9.9 levels!


    "Could it be that my skills caused my explosive power and speed to exceed the normal level, so I was given full marks?" Li Yuan wondered.


    "900 points?"


    Zhou Qi was dumbfounded, then suddenly realized. "Brother Yuan, doesn''t that mean your total martial arts score is 984 points?"


    Academic score 841, converted to 84 points.


    Plus martial arts score of 900, that''s indeed 984 points!


    "Raw score, 984?"


    "984?"


    "It really is! This!" The ssmates were in disbelief.


    Not to mention raw scores, even with additional points, such a score was very impressive.


    "Ahem~"


    "Ahem~" Mr. Chen on the podium coughed twice.


    The students finally quieted down.


    "You''re right. Li Yuan''s raw martial arts score is 984, but that''s not the total score." Mr. Chen smiled. "Don''t forget, although Li Yuan hasn''t awakened his martial arts potential, he earned the title of Young Hero, giving him 20 additional points."


    "So!"


    "This time, Li Yuan''s total martial arts score is 1004 points! First in the grade, first in Guanshan District!"


    "28th in Jiang City."


    "Additionally."


    "Li Yuan is one of only two martial arts students in Jiang City with a perfect score this April."


    "Excluding additional points, only considering raw scores, he surpassed Wu Dongdong from the affiliated school."


    "In a sense."


    "In this April exam, Li Yuan is the true top martial arts student in Jiang City!" Mr. Chen spoke in one breath.


    Her face was full of smiles.


    It was evident.


    This time, Li Yuan''s scores truly made her very happy and excited.


    ....


    The announcement of the April exam results marked the official end of the April exam.


    However, Li Yuan''s score was like a bomb exploding at First High School of Guanshan District, causing the entire senior year and even the whole school to boil over.


    Almost all teachers began using Li Yuan as an example to inspire their students.


    No additional potential points?


    Not from a prestigious background? These are not obstacles!


    Li Yuan went from being in the upper-middle ranks in his first year, to the top hundred in his second year.


    Finally, in his third year, he reached the top ten and eventually first ce! In the April exam, he achieved a perfect score in martial arts.


    Such a feat was absolutely the first legend since the founding of First High School of Guanshan District.


    .....


    At 10 a.m. that day, at Starlight Guanshan Branch.


    "1004 points?"


    Wan Qinghe, speaking with Teacher Xu Bo, had just learned Li Yuan''s exam score and hadn''t realized its significance.


    But soon, he understood.


    "Perfect martial arts score!"


    "Physical fitness, at least level 10.0?" Wan Qinghe was speechless. "In less than a month, Li Yuan''s physical fitness improved by 1.1 levels?"


    "A monster!"

 Chapter 93: Song Yi’s Predicament

    <h4>Chapter 93: Song Yi''s Predicament</h4>


    "One month and his physical fitness improved by 1.1 levels?" Wan Qinghe was at a loss for words to describe his shock.


    Indeed, such examples exist in the history of human martial arts, and there are quite a few.


    But that''s the entire history of human civilization''s martial arts!


    It''s like there have been many young generals throughout history, innumerable in historical records. But if a twenty-year-old general were to stand in front of you, most people would be stunned.


    "Those who made their mark in martial arts history either had a very highpatibility with advanced cultivation techniques, sometimes reaching 100%," Wan Qinghe sighed, "or they came from excellent backgrounds and used rare resources."


    Talent or background.


    Or abination of both, like the strongest human, Dongfang Ji.


    In just a few decades, he grew from a source warrior to a terrifying existence surpassing flying warriors.


    Ultimately, he even surpassed the renowned Lante, bing the undisputed strongest in human civilization.


    Of course, as much as Wan Qinghe appreciated Li Yuan, he never subconsciouslypared Li Yuan to the grand master of their martial hall.


    "Resources?" Wan Qinghe shook his head, looking at a distant screen.


    On it, the various auxiliary cultivation resources Li Yuan had purchased from the martial hall in the past six months were clearly listed.


    Very ordinary.


    As for opportunities? In Wan Qinghe''s view, Li Yuan stayed in the city every day. He didn''t go to any mysterious astral realms or soaring stars, so what major opportunities could he have?


    Is this a novel?


    "Then, it only leaves talent." Wan Qinghe sighed internally, "Old Fei was right. He is truly a diamond in the rough."


    "His foresight is indeed sharp."


    When the outer stone shell is revealed, it is truly a gem.


    However, Wan Qinghe also felt quite proud. Such a talent was discovered by him.


    In the future, if Li Yuan truly achieves greatness, it would also bring him honor.


    "Combat sparring?" Wan Qinghe thought, quicklying up with an idea.


    "Yes, let''s do that." He made a decision.


    Then, Wan Qinghe spoke, "Activate V-message, call Old Fei."


    "Yes, master," the assistant AI replied.


    ... Soon, Fei Qian received a call from Wan Qinghe.


    Wan Qinghe fully reported Li Yuan''s recent situation, especially emphasizing Li Yuan''s growth from the invitation event to the April mock exam, and how he followed Old Fei''s wise instructions, providing key guidance in Li Yuan''s development.


    "Well done, Qinghe," Fei Qian, the elderly man in a ck robe on the video, smiled.


    Even his way of addressing Wan Qinghe had changed, clearly satisfied.


    "It was all following Old Fei''s instructions, fully supporting Li Yuan," Wan Qinghe said with a smile.


    "You did well," Fei Qian praised.


    The two exchanged mutualpliments.


    "I also saw your investigation report. He used ''Body Cleansing Elixir'' three times in one month. Truly crazy," Fei Qian sighed, "Even source warriors might not endure such pain."


    "A seventeen-year-old boy, yet he has tempered such terrifying willpower..."


    "That''s why his body evolved so rapidly," Fei Qian analyzed, "Even so, to improve so much in one month, his physical talent is terrifying."


    Wan Qinghe listened seriously to Fei Qian''s ''analysis.''


    "Not surprising for Old Fei, I hadn''t thought that far," Wan Qinghe summarized.


    "Is this new training n devised by Kunlun Martial University?" Fei Qian inquired.


    "Yes," Wan Qinghe nodded.


    "A bunch of lunatics," Fei Qian shook his head, "I doubt they considered Li Yuan''s endurance."


    Wan Qinghe was speechless. Kunlun Martial University was above the martial hall in terms of training talent.


    "Alright then."


    "I''ll return to Jiangcheng in three days," Fei Qian instructed, "Bring Li Yuan to me. I want to meet him."


    "Yes," Wan Qinghe responded respectfully.


    Wan Qinghe understood that Fei Qian couldn''t wait to personally mentor (and im credit for) Li Yuan.


    After hanging up the phone.


    "He won''t let go until he sees results," Wan Qinghe muttered, "He only wants to reap the benefits now that the fruit is ripe."


    "No wonder he''s been the city master for twenty years."


    "Sharp eyes and strong influence," Wan Qinghe muttered, "Compared to him, my cultivation is stillcking. I need to keep learning."


    "Flying Heaven, change the remark for ''Old Fei'' to ''Fei Lao, worth learning from.''"


    "Yes, master," the assistant AI responded.


    ...


    Noon, in a ssroom at Jiangbei Martial Arts University, the headquarters'' war base.


    "What a pity," Professor Ming sighed as he looked at the message on the screen.


    "Teacher, why are you sighing?" asked the man in the ck suit beside him, "Weren''t you optimistic about Li Yuan before? His good performance proves your foresight."


    "What good is foresight?"


    Professor Ming nced at the man in the ck suit, "If he had done a little worse, maybe not reaching the national line in the exam, we might have had a chance."


    "Then, Jiangbei Martial University might have produced another flying warrior in the future."


    "Now?" Professor Ming shook his head.


    "Then, should we send more gifts? To strengthen our rtionship?" the man in the ck suit suggested.


    "Fool!"


    "Kunlun Martial University and Starlight Martial Hall won''t fully support him? Does he stillck these resources?" Professor Ming shook his head, "Approaching now would only make Li Yuan suspicious and guarded."


    "We can only hope."


    "Previously, in the invitation event, Jiangbei Martial University left a good impression on Li Yuan. Plus, it''s his hometown university..."


    ...


    In the afternoon, at Starry Sky Guanshan Branch.


    "Master Lu, you called me?" The elegantly dressed Song Yi entered Lu Huai''s office.


    "Song Hall Master, please sit," Lu Huai, dressed in martial arts attire, was slowly practicing punches, "I have something to discuss with you."


    "Please go ahead," Song Yi replied seriously.


    In both Starlight and Starry Sky Martial Halls, the authority of the chief hall master far surpassed that of the deputy hall master.


    "There''s news about Li Yuan that you should know," Lu Huai said.


    Song Yi''s face changed slightly.


    Again?


    Over the past six months, she had heard the name Li Yuan countless times, suffering repercussions three or four times because of it.


    "Master Lu, didn''t you say a month ago that this matter was settled?" Song Yi couldn''t help but speak.


    "Just read it first," Lu Huai frowned.


    The screen lit up, disying arge amount of text detailing Li Yuan''s recent situation.


    And also.


    The evaluation and potential rating of Li Yuan by a ''Jiangbei Province Inspector'' from Starry Sky Martial Hall.


    Details aside.


    But the conclusion of the report made Song Yi''s facepletely change.


    "Based on current performance and age analysis, he can be rated A+, but his recent growth rate matches that of S+ level,prehensive evaluation: S- level."


    Whether S+ or S-, it was still S level.


    "Do you understand?" Lu Huai sighed.


    Song Yi nodded.


    Inspectors had a very special role in the martial hall, primarily overseeing the performance of hall masters and ensuring they fulfilled their duties.


    They had significant authority, able to report directly to higher-ups.


    But they had no direct power to judge, relying on higher authorities to make decisions.


    "The three-year hall master assessment ising up," Lu Huai nced at Song Yi, "In the past three years, working with me, you''ve done well in other areas, worked diligently, and kept up with training. But regarding Li Yuan, you''ve lost significant points. Once this report is submitted, I worry you might fail the final assessment."


    Song Yi gritted her teeth.


    Failing the three-year major assessment would result in penalties and significant loss of benefits.


    "Master Lu, where did you get this report?" Song Yi couldn''t help but ask.


    She knew that to pass the assessment, this report needed to be ''optimized.''


    Calling her here wasn''t out of kindness.


    "At lunch with the inspector, he mentioned the report wasn''tplete and wanted my opinion," Lu Huai smiled, "Given our rtionship, I naturally thought of you."


    Song Yi''s heart burned with anger, understanding Lu Huai''s intentions.


    "Master Lu," Song Yi said solemnly, "If I pass the assessment, I''ll follow your orders for the next three years."


    She had to bow her head.


    "I''m afraid that''s not enough."


    Lu Huai finally revealed his true intentions, grinning, "I tried to persuade him, but the inspector still thinks you''re better suited for reception and publicity, suggesting you step down from contract review and financial duties."


    "Song Hall Master, what do you think?" Lu Huai stared at Song Yi.


    After three years, Lu Huai had been eyeing the financial power of Starry Sky Guanshan Branch for a long time.


    Unfortunately, he never found an opportunity.


    Song Yi''s face darkened, standing up abruptly, staring at Lu Huai, "Master Lu, must you drive me to the edge?"


    "A week left until the assessment," Lu Huai smiled.


    "Hmph!"


    "Then let the inspector submit it. I don''t believe that Li Yuan alone can cause me to fail," Song Yi sneered, turning to leave.


    Bang! The door mmed shut.


    "So stubborn!"


    Lu Huai sipped his tea, smiling, "Good tea, but still too hot. It needs to cool down a bit."


    ...


    "Threaten me?" Back in her office, Song Yi smashed her cup in anger.


    Crash! Crash!


    The newly bought cups quickly shattered, ending their short ''mission'' of venting.


    "Calm down!"


    "Calm down," Song Yi tried to calm herself, "I must pass this test."


    "I must find a way."


    Song Yi quickly thought, "Cooperate with Lu Huai? No! He''s a smiling tiger. If I give in today, I''ll never rise again."


    "He could still use Li Yuan to suppress me."


    "I''d be his puppet!" Song Yi''s strong-willed nature showed.


    She''d rather resign and be a ''star realm warrior'' than suffer this indignity.


    "Only two ways left."


    "First, seek help from my supporters," Song Yi thought. She had her own backers that helped her be deputy hall master.


    "Second."


    "Unravel the knot by addressing the root cause," Song Yi realized, "Li Yuan."


    "I need him to help me act out a y."


    Thinking it through, Song Yi contacted Wan Qinghe.


    Although the two martial halls werepetitors, they were in the same district, and the higher-ups naturally had each other''s contact information.


    ...


    Unaware of the conflicts he had caused, Li Yuan continued his routine.


    In the afternoon, he arrived at the martial hall, ready for another session ofbat training.


    But soon, he met a familiar face.


    "Hall Master Wan?" Li Yuan was surprised, "Where''s Coach Wu?"


    "He had something else to do and asked for leave," Wan Qinghe smiled, "Today, I''ll be your sparring partner."


    "You?" Li Yuan''s eyes widened.


    "What, am I not qualified?" Wan Qinghe looked slightly displeased.


    "No, no," Li Yuan quickly shook his head.


    After a brief pause.


    "Hall Master, you''re too expensive. I can''t afford you. How about a cheaper one?"


    "Unless you''re willing to give me a discount!"

 Chapter 94: Entering the Mental Profundity

    <h4>Chapter 94: Entering the Mental Profundity</h4>


    "Hall Master Wan, Coach Wu is an 18th-level martial artist, and one practical sparring session with him costs 30,000 Blue Star Coins," Li Yuan calcted. "But you are a source martial artist... ording to my research, the starting price for practical sparring with a source martial artist is at least 100,000 Blue Star Coins."


    Seeing the serious expression on Li Yuan''s face, Wan Qinghe struggled to hold back hisughter. He suspected that Li Yuan was pretending not to understand, but it was hard to point it out directly.


    Indeed, the price for sparring with a source martial artist was extremely high. However, in reality, it was a market without much demand. For martial artists around the 10th level, instructors of 15th to 18th levels were sufficient for sparring. Source martial artists were typically required for those above the 15th level. At that level, these martial artists had considerable self-defense capabilities and could engage in life-and-death battles with real astral creatures, not only honing their skills but also earning money. Therefore, unless a source martial artist was willing to lower their status, there was no market for their sparring services.


    "Haha, don''t worry, I''ll give you a discount," Wan Qingheughed. "How about 10,000 Blue Star Coins per session?"


    Li Yuan smiled. Ten thousand Blue Star Coins? That was practically a giveaway from Hall Master Wan. He instantly understood that Hall Master Wan wanted to strengthen their rtionship.


    "Alright," Li Yuan agreed without hesitation, smiling. "Thank you, Hall Master."


    Having been taught by his uncle Li Changzhou, Li Yuan wasn''t afraid of owing favors. What is friendship? It''s built on mutual exchanges. Those willing to help you often continue to do so. For Li Yuan, forming a deeper bond with someone like Wan Qinghe was all benefit and no harm.


    "Haha, you''re not being polite," Wan Qingheughed. He confirmed that Li Yuan''s calctions were just for show.


    "Since you call me Hall Master Wan, how about calling me Uncle Wan from now on?" Wan Qinghe suggested with a smile. "I''m good friends with your teacher Xu Bo."


    Li Yuan hesitated for a moment. "What, you don''t want to?" Wan Qinghe teased.


    "Of course, I''m willing," Li Yuan said, bing serious. He respectfully bowed, "Li Yuan greets Uncle Wan."


    Wan Qinghe nodded, his evaluation of Li Yuan rising even higher. Knowing when to advance and retreat, understanding human rtionships, valuing family, having high talent, and being diligent in practice... he was truly a jade in the rough.


    "Good," Wan Qinghe said. "Since you call me Uncle Wan, I''ll fulfill my responsibilities as an uncle. Remember, never be careless with your martial arts training." He then became serious. "Put on your gear and let''s see your spear skills. Attack me with full force; don''t worry about injuring me."


    "Yes," Li Yuan nodded, knowing that with the other''s level of skill, it would be impossible to injure him.


    Quickly, the sparring began.


    "Hu!" Li Yuan held his spear, bursting forward. The spear shed, producing over twenty afterimages, striking fiercely.


    "Boom!" Wan Qinghe wielded a long staff, countering with incredible speed, blocking Li Yuan''s fierce attack. Waves of terrifying force traveled through the spear, numbing Li Yuan''s arms and then his whole body. This was a peculiar method of exerting force.


    After one exchange, Li Yuan realized that Hall Master Wan''s skill level was far above his own.


    "Oh? You didn''t let go?" Wan Qinghe was surprised. "Your spear technique?"


    He could sense that Li Yuan''s explosive power was indeed around the 10th level, but his spear technique was higher than expected.


    "Again," Wan Qinghemanded. "Continue attacking me and feel the force in my staff."


    "Yes," Li Yuan nodded andunched another attack.


    "Boom!"


    "Whizz!" "sh!" Li Yuan''s spear techniques changed, bing more unpredictable. Each strike varied ¨C some were swift, some powerful, some sweeping, and some fiercely thrusting. Overall, they surged towards Wan Qinghe like a tidal wave.


    These seemingly different moves were actually derived from a single technique: "Gxy Cascade." This was one of the five styles of the Star Techniques, specializing in continuous and overwhelming attacks.


    "ng!" "ng!" Wan Qinghe easily parried Li Yuan''s attacks with one hand, countering whenever Li Yuan tried to build momentum, disrupting his rhythm with mysterious force.


    Feeling this peculiar force, Li Yuan tried to analyze and neutralize it with his spear, but it was incrediblyplex, like a tangled mess of threads. Realizing he couldn''t neutralize it all at once, Li Yuan decided to gradually unravel it, working towards full control.


    Noticing this change, Wan Qinghe was astonished. "Could it be that he''s a born genius who understands by instinct?"


    For an hour, the intense sparring continued until Li Yuan could no longer sustain it. He set down his spear.


    "Uncle Wan, I''ve reached my limit," Li Yuan said, shaking his head with a wry smile. "Neutralizing the force in your staff is too difficult."


    "Did you feel it?" Wan Qinghe asked with a smile.


    Li Yuan nodded.


    "Describe it," Wan Qinghe said.


    "In terms of raw strength and speed, your bursts are weaker, probably even less than mine," Li Yuan said seriously. "But each sh, your sudden force ¨C whether it''s wrapping, shaking, or deflecting ¨C is far superior to mine."


    As a spear technique master at the 25% level, Li Yuan had a keen understanding of technique.


    "Good," Wan Qinghe smiled. "This is what I wanted to teach you today."


    Li Yuan listened intently.


    "In terms of physical quality, you''ve reached the threshold of a martial artist," Wan Qinghe exined. "Next, you should strive to be a source martial artist. Do you know the three major hurdles?"


    "Yes," Li Yuan said solemnly. "Spirit, technique, and body."


    Reaching 20th-level spirit, achieving the fourth level of technique with mind-body unity, and attaining 19.9-level physical fitness ¨C these were the foundational requirements for bing a source martial artist.


    "Correct," Wan Qinghe continued. "For most first-level martial artists, spirit and technique are the hardest. They need special elixirs and pills, and advancing from the third to the fourth level in technique is a major hurdle."


    Li Yuan nodded slightly. Indeed, advancing in technique was challenging, and he had been stuck between the third and fourth levels for some time. As for spirit, despite his long practice of the "Great Sun Starry Sutra," he hadn''t yet reached the 20th level.


    "Conversely, physical advancement is easier for regr martial artists," Wan Qinghe said. "But for you, it''s the opposite."


    "The hardest thing for you to advance is your physical body."


    Li Yuan couldn''t disagree. Without the aid of advanced techniques, enhancing physical fitness was indeed much more challenging.


    "Using rare treasures like the cleansing essence has significant short-term effects," Wan Qinghe exined. "But once your physical fitness reaches the 15th level, it will be increasingly difficult."


    "Fifteenth level?" Li Yuan pondered.


    "At the 15th level, martial artists be extremely powerful," Wan Qinghe stated. "A 15th-level martial artist can punch with over 10,000 kilograms of force. A 19th-level martial artist? Their punches exceed 50,000 kilograms."


    "Each level''s difference is astonishing."


    "Historically, the first generation of martial artists used any means necessary, with the highest talents among them achieving source martial artist status through sheer resource umtion," Wan Qinghe said. "But you don''t have such external conditions."


    Li Yuan listened quietly.


    Indeed, although the martial halls and universities seemed to value him, they wouldn''t offer truly extraordinary resources until he proved himself further.


    "Of course, if you follow a standard path, you could probably be a source martial artist by the time you''re 22," Wan Qinghe said. "Four years might seem fast to most people."


    "Butpared to your technique and spirit, it''s too slow," Wan Qinghe shook his head. "You also need to create your own technique, wasting precious time."


    Li Yuan was silent. In Wan Qinghe''s estimation, he could be a source martial artist by his senior year in college.


    "Uncle Wan, what should I do?" Li Yuan asked the question Wan Qinghe was waiting for.


    "First, rare treasures, but that''s unrealistic. Let''s not discuss it."


    "Second, technique," Wan Qinghe said seriously. "This is what I wanted to talk about today. If your technique can quickly reach the level of ''mental profundity,'' your physical advancement will elerate significantly."


    "Mental Profundity?" Li Yuan was unfamiliar with the term.


    "The fourth level of technique is divided into two sub-levels," Wan Qinghe exined. "The first level is unity."


    "Ordinary martial artists'' ''unity'' is just the initial mobilization of muscle and bone power."


    "Upon reaching the fourth level, your mind further senses the body, uncovering deeper potential and unleashing greater strength and speed."


    Li Yuan nodded. In his practical exam, he had managed to face a 12th-level wolf king with his 9th-level abilities due to this principle.


    "Theoretically, if you fully realize your body''s potential, a 10th-level martial artist could easily rival many 14th or even 15th-level opponents."


    "However, sensing your body''s power to a certain extent makes further progress difficult."


    "Different people have different limits, which is why many source martial artists are stuck at the early fourth level," Wan Qinghe continued. "To advance further, your mind must deeply prate the body, sensing every muscle, bone, and even blood flow."


    "You must be able to perceive the slightest injury in any part of your body, maintaining peak condition and extending your lifespan to over 200 years."


    "This is theplete fourth level, mental profundity insight!"


    "It''s also called the profundity realm."


    "And it''s a prerequisite for bing a 25th-level source martial artist," Wan Qinghe said, eyes filled with longing.


    Li Yuan listened, eyes wide. Theplete fourth level? Over 200 years of life? This was the power of a 25th-level source martial artist!


    "Imagine if your technique reached the mental profundity realm," Wan Qinghe smiled. "Your body''s potential would be maximized, elerating your physical progress. With sufficient resources, you could reach 19.9 levels in one or two years."


    Li Yuan immediately set his goal: subtlety realm,plete fourth-level technique!


    "Uncle Wan, have you reached the mental profundity realm?" Li Yuan suddenly asked.


    "I..." Wan Qinghe''s voice trailed off, awkwardly changing the subject. "By the way, there''s another matter I need to discuss with you today."


    "Alright, Uncle Wan, please go ahead," Li Yuan said, understanding but not pushing further to maintain his new ''uncle''s'' dignity.


    As a mature nephew, he had to respect his uncle''s feelings.


    "Do you remember Song Yi, the deputy hall master of the Starry Sky Guanshan Branch?" Wan Qinghe asked.


    "Yes," Li Yuan nodded, recalling the person who only offered him a D-level contract. Uncle Wan had given him a B-level contract.


    "She''s offering 1 million to invite you to do a TV interview," Wan Qingheughed. "She wants you to share your story about how you got into the Starlight Martial Hall through hard work and perseverance."


    "What do you think? Interested?"

 Chapter 95: He is Worth This Price

    <h4>Chapter 95: He is Worth This Price</h4>


    "1 million Blue Star Coins? An interview program?" Li Yuan was dumbfounded upon hearing this.


    What kind of y is this?


    The key point is that, ording to Uncle Wan, this program is about the story between him and the Starlight Martial Hall?


    There isn''t much of a story to tell!


    Previously, when he bought Qi and blood potions, he always went to the Starry Sky Martial Hall.


    "Don''t understand?" Wan Qinghe looked at Li Yuan''s slightly puzzled expression and smiled. "Song Yi in the Starry Sky Martial Hall is responsible for reviewing various contracts and distributing funds for the hall''s operations."


    "Financial power?" Li Yuan asked.


    "Yes." Wan Qinghe looked at Li Yuan and said, "You understand quite a lot."


    Li Yuan smiled. His uncle, Li Changzhou, had been working in engineering construction for many years and asionally taught him some things, so he naturally understood a bit.


    In any organization, management is nothing more than controlling personnel, financial, and administrative power.


    Li Yuan could deduce that Song Yi held significant power in the Starry Sky Guanshan Branch.


    "The Martial Hall conducts a review of each branch every three years," Wan Qinghe patiently exined. "The next review ising soon."


    "It''s no secret that you almost signed with the Starry Sky Martial Hall," Wan Qingheughed.


    Wan Qinghe didn''t mention that he and Xu Bo had mainly spread this matter.


    "If you only show the potential of a B-level contract, it won''t have much impact," Wan Qingheughed. "But the better you perform, especially in this April exam, where you are the actual martial arts champion of Jiang City."


    "Combined with your performance in the invitation event at Jiangbei Martial University... it will definitely make things difficult for her."


    "And the better you perform in the future, the more difficult it will be for her."


    "I estimate that someone in the Starry Sky Martial Hall is targeting her," Wan Qingheughed. "Controlling the finances of a martial hall involves significant interests."


    "Internal strife?" Li Yuan was curious.


    "To be precise, mutual supervision," Wan Qingheughed. "It can promote healthy internalpetition."


    Li Yuan was speechless.


    His uncle was indeed more experienced than he was.


    "So, she found me?" Li Yuan pondered. "She wants me to use the program to show that my signing with Starlight Martial Hall was my decision, not her dereliction of duty?"


    "To solve this problem once and for all?" Li Yuanughed. "If you can''t solve the problem, solve the person who raised it?"


    "Smart," Wan Qingheughed. "Once you appear on the program, and she promotes it behind the scenes, there should be no one left to attack her with this reason."


    "At the very least, she will have a strong argument to defend herself."


    "Uncle Wan, what do you think I should do?" Li Yuan asked respectfully.


    In fact, Li Yuan already had an idea, but he also saw that Uncle Wan had a strong desire to express himself.


    You know, elders like it when juniors respect, consult, and improve upon their opinions.


    Whether as a father, a friend, or a cross-generation acquaintance, the essence is the same.


    As Li Yuan expected.


    "If you refuse, that would offend her. Of course, it won''t affect you much. As long as she''s not stupid, she won''t target you again," Wan Qingheughed. "Because you are already strong enough to be her problem."


    "But having one less direct enemy is always a good thing. Small ghosts are troublesome," Wan Qinghe smiled.


    Li Yuanughed. Being strong himself was the key.


    Why didn''t Song Yie to find him before? Why didn''t she try to solve this problem? Because she thought he was insignificant.


    If Song Yi knew that Uncle Wan described her as a small ghost, she would be furious.


    "If you agree to make peace, she not only pays but also owes you a favor," Wan Qinghe continued. "Also, when the program airs, if the higher-ups at Starlight Martial Hall know about it, they will value you more."


    It sounded like all benefits.


    "However, it will offend the higher-ups in Starry Sky Martial Hall who are targeting Song Yi," Li Yuan added. "But I belong to Starlight Martial Hall, so it doesn''t matter to me."


    "Right." Wan Qinghe looked at Li Yuan with increasing admiration. "It''s up to you."


    Li Yuan had already seen through Uncle Wan''s thoughts.


    "Uncle Wan, I think you''re right. Reconciliation is better," Li Yuan said directly. "I also have some ideas."


    "Go ahead," Wan Qinghe said.


    "Isn''t 1 million a bit cheap?" Li Yuan asked cautiously.


    Wan Qinghe was stunned for a moment, thenughed. "You''re a crafty one. What do you want to do?"


    "For 1 million, I will only appear on the program and say I have liked Starlight Martial Hall since I was a child," Li Yuanughed. "For 2 million, I will say I have admired Hall Master Dongfang since I was a child and aimed to join Starlight Martial Hall."


    "For 3 million, in addition to the above, I will add that my family and the ''Zhong Cheng'' from Starry Sky Martial Hall are family friends. So, Hall Master Song Yi made many private promises to me, even preparing to apply for a B-level contract for me. But in the end, despite such temptation, I still firmly chose to join Starlight Martial Hall," Li Yuan said in one breath.


    Wan Qinghe looked at Li Yuan withpletely different eyes.


    Three options: Basic, Deluxe, and Premium?


    If thest option is chosen.


    Not only would Song Yi have no fault, but she would also be seen as having done her best, fulfilling her duties.


    No points deducted, only added.


    "Uncle Wan, my ideas may not be mature. What do you think?" Li Yuan respected the elder''s opinion.


    "We can go with thest option," Wan Qinghe pondered. "However, did you really prefer to join Starlight Martial Hall at the beginning?"


    "Yes!"


    "Although it''s not as exaggerated as the third option, I indeed wanted to join Starfire Martial Hall more," Li Yuan said firmly. "I dare not deceive Uncle Wan on this point. I have admired Hall Master Dongfang since childhood. The background wall in my room has the words ''Martial Arts is Me'' by Hall Master Dongfang."


    "When I was a child, I wrote ''I admire Hall Master Dongfang the most'' more than once."


    "Moreover, my ssmates all know my idol is Hall Master Dongfang," Li Yuan quickly provided ''material'' needed for the program.


    But in reality, Li Yuan''s words were partial truths.


    Yes, Li Yuan admired Dongfang Ji, but he never desired to join Starlight Martial Hall that much.


    Three parts truth, seven parts fiction.


    But who can tell? There''s no mind-reading technique.


    "That''s good," Wan Qinghe believed Li Yuan.


    Suddenly, Wan Qinghe remembered something and couldn''t help but sigh. "At the beginning, your teacher told me that your uncle and aunt did not agree with you signing the B-level contract with us immediately, but you insisted on agreeing right away."


    "I always felt your teacher was fooling me. Now? I believe it," Wan Qingheughed.


    Li Yuan maintained a smile.


    Teacher Xu Bo did optimize his process quite a bit at the time.


    "Alright."


    "Let''s go with the third option. I''llmunicate with Song Yi and handle it," Wan Qinghe said.


    "Even if we can''t get 3 million, we can get at least 2 million. I''ll do my best to help you," Wan Qinghe smiled. "When the program airs, if it is promoted well, the higher-ups at the Martial Hall will also have a better impression of you."


    "Thank you, Uncle Wan," Li Yuan said sincerely. "Also, Uncle Wan, I thought about it again. If I can achieve 300 points in the Meteor challenge, improving my ranking on the Blue Star ''Young Heroes List,'' wouldn''t that give us more leverage?"


    "300 points in the Meteor challenge? Are you confident?" Wan Qinghe''s eyes lit up.


    300 points in the Meteor challenge is a small milestone in four-segment techniques.


    "Yes," Li Yuan affirmed. "I reached 242 points a week ago."


    "If I spend more time, I should be able to pass it in a day or two."


    "Great, if you can achieve that, I''ll make her pay at least 3 million," Wan Qingheughed. "Alright, continue your training."


    "Yes."


    ...


    "Uncle Wan''s force is mysterious and unpredictable, which should be the result of mastering the body''s power to the utmost," Li Yuan pondered alone in the Martial Hall.


    "Body control."


    "Unity, subtlety." Li Yuan began practicing with the spear again, very slowly.


    Consciously sensing and mobilizing the deeperyers of his body''s power.


    Li Yuan didn''t pay much attention to Song Yi''s matter.


    Money? Two or three million, it''s best to get it, if not, it''s fine.


    Ten minutester.


    "Strong."


    "As long as I am strong enough," Li Yuan''s spear whistled, and the spear shadows changed unpredictably. "Anyone who troubles me, I will be their trouble."


    "Boom!"


    Suddenly, a spear thrust out, like a stream of light, erupting with a terrifying roar in the martial arts room.


    [Your spear technique has increased from four segments 25% to four segments 26%]


    ...


    On the twelfth floor of the Martial Hall, in the Hall Master''s office.


    "Hall Master Song." Wan Qinghe smiled at the elegant woman in the light screen projection. "Sorry to keep you waiting."


    "How did it go?" Song Yi asked. "Is Li Yuan willing to agree?"


    "Li Yuan is very polite and willing to attend the program," Wan Qinghe said.


    Song Yi was delighted.


    "However," Wan Qinghe''s tone changed, his expression turning cold. "Li Yuan is willing to help Hall Master Song. Shouldn''t Hall Master Song also be sensible?"


    Song Yi immediately understood and said, "Hall Master Wan, just say it. What''s the price?"


    "10 million!" Wan Qinghe said tly.


    "What?" Song Yi''s expression changed. She could afford it with her wealth.


    But it was too much.


    "He''s worth this price," Wan Qinghe said tly. "Let me exin it to you in detail."


    Then, Wan Qinghe told Song Yi about the three options.


    Song Yi''s expression was quite colorful.


    "Also," Wan Qinghe''s face showed a mysterious smile. "I remind Hall Master Song, I can also prepare another program for Li Yuan to talk about how I discovered his talent and how he joined our Starlight Martial Hall."


    Song Yi''s face had turned extremely dark.


    "Hall Master Wan, you think too highly of Li Yuan," Song Yi gritted her teeth. "He only ounts for a small part of my assessment, at most 2 or 3 points out of 100."


    "You''re just 2 or 3 points away from passing the review," Wan Qinghe retorted unceremoniously.


    "Also, I remind you."


    "Tonight or tomorrow, Li Yuan will surpass 300 points in the Meteor challenge on the Starry Sky Fighting Network."


    "By then, it won''t be this price," Wan Qinghe said coldly.


    Song Yi''s expression changed again.


    "10 million is too much," Song Yi said lowly. "At most 6 million. Otherwise, I''ll give up this position."


    She had her limits.


    "Fine, deal," Wan Qinghe nodded. "But you must cover all the taxes."


    "Taxes? What taxes?" Song Yi sensed something was wrong.


    "You will donate the money to the ''Guanshan District Honghe Street Martial Arts Genius Development Fund Association'' through formal channels," Wan Qinghe said tly. "You don''t have to worry about the rest."


    Donate?


    Song Yi was stunned. She had never heard of such an association.


    In the end.


    Song Yi had to agree.


    "The money will be transferred within two hours. Remember, don''t use your own ount," Wan Qinghe reminded. "You can be on the program tomorrow."


    "You have three days left for promotion."


    After disconnecting with Song Yi.


    Wan Qinghe made another V call, quickly.


    "Brother," a deep voice sounded.


    "Sixth Brother, didn''t I ask you to set up an association in Honghe Streetst time?" Wan Qinghe''s voice was low. "Today, a sum of money wille in, about 6 million after tax."


    "Keep the ounts in order."


    "A weekter, a program will air. You will then award the money to a student named ''Li Yuan'' from ss 2 of Grade 12 at Guanshan No.1 High School, under the pretext of supporting a poor, inspiring martial arts genius."


    "How much do we keep?"


    "None, I''ll cover the expenses."


    "Understood."


    ...


    An hourter.


    "Li Yuan? Song Yi initially only offered 2 million. I tried my best to negotiate. After half a day, she finally agreed to pay 6 million," Wan Qinghe called Li Yuan.

 Chapter 96: Violence is the Source

    <h4>Chapter 96: Violence is the Source</h4>


    "Six million?" Li Yuan was stunned by this number.


    The previously mentioned three million already seemed like a ''sky-high price'' to him, as it was just for appearing on a show for a few hours. So, in his mind, he had only expected around two million.


    He didn''t expect Wan Qinghe to negotiate up to six million Blue Star Coins, which was simply terrifying.


    "Uncle Wan, you''re amazing," Li Yuan said sincerely. He realized he had a lot to learn from Wan Qinghe.


    "You underestimate your own value," Wan Qinghe said with a smile through V-chat. "The first rule of negotiation is to understand your value, and the next is to gauge the opponent''s bottom line."


    Wan Qinghe didn''t mention that asking for ten million Blue Star Coins would most likely have made Song Yi eventually give in. However, in life and work, it''s best not to push someone into a corner unless you''re prepared to finish them off.


    "Understood," Li Yuan nodded. "So, Uncle Wan, about the money..."


    "Don''t worry, I''ve arranged everything," Wan Qinghe said calmly. "The show is tomorrow. As for the money, here''s the n."


    Wan Qinghe briefly exined the arrangement.


    "The Guanshan District Honghe Street Martial Talent Development Fund Association?" Li Yuan was taken aback. It sounded like a shady name.


    He couldn''t help but ask, "Uncle Wan, is this association legit? I don''t want to get scammed."


    "Of course, it''s legitimate," Wan Qinghe said indifferently. "It''s registered, and Song Yi is voluntarily sponsoring the association. It has nothing to do with you or me and is taxed."


    "Ultimately, the association will support your martial arts training because they are inspired by your story. This also has nothing to do with Song Yi and will be subject to personal ie tax."


    "In essence, the six million you''ll receive ispletely legal and has no ties to Song Yi. You can spend it without worry," Wan Qinghe said.


    "Got it," Li Yuan understood clearly.


    Actually, private financial transactions wouldn''t have been an issue... but since Song Yi was under scrutiny from the Starry Sky Martial Hall, they couldn''t leave any obvious traces.


    "Uncle," Li Yuan naturally dropped one word from "Uncle Wan."


    "What''s up? Anything else?" Wan Qingheughed.


    "There should be some costs for the operation, right? I know there are rules," Li Yuan said quietly. "Let''s stick to the initial n and give me three million. After all, running an association, including staff and venue expenses, must cost a lot each year, probably over ten million."


    "Operating by the rules is very important."


    Wan Qinghe didn''t have to say it, but Li Yuan couldn''t ignore it.


    "No need. If you still call me Hall Master Wan, then yes, ording to the rules," Wan Qinghe said indifferently. "But since you call me uncle, I can''t let you do it for free."


    "Alright then."


    "Focus on your training," Wan Qinghe advised. "Remember, these are just small matters. Your strength is what matters."


    "By the way, take the day off from your teacher the day after tomorrow. Come with me to the city martial hall. The city hall master, ''Old Fei,'' wants to see you."


    "Okay, thank you, Uncle."


    ....


    "Six million? Just like that?" Li Yuan hung up the V-chat, still a bit stunned.


    "Uncle was right."


    "The wealthier they are, the fiercer they earn money. Ordinary people struggle the most to make their first million," Li Yuan thought to himself.


    From Wan Qinghe''s operation, he realized that Uncle Wan wasn''t as simple and kind as he seemed on the surface.


    To think, how long had it been since he took office?


    He even managed to establish such a well-prepared association.


    "Everyone has their own way."


    Li Yuan gripped his spear tightly, whispering to himself, "But the strongest is always martial strength."


    Like Dongfang Ji, who established the ''Starlight Martial Hall,'' infiltrating various nations on sevens in just a few decades, changing many of the Seven Star Alliance''s rules from top to bottom. How many interests did he disrupt?


    For instance, the public avability of techniques, the college entrance exam system, and the martial hall contract system... Was it achieved through personal connections?


    No! It was his invincible martial strength and his determination to protect humanity.


    Violence is the foundation and source.


    The ''Seven Star Alliance Progress Movement'' led by Dongfang Ji, although only briefly mentioned in history books, involved countless deaths and the fall of many powerful families.


    "Martial arts."


    Li Yuan put down his spear and continued practicing his foundational techniques, never daring to rx.


    At the same time, Li Yuan could feel that Wan Qinghe genuinely cared for him.


    Because he had reminded him more than once: "Your strength is the foundation."


    .....


    That evening, Li Yuan returned home and chatted with his younger siblings for a while before they went to bed.


    "Aunt, how''s Uncle doing?" Li Yuan asked while drinking the hot milk his aunt made for him.


    A cup of hot milk didn''t do much for him.


    But Li Yuan knew that his rapid growth had made his aunt feel a bit uneasy, and this was one of the few ways she could show her love.


    Why take it away?


    This was also why Li Yuan insisted oning home every day. If it was just for training, he could have stayed at the martial hall.


    But how would that make his aunt feel?


    The purpose of training is not training itself but family.


    "He''s recovering quickly, already transferred to a regr ward, and his health indicators are stable. With the special care workers you''ve arranged from the martial hall on a three-shift rotation, I don''t have to worry much," Chen Hui said, smiling as she watched Li Yuan drink the milk, feelingforted to see the familiar side of her nephew.


    "Also, most of the treatment costs are covered by the state, and the remaining part is reimbursed by hispany."


    "Additionally, there''s an extra ''merit subsidy'' from the state for his situation, about 400,000 Blue Star Coins, which should be avable within half a month," Chen Hui said.


    "That''s good to hear," Li Yuan nodded. His uncle''s treatment hadn''t cost the family much.


    For example, the cost of rapid transport using a flying vehicle was covered by Uncle Wan.


    "By the way."


    "Thest time Lin showed up, they brought some treasures. It didn''t put you in a tough spot, did it?" Chen Hui couldn''t help but ask.


    She was present and signed at that time, so she knew that it was the mysterious ''Brother Lin'' who yed a crucial role in saving her husband.


    "No."


    "Sure, there''s some favor owed, but that''s from the martial hall higher-ups," Li Yuan said casually. "Don''t worry, Aunt. I''m very strong now and will handle everything. When I be a source martial artist in the future, these won''t be a problem."


    Li Yuan didn''t tell his aunt the whole truth. It wasn''t necessary.


    But he had to reveal a bit to ease her mind and prevent her from worrying too much.


    "That''s good. We must properly thank him," Chen Hui said. "Today, the hospital director told me that your uncle is almost fully recovered, and they n to use the ''consciousness awakening device.''"


    "Consciousness awakening device?" Li Yuan nodded slightly. "Alright, trust the doctors."


    Nowadays, the number of people in a vegetative state has significantly decreased, thanks to the ''consciousness awakening device.''


    Its principle is simr to the ''consciousness contact sensing'' of the virtualwork.


    It first allows the consciousness of the ''vegetative person'' to enter the virtualwork, then enhances stimtion.


    The goal is to achieve awakening.


    "By the way, Aunt, the martial hall informed me that the house in Starligh South Lake Spring District has been renovated and decorated. We can move in now," Li Yuan said. "It will be more convenient for you to go to work and for Qianqian and Muhua to go to the martial hall."


    "What about this house?" Chen Hui hesitated. "Should we wait until your uncle wakes up and is discharged before moving?"


    She felt a bit apprehensive. The changes Li Yuan brought to the family in just a few months were overwhelming.


    "We can leave this house as it is," Li Yuan smiled. "We''ve already bought everything we need for the new ce. Let''s try living there for a few days. If you still feel ufortable, we can move back."


    "You don''t have to worry."


    "But Qianqian and Muhua will benefit more from training and studying there," Li Yuan knew how to persuade his aunt.


    "Alright," Chen Hui reluctantly agreed. She didn''t care much about living in a vi.


    But she valued Qianqian and Muhua''s education highly.


    Just like she once did with Li Yuan.


    "Ding~" Chen Hui felt her smart bracelet vibrate and nced at it, surprised. "Two million Blue Star Coins?"


    She had just received a transfer from Li Yuan.


    "Little Yuan, what''s this?" Chen Hui was stunned. Two million Blue Star Coins!


    That''s more than ten years of her sry.


    "It''s for Qianqian and Muhua," Li Yuan smiled. "Aunt, this money means nothing to me now. This time, I ranked first in the Jiang City martial arts exams. The city hall master wants to see me the day after tomorrow."


    "City hall master?" Chen Hui held her breath. That was a big figure in her eyes.


    In the past, she only saw such people on the news.


    "This money is mainly for buying one source energy essence pill every two months for Qianqian and Muhua, especially Qianqian," Li Yuan said. "You should have seen the training documents, Aunt."


    "Yes, okay," Chen Hui nodded. She had a master''s degree and was well-educated.


    Soon, Li Yuan went to his room to wash up.


    "My nephew," Chen Hui looked at the empty milk cup on the table, lost in thought.


    "Brother, Sister-inw."


    "Did you see this?" Chen Hui silently prayed, "Little Yuan has truly grown up."


    Just as Li Changzhou hadn''t forgotten.


    Chen Hui hadn''t forgotten either. She was the one who carried a crying Li Yuan and ran for their lives.


    If it weren''t for Li Yuan''s parents desperately holding off two astral realm creatures, they would never have escaped.


    Remembering this, she started to cry.


    "Aunt, why are you crying?" A deep voice suddenly came from the bathroom door.


    "Uh..."


    "Am I?" Chen Hui quickly wiped her eyes and smiled. "I watched the screen too long, and my eyes got a bit ufortable."


    ....


    Entering his room, Li Yuan sat directly in the virtualwork cabin.


    "Since I told Uncle Wan that I could achieve the Meteor 300 points."


    "I''d better do it soon," Li Yuan thought, ncing at his divine pce panel.


    <strong>[Life Level: 9.9 (Not yet ranked)]</strong>


    <strong>Physical fitness index: 105</strong> (measuring explosive power, endurance, speed, constitution, mental power, etc.).


    <strong>Fist strength: 1287 kg</strong>


    <strong>Speed: 21.8 m/s</strong>


    <strong>M</strong><strong>ental power: 16.6</strong>


    <strong>Spiritual awakening degree: 12.8%</strong> (current limit 20%).


    <strong>Body Training Method: "Rock Training Method"</strong>


    <strong>Mind Training Method: "Observing the Great Sun Starry Sky Scripture"</strong>


    <strong>Skill Level: Spear Technique (Level 4, 26%), Movement Technique (Level 4, 20%), Fist Technique (Level 4, 29%)</strong>


    <strong>[Note: The degree of spiritual awakening at 25%, 50%, 75%, 100%, and 125% will gradually receive spiritual guidance.]</strong>


    <strong>_____</strong>


    "My spear technique and body technique have improved a bitpared tost week. I should be able to break through," Li Yuan thought.


    "Let''s begin."


    Li Yuan connected his consciousness to enter the Starry Sky Combat Network and started the Meteor rank match.

 Chapter 97: Ranked 10th in China, The Time of Bright Moon

    <h4>Chapter 97: Ranked 10th in China, The Time of Bright Moon</h4>


    With his current level of martial skill, it would not be difficult for Li Yuan to reach 300 points in the Meteor rank within one or two weeks. However, achieving this quickly was not easy. After a series of victories, the matchmaking system of the Starry Sky Combat Network would often "penalize" yers by matching them against opponents far stronger than themselves.


    From 10 p.m. the previous night until nearly 2 a.m. the next morning, Li Yuan fought continuously.


    In the empty battle space, with a swift thrust of his spear, a towering opponent was reduced to nothing but a shocked expression before dissipating into nothingness. The blood from his throat disappeared instantly, restoring silence to the arena.


    "So tough. It took hundreds of moves to gather momentum and unleash the twelve consecutive strikes of ''Star River Waterfall,''" Li Yuan said, as he retracted his spear and held it at its midpoint.


    The twelve consecutive strikes required continuous momentum building, each strike faster and stronger than thest, ultimately overwhelming the enemy. However, opponents in the Meteor tier were all experts, most being real-life source martial artists with high levels of knowledge and insight. Many could recognize Li Yuan''s techniques and would do everything to disrupt his momentum or find opportunities to kill him during his buildup.


    "All experts," Li Yuan reflected, smiling as he recalled the twenty-plus battles of the night.


    Facing one expert after another provided him with significant insights. He encountered many advanced techniques from second and even third-tier secret methods, which broadened his horizons.


    ncing at his ranking data, he saw:


    Tier: Meteor


    Points: 306 (1,000 points required to enter the promotion match)


    Win Rate: 41%


    "Finally broke 300 points. Little Jade said I''d get a special document at 300 points," Li Yuan muttered. "I wonder what it is."


    With a thought, he ended the battle and returned to his personal space.


    "Congrattions, Defender Yuan, on your victory. Points +9."


    "Congrattions, Defender Yuan. You are now ranked 48th globally on the Blue Star Youth Genius List, 10th in China, and 2nd in Jiangbei Division," the system notified him as he returned.


    "Congrattions, Defender Yuan. Having reached 300 points in the Meteor tier before the age of 18, you are invited to the ''Time of Bright Moon.''" Another notification shed.


    "10th in China, 2nd in Jiangbei?" Li Yuan wondered. "Is Jiangbei''s first ce Tian Dazhuang?"


    Although he hadn''t interacted much with Tian Dazhuang, Li Yuan had great respect for him. Given his terrifying talent, Tian''s de skills would only have grown stronger since theirst encounter a month ago.


    .....


    In his personal space on the Starry Sky Combat Network, a girl in purple, radiating a soft glow, circled Li Yuan excitedly.


    "Congrattions, master! You''ve reached the top 10 in China and 2nd in Jiangbei!" she eximed, seemingly in awe of Li Yuan.


    "Alright, calm down," Li Yuan smiled. "Little Jade, I just received the ''Time of Bright Moon'' document you mentioned. Open it for me."


    "Yes, master," Xiao Yu nodded.


    A light screen appeared, filled with text and corresponding images.


    "Master, look," Little Jade exined, pointing to the screen. "The Starry Sky Combat Network rewards young masters who reach 500 points in the Gold tier, or the Meteor, or Bright Moon tiers before the age of 18."


    "Yes," Li Yuan acknowledged.


    Reaching the Meteor tier at age 18 rewarded 500,000 Blue Star Coins.


    Reaching the Bright Moon tier rewarded 20 million Blue Star Coins.


    "The ''Time of Bright Moon'' is an invitation extended to young masters who reach 300 points in the Meteor tier. Reaching 300 points usually indicates a mid-level four-stage martial skill," Little Jade exined.


    "To reach the Bright Moon tier, one typically needs a high-level four-stage martial skill."


    "The Eclipsing Sun tier requires mastery at the four-stage perfect level, known as ''Subtle Mind.''"


    "The Transcendent tier typically requires five-stage skills."


    "Understood," Li Yuan nodded.


    The more he trained and grew stronger, the more he realized how rare five-stage skills were. He estimated that achieving five-stage skills in reality required either extraordinary talent or being a highly powerful source martial artist, at least on the level of Dean Li.


    As such, the Bright Moon tier was considered high, and it was extremely rare for Eclipsing Sun-tier fighters to be broadcasters in the virtual martial world.


    On the other hand, real-world martial skill ssifications were not as precise as the Divine Pce panel, which could detail progress down to the percentage. Instead, they used broad terms like beginner, intermediate, advanced, and perfect.


    Based on his own progress, Li Yuan estimated:


    "Four-stage beginner: approximately 0%-30%"


    "Four-stage intermediate: approximately 30%-60%"


    "Four-stage advanced: approximately 60%-90%"


    "90%-100% is likely the four-stage perfect level, also known as ''Subtle Mind.'' At this point, one should be able to seek ways to enter the five-stage skill level," Li Yuan thought.


    Although his estimates might not be exact, they should be close enough.


    "So, if I can get my spear skills to around 60% of the four-stage level before August 29th, I might reach the Bright Moon tier?"


    Instantly, Li Yuan felt motivated.


    Half a year ago, while struggling in the Gold tier, he never dared to dream of reaching the Bright Moon tier rewards. But now, he had a glimmer of hope.


    It''s mid-April now.


    "I have four months to hone my spear skills," Li Yuan calcted.


    Improving from 26% to over 60% in four months would be challenging. The deeper the perception of the body, the harder it became to extract more potential. If it were easy, the Starry Sky Combat Network wouldn''t offer a 20 million Blue Star Coin reward.


    "I''ll go for it," Li Yuan grinned.


    Money was always needed. He foresaw that as his body improved, the resources required for further enhancement would only be more expensive.


    "I also need to strive for the S-level contract with Starlight Martial Hall, which requires achieving five-stage skills before age 20," Li Yuan thought. "Plus, there''s the Star Earth Marrow Crystal."


    Though he wasn''t sure what the Star Earth Marrow Crystal was, it was undoubtedly precious.


    "First goal: reach the Bright Moon tier by September."


    "Second goal: attain the Subtle Mind level."


    "Third goal: achieve five-stage skills," Li Yuan set three clear objectives for himself.


    Setting goals and striving towards them was far more effective than blind training.


    Nations had five-year ns; why shouldn''t individuals?


    ....


    After exiting the virtualwork, Li Yuan resumed training in the "Great Sun Starry Sky Technique." At 5 a.m., he headed to school from home.


    .....


    Unbeknownst to him, news of his top 10 ranking on the Blue Star Youth Genius List had already reached the relevant authorities by that night.


    .....


    In her office at the Starry Sky Martial Hall, Song Yi stared at thetest report on Li Yuan, shocked.


    Yesterday, when Wan Qinghe had discussed it with her, she thought he was bluffing. Based on her knowledge, Li Yuan''s spear skills had just reached the four-stage level in early March.


    Unexpectedly, within a night, Li Yuan not only surpassed 300 points in the Meteor tier but also became the 10th in China.


    This rapid progress was astonishing.


    "His physical fitness improved by one level in a month."


    "His martial skills, which just broke into the four-stage level in early March, reached the mid-stage within a month?" Song Yi murmured.


    The more she analyzed, the more she was amazed.


    Physical fitness could be attributed to some treasure, but martial skills? That was pure talent.


    "What a monster," Song Yi shook her head, then smiled.


    "6 million? Worth it!"


    "Forget it. Since Wan Qinghe asked for 10,000,000, I''ll meet his demand," she decided.


    Once the thought surfaced, it lingered.


    "10,000,000! Let''s end this enmity once and for all," she concluded. It was worth paying a few million Blue Star Coins to avoid antagonizing a super genius.


    .....


    That afternoon, thousands of kilometers away, in the Kunlun Martial University in Longxi Province, two figures were deep in discussion.


    An elderly man in a ck robe and a bald man stared at the same light screen, disying detailed information.


    It included Li Yuan''s April exam results and his ranking on the Blue Star Youth Genius List.


    Both exchanged nces, their expressions curious.


    "Did you say you sent Li Yuan the ''Ultimate Extreme Training Guide'' a month ago?" the bald man asked.


    "Yes," the elder nodded.


    "And you nned to have him struggle with it to curb his arrogance, then tell him using the ''Body Cleansing Essence'' would reduce the pain by 50%, right?" the bald man continued.


    "Correct," the elder nodded again.


    "And now Starlight Martial Hall reports that Li Yuan has been training with the ''Extreme Training Method'' for a month with great results, reaching the entry-level?"


    "Yes," the elder nodded, stunned.


    "Old Fan! Should I praise you or scold you?" the bald man asked, perplexed.


    "Dean Li, we should look at the results," Fan Jin said calmly. "The result is that my extreme training n sessfully tested a true martial genius for Kunlun Martial University."


    "His willpower, mental strength, and physical talent."


    "Most importantly, his rapid progress in martial skills."


    "The more advanced the skills, the faster the physical potential is unlocked."


    "All of this perfectly aligns with my ''Extreme Training n'' research," Fan Jin dered. "I believe he will be a source martial artist before his third year."


    "Perhaps even Dean Hai might take an interest. Should we try?" Fan Jin suggested cautiously.


    Kunlun Martial University had eight colleges, each with one principal and three vice-principals. Dean Li was a vice-principal of the Sixth College, while Wan Qinghe''s "Ninth Senior Brother" was the principal of the Eighth College.


    Dean Hai, they referred to, was the principal of the Sixth College, a renowned flying martial artist across China.


    "Not yet!"


    "Your idea is still theoretical and hasn''t been sessfully tested," Dean Li shook his head. "You know Dean Hai''s temperament. If the candidate is unsuitable, Li Yuan won''t suffer, but we will."


    Fan Jin recoiled.


    Dean Hai was much older than them.


    "Let''s wait and see. It''s only been a month. If Li Yuan''s progress hasn''t slowed by the end of the July practical exam, I''ll consider rmending him to Dean Hai," Dean Li decided.


    "Alright," Fan Jin nodded. "I''ll keep a close eye on Li Yuan."

 Chapter 98: Master Fei is worth learning from

    <h4>Chapter 98: Master Fei is worth learning from</h4>


    April 16th, 2 PM.


    Li Yuan took a leave of absence and, together with Wan Qinghe, who hade to pick him up from school, headed to the interview location in a low-altitude flying vehicle.


    "Uncle, is the interview location set at the City Martial Hall?" Li Yuan asked, a bit surprised by Wan Qinghe''s words as soon as he sat down in the vehicle.


    "That''s right." Wan Qinghe smiled and said, "Because Master Fei returned early today."


    "He heard about this and decided to set the interview location at the City Martial Hall."


    "So."


    "After the interview, we will go to see Master Fei," Wan Qinghe said.


    "Alright." Li Yuan felt quite expectant. The City Martial Hall Master was from the provincial capital city.


    In terms of status and strength, he was probably higher than Dean Li.


    "Have you memorized the interview content?" Wan Qinghe asked casually.


    "I''ve memorized it. Following your guidance, I practiced it several times in front of the mirror and should be able to perform naturally," Li Yuan replied. "Want me to give you a preview?"


    In reality, the interview script had only been given to Li Yuan in the morning, so there wasn''t much time to memorize it.


    He had just skimmed through it.


    "Sure, let me hear it," Wan Qinghe said.


    Soon, Li Yuan performed a rough version based on what he remembered.


    "Not bad." Wan Qinghe was impressed by Li Yuan''s ''acting skills'' and smiled, "I skimmed through the original script; it''s a bit too official. You should perform more naturally. Some rougher words actually make it more authentic."


    "You''ve made good revisions."


    "Yeah." Li Yuan nodded repeatedly. How could he not revise it when he hadn''t fully memorized it?


    "That''s good."


    "Song Yi has decided to donate ten million to the association, after taxes," Wan Qinghe said casually.


    "Ten million?" Li Yuan was shocked, doubting if he had heard correctly.


    "Yes, she just called me on V-chat this morning."


    "She must have heard that you scored over 300 points on the Meteor Test and ranked in the top 10 of the Blue Star''s Young Talents List in China," Wan Qingheughed. "You acted quickly, probably scaring her."


    "Or maybe she wants to befriend you."


    "Befriend?" Li Yuan doubted if he had heard correctly. His rtionship with Song Yi wasn''t enmity, but it wasn''t exactly good either.


    Logically, after he extorted arge sum from her, she should hate him.


    "Enemies and friends, right and wrong, are never absolute," Wan Qinghe smiled. "You and Song Yi don''t have irreconcble grudges, so why can''t you be friends?"


    "On the contrary."


    "Bing friends with Song Yi will highlight the authenticity of this program," Wan Qinghe smiled. "So, I agreed to her joining us for dinner tonight."


    "Dinner tonight? Uncle, isn''t that a bit rushed?" Li Yuan hesitated, "After all, this program is her doing..."


    "What program?" Wan Qinghe shook his head. "This program is my doing, to make your achievements widely known and inspire more youngsters to work hard in their practice. It has nothing to do with her."


    "Her donation has nothing to do with you, and the production and promotion of this program have nothing to do with her either."


    "Dinner with her tonight is just a coincidence."


    "Understood?" Wan Qinghe instructed Li Yuan.


    "Got it, Uncle!"


    ...


    The interview was conducted in a conference room at the City Martial Hall in Starlight River City, with all necessary facilities in ce.


    The host was very professional.


    It was a locally well-known program in Jiangcheng.


    A batch of professional audience members attended, and the two-hour interview went very smoothly, with Li Yuan performing professionally throughout.


    ...


    At 5 PM, Li Yuan and Wan Qinghe finally arrived at the central building of the City Martial Hall.


    Upon entering.


    "These decorations, wow." Li Yuan marveled to himself.


    Although he didn''t understand much about interior design, he could tell that the ancient-style decorations, which seemed low-key at first nce, were actually very luxurious.


    "Ancient elegance shows the most taste," Wan Qinghe said with a faint smile. "Master Fei has been in charge of the City Martial Hall for twenty years and ces great importance on this."


    Li Yuan nodded and couldn''t help asking, "Uncle, how is Master Fei?"


    "He should treat you very well," Wan Qinghe smiled. "Also, when you meet Master Feiter, address me as Master Wan."


    "Understood," Li Yuan nodded, pondering the significance of the change in address.


    Soon, after passing through a security check, the two reached the top floor''s City Martial Hall Master''s office.


    It was spacious.


    The door was already open, and an old man in a ck robe was slowly practicing boxing. Although it looked like a health-preserving boxing technique, the invisible aura it emitted was quite special.


    From a distance, Li Yuan instinctively felt a sense of danger and became alert.


    This was caused by the biological maic field of a powerful life form.


    "Master Fei, Li Yuan is here," Wan Qinghe said respectfully at the door.


    Li Yuan followed behind.


    "You''re here? Qinghe, bring Li Yuan in," Fei Qian stopped his boxing, turned around, and looked at Li Yuan with a smile, "Li Yuan, how are you?"


    Li Yuan felt the other party''s gaze was gentle and not sharp, but it seemed to see through him.


    Very powerful.


    "Master Fei," Li Yuan greeted respectfully.


    "No need to call me Master. Given my age, I could be your grandfather. Just call me Old Fei or Grandpa Fei," Fei Qian smiled.


    "Grandpa Fei," Li Yuan knew what to choose.


    The three of them sat down, and Wan Qinghe first reported a few recent work items, which was a necessary opening.


    "Today, Li Yuan happened to do a program. He said he has always admired you. Just now, before I told him you were here, he brought you up himself," Wan Qinghe smiled.


    "Well, that was thoughtful," Fei Qian smiled.


    Li Yuan smiled on the surface.


    Admire? He had never said that; Uncle Wan was improvising.


    "I have heard many stories about Grandpa Fei. Over the years, my uncle has always mentioned you, saying you are his savior," Li Yuan said sincerely. "During the Xiang River disaster in ''34, my uncle was working on a project in the Xiang River area when he was attacked by astral creatures. It was Grandpa Fei who led a team and arrived in time to save my uncle and his team."


    "My uncle often tells me and my siblings to remember you," Li Yuan spoke earnestly.


    When praising someone, it is best to be precise about a specific good deed or small action they did; this easily wins their favor.


    Wan Qinghe looked at Li Yuan in surprise. He didn''t know there was such a connection with Master Fei.


    "The Xiang River disaster? Almost ten years ago, it was indeed a major disaster. I saved many people back then," Fei Qian''s eyes showed a hint of nostalgia, and he sighed, "I didn''t expect I had saved your uncle. It''s indeed fate."


    "Speaking of which."


    "If Grandpa Fei hadn''t saved my uncle, I probably wouldn''t have embarked on the martial path," Li Yuan smiled. "And today, I wouldn''t have the chance to meet you."


    "In that case, it''s not wrong for Li Yuan to call you Grandpa," Wan Qingheughed.


    Fei Qian modestly said, "As a Martial Hall Master, it''s my duty to save people."


    But the smile on his lips was very evident.


    The atmosphere became very harmonious and warm.


    Li Yuan''s mind was clear.


    Save Uncle? Nine years ago, during the Xiang River disaster, Uncle was indeed working on a project nearby, but it was several kilometers away from the outbreak.


    In fact, Li Changzhou didn''t face much danger then.


    However, over the years, Li Changzhou often said while watching the news, "Fei Qian, the City Martial Hall Master, is impressive."


    When Li Yuan learned yesterday that he would meet Fei Qian, he spent 15 minutes researching Fei Qian''s resume.


    He memorized many of Fei Qian''s achievements and had plenty of suitable conversation topics.


    "Li Yuan, I understand your uncle''s situation," Fei Qian followed the conversation, "There were indeed some issues with the handling of the front lines. I will help investigate it... Also, this time back from Kyoto, I happened to meet a 29th-level Source Martial Artist who is very skilled in mental techniques."


    "I have already arranged for him toe to Jiangcheng in three days to cooperate with the ''Consciousness Awakening Device'' and perform an awakening for your uncle," Fei Qian said solemnly. "Let''s strive for sess in one go."


    "A 29th-level Source Martial Artist skilled in mental techniques? Coming specifically for my uncle," Li Yuan held his breath.


    "Li Yuan," Wan Qinghe exined in a low voice, "29th-level Source Martial Artists are all fifth-tier masters, united with heaven and earth, gradually able to manipte the forces of nature."


    "Among them, those skilled in mental techniques have a high sess rate in awakening vegetative people even without technological assistance," Wan Qinghe said. "Inviting such a master, Master Fei has used a significant favor."


    "Thank you, Grandpa Fei," Li Yuan expressed his heartfelt gratitude.


    Regardless of whether the other party truly admired him or had other motives, actions speak louder than words.


    As long as his uncle could be awakened, Li Yuan would remember it.


    "A favor is nothing. Your uncle, as a hero, deserves to be saved," Fei Qian sighed. "Such determination and courage are beyond ordinary people."


    "If everyone had your uncle''s courage and perseverance, many battles with the astral realm would be much easier."


    Li Yuan and Wan Qinghe both nodded.


    This was the truth.


    "Li Yuan, there is another matter regarding the ''Star Essence Marrow Crystal'' promised by Provincial Hall Master Yang," Fei Qian said seriously. "You must strive to obtain it."


    "Grandpa Fei."


    "What exactly is this Star Essence Marrow Crystal?" Li Yuan couldn''t help asking.


    Wan Qinghe was also curious.


    "It''s a very special treasure rted to Source Force utilization," Fei Qian said. "With it, your sess rate in creating techniques could increase by at least twenty percent."


    Fei Qian had also specially investigated to learn more about the Star Essence Marrow Crystal while in Kyoto.


    "Increasing by twenty percent?" Li Yuan was surprised.


    ording to Dean Li, with his talent, his normal sess rate in creating techniques was 40-50%.


    And this mysterious Star Essence Marrow Crystal could increase it by another twenty percent?


    It was extraordinary.


    "Provincial Hall Master Yang thinks highly of you, which is why he made the promise," Fei Qian said emotionally. "Otherwise, even for a Flying Martial Artist, obtaining such a treasure wouldn''t be easy to get it."


    "There''s only one requirement: by the age of 20, you must reach the threshold of fifth-tier skills," Fei Qian looked at Li Yuan.


    Li Yuan felt the pressure. Fifth-tier skills?


    Normally, this was a skill level only achieved by 29th-level Source Martial Artists.


    And himself? He was just approaching mid-fourth-tier skills.


    The more he understood the gap between the fourth and fifth tiers, the more Li Yuan realized how difficult it would be to reach that level.


    "Take it step by step. Since the Provincial Hall Master made the promise, he must believe you have potential."


    "Your growth rate has also been elerating," Fei Qian smiled. "Add my personal V-chat. From now on, if you have any training questions, you can message me directly."


    "Thank you, Grandpa Fei," Li Yuan said respectfully, and they exchanged V-chat details.


    ...


    In the evening, Li Yuan and Song Yi had a pleasant conversation over dinner. After the banquet, Wan Qinghe and Li Yuan returned to the Guanshan Martial Hall.


    Watching Li Yuan return to his martial room, Wan Qinghe also returned to his top-floor office.


    "Master Fei is indeed remarkable."


    "I thought he would use sponsorship to strengthen his rtionship with Li Yuan," Wan Qinghe sighed. "Unexpectedly, he invited such a special 29th-level Source Martial Artist specifically to save Li Yuan''s uncle."


    "Indeed."


    "Just money won''t work at Li Yuan''s level. Continuing to give money may not earn his heartfelt gratitude," Wan Qinghe realized. "Too obvious an attempt to win favor might backfire."


    Many things cannot be solved with money alone.


    You need to have a heart.


    ...


    The Seven Star Alliance represents the most powerful force of human civilization, standing above all nations.


    Its headquarters is located on Soaring Star, the most powerful of the seven human stars.


    In the morning, in the floating giant Sky City.


    Looking down from Sky City, you can see a towering volcano in the distance, its top perpetually covered with snow.


    In a martial room.


    "Swish! Swish! Swish!" Streaks of sword light cut through the air, extremely sharp.


    "Little sister, you''re up training this early? It''s only six o''clock," a figure in a ck robe entered the martial room, somewhat surprised to see Lin Lanyue.


    "Brother, it''s already six o''clock," Lin Lanyue sheathed her sword and looked towards the courtyard gate.


    "Isn''t six o''clock early?" The figure in ck was puzzled.


    "If training at six is considered early, then what about those who start at four or even earlier every day?" Lin Lanyue shook her head lightly. "Brother, do you have something to discuss?"

 Chapter 99: June College Entrance Exam

    <h4>Chapter 99: June College Entrance Exam</h4>


    "Getting up to practice at four in the morning every day? Without rest?" Lanyue''s brother was puzzled. "Even a Source Martial Artist couldn''t do that."


    "Combining work and rest is the way to go for the long haul."


    "Unless you reach the level of a Flying Martial Artist, achieving a state of unity with nature and being able to rest and recover at any time, who could push themselves that hard?" Lanyue''s brother said seriously. "Even Senior Dongfang Ji said he only trains for sixteen hours a day."


    Lin Lanyue remained silent.


    In her mind, she involuntarily recalled the scene Gu Qianghan described to her after returning from Jiangbei Martial University: "Sister, that Li Yuan is simply a madman, a self-torturing demon. He practices every night when he gets back and gets up again at four or five in the morning... I truly admire him. If he doesn''t seed, who will?"


    Gu Qianghan''s emphatic words gave Lin Lanyue a deeper understanding of Li Yuan.


    He was an extremely disciplined person with a firm goal, always striving towards it.


    "Brother, what exactly is the matter?" Lin Lanyue asked again.


    "It''s about Li Yuan," her brother said with a smile. "Do you want to know?"


    "Brother, if you''re going to say it, just say it. If not, don''t waste my training time." Lin Lanyue nced at him.


    She knew the difference between her elder brother and second brother; the elder brother had juicy gossip and couldn''t keep it to himself.


    "Alright, alright, I give up." Lanyue''s brother raised his hand, and a light screen appeared, showing some information.


    It was all about Li Yuan.


    "First in both subjects? First in Jiangcheng''s martial arts raw scores?" Lin Lanyue murmured to herself.


    Full marks in both! That was an incredibly impressive achievement.


    "Little sister, you don''t seem very surprised," her brother said with a smile. "Did you already know? Or have you been in contact with Li Yuan?"


    "No, I didn''t know." Lin Lanyue smiled. "His achievements are indeed extraordinary, but considering his efforts, it''s not surprising."


    "He does train hard." Her brother nodded. "Besides his impressive results in the April exams, I also heard he scored over 300 points in the Meteor Test."


    "Mid-fourth-tier skills?" Lin Lanyue finally showed a hint of surprise.


    She knew that Li Yuan had just stepped into the fourth tier a month ago.


    Has he improved so quickly?


    Considering her own advancement due to training with the Nirvana Divine Codex and the special training at Soaring Star, she had made significant progress in both physical fitness and skills.


    But now, her skills were still just shy of the third-tier perfection.


    "Fate often favors those who work harder," Lin Lanyue smiled slightly.


    "Little sister, do you really like him?" her brother suddenly asked.


    "Like?"


    Faced with her brother''s question, Lin Lanyue didn''t look embarrassed. After thinking for a while, she said, "Perhaps, I just admire him."


    "Alright, you have always been decisive. As long as you know what you are doing," her brother said with a smile.


    He had been through this himself and understood her feelings well.


    He didn''t mind.


    Youthful admiration and affection were natural, and guiding it was better than suppressing it.


    "Brother, don''t tell Father and Mother about this," Lin Lanyue suddenly red at her brother.


    "Haha, why would I tell them?" her brotherughed. "You''re not a child anymore. As long as you''re happy."


    He didn''t mind. Although the family might have opinions if they found out, he was her big brother.


    As long as his sister wasn''t wronged, she could do what she wanted.


    If the sky fell, he and their other brother would hold it up. Besides, he also thought Li Yuan was not bad.


    "However, little sister, I must remind you."


    "You mean well, but do you know what Li Yuan thinks? You''ve done a lot for him, like saving his uncle..." her brother said.


    "Brother."


    Lin Lanyue interrupted him, frowning. "I told you before we came to Soaring Star, once things pass, they are over. It''s not a big deal."


    "I don''t care what he thinks."


    "In martial arts, one seeks a clear conscience and a heart without regrets."


    "I do things for myself, not expecting anything in return from him," Lin Lanyue said seriously.


    She was very stubborn and even had a rebellious streak.


    This was due to her early independence in Jiangcheng.


    Although she had a butler, maid, bodyguard, martial arts teacher, and everything else, shecked much family affection.


    "Alright, as long as you know what you''re doing."


    Her brother raised his hands in surrender. "Do you want to take a break today?"


    "Nirvana Divine Codex''s ''Fire Bath,'' the longer each session, the better the effect," Lin Lanyue shook her head. "I''ve onlysted six days so far."


    "Let''s get through today first."


    Her brother''s eyes showed a trace of heartache but he didn''t persuade her further.


    The fire bath was real burning in special mes.


    The pain was something few could endurepletely.


    But he had to admit that his sister''s willpower was exceptional, one of the best for her age.


    "Alright, I''ll take you to ''Changji Volcano''ter," her brother said.


    Watching him leave.


    "Three times a month, Body Cleansing Elixir Bath?" Lin Lanyue murmured, recalling what she had seen about Li Yuan.


    She knew the pain of the Body Cleansing Elixir Bath.


    "Six days?"


    "Let''s see if I canst ten days. I can''t fall too far behind," Lin Lanyue''s eyes showed determination.


    She continued practicing her sword techniques.


    Every day, she trained with her sword for half a day and spent the other half undergoing the ''fire bath'' to temper her body.


    ...


    On April 17th in the evening, Li Yuan returned home.


    "Brother,e and watch your show."


    "They''re reying it!"


    "Come watch." Li Qianqian and Li Muhua ran over, both very excited.


    In the distance, Chen Hui was smiling.


    "Show?" Li Yuan was momentarily confused, then realized it was the interview program about him.


    It aired so soon?


    Li Yuan was pulled by his younger siblings, not even having time to take off his shoes, to the living room.


    On the projection screen, Li Yuan''s interview program was indeed ying.


    "A Poor Martial Arts Top Scorer from Jiangbei? Unveiling the Untold Struggles Behind the Martial Arts Genius?" Li Yuan mumbled, repeating the host''s introduction.


    He wanted to find a hole to crawl into.


    Which sensationalist department came up with this?


    "Aunt, this is a promotional program from the Martial Hall, and the script was prepared in advance," Li Yuan quickly exined.


    "I understand."


    "Don''t worry, your aunt studied journalism as a minor," Chen Hui said with a smile. "I understand how journalism works."


    Li Yuan smiled and nodded, relieved his aunt didn''t think too much of it.


    On the screen.


    "From a young age, I aspired to join the Starlight Martial Hall," Li Yuan said seriously, "This is the Martial Hall founded by Senior Dongfang Ji, whom I have always admired..."


    "I heard the Starry Sky Martial Hall was the first to invite you, initially offering a D-level contract, right?" the host asked.


    "No!"


    "The Starry Sky Martial Hall did invite me first and offered me a C-level contract. Hall Master Song Yi was very kind," Li Yuan said with youthful ''sincerity.'' "She told me that although her authority was limited, she would help me apply for a B-level contract if I signed and even offered private sponsorship."


    "Hall Master Song Yi is an excellent and dedicated hall master," Li Yuan said seriously. "It''s not that the Starry Sky Martial Hall was bad; I just wanted to join Starlight more..."


    ...


    "Li Yuan is the best young talent I''ve discovered in recent years. At that time, I didn''t have enough B-level contract slots, so I asked our City Martial Hall Master Fei for help, and he immediately agreed," Wan Qinghe said in the VCR interview.


    ...


    "Li Yuan is very righteous and has won the title of Young Hero," a ssmate said in an interview.


    ...


    "Not being able to invite Li Yuan might be a lifelong regret for me," Song Yi appeared in the VCR, looking disappointed but also proud. "But his growth has proven my judgment was correct; he is indeed a rare gem."


    "If anyone is to me, it''s that Li Yuan is too determined, once he sets a goal, he doesn''t easily change."


    "But no matter which Martial Hall he joins, he is a genius of our China." Song Yi''s voice was strong, elevating the program''s message. "I have high hopes for Li Yuan and look forward to the day he bes a Flying Martial Artist to protect our China."


    ...


    Watching the program, Li Yuan''s mouth twitched slightly!


    He recalled the dinner the previous night, where the conversation had been very pleasant.


    Wan Qinghe had promised to give Song Yi a spot in the program.


    "Just for a 4 million increase, was this worth it?" Li Yuan muttered, "Would the Starry Sky Martial Hall''s higher-ups even believe this?"


    However, Li Yuan didn''t mind too much as long as he got the money.


    ...


    Li Yuan never expected that the evening''s program was just the beginning. In the following two days, the program continued to gain traction, spreading across Jiangcheng''s various online forums and even throughout Jiangbei Province.


    Li Yuan actually started to be a bit of a local celebrity.


    "Brother Yuan, 666!"


    "You''re on TV? Brother Yuan, when did you film this? You didn''t tell us."


    "Brother Yuan, your blog followers have surged again, from over a thousand to over thirty thousand."


    "Forty thousand now!"


    "Fifty thousand, it''s over fifty thousand now." Li Yuan once again became a popr figure at school.


    "Brother Yuan, next time you go to the noodle shop by the school gate, the owner will definitely recognize you."


    ...


    Li Yuan didn''t pay much attention to the program.


    A weekter.


    The three-year review of the Starry Sky Martial Hall concluded, and Song Yi passed smoothly. She sent Li Yuan a ''thank you'' emoji on V-chat.


    At Starlight Guanshan Branch, in Martial Room 7024.


    "Extorted a sum from her, and she still thanks me?" Li Yuan shook his head, ncing at his bank ount.


    Bank bnce: 18.79 million Blue Star coins.


    Martial Hall points: 4.08 million.


    Martial Hall training points: 9.57 million.


    "Haven''t spent much Blue Star coins yet, gave Aunt 2 million, and received another 10 million here," Li Yuan thought. "Almost 20 million now."


    However, Martial Hall points were depleting quickly.


    In just one month, he had spent over 2.6 million on training resources.


    Mainly because his body''s evolution required more than the training n had estimated.


    Every month, he needed 30 bottles of first-tier Qi and Blood Potion, four Source Force Essence Pills, and three portions of Spirit Cleansing Bath, costing 1.3 million points/Blue Star coins a month.


    "Buy the second batch."


    "Enough to sustain body evolution until mid-May," Li Yuan thought.


    ng~


    Li Yuan opened the door of the therapy room''s ''incubator'' and took out a bottle of Spirit Cleansing Bath.


    Gritting his teeth.


    "Damn, here we go again."


    "Are the students at Kunlun Martial University all monsters? Each one tougher than me?" Li Yuan muttered. "Well, college students are certainly stronger than high school students."


    High schoolers always held some admiration for college students.


    After a while.


    "Ah!" In the therapy room, Li Yuan''s low growl echoed again, whether in pain or relief was uncertain.


    ...


    April 27th.


    The 29th-level Source Martial Artist skilled in mental techniques, invited by Master Fei Qian, arrived and worked with the hospital''s highest-level ''Consciousness Awakening Device.''


    After an hour.


    Uncle Li Changzhou finally woke up.


    ...


    May 10th, Li Changzhou was discharged from the hospital.


    He didn''t return to their old home but moved directly to their new home in Starlight South Lake City Community.


    ...


    May 15th, Li Yuan and his family moved all their belongings into the new house.


    ...


    Time passed day by day, with Li Changzhou resting at home and not returning to work for now.


    Aunt returned to work at the school.


    Following the ''Seven Star Alliance Progress Movement'' promoted by Dongfang Ji, talent selection at martial arts universities and cultural universities across the seven human stars was conducted through college entrance exams.


    So, when June arrived.


    All eyes in Jiangcheng, China, and even Blue Star turned to the annual college entrance exams.


    This was the exam that would determine the fate of countless people.

 Chapter 100: A Bright Future and Farewell

    <h4>Chapter 100: A Bright Future and Farewell</h4>


    As the leading nation on Blue Star, China''s college entrance examination schedule is synchronized with other countries on Blue Star, taking ce on June 6th, 7th, and 8th.


    June 4th, at the No. 1 High School in Guanshan District.


    A little past 10 AM, just before the second period.


    Since the afternoon of the 4th would be a holiday for all students to rest and review independently, this ss was thest one for all senior students.


    ss 2 of the third year was still noisy. Apart from a few, most students were chatting, enjoying the final moments of their high school years.


    By this time, no one was cramming for the exam anymore.


    Everyone knew the score.


    In thest two days, maintaining a calm mindset and reviewing some cultural course forms were the keys to sess.


    "It''s finally here. It''s been so tough! We''ve made it through," Yan Zhou muttered, "Once I get into college, I''m going to have a few serious rtionships to make up for high school."


    "You?" Zhou Qi scoffed, "You blush when you see a girl."


    "And you?" Yan Zhou retorted, "You''ve been going on about Peng Lingling. Have you got her yet?"


    "Shut up, it''s not fawning; it''s respect," Zhou Qi said angrily. "Besides, Lingling has agreed to be with me after the exams."


    "Old Zhou, believe me,st time she said she''d date you in senior year. What happened?"


    "This time it''s real." The two chatted eagerly.


    In reality, Zhou Qi knew deep down that Peng Lingling was stringing him along.


    But Zhou Qi also enjoyed the process.


    Li Yuan sat quietly at his desk.


    With his enhanced physical condition, he could easily hear most of his ssmates'' conversations.


    Although since the start of the second semester, Li Yuan had spent more time training in the Martial Hall, and his rapid progress in martial arts had created a slight distance between him and his ssmates.


    This wasn''t something that could be changed by will.


    Almost all his ssmates understood that after the exams, Li Yuan was destined to soar, likely getting into one of the top five universities.


    His future as a Source Martial Artist was almost certain.


    They appeared equal now, but it was just a chance coincidence that they had been in the same ssroom for three years.


    However, Li Yuan enjoyed his time in the ssroom, especially in cultural sses.


    "When I get into college and focus on martial arts, when my body reaches level 15, I''ll have to start training in various astral realms," Li Yuan thought. "These leisurely days will be gone forever."


    Li Yuan looked through the window at the midsummer sunlight. It was bright but not ring.


    The warmth of it on his body wasforting.


    Soon.


    It would be thest ss of high school.


    ...


    "Ring~" A few minutester, the bell rang, and all the students gradually quieted down, waiting for the teacher.


    Soon.


    "Thud~" "Thud~" Footsteps sounded outside the ssroom, many of them, quickly heard by Li Yuan.


    "So many people?" Li Yuan was puzzled.


    Soon, his confusion was cleared.


    It wasn''t just the cultural ss teacher, Teacher Chen, who came in, but all the subject teachers.


    Instantly, the students cheered andughed excitedly.


    Yesterday and today, many subject teachers had already said their goodbyes in their st ss.''


    Young people are the most emotional.


    "Students, this is thest ss. There isn''t much left to teach. After three years of high school, I believe you''re all well-prepared," Teacher Chen said with a smile, "For thest ss, we teachers discussed it."


    "We decided to officially say goodbye to you together," Teacher Chen''s eyes were already red.


    She was very strict, and every student in the ss, including Li Yuan, had been criticized by her.


    But in thest ss, she became somewhat emotional.


    "Our teachers are all excellent," Teacher Chen said softly. "Teacher Li, for instance, continued teaching until a few days before giving birth; Teacher Long, you are hisst batch of students..."


    As she spoke.


    Many teachers, looking at the students they had been with for three years, became sentimental.


    And many students, especially the girls, had tears in their eyes.


    "Every teacher has much to say to you, but we''re at the point of parting, and there''s no need to say too much," Teacher Chen said, controlling her emotions. "For thisst part, we all just want to give you one final message."


    She clicked her smart wristband, and immediately, arge amount of text appeared on the ckboard screen behind her.


    All the students looked up.


    "It''s been a great honor to know you all. It''s been a privilege for us to teach you, though our knowledge was limited. We''ve done our best," Teacher Chen said emotionally, reading the words aloud. "We wish all of you a bright future. May your efforts be rewarded!"


    As thest word was spoken.


    Wow! Wow! Wow!


    Teacher Chen and all the teachers bowed to the students.


    Finally.


    Almost everyone couldn''t hold back anymore, and many girls started crying softly.


    "Teachers, you are the best."


    "We will get good scores and not let you down."


    "Teachers." Students called out, some with a hint of tears, some full of determination.


    Even Li Yuan, usually rational, was somewhat moved, his eyes heating up.


    This was pure emotion, without any interest involved.


    The teachers stood up, their eyes also red, but they smiled.


    Suddenly.


    "Teachers," a girl''s clear, tear-choked voice said, "We have something we prepared for you too."


    It was Li Shutong, the top cultural student in the ss and the ss president.


    This surprised not only the subject teachers but also Teacher Chen.


    "Everyone stand up," Li Shutong said loudly through her tears.


    Immediately, all the students stood up, lips pressed tight, looking seriously at the figures on the tform.


    In the next moment, with three years of shared understanding, no one needed to call a start.


    "Teachers, we students are foolish and slow, but we are grateful for your teachings. In the future, as we journey far and wide, we will strive to honor your teachings and kindness."


    ...


    With the ringing of the ss bell.


    Thest ss for all senior students ended with the teachers'' blessings for a bright future.


    Their high school journey was about to conclude.


    Many students began making ns to attend the same university, gather after exams, meet annually, and visit teachers together.


    But almost all teachers, looking at the students they had taught for three years, knew one thing: a bright future often means parting ways.


    After high school graduation, many goodbyes are forever.


    But no teacher would break this to them.


    Because what would it change? The students wouldn''t believe it.


    They thought, "With V-chat groups and convenient transportation, meeting up is easy, why wouldn''t we see each other again?"


    They were in their youth.


    They should enjoy their youth.


    The greatest regret in life is not being able to possess youth and the experience of it simultaneously.


    But this is true youth. Without experiencing it, how could one appreciate it?


    Like a game, the exploration phase is the most enchanting, enjoying each moment of growth.


    Oncepleted, it bes dull.


    ...


    With a backpack, Li Yuan walked out of the ssroom, his gaze drifting to the neighboring ss.


    That was ss 1 of the third year, the cultural ss.


    He nced at the bustling crowd but didn''t see the person he wanted to see.


    "Brother Yuan, where are you heading?" Zhou Qi asked with a smile, "We''re nning to sit at the yground for a while before going home."


    "No."


    "I''m going to the Martial Hall to train," Li Yuan replied with a smile. "You guys go ahead."


    "Alright." Zhou Qi nodded.


    "Goodbye, Brother Yuan."


    "Goodbye, Li Yuan." Many people greeted him, even students from other sses.


    Downstairs.


    As if by instinct, Li Yuan didn''t head straight out the school gate but went to the Elite Building.


    He went up to the fourth floor, took a nce, then turned and walked quickly to the office building, heading to the first floor.


    "Teacher." Li Yuan stood at the door of Xu Bo''s office.


    Xu Bo was standing by the window, lost in thought as he watched the students leave in groups.


    "Here?" Xu Bo turned and looked at Li Yuan, smiling warmly.


    They both knew this student-teacher rtionship was about to end.


    Li Yuan would soon enter a broader world.


    "Do well on the exam."


    "With your strength, just perform normally, and passing the national line is a piece of cake," Xu Bo said with a smile. "I believe in you."


    "Yeah."


    Li Yuan smiled. "I''ll follow your advice, treating every test as the college entrance exam. In the end, the college entrance exam is just another test."


    "Hahaha." Xu Boughed proudly.


    This was his best student in years of teaching.


    ...


    In thest two days, Li Yuan neither rxed nor stressed. His strong capabilities gave him enough confidence.


    He continued his normal training but didn''t neglect reviewing cultural subjects on thest day.


    Time moved to June 6th.


    ...


    The college entrance exam sites were randomly assigned across districts.


    Li Yuan''s exam site was the No. 5 High School in Guanshan District.


    Amidst city-wide exam sending-off, police escorts, and festive sounds, Jiangcheng''s 2043 college entrance exam officially began.


    Even though Li Yuan said he would take a flying vehicle to the exam site and there was no need to worry.


    But Uncle Li Changzhou and Aunt Chen Hui insisted on sending him off.


    To them, even knowing that Li Yuan had a 99% chance of getting into a top university.


    Even knowing Li Yuan was already quite sessful, their hearts wouldn''t be at ease until everything was settled.


    "Everyone is sending off their kids, so we should too," Chen Hui said.


    Li Yuan smiled, understanding clearly.


    For his uncle and aunt, him taking the college entrance exam was like a ing-of-age ceremony,'' a significant sce for his deceased parents.


    How could they not be there at such a moment?


    A day and a half of cultural exams.


    A full day of martial arts practical exams.


    When every senior student walked out of the final martial arts practical site, it marked the end of their youth.


    In a sense.


    The end of high school symbolized the beginning of university, the era of youth.


    ...


    The college entrance exam was meticulous, so grading and score review took three days.


    June 12th, results were announced, and various score lines were set.


    Twelve years of hard study culminated on this day.

 Chapter 101: 77th in the Province? Top Ten in China!

    <h4>Chapter 101: 77th in the Province? Top Ten in China!</h4>


    Starlight South Lake Community, District One.


    House No. 225.


    As one of the top vi districts in Guanshan District, alongside Starry Sky South Lake Community, each vi here upies a veryrge area. This is where Li Yuan''s new home is located.


    The vi has three floors above ground, with a building area of over 800 square meters, a garden of more than 500 square meters, and an underground space exceeding 1,000 square meters... This is the new home provided for Li Yuan by Starlight Martial Hall.


    If sold, this vi would cost over 50 million Blue Star coins in its raw state, not to mention the specially reinforced underground martial arts room... The overall cost exceeds 80 million Blue Star coins, and it is not even avable for purchase.


    The residential rights are for twenty years.


    Today is June 12th, the day the college entrance exam results are released. Li Yuan, Uncle Li Changzhou, and Aunt Chen Hui are all waiting in the living room on the first floor for the results.


    It''s Friday, so Li Qianqian and Li Muhua have already gone to school.


    "Uncle, Aunt, don''t worry," Li Yuan said, looking at his somewhat anxious uncle and aunt with a smile. "I''m sure I will pass."


    Having gone through many experiences and being absolutely confident in his abilities, Li Yuan was calm andposed. The national cutoff score? He could easily surpass it.


    "We know, but..." Li Changzhou shook his head.


    The closer they got to the results, the more anxious parents would be, because they understood the importance of the college entrance exam.


    During the waiting period, some rtives asionally called to inquire about Li Yuan''s exam results.


    For over ten years, Li Yuan had a vague impression of his rtives. In recent years, few people had visited.


    Firstly, rtives knew about the situation of Li Yuan''s uncle and aunt''s family. When Li Yuan was young, his medical expenses were staggering, and with such a burden, these rtives feared being asked to lend money.


    Secondly, Li Yuan''s father and Li Changzhou were the only two brothers, and Aunt Chen Hui was an only child, so most of their rtives were cousins or distant rtives.


    A generation of rtives is close; two generations are distant. By Li Yuan''s generation, these rtive rtionships had be quite distant.


    But most of these rtives were from Jiangcheng City.


    So, starting from April, when the program about Li Yuan aired and spread in Jiangcheng and even Jiangbei City, more ''concerned rtives'' began to appear.


    "Hey, cousin! Little Yuan''s scores aren''t out yet. I''ll tell youter..." Chen Hui casually responded.


    Of course.


    There were also calls from those who had always genuinely cared for and helped Li Yuan''s family, like Zhong Cheng and Uncle Wang.


    Finally, it was 9 o''clock.


    "Little Yuan, you can check the scores now," Aunt Chen Hui said, immediatelying over, her face showing a bit of tension but trying not to appear too eager.


    Li Changzhou also looked over but remained silent. As the head of the family, he always appeared calm.


    "Okay." Li Yuan smiled, clicked on his smart wristband, and a light screen appeared, directly entering the score-checking page.


    Li Yuan was already prepared.


    "Beep~" The page paused for a moment. With the currentworkmunication efficiency, this was almost unbelievable... but it onlygged for a moment.


    At this moment, not only people in China but also people in all countries on Blue Star were checking their college entrance exam scores.


    Swoosh!


    The score page popped up, and two heads appeared beside Li Yuan, both staring at the scores:


    Name: Li Yuan


    Category: Martial Arts


    ID Number: 420111202508298013


    Exam Number: XXXX


    Physical: 500


    Skills: 400


    Culture: 86


    Bonus: 20


    Total Score: 1006


    National Line: 941


    Provincial Line: 772


    Provincial Rank: 77


    ...


    Seeing the total score of 1006 and the provincial rank of 77.


    Aunt Chen Hui, feeling relieved, finally showed an excited smile, even shedding tears while smiling.


    Her heavy burden, at this moment, waspletely lifted.


    Chen Hui felt that her efforts over the past ten years were all worth it.


    "Good! Good!" Li Changzhou also smiled, embracing his wife.


    He knew how much Chen Hui had gone through over the past ten years, sharing the worries, facing many hardships, and often being the only one at home taking care of three children.


    Now, finally, it was time to enjoy the fruits of theirbor.


    "Uncle, Aunt, now you can bepletely relieved," Li Yuan said with a smile, very satisfied with his score.


    His martial arts score was still perfect. As his mental strength grew, so did his learning ability, and he set a new high in his cultural score during the college entrance exam.


    However, due to the bonus points, his total score was destined to be lower than many others.


    So, for the provincial rank of ''77'', Li Yuan was very satisfied.


    Meanwhile.


    Aunt Chen Hui, havingposed herself, began calling back the rtives who had phoned earlier: "Hello, cousin! Just got the scores, Li Yuan only got 1006 points, just over the martial arts national line by 60-some points, didn''t perform well..."


    Li Yuan and Li Changzhou exchanged nces andughed.


    Today, Li Yuan''s score was like a ''performance report'' for Chen Hui''s ten-plus years of hard work, her most glorious moment.


    No amount of bragging would be too much.


    "You should quickly call those mentors and teachers to report your scores," Li Changzhou reminded. "The sooner, the better, to show your respect."


    "Especially the teachers at Kunlun Martial University, give them some reassurance," Li Changzhou said.


    "Okay." Li Yuan immediately started calling on V-chat.


    Xu Bo, Teacher Chen, Wan Qinghe, Fei Qian, Senior Ji from the military base, Fan Jin, Dean Li... This was also a summary of Li Yuan''s achievements.


    For Li Yuan, who had already signed with Kunlun Martial University.


    This score was almost a perfect answer sheet.


    "Yes, Dean Li... Oh, the admission notice will be issued in five days, report on 28 June, and sses start on July 3rd?" Li Yuan conversed with Dean Li.


    After all the calls, it was already past 10 o''clock.


    Aunt Chen Hui, after a round of bragging, had entered the kitchen to start cooking.


    She wanted to make a few good dishes to celebrate.


    Li Yuan and Uncle Li Changzhou walked into the yard, enjoying the midsummer sunshine.


    "Little Yuan, thanks to you, I''m back," Li Changzhou said softly. "If it weren''t for you, I wouldn''t have made it."


    "Uncle, don''t say that." Li Yuan shook his head. "We are family; everything is fine now."


    Li Changzhou smiled, not arguing further, knowing Li Yuan''s character.


    "When do you n to report to Kunlun Martial University?" Li Changzhou asked.


    "July 2nd." Li Yuan had already decided.


    "Thatte?" Li Changzhou was slightly surprised, having overheard Li Yuan''s conversation with Dean Li earlier.


    "I want to stay home a few more days, spend time with you and Aunt," Li Yuan smiled. "Kunlun Martial University only has half a month of vacation every six months. Once I''m in college, it will be hard toe back home."


    "It won''t dy your training?" Li Changzhou frowned.


    "It won''t. The home martial arts room is enough for my training, and I have all the necessary resources," Li Yuan smiled.


    Li Changzhou rxed. "Alright, you decide on your martial arts training. I have some free time too; let''s have a good chat."


    In fact, Li Changzhou hoped Li Yuan could rx for a few days.


    During this time at home, he had seen Li Yuan''s intense training and had a new understanding.


    He felt Li Yuan was too tense, his training madness even making his scalp tingle.


    Too much is as bad as too little.


    "By the way, Uncle," Li Yuan smiled, "I just bought a fishing rod yesterday. Starting tomorrow, I''ll apany you to themunity pond for fishing."


    "Great." Li Changzhou was interested.


    He hadn''t indulged in this hobby for a long time due to his busy work schedule.


    Li Yuan looked at his uncle''s smile and the scene of his aunt cooking in the kitchen in the distance.


    He couldn''t help but smile.


    After years of hard training, wasn''t this the scene he had been striving for?


    The next step was to be stronger to protect this happiness.


    Basking in the sun, looking at thewn, Li Yuan recalled his childhood when he often said, "Uncle, take me out to y."


    In middle school, it became "Uncle, Aunt, see you in the evening."


    Now, it was finally bing "Uncle, Aunt, I''ll be back at the end of the year."


    "I often hear that once high school is over, the time spent with parents is already 90% of what you''ll have in your lifetime," Li Yuan thought. "In June, I should spend more time with my uncle and aunt."


    That evening.


    When Li Qianqian and Li Muhua returned home and learned of Li Yuan''s college entrance exam results, they were also extremely happy and excited.


    The whole family celebrated.


    At 8 PM, with the whole family watching, Li Yuan entered his first-choice university in the newly opened ''volunteer application system.''


    First choice: Kunlun Martial University.


    ...


    Late at night, Uncle and Aunt had gone to bed.


    In Vi No. 225, in the basement.


    This area was actually nearly 1,000 square meters, with a height of over six meters, serving as a martial arts room.


    "Whoosh!"


    As usual, Li Yuan practiced the Starry Spear Technique for nearly two hours before stopping to rest.


    Li Yuan nced at the Shen Pce panel.


    ¡ª¡ª


    <strong>Life Level: 10.6 (Tier 1)</strong>


    <strong>Fist Strength: 1623 kg</strong>


    <strong>Speed: 23.8 m/s</strong>


    <strong>Mental Power: 17.5</strong>


    <strong>Spiritual Awakening Level: 12.8% (Current Cap: 20%)</strong>


    <strong>Body Training Method: "Rock Training Method"</strong>


    <strong>Mind Training Method: "Observing the Great Sun Starry Sutra"</strong>


    <strong>Skill Levels: Spear Technique (Fourth Tier 34%), Movement Technique (Fourth Tier 26%), Fist Technique (Fourth Tier 36%)</strong>


    ... "From April till now, with the new training n, my physical qualities have improved without slowing down at all."


    Li Yuan pondered, "However, the higher the level, the more astonishing the difference in physical qualities between each level."


    For instance, at level 11, the standard fist strength is 1800 kg.


    At level 12, it''s 3000 kg.


    At level 13, the standard fist strength reaches a terrifying 5000 kg.


    In terms of life level alone, the speed of improvement will inevitably slow down.


    "July admission."


    "Late July, practical exam," Li Yuan sighed. "Hopefully, I can reach 20% spiritual awakening level and see if I can undergo another source energy infusion."


    If that happens again.


    It would significantly enhance both Li Yuan''s physical qualities and mental power.


    "On the other hand."


    "Improving fourth-tier skills is indeed increasingly difficult." Li Yuan''s gaze swept over his spear and fist techniques.


    After nearly two months, the progress was significant.


    However, at this rate, reaching the Bright Moon level on the Starry Sky Fighting Network by age 18 was almost impossible.


    "I''ll do my best."


    Li Yuan thought calmly and began practicing the basic cultivation method.


    ...


    At 9 PM, at Kunlun Martial University, thousands of miles from Jiangbei Province.


    In a brightly lit teaching building.


    In one of the conference rooms, there was a lot of traffic.


    "How''s the admission process going? Are the results out?" The bald, burly man, Dean Li, asked in a deep voice.


    "We are still contacting students, trying to get more to choose Kunlun Martial University," a teacher said softly. "Our recruitment teams have already set out to individually invite the top 50 students from each province."


    "We should have the results by tomorrow."


    "Good."


    Dean Li nodded and asked, "What about the students on the pre-signed list? Give me their scores."


    "Yes." The teacher had already prepared and quickly handed a list to Dean Li.


    Dean Li nced at the list, and the first name was Li Yuan.


    "Why is Li Yuan first?" Dean Li muttered. "I remember his provincial ranking was only in the seventies."


    "It''s changed."


    "This year, Principal Fang ordered that all rankings after admission be based on actual scores." The recruitment teacher exined, "We also noticed Li Yuan."


    "His total score ranks 77th in Jiangbei Province, not very conspicuous, and is expected to rank around 350th among all students after admission."


    "But this includes bonus points and other additions."


    "Without the bonus points."


    "Li Yuan''s perfect martial arts score makes him the top martial arts student in Jiangbei Province," the recruitment teacher said. "And he ranks tenth nationwide."


    "Jiangbei''s first? Top ten nationwide?" Dean Li didn''t know whether to be pleased or frustrated.


    Dean Li was sure.


    Now, Li Yuan''s profile was on the desks of all the deans of Kunlun Martial University''s eight schools.


    His n to quietly recruit Li Yuan into the sixth school was now difficult.


    "Principal Fang really has nothing better to do," Dean Li muttered to himself.

 Chapter 102: A New Journey

    <h4>Chapter 102: A New Journey</h4>


    All students ranked in the top 50 or even top 100 in the province are fiercelypeted for by the recruitment teams of the five major martial arts universities. After all, for each martial arts university to thrive indefinitely, the first necessity is a steady flow of funding, and the second is the constant emergence of numerous Source Martial Artists and even Flying Martial Artists.


    Powerful martial artists often give back to their alma mater, whether through direct donations or providing support within their sphere of influence. Alumni form awork... but no university sought out Li Yuan.


    Li Yuan''s reputation as a martial arts prodigy had long spread across Jiangbei. As the top scorer in the martial arts category in Jiangbei Province, the recruitment teams of various prestigious universities were well aware of him.


    However, they also knew that he had already been signed by Kunlun Martial University with an S-level contract.


    An S-level contract?


    Given the cost of persuading Li Yuan to breach his contract and offering a better deal, the other top universities decided to give up.


    ...


    On the afternoon of June 17th, at themunity fishing pond.


    "Uncle, why haven''t I caught anything today?" Li Yuan, sitting on a stool, couldn''t help but ask.


    "Your beginner''s luck has run out." Li Changzhou grinned. "Do you remember how many you caught in the past two days? Twice as many as I did."


    "It''s good you didn''t catch any today, or your aunt would keepining that we can''t finish all the fish."


    "I''m just better at fishing..." Li Yuan was about to retort when he felt his smart wristband vibrate. Looking down, his eyes lit up.


    "Uncle, the admission notice has arrived." Li Yuan raised his hand.


    "Oh? Let me see." Li Changzhou stood up immediately.


    Suddenly.


    "Uncle, quick, the fishing float!" Li Yuan pointed at the float that hadpletely submerged.


    "It''s a big one! Double happiness!" Li Changzhou quickly grabbed the fishing rod.


    ...


    After putting the fish in the box, Li Changzhou sat down, looking at the admission notice on Li Yuan''s smart wristband, a smile spreading across his face.


    "Uncle, which academy do you think I should choose?" Li Yuan asked casually. "The Sixth Academy or the Eighth Academy?"


    The Sixth Academy was where Dean Li was.


    The Eighth Academy was where Dean Zhao, who had rmended Li Yuan to Kunlun Martial University, was. Dean Zhao was also Wan Qinghe''s senior brother.


    Therefore, in Li Yuan''s mind, he would only choose one of these two after entering Kunlun Martial University.


    "I suggest the Sixth Academy," Li Changzhou said. "Martial artists have their circles. The martial arts university youe from is a big circle; the academy within it is a smaller circle. After graduation, whether you join a martial hall, the military, or arge corporation, that''s another new circle."


    Li Yuan listened attentively.


    A great man needs great support; having a widework helps smooth the path of martial arts training.


    Li Yuan had no intention of being a lone wolf.


    "Different circles may intersect," Li Changzhou said. "Dean Zhao of the Eighth Academy seems closer to you since he rmended you first."


    "But has he contacted you in the past few months?" Li Changzhou smiled knowingly. "Has he guided you?"


    Li Yuan shook his head.


    "He surely knows your situation and your connection but hasn''t reached out, indicating that he doesn''t ce much importance on you," Li Changzhou said.


    Li Yuan nodded lightly. Dean Zhao was a powerful 29th-level Source Martial Artist. Not contacting him didn''t necessarily mean he looked down on him. It could be his personality orck of interest in mentoring juniors.


    "On the contrary, Dean Li has always been concerned about you," Li Changzhou said. "He even called you before the college entrance exam."


    "And it was he who gave you the S-level contract."


    "In a sense, if you enter Kunlun Martial University, he would be like your mentor," Li Changzhou said. "That''s a very valuable rtionship."


    Li Yuan understood his uncle''s point.


    Rather than joining an unfamiliar circle that might not value him, it was better to stick with the familiar one.


    "Dean Li is a good person." Li Yuan nodded. "Uncle, should I call Dean Li on V-chat first?"


    "You should!"


    "But, in the admission notice, there seems to be a ce to apply for your target academy. Fill in the Sixth Academy first," Li Changzhou said. "Then call him. He''ll be even happier."


    "Alright."


    ...


    Li Yuan filled out the ''Admission Notice Response,'' entered his personal information, and expressed his desire to join the Sixth Academy.


    Then he directly called Dean Li on V-chat.


    As expected by Li Changzhou.


    "Dean Li," Li Yuan said directly. "I received the admission notice and have filled out the response... I applied for the Sixth Academy."


    "Do you think that''s suitable?"


    "Not considering the Eighth Academy?" Dean Li on the light screen smiled, knowing Li Yuan''s connection with Dean Zhao.


    "The Eighth Academy is great, but over the past few months, you and Teacher Fan Jin have guided me a lot. Without that, I wouldn''t have made such progress," Li Yuan said sincerely. "I think following you is the best choice."


    "Haha, good!" Dean Li''s voice was filled withughter. "Don''t worry, your choice is absolutely right. I will arrange everything so that in the next two years, you can be a Source Martial Artist as quickly as possible."


    Li Yuan could tell that Dean Li was very pleased with his decision.


    "You can rx a bit during this half-month holiday," Dean Li said. "But don''tpletely ck off in training. I''ll expedite your admission review."


    "Then you can enter the ''Kunlun Space,'' and all the resources from the S-level special training contract will be provided to you." Dean Li instructed.


    "Understood."


    "I won''t disappoint you, Dean Li," Li Yuan said. "For the practical exam at the end of July, I''ll definitely bring glory to our Sixth Academy."


    "Good, I look forward to it." Dean Li enjoyed hearing Li Yuan say ''our Sixth Academy.''


    ...


    That evening.


    "You''ve already chosen the Sixth Academy?" Wan Qinghe asked Li Yuan through V-chat. "Not considering the Eighth Academy?"


    "Uncle, I''m very grateful to Dean Zhao," Li Yuan said with some embarrassment. "But Dean Li has been guiding my training. When he asked my preference, I felt I couldn''t refuse, so I applied for the Sixth Academy."


    "I always remember Dean Zhao''s kindness. Even if we are in different academies, we are still part of Kunlun Martial University. When I get there, I will definitely visit Dean Zhao."


    "Haha, alright." Wan Qingheughed. "Don''t worry, I''ll exin it to Dean Zhao. He won''t me you."


    Wan Qinghe knew how to dispel any potential dissatisfaction his ''Ninth Senior Brother'' might have towards Li Yuan.


    ...


    "Ninth Senior Brother."


    "Li Yuan said he voluntarily applied to join the Sixth Academy, but I feel he was hesitant, maybe there''s another reason," Wan Qinghe sighed. "Before, Li Yuan often expressed his gratitude to you and mentioned many times that he would visit you once he got to Kunlun Martial University."


    "You know."


    "No matter how talented he is, he''s still just a young man. How could he handle so much pressure?" Wan Qinghe sighed. "me me for not exining things to him sooner. He didn''t know your stance."


    "This is my fault." Wan Qinghe looked apologetic.


    "I understand."


    "It''s not your fault, and you can''t me Li Yuan," Dean Zhao, a burly man on the light screen, had a hint of anger on his face. "It must be that scoundrel Li Yang''s doing."


    Dean Li''s real name was Li Yang.


    "What about Li Yuan?" Wan Qinghe asked at the right moment.


    "Let him train well and tell him that joining the Sixth or Eighth Academy is the same," Dean Zhao said. "When hees to Kunlun Martial University, he can still attend my sses if he has time."


    "Senior Brother, you have a broad mind and are not confined by academy boundaries. In this respect, you surpass Dean Li by far," Wan Qinghe praised.


    ...


    In each province, there is only one martial arts university.


    Nationwide, there are only five top universities, so the national and provincial lines are clearly defined.


    For the martial arts category, the top 10,600 qualify for the provincial line.


    The top 520 qualify for the national line.


    This has been the case for years.


    However, admissions for cultural universities are much moreplicated.


    Thus, it wasn''t until June 20th that all universities in Chinapleted their admissions.


    On June 22nd, ss 2 of the third year held a graduation dinner, but less than sixty students could attend.


    "On the day I checked my results, I cried. My mom hugged me and cried. High school is finally over."


    "I cried too, but it was because my parents beat me up."


    "Brother Yuan is amazing."


    "Kunlun Martial University, and selected for special training! So impressive."


    "Brother Yuan, I toast to you."


    "Brother Yuan." Li Yuan was almost the center of attention among his ssmates.


    These newly graduated students were awkwardly learning some adult social etiquette.


    "Li Yuan, thank you." Li Tianyou poured a ss of beer.


    His eyes were slightly red as he solemnly said to Li Yuan, "If it weren''t for you, I might not have passed."


    Li Tianyou barely passed, ranking just over 9900 in the provincial martial arts category, securing a spot at Jiangbei Martial University.


    "It has nothing to do with me."


    "It''s all because of your hard work." Li Yuan smiled, easing his friend''s emotions.


    "Don''t worry, I''ll find a way to repay the money I owe you as soon as possible," Li Tianyou whispered.


    "Okay, I trust your character." Li Yuan smiled. "But don''t rush it. Focus on your training once you''re in university."


    Li Yuan didn''t say, ''The money is a gift.''


    He knew that insisting on repaying the debt was Li Tianyou''s way of maintaining his dignity.


    Why trample on it?


    "Brother Yuan, another toast to you." Zhou Qi approached with a ss.


    He had also performed well in the college entrance exam, getting into a C9 university.


    As time passed, many students gradually became tipsy.


    Li Yuan remained sober, looking at many ssmates who seemed slightly unfamiliar now, even though they had been close just half a month ago.


    He understood that apart from a few close friends like Zhou Qi and Li Tianyou, this was probably thest time he would see many of his ssmates in this lifetime.


    His youth was truly over.


    Quietly, Li Yuan settled the bill and left.


    ...


    June was not yet too hot.


    After the ss reunion.


    In the following days of vacation, Li Yuan often spent his days fishing with his uncle, gardening with his aunt, and going to the mall to buy clothes together.


    On weekends, the whole family of five went to North Lake Ink Mountain for a trip.


    Since middle school, Li Yuan had never felt so rxed as he did this June.


    In the evenings, he focused on martial arts training.


    "Since the college entrance exam ended, I''ve spent less time on spear and martial arts training."


    "But my spear technique has improved faster?" Li Yuan noticed this phenomenon.


    This realization made him reflect.


    "Efficiency."


    "To seed in anything, the effort and time spent are crucial," Li Yuan thought. "Like in any ordinary industry, the 10,000-hour rule makes sense."


    "But."


    "When reaching a certain level in martial arts, simply umting time may not be the best way."


    "These days, I''ve been more rxed, had more free time to think during the day, and seen more sights."


    "These changes have rxed my mind."


    "They have made my spear training more efficient, with fewer distractions. My mind seems purer and calmer." Li Yuan began to understand this principle.


    Training is like life. Sometimes, the more you desire, the less you get.


    A moment of sudden enlightenment can be worth years of practice, but this enlightenment cannot be achieved through constant strain.


    "Mental training!"


    "In the past, I blindly pursued time, craving higher efficiency." Li Yuan suddenly smiled. "Just like my uncle said, being too tense for too long, I need to rx asionally."


    Thus.


    Li Yuan began to enjoy his time more with his uncle and aunt.


    On the night of June 29th.


    "ng! ng!" Li Yuan practiced with his spear. As he swung it, dazzling arcs of light shed, creating numerous afterimages.


    Gradually.


    Li Yuan felt more at ease,pletely immersed in his spear techniques, even enjoying it.


    "Bang! Bang!" The sound of the practice sandbag being struck echoed.


    "Sofortable." Li Yuan''s mind raced, countless scenarios shing through. He saw therge practice sandbag as a master opponent.


    His spear strikes became faster.


    And more stable. Each explosive strike seemed to be instinctive.


    Suddenly.


    "Whoosh!" Li Yuan''s mind felt a sudden rity. His speed surged, and the spear tip moved incredibly fast.


    It pierced through the air.


    "Boom!" The tough sandbag was split open by the blunt spear, scattering countless special sand grains everywhere.


    [Your spear technique has increased from 36% to 42% in the fourth tier]


    [Your fist technique has increased from 39% to 44% in the fourth tier] Two notifications shed in session.


    Li Yuan stood still, letting the sand cover his ankles.


    "The third form of the Starry Spear Technique, ''Dawn Pierces the Clouds,'' can finally be fully executed." Li Yuan thought.


    Soon after.


    Li Yuan called the relevant staff at the martial hall.


    Someone came to rece the sandbag and clean up.


    ...


    The leisurely vacation had to end.


    July 2nd was thest day to report to Kunlun Martial University, and it was the day Li Yuan left home.


    "Little Yuan, train well at university and don''t worry about home." Li Changzhou advised. "I''m here at home."


    "When you get to school, let us know." His aunt always worried about Li Yuan''s safety, even though he was now a first-level martial artist.


    "Yes, I know."


    "Uncle, Aunt, it''s windy. Go back inside." Li Yuan, carrying his backpack, waved with a smile.


    A small aircraft hovered in the air.


    Whoosh!


    Li Yuan leaped over two meters high, directly into the aircraft, and the door closed.


    The aircraft quickly ascended, heading towards Tianhe Airport for a transfer.


    Li Changzhou and Chen Hui stood outside the vi, waving continuously until the aircraft disappeared into the rain and mist.


    Li Yuan!


    Had officially embarked on his university journey.

 Chapter 103: Kunlun Martial University, New Senior Brother

    <h4>Chapter 103: Kunlun Martial University, New Senior Brother</h4>


    Sitting in the short-distance aircraft prepared by the Martial Hall, heading to the airport.


    Suddenly.


    "Hmm?" Li Yuan noticed his smart wristband vibrating. He nced down, his eyes slightly moving.


    It was a message from Lin Lanyue.


    They hadn''t seen each other since the Jiangbei Martial University invitation event.


    Before and after the college entrance exam, Li Yuan had wanted to meet Lin Lanyue to thank her in person.


    However, she had not returned to Guanshan District No. 1 High School.


    Li Yuan had asked Gu Qianghan about her.


    He only confirmed one thing: Lin Lanyue had indeed returned to take the college entrance exam, but her exam site was assigned to Guanshan District No. 2 High School.


    Moreover, she had not returned to her home in the "Starry Sky South Lake Community."


    Where exactly she was living now, Gu Qianghan didn''t know either.


    V-chat? Li Yuan had tried several times to send messages to Lin Lanyue, but they all disappeared without a trace.


    It seemed as though she was deliberately avoiding him.


    Li Yuan hadn''t expected that just as he was about to set off for Kunlun Martial University, Lin Lanyue sent a message.


    The message was not long.


    "Li Yuan, I saw all the messages you sent. Thest time I saved your uncle was just a coincidence; I happened to hear about it from Teacher Xu Bo, and my brother happened to pass through Jiangcheng with me Tulip Nectar in hand. You don''t need to worry too much. Also, congrattions on getting into Kunlun Martial University. It''s the best martial arts university in China. I believe you can be a Flying Martial Artist in the future. Keep up the good work!"


    Li Yuan stared at the content on the screen, lost in thought.


    A coincidence?


    Was it really a coincidence, or was it an excuse Lin Lanyue made up so he wouldn''t feel burdened?


    After thinking for a while, Li Yuan replied, "Thank you regardless. If there''s anything I can help with in the future, please let me know. I also wish you smooth sailing at Starry Sky University."


    Maybe it had been too long since theyst met.


    Or perhaps after what happened with Li Changzhou, Li Yuan realized the significant gap between them.


    Their words seemed somewhat polite.


    Lin Lanyue''s college entrance exam martial arts score was first in Guanshan District, second in Jiangcheng City, and third in Jiangbei Province.


    The top scorer in Jiangbei Province''s martial arts category was Wu Dongdong, the second was Wang Yu, and the third was Lin Lanyue.


    Lin Lanyue was sessfully admitted to Starry Sky University.


    She was also the only student from Guanshan District to be admitted to one of the three top global universities.


    After a while.


    "Alright, see you again if fate allows." Lin Lanyue replied.


    Li Yuan stared at the screen for a long time, sighed softly, and eventually did not reply.


    He closed his smart wristband.


    Resting with his eyes closed.


    Soon.


    "Li Yuan, we''ve arrived at the airport." A low voice sounded, "You can check in and board the ne once you enter the terminal."


    ng~ The cabin door opened.


    "Thanks, Instructor Xing." Li Yuan opened his eyes, seeing Instructor Xing sitting in front of him.


    "Between us, there''s no need for thanks. Go to Kunlun Martial University and train hard. I look forward to seeing a Flying Martial Artist emerge from Guanshan District." Instructor Xing smiled, "Don''t worry about home. I''ll arrange for the Martial Hall people to keep an eye on things."


    "If anything major happens, I''ll report to the Hall Master."


    "Thanks a lot." Li Yuan nodded.


    Living in the South Lake Starlight Community for the past few months, Li Yuan had met many martial artists from the Martial Hall.


    People like Instructor Xing and Fang Longhu lived in District 3 and had good rtionships with Li Yuan.


    Additionally, Li Yuan had great confidence in his uncle Li Changzhou''s capabilities.


    Moreover, he left 2 million Blue Star coins at home, so he wasn''t too worried about his family.


    Half an hourter.


    Arge aircraft took off from Tianhe Airport, heading towards the Longxi Province.


    ...


    In the centralrge vi of the Starry Sky South Lake Community.


    In the first-floor living room.


    "Sis, it''s only two kilometers away, yet you won''t go see him?" The young man in blue smiled.


    "No need." The girl sitting on the sofa shook her head lightly, "I know him. He''s a proud person."


    "Now he must feel he owes me a huge favor he can''t repay... What''s there to say if we meet?"


    "Awkward small talk?"


    "Or watch him stammer thanks?" Lin Lanyue looked at the young man in blue.


    The young man was speechless.


    "Let''s wait."


    "I believe there will be a day we meet again." Lin Lanyue stood up, her delicate face calm, "By then, I believe he will be able to face me calmly."


    "Aren''t you afraid you won''t see him again?" The young man looked at his sister, "Aren''t you afraid he''ll fall for someone else?"


    He felt that his sister had changed a lot over the past six months.


    Gradually shedding her childishness, bing moreposed, decisive, and resilient.


    Truly starting to grow up.


    Besides that, there was a vague, unbloomed feeling.


    The girl was silent for a long time, finally whispering, "I trust my judgment."


    "If I''m wrong, I''ll bear the consequences." Lin Lanyue smiled, "Second brother, let''s go."


    "From Jiangbei Province to the Lantis Continent, it''s over 30,000 kilometers."


    "Today''s thest day to report, don''t bete."


    ...


    Taking arge aircraft to Longxi Province, then transferring to a small aircraft.


    By 3 p.m., Li Yuan finally arrived at Kunlun Martial University.


    "Kunlun Martial University." Li Yuan sat by the window of the aircraft, looking far into the distance.


    He could see it from afar.


    In the vast, boundlessnd, there were countless vis, buildings, airports... The most striking was the colossal, futuristic war fortress.


    This was Kunlun Martial University. The overallyout was simr to Jiangbei Martial University, even smaller in scale.


    After all, Jiangbei Martial University had 40,000 to 50,000 students, while Kunlun Martial University only had 10,000 students annually.


    But!


    That war fortress was towering, far surpassing the one at Jiangbei Martial University.


    "Kunlun Fortress." Li Yuan murmured, recalling the name of the fortress.


    This fortress was one of the top ten tallest war fortresses in northwest China.


    Nearly 900 meters high, covering almost 20 square kilometers, an absolute giant.


    The other nine? Most were located around the Luo Bu Sea Astral Realm.


    The aircraft quickly approached.


    "Indeed!"


    "Except for the teaching buildings, it''s all vis." Li Yuan marveled, "ording to the admissions guide, each student gets a single vi, equipped with an aircraft, housekeeper... allowing every student to focus entirely on training."


    At Jiangbei Martial University, only the top 5% of students enjoyed such treatment.


    But at Kunlun Martial University, everyone had it, even better.


    Li Yuan''s gaze shifted, seeing a vast, dragon-like mountain range in the distance.


    It was the number one mountain range in China¡ª the Kunlun Mountains.


    "The ancestor of all mountains, Kunlun." Li Yuan murmured, "The name of Kunlun University has deep meaning."


    ...


    "Wow! Wow! Wow!" Several students disembarked from the aircraft with Li Yuan.


    Today was thest day for registration.


    And it was already afternoon, so almost all the students hadpleted their registration.


    Therefore, the "Wee New Students" banner at the distant terminal building had half fallen off, with no one caring.


    "Li Yuan, over here,e quickly." A clear-looking young man called out loudly.


    Next to him was a burly young man, followed by more people.


    Seeing them, Li Yuan smiled and walked over quickly, "Gu Qiang, Haifeng, long time no see."


    He greeted them with the customary boys'' greeting ¡ª a chest bump.


    That''s right!


    Gu Qianghan and Dong Haifeng had also sessfully gotten into Kunlun Martial University.


    Including Li Yuan, they were the only three students from Guanshan District No. 1 High School to get into the top five universities.


    Coming from the same high school to the same university naturally made their rtionship closer, and they had been in touch early on.


    Before setting off.


    Li Yuan had sent messages to Gu Qianghan and Dong Haifeng, informing them of his approximate arrival time.


    "Li Yuan."


    "Li Yuan." Behind them were thirty or forty people, all greeting Li Yuan.


    "Are you all from Jiangcheng?" Li Yuan hesitated, recognizing some familiar faces.


    "Yes."


    "Li Yuan, we all attended the Jiangbei Martial University invitation event together. You might not remember us well, but we all remember you," a tall, thin boy smiled, "My name is An Nong."


    "Li Yuan, I''m Tong Zhi."


    "My name is..." Dozens of people introduced themselves quickly.


    "Alright, I vaguely remember you all." Li Yuan smiled.


    Seeing arge group of fellow townspeople and acquaintances.


    The initial unfamiliarity of being far from home wasrgely dispelled.


    "Why are you all here?" Li Yuan asked, puzzled. It was one thing for Gu Qianghan and Dong Haifeng to pick him up.


    But the others?


    They looked familiar, but not familiar enough to warrant this reception.


    "What else? Waiting for you, the new senior brother of the Sixth Academy." Gu Qianghan red, "You, the new senior brother of the Sixth Academy, arrivedst? No sense of responsibility."


    "New senior brother?" Li Yuan was confused.


    He had just arrived.


    How did he be the new senior brother?


    "No time to exin. Rankings close at eight, and our academy is only sixth. Li Yuan, get on the aircraft," Gu Qianghan urged, "I''ll exin on the way."


    "Your registration procedures should all be done in Kunlun Space, right?"


    "Yes, vi 61032." Li Yuan replied.


    This number meant the Sixth Academy, vi 1032.


    "Right next to me, I''m in 61031." Gu Qianghan smiled, "Finish the task first. Let''s boost our academy''s ranking."


    "To the Xuanwu Building."


    "Ranking?" Li Yuan was even more puzzled, having just arrived.


    But he still followed Gu Qianghan onto the aircraft.


    The aircraft was a four-seater, essentially a "flying car," suitable for short distances.


    Each student had one, with intelligent driving and the ability to travel anywhere within the school.


    When needed, it could be summoned directly.


    When not in use, it would automatically return to the vi for recharging, parking, and cleaning.


    "Students at Jiangbei Martial University seem to travel on foot," Li Yuan couldn''t help but say.


    He recalled the scenes during the invitation event.


    "The level of universities is different, so the training schemes are naturally different," Gu Qianghan said, "The weakest students at Kunlun Martial University areparable to their strongest."


    Li Yuan smiled but remained unconvinced.


    Perhaps it was true for new students.


    But by the second or third year, it might not be the case.


    ...


    Flying at low altitude along the road, Li Yuan saw many other aircraft passing by.


    All carrying Kunlun Martial University students.


    "Level 13 martial artist!"


    "Level 16 martial artist!"


    "Source martial artist." Li Yuan casually nced around, using his mental pce to observe that most people were below level 15.


    Very few were above level 18.


    Source martial artists? Very rare, and on the way, Li Yuan only saw a few.


    Excluding new students.


    Martial artists were everywhere, level 15 and above weremon, and source martial artist students existed ¡ª this was Kunlun Martial University.


    One of the top two martial arts universities in China.


    Along the way, Gu Qianghan quickly briefed Li Yuan, letting him grasp the general situation.


    "The Eight Academiespetition, pre-enrollment points ranking? The total points of the top 200 students from each academy?"


    "Deadline tonight at eight?"


    "The top-ranking academy, each student gets a 20,000 Blue Star coins reward; the top individual scorer gets 500,000 Blue Star coins?" Li Yuan listened to Gu Qianghan.


    "Are you all from the Sixth Academy?" Li Yuan couldn''t help but ask, "Howe you''re all so concentrated?"


    There should be less than a hundred students from Jiangcheng who got into Kunlun Martial University.


    And Kunlun Martial University had eight academies.


    "Because of you!"


    "You chose to join the Sixth Academy, so half a month ago when you told me, I immediately contacted these fellow townspeople, urging them to join the Sixth Academy to support you." Gu Qianghan said excitedly, "Anyway, if someone has to support you, it might as well be us."


    "Li Yuan, other provinces'' students may not know, but we all know."


    "Your low college entrance exam ranking was due to the extra points. In terms of raw scores, you were the top in Jiangbei Province."


    "But in university, it''s all about real strength!"


    "Top talents like Wu Dongdong, my sister, and Tian Dazhuang, who couldpete with you, all went to Starry Sky University and Starlight University."


    "In terms of strength, if you don''t im the top spot among new students at Kunlun Martial University, I don''t believe anyone else can!" Gu Qianghan''s eyes gleamed, "Li Yuan, I said before, my sister is out of reach."


    "For the next five years of university, I''ll be relying on you."

 Chapter 104: The Xuanwu Beyond Flying

    <h4>Chapter 104: The Xuanwu Beyond Flying</h4>


    "Support you for five years?" Li Yuan couldn''t help but want to say something as he listened to Gu Qianghan''s words.


    But considering Gu Qianghan''s family background and personality, he closed his mouth. As Gu Qianghan had once said, he could indeed rely on his family.


    Moreover, Li Yuan had long realized that while Gu Qianghan appeared carefree and unrestrained, he was actually very intelligent. Coupled with his family background, such people often believed they had "seen through everything."


    If he didn''t wake up on his own, no amount of persuasion from others would help.


    Besides, "Being friends and roommates with Gu Qiang is quite good," Li Yuan thought to himself.


    "Brothers and sisters," Gu Qianghanughed, "why don''t you call Li Yuan senior brother?"


    "Senior brother!"


    "Senior brother." Several dozen freshmen from Jiangcheng on more than ten flying vehicles shouted together.


    Their voices echoed across the campus.


    Li Yuan was taken aback, and it also drew the attention of many passing students.


    Senior brother? Having such a title was rare in the entire school.


    "Did you guyse up with this title?" Li Yuan couldn''t help but ask.


    "Wrong!"


    "Li Yuan," Gu Qianghan grinned, "this isn''t self-proimed. It''s recognition. We all recognize you as the new senior brother of the Sixth Academy. Ask them, who disagrees?"


    "Agree!" Dong Haifengughed.


    "Li Yuan, you should be our senior brother," An Nong and other freshmen shouted.


    The students who were admitted to Kunlun Martial University were all top choices, often the prominent figures in their respective high schools.


    Getting them to acknowledge another freshman as senior brother? No one would truly ept it.


    Being a bit stronger now didn''t mean being strong forever.


    Only Li Yuan was different!!


    This group of students from Jiangcheng had all witnessed Li Yuan''s prowess during the Jiangbei Martial University invitation event.


    Moreover, back then, Li Yuan''s physical fitness was only around level 9. Now that he had advanced, he was undoubtedly even more formidable.


    Most importantly, many of these students had seen the program that featured Li Yuan and knew roughly how terrifying his rise was.


    With these factorsbined, the huge gap made them highly respect Li Yuan.


    Joining the Sixth Academy wasn''t really about relying on Li Yuan, but rather about forming a supportive group.


    "Senior brother?" Li Yuan shook his head but did not argue further.


    In fact, in terms of strength, Li Yuan was among the top of his age group worldwide. Due to his martial arts spirituality,ing to Kunlun Martial University, Li Yuan also felt a bit indignant.


    He wanted to prove himself!


    Li Yuan had ambition.


    He couldn''t get into Starlight University or Starry Sky University? Then he would strive at Kunlun Martial University to surpass the martial arts geniuses of the three top schools.


    He would work hard to be a flying martial artist in the future, or even stronger.


    Prove through his actions that not entering Starlight University or Starry Sky University didn''t mean he couldn''t be the best.


    "First among new students at Kunlun Martial University?" Li Yuan shook his head slightly.


    From the beginning, Li Yuan''s goal was never just that.


    His sights were set much higher.


    "Haifeng, how are the total scores for the Eight Academiespetition calcted?" Li Yuan asked.


    "It''s based on the points from Kunlun Nine Mountains," Dong Haifeng exined. "Each academy has about 250 freshmen, and everyone can challenge the Kunlun Nine Mountains."


    "The best scores of the top 200 are added up to form the academy''s total score for the entrancepetition."


    "There are individual rankings and academy total score rankings." Dong Haifeng quickly exined, "Right now, our Sixth Academy is ranked fourth, with a total score of over 5,700 points."


    "Which means, on average, each person scored less than 30 points?" Li Yuan felt a headacheing on.


    The score was too low.


    Beforeing to the university, Li Yuan had seen various learning arrangements,petition settings, and reward systems of Kunlun Martial University on the virtualwork "Kunlun Space."


    He knew a bit about Kunlun Nine Mountains, which was a "virtual duel" set up by Kunlun Martial University to test martial arts skills, divided into nine mountains.


    Kunlun Nine Mountains was simr to the Starry Sky Combat Network''s ranking matches but not exactly the same.


    "Yes, the score is indeed low."


    Dong Haifeng scratched his head, feeling a bit embarrassed. "Because most freshmen''s martial arts skills haven''t even reached the third level."


    Li Yuan pondered.


    Third-level skills corresponded to 360 points in the martial arts skills section of the college entrance exam, which was very difficult to achieve.


    Fourth-level skills? They were one of the three major thresholds for source martial artists.


    As far as Li Yuan knew, although Kunlun Martial University would produce arge number of source martial artists in the future, most students wouldn''t be source martial artists before graduation.


    Those who could be source martial artists often continued to train after graduation, undergoing life-and-death trials in the star realms to finally break through their bottlenecks.


    Otherwise, there wouldn''t be so few source martial artists among the human civilization.


    Someone like Li Yuan, who reached fourth-level skills in high school? He was among the best of his age group worldwide.


    Otherwise, why would Li Yuan be so highly regarded by Starlight Martial Hall?


    "Li Yuan."


    "Oh no, senior brother," Gu Qianghan quickly changed his address, excited, "Our Sixth Academy is only a couple of hundred points behind the second and third ces."


    "Only the Third Academy is ahead of us by six to seven hundred points." Gu Qianghan said seriously, "If you can score 800 points alone, we''ll definitely win."


    "800 points?"


    "Gu Qiang, you didn''t say that earlier. Didn''t you say we were aiming for second ce?"


    "800 points, that''s a bit much." Others were stunned. They were confident Li Yuan could score four to five hundred points, but 800?


    It seemed exaggerated! They had all challenged Kunlun Nine Mountains and knew its difficulty.


    "800 points?" Li Yuan smiled. "I''ll give it a try. Just don''t me me if I can''t do it."


    "Haha, sure."


    "If Wu Luo can score over 300 points, senior brother will do even better. After all, Wu Luo was badly defeated by senior brother."


    "Wu Luo''s skills have reached the fourth level. Otherwise, many third-level students would have stopped at the third mountain."


    "And Yang Hong, he scored nearly 400 points."


    "With senior brother''s strength, surpassing those two shouldn''t be difficult." Everyone discussed eagerly.


    They all had high expectations for Li Yuan.


    Soon, passing through arge vi area, the dozen flying vehicles arrived at arge building.


    In front of the buildingy a huge stone statue of a creature resembling a sea turtle, standing several dozen meters high and over two hundred meters long.


    The statue was made of stone.


    Only the turtle shell on its back appeared so real that the entire statue emitted an inexplicable, terrifying aura, as if a powerful Xuanwu was truly resting there.


    "This is the Xuanwu statue?" Li Yuan was shocked. He had seen it in the school''s introduction.


    "Yes!"


    "Legend has it that long ago, a astral realm creature, Xuanwu, beyond the flying level appeared on the Soaring Star." Gu Qianghan said excitedly, "It was hunted down one-on-one by the strongest human, Dongfang Ji. They fought an earth-shattering battle on the Soaring Star."


    "In the end, Dongfang Ji killed it."


    "Its shell was given to Dongfang Ji''s alma mater, ''Kunlun Martial University,'' as a gift."


    "This is the turtle shell."


    "It''s the remains of a creature beyond the flying level."


    "After thorough research, Kunlun Martial University crafted it into a statue and ced it here as a reminder to all students to remain humble." Gu Qianghan exined, "This building was renamed Xuanwu Building in its honor."


    "Smart but weak." Li Yuanughed.


    "Damn! Not again," Gu Qianghanined, "It''s not that I''m weak, it''s that you''re too abnormal."


    "Get off."


    The flying vehicle slowlynded on the square, and dozens of people jumped off.


    "Each academy has its own area."


    "And there''s aprehensive building."


    "Xuanwu Building is theprehensive building, divided into East and West wings," Gu Qianghan introduced. "The East wing is the main area for freshmen. Any important activities for freshmen from all eight academies will be held here."


    Li Yuan listened, some things he knew, some he didn''t.


    Clearly, Gu Qianghan had been here for a few days and was very familiar with many things.


    "Into the East wing." Gu Qianghan said.


    A group of people surrounded Li Yuan as they entered the East wing of Xuanwu Building.


    The building had only twelve floors but a vast area.


    Entering it, they were greeted by an enormous open-air za, capable of amodating two to three thousand people. At this moment, six to seven hundred people were gathered there.


    As Li Yuan and hisrge group entered, they immediately attracted the attention of many freshmen in the za.


    "That''s the Sixth Academy."


    "That''s Gu Qianghan."


    "The Sixth Academy," someone recognized.


    In just a few days, Gu Qianghan had gained some fame among the freshmen for his outstanding "organizational skills."


    "Are they still trying topete in the entrancepetition?"


    "The deadline is approaching. Their best should have alreadypeted."


    "What are they doing here?" Many students looked puzzled.


    The entrancepetition for the eight academies was nearing its end.


    "Li Yuan!"


    "Li Yuan, he''s here? He''s from the Sixth Academy?"


    "Damn!"


    "No wonder all those students from Jiangcheng joined the Sixth Academy. Li Yuan joined the Sixth Academy? He didn''t go to Starlight University?"


    "He''s really here?" Many of the several hundred students from Jiangbei Province quickly recognized the conspicuous figure with arge bag.


    "Li Yuan?"


    "Who is Li Yuan?" Freshmen from other provinces were confused. "Never heard of him. He''s not in the top ten of this year''s admissions."


    "Don''t worry about it. Go notify Wu Luo."


    "And Yang Hong. If he''s here, we might lose our top spot." Some students from Jiangbei Province were genuinely worried.


    They had witnessed Li Yuan''s prowess.


    Over here.


    "Rankings?" Li Yuan looked up, seeing the two giant screens on either side of the za, disying two sets of rankings.


    Kunlun Nine Mountains Individual Ranking (Freshmen):


    1-Yang Hong (399 points)


    2-Wu Luo (329 points)


    3-Han Hongjun (288 points) ...


    Eight Academies Entrance Competition (Academy):


    1-Third Academy (6563 points)


    2-Seventh Academy (6043 points)


    3-Fifth Academy (5956 points)


    4-Sixth Academy (5789 points) ...


    "Senior brother, start now," An Nong whispered. "The sooner we get it done, the sooner we can rx."


    "Alright." Li Yuan nodded and headed towards the virtualwork pods in the distance.

 Chapter 105: By One’s Own Strength

    <h4>Chapter 105: By One''s Own Strength</h4>


    "Haifeng, help me with my bag," Li Yuan called out, removing his backpack and tossing it to Dong Haifeng. After all, he was most familiar with Gu Qianghan and Dong Haifeng. The others? Even though they called him "senior brother," Li Yuan didn''t take it seriously.


    "Senior brother, leave it to me. This is what I''m best at," said the tall, thin An Nong, who took Li Yuan''s backpack and patted his chest. "I''ll take good care of it."


    Li Yuan was momentarily stunned and gave An Nong a curious look. This guy knew how to y his cards right!


    "Okay, An Nong, thank you." Li Yuan smiled and didn''t refuse. During the short time from the terminal to the Xuanwu Building, Li Yuan had already made up his mind. The students admitted to Kunlun Martial University might not be as talented as he was, but they were the cream of the crop in their own right, with the potential to be source warriors in the future.


    Most importantly, they were all from Jiangcheng!


    In ancient times, this would naturally form a "hometown faction," providing a basis of trust among them.


    So, with Gu Qianghan having alreadyid a good foundation, if Li Yuan could truly gather these people together and create a strong sense of unity, it might prove useful in the future. Connections andworks are built step by step.


    His uncle, Li Changzhou, had taught him early on not to focus too narrowly on the present. Learning a few morenguages, understanding different industries, earning extra certificates, making more friends¡ªthese might seem useless now, but one or two of these could prove invaluable at a critical moment in the future.


    In short, it never hurts to umte more.


    "Senior brother?" "Are we deciding on a senior brother already?" "Isn''t the senior brother only chosen after the July practical assessment?" "This Li Yuan, is he really that good?" Many new students around were shocked upon hearing An Nong''s address.


    The title of "senior brother" is officially designated by the university for each ss in each academy, based on strength and willingness, and it is contested every six months. Ites with responsibilities as well as benefits.


    "What do you guys know?" An Nong scoffed, holding Li Yuan''s bag and loudly dering, "Everyone says Yang Hong is the senior brother of the Third Academy and Wu Luo is the senior brother of the Seventh Academy... but are they truly acknowledged by everyone in their academies?"


    The crowd exchanged nces.


    In fact, most of the people present were from the Third and Seventh Academies.


    "Do you guys from the Sixth Academy truly acknowledge this Li Yuan?" someone couldn''t help but ask.


    "Of course, we do." "Our senior brother is much stronger than those two; just wait and see," An Nong shouted to Gu Qianghan and the others, "Brothers and sisters, show them our Sixth Academy''s unity, call him senior brother."


    "Senior brother!" Over thirty people seemed prepared and shouted in unison towards Li Yuan, their voices echoing throughout the hall.


    Li Yuan was taken aback and looked at An Nong again. This guy was a master at this!


    He knew how to create hype, set the stage, and build anticipation¡ªperfect for promotional work. If he learned to write cliffhangers, he''d surely do well in serial novels.


    "Are they serious?" "Do they all really acknowledge him?" "Is this Li Yuan really that amazing?" Thebined shout from dozens of people stunned the hall of over six hundred new students. Many who were initially skeptical now began to wonder.


    This Li Yuan, could he truly be that formidable?


    In fact, there were quite a few Sixth Academy students from other provinces who didn''t know Li Yuan, but faced with such a scene, they dared not speak up.


    Everyone has a desire to conform and belong; no one wants to bebeled a "Sixth Academy traitor."


    For a moment, everyone in the hall couldn''t help but look at Li Yuan, waiting to see his performance. Could he really reverse the deficit of over seven hundred points by himself?


    "Senior brother, go for it." "Defeat the Third Academy and take first ce." An Nong, with one hand holding the bag and the other waving his fist, appeared incredibly excited.


    The atmosphere was just right.


    Li Yuan''s expression was slightly peculiar as he thought to himself, "If I mess this up, it''ll be a disaster, and I''ll be ridiculed for years."


    To be a leader, you must be able to handle big moments.


    "Luckily, it''s only a gap of seven hundred points, not seven thousand, or I''d be really in trouble," Li Yuan muttered to himself, stepping into the public virtualwork pod.


    The pod door closed.


    Li Yuan closed his eyes and connected his consciousness, entering the virtualwork.


    Swish!


    Swish! Swish! Everyone instinctively looked up, their eyes fixed on therge leaderboard screens on either side.


    In reality, every student could participate in the "Kunlun Nine Mountains" virtual challenge from their own vi and see the rankings in real-time.


    But no matter how realistic thework is, it can''tpare to the excitement of being there in person.


    Therefore, as the Eight Academy Entrance Competition neared its deadline, so many people had gathered in the East Hall of the Xuanwu Building.


    Primarily students from the Third and Seventh Academies, they were here to celebrate.


    ...


    Each academy''s freshmen have various V-chat groups.


    So, within a very short time, many freshmen in the hall had spread the news in their respective groups.


    "Who is Li Yuan?" "Who knows?" "The Sixth Academy is boasting that Li Yuan alone can score eight hundred points, how arrogant." "Never heard of him." "Eight hundred points? Those idiots from the Sixth Academy say Li Yuan can score a thousand points?" "A thousand points? Bullshit! I don''t believe it!" "Wait till I get there, I want to see them eat their words." Messages quickly spread across all academy groups.


    Many freshmen began heading from their vis to watch the excitement.


    Some who didn''t want to leave their homes instinctively paid attention to the rankings and group messages.


    ...


    In a vi belonging to a Seventh Academy student.


    In the underground martial arts room.


    A handsome young man holding a sword and shield was quietly training.


    Wu Luo!


    At the Jiangbei Martial University''s invitation event, he was defeated by Li Yuan in the cage battle, but performed well in the practical assessment, making it to the top ten.


    In the end, Kunlun Martial University signed him with another S-ss special training contract.


    Wu Luo didn''t disappoint. In the college entrance examination, he ranked eighth in the Jiangbei Province martial arts division.


    This score barely qualified him for the top three global martial arts universities.


    "If I went to Starry Sky University, I''d just be one of the least noticeable students, at the bottom, with no one paying attention to me." Wu Luo silently practiced his swordsmanship. "But at Kunlun Martial University, I am a top genius and can get the most training resources."


    "The probability of achieving great sess is higher!"


    "Moreover, after the college entrance exam, I sessfully broke through and achieved body-mind unity, and my swordsmanship has just crossed into the fourth grade." Wu Luo thought, "Among the two thousand freshmen, except for Yang Hong, no one is my match."


    Wu Luo had his considerations.


    He knew clearly thatpared to geniuses like Tian Dazhuang and Wu Dongdong, he was slightly inferior. Going to Starry Sky University would make it difficult for him to rise quickly.


    "Yang Hong." "Wait and see." Wu Luo''s eyes were determined. "In terms of physical quality, you''re no match for me. By the time of the practical assessment at the end of July, I will definitely be stronger than you."


    Suddenly.


    "Beep~" The auxiliary intelligence sounded. "Master, an important figure is transmitting a message. The remark is ''freshman Yang Hong.''"


    "Yang Hong?" Wu Luo was slightly surprised. "Connect."


    Light beams shot out, forming a light screen. On it appeared a burly young man holding arge axe, seemingly also training.


    "Yang Hong, what''s the matter?" Wu Luo asked calmly.


    "Have you checked the entrancepetition rankings?" the burly youth asked.


    "No." Wu Luo frowned.


    He didn''t answer generalmunications while training. Besides, it had only been a few days since school started. Only a few Seventh Academy freshmen knew his V-chat number.


    So, no one had been able to reach him for the past ten minutes.


    "Your and my scores have already been surpassed," the burly youth said.


    "What, surpassed?" Wu Luo''s eyes shed with shock. "Is there another fourth-grade skill master among the freshmen? Who?"


    "I heard from other ssmates that you should be familiar with this person." The burly youth''s face showed a hint of an inexplicable expression.


    "I''m familiar?" Wu Luo was even more confused.


    "Li Yuan!" The burly youth said with a faint smile.


    Boom!


    These two words were like a thunderp, causing Wu Luo''s eyes to widen in disbelief.


    That monster, he came to Kunlun Martial University?


    ...


    After hanging up with Yang Hong, Wu Luo immediately picked up his smart wristband, quickly clicking on the ''Kunlun Martial University'' app to check the rankings.


    Kunlun Nine Mountains Individual Ranking (Freshmen):


    1-Li Yuan (586 points)


    2-Yang Hong (399 points)


    3-Wu Luo (329 points)


    4-Han Hongjun (288 points) ...


    "588, 591." Wu Luo watched the numbers next to Li Yuan''s name rise rapidly.


    In an instant, they surpassed 600 points.


    What did this mean?


    It meant Li Yuan faced no significant obstacles and was sweeping through all opponents.


    Having scored over three hundred points himself, Wu Luo knew how formidable Li Yuan''s opponents were.


    "Li Yuan?" Wu Luo muttered, his eyes filled with unwillingness. "Have the past few months passed with me finally breaking through to the fourth grade, only for the gap between us to widen instead of closing?"


    He stared intently at the screen.


    "One thousand points." "You can''t possibly break a thousand points and enter the fifth mountain." Wu Luo thought.


    ...


    In the virtualwork space of Kunlun Martial University.


    In a particrly mystical area shrouded in mist and vastness, nine towering mountains stood.


    Kunlun Nine Mountains, each higher than thest, with the highest peak reaching into the clouds.


    On the broad mountain path of the fourth mountain.


    Blood flowed like rivers, with numerous wolf-like, silver star beasts lying in pools of blood.


    A handsome youth wielding a long spear walked steadily along the mountain path.


    His spear flickered like lightning.


    Each thrust resulted in the death of a star beast.


    Li Yuan''s score kept increasing.


    "The difficulty of Kunlun Nine Mountains is lower than I expected. I''ve easily reached the fourth mountain," Li Yuan observed the surroundings leisurely.


    In Kunlun Nine Mountains, one could choose their body''s strength level. Defeating all opponents on each mountain would clear that level.


    Li Yuan selected a body strength of 10.0. So far, his opponents had all been at 9.0,prising various astral beasts.


    The further he progressed, the higher the skill level of his opponents.


    "Roar~" A deep growl sounded suddenly, and a massive silver wolf king appeared, pouncing towards Li Yuan with speed and power far beyond the previous beasts.


    "Finally." "This is the boss after clearing out the minions? Defeat the boss, and this level should be cleared?" Li Yuan smiled, charging forward to meet it.


    Swish! Swish! Swish!


    The spear flickered, and Li Yuan instantly executed a "twelve-hitbo," trying to kill the silver wolf king directly.


    "ng!" "Whoosh! Whoosh!" The wolf''s ws, like steel, easily blocked Li Yuan''s spear attacks.


    "Fast!" "No wonder it''s the boss." Li Yuan''s eyes lit up. After nearly twenty minutes of clearing Kunlun Nine Mountains, he finally encountered a worthy opponent.


    This silver wolf king''s physical quality was slightly inferior to the moon demon wolf king he had faced in the past.


    But its skills were far superior.


    "It must have achieved body-mind unity, reaching the fourth segment skill threshold." Li Yuan quickly assessed, "Its physical quality should be around level 11."


    In terms of skills, Li Yuan was stronger! In terms of physical quality, the silver wolf king was stronger. Who woulde out on top?


    "Kill!" Li Yuan no longer held back. His spear flickered, instantly sweeping away thest three ordinary silver wolves and charging towards the silver wolf king.


    ...


    In the Xuanwu Building hall, the number of students gathered exceeded nine hundred.


    Not just freshmen, but also many sophomores and juniors came to watch the excitement.


    The hall was quiet.


    Everyone''s eyes were fixed on therge leaderboard screens on both sides: Kunlun Nine Mountains Individual Ranking (Freshmen):


    1-Li Yuan (700 points)


    2-Yang Hong (399 points)


    3-Wu Luo (329 points)


    4-Han Hongjun (288 points) ...


    Eight Academy Entrance Competition (Academy):


    1-Third Academy (6563 points)


    2-Sixth Academy (6467 points)


    3-Seventh Academy (6043 points)


    4-Fifth Academy (5956 points) ...


    "Seven hundred points." "The Sixth Academy has already reached second ce." "This Li Yuan is incredibly powerful. His martial skills are far superior to Yang Hong and Wu Luo''s." Freshmen from other academies were shocked.


    Almost every freshman had tried the Kunlun Nine Mountains, but most couldn''t even pass the first mountain. Scoring over 30 points and reaching the second mountain was considered good.


    Li Yuan? He alone scored 700 points!!


    And he hadn''t stopped, still advancing.


    "Senior brother is still formidable." "Senior brother is clearly much stronger than during the Jiangbei invitation event." "Amazing, our Sixth Academy has already reached second ce." An Nong, Dong Haifeng, and other students from Jiangbei Province were both awed and proud.


    Many freshmen from Jiangbei at Kunlun Martial University had seen Li Yuan''s battles.


    They only felt that Li Yuan had be even more formidable.


    At this moment, most in the hall had only one thought.


    Could Li Yuan really lead the Sixth Academy to first ce?

 Chapter 106: New Record! First in History!

    <h4>Chapter 106: New Record! First in History!</h4>


    Inside the venue, everyone was staring at the two giant screens, eager to see the final result.


    "Li Yuan, you truly are strong! You should change your name to ''Li Strong''." Gu Qianghan stood among the crowd, eyes gleaming.


    "The score hasn''t moved."


    "700 points, why isn''t it moving?"


    "Did he fail?"


    "Could he have been killed by the mountain guardian star beasts?" Li Yuan''s score was stuck at 700 points, causing many first-year students to specte.


    Even Dong Haifeng and An Nong were somewhat worried.


    "Rx, trust Senior Brother, scoring a thousand points is a piece of cake." Only Gu Qianghan remained confident.


    "Can he really do it?" Many students from the Sixth Institute were still concerned.


    "Trust my judgment." Gu Qianghan grinned, looking mysterious.


    Gu Qianghan internally thought, "ording to my sister, Li Yuan''s martial arts skills are among the top dozens globally for his age. Within the first-year students at Kunlun Martial University, he''s undoubtedly dominant."


    Why did Gu Qianghan believe in Li Yuan so much? Was it blind faith?


    No! It was because of intelligence!


    He had already learned from Lin Lanyue that Li Yuan''s martial arts skills had reached mid-fourth level.


    However, Gu Qianghan never shared this information with other ssmates to maintain his image.


    Simrly, the dozens of second and third-year students in the venue understood the situation.


    "This junior named Li Yuan is indeed impressive."


    "Junior? Among us second-years, apart from Senior Brother Liu and the other two who reached the fifth mountain, no one else can match him."


    "Not just the second-years. Even among the fifth-year seniors, most have been stuck on the third mountain for years." These second and third-year students were deeply impressed.


    Too formidable.


    ...


    Li Yuan, a first-year student who hadn''t even started sses yet.


    Judging by his martial arts skills, he was already among the top first-years.


    Among the second-years, he was definitely in the top five.


    How extraordinary?


    "He''s not done yet. His name is still highlighted, indicating he''s still challenging the mountain, likely battling the fourth mountain''s guardian."


    "Seems so." The older students exchanged thoughts. "I feel he can trulypete with those monsters from Starlight and Starry Sky."


    "Compete with Starlight''s monsters? Indeed! He can certainly match them. Our school has produced a monster this year, haha."


    "Can he defeat the fourth mountain''s guardian?"


    "No way."


    "If he does, won''t he reach the fifth mountain? A first-year student, before officially starting sses, clearing the fifth mountain in the entrancepetition? Even Senior Brother Jin couldn''t do that."


    "Not just Senior Brother Jin. I checked the historical records. Only one predecessor ever did it."


    "Impossible."


    "700 points is already incredible. Compared to him, we''re nothing." The second and third-year students naturally felt it was impossible.


    Most people, when part of a significant historical event, are unaware of its gravity.


    Therefore, most people tend to favor the past over the present.


    Suddenly.


    "Buzz~" The numbers on both giant screens simultaneously jumped, with Li Yuan''s score leaping from 700 to 1000 points.


    First: Li Yuan (1000 points)


    Second: Yang Hong (399 points)


    Third: Wu Luo (329 points)


    Fourth: Han Hongjun (288 points)


    ...


    Entrance Competition (Academy):


    First: Sixth Academy (6767 points)


    Second: Third Academy(6563 points)


    Third: Seventh Academy(6043 points)


    Fourth: Fifth Academy(5956 points)


    ...


    "1000 points!!"


    "Holy crap, he really did it! Senior Brother is awesome!" An Nong and Gu Qianghan almost simultaneously jumped up, waving their fists excitedly.


    It felt as if they themselves had scored the 1000 points.


    Involuntarily, Gu Qianghan nced at An Nong, sensing a familiarpetitive vibe from him.


    "Brother Qiang." An Nong scratched his head sheepishly, then continued waving his fist, shouting, "First ce! Sixth Institute is first."


    "Senior Brother is amazing."


    "1000 points! We got first ce." The venue erupted, with all Sixth Institute students, regardless of their origin, celebrating the glory they felt.


    "1000 points?"


    "Li Yuan really scored 1000 points? Is he that much stronger than Yang Hong and Wu Luo?"


    "Is the system broken?" The other institutes'' students found it hard to believe.


    It was too absurd.


    If Li Yuan had scored 560 points, they might have barely epted it, but 1000 points?


    That indicated a massive gap, evenpared to the top first-year students.


    It was a cliff-like lead.


    "You don''t understand. That Wu Luo waspletely defeated by our Senior Brother back in March."


    An Nong immediately took on the role ofmentator, loudly exining, "Our Senior Brother, in terms of strength, is among the top nationwide. It''s just because he didn''t awaken his martial arts talent that he came to Kunlun Martial University."


    "Our Senior Brother scored 900 points in martial arts during the college entrance exam! Full marks!" Gu Qianghan also shouted.


    "900 points?"


    "Didn''t awaken martial arts talent? This!"


    "So powerful? He didn''t awaken martial arts talent?" The students from other provinces were stunned.


    A full-mark genius?


    Nationwide, on average, only one or two such martial arts geniuses emerge from each province.


    Such a figure should naturally go to one of the top three global universities. How did he end up at Kunlun Martial University?


    "Really 1000 points?"


    "This is more impressive than Senior Brother Jin back in the day, truly a monster."


    "Where did hee from?"


    "His score is still increasing?"


    "His martial arts skills must be mid-fourth level. How old is he? He hasn''t even started sses yet?"


    "A monster like this would be top-tier at Starlight University."


    "And he came to our school?"


    "Full marks in martial arts? Didn''t awaken martial arts talent?" The dozens of older students were amazed, listening to the Sixth Institute students recount Li Yuan''s past achievements.


    It was hard for them to stay calm.


    1000 points and 700 points were twopletely different concepts.


    These second and third-year students knew the specifics of the Kunlun Nine Mountains scoring:


    First Mountain: 1-30 points, full marks require approximately second-level mastery.


    Second Mountain: 30-100 points, full marks require approximately third-level high mastery.


    Third Mountain: 100-300 points, full marks require approximately fourth-level initial mastery.


    Fourth Mountain: 300-1000 points, full marks require approximately fourth-level mid mastery.


    Fifth Mountain: 1000-3000 points


    Sixth Mountain: 3000-10000 points


    ...


    "He''s still challenging."


    "1200 points now."


    "Could he reach the Sixth Mountain?" Everyone was fixated on the two giant screens.


    Over the years, Kunlun Martial University has seen students suddenly rise to prominence.


    But overall, it''s far from matching the top-tier talents from the three elite universities.


    Today, Li Yuan''s overwhelming performance truly shocked the new and older students of Kunlun Martial University.


    Is this a freshman?


    ...


    In the virtualwork, Kunlun Nine Mountains, Fifth Mountain.


    "The difficulty of the Fifth Mountain has skyrocketed."


    "Just now, I had to use the third form of the Starry Spear Technique, ''Dawn Pierces the Clouds,'' to barely kill the final guardian of the Fourth Mountain, the Mountain King Wolf."


    "Now, these opponents are all like weaker versions of the Mountain King Wolf."


    Li Yuan, wielding his spear, was currently in a tough spot, his movements swift like the wind, dodging attacks from a group of humanoid astral beasts.


    These star beasts had weaker physical attributes than Li Yuan but possessed fourth-level initial mastery skills.


    Each strike was deadly.


    With over ten of them attacking together, Li Yuan was fully suppressed, struggling to kill even one.


    Suddenly.


    "Swish~" Li Yuan seized an opportunity, his spear shing like lightning, piercing through one star beast''s throat.


    Blood sttered! Dead!


    But in the next moment.


    "sh~" A blurry de light cut across Li Yuan''s back, the terrifying impact making him stagger, losing his perfect bnce.


    "ng!" "Boom!" Other astral beasts seized the chance, unleashing a terrifyingbo.


    After narrowly dodging three strikes.


    "sh~"


    A de light shed, and Li Yuan''s figure vanished from the Fifth Mountain.


    Defeated!


    "Congrattions, first-year student ''Li Yuan,'' for reaching the Fifth Mountain on your first attempt at Kunlun Nine Mountains, scoring 1300 points, creating a new record for the entrancepetition, and entering the top 100 records for first-year students at Kunlun Nine Mountains." A system voice announced.


    Phew!


    Li Yuan returned to his personal space in Kunlun Space.


    "Entrancepetition record?" Li Yuan was momentarily surprised, then clicked the screen to check.


    ...Entrance Competition Records (Since Qixing Calendar 2009):


    First ce: Li Yuan, 1300 points (2043)


    Second ce: Yan Jing, 1100 points (2029)


    Third ce: Jin Huguo, 700 points (2041)


    ...


    Kunlun Nine Mountains First-Year Records (Since Qixing Calendar 2009)


    First ce: Yan Jing, 8000 points (2030)


    Second ce: Jin Huguo, 8000 points (2042)


    Third...


    ...


    Sixty-Seventh ce: Li Yuan, 1300 points (2043)


    ...


    "First in history?" Li Yuan quickly understood the significance of the two rankings.


    The first ranking represented his score being the highest among all students participating in the entrancepetition since 2009.


    First in history!!


    The second ranking wasn''t limited to the entrancepetition but included all first-year students'' scores in Kunlun Nine Mountains throughout history.


    "Jin Huguo?" Li Yuan muttered, remembering the name from the rankings.


    A quick calction indicated that among the top ten in the entrancepetition history, only Jin Huguo was still at the university.


    Jin Huguo should be a third-year senior.


    "He reached 8000 points by the end of his first year? That score should be the Sixth Mountain." Li Yuan''s eyes gleamed with a smile, "Good."


    "Looks like Kunlun Martial University has some talents too."


    "Finally, some challenge."


    ...


    ng~ The virtualwork pod opened, and Li Yuan stood up, hearing the cheers outside.


    "Senior Brother!"


    "Senior Brother!" An Nong and Gu Qianghan, standing at the front, exchanged a knowing nce and shouted in unison.


    Immediately, dozens of new students from Jiangcheng shouted "Senior Brother."


    Then, new students from other provinces also joined in.


    In no time, the entire venue echoed with the chant of "Senior Brother."


    This scene left students from other institutes speechless but unable to argue.


    With such strength, who else could be the senior brother?


    ...


    "1300 points?" Wu Luo, in his underground room, looked at the score on his smart bracelet.


    He was silent for a long time.


    "Damn, is he that monstrous! If I knew, I wouldn''t have chosen Kunlun Martial University."


    ...


    "1300 points?"


    "First in history? Truly amazing!"


    Yang Hong, the burly youth, also in his dorm, looked at the score, muttering, "With such achievements, is he nning topete in the Global University Martial Arts Competition as a freshman?"


    The Global University Martial Arts Competition is a worldwide contest for university martial arts students.


    But usually, first-year students don''t get to participate.


    ...


    Such a major event didn''t need students to notify teachers.


    The relevant teachers received notifications from their assistant AIs immediately.


    In the ck Dragon Building, exclusive to Sixth Institute students and teachers.


    On the ninth floor, in an office.


    "Hmm?" Dean Li, contemting his training n, felt his smart bracelet vibrate and looked down to check.


    "Hmm?"


    Dean Li was momentarily stunned, "1300 points? Wow, a significant improvement fromst time?"


    "Could it be this kid is really cheating?"

 Chapter 107: The Civilization of the Immortal Ruins

    <h4>Chapter 107: The Civilization of the Immortal Ruins</h4>


    Dean Li knew that Li Yuan''s skills were exceptionally advanced. He had high expectations for Li Yuan. Back in April, Li Yuan''s score exceeding 300 points in the Starry Sky Combat Network was solid proof of his prowess.


    However, the Kunlun Nine Mountains challenge and the Starry Sky Combat Network match-ups had some differences. The Starry Sky Combat Network''s match-ups involved an element of luck; hence, even if scores were simr, it didn''t necessarily mean that the one with a lower score had inferior skills. The Kunlun Nine Mountains, on the other hand, were more like the advancement battles in the Starry Sky Combat Network. In these, strength was clear-cut¡ªstrong was strong, weak was weak. Typically, a slightlyrger gap in scores signified a significant difference in skill level.


    Yet Li Yuan directly broke through to the Fifth Mountain?


    "1300 points, reaching the Fifth Mountain and killing three mountain guardians¡ªhe''s even better than Yan Jing?" Dean Li was astonished. "His age is among the youngest in this freshman batch. The youngest, yet the highest achiever?"


    After some thought, Dean Li decided to take a closer look. He clicked on the screen, and swiftly, thebat scenes of Li Yuan in the Fifth Mountain appeared in the projected light.


    As a vice dean, he had the authority to observe the battles of his students in the Seventh Mountain and below.


    After watching the battle scenes multiple times, every time, Li Yuan''s terrifying spear techniques would burst forth, leading to the death of a astral realm creature.


    "Dawn Piercing Cloud? The third move of the Starry Spear Technique?" Dean Li finally confirmed, bing even more amazed.


    The "Starry Spear Technique" was a very famous second-tier spear technique manual. Dean Li had also studied and practiced it for a while, so he was very familiar with it.


    "He canpletely execute the third move. At this rate, in a few months, he''ll likely touch the threshold of high-level fourth-tier spear techniques," Dean Li murmured.


    Generally speaking, as one advanced in techniques, progress became increasingly difficult. Sometimes, reaching a bottleneck could mean being stuck in the same realm for ten or twenty years, or even a lifetime, unable to break through. This scarcity was the reason source warriors were so rare.


    "But Li Yuan''s spear technique¡ªwhen viewed over a long time frame, it''s actually getting faster and faster in improvement, with the rate of progress bing more astonishing. After entering the fourth tier, there''s no sign of slowing down."


    This indeed was an incredible feat.


    "It might be due to his growing mental strength, but more importantly, his talent in spear techniques is continuously revealing itself," Dean Li spected.


    "Perhaps the n can be advanced, allowing him to participate in the Global University Martial Arts Tournament a year early. At least by February next year, he should be qualified for the virtual tournament."


    "I''ll talk to him tomorrow after the official enrollment."


    Having thought it all through, Dean Li smiled, "Heh, I really did find a treasure. With Li Yuan here, we won''t have to worry much about the teampetitions for the next few years. I bet the other old fogeys are cursing me right now."


    Cursing? He didn''t care at all! On the contrary, Dean Li felt quite proud now.


    ...


    Evergreen Building, the exclusive building for the teachers and students of the eighth academy, was currently the scene of an argument.


    "Get lost."


    "me me for not signing Li Yuan? If you two have the ability, go sign him yourselves."


    "Old Zhao, we''re not ming you," said a tall, slender woman in ck, frowning. "It''s just a pity. You were the first to contact him, but Old Li snatched him away."


    "If we could have signed Li Yuan, our umted ''guidance points'' would have skyrocketed."


    "Yeah!"


    "Such a good prospect. If we had at leastpeted and lost to the sixth academy, we would have epted it. But to lose without a fight, it''s really frustrating," said another chubby old man, shaking his head.


    "Humph!"


    "Frustrated? Frustration is useless," sneered Dean Zhao, arms spread, legs crossed, staring at the sky.


    The woman in ck and the chubby old man exchanged a helpless nce.


    The three were vice deans of the eighth academy.


    Teachers at Kunlun Martial University were categorized into ordinary teachers, vice deans, deans, vice principals, and principals.


    Ordinary teachers, numbering in the hundreds, were at least level 25 source warriors and often taught students across several academies.


    Vice deans and deans focused on students within their own academies.


    Student achievements were directly linked to the ''guidance points'' these teachers received.


    "Forget it, no point discussing it further."


    "After all, he''s just a youngd. No matter how brilliant, he won''t have much impact on us. Since we''ve missed out, there''s no remedy," said the woman in ck, shaking her head. "Zhao, I''m nning another trip to the Kunlun Astral Realm to hunt the Thundercloud Flying Dragon. Interested?"


    "Hunt the Thundercloud Flying Dragon? The one in the Mo Yan Mountain Range?" Dean Zhao, who had been lounging in his chair, instantly sat up.


    "Yes," nodded the woman in ck.


    Dean Zhao looked at her and frowned, "With just the two of us? That''s a death wish."


    "I''ve invited Correa from Europa. He''ll be bringing two level 29 source warriors as well."


    "Five level 29 source warriors, including Correa?" Dean Zhao''s eyes narrowed. "Give me a moment to think."


    "The Kunlun Astral Realm is fraught with dangers. The Immortal Ruins Civilization is one of the highest-level alien civilizations we know of, and the Kunlun Astral Realm is under its subtle control. Even with disguises, things can easily go wrong. Hunting a level two consummate Thundercloud Flying Dragon won''t be easy." Dean Zhao''s eyes opened suddenly, "Let''s do it, but I''ll bring Fifth Senior Brother along. Six of us will be more secure and can guard against any tricks from Korea."


    "Fine. You know I only want the Thundercloud Dragon Spine. The rest is yours to split," said the woman in ck, smiling.


    ...


    By 8 p.m., when the scores of the entrancepetition among the eight academies were finalized, the entire East Wing of the ck Dragon Building was engulfed in celebration. Over 200 freshmen from the sixth academy, more than 90%, hade together to celebrate.


    "First ce!"


    "Master Brother is awesome!" These freshmen were indeed excited.


    Most freshmen had reported to school on the first or second day. Whether for honor or rewards, the students from the eight academies secretlypeted against each other. The teachers encouraged thispetition.


    By the afternoon, most academies had given up, the gap toorge to bridge. They didn''t expect a twist in thest half-day, with Li Yuan single-handedly clinching first ce with an overwhelming lead.


    This battle had catapulted Li Yuan''s prestige among the freshmen of the sixth academy to an astonishing height.


    "Too strong."


    "He''s worth thirty of us."


    "Thirty? I suspect he could take on a hundred of us." The freshmen from the third and seventh academies were helpless.


    The top-ranked academy rewarded each freshman with 20,000 Blue Star Coins. The second-ranked academy awarded 10,000 Blue Star Coins per person. Subsequent academies received no team rewards. Of course, students ranked in the top 100 individually would receive personal rewards.


    Who would have thought a monster like Li Yuan would suddenly emerge from the sixth academy?


    Regardless, after this battle, Li Yuan''s fame hadpletely overshadowed Wu Luo and Yang Hong, bing the leading figure among the new freshmen at Kunlun Martial University.


    More importantly, Li Yuan had set a new record in the entrancepetition, bing the new historical first.


    It was foreseeable that today''s battle would soon be known throughout the school among the seniors.


    "Is he stronger than Senior Brother Jin?"


    "Hard to say."


    "His physical strength might still becking, but his skills are impressive. By sophomore or junior year, he might catch up to Senior Brother Jin." The seniors in the hall discussed.


    They had quickly elevated Li Yuan to the same level as Jin Huguo.


    ...


    After 9 p.m., Li Yuan, along with other freshmen from the sixth academy, gradually left, returning to the vi area with Gu Qianghan and An Nong.


    Outside Vi 61032.


    "Senior Brother, I''ll be leaving now," An Nong waved to Li Yuan, smiling. "I''ll organize everyone. When we vote for the Senior Brother tomorrow, there won''t be any dissent."


    "I think it''s important to respect everyone''s wishes," Li Yuan smiled.


    "Don''t worry, Senior Brother. This is the will of the people," An Nong promised, patting his chest.


    Then An Nong left.


    "Senior Brother," Gu Qianghan said with a sly smile.


    "Gu Qiang, just call me by my name," Li Yuan said helplessly. "You orchestrated today''s scene, didn''t you? Making it such a big deal."


    "What''s big about this? A small act," Gu Qianghan shook his head. "I''m doing it for your benefit. Bing the Senior Brother means an extra 1 million Blue Star Coins every six months. It''s not much, but it adds up. And there are hidden benefits too."


    "1 million Blue Star Coins?" Li Yuan was slightly surprised.


    That''s quite a lot.


    After all, it''s just a title.


    "Calling you Senior Brother feels weird. How about I call you Yuan Ge, like your high school ssmates did? I''ll suffer a bit, but I can ept it since your strength is greater than mine," Gu Qianghan said, looking like he was making a big sacrifice.


    "Okay," Li Yuan smiled, not insisting further.


    He understood Gu Qianghan''s personality.


    "In the ck Dragon Building, you''vepleted the identity verification. Once you set up the facial and fingerprint recognition inside, all functions of the vi will be added to your smart bracelet," Gu Qianghan exined. "The framework is simr to the vis in the Starlight South Lake Community..."


    With Gu Qianghan''s detailed exnation, Li Yuan quickly understood the many features of his new home.


    "Alright, call me if you need anything," Gu Qianghan said as he waved goodbye and left for his vi next door.


    Li Yuan watched him leave.


    ...


    Entering the vi, Li Yuan quickly set up everything ording to his habits and instructions.


    Thankfully, in this era of advanced technology, everything was convenient.


    Around 10 p.m., he had a video call with his uncle and aunt.


    "Don''t worry, everything is great here at Kunlun Martial University," Li Yuan assured them, showing his vi. "Look, I''m staying in a single vi."


    Away from home, it''s always best to share the good news to put the elders at ease.


    After the call ended, Li Yuan looked up at the starry sky. "In Jiangcheng, the smog and light pollution make it hard to see the stars. Kunlun University is actually in the suburbs, and the air quality is excellent."


    "Good."


    "From now on, the night sky over Kunlun Mountain is what I''ll see at 3 a.m." Li Yuan smiled.


    He turned and headed to the underground martial arts room to begin his training.


    Taking first ce among the freshmen at Kunlun Martial University? Li Yuan didn''t care and didn''t see it as an honor.


    Nationwide, there were fewer than a hundred people his age who could achieve mental and physical unity. Most had gone to the three top-tier martial arts schools. The remaining few, like Wu Luo and Yang Hong, were mostly at the initial stage of the fourth tier.


    What about Li Yuan?


    In March, his spear skills were far behind Tian Dazhuang''s de techniques. But over the past four months, after two mental transformations, Li Yuan''s spear skills had advanced at a terrifying pace.


    They might no longer be inferior to Tian Dazhuang''s.


    In such circumstances, if he couldn''t secure the top spot among the freshmen at Kunlun Martial University with a decisive lead, that would be strange.


    "My opponents have never been the freshmen at Kunlun Martial University."


    "They are the top talents from the three top-tier martial arts schools."


    "Even the top talents across the seven majors of human civilization." Li Yuan''s heart was filled with longing.


    Breathing deeply, Li Yuan calmed his mind and began his training on the first day at Kunlun Martial University.

 Chapter 108: The Human Martial Arts Elite Battle

    <h4>Chapter 108: The Human Martial Arts Elite Battle</h4>


    After practicing the basic cultivation method for two hours, Li Yuan felt invigorated andpletely refreshed.


    "It''s just a basic method, but it has been honed and refined by generations of martial artists from our human race," Li Yuan thought to himself. "After my skills fully reached the fourth stage and using auxiliary cultivation treasures like the Body-Cleansing Elixir and Source Energy Pill,bined with the basic cultivation method, my body is evolving at an astonishing rate, far surpassing most first-year students practicing advanced methods."


    Advanced cultivation methods indeed help one improve faster, but everyone''s talent varies, and the rate of progress often has limits. Undoubtedly, Li Yuan''s physical talent was extremely high,plemented by substantial financial resources. Most importantly, Li Yuan could endure the excruciating pain of using the Body-Cleansing Elixir three times a month, leading to an incredibly rapid improvement in his physical attributes.


    "However, achieving the goal that Uncle Wan mentioned, bing a source martial artist within two years? That''s tough!" Li Yuan thought, ncing at his Divine Pce interface.


    ____


    <strong>Life Level:</strong> 10.8 (Stage One)


    <strong>Fist Strength:</strong> 1710 kg


    <strong>Speed:</strong> 24.5 m/s


    <strong>Mental Strength:</strong> 17.9


    <strong>Awakening Degree:</strong> 12.8% (current limit 20%)


    <strong>Physical Cultivation Method:</strong> Rock Cultivation Method


    <strong>Mental Cultivation Method:</strong> Observing the Great Sun Starry Sutra


    <strong>Skill Realm:</strong> Spear Technique (Stage Four 42%), Movement Technique (Stage Four 31%), Fist Technique (Stage Four 44%)


    ____


    "Since the proficiency test in April, when I became an entry-level martial artist, my improvement has been about 0.3 levels per month," Li Yuan thought. "But it''s bound to slow down the further I go."


    Bing a source martial artist in two years? Nearly impossible!


    "However, if Uncle Wan said so, he must have his reasons," Li Yuan pondered. "He is a source martial artist and part of the Starlight Martial Hall management. He graduated from Kunlun University, so he must know something."


    Li Yuan could think of two possibilities:


    First, as his skills improve, especially reaching the ''subtlety'' stage, his body refinement efficiency might significantly increase, beyond his expectations.


    Second, Kunlun University might have special training methods for S-level contract students that he is unaware of.


    "Tomorrow is the official start of school. When I see Dean Li, I''ll ask about the specifics," Li Yuan thought with anticipation.


    ...


    At 3 AM, after finishing his cultivation of the Great Sun Starry Scripture, Li Yuan entered the virtualwork cabin, preparing for a few ranked matches in the Starry Sky Combat Network.


    Upon entering his personal space,


    "Master, you received three transfers and two file exnations yesterday," said a ck-d girl respectfully, like a maid.


    "Three transfers?" Li Yuan was slightly surprised, quickly checking: one transfer of 20,000, one of 500,000, and another of 10 million Blue Star Coins!


    "Kunlun University''s S-level contract cash reward?" Li Yuan thought, "Did they issue it directly upon my arrival?"


    This was for an entire year. ording to the contract, the signing bonus was 1 million Blue Star Coins, already given to Li Yuan. Subsequently, there would be an annual reward of 10 million, totaling 50 million Blue Star Coins over five years. Additionally, the contract stipted that once Li Yuan became a source martial artist, all future cash rewards would be issued in one lump sum.


    Bing a source martial artist signified qualifying for ''graduation'' and the ability to apply for early graduation.


    "Compared to the Starlight Martial Hall''s A-level contract, Kunlun University''s cash rewards are indeed smaller," Li Yuan thought. The A-level contract with the Starlight Martial Hall would distribute a total of 43.2 million Blue Star Coins, 43.2 million Martial Hall points, and over 80 million cultivation points over six years. This was just for an A-level contract; an S-level contract would increase various rewards by at least four times.


    Before bing a source martial artist, such rewards were astronomical. However, Li Yuan clearly understood the differences between the two contracts. The Martial Hall''s rewards were mainly cultivation resources, with minimal oversight on how to cultivate.


    Exceptional individuals could see their contract level rise, while those who did not progress enough would blend into the crowd, with no reduction in their contract.


    In contrast, martial arts universities provided aprehensive training n, offering guidance in all aspects, with many benefits not written into the contract. For example, downgrading in treatment meant losing many special resources not specified in the contract, like faculty, practical training partners, and rare treasures.


    ...


    At 4 AM, Li Yuan began his intense training for the day.


    At 8 AM, after consuming a Source Energy Pill, he ate three delivered nutrition meals.


    That''s right! Kunlun University''s dining hall was very small, and hardly any students ate there. Every student could order food at any time, delivered to their residence or the teaching building, with up to 20 nutrition meals per day beingpletely free. The university employed a vast number of logistics personnel and auxiliary robots, ensuring every student could focus entirely on martial arts training.


    ...


    At 9 AM, Li Yuan arrived at the ck Dragon Building, dedicated to the faculty and students of the Sixth Institute.


    "ck Dragon."


    Upon disembarking, Li Yuan saw the massive skeletal remains of a coiled dragon in front of the building. Even in its coiled state, its height matched the building. If stretched out, it would be over a hundred meters long, an awe-inspiring sight. The skeleton resembled that of a giant snake, and despite its age, its aura could still be felt up close, sending shivers down one''s spine.


    "Big Brother!" "Yuan Ge." Two voices called out from a distance; it was Gu Qianghan and An Nong.


    "Good morning," Li Yuan turned, smiling at them.


    "Admiring the ck Dragon''s skeleton?" Gu Qianghan asked curiously.


    "Yes," Li Yuan nodded, looking up at the massive skeleton. "I read the academy''s introduction yesterday. Twenty years ago, near the Sea Ruins Astral Realm, this ck dragon emerged from the depths, causing a massive tsunami that resulted in tens of thousands of casualties. It was eventually in by our academy''s Sea Dean, who fought it deep into the sea, thousands of meters below."


    "Right," "We know that story," Gu Qianghan and An Nong chimed in. Sea Dean''s renowned battle, where a flying powerhouse defeated the ck dragon in the South Sea, had shaken the entire country. Most of their generation had heard about it, or even seen clips of the battle.


    "Big Brother," "Senior Brother," more students greeted Li Yuan as they arrived. After yesterday''s performance at the Xuanwu Building, all the first-year students of the Sixth Institute knew Li Yuan and greeted him warmly. Li Yuan nodded in acknowledgment.


    "Big Brother, rest assured," An Nong said quietly, "I stayed uptest night, selected six people, and informed all the freshmen in batches. There won''t be any issues," An Nong assured.


    "Alright, thanks," Li Yuan appreciated An Nong''s efforts, though he wondered about his martial skills.


    ...


    The Sixth Institute''s freshman orientation ceremony officially began at 10 AM. The much-anticipated Sea Dean did not attend, but two vice deans did. After various speeches, at 11 AM, when Vice Dean Li announced the election of the semester''s ''Big Brother,'' the hall erupted with cheers of "Li Yuan!" "Big Brother Li Yuan!"


    This level of enthusiasm surprised even Li Yuan. "Am I really this popr?" he wondered.


    Unbeknownst to him,st night, An Nong had quelled any potential doubts among the freshmen with a single argument: "Li Yuan doesn''t need to be Big Brother; he is already a martial arts prodigy. We need Li Yuan! Only with him as Big Brother can we consistently win prizes. Anyone opposing him is against the collective interests of our 200 freshmen, our financial security, and is our sworn enemy."


    With no objections, today''s orientation saw unanimous support for Li Yuan as ''Big Brother,'' concluding sessfully and spectacrly.


    ...


    In the afternoon, as light rain drizzled on the coiled dragon''s massive skeleton, in the office on the ninth floor of the ck Dragon Building:


    "You seem quite popr, arriving on thest day and still bing Big Brother," Vice Dean Li remarked with a smile.


    "Thank you for your praise," Li Yuan replied.


    "It''s fine, your performance at the Xuanwu Building speaks for itself," Vice Dean Li said, "If not you, no one else would have convinced everyone."


    Li Yuan nodded slightly.


    "That aside, your cultivation is what matters," Vice Dean Li continued, "Setting a new record in the entrancepetition is impressive, but how do you feel?"


    "I dare not boast," Li Yuan responded.


    "Sit down, let''s talk," Vice Dean Li said, his demeanor like a kind elder. Li Yuan sat down.


    "You performed exceptionally well, surpassing both Yan Jing and Jin Huguo," Vice Dean Li said. "Yan Jing has been a 29th-level source martial artist for several years, not weaker than me."


    Li Yuan listened intently.


    "And Jin Huguo, our school''s top talent, was the only one to make it to the top 100 in the ''virtualpetition'' of the Global University Martial Arts Tournament this February."


    "The only one?" Li Yuan was surprised. "No seniors matched him?"


    "Our seniors areparable or even stronger, but only third-year students can participate in the Global University Martial Arts Tournament."


    "The tournament has virtual and real battles," Vice Dean Li exined. "For the virtual battle, at least a fourth-grade skill is required. For the real battle, only source martial artists can participate."


    "Jin Huguo isn''t a source martial artist yet, so he only joined the virtual battle," Li Yuan realized. Reaching source martial artist level before the fourth year was indeed challenging.


    "As for the fourth and fifth-year students," Vice Dean Li continued, "they participate in the Human Martial Arts Elite Battle, a real battle involving elite martial artists from all seven major star systems."


    This was the highest honor all martial arts universities pursued.

 Chapter 109: The Dean as a Teacher

    <h4>Chapter 109: The Dean as a Teacher</h4>


    "Human Martial Arts Elite Battle?" Li Yuan''s eyes lit up. He had heard of thispetition, which was very popr in the virtualwork. There were many rumors about it, but most were just written messages. It was rare to find specific battle videos online, as all videos seemed to be controlled and not allowed to be disseminated.


    "Can only fourth- and fifth-year students participate?" Li Yuan couldn''t help but ask.


    "Haha, not at all," Dean Liughed. "Actually, these twopetitions have age restrictions based on the cut-off date of September 1st, simr to the Blue Star Youth Ranking."


    "For example, to participate in the next Global University Martial Arts Competition, participants must be born after September 1, 2022."


    "And for the next Human Martial Arts Elite Battle, participants must be born after September 1, 2020," Dean Li smiled. "Over the decades, it''s be a tradition for first- to third-year students to participate in the globalpetition and fourth- and fifth-year students topete in the elite battle."


    Li Yuan realized that this was simr to the current college entrance examination system, where the cut-off date for enrollment age is strictly enforced as September 1, without allowing early orte entries.


    "You can repeat the college entrance exam for cultural universities. But for martial arts universities, you must be at least 17 years old and under 18."


    "In fact, even if you don''t get into a martial arts university, as long as you meet the age requirement, you can still participate. However, over the past few decades, it''s be clear that very few martial arts geniuses rise without the training from a martial arts university. This has gradually be apetition among various martial arts universities," Dean Li exined.


    Li Yuan nodded lightly. The idea of "masters among themon folk" was often just a fantasy. The strongest talents,bined with the best teachers and the best cultivation resources, produce the strongest geniuses.


    "Under normal circumstances, the champions of the Human Martial Arts Elite Battle are usually fifth-year students, who naturally have an advantage with more years of training," Dean Li said. "However, there have been some extraordinary geniuses in history who won the championship early."


    "Really?" Li Yuan was curious.


    "Quite a few," Dean Li smiled. "Thispetition has a history of over sixty years. In our country, there''s a genius who won the championship in his third year."


    "Who?"


    "Fang Hai." Dean Li smiled. "You may not have heard of him, but he''s very famous among high-level martial artists. He reached the fifth stage of technique at the age of 16."


    "16 years old? Fifth-stage technique?" Li Yuan was stunned.


    "Yes, unfortunately, his achievementster on were not high. He only became a Sky Warrior," Dean Li shook his head.


    Li Yuan was speechless. Bing a Sky Warrior was considered not high achievement?


    "You don''t understand. At 17, he was personally epted as a disciple by Dongfang Ji, who had high hopes for him, believing he could surpass the Sky Warrior level and even rival Dongfang Ji. But he encountered a bottleneck and is still at the Sky Warrior level," Dean Li sighed.


    Li Yuan was amazed. Comparisons can be disheartening.


    "So, don''t be arrogant. Your talent in martial arts techniques is indeed one of the best in the recent thirty years of Kunlun Martial Arts University. But in the two hundred years of Kunlun Martial Arts University, you wouldn''t even rank in the top hundred."


    "Top hundred?" Li Yuan was surprised. Was his rank that low?


    "In the early days, when there were no three top martial arts universities, our country''s top talents all stayed domestically," Dean Li exined.


    Li Yuan understood. Just like him, pure talent in spear technique made him the top among this year''s students in the country, but there were still many who could rival him. In the past, these top talents would enter the five major universities. In recent decades, the strongest talents have mostly gone to the three top universities. Those who enter Kunlun Martial Arts University are usually second-tier students. Hence, he naturally stands out at Kunlun.


    "Don''t focus too much on immediate strength. Early advancement doesn''t mean reaching the Sky Warrior level. Many seed through steady progress."


    "I have high hopes for you to be a Sky Warrior," Dean Li smiled. "Li Yuan, you have two main goals right now."


    Li Yuan listened attentively. This was an elder giving instructions.


    "First, strive to clear the fifth mountain of Kunlun Nine Mountains before February next year," Dean Li said. "As long as you clear it, I will allow you to participate in the virtual battle of the Global University Martial Arts Competition in February next year."


    "Clearing the fifth mountain means your technique has reached the high level of the fourth stage."


    "Clearing the sixth mountain means your technique has reached theplete fourth stage."


    "Clearing the seventh mountain means your technique has reached the fifth stage." Dean Li said solemnly. "In theory, the fourth stage is enough to participate in the virtual battle, but if the strength is not enough, it''s just an embarrassment to go."


    "So, it''s generally allowed for second-year students to participate." Dean Li said. "If you reach it, I''ll let you go in your first year to gain experience."


    "Clearing the fifth mountain? High-level fourth stage?" Li Yuan muttered to himself, not thinking it too difficult.


    Li Yuan had set a goal for himself to reach the high level of the fourth stage by September. Only then could he get the 20 million Blue Star coin reward.


    "The second goal is more important. It''s the Ten School Freshman Battle in October this year," Dean Li said. "Your goal is to be first, at least in the top four."


    "Ten School Freshman Battle?" Li Yuan was puzzled. "Which ten schools? Including our country''s five major universities?"


    "Yes. And the other five major martial arts universities in Asia, like Japan and India. The Ten School League is held in our country this year."


    "Every year, the freshmen from the ten major martial arts universitiespete, and the rewards are generous," Dean Li smiled. "The top sixteen get a reward of 20 million Blue Star coins."


    Li Yuan''s eyes lit up. That''s a lot.


    "Money is just one aspect. The Seven Star Alliance prepares a treasure for the top four, tailored to each individual. These treasures are priceless."


    "If sold, they could easily fetch billions of Blue Star coins."


    "Each treasure is specifically prepared for your situation," Dean Li said. "Understand?"


    "Understood," Li Yuan held his breath.


    Treasures? Anything that could bebeled as such was extraordinary. Thest treasure he encountered was the Ster Earth Marrow Crystal promised by Provincial Hall Master Yang, but the conditions were extreme, and he saw no hope in the short term. In contrast, the Ten School Freshman Battle in October was closer and more achievable.


    "Don''t be careless," Dean Li reminded. "Just like our school has you, the other four major universities in our country have their talents. The other five major universities in Asia also produce talents every year. In short, it''s challenging to be in the top four."


    "Okay, I''ll try my best," Li Yuan nodded heavily, feeling a surge of motivation.


    This Ten School Freshman Battle not only involved personal rewards but also national honor. Although the Seven Star Alliance had been established for over a hundred years and the threat of alien civilizations was immense,petition and national honor contention had never ceased during peaceful times.


    ...


    Li Yuan and Dean Li continued their conversation, deepening Li Yuan''s understanding of Kunlun Martial Arts University''s various training systems.


    "You''ll personally teach me techniques?" Li Yuan was surprised.


    "Why, am I not qualified?" Dean Li smiled.


    "No, it''s not that," Li Yuan smiled. "I''m just a bit overwhelmed. I thought I would be following some teacher."


    Li Yuan had learned from the school''s introduction that courses were divided into four main categories: general knowledge, techniques, cultivation, andbat training. Each category had different teachers, with technique andbat training being the most important.


    "Normally, first-year students would choose a teacher to follow. For example, if you practice spear, you would follow a spear technique teacher."


    "For de techniques, you would follow a de technique teacher," Dean Li exined.


    "There are over three hundred technique teachers in the school."


    "Each teacher has at least twenty or thirty students, and some have nearly a hundred."


    "Technique teachers must be at least 26th-level Source Warriors, with techniques at the peak fourth stage, making it easy to teach second- and third-stage students," Dean Li smiled.


    Li Yuan held his breath. This meant Kunlun Martial Arts University had at least three hundred 25th-level Source Warriors? This level of faculty strength was indeed terrifying.


    "Once a student''s technique reaches the fourth stage, ordinary teachers find it hard to guide them," Dean Li said. "They must be taught by a vice dean."


    "For example, our academy has nearly 1,100 students."


    "Including you, there are 52 students with techniques above the fourth stage."


    "My weapon is the spear, so it''s fitting that I teach you," Dean Li smiled. "For the next while, you''ll learn under me."


    "Great," Li Yuan eagerly epted.


    Beforeing, Li Yuan had discussed with Wan Qinghe. High school teachers and university martial arts teachers were entirely different concepts. University technique teachers were more like ancient mentors. Without hesitation, Li Yuan stood up, respectfully performed a formal bow, and said, "Li Yuan greets the teacher."


    "Teacher" was a much more intimate term than "dean."


    "No need, we''re not in ancient times," Dean Li reached out to help Li Yuan up. But Li Yuan was quicker, insisting onpleting the formal bow without any hesitation.


    "Why bother, it''s modern times. Don''t be so rigid," Dean Li said, though he couldn''t hide his pleased smile.


    Etiquette may seem superficial, but it represents respect. If one can''t even show surface respect, how can they discuss substance?


    ...


    At 2 PM, in arge martial arts room on the seventh floor of the ck Dragon Building, eighteen students dressed in martial arts uniforms were already waiting. Most were practicing long weapons, primarily spears.


    "The teacher is here."


    "And he brought someone with him." The students sat up straight, looking at Dean Li and Li Yuan as they entered the room.


    "Sit here," Dean Li pointed to an empty seat.


    Li Yuan obediently sat down, feeling the gazes of the surrounding students. He activated his Divine Pce Detection and found that all four people he scanned were warriors, including one Source Warrior.


    "Let me introduce you. This new student is Li Yuan, a first-year and the new senior brother of our academy. Starting today, he''s also your junior ssmate," Dean Li said slowly. "Don''t underestimate him. In terms of physical strength, he''s already at the entry level."


    "In terms of technique, he''s at the mid-level of the fourth stage, ranking in the middle among you." Dean Li nced around at his students.


    "Seventeen and at the entry level? Impressive!"


    "His name is Li Yuan?"


    "I''ve heard about him. In the entrypetition yesterday, he led our academy to first ce and broke the entrypetition''s historical record."


    "Isn''t he better than Jin Huguo?"


    "Is our academy rising this year?" The seniors exchanged whispers, quickly learning about Li Yuan''s achievements.


    They gave him friendly and even admiring looks. Li Yuan nodded back politely, understanding that most of these seniors were fourth- and fifth-year students, destined to be Source Warriors after a few more years of body tempering. In terms of martial arts technique, several were stronger than him.


    "Alright, everyone, focus and listen to the lecture."


    "Today, I''ll be teaching the ''Starry Spear Technique.'' Pay close attention," Dean Li said, giving Li Yuan a meaningful look.

 Chapter 110: Pillar of the Spirit

    <h4>Chapter 110: Pir of the Spirit</h4>


    "Martial arts skills reaching the fourth grade."


    "Whether it''s the spear or the de, these weapons are merely external. The most fundamental aspect lies within the heart," Li Yang lectured. "When practicing with any weapon, it must resonate with your inner self."


    "The spear embodies the spirit of forging ahead, unpredictable and versatile. To unleash its full potential, our minds must align with it."


    "Although the ''Starry Spear Technique'' seems defensive, its essence lies in the explosive attacks hidden within its defensive maneuvers," Li Yang exined in great detail.


    Time passed by minute by minute.


    In fact, this wasn''t Li Yang''s first time exining the ''Starry Spear Technique.''


    But because of Li Yuan, he specifically chose to exin the ''Starry Spear Technique'' from the beginning today.


    From the concept of the spear technique to the breakdown of each move, and even the ultimate state of integrating all five moves.


    Every student listened attentively.


    Not everyone practiced with a spear, but they all trained with long weapons, which hadmonalities.


    "The ''Starry Spear Technique'' is like this," Li Yuan was fascinated and engrossed.


    Although the manuals he had obtained included guidance from intelligent tutors, the tutors'' abilities were limited.


    Li Yang''s exnations were much clearer.


    Half an hourter, each student took turns to spar with Li Yang.


    Finally, after nearly two hours, the ss ended.


    "Go back and reflect on this thoroughly."


    "Next week, at this time, I will be teaching staff techniques," Li Yang said. "ss dismissed."


    "Li Yuan, stay and interact more with your senior brothers and sisters. Come to my office in half an hour," Li Yang instructed before leaving the training room.


    "Yes," Li Yuan nodded.


    As Li Yang left the ssroom, the other senior brothers and sisters quickly turned their attention to Li Yuan.


    "Li Yuan junior brother, where are you from? How did you train to be this formidable?"


    "Li Yuan junior brother, do you have a girlfriend?"


    "Come, junior brother, add me on WeChat," one senior sister said directly. They were all very enthusiastic, making Li Yuan feel a bit overwhelmed as he responded to each of them.


    "Li Yuan, my name is Yan He. Wee," said the only source warrior among them, a tall and thin young man with a gentle smile.


    Instantly, the others fell silent, indicating Yan He''s high prestige.


    "Yan senior brother," Li Yuan nodded.


    "Li Yuan, Yan senior brother is the strongest among us. Not only has he be a source warrior, but his spear technique has also reached the ''subtle'' stage, ranking him in the top ten of the entire school," introduced a senior sister named Shi Xiao.


    "Source warrior? Subtle technique?" Li Yuan was astonished.


    Even Uncle Wan hadn''t reached the ''subtle'' stage.


    As he suspected, Kunlun Martial University had a batch of top students who had umted years of training.


    "Li Yuan junior brother just arrived and has a lot to familiarize himself with. If you have time, you can try out the ''Spirit Pir,''" Yan He suggested.


    "Thank you for the suggestion, senior brother."


    After parting with the senior brothers and sisters he had just met, Li Yuan arrived at Li Yang''s office on time.


    The door was open.


    "Teacher," Li Yuan knocked on the door frame, not entering immediately.


    "Come in," Li Yang smiled.


    In the office, besides Li Yang, there was a tall, thin middle-aged man who smiled at Li Yuan.


    "Li Yuan, this is yourbat training teacher, Jiang Lun," Li Yang introduced. "A level 27 source warrior, with subtle technique in spear as well."


    "Starting tomorrow, every three days, he will train you inbat for two hours," Li Yang said.


    "Combat training teacher?" Li Yuan was shocked.


    A level 27 source warrior to train him inbat?


    Such luxury?


    "Isn''tbat training usually done with sparring instructors?" Li Yuan asked.


    ording to the introductory material, bat training'' for first-year students typically involved sparring with warriors of levels 15-20.


    After all, there were only so many source warrior teachers, who mostly provided broad guidance.


    "What''s the matter? Surprised?" Li Yangughed. "Ordinary students only get sparring instructors of about ten levels, and at most, strong fourth and fifth-year students get ordinary source warriors."


    "But you are different."


    "S-level special training contracts, less than fifty in the entire school, each one gets a real teacher forbat training," Li Yang exined. "Jiang Lun is an excellent teacher, and sparring with him will be much more effective than with ordinary sparring instructors."


    Li Yang smiled, "Now, go greet Teacher Jiang Lun."


    "Teacher Jiang," Li Yuan greeted respectfully.


    "I''ve heard from Dean Li that you are already at the fourth intermediate grade." Jiang Lun smiled. "I have never trained such a formidable student. I hope our sparring will help you improve even further."


    Li Yuan nodded.


    He finally felt the special nature of the S-level special training contract. Having such a strong source warrior for sparring? How much would it cost if he had to pay?


    Twenty thousand blue star coins per session would be a low estimate.


    And it was every three days.


    After arranging the training schedule with Jiang Lun,


    "Jiang Lun is a formal teacher and can only train you every three days."


    "Every day, I will arrange another ordinary source warrior forbat training with you," Li Yang continued. "Combat training is essential for overall body stimtion."


    "As long as your body can handle it."


    "It will be much more effective than virtualbat. From now on, reduce your time on the Starry Sky Combat Network."


    "Yes," Li Yuan was deeply moved.


    Indeed,bat training is more effective than virtualbat.


    The key is, who can afford it?


    Li Yang''s arrangement meant several source warriors would be sparring with him? It was extremely luxurious.


    "Come with me, let''s go to the Spirit Pir," Li Yang said, leading the way out of the office.


    Li Yuan quickly followed.


    Taking a flying device, they soon arrived outside the Vermillion Bird Building.


    The Vermillion Bird Building was the public building for third, fourth, and fifth-year students, consisting of three towers.


    Undoubtedly,


    The name Vermillion Bird Building was derived from the massive bird skeleton statue in therge square outside the building, with a wingspan exceeding two hundred meters.


    It practically covered the sky.


    "Is it a life form beyond the flying level from the Astral Realm?" Li Yuan held his breath, staring at the enormous skeleton.


    "Yes," Li Yang replied. "It was a fire-element bird beyond the flying level. It was also in by Elder Dongfang Ji and given to our school. Finally, it was ced here as a memorial."


    Li Yuan sighed inwardly.


    He had read the introduction to Kunlun Martial University, which had three publicly disyed skeletons of life forms beyond the flying level.


    There were over ten flying-level ones.


    These served as reminders for future students and also showcased Kunlun Martial University''s glorious achievements.


    Whoosh! Whoosh!


    Theynded on the ground and walked toward the Vermillion Bird Building, greeted by several strong guards along the way.


    Li Yang responded to each one.


    Soon, Li Yang led Li Yuan to the east wing of the Vermillion Bird Building. After passing several formidable guards,


    They descended underground.


    A sh of light on the stairs,


    A massive underground za, over ten meters high and thousands of square meters in area, appeared before Li Yuan.


    It was brightly lit.


    In the za, more than a hundred students were scattered around, each with their eyes closed.


    Many had twisted expressions, seemingly in great pain.


    Some had beads of sweat on their foreheads.


    "This?" Li Yuan held his breath at the sight, instinctively looking at therge bronze pir at the end of the za.


    About five meters high and two meters in diameter.


    Bronze in color!


    Not the verdigris of ancient bronze but a golden bronze, its surface covered with intricate patterns, making it look extremely mysterious and noble.


    At the same time, even from over a hundred meters away, Li Yuan could feel the mysterious mental pressure emanating from the bronze pir, making him slightly ufortable.


    "Teacher, is this the Spirit Pir described in the school introduction?" Li Yuan couldn''t help but ask.


    "Yes!"


    "The Spirit Pir is the first treasure of Kunlun Martial University and unique among the five top schools in our country," Li Yang said proudly. "It is the most important gift Elder Dongfang Ji gave to our school."


    "Because of the Spirit Pir, for decades, our Kunlun Martial University has been slightly superior to the Kyoto Martial University," Li Yang smiled.


    Li Yuan nodded.


    Among the five top schools in the country, the Kyoto Martial University was in the capital, receiving the most funding.


    But Kunlun Martial University was equally strong, perhaps stronger!


    Why?


    ording to many sources, it was because of the Spirit Pir given by Dongfang Ji.


    "Go try it and see how far you can go," Li Yang smiled.


    "Yes," Li Yuan stepped down the stairs and walked toward therge bronze pir.


    The first twenty meters or so were easy, without much difort.


    But, as soon as Li Yuan entered within fifty meters of the bronze pir, crossing the marked ''warning line'' on the ground,


    "Buzz~"


    It felt like stepping into a special domain. A formless mental pressure instantly enveloped Li Yuan.


    Boom~ like a giant hammer hitting his consciousness.


    Luckily!


    Li Yuan''s mental strength was incredibly strong.


    "Hmm?" Li Yuan''s eyes narrowed in shock, "What a strong mental pressure."


    "Boom~" "Boom~" This mental pressure wasn''t a one-time thing; it was like waves, continuously assaulting Li Yuan''s mind.


    Making the mental pressure he endured grow stronger and stronger.


    "For your first time, to endure so easily, your mental strength is indeed strong," Li Yang appeared beside Li Yuan, smiling. "Do you understand the importance of the Spirit Pir now?"


    "To temper and strengthen mental strength?" Li Yuan asked softly.


    "Exactly!"


    Li Yang nodded, "Like physical training, continuous intense training will naturally increase strength and speed."


    "Mental strength is the same."


    "The Spirit Pir constantly pressures the warrior''s mind, making the mind tire," Li Yang exined softly. "When the mind recovers, mental strength naturally bes stronger."

 Chapter 111: The Astonishing Treatment of S-Rank

    <h4>Chapter 111: The Astonishing Treatment of S-Rank</h4>


    Li Yuan listened to Li Yang and looked at the Pir of Spirit.


    This method of training mental power is indeed special.


    Previously, when Li Yuan was in Jiangcheng, he had never heard of such a method.


    After all, mental power, unlike physical strength, is not visible or tangible, and it is not easy to enhance.


    "Mental power is extremely important."


    "You should deeply understand this," Li Yang said. "The stronger the mental power, the better the control over the body, and the easier it is to cultivate techniques."


    Li Yuan nodded lightly. His rapid improvement in technique was not solely due to his talent andprehension, but the significant enhancement of his mental power yed the most crucial role.


    Strong mental power enhances perception, calction, andprehension abilities, essentially improving one''s innate talent.


    "But it''s also difficult to enhance mental power," Li Yang exined to Li Yuan. "The first way is through the nurturing of the physical body. The stronger the body, the stronger the mental power it can generate."


    "For example, Level 19 warriors have mental power at least at Level 17 or 18."


    "The second way is through the use of treasures, from the mostmon mental power-enhancing potions to precious spiritual springs and some rare natural treasures like the Soul Nurturing Nine-Leaf Grass and the Soul Nurturing Soul Essence Crystal," Liyang said. "However, lower-grade potions are generally ineffective and costly, and high-quality natural treasures are not only expensive but also hard to find."


    Li Yuan pondered this. The Soul Nurturing Soul Essence Crystal? It sounded simr to the Ster Marrow Crystal, at least in name.


    As for mental power-enhancing potions, Li Yuan had heard his uncle Li Changzhou mention them. A basic potion costs 30,000 Blue Star Coins per dose, and a first-grade potion costs 100,000 Blue Star Coins per dose, requiring at least three bottles a month and long-term use for several years to significantly help a warrior.


    "The third way is through the spiritual method," Liyang continued. "Training mental power is difficult because mental awareness is elusive and hard to pressure."


    "If a supreme warrior beyond the flying level or some skilled flying warriors are willing to leave a slight spiritual imprint in the mind, constantly pressing the mental power, it can also temper it," Li Yang smiled. "However, it''s extremely difficult to leave a spiritual imprint without harming weaker warriors, and it takes half a day each time."


    "Over time, the imprint will gradually dissipate,sting at most two to three months."


    "It must be done regrly."


    "Unless it''s for a close rtive or a highly valued personal disciple, who would put in such effort?" Li Yang shook his head.


    Li Yuan couldn''t help but nod. It turned out that there was such a method in human civilization, the spiritual method, but it was too demanding and couldn''t be widely adopted.


    "Of course."


    "There are also rumors of an even more powerful method than the spiritual method, called the visualization method," Li Yang smiled. "It is said toe from some extremely powerful alien civilizations, but it has never been verified. I only heard about it and don''t understand the specifics."


    On the surface, Li Yuan remained calm, but inside, he was astonished.


    Visualization method?


    The "Observing of the Great Sun Starry Sutra" he practiced seemed to be a visualization method.


    However, it was extremely difficult to practice. Li Yuan had tried practicing it with just the forms but found it ineffective.


    He had to concentrate his mental power on the ''Great Sun Jade tform'' in his divine pce to enter the visualization state, which also made him give up the idea of teaching it to his family.


    "The Pir of Spirit in our Kunlun Martial University."


    "You can think of it as a weakened,rge-scale version of the spiritual method. Although it is not as effective as the specialized spiritual method, as long as you are within the range of its waves, you can be tempered."


    "It can continuously support all students in the school, saving a lot of manpower and resources," Li Yang said proudly. "Only Starlight University and Kunlun Martial University have the Pir of Spirit on the entire Blue Star."


    "Even Starry Sky Martial University and ck Stone Martial University don''t have it," Li Yang said.


    "Impressive," Li Yuan said sincerely.


    Cultivation resources will eventually run out, but treasures like the Pir of Spirit can be passed down for generations, truly making it the cornerstone of Kunlun Martial University.


    "Alright, you should be basically adapted by now," Li Yang said. "Try moving forward and see which area you can reach."


    "There are nine zones in total, with the ninth zone having the strongest pressure and the first zone the weakest."


    "Yes," Li Yuan nodded.


    Enduring the mental pressure, he began to walk step by step toward the Pir of Spirit.


    ording to the warning lines on the ground, the short distance of fifty meters was divided into nine zones.


    Most students stayed in the first three zones, and even then, they were in great pain.


    "Tap~"


    "Tap~" Li Yuan walked slowly towards the deeper areas, clearly feeling the invisible mental pressure from the Pir of Spirit.


    It was like being hit by increasingly powerful hammers.


    "Li Yuan''s physical fitness is weak, but he should be able to reach the third zone," Dean Li Yang thought.


    As a Level 29 Source Warrior, he could vaguely sense Li Yuan''s mental power.


    Soon, Li Yuan entered the second zone easily, and before Li Yang could react, Li Yuan had already stepped into the third zone.


    Still unflustered!


    He continued towards the fourth zone.


    "The fourth zone?" A hint of surprise shed in Li Yang''s eyes. "Normally, it takes Level 19 mental power to reach this zone."


    "Can Li Yuan do it?"


    After ten seconds, enduring immense mental pressure, Li Yuan stepped into the fourth zone.


    Then!


    He continued towards the fifth zone, attracting the attention of many students training their mental power at the Pir of Spirit.


    "The fifth zone? Who is he?"


    "The fifth zone is already at the level of a Source Warrior!"


    "I sense his blood and energy are weak. Is his mental power that strong?" some senior students wondered.


    They couldn''t urately judge Li Yuan''s life level without a divine pce.


    But warriors, with their enhanced perception and mental power, could vaguely sense a lot.


    "I saw him in the V-chat group yesterday. He''s a freshman named Li Yuan."


    "I remember now, he broke Senior Jin''s entrance record."


    "Li Yuan?"


    "It should be him. Dean Li Yang is apanying him," many students whispered.


    Some even started recording with their smart wristbands.


    These students were secretly shocked.


    High technique can be exined by talent, but with weak physical fitness, rapid mental power improvement is usually impossible.


    Not far away.


    "The fifth zone." Li Yuan was already struggling, showing a hint of pain on his face.


    Indeed!


    If it were just mental power, staying in the fourth zone would be difficult for Li Yuan.


    However, just as higher technique in the same body results in more terrifying power, mental power is simr. The same level of mental power, if differing in willpower, will manifest very differently.


    It''s like one person achieving Level 19 through various natural treasures, and another through arduous cultivation.


    They may have the same data, but if faced with severe torture, would their endurance be the same?


    Willpower is like the ''technique'' of mental power.


    Li Yuan, through relentless cultivation of the "Observing of the Great Sun Starry Sutra." had tempered his willpower to a very high level.


    Naturally, he could concentrate his mental power to a formidable extent.


    Step by step.


    Finally, Li Yuan stood firmly at the end of the fifth zone, his face showing slight distortion.


    The intense mental pressure caused terrible pain, making Li Yuan''s head buzz.


    "A freshman?"


    "Reaching the fifth zone and standing firm means he still has strength."


    "That abnormal? High technique and terrifying mental power?"


    "The fifth zone, doesn''t that mean his mental power rivals a Source Warrior?" This scene shocked the other students.


    "Source Warrior level?" Li Yang''s eyes gleamed. "Is it willpower?"


    "No wonder he can endure three monthly Body Cleansing Essences."


    "His willpower is truly unique," Li Yang thought, feeling a bit emotional. "Many advanced Source Warriors don''t have such willpower."


    In the Source Warrior ranks, Levels 20-22 are considered junior Source Warriors.


    Levels 23-25 are intermediate Source Warriors.


    Levels 26-28 are advanced Source Warriors.


    Level 29 Source Warriors are top-level Source Warriors.


    ... Five minutester.


    Li Yuan retreated step by step from the fifth zone to the first zone.


    His breath and expression returned to calm as he returned to Li Yang''s side.


    "Teacher, I am inadequate. I could only reach the fifth zone," Li Yuan said honestly. "I couldn''t reach the ninth zone."


    Inadequate?


    The ninth zone?


    Li Yang''s mouth twitched. "Alright, stop boasting. I only reached the ninth zone after bing a Level 29 Source Warrior... You''re already excellent at your age."


    "Teacher could reach the ninth zone?" Li Yuan was surprised.


    "This Pir of Spirit typically requires Level 13 or above to attempt. Otherwise, it''s easy to suffer severe mental damage," Li Yang said. "But it''s mainly for advanced Source Warriors to temper their mental power."


    "For top-level Source Warriors like me, its effect is minimal."


    "As for flying warriors, it''spletely useless," Li Yang said.


    Li Yuan nodded. Indeed, a martial university is essentially a training ground for warriors, and the Pir of Spirit is very suitable.


    If it were highly beneficial to flying warriors, it would cause trouble.


    "Follow me out first," Li Yang said, turning to leave.


    The two walked out of the Vermilion Bird Building to the empty square outside.


    "Did you notice the drawback of the Pir of Spirit?" Li Yang asked while walking.


    "Consumes too much mental energy?" Li Yuan thought.


    He had felt a slight mental fatigue earlier.


    "Correct," Li Yang nodded. "Like training the body, if you push too hard, you''ll feel sore for days."


    "A Level 1 warrior staying for two hours at a time would need at least three to five days to recover, and the mental fatigue would affect normal training," Li Yang said. "So it must be used with mental power-enhancing potions."


    "To speed up mental power recovery."


    "Even so, most students only train at the Pir of Spirit once a week," Li Yang said.


    Li Yuan realized, no wonder there were few students at the Pir of Spirit earlier.


    "However."


    "As an S-rank special training contract member, the school will provide you with a portion of Spirit Nourishing Spring every month," Li Yang said. "Each portion is worth at least one million Blue Star Coins if sold outside."


    "Its effect is much stronger than first-grade mental power-enhancing potions, with fewer side effects."


    "Spirit Nourishing Spring?" Li Yuan was shocked. He had only heard of it online.


    Calcting, just this training resource alone is worth tens of millions of Blue Star Coins a year.


    So extravagant!


    After hesitating for three seconds, Li Yuan said directly, "Teacher, can I exchange this for other training resources? I don''t need it that much."


    "For example, resources to aid physical training."


    "Not needed?" Li Yang was stunned.


    "Teacher, my mental power talent is high enough, and the Pir of Spirit has little help for me," Li Yuan said. "My top priority now is to enhance my physical fitness."


    Spirit Nourishing Spring?


    In terms of effect, it can''t match the Visualization Method''s restoration of mental and physical state.


    Aplete waste.


    "The school has already prepared a portion of ''High Source Spirit Spring'' for you every month for your physical training."


    "Its effect is equivalent to five or six Source Power Essence Pills, worth as much as the Spirit Nourishing Spring, but with less physical burden," Li Yang frowned. "But if you want two portions of High Source Spirit Spring, would you take one every two weeks? I''m afraid your body can''t handle it."


    He knew Li Yuan was right.


    Given Li Yuan''s mental power talent and willpower, he hardly needed many external aids, except for natural treasures.


    "High Source Spirit Spring?" Li Yuan thought. He had seen it in the Starlight Martial Hall ''mall'' before.


    But he couldn''t afford it.


    Too expensive!


    Thinking carefully, Kunlun Martial University had indeed prepared many training resources for him.


    Seeing Li Yuan deep in thought.


    "There is a way you can try," Li Yang suddenly said.


    "Please tell me, teacher," Li Yuan said, looking up.


    "Use more Body Cleansing Essence, four times, even five times," Li Yang said, staring at Li Yuan. "But you should know."


    "It is essentially bone-scraping to remove toxins, a thorough cleansing of the body."


    "The pain intensifies with each use," Li Yang sighed. "Using it three times a month at your age is already remarkable."


    Li Yuan was stunned. Using Body Cleansing Essence four times a month?


    Five times?


    After a long silence, just as Li Yang thought Li Yuan would give up.


    Suddenly Li Yuan said, "Teacher, I want to try!"


    For some reason.


    After saying this, Li Yuan felt a fiery sensation below...


    ...


    After discussing with Li Yang for half a day, Li Yuan finally understood the truth behind Teacher Fan Jin''s ''extreme training method.''


    But in the end, Li Yuan persuaded Li Yang.


    Two portions of High Source Spirit Spring every month.


    Trial for one month.


    If Li Yuan couldn''t handle it after a month, he would switch to a monthly n of one portion of Spirit Nourishing Spring and one portion of High Source Spirit Spring.


    ...


    At night, Li Yuan returned to his vi area.


    Entered the virtualwork, Kunlun Space.


    "ording to Teacher Li''s guidance."


    "In addition to regr physical training and mental power tempering, to quickly improve my techniques, I need to learn more second-grade spear techniques," Li Yuan clicked on the light screen. "Refer to the opinions of more predecessors."


    Martial Arts Knowledge Network.


    This is a globalwork for all martial arts universities, where every student can log in and learn a certain number of martial arts techniques for free.


    Soon, Li Yuan saw his S-rank student privileges.


    "Can learn 50 second-grade techniques for free, including technique manuals, source power manuals, mental application manuals..."


    "Can learn 3 third-grade techniques for free."

 Chapter 112: Years of Cultivation, Battle Approaches

    <h4>Chapter 112: Years of Cultivation, Battle Approaches</h4>


    In the virtualwork, within the Martial Arts Knowledge Space.


    "So many manuals to choose from?" Li Yuan stared at the vast array of manuals avable for study.


    "As expected, anyone who enters a martial arts university can receive arge amount of cultivation resources distributed by the state for free," Li Yuan thought to himself.


    Outside, purchasing a second-grade manual would cost at least a million Blue Star Coins.


    Even at the Starlight Martial Hall, it would cost a million cultivation points.


    But within the university? It''s free.


    "Let''s have a look." Li Yuan clicked randomly, and the numerous manuals transformed into books, each glowing with light.


    The manuals were primarily divided into four categories: Techniques, Source Power, Mental, and Physical.


    However, after discussing with Teacher Li Yang, Li Yuan already had a good understanding.


    Source Power manuals and Physical manuals were for second-grade Source Warriors.


    As for himself? He only needed to choose some spear techniques to cultivate andprehend.


    Mental manuals? He needed to wait until his mental power reached level 20 to start training.


    "Technique manuals." Li Yuan clicked, and the manuals surrounding him shed again.


    The disyed manuals included spear techniques, saber techniques, sword techniques...all eighteen types of weapons were covered, and they were all at least second-grade manuals.


    "These manuals were created by generations of human warriors?" Li Yuan was astonished. "Many manuals were contributed for free by powerful warriors to the martial arts library."


    Some manuals were free, while others required payment.


    However, for Li Yuan, it made no difference; even if they required payment, it was covered under his S-rank free quota.


    It was as if Kunlun Martial University was paying for him.


    "Though there''s a quota of 50 manuals, Teacher mentioned not to bite off more than I can chew," Li Yuan thought. "For now, choosing four spear technique manuals is enough."


    Li Yang had already listed the spear technique manuals Li Yuan needed to cultivate next.


    "''Cloud Controlling Spear Technique,'' ''True me Spear Technique,'' ''Meteor Spear Technique,'' ''Gold Splitting Spear Technique.''" Li Yuan quickly clicked to check the codes and names.


    There were many umted manuals, so some had the same names but different codes.


    Confirm purchase!


    "Freshman ''Li Yuan,'' your free second-grade manual quota has decreased by 4, leaving a bnce of 46," the system voice announced. "The newly purchased technique manuals have been sent to your personal space."


    "Reminder!"


    "Manuals are for your personalprehension and study only. Unauthorized dissemination is strictly prohibited and will be severely punished," the system voice added.


    Li Yuan smiled, not taking it to heart.


    "Time to start training." With a thought, Li Yuan returned to his personal space and began studying the newly obtained four spear technique manuals.


    He started with the ''Cloud Controlling Spear Technique.''


    Li Yuan understood the purpose of Teacher Li Yang having him study spear techniques.


    If his technique was only at the second or third stage,prehending one second-grade spear technique would suffice; specialization was crucial at that stage.


    Learning too many techniques could confuse his core spear technique, resulting in counterproductive effects.


    If he reached the fourth grade, especially as Li Yuan had already entered the mid-fourth grade, in ancient times, he would be considered a ''spear technique master,'' capable of establishing a sect.


    With a clearer understanding of his path, it was time to start ''integrating the strengths of various schools.''


    He needed to learn more spear techniques and incorporate them into his own.


    "ording to Teacher, he learned over thirty second-grade spear techniques to break through the fifth stage," Li Yuan thought. "He absorbed their essence, achieving unity of man and nature, and crossed into the fifth grade."


    Unity of man and nature? Too mysterious.


    Li Yuan didn''t quite understand yet.


    But with the summarized sessful paths of predecessors, Li Yuan just needed to follow step by step.


    Shortcuts? Many seemingly shortcuts were actually cliffs at the end.


    .....


    As Li Yuan began studying new spear techniques, in the residential area for students of the three academies.


    One vi was brightly lit.


    In the nearly thousand square meter underground martial arts room, the floor and four walls were made of special materials capable of withstanding the unrestricted outbursts of a Level 19 warrior without being damaged.


    At this moment, a lean young man in a ck martial arts uniform was practicing his saber technique with a saber.


    "sh!" "sh!"


    "sh!" des of light shed, and the young man in ck moved like lightning, unleashing incredibly terrifying des, agile and dreamy, causing hearts to tremble.


    His casual bursts of speed exceeded 50 meters per second, forming terrifying afterimages in the small space.


    As he was earnestly training.


    Suddenly.


    "Beep~ Master, Long Ya is calling you," the auxiliary intelligence sounded in the martial arts room.


    Whoosh!


    The young man in ck stopped, the des of light that filled the martial arts room gradually dissipating.


    He had been contemting his self-created saber technique.


    "Answer," the young man in ck said in a deep voice.


    Buzz~


    Light condensed, forming a video projection in front of the young man in ck, revealing a woman in a white martial arts uniform in the video.


    "Little Ya." The young man in ck smiled. "What''s up?"


    "Brother Jin, do you know about what happened to Li Yuan this afternoon?" The woman in white, Long Ya, looked a bit anxious.


    "Li Yuan?" The young man in ck was taken aback. "The one who surpassed my entrancepetition record yesterday?"


    "Yes," Long Ya quickly replied.


    "What happened this afternoon?" The young man in ck smiled calmly. He wasn''t particrly handsome but had a square face that gave off a sense of justice and security.


    He was Jin Huguo, the top talent of Kunlun Martial University.


    He was also a well-known martial arts genius in the entire China.


    Having just entered his junior year, his technique had already reached the intricate level, and his physical fitness had reached Level 19.


    "This afternoon, at the Pir of Spirit in the Vermilion Bird Building." The woman in white stared at Jin Huguo. "Dean Li Yang took Li Yuan there, and on his first attempt, Li Yuan reached the fifth zone, stayed there for several minutes, and then retreated calmly."


    "Oh? The fifth zone? His mental power has reached the level of a Source Warrior?" Jin Huguo showed a hint of surprise. "He''s only a freshman. Even if his physical fitness is at its peak, he''s at most just over Level 10."


    "This junior is indeed impressive." Jin Huguo sighed. "He might be much stronger than I am in the future."


    With his strength and vision, he clearly understood what Li Yuan''s technique and mental power signified.


    The future held infinite possibilities.


    "Brother, you don''t care at all?" Long Ya asked, unable to help but notice Jin Huguo''s indifferent attitude.


    "Care about what? Having a talented junior in this generation is a good thing," Jin Huguoughed. "I''m more worried that he might lose himself without a rival after being so brilliant upon entering the university."


    "This Li Yuan is so formidable, he might threaten your status in the school," Long Ya finally stated inly.


    Jin Huguo looked at Long Ya''s expression and wanted tough.


    "Little Ya, how could you ask such a silly question?" Jin Huguo shook his head. "First of all, he''s a freshman, and I''m a junior. There''s no directpetition."


    "Even if there werepetition, so what?" Jin Huguo said calmly. "It''s justpetition within the school."


    "Kunlun Martial University''s top talent? Is the title so impressive? Is it useful?"


    Long Ya was stunned.


    Not useful?


    "Since the establishment of Starlight University and Starry Sky University, our Kunlun Martial University has been in decline for decades." Jin Huguo shook his head. "Last year''s Global University Martial Arts Competition, I was the only one from our school who made it to the top 100 in the virtual battle."


    "In the real battle, not even one qualified topete. It was so embarrassing," Jin Huguo shook his head.


    "Brother, that wasn''t your fault," Long Ya quickly said. "Last year, you made it to the top 100 in the virtual battle as a sophomore, outperforming most juniors from the three prestigious schools. You were already brilliant."


    "As for the real battle? Among the five major schools in China, only two qualified for the main eventst year, and they were eliminated in the first round."


    "In the uingpetition, you definitely have a chance topete in the real battle and possibly make it to the top 20," Long Ya said admiringly. "That would be historic."


    Jin Huguo smiled. Top 20?


    So difficult. He could only say he had some hope.


    "Not to mention, humanity needs more and stronger warriors."


    "Speaking of now," Jin Huguo smiled. "If Li Yuan is strong enough to shine in the Global University Martial Arts Competition and bring glory to Kunlun Martial University, I would admire him."


    "As for any status within the school, it''s all fleeting."


    "It''s not like we''repeting to be the principal. We''ll all graduate sooner orter," Jin Huguoughed. "Looking at it another way, previously, the school leadership bet everything on me alone, and I felt a lot of pressure too."


    "Having someone to share the pressure, why not?"


    Long Ya opened her mouth but didn''t speak.


    She could see that Jin Huguo truly didn''t care.


    "In a sense, one Li Yuan is not enough," Jin Huguo shook his head. "If every generation had twenty or thirty Li Yuan''s, then Kunlun Martial University might regain its former glory and be the top martial arts university on Blue Star again."


    Long Ya couldn''t help butugh.


    The top martial arts university on Blue Star? That was history from fifty years ago.


    After hanging up the call.


    "Li Yuan?" Jin Huguo murmured, smiling as he continued contemting his de technique.


    ...


    On the evening of July 4th.


    Including Li Yuan, neen elite disciples under Li Yang gathered at the vi of ''Yanhe.''


    The vi was veryrge, more than enough for a banquet of dozens of people.


    After the wee ceremony.


    "Junior Brother, really no girlfriend?" Senior Sister Shi Xiao asked, holding a ss of red wine, smiling.


    "Senior Sister."


    "I just want to focus on martial arts," Li Yuan smiled. He had sensed Senior Sister''s intentions.


    He also detected her life level, 15.8.


    Very formidable.


    Li Yuan understood that strong warriors had abundant energy, and they mostly trusted themselves rather than others.


    Therefore, their views on many aspects differed greatly from ordinary people.


    Unfortunately, not only was Li Yuan not interested.


    Even if he were, it wouldn''t matter. After undergoing another session of ''Body Cleansing Essence'' treatment during the day, he needed a good rest.


    ...


    After this wee banquet.


    The turmoil since entering university finally settled, and in a sense, Li Yuan''s martial arts university life officially began.


    In the general studies ss with students from six academies.


    "Why are cultural subjects required in the college entrance examination?" The general studies teacher, a Source Warrior, spoke powerfully. "Warriors are not just brutish fighters with physical strength; they should use their brains."


    "Life evolution is not just about developed muscles and explosive Source Power; it should also be about the evolution of the mind."


    "The entire human civilization, the entire country, needs you to be the most brilliant group of pioneers in the path of human evolution." The teacher''s sharp gaze swept over each student. "You must know why you fight and for whom you fight."


    "Next, I will talk about the modern martial arts history."


    "In the oldest times, the seven majors were unaware of each other''s existence."


    "Two thousand years ago, the Star Bridge appeared. Including our Blue Star, sixs could cross the starry sky through the Star Bridge and discovered each other''s existence."


    "Although located in different parts of the universe, all sevens were inhabited by humans. This was mysterious, and the appearance of the Star Bridge was also enigmatic, with many spections, but it remains a mystery to this day."


    "And Soaring Star is the most mysterious and vast of the sevens."


    "Thus began the Star Bridge era,ter designated as the first year of the Seven Stars Calendar."


    "This starry sea was named the ''Seven Star Sea.''" The general studies teacher continued.


    Li Yuan, An Nong, and Gu Qianghan listened without much attention.


    Because these weremon knowledge.


    Most of it was covered in middle school textbooks.


    "In 1420, the Star Bridge shattered, evolving into the six major astral realms, the original six astral realms." The teacher continued, "But through the astral realms, we could still reach Soaring Star."


    "Cosmic Source Power emerged, and the life forms on the sevens became more powerful...the dawn of martial arts appeared."


    "But it wasn''t until 1609 that human civilization gave birth to the first Source Warrior." The teacher said, "From then on, we realized that Source Power existed not only in natural treasures but also in the cosmic starry sky and earth."


    "Thus, martial arts rose, and human civilization truly began life evolution."


    "In 1724, human civilization gave birth to the first Flying Warrior."


    "In 1746, the first astral realm appeared on Heavenly Sea Star, with numerous astral realm creatures emerging, causing over thirty million deaths. It took thebined efforts of severals topletely suppress this astral realm entrance."


    "That was the beginning of the nightmare."


    "Then came the second astral realm, the third astral realm...at that time, only Level 1 and Level 2 astral realms appeared, and there were no Flying-level astral realm creatures."


    "In 1766 of the Seven Stars Calendar, the first Level 3 astral realm appeared on Soaring Star." The teacher''s voice grew solemn, and the ssroom screen disyed relevant information.


    "Fire Demon, the first Flying-level alien, ravaged over ten thousand kilometers, ughtering more than eight million humans before being killed by several Flying Warriors."


    "Then came the second, the third...a ten-year astral realm war, Soaring Star was nearly overrun, with over six billion human deaths!" The teacher''s voice carried a hint of sorrow.


    Even after hundreds of years.


    Even though this catastrophe urred far away on Soaring Star, with Blue Star not suffering such severe losses.


    Li Yuan, An Nong, and the others were still deeply shaken.


    Over six billion human deaths? The human race on Soaring Star was nearly extinct.


    Today, Blue Star has just over a hundred billion people.


    "Until 1782."


    "Human civilization gave birth to its first existence beyond the Flying level, ''Lante.''" The teacher''s voice rose. "Thus began the great counterattack."


    The teacher narrated many secrets not mentioned in middle school textbooks.


    Making Li Yuan, An Nong, and others listen intently.


    "The ten-year war, led by Lante, basically quelled the chaos."


    "The first astral realm war ended."


    "In 1820." The teacher continued, "After a long four hundred years of martial arts dark age, human civilization''s first universal high-level technique, ''Southern Abyss Ten Thousand Waters Sutra,'' was finally born."


    "Human warriors began to emerge like bamboo shoots after the rain."


    Li Yuan was filled with emotion.


    Half of human civilization''s history is martial arts history.


    The subsequent history.


    Li Yuan knew well, with more and more high-level techniques being born, human civilization flourished.


    In 1920, the second ''astral realm war'' broke out on Soaring Star, with aliens beyond the Flying level appearing.


    But, Dongfang Ji from Blue Star emerged, sweeping everything with absolute power and might.


    Countless Flying-level and beyond-Flying-level astral realm creatures fell at his hands.


    He officially surpassed Lante, bing the recognized number one in human civilization.


    Later, Dongfang Ji established the Starlight Martial Hall, turning the nominal Seven Stars Alliance into a reality, truly surpassing the countries of the sevens, and promoting the ''Seven Stars Alliance Progress Movement'' for ten years.


    In 1954 of the Seven Stars Calendar, the martial arts college entrance examination was officiallyunched, spreading across all countries.


    In the past century, human civilization has entered a period of rapid development, with nuclear weapons and various technological weapons emerging...under the unified allocation of the Alliance, there have been no more devastating wars.


    In 1962, Starlight University, Starry Sky University, and ck Stone University simultaneously established branches on the sevens.


    Recruiting and training the top talents.


    In 2009, the virtualwork was born, sweeping the entire human civilization, further elerating the discovery of martial arts talents.


    As Li Yuan reflected.


    "That''s all for today''s ss, dismissed." The teacher said in a low voice.


    .....


    In thebat martial arts room of the ck Dragon Building.


    "ng!"


    "ng!" "ng!" Li Yuan was engaged in an intensebat practice with Teacher Jiang Lun.


    "Too weak!"


    "You clearly have mid-fourth grade spear techniques, why can''t you utilize them?"


    "Aren''t you a genius? How dare you call yourself a genius with this trash performance?"


    "Are you angry? Furious? Then hit me if you can!" Jiang Lun shouted at Li Yuan, his voice echoing in the room.


    The gentle demeanor from their first meeting waspletely gone.


    "Your mind should be in sync with every part of your body, sensing every bit of force in your spear."


    "Remember, every bit!"


    "I scold you and you lose yourposure? Your mentality is too weak, you need more training!"


    "When I tell you to kneel, you kneel. When I tell you to lie down, you lie down! Why? Because your spear techniques are not strong enough."


    "Because you''re weak."


    "Weakness is the original sin. When you fight astral realm creatures, there''s no such thing as a genius, only strong and weak. A dead genius is just a pile of flesh to be devoured!"


    "Train!" Jiang Lun, like a tyrant, relentlessly tortured Li Yuan.


    But Li Yuan had to admit, sparring with him made his progress the fastest.


    Even his inner self was undergoing storms of tempering.


    ...


    "Your mind, from within to without."


    "First, sense your whole body."


    "What is the unity of man and nature? The sky refers to nature, the man refers to oneself." Li Yang lectured Li Yuan individually. "When your technique reaches intricacy, perfectly controlling every bit of your power."


    "That''s when you begin to sense the natural world."


    "Human power is finite, but the power of nature is infinite. Harnessing the power of nature can make your body incredibly strong, running beyond the speed of sound, toppling buildings with a punch...each burst of force is hundreds of tons."


    "Even...soaring through the sky and delving into the earth."


    ....


    In the martial arts room, therapy room.


    Spirit Cleansing Essence covered his entire body.


    "Ah!" Li Yuan trembled in pain, his face flushed, veins on his head bulging as if about to burst.


    Muscles twitched, his body felt like a million steel needles piercing.


    This was pain deep into the marrow.


    With his terrifyingly strong willpower, Li Yuan endured extreme pain, his muscle bundles twitching and twisting.


    Such pain could easily kill an ordinary warrior.


    In the end.


    Li Yuan barely endured, a fineyer of ck impurities appeared on his skin.


    "This month, the fifth time, finally got through it." Li Yuan mumbled to himself, drinking a portion of ''High Source Spirit Spring'' ced nearby.


    Lying on the ground, unwilling to move, he fell into a deep sleep.


    "Buzz~"


    The Spirit Spring took effect, powerful Source Power surged through his body, strengthening every part, muscles, bones, internal organs, and even blood...every part of his body devouring Source Power, growing stronger.


    ....


    Kunlun Martial University provided Li Yuan with the best and mostprehensive cultivation environment.


    Li Yuan, too, was growing at an rming rate, his techniques,bat skills, physical fitness, and mental power all advancing.


    Such progress amazed teachers like Li Yang and Jiang Lun.


    In a blink, it was the end of July.


    "A rough diamond!"


    "After tempering, he''s bing stronger and stronger." Li Yang sighed. "Teacher Jiang, he can even endure your tyrant training method."


    "Haha, with my training, his survival rate in life-and-death battles will be much higher." Jiang Lun said proudly. "Staying calm inbat, how to stay calm?"


    "Not enough experience, calm on the outside but not on the inside..." Jiang Lun was ready for a long lecture.


    "Stop!"


    "If you keep talking, I''ll hit you." Li Yang red, and Jiang Lun immediately shut up.


    "You''re the dean, you''re the boss, I can''t afford to mess with you, I''ll leave."


    ...


    After sending Jiang Lun away, in the office.


    "With Li Yuan''s current strength?" Li Yang watched Li Yuan''s variousbat scenes on the screen. "Still taking the practical exam with other freshmen?"


    "No way! There''s no challenge at all."


    "Let''s send him to the fourth base." Li Yang decided.


    Kunlun Martial University had five practical exam bases.


    The first base had the weakest astral realm creatures, the fifth base had the strongest.


    Students were assigned to a base based on their strength, not their year.


    The fourth base? Normally, it was for third-year students.


    .....


    On July 29th, in Vi 61032.


    "Hm?"


    "My practical exam base is the fourth base?" Li Yuan looked at the message on his smart wristband, slightly surprised.


    He clicked to view the details.


    "Fourth base, astral realm creatures generally Level 13, highest Level 14?" Li Yuan nced at his spiritual pce panel.


    _____


    <strong>Life Level: 11.3 (First Grade)</strong>


    <strong>Punch Force: 2250 kg</strong>


    <strong>Speed: 27.1 m/s</strong>


    <strong>Mental Power: 18.4</strong>


    <strong>Spiritual Awakening Degree: 12.8% (Current Limit 20%)</strong>


    <strong>Technique Realm: Spear Technique (Fourth Grade 53%), Movement Technique (Fourth Grade 42%), Fist Technique (Fourth Grade 55%)</strong>


    <strong>_____</strong>


    "Leaving tomorrow."


    "Am I really expected to fight creatures nearly three levels above me?" Li Yuan mumbled to himself. "They have high expectations of me."

 Chapter 113: Practical Exam! Spiritual Enhancement!

    <h4>Chapter 113: Practical Exam! Spiritual Enhancement!</h4>


    Every year, for students whose physical fitness has not yet reached Level 15, Kunlun Martial University conducts two practical exams.


    One is held at the end of July each year.


    The other is held at the end of February each year.


    Both are conducted in the first month after the start of the semester.


    The practical exams are not divided by year, but rather by each individual''s skill level and physical fitness, cing them into one of the five practical exam bases.


    This ensures that the students participating in the same practical exam base do not have drastically different levels of strength.


    Generally, the participants in the practical exams are first-year to third-year students, along with a few fourth-year students.


    Fifth-year students? Almost none.


    Because those who can get into Kunlun Martial University and go through four to five years of university training usually have no difficulty reaching Level 15 physical fitness even if their skills have not broken through to the fourth stage.


    Once physical fitness reaches Level 15?


    They no longer need to participate in the practical exams.


    Instead, they start entering various astral realms to experience life-and-death adventures.


    At Level 15,bined with high-level third-grade or perfect third-grade skills, their strength is already considerable.


    In many Level 1 astral realm battles, they can y a significant role.


    On the morning of July 30th, students from each academy had selected suitable weapons from the armory.


    Li Yuan followed his usual practice, choosing a spear over two meters long, along with a sword and a short sword.


    He also had protective clothing,bat boots, and soft armor.


    All of them were top-quality first-grade items, extremely strong in both defense and durability.


    "Senior Brother, are you going to the fourth base?" An Nong was inwardly surprised but kept a calm exterior.


    "What?"


    "Senior Brother is going to the fourth base, but we all seem to be going to the first base?"


    "I''m assigned to the first base."


    "Me too, the first base."


    "Can the academy team score still be secured?" Instantly, the freshmen from the six academies began whispering.


    They weren''t panicking; they had just thought Li Yuan would lead them in a triumphant sweep through the first base.


    Over the past month, Li Yuan had not fulfilled his ''Senior Brother'' duties.


    However, with Gu Qianghan and An Nong coordinating, there were no issues.


    Martial universities are unlike traditional universities; they don''t conduct various activities.


    The students'' main focus is on their cultivation.


    "What''s there to discuss?" Gu Qianghan''s voice was low. "I''ve looked into it. Li Yuan isn''t the only one going to a higher base."


    "Yang Hong and Wu Luo are also going to the second base," Gu Qianghan said resolutely. "Their assignment to higher bases shows their great strength."


    "What''s the problem?"


    The murmuring crowd immediately fell silent. They were just discussing.


    Moreover.


    Li Yuan, as a freshman going to the fourth base for his first practical exam, already said a lot.


    "Everyone, don''t worry too much."


    "Yesterday, I studied the rules." An Nong smiled. "In the practical exam, the total team scores of the eight academies are based on year."


    "Each academybines the total scores of the top 200 students in each year, simr to the entrancepetition rules."


    "What does this mean? Even if Senior Brother goes to the fourth base, his final score will still be added to our freshman team score," An Nong exined.


    Now, many students quietly listened.


    Indeed.


    With this calction, it didn''t matter much which base Li Yuan went to.


    "Additionally, everyone should understand that Senior Brother going to the fourth base actually benefits us," An Nong said. "Although the maximum individual score for the team is 200 points, even if someone gets 10,000 points, it only counts as 200 points for the team ranking."


    Li Yuan watched An Nong ''perform.''


    The maximum individual-to-team score conversion of 200 points was to prevent a super-genius from overwhelming most students''petitive enthusiasm.


    "But think about it."


    "If Senior Brother stayed at the first base, how hard would it be to get 200 points with one point per kill? His excessive killing would also lower our efficiency." An Nong shook his head and raised his voice. "But with Senior Brother at the fourth base, every kill is worth dozens of points. He can easily get 200 points."


    "Securing the highest score."


    "Remember!"


    "Senior Brother going to the fourth base isn''t just for himself; it''s for us," An Nong said passionately. "Senior Brother trains so hard and diligently. Should we rely solely on him? What''s the difference between us and useless people then?"


    "We are the glorious Six Academies!"


    "With Senior Brother''s perfect score as a foundation, can we not secure the first-year academy''s top spot?" An Nong''s voice grew more passionate. "Brothers and sisters, tell me, what is our goal?"


    "First ce!"


    "First ce!" The shout in front of the ck Dragon Building erupted like a tidal wave. These students might not truly believe An Nong''s words, nor think Li Yuan couldmand them as Senior Brother, but if they could benefit together, why not shout a slogan?


    This scene made the second and third-year students of the Six Academies nearby exchange nces.


    "So united!"


    "The freshmen are much more united than us sophomores and juniors."


    "That junior named Li Yuan must be really capable to get so many people on board. At least on the surface, they all agree. That''s already impressive," the older students of the Six Academies casually discussed.


    In one month, Li Yuan''s fame had grown significantly at Kunlun Martial University.


    At least, all students from the Six Academies knew Li Yuan.


    Before long.


    Everyone entered the underground area ording to their designated practical exam base.


    Here, like Jiangbei Martial University, was a massive train tform.


    Trains were parked there.


    Li Yuan, separated from the freshmen team, even bypassed the main team of sophomores.


    Following his sequence number, he boarded a train further inside.


    "Junior? Are you in the wrong ce?"


    "Are you going to the fourth base?" The students on the train were somewhat surprised.


    "Yes."


    "He''s Li Yuan, got it?" A slightly chubby girl nced at the other third-year students from another academy, then winked at Li Yuan. "Hello, Junior Brother Li Yuan, I''m also from the Six Academies, Wang Chan."


    "Hello, Senior Sister." Li Yuan smiled slightly, recognizing the girl.


    They had met twice in the ck Dragon Building before.


    "Li Yuan?"


    "He''s Li Yuan?"


    "Just a month into his studies and already going to the fourth base with us? His physical fitness shouldn''t be high." These students couldn''t help but take a few more looks at Li Yuan.


    Apparently, most of them had heard of Li Yuan and knew he had high skill levels.


    But!


    In practicalbat, it''s not just about skill levels; physical fitness matters too.


    How strong could a freshman''s physical fitness be?


    Without hesitation, Li Yuan focused his mind and scanned the few senior students before him.


    12.8, 13.2, 13.5, 13.0, 12.9.


    Five people!


    All with physical fitness around Level 13, the highest reaching 13.5.


    "At Level 13, the standard burst speed is 36 meters per second, with standard punch force exceeding 5,000 kilograms." Li Yuan sighed inwardly.


    This meant.


    The physical strength of these mainly third-year seniors was two or three times his own.


    Fortunately, the speed difference wasn''t as vast.


    "With my skill advantage, I can still contend." Li Yuan thought.


    Although his strength was much weaker.


    In a momentary burst, he could still exert several thousand kilograms. If he hit a vital spot, it would still be lethal.


    "Fourth Base, Practical Exam Rules."


    "First, no killing among students," the burly officer in the holographic screen said coldly.


    "Second, the entire practical exam willst two days and two nights."


    ...


    "Sixth, astral realm creatures below Level 10 do not count. Those from Level 10.0 to 11.9 are worth 1 point."


    "Level 12.0 to 12.9 astral realm creatures are worth 5 points."


    "Level 13.0 to 13.9 astral realm creatures are worth 30 points."


    "Level 14 astral realm creatures are extremely rare, worth 200 points."


    "Lastly, the exam area is vast, with a diameter of 500 kilometers. Given your strength, if you encounter a life-threatening situation and immediately request aid...it may take more than a minute to receive sufficient support. Normally, it takes five to ten minutes."


    "Be very careful."


    The holographic screen went dark.


    "Buzz~"


    The train sped forward, and everyone sat quietly on the seats, resting.


    Li Yuan did the same.


    "The fourth base practical exam is indeedpletely different from my experience at Jiangbei Martial University." Li Yuan thought to himself.


    Thest practical exam had weaker participants and a limited area of 100 kilometers.


    Thus, the military base could easily monitor everyone''s movements and ensure safety.


    But this time?


    First, there were only about a thousand participants, but the exam area was ten timesrger, making surveince more difficult.


    Secondly, the participants'' strength had greatly increased. For example, a Level 13 warrior could cover dozens of meters in a sh.


    How to rescue them in a life-and-death struggle?


    Primarily, it relied on oneself.


    "Perhaps this is the thoughtful arrangement of the high-level human civilization." Li Yuan thought.


    Normally, students would transition from the first practical exam base to the fifth.


    From ''full protection'' initially to ''minimal protection'' in the end, bing more like realbat.


    This maximized their training.


    "However, casualties are unavoidable." Li Yuan recalled the data he saw a few days ago.


    Each year, each academy enrolls about 250 freshmen, but fewer than 200 graduate.


    Why? Most die in the practical exams and life-and-death training.


    This is the path of a full-time warrior.


    By graduation, the death rate exceeds 20%, not to mention those who join the front lines of astral realm wars after graduation.


    "Teacher, by cing me in the fourth base."


    "It means you trust I can win." Li Yuan gripped his spear tightly, closing his eyes to rest.


    On arge aircraft.


    "Li Yang, are you crazy?"


    "His physical fitness is just over Level 11, and you put him in the fourth base?" The only female deputy dean of the Six Academies, Xu, was furious.


    "Deputy Dean Xu! Don''t be angry."


    Li Yang smiled apologetically. "I see his potential is enough to squeeze it out fully. He is my named disciple, I won''t act recklessly."


    "Yes, potential must be squeezed, but not sent to death." Deputy Dean Xu said coldly. "Don''t you know the danger of the fourth base? There are Level 14 astral realm creatures."


    "Level 14 against Level 11, the difference in speed and strength is enormous, almost instant death." Deputy Dean Xu was indeed angry.


    Although she didn''t directly teach Li Yuan, she cared about him.


    In her view, Li Yang was ying with fire.


    "Don''t worry, I''ve arranged for absolute protection in secret." Li Yang smiled. "If he''s truly in danger, he will be withdrawn immediately."


    "Fine."


    "If Li Yuan dies in there, I''ll report you to Principal Fang." Deputy Dean Xu said coldly. "That Fan Jin is crazy, and you''re bing like him."


    Three hourster.


    Amidst waves of difort, the train finally entered a mysterious star realm.


    Which astral realm? Li Yuan didn''t know.


    Upon disembarking.


    "So many big trees."


    "Jungle? The legendary fourth practical exam base, it''s my first time here." Most students disembarked, experiencing the ce for the first time.


    "The sun is in the sky, but it seems slightly smaller."


    "It looks like the environment of this star realm is simr to Blue Star." Li Yuan observed. "No particrly tall mountains, but hills everywhere."


    "And tall trees over a hundred meters high everywhere, aplex environment."


    After a while.


    The participants boarded a fully enclosed small aircraft.


    They were taken to the practical exam site.


    Half an hourter.


    "Boom~" Amidst loud rumbling, the hatch opened, and Li Yuan was the sixth to be dropped from the aircraft.


    Leaping from dozens of meters high.


    Hended lightly on the crown of arge tree and quickly descended to the ground.


    The aircraft swiftly departed.


    "At noon, the practical exam officially begins." Li Yuan nced at the positioning ring. "It ends at noon the day after tomorrow."


    Itsts for 48 hours.


    "Let''s go." Li Yuan chose a direction and walked into the dense forest.


    The school had provided the participants with a lot of information about the fourth base.


    But only terrain information.


    The specific astral realm creatures here? Li Yuan didn''t know much, only that there were humanoid creatures and beasts.


    He could only find out slowly.


    After advancing more than ten miles.


    Suddenly.


    As if sensing something in advance, Li Yuan''s eyes narrowed.


    "Boom!"


    His speed instantly surged.


    With a powerful step, the huge deadwood underfoot shattered, and he shot forward like a cannonball.


    An enemy!


    "Roar~" A massive beast that had been blending with the mountainside suddenly realized it had been exposed.


    It opened its bloody mouth wide, lunging at Li Yuan.


    Its body was over three meters long, with limbs very much like a crocodile, but far more agile.


    The two sides crossed paths in an instant.


    "Kill!"


    In that moment, Li Yuan, as if prescient, precisely avoided the attack.


    His spear burst out, stabbing forward.


    Whoosh! Whoosh! Several spear shadows shed.


    "Poof~" The sharp spearhead pierced the astral realm creature''s head.


    The spear was quickly retracted.


    "Boom~" The huge astral realm creature''s body fell heavily onto the deadwood, causing a loud crash and sending wood fragments flying.


    [You have killed an entry-level creature, gaining spiritual nourishment. Spiritual awakening degree: 14.0%] The notification shed on his divine pce panel.


    "A Level 12.1 astral realm creature,parable to the Moon Demon Wolf King I killed before, and it increased by 1.2%?" Li Yuan''s eyes lit up.


    This meant.


    As long as he killed seven or eight simr astral realm creatures, his spiritual awakening degree would reach 20%.

 Chapter 114: Qiu Jing! The Rapidly Growing Strength of Li Yuan

    <h4>Chapter 114: Qiu Jing! The Rapidly Growing Strength of Li Yuan</h4>


    Li Yuan wasn''t sure if reaching 20% spiritual awakening would allow him to undergo another source power infusion.


    "I have to try. At least I should reach the 20% limit first," Li Yuan thought to himself.


    He nced at the fallen astral realm creature. It didn''t seem veryrge, no bigger than a normal tiger, but its movements were swift and agile. Such explosive power and speed were hard to achieve for animals on Blue Star.


    "A beastly alien? I wonder which astral realm it came from," Li Yuan murmured. "Captured by the military?"


    During his month at the university, with two general knowledge sses per week, the teachers shared various secrets, most of which were hard to find on the inte. To prevent widespread panic, much of this information was rtively confidential.


    Li Yuan knew that the astral realms on the sevens of human civilization numbered in the hundreds, possibly even over a thousand.


    However, most of these astral realms were either limited by their entrances, not yet discovered by the aliens, or unwilling to start a war, remaining in a ''dormant'' state. For example, the Moon Demon astral realm and its civilization remained generally peaceful with humans.


    The second type was in a ''normal hostile'' state, such as the Fish Spirit astral realm. The aliens behind it were hostile but couldn''t start arge-scale war due to various limitations.


    The third type was in a ''war'' state, such as the Luo Bu Sea astral realm, where continuous violent shes between human and alien civilizations resulted in devastating battles.


    The fourth type was in a ''mortal enemy'' state. These high-level astral realms housed alien civilizations capable of waging wars to destroy human civilization. They had alreadyunched such wars but were repelled by humans. These mortal enemy astral realms were mainly concentrated on Soaring Star.


    "Astral realms are special areas where different worldse into contact with the Seven Star Sea. Many alien civilizations want to invade the Seven Star Sea and destroy human civilization," Li Yuan thought. "But we are also constantly counterattacking, even capturing many astral realm creatures."


    The numerous astral realm creatures killed in the annual ''practical exams'' organized by martial arts universities weren''t all naturally proliferated. Most were captured by human powerhouses to train young human warriors.


    At regr martial arts universities, 99% of graduates couldn''t reach Level 15, so the mortality rate was controlled below 10%.


    But at Kunlun Martial University?


    After repeated practical exams, once a student''s physical fitness reached Level 15, they entered astral realms directly to participate in wars. Ultimately, with a death rate below 20%, these students became battle-hardened, powerful warriors.


    Being strong in body and skilled in techniques weren''t enough to be a qualified warrior. Only those who remained fearless in the face of life and death, decisive and ruthless in battle, were the warriors humanity needed. This required extensive tempering.


    As Li Yuan knew.


    Ordinary warriors from over a century ago, without progressively dangerous practical exams, often went directly to the astral realm battlefields. Survival rates were low, with death rates over 30%, even 50%, beingmon.


    "Let''s continue."


    "The current practical exam is just a bit more ring sunlight in the greenhouse." Li Yuan gripped his spear and continued deeper into the mountains and forests.


    asionally, Li Yuan climbed a tall tree to scout the surroundings, but the rolling hills and tall trees offered no traditional high ground.


    .....


    Three hourster.


    About 20 kilometers from where Li Yuannded, light rain fell from the sky.


    On a gentle slope covered with dense forest and rugged rocks, severalrge, lynx-like beasts with leopard-like skin, slick and agile, roared as they surrounded Li Yuan, who held a long spear.


    Their roars echoed through the forest.


    Nearby, severalrge trees had been knocked down, and some huge rocks had shattered.


    In a nearby crevicey the bodies of tworge beasts and five smaller ones.


    "So fierce, and they live in groups." Li Yuan felt a headache. "Each one moves so fast. Level 13 astral realm creatures are really tough."


    Earlier, Li Yuan had inadvertently entered the nest of these beasts and faced an attack from two mother beasts. He quickly killed them all.


    However, before Li Yuan could retreat, he encountered another four beasts.


    The weakest of them had a life level of 12.6.


    Thergest, obviously the leader, had a life level exceeding 13.


    In martial arts training, the difference of one level in physical fitness was very noticeable.


    "Roar!"


    "Roar!" The four beasts alternated in attacking, trying to pounce on Li Yuan.


    Whoosh! Whoosh!


    Compared to the beasts'' explosive movements, Li Yuan''s steps seemed slow but were incredibly agile, repeatedly dodging their attacks.


    Taking a direct hit from these beasts'' terrifying power would injure Li Yuan. Two hits would make him spit blood.


    Li Yuan relied on hisplete control over his body through the unity of mind and body.


    With the Dragon Walk technique, he moved like the wind, blending into the surroundings.


    "Whoosh!!" Constantly dodging, Li Yuan swung his spear repeatedly.


    Although his body moved slowly, his weapon didn''t.


    Li Yuan''s spear bursts with incredible force with each thrust.


    Each strike wounded a beast, making blood ssh.


    This was why the four beasts were quite wary.


    "They are highly intelligent, with strongbat instincts. My spear has a hard time hitting their vital points," Li Yuan thought.


    He could easily see the beasts'' ws during their attacks and dodges, but their rapid movements made it difficult to seize the opportunity.


    Time passed.


    After multiple attacks, two of the beasts were severely injured, bleeding heavily and greatly reduced in strength.


    "Boom~"


    Another lightning-fast thrust.


    This time, instead of dodging, Li Yuan stepped forward and struck with his spear, piercing through the beast''s neck.


    Whoosh~ The spear retracted, blood spraying.


    As he withdrew the spear, Li Yuan twisted his waist, bent back sharply, and thrust the spear in a 180-degree turn!


    A returning thrust!


    "Whoosh!" The spear pierced through the throat of the strongest beast, prating its vital organs.


    "Roar~"


    The beast struggled violently, trembling in pain as it felt its life slipping away. It tried to swipe at Li Yuan with its ws.


    But Li Yuan''s spear was two and a half meters long, giving him an absolute advantage in distance.


    Whoosh~ The spear retracted, dragging out a lot of blood. The beast''s body finally stopped moving.


    Although Li Yuan confirmed the kill, he swiftly moved out of attack range to avoid danger.


    "Roar~"


    "Whoosh!" Seeing their leader killed in a single move, the remaining two beasts fled rapidly.


    Li Yuan didn''t pursue. Despite his formidable skills, the special terrain of the forest posed little restriction. However, these alien beasts had far superior physical attributes and speed. If they were determined to flee, it would be hard for Li Yuan to catch them.


    "You have killed an entry-level creature and gained spiritual nourishment. Spiritual awakening degree: 19.2%," shed several notifications on the Divine Pce panel.


    "Hmm? Just one more to go?" Li Yuan smiled.


    In just a few hours, he had engaged in three battles. But in thisst battle alone, he had in four adult beasts and several young ones, bringing his spiritual awakening degree close to 20%.


    Indeed, even killing the weaker young beasts contributed to spiritual nourishment. Li Yuan had no qualms about killing.


    Mercy for the enemy is cruelty to oneself. Thoughts of his uncle, his deceased parents, and scenes from sses and films over ten years had ingrained this belief in Li Yuan.


    "Total score." Li Yuan nced at the rankings on his positioning bracelet:


    Points: 56


    Base Rank: 174


    Year Rank: 1


    Note: Practical exam requirement of 10 pointspleted.


    ...


    "Just now, my year rank was 16," Li Yuan smiled. "And now, I''m first?"


    Li Yuan understood that the points for creatures of the same strength differed in various practical exam bases.


    For instance, a creature above level 12.5 in the first base was worth 200 points. However, in the fourth base, only creatures above level 14 were worth 200 points, while those below level 10 didn''t count.


    Unfair? Yes, but that was the purpose of Kunlun Martial University''s practical exams. With higher physical fitness and greater strength, the practical exam requirements naturally increased.


    "Base rank 174?" Li Yuan didn''t care much about this ranking, as it referred to his standing among over a thousand students in the fourth base. This rank was quite good, given that Li Yuan''s physical fitness was among the lowest.


    "As long as I get first in my year, I''ll receive a reward of three million." Li Yuan muttered.


    After orienting himself, Li Yuan proceeded in the direction the two beasts had fled. If lucky, he might encounter them again.


    "Just one more kill, and my spiritual awakening degree will reach 20%." Li Yuan looked forward to it.


    .....


    In the fourth practical exam base, a thousand kilometers away, a massive war fortress stood.


    On the third floor, in a conference room.


    "They''re performing well, bing more mature."


    "They should be mature by now."


    "Most have gone through three or four practical exams. If they can''t remain calm in life-and-death fights, their mentality is too weak." Kunlun Martial University''s teachers, dozens of them, clicked on their screens, constantly changing their observation targets.


    Each practical exam was a growth opportunity for the students.


    "What about him?"


    "This kid is fully adapting to the fourth base." Dean Li Yang smiled, pointing at Li Yuan on the screen.


    Numerous high-altitude patrol drones,bined with the positioning bracelets worn by each participant and the numerous surveince cameras throughout the practical exam base, ensured that each student was monitored urately, recording each student''s score.


    "He''s very calm."


    "To withstand Jiang Lun''s practical training and gain his recognition, his practical abilities are indeed strong." Deputy Dean Xu''s tense face rxed a bit. "He''s calm in battle, attacks are clean and decisive, with no hesitation."


    "His ability to observe movement and terrain is also excellent."


    "He doesn''t seem like an eighteen-year-old student. Has he only experienced one practical exam?" Deputy Dean Xu asked softly.


    "Yes, just once," Li Yang smiled. "But I should remind you, he''s not even 18 yet."


    "Moreover."


    "Don''t underestimate him as a child. His willpower is extraordinary." Li Yang said with emotion, "Five times with the spirit cleansing essence in one month. Even normal source warriors can''t withstand it."


    Deputy Dean Xu was taken aback, showing a hint of surprise. "Five times in one month with the spirit cleansing essence? Really?"


    She knew the pain of the spirit cleansing essence.


    Many martial arts geniuses had tried it but gave up due to the extreme pain and high cost with rtively low yield.


    "It''s true. I was also skeptical when I first heard it," Li Yang said, watching the boy on the screen. "But he did it."


    "He hasn''t experienced much, yet he possesses such terrifying willpower. It''s quite mysterious."


    "Maybe this is what it means to be a genius."


    .....


    At four o''clock in the afternoon, in a dense forest.


    Boom! Boom!


    Explosive sounds echoed.


    "Faster! Faster! Faster!" Li Yuan dashed through the forest and rocks like lightning, cursing that his parents didn''t give him more legs, his speed surpassing 25 meters per second.


    For an average person, speed would reduce by at least half in suchplex terrain, but for Li Yuan, the impact was minimal. That was why he had managed to escape so far.


    "Whoa! Whoa!"


    "Ha!"


    "Roar!" Behind Li Yuan, more than ten humanoid aliens chased wildly, each moving at incredible speed.


    They were all over three meters tall, with skin that looked hardened like stone, appearing as if they were towering rock humans.


    Some wielded sharp stone weapons and wooden spears, while others picked uprge stones, hurling them with immense force, the stones crashing down like cannonballs toward the fleeing Li Yuan.


    "The Rock Desert n! The humanoid creatures here are actually the legendary Stone Men," Li Yuan thought, both angry and helpless.


    Just like the Fish Spirit n was famous in China, especially in Jiangbei Province, the Rock Desert n was simrly well-known.


    This was a very brutal alien race, with skin like rock, very tough, andrge in stature, usually living in desert and rocky regions. They had caused significant harm to China in the past, earning the nickname Stone Men.


    Li Yuan hadn''t expected that the humanoid aliens in the fourth base practical exam would be the Rock Desert n.


    "Boom! Boom!" Li Yuan frantically dodged the crashing stones.


    Stones that hit trees left huge dents, sometimes even breaking them.


    Li Yuan quickly assessed the situation. Most of the Rock Desert n members chasing him were above level 13, with the weakest being at level 12.6.


    Combined with their innate intelligence and weapon skills, if he faced them head-on, even if he killed a few, he would undoubtedly die without external aid.


    Therefore, Li Yuan chose to escape immediately.


    But Li Yuan never expected that the Rock Desert n would pursue him relentlessly.


    Fortunately, the forest was not their natural habitat. Theplex terrain greatly limited their speed, preventing them from fully utilizing their physical advantages.


    However, as time passed, the distance between them gradually shortened.


    "Chasing for several kilometers, are they still not giving up?" Li Yuan cursed inwardly, quickly scanning his surroundings and multitasking.


    He needed to find a suitable battlefield.


    Ideally, a ce that limited their ranged attacks and their numerical advantage.


    Such ces were hard to find.


    Suddenly.


    "Junior Brother, don''t panic." A clear voice rang out, echoing from a nearby cliff.


    Boom!


    A nimble figure shot up, legs thrusting with force, propelling her like a cannonball towards the oing Rock Desert n. It was a woman.


    She wielded two short axes, which looked like small shields.


    "Senior Sister Qiu? Be careful!" Li Yuan immediately recognized her.


    It was Qiu Jing, a senior in her second year under Dean Li''s tutge.


    She was one of only two fourth-grade skill masters among the second-year students of the Sixth College.


    With a physical strength of 12.9.


    Among the second-year students across the eight colleges, Qiu Jing was ranked in the top twenty in both skill andbat.


    Due to their close age and simr strength, Li Yuan was quite familiar with Qiu Jing, and they had a good rtionship.


    Boom!


    Qiu Jing, with her short axes, moved like lightning. After a few shes, she directly confronted the strongest Rock Desert n member with a physical strength of 13.6.


    They shed fiercely.


    Boom! Boom! Terrifyingbat ensued, blood sttering everywhere. Several weaker Rock Desert n members had their heads cut off, limbs flying.


    "Roar!"


    Several powerful Rock Desert n members roared angrily, preparing to retreat, realizing the terrifyingbat power of this small-statured alien before them.


    Her skills were so superior that they couldn''t even touch her.


    "Want to leave?" Qiu Jing''s voice was cold. As a fourth-grade master, her energy exploded with precision.


    Killing these simrly leveled Rock Desert n members was like ughtering livestock.


    Boom! Boom! After more than ten exchanges, with a sh of dazzling axe light, the strongest Rock Desert n member''s chest was split open by the sharp axe.


    Its head was then severed and fell to the ground.


    "Roar!"


    "Whoosh! Boom!" The remaining Rock Desert n members finally scattered in a frenzy.


    Qiu Jing quickly pursued them.


    "So strong," Li Yuan thought, watching the scene with admiration.


    In terms of skill, he was much stronger than Qiu Jing.


    But the gap in physical fitness was toorge. Facing this group of Rock Desert n members, he could only flee.


    Fourth-grade skills, after all, were still within the realm of techniques, and their enhancement had limits.


    In just half a minute.


    Whoosh!


    Qiu Jing returned, holding two blood-stained short axes, her body covered in bloodstains,nding beside Li Yuan.


    She looked like a war goddess.


    "Junior Brother, aren''t you going to thank me?" Qiu Jing smiled at Li Yuan, with none of the ferocity from the battle earlier.


    "Thank you, Senior Sister," Li Yuan smiled. "Senior Sister, you''re amazing. Killing these Rock Desert n members is like cutting melons."


    "It''s nothing."


    "They were captured and ced here, without even proper weapons." Qiu Jing shook her head. "If they were real Rock Desert n warriors with metal weapons, it would be much harder."


    Li Yuan nodded. True.


    Many astral realm aliens, especially humanoid ones, had highly developed civilizations like humans and often had various weapons.


    Their physical fitness might be the same, but their strength varied greatly.


    "Why did you run into the core area of the Rock Desert n''s activities?" Qiu Jing asked curiously.


    "Did I?" Li Yuan was stunned.


    He had no idea.


    "From here, about 15 kilometers east, there''s arge Rock Desert n settlement within the practical exam area." Qiu Jing smiled. "There are probably over two hundred warriors, with the leader being over level 14."


    "Level 14?" Li Yuan felt a wave of relief.


    Level 14, with a punch strength exceeding 8000 kilograms, was several times stronger than level 13.


    Luckily, he hadn''t encountered them.


    "Haha, it''s normal that you didn''t know. I only found out after investigating. It was tough to shake off that leader''s pursuit." Qiu Jing sighed. "You''re impressive too. Just starting as a first-year, you can already survive in the fourth base."


    "Without Senior Sister, I''d probably be eliminated by now," Li Yuanughed.


    "Without me, there''s a cliff about a kilometer ahead. With your strength, you might have escaped." Qiu Jingughed. "Alright, take a different route to avoid the Rock Desert n''s settlement. Be careful."


    "See you back at school."


    "Okay, you too, Senior Sister." Li Yuan nodded. He hadn''t expected her to stay with him.


    Their strengths differed.


    Moreover, this was a practical exam, and their goals were to score more points, so splitting up was the best choice.


    Watching Qiu Jing leave.


    "Senior Sister Qiu Jing is ranked eighth in the fourth base?" Li Yuan checked his positioning bracelet''s ranking.


    ....


    Following Senior Sister Qiu Jing''s advice, Li Yuan changed direction to distance himself from the Rock Desert Tribe''s settlement. An hourter, as night began to fall, he found himself on a small wastnd six kilometers away.


    "Poof!"


    A lynx-like beast fell to the ground with a heavy thud, its throat pierced by Li Yuan''s spear.


    "You have killed an entry-level creature and gained spiritual nourishment. Spiritual awakening degree: 20%." "You have reached the spiritual awakening limit and cannot gain more spiritual nourishment. Increase your spiritual power to level 20 to break the limit." "Spiritual awakening degree reached 20%. Second source energy infusion initiated."


    The notifications on the Divine Pce panel instantly caught Li Yuan''s attention.


    "As expected, there''s another source energy infusion at 20%," Li Yuan thought. "So, spiritual power needs to reach level 20 to break the limit?"


    Before he could think further, Li Yuan felt a slight pain in his head, as if some mysterious force was permeating his body from his head to his limbs.


    The sensation was peculiar.


    He quickly realized that waves of mysterious energy were entering his body, making every pore feel warm.


    It was source energy.


    "The first infusion required my guidance, but the second one starts automatically?" Li Yuan immediately reacted. "Not good."


    "I''m definitely being monitored by the school right now."


    Without hesitation, he bolted like lightning towards a distant cliff.


    Several hundred meters away, there was a small cave beneath a cliff that Li Yuan had chosen as his resting ce for the night.


    In just over twenty seconds, Li Yuan felt his body bing increasingly hot.


    Boom! He threw his spear, which flew like an arrow and embedded itself into the cave wall.


    Whoosh!


    Drawing his battle knife, he leaped and sliced through several trees near the cave, cutting them into sections and toppling them.


    He quickly dragged these logs to the cave, setting them up to block the entrance.


    Li Yuan, holding his sword, dashed into the cave and positioned another log to seal the entrance.


    "Even if aliense, this gives me some defense and at least a few extra seconds to react," Li Yuan muttered, sitting down heavily on the ground. "Also, the teachers won''t be able to observe me directly."


    Only a minute and a half had passed since the source energy infusion began.


    Taking a deep breath, Li Yuan calmed his mind, using his strong spiritual power to guide the surging source energy into his body.


    This source energy infusion was more abundant and purer than the previous one.


    "Evolution!"


    "My muscles and bones." Li Yuan could clearly feel every part of his body frantically absorbing the source energy.


    His muscles became stronger, his skin tougher, his bones more solid, and the vitality of his internal organs increased...


    "Your life level has increased from 11.3 to 11.4."


    As night fully descended, silence enveloped the surroundings, and time passed.


    "Your life level has increased from 11.8 to 11.9."


    With each notification on the Divine Pce panel, Li Yuan''s body underwent another significant transformation.

 Chapter 115: Rapid Progress! Slaughter!

    <h4>Chapter 115: Rapid Progress! ughter!</h4>


    Sitting cross-legged deep within the cave, the narrow entrance was blocked with cut logs.


    "There is no other life in the cave; it''s safe." With his powerful mental strength,bined with the unique ''Divine Pce Detection,'' Li Yuan could easily detect any potential danger.


    "The transformation of my body is so rapid." Li Yuan closed his eyes, feeling the continuous improvement in his physical condition. The speed of his evolution even caused his body to be faintly hot and painful due to the rapid changes in his muscles and bones.


    This rapid improvement was essentially his muscles, bones, and flesh being torn apart and restructured repeatedly. However, with his strong will, enduring such pain was rtively easy.


    "The first three hours saw an improvement of about 0.5 levels."


    "In the past hour, I''ve improved by 0.1 levels? From the perspective of life levels, the progress seems slower, but in terms of physical strength, it actually feels faster," Li Yuan marveled.


    As one''s life level increases, the differences be more significant. For example, the standard punch force difference between levels 10.0 and 11.0 is 500 kilograms. However, the difference between levels 18.0 and 19.0 is 14,000 kilograms. This exins why many martial artists can improve to levels 15 or 16 within a few years in university but struggle for decades to reach level 19 after graduation.


    This also exins why Qiu Jing, despite having slightly inferior skillspared to Li Yuan, could easily ughter a group of Rock Desert warriors due to her higher physical level. Her 12.9 level punch force is more than double that of Li Yuan''s 11.3 level punch force. The skill gap is not thatrge, but her overall strength is more than five times higher than Li Yuan''s, making her capable of such feats.


    For martial artists, each 1-2 level increase in life level typically doubles their standard punch force.


    "Spirit."


    Li Yuan''s mental strength was much stronger than before. He left part of his consciousness to sense external dangers while entering his mental world with a small part of his consciousness.


    He entered the Divine Pce within his mind. As he expected, the previously disappeared white jade staircase reappeared. Wisps of golden mist continuously flowed from the higher levels of the staircase into the ground of the Divine Pce.


    "The mysterious power that emanates from my brain and guides the source power into my body is this golden mist? What exactly is it?" Li Yuan pondered.


    Suddenly, a small portion of the golden mist that usually merged into the ground separated and entered Li Yuan''s consciousness.


    "Boom!"


    Simr to his previous experience, Li Yuan''s consciousness was instantly struck, turning groggy as his entire mental world plunged into endless darkness.


    "Another dark space?" Li Yuan''s mental strength was much stronger than before, barely maintaining his consciousness and clearly sensing the changes in his mental world.


    He noticed countless stars appearing out of nowhere, beginning to nourish his mental consciousness.


    "Your soul has been nourished, and your mental strength has increased from 18.4 to 18.5," a prompt from the Divine Pce appeared unnoticed.


    "As I expected."


    "This golden mist not only nourishes and enhances mental strength but also guides source power into the body." Li Yuan felt enlightened, silently experiencing the dual enhancement of his physical strength and mental strength.


    At the same time, in the dark space where his consciousness resided.


    "Seek and refine, merge into one, absorb the essence of the sun and moon, and begin to forge the spiritual foundation..." The majestic, ancient voice echoed once again in the dark space.


    The familiar voice and words.


    "Spiritual foundation." Li Yuan felt touched.


    During thest source power integration, his consciousness fell asleep, and his perception was shallow. But this time, he could clearly feel the mysterious fluctuations contained in the majestic, ancient voice.


    It was very profound, seemingly representing some kind of ultimate truth.


    "Stars!"


    Gradually, as he listened to this majestic voice, Li Yuan''s consciousness vaguely saw that in the endless darkness, there seemed to be stars beginning to emit light, bing increasingly bright and radiant.


    More and more stars lit up, from the initial dozens to hundreds, then thousands... The numerous bright stars formed various strange trajectories, flickering in the dark space...


    "Stars as lines." Li Yuan felt enlightened, subconsciously trying to memorize these strange star trajectories.


    This action was extremely mentally exhausting, making Li Yuan''s consciousness even groggier, as if he were about to fall into a deep sleep.


    When Li Yuan was hiding in the cave, with his physical strength and mental power continuously improving.


    In the war fortress located in the astral realm he was in, within a third-floor meeting room.


    "What is Li Yuan doing? He''s been hiding in the cave for over six hours." Dean Li was puzzled.


    "Isn''t this your issue?" Deputy Dean Xu beside him shook her head.


    "My issue?" Dean Li was taken aback.


    "Did you expect him to fight and kill at night?" Deputy Dean Xu shook her head. "His physical strength is the weakest among the fourth base students. Fighting and hunting at night, when visibility ispromised, would be even more dangerous."


    "Instead, hiding and resting, then fighting in daylight is a wiser choice."


    "This shows he has self-awareness and isn''t reckless," Deputy Dean Xu said. "I have high hopes for him."


    "Okay." Dean Li nodded, agreeing with Deputy Dean Xu''s logic.


    However, he clearly remembered that when Li Yuan hid in the cave, there was still more than an hour of daylight left.


    "Could it be I misjudged and pushed him too hard?" Dean Li began doubting himself.


    .....


    The sun rose and set.


    The time reached ten o''clock the next morning.


    The fourth base''s other participating students had rested well and were emerging from their camps, beginning a new day ofbat.


    Li Yuan, still hiding in his cave, had not moved an inch. The monitoring drone hovered outside the cave but could not see inside.


    "Could Li Yuan be in trouble?" Dean Li''s eyes showed a trace of concern.


    "Unlikely."


    "The drone has been monitoring, and no aliens have appeared," Deputy Dean Xu shook her head. "The locator shows his life signs are stable... there''s no issue."


    "Then why hasn''t hee out yet?" Dean Li was getting anxious. "Yang Hong and Wu Luo havepletely outpaced him in points."


    As vice deans, they could check the ranking of every student in every base at any time.


    For first-year students, though they were in different bases, they had a unified grade ranking.


    High grades brought rewards.


    "So do high base rankings.


    "This is his choice."


    "As long as his life is not in danger, we cannot interfere with thebat assessment," Deputy Dean Xu said, shaking her head. "We must be patient."


    "Alright." Dean Li could only wait.


    When the clock struck noon, Li Yuan was still in the cave. The first 24 hours of thebat assessment had passed.


    "The assessments in the first and second bases have ended," Deputy Dean Xu suddenly said.


    Thebat assessments in the first and second bases onlysted a day.


    The third and fourth bases continued for two days.


    The fifth base assessmentsted three days.


    "I know," Dean Li muttered, staring at the screen.


    At that moment, he felt an overwhelming urge to storm thebat assessment base and drag Li Yuan out of the cave to ask what he was thinking.


    .....


    Second base, in the astral realm.


    "Wu Luo," Yang Hong, carrying a battle axe, spotted Wu Luo, covered in blood, approaching from a distance.


    Yang Hong stepped forward to meet him.


    "This time, I still won."


    Yang Hong grinned. "In thisbat assessment, I am the top first-year student."


    He had fought nonstop for 24 hours, without rest, hunting relentlessly.


    His final score was 196 points, not only topping the first-year ranking but also cing in the top thirty of the second base, which was mostlyposed of second-year students.


    Wu Luo, on the other hand, only scored 171 points, securing second ce among the first-years, but the point gap was significant.


    "First?" Wu Luo sneered. "You fought hard, but do you think you''ve won for sure?"


    Yang Hong was taken aback.


    "Idiot." Wu Luo smirked. "Li Yuan is in the fourth base, where the astral beasts are much stronger. Killing a astral beast there for points is much harder than in our base... but he has another 24 hours."


    "You''re the idiot." Yang Hong scoffed. "I''ve been watching Li Yuan''s points closely. Yesterday, he was rising fast."


    "But from 5 PM yesterday until now, he hasn''t gained a single point."


    "He''s still in thebat assessment, but he might be injured."


    "After all, the fourth base is mostlyposed of third-year and fourth-year students. His physical strength is much weaker; it''s dangerous."


    "Moreover."


    "The longer the assessment goes on, the fewer astral beasts remain... even if he''s not injured, catching up over a hundred points in one day is nearly impossible," Yang Hong said confidently.


    "Wait and see," Wu Luo sneered, though he agreed with Yang Hong''s assessment.


    However!


    Wu Luo respected Li Yuan for his overwhelming strength.


    But Yang Hong?


    Wu Luo didn''t acknowledge him.


    The two had been silentlypeting, vying for the title of ''Second Strongest Freshman.''


    .....


    While Yang Hong and Wu Luo could maintain calm regarding Li Yuan''s points.


    At the first base, when the freshmen gathered at the square, the ce buzzed with discussion.


    "Howe Li Yuan has only fifty-something points?"


    "It''s been a whole day."


    "Yang Hong in the second base has almost 200 points, boosting the third academy''s total score significantly."


    "Could it be that we''ll take the first ce in the academy team score this time?" The freshmen from various academies discussed excitedly.


    All the first-year freshmen''s scores were finalized, except for Li Yuan''s.


    Academy team rankings:


    First ce: Third Academy (4031 points)


    Second ce: Fifth Academy (3951 points)


    Third ce: Sixth Academy (3931 points)


    Fourth ce: Seventh Academy (3874 points)


    ...


    The difference in scores among the academies was not significant.


    Kunlun Martial Arts University had designed the difficulty ordingly.


    Under normal circumstances, more than one-third of the students would withdraw midway.


    Even those whopleted the assessment typically scored around twenty or thirty points.


    First base, resting area, gathering ce for sixth academy freshmen.


    "Our sixth academy''s total score is only 100 points behind the third academy."


    "It''s much closer than during the entrancepetition."


    "Currently, we are third, which is decent."


    "Why does Senior Brother have only fifty-something points? Didn''t he say he could get 200 points? Yang Hong in the second base has already scored 196 points."


    "Are you stupid? That''s the fourth base, filled with third-year seniors. Scoring 200 points there is not easy. If you were there, surviving for half an hour would be a miracle."


    "It''s so unfair! If Senior Brother were in the second base, he would have scored 300 or even 400 points. There would be no chance for Yang Hong to be arrogant." The sixth academy freshmen discussed.


    "The school rules are like this."


    "Senior Brother scored only fifty-something points on the first day. Can he score 190 points on the second day?"


    "It''s tough. Inbat assessments, the longer it goes on, the fewer star beasts remain, making scoring harder." No one truly med Li Yuan for scoring low.


    Most understood the difficulty of the fourth base.


    However, many couldn''t help but feel disappointed.


    "Believe in Senior Brother."


    "There''s still a whole day left. Maybe he can create a miracle." Many students continued to believe in Li Yuan, especially those from Jiangcheng.


    Soon.


    The first and second base freshmen began their journey back to school.


    But many still paid close attention to Li Yuan''s finalbat score.


    The team score involved everyone''s interests.


    ....


    July 31, 1 PM.


    Within the fourth basebat assessment area, 23 hours remained.


    In the dark cave, a few rays of light prated through the cracks.


    "Is the source power integration over?" Li Yuan suddenly regained full consciousness.


    "Whoo!"


    Li Yuan instinctively looked at his fists, feeling a boundless power ready to explode within him.


    This power was far greater than before.


    Raising his head to look around, his vision and hearing had also significantly improved.


    "My life level." Li Yuan nced at the Divine Pce panel.


    ____


    [Life Level: 12.7 (First Stage)]


    Punch Force: 4460 kilograms


    Speed: 34.2 meters/second


    Mental Strength: 20.0


    Spiritual Awakening Level: 20% (Current limit 25%)


    Skill Level: Spear Technique (Stage Four 53%), Body Technique (Stage Four 42%), Fist Technique (Stage Four 55%)


    [Note: Spiritual Awakening limit increased to 25%. When life level reaches 14, and Spiritual Awakening reaches 25%, Spiritual Guidance will be avable]


    ____


    "What?" Li Yuan was shocked, filled with excitement and joy.


    It was unbelievable.


    In just one night and half a day, his physical and mental strength had increased so much?


    It was four to five times the improvement from the first source power integration.


    It seemed like his life level had only increased by 1.4 levels.


    But looking at his physical strength, his punch force had surged from 2250 kilograms to 4460 kilograms, almost doubling.


    His explosive speed had also significantly increased.


    Such an improvement was terrifying, something many Kunlun Martial Arts University students couldn''t achieve even after half a year of training.


    "Improving my physical strength is one thing, but the key is my mental strength." Li Yuan focused on one aspect.


    Mental strength, level 20.


    This was the true level of a source warrior.


    Unknowingly, Li Yuan had alreadypleted two of the three major barriers for source warriors, with only the physical barrier remaining.


    "Breaking through the mental strength level 20 barrier also increased my Spiritual Awakening limit to 25%." Li Yuan''s heart trembled. "Spiritual Guidance?"


    For over two years.


    Since awakening his Divine Pce in the second year of high school, until entering the first year of university, he had been studying the high-level spirituality and Spiritual Guidance in the Divine Pce panel for over two years.


    All to no avail.


    Now, Li Yuan finally saw hope.


    "Reaching a life level of 14 is required to unlock Spiritual Guidance?" Li Yuan pondered.


    His current life level was 12.7, still some way from 14, but not too far.


    "Never mind."


    "I''ll slowly improve my physical strength, but first, I''ll raise my Spiritual Awakening level to 25% and meet one of the requirements." Li Yuan quickly made up his mind.


    It was just killing some astral beasts, right?


    There were still 23 hours left, killing four or five should be enough.


    "Whoo!"


    Li Yuan stood up, slightly stretching his muscles.


    Then, with a powerful punch, his fist left a trail of afterimages, much faster than before.


    "With my current physical strength and spear skills, I am stronger than Senior Sister Qiu Jing." Li Yuan concluded.


    Li Yuan and Senior Sister Qiu Jing had sparred on the Starry Sky Combat Network.


    Based on his judgment, her axe technique was around Stage Four, 20%.


    Li Yuan''s spear technique, however, was Stage Four, 53%, much higher.


    "The only concern is thebat assessment monitoring."


    "Though most don''t know my true strength, Dean Li and Teacher Jiang do." Li Yuan''s mind raced. "A sudden doubling of physical strength overnight?"


    It was too unusual.


    Too abrupt, most would immediately think of ''natural treasures.''


    "I won''t reveal my full strength immediately, but I''ll reach 25% Spiritual Awakening level first." Li Yuan grabbed his spear embedded in the stone wall.


    He pulled it out forcefully.


    The top-grade spear was incredibly tough, looking as good as new.


    He took some food and water from his backpack and consumed them.


    "Boom!"


    Li Yuan, holding his spear, dashed out, pushing aside the logs blocking the cave entrance, emerging outside.


    The sun shone brightly.


    "Let''s go."


    .....


    "Li Yuan is out." Deputy Dean Xu was the first to notice, smiling. "He seems energetic; looks like he rested well."


    "Let''s see." Dean Li frowned.


    He was determined to give Li Yuan a good scolding after thebat assessment.


    This was too careless.


    "Old Li, don''t worry too much. A few setbacks for these youngsters are okay." A chubby old man chuckled.


    This old man was Qin Huo, one of the three vice deans of the eighth academy.


    "Qin, get lost." Li Yang red at him. "I''m in a bad mood, don''t provoke me. Want to spar?"


    "Old Xu, won''t you control him?" The chubby old man rolled his eyes.


    "Enough, you two stop it." Deputy Dean Xu felt a headache, focusing on the screen.


    Watching Li Yuan.


    .....


    An hourter, four kilometers from where Li Yuan rested in the cave.


    Two huge beast corpsesy in a pool of blood.


    "A 12.9-level astral beast only increased my Spiritual Awakening by 0.1%?" Li Yuan looked at the Divine Pce panel prompt, feeling helpless.


    Previously, killing one increased it by 1.2%.


    Now, even killing two only raised it to 20.2%, too slow.


    "Could it be that 20% Spiritual Awakening is a barrier?" Li Yuan pondered.


    Just like how the difference between pre-stage and post-stage warriors is extremely significant.


    "Only 22 hours left in thebat assessment. Finding four or five more astral beasts is unlikely." Li Yuan felt a sense of urgency.


    He initially thought killing four or five would be enough.


    Now, he needed to kill forty or fifty.


    Killing wasn''t difficult; finding targets was.


    "There''s only one reliable way." Li Yuan turned towards the forest in the direction where he met Senior Sister Qiu Jing.


    "The Rock Desert Tribe."


    "Senior Sister Qiu Jing mentioned that there are over 200 warriors in that tribe. If I kill some of them, it should be enough to push my Spiritual Awakening to 25%."


    "However, I might need to unleash my full strength." Li Yuan''s eyes shed with determination.


    "Then I''ll unleash it."


    "Even if it attracts investigation by a flying warrior, as long as they can''t find the Divine Pce, it will eventually be attributed to my extraordinary talent."


    "With enough strength, great schrs will defend me." Li Yuan quickly thought it through.


    Unleashing his full strength carried some risk, but the potential reward was high.


    The two source power integrations had already increased his strength significantly.


    The so-called ''Spiritual Guidance'' would be even more extraordinary. Missing thisbat assessment would mean waiting until February next year.


    "Go!" Li Yuan moved swiftly towards the Rock Desert Tribe.


    ...


    An hourter.


    Deep underground, on a high-speed train.


    The train was filled with first-year students from the sixth academy, the atmosphere heavy.


    Suddenly.


    "Look, Senior Brother''s score has exceeded 200. He gained over a hundred points in just a few seconds." An exmation broke the silence.


    "We''re now first in the first-year team score!!"

 Chapter 116: Kill One Every Ten Steps

    <h4>Chapter 116: Kill One Every Ten Steps</h4>


    "It''s true!"


    "Senior Brother''s personal score is now 242 points."


    "I told you, Senior Brother would never let us down. He''s the strongest among our freshmen ss," a student couldn''t help but exim excitedly.


    "257 points now."


    "In just these few seconds, it increased by so much?" Gu Qiang and An Nong exchanged shocked nces.


    It wasn''t just the freshmen of the six institutes.


    At this moment, in one of the train carriages, freshmen from the eight academies, and even some senior students from Kunlun Martial University, noticed Li Yuan''s rapidly increasing score and ranking.


    The score changes were almost calcted by the second, leaving everyone dumbfounded.


    What did it represent?


    It represented that Li Yuan was encountering arge number of astral realm creatures and was ughtering them madly!


    Too crazy.


    ...


    Fourth Combat Assessment Base.


    A small basin surrounded by hills, with wooden houses built in the jungle on the hillside.


    It was once a vibrant tribe of the Rocky Desert race.


    Now, it was a chaotic river of blood.


    "Roar~"


    "Woo!" "Woo!" Dense groups of Rocky Desert warriors, with skin like rocks, roared and wildly swung their simple wooden and stone weapons.


    Due to their race, they were extremely tall.


    Even the weakest among them were over 2.5 meters tall.


    Dozens of warriors charged towards the ''thin and short'' figure in ck armor.


    He wielded a long spear, with over ten corpses behind him, blood sttering and staining the spear''s red tassel, as if he had emerged from hell.


    Due to the trees, houses, and boulders, at most ten or so Rocky Desert warriors could attack Li Yuan at one time.


    "Bang~" "Bang~" "Bang~"


    Further away, some Rocky Desert warriors were swinging their arms, hurlingrge stones fiercely at Li Yuan.


    These stones, weighing over a hundred pounds, whistled through the air.


    Even with Li Yuan''s transformed physical abilities, he didn''t dare to take them head-on.


    But, relying on his enhanced physique and agility, he easily dodged the flying stones.


    "Bang~" A stone hitting a tree created arge gap, sometimes toppling the tree entirely, while stones hitting the ground shattered into countless fragments.


    "ng! ng! ng!"


    Li Yuan advanced steadily, his gaze cold. The spear in his hand moved like a dragon, easily deflecting the attacks of one warrior after another.


    Following the tremor of the spear, he counterattacked seamlessly, the spear tracing a semicircle, its tip moving like lightning.


    "sh! sh! sh!" The necks of two Rocky Desert warriors were instantly cut, blood spraying as they copsed.


    "You killed... Spiritual Awakening Level 21.8%."


    "You... Level 21.9%." Two notifications shed on the divine pce panel.


    "Killing one only increases by 0.1%, and I''ve killed less than twenty." Li Yuan thought to himself.


    Throughbat and divine pce detection, Li Yuan quickly assessed that most of these Rocky Desert warriors were at levels 12-13, with few exceeding level 13.


    Earlier, sneaking through the forest, Li Yuan intended tounch a surprise attack.


    Unfortunately, it was broad daylight, and the Rocky Desert tribe was highly vignt, with hidden sentries besides the obvious guards.


    After killing two, the entire tribe was alerted.


    Abandoning stealth, Li Yuan opted for a direct assault.


    This quickly drew arge number of Rocky Desert warriors from the houses, caves, and wooden huts.


    Now, in closebat.


    The warriors throwing stones from afar finally had to stop, fearing they would hit their own people.


    "sh!" "sh!" One by one, warriors fell, mostly with spear wounds to their throats.


    Their skin was tough; Li Yuan wasn''t confident in killing them with one strike anywhere but the throat, their most vulnerable spot.


    In terms of strength, Li Yuan was actually weaker than many Rocky Desert warriors.


    But his technique was far superior, utterly overwhelming most warriors who hadn''t even mastered second-level skills.


    "Die! Die!" Li Yuan''s eyes were cold, without a trace of mercy.


    Firstly, the warriors rushing out were allbatants, with no elderly, women, or children in sight.


    Secondly, in a racial war, it was a matter of life and death.


    There was no room for mercy.


    "Swish!" "Pfft!" Li Yuan showcased his spear skills, one warrior after another falling.


    Previously, when facing astral realm creatures above level 12.5, the strength difference was too great, forcing Li Yuan to rely on agility, often only managing to kill one after multiple attempts.


    Now? With his life level at 12.7.


    Coupled with his ability to tap into deeper body strength, his explosive power now matched level 13 Rocky Desert warriors.


    He dared to confront them head-on!


    "Woo!"


    "Roar~" "Roar~" As warriors fell, the remaining ones roared,municating in their simplenguage, their steps faltering.


    The Rocky Desert tribe was indeed bloodthirsty and crazy, but they feared a hopeless battle.


    Life fears death, and fear is contagious.


    In the past two days, ''foreign'' invaders had attacked their tribe multiple times, causing nearly a hundred warrior casualties.


    Now, a more terrifying ''foreigner'' had arrived.


    At this moment.


    "Roar~" From thergest stone house in the tribe''s center, three figures emerged, each more burly than thest.


    The tallest, almost 3.5 meters tall, was truly a ''rock giant.''


    Clearly, these three were the tribe''s leaders.


    "13.8, 13.7, 14.1 levels." Li Yuan used divine pce detection, instantly knowing the leaders'' strength.


    Two were close to level 14.


    The strongest had surpassed level 14 and had intelligent eyes, making him a formidable opponent.


    "Spiritual Awakening Level 23.2%." Li Yuan nced at the divine pce panel: "Keep killing."


    The continuous ughter ignited Li Yuan''s bloodlust.


    This dance on the edge of life and death, where one mistake meant severe injury or death, was irreceable by any virtual duel or practice.


    "Roar~"


    The level 14.1 tribe leader, seeing his warriors fall, roared in anger.


    "Die!!" His rough voice made Li Yuan instantly understand his intent.


    He knew some humannguage.


    This roar echoed through the tribe, lifting the warriors'' spirits.


    Boom!


    The tribe leader, like a rolling boulder, charged at Li Yuan with incredible speed, creating a gust of wind.


    "Roar~"


    "Woo!" The Rocky Desert warriors retreated, making way.


    Li Yuan squinted, his eyes fixed on the leader, his spear moving swiftly, cutting down three more warriors.


    Seeing this, the second and third tribe leaders, who intended to watch, couldn''t hold back and charged.


    ...


    In the third-floor meeting room of the Fourth Base''s war fortress, dozens of teachers were stunned, watching a huge screen.


    The screen disyed Li Yuan''s battle in the Rocky Desert tribe.


    "Li Yuan?"


    "Dean Li, is this Li Yuan really a freshman? His physical level must be over 12.5!"


    "How did he train?"


    "One person dared to attack the Rocky Desert tribe? Qiu Jing tried and was chased off after killing a few."


    "Did he hide his strength?"


    "His score is over 500 now, ranking 16th in the Fourth Base." The teachers were in shock.


    "Old Li, Li Yuan''s physical level is this strong?" Dean Xu was also surprised.


    The other teachers hadn''t paid constant attention to Li Yuan, but she had been watching from the start.


    Earlier, Li Yuan''s physical level was around 11.5.


    After one night, it was close to 13.


    "Haha, I always said he''s exceptionally gifted. Just watch." Dean Liughed, "Why else would I send him to the Fourth Base? I had my reasons."


    "Really?" Dean Xu was skeptical, finding Dean Li''s statements inconsistent.


    "Really." Dean Li nodded, appearing calm.


    In fact, he was more shocked than any teacher, knowing Li Yuan''s true strength.


    "One night."


    "Physical level increased by 1.5? How did Li Yuan do it?" Dean Li pondered, thinking of various possibilities, including rare treasures or forbidden drugs.


    He didn''t express these thoughts.


    "I''ll ask him slowly back at school." Dean Li suspected Li Yuan had some rare treasure.


    "It''s starting."


    "The three tribe leaders are attacking simultaneously." Dean Li watched the erged screen.


    All the teachers watched.


    This battle was the pinnacle of the Fourth Base''sbat assessments.


    At this moment, over 20bat drones hovered silently above the tribe, ready to dive in and kill the warriors or rescue Li Yuan.


    ...In the Rocky Desert tribe.


    "Die!" The rock giant leader wielded arge metal de, wearing tattered metal armor.


    Metal weapons and armor significantly boosted a Rocky Desert warrior''s strength.


    Most importantly, the leader had high intelligence, nearly human, with strongbat skills honed over long battles.


    "Whoosh!" The leader lunged, trying to close in on Li Yuan with his explosive speed.


    "Swish!"


    A terrifying de light shed.


    "Kill!"


    Li Yuan also burst forward, dodging the de and sending his spear, star-like, creating shadows.


    "ng!" "ng!"


    "ng!" The spear moved like a river of stars, each strike stronger than thest, overwhelming.


    It was the second style of the Starry Spear Technique, the most effective for group battles andbos, ''Gxy Cascade.''


    Spear shadows bloomed, blood sttered, and the warriors around Li Yuan fell.


    "ng!" The leader''s eyes widened, desperately blocking with his sword.


    Too fast.


    Li Yuan''s physical strength was inferior.


    But the second-level skill''s speed was far superior, the spear like lightning, overwhelming the leader''s instincts.


    In an instant.


    The leader blocked nine spear strikes, stepping back nine times, his sword pitted and battered by the spear''s repeated blows...the weapon disparity was stark.


    "Twelve Strikes!"


    After twelve umted strikes, Li Yuan''s energy, spirit, and vigor peaked, his battle intent soaring.


    "Whoosh!"


    The spear shed, unleashing Li Yuan''s full power in a single strike, relying solely on speed.


    Starry Spear Technique''s third style¡ªDawn Pierces the Clouds!


    This was thebination of two deadly moves, Li Yuan''s strongest attack!!


    "Woo!!" The leader, in terror, instinctively raised his sword.


    But after blocking repeatedly, his arms were sore, unable to muster new strength.


    "sh~"


    A silver sh, the spear tip pierced the skin, deep into the leader''s throat, then withdrew, spraying blood.


    "ng~" The giant sword fell.


    "Ah~~" The nearly 3.5-meter-tall leader, clutching his throat, opened his mouth in vain, blood gushing from his mouth.


    Stumbling back.


    "Boom~" The leader fell heavily, his massive body twitching, convulsing.


    Until his eyes dimmed.


    The level 14 Rocky Desert leader, dead!!


    "You killed a level 14 star realm creature, score +200."


    "You killed a step-level creature, gained spiritual nourishment, Spiritual Awakening Level 25%."


    Li Yuan retrieved his spear, coldly staring at the terrified second and third tribe leaders.

 Chapter 117: Final Rankings

    <h4>Chapter 117: Final Rankings</h4>


    "Big Brother?"


    "Dead?" The second and third leaders of the Rocky Desert Tribe exchanged nces,municating in their nativenguage.


    They were stunned, instinctively swallowing.


    Their strongest, most revered leader, who had led them to rebuild their tribe and survive in this unfamiliar forest, was killed in such a short time by this small, weak-looking foreigner?


    Yes, Li Yuan and the leader of the Rocky Desert Tribe exchanged dozens of blows, but their speed was so fast that the entire exchangested less than ten seconds.


    In contrast, it took several seconds for the Rocky Desert leader to fall to the ground after being struck and dropping his de.


    "Whoosh!"


    Li Yuan retracted his spear without hesitation and leaped towards the two leaders who were only a few dozen meters away.


    There was no hesitation.


    "Roar!" The second and third leaders of the Rocky Desert Tribe turned and fled without hesitation. Even their invincible leader was dead.


    Half of their warriors were also dead or injured.


    Continuing to fight? They would all die here.


    "Woo~"


    "Woo!!" Seeing this, the remaining hundred or so Rocky Desert warriors lost all courage to fight Li Yuan and began fleeing in all directions.


    Devil!


    In the minds of these Rocky Desert warriors, this small foreigner was a bloodthirsty devil.


    "Escape?"


    "Die!" Li Yuan moved like lightning.


    He didn''t pursue the two leaders specifically but instead targeted the nearest Rocky Desert warriors.


    After all, the two leaders had much stronger physical abilities and skills, but they couldn''tpensate for the difference in straight-line running speed.


    Although Li Yuan could gradually close the distance by utilizing the unique terrain of the forest, by the time he caught up and killed them, the other Rocky Desert warriors would likely have escaped without a trace.


    "Points."


    "I should try to kill more Rocky Desert warriors above level 13 to umte more points." Li Yuan thought to himself.


    Using the divine pce''s detection repeatedly was too mentally exhausting, but Li Yuan could roughly judge their levels by their height.


    12.0 to 12.9 levels, killing one gave 5 points.


    13.0 to 13.9 levels, killing one gave 30 points.


    "I''m now ranked ninth in the base. Since I''ve revealed all my strength, I might as well go all out and aim for first ce." Li Yuan felt a surge of excitement but remained extremely calm, his spear shing like a rolling star, carrying immense power.


    Wherever the spear shed, Rocky Desert warriors fell and died.


    They had already struggled to hold their ground against Li Yuan before; now, it was a one-sided ughter.


    "sh~" "sh~" The spear gleamed, blood sttered, like a beautiful painting.


    Li Yuan''s heart remained unmoved, killing like a machine! Killing! And more killing.


    "They all deserve to die." Li Yuan knew.


    The Rocky Desert Tribe had repeatedly invaded the Astral Realm, causing significant casualties to the China.


    To this day, both sides were still engaged in a brutal tug-of-war in the True Rock Astral Realm, though the scale of the war wasn''t asrge as the ''Luo Bu Sea.''


    These Rocky Desert warriors were captured by human civilization from the Astral Realm and were originally warriors.


    Whoosh!


    Li Yuan pursued for a long time, killing over thirty more Rocky Desert warriors before finally stopping.


    At this point, no other Rocky Desert warriors were in sight; they had all fled without a trace.


    "Points ranking." Li Yuan nced at the ranking on his positioning wristband:


    Points: 1352


    Base Ranking: 2


    Grade Ranking: 1


    Note: Practical assessment requirements of 10 pointspleted.


    ¡ª¡ª


    "Wiping out the entire Rocky Desert Tribe pushed me directly to second ce in the base ranking?" Li Yuan smiled.


    Li Yuan understood.


    At the fourth base, there were either extremely excellent second-year students like ''Qiu Jing'' or some ordinary third-year students and a few fourth-year students.


    Excellent third-year students? After a few years of training, reaching level 14 in physical fitness was not difficult, so they would naturally go to the fifth base for practical assessments.


    In fact, most top third-year students had already surpassed level 15 and started venturing into the Star Realm for life-and-death experiences.


    For example, Senior Sister Shi Xiao, who was also a third-year student, had reached level 15.8 in physical fitnessst month.


    "Senior Sister Qiu Jing is ranked seventh, already top-notch strength in the fourth base." Li Yuan thought: "Now, I''m stronger than Senior Sister Qiu Jing."


    Reaching second ce? Completely normal.


    "Twenty more hours, let''s see if I can reach first ce." Li Yuan had an idea.


    As far as he knew, the first ce in the practical assessment for his grade would be rewarded with 3 million Blue Star coins.


    Additionally, there would be extra rewards for ranking high in the base.


    "However." Li Yuan''s thoughts shifted as he nced at a line on the divine pce panel:


    Spiritual Awakening Level: 25% (Current limit is 25%, physical fitness not strong enough to withstand spiritual guidance)


    ...


    "Physical fitness not strong enough? Is this why the divine pce panel previously reminded me that I need to reach level 14 in life level to receive spiritual guidance?" Li Yuan pondered.


    He was very eager but knew that being anxious was useless.


    "At least, my spiritual awakening level is sufficient now." Li Yuan thought: "Just need to improve my physical fitness."


    Level 14?


    Based on his current level of 12.7 and previous progress speed, it would take three to four months to reach it.


    In other words.


    "Around November this year, I can see what this spiritual guidance is all about." Li Yuan mused.


    Whoosh!


    Holding his spear, Li Yuan moved again, continuing to chase in the direction the Rocky Desert warriors fled.


    He had reached second ce in the base ranking.


    He had to try for first ce!


    ...


    In the third-floor meeting room of the war fortress, the atmosphere was boiling.


    "He really won."


    "This Li Yuan is amazing."


    "A freshman who just entered school for a month? Since Starlight was established, has Kunlun Martial University had such an outstanding freshman?" Dozens of teachers couldn''t help but discuss, including some vice-deans.


    Li Yuan''s strength was nothing to them.


    But if it was an 18-year-old, it was extraordinary.


    Especially his physical fitness!


    From 18 to 20 years old, as the body grows, normal Kunlun Martial University students would see amazing improvements in physical fitness, often rising 2 to 3 levels a year before reaching level 15.


    But Li Yuan? Not yet 18 and his physical fitness wasparable to level 13.


    What would his physical fitness be at 19 or 20?


    "Stronger than Jin Huguo." Dean Xu said softly: "Old Li, the S-level contract you signed with him... is indeed worth it. Good foresight."


    "At his rate of progress, he will certainly be a Source warrior by his third year."


    "As for his skills... judging by his fight with the Rocky Desert leader, he''s very close to peak level four." Dean Xu nced at Dean Li: "Maybe by his third year, our Kunlun Martial University will have a world-renowned martial arts prodigy."


    "I''m looking forward to that day."


    "He is my registered disciple." Dean Li smiled brightly.


    Given Li Yuan''s exceptional performance, Dean Li had already formed some ideas.


    "He''s now second in the base ranking."


    "He might reach first ce."


    ...


    In a train carriage.


    "1352 points?" Yang Hong, who was previously confident, stared nkly at the score on the screen.


    How was it possible?


    Li Yuan went to the fourth base!


    Where second-year students underwent practical assessments.


    Logically, each star realm creature should be incredibly strong. How did a freshman score over a thousand points and rise to second ce in the base ranking?


    "Could the scoring device be broken?" Yang Hong doubted his life.


    But he knew the probability of that was nearly zero.


    "Sigh!" Yang Hong was silent for a long time and sighed softly.


    Thest thought ofpeting with Li Yuan extinguished.


    ...


    "1352 points? Oh no, it''s 1382 points now! Amazing." Wu Luo sat in his train seat, marveling at Li Yuan''s score.


    "Senior Brother, why do I feel like you don''t care at all?" a fellow student couldn''t help but ask.


    "Why should I care?"


    "A person should know their limits and not be like that fool Yang Hong." Wu Luo scoffed: "Compete with Li Yuan? I never thought about it."


    "Martial arts training should have goals, but those goals should be realistic, not unattainable, which would damage self-confidence."


    "My freshman year goal is to defeat Yang Hong and secure my ce as the second best in our grade." Wu Luo said with determination.


    ...


    "Senior Brother is amazing!"


    "Strong!"


    "1411 points!!" As the train carrying the freshmen approached the school, the six carriages with first-year students were already in a frenzy.


    "Senior Brother!"


    "Group first ce."


    "With Senior Brother''s strength, he might be a Sky Warrior and a top martial artist in the Xia Kingdom." These first-year students from the six institutes sighed and cheered excitedly.


    Yes, most of them were the ''pride of heaven'' in high school, excelling academically.


    Initially, many freshmen in the six institutes only verbally acknowledged Li Yuan as ''Senior Brother'' without truly respecting him.


    Especially after the first day of the practical assessment, when Li Yuan had only scored over fifty points, many were disappointed in him.


    After all, in the practical assessment, the first-ce academy in the group would reward each student with 100,000 Blue Star coins.


    But when Li Yuan suddenly exploded with incredible speed, surpassing Yang Hong and Wu Luo.


    He raised the group total score of the six institutes from third to first.


    Then, his personal score kept setting new highs: 500 points! 800 points! 1200 points!


    Now, he had surpassed 1400 points.


    This soaring scorepletely won over the majority of the first-year students from the six institutes.


    Too strong!


    People worship the strong.


    And they particrly worship those who bring them benefits repeatedly.


    At this moment, Li Yuan truly established a certain prestige among the freshmen.


    Establishing prestige and group honores from leading everyone from one victory to another and bringing benefits.


    Follow me, and you will win!


    "First ce!"


    "Senior Brother will definitely reach first ce in the fourth base."


    "Third-year students? Fourth-year students? They will be surpassed by Senior Brother." At this moment, these freshmen from the six institutes no longer needed An Nong''s words to be motivated. They sincerely hoped Li Yuan would create a miracle in the practical assessment at Kunlun Martial University.


    ...


    Time passed.


    As the sun set and rose, the practical assessment neared its end.


    Many students from the third and fourth bases, having encountered danger, had withdrawn from the practical assessment.


    But the top-ranked students were still desperately searching for more astral realm creatures to score more points.


    "First ce, Gu Zhen, 1988 points."


    "Second ce, Li Yuan, 1863 points."


    "More than 120 points difference, Li Yuan has been chasing hard, but it''s difficult to close the gap. The number of astral realm creatures in the practical assessment area is decreasing." In the astral realm fortress, many teachers discussed.


    "Only a little over an hour left."


    With their powerful physical fitness, these teachers could stay awake for days without any issue.


    ...


    "The top two are real monsters."


    "Gu Zhen, with a physical fitness level of 12.9, four-tier skills, ranks in the top ten among second-year students. He started far ahead of everyone else."


    "But Li Yuan is even more monstrous, catching up all the way."


    "He''s only a freshman!"


    "Their scores are hundreds of points ahead of the third ce." The top fifty students at the fourth base could only look up at the first and second ce scores.


    The gap was too big to close.


    ...


    In the forest.


    Li Yuan, holding his spear, patiently observed, trying to seize thest scoring opportunity.


    "Over 120 points, only half an hour left. It seems difficult to surpass."


    "This Gu Zhen is indeed a top second-year student, only slightly weaker than ''Liu Jun'' and the others who went to the fifth base." Li Yuan nced at the ranking.


    Second ce?


    Li Yuan could ept it, given that he only scored over fifty points on the first day and caught up on the second day.


    Suddenly.


    "Hmm?" Li Yuan stopped abruptly, a trace of inexplicable joy appearing at the corner of his mouth: "Luck?"


    He quickly turned towards a rocky hillside in the distance.


    "Bang~"


    "Bang~" "Boom~" Li Yuan swung his spear, sending stones flying.


    Soon, a hole over a meter in diameter appeared in front of him.


    "Noting out?" Li Yuan''s eyes were cold. He could sense its presence with his mental power.


    Suddenly.


    "Whoosh!" A huge snake head shot out of the hole, lightning-fast, its gaping mouth lunging at Li Yuan.


    "Level 14.2? Bloodwing Serpent Tribe, hiding deep enough." Li Yuan dodged the deadly strike.


    "Swish!"


    The spear shed, thrusting straight at the huge snake head the size of a human head!


    The battle erupted!


    ...


    Over ten minutester, in a forest hundreds of kilometers away from Li Yuan.


    "Only twenty minutes left."


    "First ce in the base ranking should be secure." The burly young man Gu Zhen smiled: "This Li Yuan is really formidable, catching up in one day."


    "If he had started strong on the first day, I probably couldn''t have beaten him." Gu Zhen felt a bit fortunate.


    The reward difference between first and second ce in the base ranking was 1 million Blue Star coins.


    Not insignificant to him.


    "Hmm?"


    Gu Zhen suddenly felt his positioning wristband vibrate, looked down, and his eyes widened, standing up in shock: "How is this possible!! Cheating?"


    The intelligent wristband showed the fourth base ranking:


    First: Li Yuan (2065 points)


    Second: Gu Zhen (1989 points)

 Chapter 118: Li Yang’s Inquiry

    <h4>Chapter 118: Li Yang¡¯s Inquiry</h4>


    In thest ten minutes, Gu Zhen, who had nned to rest, watched Li Yuan''s score and ranking suddenly jump, feeling a surge of anxiety.


    In his eyes, it wasn''t just losing first ce.


    It was losing 1 million Blue Star coins!!


    "Damn it! Why do I have to go through this?" Gu Zhen couldn''t help but curse.


    Without hesitation.


    He immediately got up, trying to find other astral realm creatures, but at this stage of the practical assessment, where could he find any in such a short time?


    Li Yuan''s ability to find them was not just luck.


    The most important factor was his strong mental power and ''divine pce detection,'' which allowed him to sense the Bloodwing Serpent hiding underground.


    This forced the creature out.


    Finally, at 12:00 noon, the participating students in the third and fourth bases received notifications on their positioning wristbands.


    "The practical assessment is over, points locked, base rankings locked."


    ...


    In the third-floor meeting room of the war fortress at the fourth base.


    "Haha, Old Qin, don''t be mad, don''t be mad." Dean Li was smiling proudly: "Li Yuan''s winning in the end was purely luck! Luck!"


    "Hmph!"


    The chubby elder''s face did not look good because Gu Zhen was a second-year student from his eighth institute.


    "I''m just puzzled." The chubby elder frowned: "The Bloodwing Serpent was clearly hiding in the undergroundir, not making any noise, and even covered its entrance with boulders. How did Li Yuan find it?"


    "It is strange."


    "When I observed, at least through surveince, I couldn''t tell." Several teachers expressed their doubts.


    "You all have such short memories." Dean Li shook his head: "Have you all forgotten?"


    "When he first entered school."


    "Li Yuan went through the Spirit Pir and reached the fifth level. His mental strength isparable to that of a Source warrior." Dean Li said calmly: "His mental power is so strong that sensing the Bloodwing Serpent is not surprising."


    "That''s true, Li Yuan''s perception is much stronger than other students."


    "Yes, that makes sense." The teachers nodded, gradually dispersing.


    "Big Sister, are you satisfied now?" Dean Li looked at the woman beside him with a smile.


    "Don''t call me Big Sister, call me Dean Xu." Dean Xu frowned: "You got a good seed this time. What do you n to do next?"


    "Will you continue normal training? Or?" Dean Xu asked.


    As a vice-dean and a top-level Source warrior, their perspective was much broader, and their understanding of the school''s internal workings far surpassed that of ordinary teachers.


    They all knew that the so-called S-level special training contract was for the most outstanding ''ordinary students.''


    It was a standard contract.


    It was used to cultivate martial arts geniuses within the realm of reason.


    However, there were always unreasonable geniuses in the world, and special measures had to be taken to maximize their potential.


    "Big Sister, you know this is not something we can decide." Dean Li shook his head: "But I will report to Dean Hai and exin Li Yuan''s situation."


    "Whether to continue regr training or do something extra, it''s up to Dean Hai to decide."


    "Besides."


    "I invited you here this time with this in mind." Dean Li smiled: "After all, signing an SS-level resource application form requires the agreement of at least two vice-deans."


    But in reality?


    Li Yuan''s explosive performance waspletely beyond Dean Li''s expectations. His original intention for inviting Dean Xu was not for Li Yuan.


    However, he decided to go with it.


    "Hmm."


    Dean Xu looked slightly satisfied: "Old Li, this time you had the right intention."


    If the SS-level resource application for ''Li Yuan'' was finally approved.


    Then, as the ''guiding teacher,'' Dean Li would undoubtedly get the most credit.


    As one of the two vice-deans signing the form, Dean Xu would also receive some guidance score rewards.


    "Of course, everyone knows about our sibling rtionship." Dean Li smiled.


    After a pause, Dean Li continued: "Big Sister, how confident are you?"


    "Hard to say." Dean Xu shook her head, thinking: "Sixty percent."


    "Just as well, Dean Hai seems to be still at the school. You prepare the application form right away, and I will sign it together. Let''s settle this today."


    "Okay."


    ...


    Outside the war fortress at the fourth base, in the za, numerous aircraft werending.


    Many students who persevered until the end walked out of the aircraft.


    After two days of practical assessment.


    Many had their armor torn, and many were covered in blood, their own and that of the foreign races.


    "Phew!" Li Yuan also stepped off one of the aircraft and immediately saw a row of white stretchers lying on the ground in the distance.


    "Still, people died? And quite a few." Li Yuan felt a pang of sadness.


    The joy of winning first ce was greatly diminished.


    "Li Yuan." A crisp voice suddenly called from behind Li Yuan.


    Li Yuan turned to see a tall woman walking towards him, smiling.


    "Senior Sister." Li Yuan smiled.


    It was Senior Sister Qiu Jing, who had a good rtionship with him from their previous sses.


    This time, after experiencing life and death together in the practical assessment, their rtionship grew even closer.


    "Wow, first ce!" Senior Sister Qiu Jing teased, shaking her head and smiling: "Li Yuan, were you deliberately teasing me?"


    Li Yuan was taken aback.


    "Were you deliberately luring those Rocky Desert warriors?" Senior Sister Qiu Jing stared at Li Yuan.


    Li Yuan scratched his head, finding it hard to exin, so he just smiled foolishly.


    "I thought you were really in danger at the time and foolishly rushed to help." Senior Sister Qiu Jing shook her head and sighed: "I was so proud afterward, thinking I saved you."


    "But seeing you madly scoring pointster, you must have charged into that Rocky Desert Tribe. With your strength, how could you care about those dozen or so Rocky Desert warriors at the beginning?" Qiu Jing showed a pitiful expression: "I tried so hard to save you, yet you didn''t tell me the truth and tricked me."


    "Senior Sister, I?" Li Yuan was a bit at a loss.


    "Haha, just kidding." Senior Sister Qiu Jing suddenlyughed: "I won''t ask anymore. You must have your reasons, but you have to treat me to a meal when we get back."


    "Sure, no problem." Li Yuan breathed a sigh of relief.


    Some things could be discussed with Teacher Liyang but not with Senior Sister Qiu Jing.


    "Were you looking over there just now?" Qiu Jing suddenly pointed to the row of white stretchers in the distance.


    Li Yuan nodded slightly, his smile fading a bit.


    "You''ll get used to it."


    "My best friend in university died in thest practical assessment." Qiu Jing''s eyes dimmed.


    Li Yuan felt a stir in his heart, looking at Qiu Jing.


    "We have no choice. The practical assessment is a very low-risk life-and-death training." Qiu Jing said softly: "If we can''t survive the practical assessment... how can we handle real battles in the future?"


    Li Yuan nodded instinctively, agreeing.


    "Just keep getting stronger." Senior Sister Qiu Jing suddenly smiled again: "You''re just a freshman, yet you''re already stronger than me. I''m so jealous of your talent. You''ll surely be a very powerful Source warrior."


    "Maybe even a Sky Warrior."


    "Then you can truly kill a lot of astral realm creatures that threaten our people." Qiu Jing smiled.


    ...


    While they were chatting, suddenly.


    "Qiu Jing, Li Yuan." A deep voice sounded from a distance. A bald middle-aged man stood there.


    "Teacher."


    "Teacher." They both immediately stood respectfully.


    "You both did well. Qiu Jing is sixth ce, Li Yuan is first ce." Li Yang smiled: "Qiu Jing, wait here for the train."


    "Li Yuan,e with me." Li Yang walked towards a building in the distance.


    "Yes." Li Yuan nodded and followed.


    Qiu Jing winked at Li Yuan.


    ...


    Following Li Yang, they arrived at a three-story building beside the za, in a first-floor meeting room.


    It was very quiet, only Li Yuan and Li Yang.


    Li Yang sat down heavily in a chair without a word.


    "Teacher." Li Yuan showed a hint of nervousness.


    "Your strength has improved quickly." Li Yang finally looked up at Li Yuan: "What level is your physical fitness now?"


    "About 12.6." Li Yuan gave a number, no need to hide it.


    It couldn''t be hidden anyway.


    "Did you use any rare treasures or forbidden drugs?" Li Yang asked directly.


    "Not forbidden drugs, teacher can check my body." Li Yuan answered only half.


    As for whether it was rare treasures? He didn''t answer.


    "Did Starlight Martial Hall give it to you?" Li Yang asked: "Previously, you didn''t mention it to me. Did you sign a confidentiality agreement?"


    Li Yuan remained silent, quickly thinking about how to respond.


    "Alright."


    "Teacher understands." Li Yang thought he had figured out Li Yuan''s thoughts, smiling: "Fei Qian from Starlight Martial Hall must have told you not to disclose it to anyone, or it might attract others'' envy, right?"


    Li Yuan showed a wry smile, seemingly at a loss.


    "Don''t worry."


    "It''s just a treasure that enhances physical fitness. Kunlun Martial University can protect you." Li Yang smiled: "As long as it''s not a potential-limiting forbidden drug."


    "Everyone has secrets, especially geniuses. If you don''t want to say, I won''t ask more."


    "I called you here to tell you that Dean Hai wants to see you when we get back."

 Chapter 119: 74 Million Blue Star Coins

    <h4>Chapter 119: 74 Million Blue Star Coins</h4>


    "Dean Hai?" Li Yuan was a bit surprised and couldn''t help but ask, "Our academy''s Dean Hai?"


    Having been at the school for some time, he was quite familiar with the history of the academy.


    "Is there a second Dean Hai at the school?" Li Yang smiled, "Most of the time, Dean Hai is not at the school. He''s either stationed in the Astral Realm or undertaking life-and-death training."


    "This time, you''re lucky. The Dean will be back at the school today."


    "I immediately reported your performance to Dean Hai," Li Yang said, "He has already responded, asking us to bring you to see him when we return to the school."


    "Yes." Li Yuan nodded, feeling both expectant and nervous.


    Dean Hai!


    He was a Sky Warrior, a truly unparalleled force whose strength was terrifying, almost to the point of disregarding thermal weapons.


    Such a figure was a mainstay in protecting human civilization.


    For instance, in Jiangbei Province, the provincial heads of the Starlight Martial Hall, the Starry Sky Martial Hall, and the strongest warriors in the military were all Sky Warriors.


    Such an unrivaled existence, just by stomping his foot, could cause the entire province to tremble.


    "Don''t worry. Dean Hai has a very approachable personality and won''t do anything to you," Li Yang smiled, "He wants to see you because you''ve performed exceptionally well."


    "It''s been several years since Dean Hai has summoned a student individually."


    Li Yuan pondered deeply.


    A super strong person like this had very valuable time. If one did not show potential to be a Sky Warrior, they probably wouldn''t summon them individually.


    Li Yang did not disclose too much to Li Yuan because he was not sure what benefits Dean Hai would provide and didn''t want to raise Li Yuan''s expectations.


    "By the way."


    "You ranked first in the fourth base this time, and the school will reward you with 5 million Blue Star coins." Li Yang smiled, "For being first in your grade, the school will reward you with 3 million Blue Star coins."


    Li Yuan''s eyes lit up.


    Adding those together, it totaled 8 million Blue Star coins.


    Quite a substantial amount.


    "In addition, you have been assessed as ''excellent'' for your role as Senior Brother for the past month." Li Yang''s face bore a half-smile, "The six-month reward of 1 million Blue Star coins will increase by 20%, totaling 1.2 million Blue Star coins, which will also be given to you."


    "Thank you, Teacher." Li Yuan nodded repeatedly.


    He understood that the so-called excellent assessment was probably decided by Teacher Li Yang.


    Had Li Yuan really fulfilled his duties? Not necessarily.


    But being able to lead the entire academy''s students to achieve first ce in various assessments meant being an excellent Senior Brother.


    Results determine everything.


    "Alright, go on." Dean Li smiled, "After the train arrives, change into clean clothes when you return to school and wait at the ck Dragon Building."


    "Yes." Li Yuan turned to leave.


    Suddenly.


    Buzz~ The smart wristband on Dean Li''s hand vibrated.


    "Hmm?" Dean Li nced at it, his face changing slightly as he quickly stood up.


    "Teacher?" Li Yuan sensed something was wrong.


    "It''s nothing, hurry to the train." Dean Li''s expression was serious, "Dean Hai doesn''t have time to see you today, wait for my notification."


    "Yes." Li Yuan immediately realized that something big had happened.


    Whoosh! Li Yang grabbed Li Yuan.


    Li Yuan only felt a gust of wind pass by, and they had already moved over a hundred meters from the meeting room.


    In the distance, arge number of students were orderly boarding the train.


    "Go."


    Leaving a single sentence, Li Yang''s figure moved, turning into a stream of light that shot over two hundred meters, yet the air barely rippled.


    A few shester, he disappeared at the end of the za.


    His direction was towards the war fortress.


    "So fast." Li Yuan held his breath as he watched Li Yang in the distance. This was the first time he had seen his teacher reveal his true strength.


    Such explosive speed.


    "Probably close to the speed of sound." Li Yuan sighed, "Is this the power of a top Source warrior?"


    It wasn''t just Li Yuan; many students saw Li Yang''s departure.


    "I wonder what major event has happened; even Dean Hai seems to be involved." Li Yuan thought, "I hope everything is alright."


    Li Yuan didn''t think too deeply.


    If the sky falls, the tall ones will hold it up. Right now, he couldn''t handle big issues.


    Diligently training and getting stronger was what a good student should do.


    "Let''s go."


    Li Yuan walked towards the train and boarded the carriage ording to his number.


    ...


    Boom! Li Yang exploded with full speed, leaping tens of meters high, shing hundreds of meters in a blink, and quickly arrived outside the war fortress.


    Originally in the meeting, dozens of teachers.


    Almost all of them were waiting outside the war fortress.


    "Dean Xu, Dean Qin." Li Yangnded and spoke directly, "What''s the situation?"


    "It''s urgent."


    "Our ''Observation Point No. 6'' in the Kunlun Astral Realm has been exposed, and the bone marrow crystal vein was discovered by the alien races." Dean Xu''s face was grim, "Currently, it is under siege by local forces from the Astral Realm. From the existing traces, there are shadows of major sects from the Immortal Ruins Civilization behind this."


    "Major sects from the Immortal Ruins Civilization?" Li Yang''s face changed.


    At their level, they were well aware of what this meant.


    The Kunlun Astral Realm was insignificant to the vast and powerful Immortal Ruins Civilization.


    However, it was very important to the Seven Star Sea human civilization, at least to China.


    The establishment of Kunlun Martial University here was to guard the Kunlun Astral Realm.


    It was also an important source of resources for Kunlun Martial University.


    "How were we discovered?" Li Yang couldn''t help but ask, "Our observation points have always been very secretive."


    "It has to do with Dean Zhao and the others." Dean Qin, the chubby elder, sighed, "Correa from Europa applied to the alliance to enter the Kunlun Astral Realm some time ago... The situation is very chaotic, and it has not been fully rified yet."


    "Anyway."


    "The principal has ordered us to provide immediate support, to abandon Observation Point No. 6, but to bring back the besieged warriors and the extracted bone marrow crystals, and to eliminate all traces to avoid exposing more observation points." Dean Qin said, "Dean Hai and three other Sky Warriors are already stationed at the three main entrances of the Kunlun Astral Realm."


    "To prevent the situation from worsening."


    "No more talking, time is of the essence. Let''s discuss on the way. Let''s go." Dean Xu interrupted the conversation.


    Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!


    Dozens of Source warrior teachers and deans, with a minimum physical fitness of level 26, quickly rushed into a nearby entrance of the war fortress.


    Deep within the war fortress, there was a passage for quickly leaving this Star Realm.


    ...


    The train sped forward.


    In the same carriage as before.


    "Li Yuan, you''re amazing."


    Senior Sister Wang Chan, a third-year student he met on the way here, gave him a thumbs up, "It''s incredible that you managed to take first ce in the fourth base."


    "Li Yuan, how did your score increase so quickly? Did you encounter arge number of alien beasts?"


    "Li Yuan, what''s your physical fitness level now?"


    Third-year students from various academies surrounded Li Yuan.


    For a while, Li Yuan became the center of attention in the carriage.


    "Li Yuan, can we spar with spears sometime?"


    "Li Yuan, you''re so amazing, can I add you on V?" A bolder senior sister extended an invitation.


    Li Yuan found it a bit overwhelming. Eventually, a few seniors from the Six Academies intervened, and the carriage gradually quieted down.


    Li Yuan finally breathed a sigh of relief.


    He felt this was more troublesome than fighting a level 14 Star Realm creature.


    "This time, considering the rewards for being Senior Brother and the group reward for the academy."


    "I can get over 9 million." Li Yuan calcted, "It''s about time to prepare for the first phase of my uncle''s physical rehabilitation treatment."


    Although his uncle Li Changzhou appeared to have recovered after being rescued, the prolonged corrosion by the me erosion bone poison and his near-death experience had left deep marks. His apparent recovery was just on the surface, merely pulling him back from the brink of death.


    Li Changzhou''s vitality had been mostly destroyed by the poison.


    His physical fitness had dropped from level 11 before the injury to about level 6 now.


    In May, Li Yuan had discussed this with the doctor.


    If Li Changzhou continued with normal life and regr health maintenance, his life expectancy wouldn''t likely exceed 70 years.


    It seemed not short.


    But in this era, unless there was an idental death, the average life expectancy of an ordinary person was over 100 years.


    For this reason, after finishing the college entrance exam, Li Yuan had contacted a rehabilitation hospital through Wan Qinghe.


    He started preparing a ''rehabilitation n'' for his uncle.


    "Three-phase rehabilitation treatment."


    "The first phase costs about 16 million, the second phase about 18 million, and the third phase about 40 million."


    "A total of 74 million Blue Star coins." Li Yuan had nearly memorized the rehabilitation n, "If it''s allpleted sessfully, though it won''t restore my uncle''s body to its peak, his life expectancy should be increased to around 90 years."


    The three-phase treatment was very expensive, beyond the reach of ordinary families.


    It involved life sciences, which were veryplex.


    If he told his uncle and aunt the truth, faced with such a huge expense, Li Yuan guessed they wouldn''t agree.


    But Li Yuan had made up his mind.


    "The state rewards me with money to help me improve my strength."


    "And the cash rewards are limited. They shouldn''t be used for other purposes." Li Yuan understood this, "But I will have opportunities to earn money and give back to the stateter."


    "My uncle''s body can''t wait. Dying for a year reduces the hope of recovery, andter, spending ten times the money won''t make up for it." Li Yuan was very clear.


    "The first phase, 16 million Blue Star coins, start treatment as soon as possible."


    "The whole treatment willst about six months."


    "In these six months, I will strive to be a level 15 warrior, and then I can go on life-and-death ventures in many Astral Realms and truly earn money on my own." Li Yuan thought.


    There were many dangers in the Astral Realm, but it also contained countless treasures.


    Some Astral Realms were so vast that they were ten timesrger than China, which covered over a 100 million square kilometers.


    Various rare treasures were born from the Astral Realm.


    Otherwise, how could those Source warriors and Sky Warriors be so wealthy?


    ...


    Returning to school, Li Yuan received a warm wee from over a hundred freshmen from the Six Academies.


    After a celebration thatsted until after seven in the evening.


    Li Yuan finally returned to his vi, washed up, and then quietly practiced his basic cultivation method for over an hour.


    Afterpleting everything, he entered the virtualwork pod, connecting his consciousness.


    In his personal space.


    "Master." A fairy-like girl circled around him.


    "List all my wealth in the bank and martial halls ording to my previous annotations." Li Yuan said softly.


    "Yes, please wait a moment, Master." The girl smiled.


    Quickly.


    Whoosh! A huge light screen appeared in Li Yuan''s field of vision, clearly listing his wealth.


    Bank bnce: 36.55 million Blue Star coins


    Martial Hall Points: 440,000


    Martial Hall Training Points: 9.57 million


    ...


    "Cash exceeds 36 million." Li Yuan smiled, this was all his cash.


    This time, the practical assessment rewards, Senior Brother rewards, entrypetition rewards, and the school''s S-level special training contract rewards.


    All contributed to Li Yuan''s current wealth.


    "For the past six months, I mainly used Martial Hall points to purchase various training resources." Li Yuan thought, "Now at school, I get two portions of ''High Source Spirit Spring'' every month for free, worth 2 million Blue Star coins, so I don''t need to buy Source Force Essence Pills."


    Li Yuan mainly purchased Body Cleansing Spirit Marrow and Level One Qi and Blood Potion each month.


    Monthly expenses were about 1.3 million points/Blue Star coins.


    "In October, the Martial Hall contract points and cash will be awarded to me." Li Yuan thought, "For the next few months, I will have to spend cash to buy various training resources."


    A few million seemed like a lot, but it might not be enough.


    As Li Yuan''s physical fitness improved further, his need for ''High Source Spirit Spring'' would only increase, and the school couldn''t provide it indefinitely.


    More training resources would have to be purchased with his own money.


    "First, prepare for the first phase of my uncle''s rehabilitation treatment." Li Yuan thought, "By the end of this month, I will strive to reach the Bright Moon rank in the Starry Sky Fighting Network."


    "In October, aim to win first ce in the Ten Schools Freshman Battle."


    If both tasks were aplished, each could earn him 20 million Blue Star coins, totaling 40 million Blue Star coins.


    That would solve Li Yuan''s immediate financial difficulties.


    ...


    After exiting the virtualwork, Li Yuan called Wan Qinghe on V-link.


    A video projection formed.


    "Li Yuan." Wan Qinghe appeared in the projection, smiling at Li Yuan.


    Judging by the background, he was in the Martial Hall office.


    "Uncle." Li Yuan smiled.


    After exchanging some pleasantries.


    "Uncle Wan, I need your help with something." Li Yuan got to the point, "The rehabilitation n that Professor Zhong at the rehabilitation hospital made for my uncle, I want to start the first phase. Can you help oversee it?"


    "The rehabilitation n? The one costing over 70 million Blue Star coins?" Wan Qinghe seemed slightly surprised.


    "Yes."


    "I want to transfer the money to you, and have youmunicate with Professor Zhong." Li Yuan smiled, "No need to tell my uncle the truth for now, just let him undergo the treatment. Do you have time?"


    If it were someone else, Li Yuan wouldn''t feel safe handing over tens of millions of Blue Star coins.


    But Wan Qinghe?


    Given his power, status, and connections, there was no need for him to embezzle this money.


    "Haha, no problem." Wan Qinghe agreed readily.


    Soon.


    16 million Blue Star coins were transferred to Wan Qinghe''s ount by Li Yuan.


    After the video call ended.


    "Li Yuan is not someone who can''t distinguish between priorities. He wouldn''t be foolish enough to spend money without considering his training needs." In his office, Wan Qinghe''s smile faded as he thought, "This means that spending this amount of money probably doesn''t impact his training."


    "It seems."


    "He''s doing very well at Kunlun Martial University." Wan Qinghe smiled slightly.


    He didn''t think Li Yuan was doing anything wrong, instead, he greatly appreciated it.


    Such gratitude for his uncle.


    By extension, he probably wouldn''t treat other elders and benefactors poorly.


    ...


    After the transfer.


    Far away at Kunlun Martial University, Li Yuan suppressed many thoughts and continued his normal training, practicing with his spear, the cultivation method, visualization method, and fighting on the Starry Sky Fighting Network...


    The next day, August 2nd.


    Just after five in the morning, while practicing with his spear in the underground martial arts room, Li Yuan suddenly felt his smart wristband vibrate.


    It indicated an important message.


    "Hmm?"


    "What''s the matter?" Li Yuan paused his spear practice, clicked the wristband screen, and a light screen quickly unfolded, disying the message.


    "It''s from the school."


    "An obituary notice?" Li Yuan''s face changed as he read the gray notice document on the light screen.


    "... Qi He, Fan Jin... and eleven other school teachers, died in a rescue mission in a certain Astral Realm on August 1, 2043, Seven Star Calendar..." Li Yuan read the names of the eleven teachers on the notice, his mind reeling.


    Especially one familiar name¡ªFan Jin!


    The elder who had guided him many times with a kind face, had he really died like this?

 Chapter 120: Li Yuan, You Made a Mistake

    <h4>Chapter 120: Li Yuan, You Made a Mistake</h4>


    Li Yuan instinctively clicked on the school''s ''Teacher List'' in the app, repeatedly cross-referencing.


    Finally, he confirmed.


    The ''Fan Jin'' in the obituary notice was indeed the same Fan Jin who had taught him before.


    Because among the hundreds of teachers at Kunlun Martial University, there was only one Fan Jin.


    "Teacher Fan." Li Yuan fell silent.


    In an instant, a mix of inexplicable emotions welled up within him.


    It wasn''t the grief of losing a close family member, but a strange sense of sorrow and mncholy.


    Regarding Teacher Fan Jin, to be honest, Li Yuan''s impression wasn''t very deep. They had met during an invitation event at Jiangbei Martial University.


    At that time, Fan Jin and Li Yang hade to meet Li Yuan and sign the S-level special training contract.


    Between the invitation event and the college entrance examination, Fan Jin had contacted and guided Li Yuan multiple times via video calls.


    For instance, Li Yuan''s choice to use ''Body Cleansing Spirit Marrow'' for training was based on a document sent by Fan Jin.


    Beyond that, there was not much interaction between them.


    Even after joining Kunlun Martial University, due to teaching assignments, Li Yuan had only met Fan Jin once.


    Were their feelings deep? Not really.


    After all, they had limited real-life interaction, and Fan Jin had never personally guided Li Yuan.


    But in Li Yuan''s heart, Fan Jin was a diligent, responsible, and respectable teacher.


    And now, suddenly, that kind and gentle elder was gone.


    "A rescue operation in a certain Astral Realm?" Li Yuan''s eyes swept over the reason in the obituary notice.


    He immediately thought of yesterday afternoon when Teacher Li Yang had left in a hurry after receiving some news.


    It was probably rted.


    "Besides Teacher Fan Jin."


    "There are ten other teachers." Li Yuan''s eyes instinctively scanned the names of the other ten teachers.


    In just one battle, due to an unnamed rescue mission.


    They lost eleven Source warriors?


    And at least high-level Source warriors.


    "War." Li Yuan thought of the Luo Bu Sea.


    He thought of his injured uncle who almost died.


    "In a war against alien races, it''s either you die or I die." Li Yuan murmured in his heart, "For now, all I can do is strive to be stronger."


    Standing still.


    Li Yuan remained silent for a long time before he gently closed his smart wristband and gripped the spear beside him once more.


    Tighter than before.


    Then, he continued his spear practice.


    "Whoosh~" "Whoosh!" "Whoosh!" The spear danced, sometimes flowing like rolling stars, unstoppable and majestic.


    Sometimes the spear shed like a rushing river, every move connected endlessly.


    That night.


    Li Yuan felt a profound emotional impact. His heart was calmer, and his spear technique became more formidable.


    ...


    August 2, daytime.


    Light rain fell from the sky.


    The school''s notification was not only sent to Li Yuan.


    All the students were informed that eleven teachers had died in battle yesterday.


    Adding to the few students who had died in the practical assessment a few days ago.


    A gray veil of sorrow seemed to hang over Kunlun Martial University.


    Around ten in the morning.


    All students received another notification: ''Due to many teachers being assigned to war tasks, the following departments and grades'' teaching tasks are suspended.''


    All sses for first-year students in the Six Academies were suspended.


    Because three vice-deans and many teaching staff were temporarily unreachable.


    Li Yuan didn''t seek out other ssmates; instead, he continued his solitary training in the vi.


    Everything proceeded ording to his training n.


    As if nothing had happened.


    ...


    After having his nutrient meal and blood and qi potion at noon.


    At two o''clock in the afternoon, just as Li Yuan was preparing to train in the ''Rock Solid Training Method''.


    Suddenly.


    "Master, you have received a transfer of 16 million Blue Star coins from ''Wan Qinghe''." The intelligent assistant suddenly announced.


    "Hmm?" Li Yuan showed a trace of surprise and a hint of doubt, "Why did Uncle Wan transfer the money back?"


    Before Li Yuan could call Wan Qinghe on V-link, he received a call notification from Wan Qinghe.


    "Answer." Li Yuan said immediately.


    A light screen formed.


    Wan Qinghe''s image appeared, and from the background, it seemed he was at home.


    "Uncle Wan, what happened?" Li Yuan was about to speak.


    "Li Yuan, don''t ask, just listen to me." Wan Qinghe showed a hint of helplessness, "Your uncle should be calling you on V-link soon. I couldn''t persuade him or hide it from him."


    Li Yuan was stunned, unable to hide?


    "Or rather, your uncle is much more capable than you think, much more." Wan Qinghe sighed, "He only holds a mid-level management position in a state-owned enterprise, but he is truly overqualified. There aren''t many people I admire in my life; your uncle is one of them."


    "If you can convince your uncle, talk to me again."


    Li Yuan was even more puzzled. What could have happened to make Uncle Wan say such things?


    "Beep~"


    The intelligent assistant''s voice sounded again: "Master, Li Changzhou is calling you."


    "Your uncle is calling you. You should answer. We can talkter." Wan Qinghe said.


    "Okay, Uncle Wan." Li Yuan nodded.


    He understood that the issuey with his uncle, not with Wan Qinghe.


    After ending the call, Li Yuan answered his uncle Li Changzhou''s call.


    A video call was suggested, and Li Changzhou''s image appeared.


    Li Changzhou looked energetic and spirited, though very thin, looking ten years older thanst year.


    "Uncle." Li Yuan spoke, his voice subconsciously lowered.


    "You made a mistake with this." Li Changzhou got straight to the point, his gaze warm yet firm, as always looking directly at Li Yuan.


    Making Li Yuan feel a hint of panic.


    In front of his uncle Li Changzhou, Li Yuan had always felt like a child.


    "16 million for the first phase of treatment, a total of 74 million for the treatment? And you even wanted to hide it from me without asking my opinion?" Li Changzhou said slowly, "Little Yuan, what were you thinking?"


    "Uncle, how did you find out?" Li Yuan couldn''t help but ask.


    "Little Yuan, I''m just injured, not senile. I used to be a warrior too." Li Changzhou shook his head, "This morning, Professor Zhong sent me the treatment list. I consulted a few ssmates and found that the items on the list far exceeded the surface price, including high-source products from the Astral Realm... I realized something was wrong."


    "In short, I know now." Li Changzhou looked at Li Yuan, "You made a mistake with this."


    "My body has already recovered. I''ve been discharged for so long."


    "The Martial Arts Hall also arranged free post-operative care. The national guarantee is veryprehensive and doesn''t require such an expensive n." Li Changzhou shook his head, "It''s unnecessary."


    There was a firmness in Li Changzhou''s voice.


    "Free care is not good enough." Li Yuan shook his head, "Uncle, I asked the doctors. With just that kind of care, your body can''t recover to its peak."


    "Besides, spending this money doesn''t affect me." Li Yuan spoke frankly, "Don''t worry, this money is not borrowed from anyone; I earned it."


    "Earned?"


    "You just entered university a month ago. Where did you earn it?" Li Changzhou stared at Li Yuan, his voice full of doubt, "Isn''t it money from the Martial Hall contract, university contract, or some universitypetition?"


    "Yes." Li Yuan nodded, "But this money belongs to me. Why can''t I use it to treat your body?"


    "Wrong!"


    Li Changzhou''s voice suddenly rose, with a hint of anger, "Li Yuan! You''re wrong!"


    "That money doesn''t belong to you!! That money essentially belongs to the country, to all taxpayers."


    "It''s just because of your martial arts talent that you have the right to control it." Li Changzhou''s voice was deep and powerful.


    Li Yuan was stunned.


    He vaguely understood his uncle''s meaning.


    "Have you thought about it? Have you really done enough to deserve so much money?" Li Changzhou stared at Li Yuan.


    "An ordinary person works hard for a year and earns only tens of thousands of Blue Star coins."


    "And you? From the third year of high school until now, less than a year, you have gained tens of millions of Blue Star coins, not including various teaching resources and free training materials."


    "At school, you train hard, have a private vi, and have everything provided for you. Food, clothing, amodation, everything is taken care of, and you get a lot of money. All you have to do is focus on training and improving your strength... Is all this without cost? Is it something that others should just give you?"


    "This money isn''t just random numbers."


    "Every Blue Star coin represents the hard work of countless people. Warriors died in the Astral Realm, ordinary people worked hard, and in the end, this equivalent material is created." Li Changzhou stared at Li Yuan, "You''ve studied for so many years. Don''t you understand this basic economic principle?"


    Li Yuan fell silent.


    How could he not understand?


    From the third year of high school until now, the state or human civilization had invested perhaps 50 to 60 million Blue Star coins in him, counting various teaching resources.


    "Why is there aprehensive alliance college entrance examination system?"


    "Why invest heavily in training warriors? Why direct so many resources towards you?" Li Changzhou stared at Li Yuan, sighing, "You should understand this better than me."


    "You know better than me."


    "Our human civilization has always faced the danger of extinction! If we don''t be strong, we will die!!"


    "Investing heavily in training martial arts geniuses is to ce hope in you."


    "To hope that you will eventually stand up and take on the responsibility of protecting civilization." Li Changzhou said gravely.


    "Uncle, I can earn the money backter..." Li Yuan''s voice wavered.


    "That''s forter."


    "If this money was earned by you venturing into the Astral Realm, truly earned by yourself, I wouldn''t care if you spent it. It''s no one else''s business."


    "But now this money isn''t earned by you." Li Changzhou stared at Li Yuan, "Yes, you have the right to control this money. No one will interfere with how you spend it."


    "But I''ve taught you that a person can have personal desires, but there should be a line in their heart."


    "When you gave money to your aunt privately, mainly to support your younger siblings, and it wasn''t too much, I didn''t stop you."


    "But now, you want to spend so much money on me, a useless person. If those who struggled to gather vast resources to train you knew, could they understand?" Li Changzhou looked at Li Yuan, "They would only feel distressed!!"


    "They would only think their efforts were wasted." Li Changzhou said solemnly.


    "You''re not useless, Uncle," Li Yuan couldn''t help but retort, "You''re a hero. You deserve all of this."


    "Hero?"


    "For decades, hundreds of thousands of soldiers and warriors died in the Luo Bu Sea. Are they not more heroic than me?" Li Changzhou looked at Li Yuan, "For centuries, in China alone, millions have died fighting Astral Realm creatures. Aren''t they heroes? Aren''t they better than me?"


    "Millions of warriors have died protecting human civilization. Aren''t they heroes?"


    "Did they all receive the same treatment as I did?"


    Li Yuan opened his mouth.


    But he couldn''t argue.


    Because not all the dead and wounded received such treatment.


    The resources of human civilization were limited. Precious high-source treasures and martial arts resources were primarily supplied to living warriors.

 Chapter 121: In the Sunshine, Don’t Always Stare at the Darkness in the Cracks

    <h4>Chapter 121: In the Sunshine, Don¡¯t Always Stare at the Darkness in the Cracks</h4>


    "You think I deserve such luxurious treatment because you see me as a hero?" Li Changzhou looked at Li Yuan.


    "How many resources can human civilization afford for such extravagant expenditure?"


    "I understand your intentions and am grateful, but your approach is not appropriate."


    "My medical treatment is fully covered, with a one-time subsidy of 400,000, and subsequent monthly disability aid, along with free healthcare. I''m expected to live until 70... I am very satisfied; the country has done enough for me."


    "Just as I told youst time, I have never regretted my choice." Li Changzhou''s voice softened, no longer as harsh as before.


    Li Changzhou understood that what Li Yuan did was out of filial piety and for his sake.


    "Uncle, you''re right."


    "But if you hadn''t been pushed back when the No. 3 base was being evacuated, you could havee back earlier," Li Yuan finally couldn''t hold back. "You might not have ended up in such a situation, nearly dying."


    "Little Yuan, do you really think that?" Li Changzhou sighed softly.


    Even through the light screen, he could see through Li Yuan''s inner thoughts.


    Li Yuan met his uncle''s gaze.


    Indeed, that was what he thought after learning the truth, and it had fostered some resentment.


    "Little Yuan."


    "You''re right. Some people used certain privileges to leave early, which was wrong and should be held ountable." Li Changzhou did not refute Li Yuan.


    Li Changzhou continued, "I just hope you don''t be extreme and imagine everything as so dark."


    Li Yuan fell silent.


    "Today, if the 16 million you spent was earned by you, I would ept the treatment."


    "But spending the rewards the country gave you, which were meant to help you be stronger quickly rather than just extend my life a bit longer, is not the right approach. Your intention is good, but the expense is too great. Maybe no one would me you for using it," Li Changzhou sighed, "but I don''t want to ept it."


    "Uncle." Li Yuan looked at Li Changzhou.


    "You should understand that fairness is rtive." Li Changzhou sighed, "Everyone has selfish desires and wants, and I have them too."


    "You want me to live longer, want our family to be better, and I am very happy about that."


    "It proves that you have a good heart."


    "It proves that the country made the right choice in focusing on your training."


    "But for my situation, I don''t want this. I am not about to die; I am only in my forties." Li Changzhou looked at Li Yuan.


    Li Yuan remained silent.


    Li Changzhou said no more, simply looking at Li Yuan quietly. He knew that some things Li Yuan had to figure out on his own.


    After a long time.


    "Uncle." Li Yuan finally spoke again, in a muffled voice, "In the future, when I be a warrior and truly start venturing into the Astral Realm, I will use the money I earn myself to treat your body."


    Li Changzhou''s body wasn''t in serious trouble, just severely damaged in terms of vitality.


    "Don''t worry too much about the treatment." Li Changzhou gently shook his head, "Life is short, and being able to survive a journey in the Astral Realm and live healthily to seventy years old is enough for me."


    "I don''t want to say too much."


    "You''ve grown up, and in many ways, you handle things better than I do, but you haven''t experienced as much." Li Changzhou said softly, "This world is indeed notpletely bright."


    He could tell that Li Yuan didn''t fully agree with his viewpoint.


    "There are many disgusting dealings that you may have never heard of."


    "There are many evil people you may have never seen."


    "You are a martial arts genius, so most people are kind to you, and the disgusting things are hidden."


    "What you see as evil is just the tip of the iceberg." Li Changzhou said.


    In the past, he didn''t want to talk too much about such things with his nephew.


    Because he hoped Li Yuan coulde to understand them on his own.


    But today, he vaguely understood.


    His nephew was growing too quickly, his strength was developing too fast, and he was at a critical stage of forming his worldview and values.


    Some things, if not said today, might be toote in the future.


    "In the future, you will see more things that disgust you."


    "Uncle only hopes you remember one thing." Li Changzhou looked at Li Yuan, "Walk in the sunshine and don''t always stare at the darkness in the cracks."


    "We came into this world not to collude with darkness." Li Changzhou said, "If you find the darkness overwhelming, strive to bring light into it with your own methods."


    Li Yuan was stunned, his heart profoundly moved.


    Suddenly.


    Li Yuan thought of Dongfang Ji, of the ''Seven Star Alliance Progressive Movement'' mentioned in history books.


    What his uncle said was strikingly simr.


    ...


    Soon.


    Li Yuan ended themunication with his uncle.


    The conversation was short, not long, but it had an unprecedented impact on Li Yuan''s heart.


    "In the sunshine, don''t always stare at the darkness in the cracks." Li Yuan murmured to himself.


    Li Yuan suddenly realized that he had never truly understood his uncle.


    "Since the college entrance exam."


    "No!"


    "Since being specially recruited by the Martial Hall, I subconsciously thought my abilities were already stronger than my uncle''s and that my decisions would be better than his." Li Yuan shook his head slightly, "But aside from my talent, aside from the uniqueness brought by the Spiritual Pce."


    "Is my heart really stronger than my uncle''s?" Li Yuan shook his head gently.


    Perhaps he had the determination and perseverance to train hard, the kind of madness to pursue greater strength.


    In terms of diligent training, Li Yuan asked himself, he was not weaker than others.


    But true inner strength was never simply about determination and perseverance.


    It was also about faith.


    A kind of indomitable, unchangeable faith no matter the hardships.


    Subconsciously, Li Yuan recalled the night before his uncle left for the Star Realm.


    That seemingly casual remark.


    "Someone has to go to this war, why can''t it be me?"


    It seemed like a joke.


    It seemed casual.


    But looking back, Li Yuan could feel the terrifying faith contained in that sentence from his uncle.


    "What Ick is such faith." Li Yuan murmured to himself.


    "For family, for uncle and aunt, for my siblings, I am willing to give everything, even risk my life." Li Yuan thought to himself.


    "But can I, like my uncle, remain calm after experiencing and seeing so much?" Li Yuan asked himself.


    There was no answer.


    A person''s inner world is not something that can bepletely changed by a single reflection or a conversation.


    Especially for a young man like Li Yuan, whose thoughts were still very changeable.


    "I can''t reach my uncle''s level now, nor can I fully understand his thoughts."


    "Even though I don''tpletely agree with some of his ideas, in the grand scheme of things, my uncle''s thoughts are not wrong." Li Yuan gripped his spear again.


    "Just like my uncle said."


    "The country, or rather the millions of ordinary people in human civilization, collectively invest vast resources in martial arts geniuses like me. What we carry on our shoulders is not just the expectations of our family."


    "Not just our own desire for power."


    "There is also the hope of protecting all of humanity, the legacy of predecessors like Dongfang Ji and Starlight... passed down from generation to generation."


    "A spark can ignite a prairie fire."


    "Perhaps my uncle''s thoughts share somemonalities with those of predecessors like Dongfang Ji." Li Yuan swung his spear again.


    Uncle Li Changzhou had always been the most revered figure in Li Yuan''s heart, seemingly omnipotent.


    Dongfang Ji, whom Li Yuan had never met, had been his idol since he was a child.


    At this moment.


    The images of these two figures, with their vast differences in strength, status, and position, subtly ovepped in Li Yuan''s mind.


    "The spear!"


    Li Yuan couldn''t help but swing his spear. In his mind, Teacher Xu Bo suddenly appeared.


    The teacher lost his arm because of the Astral Realm war.


    He also thought of Teacher Fan Jin, who had just passed away yesterday, remembered the moving stories of heroes told in ss, remembered the fallen spirits of the past... All these figures seemed toe to life at once.


    Truly imprinting themselves in Li Yuan''s mind.


    "My spear."


    "My martial arts."


    "One day, I will wield my spear and sweep away all darkness, restoring peace to all of human civilization." Unconsciously, such thoughts emerged in Li Yuan''s mind.


    And as time passed, this thought grew stronger and more unstoppable.


    In the past, Li Yuan often had simr thoughts.


    But more often, they were like a young person''s aspirations of ''I want to be a great hero'' or ''I want to be a scientist.''


    They were more about wanting to be, but not fully understanding ''why be.''


    Today, Li Yuan vaguely understood ''why do it.''


    Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!


    Li Yuan''s spear movements became more vigorous, his force bursting forth mightily.


    They seemed simr to his previous spear techniques.


    But unknowingly, they began to undergo a fundamental change.


    At this moment, Li Yuan''s heart and the spear were more aligned than ever.


    Fifteen minutes, half an hour.


    One hour.


    Two hours. Li Yuan trained madly,pletely immersed, utterly absorbed.


    Suddenly.


    A moment of inspiration shed through Li Yuan''s mind, and his spear exploded with power.


    A dazzling spear light shed,yers of spear light blossomed, brilliantly to the extreme, like a giant meteor falling from the sky, an unstoppable force, far surpassing any previous strike from Li Yuan.


    Starry Spear Technique Fourth Style¡ªMeteor Falling from the Sky!


    "[Your spear technique has advanced from 53% in the fourth stage to 61%.]"


    "[Your fist technique has advanced from 55% in the fourth stage to 62%.]"

 Chapter 122: Fourth Stage High Level, Bright Moon

    <h4>Chapter 122: Fourth Stage High Level, Bright Moon</h4>


    The prompt on the Divine Pce panel jumped, and Li Yuan noticed it, but he didn''t stop to check it as he usually did.


    Instead, he continued practicing with his spear.


    His movements were as fluid as the wind, his spear dancing with endless vigor, each thrust containing incredible power.


    Star Illumination, Gxy Cascade, Dawn Piercing Through Clouds, Meteor Falling from the Sky... Li Yuan executed the four major killer moves he had mastered, his entire being faintly imbued with a hint of the essence of the stars.


    Ten times!


    A hundred times! A thousand times!


    The insights gained from practicing alone for months, the life-and-death struggles during the practical assessment, the guidance from Teacher Li Yang, and thebat experience from Teacher Jiang Lun and the other two sparring partners... all these were enough to equal the umtion of years or even longer of spear training for many.


    At this moment, in the epiphany where Li Yuan''s mind and spear were inplete harmony.


    He fully erupted.


    "[Your spear technique level has increased from 62% at the fourth stage to 63%.]" asionally, a prompt would sh across the Divine Pce panel.


    Dash, thrust, cut, retreat, sweep, copse... If a spear master were present, they would surely notice that Li Yuan was gradually entering a special state of ''mental rity.''


    His mind waspletely empty.


    His spirit was entirely unified.


    ...


    This practice sessionsted until after seven in the evening, when Li Yuan finally emerged from his state of selflessness.


    His consciousness exited that special state.


    "Whew~" The fatigue from all over his body washed over him like a tide, making Li Yuan instinctively put down his spear and sit on the ground.


    "It''s already past seven?"


    "I devoted myself to practice for nearly five hours?" Li Yuan nced at the time, sighing, "Luckily, I had high-source spiritual springs two days ago and ate a lot at noon. Otherwise, practicing from afternoon to evening would''ve been unbearable."


    Shifting his attention away from the spear, Li Yuan immediately felt a surge of hunger.


    He quickly ordered five nutritional meals.


    Li Yuan got up, dragged his tired body, and drank a bottle of first-order blood tonic in the resting room.


    At Li Yuan''s current physical level, blood tonics had gradually transitioned from supplements to ''recovery potions,'' with their role in enhancing physical quality diminishing.


    "Spear technique." Li Yuan put down the empty bottle, nced at the Divine Pce panel, and was stunned.


    ¡ª¡ª <strong>[Life Level: 12.8 (First Order)]</strong>


    <strong>Punching Power: 4590 kg</strong>


    <strong>Speed: 34.8 m/s</strong>


    <strong>Mental Strength: 20.5</strong>


    <strong>Spiritual Awakening Level: 25% (Current Limit 25%)</strong>


    <strong>Skill Level: Spear Technique (Fourth Stage 65%), Movement Technique (Fourth Stage 48%), Fist Technique (Fourth Stage 67%)</strong> ¡ª¡ª


    "65%?" Li Yuan was slightly surprised, an epiphany had increased his skill by over 10%.


    Even his movement technique had improved significantly.


    "My physical level increased by 0.1, and my mental strength increased by 0.5." Li Yuan was astonished.


    Just one afternoon.


    "Teacher Li Yang once said."


    "The mind is the strongest force. When you have an epiphany, you improve in all aspects." Li Yuan thought, "Progress in the mind greatly enhances your control over your body during an epiphany."


    "A moreplete mind naturally boosts mental strength."


    "Body." Li Yuan closed his eyes, internally observing his entire body, feeling every drop of blood flow, barely perceptible.


    The beating and operation of his internal organs seemed to be under his control.


    "Is this the bodily sensation of the high level of the fourth stage?" Li Yuan marveled.


    The higher the skill level, the deeper the excavation of physical strength, and the more terrifying the improvement in physical quality.


    This is why those martial arts geniuses with meticulous skills can still progress several levels a year even after breaking through the 15th life level.


    The gap between geniuses and ordinary people gradually forms.


    Until it bes insurmountable.


    "With this special epiphany."


    "My spear technique should progress rapidly for a while." Li Yuan mused, "Only the transition from the high level of the fourth stage to the final state of ''mental profundity'' can stop me."


    Before reaching the mental profundity, all Li Yuan needed was time.


    For other warriors at the ten-plus levels, reaching the high level of the fourth stage would be challenging due to weak mental strength, making it very difficult to sense the entire body and achieve the mental profundity.


    This is a fundamental gap.


    This is why most martial arts geniuses have hopes for mental profundity only after bing source warriors.


    But the bottleneck of mental strength does not exist for Li Yuan.


    Strong mental strength is a crucial reason for Li Yuan''s rapid progress.


    ...


    After eating, Li Yuan felt refreshed and took a shower.


    After thinking for a moment, he called Wan Qinghe.


    Soon, the video call connected.


    Wan Qinghe appeared on the screen.


    "Uncle Wan." Li Yuan greeted with a smile, "Sorry to disturb you sote."


    "No worries." Wan Qinghe smiled, "So, did your uncle agree?"


    "No." Li Yuan shook his head.


    "I guessed you wouldn''t convince him." Wan Qinghe sighed, "I spoke with him during the day. I don''t fully agree with his views, but your uncle is indeed admirable."


    "Actually, I suggested helping him earlier... but he refused."


    "If his persistence were towards others, it could be debated."


    "But your uncle applies it to himself." Wan Qinghe sighed, "I admit I couldn''t do it."


    Li Yuan listened silently.


    If it were about his aunt, siblings, and they refused treatment, Li Yuan would never agree.


    But this recovery n was for Li Changzhou himself.


    Wan Qinghe looked at Li Yuan and continued, "For martial arts geniuses, whether the money is a national reward or funding from the Martial Hall, the purpose is for you to train well, but part of it is ''settlement money'' to ensure you can practice with peace of mind."


    "Like the vi in Starlight South Lake Community... it''s the same principle." Wan Qinghe said, "The ''recovery and life extension n'' you made for your uncle does indeed exceed normal settlement money."


    "But as I said, once the money is given to you, how you spend it is up to you." Wan Qinghe said, "Martial arts are about achieving mental rity."


    "That''s why I didn''t stop you after asking in May."


    "Hmm." Li Yuan nodded slightly.


    Li Yuan understood this point. Martial arts training, gathering great power in oneself, was the reason for the Martial Hall and human civilization giving ''warriors'' great privileges and freedom.


    Because they are uncontroble.


    A warrior''s strengthes from within and cannot be taken away.


    "You''re right, you did nothing wrong." Wan Qinghe said, "Your uncle... he did nothing wrong either, and is even more admirable. Once he decides something, it''s hard for anyone to sway his will."


    Li Yuan sighed inwardly.


    The reason he didn''t dare tell his uncle at first was the fear that he would refuse upon knowing the truth.


    And it turned out to be true.


    "My uncle resists internally. I can''t force him." Li Yuan shook his head, "I can only wait until I''m strong enough to find a way. I''m just worried that if it takes too long, his body will weaken further."


    Working hard to be stronger and then earning money himself was Li Yuan''s goal.


    "Li Yuan."


    "You don''t need to worry too much. I had Professor Zhong recheck today. Your uncle is only in his forties, and his body is not in serious trouble, just severely damaged in terms of vitality." Wan Qinghe said, "Even if dyed by a year or two, it won''t be fatal."


    "Moreover."


    "With current technology, even with the recovery n, his body can''t be restored to its peak, only extending his life expectancy by ten to twenty years." Wan Qinghe said, "It''s better to look further ahead. In the future, some natural treasures could not only restore his body but even extend his life beyond normal."


    "Natural treasures?" Li Yuan was stunned.


    "Yes."


    "Some treasures deep in the Astral Realm are very special and have unique healing effects on ordinary people. Though growing new flesh and reviving the dead is exaggerated, for your uncle''s situation, the effect would be ten times better than the recovery n." Wan Qinghe smiled.


    "However, such treasures are rare. Having one would be immediately used, I''ve only heard from my seniors."


    "When you be a top source warrior, you''ll have more connections and can figure out a way." Wan Qinghe smiled.


    "Alright." Li Yuan felt a stir in his heart.


    Yes!


    He had been somewhat limited in his thinking.


    The recovery n extended his uncle''s life expectancy to ny, the current limit of human technology... but some treasures in the Star Realm would have better effects.


    "That''s all for now."


    "Train well at Kunlun Martial University." Wan Qinghe smiled, "I''ll keep an eye on your family."


    "Thank you, Uncle Wan." Li Yuan said gratefully.


    ...


    After hanging up the call.


    Talking with Wan Qinghe made Li Yuan feel more at peace.


    He went to the balcony.


    Li Yuan couldn''t help but look into the distance, where the lights of the vis were on.


    Further away was the ''logistics department'' building of the school.


    At eight in the evening, it was still brightly lit.


    With Li Yuan''s keen eyesight, aided by the lights, he could see many staff members flying around.


    To serve so many students, the logistics building had to operate 24 hours.


    A breeze gently brushed his face, making Li Yuan''s thoughts clearer.


    "Next."


    "I''ll strive to spend all the reward money on training." Li Yuan thought, "To reach level 14 as quickly as possible and see what the spiritual guidance is."


    "Now?"


    "With mastery of the Four Styles of the Starry Spear Technique, I should have a good chance of advancing to the Bright Moon rank." Li Yuan turned towards the rest room, "I''m 300 points short, let''s push tonight."


    "See if I can break into the Bright Moon rank in one go."


    Li Yuan needed to reach the Bright Moon rank and win the 20 million Blue Star Coins by August 29.


    ...


    Over three hourster.


    In the virtualwork, the Starry Sky Combat Network, Li Yuan was engaged in fierce battles with opponents.


    "ng! ng! ng!" Li Yuan''s spear danced, fully executing the Starry Spear Technique, each move like rolling stars, terrifying in power.


    Not only could he easily block the opponent''s war hammer attacks, but his spear light forced the opponent into a fluster.


    "The Four Styles of the Stars."


    "Truly wonderful." Li Yuan immersed himself in the battle, "Star Illumination is defensive, making oneself as impregnable as a star."


    "Gxy Cascade is a series of strikes, the most powerful with twelve continuous hits."


    "Dawn Through Clouds is fast, using extreme speed to kill the enemy."


    "Meteor Falling from the Sky is powerful, not as fast as Dawn Through Clouds, but best for frontal assaults." The more Li Yuan fought, the more ted he felt.


    These second-order secret moves, taken individually, had ws.


    But whenbined, their power multiplied.


    "Puff!"


    After dozens of exchanges, a spear light shed across the neck, and the opponent finally couldn''t hold on.


    Their body turned to nothingness.


    "Congrattions, Defender Yuan, for winning the rank match. Points +9." The system prompt instantly sounded.


    Li Yuan noticed the change in points.


    "Non-stop fighting for nearly forty matches, I am indeed a bit tired." Li Yuan nced at his rank points.


    <strong>Rank Match: Meteor Rank</strong>


    <strong>Points: 994 (1000 points needed to participate in the promotion match)</strong><strong>Rank Win Rate: 76%</strong>


    ...


    Over the past few months.


    As his skill level increased, even asional battles in the Starry Sky Combat Network saw Li Yuan''s win rate rise steadily.


    Especially after today''s breakthrough in spear technique, Li Yuan fought 37 matches, losing only two.


    The two he lost to had terrifying coordination of movement and de techniques.


    The other was a Bright Moon rank expert.


    "Six points short, with luck, I might reach the promotion match next game." Li Yuan clicked on match, "Hope it''s fast."


    In the past few hours, half the time was spent waiting for matches.


    Though global, there weren''t that many Bright Moon rank experts.


    Unexpectedly, just five secondster.


    "Buzz~"


    With a sh of light, Li Yuan entered a new battle arena and saw his opponent.


    "Tian Dazhuang?"


    "Li Yuan?" Tian Dazhuang was equally surprised.

 Chapter 123: Helping Others Achieve! Jiangbei’s Number One!

    <h4>Chapter 123: Helping Others Achieve! Jiangbei''s Number One!</h4>


    "Unexpectedly, we matched up."


    "Long time no see," Li Yuan and Tian Dazhuang were both extremely surprised.


    You know, it''s almost midnight, and most students should be asleep by now. Plus, with global matching, getting matched like this is quite a coincidence.


    "Why aren''t you sleeping thiste?" Li Yuan smiled and did not make a move immediately. After all, it''s rare to meet a friend, so they always chat a bit more.


    "Aren''t you also not sleeping?" Tian Dazhuangughed, holding a machete, looking very rxed.


    The two had not met often. To be precise, they had only interacted once, but during that interaction, they both felt that the other person had simr ambitions and personalities to their own. This is quite rare.


    "I heard you went to Kunlun Martial Arts University, how is it?" Tian Dazhuang asked proactively.


    "It''s okay, but there''s no real opponent in my year, a bit boring," Li Yuan shook his head and said, "Apart from me, the two strongest are Wu Luo."


    "Wu Luo?" Tian Dazhuang was puzzled at first, then nodded, "I have a vague impression."


    He didn''t pay much attention to students below the fourth level during the Jiangbei Martial Arts University''s invitation event.


    Then Tian Dazhuang smiled, "Of course, with your strength, you would definitely dominate at Kunlun Martial Arts University. If you hadn''t awakened your martial spirit, you would havee to Starlight University, and it would be even more lively."


    "And you? Are you still number one?" Li Yuan deliberately teased.


    "I can''t get it."


    "In this practical test, I didn''t even make it into the top fifty. My physical fitness is still far behind that group of perverts in front, it will take at least another year to catch up," Tian Dazhuang shrugged, "But every time in virtualbat, I would always repair many people."


    "In terms of skills alone, I should be in the top ten of our year," Tian Dazhuang said frankly. This was not boasting but treating Li Yuan as an opponent of the same level.


    Li Yuan nodded slightly. Tian Dazhuang''s skill talent was indeed extremely high. He entered the fourth level several months earlier than himself.


    "Being able to match with me means your progress is significant. Your Meteorite level score should be over 800 points, right?" Tian Dazhuang looked at Li Yuan with excitement.


    "994 points," Li Yuan smiled.


    Tian Dazhuang was stunned for a moment, suddenly recalling that the system seemed to have reminded him that his opponent had 994 points. But seeing Li Yuan, he was too excited and forgot about it.


    Tian Dazhuang, who also scored over 900 points in the Meteorite level, naturally understood the significance of this score. Only 6 points away from the Bright Moon promotion match.


    "Got it."


    "If you beat me, you can participate in the promotion match?" Tian Dazhuang smiled, "Impressive, I just reached 900 points today and haven''t participated in the Bright Moon promotion match yet."


    "But in this battle, I won''t hold back," Tian Dazhuang said confidently. Although Li Yuan''s score was higher, in the Starry Sky Combat Network battles, the score didn''t necessarily represent strength. Subconsciously, Tian Dazhuang still believed he was stronger, not brainlessly confident. After all, he entered the fourth level earlier than Li Yuan and studied at the better Starlight University.


    "Haha, it''s better not to hold back," Li Yuan alsoughed, "I''ve always wanted to fight you. During the invitation match, I didn''t meet you, and I''ve always regretted it."


    Indeed, it was a regret. During the Jiangbei Martial Arts University''s invitation, in terms of skills, Li Yuan was likely not Tian Dazhuang''s opponent. But Li Yuan inherently did not fear battle; winning or losing was not the goal. Enjoying the process is the best way to improve oneself.


    "Haha, good, then let''s have a fight," Tian Dazhuangughed.


    Instantly, Li Yuan and Tian Dazhuang no longer spoke, just silently stared at each other, starting to adjust their states.


    In virtual duels, both had physical attributes of level 10.0. Thepetition was inbat skills.


    "Kill!" Tian Dazhuang moved instantly. His figure shot out like a cannonball, attacking Li Yuan like lightning. The machete swung horizontally, shing down. The machete, longer and heavier than an ordinary saber, was a heavy weapon with immense force.


    "Haha, good timing," Li Yuanughed, advancing instead of retreating. His spear thrust forward like lightning, attacking.


    No matter how long the knife is, can it be longer than the spear?


    "ng!" Tian Dazhuang''s machete instantly retracted horizontally, blocking the spear tip like a small shield.


    "ng~" As soon as they touched, instead of the expected head-on collision, Tian Dazhuang withdrew his strength and retreated.


    "Trying to run?"


    Li Yuan smiled, dashing forward like the wind, much faster than Tian Dazhuang. His spear changed form, raised high, then smashed down on Tian Dazhuang. If this strikended, it would be enough to shatter a skull.


    "Such speed," Tian Dazhuang''s face changed, realizing something was wrong. Li Yuan''s charge was too fast; he couldn''t dodge it.


    "Boom~" Tian Dazhuang raised his machete to block, feeling a terrifying force transmitting through the spear to the shield. Despite exerting his deflecting skills, his arms went numb from the impact.


    "Boom!" Tian Dazhuang retreated swiftly, warily watching Li Yuan. Before the fight, Tian Dazhuang was extremely confident. But after this sh, he understood that the other''s skills were evidently superior to his own.


    "Progressed this quickly?"


    "During the Jiangbei invitation, he had just entered the fourth level. In less than five months, he''s stronger than me?" Tian Dazhuang was shocked. During the invitation, his de skills were nearly mid-fourth level. After so long, with the best training at Starlight University, his de skills were nearly high-fourth level. His teacher even called him a rare talent. But Li Yuan''s progress was clearly much faster.


    "Skill difference doesn''t mean I can''t win," Tian Dazhuang remained calm, no longer shing head-on, switching to entanglement.


    "Boom!" Li Yuan was fierce, his spear attacking Tian Dazhuang like a dragon, fast and relentless. The Starry Spear technique excelled in defense but also in overwhelming attacks, aiming to crush the enemy entirely.


    In the virtualwork, the Starry Sky Combat Network, in a special area inessible to normal people, two figures watched. One in white robes, the other in ck. Before them, a holographic projection showed Li Yuan and Tian Dazhuang''s fight.


    "Tian Dazhuang, the key student at Starlight University, is losing to Li Yuan?" The white-robed man spoke softly, "His spear skills are impressive."


    "Yes, the Starry Spear technique, and Li Yuan has grasped its essence," the ck-robed man said, "Not yet eighteen, and already high-fourth level."


    "And his record shows he reached Meteorite level in March."


    "In less than five months, he advanced from fourth to high-fourth level?" The white-robed man was surprised, "A student at Kunlun Martial Arts University?"


    "Yes," the ck-robed man smiled, "It seems our country has produced another remarkable talent."


    They were ''observers'' stationed at the Starry Sky Combat Network, watching many battles daily and marking notable participants.


    "Look."


    "Oh!" The white-robed man eximed, "Tian Dazhuang seems to be losing, holding on this long ismendable."


    On the duel tform, Li Yuan and Tian Dazhuang were in an intense battle. "ng!" "Boom!" "Bang!" The spear and machete shed repeatedly, with Li Yuan having a clear advantage. In terms of explosive power, speed, and skill, Li Yuan was superior. The spear had an advantage in the open arena.


    "Stall."


    "His movement is better, look for opportunities," Tian Dazhuang, a battle genius, quickly realized this. "Even if I can''t win, I can hone my de skills." Fully focused, he engaged in an entangling fight.


    "Interesting."


    "In terms of movement, I''m slightly inferior," Li Yuan smiled, "I spent too much effort on spear skills." He hadn''t deliberately trained in movement, only honing it while practicing fists and spear. Spending less time meant lower proficiency. Li Yuan''s rapid improvement in spear skills was due to his focused effort.


    "This battle is also good practice for my movement," Li Yuan didn''t unleash his full strength. After dozens of exchanges, he saw that Tian Dazhuang''s de skills hadn''t reached high-fourth level. Hisbat grasp seemed inferior, indicating a difference in overall strength. Li Yuan respected his friend and wanted to hone his movement skills.


    "Boom!" "Boom!" They fought fiercely, not merely for victory but to improve their weaknesses. As stamina waned, both grew tired, and their moves slowed. In the virtualbatwork, everything mimicked reality, including injuries and fatigue affecting performance.


    "Something''s wrong."


    "My movement is better, but his body control is stronger. He could crush me in this small arena," Tian Dazhuang realized. "And he hasn''t used his ultimate spear skill."


    High-fourth level without a finishing move? Impossible.


    "Li Yuan is stronger, holding back to hone his movement?" Tian Dazhuang sighed, "Already so much stronger?"


    "Never mind."


    "I''ll give my best," Tian Dazhuang adjusted, focusing on the pure battle, enjoying the fight.


    "Boom!" Li Yuan''s spear suddenly sped up, unleashing a twelve-hitbo, increasing the speed sharply.


    "ng!" "ng! ng!" Rapid collisions ensued. Tian Dazhuang felt overwhelmed by the onught. "Kill!" Tian Dazhuang didn''t retreat but attacked more fiercely, showcasing his de skills. A rural boy who rose to Starlight University, Tian Dazhuang''s talent and calm judgment made him highly regarded.


    Facing Li Yuan''s relentless spear attacks, Tian Dazhuang felt immense pressure but remained calm. Gradually, he entered a special state, his de skills bing smoother and faster.


    "High-fourth level."


    "Golden Splitting Knife technique, fourth form: Splitting Mountains and Seas." Tian Dazhuang had an epiphany, nearing a breakthrough.


    His knife grew faster.


    "Breakthrough?"


    "An epiphany?" Li Yuan smiled, sensing Tian Dazhuang''s rapid skill improvement. Instinctively, Li Yuan''s spear sped up, pressing harder. The twelve-hitbo peaked, but Li Yuan controlled it, giving Tian Dazhuang more pressure.


    Finally, Li Yuan sensed Tian Dazhuang''s de stabilizing, nearing the breakthrough''s end. Tian Dazhuang''s eyes grew clearer, seeing victory''s hope.


    "Haha."


    "Dazhuang, be careful," Li Yuanughed, unleashing a torrential spear attack.


    Like a bursting dam.


    "Boom!" The terrifying spear struck like a boulder, carrying immense impact. Fast as lightning, heavy as a mountain.


    "Not good." Freshly broken through, Tian Dazhuang''s joy faded, his face changing. Li Yuan''s aura felt unshakable.


    Instinctively blocking, Tian Dazhuang was pushed back several steps, his blood surging, feeling awful.


    "Retreat!"


    Enduring the difort, Tian Dazhuang tried to evade.


    "Dawn Breaks Through Clouds," Li Yuan, exhrated, followed up with his ultimate move.


    "Whoosh!" Another terrifying spear strike, even faster, his strongest speed burst.


    "So fast?" Tian Dazhuang couldn''t believe it, barely seeing the spear''s sh. Instinctively blocking, but the machete failed to stop it. The spear tip shed his neck, drawing blood.


    Tian Dazhuang felt his body grow virtual, understanding he had been killed by the swift spear.


    Defeated.


    Decisively.


    But Tian Dazhuang felt no defeat, only admiration. He knew if Li Yuan had gone all out, he would have lost in dozens of moves. Li Yuan had held back to help him break through.


    ...


    With a whoosh, Tian Dazhuang vanished.


    "Victory," Li Yuan smiled, receiving the system prompt. His score reached 1000, qualifying him for the promotion match.


    "One battle improved my movement by 2%?" Li Yuan was surprised, understanding it was due to his body control.


    Suddenly.


    "Hmm?" Li Yuan sensed a V message from Tian Dazhuang.


    Just two words, "Thank you."


    Their first exchange after adding V, Li Yuan smiled, replying with three words: "You''re wee."


    Closing themunication.


    "Victory."


    "In the Jiangbei invitation, I was first in the practical test," Li Yuan mused, "Back then, the recognized best skilled, Tian Dazhuang, is now defeated by me."


    "In our year, among Jiangbei''s million senior high students," Li Yuan muttered, "I should be the true Jiangbei number one now."


    First inbat!


    First in skills!


    "On this long martial path, surpassing opponents and bing stronger," Li Yuan felt a sense of achievement. Martial arts, constantly surpassing, growing stronger!


    "Confirm participation in the Moonrise promotion match," Li Yuan said deeply, turning into a stream of light and disappearing.


    ...


    "Victory."


    "This Li Yuan is truly remarkable, letting Tian Dazhuang break through," the observers in the observation space were surprised.


    "He''s confident," the ck-robed observer smiled, "Such magnanimity is rare."


    "Very good, Kunlun Martial Arts University producing such a student is rare," the white-robed observer also praised.


    Ten minutester.


    "Oh, he won the Bright Moon promotion match decisively."


    "No difficulty for him."


    "Let me check... Including the top three schools, globally, this year''s freshmen, including him, there are only 17 in the Bight Moon rank. Hmm, Tian Dazhuang will reach it in a few days too."


    "Yes, but Li Yuan is very young."


    "He is our country''s first under-18 Bright Moon rank this year, and the third globally this year."


    "Give the reward, and notify Starlight Martial Hall and Kunlun Martial Arts University directly, don''t wait for the Starry Sky Combat Network notification."

 Chapter 124: Shock from All Sides

    <h4>Chapter 124: Shock from All Sides</h4>


    After establishing the Starlight Martial Hall, the strongest human civilization warrior, Dongfang Ji, spent most of his time on the distant Soaring Star. However, he also ced great importance on his homnd, ''China''. For instance, the headquarters of the Starlight Martial Hall on Blue Star is located in China. Likewise, the Starlight University on Blue Star is situated in Kyoto, northern China.


    Starlight University is much smaller than Kunlun Martial University, admitting fewer than 400 students annually from around the globe, with a total student body of fewer than 2,000. Every student there would be considered top-tier at China''s five major universities. Even those who are just slightly outstanding would be a ss above.


    At night, in one of the student vis, Tian Dazhuang stepped out of the virtualwork pod onto the balcony, letting the cold wind blow.


    "Too strong."


    "Li Yuan''s spear is terrifyingly fast, not at all like someone who has just reached the edge of the fourth stage high level."


    "The gap between us is enormous," Tian Dazhuang closed his eyes, recalling the recent battle in the virtualwork. Losing to a master who had trained for decades wouldn''t bother him. But losing to a peer who once had inferior skills? It was a different story.


    "The way he controlled the battle and his incredibleposure... it''s almost unbelievable," Tian Dazhuang shook his head. He prided himself on being calm, but still had emotional fluctuations. Yet, Li Yuan was absolutely rational and calm throughout their fight, not making a single mistake. Upon seeing Tian Dazhuang''s breakthrough, Li Yuan even held back, waiting for him to finish, and then struck like lightning, overwhelming himpletely.


    "He must have reached the fourth stage high level at least half a month, if not a month, earlier," Tian Dazhuang sighed inwardly, "Such a rapid improvement is astounding. I can''t imagine how he trains."


    "Even Tantai Feng, Gong Mi, and Salvatore didn''t progress this quickly."


    In Jiangbei Province, Tian Dazhuang was a top talent, nearly unmatched in skills. During the Jiangbei invitation event, Li Yuan, Wang Yu, and even Wu Dongdong were far behind him. At Starlight University, his skills were barely in the top ten of his year, but not the best. Tantai Feng, Gong Mi, and Salvatore were already at the high level of the fourth stage when they entered, considered top martial arts geniuses globally, with physical qualities to match.


    "Interesting."


    "In terms of skills alone, Li Yuan might not be in the global top ten for freshmen," Tian Dazhuang smiled mysteriously, "But at his rate of improvement... he might surprise many at next year''s Global University Martial Arts Competition."


    "Tsk, tsk! Jiangbei still produces talents."


    "Hmm."


    "I should also thank him. Without his help, I wouldn''t have reached the high level of the fourth stage," Tian Dazhuang admired Li Yuan. He didn''t envy him. Despite Li Yuan having slightly better family conditions, he wasn''t from a wealthy or powerful background. Rising step by step must have been tough.


    "Li Yuan is so impressive."


    "I can''t fall behind."


    "Back to practicing my de skills and stabilizing my level," Tian Dazhuang adjusted his mindset and headed to the underground martial arts room to continue training.


    ...


    In the virtualwork, the Starry Sky Combat Network.


    "Victory."


    Li Yuan returned to his personal space, feeling a bit emotional, "If I hadn''t broken through yesterday, winning would have been difficult."


    Eighteen Rock Desert tribe warriors, each with physical qualities not inferior to his, and all at the initial stage of the fourth level. The difficulty was high. Facing Li Yuan individually, any of them would be killed in a few moves. But together, their strength multiplied, and they rescued each other. Li Yuan, relying on his body technique, battled for a long time before finding opportunities to defeat them one by one.


    "Mirror." With a thought, a mirror appeared before Li Yuan, reflecting his image with a bright crescent moon above his head. The symbol of the Bright Moon Rank.


    "On the virtualwork, many famous big streamers are at this level," Li Yuan murmured, "If I started streaming as a ''minor Bright Moon Rank'', it would be quite a gimmick."


    It would likely be popr. However, Li Yuan knew that being distracted by such activities would hinder his martial arts training. Most of those Bright Moon Rank streamers were source warriors with stagnant progress. Of course, they made a lot of money by being public figures.


    "Congrattions, Master, congrattions on reaching the Bright Moon Rank," the elven girl circled around Li Yuan, excited, "On the Blue Star Young Talents list, Master, you''re now ranked 17th globally, 5th in China."


    "Global 17th, China 5th?" Li Yuan smiled faintly. His homnd, the world''s top power, indeed produced many martial arts geniuses.


    "Step by step."


    "Last September, I first appeared on the Blue Star Young Talents list at over 4,000th ce. In less than a year, I reached 17th globally."


    Li Yuan was satisfied with his progress.


    "I guess the top 16 are all in the three top global universities," Li Yuan thought.


    Among his peers, there were still 16 worthy of surpassing.


    "Master, the 20 million Blue Star Coins reward from the Starry Sky Combat Network will be credited tomorrow," the elven girl smiled.


    "Good."


    ...


    After reaching the Bright Moon Rank, Li Yuan did not continue fighting in the Starry Sky Combat Network. He exited the virtualwork and ate something. The time was already past midnight.


    "After midnight, it''s time to practice the visualization method," Li Yuan nced at the time, "A new day of training begins."


    Normal martial arts university students start training at six or seven in the morning and finish by ten at night, usually noter than eleven. But Li Yuan''s training schedule was from midnight to midnight the next day. The core was ''persistence''.


    ...


    Late at night, in the Starlight Martial Hall city hall in Jiangcheng City.


    In a vi, Fei Qian, who was sleeping, was suddenly awakened by the ring of his smart bracelet. It was an important message. As a level 29 source warrior, he had excellent mental strength, only shallowly sleeping.


    "Hmm?" Fei Qian woke up instantly, sitting up. He picked up his smart bracelet, clicked the screen, and a light curtain projection appeared. The content of the document wasn''t long but contained shocking news.


    "Li Yuan."


    "Fourth stage high level? Bright Moon Rank?" Fei Qian was extremely shocked. Any remaining sleepiness vanished.


    "This!"


    Fei Qian couldn''t describe his feelings. He had always paid close attention to Li Yuan. But he never expected that in just a month at Kunlun Martial Arts University, Li Yuan''s strength would improve so much.


    "Wasn''t he only at Meteorite 300 points in April?" Fei Qian had a good memory.


    "Monster."


    "And he''s not yet 18?"


    "Is he the first in China this year?" Fei Qian noted the key point in the document.


    "Jiangcheng hasn''t seen such a martial arts genius in decades."


    After a moment''s thought, Fei Qian''s gaze fell on thest line of the document: "This information is for city hall lords and above only, not to be disclosed."


    The Human Alliance protects exceptional geniuses, minimizing information leaks. After some thought,


    "Drip!"


    Fei Qian quickly dialed Wan Qinghe''s V message, which was soon answered.


    "Fei Lao, what is it sote?" Wan Qinghe''s voice was low.


    "Nothing major."


    "Just a small matter," Fei Qian said indifferently, "Prepare to transfer Li Yuan''s younger siblings to the Martial Hall affiliated school, especially his younger brother, for focused training."


    "Also."


    "Increase his family''s security level by one more notch, ensuring their safety," Fei Qian instructed.


    Wan Qinghe, just woken up, was still a bit confused.


    "Understand?" Fei Qian''s voice carried a hint of displeasure.


    "Understood," Wan Qinghe shivered, immediately responding, "Rest assured, Fei Lao, I willplete the task."


    ...


    At Kunlun Martial University, the ck Dragon Building was brightly lit.


    On the ninth floor,


    "Hmm?" Li Yang, originally with a gloomy face, was looking at a list when his smart bracelet vibrated. He nced at it instinctively, then showed a look of surprise: "How is this possible?"


    "What is it?" Dean Xu, sitting not far away, turned to Li Yang, "Did something happen at a Kunlun astral field observation point?"


    "No."


    Li Yang shook his head, "I just received a message from China''s observer in the Starry Sky Combat Network."


    "Li Yuan just reached the Bright Moon Rank," Li Yang said solemnly to Dean Xu.


    "Bright Moon Rank? Li Yuan?"


    Dean Xu was initially puzzled, then suddenly realized, showing a look of surprise, "The freshman Li Yuan at the high level of the fourth stage?"


    "Yes," Li Yang nodded heavily, "And he''s not yet 18."


    "He is the first in China this year."


    Dean Xu was increasingly shocked. She hadn''t paid much attention to Li Yuan''s age before.


    Suddenly, Dean Xu smiled, a rare urrence, "After a string of bad news, finally some good news. I''m sure Dean Hai will be pleased too."


    "Yes, Dean Hai will probably meet Li Yuan tomorrow."

 Chapter 125: The Arrival of Dean Hai

    <h4>Chapter 125: The Arrival of Dean Hai</h4>


    August 3rd.


    Before 3 a.m., Li Yuan finished practicing his visualization technique, restoring his energy, spirit, and vigor to their peak.


    "This ''Observing of the Great Sun and Starry Sky Sutra'' is truly an incredible method," Li Yuan marveled inwardly.


    The longer he practiced martial arts, the more he appreciated the power of this visualization technique. Other students relied on sleep, supplementary medicines, physical therapy, medicinal baths, and many other means to maintain long-term mental focus and alleviate physical fatigue. But Li Yuan? He needed none of these, only his visualization technique.


    He spent almost every hour of the day practicing, except for eating and the asional moment of daze. In some sense, Li Yuan''s daily training efficiency was equal to that of many students over two days, or even longer. This was the reason behind Li Yuan''s rapid progress.


    Martial Arts requires talent and time for honing.


    "Wow! Wow!" Li Yuan resumed spear practice, the spear light flickering and moving unpredictably in the martial arts room.


    "My body."


    "Reaching the high level of the fourth stage, my mind further prates my flesh and blood, enhancing my perception," Li Yuan thought while practicing.


    Gradually, Li Yuan noticed a subtle force moving within his muscles and bones. These forces were as thin as silk, each one extremely weak but permeating every corner of his body. They originated from his blood, periosteum, muscle fibers... When thousands of these forces converged, they contained an incredibly terrifying power.


    "Is this the microscopic power?" Li Yuan was astonished: "I never noticed it before."


    Previously, Li Yuan knew that once the mind reached a profundity level, the body''s power would be excavated to an unimaginable degree. But how strong exactly? He wasn''t sure. Today, after reaching the high level of the fourth stage and immersing himself in training, he finally felt it.


    Seeing it with his own eyes and sensing it with his mind waspletely different from others'' descriptions. It was like hearing about the power of a ton of force from others versus actually possessing a ton of force oneself¡ªa world of difference.


    "If I can control these thousands of subtle forces, the power I can unleash will be at least several times stronger," Li Yuan was amazed: "Is this the body''s ultimate power?"


    The human body is a treasure trove, containing great secrets. Two people with the same level of life could have vastly different power and speed if one had higher skill.


    "Skill, from high level to the perfect fourth stage, is about gradually mastering these subtle forces," Li Yuan understood his next stage''s direction.


    From the third to the initial fourth stage, it was about controlling therge muscle and bone groups'' power, fully unleashing it with the waist and spine as the core, achieving ''body and mind unity.''


    From the initial to the high level of the fourth stage, it was about digging deeper into the body''s power, bing more refined. The ultimate perfect fourth stage was aboutpletely mastering every subtle force in the body, hence called ''mental profundity.''


    "Hoo!"


    With a clear direction for the next stage, Li Yuan felt even more motivated in his training. A clear goal leads to a more solid path.


    "My intense spear practice greatly stimtes my body, almost reaching a third of the efficiency of the ''Rock Practice Method''," Li Yuan gradually realized: "In the future, the ''Rock Practice Method'' will be less effective for me; when my mind reaches the microscopic level, it will be useless."


    With higher realms, Li Yuan saw more clearly the role of basic practice methods. They were summarized by martial arts predecessors, enabling ordinary people to maximize their body''s potential through various postures during practice, essentially from the perspective of ''microscopic force'' or even higher realms, stimting every part of the body as much as possible. Different methods suited different physiques.


    "Advanced practice methods are about stimting the body to absorb source power faster," Li Yuan thought. His mind involuntarily recalled the ''ster trajectory map'' he vaguely remembered during his second source power infusion.


    Somehow, Li Yuan felt it would be important.


    "Maybe, when I be stronger, I will understand," Li Yuan sighed: "Mental power level 20, with my spiritual awakening degree limit raised to 25%."


    "It seems that to raise my spiritual awakening degree to 30% or even 50%, my mental power must reach a higher level, level 25? Level 30?" Li Yuan could only guess for now.


    At the moment, the more important task was to improve his physical fitness to level 14.


    "With further skill improvement and faster body evolution, I might try consuming more ''High Source Spirit Springs''," a thought shed through Li Yuan''s mind.


    The more he ate, as long as he could digest and train enough, the faster his body would evolve.


    ...


    Li Yuan practiced spear until 8 a.m., then had breakfast, took a shower, and changed clothes. Clothes, the cleanliness of the martial arts room, and the vi were all taken care of by the school''s logistics department.


    He arrived outside the ck Tortoise Building by flying vehicle. Yesterday''s drizzle turned into today''s clear skies, a rather hot summer day.


    The square outside the ck Tortoise Building was already crowded with at least a thousand students. Li Yuan jumped out of the vehicle from afar, heading towards the gathering point of the freshmen from the six colleges.


    "Li Yuan."


    "Li Yuan is here." Several freshmen recognized Li Yuan along the way, and many even greeted him proactively. Li Yuan nodded in response.


    After the entrancepetition and practical assessment, Li Yuan''s name and appearance were well-known among the freshmen. Even those who didn''t like Li Yuan had to admit his strength. When one is strong enough, at least on the surface, others have to show respect.


    "Big Brother is here."


    "Big Brother." The freshmen from the six colleges became lively when Li Yuan arrived. His final decisive move in the practical assessment had established unshakable authority among the freshmen.


    "Yuan Ge." Gu Qianghan approached.


    "Everyone, get in line," An Nong called out to his ssmates before walking up, "Big Brother."


    The freshmen of the six colleges had started getting used to Gu Qianghan and An Nong organizing activities.


    "During the memorial, let everyone be quiet," Li Yuan looked at the freshmen and said, "Even though these teachers don''t teach us, we should show respect."


    "Got it, I understand," An Nong nodded and started organizing.


    Today, Kunlun Martial University was holding a grand memorial for the eleven deceased teachers. Not far from the ck Tortoise Building, various wreaths were already set up, along with arge ck-and-white banner, creating a solemn atmosphere. Thus, students from all colleges arrived on time, preparing to enter the memorial hall in an orderly manner.


    Li Yuan stood at the front of the freshmen from the six colleges.


    "There are quite a few reporters and many teachers, including Dean Li," Gu Qianghan pointed out.


    "Yeah," Li Yuan also looked over. Source warriors were important military forces, and those who died in battle were considered ''martyrs.'' Especially with so many powerful source warriors dying at once, it was a ''major casualty.''


    Today, all channels in Longxi Province would likely report this extensively, and the national TV station might also cover it.


    "Sigh."


    "I wonder what kind of rescue mission it was, with no information at all," Gu Qianghan sighed, "So many teachers died in battle. Although they didn''t teach us, it''s still quite sad."


    "Usually, the school''s teachers are high-level source warriors... How strong were their enemies? Could they have been flying warriors?" Gu Qianghan spected.


    Li Yuan silently nodded, saying nothing. One of the deceased teachers had taught him.


    ...


    The memorial proceeded in an orderly manner. Due to therge number of attendees, second-year students entered the hall first, followed by first-year students. By 10 a.m., Li Yuan led over 200 freshmen from the six colleges into the hall.


    There were only photos and wreaths, but the atmosphere remained solemn. "Deep condolences..." Li Yuan''s heart grew heavier as he saw the name ''Teacher Fan Jin'' on some of the wreaths.


    The hall had many screens disying the deeds of the fallen teachers. Each high-level source warrior had been a notable martial arts genius in their youth, either achieving great feats or exuding charisma. Li Yuan read every teacher''s aplishments, but besides Teacher Fan Jin, one particrly impressed him.


    A 27-year-old teacher, a 27-level source warrior. He looked very young in the photos and videos, with a bright future ahead, possibly even bing a flying warrior. But now, he was dead.


    Death nullifies talent and strength. Time passed, and many originally indifferent freshmen were gradually moved by the hall''s atmosphere, bing quieter. The entire memorial, without speeches from notable figures, only had music, words, wreaths, and the martyrs'' portraits. This memorial undoubtedly impacted every student, akin to a spiritual baptism.


    As the group exited the hall, Li Yuan noticed the inscription at the entrance:


    "Green hills hold loyal bones, the mountains and rivers remember heroes."


    "Living up to the aspirations of youth, bing spirits to guard the stars."


    ...


    When Li Yuan led the freshmen out of the memorial, he didn''t notice two figures on the fourth floor observing him.


    "Dean Hai, what do you think?" Dean Xu asked respectfully.


    "His mental strength is impressive, but I''m unsure about his will," a gentle voice responded, "He was serious during the activity, and considering his past records, he deserves the title of ''Young Hero.''"


    "I watched his show yesterday," the gentle voice continued, "Overall, he has good talent and moral character. Your academy did a good job recruiting him."


    "This afternoon, have him meet me."


    "Yes," Dean Xu was delighted, knowing the first hurdle was cleared.


    For China and human civilization, high talent alone wasn''t enough for full support¡ªmoral character was equally crucial. Some individuals, the stronger they became, the more harm they did to civilization. However, this moral observation and judgment were never recorded explicitly.


    ...


    After the memorial, Li Yuan returned to his vi to continue training. As he practiced his spear, the difort and pressure he felt gradually subsided.


    At 2 p.m.,


    "Teacher," Li Yuan greeted Li Yang, who suddenly appeared at his vi.


    "Get on my flying vehicle, Dean Hai is waiting for you in the ck Dragon Building," Li Yang smiled, "You did well this morning, Dean Hai is pleased with you."


    "This morning''s performance?" Li Yuan was puzzled.


    What did I do this morning?


    On the flying vehicle,


    "Reaching the Bright Moon level without telling me?" Li Yang nced at Li Yuan, "I only found out from the Starry Sky Combat Network."


    "Hehe, I didn''t get the chance," Li Yuan smiled, "I was afraid you''d think I was showing off."


    "Show your strength and talent without fear," Li Yang shook his head, smiling, "Tell me first next time."


    "Yes."


    Soon, they arrived at the Heilong Building and quickly went to the 12th floor.


    Outside an office, the door was open, and Dean Xu stood at the entrance.


    "Dean Xu," Li Yuan greeted.


    "Go in, Dean Hai is inside," Dean Xu said directly, "Don''t be rude, just have a normal conversation."


    Li Yuan nodded, feeling slightly apprehensive. A normal conversation? But that''s a flying warrior.


    Entering, it was a simple martial arts room, barely over a hundred square meters, with no extra furniture or weapon racks. In the center, two mats wereid out. A lean young man, seemingly in his twenties, wearing a blue martial arts uniform, sat cross-legged on one mat, appearing very rxed.


    "You''re here," the young man smiled at Li Yuan. This smile and gaze made Li Yuan''s spirit tremble slightly, thoroughly intimidated.


    It wasn''t just pressure; it was a subtle feeling. In that instant, Li Yuan felt a sense of life and death beyond his control. It took his strong will and spirit a full three seconds to escape this feeling.


    "Dean Hai," Li Yuan suppressed his shock and bowed slightly.


    "Impressive," the young man in blue smiled, "You escaped my mental influence at level 13. Dean Li wasn''t wrong in calling you our academy''s top ''mental genius.''"


    "Top mental genius?" Li Yuan was astonished.


    "Sit, let''s chat," the young man in blue pointed to the mat in front of him.


    Li Yuan approached and obediently sat cross-legged, imitating him.


    "Don''t be nervous, it''s just a regr conversation," the young man in blue smiled, "Let me introduce myself, I''m ''Hai Yi,'' the dean of the six colleges... but I rarely manage things. This is my first time back this year."


    Li Yuan was speechless. This unique introduction showed Dean Hai''s distinctive character.


    "I''m meeting you because you''re excellent," Dean Hai smiled, "Yourck of martial arts spirituality awakening isn''t a bad thing."


    "If I''m correct, there''s a high-level spirituality hidden within you."

 Chapter 126: Spirituality? Bloodline? The Withering of a Hundred Marrows

    <h4>Chapter 126: Spirituality? Bloodline? The Withering of a Hundred Marrows</h4>


    "High-level spirituality?" Li Yuan''s face showed confusion. "Dean, how is that different from a normal spiritual awakening?"


    In reality, Li Yuan was internally shocked. Initially, the Divine Pce panel had alerted him about an ''unawakened high-level spirituality'' within him. However, after killing the Fish Spirit n, that prompt disappeared, and ''spiritual awakening degree'' appeared instead. Could Dean Hai see through him so easily? For a moment, Li Yuan felt uneasy. Could the other person really see through his Divine Pce? Were flying warriors this powerful?


    "You''ve been training for a while, so you should understand the essence of high-level cultivation methods," Dean Hai smiled. Despite looking only eighteen or neen years old and very handsome¡ªhandsomer than Li Yuan¡ªhis eyes were much deeper.


    "Alignment with source power," Li Yuan replied, something he had known for a long time.


    "Exactly. The higher your alignment with source power, the faster you can absorb it and grow," Dean Hai exined. "Simrly, the more mental power and stronger skills you have, the more you can tap into your body''s potential and absorb even more source power."


    Li Yuan nodded slightly. It''s like a person with a naturallyrge frame who grows faster and naturally eats more. If this person continues to train and build muscle, they will consume even more energy.


    "All things have spirituality. Source power is the essence of the universe and nature, so every life form can be close to it, but the degree of closeness varies," Dean Hai continued. "Although you don''t align with any high-level cultivation method, your ability to absorb source power is exceptionally strong, isn''t it?"


    Li Yuan listened quietly.


    "Dean Li said you possess some heavenly treasure, which caused your physical fitness to spike overnight during the practical assessment," Dean Hai said with a faint smile. "But after contacting Hall Master Yang of the Starlight Martial Hall, I found out they never gifted you any treasure."


    Li Yuan''s heart skipped a beat. Can they y like this? This is cheating!


    "Earlier, when I sensed your entire body, besides the remnants of absorbed source power, there were no traces of other treasures," Dean Hai sighed. "This proves your alignment with source power is unimaginably high."


    "Along with yourprehension and mental power... it''s almost certain you have a high-level spirituality within you."


    Li Yuan was speechless. Hey! Big boss, I haven''t even spoken yet, and you''ve already filled in the gaps yourself?


    "Dean, your insight is remarkable," Li Yuan said vaguely. Since the big boss had already provided an exnation, he had no reason to refuse it.


    "A so-called high-level spirituality means a very high alignment with a certain type of source power, making your martial path naturally much smoother than normal people," Dean Hai exined. "It can even affect your skill growth."


    "When you reach the fifth stage in skills, and eventually the sixth stage, this high-level spirituality will greatly assist you."


    Li Yuan was internally amazed. Was it really this powerful?


    "High-level spirituality sounds mystical. Another term you might understand better is ''bloodline,''" Dean Hai smiled. "Some creatures are naturally strong due to their bloodline."


    "For example, the ck dragon outside our building. It is a second-level creature at birth, and with a bit of effort, it bes a third-level creature... all because of its powerful bloodline," Dean Hai said. "In some distant astral realms and alien civilizations, there are many naturally third-level life forms."


    "The strongest ones are even born beyond the flying warrior level," Dean Hai sighed. "What human warriors strive for is just the starting point for others."


    Li Yuan was shocked. Born at the flying warrior level? Even beyond? That''s too exaggerated! How can onepete?


    "Of course, life forms born at the flying warrior level are extremely rare and have nothing to do with us," Dean Hai smiled. "They can''t cross over to us."


    Li Yuan nodded slightly. Different strength levels bring different perspectives. Talking to Dean Hai greatly broadened Li Yuan''s horizons.


    "Dean, you mean to say that there''s a powerful bloodline hidden within me?" Li Yuan pondered.


    "Yes," Dean Hai nodded. "This bloodline, or high-level spirituality, enhances your mental power as you grow. Now, it has reached the level of a source warrior, allowing you to easily absorb arge amount of source power without high-level techniques, and your physical fitness is improving rapidly."


    Li Yuan listened outwardly but was thinking inwardly. ording to this analysis, the ''high-level spirituality'' Dean Hai mentioned might not be the same as the one on the Divine Pce panel. After all, his mental power and physical fitness were earned through hard work, not just natural talent.


    "Dean, from what you said, there are many people like me in human civilization?" Li Yuan asked curiously.


    "Many, but not too many," Dean Hai said. "In theory, you don''t have the qualification to know some secrets yet."


    "But considering you are one of them, it''s okay to tell you, but remember not to leak this information," Dean Hai said calmly. "Mainly, somerge families continuously produce individuals with high-level spirituality."


    "Or rather, bloodline awakeners."


    "Large families? Bloodline awakeners?" Li Yuan was surprised. "Can high-level spirituality be inherited?"


    He had never heard of such a thing before.


    "It can. Just as genes can be inherited, so can spiritual talents."


    "For instance, the well-known ''me Family'' has many bloodline awakeners with strong abilities. Over generations, they have umted experience and created a unique technique called ''Nirvana Divine Codex,'' which is far more efficient than high-level cultivation methods," Dean Hai said calmly. "So far, the family has produced dozens of flying warriors."


    "Dozens?" Li Yuan was astonished. That''s too exaggerated.


    "If these families keep reproducing, won''t human civilization produce arge number of flying warriors?" Li Yuan couldn''t help but ask.


    Such bloodline inheritance had too many advantages.


    "It''s not that simple."


    "First, most descendants are normal people, with only a few able to awaken, although their probability is much higher than normal people," Dean Hai smiled. "Second, they created special techniques suitable for this type of high-level spirituality, which makes the sess rate appear high."


    "Third, the stronger the individual, the harder it is to reproduce."


    "For example, someone beyond the flying warrior level¡ªdo you think ordinary people can be their partners? One burst of..." Dean Hai changed the analogy, "It''s like an elephant and an ant¡ªcan they produce offspring?"


    Li Yuan wanted tough but understood Dean Hai''s point. From the first to the second level, and then to the third level, although still human, it''s essentially a fundamental leap in the level of life.


    "Of course."


    "High-level spirituality cannot be detected, at least I can''t. I can only guess from the outside that you have it," Dean Hai said. "Your current biggest challenge is techniques."


    Li Yuan listened attentively.


    "Without techniques, even if your alignment with source power is high, it would take at least twenty years to be a level 29 source warrior, even if your body can naturally absorb source power ten times faster than a normal source warrior," Dean Hai said.


    Li Yuan''s mind was stirred. Does that mean a normal source warrior without techniques, relying on the body''s natural absorption, could be a level 29 source warrior in two hundred years?


    Of course, skill breakthroughs are required first.


    "And what is the essence of techniques?"


    "Perceiving the life stars within the body, forming aplete cycle, and making the source power flow endlessly," Dean Hai exined. "Our body is like a vast starry sea, containing 480 million micro stars."


    "480 million stars in the body?" Li Yuan was stunned. Is the human body a miniature universe? And the number is so precise?


    "This is a virtual number. No one knows the exact number of stars in the body," Dean Hai smiled. "It''s like the stars in the universe¡ªyou can''t count them all, can you?"


    Li Yuan shook his head.


    "Most of the stars in the body are dormant and dead. Source power cannot stay in them. Only a few are awakened and called ''life stars,'' like habitables in the vast universe," Dean Hai continued.


    "But these few life stars are crucial for life evolution. They are the nodes where source power operates within the body."


    "Just as a few habitables make the vast universe uniquely fascinating."


    This exnation made Li Yuan feel enlightened, directly pointing to the essence of life evolution.


    "The countless stars in the body, even if life stars are only one in a million, the total number is still huge," Dean Hai said. "High-level techniques help the mind gradually perceive the life stars scattered throughout the body, imprinting mental marks, eventually connecting hundreds or thousands of life stars."


    "Forming a great cycle, source power circtes through these life stars, nourishing every part of the body, making these life stars stronger."


    Li Yuan listened attentively. The essence of high-level techniques was something he hadn''t known before.


    "The same species have over 99.9% gic simrity, and life stars are the same," Dean Hai said. "The seven high-level cultivation methods are derived from billions of body stars, finding seven rtively fixed andmon life star paths in the human body."


    "These methods enable arge number of humans to safely perceive life stars."


    "Creating a technique."


    "Requires sensing the stars in your body and finding a life cycle path," Dean Hai looked at Li Yuan. "This is very dangerous."


    "It''s like sending a spaceship to an unknown¡ªif it''s a dead star, what happens?"


    "Death," Li Yuan hesitated but said.


    "Yes."


    "The countless stars in the body¡ªbefore the mind guides the source power there, it''s hard to know if they''re dead stars," Dean Hai sighed. "One failure harms the body."


    "Two failures, three failures... eventually, the body will copse."


    "However, as someone with high-level spirituality, the number of awakened life stars in your body definitely exceeds that of normal people," Dean Hai said. "With your strong mental power and high skill level, your mind''s perception will be clearer, avoiding many minor mistakes."


    "Moreover, this is no longer a few hundred years ago."


    "Now, you can refer to the seven high-level cultivation methods, findingmon life star trajectories in the human body... Overall, your chance of sessfully creating a technique is over 80%," Dean Hai concluded.


    "Eighty percent?"


    Li Yuan couldn''t help but say, "I remember Dean Li said my sess rate was only 40-50%."


    "Fool!"


    "When you were signed, was your mental power and skill level as strong as now?" Dean Hai said calmly. "Predictions can only be based on the current stage."


    "If your skill progress is slow, the sess rate will drop to 50% or even lower."


    "Simrly, if your skill quickly reaches the sixth stage, your sess rate will approach 100%."


    Li Yuan had nothing to say. The sixth stage of skills? He was still far from the perfect fourth stage.


    ...


    "Creating a technique is for after you be a source warrior."


    "Your current priority is improving your physical fitness and skills," Dean Hai said calmly.


    "Your skill training is sufficient, depending on yourprehension."


    "But your physical fitness."


    "The sooner you be a source warrior, the stronger your vitality, and the more creation failures you can endure, increasing your chances."


    "I have prepared a heavenly treasure for you, ''The Withering of a Hundred Marrows,''" Dean Hai said calmly. "It contains 20 units. Each unit should allow you to absorb ten units of High Source Spirit Springs continuously."


    "In two years, it will double your training speed."


    Li Yuan''s eyes brightened. This sounded incredibly powerful. His growth rate was already fast, and it could double?


    "However, the pain of using it will be several times that of cleansing the marrow."

 Chapter 127: Painful to the Point of Suicide

    <h4>Chapter 127: Painful to the Point of Suicide</h4>


    "More painful than washing the marrow of the spirit?" Li Yuan was stunned. Could it be that harsh? He instinctively felt some parts of his body aching at the thought. Washing the marrow of the spirit was already terrifying enough.


    "Washing the marrow of the spirit is an external application, while this one is taken internally. Although both cleanse the marrow, there will be some differences," Dean Hai said calmly. "I''ve prepared everything. Whether you use it or not is up to you."


    "Think it over and let me know," Dean Hai said quietly.


    Li Yuan thought for only three seconds. "Dean, I''m willing," he said through gritted teeth. What''s a few times more pain? He had endured washing the marrow of the spirit five times a month. What was there to fear?


    "If you want to improve quickly, you have to make sacrifices," he thought.


    "Are you sure you don''t want to reconsider?" Dean Hai smiled. "I know your willpower is strong,parable to a source warrior, but this kind of pain... it''s not easy to endure."


    "No need to think it over. I''ll do it," Li Yuan said firmly.


    "Very well. I''ll give the items to Dean Li. You''ll use them under his supervision," Dean Hai said. "Alright, you can go now."


    "When your physical fitness reaches level 15, if you n to venture into the star realm for tempering,e see me again."


    "Yes," Li Yuan replied, feeling a stir in his heart. Before facing life-and-death trials, he should see Dean Hai again?


    ...


    After Li Yuan left, descending the stairs to his residence, Li Yang and Dean Xu entered the martial arts room.


    "Dean Hai," both Li Yang and Dean Xu greeted respectfully.


    "I''ve prepared ''The Withering of a Hundred Marrows'' for Li Yuan, a total of twenty units, enough for twenty months of training," Dean Hai said calmly. "Li Yang, it''s in your hands. Supervise him during each training session to prevent any idents."


    "''The Withering of a Hundred Marrows''?" Both Li Yang and Dean Xu were stunned. They couldn''t believe what they heard.


    "Dean, is it really ''The Withering of a Hundred Marrows''?" Li Yang couldn''t help but ask. "Can Li Yuan handle it?"


    "''The Withering of a Hundred Marrows,'' paired with High Source Spirit Springs, has remarkable effects," Dean Hai said calmly. "Even treasures like ''Ster Marrow Crystals'' can''tpare in the short term. The only downside is the pain."


    "But I tested him just now. His willpower is indeed strong. Consider it a tempering of his will," Dean Hai said nonchntly.


    "What? You applied for his training with me, and now you have objections?" Dean Hai''s smile had a hint of mockery.


    Li Yang and Dean Xu shivered inwardly and quickly shook their heads. To ordinary students, they were high-ranking and powerful vice deans. But in front of Dean Hai, they were like students.


    "Additionally, temporarily upgrade Li Yuan''s contract level to SS. Increase his monthly free resource quota from 2 million to 4 million Blue Star Coins," Dean Hai said. "If there''s a gap in training resources, let him figure it out himself."


    "Understood," Li Yang nodded.


    "Go now."


    "Inform me when Li Yuan reaches level 15 and ns to venture into the astral realm," Dean Hai closed his eyes.


    Li Yang''s eyes brightened. He understood. Dean Hai would likely provide some life-saving items at that time.


    ...


    Li Yang and Dean Xu exited the office and walked downstairs.


    "Does it have to be so harsh with ''The Withering of a Hundred Marrows''?" Dean Xu shook her head gently. "I''ve only seen it used once, and the source warrior nearlymitted suicide."


    "I heard it''s used to torture captured aliens, forcing them to reveal information by driving them to the point of seeking death," Dean Xu sighed. "Dean Hai is still the same, very harsh."


    "Without being harsh, how can one stand firm?" Li Yang smiled. "I was mentally prepared when I rmended Li Yuan to him. Sis, haven''t you heard about the rumors of Dean Hai hunting down that ck dragon?"


    "What rumors?" Dean Xu was puzzled.


    "Well, it''s said that years ago, Dean Hai had a vi on a small ind in the South Sea. It was destroyed by a tsunami caused by the ck dragon. Although Dean Hai wasn''t assigned to that mission, he volunteered and hunted the ck dragon for days and nights, eventually killing it and ying its skin," Li Yang recounted.


    "So fierce?" Dean Xu was surprised. She had only been at the academy for a few years and hadn''t heard much about Dean Hai.


    "Of course. I''ve followed Dean Hai for nearly twenty years. What don''t I know?" Li Yang said with emotion. "I''ll keep a close eye on Li Yuan."


    "If he really can''t take it, we''ll have him stop," Li Yang said.


    "Yes," Dean Xu nodded.


    Shortly after seeing Dean Xu off, Li Yang was about to find Li Yuan.


    "Li Yang, nice story," a cold voice suddenly echoed in Li Yang''s mind. "Come see me and repeat it."


    "Dean Hai," Li Yang was startled.


    ...


    In the following days, Li Yuan continued his training as usual, while Kunlun Martial University gradually returned to normalcy.


    On the morning of August 8th, at 10 a.m., in the underground martial arts room of Li Yuan''s vi, all lights were on. Li Yang and Li Yuan stood there. Li Yang held a small ck bottle, pitch ck and revealing nothing from its exterior.


    "After such a long time, the effects of washing the marrow of the spirit should have worn off," Li Yang said solemnly. "Today, you''ll try ''The Withering of a Hundred Marrows.''"


    "Teacher, why are we in the underground martial arts room? And why did you ask me to move everything out?" Li Yuan couldn''t help but ask.


    "You''ll understand soon enough," Li Yang replied.


    Li Yuan nodded.


    "Last chance to reconsider¡ªare you sure you want to do this?" Li Yang asked.


    "Teacher, let''s try it," Li Yuan smiled. "If I can''t bear it, I''ll stop."


    "Alright."


    Li Yang handed the small ck bottle to Li Yuan. "Each unit contains ten small tablets."


    "Start with one. If you can bear it, take the remaining nine within ten minutes," Li Yang instructed.


    Li Yuan took the bottle, opened it, and poured the contents into his hand. The ck tablets, resembling calcium tablets, emitted a strange odor.


    "''The Withering of a Hundred Marrows''? I thought it would be a liquid," Li Yuan thought.


    He had mentally prepared himself over the past few days. Without further hesitation, he took one tablet and put it in his mouth. There was no immediate sensation. He swallowed it with a sip of water that Li Yang handed him.


    For the first three seconds, Li Yuan felt nothing. Gradually, as a fourth-stage high-level expert, he could sense a strange force spreading from his chest and abdomen to every part of his body.


    It was tingly.


    Itchy.


    Painful.


    "Is that it?" With his strong willpower, Li Yuan easily endured and, without further thought, swallowed the remaining nine tablets.


    Li Yang opened his mouth slightly but did not stop him.


    Quickly.


    "Hmm?" Li Yuan noticed something was wrong. The strange force seemed endless, growing stronger and prating every part of his body.


    "This pain." Li Yuan clenched his fists, his body trembling slightly. It felt like red fire ants biting his flesh. It felt like des scraping his bones repeatedly. And then... a dull ache... far more intense than the pain of washing the marrow of the spirit.


    Moreover, the pain intensified over time.


    His face changedpletely.


    "Ah!" Li Yuan finally couldn''t take it. He curled up on the ground, disregarding Li Yang''s presence.


    Pain!


    Deep, bone-prating pain! Far worse than five times the pain of washing the marrow of the spirit.


    Li Yuan felt as if he could hear his marrow being extracted, his muscles twitching.


    His entire body turned red, as if on fire, sweat seeping out like blood.


    "Ah!" Li Yuan''s face twisted in agony. He desperately wanted to endure it but couldn''t. The pain was too intense.


    This was the full force of ''The Withering of a Hundred Marrows''!


    It was washing away all ''impurities'' in his body, all hindrances to source power absorption.


    The pain seemed to prate his soul.


    Pain!


    "Pain!" Li Yuany on the ground, howling,pletely losing control, rolling madly, veins bulging on his neck.


    Suddenly, Li Yuan swung his arm, aiming to hit his own head.


    The pain was too unbearable! In that moment, Li Yuan just wanted to end it all.


    In his consciousness, only pain remained.


    At that moment, he only wanted to end this suffering.


    Just as he was about to strike.


    "Whoosh!" A pair of hands shed out, restraining Li Yuan''s arms.


    Stopping his action.


    "Ah!" Li Yuan struggled wildly, but Li Yang''s strength easily subdued him.


    However, seeing Li Yuan''s condition, Li Yang''s heart ached.


    Li Yuan''s strong willpower had been pushed to the point of wanting tomit suicide.


    It was unimaginable how painful ''The Withering of a Hundred Marrows'' was.


    ...


    After half an hour, the effects of ''The Withering of a Hundred Marrows'' gradually subsided. Li Yuan''s screams slowly eased, and a thinyer of impurities surfaced on his skin.


    But Li Yuan''s spirit seemed on the verge of copse. He lost consciousness entirely,


    "No wonder almost no one uses this thing for training." Li Yang finally released Li Yuan''s hands and sighed inwardly. "Dean Hai is indeed ruthless, having me supervise¡ªdid he anticipate that Li Yuan might try tomit suicide?"

 Chapter 128: Astonishing Transformation

    <h4>Chapter 128: Astonishing Transformation</h4>


    Li Yuan''s deep sleepsted until about two in the afternoon, when his consciousness gradually cleared. His eyshes fluttered, and his eyes slowly opened.


    "Huff!" Li Yuan''s awareness quickly returned. "I endured the pain of ''The Withering of a Hundred Marrows'' and finally lost consciousness?"


    The recent ordeal flooded back into Li Yuan''s mind. The intense pain that seemed to prate his bones and soul was so horrifying that just recalling it made Li Yuan involuntarily frown. It was truly terrifying. The pain from five rounds of ''Washing the Marrow of the Spirit'' was child''s y inparison. Now, the pain hadpletely subsided, but Li Yuan''s subconscious didn''t want to remember it.


    "Bang~" Li Yuan reached out to get up, only to feel a prickling pain all over his body. However, this level of pain only made him frown slightly before he sat up, undeterred.


    It was then that Li Yuan noticed his skin was covered with a thinyer of gray-ck grime. He wiped it off with his hand, and it fell away like a snake shedding its skin, revealing smooth, jade-like skin underneath, brimming with vitality.


    "Awake?" a cheerful voice called from nearby. Li Yang walked over.


    "Teacher, I''m sorry you had to see that," Li Yuan said slowly, standing up. He recalled his near-suicide attempt under the unbearable pain. It showed that his willpower wasn''t strong enough.


    "What''s there to be sorry about? Do you think it''s shameful to feel so much pain that you wanted to die?" Li Yangughed. "You did very well. At seventeen, enduring ten minutes is impressive. There''s probably no other student in the entire school who could do that."


    "This ''The Withering of a Hundred Marrows'' is a heavenly treasure and a rare marrow-cleansing item of great value. But in reality, it''s often used as a means of torture," Li Yang exined. "For high-value prisoners, just one pill can make a normal source warrior wish for death. After one pill, they''d spill everything."


    "And you?"


    "You took ten pills! That''s a whole unit. In terms of willpower, most high-level source warriors can''tpare to you," Li Yang remarked with admiration. He didn''t say it out loud, but he wasn''t sure he could handle it better than Li Yuan.


    Li Yuan listened quietly, without showing much joy. He was more introspective, realizing that not being able to endure it meant he was still weak and shouldn''t me the pain.


    Weakness requires more training.


    "Don''t be too hard on yourself," Li Yang said, noticing Li Yuan''s expression. "Willpower and mental strengthplement each other. When your mental strength grows stronger, you''ll be able to endure more pain."


    "For example, if you had a mental strength of level 29, you could probably withstand this pain with your willpower alone."


    "If your mental strength wasparable to a flying warrior, you could easily suppress this pain."


    Li Yuan nodded slightly. Mental strength and willpower were like physical fitness and martial skills. Strong willpower could maximize mental strength, but weak mental strength couldn''t bepensated for by willpower alone.


    "Secondly, no one is born with strong willpower," Li Yang shook his head. "Likeprehension, it''s influenced by innate factors, but many experiences and insights can reshape a person''s understanding, even leading to a transformation. This is why we say some people maturete."


    "Willpower is the same."


    "Most people strengthen their willpower through experiences. However, some people, after experiencing life changes and major setbacks, may weaken their willpower..." Li Yang looked at Li Yuan. "You''re so young and already have such strong willpower."


    "You''ll only get stronger in the future. Believe in yourself," Li Yang encouraged.


    He could see that Li Yuan had always been confident in his willpower and didn''t want him to doubt himself now.


    "Thank you for your guidance, Teacher," Li Yuan said respectfully.


    "So, are you going to use ''The Withering of a Hundred Marrows'' again?" Li Yang asked tentatively. "Or will you wait until your mental strength is stronger?"


    "No."


    "Teacher," Li Yuan smiled with a hint of determination in his eyes, "I''ll try again in a month."


    Afraid?


    It would be a lie to say Li Yuan wasn''t afraid. Who would want to endure such hellish torture? But Li Yuan knew better. To temper one''s will, the most important thing was to face one''s weaknesses, pain, and psychological shadows head-on.


    If he gave up using ''The Withering of a Hundred Marrows'' because of the pain, it would be a psychological weakness over time, possibly growing into a heart demon.


    He had to ovee it.


    "Are you sure?" Li Yang asked again.


    "I''m sure," Li Yuan nodded firmly. "Next time, I''ll do my best to avoid thoughts of suicide."


    "Alright." Li Yang nodded, not pushing further. He could see that someone with Li Yuan''s willpower at such a young age was usually extremely determined. Once he decided on something, his mind was not easily swayed.


    "By the way."


    "I applied to Dean Hai, and he approved," Li Yang smiled. "From now on, your monthly free resource quota will increase from 2 million to 4 million Blue Star Coins."


    "You can decide what resources to apply for."


    "If it''s still not enough, you''ll have to find a way yourself," Li Yang said.


    "Understood." Li Yuan nodded. In the school, or rather the national system, the ''resource quotas'' for students of different levels had limits.


    For normal students at Kunlun Martial University, improving their physical fitness mainly relied on high-level cultivation methods. The resource quota was mostly used to buy nourishing potions and a few first-level vitality potions, which was sufficient.


    But for Li Yuan, if he wanted to maintain his rapid improvement, even a monthly quota of 4 million Blue Star Coins was far from enough.


    ...


    After seeing Li Yang off, Li Yuan immediately took out a portion of ''High Source Spirit Springs'' from the rest area. The crystal bottle held about half a liter, and upon opening it, a rich fragrance wafted out.


    It was like a starving person suddenly smelling food. He couldn''t suppress the urge to drink it.


    "One portion costs 1 million Blue Star Coins?" Li Yuan murmured.


    That''s really expensive!


    He quickly swallowed it.


    Soon, a surge of source power coursed through Li Yuan''s limbs, impacting every inch of his muscles and bones. Li Yuan gritted his teeth, closed his eyes, and felt his whole body, sensing every part of him greedily absorbing the source power. His physical fitness continued to improve.


    "''The Withering of a Hundred Marrows'' is indeed effective. My body feels pure, and the source power flows without any obstruction," Li Yuan thought.


    ''The Withering of a Hundred Marrows'' was indeed painful, but its effect was extraordinary.


    "Huff!"


    Li Yuan began practicing the ''Rock Practice Method'' to maximize the effect of the High Source Spirit Springs. As he practiced, the soreness in his body quickly dissipated, and he gradually returned to normal.


    After more than an hour.


    "[Your life level has increased from 12.8 to 12.9]," a subtle prompt shed on the Divine Pce panel.


    Half an hourter, Li Yuan finally stopped.


    "12.9 already?" Li Yuan nced at the Divine Pce panel, his eyes showing a hint of joy. "At this rate, I might reach level 14 in about two months."


    Without high-level cultivation methods and without microscopic skill techniques, Li Yuan''s physical fitness improvement rate was already terrifying.


    "Keep pushing!"


    Li Yuan resolved, then ordered six servings of nutritional meals and took a shower.


    Tonight, he had a practical training session with Teacher Jiang Lun.


    ...


    Thus, after meeting Dean Hai, Li Yuan broadened his horizons and received the boost from ''The Withering of a Hundred Marrows.'' His training state changed once again.


    Every day, he started training with visualization techniques from early morning.


    For the past year, Li Yuan had been practicing the visualization technique for about two hours a day, mainly to enhance his mental strength without intentionally honing his willpower.


    But starting from August 9th, he began to pursue another extreme of the visualization technique.


    While practicing ''The Great Sun and Starry Sky Sutra,'' Li Yuan would try to approach the scorching sun in his mental imagery, subjecting his consciousness to more intense burning pain.


    "Previously, my strong willpower was mostly honed passively," Li Yuan thought crazily. "But subconsciously, my main goal was to enhance my mental strength and minimize pain."


    Previously, the goal was to enhance mental strength, and honing willpower was secondary. After all, who would want to get beaten up every day if they didn''t have to?


    "But it turns out my willpower isn''t strong enough," Li Yuan''s eyes were filled with determination. "So, let''s actively hone it."


    "Just strengthening mental power isn''t enough. My willpower needs to improve faster too."


    With this change, the process of practicing the visualization technique became increasingly painful for Li Yuan.


    ''The Withering of a Hundred Marrows'' mainly targeted the body, while the ''scorching sun'' visualization technique targeted the soul and consciousness. Passing out wasn''t an option; at most, his consciousness would copse repeatedly.


    Tempered through a hundred trials!


    Li Yuan intended to forge his mental willpower into something indestructible and unshakeable!


    ...


    During the day, Li Yuan attended general courses diligently.


    "Yuan Ge, why do I feel like your eyes are different?" Gu Qianghan noticed a change in Li Yuan.


    "Really?" Li Yuan smiled.


    "Yes. Brother Qiang is right. Big Brother, your eyes seem sharper... your aura... right, it''s like a spear, getting sharper," An Nong also noticed.


    They both sensed subtle changes in Li Yuan''s demeanor.


    "Haha, maybe I didn''t sleep well," Li Yuan offered ame excuse with a smile. "Let''s go to ss."


    Soon, the general course teacher arrived.


    "Today, we''ll further discuss the structural weaknesses of nine types of flying astral realm creatures. After the lecture, you can switch yourbat targets to these star realm creatures in the ''Kunlun Nine Mountains'' to practice," the teacher exined.


    ...


    Apart from general courses, Li Yuan spent the rest of his time practicing his spear techniques and cultivating.


    "Teacher Jiang! Faster! Push harder," Li Yuan shouted as he wielded his spear, fighting madly with Jiang Lun.


    While battling, Li Yuan growled, "Teacher, I don''t feel enough pressure. Hit me harder. Just don''t kill me, but go all out."


    His spear moved like lightning, heavy as a mountain, executing deadly moves from the Starry Spear Technique.


    Seeing Li Yuan''s fierce determination, Jiang Lun was taken aback. In his many years of teaching, he had never encountered a student as crazy as Li Yuan.


    "Alright, after all these years, I finally found someone crazier than me," Jiang Lun smiled.


    ...


    In Li Yang''s ss.


    "Teacher, the microscopic power and full-body perception," Li Yuan asked, "what about ''unity of man and nature'' in the fifth stage? If ''nature'' refers to the external environment, does that mean body techniques will break through before spear techniques from the fourth to the fifth stage?"


    "Body techniques are the integration of body and external environment."


    "Smart," Li Yang smiled. "Before the fourth stage, body techniques usuallyg behind spear and sword techniques."


    "But from the fourth to the fifth stage, body techniques often break through first."


    ...


    Time passed day by day, and before long, it was September 1st. Li Yuan had officiallye of age.


    Universities around the world were opening for the new academic year, and Li Yuan and his peers officially became first-year students.


    The ''Blue Star Youth Ranking'' and the ''Blue Star Youth Prodigy Ranking'' had been updated.


    Li Yuan''s final ranking on the ''Blue Star Youth Prodigy Ranking'' was global 16th and 4th in China.


    This didn''t necessarily mean the top 15 were stronger than Li Yuan, only that their rankings in the Starry Sky Combat Network were higher.


    The new ''Blue Star Youth Ranking'' now belonged to the new global high school seniors, marking the start of their own exciting journey.


    ...


    On September 8th, Li Yang visited Li Yuan''s vi again, bringing a new portion of ''The Withering of a Hundred Marrows.''


    "Have you thought it through? You can still opt out," Li Yang asked onest time.


    "Teacher."


    "You''re already here," Li Yuan grinned, his eyes showing a hint of eagerness. "Today, I want to see if ''The Withering of a Hundred Marrows'' can defeat me again."


    "Alright."


    Ten minutester.


    "Ahhh!" The terrifying pain swept through Li Yuan''s body once more, driving him to madness.


    He howled in pain, his entire body turning red, his teeth clenched so hard they almost bled. But his fists remained tightly clenched, his bloodshot eyes nearly bursting, yet maintaining a sliver of sanity.


    Hold on!


    Hold on!!


    Hold on!!! Li Yuan''s mind repeated this thought.


    On the path to bing strong, one can fail, one can lose. But one''s spirit must never bow! Must never falter!


    In terms of talent, Li Yuan wasn''t particrly outstanding. But deep down, he had a craziness and determination to challenge everything.


    Half an hour.


    In Li Yuan''s mind, it felt longer than the past year.


    Finally.


    The effect of ''The Withering of a Hundred Marrows'' began to fade, and the hellish pain gradually lessened. Though still painful, Li Yuan felt a suddenfort.


    A soul-deepfort.


    It was almost enjoyable.


    "Hahaha! Feels good!" Li Yuanughed, lying on the ground, his body still twitching in pain, coughing andughing at the same time. "It feels great!"


    Li Yang was shocked.


    He had been prepared to stop Li Yuan again.


    But he never expected that after just a month, Li Yuan, who had previously nearlymitted suicide and fainted from the pain, could now endure it.


    The transformation in his willpower was simply incredible.


    After a while, Li Yuan gradually returned to normal, lying on the ground resting.


    "Impressive!" Li Yang thought to himself.


    Geniuses are often envied.


    But those with great determination and willpower are truly admirable.


    "I, Li Yang," he thought with a smile forming on his lips, "in this lifetime, have the chance to teach such a disciple."


    Although Li Yuan was his student and still very weak in terms of strength, at this moment, Li Yang was convinced that Li Yuan''s future achievements would far surpass his own.

 Chapter 129: October, Finally Mastering the Five Star Techniques

    <h4>Chapter 129: October, Finally Mastering the Five Star Techniques</h4>


    In the depths of the Kunlun Martial University''s vi area under the jurisdiction of the Sixth Institute, the environment was serene. Only a fewrge vis dotted thendscape, with ake nearby. This area, located on the outskirts of the university, was peaceful. It was September, and as the sun set, the smallke shimmered beautifully, creating a picturesque scene.


    "Did you say that Li Yuan endured the pain of ''The Withering of a Hundred Marrows'' all by himself the second time?" Dean Hai, dressed in blue, sat leisurely on the grass beside the vi, wearing sunsses and fishing. A sunshade umbre shielded him from the sunlight. Beside him, someone continually prepared fresh fruit and reced the gradually warming drinks on the table.


    "Yes," Li Yang stood respectfully in the sunlight. "His willpower seems to have improved significantlypared tost month."


    "Not bad," Dean Hai took a sip of his cold drink. "What is his physical fitness level now?"


    "Approximately 13.4," Li Yang replied.


    "His improvement is slower than I expected, but still eptable," Dean Hai said calmly. "At this rate, he might not be able to participate in the next practical assessment."


    "Dean, you are right," Li Yang nodded. "The next practical assessment is scheduled for the end of February next year. By then, his physical fitness will likely reach level 15, making the assessment meaningless for him."


    The purpose of the practical assessments was to temper students and let them experience life-and-death pressure. However, if a student had high-level techniques and a physical fitness level of over 15, they would dominate the fifth assessment base, defeating the purpose of the test. Higher-level assessments were challenging to conduct due to the difficulty in capturing and controlling high-level alien species. Additionally, warriors above level 15 yed significant roles in many areas, making realbat more appropriate than assessments.


    "Very well. If he progresses quickly and reaches level 15 ahead of schedule, he can go to the ''Bright Ruin Astral Realm'' for his first life-and-death trial in January. If his progress is slower, he can go in March," Dean Hai said calmly.


    "Next January or March? Isn''t that too soon for a life-and-death trial?" Li Yang was taken aback. "Dean Hai, he''s still in his first year. Shouldn''t we wait until he''s stronger?"


    "The Bright Ruin Astral Realm is teeming with beasts, and we only have observation points there. If he goes in at level 15, it might be too dangerous," Li Yang exined. Unlike controlled practical assessments, trials in astral realms like the Bright Ruin Astral Realm were true frontier explorations, with little room for rescue if danger arose.


    "The Bright Ruin Astral Realm is only a level-one astral realm. Initial surveys show that it has few native second-level life forms and moderate danger," Dean Hai said calmly. "There''s indeed danger, but that''s precisely what will temper him. If he grows up in a greenhouse, when will he mature?"


    "Li Yuan is different from other students," Li Yang protested. "Most students go for trials because they can''t progress..."


    "He''s not different," Dean Hai interrupted, ncing at Li Yang. "I understand your point. Li Yuan could continue training steadily and reach level 20 or even higher."


    Li Yang nodded instinctively. Most students went for life-and-death trials at level 15 due to hitting bottlenecks and slow progress. Without the stimulus of such trials, breaking through to the fourth stage was nearly impossible.


    "But my perspective differs from yours," Dean Hai said, looking at Li Yang. "Making him a source warrior is not my goal."


    "I want him to be a flying warrior. For that, he needs to create his own technique. The higher his skill level and the younger he is, the higher his sess rate," Dean Hai exined. "He is special. To be a flying warrior, he must achieve the sixth level of skill. If he trains steadily, he might reach the ''subtle mind'' state next year."


    "And then?"


    "From the fourth to the fifth stage, without external stimuli, normal training won''t ensure timely breakthroughs," Dean Hai asked rhetorically.


    Li Yang shook his head, unable to respond. Advancing in martial arts became increasingly difficult. Reaching the fourth stage trapped most warriors. At Kunlun Martial University, every student had been a top performer in their youth, but extending the timeline to twenty or thirty years post-graduation, only about 40% would be source warriors. Reaching the ''subtle mind'' level and breaking into the fifth stage was a significant bottleneck.


    Reaching the fifth stage with high-level cultivation methods allowed smooth progression to a level-29 source warrior, a major figure in society. Currently, Kunlun Martial University had some students at the ''subtle mind'' level, but none had reached the fifth stage.


    "Advancing from a level-29 source warrior to a level-30 flying warrior is an even greater hurdle," Dean Hai said. "Achieving the fifth stage is necessary for bing a flying warrior. The greater the potential and physical strength, the harder the breakthrough."


    "Take Yu Jinghe, who has surpassed the ''unity of man and nature'' stage and entered the sixth stage, beginning to understand techniques. Yet, he remains a level-29 source warrior," Dean Hai exined calmly. "You yourself are at the fifth stage of skill, aren''t you?"


    Li Yang was speechless. He understood this well.


    "Continuous protection and worry-free training might let Li Yuan safely reach levels 20 or even 25," Dean Hai continued. "But without the pressure of life and death, his mind won''t truly grow, and hisprehension won''t transform."


    "Like Fang Hai, who was incredibly talented. But being too extraordinary, the Starlight Martial Hall didn''t want to risk him, fearing his death. And now? Bing a flying warrior is impressive, but does it honor his initial talent?"


    "Unrefined jade cannot be an artifact."


    "I have high hopes for Li Yuan. I want him to advance boldly while maintaining his sharpness and vitality," Dean Hai said. "Do you have any objections?"


    Li Yang shook his head vigorously. "No, not at all."


    Dean Hai''s reasoning was sound.


    "Don''t worry. Life-and-death trials are staged. After a period of trial, he will return to the school to train peacefully for a while. Thebination of both will yield the best results," Dean Hai said gently.


    "Understood," Li Yang nodded.


    Ssh~


    In the distance, the float on theke suddenly jumped.


    "Fish on!" Dean Hai smiled, quickly lifting his rod. A small fish was caught.


    ...


    Unaware of Dean Hai and Li Yang''s ns for his next stage of training, Li Yuan remained fully immersed in his training.


    asionally, he would contact his family.


    "Really? Qianqian and Muhua have been transferred to the martial arts academy''s affiliated middle school? Are they okay with it?" Li Yuan asked his uncle, Li Changzhou, on a video call. "Oh? They agreed? Alright, Uncle, it''s your decision."


    Every three to five days, Li Yuan would contact his family. It was one of his few ways to rx his mind. Then, he would plunge back into his training.


    "With the help of ''The Withering of a Hundred Marrows,'' my absorption rate of the High Source Spirit Springs is incredible," Li Yuan marveled. "I''ve used nine portions throughout August."


    Nine portions meant 9 million Blue Star Coins! Aside from the four portions provided by the school, Li Yuan purchased five portions with his own money.


    "In September, I might need ten portions," Li Yuan thought. This rate of resource consumption was terrifying. However, the results were equally astounding.


    Normally, the rate of improvement slows as warriors progress, at least in terms of life level. But for Li Yuan, it was the opposite. Since reaching the entry level, his life level had been elerating.


    ...


    "Li Yuan, your physical fitness is improving too quickly," Jiang Lun, his practical training teacher, was the most surprised. He trained Li Yuan every three days and could clearly sense the difference each time. Li Yuan''s speed and strength showed noticeable improvement with each session. This rate of transformation was unheard of.


    "Teacher, that''s why I''m a genius," Li Yuan grinned. "Come on, Teacher, don''t leave until I''ve had enough today."


    "You rascal," Jiang Lunughed.


    ...


    "Teacher Jiang," Li Yang approached Jiang Lun privately.


    "Dean Li," Jiang Lun responded respectfully. Although he appeared gentle, he was wild at heart and knew who could be provoked and who couldn''t.


    "Regarding Li Yuan''s rapid improvement in physical fitness, do not let this information leak out," Li Yang said sternly. "The highest levels of the school have ns for him, and this is a direct order from Dean Hai."


    "Understood," Jiang Lun nodded. He had already begun to fill in the gaps with his imagination.


    Besides Jiang Lun, two other ordinary source warriors who often trained with Li Yuan were also instructed by Li Yang to keep quiet.


    ...


    While Li Yuan trained diligently, the freshmen at Kunlun Martial University were also adapting to the university''s training rhythm, immersing themselves in their cultivation. Students like Gu Qianghan and An Nong were making significant progress over time.


    Before a general course one day,


    "Yuan Ge, my skills have reached the mid-third stage," Gu Qianghan said excitedly. "And my physical fitness reached level 10.0 yesterday."


    "Congrattions," Li Yuan smiled.


    Gu Qianghan''s progress was impressive among the freshmen at Kunlun Martial University. Especially in physical fitness, he was among the top tier. However, considering his family background, it seemed a bit slow.


    "By the way."


    "Yuan Ge, my sister asked about you a few days ago," Gu Qianghan suddenly said.


    "Your sister?" Li Yuan was momentarily confused. Lin Lanyue? They hadn''t been in contact for several months.


    "How is she at Starry Sky University?" Li Yuan asked with a smile.


    Starry Sky University was far away on the Lantis continent in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, quite far from China.


    "My big brother is a teacher there, so she''s fine," Gu Qianghan shrugged.


    Li Yuan realized that Gu Qianghan''s "big brother" was probably Brother Lin.


    "Her physical fitness is almost level 13, and her skills have reached the mid-fourth stage. She''s progressing very quickly. If they were to fight, Wu Dongdong might not be her match now," Gu Qianghan said with a sigh, then smiled. "But still, she can''t keep up with you, Yuan Ge."


    Wu Dongdong also enrolled at Starry Sky University.


    "Lin Lanyue is almost level 13 and mid-fourth stage?" Li Yuan was astonished.


    Such an incredible rate of progress.


    Her physical fitness was understandable. In April, Lin Lanyue had just entered the ranks. Given her talent and resources, increasing by more than two levels in nearly six months was usible. But her skills?


    Li Yuan clearly remembered that before the college entrance exam, Lin Lanyue had just broken through to the fourth stage. Her perfect score in the martial arts test confirmed that. Yet, in just a few months, she had advanced to the mid-fourth stage?


    "Indeed, never underestimate anyone," Li Yuan thought, genuinely happy for his friend''s progress.


    ...


    Time passed, and September ended, ushering in October. The weather cooled down.


    Universities had a four-day holiday in October, but martial arts universities had only two days off. Li Yuan rarely took a break with Gu Qianghan and others, taking a flight to Fengjing, the capital of Longxi Province, for a day of rxation.


    "Got to follow Uncle''s advice. After three months of intense training, an asional day of rxation isn''t bad," Li Yuan thought. "Training requires a bnce of effort and rest."


    On October 2nd, Li Yuan returned to Kunlun Martial University early.


    In his vi''s underground martial arts room,


    "Star Illumination," Li Yuan immersed himself in spear training, engaging in a frenzied battle with a level-21 practical trainer. Li Yuan mainly attacked while the trainer defended.


    Breaking Dawn Pierces the Clouds, Gxy Cascade, Meteor Descends... each killing move of the Starry Spear Technique, ingrained in Li Yuan after countless repetitions, was now being executed continuously.


    "ng!"


    "ng! ng!" The practical trainer wielded dual shields, deflecting Li Yuan''s every strike with lightning speed. Although his skill level was not as high as Li Yuan''s, his superior physical fitness allowed him to easily block Li Yuan''s attacks.


    "Twelve consecutive strikes." Li Yuan exploded with energy, his blood seemingly boiling.


    Swish, swish, swish!


    The spear lights surged like waves, each strike faster than thest, creating a blur of spear shadows.


    Too fast.


    If faced with the former ''14.1-level Rock Desert n leader,'' Li Yuan would now defeat him in one move.


    In a blink of an eye, twelve consecutive strikes reached their peak, and Li Yuan''s spirit also reached its zenith. At this moment, he was extremely exhrated.


    "Kill!" Li Yuan''s final strike burst out, feeling utterly smooth. Without any hesitation, his spear whirled, forming a sky full of spear shadows.


    Each spear shadow seemed real.


    Yet each also seemed illusory.


    In an instant, the spear shadows numbered over forty, momentarily blinding the practical trainer.


    The Fifth Style of the Starry Spear Technique¡ªStars Battle in the Wild!


    "[Your spear technique level has increased from 73% to 78% in the fourth stage.]"


    "[Your fist technique level has increased from 75% to 79% in the fourth stage.]" Two consecutive prompts from the Divine Pce panel shed.


    After two months of rigorous training, Li Yuan finally performed the Fifth Style of the Star Spear Technique perfectly today!


    "ng!"


    The only real and terrifying spear shadow shot through the air like lightning, prating the shields'' defenses and hitting the practical trainer''s chest.


    The tremendous impact force of over ten thousand kilograms made the trainer instinctively step back to dissipate the force.


    They instinctively stopped.


    "Impressive."


    Trainer Peng sincerely praised, "Li Yuan, this spear strike was far more powerful than before. I couldn''t even block it."


    "Brother Peng, you''re joking," Li Yuan smiled. "That''s because you didn''t fully unleash your strength. Even if my spear was faster, could it outpace you?"


    A level-21 source warrior could unleash over 120,000 kilograms of force. With source power, their bodies were harder than steel. First-level warriors and second-level source warriors were not even in the same league.


    "Physical fitness is secondary. It can always be improved. Skill is fundamental," Trainer Peng said with a sigh. "Li Yuan, your spear technique is likely close to the ''subtle mind'' stage."


    Li Yuan smiled slightly, ncing at his Divine Pce panel.


    <strong>[Life Level: 13.8 (First Level)]</strong>


    <strong>Fist Power: 7329 kilograms</strong>


    <strong>Speed: 40.9 meters/second</strong>


    <strong>Mental Power: 22.9 levels</strong>


    <strong>Spiritual Awakening Level: 25% (Current limit 25%, physical fitness not strong enough to endure spiritual guidance)</strong>


    <strong>Skill Level: Spear Technique (78% in the fourth stage), Body Technique (69% in the fourth stage), Fist Technique (79% in the fourth stage)</strong>


    <strong>[Note: Spiritual Awakening Level will gradually receive spiritual guidance at 25%, 50%, 75%, 100%, and 125%.]</strong>


    ...


    "Havingprehended all five styles of the Starry Spear Technique, I need only to continue training to gradually reach 90% in the fourth stage," Li Yuan realized.


    Although his spear technique was only at 78%, Li Yuan knew he was getting closer to the ''subtle mind'' stage.


    "At 13.8 life level, I''ll reach 14 in at most half a month," Li Yuan looked forward to it.


    At 10 p.m., after sending the practical trainer away, Li Yuan continued training in the martial arts room.


    Suddenly.


    Li Yuan''s smart bracelet vibrated. He looked down.


    "Hmm? School notification?" Li Yuan clicked the notification, and a holographic screen appeared, showing the detailed contents.


    "Invitation to the Ten Schools New Student Battle (Virtual Battle)," Li Yuan read aloud. "I am to participate as one of Kunlun Martial University''s ''seed yers''?"


    "Direct entry into the second round?"

 Chapter 130: The Battle of the Newcomers from Ten Schools

    <h4>Chapter 130: The Battle of the Neers from Ten Schools</h4>


    "Ten Schools Neers'' Battle, and I go straight to the second round?" Li Yuan reached out and clicked on the light screen to check the detailed rules of the Ten Schools Neers'' Battle.


    The Ten Schools refer to the top ten prestigious schools in Asia. They include the five major schools of the China, the Eastern Martial University of the Japan, three martial arts universities of the India, and the Lion City(Singapore) Martial Arts University in Southeast Asia, making up the ten prestigious schools.


    Actually, these are not all the martial arts schools in Asia, but geographically closer prestigious schools habitually organize regionalpetitions.


    "Virtual battles? So, it''s purely a skillspetition?" Li Yuan pondered and understood. The prestigious schools are far apart. Hosting a livepetition for neers would be too expensive. Virtual battles focusing purely on skills are much simpler. As long as they can connect to the inte, students can participate on time from their own schools.


    "This year, since the host is China, will they specifically invite three neers from outside the ten prestigious schools?" Li Yuan noted a supplementary rule, pondering. For virtualwork battles, the host nation is merely nominal. Does this mean there will be three wild card participants?


    "To ensure stability, they might choose students from Starlight University or Starry Sky University," Li Yuan thought. The top talents in the participating countries of the Ten Schoolspetition mostly enter the three top martial arts schools. Thus, whenever the ''host'' changes, they should be able to invite wild card participants. If aiming for the championship, regardless of the host country, they will likely invite freshmen from the three top martial arts schools of that country.


    "In a sense, this should be considered the catfish effect," Li Yuan mused. "It ensures that students of the ten prestigious schools do not limit themselves but aim higher and farther."


    However, Li Yuan didn''t care whether these wild card participants were from China or whether there would be students from the three top martial arts schools. "My goal is only one: to defeat all opponents." If he couldn''t win even the Ten Schools Neers'' Battle, how could hepete in next February''s Global University Martial Arts Competition? The globalpetition is open to first, second, and third-year students, featuring true geniuses, including those with five-segment skills. To Li Yuan, the Ten Schools Neers'' Battle is just a warm-up.


    "In the first round, ranking battle, wild card participants and each school''s seed yers are exempted from the fight," Li Yuan continued to browse the rules: "The ten prestigious schools have about 24,000 neers in total." "In the end, only the top 1897 ranked students can enter the second round?" Li Yuan noted. Each school has 10 seed yers, plus three wild card participants, making a total of 2000 students entering the second round.


    "The first round eliminates over 90% of the students, quite ruthless," Li Yuan murmured and continued reading. The second round, cage battles: 2000 students will each participate in two random cage battles. Each kill earns 1 point, and thest survivor gets an additional 10 points. The top eight scorers in the second round will directly enter the fourth round, the ''Top Sixteen''. The 9th to 136th ces in the cage battle will enter the third elimination round.


    In the third round, the 9th ce will face the 136th ce, the 10th ce will face the 135th ce, and so on. One battle determines the winner, and the process repeats until the remaining eight spots for the ''Top Sixteen'' are decided. It''s very brutal, with no margin for error.


    The fourth round, the ''Top Sixteen'' battle, will be freely matched by the system until the top four and the final champion are decided.


    "Entering the second round rewards 500,000 Blue Star Coins."


    "Entering the third round rewards 2 million Blue Star Coins."


    "Entering the fourth round, the ''Top Sixteen'' battle, grants a cash reward of 20 million Blue Star Coins."


    "The top four will also receive a rare treasure suitable for themselves?" Li Yuan looked at the rewards and felt quite emotional. It was exactly as Dean Li had said, truly generous. Just the rare treasures alone were four in number, and the total cash rewards for all students amounted to over ten billion Blue Star Coins.


    Li Yuan clicked to open his wealth column on his smart wristband:


    Bank bnce: 43.51 million Blue Star Coins


    Martial Hall points: 380,000


    Martial Hall practice points: 9.42 million


    After achieving the ''Bright Moon Rank'' on the Starry Sky Combat Network, Li Yuan received a reward of 20 million Blue Star Coins. At his wealthiest, his cash fortune exceeded 56 million Blue Star Coins.


    "In August, I spent 5 million Blue Star Coins on High-Source Spirit Spring, and in September, I spent 6 million Blue Star Coins," Li Yuan thought. "In October, I expect to spend even more." Cultivating with the most effective High-Source Spirit Spring consumes money like water. To maintain such a high-speed cultivation, massive resources are needed. "Over 40 million may seem like a lot, but it might not be enough for half a year of my cultivation," Li Yuan shook his head. "When I venture into the Star Realm, I''ll need to buy various weapons and equipment, which will cost even more."


    Money is needed everywhere. "In October, the cash and Martial Hall points from the A-level contract with the Starlight Martial Hall will be credited in two weeks," Li Yuan thought. But it will only be 7.2 million in cash and 7.2 million in Martial Hall points. Therefore, Li Yuan is determined to win the 20 million cash prize from the Ten Schools Neers'' Battle. "My goal is first ce. I want both the 20 million Blue Star Coins and the rare treasure," Li Yuan longed. Cash is crucial, and the rare treasure is priceless to him at this stage.


    "The first round is on October 4th."


    "The second round is on October 5th." Li Yuan nced at the schedule: "Continue to practice." Li Yuan remembered Mr. Xu Bo''s words: "The most important thing in anypetition or exam is not how seriously you take it at the moment, but the umtion and effort of every single day beforehand."


    Li Yuan focused on diligently practicing every day. If he surpassed his past self each day, he might find that when he truly faced opponents, there would be none left to challenge him.


    That night, Li Yuan wasn''t the only one receiving the notification. All freshmen from the five major schools of China, whether practicing at school or on vacation outside, received the news. This was a rare superpetition for all freshmen, naturally causing a stir. Many students were eager to show their strength, aiming to advance to the second or even the third round for the high rewards.


    Simrly, the five major schools of the other three countries also received the news from their respective schools.


    That day, Li Yuan took a rare break and finished his practice at 11:30 PM the night before. He resumed practice at 12:20 AM, continuing until 10 AM. After that, he leisurely took a low-altitude aircraft to the ck Tortoise Building. It was October 3rd, and students who had taken the National Day holiday had returned to school. As Li Yuan passed by the ck Dragon Building, he saw Dean Li Yang ''lecturing'' hundreds of freshmen from the six institutes in the square, encouraging them to strive to advance to the second round and win the 500,000 Blue Star Coins.


    As for the third round? With only 136 slots in total, averaging ten per school, it was unrealistic for most students. Goals should be practical. Shortly, Li Yuan arrived at the ck Tortoise Building. It was mostly empty, with few people around, mainly second-year students attending sses. Li Yuan headed straight to a conference room on the sixth floor.


    "Li Yuan is here."


    "Li Yuan."


    "Senior Brother." Nearly a hundred people in the conference room turned to Li Yuan, with over a dozen students from the six institutes standing up involuntarily.


    "Li Yuan is here?" The young female teacher on the podium also looked at Li Yuan.


    "Sorry for beingte, teacher," Li Yuan said with a smile.


    "There''s still a minute left, so you''re notte," the teacher replied with a smile. "Sit in the front row."


    Li Yuan nodded and sat down in an empty seat in the first row, next to Wu Luo, who smiled at him.


    Li Yuan was thest to arrive.


    "Okay, everyone," the female teacher said calmly. "You are the elite selected by our Kunlun Martial University. At least you have perfected the third-segment skills. With your abilities, you have the hope of advancing to the third or even fourth round. We gathered you here to exin the strong opponents you might face." The teacher waved her hand, and the light screen behind her fluctuated. "First, let me introduce the three wild card participants sent by China this time."


    "Tantai Feng, Yu Ming, Guan Ying."


    "All from Starlight University," the teacher said slowly. "There is very little information about these three, with no recentbat videos avable."


    "Only some battle videos before their college entrance exams are avable, which are of limited reference value."


    "However, one thing is certain: they have all reached the Bright Moon Rank on the Starry Sky Combat Network."


    Instantly, the ssroom was in an uproar. Bright Moon Rank? Among nearly a hundred people in the ssroom, less than ten had reached the Meteor Rank.


    "Bright Moon Rank?" Li Yuan squinted his eyes. Indeed, Bright Moon Rank indicates at least four-segment high-level skills. With Starlight University''s headquarters in China, they produced three super experts.


    Li Yuan also understood why all three were from Starlight University. Among the three martial halls, Starlight Martial Hall has the closest rtionship with China, followed by Starry Sky Martial Hall, and finally ck Stone Martial Hall, which doesn''t even have a branch in China. Therefore, unless contracted by Starry Sky Martial Hall, the top martial arts talents in China tend to enter Starlight University, with fewer going to ck Stone University.


    "In direct confrontation, besides Li Yuan, the other students are unlikely to be opponents," the female teacher said directly. "Only Li Yuan has a chance to win."


    Many students couldn''t help but look at Li Yuan, including Wu Luo and Yang Hong. After the entrancepetition and practical assessments, all freshmen knew Li Yuan was strong, but how strong they didn''t know. After all, the surveince videos of Li Yuan''s practical assessments would not be leaked.


    Facing the teacher''s praise, Li Yuan remained calm and indifferent.


    "The rest of you, in the cage battle phase, if you encounter these three, try to avoid them as much as possible," the teacher continued. Besides the wild card participants, the teacher introduced elite students from the other nine prestigious schools. Li Yuan listened quietly, taking note of the information. A lion fights a rabbit with all its might; Li Yuan never underestimated his opponents.


    In India, at a prestigious martial arts school:


    "Gaurav, your talent is no less than the top geniuses in ck Stone University. This time, your goal is to reach the top four and obtain the rare treasure," said a middle-aged teacher.


    "Understood," replied the dark-skinned young man with bright eyes.


    At the same time, in a small conference room in a building at Starlight University:


    "This time, the host is China," said an old man in a ck robe, looking at three students. "The school is sending you three as wild card participants."


    "Firstly, because you are all from China. Although Salvatore and others are as strong as you, they are from other countries and cannot participate."


    "As top students of Starlight University, you represent the university''s face."


    "Your opponents are just students from ordinary schools."


    "Therefore, the goal is clear: all of you must reach the top four and take the final first ce," the old man said. "Winning brings not only honor but also great benefits."


    The two men and one woman nodded slightly, not worried. As top freshmen at Starlight University, they saw the 20 million Blue Star Coins and rare treasures as almost a given. Besides students from Starry Sky University and ck Stone University, they didn''t consider other martial arts university students as threats.


    "Don''t becent. Among the ten schools'' neers, Gaurav from India and Li Yuan from our country''s Kunlun Martial University are your mainpetitors," the old man said.

 Chapter 131: The Strongest Opponent

    <h4>Chapter 131: The Strongest Opponent</h4>


    "Gaurav? Li Yuan?" The three students in the conference room showed puzzled expressions. They had never heard of these names before.


    In reality, freshmen had just started university not long ago, and the Global University Martial Arts Tournament was still far away, so few paid attention to students from other schools. Simrly, Li Yuan didn''t deliberately follow other schools'' geniuses as it didn''t hold much significance.


    "ording to our information, both of them have reached the Bright Moon rank on the Starry Sky Combat Network," said the elder in the ck robe. "Gaurav broke through in early July, and Li Yuan broke through in early August."


    "Bright Moon rank?"


    "Gaurav broke through in early July? Isn''t that earlier than Guan Ying and me?" The tallest of the three students said in a deep voice, "Why would such a genius stay in India?"


    "The reason is unclear," the ck-robed elder shook his head. "Regional martial arts universities, though generally not as high-quality as ours, haverge numbers and sometimes produce exceptional talents."


    "For example, Kunlun Martial University produced Jin Huguost year, who reached the profound insight stage in his sophomore year and entered the top 100 in the virtual battles of the Global University Martial Arts Tournament," the ck-robed elder said. "Many of your seniors were defeated by him. He will only be stronger next February and could make it into the top 20 or even the top 10."


    Profound Insight?


    The burly youth and the young woman both showed solemn expressions. From high-level stage four to perfected grade four, even as top elites of Starlight University, they dared not im they could achieve this in their sophomore year.


    "Alright. The files and collectedbat data on these two, as well as other grade four experts from various schools, have been sent to your personal virtual spaces," the ck-robed elder said. "Review them in privateter."


    "Dismissed."


    "Yes." The three students stood up and soon found themselves outside the conference room.


    Suddenly, the extremely handsome young man in ck stopped, turned to the burly youth and young woman, and said, "Yu Ming, Guan Ying, do your best. I don''t want you to fail to make it to the top four. That would be a disgrace to our school."


    "Tantai Feng, you..." The burly youth''s face changed.


    The young woman quickly gave him a look.


    "What? Not convinced?" The young man in ck nced at the burly youth. "If you''re not, choose between a real battle or a virtual one."


    The burly youth''s eyes seemed to ze with fire.


    "Don''t be arrogant. Just because you were third in China during the college entrance exam doesn''t mean you''ll always be third," Tantai Feng said coldly. "Tian Dazhuang is improving just as fast and is already at the high level of stage four."


    "Lin Lanyue from Starry Sky University has also awakened high-level spirituality and is growing rapidly."


    "As for Li Yuan?"


    "I don''t mind telling you," Tantai Feng nced at the two. "He may have broken through to high-level grade four a bitte, but his progress is terrifying. A year ago, he was only at the initial stage of grade three."


    Yu Ming and Guan Ying''s faces changedpletely.


    From the initial stage of grade three to the high level of grade four in one year? That''s incredible.


    The young man in ck seemed to lose interest and left directly, disappearing from their sight.


    "Damn it, he always shows off in front of us."


    Yu Ming''s eyes seemed to ze with fire. "Why doesn''t he show off in front of Salvatore?"


    "Enough," Guan Ying shook her head. "Tantai Feng has a strong background and high talent. It''s normal for him to be arrogant."


    "He''s right, though."


    "This time, we can''t be careless," Guan Ying said seriously. "If we lose to Li Yuan, it''s an internal matter, but losing to Gaurav would be a major embarrassment."


    "Humph!"


    "He''s worried we''ll lose?" Yu Ming sneered. "He should be careful not to lose first ce... Guan Ying, I know what to do. I''m heading back."


    Halfway through speaking, Yu Ming also realized it was unrealistic for Tantai Feng to lose first ce.


    The probability was too low!


    You see, before the college entrance exam, Tantai Feng was already at the high level of grade four, the top in China.


    After several months at Starlight University, he remained among the absolute top three freshmen.


    Even the recognized strongest, Salvatore, couldn''t guarantee a win in a virtual battle.


    When skill levels are close, the oue often depends on the state at the time.


    ...


    After listening to the teacher''s exnation about the possible ''grade four experts'' from various schools in the ck Tortoise Building, Li Yuan returned to his vi before noon. In the underground martial arts room, he opened the light screen to review the ''data files'' just sent by the teacher.


    "Tantai Feng, Yu Ming, Guan Ying, Gaurav." Li Yuan looked at the four highlighted names.


    All four were at the Bright Moon rank.


    The files included somebat videos of them, mostly from before the college entrance exam, serving only as references.


    Li Yuan reviewed them one by one.


    "Huh?"


    "This Tantai Feng." Li Yuan watched the ck-d youth easily defeat one Meteor rank expert after another and murmured to himself, "Is thisbination of sword and shield at the high level of grade four?"


    Was he at the high level of grade four before the college entrance exam?


    Li Yuan wasn''t sure.


    "With such talent and four months of progress, how strong is he now?" Li Yuan felt the pressure. "Could he have reached the mental profundity stage?"


    If he had reached the mental profundity stage, the gap between them would be significant.


    Despite his rapid progress and havingprehended the Five-Star Techniques, Li Yuan still had some way to go to reach the 90% mark representing the Mental Profundity stage.


    Suddenly.


    "Master, Tian Dazhuang is calling via V-Message for a voice call," the intelligent assistant reminded.


    "Tian Dazhuang?" Li Yuan was taken aback and smiled. "Connect."


    Beep~ The voice call was established.


    "Dazhuang," Li Yuan smiled, initiating the conversation.


    The address was very close.


    "Li Yuan."


    A deep voice with a hint ofughter came through the dark screen, "Thanks forst time on the Starry Sky Combat Network."


    "It was nothing," Li Yuan smiled. "You were about to break through anyway. Even if I had interrupted, you would have stabilized your realm within two or three days."


    "Hmm." Tian Dazhuang said, "You probably know who the three wild card participants are for the Ten Schools Neers'' Battle this time."


    "Yeah, Tantai Feng... all from your Starlight University." Li Yuan mentioned the three names directly.


    He guessed that Tian Dazhuang had something important to discuss.


    "Among these three, Yu Ming and Guan Ying are about my level. For you, defeating them shouldn''t be too difficult," Tian Dazhuang said in a deep voice. "Only Tantai Feng, you need to be careful of. Before the college entrance exam, he was already at the high level of grade four."


    "Now, he''s probably close to the Mental Profundity stage," Tian Dazhuang added.


    "Mental Profundity?" Li Yuan was moved and couldn''t help but ask, "Has he reached it?"


    "No."


    Tian Dazhuang confirmed, "I sparred with him two days ago. If he were at the Mental Profundity stage, I wouldn''tst ten moves. He practices the ''Flowing Light Sword Technique''... You should watch morebat videos of experts in this style."


    "However, I can''t share specificbat videos of him with you. Hope you understand," Tian Dazhuang said.


    "I understand," Li Yuan smiled.


    This was explicitly regted. Like Li Yuan, he couldn''t freely share other students''bat videos.


    "Thank you for the information," Li Yuan smiled.


    "You helped me, so I should help you too," Tian Dazhuangughed. "Besides, I hope you win."


    "Hope I win?" Li Yuan was puzzled. "Wouldn''t it be embarrassing for Starlight University if they lose?"


    "What does it matter to me? It''s not my face they lose. I still want topete for the rewards, but the school won''t give me the chance," Tian Dazhuangughed. "As for Tantai Feng... I''ve always wanted to beat him up, but I can''t."


    "You go, give him a beating for me."


    ...


    After hanging up with Tian Dazhuang.


    "Tantai Feng must be really hated," Li Yuan shook his head with a smile. "Even someone with Tian Dazhuang''s personality can''t stand him."


    However, from Tian Dazhuang''s words, Li Yuan realized the strength of his opponent.


    Skill level.


    Most likely higher than his.


    "Victory and defeat can only be known after the fight," Li Yuan turned and went upstairs.


    Entering the virtualwork, Li Yuan began watchingbat videos of experts using the ''Flowing Light Sword Technique.''


    ...


    After familiarizing himself.


    Li Yuan returned to the underground martial arts room and resumed practicing with his spear. His heart was not anxious.


    "Tantai Feng?"


    "No matter how strong he is, as long as I do my best, I have a chance to win," Li Yuan remained calm. "If I lose, it just means I''m not strong enough."


    "If I''m not strong enough, I''ll continue to practice and be stronger."


    Li Yuan pursued victory, but victory was only the result. The process determined the result. If he didn''t win in the end, he wouldn''t be discouraged.


    Doing his own thing well was better than anything else.


    ...


    In the afternoon, Dean Li Yang also found Li Yuan, discussing simr content to Tian Dazhuang.


    ...


    That evening, someone suddenly video-called Li Yuan.


    Looking at the shing name on the screen.


    Li Yuan, who was practicing his spear in silence, hesitated.


    After three seconds of hesitation.


    He answered!


    The video call was established, and in the light screen projection appeared a short-haired woman in a red martial arts uniform.


    Compared to half a year ago, she looked more mature, with less childishness and more vigor.


    A real sense of transformation.


    "Lin Lanyue," Li Yuan smiled. "Long time no see, why the sudden call?"


    "Can''t I call?" Lin Lanyue smiled in the video.


    Judging by the background, she was also in a martial arts room.


    "I heard from Gu Qiang that the Ten Schools Neers'' Battle starts tomorrow. Are you confident in defeating Tantai Feng?" Lin Lanyue went straight to the point.


    Obviously, she was well aware of the Ten Schools Neers'' Battle situation.


    "No," Li Yuan smiled frankly. "He''s probably close to the Mental Profundity stage. I might still be a bit short in skill level, but I''m not entirely without confidence. Victory or defeat, we''ll only know after the fight."


    "Seems you have your sources, knowing a lot about him," Lin Lanyue smiled.


    "I just know these details," Li Yuan shrugged with a smile. "To understand his strength further, I''ll have to wait for the actualpetition."


    "Hmm."


    "I have abat video here. You might want to check it out," Lin Lanyue said lightly. "It might help you."


    Beep~ Instantly.


    Li Yuan received a notification of a new video file.


    "Is it about Tantai Feng?" Li Yuan didn''t ept immediately and asked, "Isn''t that against the rules?"


    "No."


    "Watch it and you''ll understand," Lin Lanyue smiled. "Alright, when you make it to the finals, I''lle to cheer for you."


    "My practical instructor is here, I have to go."


    "Alright."


    Li Yuan nodded and suddenly said, "Thank you for helping my uncle."


    Lin Lanyue was stunned for a moment and then smiled. "I told you it was a coincidence, don''t think too much about it."


    "Good luck!"


    ...


    After the call, Li Yuan stared at the ''video file'' on the light screen and hesitated.


    He clicked to open it.


    It wasn''t thebat video of Tantai Feng as Li Yuan had expected.


    Instead, it was a skills duel between two experts.


    One wielded a long spear, practicing the Starry Spear Technique.


    The other used a sword and shield, practicing the ''Flowing Light Sword Technique'' and ''Vajra Shield Technique.''


    Both were at the high level of stage four.


    "This?" Li Yuan was intrigued.


    Soon, Li Yuan found it wasn''t just onebat video.


    There were nine in total.


    The two experts'' weapons and moves remained the same, but their skill levels kept changing, from early high level of stage four to nearing perfected stage four, and even the Mental Profundity stage.


    "This is a simtion!"


    "A simtion of various battle scenarios that might ur between Tantai Feng and me," Li Yuan was shocked.


    This seemingly simplebat video likely took a lot of effort to produce.


    ...


    Time passed.


    On October 4th, the first round of battles didn''t involve Li Yuan.


    He didn''t pay much attention and continued his routine training.


    On the morning of October 5th.


    Li Yuan was about to face his first cage battle.

 Chapter 132: In the Spotlight

    <h4>Chapter 132: In the Spotlight</h4>


    Virtual Network.


    The Ten Schools Neers'' Battle was held on the Starry Sky Combat Network. Upon entering the second round, a special battle space was created, allowing spectators from all participating schools to watch.


    At 8 AM, Li Yuan entered the Starry Sky Combat Network. Since his identity was already registered, he could directly enter the "Ten Schools Neers'' Battle Space."


    Swoosh!


    With a sh of light, Li Yuan found himself in an enormous arena space. At the center was a circr battle arena with a diameter exceeding 200 meters. Surrounding it were densely packed spectators, likely exceeding a hundred thousand.


    Li Yuan was seated very close to the arena in the spectator area.


    "Yuan-ge, you finally arrived," Gu Qianghan, who was seated in front, said excitedly. "The match is about to start, and you''re a seed yer who should havee earlier."


    "Senior Brother!"


    "Senior Brother." Surrounding him were all freshmen from the six institutes. Further away, Li Yuan noticed many familiar faces¡ªfreshmen from other institutes. There were so many people.


    "Li Yuan, good luck," came a shout from behind Li Yuan. Turning around, he saw Senior Sister Qiu Jing among a group of second-year students.


    "Why are there so many people?" Li Yuan asked as he sat down.


    "Senior Brother, didn''t youe to watch yesterday?" An Nong, sitting beside him, asked with a smile.


    Li Yuan shook his head. With a super expert like Tantai Feng, it would be extremely difficult to take first ce. He dared not rx. Yesterday, he had been fully engrossed in training.


    "Only the students from the ten schools and a few wild card participants arepeting," Gu Qianghan exined. "But besides the students from the ten schools, students from the three top martial arts schools also have viewing privileges."


    Li Yuan instantly understood. No wonder Lin Lanyue said she woulde to watch if he made it to the finals.


    "Additionally, students from ordinary martial arts universities in participating countries like China, Japan, ASEAN(Association of Southeast Asian Nations), and India can also watch and learn," An Nong said. "For example, students from our country''s twenty-nine ordinary martial arts universities cane to watch."


    "Only freshmen participate, but second-year to fifth-year students can also watch."


    "So."


    "Theoretically, the number of spectators can exceed 3 million," An Nong marveled. "Of course, that''s just theoretical. Students above the third year generally don''t care."


    "The main spectators are freshmen, along with a few second-year students."


    "But yesterday, the peak number of spectators exceeded 200,000."


    "Today is the cage battle, which is more exciting. ording to past data, the number of spectators should easily exceed 500,000," An Nong said with a smile.


    Li Yuan nodded slightly and nced further at the spectator seats, which seemed to be filling up more.


    500,000 spectators? Terrifying!


    It''s worth noting that this virtual viewing is not like watching on a screen but a real simtion of ''arena viewing.'' Every additional person means an additional seat.


    Fortunately, this is a virtualwork, making it easy to construct a virtual battle tform.


    In reality, there would be no venuerge enough to amodate a million spectators.


    "The cage battle, ten matches in the morning, ten in the afternoon," Gu Qianghan couldn''t help but ask, "Yuan-ge, which matches are you in?"


    "3 and 17," Li Yuan replied with a smile.


    After the first round ended yesterday, all students who entered the second round received their battle schedules.


    "I''m in the 6th and 12th matches," An Nong said with resignation.


    "Making it to the second round is good," Li Yuan said with a smile. "Better than Gu Qianghan."


    "Damn! Yuan-ge, that''s not fair. I ranked over three thousand in the first round, just missing the second round by a bit," Gu Qianghan couldn''t help butin.


    Everyone aroundughed.


    Li Yuanughed too.


    "Our six institutes have 67 people in the second round, ranking second in number among the eight institutes," An Nong exined to Li Yuan. "Our school has a total of 453 people in the second round, ranking first among the ten schools."


    "Good." Li Yuan nodded slightly.


    Globally, Kunlun Martial University was second only to the three top martial arts schools.


    It was considered among the top five.


    Of course, this top five martial arts university still had a significant gappared to the top three globally.


    As time passed, with the official start time approaching, the number of spectators continued to grow. By 8:30 AM, the number of spectators exceeded 400,000 and was still increasing toward 500,000.


    400,000 people gathered around a single arena? What a concept!


    It was truly a sea of people, creating an incredibly lively atmosphere in the battle space.


    Students from various universities were engaged in intense discussions.


    Finally, at 8:30 AM.


    Although the time zones of the participating countries differed slightly, their close proximity in reality minimized the impact.


    Swish!


    A huge light shone across the sky, and a giant light screen appeared above the spectator stands, focusing on every part of the central arena.


    This allowed spectators seated anywhere in the arena to see everything happening on the stage clearly.


    Additionally, each spectator had a ''viewing light screen'' that could be manually adjusted.


    Spectators could also send ''bulletments'' in real time.


    "Wee, students from various prestigious martial arts schools," a deep voice rang out.


    A burly man in a ck robe appeared in the arena, with the character ''Îä'' (Martial) emzoned on his chest.


    His voice resonated throughout the entire battle space.


    "Today is the second round of the Ten Schools Neers'' Battle, featuring the most exciting ''cage battles,''" the burly man announced in a high-pitched voice. "1997 elite students from the ten prestigious schools willpete with three martial arts geniuses from Starlight University for 136 spots in the elimination round."


    "The rules are as follows:"


    ...


    "Alright, the participants know the rules," the host said with a smile. "As for our live audience, there''s only one thing to know."


    "Cage battle, the winner survives!"


    "This is the most brutal duel, the most iron-blooded test," the host said passionately. "Only the strongest can survive to the end."


    "Now, I announce the start of the second round of the Ten Schools Neers'' Battle, the ''cage battle.''"


    Boom! Music resounded through the sky.


    The battle space, now with over 500,000 spectators, erupted in thunderous cheers, deafeningly loud.


    "Such enthusiasm," Li Yuan couldn''t help but marvel. It was his first time experiencing such arge audience.


    "When the crowd exceeds ten thousand, it bes a sea of people," Gu Qianghanughed. "Yuan-ge, remember, most of these spectators are students from various ordinary martial arts universities. They mostlye for the excitement and will support any winner from their own country."


    Li Yuan nodded.


    Spectators had their allegiances, hoping their school''s representatives would win.


    But if students from Jiangbei Martial University were watching, they would support any winner from Xia Country.


    Gradually, the cheers lessened.


    "The first match." The host''s voice boomed like thunder, "Get ready."


    Swish! Swish! Swish!


    Some students who had been spectating on the stage disappeared, entering the ''preparation space.''


    Of course, 200 students disappearing was hardly noticeable in a crowd of over 500,000.


    Just 15 secondster.


    Swish! Two hundred participants, armed with weapons and armor, appeared on the stage, standing at the edges of the arena, forming arge circle.


    Simultaneously, the names of the 200 participants appeared on the giant light screen above the arena, along with their ''total ranking points.''


    The top 8 and top 136 rankings were marked in special colors.


    The top 8 in total points would directly enter the fourth round.


    The top 136 in total points would advance to the third round.


    ...


    As the participants appeared, cheers and encouragement erupted from the spectators, like waves crashing against the shore.


    "Yang Hong!"


    "Yang Hong! Go!" Some Kunlun Martial University students shouted.


    In the first match, Kunlun Martial University had dozens of participants, but the strongest was Yang Hong.


    However, there was no individual yer introduction.


    So, no single student received particrly high cheers; countless voices echoed in the air, creating a cacophony.


    "Gaurav." Li Yuan''s gaze swept across and spotted an unremarkable figure.


    With dark skin, standing over 1.7 meters tall, and an ordinary face, he was inconspicuous.


    Holding a long spear.


    "Yang Hong is in trouble."


    "Not good." Many elite students from Kunlun Martial University also recognized Gaurav.


    Yang Hong himself noticed too.


    ...


    On the arena, the ten-second countdown ended quickly.


    "Begin," the host roared and flew into the air, not interfering with the participants'' battles.


    Simultaneously, the restraints on the 200 participants were lifted.


    Boom! The cage battle erupted in an instant.


    It seemed as if in perfect unison, swoosh! Swoosh! The dozen participants around Gaurav moved like shadows, rushing away.


    Like a tiger entering a flock of sheep, no one dared to engage Gaurav.


    Students who made it to the second round were no fools.


    Most knew about the top few experts.


    Boom!


    The dark-skinned youth seemed to have anticipated this, moving like lightning toward the densest group.


    "Swish!" "Swish!" The spear shadows shifted, and in an instant, several experts fell.


    "Avoiding battle?"


    "My goal is to take the top score in the second round," Gaurav thought clearly, his eyes calm. "None of China''s top experts are here. No one can match me."


    "Kill them all!"


    Surround him? Over a hundred people attacking together might end up being swept away by him alone.


    In the fierce battle, Gaurav''s score skyrocketed, directly soaring to ''total points first,'' far ahead of the second ce.


    "Gaurav!"


    "Gaurav!" This scene made the tens of thousands of Bharat spectators erupt in unprecedented cheers, overwhelming all other sounds in the arena.


    Gaurav''s performance was overwhelmingly strong.


    Simultaneously, the viewing light screens were filled withments from Bharat students.


    "India is the strongest!"


    "Gaurav is the strongest!"


    "We Indian people are the best! Defeat the China people! Take first ce!"


    "Gaurav!" Countlessments scrolled, showing the Bharat students'' immense excitement.


    ...


    In the first match, Gaurav undoubtedly survived to the end.


    The most intense battle was between him and Yang Hong.


    However, the so-called intense battle ended in less than ten moves, with Yang Hong being defeated.


    In the end, Gaurav scored 52 points! Temporarily ranking first in total points!


    Yang Hong scored 14 points, temporarily ranking second.


    Most participants scored 0.


    ...


    In the second match, there was no particrly dominant expert. The standout was ''Kimura Tatsuo'' from Japan, who also wielded a long spear.


    He scored 31 points, temporarily ranking second in total points.


    The viewing arena, with tens of thousands of spectators, erupted with cheers from thousands of Japanese students.


    "Kimura-kun!"


    "Kimura is amazing. I think he''s no weaker than Gaurav from the first match, maybe even the strongest."


    "The strongest Kimura."


    "Kimura-kun will definitely take first ce." Manyments scrolled on the viewing light screens.


    ...


    In the third match, as the host announced ''begin,'' 200 participants appeared from the preparation space onto the arena.


    Immediately, tens of thousands of spectators looked over.


    "Senior Brother."


    "Where is Li Yuan?"


    "Hmm? Why can''t I see Senior Brother!" Thousands of Kunlun Martial University students searched for Li Yuan.


    But they couldn''t find him right away.


    "Whoa! Senior Brother wore a mask to avoid being recognized? Senior Brother is so sneaky."


    "Not just Li Yuan, others from our school wore masks too."


    "This seems to be An Nong''s idea. He urgently contacted other students participating in the third match."


    "No name reminders, and with a dozen wearing masks, other schools won''t recognize Senior Brother right away."


    "An Nong 666!"


    "The battle has started."

 Chapter 133: The King of the Melee

    <h4>Chapter 133: The King of the Melee</h4>


    Students from martial arts universities around the world who wanted to watch the battle had to enter the spectator stands within the battle space. However, the teachers and deans from prestigious schools could observe from higher-level areas, which were quiet andfortable. The students could not see these observation tforms.


    "Li Yuan is on stage," Dean Xu said with a smile, pointing at Li Yuan on the arena. "They even wore a mask."


    "He''s full of clever tricks," Dean Li Yang said with augh. "He probably came up with this idea on the fly after seeing everyone avoid Gaurav in the first round."


    "Li Yuan has been smart since he was a child," said the chubby elder, Dean Qin, with a smile as he joined them.


    The three vice-deans spoke in a friendly manner.


    "Doesn''t this just show ack of confidence? If he were truly strong, he wouldn''t need such petty tricks," came a sharp voice from the side.


    All three deans turned angrily to see who had spoken.


    "Who could it be? Oh, it''s Morita Daik¨±," Li Yang said, recognizing the speaker. "Last year, you were keeping a low profile. Now that Japan has produced Kimura Tatsuo, you dare to show off in front of me?"


    The stout man who had just spoken red back.


    "Bahskar taught Gaurav this year, and I haven''t seen him bragging all over the ce, let alone being as obnoxious as you," Li Yang continued. "If you have a foul mouth, go wash it."


    The virtualwork had an automatic trantion system, so their words were directly tranted.


    "Dean Li, long time no see," said Bahskar, an elder in a ck robe from India, standing not far away. Gaurav was his student.


    "Long time no see."


    "You''ve always been low-key, Bahskar," Li Yang said with a smile. "Gaurav is very strong this year and might win the championship. Unlike some people whose students aren''t strong enough, yet they have the loudest voices."


    "Gaurav is still a bit behind Li Yuan," Bahskar said modestly. He was quite familiar with Li Yang.


    Morita Daik¨±, having been mocked by Li Yang, was burning with anger but found himself being ignored.


    "Hmph."


    "Li Yuan? In the second round of the cage battle this afternoon, Kimura and Li Yuan will be in the same match. We''ll see whocks strength then," Morita Daik¨± said coldly.


    Suddenly.


    Not only Li Yang, Dean Xu, and Bahskar but also teachers from other schools nearby were taken aback.


    Dozens of teachers fell silent for a moment.


    "Ah," Bahskar coughed and whispered, "Morita, were you not at schoolst month and didn''t get detailed information on these students?"


    "Correct."


    "I went to the Star Realm in July and just returned yesterday," Morita Daik¨± wasn''t stupid and immediately sensed something was wrong. "What''s the matter? Is this Li Yuan really that strong?"


    "I don''t know how strong he is," Bahskar shook his head. "I just know that with Li Yang''s personality, Kimura Tatsuo is in for a rough time this afternoon."


    "Look."


    "The third match has started. See for yourself how Li Yuan performs," Bahskar said ''kindly.''


    ...


    In the battle space, the countdown for the third cage battle had already entered the final three seconds.


    "Fang Kui!"


    "Li Yuan!" On the spectator stands, the loudest and most numerous shouts were for these two names.


    Especially for ''Li Yuan,'' it wasn''t just the students from Kunlun Martial University, but also many students from ordinary martial arts universities in China, including Jiangbei Martial University students, who were cheering.


    On the arena, 200 participants from different schools and countries heard the overwhelming cheers, each feeling a surge of pride.


    Thispetition was not just for themselves but also for their schools and their countries'' honor.


    As the countdown ended, the restraints on all participants were simultaneously lifted.


    "Boom!" "Boom!" Almost all 200 participants moved at once.


    Most immediately avoided those masked, spear-wielding participants.


    No one was foolish.


    These participants were all elites, even if they hadn''t seen Li Yuan before, most had been briefed about him by their schools.


    Knowing his terrifying strength, they recognized him as a top contender.


    Now that they couldn''t identify him, there was only one possibility¡ªhe had to be one of the masked participants.


    "ng!" "ng!" Even though many tried to avoid them initially, the melee inevitably erupted.


    No one could stay out of it, as the arena wasn''t thatrge.


    "Boom!"


    Li Yuan, wearing a mask and holding a long spear, shed forward, striking at one of the participants like lightning.


    "Not good." The participant''s expression changed, trying to raise their hand to block.


    "Swish!"


    The spear sliced through his neck, blood sttering, and his body instantly vanished.


    "Whoosh!"


    Retracting his spear, Li Yuan drew a half-circle in the air, blocking a fierce sh.


    "Bang!" In a fierce sh, Li Yuan''s spear shaft twisted like a dragon, bypassing the opponent''s de, and with a sh of cold light, pierced their throat.


    Dead!


    "2 points acquired," Li Yuan received the notification, scanning the participants who had turned pale.


    "Is he Li Yuan?"


    "He must be!"


    "The scoreboard shows Li Yuan with 2 points, exactly matching his two kills."


    "Killing two in two moves? That''s brutal." The participants were shocked.


    Those who made it to the second round were supposed to be the elite of their schools.


    But facing this masked terror, who was likely Li Yuan, they were utterly powerless.


    "An Nong''s idea worked," Li Yuan thought.


    Though these participants were still trying to avoid him, initially, there were four suspects, so everyone had only a 25% chance of avoiding him.


    It wouldn''t be like the first match, where everyone avoided Gaurav from the start.


    Thus, it would be harder for Gaurav to rack up points.


    "Run!"


    "This is Li Yuan." The participants near Li Yuan, terrified, tried to flee.


    The information indicated Li Yuan''s strength, but seeing him in action, they realized he was even more formidable.


    However, having failed to avoid him at the start, they were now stuck in the melee.


    Where could they run to?


    Moreover, while all participants had simted equal physical fitness, Li Yuan''s explosive speed was significantly superior.


    "Swish! Swish! Swish!" Participants fell one by one under Li Yuan''s spear.


    One shot, one kill!


    Li Yuan''s points skyrocketed, quickly surpassing 30.


    The number of participants on the arena dwindled rapidly.


    In reality, though, Li Yuan hadn''t even used his Star Spear Technique, relying solely on his superior skills to eliminate participants.


    "Starry Spear Technique?"


    "Few are worthy of facing my Starry Spear Technique," Li Yuan thought calmly.


    His goal in racking up points was to secure a spot in the fourth round and avoid the elimination matches.


    "Hmm?" Li Yuan''s eyes moved, suddenly focusing on a distant figure.


    Dozens of meters away, a burly youth wielding two battle axes was chasing down two masked participants.


    The masked ones were Kunlun Martial University students.


    Swish!


    Li Yuan moved towards them.


    ...


    "Die!"


    The burly Fang Kui, wielding two battle axes, was chasing down two masked participants.


    As one of the top three martial talents at Lion City Martial University, Fang Kui''s skills were exceptional, and his dual axes were powerful, having killed over ten participants in a short time.


    He was the second strongest on this arena, next to Li Yuan.


    "Swish!"


    One axe strike sent a Kunlun Martial University student''s sword flying, and his body vanished in mid-air.


    Another axe strike aimed to eliminate the other Kunlun Martial University student.


    "ng!"


    A long spear struck like lightning, blocking the nearly fatal axe strike.


    ...


    On the spectator stands.


    Seeing Li Yuan and Fang Kui face off, tens of thousands of students stood up, shouting excitedly.


    Most spectators hadn''t known Li Yuan or Fang Kui''s names or achievements before the match.


    But now, everyone could see that these two were the strongest in this cage battle.


    Their sh was the highlight of the match.


    Even the arena''s giant screen turned to focus on them.


    "Fang Kui."


    "Fang Kui, defeat him."


    "Fang Kui, you''re the strongest." Over 100,000 students from ASEAN went wild at this moment.


    Lion City Martial University was the top martial arts university for ASEAN''s billion people.


    "Defeat Li Yuan."


    "I love Fang Kui." Countlessments flooded the viewing screens.


    ...But the cheers from ASEAN studentssted less than two seconds.


    "Li Yuan!"


    "Li Yuan!" Over 200,000 students from China erupted, their roars shaking the heavens,pletely overwhelming the ASEAN students'' cheers.


    Nearly half the spectators were from China, naturally giving them a stronger presence.


    Moreover, in the eyes of countless chinese students, the scene of Li Yuan saving his fellow student with a spear was incredibly heroic.


    ...


    On the melee arena, other participants quickly moved away from Li Yuan and Fang Kui.


    Their early sh was a blessing for the others.


    "Li Yuan? You''re stopping me?" Fang Kui, holding his axes, stared at Li Yuan. "You''re stronger than me, but if you focus on me, you''ll waste time..."


    Fang Kui knew Li Yuan''s strength and didn''t want to confront him now, as his points were still insufficient.


    He had seen Li Yuan''sbat prowess earlier and felt he could hold out for a while.


    "Annoying."


    Li Yuan''s voice was cold as his entire body erupted with power. He had seen Fang Kui''s profile before¡ªhe had broken through to the fourth stage of martial arts shortly after the college entrance exams. His skills were good, but they didn''t impress Li Yuan.


    "Shua!"


    The techniques of a high-level fourth stage expert, coupled with the fastest explosive move of the Starry Spear Technique''s five major killing techniques¡ªBreaking Dawn Piercing Cloud.


    In an instant.


    Li Yuan fully unleashed his power.


    "Something''s wrong! He was hiding his strength!" Fang Kui immediately sensed the danger. His heart skipped a beat as he felt Li Yuan''s aura transformpletely.


    Like a miniature star exploding, Li Yuan''s spear swept towards Fang Kui, forcing him to hastily raise his battle axes to block.


    "Boom!"


    As soon as Fang Kui raised his axes, the spear struck. The weapons shed, and he felt a terrifying force transmit through his axes, sending him crashing backward. His arms went numb, and he almost lost his grip on his axes.


    This spear was too fast! Too fierce!


    "Boom!"


    Another terrifying spear light shed through the air. The spear light was dazzling, like a giant star rolling across the sky, crushing everything in its path. It struck Fang Kui''s battle axes heavily, causing his entire arm to cave in and break, blood sttering.


    "Bang!" The metallic spear shaft, with its terrifying impact force, didn''t lose momentum, continuing to strike his body heavily.


    "Ah!" Fang Kui crashed to the ground, severely injured.


    "Swish~" Retracting the spear, Li Yuan smoothly sliced it across Fang Kui''s neck, blood spilling out.


    Fang Kui''s body turned into nothingness.


    Dead!


    "Did you waste my time?" Li Yuan muttered to himself. "Three strikes, including the time you wasted with your noise. A total of eight seconds. Indeed, you wasted a bit of my time."

 Chapter 134: Total Points Ranking

    <h4>Chapter 134: Total Points Ranking</h4>


    Witnessing this scene, the tens of thousands of spectators in the stands were all stunned and shocked.


    Fang Kui, who had previously disyed such prowess, was knocked down by Li Yuan with just two or three spear strikes. But in an instant of silence, the stands erupted with overwhelming cheers of excitement.


    "Li Yuan!"


    "Li Yuan!" The nearly 300,000 students from various martial arts universities in Xia Country roared in unison, their voices echoing across the entire battle space.


    So domineering!


    Fang Kui? The top genius of Lion City Martial Arts University? Even he was easily swept away by Li Yuan.


    "Li Yuan!"


    "Senior Brother." The thousands of students from Kunlun Martial University were even more ecstatic.


    "Li Yuan." Senior Sister Qiu Jing waved her fists and shouted excitedly.


    For a moment, the voices of students from other countries and schools werepletely drowned out by the enthusiastic cheers of the students from China.


    No other way!


    On such a martial arts duel stage, everything is determined by strength.


    Just like in the first match, Gaurav''s powerful outburst excited tens of thousands of students from India.


    And in this third match, Li Yuan''s outburst was even fiercer and more domineering than Gaurav''s.


    The true king of the stage.


    ...


    In another part of the spectator space, hundreds of source martial artists from various schools were closely watching the duel on the stage.


    When they saw Li Yuan defeat Fang Kui with two spear strikes, these teachers couldn''t help but exim in admiration.


    "Excellent spear technique."


    "High-level Fourth Stage, executing the Starry Spear Technique''s killing move with great proficiency."


    "He must have broken through a while ago."


    "No wonder he''s the number one freshman at Kunlun Martial University, impressive!" These teachers, with their extraordinary insight, all praised him.


    "Morita, do you understand now about this Li Yuan?"


    The ck-robed elder Bahskar chuckled and patted Morita Daiku on the shoulder, "This afternoon, it would be best for Kimura Tatsuo to avoid him."


    Morita Daiku frowned, instinctively ncing at Li Yang and Dean Xu not far away.


    He happened to catch Li Yang''s gaze, which had a hint of mockery and challenge.


    "Dammit." Morita Daiku cursed silently, feeling a headache.


    He understood, this was trouble.


    Li Yang''s personality seemed gentle, but that was towards his juniors.


    Among his peers, Li Yang was notoriously vengeful.


    If this afternoon, Li Yuan really targeted Kimura Tatsuo, it would probably end badly for him.


    However, lower his head? Morita Daiku wasn''t in the habit of doing that.


    "Hmph! With Kimura''s umted points, getting into the top 136 isn''t hard. Just treat it as a challenge." Morita Daiku thought to himself.


    After all, it wasn''t him taking the beating! What was there to be afraid of!


    ...


    On the stage, after taking down Fang Kui in one move,


    Boom! Li Yuan''s figure moved, continuing to attack the other participants on the stage.


    "Wasting eight seconds, normally I should be able to score two or three points, losing two points." Li Yuan muttered to himself.


    Fang Kui? From beginning to end, Li Yuan didn''t consider him a threat.


    The cage battle, in Li Yuan''s eyes, posed no difficulty at all.


    The only difference was the overall score ranking, and Li Yuan''s goal was to be first.


    Boom! The spear light danced, seeing everyone on the stage recognize him, Li Yuan simply took off his mask.


    Like a whirlwind, he charged into the crowd.


    Once again, causing a bloodbath.


    Li Yuan''s points continued to rise, his overall ranking quickly approaching Garawa.


    "Kill!"


    Li Yuan didn''t deliberately help his Kunlun Martial University ssmates, only clearing out students from other schools first.


    After a full two minutes.


    Only Li Yuan and seven other Kunlun Martial University students remained on the stage.


    They all looked at Li Yuan.


    "Hesitating for what." Li Yuan said seriously, "Cage battle, only the victor survives."


    "I''ll give you a chance,e at me together."


    The seven Kunlun Martial University students looked at each other.


    Only hesitating for a second, they all charged at Li Yuan.


    Thirty secondster, only Li Yuan remained on the stage.


    "Not bad, tricked them well, got thest seven points." Li Yuan muttered to himself, "Finally ranked first."


    Killing one earns 1 point!


    Surviving to the end adds an extra 10 points.


    If those seven Kunlun Martial University students had killed each other, Li Yuan would have lost at least two points.


    Thus, the third cage battle ended.


    Li Yuan ranked first with ''74 points''.


    It could be said that nearly one-third of the participants on the stage were killed by Li Yuan.


    How fierce.


    ...


    As Li Yuan disappeared from the stage, the entire spectator stand once again erupted with unprecedented excitement.


    "Li Yuan!"


    "First ce! Champion!"


    "Li Yuan." Tens of thousands of Chinese students cheered excitedly.


    At this moment, students from various martial arts universities in China remembered the name ''Li Yuan''.


    ...


    "This Li Yuan is really strong."


    "Indeed fierce."


    "Kunlun Martial University, worthy of being China''s number one martial arts university." Students from other countries'' martial arts universities were also discussing.


    "This afternoon, Kimura is supposed to face Li Yuan."


    "What?"


    "Kimura against Li Yuan? Can Kimura win?"


    "Doubtful!"


    "Nonsense, Kimura is the strongest, he can definitely defeat this Chinese person." Tens of thousands of students from Japan Country were the most worried.


    ording to the schedule, this afternoon''s second cage battle, Li Yuan would face Kimura Tatsuo.


    ...


    "Li Yuan? As the teacher said, he will be one of the biggest obstacles to breaking into the top four." Gaurav''s eyes were filled with seriousness, "He definitely didn''t show his full strength against Fang Kui."


    "Hopefully."


    "This afternoon, Kimura Tatsuo can force out his true strength." Gaurav thought.


    ...


    "This afternoon, I face Li Yuan?" Kimura Tatsuo murmured.


    He was scrolling through thements on the spectator screen, frowning slightly, "They''re all saying I''m no match for Li Yuan?"


    "Hmph!"


    "Did defeating just one Fang Kui give so many Chinese people confidence?" Kimura Tatsuo tried to encourage himself, "Believe in yourself."


    "I am the strongest."


    ...


    "Li Yuan, impressive." In the spectator area of Jiangbei Martial University, an inconspicuous Li Tianyou smiled.


    He felt happy for Li Yuan.


    ...


    In an inconspicuous area of the spectator stands.


    "Li Yuan is really impressive." Wu Dongdong, with her ponytail, eximed, "During the Jiangbei invitation event, I thought I could still beat him. Now? Definitely no match for him."


    Lin Lanyue smiled slightly, "Keep working hard, he''s just a bit faster."


    "Just a bit faster?" Wu Dongdong corrected, "He''s gone from two steps behind me to two steps ahead! The teacher said he might achieve heart perception before the second year."


    Lin Lanyue smiled without saying anything.


    "Hey, sis, look quickly." Wu Dongdong suddenly pointed at the spectator screen andughed.


    Lin Lanyue looked.


    "Li Yuan is so handsome."


    "I wonder if Li Yuan has a girlfriend."


    "So handsome! Why don''t we have such handsome guys at East Sea Martial University."


    "Li Yuan 666." Arge number ofments were scrolling on the screen.


    "Dongdong, I''m not watching the rest of the match." Lin Lanyue smiled, "I''m going to train."


    "Yueyue, don''t be so intense, take a day off." Wu Dongdong widened her eyes, "Watching the match is great."


    "I''lle back for the 17th match this afternoon, when Li Yuan ispeting." Lin Lanyue smiled.


    Silently, Lin Lanyue''s figure disappeared from the stands.


    ...


    In another inconspicuous area of the spectator stands.


    "This Li Yuan."


    "So fierce!"


    "I feel he''s fiercer than Tian Dazhuang, and the pressure from Gaurav seems less than from him." Guan Ying and Yu Ming looked at each other, their eyes full of seriousness.


    The data only stated that Li Yuan had reached the Bright Moon rank, but how strong exactly?


    It had to be analyzed through actualbat.


    Watching now, Guan Ying and Yu Ming understood that their opponent was indeed not easy to deal with.


    "Where''s Tantai Feng?" Yu Ming asked, puzzled.


    "His battle slots are 10 and 12." Guan Ying shook his head, "He''lleter."


    "He''s not watching Li Yuan and Gaurav''s fights?" Yu Ming widened his eyes.


    "He said it''s meaningless." Guan Ying spread his hands, "He also told me, only the weak want to gather information."


    "That poser! Can''t he stop showing off?" Yu Ming gritted his teeth.


    ...


    At Starlight University, in a vi, in the underground martial arts room.


    "Li Yuan''s spear technique is indeed sharp." The young man in ck stared at the battle scene on the screen.


    Tantai Feng repeatedly watched the battle scene between Li Yuan and Fang Kui.


    "Those two idiots Yu Ming and Guan Ying."


    "They probably don''t know I have the authority to project the match." Tantai Feng closed his eyes, silently pondering.


    Showing off? He did like to show off, but he wasn''t arrogantly confident without basis.


    ...


    After the match, Li Yuan did not exit the virtualwork but returned to the spectator stands.


    "Senior Brother."


    "Li Yuan." Hundreds of Kunlun Martial University students around him instantly became excited.


    "Quiet, everyone, quiet, let''s watch the uing matches." Li Yuan smiled and waved.


    This part of the spectator area quieted down.


    Time passed, one cage battle after another quickly unfolded, and one fourth-stage expert after another burst out.


    In the fourth match, the most dazzling was a freshman girl from Kyoto Martial University named ''Shi Ruo,'' but like Kimura Tatsuo, she did not have the strength to dominate the entire arena.


    In the fifth match, the first wildcard contestant ''Yu Ming'' appeared.


    Like Li Yuan, he disyed dominating strength, nearly sweeping the entire arena, and eventually scored 51 points.


    In the sixth match, the second wildcard contestant ''Guan Ying'' appeared, eventually scoring 47 points.


    In the seventh match...


    ...


    In the tenth cage battle, thest match of the morning''s cage battles.


    At this moment, the number of spectators had exceeded 600,000, more thanst year.


    Amidst the attention, thest wildcard contestant ''Tantai Feng'' finally appeared.


    "Tantai Feng." Li Yuan sat in the stands, silently watching the ck-d figure.


    At this moment, not just Li Yuan.


    Experts from the top ten schools, one after another, were all focused on that figure.


    All the elite students knew that Tantai Feng was the biggest obstacle on their way to the championship.


    Even, in many areas of the stands, some inconspicuous figures appeared.


    They were elite students from Starlight University, Starry Sky University, and even ckstone University who had not participated in the Ten Schools Neer Battle.


    But they all wanted to see the top talent of Starlight University, ''Tantai Feng,'' and his strength.


    The battle quickly erupted.


    To everyone''s surprise, Tantai Feng''s weapon was not a sword and shield, but dual swords.


    This!


    It was the first time Tantai Feng revealed his dual sword technique.


    On the stage.


    "Sword and shield?" Tantai Feng casually looked at the surrounding participants, murmuring, "Who deserves me to use a shield? Let''s end this boring battle quickly."


    The battle began.


    Boom! Tantai Feng exploded in an instant, his figure moving tens of meters, his dual swords flying through the air.


    "Not good."


    "This sword technique." Participants along the way panicked, trying to wield their weapons to block.


    Swoosh!


    The long sword struck down, swift as lightning, unstoppable!! One participant after another fell.


    Some had their heads fly off, some had their necks sliced open with a huge gash.


    Some were struck head-on and sent flying, their armor nearly split open, the terrifying impact leaving them coughing blood with no strength to fight back.


    In an instant, the entire stage was a river of blood,pletely bing a one-man show for Tantai Feng.


    No one could withstand even one move from him.


    High-level third-stage skills? Low-level fourth-stage skills? There seemed to be no difference in front of him.


    All were defeated with one strike!


    Finally, the tenth cage battle ended, and Tantai Feng alone scored 76 points, surpassing Li Yuan''s 74 points.


    He reversed the rankings to be the overall leader in points.


    "76 points, should be enough to get into the top eight."


    Tantai Feng grinned, "I can skip the second cage battle this afternoon."


    His figure disappeared from the stage.

 Chapter 135: Second Round, Match 17

    <h4>Chapter 135: Second Round, Match 17</h4>


    76 points!


    When this score appeared at the top of the leaderboard in the battle space, the entire arena fell silent for a moment.


    It was incredibly strong.


    Countless spectators in the stands watched the erged "battle rey" on the big screen.


    The sharp de light and the sshing blood were enough to make any student''s heart tremble.


    "Tantai Feng!"


    "Tantai Feng!" As Tantai Feng left, the wide stands erupted with thunderous cheers, echoing in all directions.


    This excitement and shouting even surpassed the time when Li Yuan scored 74 points.


    Yes, Li Yuan''s 74 points were also very strong, fierce and domineering when he defeated Fang Kui.


    But the sense of oppression he brought was not as intense as Tantai Feng''s.


    Although Li Yuan''s score far surpassed everyone else''s except for Tantai Feng, his high score was somewhat opportunistic.


    Tantai Feng? He was alone, wielding dual des. The speed and eerie sharpness of his des were enough to make any participant on the stage tremble in fear.


    ...


    "Too terrifying."


    "A master of Fourth Stage techniques, killed with a single strike? How strong is he?"


    "I suspect he''s already at the ''Mental Profundity'' level, it''s purely a dimensional reduction strike against us."


    "Not on the same level at all." Many participants hoping to make it to the third round were whispering to each other, utterly shocked.


    However, those who were truly apprehensive about Tantai Feng''s outburst were top geniuses like Li Yuan, Gaurav, Kimura Tatsuo, and Shi Ruo, who aimed for the top eight or even the top four.


    They were all silently recalling Tantai Feng''s de techniques, wondering if they could block them themselves.


    "Can''t block it."


    "Ten strikes, with dual des, I could block at most ten strikes." Kimura Tatsuo gritted his teeth, "I am definitely not his match."


    Despair!


    The opponent was too strong to defeat.


    ...


    "His des are too fast, the burst speed far exceeds my spear techniques." Gaurav clenched his fists, thinking, "If I defend, I definitely can''t hold."


    "I must attack."


    "Attack against attack, utilizing the advantage of my weapon, there is still hope for victory." Gaurav thought, "But ording to the intel, he''s best at shield techniques?"


    He believed there was hope for victory.


    ...


    "Such fast des, dual des."


    Li Yuan closed his eyes in thought, "The Flowing Light de Technique is known for its speed. ording to the battle video Lanyue gave me... the speed of the Flowing Light de Technique is based on ''continuous burst power in an instant,'' the disadvantage is insufficient explosive power."


    "Dual des further disperse the power of the body and arms, making it difficult for each de to exert full force, hard to block my thrusts."


    Having watched the battle video Lin Lanyue gave him dozens of times, Li Yuan felt as if he had fought Tantai Feng dozens of times.


    Extremely experienced.


    "Is he really going to fight like this?"


    Li Yuan kept simting and pondering, finally opening his eyes suddenly, "Unless he reaches the ''Mental Profundity.''"


    "Otherwise, he is bound to lose!"


    ...


    "Damn, he showed off again." Yu Ming on the stands said displeased.


    Beside him, Guan Yingughed, "Unhappy? Then try to make it to the finals and defeat him."


    "Defeat him? No way." Yu Ming shook his head, "His dual de technique targets the weak, allowing him to kill faster and more efficiently."


    "And it also hides his true strength, making it hard for others to gauge his shield technique level."


    "But even if he uses dual des, it''s hard for me to win." Yu Ming sighed, "In the elimination rounds, he will definitely use de and shield."


    "This show-off, I know him well, seems casual and unconcerned, but in critical moments, he''s very cunning."


    ...


    In the special spectator space, many teachers watching Tantai Feng''s outburst were a bit emotional.


    "Dual des like light, shadows following."


    "As a freshman, he has trained the Flowing Light de Technique to this level, just one step away fromprehending the ''Flowing Light'' intent."


    "Truly a top genius of Starlight University." These teachers sighed.


    The final level of a Tier 2 manual is toprehend its intent, and onceprehended, it reaches the ''Insightful Heart.''


    But these freshmen have only been in school for a few months, many not even 19 years old.


    Such talent is incredible.


    However, such top martial arts geniuses only emerge a few times a year globally.


    "All students have made their moves in this cage battle, who do you think will take first ce?" A teacher asked with a smile.


    "Tantai Feng, I think he has the highest chance."


    "Tantai Feng is most likely, others... Li Yuan has a slight chance."


    "Li Yuan? I think Yu Ming and others are simr to Li Yuan."


    The teachers expressed their opinions, but undoubtedly, most of them recognized Tantai Feng.


    Firstly, Tanitai Feng''s strength was indeed extremely strong.


    Secondly, the reputation of Starlight University''s top genius was more convincing.


    ...


    The ten cage battles in the morning ended, and the ten in the afternoon would start at 2 pm.


    Each person''s second-round opponents would be as different as possible.


    The reason for holding two rounds of cage battles is to ensure fairness as much as possible.


    The sum of the points from the two rounds of cage battles is the final ''total score'' for the second round.


    Li Yuan exited the virtualwork.


    "All ten matches ended, and it''s just past ten o''clock." Li Yuan nced at the time on his smart wristwatch.


    "There are more than three hours until the afternoon match."


    "Continue practicing the spear." Li Yuan directly entered the underground martial arts room and took out his spear.


    He began to practice silently.


    "Dual des are easy to break!" The spear in Li Yuan''s hand moved like a dragon, producing dazzling shes.


    "But ording to Dazhuang''s words and the video data Lanyue gave me."


    "Tantai Feng is simultaneously studying two Tier 2 manuals, the Flowing Light de Technique and the Vajra Shield Technique." Li Yuan thought, "de and shieldbined are very difficult to deal with."


    A single de against a spear undoubtedly puts the de at a disadvantage.


    But thebination of de and shield against a spear depends on the skill levels of both sides.


    Swish! Swish! Swish!


    The spear moved like a dragon, producing sharp sounds. This nearly hundred-kilogram Tier 1 top-grade spear seemed alive in Li Yuan''s hands.


    He practiced repeatedly.


    Winning against Tantai Feng? Li Yuan had no absolute confidence. What he could do was to do his best to strengthen his own skills.


    Give it his all.


    No regrets for the result.


    ... For over three hours, except for the ten minutes he spent eating, Li Yuan was fully immersed in his practice.


    As it approached 2 pm.


    [Your spear technique realm has improved from Fourth Stage 79% to Fourth Stage 80%] The notification shed across the panel.


    "80%?" Li Yuan nced at it.


    Afterprehending the five moves of the Starry Spear Technique, countless insights had filled his mind.


    Therefore, in recent days, Li Yuan''s progress in both spear and fist techniques had been rapid.


    Suddenly.


    "Beep~" The smart wristwatch vibrated. Li Yuan looked down and saw a V-message from Li Yang.


    "In the afternoon match, don''t let Kimura Tatsuo score." Li Yang''s message was simple.


    Li Yuan couldn''t help but smile, thought for a moment, and replied, "Okay!"


    Li Yuan was a bit curious.


    What''s up with Teacher Li? Why such a big bias against Kimura Tatsuo?


    "Since the teacher has spoken." Li Yuan thought for a moment, "Then I''ll handle it properly."


    ...


    At 2 pm, Li Yuan entered the virtualwork''s Starry Sky Combat Network.


    He arrived at the battle space, appearing instantly in the spectator stands.


    At this moment, only ten minutes remained before the 11th cage battle, and the stands were already packed, definitely exceeding 300,000 people.


    "Brother Yuan, go for it, aim for the total score first ce." Gu Qianghan smiled.


    "Senior Brother, we have no hope."


    "All eyes are on you, Senior Brother." Other students also cheered and encouraged.


    Although the cage battles were only halfway through, most of the six schools'' freshmen who entered the second round now had zero points.


    They were self-aware.


    The elimination rate from the second to the third round, nearly 95%, was too terrifying, destined that most would stop at the second round.


    Soon, as the burly host appeared, the afternoon''s ''cage battles'' officially began.


    And the number of spectators in the stands kept soaring, rapidly increasing from over 300,000 to over 500,000.


    "Cage Battle, Match 11, start." The host roared.


    In this match, Li Mingyue from South Sea Martial University shone brightly, scoring 26 points.


    Her total score for the two rounds was also 26 points.


    No choice.


    She encountered Tantai Feng in the first round and was killed by him before defeating any opponent.


    ... In the 12th match, countless spectators, including Li Yuan, were filled with anticipation.


    Because, ording to the previous list, Tantai Feng was supposed to participate.


    Unfortunately, this anticipationsted only 30 seconds before the entire stands exploded.


    Tantai Feng did not appear!


    Quickly, on therge screen above the arena, Tanitai Feng''s name appeared with the note ''forfeited the second-round cage battle.''


    "Forfeited?"


    "So confident?" Elite geniuses from various schools were a bit incredulous.


    However, upon seeing Tantan Feng''s score, they were somewhat relieved.


    76 points!


    This score was too fierce.


    Many top experts, even with two roundsbined, were unlikely to reach this level.


    "Damn! Showing off to the extreme."


    Yu Ming muttered, "Dare to forfeit? Just wait, he''ll fall into a trap sooner orter."


    "Say something positive." Guan Ying said helplessly.


    ...


    "He forfeited?" Li Yuan was a bit stunned, then shook his head, "What a pity."


    Although there was the battle video from Lin Lanyue, the effects of the same manual vary from person to person.


    Watching the opponent''s fight directly would have been the most beneficial.


    ...


    Time passed.


    One cage battle after another took ce. Helian Cheng, Li Jiao, Fang Kui... students who hadn''t fully shone in the first round all stood out in the second round of cage battles.


    The overall ranking kept changing.


    Of course.


    Top geniuses like Yu Ming, Guan Ying, and Gaurav, despite their fully revealed strength and the extreme caution of other participants, could still score at least 30+ points due to their overwhelming strength.


    Soon.


    The 17th cage battle was about to begin.


    Swish! Swish! Li Yuan and the other 199 participants in various parts of the stands disappeared instantly.


    At this moment, the excitement of the tens of thousands of students in the battle space''s stands visibly increased.


    Most of them knew.


    The highlight of the second round of cage battles was about to begin.


    ...


    Whoosh! Li Yuan and 199 others, dressed in armor and holding weapons, simultaneously appeared on the stage.


    Ten secondster, the battle began.


    "Quick, move."


    "It''s Li Yuan and Kimura Tatsuo."


    "Don''t engage with them."


    "Let''s fight." Arge group of participants surged to farther parts of the stage, starting to fight each other.


    Rather than being mass killed by Li Yuan and Kimura Tatsuo, it was better to seize the time to fight.


    This was the thought of most participants.


    "Kill!" Kimura Tatsuo, holding a long spear, was about to charge into the crowd.


    Boom!


    A figure suddenly rushed in front of him, also holding a long spear, blocking his way.


    "Li Yuan?" Kimura Tatsuo was slightly surprised.


    In this cage battle, thest person he wanted to encounter was Li Yuan.


    However, Kimura Tatsuo never expected that the other party would find him first.


    "Li Yuan, what do you mean?" Kimura Tatsuo looked at Li Yuan warily.


    "Nothing."


    "Just that killing others is no challenge, I want to see how strong you are." Li Yuan smiled.


    Before he finished speaking.


    Whoosh! The long spear in Li Yuan''s hand moved like a dragon, tearing through the air, thrusting at Kimura Tatsuo like lightning.

 Chapter 136: Insights into Spear Techniques

    <h4>Chapter 136: Insights into Spear Techniques</h4>


    The moment the battle erupted, Li Yuan blocked Kimura Tatsuo, a scene naturally witnessed by the tens of thousands of spectators in the stands. After all, the biggest highlight of the 17th cage battle was the confrontation between Li Yuan and Kimura Tatsuo.


    "Quick."


    "Li Yuan directly blocks Kimura Tatsuo, is he going to fight him head-on?"


    "Are they going to face off directly?" The entire stands instantly boiled with excitement.


    On the massive broadcasting screens suspended high in the air, the scenes of Li Yuan and Kimura Tatsuo''s confrontation were simultaneously disyed.


    "Senior Brother is so domineering."


    "He goes straight for the strongest."


    "With Senior Brother''s strength, defeating this Kimura should be effortless." The students of Kunlun Martial University were also in an uproar, their eyes wide open.


    "Li Yuan provoking Kimura-kun right off the bat is absolutely a mistake."


    "Kimura-kun is the strongest."


    "Kimura is the strongest martial arts genius from Japan this time, he will definitely challenge for first ce." Arge number of students from Japan were frantically shouting.


    They were even continuously sending barrage messages, engaging in ''friendly exchanges'' with the students from China.


    They were fewer in number, but their fighting spirit was strong.


    "Not easy to fight."


    "Li Yuan''s spear technique is extremely fierce, it feels no weaker than Tantai Feng, Kimura-kun might not win." A few Japanese students were also rational.


    "Their confrontation should be the pinnacle of the second round."


    "Li Yuan is more domineering."


    "But Kimura Tatsuo is not weak either." The majority of the students watching were optimistic about Li Yuan.


    However, in the first round of the cage battle, Kimura Tatsuo also performed quite well.


    Who will win this fight?


    ...


    "Li Yang." Morita Daikong, in the spectator space belonging to the teachers, looked down at the scene on the stage with anger, ring at Li Yang.


    "Not my fault."


    "I just ryed exactly what you said to my student." Li Yang looked innocent, "Then my student said he had to seek guidance from Kimura Tatsuo, to learn from the expert."


    "Hahaha!" Dozens of teachers from various schools couldn''t help butugh.


    "Wait."


    "Li Yang, don''t be smug." Morita Daikong gritted his teeth, "Who wins and who loses is not certain yet."


    "Uh-huh, you''re right." Li Yang smiled, "Watch, they''re starting to fight."


    ...


    Li Yuan''s action attracted attention from all sides, but he himself was not aware of it.


    Li Yuan only knew that since the teacher had given the order, he must try his best toplete the task.


    "ng~"


    The two spears collided violently, and then Kimura Tatsuo''s spear moved, trying to redirect Li Yuan''s spear to the side.


    "Such skillful force." Li Yuan''s eyes brightened. As soon as they exchanged blows, he felt the difference between his spear technique and Kimura Tatsuo''s.


    His own spear was heavy and steady, emphasizing stability and resilience during defense.


    One word, heavy.


    But Kimura Tatsuo''s spear technique was based on "entanglement," with one move following another, endlessly.


    "Fight for a while longer, such a spear technique is rare to experience." Li Yuan''s mindset immediately changed.


    He initially wanted to end the battle quickly, but Kimura Tatsuo''s spear technique gave him many insights.


    He wanted to try a bit more.


    As for the total score ranking? Tantai Feng''s forfeit earlier had made Li Yuan much calmer. Is the first ce in the second round important?


    Entering the top eight, straight into the fourth round, is what matters.


    With the score Li Yuan achieved in the first round, as long as he survives until the end of the second round, he would firmly enter the top eight.


    "ng!"


    "ng! ng!"


    Li Yuan''s spear moved like a serpent, countless spear shadows bursting out, instantly forming a huge circle around him with the "Ster Rising" technique.


    Stars like a ball! Spear tip drawing circles!


    Each time, blocking Kimura Tatsuo''s spear attacks, no matter how frantically he attacked, the spear shadows flickered, but he couldn''t shake Li Yuan''s defense.


    "Steady as a mountain, the spear forms a circle." Kimura Tatsuo finally felt the terror of Li Yuan.


    An impregnable defense.


    Whether he thrust, swept, or shed furiously, Li Yuan easily blocked and deflected the force, even counterattacking in turn.


    "Bang~"


    Li Yuan''s asional counterattacks made Kimura Tatsuo extremely ufortable, having to fight with all his might to block.


    "His technique, his body strength exploitation, far surpasses mine." Kimura Tatsuo, after all, was a mid-fourth-stage expert, quickly realizing this point.


    Li Yuan was merely using him as a whetstone.


    "Are all Chinese people this strong?"


    "Tantai Feng was despairingly strong, and this Li Yuan is equally formidable?" A sliver of powerlessness sprouted in Kimura Tatsuo''s heart.


    But immediately, his eyes shed with ferocity, "Fight, I don''t believe it."


    "Using me as a whetstone?"


    "Be careful not to chip your de, bing my whetstone instead." Kimura Tatsuo went mad, attacking Li Yuan with all his might.


    He knew that with his first-round score, he was enough to enter the top 136.


    Top eight? With Li Yuan in the way, there was no hope.


    Then fight desperately, defeat Li Yuan.


    "Boom! Boom!!" The two engaged in a fierce offensive and defensive battle, their spears shing with extreme ferocity, making other participants instinctively avoid them.


    Their battle was too intense.


    Although all participants had the same physical attributes, Li Yuan and Kimura Tatsuo, one nearing fourth-stage perfection, the other nearing high fourth-stage, their exploitation of body strength far surpassed the others.


    The power and speed of their spear movements didn''t seem like those of a 10.0-level physique.


    Time passed.


    The number of people on the stage kept decreasing, 180, 150, 120... but Li Yuan and Kimura Tatsuo were still fiercely battling.


    Their fight alsopletely excited the entire spectator stand, countless spectators shouting excitedly.


    "So fierce, this is a true expert duel."


    "Haha, this is the most intense battle in the Ten Schools Freshman Battle so far."


    "Li Yuan''s defense is impregnable, and Kimura Tatsuo''s attacks are wild." Countless spectators discussed.


    "It shouldn''t be like this! With Li Yuan''s strength, he should be able to end this quickly." Many strong spectators were puzzled.


    Given the strength Li Yuan showed in the first round, he should easily crush Kimura Tatsuo.


    ...


    "I told you, Kimura-kun is the strongest, forcing Li Yuan into full defense."


    "Kimura will win." Many japanese spectators kept sending barrage messages.


    Many japanese students,cking enough insight, naturally believed that the attacking side was stronger.


    Suddenly¡ª


    "Boom~" A dull sound.


    Li Yuan, who had been defending all this time, suddenly twisted his spear, redirecting Kimura Tatsuo''s spear, and then the spearhead burst out like a hidden dragon from the starry depths, its speed soaring to the extreme.


    Lightning-fast, it pierced Kimura Tatsuo, the terrifying impact sending him flying.


    He crashed heavily to the ground, blood oozing from his mouth.


    "You!" Kimura Tatsuo, struggling to keep hold of his spear, looked incredulously at the suddenly exploding Li Yuan.


    "Thank you."


    "Without your spear technique, perhaps I wouldn''t have realized the key to my spear technique so quickly." Li Yuan held his spear in his right hand, quiteposed: "It''s just a pity that your spear technique isn''t strong enough."


    If Kimura Tatsuo''s spear technique were high fourth-stage, Li Yuan believed he would gain even more.


    But unfortunately, Kimura Tatsuo wasn''t that strong.


    "If my spear technique were stronger, you might not be able to defend." Kimura Tatsuo gritted his teeth.


    "Really?"


    "Hope you can withstand my spear attacks." Li Yuan smiled, not bothering to talk further.


    Boom!


    Li Yuan moved again, his silver spear bursting out like a silver sh, roaring and thrusting forward.


    "Ha!"


    Kimura Tatsuo, blood at the corner of his mouth, roared, charging and wielding his spear to block.


    "Boom~"


    Spears shed.


    Li Yuan''s spear pressed down, his waist twisting to unleash even more force, directly knocking away Kimura Tatsuo''s spear.


    "Not good." Kimura Tatsuo''s face changed dramatically.


    Boom! A spear shadow followed, like a rolling star crashing down, directly towards him.


    Starry Spear Technique, Fourth Move¡ªMeteor Strike.


    Li Yuan''s moves were too fast,pared to when he defeated Fang Kui in the first round, his spear technique was now smoother, and the speed made Kimura Tatsuo unable to defend.


    His spear hadn''t even retracted, and he could only instinctively raise his left arm to block.


    "Crack!" The sound of a breaking arm.


    The spear''s terrifying impact sent Kimura Tatsuo flying, the spear tip shing down his face.


    Before Kimura Tatsuo evennded, he disappeared from the stage.


    Defeat!


    Once Li Yuan exploded, it took only a few moves to defeat Kimura Tatsuo.


    "Hmm?"


    "Only seventy people left?" Li Yuan scanned the stage, "Enough."


    "The battle with Kimura Tatsuo was worth years of my own understanding." Li Yuan was quite pleased, "A few points less, so be it."


    Practicing techniques is like this.


    Sometimes, diligent practice and deep contemtion yield no results, but a single battle or a glimpse of a certain scene can bring instant enlightenment.


    "Finish quickly and return to practice. I might just grasp theplete understanding."


    Boom! Li Yuan''s figure moved, charging forward fiercely. His spear danced, creating a series of spear shadows, sending droplets of blood flying through the air as one participant after another fell.


    His score skyrocketed.


    ...


    "Victory!"


    "Li Yuan is amazing."


    "Li Yuan." The tens of thousands of chinese students in the stands were thrilled, cheering and encouraging Li Yuan.


    First, he defeated Fang Kui, and then Kimura Tatsuo.


    The opponents in the two battles were different.


    But in any battle, once Li Yuan began to attack, no one could withstand more than a few moves.


    ...


    "Is it over just like that?"


    "Once Li Yuan started attacking, Kimura couldn''t even hold off ten strikes?"


    "Is there such a big gap between Kimura-kun and Li Yuan?" The numerous japanese students who had previously supported Kimura Tatsuo were dumbfounded, finding it hard to ept this oue.


    "Li Yuan-kun''s spear is so powerful; he is the true spear genius."


    "It''s a pity that such a powerful Li Yuan-kun is not a genius of our Sakura Country."


    "With Li Yuan''s strength, he will surely im the championship."


    "It''s not that Kimura-kun is weak, but Li Yuan is too strong, without any weaknesses, simply a hexagonal warrior." Quickly, many japanese students began to praise and support Li Yuan.


    Only the strong earn their admiration.

 Chapter 137: Your goal is to be second

    <h4>Chapter 137: Your goal is to be second</h4>


    On the arena, the 17th cage match ended just one minute after it started.


    Li Yuan killed thest opponent, survived to the end, and scored 31 points.


    It''s not that he didn''t try hard to fight in the final stage, but his battle with Kimura Tatsuo took too much time, and there weren''t enough opponents left for Li Yuan to score many points.


    But even so, the points from the two rounds added up to an astonishing 105 points for Li Yuan in the second round.


    This is already an exaggerated score.


    On the arena, only Li Yuan was left.


    "Temporarily ranked first in total points?" Li Yuan nced at the total points ranking.


    The huge points advantage from the first round,bined with a good performance in the second round, kept Li Yuan''s total score in first ce.


    Although there were still three cage matches left, top experts like Yu Ming, Guan Ying, and Garawa had already finishedpeting in the previous rounds, and their total scores from the two rounds did not exceed 100.


    So, in a sense, Li Yuan had almost locked in the first ce in total points for the second round.


    "Let''s go."


    Li Yuan thought, disappearing from the arena. He didn''t return to the viewing tform but directly exited the virtualwork.


    ...


    "Li Yuan!"


    "Li Yuan." The entire viewing tform resounded with the enthusiastic cheers of countless spectators.


    However, the freshmen of Kunlun Martial Arts University were searching everywhere on the viewing tform.


    "Where''s Li Yuan?"


    "Where''s our senior brother?" They were all very puzzled.


    Logically, after exiting the arena, he should have returned directly to the viewing seats.


    ...


    In Li Yuan''s vi at Kunlun Martial Arts University, in the underground martial arts room,


    Li Yuan had alreadye out of the lounge and took a weapon from the weapon rack beside him.


    "Entangling, continuous." In Li Yuan''s mind, he still recalled the battle with Kimura Tatsuo just now.


    Suddenly, the smart wristband vibrated continuously.


    Vibrating at this time indicated a message from an important person. Li Yuan looked down.


    One message was from Li Yang: "Well done."


    The other was from Lin Lanyue: "You''re first, keep it up."


    Li Yuan couldn''t help but smile slightly and replied to both messages.


    He turned off the smart wristband and put it aside.


    Holding his spear, he came to the center of the martial arts room, closed his eyes lightly, gripped the spear with both hands, and posed in the ''spear-holding style'' of the Starry Spear Technique.


    "Stars are round and boundless." Li Yuan murmured to himself.


    Just now, through the battle with Kimura Tatsuo,


    At that moment of enlightenment, Li Yuan was able to re-examine his spear technique from another perspective.


    Kimura Tatsuo''s ''Continuous Spear'' seemed simr to the ''Twelve Consecutive Strikes'' that Li Yuan practiced.


    But there was an essential difference between the two.


    The Twelve Consecutive Strikes are about each strike being stronger than thest, with the next strike always more powerful than the previous one, emphasizing ''umtion of power.'' When it reaches its peak, it is like the convergence of a great river, inevitably bursting out.


    If it doesn''t burst out, even if the umted power reaches its peak, it cannot be sustained for long.


    It is short-lived.


    But the Continuous Spear is different; it emphasizes ''entangling,'' being endless, with little difference in power from the first strike to thest.


    The drawback is that it''s not domineering enough, but the advantage is stability, preventing the copse of one''s spear momentum.


    "A simr technique, the ''Cloud Controlling Spear Technique'' that teacher Li Yang taught me, actually contains a simr concept." Li Yuan had encountered such moves before.


    In the Starry Sky Combat Network, when fighting with others, he had also encountered it.


    When sparring with teacher Jiang Lun and the two Source Martial practitioners, they had also used simr moves.


    However, none had deliberately performed it systematically.


    "Most importantly, before, I was wholeheartedly pursuing the understanding of the five styles of the Starry Spear Technique, so how could I focus on this?" Li Yuan couldn''t help but smile and shake his head.


    It''s like many stories and philosophies learned in textbooks in childhood. You think you''ve understood them after reading and learning in ss... but it might take ten or twenty years to suddenly realize that you never truly understood them.


    Spear techniques are the same.


    Before understanding the five styles of the Starry Spear Technique,


    Even if Li Yuan knew that the core of the ''Starry Spear Technique''y in the first style ''Star Awakening,'' even if he knew the core concept of ''stars are round,''


    Even if he saw other experts using simr conceptual moves,


    But without reaching the level of understanding, it seemed like knowing the principles, but in reality, he had neverprehended it.


    The battle with Kimura Tatsuo, in a sense, was after Li Yuanprehended the five styles of the Star Spear Technique and reached a higher level of understanding,


    Re-examining it, led to a new insight.


    It wasn''t that Kimura Tatsuo''s spear technique was very strong, just that he appeared at the right moment.


    Timing.


    Sometimes it is very important.


    "The second style, Gxy Cascade, to the fifth style, Star Battle, are all offensive moves." Li Yuan pondered silently: "Among the five killer moves, four are offensive, but the Starry Spear Technique is recognized as an ''extremely strong defensive spear technique.''


    "Why?"


    "The core is the first style, Star Illumination." Li Yuan''s spear moved slowly, starting to practice the first style ''Star Illumination'' again.


    It seemed like the same move, but practicing it now, Li Yuan had a different understanding.


    In the past,


    When Li Yuan performed it, he pursued extreme bursts and extreme speed, like the splendor of a star explosion.


    But now, re-performing it, the move was slower, and the power was more restrained.


    It was like a hot star, after billions of years of evolution, gradually moving from the initial ''volcanicva'' era to stability.


    It''s not that this star no longer contained explosive power.


    It''s just that it had restrained this surging force, not easily bursting out.


    Practicing over and over again, Li Yuan sought the special feeling he yearned for, hoping to grasp it.


    So-called enlightenment is never a process from 0 to 1 directly.


    But a qualitative change from 0.99 to 1.


    In the past, Li Yuan had practiced the Starry Spear Technique countless times, dedicating himself day and night for years, fighting repeatedly with various teachers and coaches.


    This unknowinglypleted the umtion from 0 to 0.99.


    Kimura Tatsuo''s spear technique was just the right catalyst, giving him a chance to potentially break through to 1.


    But it was just a chance.


    To truly grasp it, he still had to put in tremendous effort to practice, ponder, and summarize.


    This is why he came to practice the spear immediately after the battle ended.


    "Stars are round, without a beginning, without an end."


    "The trajectory of a star is also a circle." Li Yuan practiced repeatedly, thinking deeply.


    At this moment,


    Li Yuan no longer deliberately thought about how to use his spear technique to deal with Tantai Feng.


    But simply wanted to make his spear technique stronger.


    ...


    In the virtualwork, in the ''battle space'' of the ten-school freshmanpetition,


    As thest cage match ended,


    The ''total points ranking'' on the giant screen above was also finalized.


    "Li Yuan is first!"


    "105 points."


    "First." Thousands of students from Kunlun Martial Arts University who came to watch were excited.


    Those few sophomores and juniors were more reserved but mostly apuded.


    "Li Yuan, Yu Ming, Guan Ying, Gaurav, Vikram, Tantai Feng, Ruan Wennan, and Helian Cheng are ranked in the top eight in the second round." The burly man above the arena said in a deep voice: "They will directly advance to the fourth round."


    "Kimura Tatsuo... and 128 other students, ranked in the top 136 in the second round, will enter the third round andpete for the remaining eight spots in the fourth round tomorrow."


    With the host''s excited voice, the second round of the ten-school freshmanpetition officially ended.


    ...


    "Where''s senior brother?"


    "Haven''t seen him." The freshmen of the six colleges of Kunlun Martial Arts University couldn''t help but search the arena for Li Yuan''s figure.


    "Damn."


    "Brother Yuan is showing off, even Tantai Feng abstained to get into the top eight." Gu Qianghan couldn''t help butin: "Brother Yuan took the first ce in total points but didn''t evene to the scene."


    "Does showing off make you stronger?" Gu Qianghan shook his head.


    "No." An Nong pretended to be profound and said: "It''s not that showing off makes you stronger, but a master''s showing off is called showing off."


    "Otherwise, it''s called a clown."


    ...


    At 7 pm, night fell.


    Hu!


    Li Yang sat on the aircraft and arrived at Li Yuan''s vi, smiling.


    "Teacher." Li Yuan had received the news that Li Yang wasing and had been waiting in the living room.


    "You did well today." Li Yangughed and sat on the sofa: "Sit down."


    Today, Li Yuan defeated Kimura Tatsuo, making him proud in front of teachers from other schools, naturally feeling very pleased.


    "Yes." Li Yuan sat down.


    "Taking first ce in total points brings glory to the school, not bad." Li Yang smiled, looking at Li Yuan with increasing satisfaction.


    "It''s not much." Li Yuan shook his head: "Tantai Feng abstained in the second round. Otherwise, with his strength, taking first ce in total points would be easy."


    Li Yuan had self-awareness.


    First ce in the second round? Just an empty title.


    "One should be humble, but not overly so." Li Yangughed: "Tantai Feng abstained, but Yu Ming and Guan Ying didn''t, nor did the elite students from other schools."


    "Why didn''t they take first ce?" Li Yangughed: "Isn''t it because their strength isn''t as good as yours?"


    "Being able to surpass Yu Ming, Guan Ying, and others already proves that you are not inferior to the elite students of the world''s top three martial arts schools."


    Li Yuan nodded, not exining further.


    "Are you still worried about Tantai Feng?" Li Yang asked curiously.


    "Yes." Li Yuan did not hide this: "Teacher, to be honest, if I were to face others like Gaurav and Yu Ming, I might not be absolutely confident of winning, but I believe I have a chance."


    "Only against Tantai Feng, if he uses a sword and shield, I think my chances of losing are greater than winning." Li Yuan said honestly: "My strength is not enough."


    In cultivation, one should be realistic, not arrogant.


    Hard to win means hard to win.


    "Hahaha." Li Yang smiled at Li Yuan: "Actually, the teacher didn''t expect you to win."


    Li Yuan was surprised.


    Didn''t expect him to win?


    "Do you know who Tantai Feng is? He is just one step away from reaching the Mental Profundity." Li Yangughed: "In the freshman year of Starlight University, he is a contender for first ce."


    "The first ce in Starlight University has the potential topete for the global first ce."


    "In other words, Tantai Feng has the potential topete for first ce globally in your batch, at least in the top five." Li Yang said seriously.


    Li Yuan was surprised.


    Was Tantai Feng that powerful? He had the potential topete for the global first ce.


    "Normally, for apetition like the ten-school freshman battle, Starlight University shouldn''t send their strongest student, as there''s no point in training them."


    "ording to tradition, they should send second-tier elites." Li Yang shook his head: "Like Yu Ming, Guan Ying... that''s why I thought you had a chance topete for first ce before."


    "This time, I don''t know what Starlight University''s higher-ups were thinking, sending him here."


    Li Yuan listened silently.


    "So, with Tantai Feng here, I didn''t expect you to take first ce." Li Yangughed: "It''s not that you are inferior to Tantai Feng. In terms of progress in the past six months, you are even more impressive... the teacher believes you will surely win him in the future."


    "But right now, you are indeed not as good as him."


    Li Yuan nodded lightly; Tantai Feng''s strength was indeed formidable.


    "The schedule for the third and fourth rounds is out; you won''t face Tantai Feng early." Li Yang said seriously: "In other words, if you two meet, it will be in the final match."


    "Upper and lower brackets?" Li Yuan pondered.


    "Yes."


    Li Yang smiled: "So, the teacher has one requirement for you: make it to the finals, at least the top four."


    "Reaching the finals will be considered a victory."


    "Don''t carry a psychological burden."


    "Even if you stop at the top four, the rewards are not much different from those for the champion and runner-up, there are still rare treasures."


    ...


    Li Yuan saw Li Yang off and returned alone to the underground martial arts room.


    The lights came on, making the martial arts room as bright as day.


    Li Yuan stood in the center with his spear, silently pondering Li Yang''s words.


    In fact,


    Li Yang''s words summarized one thing: "Strive for second ce."


    "Second ce?" Li Yuan pondered.


    Li Yang''s words were not wrong.


    He came to talk to Li Yuan to avoid him having too much psychological burden.


    However,


    "Winning and losing? Second ce?" Li Yuan shook his head, no longer thinking about it, and continued to ponder his spear technique.


    Chasing that mysterious and special feeling.


    ... October 6th, the third round.


    Without the top experts among the participants, Li Yuan didn''t watch the matches and practiced alone.


    That day, the other eight spots for the top sixteen were decided.


    ...


    October 7th, the fourth round.


    The sky over Kunlun Martial Arts University was cloudless.


    Today, the final champion of the ten-school freshmanpetition would be decided from the top sixteen.

 Chapter 138: The Day of the Final Battle

    <h4>Chapter 138: The Day of the Final Battle</h4>


    In the underground martial arts room, at 8 a.m., Li Yuan hadn''t entered the virtualwork yet. He was on a video call with Lin Lanyue.


    "Up so early?" Li Yuanughed. "You guys aren''tpeting, so sses shouldn''t be canceled, right? Don''t you have general education sses in the morning?"


    Every martial arts university offers general education sses, teaching knowledge about history, humanities, astral races, technology, and weaponry.


    "Did you forget the time while practicing your spear? It''s 1 p.m. here," Lin Lanyue smiled, dressed in white casual wear today.


    "Forgot," Li Yuan chuckled, shaking his head.


    There''s a time difference between the Lantis continent and China.


    "So, do you think you can beat Tantai Feng?" Lin Lanyue asked with a smile.


    "Your video was very helpful," Li Yuan nodded. "But, based on what my teacher said about his strength... I have at most a thirty percent chance of winning."


    "Thirty percent?" Lin Lanyue''s eyes brightened. "That''s already quite high."


    "You should remember, when we started our third year of high school, you had just reached the third stage of skills, and he was already at the fourth stage."


    "In our generation, he''s always been far ahead on the Blue Star Youth Rankings, absolutely first."


    "In just one year, you''ve nearly caught up to his skill level. It''s already incredible," Lin Lanyue said.


    "Still a bit short," Li Yuan smiled.


    "In the end, victory or defeat is decided in battle. No one willugh at you if you lose. Who knows, you might win? The real pressure is on Tantai Feng," Lin Lanyue encouraged. "Get online; the match is about to start."


    "Alright."


    ...


    After ending the video call with Lin Lanyue, Li Yuan nced at his Divine Pce panel.


    <strong>Life Level: 13.9 (First Stage)</strong>


    Strength: 7629 kg


    Speed: 41.3 m/s


    Mental Power: 23.0


    Spiritual Awakening: 25% (Current limit 25%, physical fitness not strong enough to withstand spiritual guidance)


    Skill Realm: Spear Technique (Stage Four, 83%), Movement Technique (Stage Four, 73%), Fist Technique (Stage Four, 83%)


    "Stage Four, 83% in spear technique."


    "In two days, my spear technique has improved by a full 3%," Li Yuan thought. "My control over my body has be more precise, allowing me to mobilize the tiniest force."


    Such progress in spear technique is terrifying.


    "The concept of the stars, after the battle with Kimura Tatsuo, I''ve grasped a bit of it. If I had more time, my spear technique would definitely be stronger. Unfortunately, there''s no more time," Li Yuan pondered.


    "ording to my teacher, he''s just one step away from understanding the concept of ''Flowing Light,'' so his skill level should be higher than mine."


    "Let''s fight."


    "As long as he hasn''t reached the mental profundity, I have hope to hold my ground," Li Yuan''s eyes glimmered. "If I can hold, there''s a chance of victory."


    He closed his eyes and stood still for a full minute, calming his mindpletely.


    Then, he logged into the virtualwork and entered the Star Combat Network.


    ... Battle Space.


    Although it was still twenty minutes before the start of the fourth round, the viewing tform was already packed with tens of thousands of people.


    "Shua!" Li Yuan appeared out of thin air, realizing that he wasn''t on the viewing tform but in the ''preparation area'' close to the battle arena.


    A single seat for eachpetitor.


    "Li Yuan!"


    "Li Yuan is here."


    "Li Yuan." Within seconds of Li Yuan''s appearance, the viewing tform behind him erupted in cheers.


    At the beginning of the second round, students from various martial arts universities in China didn''t know who Li Yuan was. But by the start of the fourth round, Li Yuan had gained considerable fame.


    Most students acknowledged that among the top sixteenpetitors from China, Tantai Ffeng was the strongest, followed by Li Yuan, Yu Ming, and Guan Ying.


    "Senior Brother! Win the championship."


    "Go Li Yuan."


    "Number one!" The students from Kunlun Martial Arts University were the most excited. Their viewing seats were right behind Li Yuan, not far away.


    With a nce, Li Yuan spotted many familiar faces, such as Qiu Jing, Gu Qianghan, and Dong Haifeng, all seated in the audience.


    "Li Yuan."


    "Li Yuan, you finally came." Two voices sounded nearby.


    "Yang Hong, Wu Luo? You both made it to the top sixteen?" Li Yuan looked at the two familiar faces in surprise.


    So, Kunlun Martial Arts University had three people in the top sixteen? That''s a high proportion.


    Yang Hong and Wu Luo were stunned.


    "Really, Li Yuan?" Wu Luo couldn''t help but say, "Are we that insignificant? We''re top sixteen, after all."


    "My mistake," Li Yuan exined with a smile. "I''ve been practicing my spear since the end of the second round two days ago, so I didn''t pay attention to who made it to the top sixteen in yesterday''s match."


    Li Yuan truly didn''t know.


    Top sixteen? Is that strong?


    "Oh, I see," Wu Luo realized Li Yuan wasn''t targeting them andughed. "Then let me introduce the others."


    "That one is Li Jiao from Eastern Sea Martial Arts University," Wu Luo smiled. "She''s good at..."


    ...


    As Wu Luo, Li Yuan, and Yang Hong chatted, the other top sixteen contestants appeared one after another.


    Meanwhile, in several areas of the viewing tform, some very quiet and low-key students appeared.


    "Gong Mi, you''re here too?" A burly white youth with a full beard and blue eyes smiled handsomely.


    "Salvatore, you came too," the ordinary-looking young man in ck replied with a smile.


    Gong Mi!


    From a small country in the East Alliance, but with top-notch talent, his skill level wasparable to Tantai Feng''s.


    The three of them were recognized as the top three geniuses of this generation at Starlight University.


    ...


    "Sister, look, Scarlett is here," Wu Dongdong pointed at an inconspicuous ck youth not far away.


    "Yes."


    Lin Lanyue nodded with a smile. "With Tantai Feng, Li Yuan, Gaurav, and a few other top experts participating in the ten-school freshmanpetition, it''s almost a preview of the global martial artspetition in February next year. Naturally, many people are interested in watching."


    ...


    In a higher viewing area, where the teachers gathered to watch.


    "Old Tie, you came too?"


    "You didn''te to the ten-school freshmanpetition in previous years."


    "This year''spetition is special, so I came to see."


    "Indeed, the quality is much higher this year." As it was the final day, the number of teachers watching the match far exceeded the previous two days.


    There were over four hundred of them.


    Every teacher was at least an advanced Source Martial Artist, and many were top-tier Origin Martial Artists.


    Although the teachers belonged to different schools, many had close personal rtionships and rarely met due to the vast distances.


    Today was a rare event, gathering so many powerful Source Martial Artists in one ce.


    ...


    Time passed.


    Perhaps due to the build-up and promotion over the past two days.


    As the match time approached, the number of spectators in the viewing seats quickly exceeded 600,000, approaching 700,000, a new high for the ten-school freshmanpetition.


    After all, this was an internalpetition, not open to the general public.


    Finally, it was 8:30 a.m.


    "After three days ofpetition, our ten-school freshman battle has finally reached the day of the finals." The burly host appeared above the battle arena, his voice full of excitement. "Today''s audience numbers have reached a ten-year high, with an astonishing 640,000."


    "I believe today''s sixteen martial arts geniuses from different schools will undoubtedly present a series of spectacr battles for everyone." The burly host''s voice echoed throughout the battle space.


    As the music started, the atmosphere on-site became more intense.


    "Great!"


    "The first match of the top sixteen to the top eight begins now." The burly host''s voice boomed. "First, from Japan Martial Arts University, ''Ohno Satoshi.''"


    Shua!


    A young man from Japan, standing at 1.7 meters tall with an ordinary face and wielding dual swords, appeared on the stage.


    "Ohno Satoshi!"


    "Ohno Satoshi." Nearly ten thousand japanese students cheered excitedly.


    Ohno Satoshi, a skilled warrior from Japan, emerged as a strong contender after Kimura Tatsuo, advancing to the top sixteen in the third round yesterday.


    "The other contestant is a martial arts genius from Starlight Martial Arts University¡ªTantai Feng!" The burly host''s voice grew even more enthusiastic.


    "Tanta Feng!"


    "Tantai Feng!"


    "Tantai Feng!" The entire viewing tform erupted with deafening cheers, echoing through the battle arena.


    Not only did tens of thousands of students from China cheer, but many spectators from other countries also shouted Tantai Feng''s name.


    Why? Because strength represents everything.


    Tantai Feng''s dominance in the cage match and his confident forfeit in the second round easily garnered admiration from many students.


    Whoosh!


    Tantai Feng was also transported to the stage, holding dual swords. He nced sideways at Ohno Satoshi and closed his eyes, seemingly indifferent.


    "Baka," Ohno Satoshi cursed inwardly. "He didn''t even bring a shield. He''s underestimating me."


    Most of the top sixteen contenders are highly valued martial arts geniuses in their schools and naturally gather intelligence on their opponents.


    ...


    Below the stage.


    "Such arrogance," Yang Hong muttered. "Li Yuan, Wu Luo, Tantai Feng''s sideways nce is kind of cool."


    "Yes, it''s cool, but quite annoying. I suggest not imitating it," Li Yuanughed.


    He suddenly understood why Tian Dazhuang disliked Tantai Feng.


    Watching someone act cool and being unable to beat them would irritate anyone.


    ...


    On stage, as the final ten-second countdown ended, Tantai Feng and Ohno Satoshi instantly engaged in battle.


    It truly was instant.


    Because!


    Ohno Satoshi immediately charged at Tantai Feng, both wielding dual swords.


    But in just one exchange.


    Tantai Feng''s swords whistled through the air, and in just a few shes of des, a dazzling sh cut across Ohno Satoshi''s head.


    Dead!


    Tantai Feng stood on the stage, still slightly tilting his head, his face cold and indifferent, exuding confidence.


    "That should be cool enough," Tantai Feng thought.


    ...


    The entire viewing tform fell silent for a moment after witnessing the battle. Losing in one exchange?


    He was one of the top sixteen after all.


    But only for a moment.


    "Tantai Feng!" The next second, the vast viewing tform erupted in a wave of excited cheers.


    Only the tens of thousands of japanese spectators looked at each other, speechless.


    They knew Ohno Satoshi would likely lose, but who expected such a miserable defeat?


    ...


    "So strong!"


    "Such fast swords!" The experts could see the intricacies.


    The faces of more than a dozen close-up contestants changed.


    ...


    "The second match," the burly host''s eyes seemed to light up, "Let''s wee Gaurav from the Indian Martial Arts University."


    "And."


    "From Kunlun Martial Arts University of China, the martial arts genius¡ªLi Yuan!"

 Chapter 139: The Ultimate Showdown

    <h4>Chapter 139: The Ultimate Showdown</h4>


    Reaching the top sixteen, every contestant was exceptional, with a high probability of bing advanced or even top-tier Source Martial Artists in the future.


    For example, Yang Hong and Wu Luo, if not overshadowed by Li Yuan''s brilliance, could have yed out a legendary ''Twin Stars Rivalry'' among Kunlun Martial Arts University''s freshmen.


    But without a doubt, even among the top sixteen, there were standouts. Tantai Feng was in a league of his own, and his overwhelming performance in the first match of the top sixteen validated this point.


    Li Yuan, Gaurav, Yu Ming, and Guan Ying were recognized as the most powerful contenders for the top four. This was evident from their total scores in the second round, all exceeding 90 points.


    However, most spectators did not expect that Li Yuan and Gaurav would meet in the first match of the top sixteen.


    "What''s going on?"


    "With their strength, they should at least face each other in the top eight. How are they meeting in the first match of the fourth round? Is this targeting someone?"


    "The organizers are from China."


    "Are they targeting Gaurav?" The tens of thousands of spectators on the viewing tform discussed heatedly. Most of them had not paid attention to the schedule beforehand.


    Moreover, the 136 elite students who advanced to the third round, even if they knew their schedules, wouldn''t leak the information.


    ... "Gaurav!"


    "Defeat that chinese."


    "Li Yuan!!" The vast viewing tform erupted with cheers. Whether from China or India, both sides were cheering enthusiastically.


    "Gaurav is the strongest."


    "Li Yuan, beat him up!"


    "Li Yuan!!" On the viewing screen, an overwhelming number ofments flooded in, with both sides'' support nearly equal.


    In terms of the number of spectators, only India could match China.


    Nearly 300,000 spectators from one side and over 200,000 from the other filled most of the viewing tform.


    For whatever reason, the confrontation between the two ignited the atmosphere to its peak.


    Even Yu Ming and Guan Ying were staring wide-eyed at the two on the stage.


    Even Tantai Feng, who appeared to be meditating, opened his eyes slightly to watch secretly.


    Everyone knew.


    Li Yuan vs. Gaurav, this battle would definitely be a pinnacle showdown in the ten-school freshmanpetition.


    ...


    The atmosphere outside the ring was explosive, but the two on the stage remained calm.


    "Li Yuan, I didn''t expect to meet you so soon."


    "You''re strong, but I will win," Gaurav, with his dark skin and ordinary appearance, smiled confidently, his eyes filled with determination.


    "Certain of victory?"


    Li Yuan smiled. "I think so too. I don''t want to miss out on the rare treasures."


    Reaching the top sixteen already guaranteed a reward of 20 million Blue Star Coins.


    And ording to the schedule, if they could win against each other, their next opponent in the top eight would be weak, hardly a threat.


    Once they reached the top four, they would be rewarded with rare treasures.


    For martial arts geniuses like them, this was a tremendous allure.


    Both were filled with a strong desire to win.


    Both could sense each other''s strong fighting spirit and said no more.


    The next moment, the battle exploded!


    "Boom!" Gaurav charged fiercely, reaching his top speed, his dark armor making him a shadowy blur, ferociously attacking Li Yuan.


    Whoosh!


    Li Yuan gripped his spear with both hands, spreading his legs apart, and leaned forward, assuming a defensive stance.


    "Ha!"


    Gaurav roared, closing in with his spear thrusting like a venomous snake, swirling like a water vortex, whistling as it pierced forward.


    The spear shadows shifted, eerily unpredictable, creating dozens of afterimages, making it hard to discern which was the true spearhead.


    Itpletely enveloped Li Yuan.


    This one move could instantly kill any opponent below the fourth stage.


    Seeing this, many chinese spectators couldn''t help but exim.


    Gaurav''s first strike was too fierce.


    "Whoosh! Whoosh! Tear!" Li Yuan''s footwork shifted as he retreated rapidly, his spear dancing in his hands, creating dazzling arcs around him, forming arge spear circle thatpletely covered himself.


    "ng! ng! ng!"


    The two spears shed in mid-air like lightning, countless shadows intersecting, moving so fast that it appeared to many spectators as if five or six spears were colliding.


    "Stars are round."


    "Spear tip tracing circles." Li Yuan remained calm, his spear moving steadily. Though it seemed like he was frantically defending against Gaurav''s attacks, in reality, whether thrusting, blocking, or shing, Li Yuan''s spear maintained a circr range.


    Within this range, no matter how wildly Gaurav attacked, he couldn''t break through.


    "Indeed."


    "Just as I expected, as long as I fully defend, Gaurav cannot budge me." Li Yuan remained tranquil, his mind at peace.


    He had already nned to win even with an aggressive stance against Gaurav.


    But that wasn''t his goal; his real target was Tantai Feng.


    Gaurav? To Li Yuan, he was just another stepping stone.


    If he couldn''t withstand Gaurav, how could he face Tantai Feng''s des?


    "Bang! Bang~" Gaurav thrust and shed repeatedly. Hisbat style was the opposite of Kimura Tatsuo''s.


    He pursued ferocious attacks, overwhelming his opponents with absolute power and speed.


    Against his schoolmates, this approach was always sessful.


    But against Li Yuan, all his attacks were in vain.


    "They say prolonged defense leads to loss."


    "How can he defend to this extent?" Gaurav couldn''t believe it, his heart sinking.


    Attack! He had attacked to the limit, but still couldn''t break through Li Yuan''s defense.


    "Comfortable!" Li Yuan''s defense grew more rxed.


    In this moment, amidst the cheers of tens of thousands of spectators, in this unique environment, Li Yuan felt he was getting closer to fully grasping that special essence.


    ... On the viewing tform, tens of thousands of students from various martial arts universities were stunned by the duel.


    Previously, both Gaurav and Li Yuan had swept through the second round, with no one able to withstand their strikes. Now, facing each other, they fought fiercely.


    One''s spear technique was ferocious and fierce, truly embodying the spear as the king of the battlefield.


    The other defended entirely, like an unshakable mountain, blocking wave after wave of attacks.


    "Gaurav !!"


    "He''s forcing Li Yuan to defend, strong!" The Indian spectators cheered excitedly.


    "Li Yuan!"


    "Li Yuan!"


    "Every battle, as long as Li Yuan defends, once he counterattacks, he easily defeats his opponent." The chinese spectators firmly believed this.


    ...


    "Gaurav will lose," an advanced Source Martial Artist teacher said softly from the higher viewing tform. "Prolonged defense leads to loss. In a spear duel, the attacker usually has the advantage, but he can''t break Li Yuan''s defense."


    "Li Yuan''s skill level is significantly higher," other teachersmented.


    "Stars are round."


    "Li Yuan''s spear technique truly embodies the essence of the Starry Spear Technique. This progress is terrifying."


    "Genius!"


    "His defensive spear technique gives an unbreakable illusion. The data says he reached the fourth stage in March this year? That''s outrageous." These teachers, at least possessing micro-level skills, many at the fifth stage, had seen countless spear techniques and quickly grasped the reality on stage.


    "Li Yuan''s spear."


    "Star essence?" Li Yang, as Li Yuan''s teacher, was incredulous. "His spear technique has improved significantly?"


    Previously, he had determined that Li Yuan couldn''t win because on September 30th, after teaching him, he felt Li Yuan was far from the mental profundity.


    How long has it been? A week!


    "He is a truebat genius. The more he fights and faces pressure, the more potential he unleashes," Dean Xu whispered. "Li Yang, you''ve found a gem. Your student is an unbelievable spear genius."


    "He has grasped the essence of the stars. Given time, he will undoubtedly reach the mental profundity."


    "If before there was no hope against Tantai Feng, now... there''s a thirty percent chance," Dean Xu affirmed.


    "Thirty percent?" Li Yang nodded slightly.


    He knew Dean Xu was a high-level fifth stage expert, close to bing a flying martial artist.


    His judgment was more precise.


    "Almost won," Dean Xu suddenly said.


    Not far away.


    "Gaurav," the ck-robed elder ''Bhaskar'' watching the intense duel on stage sighed. "What a pity to meet Li Yuan."


    As "Gaurav''s teacher, a top-tier Source Martial Artist, he saw Li Yuan''s terrifying skill.


    That unshakable defense.


    The spear''s roundness, stable as a mountain, was too steady,pletely countering Gaurav.


    The oue of the offense-defense switch often depended on strength.


    "He''s losing." The ck-robed elder Bhaskar felt helpless. If Gaurav had faced Yu Ming or Guan Ying, he had a chance.


    But facing Li Yuan.


    "This Li Yuan, even against Tantai Feng, has a chance to win," Ba Qiang sighed.


    ...


    "Gaurav is losing," some contestants in the preparation area also noticed.


    "This spear technique?" Tantai Feng, unknowingly, had opened his eyes, a glint in them. "Star essence?"


    "Interesting!"


    "Kunlun Martial Arts University has such a master? Finally, not a waste of my time."


    Li Yuan''s appearance excited Tantai Feng, more anticipation for a strong opponent than worry.


    ...


    On the stage, Gaurav grew more panicked as he fought, his anxiety increasing as he saw Li Yuan defending more calmly.


    Li Yuan began to counterattack!


    No! It wasn''t Li Yuan counterattacking, but his spear technique''s natural transition between defense and attack.


    The core of the Starry Spear Technique wasn''t rigid defense but using defense as offense.


    But even a casual defensive counterattack from Li Yuan left Gaurav more and more desperate.


    "I must win." Gaurav gritted his teeth, still attacking relentlessly, hoping for a breakthrough.


    But as time passed, his stamina waned.


    As the attacker, his stamina drained faster, his spear speed unknowingly slowing down.


    Suddenly.


    "Poof!" As if telepathically, or subconsciously, after blocking Gaurav''s attack once more, Li Yuan''s spear shifted and thrust forward.


    From defense to offense!


    Seamlessly!


    This thrust, Li Yuan exerted more power than ever before, tapping into his body''s most subtle forces.


    The situation shifted in an instant.


    The spear''s speed soared to terrifying levels.


    "Poof!"


    A spear pierced the air, and the next second, Gaurav''s figure blurred.


    "Impressive," Gaurav mouthed, his figurepletely dissipating.


    One strike!


    Gaurav, defeated!


    "The essence of the stars." Li Yuan stood still with his spear, murmuring, "In defense, unshakable, like the vast earth."


    "In offense, like a star''s explosion, unstoppable."


    After the battle with Gaurav, Li Yuan''s understanding of the star essence deepened further.


    He nced at his Divine Pce panel:


    Skill Realm: Spear Technique (Stage Four, 85%), Movement Technique (Stage Four, 73%), Fist Technique (Stage Four, 86%)


    ... Li Yuan secured the second spot in the top eight.

 Chapter 140: Entering the Finals

    <h4>Chapter 140: Entering the Finals</h4>


    Swish! Li Yuan returned to the waiting area below the stage. As for Gaurav, having been eliminated, he naturally couldn''t stay in the preparation zone.


    "Li Yuan, impressive!" "That was incredible." "You defeated Gaurav with a single strike." Sitting on either side of Li Yuan, Yang Hong and Wu Luo both expressed their genuine admiration, filled with respect.


    They had always known there was a significant gap between themselves and Li Yuan, which was evident in the entrancepetition. But it wasn''t until today, after witnessing the battle between Li Yuan and Gaurav, that they truly understood just how vast that gap had be.


    "Thank you." Li Yuan responded with a faint smile, feeling little joy in his heart. Defeating Gaurav was no big deal. After his insightful battle with Kimura Tatsuo and two days of dedicated training, Li Yuan no longer considered anyone except Tantai Feng as a worthy opponent.


    As expected, Gaurav was strong enough but still couldn''t pose a real threat to him.


    "Li Yuan, Tantai Feng is watching you," Wu Luo suddenly said. "Oh?" Li Yuan turned to look at Tantai Feng sitting far away, who was sporting a self-assured smile.


    "We won." "Li Yuan exploded with such force and defeated Gaurav in a single strike. He''s a monster." "Such ferocity." Li Yuan didn''t care much about the victory, but the entire audience was in an uproar, especially the tens of thousands of spectators from China, who felt immensely proud.


    Tantai Feng won the first match, and Li Yuan won the second. To them, these were victories for China.


    "Gaurav lost." "He had a great advantage but lost due to a mistake. Gaurav was useless." "He had a poor mindset." The more than 200,000 students from India watching the match were extremely disheartened.


    "The people from India are fools." "I''ve always said, Li Yuan is the strongest." "The championship will definitely be between Li Yuan and Tantai Feng. I''m rooting for Li Yuan." Many spectators from Japan were instead praising Li Yuan.


    Amid the intense discussions and cheers, the matches to determine the top eight continued. Victories were continuously achieved, but none were as fierce and intense as the battle between Li Yuan and Gaurav.


    After six more brutal matches, the top eight of the ten-school freshmanpetition were decided: Tantai Feng, Li Yuan, Yu Ming, Guan Ying, Wu Luo, Vikram, Li Mingyue, and Kimura Tatsuo!


    The final spot in the top eight went to Kimura Tatsuya, who narrowly defeated Helian Cheng from the Extreme Star Martial Arts University after a fierce battle.


    "What a pity." "Just a bit more." "Helian Cheng also has mid-level fourth-rank skills and is very strong." "If he had won, China would have had seven out of the top eight spots." The tens of thousands of spectators from China felt a bit regretful and annoyed.


    But realistically, this was already quite exaggerated. Even though Kimura Tatsuya barely made it into the top eight, China''s martial arts geniuses still upied six spots.


    "Li Yuan! Wu Luo." "Haha, Kunlun Martial University has two spots in the top eight." "Kyoto Martial University doesn''t have any." The freshmen from Kunlun Martial University were excited and joyful.


    At this moment, the atmosphere in the viewing area, fueled by the intensepetition, made most people feel a stronger sense of belonging to their school and country than usual. All the spectators hoped that the martial arts geniuses from their school and country would perform better.


    After a ten-minute break, the matches to determine the top four continued.


    "Li Yuan, good luck! I''ll stop at the top eight," Wu Luo said in the preparation area with a rxed expression. "But making it to the top eight means I beat Yang Hong."


    "It feels great." "This proves that I''m the true second-best among the freshmen at Kunlun Martial University," Wu Luo said earnestly, hoping for Li Yuan''s recognition.


    "No confidence?" Li Yuan smiled. "Give it your all. You might just surprise Tantai Feng."


    Indeed, ording to the schedule, the first match of the top eight was Wu Luo versus Tantai Feng.


    "Bro, don''t tease me," Wu Luo shook his head. "I might not be strong enough, but I have good judgment. Besides you, none of us can beat Tantai Feng."


    "What chance?" Li Yuan asked curiously.


    "If he tries to show off and let us fight with our hands and feet tied," Wu Luo said matter-of-factly.


    Ten minutester, the matches for the top four officially began.


    In the first match, Tantai Feng faced Wu Luo, and Tantai Feng still used dual des. In terms of strength, Wu Luo was actually on par with Ohno Satoshi, who Tantai Feng defeated in the first match.


    But perhaps out of respect for hispatriot, Tantai Feng gave Wu Luo a lot of face, fighting him for dozens of moves before defeating him.


    In the second match, Yu Ming faced Li Mingyue, another internal battle of China, with Yu Ming ultimately winning and securing a spot in the top four.


    In the third match, Li Yuan faced Kimura Tatsuya.


    Yes, in the crucial match for the top four, Kimura Tatsuya met Li Yuan again.


    "Li Yuan-kun, your strength is impressive and worthy of my respect," Kimura Tatsuya,pared to thest time they fought, was much more calm and humble. "But please allow me to defend the honor of a warrior. I will never surrender."


    "I hope you will fight with all your might," Kimura Tatsuya said earnestly.


    He didn''t expect to win; he knew that the probability of victory was very small, whether against Yu Ming or Guan Ying.


    "Okay," Li Yuan responded lightly.


    A minuteter, after six rapid strikes, Li Yuan''s spear pierced through Kimura Tatsuya''s throat.


    Kimura Tatsuya''s eyes widened, and as his figure disappeared, he seemed to want to say something.


    "You asked me to go all out," Li Yuan shrugged.


    This was the quickest match among the top eight.


    "Spiritual treasure, acquired," Li Yuan smiled. He had achieved his basic goal for this ten-school freshmanpetition.


    Next up was to rxpletely and go all out to reach the finals.


    Thus, three of the top four were decided: Tantai Feng, Yu Ming, and Li Yuan.


    The final spot would be decided between Guan Ying and Vikram.


    However!!


    Unexpectedly, Guan Ying, the top talent of Starlight University who had shown astonishing strength in the second and fourth rounds, lost in the crucial match for the top four! She lost to Vikram from India!


    "Guan Ying lost?" "She was the top talent of Starlight University, yet she lost?" The entire viewing area was in an uproar.


    Especially the spectators from China, who had been hoping for the best-case scenario of all four top spots being taken by China''s martial arts geniuses.


    They hadn''t expected a dark horse to emerge at thest moment.


    "He won!!" "Vikram!! Top four!!" The spectators from India wentpletely crazy with excitement.


    Who would have thought that after Gaurav, the most promising candidate from India, lost to Li Yuan, the previously overlooked Vikram would miraculously turn the tables?


    He sessfully entered the top four.


    The difference between being in the top four and the top eight is significant.


    "Vikram, what a strong sword technique." "He also uses dual swords, but his swordsmanship is more elusive." "Another high-level fourth-rank." Li Yuan, Yu Ming, and Tantai Feng, the three winners, all focused on Vikram, who had fought his way into the top four.


    They could see that Guan Ying was indeed a bit careless, but Vikram''s strength was undeniably formidable, and he had been hiding his abilities until now.


    Once he exploded with power, he caught Guan Ying off guard.


    "He won." "Gaurav, this time, I''ve surpassed you." Vikram was also extremely excited. He had reached the high-level fourth-rank less than half a month ago.


    But he hadn''t challenged the Starry Sky Combat Network, waiting to explode in the ten-school freshmanpetition.


    From the beginning of thispetition until now, the tens of thousands of spectators from India had always been focused on Gaurav. Although Vikram also made it to the top sixteen, he received little attention.


    But today, he made it to the top four.


    This is the charm of martial artspetitions. Victory and defeat are unknown until thest moment.


    "Entered the top four." "My next opponent is Tantai Feng." Vikram felt a surge of desire in his heart. "I am a high-level fourth-rank, and so is he."


    "Though my teacher says I am definitely not his match."


    "But there is always a glimmer of hope." Vikram''s initial goal was to make it to the top four.


    But having reached the top four, he now harbored even greater ambitions.


    "This Vikram is very patient." "Impressive." In the higher viewing area, the teachers from various countries were discussing.


    Undoubtedly, in the battles for the top eight, Vikram was the most eye-catching.


    "Damn it." The ck-robed elder ''Bhaskar'' felt miserable, watching his rival, ''Nilu,'' a fellow martial arts professor from India, receiving numerous congrattions.


    "Why couldn''t this Guan Ying be as strong as Li Yuan?" Bhaskar grumbled to himself.


    The crucial top four had been decided, but thepetition continued without any rest, moving directly into the real semifinals.


    "The two semifinal matches will determine the two final contenders," the burly host announced excitedly. "In the first semifinal match, from Kunlun Martial University, known as the strongest defender of thispetition, the martial arts genius¡ªLi Yuan."


    "He will face the fierce attacker from Starlight University, Yu Ming!"


    The entire viewing area erupted in cheers, engulfed in the excitement of China''s spectators.


    Other countries'' spectators remained rtively quiet, with some from Japan and the East Alliance starting to leave.


    Because this was an internal battle for China, and their country''s participants had all been eliminated.


    On the stage.


    "Li Yuan, I probably can''t beat you," Yu Ming said calmly in a voice only the two of them could hear. "I only hope for one thing."


    "What is it?" Li Yuan asked curiously.


    "After you enter the finals, defeat that show-off Tantai Feng," Yu Ming said in a low voice.


    Then, without waiting for Li Yuan to respond, Yu Mingunched an attack.


    Boom! Yu Ming attacked Li Yuan, who stood still for a moment before holding his spear in readiness.


    This battle between Li Yuan and Yu Ming was intense, simr to Li Yuan''s fight with Gaurav.


    Li Yuan focused solely on defense, continuing to refine his spear skills.


    And Yu Ming, despite iming he wasn''t as strong as Li Yuan, fought with all his might, leaving no room for hesitation, his attacks even more intense than Gaurav''s.


    In the end, after over ten minutes of fiercebat, the battle provided the more than 700,000 spectators with a thrilling disy of offense and defense.


    Li Yuan won the battle.


    Before his final strike, Li Yuan conveyed a message to Yu Ming: "Yu Ming, thank you."


    This ended the battle.


    The fight with Yu Ming gave Li Yuan more insights, bringing him closer to a true breakthrough.


    "The finals," Li Yuan''s eyes sparkled as he disappeared from the stage.


    "Senior Brother won!" "He made it to the finals!" The students of Kunlun Martial University were more excited than ever.


    "Yu Ming is the top talent of Starlight University, yet he was also defeated by Senior Brother." "Win the championship." "Be the champion." Many Kunlun Martial University students began to shout excitedly for the championship.


    Facing strong opponents one after another, Li Yuan continued to sweep them aside and advance to the final, showcasing his immense strength.


    Not only did this earn the admiration of the six freshman institutes of Kunlun Martial University, but it also instilled pride in all the freshmen.


    "Defeating Gaurav and Yu Ming has proven Li Yuan''s strength," Li Yang said with a smile. "I hope he can fight without pressure in the final." "Yes," Dean Xu nodded.


    Li Yuan''s performance had far exceeded their expectations.


    Soon, the second semifinal match began between Tantai Feng and Vikram.


    When Tantai Feng appeared on stage, his choice of weapon once again surprised many, including Li Yuan.


    Tantai Feng still used dual des instead of switching to a sword and shield.


    "Still using dual des?" Vikram felt insulted.


    "Indian, let me teach you how to use dual des," Tantai Feng said lightly.


    This statement infuriated Vikram: "You Chinese people are too arrogant."


    Although he also used dual des, it was a weapon he had trained with since childhood,bined with his flexible techniques, maximizing his strength.


    And Tantai Feng? As far as he knew, Tantai Feng''s strongest weaponbination had always been a sword and shield.


    "Arrogant?" "Vikram." Tantai Feng smiled slightly. "Do you know the difference between arrogance and confidence?"


    Vikram was momentarily stunned.


    "Strength." Tantai Feng muttered, striking a handsome pose. "When my de cuts your throat, no one will call me arrogant."


    Vikram''s eyes almost spewed fire.


    "You defeated my teammate." "So, you deserve my respect," Tantai Feng said lightly. "I will use my true strength to send you off."


    At that moment.


    "Damn it!" Vikram couldn''t hold back any longer and charged at Tantai Feng with his dual des.


    Quick as lightning, he lunged at Tantai Feng, his des raised high, ready to strike.


    "Flexible de technique?" "Too slow." Tantai Feng shook his head gently, his eyes narrowing. At the moment of contact.


    Boom! Tantai Feng finally moved, his explosive speed far exceeding Vikram''s. His dual des shed like terrifying streams of light across the sky.


    ng! ng! Four terrifying de lights intersected like lightning! Blood sttered!


    Boom~ Vikram fell heavily to the ground, blood flowing from his neck as his body gradually dissipated.


    "Only you remain, Li Yuan," Tantai Feng smiled, looking at the solemn-faced Li Yuan below the stage.


    "Flowing Light Intent!" "Mental Profundity!" In the higher viewing area, the teachers were in an uproar, shocked by what they had witnessed.

 Chapter 141: Li Yuan vs. Tantai Feng

    <h4>Chapter 141: Li Yuan vs. Tantai Feng</h4>


    The hundreds of thousands of spectators in the stands, limited by their eyesight, couldn''t see Tantai Feng''s sudden burst of speed just now.


    They only felt that Tantai Feng was extremely powerful, even managing to kill Vikram within ten strikes.


    However, in the higher-level viewing area, the martial arts teachers from various schools could analyze the profundities of Tantai Feng''s sudden outburst.


    "In a virtual duel, everyone''s physical attributes are the same. Vikram is also a high-level fourth stage. Logically, even if Tantai Feng has an advantage, it shouldn''t be such a crushing victory."


    "There is only one possibility! The mind has reached a profound state! He has greatly tapped into the body''s finest forces."


    "This allows his speed and strength to be on par with a level 12 martial artist during a burst."


    "A profound mind."


    "And his sword, terrifyingly fast, with an extreme brilliance that definitely embodies the essence of ''flowing light''." The teachers exchanged opinions and quickly reached a conclusion.


    "Incredible!"


    "He''s only a freshman, and it''s only October."


    "First in China? No! First in the world." These teachers were all amazed and shocked.


    A profound mind, if found in a senior student in their twenties, could be called ''a martial arts genius,'' but globally there are quite a few of such cases.


    However, for a freshman who has just entered university for a few months? It is extremely rare.


    Among all martial arts universities globally, there might be only this one case among freshmen.


    It''s important to know that it is only October now.


    It has only been three months since the freshmen started university.


    "He''s just a freshman, so his physical fitness must not be high, and his mental strength cannot be that strong." Dean Liu of East Sea Martial University couldn''t help but say, "And yet he has reached a profound mind? Even if he can''t break through in a short time, when he bes a source martial artist in his third year, he will definitely be able to reach the fifth stage of skills."


    "Yes, the threshold of the fifth stage absolutely can''t stop him."


    "What a genius." Many teachers couldn''t help but nod in admiration.


    It is extremely difficult to advance from the perfect fourth stage to the fifth stage of skills!


    Even in Starlight University, Starry Sky University, and ck Stone University, there are very few students with fifth-stage skills.


    In ordinary martial arts universities? It''s hard to find even one among all the students.


    But at this moment, almost all the teachers believed that Tantai Feng would reach the fifth stage during his university years.


    Why? The foundation!


    Weak physical fitness, insufficient mental strength,ck of experience, etc., all lead to much poorerprehension.


    Especially mental strength.


    Whether it''s a profound mind or the higher level ''fifth-stage transcendent,'' both require very high mental strength.


    Normally, without strong mental strength, it is almost impossible to break through to the fifth stage.


    Therefore, for a genius like Tantai Feng, who has already reached a profound mind, as long as he practices normally to be a source martial artist, his foundation will be much stronger than it is now.


    With hisprehension, it is almost certain that he will reach the fifth stage.


    "Li Yuan can''t win."


    "It''s not that Li Yuan is not strong enough, but Tantai Feng is too abnormal." The teachers who had originally favored Li Yuan now almost unanimously believed that Tantai Feng would win.


    They couldn''t think of a possibility for Tantai Feng to lose.


    "What should we do?" Dean Xu looked at Li Yang with a hint of worry in his eyes. "Should we inform Li Yuan?"


    "No need."


    Li Yang gently shook his head. "Consider it a tempering experience for him."


    "Since entering university, he has been advancing triumphantly. Perhaps this is a good opportunity to make him more aware."


    "Yes."


    Dean Xu also calmed down. "The difference in rewards between the champion and the runner-up is not significant. Tempering his arrogance is not a bad thing."


    ...


    "Vikram was defeated in a single exchange?"


    "Tantai Feng has be so strong?" Gong Mi and the white youth ''Salvatore'' also changed their expressions as they watched from the stands.


    "Instantly killing Vikram, I can''t do that." Salvatore squinted his eyes slightly.


    In terms of strength, he was vaguely the number one freshman at Starlight University before.


    But now it seems that Tantai Feng is the strongest!


    "Li Yuan is really in trouble." Tian Dazhuang frowned as he came to watch.


    Not only the three of them, but also the many top geniuses from Starry Sky University and ck Stone University who came to watch, all changed their expressions.


    With the high-level fourth stage realm and vision of these top geniuses.


    Even if they couldn''t immediately judge, they could feel the terror of Tantai Feng.


    ...


    "Sister, do you think he has already realized the essence of ''flowing light''? A profound mind?" Wu Dongdong asked in disbelief with her mouth wide open.


    She couldn''t see it at all.


    "I''m not entirely sure, but judging from the result, Vikram would never be careless against Tantai Feng, and yet he was still instantly killed... ny percent probability." Lin Lanyue shook her head gently.


    "Doesn''t that mean Li Yuan is certain to lose?" Wu Dongdong couldn''t help but say.


    "Winning or losing is not important anymore." Lin Lanyue smiled.


    Wu Dongdong was stunned. Winning or losing is not important? Then what is important?


    "What''s important is how much Li Yuan can gain."


    "It''s just a virtual battle."


    ...


    Tantai Feng had already been teleported off the arena.


    "A profound mind?" But in Li Yuan''s mind, the sudden burst of a sword just now was still reverberating.


    Li Yuan had watched the video sent by Lin Lanyue dozens of times and remembered clearly the scene of the expert demonstrating the essence of ''flowing light.''


    The sword was like flowing light!


    Brilliant like a river!


    It was very simr to the sword light disyed by Tantai Feng just now.


    The opponent''s strength was already terrifying to the extreme.


    Far beyond what Li Yuan had previously expected.


    "My chances of winning..." Li Yuan suddenly smiled, "Very well, then let''s fight without any burdens."


    Li Yuan had a very good mindset.


    If he had been anxious and unsure before, now he was calm after recognizing the reality.


    ...


    "Next, we will have the final match of this year''s ''Ten School Freshmen Battle,'' which will determine the final champion and runner-up." The burly host''s voice was enthusiastic. "Their strength is such that they would have a great chance of winning the championship in the past ten years of the ''Ten School Freshmen Battle.''"


    "But today, only one of them can stand on the arena."


    "Let''s wee¡ªTantai Feng! Li Yuan!"


    Swish! Swish!


    Tantai Feng and Li Yuan had already chosen their weapons and were teleported from the preparation area to the arena, facing each other fifty meters apart.


    The ten-second countdown began.


    "You''re using a sword and shield? Why not continue with the dual swords?" Li Yuan asked as he looked at the weapons in Tantai Feng''s hands.


    One hand held a sword, the other a shield.


    Previously, all his opponents had been dealt with directly by Tantai Feng using dual swords.


    This was the first conversation between Li Yuan and Tantai Feng in the Ten School Freshmen Battle so far.


    The conversation was only audible to both of them.


    "Dual swords have stronger attack power, but weaker defense." Tantai Feng rarely smiled and said, "Your defense is very strong, and I can see that you are very close to mental profundity."


    "Using dual swords is indeed more stylish, but there is a one percent chance that I can''t break your defense. If I can''t break it, it will be troublesome..."


    Tantai Feng said tly, "Pretending to be cool, thest thing you want is to fail at it."


    "As a challenger, if you lose, it''s not embarrassing."


    "If I lose, it would be a huge embarrassment."


    "Using a sword and shield."


    "You have no chance of winning." Tantai Feng smiled. "It may not be as cool, but at least I won''t lose face. When I pretend to be cool, it''s always with absolute certainty."


    Li Yuan chuckled, but he had to admit that Tantai Feng had a lot of personality.


    He seemed to like showing off, but deep down, he was very cautious.


    Too cautious.


    Even though his skills far surpassed his own, he still chose to use a shield in the end.


    "Alright." Li Yuan nodded and smiled. "Then let me experience the strength of this year''s number one in China."


    "Wrong!"


    Tantai Feng shook his head slightly and raised his head a bit. "I am not this year''s number one in China."


    "I am¡ªthe number one in the world this year!"


    After saying that.


    Tantai Feng adjusted his stance slightly, looking at Li Yuan with poise.


    One second, two seconds... the countdown had already ended.


    The stands were boiling over, with all the spectators watching the final showdown between the two on the arena.


    "Why aren''t you attacking?" Tantai Feng finally couldn''t help but ask.


    "I''m waiting for you."


    Li Yuan also set up his defensive spear stance, shaking his head. "If I attack you first, wouldn''t that be suicidal?"


    Tantai Feng was stunned, realizing he had met his match.


    In Tantai Feng''s view, whoever attacks first is weaker.


    But he hesitated for only a second.


    "If I keep waiting, people might think I''m afraid of Li Yuan, which would damage my reputation as a master even more." Tantai Feng finally moved.


    Boom! He lunged tens of meters forward, attacking Li Yuan like lightning.


    "Kill!" Li Yuan gripped his spear tightly, staring at Tantai Feng, and thrust his spear fiercely.


    The decisive battle erupted.


    ...


    When the battle finally began.


    "Li Yuan!"


    "Tantai Feng!!"


    "Go for it!" In the stands, nearly 800,000 spectators were boiling over, cheering excitedly and enthusiastically, their voices loud and clear.


    Especially the hundreds of thousands of chinese spectators, for whom the oue was less important than the excitement of the battle.


    ...


    "Wow! Wow!" Tantai Feng held the sword in one hand, his sword attack sharp and continuous, shing towards Li Yuan repeatedly.


    "ng!"


    "Boom~ Boom~" Li Yuan''s spear shadow shifted, mobilizing all his strength to resist the sword attack while dodging and retreating to avoid closebat with Tantai Feng.


    Typically, in a spear versus sword duel, the spear usually has the absolute advantage in attack.


    A longer weapon is stronger.


    But once they started fighting, Li Yuan realized that Tantai Feng''s sword attack was so fast that it made his scalp tingle.


    Most importantly, Tantai Feng''s sword attack seemed to predict all of Li Yuan''s moves, easily blocking all his counterattacks.


    Li Yuan waspletely suppressed.


    "A profound mind, force as fine as silk." Li Yuan knew that Tantai Feng wasn''t actually predicting his moves.


    It was purely because his opponent''s realm was higher, his speed and strength faster, and every strike could react faster.


    "ng~"


    With another sh of weapons, Li Yuan was forced to retreat again.


    "I can''t block it! I am indeed no match for him." Li Yuan hadpletely given up attacking, realizing the terror of the sword attack that was like flowing light.


    A single sword forced him into full defense.


    Moreover, from start to finish, Tantai Feng hadn''t even used his left-hand shield.


    "If Tantai Feng had used dual swords in this match, I would have already lost." Li Yuan gritted his teeth, staring at the continuous terrifying sword attack.


    Li Yuan understood that today''s victory or defeat was no longer meaningful. The opponent''s realm far surpassed his own.


    If Tantai Feng was purely aiming to defeat him, he would have already lost in the first few dozen moves.


    So, let this be a tempering experience.


    Boom! Boom!


    Boom! The two exchanged blows like lightning, but for some reason, Tantai Feng, while suppressing Li Yuan, didn''t go all out.


    It seemed as if he was consciously suppressing and tempering Li Yuan.


    Gradually.


    Li Yuan, who was already close to a breakthrough, began to unconsciously recall the scenes from the video Lin Lanyue had sent of the battle between two experts.


    "The tip draws arcs, the spear shaft like a path."


    "The stars are vast." Li Yuan was fully immersed in the battle, enjoying it, and unknowingly, his spear techniques began to show some special changes.


    "That''s it." Li Yuan vaguely grasped that elusive opportunity.


    That indescribable essence.


    At this moment, Li Yuan''s mind fully sensed every corner of his body, feeling the finest forces hidden within.


    "Boom!" Li Yuan felt all the forces in his body being fully tapped, countless fine forces unified, and his speed and strength began to constantly increase, surpassing his past limits.


    The power he unleashed grew stronger and stronger.


    The speed of his spear grew faster and faster.


    "A profound mind! The spear is like the stars." Li Yuan had a clear understanding in his heart, and his spear techniquespletely changed, with the Starry Five Forms disying apletely different charm.


    "ng!"


    "ng!" "ng!" Originally struggling to block the attacks, Li Yuan gradually managed to fend off Tantai Feng''s sword techniques.


    "Did he really break through? A breakthrough in battle?" Tantai Feng''s eyes brightened. "Interesting!"

 Chapter 142: The Battle of Profundity Ends

    <h4>Chapter 142: The Battle of Profundity Ends</h4>


    Boom!


    Boom boom!! The two of them were fighting at lightning speed.


    Li Yuan''s spear vibrated continuously, the spear like rolling stars, dancing like dragons and snakes, repeatedly blocking Tantai Feng''s long sword.


    Although Tantai Feng was still attacking with full force, his speed and strength still surpassed Li Yuan''s, but he no longer had an overwhelming advantage.


    Time and again, the de attacks were rendered ineffective against Li Yuan''s wless defense.


    "The Starry Intent."


    "Body like the stars, spear like a dragon! This is the Starry Intent." Tantai Feng sensed Li Yuan''s rapid transformation.


    Even as time passed and the battle continued, with just one sword, Tantai Feng was no longer able to suppress Li Yuan; instead, there was a trend of being suppressed by Li Yuan''s defensive counterattacks.


    "I thought I was talented enough."


    "I didn''t expect that there would be someone more talented than me among my peers." Thoughts raced through Tantai Feng''s mind. "Breaking through in battle, how impressive!"


    "Why haven''t I done that?"


    "Maybe next time I break through, I''ll pretend to do it in battle and show off a bit?"


    Tantai Feng remained calm, still not using the shield in his left hand.


    "Fight!"


    "Fight!" Li Yuan grew braver as he fought,pletely transformed.


    Winning or losing? Li Yuan didn''t care; he just wanted to have a great fight.


    Just now, under Tantai Feng''s extreme pressure, Li Yuan defended with all his might, and with the insights gained from his recent spear practice, he finally broke through, having been on the verge for some time.


    Most crucial was his mental strength of level 23, which provided a huge advantage for his current state of mind.


    Allowing him to take that crucial step in battle.


    "Break!"


    Li Yuan''s spear rolled, suddenly exploding with spear after spear, swift as lightning, turning from defense to offense, pushing Tantai Feng back step by step.


    Starry Spear Technique - Gxy Cascade!


    The same move, when executed with Li Yuan''s full strength and insight, was vastly more powerful.


    ...


    "Starry Intent! Mental Profundity!"


    "Li Yuan actually broke through? Under such immense pressure in this battle, he managed to break through?"


    "Incredible."


    "So fast? Li Yuan only reached the Bright Moon stage in August, and now he''s pushing towards the perfect fourth stage?"


    "Tantai Feng is in danger."


    In another viewing area, the hundreds of teachers watching werepletely stunned, watching the intense battle on the stage.


    Tantai Feng''s sudden burst was already surprising enough, but it was within their expectations.


    After all, Tantai Feng had always shown extreme talent; he reached the high-level fourth stage in May this year.


    After so long, achieving a profound mind, although surprising, was still eptable.


    But Li Yuan? He only broke through in August!


    "What?"


    "Mental Profundity!" Li Yang and Dean Xu were equally shocked, even somewhat dumbfounded.


    That''s right!


    Previously in the battle, Li Yuan had indeed shown signs of understanding the Starry Intent.


    But showing signs and truly understanding it are worlds apart!


    The difference is significant.


    "Can Li Yuan win?" A sudden sense of expectation arose in Li Yang''s heart.


    ...


    "The battle is so intense."


    "Wow!"


    "Li Yuan is starting to gain the upper hand?"


    "The situation is turning around."


    "Is Tantai Feng going to lose?" The entire viewing stand was in an uproar, with everyone staring wide-eyed at the scene.


    They couldn''t fully understand the specific skill levels, but they could grasp the general situation.


    Li Yuan, who had been at aplete disadvantage, was gradually beginning to suppress Tantai Feng.


    At this moment, most spectators had an involuntary thought: Is Tantai Feng going to follow in the footsteps of Gaurav and Yu Ming?


    Several times before, it had been proven.


    Li Yuan was best at defensive counterattacks, and he was definitely the strongest defender in the Ten School Freshmen Battle.


    ...


    "A profound mind?"


    "A freshman from Kunlun Martial University has also achieved a profound mind?" The top global talents from Starlight University and Starry Sky University were both shocked andplex in their hearts.


    They had all seen that Li Yuan had broken through.


    It was one thing for Tantai Feng to break through; he was originally the top genius of Starlight University.


    But Li Yuan?


    Before this, many martial arts geniuses from the three top martial arts schools didn''t even know who he was.


    ...


    Li Yuan''s breakthrough and explosive performance shocked all the spectators.


    But the ''battle of profundity'' on the stage had reached a fever pitch.


    The fierce battle between the two continued.


    Finally.


    "ng!" When Li Yuan''s spear thrust out like lightning again.


    The sword attack was a beat slower and failed to block the thrust.


    "Boom~" The huge shield moved horizontally, smashing heavily against the spear, causing the spear to deviate.


    Boom!


    Li Yuan was sted back, widening the distance between them, staring intently at Tantai Feng.


    Tantai Feng did not follow up with an attack but stopped as well.


    "Why did you help me?" Li Yuan suddenly asked, filled with confusion.


    Just now, without Tantai Feng''s extreme pressure, even if he was only a step away from a true breakthrough, he wouldn''t have managed it.


    In a sense, it was Tantai Feng who helped him.


    "Didn''t you help Dazhuang?" Tantai Feng grinned. "I saw you were on the verge of a breakthrough and thought I''d try to help you. I didn''t expect you to really break through."


    "Dazhuang? Tian Dazhuang?" Li Yuan was stunned, not reacting immediately.


    How did Tantai Feng know?


    "Dazhuang is one of my best friends at school; we often spar together." Tantai Feng smiled. "I know about you helping him."


    "You''re a good person." Tantai Feng gave Li Yuan a thumbs-up.


    Li Yuan nodded slightly, understanding the reason.


    But he still looked at Tantai Feng oddly.


    A good friend? Would a good friend ask for help to beat up Tantai Feng?


    But Li Yuan suddenly remembered that Tian Dazhuang had mentioned a few days ago that he had sparred with Tantai Feng.


    "You helped me, aren''t you afraid of losing?" Li Yuan asked in a low voice.


    "Does winning or losing matter?" Tantai Feng smiled in return.


    Li Yuan was stunned for a moment, then smiled. "It doesn''t matter, the rewards are simr."


    "You''re wrong again."


    "It matters a lot." Tantai Feng said seriously. "If I lose, I won''t be the global number one of this year. Even if you surpass me, at least let me have my moment of glory."


    Li Yuan was stunned. This guy didn''t follow the usual logic at all.


    "I helped you."


    "But I also said, with my shield, you don''t stand a chance." Tantai Feng smiled. "Li Yuan, forcing me to use the shield, you are definitely the global number two this year."


    "From now on, I won''t hold back."


    Without waiting for Li Yuan to say more.


    Boom! Tantai Feng exploded once again, his speed instantly soaring, charging towards Li Yuan like lightning, a blurred sword attack shing down fiercely.


    This sword was even faster than before.


    "Whoosh!"


    Li Yuan''s spear whistled, trying to block the attack.


    "Boom~"


    Tantai Feng''s shield, like a heavy hammer, suddenly lifted, colliding with the spear tip, then the shield sliced horizontally, shing with the spear tip, forcefully knocking the spear aside.


    Rushing towards Li Yuan like lightning.


    Boom! Li Yuan, seemingly anticipating this, withdrew his spear, his legs exerting force, retreating backward.


    "Boom~"


    "Bang! Bang!" The two fought at lightning speed. Although Li Yuan exerted all his strength and was careful in defense, facing Tantai Feng''s sword-shield burst, he waspletely at a disadvantage.


    The sword was like flowing light, swift as lightning.


    The shield was like a heavy hammer, either smashing or defending.


    With the sword and shieldbination, Tantai Feng''s strength increased by more than double,pletely suppressing Li Yuan, forcing him to retreat repeatedly.


    ...


    The entire viewing stand grew quieter at this moment.


    Many spectators held their breath, watching this scene.


    No one expected the final match to reach this stage. After Li Yuan''s explosive performance,


    Tantai Feng used his shield to once again suppress Li Yuan.


    "So strong."


    "Sword techniques! Shield techniques! Movement techniques! Tantai Feng has reached the perfect fourth stage in all these aspects, almost to the extreme."


    "He''s very close to the fifth stage." The teachers watched with shock.


    ...


    On the stage, Li Yuan was repeatedly and arduously defending and retreating.


    At this moment,


    Li Yuan realized that Tantai Feng''s true strengthy not in his sword techniques, but in his shield techniques.


    The shield in his hand seemed alive, both offensive and defensive.


    Moreover, after fully exploding, Tantai Feng''s movement techniques were clearly superior.


    Even with the Starry Intent and a profound mind, Li Yuan couldn''t withstand it.


    A profound mind and raising spear and movement techniques to over 90% of the fourth stage are two different concepts.


    It requires a lot of time to continue practicing, and what Li Yuancked was time.


    Suddenly.


    "Swish!" Another sword shed down, and Li Yuan raised his spear to block.


    At the moment of blocking,


    Tantai Feng''s left-hand shield suddenly flew out, like a cannonball, directly smashing towards Li Yuan''s chest.


    At such close range, the shield was too fast.


    So fast that Li Yuan couldn''t react in time.


    "Boom~" Li Yuan felt a terrifying force piercing through his armor, impacting his entire body, and he was sted backward.


    Whoosh! Tantai Feng stepped forward.


    Whoosh!


    The eerie sword attack shed, slicing down along Li Yuan''s spear, cutting across Li Yuan''s face and neck.


    Blood sttered.


    Li Yuan''s figure became blurry.


    "I lost." Li Yuan didn''t feel disappointed, instead, he smiled. "A profound mind, this battle was very rewarding. In terms of true strength, I''m indeed not as strong as him."


    In the end, Li Yuan was quite grateful to Dantai Feng.


    Whoosh!


    Li Yuan''s figurepletely disappeared.


    "What a freak!"


    "I had to risk throwing my shield to finally defeat him despite my full burst." Tantai Feng muttered. "The information said he only had third-stage skillsst year?"


    "This progress is much faster than Gong Mi and the others, even faster than me."


    "It seems I won''t hold the title of global number one of this year for long." Tantai Feng shook his head.


    ...


    "Tantai Feng!!"


    "Tantai Feng!" Tens of thousands of spectators on the viewing stand were cheering his name excitedly.


    In this battle, both sides had fought with all their strength, and it was extremely intense.


    In the end, Tantai Feng''s full burst won the victory.


    "Awesome!" Tantai Feng felt ted listening to the cheers from all directions.


    He didn''t care about being surpassed by Li Yuan in the future; at least today, he had won this battle.

 Chapter 143: One Battle Brings Fame Across the World

    <h4>Chapter 143: One Battle Brings Fame Across the World</h4>


    With Li Yuan''s defeat and departure from the arena.


    Tantai Feng stood alone on the stage, epting the cheers and excited shouts of the hundreds of thousands of spectators.


    Tantai Feng felt truly exhrated.


    Ever since he decided to participate in the Ten School Freshmen Battle, he had been looking forward to this moment.


    In normal circumstances, a genius like him would not participate in the Ten School Freshmen Battle.


    Why was this time special? It wasn''t because the high-level management of Starlight University had special considerations.


    It was simply because Tantai Feng himself applied and strongly requested to participate.


    His purpose was not to hone his skills but to enjoy the feeling of being in the spotlight.


    Yes, the reason was just that simple.


    "Damn it!"


    "That guy is showing off again." Sitting in the stands, Tian Dazhuang gritted his teeth as he watched, "He earned another 20 million, plus precious materials! No way, he must treat me to a big meal tonight as revenge."


    The only way Tian Dazhuang could think of to get back at him was to make Tantai Feng treat him to a big meal.


    ...


    "Swish!" Li Yuan also returned to the stands, appearing among the freshmen of the Six Institutes.


    "Senior Brother."


    "Li Yuan." An Nong, Gu Qianghan, Wu Luo, and the other freshmen, as well as the senior students like Qiu Jing and Shi Xiao, couldn''t help but look at Li Yuan with regret.


    Yes!


    For the majority of the chinese spectators, it didn''t matter who won between Li Yuan and Tantai Feng.


    But the students of Kunlun Martial University naturally hoped from the bottom of their hearts that Li Yuan would win the championship.


    Moreover, in the eyes of most people, Li Yuan was really just a step away from winning the final battle.


    "Haha, why are you all looking at me like that?" Li Yuanughed, "Victory and defeat aremon in warfare; there''s no shame in losing."


    Li Yuan was very calm.


    Winning or losing? As a martial artist aspiring to the pinnacle, he definitely pursued the championship and aimed to be the best!


    But it''s crucial to understand that the process of chasing the top is more important than the result.


    Aim high, and you will achieve mediocrity.


    Just like from his third year in high school to the college entrance examination, Li Yuan asked himself if he had done his best, and although his final results were not the top in the province or the city, he was very satisfied.


    This Ten School Freshmen Battle was the same; Li Yuan felt he had gained a lot, and the process was incredibly fulfilling.


    Didn''t win the championship?


    Then he''ll strive for it next time.


    "Junior Brother Li Yuan, congrattions on achieving a profound mind." A deep, prating voice suddenly came from the high stands.


    Swish! Swish!


    Many people instinctively turned to look and saw a young man with a square face dressed in ck robes sitting in the higher stands, smiling.


    "Jin Huguo."


    "Senior Brother Jin."


    "Senior Brother Jin is here to watch too? What did Senior Brother Jin just say, a profound state of mind? Did Li Yuan''s skills break through to the perfect fourth stage?" The thousand students of Kunlun Martial University were in an uproar, looking at Li Yuan and then at Senior Brother Jin with shock.


    "Senior Brother Jin." Li Yuan also smiled.


    Jin Huguo was a name he had heard repeatedly since entering the school.


    It was as familiar as thunder.


    Today was the first time they met, even if it was just a virtual meeting.


    "That battle was very impressive." Jin Huguo smiled, "Let''s work hard together for the Global University Martial Arts Tournament next February."


    "Yes! Let''s work hard together." Li Yuan also smiled.


    As far as he knew, Jin Huguo had achieved a subtle state of mind in the first semester of his second year.


    Another year had passed, and who knows how strong Jin Huguo had be?


    But for now, Li Yuan knew he was still far from being a match for Jin Huguo.


    Whether in a virtual battle or a real one.


    ...


    "Congrattions to Tantai Feng on winning the championship."


    The burly host''s voice was high-pitched and enthusiastic, echoing through the vast dueling space: "Also, congrattions to Li Yuan for winning the runner-up."


    "Thank you both for bringing us an exceptionally brilliant final battle in this year''s Ten School Freshmen Battle. This is definitely the most exciting peak duel since the Ten School Freshmen Battle was changed to ''virtual duels'' in 2009."


    "Without a doubt."


    "I believe that for many years toe, future Ten School Freshmen Battle finals will bepared to today''s duel."


    "I also believe that the two of them will shine brightly in the uing Global University Martial Arts Tournament and even the Human Martial Arts Elite Battle!"


    "I hereby dere... the Ten School Freshmen Battle of 2043 is now over."


    With that, the Ten School Freshmen Battle concluded.


    Boom!


    The entire viewing stand erupted in intense cheers, and students from various countries and schools apuded.


    Everyone had to admit that this year''s Ten School Freshmen Battle had indeed produced many martial arts geniuses.


    Especially the duel between Li Yuan and Tantai Feng, with Li Yuan''s breakthrough during the battle forcing Tantai Feng to use his full strength, it was indeed a ssic.


    In the end, Tantai Feng took first ce, and Li Yuan settled for second.


    ...


    In a higher-level viewing area.


    "A battle of profundity."


    "Unexpectedly, in a freshman battle, we witnessed a duel involving a profound state of mind; it''s too rare."


    "This is the first time in the history of virtual battles in the Ten School Freshmen Battle."


    "Even in the annual ''Three-School Freshmen Battle'' of Starlight, Starry Sky, and ck Stone in December, it often takes several years to see such a duel."


    "Freshmen achieving a profound state of mind? And two of them at once, that''s extremely rare." The teachers discussed, all deeply impressed and shocked.


    Such geniuses are rare on Blue Star, with perhaps one emerging each year.


    "Both of them have the potential to soar."


    "Tantai Feng, his strength is even greater than we imagined, just one step away from the fifth stage. He might break through before February next year."


    "Hard to say."


    "It''s extremely difficult to cross from a profound state of mind to the unity of man and heaven, but there is hope."


    "Since Yu Jinghe, we haven''t had many in China who couldpare to Tantai Feng."


    "Tantai Feng is strong, but Li Yuan is even more terrifying."


    "ording to the data, in just over a year, he went from the initial third stage to the perfect fourth stage. This progress speed is simply astonishing."


    "Li Yuan''s progress speed is very impressive."


    "Where they will go in the future is hard to say; we can only wish them well."


    ...


    Less than half an hour after the duel ended.


    In a special virtual space named ''Starry Sky University,'' only Starry Sky University students could enter.


    Over 200 Starry Sky University freshmen arrived in this meeting room.


    Lin Lanyue, Wu Dongdong, and others were all present.


    "Why did the teacher suddenly call us here?"


    "I don''t know." Many Starry Sky University freshmen were puzzled and filled with curiosity.


    Although the news of the Ten School Freshmen Battle spread, most freshmen from the three top martial arts schools didn''t pay much attention.


    To them, a league of ordinary martial arts universities wasn''t worth watching.


    It was a waste of time.


    Soon, a giant light screen appeared in front of the students, showing the scene of the duel between Tantai Feng and Li Yuan.


    "What''s this?"


    Many students were puzzled at first, but soon they fell silent, and with their keen eyes, most could feel the terrifying strength disyed by both sides.


    Whoosh!


    A teacher from Starry Sky University finally appeared.


    "Some of you may have seen this battle live, but most of you are watching it for the first time." The teacher''s voice was cold, "The two fighters, one named Tantai Feng, is the top freshman of Starlight University."


    "The other, Li Yuan, is a freshman from Kunlun Martial University."


    "They have both achieved a profound state of mind!!" The teacher enunciated each word.


    The room fell silent.


    Almost all Starry Sky University students showed expressions of shock.


    A profoundstate of mind?


    "Remember, don''t think that just because you entered Starry Sky University, you can look down on others, and don''t consider yourselves the chosen ones!!" The teacher''s voice was cold, "Among you, who can beat Tantai Feng?"


    "Who can confidently defeat Li Yuan?"


    Silence.


    "Some students can only bring glory to their school." The teacher said coldly, "But some students can make their school proud."


    "If you don''t wake up and work hard, you will be trampled by Tantai Feng."


    "Even by Li Yuan from Kunlun Martial University."


    "That''s all, dismissed!" The teacher disappeared instantly.


    In the meeting room, over 200 Starry Sky University freshmen looked at each other.


    "A profound state of mind?"


    "Li Yuan? A student from Kunlun Martial University is that strong?"


    "I''ve heard of him."


    "Indeed, he''s very formidable, much stronger than me." These Starry Sky University students were all motivated.


    Because this year, Starry Sky University''s freshmen had fewer than ten who reached the high-level fourth stage.


    A profound state of mind? Not a single one.


    ...


    Simr scenes urred at ck Stone University, Starlight University, and other martial arts universities.


    "Besides Tantai Feng!"


    "Who among you can beat Li Yuan? Yu Ming lost, Gong Mi, can you do it?"


    ...


    "Did you see?"


    "Li Yuan is a student from Kunlun Martial University, yet he can defeat the top genius of Starlight University."


    "Not strong enough? Then train harder, don''t me the school. Staying at our Jiangbei Martial University, you still have a chance to be a source martial artist, even a flying martial artist."


    ...


    In a short time,


    Li Yuan''s name became known to arge number of freshmen and even sophomore and junior students in universities worldwide.


    They all knew.


    Li Yuan, a freshman from Kunlun Martial University, had sessfully achieved a subtle state of mind within months of enrollment, cing him among the top three globally in freshman martial skills.


    One battle brought fame across the world.


    ...


    Li Yuan was not fully aware of this yet, and even if he knew, he wouldn''t care.


    "Spear techniques! Skills."


    "The Starry Intent." Li Yuan exited the virtualwork, sitting in his cabin, still reflecting on the final battle''s gains.


    "In the end, my realm was insufficient."


    "His sword techniques, shield techniques, and movement techniques are all near the perfect fourth stage, suppressing me in all aspects."


    "But if my spear techniques were strong enough, I could at least hold my ground." Li Yuan kept summarizing his experiences and lessons.


    "And movement techniques."


    "If my movement techniques were strong enough, I wouldn''t be so embarrassed. I need to work hard on them to make up for my shorings." Li Yuan pondered.


    Determining who''s the first doesn''t matter.


    Summarizing experiences, reflecting, and striving to be stronger is what matters.


    From middle school to high school, to the Jiangbei invitation event and the college entrance exam, Li Yuan rarely took first ce.


    But he kept improving.


    Unknowingly, one by one, his former opponents were surpassed and left far behind.


    Now, he stood among the top freshmen globally.


    ...


    After thinking for a while, Li Yuan went to the underground martial arts room, took out his spear, and began training quietly.


    "Star Illumination!"


    "Gxy Cascade!"


    "Breaking Dawn Pierces the Clouds!" Li Yuan performed move after move of the Starry Spear Technique, each one powerful and continuous, like the ceaseless operation of the stars.


    This is the Starry Intent!


    Time passed.


    [Your spear technique realm has improved from fourth stage 85% to fourth stage 86%]


    [Your spear technique realm has improved from fourth stage 86% to fourth stage 88%]


    ... One prompt after another shed across the divine pce panel.


    He practiced for over three hours.


    It was not until after 2 PM that Li Yuan stopped, feeling he had fullyprehended the battle''s insights.


    "Next, I need to continue training, striving to bring my spear techniques, movement techniques, and fist techniques to fourth stage 99% as soon as possible." Li Yuan thought.


    The realm of understanding was there.


    What''s left was the meticulous work of integrating these insights into his body through repeated practice and reflection.


    Suddenly.


    "Master, Teacher ''Li Yang'' from the school is waiting outside your vi." The smart house system suddenly announced in the martial arts room.


    "Teacher Li, why didn''t you send a V-message first..." Li Yuan suddenly realized, "I left my smart ring in the resting room."


    He had been so focused on practicing his spear techniques that he forgot.


    Quickly.


    Li Yuan rushed upstairs and opened the door.


    "What, you broke through and became so arrogant that you don''t even respond to your teacher''s messages?" Li Yang teased with a smile.


    Li Yuan felt embarrassed, "Teacher, I was practicing and forgot."


    "Haha, just teasing you. I guessed it when you didn''t respond." Li Yangughed, "You must have a lot of insights from breaking through in battle, so naturally, training is the most important thing, which is why I came now."


    Li Yuan nodded slightly.


    "You did very well in today''spetition. Globally, no other freshman this year, except Tantai Feng, can beat you." Li Yang smiled.


    "Second in the world?" Li Yuan was a bit surprised.


    "Of course."


    "Did you think many freshmen have achieved a profound state of mind?" Li Yangughed.


    "No, I just thought there might be two or three." Li Yuan shrugged.


    "Maybe some are hiding their strength, but at least only you and Tantai Feng have shown it." Li Yang smiled, "A profound state of mind is not that easy to achieve."


    "I only reached it after bing a source martial artist." Li Yang sighed, looking at Li Yuan, "I don''t know how you managed it."


    Li Yuan couldn''t help butugh.


    "Anyway, it''s a good thing." Li Yang smiled, "Come with me."


    "Teacher, where are we going?" Li Yuan asked, puzzled.


    "To choose a treasure." Li Yang rolled his eyes, "The top four can choose a piece of precious material. Don''t you want it?"


    "Yes." Li Yuan quickly replied.


    How could he not want it?


    ...


    In the dean''s office on the twelfth floor of ck Dragon Building, more urately, in the small empty martial arts room.


    A light screen projection showed.


    "Yang Xian, you''ve seen the video. What do you think?" The handsome young man in blue looked at the young woman in the light screen with a smile.


    "Pretty good."


    "Li Yuan''s progress is much faster than I expected." A cold voice sounded.


    "What about my suggestion? Have you considered it?" Dean Hai asked calmly.


    "Okay."


    "Within a day, I will upgrade his Martial Hall contract to S-level." The young woman said indifferently, "Additionally, the ten units of ''Starry Earth Marrow Crystal'' I promised will be delivered."

 Chapter 144: Punch Force of 15,000 Kilograms

    <h4>Chapter 144: Punch Force of 15,000 Kilograms</h4>


    After ending themunication with Hall Master Yang, Dean Hai sat in the martial arts room, closing his eyes in deep thought.


    Gradually, a faint blue glow appeared on Dean Hai''s body, containing a strange power that enveloped him in a misty radiance, making him look almost divine.


    Soon.


    "Dean Hai, Li Yuan has arrived," came Li Yang''s somewhat respectful voice from the doorway.


    "Let Li Yuane in," Dean Hai opened his eyes, and the blue glow quickly dissipated, returning him to his normal state.


    Footsteps were heard outside.


    Li Yuan entered the small martial arts room respectfully, "Dean Hai."


    Li Yuan had great respect for the Flying Martial Artists.


    "Come, sit down, don''t be reserved," Dean Hai said calmly.


    "Yes." Li Yuan approached and sat down obediently, just as he didst time.


    Li Yang closed the door, and the room quieted down.


    "I watched your match with Tantai Feng," Dean Hai said gently, with a smile, "Your performance was impressive. Not only did you surprise Dean Li and Dean Xu, but you also surprised me."


    "Your excellence exceeded our expectations."


    "You''re overpraising me, Dean," Li Yuan quickly replied.


    "No, I never exaggerate when I praise," Dean Hai smiled faintly, "Just turning eighteen and reaching a profound mind state... In the ten-plus years I''ve been a dean, I''ve never seen anyone in our school achieve that."


    Li Yuan was speechless.


    "The better you perform, the more attention you''ll get, so don''t be afraid to show your strength," Dean Hai smiled, "You ranked second in this year''s Ten Schools Freshmen Battle, earning you a ''Heavenly Material Treasure'' reward."


    "Although the top four get rewards, the higher the rank, the better the reward."


    "Now, let''s make a selection."


    Dean Hai tapped his smart ring, and a light screen projection appeared.


    Immediately.


    Arge light screen over three meters long and two meters high formed in front of Li Yuan.


    It disyed many texts and images.


    "High-source treasures, body transformation treasures, body cultivation treasures, source power secret treasures, mental treasures, toxic treasures, biological young beasts, ore treasures, unknown effect treasures..." Li Yuan quickly scanned, noticing many categories.


    Veryplex.


    Many terms Li Yuan didn''t even understand.


    "Heavenly Material Treasures are rare treasures nurtured by heaven and earth," Dean Hai exined, seeing Li Yuan''s confusion, "Most of these treasures require a ''high-source environment'', meaning a high concentration of source power. Our Seven Star Sea originally had no source power... So, there are very few Heavenly Material Treasures from our Seven Star Sea."


    Li Yuan listened, learning secrets he hadn''t known before.


    "Many foreign civilizations live in worlds with source power concentrations far exceeding ours, so they have many rare treasures."


    "In some cases, continuous source power nurturing over generations has made many life forms in these foreign civilizations inherently powerful. Like the ck dragon I mentioned before, or even stronger creatures, this is the fundamental reason," Dean Hai patiently exined.


    Li Yuan realized, now understanding.


    "There are even more special areas."


    "The Astral Realm," Dean Hai said, "As a special area where different civilizations intersect, many Astral Realms have nurtured incredible treasures... This is why many foreign civilizationspete with us for control of Astral Realms."


    "Essentially, we are fighting over resources."


    "Manymon martial artists use blood medicine and source power pills, whose raw materials mostlye from Astral Realms we''ve conquered," Dean Hai said.


    Li Yuan listened intently.


    Some of this information he had heard before, but much of it was new to him.


    "The ''high-source spirit springs'' you consumed and some special metals, like the source powerbat suits relied on by source martial artists," Dean Hai said, "All these fundamentally are Heavenly Material Treasures."


    "Some of these treasures have be somon that people no longer find them precious, but to be precise, the source power pills, first-level blood medicine, and body-washing spirit essence you''ve encountered all belong to first-level treasures."


    "And the high-source spirit spring and spirit nourished spring belong to second-level treasures."


    "Third-level treasures are mostly what people consider ''Heavenly Material Treasures'', rare and hard to mass-produce," Dean Hai said softly, "The body-washing spirit essence you used is a third-level treasure."


    Li Yuan realized.


    No wonder the body-washing spirit essence is much more precious than the high-source spirit spring.


    "Third-level treasures are limited, many of which are rare even within our human civilization, with very special effects," Dean Hai said, "Among third-level treasures, their values can differ greatly."


    "The most precious, like the ''Transcendence Fruit,'' a single piece can transform an ordinary person into a source martial artist," Dean Hai said, "Or the ''Nine Revolutions Immortal Soul Fruit,'' which can directly elevate a person''s mental power to level 29."


    "Even flying martial artists can greatly benefit from using them."


    Li Yuan was stunned.


    Transcendence Fruit? Something so powerful that it can directly turn a person into a source martial artist?


    And the Nine Revolutions Immortal Soul Fruit is even more powerful, directly raising mental power to level 29?


    I''ve worked so hard to reach a mental power of 23.


    Reaching 29 will take an unknown amount of time.


    "Don''t think about it, these things are extinct, only appearing a few times in history," Dean Hai smiled, "Their value is hundreds or thousands of times more than a single body-washing spirit essence... They can''t be bought with money."


    Li Yuan was speechless, realizing there was nothing more to say.


    Money is very important, but it is a measure formon items.


    Rare treasures that even the top human civilization warriors desire... Money means little.


    If something can be measured by money, it''s usually something that can be continuously produced and supplied.


    "This time, you can choose a third-level treasure," Dean Hai said, "But the value has an upper limit. The cheaper the item, the more you get."


    "The more expensive, the less," Dean Hai pointed to the dense options on the light screen.


    "Please guide me, Dean," Li Yuan said smartly.


    He had only heard of a few of these treasures by chance; how could he make the right choice?


    "If you ask me, I rmend the ''Star Earth Marrow Crystal,''" Dean Hai said.


    Li Yuan was stunned.


    Isn''t this the treasure promised by Hall Master Yang?


    "Heard of it?" Dean Hai smiled.


    "Yes," Li Yuan nodded, "The Martial Hall contract includes a use that if I reach fifth grade before 20, the contract will upgrade to S-level, and I''ll receive such a treasure."


    This kind of secret was unnecessary to hide from Dean Hai.


    "The Marrow Crystal is a rare treasure nurtured by heaven and earth with many uses: strengthening the body, nurturing descendants, enhancing mental power, healing injuries... It has a wide range of applications," Dean Hai exined, "Ites in many types."


    "You practice the ''Rock Solid Cultivation Method,'' and the Star Earth Marrow Crystal should be the most suitable for you."


    "For normal martial arts geniuses with high-level cultivation methods, choosing a treasure to enhance mental power is best."


    "But you don''t need that."


    "On the contrary, your body transformation and growth need it the most," Dean Hai smiled, "Of course, this is my suggestion; the final choice is yours."


    "I''ll follow your suggestion, Dean," Li Yuan immediately said.


    A suggestion?


    When a leader gives a suggestion, it''s best to treat it as amand, or else the suggestion bes an opinion.


    Besides, Li Yuan felt that Dean Hai made sense.


    "Alright."


    Dean Hai nodded slightly, "You ranked second this time, so you can exchange for eight units of Star Earth Marrow Crystal."


    "This stuff can''t be stored at your residence; it''s unsafe. Whenever you need it, apply in advance and use it in a designated room in the Vermillion Building," Dean Hai said, "I''ll have someone arrange it."


    "Unsafe?" Li Yuan was puzzled.


    "You can have millions or tens of millions of Blue Star Coins in your ount, and no one would covet it," Dean Hai said calmly, "But these Heavenly Material Treasures are physical objects. If someone knows you have them, it''s hard to ensure no one will harbor ill intentions."


    "Losing the treasures is one thing; your life could be at risk."


    "Remember, never test human nature."


    "Understood." Li Yuan felt a chill.


    Indeed.


    A treasure worth over a billion Blue Star Coins... The key is personal safety.


    "One more thing."


    "Today or tomorrow, Starlight Martial Hall should contact you to upgrade your contract from A-level to S-level," Dean Hai said softly, "The promised Star Earth Marrow Crystal, equivalent to ten units, will also be prepared for you."


    "The S-level contract with the Martial Hall?" Li Yuan was puzzled.


    I haven''t heard anything, how does Dean Hai know?


    "Any other questions?" Dean Hai asked, "If not, you may leave."


    Questions?


    Thinking for a moment.


    "Dean, if a person suffered severe physical trauma, shortening their expected lifespan, are there any third-level treasures that can extend life?" Li Yuan couldn''t help but ask.


    "Your uncle?" Dean Hai smiled.


    Li Yuan was stunned.


    "I''ve reviewed all your information," Dean Hai said calmly, "Yes, there are, and not just one."


    Li Yuan''s eyes lit up.


    "Your uncle was poisoned with me Erosion Bone Poison... Although the poison seems cleared by the me Tulip Nectar, that''s just the appearance... He''s too weak for supplements, and many rare treasures might have side effects, causing more harm than good," Dean Hai said, "The best and mostmon remedy is the ''Dragon Spirit Heart Fruit,'' which counteracts the me Erosion Bone Poison perfectly."


    "Using it willpletely restore your uncle''s body, with no lingering effects, extending his expected lifespan to over 120 years."


    "Dragon Spirit Heart Fruit? Lifespan over 120 years?" Li Yuan was excited.


    As expected!


    Different strength brings different perspectives.


    Uncle Wan knows nothing about this, only rumors, but Dean Hai, a Flying Martial Artist, can diagnose and treat urately.


    "This item."


    "Valued at over ten billion Blue Star Coins."


    "And you need an opportunity to buy it," Dean Hai said, "Restoring vitality isn''t its main use; many powerful martial artists need it."


    Ten billion Blue Star Coins? Li Yuan''s heart sank.


    So expensive!


    "Thank you, Dean," Li Yuan said. At least he had some clues.


    "By the way."


    "Your mental power has exceeded level 20, so you can choose a mental secret technique ''Concentration,'' and start practicing," Dean Hai suddenly said, "When you be a source martial artist and your mental power exceeds level 25, you can practice more mental secret techniques."


    "Yes," Li Yuan nodded.


    ...


    After Li Yuan left, the door gently closed.


    "Dragon Spirit Heart Fruit?" Dean Hai murmured, closing his eyes again.


    Silently cultivating.


    With Dean Hai''s strength and wealth, obtaining such a treasure wasn''t difficult.


    But he wouldn''t do it.


    Even if a Flying Martial Artist favored Li Yuan, no one would make such an investment.


    A treasure worth over ten billion Blue Star Coins to save an ordinary person, not a life-saving but life-extending treatment?


    This goes beyond normal ''cultivation'' and ''investment support.''


    ...


    Soon after returning to the vi.


    Li Yuan received a notification from the school and a bank notification.


    "Eight units of Star Earth Marrow Crystal will be stored in the ''School Treasury''?" Li Yuan read the document, "If I want to use it, I need to apply a day in advance?"


    "A designated room will be arranged?" Li Yuan thought.


    Li Yuan had to admit, Kunlun Martial University''s arrangement was very reasonable and safest.


    As for the bank notification.


    It was the ''20 million'' Blue Star Coins reward for the Ten Schools Freshmen Battle.


    "This will keep me financially secure for the next few months," Li Yuan smiled.


    Then, he nced at the many messages on his smart ring from ssmates and friends.


    Most were inquiries or congrattions on his performance in the Ten Schools Freshmen Battle.


    Messages from Tian Dazhuang, Li Tianyou, and others.


    After replying to them one by one.


    "Back to practicing spear techniques." Li Yuan set aside his smart ring and resumed training.


    "Profound mind is a realm."


    "As long as I continue to practice andprehend, my spear techniques and fist techniques will quickly break through the bottleneck of 90% in the fourth stage," Li Yuan thought, "When my fist techniques reach 90%, my body''s evolution efficiency will improve significantly."


    "Level 14?"


    "I should reach it in a week at most," Li Yuan anticipated.


    Once at level 14, he could start spiritual guidance.


    ...


    Training continued until after eight in the evening, with a break for high-source spirit spring.


    Li Yuan finally stopped, ncing at the Divine Pce panel:


    Skill Level: Spear Techniques (Fourth Stage 91%), Movement Techniques (Fourth Stage 84%), Fist Techniques (Fourth Stage 91%)


    In one day.


    He finally made a breakthrough.


    "Mental profundity! Now, my skills are truly at the peak of the fourth stage. If I face Tantai Feng now, it will be even harder for him to win," Li Yuan closed his eyes, sensing his whole body.


    With strong mental power, it seemed to merge perfectly with muscles, bones, and flesh.


    Even deep-seated injuries and minor training-induced damages were now clearly visible.


    Without reaching the ''mental profundity'' state, these injuries would umte, affecting body progress and lifespan.


    But now, with a single thought, many hidden injuries began to heal.


    In the next few days, Li Yuan''s body would be more vigorous and robust.


    In essence, without any treasures, any martial artist with mental profundity could keep their body at peak condition.


    "Punch power!" Li Yuan entered the punch power testing area, focusing his mind.


    Suddenly, he threw a fierce punch.


    At the moment of impact, countless subtle forces in his muscles and bones were mobilized by his mental power.


    Boom!


    The punchnded heavily on therge test bag.


    Boom! A dull explosion sounded.


    Instantly.


    The screen in the punch power testing area disyed: "15,224 kilograms (action qualified)."

 Chapter 145: Starlight S-Level Contract

    <h4>Chapter 145: Starlight S-Level Contract</h4>


    "Punch force exceeding 15,000 kilograms?" Li Yuan''s eyes lit up.


    This was equivalent to a burst of 15 tons of force.


    This far exceeded the baseline requirements for a 15th-level warrior''s punch strength.


    "However, the quality of this sandbag is impressive. Even with over 15 tons of force, it hasn''t shown any signs of damage," Li Yuan smiled.


    He wasn''t surprised by this.


    After all, every vi''s basement has a specialized punch force testing area that can withstand the full power of a 19.9-level warrior.


    A 19.9-level warrior can easily exceed 60,000 kilograms of force with a single punch.


    It''s easy to imagine how expensive these seemingly ordinary sandbags must be.


    "Let''s test my speed."


    Li Yuan quickly activated the speed measuring instruments on the track and then stood at the entrance of the track.


    Taking a deep breath, he mobilized all his strength, focusing his mind. Countless subtle forces within his body were once again harnessed.


    "Boom!"


    It was like a car suddenly elerating to its maximum speed. Li Yuan dashed forward, appearing as a fleeting shadow, and the 40-meter track vanished in an instant.


    "Thud!" Li Yuan crashed heavily into the cushioning wall at the end of the track.


    "Beep~!"


    On the electronic screen beside the wall, Li Yuan''s burst speed was instantly disyed¡ª "53 meters per second!"


    Another astonishing figure.


    "Am I really this fast?" Li Yuan''s pupils contracted, and he couldn''t help but feel a surge of joy.


    The standard punch force for a 15th-level warrior is 12,000 kilograms, and the standard burst speed is 50 meters per second.


    For a 16th-level warrior, the standard punch force is 18,000 kilograms, and the standard burst speed is 60 meters per second.


    "In other words, when I harness the countless subtle forces hidden within my muscles and bones, my burst speed and force areparable to those of a 15.5-level warrior?" Li Yuan marveled. "Yet, the Divine Pce panel shows my life level is only 13.9, and my punch force is just over 7,000 kilograms."


    His actual burst force was nearly double the standard.


    This was truly astonishing.


    At this moment, Li Yuan finally understood the true meaning of ''mental profundity.''


    What he had heard and seen before couldn''tpare to actually experiencing it.


    "My high-level fourth-grade skills only increased my standard punch force by about 40%," Li Yuan sighed. "Reaching the perfect fourth grade can increase it by over 100%."


    "No wonder."


    "When I fought Tantai Feng, he suppressed me with just a sword. If he used a shield, I would be at an even greater disadvantage," Li Yuan sighed.


    Tantai Feng''s burst force and speed were far superior to Li Yuan''s.


    "If transitioning from the third grade to the fourth grade is a qualitative change, then moving from high-level to perfect in the fourth grade is also a qualitative change," Li Yuan marveled.


    The first, second, and third grade gradually integrate body strength, bringing out physical power.


    Starting from the high-level third grade, deeperyers of body strength are gradually tapped, manifesting as bursts of speed and force stronger than the standard for the same life level.


    The fourth grade offers even greater enhancement.


    Reaching the perfect fourth grade is the ultimate extraction of body strength.


    "However, it can''tst long. The extreme force and speed brought by ''mental profundity'' can''t be sustained for long," Li Yuan thought. "Otherwise, it would cause severe damage to the body."


    This point was specifically mentioned in the Starry Spear technique: mental profundity can''tst long, and regr training should focus on health maintenance.


    Phew!


    Li Yuan returned to the center of the martial arts room, picking up his spear with one hand.


    "Swish, swish, swish!" The spear moved like a great river, continuous and unending.


    "The human body is like a precision machine," Li Yuan thought. "A machine has redundant designs to ensure it continues working even if part of it is damaged."


    "The human body is the same."


    "The countless subtle forces hidden in muscles and bones might seem unused in ordinary people, but they are essentially redundancy, life potential, meant to protect the body," Li Yuan understood. "A mental profundity warrior can harness all these subtle forces inbat, greatly enhancing their strength."


    "But essentially, this is unleashing life potential, putting the body in an overloaded state. Prolonged use can cause severe damage to many bodily functions."


    Just like in some news stories.


    An elderly person, in a moment of danger, suddenly lifts something far heavier than usual, only to pass away shortly after.


    The fundamental reason is that at that moment, the elderly person entered a special ''profound mind'' state, unleashing their life potential.


    But unable to control this burst, excessive exertion can easily lead to bodily copse and rapid death.


    "A profound mind warrior can control this power and continuously adjust and repair many hidden injuries," Li Yuan sighed. "So, asional full bursts have little impact."


    With his current strength.


    "In a profound mind state, my speed and force areparable to a 15.5-level warrior. With my skill advantage, I should be able to contend with normal 16.5 to 17-level warriors," Li Yuan made a rough assessment.


    Normal warriors at levels 15 to 20 typically have mid- to high-level third-grade skills.


    Abnormal ones?


    Students at Kunlun Martial University who reach level 17 by their third year usually have fourth-grade skills and are considered ''elite.''


    Winning against them now would be a pipe dream for Li Yuan.


    ...


    At around nine o''clock,te at night, while Li Yuan was still contemting spear techniques, suddenly.


    "Beep~"


    "Master, Wan Qinghe, video call request," the auxiliary AI announced, startling Li Yuan from his training.


    "Uncle Wan?" Li Yuan was momentarily confused, then recalled Dean Hai''s words earlier.


    Could it really be happening?


    "Answer," Li Yuan immediately said.


    Beep~ Countless lights converged, forming a light screen projection in the martial arts room.


    An office scene appeared on the screen, with an elderly man in ck robes and a middle-aged man in a Tang suit.


    "Grandpa Fei, Hall Master Wan," Li Yuan slightly bowed.


    He remembered Uncle Wan''s advice¡ªto address positions during work.


    It was best not to let Fei Lao think he was closer to Uncle Wan than to him.


    However, Li Yuan was genuinely grateful to both Fei Qian and Wan Qinghe.


    Regardless of their initial intentions.


    Their actions had greatly helped him, and that was undeniable.


    "Ha ha, Li Yuan, long time no see," Fei Qian smiled, hearing Li Yuan''s address. "It seems you''re still trainingte at night. We didn''t interrupt your training, did we?"


    "No," Li Yuan smiled. "I was about to rest anyway."


    "Ha ha, d we didn''t interrupt."


    Fei Qianughed. "You did very well in today''s Ten Schools Freshmen Battle. Both Hall Master Wan and I know, even Hall Master Yang knows."


    "Grandpa Fei, my apologies," Li Yuan quickly said. "I should have informed Hall Master Wan first."


    "Ha ha, you did nothing wrong."


    "We intended to contact you tomorrow, but given the importance, we decided to inform you immediately," Fei Qian said. "Hall Master Yang has ordered that, in light of your outstanding performance since entering university, your Martial Hall contract will be officially upgraded from A-level to S-level starting today."


    S-level?


    Li Yuan''s eyes lit up. Dean Hai was right, likely he had discussed this with the Starlight Martial Hall higher-ups.


    "Li Yuan, the contract has been sent to you," Wan Qinghe finally spoke.


    Beep~


    Li Yuan''s smart ring vibrated, and he immediately checked the file sent by Wan Qinghe.


    "Have a look," Fei Qian smiled. "The S-level contract is slightly different from your previous A-level contract."


    "Yes." Given the personal importance, Li Yuan didn''t hesitate.


    He clicked on his smart ring, and a small light screen popped up for him to read carefully.


    The S-level contract wasrgely simr to the A-level contract, except the training resources provided by Starlight Martial Hall each year had significantly increased.


    "24 million cash and 24 million Martial Hall points annually?" Li Yuan was shocked.


    This was very generous, amounting to 48 million Blue Star Coins.


    In contrast, a normal A-level Martial Hall contract only provided 6 million cash and 6 million Martial Hall points annually.


    Four times more!


    In addition to the annual increase in training resources, the contract also included many additional privileges.


    For example, Li Yuan''s level within the Martial Hall was raised from L4 to L6.


    For example, within certain limits, he could request support from Starlight


    Martial Hall''s ''Warrior Teams.''


    And more, over ten additional rights, not all explicitly listed.


    "L6 member?" Li Yuan was amazed. "Uncle Wan, as the Hall Master of Starlight Guanshan Branch, is only L5, right?"


    As far as Li Yuan knew.


    In Starlight Martial Hall, ordinary source warriors were typically L4.


    L5 usually indicated intermediate source warriors, a very high status.


    L6 generally required being a high-level source warrior with notable contributions.


    ...


    "Grandpa Fei."


    Li Yuan closed the light screen and asked, "I remember you saidst time that I would need to reach fifth grade in my contract before 20 to upgrade to S-level, right?"


    This question made both Fei Qian and Wan Qinghe smile.


    "Li Yuan."


    Wan Qinghe spoke with emotion, "Achieving mental profundity at your age is harder than reaching fifth grade in skills before 20."


    "Hall Master Yang set the goal of reaching fifth grade by 20 because he didn''t expect you to achieve mental profundity so quickly," Wan Qinghe exined.


    "It seems, as Teacher Li and Dean Hai said, my performance in the Ten Schools Freshmen Battle, achieving mental profundity, was indeed remarkable," Li Yuan sighed. "Not only has the school''s attention on me increased significantly, but also the Starlight Martial Hall''s focus on me has risen."


    The stronger and more potential you have, the more attention you receive.


    "Li Yuan."


    "The contract terms are standard," Fei Qian said. "Additionally, there are two special items to exin."


    "First, the Star Earth Marrow Crystal promised by Hall Master Yang will be sent to Kunlun Martial University for safekeeping. You can apply to use it when needed."


    "Understood," Li Yuan nodded.


    "Second, knowing you will likely participate in life-and-death training early next year, Starlight Martial Hall''s Jiangbei headquarters applied to the national headquarters for a ''customized source powerbat suit'' for your safety."


    "Source powerbat suit?" Li Yuan was puzzled.


    "Li Yuan, the key difference between second-level and ordinary warriors is that first-level warriors can only absorb source power to strengthen their bodies, remaining flesh and blood."


    "Second-level warriors can harness source power," Wan Qinghe exined. "Source power is incredibly powerful."


    "The source powerbat suit maximizes the potential of source power."


    "Wearing the suit in battle, you can withstand bullets and artillery, almost ignoring conventional weapons," Wan Qinghe said.


    "But I don''t have source power," Li Yuan couldn''t help but say.


    "That''s why this is a customized suit, costing ten times more than a second-level source powerbat suit," Wan Qinghe smiled. "Its main benefit is that it allows first-level warriors to use it."


    "With it, your defense will soar, greatly increasing your survival chances in future explorations."


    "This suit alone is worth over 500 million Blue Star Coins."

 Chapter 146: Level 14! Spiritual Guidance!

    <h4>Chapter 146: Level 14! Spiritual Guidance!</h4>


    Special source powerbat suit? Five hundred million Blue Star Coins? Li Yuan was astonished.


    In reality, Li Yuan had some knowledge of source power weapons and knew they were very expensive. When he previously spoke with Gu Qianghan, the topic came up multiple times, and his teachers asionally mentioned them during general studies sses about second-level beasts. But this was the first time he heard about such a special source powerbat suit.


    "Li Yuan, there are two things you need to know," Fei Qian said. "First, the special source powerbat suit will only be effective once you reach level 15."


    "So, once your body reaches level 15 and your teacher informs the Martial Hall, the suit will be secretly delivered to you," Fei Qian said solemnly. "You must keep the existence of the special source powerbat suit confidential. Once you have it, you must not tell anyone."


    "The purpose of giving you this special source powerbat suit is to protect you... not to harm you."


    "I understand," Li Yuan nodded slightly.


    This was simr to Dean Hai''s reasoning for not letting him directly handle the ''Star Earth Marrow Crystal.''


    A man without sin, yet bearing a treasure, invites his own ruin.


    Having a treasure worth billions of Blue Star Coins could make him a target if its existence was known.


    That would be counterproductive.


    "Second, this special source powerbat suit must be returned to the Martial Hall once you be a source warrior," Fei Qian smiled. "You only have the right to use it."


    "After all, it is highly beneficial for first-level warriors, but once you be a source warrior, its value is simr to a normal second-level source powerbat suit."


    "Understood," Li Yuan smiled.


    He had just been wondering why the Martial Hall would make such a significant investment, and now he understood it was a usage right.


    But it still showed how much the Martial Hall valued him.


    After all, if he died during his adventures, the suit would naturally be lost.


    Once he became a source warrior, he could buy a normal source powerbat suit for 50 million Blue Star Coins.


    ...


    Shortly after ending hismunication with Fei Qian, Li Yuan received a separate call from Wan Qinghe.


    "Uncle Wan," Li Yuan smiled, changing his address.


    "Congrattions on signing the S-level contract. From now on, in the Martial Hall hierarchy, my level will be lower than yours."


    He had been quite serious earlier, speaking in a formal, business-like manner with Fei Qian.


    "No matter what level I am in the Martial Hall, you will always be my Uncle Wan," Li Yuan smiled. "I always remember the help you''ve given me."


    "Haha, what I''ve done for you is minor. The main thing is your own efforts," Wan Qingheughed, feeling much relieved.


    Li Yuan smiled, understanding Wan Qinghe''s concerns.


    As his strength and talent became more apparent, his status in the Martial Hall had already subtly surpassed Wan Qinghe''s.


    Wan Qinghe continued, "Nowadays, in Jiangcheng, you are probably the only martial arts genius to sign an S-level training contract."


    "The only one?" Li Yuan was curious; he wasn''t aware of such statistics.


    "Yes."


    "The S-level training contract isn''t just about the money; it also includesprehensive protection and many privileges. These are hidden benefits that your school contract can''t match," Wan Qinghe said solemnly.


    Li Yuan nodded, feeling the special nature of the Martial Hall contract.


    The school''s contract focused on training but offered no special privileges outside the school.


    However, the Martial Hall''s L6 level allowed him to leverage many hidden resources beyond just money.


    "For example."


    "The right to directly appeal to the provincial inspector is enough to make someone like me, a branch hall master, fearful," Wan Qinghe said. "Li Yuan, you''ll gradually understand."


    Li Yuan, catching the hint, smiled, "Uncle Wan, if you ever need my help in the future, just let me know, and I''ll do my best."


    Why did Uncle Wan single out this seemingly inconspicuous privilege among the many?


    Maybe it was unintentional.


    Maybe it had deeper significance.


    "Haha, I won''t hesitate to ask if the need arises," Wan Qingheughed. "You can focus on your training at school. I''ll keep an eye on things at home."


    "The Fish Spirit n has shown some activity in Jiangcheng recently, but everything is under control and has no impact."


    "I''ll also pay extra attention to the Starlight South Lake Community area, which already has high security," Wan Qingheughed.


    "The Fish Spirit n is active again?" Li Yuan''s eyes gleamed.


    "They''ve always been active."


    "With your upgraded privileges, you can look up the information in the Martial Hall database. The Fish Spirit Astral Realm has been infiltrating Jiangbei Province," Wan Qinghe said seriously. "Jiangcheng is the provincial capital and heavily defended, so the danger isn''t as great."


    "The casualties are much higher in many towns and viges below."


    Li Yuan nodded slightly. Growing up in Jiangbei, he knew some of this without needing to check the data.


    Every year, in Jiangbei Province.


    The number of people killed by the Fish Spirit Astral Realm invaders varied from a few thousand to over ten thousand.


    "By the way."


    "Muhua has been performing well at school," Wan Qinghe casually mentioned. "I''ll continue to observe and guide him, aiming to get him a D-level training contract by his first or second year."


    "Uncle, don''t force it," Li Yuan shook his head. "Be strict with him. If he doesn''t meet the standards, he shouldn''t get a training contract."


    "Haha, don''t underestimate your little brother," Wan Qingheughed.


    Soon, they ended the call.


    ...


    In Jiangcheng, the Starlight Guanshan Branch, on the ninth floor in the branch hall master''s office.


    "S-level contract?" Wan Qinghe murmured, smiling more broadly. "Li Yuan is growing so fast."


    The only one in Jiangcheng?


    No, the only one in Jiangbei Province. It''s easy to imagine how much attention Li Yuan would receive.


    "Gu Zheng," Wan Qinghe looked at a document on his desk and muttered to himself, "Just wait."


    "When Li Yuan returns, I''ll use his appeal privilege to give you a hard time."


    Gu Zheng was the hall master of another Starlight Martial Hall in Jiangcheng.


    Wan Qinghe indeed wanted Li Yuan''s help.


    But he wouldn''t ask easily; he was patient and waiting for the perfect opportunity.


    Before that.


    Wan Qinghe needed to continuously strengthen and bind his rtionship with Li Yuan.


    ...


    The day after signing the contract with the Martial Hall, on October 8th.


    In the evening, while Li Yuan was training in the underground martial arts room, he received two transfer notifications in quick session.


    "Your ount ending in 1486 has received 19.2 million Blue Star Coins..."


    "Your ount ending in 1486 has received 13.44 million Blue Star Coins..."


    Two sums of money.


    One was the cash reward for the ''second year'' of the contract.


    The other was to make up for the shortfall of the first year.


    Of course, these were subject to tax, and the total amount of the two transfers came to 32.64 million Blue Star Coins.


    "This time, the Martial Hall was quick with the S-level contract payment," Li Yuan smiled.


    Clicking on his smart ring, he essed the wealth column, revealing his current wealth status:


    Bank bnce: 96.51 million Blue Star Coins


    Martial Hall points: 41.18 million


    ...


    "They even topped up my points by over 40 million?" Li Yuan marveled.


    As for the Martial Hall''s training points? They had also increased by tens of millions.


    For purely purchasing training resources within the Martial Hall, Martial Hall points were as good as Blue Star Coins.


    "With the contract update, my privileges in the Martial Hall have also been enhanced. Not only has the treasure list in the treasury been updated with more ''Heavenly Material Treasures,'' but the database seems to be richer too," Li Yuan quickly browsed through the Starfire APP.


    Upgrading from the L4 level of the A-level contract to L6 level was aprehensive enhancement.


    "Tomorrow, Teacher Li Yang will supervise my use of the ''Hundred Marrow Spirit Essence''," Li Yuan thought.


    "For October, I''ll first use points to buy six portions of high-source spirit spring."


    This way,bined with the four portions of high-source spirit spring provided by the school for free, there would be ten portions in total.


    "That should be enough for October''s training."


    ...


    On October 9th, under Li Yang''s supervision, Li Yuan used the ''Hundred Marrow Spirit Essence'' again.


    He went through another nightmarish ordeal.


    However, despite the pain and screams, his performance was much better than when he used it in September.


    This constant evolution of willpower also left Li Yang increasingly amazed.


    ...


    Day by day, time passed.


    The Ten Schools Freshmen Battle had a significant impact globally, and Li Yuan''s fame at Kunlun Martial University soared, gradually surpassing Jin Huguo.


    However, with thepetition over, Li Yuan''s life returned to normal.


    On October 10th, Li Yuan received a notification from the school.


    Eighteen units of Star Earth Marrow Crystal had arrived at the school''s ''treasury'' and were ced under his name, ready for use at any time.


    Without hesitation.


    Li Yuan immediately applied to use them.


    ...


    On the afternoon of October 11th.


    In the main building of the Vermilion Bird Building, the basement housed Kunlun Martial University''s most prized ''Pir of Spirit.''


    On the third floor above ground.


    Following a teacher''s guidance, Li Yuan arrived at a very special secret room.


    "Li Yuan, the item has been ced in the room," the teacher instructed. "The entire handover process is monitored, so rest assured."


    "You can only use it in the room, do not take it out. You have one day to use the training room."


    "Thank you, Teacher Zhu," Li Yuan smiled.


    Pushing open the door to enter the room, Li Yuan noticed that the door was very thick, definitely more than 30 centimeters, seemingly made of alloy, very heavy.


    The defense was definitely impressive.


    "This room is indeed small," Li Yuan nced around. The room was only about ten square meters.


    Besides two venttion ducts and a door, there were no other gaps.


    The room contained only a meditation mat and a table.


    The most unusual feature was that the walls, ceiling, and floor seemed to be made of alloy.


    Undoubtedly very sturdy.


    "Everything is for safety," Li Yuan entered the room, and the door gently closed behind him.


    He walked over to the table. On it was a porcin tray holding an object the size of a baby''s fist, entirely earthy yellow, and crystal clear like jelly.


    At first nce, it seemed ordinary, but upon closer inspection, one could feel the rich vitality it emitted.


    "So, this is the Star Earth Marrow Crystal?" Li Yuan was curious. It looked much like the sample he saw in the ''usage video'' that morning.


    After pondering for a while.


    "Let''s eat it. This third-level treasure might be worth millions or even billions of Blue Star Coins," Li Yuan muttered to himself.


    He didn''t know the exact value of the Star Earth Marrow Crystal.


    Gulp~


    Li Yuan quickly picked up the tray and swallowed the unit of Ster Ground Marrow Crystal.


    It melted instantly.


    Quickly, the Star Earth Marrow Crystal was ingested, and within seconds, it began to react with his body, spreading a rich, strange power throughout Li Yuan''s entire body.


    "Hmm?" Li Yuan shivered suddenly.


    Comfortable!


    Unbelievablyfortable! Li Yuan hadn''t felt thisfortable in a long time.


    "Both are third-level treasures, why is the Hundred Marrow Spirit Essence so painful, and this thing so pleasant? The difference is huge!" Li Yuan muttered.


    As time passed.


    Li Yuan could clearly feel the Star Earth Marrow Crystal transforming into a strange power that continuously merged into his muscles, bones, blood, skin, and even deep into his bone marrow.


    Endless vitality surged into countless cells, causing profound transformation in Li Yuan''s body.


    "Vitality, life force," Li Yuan, as a mental profundity expert, could sense this special change.


    The Hundred Marrow Spirit Essence''s purpose was to cleanse the marrow, albeit painfully.


    The high-source spirit spring promoted body evolution.


    The Star Earth Marrow Crystal, while partly enhancing the body, primarily aimed to ''boost life potential,'' strengthening the body''s foundation.


    In simple terms, it raised the upper limit of the body''s growth potential.


    At this moment, Li Yuan felt incrediblyfortable, experiencing the subtle transformation of his body.


    "No wonder Grandpa Fei said that using the Star Earth Marrow Crystal could greatly increase my sess rate in creating techniques," Li Yuan thought, sitting cross-legged, sensing his entire body.


    The greatest difficulty in creating techniques was that incorrect guidance of source power could backfire, damaging the body.


    At such times, the body''s life potential became crucial.


    Likeparing a 20-year-old to a 50-year-old, even if their physical stats were the same, who would recover faster from the same injury?


    Youth means greater life potential; it''s a naturalw.


    This is also why Dean Hai repeatedly urged Li Yuan to be a source warrior as soon as possible.


    And the Star Earth Marrow Crystal could further enhance Li Yuan''s ''life potential.''


    "Take it once a month," Li Yuan thought. "It can be sustained for 18 months."


    "Combined with the Hundred Marrow Spirit Essence and high-source spirit spring, my training speed will increase significantly."


    ...


    After consuming it, under the influence of the strange power, Li Yuan''s life potential continuously improved.


    This improvement solidified Li Yuan''s foundation.


    In the future, as Li Yuan''s strength further increased, its effects would gradually be apparent.


    But even now, the strange power was strengthening Li Yuan''s body, slowly enhancing his physical qualities.


    Finally, after more than four hours.


    The effects of this unit of Star Earth Marrow Crystal gradually dissipated, and Li Yuan finished this long ''enjoyment.''


    Suddenly.


    "[Your life level has increased from 13.9 to 14.0]"


    "[Your punch force has increased from...]"


    "[Your burst speed has increased from...]"


    "[Your life level is now sufficient to bear spiritual guidance]"


    Four consecutive prompts shed from the Divine Pce.


    Phew!


    Li Yuan suddenly opened his eyes, a gleam in his gaze.


    Finally, his life level had reached 14.


    Li Yuan sensed some special changes urring in his Divine Pce.


    ...


    Confirming that the Star Earth Marrow Crystal had fully taken effect, Li Yuan quickly left the Vermilion Bird Building and returned to his vi via his aircraft.


    Arriving in the underground martial arts room.


    "Spiritual guidance," Li Yuan sat cross-legged and, with a thought, entered his spiritual world.


    ...In the spiritual world, the majestic Divine Pce stood four stories high, and Li Yuan''s consciousness quickly entered.


    Condensing his consciousness, he looked around. As he expected, the white jade staircase that had twice disappeared reappeared.


    "Is it guiding me to go upstairs?" Li Yuan felt a sense of guidance.

 Chapter 147: The Formation of the Star Path and the Prototype of the Cultivation Technique

    <h4>Chapter 147: The Formation of the Star Path and the Prototype of the Cultivation Technique</h4>


    In the Divine Pce.


    "Going upstairs?" Li Yuan hesitated. Although he received such guidance, his consciousness still dared not take action.


    Li Yuan hadn''t forgotten that the first time he tried to go upstairs recklessly, he almost shattered his consciousness.


    "Let''s first see if there''s any difference from the previous two times when the source energy entered the body," Li Yuan thought.


    He tried to invoke the ''golden mist'' that might exist on the second floor. But this time, there was no reaction!


    "Let''s give it a try." Li Yuan''s consciousness stepped onto the white jade stairs.


    As expected.


    "Boom!!" It was as if a terrifyingly powerful hammer smashed his head, causing Li Yuan''s entire consciousness to explode.


    Even though he was prepared, Li Yuan still felt overwhelmed. This time, the oppressive impact was much stronger than the first time.


    It seemed that the impact of the white jade stairs was based on the level of Li Yuan''s mental strength¡ªthe stronger the mental power, the stronger the impact.


    Fortunately, Li Yuan had be much stronger now, with his mental strength and willpower significantly enhanced, barely keeping his consciousness intact.


    "Continue." Li Yuan''s consciousness continued to climb the stairs.


    "Rumble~" Waves of oppressive force came crashing like rolling stones.


    "Hold on," Li Yuan roared in his heart, taking one step at a time with great difficulty.


    The higher he went, the harder it became, causing intense pain in his consciousness, as if it were about to copse.


    However,pared to the pain of Hundred Marrow Spirit Withering, this was nothing.


    After more than ten minutes.


    Huff!


    Even Li Yuan''s strong consciousness seemed about to dissipate under the continuous impact, held together only by his powerful will.


    Finally!


    Bang~ Li Yuan''s consciousness stepped over the white jade stairs and reached a higher level of the Divine Pce.


    Maybe it was the second floor.


    Huff!


    As soon as he stepped in, the unprecedented pressure vanished without a trace.


    "If I hadn''t honed my consciousness through the visualization method, it would have been difficult to ovee the obstacle of the white jade stairs," Li Yuan realized.


    The Divine Pce was indeed an incredible opportunity. Both the visualization method and the pce panel were extremely special.


    However, without effort, relying solely on the Divine Pce would yield minimal results and might even block one at the first level.


    ...


    "What is on the second floor of the Divine Pce?" Li Yuan looked around.


    This floor''syout was not much different from the first floor. In the center of the hall, there was also a jade tform.


    Its shape was simr to the Great Sun Jade tform on the first floor but intertwined with gold and ck.


    "Another jade tform?" Li Yuan pondered, "Am I supposed to gather my consciousness on this tform too?"


    After observing for a while, Li Yuan confirmed that this floor had no stairs leading to a higher level of the Divine Pce and no other objects, just the intertwined ck and gold jade tform.


    "Only this," Li Yuan had no choice but to gather his consciousness on the tform.


    The next moment.


    "Boom!" Li Yuan''s consciousness surged into it like a tide, unable to stop the process.


    Quickly, the scene around his consciousness in the Divine Pce changed.


    His consciousness was in a boundless dark space.


    This dark space, he had been here twice.


    No, to be precise.


    This mysterious space was no longer purely dark. In Li Yuan''s vision, hundreds of thousands of stars were faintly glowing.


    Numerous stars formed a peculiar trajectory, giving this dark space a faint light.


    "The second time I entered, I recorded these star trajectories. They haven''t disappeared?" Li Yuan wondered, "What is this dark space?"


    This third entry differed from the previous two times in that Li Yuan''s consciousness remained absolutely clear.


    As time passed, Li Yuan''s consciousness remained trapped in the dark space, unable to escape.


    Gradually.


    Buzz~ In the dark space, purple streams emitting strange light appeared,ing from the depths of the dark space.


    They floated towards Li Yuan''s consciousness.


    "What is this?" Li Yuan noticed from afar, feeling a peculiar energy from these purple streams.


    Full of vitality and temptation.


    Huff!


    Before Li Yuan could think more, the first purple stream shot towards his consciousness, merging directly.


    Instantly.


    "Huh?" Li Yuan''s consciousness''s view of the ''dark space'' changed.


    "What''s that?"


    "Stars?" Li Yuan quickly ''saw'' it. The dark space seemed endless, but within it, under the darkness, countless stars existed.


    One after another, countless stars, certainly more than a billion.


    They didn''t emit any light, so Li Yuan couldn''t see them before.


    It was the purple mist that gave Li Yuan a transcendent ''perspective'' ability, allowing him to overlook and observe most of the dark space.


    "Dark space."


    "Infinite stars." Li Yuan realized. At the same time, he noticed that among the billions of stars, a few were not purely dark. Their surfaces seemed to glow faintly.


    The light was very weak.


    Without the purple mist, Li Yuan couldn''t ''see'' these faint lights, but now he saw them clearly.


    "These few stars seem to be exceptions?" Li Yuan thought.


    He recalled Dean Hai mentioning the body as a universe and the saying of billions of dead stars.


    How simr it was to the current scene.


    Could it be that the few faintly glowing stars were his body''s ''life stars''?


    So what should he do?


    At this moment.


    "Seek the subtle, merge the two, essence of the sun and moon, the beginning of the spirit foundation..." The ancient vast voice he had heard many times echoed in the dark space again.


    Ethereal!


    The voice was faint yet seemed to contain special magic, influencing Li Yuan.


    "Seek the faint light of the stars, merge the god and stars into one..." Li Yuan gradually understood.


    It seemed to be an unconscious action.


    Or perhaps it was the ancient voice''s subtle guidance.


    Wow~ Li Yuan''s consciousness instantly dispersed, as if splitting into countless parts.


    Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!


    Thousands upon thousands of thoughts rapidly crossed the vast dark space, sensing the death and faint light of countless stars... each thought reached a star emitting faint light.


    The next moment, countless thoughts directly merged into these stars, imprinting themselves.


    "Boom!"


    "Boom!"


    The entire dark space shook violently. In the next moment, countless stars in the dark space began to glow...


    Originally, only thousands of stars were lit, but the number quickly soared.


    Three thousand, five thousand, nine thousand, twenty thousand... rapidly increasing.


    As many thoughts as Li Yuan''s consciousness dispersed, as many stars were lit.


    Gradually.


    If someone could observe the entire dark space, they would be shocked to find that among the tens of thousands of lit stars, a significant portion formed trajectories, connecting with each other.


    Giving a sense of ''perfection.''


    "Rumble~" When arge number of stars on a star track were fully lit, it seemed to trigger a special power.


    The stars on the star track began to move.


    Like celestial bodies!


    They truly ''came to life.''


    ...


    In the underground martial arts room.


    "Buzz~"


    Sitting cross-legged, Li Yuan''s body, from the finestyerposed of countless flesh and blood, began to emit tiny lights.


    These lights were imperceptible and invisible to the naked eye.


    But they connected, forming a ''blood vessel'' in another dimension, running from Li Yuan''s limbs, waist, abdomen, and brain, creating aplete cycle.


    When this cycle formed, like an ecosystem, it began to evolve autonomously.


    Buzz~ Buzz~ Buzz~


    Strange energy began to permeate Li Yuan''s body along the countless ''lights.''


    It was source energy!!!


    Wow~ This strange energy, along the light trajectory, rapidly infiltrated every part of Li Yuan''s deep body.


    This extremely pure source energy, without any impurities, was quickly absorbed by Li Yuan''s muscles and bones.


    Promoting Li Yuan''s body to undergo transformation.


    Rapidly enhancing.


    Even as the source energy operated, a small amount of it gradually merged into the light trajectory, not fully absorbed by Li Yuan.


    If a flying martial artist were present, they would surely see with their strong mental power.


    Sitting cross-legged, Li Yuan.


    Unknowingly, his body''s inner wall had countless life stars lit, forming a high-level technique prototype, operating autonomously!!


    This news, if spread, would shock the entire human civilization.


    Because, typically, one must reach a physical quality level of 20 to fully light life stars, forming aplete ''star trajectory'' and truly operate the source energy technique.


    This had been a rule for hundreds of years.


    But today.


    This rule waspletely broken by Li Yuan!!

 Chapter 148: The Secret of Creating Techniques and Star Meridian Level 10

    <h4>Chapter 148: The Secret of Creating Techniques and Star Meridian Level 10</h4>


    As time ticked by, it was past midnight when Li Yuan''s consciousness gradually cleared, and he noticed the strange changes within himself. Silently sensing, he was filled with shock.


    "Life Stars!"


    "The so-called spiritual guidance of the Divine Pce actually directly guided me to imprint life stars? Lighting up the life stars," Li Yuan sighed inwardly. "Not only that, but it also unknowingly formed a star cycle within me and created a prototype of a cultivation technique?"


    This was truly unbelievable.


    After all, in Li Yuan''s understanding, one must be a level 20 source martial artist to truly cultivate source energy techniques and form a life star cycle within their body.


    At level 20, the body could automatically absorb external source energy.


    In human civilization, so-called ''spiritual awakening'' for ordinary people and first-rank martial artists involved specific postures to slightly stimte life stars, allowing brief absorption of source energy each day to enhance physical fitness.


    However, the effect was significantly weaker than that of source martial artists, amounting to only a fraction of their effectiveness.


    Many ordinary martial artists, even with high-level training methods, would take 10 to 20 years to reach physical fitness levels of 15 or 16, with annual punching power improvement of only a few hundred kilograms.


    Source martial artists, if their techniques were up to par, could increase their physical fitness by half a level each year, with punching power improving by at least tens of thousands of kilograms annually.


    The difference between the two was substantial.


    This wasrgely due to the fundamental difference in the operation of their techniques.


    "And me?"


    "Before today''s spiritual guidance, I was clearly only at level 14," Li Yuan looked at the pce panel.


    <strong>Life Level</strong>: 14.2 (First Rank)


    <strong>Punch Power</strong>: 9022 kilograms


    <strong>Speed</strong>: 43.9 meters/second


    <strong>Mental Strength</strong>: Level 23.0


    <strong>Willpower</strong>: Level 29


    <strong>Spiritual Awakening Degree</strong>: 25% (current limit 25%)


    <strong>Star Meridian</strong>: Level 10


    <strong>Technique Proficiency</strong>: Spear Technique (Stage Four 93%), Movement Technique (Stage Four 86%), Fist Technique (Stage Four 93%)


    "In just a few hours, my life level increased by 0.2?" Li Yuan sighed inwardly. "Of course, this is partly due to the excellent initial training effect."


    "But it also shows how terrifying the training effect of the source energy technique is once it starts."


    With a bit of analysis, Li Yuan understood that he had created a prototype of a technique and sessfully cultivated and operated it.


    Next.


    Once he trains with full effort, even without relying on any treasures, his body''s evolution speed will far surpass that of talents like Yang Hong and Wu Luo.


    Because!


    Li Yuan''s current training speed, in essence, is that of a ''source martial artist'' who has initially seeded in creating a technique.


    If he continues to use treasures like Hundred Marrow Spirit Withering, High Source Spirit Spring, and Star Earth Marrow Crystals.


    It will only get faster.


    "There''s a more than 90% probability."


    "Before sophomore year, I will be a source martial artist," Li Yuan concluded with a bit of analysis, "Even if the effect of self-created techniques is not as good as I imagine, I will be a source martial artist before turning 19."


    19 years old, before September 2044.


    By then, Li Yuan would not have been in his sophomore year for long, less than a year from now.


    This rate of progress was astonishing to Li Yuan.


    Previously, Teacher Li said.


    If he attains a micro-level of spiritual insight and with the school''s abundant resources, he could hope to be a source martial artist by the end of his sophomore year.


    Now?


    After spiritual guidance, with the appearance of the technique prototype, the training efficiency has more than doubled!!


    The key is, it doesn''t consume much training resources.


    While thinking.


    "Willpower Level 29?" Li Yuan also noticed some changes in the pce panel.


    Two new items: Willpower and Star Meridian.


    Willpower, Li Yuan understood.


    A willpower of level 29 meant that Li Yuan''s willpower was strong enough to rival many top source martial artists.


    "But Star Meridian Level 10? What does this mean?" Li Yuan pondered.


    From the name and today''s spiritual guidance, Li Yuan could only think of one thing.


    Life Stars!


    "Today''s changes in the Divine Pce are too significant," Li Yuan shook his head slightly. "To understand, I might need to look at the advanced training methods in human civilization and some experiences of predecessors in creating techniques."


    With Li Yuan''s current authority, it was easy to ess advanced training methods and materials on self-created techniques.


    However.


    Li Yuan subconsciously always thought that creating techniques had to wait until after level 20, so he hadn''t paid special attention before.


    ...


    Not long after.


    Buzz~ A light screen projection formed in front of Li Yuan, showing the image of a book with a bright star on the cover, against an endless starry sky.


    "''A Brief Introduction to Life Star Awakening'', authored by Dongfang Ji?" Li Yuan murmured.


    While reviewing the database of ''self-created techniques'' in the Starlight Martial Hall, he found that many materials referred to this article as a ''must-read'' for creating techniques.


    Li Yuan immediately decided to read it.


    ...


    "The human body is like the universe, containing great secrets, with countless stars inside... These stars are not real stars but products of life evolution and mental fusion."


    "Most of the stars inside are dead stars, only a few are life stars."


    "The number of life stars, in a certain sense, represents the body''s talent and source energy growth potential."


    Li Yuan pondered; this was simr to what Dean Hai had said.


    "From level 10 to 19, our bodies gradually strengthen, nurturing more powerful life stars until we be level 20, that is, second-rank life forms."


    "Bing a second-rank life form means the body and mind are strong enough for the mind to sense the ''life star space.'' This life star space is not a physical space but a product of the fusion of countless internal stars and the mental world."


    "If the mental strength is strong, it can be sensed in advance."


    "Life star space has no physical form and is not a real space but exists in reality."


    "The so-called creation of techniques is gradually imprinting and lighting up stars in the life star space, but the life star space is dim. If the mental strength is insufficient..."


    "Life star space?" Li Yuan understood.


    The mysterious dark space he had entered three times was clearly the ''life star space,'' a fusion of countless internal life stars and the mental world.


    Illusory, yet real.


    When the consciousness is in the life star space, it is essentially the mind trying to sense all the life stars in the body.


    "Normally, although my mental strength is strong, my body is not strong enough."


    "So, even if I enter the life star space, I wouldn''t be able to sense many life stars, let alone light them up." Li Yuan understood a lot.


    "It was the purple streams that appeared midway. They should be the mysterious power contained in the ''spiritual guidance,''" Li Yuan quickly deduced and understood the whole process.


    For ordinary people creating techniques.


    They must painstakingly try one star at a time in the life star space. Failure in imprinting not only damages mental consciousness but also backfires on the body.


    And for him?


    With spiritual guidance, his consciousness was able to turn into countless thoughts in a short time, sessfully integrating into arge number of life stars.


    ...


    Li Yuan continued reading; the following content was about techniques.


    "Life stars are not without patterns."


    "There are countless star trajectories within the body."


    "A single life star, if imprinted, can only absorb a minimal amount of source energy."


    "Only by awakening enough life stars in the body, allowing a star vein''s stars to meet the initial operation requirement of 12,960 stars, can a preliminary internal cycle be formed, drastically increasing the speed of source energy absorption."


    "This is the prototype of a technique."


    "The star trajectory forms a line, cycling continuously. Once it operates, it appears externally like the ''meridians'' described by the ancients, thus can be called ''star meridian.''"


    "The minimum requirement for sessfully creating a technique is for a star meridian to achieve an initial cycle."


    Li Yuan was shocked.


    So, human civilization had understood star meridians and the creation of techniques to this extent.


    ...


    "The human body has numerous life stars. Although limited by our techniques, mental strength, and other factors, we can only sense a part of the life stars."


    "If all life stars were awakened, anyone could cultivate four or five, or even seven or eight star meridians..."


    "The more star meridians formed in the body and the more life stars awakened on each meridian, the higher the efficiency of source energy cultivation."


    "To be a flying martial artist, at least three star meridians must be formed in the body."


    "Although human bodies vary, many life stars sharemon traits."


    "The so-called high-level techniques, ifpatible, can initially awaken three star meridians for a source martial artist."


    "To form a star meridian, at least 12,960 life stars must be awakened, and up to 129,600 life stars for a full meridian. It''s extremely difficult. Even if star meridians have patterns, finding over 100,000 life stars on a meridian is nearly impossible. No one in human civilization has done it."


    "The total number of awakened star meridians varies from person to person."


    "The highest number of star meridians formed by a martial artist in our civilization is six, though the awakening degree of each meridian was not high... Yet his cultivation efficiency and physical foundation were astonishingly strong."


    ...


    ''A Brief Introduction to Life Star Awakening'' seemed like an article but covered a wide range of content.


    Li Yuan kept reading and gained sufficient understanding of life stars and creating techniques.


    "The number of star meridians? The degree of awakening for each meridian?" Li Yuan pondered. "So, the high-level techniques of those powerful families that Dean Hai mentioned probably awaken more star meridians."


    Closing the light screen, Li Yuan gently closed his eyes. With a thought, he sensed his entire body.


    He sensed every corner of his body, the faintly glowing life stars.


    "The spiritual awakening degree of 25% brought about spiritual guidance."


    "It seems I have only awakened one star meridian." Li Yuan carefully sensed. "I just don''t know how many life stars have awakened on this meridian."


    After a moment of sensing.


    Li Yuan was stunned.


    Because with a slight mental focus, he discovered that on this one star meridian in his body... there were exactly 129,600 life star light points.


    Exactly the ''full star meridian'' mentioned by Dongfang Ji in ''A Brief Introduction to Life Star Awakening.''


    "In other words."


    "Although I have only awakened one star meridian, all the life stars on this meridian have my imprint? Not a single one is missing." Li Yuan was shocked.


    After all, this was something even Dongfang Ji couldn''t do, and no one in human civilization had achieved it.


    "A fully awakened star meridian."


    "Compared to the three iplete star meridians formed by normal source martial artists cultivating high-level techniques, whose cultivation efficiency is higher?" This thought involuntarily appeared in Li Yuan''s mind.


    Unknown.


    After all, Li Yuan could only see his own ''star meridian level'' on the pce panel.


    He couldn''t see others'' star meridian levels.


    "ording to Senior Dongfang Ji, if I want to be a flying martial artist, awakening one star meridian is not enough. At least three star meridians must be awakened," Li Yuan thought. "In other words, I still need to continue creating techniques."


    "Unless the spiritual awakening degree reaches 50%, leading to a second spiritual guidance, which might give another significant boost."


    "Otherwise, awakening other star meridians will have to rely on myself." Li Yuan thought, but he was not worried.


    At least, spiritual guidance hadid the most solid foundation for creating techniques, solving the problem from zero to one. Bing a level 29 source martial artist in the future wouldn''t be difficult.


    ...


    "The matter of spiritual awakening and creating a technique prototype must be kept secret," Li Yuan thought.


    Whether it''s awakening star meridians at level 14 or the operation of the technique.


    Or a fully awakened star meridian, all involve too much.


    These are unprecedented in human civilization.


    "Keep it secret for now."


    Star meridians are difficult for others to detect when not training.


    "What I need to do now is use this fully awakened ''star meridian'' to train with all my might, quickly reaching level 15 and bing a source martial artist," Li Yuan was filled with anticipation.


    "At the fastest, I can reach level 15 next month, meeting the minimum requirement to explore the Astral Realm."

 Chapter 149: The Transformation of Strength

    <h4>Chapter 149: The Transformation of Strength</h4>


    Late at night in the vi''s basement, Li Yuan''s spirits were high. Having finished reading "A Brief Introduction to Life Star Awakening," he continued to peruse the main text and extensive annotations of the seven high-level cultivation techniques. Many of these annotations were directly left by Dongfang Ji.


    "The human body is like the universe, containing billions of stars, divided into life star meridians and dead star meridians."


    "Different species and creatures from different civilizations have vastly different internal star meridian trajectories."


    "The number and location of life stars vary greatly, so ''star meridian techniques'' from other civilizations can only be used as references and cannot be directly applied."


    "One must create their own techniques."


    "Although there are differences among individuals in our human race, the number and locations of star meridians in the human body are generally the same... It''s just that the number and positions of life stars and life star meridians vary for each person, but there aremonalities that allow many people''s life star meridians to be naturally simr." Li Yuan read through many annotations.


    He understood the fundamental differences of the seven high-level cultivation techniques.


    The human body might have thousands or tens of thousands of star meridians, most of which are ''dead star meridians.''


    Dead star meridians cannot be cultivated.


    Only life star meridians can!


    "Creating a technique means awakening one''s own life star meridians to absorb source energy," Li Yuan realized. "And the seven high-level cultivation techniques derived by human civilization are actually about findingmon life star meridians in many humans and imprinting mental marks to fully awaken the life stars."


    However.


    Even though the star meridians in the human body are simr, individual differences are still significant. As of now, the seven high-level cultivation techniques can only match less than one-tenth of humans.


    ...


    "The number of life star meridians and life stars determines potential."


    "Some beings might have hundreds of life star meridians, but each meridian contains fewer than 12,960 life stars... destined to be unable to cultivate source energy. Even if they be source martial artists with external help, they cannot create techniques."


    "A few people might have only a few dozen or even a few life star meridians, but each meridian contains over 60,000 or even 90,000 life stars... ording to information from foreign civilizations, the legendary talent is a meridian with 129,600 stars all being life stars."


    "This talent is extremely rare and is called a perfect star meridian."


    "A fully awakened perfect life star meridian can be worth several initially awakened life star meridians..." When Li Yuan read this annotation, he was shocked and began to understand his own body''s situation.


    He made a certain inference.


    "Perfect star meridian?"


    "I was able to perfectly awaken overnight due to the ''spiritual guidance'' of the Divine Pce," Li Yuan wondered. "But having a perfect star meridian and so many life stars... is it the Divine Pce''s help or my innate talent?"


    Li Yuan leaned towards believing in his own talent.


    Because Li Yuan clearly remembered.


    In the life star space, the purple mist helped him perceive the vast and endless ''life star space,'' quickly distinguishing between life stars and dead stars.


    Thus, imprinting the mental mark and awakening!


    Furthermore.


    Li Yuan also remembered that during that brief perception and observation.


    The number of ''life stars'' he imprinted was only a small part; there were still countless faintly glowing stars in the life star space that remained unawakened.


    He couldn''t help it; Li Yuan''s current mental strength was only that strong.


    To divide his thoughts into so many and awaken 129,600 life stars was already his limit.


    "In other words."


    "Without spiritual guidance, under normal circumstances, after bing a source martial artist and sensing the life star space, I might still be able to awaken some life star meridians," Li Yuan understood. "But it definitely wouldn''t be so fast, and I wouldn''t be able to awaken this meridian to perfection quickly."


    ...


    "Spiritual guidance must have fully excavated my inherently high source energy talent," Li Yuan pondered.


    This was very important.


    All things have spirits. Throughout history, many extraordinarily talented people, without suitable high-level cultivation techniques, faded into obscurity... It''s like a genius being left alone in the wilderness, the best oue would be bing a savage.


    The external environment is more important than talent.


    "Next, as my mental strength further improves, I can gradually try to awaken more life stars myself," Li Yuan looked forward to it.


    Mental strength is closely rted to the number of awakened life stars.


    This is also why martial artists greatly value mental strength.


    ...


    "I have fully awakened this star meridian, which counts as initially creating a technique," Li Yuan smiled. "What should I name it?"


    "The seven high-level cultivation techniques are named based on their source energy attributes."


    When the star meridians operate, they absorb arge amount of external source energy, most of which is gradually absorbed by the body, but a considerable part remains between the star meridians.


    This source energy.


    Can quickly repair injuries throughout the body, greatly boosting vitality.


    It can be applied to weapons, making them sharper and stronger, and can stimte source energy armor... with many magical effects.


    And different talents and awakened life star meridians produce different types of source energy.


    For example, human source martial artistspatible with the "zing Sky Technique" cultivate fire source energy.


    The "Southern Sea Water Technique" cultivates water source energy.


    The "Star Earth Technique" cultivates earth source energy...


    "Looking back, the video of Luo Bu Sea showed that when Yu Jinghe unleashed his power to kill the enemy, he was using golden source energy," Li Yuan thought. "Releasing source energy, no wonder he''s a peerless genius who can rival flying martial artists with his source martial artist body."


    Over hundreds of years.


    Human civilization has developed seven high-level cultivation techniques: two for earth source energy, two for water source energy, and one each for fire, metal, and wood source energy.


    "Gold, wood, water, fire, earth... These five types of source energy are the mostmon."


    "Most source martial artists who sessfully create techniques cultivate one of these five types of source energy."


    Everyone''s cultivated source energy is not exactly the same, just simr in general direction.


    "But there are also very few source martial artists and flying martial artists whose source energy, after creating techniques, is entirely different from the five types," Li Yuan looked at his fingertips.


    Hiss~


    A faint yellow light flickered at Li Yuan''s fingertip, cool and icy.


    Li Yuan could feel.


    If he unleashed an attack, with the source energy boosting, this finger''s power would be much stronger than before.


    "The operation of the star meridian in my body seems to produce earth source energy."


    "But it appears different from the earth source energy described in many documents," Li Yuan frowned slightly. "Even the color is much lighter."


    Unusual.


    Normal earth source energy has a very deep color, but the source energy Li Yuan cultivated was much lighter, almost transparent if not closely observed.


    "Forget it."


    "When I be a source martial artist and pretend to have sessfully created a technique, I''ll try asking Dean Hai and the others," Li Yuan thought.


    Exposing it now would cause many problems.


    But after bing a source martial artist, revealing some secrets wouldn''t be a big deal; the high-ranking members of human civilization would attribute it to his ''extraordinary talent.''


    After all, history has seen many prodigies like Fang Hai, Dongfang Ji...


    It''s like if an ordinary person grew to be 2.5 meters or even 3 meters tall, people would marvel at his gic mutation.


    But if he grew wings and could fly... he would definitely be taken for research.


    "With the star meridian operating, I can mobilize and guide some source energy, much less than a source martial artist, of course," Li Yuan closed his eyes lightly, sensing the slight source energy in his star meridian: "But it is enough to truly stimte source energy weapons and armor in critical moments."


    In life-and-death situations, if the enemy regards Li Yuan as a ''first-rank life form,'' his sudden burst of source energy would significantly boost his strength.


    This is a trump card.


    Not to be exposed lightly.


    "My initial technique shall be named ''Heavenly Stars,''" Li Yuan thought of a random name.


    Li Yuan felt that a perfectly awakened star meridian deserved the name ''Heavenly Stars.''


    His task now was to awaken more life star meridians and life stars in the future.


    ...


    After initially creating the source energy technique "Heavenly Stars," Li Yuan''s training life calmed down.


    Time passed, day by day.


    Attending general courses, practicing spear techniques, receiving guidance from Teacher Li Yang,bat training, and taking High Source Spirit Spring.


    And every night.


    Aside from the usual visualization practice, Li Yuan would hide in the basement, operating the star meridian, crazily absorbing source energy... rapidly improving his physical fitness.


    ...


    "Mental strength is extremely important." Li Yuan greatly valued the visualization method. "Whether it''s improving techniques or awakening life star meridians, mental strength is paramount."


    "Still need to push the limits of willpower."


    ...


    "Spear techniques, fist techniques, movement techniques." Li Yuan trained incredibly hard.


    "My top priority now is to raise all three to the fourth stage at 99%."


    His techniques were steadily improving.


    ...


    One mid-November day.


    In arge martial arts room in the ck Dragon Building.


    "ss dismissed," Li Yang announced, directly walking out of the ssroom.


    The 24 students inside all stood up, chatting and heading outside.


    That''s right.


    Compared to four months ago when Li Yuan enrolled, several more ''fourth-stage elites'' joined Li Yang''s ss, mostly senior students from the fourth and fifth years.


    This was normal; the longer they trained, many Kunlun Martial University students stuck at the third stage for years would break through over time.


    "Shi Xiao."


    "Are you free tonight? It''s time for this month''s ''monthly leave.'' How about going to Fengjing for a day?" a tall young man asked Shi Xiao.


    The other students smiled, used to this scene.


    In this era, people could get married at 19, so while there were few marriages in college, many were dating... especially among these elite students, who were wealthy and facing a dangerous future in martial arts, making open-minded viewsmon.


    Many had three to five boyfriends or girlfriends.


    "Ou Xie, I have ns tonight," Shi Xiao said lightly. "Stop bothering me."


    "With whom?" Ou Xie frowned.


    "Li Yuan junior, didn''t I ask you to go to Fengjing for a day to rx yesterday? You agreed," Shi Xiao suddenly turned to Li Yuan.


    Li Yuan, who was discussing ''micro-level spiritual insight'' with Qiu Jing, was stunned. How did he get involved?


    Qiu Jing''s face stiffened as well.


    "Shi Xiao senior..." Li Yuan began to speak.


    "You agreed?" Shi Xiao smiled, stepping forward to embrace Li Yuan''s arm, trying to pull him out.


    Simultaneously, a faint voice sounded in Li Yuan''s ear: "Li Yuan, help me out."


    Li Yuan frowned.


    He didn''t move, and Shi Xiao couldn''t pull him despite exerting some force.


    This scene surprised the surrounding students.


    Shi Xiao, with a physical fitness level exceeding 17, couldn''t move Li Yuan? Was she not using her full strength?


    "Ou Xie senior."


    Li Yuan suddenly turned back and smiled. "I did promise Shi Xiao senior to apany her to Fengjing for a day, but don''t misunderstand, we have no special rtionship. You can keep pursuing her."


    Ou Xie''s face rxed a bit, forcing a smile, "Alright."


    He didn''t want to offend Li Yuan either.


    Everyone knew Li Yuan''s terrifying talent. He was highly likely to be a flying martial artist in the future.


    Shi Xiao''s smile stiffened.


    Everyone walked out of the ck Dragon Building, then scattered in their flying devices.


    "Senior, I helped you, now let go," Li Yuan whispered.


    "Okay."


    "Thank you, junior," Shi Xiao smiled, somewhat coquettishly. "But couldn''t you help me thoroughly? Why rify to Ou Xie? He''ll bother me again soon."


    "That''s your problem, senior," Li Yuanughed. "I''m leaving."


    With that, Li Yuan walked away quickly.


    "Qiu Jing senior, I''m leaving," Li Yuan greeted Qiu Jing.


    He leaped onto a flying device and quickly left.


    Shi Xiao''s smile faded, looking a bit unwilling.


    "Senior, your method didn''t work. Junior Li Yuan isn''t falling for it," a teasing voice said. Qiu Jing approached with a mysterious smile of victory.


    "None of your business."


    Shi Xiao sneered. "You think pretending to be cute and asking for technique advice will work?"


    "At least better than you," Qiu Jing said coolly. "Everyone knows your reputation in the academy. Do you really expect Li Yuan to ept you?"


    Shi Xiao snorted, her eyes shing coldly.


    As Li Yuan rose, many believed he had a great chance of bing a flying martial artist.


    In school, many female students wanted to pursue him.


    However, most couldn''t even meet him.


    Shi Xiao and Qiu Jing, as ''fellow senior sisters,'' could attend sses with him regrly, making them the closest and most motivated to pursue Li Yuan.


    "Alright then."


    "Let''s see your methods," Shi Xiao sneered.


    "Goodbye, senior," Qiu Jing smiled, leaving quickly on a flying device.


    "Little flirt, pretending to be pure in front of me," Shi Xiao muttered, watching Qiu Jing leave.


    After a while, when everyone had left.


    Ou Xie, who had been ''pursuing'' Shi Xiao, emerged, unable to resist asking, "Senior, what about what you promised me?"


    "Your acting was too poor. Li Yuan didn''t fall for it. Next time," Shi Xiao walked away angrily.


    ...


    In the depths of the Sixth Institute''s vi area, at Dean Hai''s residence.


    On thewn, Dean Hai was leisurely sunbathing.


    "Dean." Just finished with ss, Li Yang jumped off a flying device, walking over respectfully.


    "What is it?" Dean Hai asked, eyes closed, fanning himself.


    "Li Yuan''s physical fitness has surpassed level 15," Li Yang reported. "His techniques¡ªbody technique and spear technique¡ªare almost at the fourth stage''s limit."


    "He''s met the minimum requirement to enter the Astral Realm."


    "So soon?" Dean Hai opened his eyes, a hint of surprise in his gaze. "One month and his physical fitness increased by one level?"


    "Is the Star Earth Marrow Crystal thatpatible with him?"

 Chapter 150: Martial Arts Celestial

    <h4>Chapter 150: Martial Arts Celestial</h4>


    "The Star Earth Essence Crystal is indeed a great natural treasure, but it shouldn''t have such a significant effect," said Dean Hai, slightly puzzled. "He didn''t just go from level 10 to 11, but from level 14 to 15."


    "In terms of physical fitness alone, his punching power increased by over 4000 kilograms in a month."


    "Has he left the school this month?" Dean Hai asked, his mind racing with thoughts.


    "No, since the Ten Schools Freshman Battle ended, Li Yuan has been staying in the school for training," replied Li Yang. "He undergoes practical training every day and attends general courses, all of which can be tracked."


    Li Yang understood Dean Hai''s doubt¡ªhe was suspecting that Li Yuan had some other fortuitous encounter. But in reality, there was none.


    "Moreover, I test his physical fitness every week," Li Yang added. "After using the Star Earth Essence Crystal, his improvement has significantly increased."


    "The progress is very stable," Li Yang confirmed. "It''s all documented."


    "Good," Dean Hai finally let go of hisst bit of doubt and smiled. "It seems that the Star Earth Essence Crystal was indeed the right choice for him."


    "We also underestimated his rate of progress," Dean Hai said lightly.


    "You are wise, Dean," Li Yang said with a smile, though he was silently thinking, we? It was obviously you who underestimated him.


    "But now, what should we do?" Li Yang asked.


    "It''s still too dangerous to go to the Bright Ruins Astral Realm now," Dean Hai said softly. "Let''s stick to the original n and go in a month."


    "In nearly two months, his strength should improve even more, enhancing his self-protection capabilities."


    "By the way, the school will have a holiday in December, right?" Dean Hai asked.


    "Yes," Li Yang nodded.


    Ordinary universities have summer and winter vacations, but martial arts universities havepletely different holiday schedules. They take a half-month break at the end of June and the end of December each year, allowing students to return home, offsetting the normal university holiday schedules.


    "Just in time for him to visit home before venturing into the Astral Realm," Dean Hai said.


    "Yes," Li Yang nodded, understanding the Dean''s intention.


    Venturing into the Astral Realm and practical assessments are entirely different. Practical assessments, although dangerous, usually have a mortality rate of around 1%, sometimes even lower, with cumtive casualty rates being higher. For top talents like Li Yuan, the mortality rate is even lower.


    The most crucial thing is that all ''unexpected factors'' can be eliminated. In the Astral Realm, although the school will take some protective measures, unforeseen circumstances cannot be avoided, such as suddenly encountering a second-level alien or a flying creature. These situations have historically urred.


    Letting Li Yuan go home first is, in a sense, a ''farewell.'' He might die out there this time. After all, Li Yuan is only 18 years old.


    "Two more things," Dean Hai said lightly. "First, have Li Yuane to see me tomorrow."


    "Second, notify the Starlight Martial Hall that Li Yuan has reached level 15, and have them deliver the Source Power Battle Suit as soon as possible."


    "Yes," Li Yang nodded.


    That night.


    While watching the news, Li Yuan received a message from Li Yang.


    "Dean Hai wants to see me tomorrow, possibly to guide my training and discuss the Astral Realm expedition?" Li Yuan thought as he looked at the message from Li Yang. "I don''t even have to apply myself?"


    ording to Kunlun Martial University''s regtions, before the senior year, regardless of physical fitness level, students are not required to venture into the Astral Realm. However, if one''s physical fitness reaches level 15, they can apply to enter the Astral Realm, whether they are a freshman, sophomore, or junior.


    Putting down his smart wristwatch, Li Yuan continued watching the ''Astral Realm Channel'' on the light screen projection.


    "ording to statistics, the recent Astral Realm attack on Jiangcheng City has resulted in at least 284 deaths..."


    "In Shizhou, over the past seven days, the Astral Realm attack by the Fish Spirit Tribe has caused at least 800 deaths..."


    "ording to our reporter''s on-site investigation, from today onwards, the Jiangbei Provincial Military, Starlight Martial Hall, and Starry Sky Martial Hall will conduct joint operations along the Xiang River..." News after news was broadcasted on the projection.


    All were about Jiangbei Province and the Fish Spirit Tribe.


    Since his conversation with Wan Qinghe, Li Yuan had been paying close attention to news about Jiangbei Province, especially Jiangcheng City. Yesterday, Jiangbei Province once again faced arge-scale attack.


    By today, the situation was basically under control.


    "So many casualties," Li Yuan frowned. "Is the Fish Spirit Tribe really that hard to eliminate?"


    The Fish Spirit Astral Realm was like a sore on Jiangbei Province, not fatal, but it asionally red up, causing panic and harm to the people of Jiangbei Province.


    "However."


    "My uncle and aunt live in the Starlight South Lake District, so they''re not greatly affected," Li Yuan thought.


    The next day, November 17th.


    At 2 PM, Li Yuan followed Li Yang to Dean Hai''s vi.


    This was Li Yuan''s first visit. The previous meetings with Dean Hai were all in the ck Dragon Building.


    However, as soon as he jumped off the aircraft, Li Yuan was stunned.


    Outside the vi, on the lush greenwn, Dean Hai was wearing casual clothes and sunsses, leisurely lying on a deck chair, fishing.


    Arge sunshade was propped up high. Beside him were several service personnel waiting, with a variety of exquisite food carefully prepared on the table.


    In a word, luxurious!


    With Dean Hai''s naturally young and handsome appearance, he looked just like a wealthy young master.


    "Dean, Li Yuan is here," Li Yang stepped forward and said.


    "Mm."


    "Li Yuan, Li Yang, sit down," Dean Hai said with a faint smile, pointing to the two chairs beside him.


    Li Yang and Li Yuan sat down and looked at Dean Hai.


    Dean Hai then put down the fishing rod.


    "Li Yuan, do you like fishing?" Dean Hai asked.


    "I''ve tried," Li Yuan replied honestly.


    Apart from learning a bit from his uncle in June, Li Yuan had never really learned to fish.


    "Do you know what is most important in fishing?" Dean Hai asked with a half-smile.


    Li Yuan thought for a moment. "Patience?"


    "No!"


    "It''s that the pond must have fish," Dean Hai smiled. "If there are no fish, no matter how hard you try, it''s useless. For example, in some fishing grounds, it may seem like there are many fish, but the owner deliberately makes the center of the fishing ground deep and uses heavy bait to attract all the fish there. In that case, you definitely won''t catch anything by the shore."


    Li Yuan was dumbfounded.


    "The ''Concentration'' technique I gave youst time, how do you feel about it?" Dean Hai shifted the topic.


    "I practiced it, but it feels average," Li Yuan said.


    On other issues, he could be vague, but when it came to cultivation, which concerns his own interests, he had to answer seriously.


    "Mm? It''s a mental secret technique meant to hone willpower, helping martial artists better resist mental attacks," Dean Hai said. "In the Astral Realm, dangers are everywhere, and the enemy''s methods are unpredictable. Mental attacks aremon."


    "But your mental strength is strong, so its effect might not be significant. Still, it''s good to practice it when you have time. It will be somewhat beneficial."


    "Yes," Li Yuan nodded.


    "I heard from Dean Li that your spear technique has reached the fourth-grade limit?" Dean Hai asked.


    "Almost," Li Yuan smiled.


    In reality, from the Divine Pce panel, Li Yuan''s spear technique and boxing technique had both reached fourth-grade 99%. Only his movement technique was slightly slower, at fourth-grade 96%, but it would also reach the limit within half a month.


    "Reaching the fourth-grade limit, mastering every subtle strength in the body, the next step is to achieve the fifth-grade unity of man and nature," Dean Hai smiled.


    Li Yuan''s eyes lit up, listening intently.


    He understood that Dean Hai called him today to give him guidance on his skills.


    "The term ''unity of man and nature,'' in ancient times, was a mysterious concept pursued by many martial arts masters, simr to the Taoist Golden Core Path or the Buddhist Relic Theory. It sounds mysterious, but in essence, it''s about the word ''natural''," Dean Hai smiled.


    Natural? Li Yuan pondered.


    "Human strength is limited. We introduce source power into our bodies, tempering our physique and skills, making our strength and speed stronger. But even for flying martial artists and those beyond that level, their sprint speed can reach dozens of times the speed of sound or even faster. Their bodies can enter space. One punch can shatter a mountain," Dean Hai sighed. "It sounds strong, butpared to the vast natural world, what is it?"


    "Just within our Seven Star Sea, the distance between us and the Soaring Star is over a billion kilometers. Without using star bridges or the Astral Realm,munication between us is extremely difficult."


    "The operation of the heavens, the universe, we may seem strong individually, but in this vast world, we are just slightly stronger ants. The unity of man and nature requires us to use our weak ''mental spirit'' to sense the countless mysteries of the world''s operations," Dean Hai said.


    "To grasp even a bit of itsws."


    "Just like technology, weak beings can control powerful weapons. Our evolution as martial artists is simr. We must strive to explore the mysteries of nature."


    "By borrowing the power of nature, we can be stronger, both in spirit and body," Dean Hai smiled. "Otherwise, do you think just relying on cultivation methods, one can quickly make a flying martial artist''s body that strong?"


    Li Yuan pondered.


    "These are to give you a concept," Dean Hai smiled. "The best way to break through is still to follow the original path."


    "The original path?" Li Yuan was puzzled.


    "The naturalws are elusive," Dean Hai smiled. "Do you think I am too extravagant?"


    "No, the Dean has made great contributions to our human civilization. This is nothing," Li Yuan shook his head.


    "That is true," Dean Hai smiled. "Over the years, I''ve paid over ten billion in taxes, not through business or rent within the civilization, but from fighting and killing in the Astral Realm."


    "Impressive," Li Yuan sincerely said.


    Paying taxes of over ten billion, how much did he actually earn? It''s unimaginable. These treasures and wealth, even under Dean Hai''s name, are in a sense part of human civilization.


    "I seem to be enjoying myself."


    "Well, I am indeed enjoying myself," Dean Hai said leisurely, "but I am also cultivating, refining my mind andprehending the Dao."


    Li Yuan was puzzled. This realm was too far from him.


    "When you truly reach the fifth-grade level, you will gradually understand what I mean," Dean Hai smiled. "Next."


    "Learn a third-grade spear technique ''Star Intent'' from the Martial Arts Network."


    "This technique is an extension of the ''Starry Spear Technique,'' and it will help you break through to the fifth-grade level."

 Chapter 151: Return to Jiangcheng

    <h4>Chapter 151: Return to Jiangcheng</h4>


    "Yes," Li Yuan noted down the name of the secret technique.


    "The second reason I called you here," Dean Hai continued, "is that after the December vacation, at the beginning of January, you will be arranged to venture into the Bright Ruins Astral Realm."


    "What kind of ce is that?" Li Yuan had never heard of this astral realm. Given his current permissions at Starlight Martial Hall, he had ess to information about most astral realms.


    "It''s an extremelyrge, yet undeveloped primary astral realm," Dean Li added. "Our human civilization is gradually expanding in the Bright Ruins Astral Realm, and small-scale skirmishes with the native creatures are ongoing... but thebat level isn''t too high, making it most suitable for you."


    "After all, we can''t send you to guard a well-secured astral realm," Li Yangughed. "That would be pointless."


    "Understood," Li Yuan nodded. He had attended many general courses and researched various astral realms. He understood that some astral realms were entirely upied by humans and extremely safe, with battles urring only once every few years. Many martial artists hoped to be assigned to such ces because of the safety.


    Other astral realms, like those in a state of war or with deadly enemies, such as the Luo Bu Sea, were extremely dangerous. Source martial artists who entered were often cannon fodder, and in a major battle, it was easy to be killed unless one had the strength of a flying martial artist. In suchrge-scale battles, individuals were very powerless.


    From the sound of it, the Bright Ruins Astral Realm seemed suitable for him.


    "Your life-and-death training in the Bright Ruins Astral Realm will be evaluated by the martial hall''s head there," Dean Hai smiled. "If you perform well enough, when you return to the school, there will be a grand gift waiting for you!"


    "This will probably be the most significant gift the school can prepare for you before you graduate. It''s priceless," Dean Hai didn''t reveal what it was. "At least, I can''t provide it."


    Li Yuan held his breath. Even a flying martial artist like Dean Hai couldn''t provide it? What kind of gift could it be? Natural treasures? It didn''t sound like that.


    "There''s still a month and a half until the life-and-death training. Train hard. The life-and-death training doesn''t rely on talent, only on strength," Dean Hai looked at Li Yuan and couldn''t help but say, "The stronger you are, the better your chances of survival in the star realm. I hope youe back alive to see me."


    "Yes," Li Yuan nodded.


    ...


    Back at the vi, Li Yuan logged into the virtualwork and entered the martial arts knowledgework space. Quickly, Li Yuan found the third-grade skill secret technique "Star Intent." There were many second-grade secret techniques, but third-grade secret techniques were fewer and rarely had duplicate names.


    "It seems that ''Star Intent'' is not just a spear technique but a kind of artistic conception," Li Yuan quickly read the introduction of the secret technique.


    After confirming, he purchased it.


    "Freshman ''Li Yuan,'' your free learning quota for third-grade secret techniques has been reduced by 1, remaining quota: 2," the system voice announced. "The purchased skill secret technique has been sent to your personal space."


    ...


    In his personal space, Li Yuan listened carefully to the intelligent instructor''s lecture.


    "You are learning spear techniques. Therefore, you can understand ''Star Intent'' as an extension of the ultimate mystery ''Star Conception'' of the ''Starry Spear Technique.'' It mimics the operation of stars beyond the sky. It can be divided into four levels: Body Like a Star, Star Dust, Gxy Convergence, and Star Returns to Ruins," the AI exined slowly. "If you haveprehended the ''Starry Spear Technique,'' you should quickly grasp the first level, ''Body Like a Star.'' The key is the second level, ''Star Dust.'' Once youprehend the second level, it indicates you have reached the threshold of the unity of man and nature."


    Whoosh~


    With a wave of the intelligent instructor''s hand, the scene under Li Yuan''s feet transformed into an endless starry sky. In the distant void were dark stars.


    "Watch me," the AI said softly. A long spear appeared in his hand at some point.


    "Whoosh!"


    With a thrust, his whole demeanor changed. In a trance, Li Yuan felt a vast and magnificent star rolling around... a very mysterious feeling. However, Li Yuan also sensed a certain discordant and unreal feeling.


    "The virtualwork is ultimately not real. It can only simte 50% of the actual effect for fifth-grade skills. For this third-grade spear technique, it''s best if you can spar with a real fifth-grade expert for the fastest progress."


    ...


    On the afternoon of November 19th, in Li Yuan''s vi, in the underground martial arts room.


    "How do you feel after practicing ''Star Intent'' on the virtualwork these days?" Li Yang asked with a smile.


    "Not quite there yet," Li Yuan shook his head. "I haven''t truly grasped it."


    "That''s expected. The intelligent instructor teaches techniques below the fourth grade more effectively for those who are good at learning," Li Yang smiled. "But once you reach the fourth grade, the intelligent instructor''s effectiveness diminishes. For fifth-grade skills, it can only simte 50% of the effect. Sixth-grade skills can''t be simted at all. Therefore, in virtualworkbat, whether it''s various assessments or the starry sky fightingwork, the highest level of skill you can encounter is the perfect fifth grade. You are currently at the Eclipse Sun level, while the Martial Saint level typically requires perfect fifth-grade skills."


    Li Yuan realized this was something he hadn''t known before. But he had already sensed that the virtualwork''s usefulness was rapidly diminishing for him. In the starry sky fightingwork, he had reached the Eclipse Sun level, but every time he queued for a match, it took a long time. There were very few experts at this level globally.


    Martial arts training, after all, relies more on reality as one bes stronger.


    "I''ve studied ''Star Intent,'' but my path is somewhat different," Li Yang said. "I will try my best to simte and spar with you. Inbat, I''ll help you feel it as much as possible, but ultimately, you need toprehend it yourself. The unity of man and nature, understanding the mysteries of the universe, ultimately depends on your own spiritual breakthrough, crossing this critical threshold. Many high-level source martial artists are stuck at this stage for decades."


    "Yes."


    ...


    From mid-November onwards, after Li Yuan reached the limit of the fourth grade, his training n changed again. Besides daily training, he no longer attended public ''technique sses,'' and even changed his practical training. It was now conducted by two official teachers, along with Dean Li, taking turns to spar with him. Ordinary source martial artists'' skills were too weak, and practical training offered Li Yuan little help. The skills needed to be strong enough to pressure him and provide insights.


    asionally, Dean Xu would alsoe to guide Li Yuan.


    Thus, Li Yuan was fully immersed in martial arts training, and time flew by as his overall strength rapidly improved. Before he knew it, it was mid-December.


    During this time, a small team from Starlight Martial Hall arrived, very low-key, without many people knowing. The team was there to deliver the ''Source Power Battle Suit'' and custom-made long spear and long sword, and other auxiliary equipment for Li Yuan''s astral realm expedition.


    ...


    On the afternoon of December 14th, in the underground martial arts room of the vi.


    "Puff!"


    "Whoosh!" Li Yuan thrust forward suddenly, his spear moving like lightning, executing the ''Twelve Consecutive Strikes'' of the ''Starry Spear Technique.'' With each rapid burst, afterimages formed in mid-air. This wasn''t just twelve strikes, but twenty-four, forty-eight... seemingly endless. If a master of the ''Starry Spear Technique'' were to witness this, they would be astonished. Li Yuan''s spear momentum seemed boundless, one wave after another. When he had unleashed over a hundred strikes in session, the umted power was beyondprehension.


    "Spears rolling like stars! Control!" Li Yuan finely controlled the explosive power of his body.


    "Weaken."


    "Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!" The originally violent spear shadows gradually weakened and quickly stabilized.


    This was remarkable. It was like a boxer stopping a punch midway, which would be very ufortable. The twelve consecutive strikes of the ''Star River Waterfall'' were simr. Once the spear momentum reached its peak, it was best toplete the final strike to satisfy the body and mind.


    "It can be fierce, it can be gentle."


    "Today, I can say I have thoroughlyprehended the first level of ''Star Intent,'' ''Body Like a Star,''" Li Yuan smiled.


    This wasn''t a major breakthrough. Comprehending the first level still counted as perfecting the fourth grade technique. Breaking through from minute control to martial arts celestial unity wasn''t easy. Even with Li Yuan''s rapid progress, he could only say he was continually umting,ying a solid foundation for understanding the second level, ''Star Dust.''


    True enlightenment requires substantial umtion. Without serious contemtion and reflection, without any umtion, what can one suddenlyprehend?


    "Tomorrow, I can go back to Jiangcheng," Li Yuan smiled at the thought. It had been almost half a year since he had seen his uncle, aunt, and cousins, though they asionally had video calls. But still, Li Yuan felt a bit homesick.


    Home is always a ce to be cherished.


    "After half a month of vacation, I''ll head to the Bright Ruins Astral Realm," Li Yuan thought. This had been arranged in advance.


    "With my current strength, I should be confident enough to explore a primary astral realm," Li Yuan nced at the Divine Pce panel.


    ¡ª¡ª


    [Life Level: 15.8 (Stage One)]


    Punching Power: 16,545 kg


    Speed: 57.2 m/s


    Mental Strength: 24.6


    Willpower: 29


    Spiritual Awakening Degree: 25% (current limit 25%)


    Star Meridian: Level 10


    Technique Level: Spear Technique (Fourth Grade 99%), Movement Technique (Fourth Grade 99%), Boxing Technique (Fourth Grade 99%)


    ¡ª¡ª


    "After returning home, rx and spend time with my uncle and aunt," Li Yuan thought. "But as long as I continue my daily training of ''Heavenly Stars,'' circting the star veins, breaking through to level 16 in physical fitness is no problem." With physical fitness just over level 16,bined with his extreme fourth-grade techniques and the Source Power Battle Suit, Li Yuan dared to engage in life-and-deathbat with martial artists at level 18 or even 19.


    "In terms of strength alone, I should be catching up with Instructor Xing soon," Li Yuan suddenly smiled. "But I''m still far from Teacher Xu. Teacher Xu''s skills are after all at the fourth grade.(no clue what the author meant)"


    ...


    Late at night, Li Yuan packed his things to return home. Dean Li had specially sent over a unit of ''Star Earth Essence Crystal'' and a unit of ''Hundred Marrow Spirit Wither,'' prepared for his January training in the Bright Ruins Astral Realm. This way, he wouldn''t have to make a special trip back to school. With his current strength, Li Yuan could protect such treasures if he was careful. As for high-source spirit springs, they could be purchased back in Jiangcheng.


    "Mm. And the specialty gifts I prepared for my uncle, aunt, and cousins," Li Yuan smiled. He had bought many specialty gifts, but he put the most thought into his family''s gifts, packing them into his bag. There were also gifts for Teacher Xu and Wan Qinghe. Even Lin Lanyue received a special gift, although he wasn''t sure if she would return to Jiangcheng for the holiday. He had sent all these gifts to Jiangcheng a day in advance.


    "It''s 4 AM. I''ll practice my spear until 7, have breakfast, and then take the aircraft to the airport," Li Yuan thought. Training was ingrained in him.


    ...


    While Li Yuan was calmly practicing with his spear in the vi, in a distant underground river in Jiangbei Province, a stream of water flowed continuously. Tall, green-skinned Fish Spirit Tribe warriors crawled along the underground river. Their racial talents made it easy for them to adapt to the environment.


    "Roar~"


    "Hurry up~ 300 kilometers to go."


    "Target: Jiangcheng City." The Fish Spirit Tribe warriorsmunicated in their nativenguage.


    ...


    December 15th. At noon, Li Yuan arrived at Tianhe Airport in Jiangcheng City on an ''ultrasonic aircraft.''


    "Jiangcheng, I''m back," Li Yuan said as he walked off the aircraft, smiling. Not far away, Wan Qinghe was waiting to wee him back.


    "Li Yuan, wee home," Wan Qinghe greeted.

 Chapter 152: The Tide of Fish Spirits

    <h4>Chapter 152: The Tide of Fish Spirits</h4>


    "Uncle Wan, what brings you here?" Li Yuan asked, quite surprised.


    He had only informed his family, and a few ssmates like An Nong and Gu Qianghan about his itinerary. No one else knew.


    "Haha, yesterday I was fishing by theke and happened to run into your uncle. We talked about you," Wan Qingheughed. "That''s how I found out you wereing back today."


    "It so happened that I had to report to the city''s martial hall today. After finishing my work in the morning, I thought I''de pick you up," Wan Qinghe exined.


    "That''s quite a coincidence," Li Yuan replied with a smile. "It''s great, I can get home quickly in your aircraft, Uncle Wan."


    Li Yuan didn''t expose him. Was it really such a coincidence? Even if it was, Uncle Wan didn''t need toe to the airport to pick him up. The martial hall was over ten kilometers from the airport.


    "Alright then, your vacation is short. It''s good to get home early, I''ll give you a ride," Wan Qingheughed. "Actually, given your level, you could have booked a martial hall aircraft."


    "I didn''t think of that," Li Yuan chuckled.


    "Let''s go."


    They passed through the security checkpoint and walked toward the small aircraft parked a few hundred meters away.


    ...


    On the aircraft.


    "The situation has deteriorated that much?" Li Yuan listened to Wan Qinghe recount the situation in Jiangbei. Li Yuan had initiated the topic, wanting to know more.


    "Yes, this year''s attacks are unusual," Wan Qinghe nodded gravely. "Since you were awarded the title of Young Hero at the beginning of the year, the scale has been increasing. August was the flood season... Normally, during the dry season, the Fish Spirit Realm should be more peaceful, but this year the attacks have intensified."


    "Especially in the past month, it''s been chaotic everywhere," Wan Qinghe sighed. "Jiangcheng has faced minor attacks, but Shizhou and Yizhou have been hit hard."


    Li Yuan nodded slightly. He had been following the news and was aware of the general situation.


    "The Fish Spirit Tribe are humanoid creatures. Given their intelligence, are they really so fearless of death?" Li Yuan frowned.


    "The higher-ups specte that a new ''Fish Spirit Tide'' is about to erupt," Wan Qinghe sighed.


    "Fish Spirit Tide?" Li Yuan was puzzled. He had never heard of it.


    "It''s a concept recently proposed by the martial hall. As far as I know, the Fish Spirit Tribe warriors you encountered initially are simr to ''worker ants'' in an ant colony. They absolutely obey the orders of their leaders, even to the point of death," Wan Qinghe exined.


    "Worker ants?" Li Yuan immediately thought of many possibilities. This type of civilization structure wasn''t umon among the ''alien civilizations'' that human civilization had encountered.


    "Their reproduction rate seems very high... In the past few decades, the Fish Spirit Realm hasunched three massive attacks on Jiangbei Province."


    "One was fifteen years ago."


    "Another was thirty-three years ago."


    "The earliest was forty-seven years ago," Wan Qinghe quickly said. "ording to records, before eachrge-scale attack, the number of small-scale attacks would continuously rise."


    "About every fifteen years?" Li Yuan mused, thinking deeper. Fifteen years... that was the year his parents died...


    "Yes."


    "So it''s spected that a new Fish Spirit Tide is imminent," Wan Qinghe said. "But the main direction of the Fish Spirit Tribe''s attacks is still unclear. Based on current indications, it''s likely to be towards Shizhou and Yizhou."


    "After all, those areas are closest to the Fish Spirit Realm entrance and show signs ofrge-scale Fish Spirit Tribe warrior mobilization."


    "The previous threerge-scale attacks in history were all within a thousand kilometers of the Fish Spirit Realm entrance."


    Li Yuan nodded slightly. The spection made sense.


    "That''s why the military and the two major martial halls haveunchedrge-scale operations along the Xiang River," Wan Qinghe said. "Some mechanical armies and reserve martial artist units from Jiangcheng have been secretly transferred to Shizhou and Yizhou."


    "What about other directions in Jiangbei Province?" Li Yuan hesitated.


    "There''s nothing we can do," Wan Qinghe shook his head. "No one can be sure if the Fish Spirit Tribe willunch a Fish Spirit Tide, and if they do, where the main attack direction will be."


    "We have limited strength and can only secretly prioritize defenses. If arge-scale attack does happen, we''ll concentrate our forces to provide support... The Fish Spirit Realm is not a key astral realm after all."


    Li Yuan sighed lightly. Indeed, there were many astral realms within China and even more across human civilization. Many astral realms posed greater threats than the Fish Spirit Realm... Human civilization had limited strength and could only focus on key defenses.


    Some astral realms, like ''Luo Bu Sea,'' hadrge armies stationed there year-round, engaging inrge-scale battles with alien civilizations... The resources consumed annually were astronomical.


    Inparison, the Fish Spirit Realm was indeed less significant.


    "Don''t worry too much, Jiangcheng is still rtively safe," Wan Qinghe smiled. "Spend today with your uncle and aunt. Come to my house for lunch tomorrow."


    "I''ve also invited your teacher Xu, he lives nearby," Wan Qinghe provided a reason Li Yuan couldn''t refuse.


    "Alright," Li Yuan smiled.


    Soon, the aircraft returned to the Starlight South Lake District, arriving at the edge of Li Yuan''s family''s vi.


    Li Yuan and Wan Qinghe got off the aircraft.


    "Uncle Wan."


    "Wait a moment, I have a gift for you. Take it with you," Li Yuan smiled. "I sent the gifts home in advance. I nned to give them to you when I visited."


    At the vi''s entrance, already informed, Li Changzhou and Chen Hui came out with smiles on their faces.


    "Uncle, Aunt," Li Yuan put down his bag.


    He took the gift box from Li Changzhou and handed it to Wan Qinghe. "Uncle Wan, I didn''t know what else to bring, so inside is a set ofmemorative items from Kunlun Martial University''s 150th anniversary."


    "I asked a teacher at the school to remake it for you," Li Yuan smiled. "Although the anniversary has passed, it''s still a memento."


    Wan Qinghe was also a graduate of Kunlun Martial University.


    "Thank you," Wan Qinghe smiled. Last year was Kunlun Martial University''s 150th anniversary, and he regretted not being able to attend.


    Wan Qinghe had mentioned it to Li Yuan, not expecting Li Yuan to remember and bring him amemorative gift.


    "Alright, I''ll head back now," Wan Qinghe smiled. "Remember toe to my house tomorrow."


    "Okay."


    ...


    Wan Qinghe returned to his vi in the Starlight South Lake District.


    "Ta," Wan Qinghe skillfully made a call,ughing. "Li Yuan has agreed toe for lunch. Don''t decline, join us."


    "Li Yuan kept talking about visiting you while we were on the aircraft. You two should spend more time together."


    After ending the call with Xu Bo, Wan Qinghe thought for a moment and sent a message to Song Yi: "Li Yuan has returned to Jiangcheng today."


    He turned off his smart wristwatch.


    "This Song family owes me another small favor," Wan Qinghe smiled slightly.


    "Old Fei, your status is too high to easily get close to Li Yuan''s family," Wan Qinghe muttered to himself. "My status and strength... are just right."


    "Heh! In some ways, you should learn from me."


    ...


    Back home, after giving gifts to his uncle and aunt, the family enjoyed a cheerful lunch prepared by Aunt Chen Hui.


    "Does Uncle Wan often go fishing by theke?" Li Yuan asked while eating, listening to his uncle talk about family matters.


    "Yes," Li Changzhou nodded with a smile. "Whether or not he really likes fishing is hard to say, but he sure enjoys chatting."


    Li Yuan couldn''t help butugh.


    His uncle had no other hobbies but fishing.


    "Uncle, don''t worry, talk about whatever you want," Li Yuan smiled. "I will naturally help Uncle Wan wherever I can in the future."


    "That''s right, he has been kind to our family," Li Changzhou said.


    Gradually, Li Yuan talked about some school matters. Although there were things he couldn''t disclose, he could share most of it... However, he didn''t mention that he would venture into the star realm after the vacation.


    Good news should be shared early to let the elders be happy longer. For example, he had informed his uncle and aunt a week in advance abouting home.


    But bad or dangerous news is best toldte, to reduce their worry.


    "Qianqian and Muhua are boarding at school?" Li Yuan asked, puzzled.


    "Yes."


    "The martial hall''s affiliated middle school is like this. Except for weekends, they can onlye home on Wednesday nights," Chen Hui smiled. "They cane home tomorrow."


    "Alright, I''ll pick them up tomorrow and give them a surprise," Li Yuan smiled.


    It had been a long time since he saw his younger siblings.


    ...


    On the first day home, Li Yuan was particrly happy, chatting with his uncle and aunt for a long time.


    After dinner, a guest arrived.


    "Hall Master Song?" Li Yuan smiled. "Pleasee in."


    "Li Yuan," Song Yi smiled warmly, carrying several gifts.


    After a brief visit, she left within fifteen minutes, having no other purpose than to pay a visit.


    "These hall masters sure have sharp noses," Li Yuan thought to himself.


    Uncle Wan was like this, and so was Song Yi.


    Li Yuan understood Song Yi''s intentions clearly and didn''t reject her goodwill.


    "My goal is simply to be stronger," Li Yuan saw through it all at a nce.


    ...


    Around nine o''clock, his uncle and aunt went to bed.


    The underground martial arts room was brightly lit.


    "Time to start a new day of training," Li Yuan smiled. "From now until seven in the morning, that''s ten hours."


    Even during holidays, other students socialized, caught up with family, and rested at night, significantly reducing their training time. But for Li Yuan... holidays?


    It just meant shifting his training time from all day to half a day.


    Genuinely all day, half a day.


    "At least I can''t neglect visualization and source power absorption," Li Yuan thought.


    His techniques had reached the fourth-stage limit, and even with intense training, it would be hard to break through in a short time.


    Alternating between effort and rxation, rxing now wasn''t necessarily a bad thing.


    However, both mental and physical growth... were gradual processes.


    Not a single day could be wasted.


    "''Heavenly Stars''," Li Yuan sat cross-legged, closed his eyes, and began to meditate. With a thought, he activated the life star meridian within him, causing a surge of source power to flow through his body, transforming his muscles and bones.


    ...


    December 16th, at noon.


    Li Yuan went to Wan Qinghe''s house.


    The guests included Xu Bo and Vice Hall Master Zuo of the Starlight Guanshan Branch Hall. She had represented Starlight Martial Hall at Li Yuan''s ''Young Hero Commendation Ceremony'' and was quite familiar with him.


    "Teacher, you joined the ''City Patrol Team''?" Li Yuan listened to Xu Bo.

 Chapter 153: Outburst! The Warrior’s Duty!

    <h4>Chapter 153: Outburst! The Warrior''s Duty!</h4>


    The city patrol team is a group of martial artists, essentially a militia, and they are generally not called to participate in battles. Only in critical moments, such as when the army and the martial hall''s martial artists teams cannot hold the line, will they be summoned.


    "Every martial artists is a member of the city patrol reserve team," Xu Boughed. "Like you, I''ve heard from Hall Master Wan. Your physical fitness is probably at level 13 or even higher now."


    "But because you are still a student, you are not included in the reserve team," Xu Boughed again.


    Li Yuan couldn''t help but smile. His achievements and specific strength might be known by someone at Fei Qian''s level in the martial hall. But people like Wan Qinghe and Hall Master Zuo knew very little, and Xu Bo knew even less.


    Li Yuan had no intention of showing off his physical fitness in front of his elders.


    "I used to be in the city patrol reserve team as well. Now that the martial artists teams from Jiang City have gone to Shizhou, many reserve martial artists have been temporarily summoned into the ''official city patrol team''," Xu Bo said with a smile. "I volunteered to join."


    "Volunteered?" Li Yuan was slightly surprised.


    "Li Yuan, don''t underestimate your teacher," Hall Master Zuoughed. "If your teacher hadn''t been injured... he would have been much stronger than me back in the day, almost as strong as Hall Master Wan."


    "Back in the astral realm, your teacher was quite famous," Left Hall Master sighed.


    Li Yuan looked at Xu Bo in surprise. He knew Xu Bo had ventured into the astral realm before retiring due to injuries, but this was the first time he learned so many details.


    "Let''s eat."


    "Let''s not talk about the past," Xu Bo said cheerfully. "Teaching at school now is also good. When you venture into the astral realm in the future, it will be like fighting on behalf of your teacher."


    "Yes," Li Yuan smiled. "Teacher, take good care of yourself and teach more students. It''s also a contribution."


    The lunch banquet ended at noon.


    Li Yuan went to the city martial hall to visit Fei Qian.


    ...


    At four in the afternoon, Li Yuan arrived at the martial hall''s affiliated middle school to pick up his younger siblings.


    On the way, he passed by ''Guanshan District No. 1 High School,'' his alma mater. The two schools were very close to each other.


    Looking at the familiar school gate and unfamiliar students, there was still half an hour before Li Qianqian and Li Muhua finished school.


    But Li Yuan only took a few distant nces at Guanshan District No. 1 High School without going in.


    Li Yuan believed that the guard would recognize him, and it would not be difficult to enter and look around if he wanted to. But it didn''t seem meaningful anymore.


    "Revisiting old ces is like searching for a sword by marking the side of a moving boat." Li Yuan sighed.


    <i>*In Chinese, "¿ÌÖÛÇó½£" (k¨¨ zh¨­u qi¨² ji¨¤n) is a metaphor that describes an impractical or foolish action, where someone carves a mark on the side of a boat to remember where a sword fell into the water, expecting to find the sword at the same spot after the boat has moved. It implies an inflexible mindset, ignoring changes in circumstances.</i>


    <i>After multiple practical tests, continuous improvement in strength, and the uing life-and-death journey, it was difficult for Li Yuan to have the same mindset as he did in high school. The past years and ssmates were long gone.*</i>


    ...


    Just after five in the afternoon, students from the martial hall''s affiliated middle school poured out of the school gate like a tide.


    Many parents gathered at the school gate, and Li Yuan was among them, looking very young.


    Although he hadn''t told his siblings in advance, with his keen eyesight, he wouldn''t miss anyone entering or leaving the school gate.


    Suddenly.


    "Qianqian and Muhua." Li Yuan saw the boy and girling out of the school gate from a distance and moved like the wind, covering more than ten meters in an instant to reach them.


    Both Li Qianqian and Li Muhua were startled.


    Instinctively.


    Li Muhua, in his shock, stepped forward and pulled Li Qianqian behind him.


    Then, they saw the person in front of them clearly and their eyes lit up. "Brother!!"


    "Big Brother!" They both eximed excitedly.


    Li Qianqian even jumped directly onto Li Yuan, wrapping her arms around his neck, extremely excited.


    "Get down, there are many people," Li Yuanughed, patting Li Qianqian''s hand.


    "You''re my brother, what''s there to be afraid of," Li Qianqian pouted.


    "Big Brother, why didn''t you tell us?" Li Muhuaughed, looking much taller and stronger than six months ago.


    "I..." Li Yuan was about to exin when his smart wristband suddenly vibrated violently.


    "Hmm?" Li Yuan instinctively looked at it.


    The smart wristband disyed a map-like image with numerous red lights shing.


    "So many?" Li Yuan''s expression changed.


    The smart wristband automatically disyed the ''Astral Realm Creature Early Warning System'' of China''s smart skywork.


    As a registered ''first-level martial artists,'' any astral realm creature detected within a ten-kilometer radius would be reported to Li Yuan, requesting his assistance.


    "Only within a ten-kilometer radius, there are already so many intruding creatures?" Li Yuan''s heart trembled as he scanned the map and saw at least hundreds of red dots scattered across it.


    "Brother? What''s wrong?" Li Qianqian and Li Muhua noticed Li Yuan''s change in mood.


    Before Li Yuan could answer.


    "Boom~" The ground they stood on suddenly shook slightly, like an earthquake.


    "What?"


    "What''s happening?" Not only Li Yuan and Li Muhua, but also many other students, parents, and even teachers nearby showed puzzled expressions.


    They didn''t know what was happening.


    "This is bad." Li Yuan suddenly stared at the bustling street not far away and shouted, "This is bad, quickly, go into the school, there are astral realm creatures."


    "What?" Li Qianqian and Li Muhua''s faces changed dramatically.


    Whoosh!


    Li Yuan picked up his younger siblings and rushed into the school, heading directly to the edge of the teaching building.


    Inside the school, there were defense systems, and the ground was heavily reinforced, making it rtively safe.


    "Quick, there are astral realm creatures, the rm went off!!"


    "Attack! Massive attack."


    "Quickly." Not only Li Yuan, but many other warrior parents receiving the warning also started shouting.


    At that moment.


    "Boom!" A muffled explosion sounded, followed by many people seeing it.


    In the middle of the street, where cars usually traveled, the road suddenly copsed, and countless mud and stones sttered, forming a huge pit.


    The next second.


    "Roar~~"


    "Roar!" "Roar!" Sharp, terrifying sounds echoed from the big pit.


    Swish! Swish! Swish! They saw humanoid creatures about two meters tall, with four arms, green skin, and long tails like fish, jumping out of the pit.


    Their bodies were covered in water droplets and mud, as if they had just crawled out of the ground.


    Only their four sharp, de-like ws were truly terrifying.


    Fish Spirit Tribe!!


    Arge number of Fish Spirit Tribe members were pouring out of the copsed pit like a tide.


    "It''s the Fish Spirit Tribe."


    "Run."


    "Ah!!" The originally crowded school gate was now in chaos, with many screams and uproar.


    Countless people''s faces turned pale.


    So many Fish Spirit Tribe members? Many people had never seen such a scene before.


    But most people had undergone ''emergency rescue training'' since childhood, so many students and parents immediately started sprinting along the street or rushing back into the school.


    These parents and students reacted quickly, but the ''Fish Spirit Tribe Warriors'' reacted even faster.


    Swish! Swish! Swish!


    The first dozens of Fish Spirit Tribe members to jump out of the pit, their eyes glowing red, turned into streams of light and charged into the crowd.


    Their orders were simple: ughter!


    Kill any human life they encountered.


    "Boom!" "Boom!" Severalbat drones were already speeding towards the scene.


    However, at this moment, simr pits had appeared in various parts of Jiang City, with many Fish Spirit Tribe members emerging from rivers andkes. Reinforcements couldn''t arrive at every ce immediately.


    This was a catastrophic attack!!


    "Whoosh~"


    "Whoosh~" "Whoosh!" In an instant, some students and parents near the pit were killed.


    Most humans were too weak to resist the intruding Fish Spirit Tribe warriors.


    "Is this?"


    "Those people." Li Qianqian and Li Muhua''s faces turned pale. They were just middle school students and had never seen such a scene.


    "You two stay here and don''t move." A deep voice suddenly sounded in their ears.


    Immediately.


    Countless frightened students and parents, and even more distant ordinary people, saw it.


    "Boom¡ª¡ª!"


    In their sight, a ck figure appeared, bursting out with terrifying speed, covering fifty meters in an instant.


    He seemed to be holding a short sword.


    "Swish! Swish! Swish!" Terrifying sword lights swept through the air, creating a series of terrifying roars. The Fish Spirit Tribe warriors rushing towards the school gate were instantly split apart.


    Heads flew.


    Bodies were sliced in half.


    Some were cut in two, blood sttering, filling the air with the smell of blood.


    "Whoosh!" The ck figure holding the war sword roared towards another group of Fish Spirit Tribe warriors.


    "A martial artists."


    "A high-level martial artists." Many people, frightened, were also relieved and excited.


    martial artists! Strong martial artists were the backbone of resisting astral realm creatures.


    "Brother?"


    "Big Brother?" Li Qianqian and Li Muhua watched this scene with bated breath, feeling both shocked and excited.


    That ck figure.


    Who else could it be but their big brother, Li Yuan?


    "Quick." "Kill!"


    Swish! Swish! Swish!


    In just a few seconds, more than a dozen figures wielding various weapons rushed out of the school. They were the martial arts teachers at the school. To be a martial arts teacher, one had to be at least a level 12 martial artists, possessing considerable strength.


    Without hesitation, these martial arts teachers leaped over the school walls, crossed the students and parents, and charged towards the Fish Spirit Tribe warriors.


    However, the most terrifying human martial artists on the entire street was naturally Li Yuan. Without hesitation, he used "Mental Profundity," instantly bursting out with a speed approaching 80 meters per second.


    In just a few seconds, he had killed more than 20 Fish Spirit Tribe warriors.


    "Carrying a short sword with me at all times was indeed the right choice," Li Yuan thought coldly as he stepped over the body of a Fish Spirit Tribe warrior.


    Killing?


    For Li Yuan, killing these Fish Spirit Tribe members was like going through one of the many virtual battles he had experienced with the Fish Spirit Tribe. He showed no mercy.


    After ensuring the safety of his younger siblings, he immediately took action.


    What is the purpose of martial arts training?


    To kill enemies and protect the country!


    This is the duty of a warrior.


    However, the Fish Spirit Tribe warriors were scattered in all directions, and Li Yuan could only block one direction.


    "Ratatatatatata~" Severalbat drones, rushing to provide support from high above, began precise shooting, fully killing some of the Fish Spirit Tribe warriors at the end of the street.


    At the end of the street, several spider-like small robots, traveling at speeds over 30 meters per second, also sped towards the scene.


    One could say that the crisis at this location was quickly being resolved.


    "Roar~"


    A deep voice suddenly came from the copsed pit, followed by a Fish Spirit Tribe warrior over three meters tall, resembling a small giant, leaping out of the pit.


    It held four short des in its four arms, which looked very crude but suited its size. Its green skin had faint purple stripes, distinguishing it clearly from other Fish Spirit Tribe warriors.


    "It''s a high-level Fish Spirit Tribe warrior."


    "It has purple stripes."


    "At least level 18. With so many purple stripes, it might even be level 19." The martial arts teachers fighting the Fish Spirit Tribe warriors all looked grim.


    At least level 18!


    Such strength surpassed any martial arts teacher present.


    Evenbat drones and robots, equipped with thermal weapons, found it increasingly difficult to deal with such high-level alien creatures. These high-level warriors were too fast, capable of easily dodging a barrage of bullets.


    "Boom!"


    The high-level Fish Spirit Tribe warrior leaped tens of meters, heading straight for the school gate... No, it was charging at Li Yuan, the strongest warrior present.


    "Watch out."


    "Retreat quickly." Many martial arts teachers shouted in rm, and many students and parents were terrified.


    "Big brother." Li Qianqian and Li Muhua''s hearts clenched.


    They weren''t foolish; they knew that their brother had just started his freshman year. Could he handle such a powerful Fish Spirit Tribe warrior?


    However, contrary to everyone''s expectations, Li Yuan, who had just killed another Fish Spirit Tribe warrior, showed no hesitation or fear.


    "Boom!" He leaped more than ten meters, swiftly meeting the high-level Fish Spirit Tribe warrior head-on.


    "Boom!"


    "ng~" "ng~" "Bang~!!" Contrary to what many expected, it was not a one-sided battle.


    Li Yuan burst out with astonishing speed and strength, engaging in a terrifying sh with the Fish Spirit Tribe warrior.


    "Boom~" The terrifying force of tens of thousands of kilograms from both sides caused the surrounding concrete ground to shatter, sending debris flying.


    Two Fish Spirit Tribe warriors were directly killed by the shockwaves.


    "Level 18.9, truly formidable," Li Yuan thought, staring intently at his opponent.


    Li Yuan had immediately used his spiritual probe to confirm the creature''s life level.


    Level 18.9!


    With a punching force of nearly 50,000 kilograms and a burst speed close to 100 meters per second.


    If such a high-level Fish Spirit Tribe warrior were allowed to kill freely, it alone could result in the deaths of hundreds, if not thousands, of ordinary people.


    "You must die," Li Yuan''s eyes turned red as he fully unleashed his power, his de lights continuous and deadly.

 Chapter 154: Martial Artist Li Yuan

    <h4>Chapter 154: Martial Artist Li Yuan</h4>


    "Boom!" "Boom!"


    Li Yuan and the high-level Fish Spirit Tribe warrior shed fiercely. Both were incredibly fast, moving like lightning, and their terrifying impacts sent shockwaves in all directions, causing the trees along the street to explode.


    With their explosive power, the concrete ground cracked along their path, sending debris flying. These fragments were so fast that if they hit an ordinary person, it would be fatal or cause severe injury.


    Fortunately, most of the ordinary people had already fled, and Li Yuan consciously led the battle to the center of the street, minimizing the coteral damage.


    "This?"


    "That''s terrifying."


    "What a powerful warrior, and so young," the parents and students who had escaped into the school looked in shock at the fierce battle erupting hundreds of meters away.


    "Big brother." Li Qianqian and Li Muhua were staring intently. Though they were astonished by their brother''s strength, they were more filled with worry.


    "Quick."


    "Get inside the building. The school''s defense system has been activated, and help has been requested." The teachers were continuously urging students and other teachers to move further inside.


    "Li Qianqian, Li Muhua, is that your brother?" A teacher rushed to them, looking anxious.


    "Yes." Li Qianqian nodded decisively.


    "Come upstairs, don''t stay here, it''s dangerous." The teacher hurriedly said, pulling them into the crowd, with the help of two other teachers clearing a path.


    Buzz~ Buzz~ Buzz~


    Morebat drones appeared in the sky. While some cleared out the ordinary Fish Spirit Tribe warriors, several drones circled rapidly around Li Yuan and his opponent, trying to assist him.


    Unfortunately, Li Yuan and the high-level Fish Spirit Tribe warrior were engaged in a fierce battle, with both moving tens of meters in a single step, too fast for the drones to effectively intervene. Moreover, the Fish Spirit Tribe warrior''s physical strength far surpassed Li Yuan''s, and each of its strikes surpassed Li Yuan''s explosive strength in his mental profundity state, giving Li Yuan no chance to escape.


    As a result, the drones could only form a "firepower defense zone" around them, preventing the high-level Fish Spirit Tribe warrior from escaping, but not daring to open fire.


    These drones andbat robots were equipped with an entire "intelligent judgment system." If ordinary people were being ughtered, they would open fire decisively, even if it meant some coteral damage, to prevent further casualties.


    But now? ording to their intelligent system''s assessment, Li Yuan had a chance of winning, and a strong warrior like him was extremely important, so they naturally couldn''t open fire.


    "Whoosh!"


    "Whoosh!" Li Yuan''s figure flickered as he fully utilized his Dragon Walk technique, trying to dodge, but immediately, terrifying sword attacks shed, shing towards him like lightning.


    Li Yuan dared not take the blows head-on.


    "The difference in physical strength is too great." Li Yuan''s eyes were cold. He was only at level 15.9, with a punching power of less than 18,000 kilograms, and his mental profundity state could only boost it to 35,000 kilograms.


    The opponent? Probably had a third-grade high-level technique, with an explosive punching power exceeding 50,000 kilograms.


    The key was the weapon.


    If Li Yuan had been using a spear, he would likely have won already... but the short sword he carried was for emergencies.


    Why didn''t he take a spear from the start? The ordinary weapons in the school couldn''t withstand such intensebat.


    Instantaneous explosions and shes with tens of thousands of kilograms of force ¨C how could ordinary weapons handle that?


    "Kill!" "Kill!"


    "Despite not having a particrly strong physique, estimated at only level 17.5, he''s managing to fend off my four des with a single battle sword." The high-level Fish Spirit Tribe warrior was bing increasingly anxious.


    "ng!"


    "ng ng ng!!" Swords shed, and though the warrior''s every strike was faster, they were all blocked by Li Yuan''s single sword.


    At this moment, Li Yuan''sbat skills were disyed to perfection, almost as an art form.


    The high-level Fish Spirit Tribe warrior didn''t understand humannguage, but with intelligenceparable to humans, it recognized the gravity of the situation!


    "This human warrior possesses at least fourth-grade high-level skills."


    "He''s so young, definitely an elite genius among humans." The warrior made a judgment, staring intently at Li Yuan: "He must be killed."


    "Killing him is more valuable than ughtering ten thousand ordinary humans."


    The high-level Fish Spirit Tribe warrior knew this well.


    Escape? He had been dyed here too long.


    ording to the initial orders from the mother fish, once any warrior''s movements were exposed, they should conduct "assault and kill" missions.


    Assault and kill, akin to guerri warfare, meant escaping while killing ordinary people along the way, rather than engaging in direct confrontations.


    Positional warfare? Not to mention the ferocity of human thermal weapons.


    Any random Source Martial Artist could massacre hundreds or thousands of Fish Spirit Tribe warriors.


    First-level and second-level martial artist were on entirely different nes of power.


    The Fish Spirit Astral Realm was just a first-level astral realm, with only first-level Fish Spirit Tribe warriors able to pass through the astral realm''s portal. To reach the second level, they had to break through after entering Blue Star, which was very rare.


    Therefore, in the daily skirmishes in Jiangbei Province, the Fish Spirit Tribe warriors almost never had second-level ones.


    Level 18 or 19 Fish Spirit Tribe warriors were already considered top-tier.


    Suddenly.


    "An opening." The high-level Fish Spirit Tribe warrior''s eyes lit up, and his short de shed towards Li Yuan''s arm.


    If this strikended, it would undoubtedly sever Li Yuan''s arm.


    But!!


    To the warrior''s shock and anger, just as his de was about to collide with Li Yuan''s arm, Li Yuan''s short sleeve suddenly solidified like armor, and a faint yellow "light film" appeared on the surface of his skin.


    He took the blow directly.


    Li Yuan''s arm wasn''t severed, nor was it even fractured or bleeding.


    His de had struck something as solid as a thick steel te.


    "A Source Power Combat Suit!" The high-level Fish Spirit Tribe warrior realized, stunned and furious: "How can a first-level martial artist use a Source Power Combat Suit?"


    He instantly understood ¨C a trap!


    But it was toote.


    "ng!"


    "ng!" Li Yuan took the opponent''s two strikes head-on.


    The terrifying impact of the short des, although weakened by the Source Power Combat Suit, still made Li Yuan''s blood and qi churn.


    However, it was within tolerable limits.


    Taking such a risk naturally had a reason.


    "sh!" Li Yuan''s short sword shed with a barely noticeable yellow light.


    Yuan Power enhancement!!


    "sh~" The short sword''s speed suddenly soared, slicing into the high-level Fish Spirit Tribe warrior''s arm. With Source Power enhancing the de, it cut through the tough arm effortlessly.


    The de shed!


    sh~


    The arm, resilient enough to withstand ordinary bullets, was instantly severed.


    Blood sttered.


    Though the short sword seemed unremarkable, it was actually a second-level Source Power weapon. When enhanced with Source Power, its power far exceeded that of ordinary thermal weapons!!


    "Roar~"


    The excruciating pain surged through the high-level Fish Spirit Tribe warrior, making him both anxious and angry.


    He roared words Li Yuan couldn''t understand.


    Li Yuan couldn''t understand the foreignnguage.


    "Seems like I should study these astral realmnguages," Li Yuan thought fleetingly.


    Human civilization must have researched these aliennguages.


    "Argh argh~" The high-level Fish Spirit Tribe warrior, enduring the pain, swung his remaining three arms desperately, trying to kill Li Yuan.


    "I could handle four arms, let alone three." Li Yuan''s eyes were cold.


    Boom!


    Li Yuan didn''t use Source Power again. His star meridians were already limited in Source Power.


    Ultimately, Li Yuan wasn''t a true "Source Martial Artist" yet.


    Moreover, thebat drones were monitoring the battle, and Li Yuan didn''t want to reveal this secret.


    Severing one arm was enough.


    "ng!" "Bang~" The battle continued, but the high-level Fish Spirit Tribe warrior was doomed to fail.


    In less than ten seconds.


    "sh~" Li Yuan found another weakness and shed the opponent''s arm again.


    Without Source Power, the cut only made a huge gash, bleeding profusely.


    "Roar roar~~" The Fish Spirit Tribe warrior roared.


    He finally realized that he couldn''t kill Li Yuan and that prolonging the fight would lead to his death.


    Suddenly.


    "Boom!" The high-level Fish Spirit Tribe warrior retreated rapidly, trying to charge towards the crowd in the distance.


    "Ratatatat~"


    Already in position in the sky, forming a "crossfire," nearly tenbat drones opened fire simultaneously, unleashing a torrent of metal bullets.


    Aprehensive strike, impossible to evade.


    "Boom~" One of the "heavybat drones" decisively fired an armor-piercing shell.


    "sh!" "sh~" "sh~" The hail of bullets struck the high-level Fish Spirit Tribe warrior.


    "Bang~"


    With a violent explosion, the already injured Fish Spirit Tribe warrior copsed.


    Dead, eyes wide open in disbelief.


    As a nearly level 19 warrior, his mission was to kill at least five hundred ordinary humans... but in the end, he caused zero casualties.


    "Whoosh!"


    Li Yuan stood still, not chasing the retreating enemy. Pursuing in a straight line would be difficult.


    Moreover, he had noticed the numerousbat drones, knowing the enemy couldn''t escape.


    "Without bing a second-level Source Warrior."


    "Urban guerri warfare would be manageable," Li Yuan sighed. "Otherwise, in open areas, even high-level warriors at levels 18 or 19 would fall victim to heavy thermal weaponry."


    After all, they are carbon-based life forms. Even with the absorption of Source Power and the advancement of life evolution, which drastically increases the toughness of bones and skin, there are still limits before bing a true Source Warrior.


    "If I faced this situation, fully activating my Source Powerbat suit and relying on my agility, I should be able to withstand the assault and make it into a distant building," Li Yuan thought.


    With the Source Powerbat suit, his survival rate would increase by at least tenfold.


    ...


    Whoosh!


    Abat drone descended, its gun barrel pointed backward.


    "Respected martial artist Li Yuan, thank you for your contribution to Jiang City. Your achievements have been recorded. Once the crisis in Jiang City is fully resolved, your merits will be calcted and recognized," the drone transmitted electronically.


    These drones could sense each individual''s smart wristband, quickly matching their identities.


    "Understood." Li Yuan nodded.


    This was standard procedure.


    "Martial Artist Li Yuan, you may go home to check on your situation or join the ''city patrol team'' nearby to participate in urban rescue efforts," the drone continued. "The people of Jiang City thank you for your dedication."


    With that, whoosh! All drones except for three, which remained to guard the pit, rapidly ascended and headed for other streets... battles were breaking out all over Jiang City.


    Whoosh~ Whoosh~ Whoosh~ Several small spider-like robots swiftly jumped into the pit, beginning data search and investigation to determine the whereabouts of the Fish Spirit Tribe.


    ...


    Whoosh! Li Yuan returned to the school gate, where the martial artist teachers had also gathered.


    Their gazes towards Li Yuan had changed.


    As martial artists, they clearly saw that Li Yuan had forced the high-level Fish Spirit Tribe warrior to flee, eventually being shot down by the drones.


    "Impressive!"


    "A true martial artist."


    "Well done." Many students and families who had taken refuge in the school were still fearful, but more of them couldn''t help but apud and cheer.


    "Brother!"


    "Big brother." Li Qianqian and Li Muhua squeezed through the crowd.


    "Brother, just now..." Li Qianqian smiled, with tears glistening in her eyes.


    She had indeed been worried.


    "It''s okay now, who do you think your brother is?" Li Yuan smiled, wiping away the tears from his sister''s eyes. "Alright, let''s go home."


    "Go home?" Li Qianqian and Li Muhua were both puzzled.


    Boom!


    A car-sized mini aircraft quickly descended from the sky nearby.


    "Teachers, I''m taking them home first. Everyone stay safe," Li Yuan said, nodding to the school teachers.


    Whoosh!


    Holding Li Qianqian and Li Muhua, Li Yuan leaped seven or eight meters high,nding lightly on the aircraft.


    The aircraft immediately took off, heading swiftly towards the Starlight South Lakemunity.


    "It''s an aircraft from our Starlight Martial Hall."


    "An automated aircraft, he must have a high status in the Martial Hall." A parent recognized it. Many student families here had connections to the Starlight Martial Hall.


    "Who is he?" Many students and parents were curious.


    "He''s Li Yuan!!"


    "Li Qianqian mentioned that her brother is Li Yuan, who appeared on TV earlier this year and was awarded the ''Young Hero'' title," a student shouted.


    "I remember now. I saw his program earlier this year. They said he''s a martial arts genius from Jiang City, from a poor family, and signed a contract with our Starlight Martial Hall."


    "Yes, he''s that martial arts genius."


    "He''s Li Yuan?"


    "It''s been less than a year, and he''s already this strong?" Many students, parents, and even teachers were whispering, quite excited.


    "A martial artist!"


    "This is what a martial artist is."


    "One day, I will be like Li Yuan." Many students who experienced today unconsciously nted a seed within them.


    The privileges and status of martial artist were earned through countless battles.


    Once war breaks out, they are destined to be on the front lines.


    ... In the sky over sixty meters high, Li Yuan constantly observed the streets below.


    asionally, he saw drones flying by quickly.


    Sometimes, there were human corpses... and many Fish Spirit Tribe warrior corpses on the ground.


    Clearly, the battle was ongoing, and this attack was unprecedented in scale.


    Seeing these scenes, especially the many human corpses, Li Yuan felt a deep heaviness in his heart: "Quickly send Qianqian and Muhua back. The Starlight South Lakemunity is the safest."


    "After retrieving my weapons, I''ll immediately join the city patrol team and see how I can help."


    <i><strong>Trantor: Hello Readers. I am the trantor of this novel. This novel will not get contracted so please can you leave some donations. Dont worry, i will finish this novel no matter what. i am doing this for fun, but hey, its not bad getting money right? "Kheheheheh"</strong></i>


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 Chapter 155: Stepping onto This Path

    <h4>Chapter 155: Stepping onto This Path</h4>


    Smoke and mes filled Jiang City, especially in Guanshan District, where numerouskes made it a disaster zone. Within minutes, Li Yuan had taken Li Qianqian and Li Muhua to the Starlight South Lake Community.


    The entiremunity, along with the distant Starry Sky South Lake Community, was exceptionally quiet. Overhead, there were at least a hundredbat drones patrolling visibly, many of them heavy drones... with even more hidden forces.


    Li Yuan knew that simr to his own vi, there was a drone and twobat robots stationed there year-round. As one of the top residential areas in Jiang City, its defense forces were also top-notch.


    This was just the mechanical protection. Themunity itself had an unknown number of high-level martial artist and even Source Martial Artists at home.


    So, unless the Fish Spirit Tribe''s manders'' were foolish, they wouldn''t attack these twomunities after years of probing.


    The flying device beneath him was summoned through Li Yuan''s L6-level martial hall privileges, and it automatically recognized him.


    It quicklynded on the vi''swn.


    "Qianqian, Muhua." Aunt Chen Hui, who had received the news, rushed out of the house immediately.


    "Mom."


    Li Qianqian and Li Muhua jumped off the aircraft and ran to Chen Hui.


    Li Changzhou then walked out of the vi. As a father, he always remained calm and said, "I told you, with Little Yuan there, Qianqian and Muhua would be fine."


    "Mom, you don''t know, brother was amazing just now. He killed many Fish Spirit Tribe warriors," Li Muhua couldn''t help but say. "Especially thest one. The teacher said it was at least level 18, and brother defeated it."


    "Level 18?" Chen Hui looked at Li Yuan, concerned.


    "A level 18 Fish Spirit Tribe warrior?" Li Changzhou was equally shocked.


    Ordinary people might not be very strong, but due to constant national education, special training, and safety drills, they were well aware of the strength of various astral realm creatures.


    A level 18 creature, ording to national propaganda, required high-level martial artists or arge number of thermal weapons to kill.


    Just like the high-level Fish Spirit Tribe warrior that Li Yuan killed.


    If Li Yuan hadn''t first entangled it and then drones created a ''crossfire'' in the open area, it wouldn''t have been so easily killed.


    "Uncle, don''t listen to Muhua''s exaggerations," Li Yuan said. "I only managed to hold it off, and the drone finished it off."


    "That''s still impressive, Little Yuan... you''ve truly grown up." Li Changzhou looked at Li Yuan with emotion.


    Just half a year into college, Li Yuan''s strength had transformed to this level?


    Li Changzhou, a graduate of Jiangbei Martial Arts University, understood what this meant.


    Of course, over the past six months, Li Yuan asionallymunicated with his uncle and aunt about his current situation, so they weren''t too surprised.


    Kunlun Martial Arts University was, in their minds, a ''top university.''


    A top university''s top genius being formidable was very normal.


    "Uncle, aunt, you go inside first. I''ll head to the underground martial arts room," Li Yuan said.


    Whoosh!


    In a sh, Li Yuan was already tens of meters away, entering the underground martial arts room.


    ng~ The sealed weapon wall slowly descended, revealing various weapons, helmets, armors, boots, and more.


    All were practicalbat weapons.


    "I carry my Source Powerbat suit with me, but once activated, it''s too conspicuous," Li Yuan thought briefly.


    He quickly donned aplete set of ''first-grade superior'' battle armor, helmet, and boots.


    Even the pants were made of extremely tough special materials that even high-level warriors couldn''t tear apart.


    In no time, Li Yuan was fully armored, with only half his face exposed.


    "This way."


    "With full armor, even if I activate the Source Powerbat suit, it won''t be visible from the outside," Li Yuan thought.


    The Source Powerbat suit was close-fitting, like a nano-material, activated by Source Power.


    Normally, he would use the armor for defense. In critical moments, activating thebat suit would provide dual protection... significantly enhancing Li Yuan''s survival ability.


    The only drawback was that wearing twoyers of armor slightly reduced flexibility.


    "If a Fish Spirit Tribe warrior had fourth-grade skills, they wouldn''t waste them as cannon fodder, so it shouldn''t matter," Li Yuan considered.


    He had specifically researched the ''Fish Spirit Astral Realm'' in the Starlight Martial Hall''s database.


    He understood certain conventions.


    "Finally." Li Yuan''s gaze fell on a ck spear.


    Made entirely of alloy.


    This was a weapon prepared for Li Yuan''s life-and-death trials by the Starlight Martial Hall.


    It cost 18 million Blue Star coins!


    The spearhead and de were virtually indestructible, capable of easily piercing ordinary steel with a little force, while the metal shaft was extremely flexible,parable to a wooden spear shaft.


    It incorporated some very special natural treasures and minerals, giving it a ''memory'' function.


    Most importantly, it was a Source weapon, able to bear Source Power infusion.


    Ordinary spears would explode if infused with Source Power.


    "ck Star!" Li Yuan smiled, having named the spear himself.


    The ck Star spear weighed 420 kilograms, an ideal weapon for Li Yuan at this time.


    Whoosh!


    Li Yuan grasped the weapon, and the cold shaft seemed to inject a surge of pride into his heart.


    "ck Star."


    "Today, you will taste blood," Li Yuan murmured, a hint of killing intent in his eyes.


    Whoosh! In a sh, Li Yuan was out of the underground room and back on the ground floor.


    In the living room.


    The family was stunned to see Li Yuan fully armed, like a warrior heading to battle.


    "Little Yuan, what are you doing?" Chen Hui couldn''t help but ask.


    "Aunt, I''m going to report to the city patrol team," Li Yuan said.


    "You''re just a freshman; you don''t have to go," Chen Hui said anxiously, knowing the policy.


    Li Yuan was about to exin.


    "Go ahead," Li Changzhou suddenly spoke, with a smile. "Be careful, don''t be reckless. Killing aliens is important, but protecting yourselfes first."


    "Understood." Li Yuan nodded slightly.


    "Hurry up, don''t worry about us. The entire Starlight South Lake Community is the safest," Li Changzhou urged.


    Chen Hui was about to speak but was stopped by Li Changzhou''s look.


    "Uncle, aunt, I''m leaving." Li Yuan said no more.


    Every second he dyed meant more casualties from the Fish Spirit Tribe''s chaos.


    Whoosh!


    Li Yuan rushed out of the house, leaped onto the hovering aircraft, and quickly flew away.


    Inside the vi.


    "How can you..." Chen Hui began to say, but her voice trailed off.


    Li Changzhou held her hand, just smiling.


    Chen Hui understood most of it.


    "Ever since Little Yuan got into Kunlun Martial Arts University and fully embarked on this path, this day was bound toe," Li Changzhou said softly. "We both knew it, didn''t we?"


    "I understand." Chen Hui''s eyes reddened. "It''s just, it came too soon."


    "He''s still just a child, only 18 for a few months," Chen Hui''s voice choked.


    To her, Li Yuan had only grown up recently.


    Li Changzhou was silent for a moment, then sighed, "But he''s already a martial artist."


    Suddenly.


    "Mom, Dad, look at this." Li Qianqian pointed to the ''Astral Realm Channel'' ying on the screen in the distance.


    "The Fish Spirit Tide has suddenly erupted in Jiangbei Province, and Jiang City is a major attack zone," the host''s voice was somber, even with a hint of a choke. "Currently, it is estimated that over 24,000 people have died... with at least 10,000 Fish Spirit Tribe warriors involved... The casualties are severe, but our martial artists, our fighters."


    "They are fighting hard."


    "Here are some of thebat videos we just received, all of which just happened."


    Whoosh~


    The screen changed, showing a young man in ck charging against the flow of people, killing many Fish Spirit Tribe warriors with a short sword... "ording to our sources, this powerful warrior is Li Yuan, a freshman at Kunlun Martial Arts University and a genius martial artist of our human race," the host said excitedly. "He alone has killed at least 20 Fish Spirit Tribe warriors, saving hundreds of lives..."


    "He!!"


    "He can fight a level 19 Fish Spirit Tribe warrior and, with the help of the mechanical corps, eventually killed it... Li Yuan! He is only 18 years old and already has such strength, truly one of our nation''s top geniuses," the host said passionately. "I''ve heard that he came from a poor background and received a lot of support, even being awarded the ''Young Hero'' title in high school."


    "Now, he is still a teenager!"


    "But he is also a hero!"


    ...


    In front of the screen.


    "What?" Li Changzhou was shocked.


    "Little Yuan? Qianqian, was this the battle your brother just experienced?" Chen Hui asked, full of fear, her heart trembling.


    "Yes." Li Qianqian nodded.


    ...


    It wasn''t just Li Changzhou''s family; countless people across the country were paying attention to the ''Fish Spirit Tide'' in Jiang City, a major disaster.


    And as the video aired on the program, many people remembered Li Yuan''s name.


    Of course, the program didn''t just feature Li Yuan; it also showedbat videos of many powerful martial artists... most of which had just happened, some even live battles.


    ...


    In Jiang City''s provincial TV station.


    "The casualties are severe, and the battle is ongoing," said a middle-aged man with sses. "We now need heroes to boost the morale of all citizens."


    "To inspire the passion in many hearts."


    "Keep broadcasting."


    "Call on more martial artists to stand up and fight," the middle-aged man said. "Only then can we clear this disaster faster."


    "Especially focus on martial arts geniuses like Li Yuan."


    "Remember."


    "We are not on the front lines, but we are another battlefield," the middle-aged man''s voice was solemn.


    "Yes." Many staff members responded tensely, each with a surge of passion.


    They wanted to contribute.


    ...


    Whoosh!


    Li Yuan wasn''t aware he was on a video program. He sat in the aircraft, quickly arriving at a ''report point'' outside the Starlight South Lake Community.


    Many people were already there.


    "Another one is here."


    "We have enough, ten people now." Many shouted loudly.


    Whoosh! Li Yuan jumped down.


    "It''s Li Yuan."


    "Li Yuan." Many recognized Li Yuan, surprised. Most of those present were Starlight Martial Hall martial artists, many of whom had seen or heard of Li Yuan, the ''A-level contract'' genius.


    "Great! Li Yuan."


    The warrior in charge of the point looked pleased, "You will be the captain of this temporary ten-man team."

 Chapter 156: The Rescue Mission

    <h4>Chapter 156: The Rescue Mission</h4>


    "Captain?" Li Yuan was stunned for a moment.


    He hadn''t even spoken yet, so how had he be the captain?


    ording to the information registered at the Martial Hall, his identity was only that of a level 15 warrior. With such strength, he shouldn''t be able to serve as a captain, right?


    "Hmm? Coach Fang?" Li Yuan''s eyes suddenly lit up as he recognized a familiar face.


    It was the former sparring coach, Fang Longhu, a gold medal sparring coach.


    "Li Yuan," Fang Longhu smiled, "Don''t decline, just ept it."


    "Li Yuan, we just watched your battle video. You''re indeed very formidable and strong."


    "Stronger than us," the other warriors echoed, their voices full of admiration.


    As they spoke, many pointed to a distant light screen projection to exin to Li Yuan.


    What was being shown was the Astral Realm Channel, with several rotating battle videos.


    "So quickly?" Li Yuan realized the reason. His battle at the school gate not long ago had already been broadcasted on television? That fast?


    "Li Yuan,e be the captain," the other warriors mored. "Form the team so we can set off quickly. Don''t dy."


    "Li Yuan, you can do it," Fang Longhu smiled.


    Being strong only represented personal prowess.


    But being willing to fight against numerous aliens was what truly earned the martial artists'' respect.


    Without the video just now, even if Li Yuan disyed his strength, the other martial artists would be surprised but not genuinely respectful.


    "Alright, I''ll do it," Li Yuan said solemnly, no longer refusing.


    Captain? It was just a temporary team. The sooner they set off, the better.


    "Good, ten martial artists," the staff at the reporting point said, "Thank you for joining the patrol team. The people of Jiang City will not forget you."


    "Your information has been fully registered, forming a team."


    "Remember, unless it''s a free patrol mission, always follow orders and try toplete the tasks assigned by the intelligent system."


    "Be careful ande back alive," the staff said solemnly.


    "Come back alive."


    "Alive," the martial artists echoed.


    Facing life-and-death battles, most martial artists had the simplest wish¡ªto survive.


    Perhaps these martial artists weren''t very strong, but they all had passionate hearts, otherwise, they wouldn''t stand out now.


    Whoosh!


    A small aircraft descended, enough to carry a dozen or so people.


    "Li Yuan, the aircraft has registered your information and can be controlled by voicemands," the staff said quickly. "Go execute the mission immediately."


    "Alright," Li Yuan nodded. "Everyone, get in."


    Quickly, under Li Yuan''s leadership, the ten martial artists sat down, and the aircraft took off.


    "Rescue mission."


    "Target, Tanxi Community, 4.3 kilometers away. Move quickly," Li Yuan thought, clicking two buttons on the light screen, then piloted the aircraft swiftly toward Tanxi Community.


    "Coach Fang, why are you also joining the battle?" Li Yuan asked with a smile.


    In Li Yuan''s impression, Fang was a gold medal coach but also loved money.


    "A super genius like you chose to join the battle. At this time, how could we retreat?" Fang Longhuughed.


    "Li Yuan, you''re formidable, but don''t underestimate us," a man carrying a battle sword beside themughed.


    Li Yuan smiled, "How dare I underestimate the seniors."


    These people, Li Yuan recognized two or three familiar faces, but with a thought, he knew their strength.


    Most were around level 15, the highest being 17.1, and the lowest 14.2.


    Strong? Not really!


    Judging by their faces, most of these martial artists were over 40 years old. Though still robust, the likelihood of them bing source martial artists was very low.


    They were ''veterans'' among martial artists, many having experienced multiple life-and-death battles.


    "Captain, any ns?" Fang Longhu smiled.


    The other martial artists also smiled.


    "No ns," Li Yuan smiled faintly. "Find the Fish Spirit n and kill them all."


    "The strongest ones, leave to me."


    In less than two minutes, they quickly approached Tanxi Community.


    The aircraft descended swiftly.


    Severalbat drones could be seen chasing the Fish Spirit n on the ground.


    However, the trees and buildings hindered the chase''s effectiveness.


    This was a drawback of the drones. Inplex environments, their advantages were greatly reduced. Moreover, in such urban environments, heavy weapons couldn''t be used.


    With only light weapons, killing the ranked Fish Spirit n warriors was very difficult.


    Besides, many Fish Spirit n members had already rushed into the building corridors, frantically attacking doors, walls, and windows. The construction of modernmunities involved reinforced steel and walls, making it hard for ordinary ranked warriors to break through.


    Even so, some houses had been breached, with human corpses strewn about.


    "Prepare yourselves," Li Yuan said seriously. "ording to the system''s automatic match, split into three groups and cooperate. Push through the left, middle, and right corridors. Call for help immediately if in danger."


    "Always observe the SkyNet system alerts."


    The 3-3-3-1 tactic was a key research topic in the general knowledge course on martial artists'' urban clearing operations.


    Advancing in three groups, with strength roughly equal.


    In field battles, the team usually moved in a ''wedge'' formation, while in urban clearing, they mostly advanced in three lines.


    The strongest captain stayed in the center as a reserve, ready to support at the first sign of a strong point, creating an overwhelming advantage locally.


    "Alright."


    "Captain, don''t worry," these martial artists were mostly seasoned, quickly leaping out from seven or eight meters high, forming three-three formations, and charging into the three units of a residential building.


    Inch by inch, they ughtered and cleared.


    "ording to SkyNet alerts, this building should have Fish Spirit n warriors," Li Yuan kept observing his smart ring while staying vignt.


    Preventing a sudden attack.


    "Detected! 0!" A voice suddenly came from the smart ring.


    Detected, meaning enemy sighted.


    0 meant it could be resolved with no casualties expected.


    "Boom~" An explosion erupted inside one unit, indicating a fierce battle.


    Just two secondster.


    "Detected!! 23! 23! 23!" The smart ring suddenly transmitted an urgent message.


    "Not good."


    Li Yuan, who had been on alert, identified the sound and rushed out of the aircraft, shing into the second unit.


    23!


    2 meant the second team.


    3 meant the three-person team encountered an overwhelming danger, likely to be wiped out.


    Boom!


    Li Yuan burst into full speed, moving like lightning, like a super leopard, swiftly darting up to the third floor.


    The thick scent of blood filled the air.


    Boom~ Boom! The door was wide open, and a fierce battle raged inside.


    A particrlyrge Fish Spirit n member was wildly swinging a de, suppressing Fang Longhu and the other two, who were struggling to hold on.


    "Level 17.6," Li Yuan judged at a nce.


    A warrior of such strength was astonishing. The far wall was stained with blood, and the floor was littered with body parts.


    Blood and bits of flesh dripped from the Fish Spirit n member''s mouth.


    No need to say more.


    "Die."


    Li Yuan''s killing intent soared, his figure flickered, and he stomped on the wall, shing past Fang Longhu and the others, incredibly fast.


    Boom! His spear thrust out.


    The thrust was extremely fast, precise, and fierce. The Fish Spirit n warrior instinctively raised its arm to block the spear.


    A faint light shed at the spear tip.


    Splurt!


    The spear carried an unbelievable twisting force, like an explosion from a vortex.


    The spear tip pierced through the warrior''s arm, then its throat, pinning it to the wall.


    The Fish Spirit n warrior was mmed into the wall, feet off the ground.


    It opened its mouth but couldn''t make a sound.


    Blood flowed, and its eyes quickly dimmed.


    One thrust, dead!


    Whoosh!


    Li Yuan pulled out the spear, ring at the Fish Spirit n warrior. His eyes swept over the ravaged room, feeling more suppressed, with a burning anger needing release.


    "So strong."


    "So fast."


    "Li Yuan? No, Captain," Fang Longhu and the others didn''t care much about the scene.


    They had seen too much, even more tragic scenes.


    What surprised them was Li Yuan''s explosive strength.


    Incredibly formidable, much stronger than what he showed in the battle video.


    "Continue clearing," Li Yuan ordered, walking out of the room.


    "Yes."


    Fang Longhu and the other two realized that although Li Yuan was strong, he was only 18. It might be his first time seeing the aliens eat people. Such a scene had a significant psychological impact.


    Time passed. Under Li Yuan''s lead, the team cleared over 20 Fish Spirit n members from themunity.


    Of course, other martial artists teams also arrived to help.


    After reporting ''missionplete,'' the intelligent system quickly assigned new tasks, sending them off for rescue.


    This was the power of technology.


    The intelligent system would diagnose and assess the ''alien threat level'' of each dangerous area based on SkyNet.


    Then, through real-time tracking, it assessed each team''s physical condition, skills, and battle records to calcte their bat power score.''


    This allowed reasonable distribution of different teams to various tasks, aiming for the best match.


    Minimizing casualties while maximizing the effectiveness of all patrol teams.


    Night gradually fell.


    Li Yuan''s team hadpleted four consecutive missions, gradually moving from the city center to the suburbs.


    The defense system here was much weaker, with fewer people but more casualties.


    The more they fought, the more Li Yuan saw. His initial anger and repression turned into coldness.


    "Kill!"


    "Kill all these aliens." Li Yuan''s heart grew colder as he led the team toplete their fifth mission.


    He clicked ''Task Complete''.


    After resting for only a few minutes,


    "Beep~" A new task arrived.


    "Urgent mission: South China Primary School is under sudden attack by Fish Spirit n warriors. Rush to the rescue. There are at least three level 17 Fish Spirit n warriors. Be careful! Be extremely careful!" The task reminder kept repeating.


    "Let''s go."


    Li Yuan led the team, piloting the aircraft, and soared into the sky, quickly heading to the target location.


    The mission site was eight kilometers away, not far from thergestke in Jiang City''s jurisdiction, Nanye( Southern Field) Lake.

 Chapter 157: Second Stage!! No Turning Back!

    <h4>Chapter 157: Second Stage!! No Turning Back!</h4>


    Because the entire city of Jiang encountered a massive attack at around 5:00 PM, it was the peak time when many elementary and middle schools were letting out and when rush hour traffic was at its heaviest. This made it the perfect time forunching an attack.


    So, when the attack broke out, various locations quickly initiated their "defense ns," and many students and parents were directly ushered into the schools. Even elementary schools typically had full defense systems, includingbat drones,bat robots, and martial arts teachers. Three or five Fish Spirit n warriors wouldn''t stand a chance.


    Elementary schools were generally safer than ordinary neighborhoods. Nanhua(South China) Primary School was just an ordinary primary school.


    The aircraft moved swiftly forward. These all-electric aircraft now had impressive endurance.


    "ording to the system intelligence, there are more than 600 students and parents inside the school, all hiding in various shelters," Li Yuan quickly ryed. "Over 30 Fish Spirit n warriors have invaded the school and are currently being held back by the school''s defense systems."


    Fang Longhu and the nine other veteran martial artists listened intently to Li Yuan.


    At first, they had merely acknowledged Li Yuan''s strength. But after several hours and five missions, they hade to realize that Li Yuan was not only extraordinarily powerful¡ªable to quickly kill both level 17 and 18 high-level Fish Spirit n warriors¡ªbut also decisively efficient.


    He fought without hesitation and remainedpletely undisturbed even when faced with gruesome scenes he had clearly never encountered before. There was none of the panic or bewilderment seen in many novice martial artists.


    Calm and steady, he left even these seasoned "old soldiers" in awe. It was as if he was born to be a martial artists.


    "Also, another martial artists team rated at 100 points is already en route, moving faster than us," Li Yuan said calmly. "Their rating is higher than ours. With their cooperation,pleting this mission shouldn''t be difficult."


    "100 points? A perfect score? So high?" Fang Longhu and the others were quietly amazed.


    For decades, it had been standard practice: civilians below level 10 had nobat obligations and were primarily focused on survival. Martial artists below level 14, being rtively weak, usually stayed nearby to defend and were not encouraged to actively participate in rescue operations.


    Source martial artists at level 20 were incredibly powerful, capable of clearing vast areas of aliens on their own, and usually operated solo. Martial artists between levels 14 and 20 often formed teams of ten to fight together.


    The intelligent system would evaluate a martial artists team''s strength, giving a rating from 1 to 100 points. The rating was dynamic. A score of 100 indicated a top-tier team capable of handling level 19.9 alien warriors.


    Li Yuan''s team had started with a strength rating of 25, but after five consecutive missions, their score had risen to 84.


    "With a rating over 80, we''re already considered a top-tier team, mainly because of our powerful captain," said the lean man known as ''Fire Skin'' with augh. "In a real fight, the captain alone could sweep us all away."


    "Indeed. The captain is formidable; even that high-level Fish Spirit warrior with the purple markings was instantly wiped out."


    "Maybe by next year, the captain will be a source martial artists."


    "Heh! In the future, I can boast that I was once under the captain''smand," the groupughed and chatted.


    Despite witnessing so much and seeing numerous ordinary people dead, Jiang City had suffered severe blows. Not just Li Yuan, but every veteran had a fire of anger burning within.


    However, in life-and-death battles, it was precisely at such times that everyone tried to keep the atmosphere light.


    Nanye(Southern Field) Lake, over 30 kilometers from the city center, was thergestke in Jiang City, covering more than 80 square kilometers with an extensive water system and an average depth of over five meters.


    Nanhua(South China) Primary School was less than two kilometers from the edge of Nanye(Southern Field) Lake. In the marshes along theke''s edge, under the cover of darkness, everything was pitch ck.


    Even with an infrared scanner, no living creatures could be detected. But if one were to approach closely, they would be shocked to discover over a dozen Fish Spirit n warriors lying prone in the mud, each asrge as the one Li Yuan had killed.


    Especially the leader, who was evenrger, almost entirely purple, blendingpletely into the night.


    Suddenly.


    "Roar~" From nearly a kilometer away at Nanhua(South China) Primary School, a deafening roar erupted, echoing sharply in the endless night sky.


    Without hesitation.


    "Roar~" The purple Fish Spirit warrior let out a low growl, instantly transforming into a streak of light and rushing forward. The air thundered with its speed, exceeding 100 meters per second.


    Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh! The other dozen Fish Spirit warriors, who had been lying in wait, also roared and charged forward.


    These Fish Spirit warriors knew.


    The humans had taken the bait.


    Intense battles were erupting all over Nanhua(South China) Primary School, but the most fierce was outside a ssroom building.


    "Swish! Swish! Swish!"


    A particrly tall and burly man, wielding a long spear, was fiercely fighting several Fish Spirit warriors. His spear techniques were continuous and vicious.


    Although his strength and speed were noticeably slower, he was still overwhelmingly dominant, fighting three at once.


    "All over level 19? I thought they were level 17?" Xu Bo''s heart sank. "Why are there so many high-level Fish Spirit warriors?"


    Fish Spirit warriors over level 18 were usually the leaders of a group and rarely gathered in one ce.


    It made them easy targets.


    Level 19? That was a major leader.


    If it weren''t for his formidable strength, Xu Bo wouldn''t have been able to hold them off.


    "Unfortunately, my injuries are getting worse." Xu Bo frowned. In the past, such level 19 aliens would fall to a single spear thrust.


    Now? Although his skills had improved, his strength had weakened, trying not to aggravate his injuries further.


    More importantly.


    Xu Bo quickly realized that with the force attacking Nanhua( South China) Primary School, they should have been able to break through the defense systems long ago.


    Yet they were deliberately stalling.


    "A trap? Luring martial artists teams here?" Xu Bo thought and immediately reported it.


    Requesting source martial artists support!!


    Yes.


    Fish Spirit warriors below level 18 were usually dealt with by martial artists teams.


    But once they exceeded level 18? Source martial artists would be dispatched to eliminate them.


    Always ensuring superior force to minimize casualties.


    Compared to the nearly mass-produced Fish Spirit warriors, human martial artists were much fewer and too precious to waste. Every one of them was invaluable.


    "Five minutes to arrive?" Xu Bo nced at his smart ring and muttered, "So slow!"


    "Keep dying."


    Although he didn''t fear the three level 19 Fish Spirit warriors, Xu Bo had no intention of fighting them to the death.


    Only a fool wouldn''t call for support when avable.


    But suddenly.


    "Huh?" Xu Bo''s high-level ''25th-level'' spiritual sense trembled, sensing something amiss.


    Swish!


    Hundreds of meters away, a section of the school wall shattered, followed by a pale blue streak of light. The air exploded with the force.


    "Source power!! It''s a second-stage! Run!" Xu Bo''s face changed drastically, roaring in anger.


    His voice carried far, and through the smart ring, the other nine martial artists in his team received the voice transmission.


    But¡ªit was toote!


    "sh~"


    The second-stage Fish Spirit warrior that suddenly attacked, bolstered by source power, was terrifying. In a sh, it lunged at a human martial artists, its massive body like a pale blue giant ball in the night.


    "Boom~"


    The human martial artists hastily swung his knife in defense, only to be sent flying, crashing into the solid wall of the building.


    The supposedly indestructible wall cracked and caved in.


    The human martial artists fell heavily to the ground, blood gushing from his mouth, motionless.


    Dead.


    A second-stage Fish Spirit warrior, with at least 80,000 kilograms of explosive force,bined with at least four stages of skill... The power was overwhelming, crushing any warrior below level 18.


    "Little Guang!" Xu Bo''s eyes reddened instantly. Little Guang was a junior he had known for many years.


    Boom!


    The second-stage Fish Spirit warrior shed and lunged at another human martial artists.


    With its strength, it could easily wipe out all the human martial artists present except Xu Bo.


    Life and death in a sh!


    "Boom!" Xu Bo hesitated no longer. Ayer of pitch-ck battle armor appeared on his body, wrapping himpletely in just 0.1 seconds.


    Source power armor!


    At the same time, on the surface of his armor, one could faintly see ayer of hazy red, like mes enveloping him.


    "Get lost!"


    Xu Bo roared, and his spear''s speed surged, carrying unimaginable power, shing through the three level 19 Fish Spirit warriors.


    "Boom!" "Boom!"


    Two Fish Spirit warriors were instantly sent flying, and another''s head was severed.


    One thrust!


    One dead, two heavily injured.


    "Boom!" Xu Bo turned into a fiery streak, his foot stomping the cement ground, causing it to crack. He flew tens of meters.


    Lunging at the second-stage Fish Spirit warrior.


    "sh!"


    The second-stage Fish Spirit warrior, having just killed another human martial artists, shed a trace of fear in its eyes. "A source martial artists?"


    It knew that human source martial artists, with their weapons and armor, were far stronger than Fish Spirit warriors of the same level.


    It had thought there were no source martial artists here.


    "Roar~"


    The towering second-stage Fish Spirit warrior, standing close to 3.5 meters tall, lunged forward, swinging its war des. Each de was over 1.5 meters long, and with two such des, it was not at a disadvantage against the human martial artists'' long spear.


    "ng!" "Boom!" The two shed fiercely along the wall, the powerful impacts causing the supposedly impregnable walls to start crumbling. The entire building was beginning to shake and teeter.


    "You''re not a source martial artists! Your speed and strength are average; you only have source power," the second-stage Fish Spirit warrior finally realized.


    "Kill you!!"


    ...


    High in the sky, Li Yuan''s team was rapidly approaching.


    Suddenly, their smart rings vibrated wildly, transmitting an urgent message.


    "Warning! Warning!"


    "Nanhua(South China) Primary School, a level 20 alien has appeared!"


    "Repeat, a second-stage alien!"


    "Do not approach without sufficient strength! Do not approach!" The urgent voice repeated.


    "What?"


    "Second-stage alien." Fang Longhu and the others'' faces changed. Second-stage aliens were vastly superior to first-stage ones.


    "Coach Xing?" Li Yuan recognized the voice, his expression changing: "Is it your team at Nanhua(South China) Primary School?"


    "Where''s my teacher?"


    "Li Yuan?" Coach Xing, also recognizing Li Yuan''s voice through the smart ring, responded, "You''re here? Xu Bo is fighting the second-stage alien."


    "Don''te over!"


    But Li Yuan didn''t hesitate.


    Whoosh! The aircraft plummeted.


    "Stay here, don''t get close," Li Yuan shouted, leaping out of the aircraft.


    "Captain."


    "Captain." Fang Longhu and the others were shocked but couldn''t stop Li Yuan.


    From over 20 meters high,


    Boom! Li Yuannded like a sh of lightning, rolled, and then sprinted forward.


    His speed soared past 70 meters per second.


    "A level 20 alien?"


    "Teacher! You must hold on! Hold on!" Li Yuan''s heart was racing with anxiety.


    His mind sharpened, his power fully unleashed.


    In just five or six seconds,


    "Boom! Boom!" The sounds of intense battle wereing from Nanhua(South China) Primary School not far away.

 Chapter 158: Master and Disciple! Killing Can Yield Spiritual Nourishment

    <h4>Chapter 158: Master and Disciple! Killing Can Yield Spiritual Nourishment</h4>


    "Here." Li Yuan moved like lightning, but at this moment, he deliberately slowed himself down, calming his mind to the extreme, straining to listen to the sounds within the walls.


    Whoosh!


    "The rush over here affected me a bit," Li Yuan took a deep breath, channeling his inner strength, rxing countless minute energies in preparation for the next burst.


    He didn''t rush forward impulsively but instead focused on adjusting his own state.


    One cannot maintain maximum effort for long.


    For high-level martial artists at level 19, their sprinting speed could reach 100 meters per second, but it couldn''t be sustained for long... Li Yuan''s explosive power in his state of heightened awareness was even more so.


    Just like ordinary people who might sprint at 10 meters per second, but running 1000 meters in 100 seconds is unrealistic.


    His opponent was a second-stage Fish Spirit warrior. If Li Yuan were to face it alone, he wouldn''t stand a chance.


    Whoosh!


    Silently, Li Yuan activated his special source power battle suit.


    Without channeling source power into it, the defensive capabilities of the suit would be significantly reduced.


    But simrly, without the source power, the battle suit would remain inconspicuous under the armor''s outeryer, allowing Li Yuan to easily blend into the darkness.


    With a light leap, Li Yuan jumped onto the four or five meter high school wall, squatting on the top.


    Looking down, Li Yuan surveyed the situation, seeing a terrifyingly tall figure shrouded in blue light and another that looked like a me warrior holding a long spear, engaged in a fierce battle on the school yground over three hundred meters away.


    The battle took ce near one side of a teaching building.


    At this moment, the teaching building was half-copsed, with faint wails audible, clearly affected by the battle''s aftermath.


    Simultaneously, Li Yuan''s peripheral vision caught sight of numerous figures fighting across the yground and between the teaching buildings.


    They were all human martial artists and Fish Spirit warriors.


    With just one nce, Li Yuan assessed that the human martial artists were at a definite disadvantage.


    "[Target creature, life level 19.9]"


    "[Target creature, life level 20.1, second-stage creature, lightly injured, currently around 19.9, killing it can yield spiritual nourishment]" As Li Yuan surveyed the situation at Nanhua Primary School, he instantly obtained the basic information of the two mainbatants with a thought.


    "[Target creature, life level 19.1]"


    "[Target creature, life level 18.1]"


    "[Tar...]" Li Yuan quickly scanned the other Fish Spirit warriors within his sight.


    The information about the only second-stage Fish Spirit warrior immediately caught Li Yuan''s attention.


    Spiritual nourishment?


    "My spiritual awakening has long reached its limit. Despite killing many Fish Spirit warriors on this mission, there hasn''t been any improvement," Li Yuan thought quickly. "Why does the Divine Pce panel indicate that killing this second-stage Fish Spirit warrior can yield spiritual nourishment?"


    He had clearly reached his limit.


    Previously, his spiritual awakening limit increased from 20% to 25% due to his spiritual power breaking through to level 20.


    "There''s no such reminder for 19-level warriors."


    "Could it be because this is a second-stage alien?" A thought shed through Li Yuan''s mind.


    He had never killed a second-stage alien before.


    However, the situation was urgent, leaving no time for Li Yuan to ponder. From leaping onto the school wall to fully understanding the situation, it took less than 0.5 seconds before he leapt down, darting towards a human martial artists in dire straits.


    ...


    Beside the teaching building.


    "Kill! Kill!" The second-stage Fish Spirit warrior roared, its four arms gripping two war des, repeatedly lunging at Xu Bo.


    "Boom~"


    The ground cracked with each impact, sending stones flying. Any stray attack hitting the teaching building would shatter walls, scattering debris everywhere.


    Fortunately, the teaching buildings were heavily reinforced and built with advanced technology, preventing easy copse despite the intense battle. The building remained partially standing.


    Whoosh! Whoosh!


    Xu Bo activated his star meridians, unleashing source power. His movements were graceful and agile, dodging the second-stage Fish Spirit warrior''s attacks while holding the upper hand in the battle.


    His long spear was domineering, each strike urately hitting the second-stage Fish Spirit warrior, continuously wounding it.


    "This second-stage Fish Spirit warrior must have just broken through."


    "The Fish Spirit Astral Realm is only a first-level astral realm, allowing only first-stage warriors to enter and exit," Xu Bo thought calmly amid the life-or-death battle. "Its techniques are immature, likely having just reached ''body and mind unity'' recently."


    "However, even if it just broke through, it is still a second-stage!!"


    "In terms of strength, speed, and source power, I''mpletely outmatched unless I fully activate three star meridians, which I can''t manage now," Xu Bo''s eyes were cold. "Only my techniques."


    "My body technique and spear technique are close to high-level grade four, allowing me to hold it off."


    "But."


    "Although itcks a source power battle suit, its skin is naturally tough, and source power coverage greatly boosts its defense... It''s tough to inflict a fatal wound," Xu Bo understood the situation.


    If the battle continued like this, Xu Bo had a chance to win.


    But the key was, with his injuries, he couldn''t hold on for long. His strength would keep declining.


    If he fell, the other human martial artists would be quickly wiped out, and the students and parents in the school''s buildings would be ughtered.


    Many were already buried in the half-copsed building, their cries of pain piercing Xu Bo''s heart.


    But there was no choice!


    Xu Bo tried to lure the second-stage Fish Spirit warrior away.


    But the second-stage Fish Spirit warrior didn''t fall for it, continuing its relentless attacks on the building, forcing Xu Bo to stay and protect it.


    "Old Xing and the others."


    "Hopefully, they can hold on until reinforcements arrive." Xu Bo had long sensed the presence of numerous high-level Fish Spirit warriors within Nanhua Primary School.


    Fortunately, his team was strong overall, with the lowest being level 17 martial artist, absolute elites, which allowed them to hold out until now.


    Suddenly.


    "Whoosh!"


    A hundred meters away, a streak of light shed by, and a Fish Spirit warrior over level 18 fell after just two shes.


    "Hmm?"


    "Reinforcements? Such speed and sharp spear techniques." Xu Bo caught a glimpse but couldn''t see clearly in the dark.


    He didn''t see the person''s face clearly.


    Xu Bo only subconsciously felt that the fleeting human martial artist''s figure seemed familiar.


    On the other hand, Xu Bo, engaged in fierce battle, had no time to focus elsewhere.


    Holding off this second-stage alien was the greatest protection for the other human martial artists.


    ...


    "Bang~" "Boom!"


    Near the copsing school wall, Li Yuan, moving at full speed, dashed past the struggling human martial artist, his long spear shing out with deadly precision.


    Fiercely attacking the 19.1-level Fish Spirit warrior before him.


    Spear shadows intertwined.


    Their weapons shed with lightning speed, sparks flying.


    Then a sh of the spear pierced through the opponent''s neck, blood sttering.


    The spear retracted, almost severing the Fish Spirit warrior''s thick neck.


    It fell with a crash!


    The 19-level Fish Spirit warrior was dead.


    "In terms of strength, you''re not weaker than the Fish Spirit warrior in the school, even stronger." Li Yuan nced briefly before leaping towards another high-level Fish Spirit warrior.


    Compared to wielding only a short sword at the school gate, Li Yuan, now fully armed with a long spear, was several times more powerful, his destructive power astonishing.


    19-level Fish Spirit warriors? They were no match for him.


    "Teacher Xing, go help the others." Li Yuan''s calm voice floated by.


    Teacher Xing, who had just been saved and was panting heavily without even having time to thank Li Yuan, was startled by the familiar voice: "Li Yuan?"


    He was incredulous.


    In his memory, Li Yuan had just graduated from high school less than half a year ago and had only recently be a martial artist. Could he now kill 19-level Fish Spirit warriors with ease?


    The change was too drastic, so much so that Teacher Xing couldn''t immediately process it.


    Whoosh!


    Li Yuan had already dashed out tens of meters, sending another high-level Fish Spirit warrior flying with a spear thrust.


    "Truly formidable," Teacher Xing marveled, quickly rushing to assist the other martial artists.


    Instinctively.


    "Old Xu." Teacher Xing nced at Xu Bo, who was still battling the second-stage alien in the distance.


    "Hold on."


    To survive, Teacher Xing''s best option was to retreat from Nanhua Primary School immediately and escape into theplex streets... But he didn''t do that.


    Nor did anyone else.


    All the human martial artists saved by Li Yuan mostly took a breath or two before rushing towards other Fish Spirit warriors again.


    Everyone knew.


    There was no retreat, only fighting with all their might for a chance to survive today.


    ...


    "sh!" Another spear pierced a high-level Fish Spirit warrior.


    "28 seconds."


    "Killed 5 high-level Fish Spirit warriors." Li Yuan nced around.


    The fierce battle continued, but the situation for many human martial artists had greatly improved.


    At this moment.


    Boom! Boom! Boom! A small aircraft descended rapidly, and figures leapt out.


    "Kill!" "Kill!"


    Angry roars echoed; Fang Longhu and the others, after some hesitation, had finally chosen to join the fray.


    "Reinforcements."


    "Other martial artist teams are here." The surviving human martial artists grew more excited, seeing the hope of victory and survival.


    ...


    On the other side.


    Boom!


    Li Yuan''s body shot forward like an arrow, covering tens of meters in an instant, roaring towards the still-engaged Xu Bo and the second-stage Fish Spirit warrior.


    With a few leaps and shes, he was already close.


    "Boom!" Li Yuan gripped his spear with both hands, leaping and thrusting it forward, his terrifying strength fully unleashed, pouring entirely into the spear.


    A faint yellow glow flickered at the spear''s tip.


    It should be noted.


    In his state of heightened awareness, Li Yuan''s punch strength reached 35,000 kilograms. With the addition of source power and the sprinting momentum, the power of this thrust was absolutely astounding.


    "Swish!"


    The spear shot straight for the second-stage Fish Spirit warrior''s chest!

 Chapter 159: Joining Forces! Kill!

    <h4>Chapter 159: Joining Forces! Kill!</h4>


    As a consummate fourth-grade master, Li Yuan''s grasp of the battlefield situation was undeniably exquisite.


    This thrust, filled with fury, wasunched precisely when the second-tier Fish Spirit Warrior was weary from battling Xu Bo.


    Whoosh!


    Xu Bo seemed to have anticipated this. He moved his body, blocking the second-tier Fish Spirit Warrior''s line of sight for a moment before swiftly dodging to the side. Li Yuan''s spear tip narrowly brushed past Xu Bo''s body, appearing incredibly perilous.


    Swift! Ferocious!


    "Huh?"


    The second-tier Fish Spirit Warrior''s face changed dramatically. It swung its sword horizontally, forcing Xu Bo to retreat, while another sword shed down angrily, trying to block Li Yuan''s spear.


    After all, it was a second-tier warrior with much greater strength and speed than Li Yuan. Its pure reaction speed was astonishing.


    Boom!


    The sword light swept past the spear, shing with it. The terrifying force caused Li Yuan''s spear to deviate, slicing through the second-tier Fish Spirit Warrior''s arm and creating a visible tear.


    "Such tough skin."


    Li Yuan immediately felt the resilience of the opponent''s body. It was absolutely more solid than steel. Simr wounds had been inflicted on the second-tier Fish Spirit Warrior many times by Xu Bo, but this one from Li Yuan was more severe.


    "Roar~"


    The second-tier Fish Spirit Warrior roared angrily, shing down with its sword.


    Whoosh!


    Li Yuan slid his foot, dodging the terrifying strike like a ghost, and rushed past the second-tier Fish Spirit Warrior, his spear whistling as it returned.


    A return thrust!!


    Li Yuan''s spear was too fast,pletely beyond the second-tier Fish Spirit Warrior''s expectation. It couldn''t dodge at all.


    St~


    The spear tip pierced into its body like lightning, going nearly ten centimeters deep before being stopped by the tough muscles, depleting the spear''s momentum.


    At the same time, the impact from the spear caused the second-tier Fish Spirit Warrior to stagger.


    "Get lost!"


    The second-tier Fish Spirit Warrior roared, shouting in anguage Li Yuan couldn''t understand. In the next moment, it shed back with its sword, severely wounded.


    Whoosh!


    Li Yuan had just managed to pull his spear out of the opponent''s muscle when he saw the angry shing at him. He could only block with his spear hastily.


    In terms of skill, the second-tier Fish Spirit Warrior was far inferior to Li Yuan. The gap was significant.


    However, no matter how skilled, there was an ultimate limit to improvement, and it all depended on speed and strength as the basis forbat.


    Undoubtedly, the second-tier Fish Spirit Warrior''s strength and speed were enough to bridge this gap,pletely suppressing Li Yuan.


    Bang~


    The giant sword struck Li Yuan''s spear, the terrifying force bending the spear instantly, then directly hitting Li Yuan''s chest.


    Whoosh!


    Li Yuan flew backward like a meteor,nding in a distant forest. The terrifying force pierced through his energy armor, impacting his entire body, causing his blood to churn uncontrobly.


    Boom.


    The second-tier Fish Spirit Warrior tightened its muscles to stop the bleeding, then leaped towards Li Yuan, intending to finish him off.


    It sensed that although the newly arrived human warrior had exquisite spear skills, his strength and speed were much weaker. His vitality was certainly much lower.


    Swish!


    Swish!


    Several spear shadows whistled past, forcing the second-tier Fish Spirit Warrior to stop.


    It was Xu Bo. He had been attacking continuously, but due to his limited skill, he couldn''t grasp the timing as well as Li Yuan.


    "Li Yuan! It''s Li Yuan!"


    Xu Bo was extremely anxious: "How is he?"


    He recognized the powerful human martial artist who came to their aid as his most outstanding student, Li Yuan. The second-tier Fish Spirit Warrior''s angry sh had made him worry. A second-tier warrior''s furious strike could directly kill a martial artist below the 18th level.


    However, Xu Bo had no time to check Li Yuan''s condition. He could only continue fighting the second-tier Fish Spirit Warrior, giving Li Yuan time to recover.


    Suddenly.


    Boom!


    Like a gale, the surrounding air exploded.


    Whoosh!


    A ck figure darted out of the darkness, a gleam piercing the night sky, aimed at the second-tier Fish Spirit Warrior''s head.


    It was Li Yuan''s spear!


    Bang~


    The second-tier Fish Spirit Warrior seemed to have anticipated this, turning around and shing angrily. With a loud bang, Li Yuan''s spear intersected.


    The terrifying force cracked the ground, sending countless fragments flying.


    However.


    The stones couldn''t affect the threebatants.


    "Roar~"


    The second-tier Fish Spirit Warrior red at Li Yuan in shock and anger, finding it unbelievable that its frontal sh hadn''t harmed this weak human martial artist.


    "Li Yuan?"


    Xu Bo was both surprised and delighted: "Just now?"


    He was incredibly shocked.


    "Teacher, I''m fine, not dead yet."


    Li Yuan responded, blood faintly dripping from his mouth.


    Actually, Li Yuan, with his acute senses, noticed that his body was lightly injured from the frontal impact, especially the chest area where countless capiries had burst, and some muscles were torn.


    Fortunately!


    With the energy infusion into his battle suit, Li Yuan''s defense had increased significantly, allowing him to barely withstand it.


    Plus, with his superior skills, he adjusted hisnding posture mid-air to minimize the damage.


    Otherwise, he would have been severely injured or even killed.


    "Kill."


    "Kill!"


    Li Yuan and Xu Bo moved simultaneously. After observing their previous exchanges, they roughly understood each other''s abilities and made a coordinated choice.


    Whoosh!


    Xu Bo charged from the front, his spear thrusting like lightning.


    "Roar~"


    The second-tier Fish Spirit Warrior roared, swinging its twin swords angrily.


    At the same time, Li Yuan shed from the other side, his spear creating countless shadows.


    Starry Spear Technique: ''Gctic Cascade''!


    One spear thrust after another, continuous and terrifying.


    "This spear technique."


    The second-tier Fish Spirit Warrior gritted its teeth, trying to fend off Li Yuan''s attacks while attempting to replicate the previous time it sent Li Yuan flying.


    However.


    After the first round ofbat, Li Yuan knew he couldn''t withstand a direct hit from a second-tier warrior, so he avoided direct shes, retreating as soon as his spear touched the fierce sword.


    "My role is to assist and distract the second-tier Fish Spirit Warrior, giving the teacher opportunities."


    Li Yuan remained calm, his battle intent soaring.


    "Kill!"


    "Kill! Kill! Before my energy is exhausted, I must kill it."


    "Otherwise, if I die, Li Yuan alone won''t be able to handle it."


    Xu Bo was equally desperate, his eyes burning with intense battle intent: "This might be thest battle of my life."


    "I must kill it! Must!"


    Xu Bo entered a unique state.


    If he had only been dying time before, Li Yuan''s arrival gave him real hope of killing the second-tier Fish Spirit Warrior.


    Besides.


    Li Yuan''s previous near-death had frightened him, driving him toplete madness.


    At this moment.


    Both Xu Bo and Li Yuan were attacking with all their might. Their spear shadows whistled, attacking from two directions.


    The pressure on the second-tier Fish Spirit Warrior surged unprecedentedly.


    Its head, eyes, neck, chest, lower body, and legs were all under attack.


    At this moment, itsrge size became a weakness.


    ng! ng! ng!


    Their weapons shed, sending shockwaves in all directions. The battle reached its peak intensity.


    ...


    "Too strong?"


    "Li Yuan and Xu Bo are both this strong?"


    In the distance, Instructor Xing was stunned: "I heard from the hall master before that Xu Bo''s peak strength wasn''t much weaker than his. I didn''t believe it, but now I see it''s true. Despite being injured for so many years, he''s still this strong?"


    "And Li Yuan, he can join a battle at this level? He could defeat me in a few moves now."


    Instructor Xing was shaken.


    ...


    "Captain."


    "Li Yuan?"


    Fang Longhu and the others were equally shocked. They knew Li Yuan was strong, but not this strong.


    He could join a battle at the source warrior level?


    He''s only how old?


    Eighteen!


    "A genius."


    Fang Longhu was the most shaken: "A year ago, I could suppress him with just ten percent of my strength."


    "Now? He could defeat me in one move."


    ...


    On the school yground, the three figures were fighting fiercely.


    "Roar!"


    The second-tier Fish Spirit Warrior roared. In a short time, it had sustained more than a dozen injuries.


    Although each wound was minor, they added up, severely affecting it.


    The most significant impact was from Li Yuan''s earlier thrust into its waist, greatly hindering its swordsmanship.


    The waist was crucial for transferring power to the limbs.


    The second-tier Fish Spirit Warrior realized it had no chance of winning against the two human warriors.


    Moreover, over two minutes had passed since its appearance.


    With so much time gone by.


    "Human reinforcements must be arriving soon."


    The second-tier Fish Spirit Warrior thought.


    It didn''t want to fight to the death.


    Under the mother fish''smand, once they advanced from the first tier to the second tier in the human world, they were to avoid fighting to the death and strive to achieve greater impact.


    "Roar~"


    The second-tier Fish Spirit Warrior roared, shing its war de furiously, forcing Li Yuan to retreat instantly.


    Boom!


    Then, with a sudden burst of speed, it dashed towards Nanye Lake. Theke would be its domain, and once it reached the water, evading the human warriors'' pursuit would be much easier.


    "It''s trying to escape."


    "Li Yuan, stop it! We can''t let it get away; it''s a huge threat," Xu Bo shouted angrily, darting towards the second-tier Fish Spirit Warrior like lightning.


    Boom!


    At that moment, Xu Bo disregarded everything, burning his life force potential, fully activating his star meridian, significantly increasing his speed.


    The long spear shed continuously as Xu Bo and the second-tier Fish Spirit Warrior engaged in a terrifying head-on confrontation, neither side retreating, with Xu Bo blocking its path.


    Whoosh!


    Whoosh! Whoosh!


    Li Yuan, equally calm, followed swiftly, attacking the second-tier Fish Spirit Warrior with all his might.


    Direct thrusts! Furious shes! Backhand thrusts! Li Yuan unleashed his spear technique to its peak, creating a myriad of spear shadows.


    ng! ng! ng!


    The most crucial burst came from Xu Bo. His spear was now so fast that the second-tier Fish Spirit Warrior was somewhat overwhelmed and had fallen into an absolute disadvantage.


    "Something''s wrong."


    "This one using fire source power is a true source martial artist! But why didn''t he unleash his power earlier? If he had, I would''ve been killed already," the second-tier Fish Spirit Warrior thought incredulously.


    It desperately wanted to escape, but faced with the frenzied Xu Bo and the assisting Li Yuan, it couldn''t break free.


    Bang~


    After another lightning-fast sh, Xu Bo suddenly advanced, lifting his spear high and shing down furiously. The second-tier Fish Spirit Warrior could only raise its twin des to block, staggering backward under the tremendous force.


    Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh!


    Li Yuan''s spear whistled, the continuous spear technique rolling like a torrent of stars, bing increasingly terrifying, leaving more wounds on the warrior''s body.


    The numerous gaping wounds further worsened its condition.


    "Heavy!"


    "Faster! Stronger!" Li Yuan''s eyes locked onto the second-tier Fish Spirit Warrior, relentlessly executing his starry spear technique.


    In this life-and-death battle, he vaguely gained more insights into his spear technique.


    With each sh.


    The second-tier Fish Spirit Warrior kept retreating, now utterly panicked, sensing death approaching.


    Suddenly.


    St~


    Xu Bo''s spear shed like lightning, piercing through the gap between the twin des, deeply stabbing into its chest, sinking into the muscle, causing blood to stter everywhere.


    Whoosh!


    A pale yellow spear light shed, slicing across the second-tier Fish Spirit Warrior''s neck, causing a massive spray of blood.


    Thud!


    The second-tier Fish Spirit Warrior staggered back, feeling its life force rapidly draining away, its life swiftlying to an end.

 Chapter 160: Breaking the Shackles of the Divine Palace

    <h4>Chapter 160: Breaking the Shackles of the Divine Pce</h4>


    Under Xu Bo''s all-out effort and unreserved burst, he and Li Yuan finally dealt a fatal blow to the second-tier Fish Spirit Warrior.


    "Boom~" "ng."


    The two huge war des fell to the ground, while the Fish Spirit Warrior staggered back, desperately trying to stop the blood gushing from its throat with both hands but failing to do so. Its eyes were fixed on the two powerful human martial artists before it, filled with unwillingness.


    It had been born in the Fish Spirit Astral Realm, enduring numerous hardships and fighting among its kind after being birthed by the mother fish. It had barely managed to step up in rank. In the Fish Spirit race, only those who reached the next tier could survive. Only by advancing could one be called a ''warrior.'' If they couldn''t advance within ten years of birth, they would be ''food'' for their kind.


    However, advancing was only the beginning. The constant wars in the Astral Realm had gradually increased its strength, almost bing a second-tier warrior. Finally, it was selected and sent to the human world to participate in the war, a mission with no chance of survival. Yet, they had no choice but to hope to win the war.


    After entering the human world and struggling in the underground caves, it gradually approached the ''core city'' of the human world. Under the pressure of death, it broke the shackles of life, achieving harmony of body and mind, and directly broke through to be a second-tier warrior.


    For the Fish Spirit warriors, reaching the second tier was extremely difficult. When themander learned of this, he was overjoyed and immediately decided to use it as the core to set a ''kill trap'' to ambush the human martial artist team.


    They seeded only once.


    The second time, they encountered two elite human teams.


    "Roar~" The second-tier Fish Spirit Warrior let out thest sound of its life before its massive body fell backward with a loud crash, silenced forever. Without the control of its mind, blood gushed from its numerous wounds.


    Dead.


    "[You killed a second-tier creature, breaking the shackles of the Divine Pce. Your spiritual awakening limit has increased to 30%.]"


    "[You killed a second-tier creature, gaining spiritual nourishment. Your spiritual awakening degree has reached 25.1%.]" Two continuous notifications from the Divine Pce shed across Li Yuan''s vision, startling him.


    Breaking the shackles of the Divine Pce? To break the 25% spiritual awakening limit, it required killing a second-tier creature. The shackles of the Divine Pce? Does it refer to the 25% spiritual guidance shackle?


    Li Yuan quickly recalled. Initially, there was no spiritual awakening on the Divine Pce panel, only a notification that a high-level spirituality was hidden within him. Before the monthly exam, after he killed a first-tier Fish Spirit Warrior, the spiritual awakening appeared on the Divine Pce panel.


    "Does this mean that the 0% to 25% limit, and even the 50% limit for spiritual awakening, are ''Divine Pce shackles,'' simr to the major realm breakthroughs of life levels from the first tier to the second tier? Must higher-tier alien creatures be killed to break them?" Li Yuan pondered.


    "And the increase in the spiritual awakening limit from 10% to 20%, from 20% to 25%, is simr to the level progress from 13 to 14, with no essential difference. As long as the mental power keeps increasing, the upper limit will continue to rise?" Li Yuan thought.


    Without any precedents to follow, Li Yuan could only explore and summarize his experiences. However, based on this reasoning...


    "In the future, if I want to break the 50% upper limit of spiritual awakening, I need to kill a third-tier alien creature?" Li Yuan muttered to himself.


    A third-tier alien creature,parable to a flying martial artist. Is it that easy to kill?


    Although it seemed slow, with Li Yuan''s current mental power, he thought of various possibilities within a few seconds. While thinking, Li Yuan wanted to approach the corpse of the second-tier Fish Spirit Warrior.


    "Stop, don''t get close," Xu Bo said in a low voice, still standing where he was.


    "Teacher," Li Yuan looked at Xu Bo.


    "It looks dead, and by the Fish Spirit race''s body structure, it should be dead," Xu Bo''s battle suit retracted from his skin, revealing his slightly pale face, "But remember, never let your guard down. Be cautious of the enemy faking death, waiting for you to get close andunch a sudden counterattack."


    "Unless its head is cut off, its heart is smashed, and its limbs arepletely torn apart, always remain vignt," Xu Bo said, "When you venture into the Astral Realm in the future, remember this."


    Li Yuan was taken aback, then nodded obediently, "Thank you, teacher, for the reminder."


    He had the Divine Pce panel to detect the life and death of the Fish Spirit race, but his teacher''s words were not wrong. Walking the line between life and death, one must not be careless. This was a lesson learned from the blood of countless warrior predecessors.


    "Go and deal with the other Fish Spirit Warriors," Xu Bo said in a low voice, "I''ll guard this one."


    "The source martial artists should be arriving soon."


    "Yes."


    Whoosh!


    Li Yuan also noticed that his teacher''s condition seemed not good. He swiftly moved towards the Fish Spirit Warriors who were fleeing in terror.


    "Roar~"


    "Howl!"


    In fact, when the second-tier Fish Spirit Warrior tried to escape, the remaining Fish Spirit Warriors had already been terrified and attempted to flee.


    Even their powerful ''second-tier leader'' was no match, let alone them?


    However, Instructor Xing, Fang Longhu, and the other ten warriors had been frantically blocking these Fish Spirit Warriors, dying their steps.


    Therefore, when Li Yuan arrived, his spear whistled out, causing one Fish Spirit Warrior after another to fall.


    Suddenly.


    In the dark night sky, a flying vehicle approached rapidly.


    Boom!


    A figure leaped from the vehicle, and Li Yuan looked up to see a blurry human figure enveloped in a faint yellow glow, moving like lightning, whistling through the air, and falling onto the heads of several escaping Fish Spirit Warriors.


    Boom! Boom! Boom!


    With continuous lightning-fast collisions, the four Fish Spirit Warriors'' bodies exploded, their blood and remains flying in all directions.


    The attack was extremely violent.


    Li Yuan saw it clearly. The attacking source martial artist''s burst speed easily exceeded 100 meters per second. Moreover, his weapon was a pair of hammers! The tworge hammers were covered with numerous spikes, making the weapon look extremely menacing.


    Bang! Bang! Bang!


    One Fish Spirit Warrior after another fell, and in the blink of an eye, they were all swept away.


    St~


    Li Yuan also killed thest Fish Spirit Warrior, thus ending the crisis at Nanhang Primary School.


    The yground quieted down, and the warriors gathered, each breathing heavily. The recent intense battle had greatly exhausted everyone''s strength.


    Whoosh!


    The source martial artist moved and appeared in front of Li Yuan. His energy battle suit retracted, revealing his true appearance.


    Li Yuan saw that the other person''s height was about the same as his own, and his face looked particrly young, though his eyes were very determined.


    "Senior," Li Yuan bowed slightly.


    With his current strength, in terms of pure attack power, he could only be said to beparable to an advanced martial artist above level 19.5 and could pose a certain threat to a source martial artist. Butpared to a true source martial artist? He was still far behind. Any junior source martial artist could defeat him.


    "No need to call me senior," the young source martial artist with the war hammer smiled, "I know you, Li Yuan, you can just call me Gao Hao."


    "Gao Hao?" Li Yuan''s eyes shed with confusion.


    He hadn''t heard of him.


    "Deacon Gao Hao." Instructor Xing came running from a distance, slightly bowing, "Thank you, I am a martial arts instructor at the Guanshan Branch."


    "Instructor Xing, I know you," Gao Haoughed, "We had dinner togetherst time, and Lord Wan brought you along."


    "Yes." Instructor Xing nodded repeatedly, then introduced, "Li Yuan, Deacon Gao Hao is also a member of our Starlight Martial Hall, a student at Starlight University, an A-level contract signer, now a fourth-year student and already a source martial artist."


    Li Yuan instantly understood the other party''s identity.


    He was also a martial arts genius.


    A student at Starlight University? As long as they trained normally until their fourth year, 99% would be source martial artist. ording to the rules of Starlight Martial Hall, source martial artist were called ''deacons'' if they didn''t hold any positions. The flying martial artist were universally known as ''masters'' among the martial artistmunity.


    "Deacon Gao Hao." Li Yuan immediately changed his address.


    "Haha, I''ve watched your battles in the Ten Schools Freshman Competition. Your skills are probably not inferior to mine," Gao Haoughed, "And as for strength... you''ve just started your first year, yet you''re already close to a source martial artist. Incredible."


    "If you don''t be a flying martial artist in the future, I''ll find it unusual." Gao Haoughed, praising Li Yuan highly.


    Meanwhile, Fang Longhu and the other dozen human martial artist gathered around, looking at Li Yuan with different eyes.


    The recent melee had made them realize how powerful Li Yuan was, far surpassing them.


    ...


    After a brief exchange, Gao Hao understood the situation. Instructor Xing and Fang Longhu had already taken the other human martial artists to rescue the injured students. Li Yuan and Gao Hao then went to the corpse of the second-tier Fish Spirit Warrior. Xu Bo had been silently guarding it.


    He hadn''t joined the earlier conversation.


    "Senior Xu Bo, impressive," Gao Hao said as he walked up, smiling. "To kill this second-tier alien, you really are as sharp as ever..."


    It was clear that he knew Xu Bo.


    Suddenly.


    "Teacher!" a startled cry sounded.


    Li Yuan dashed to Xu Bo''s side, supporting him with a worried expression: "Teacher? What''s wrong?"


    Xu Bo''s face was deathly pale, devoid of any color, his features slightly twisted, andrge beads of sweat were forming on his forehead. Yet, he still stood tall, seemingly enduring immense pain.


    "Senior Xu Bo, what''s happening?" Gao Hao looked at Li Yuan, equally shocked.


    After a moment.


    Xu Bo''s face showed slightly less pain, and he forced a smile: "Don''t worry."


    "I won''t die in a day or two."


    "It''s just that I''ve been running my star meridians too long, and my body can''t take it. After all, it''s been years since I''ve truly used my source power." Xu Bo exined, "The toxins in my body have not only invaded my nerves but have also permeated every part of my star meridians. I didn''t feel it when I was fighting, but now that the battle is over, my body can''t take it anymore."


    "Toxins in every part of your star meridians?" Li Yuan''s face changed slightly.


    What kind of toxin was this?


    He only knew that his teacher had old injuries but never thought it was due to poisoning.


    "Toxins in the star meridians? The Ster Blood Spirit Poison?" Gao Hao was shocked. "Senior Xu Bo, I''ll call for a medical aircraft immediately."


    Gao Hao had evidently realized the cause.


    The Ster Blood Spirit Poison? Li Yuan had never heard of it.


    "It''s an extremely rare toxin from the Peni Astral Realm, a nearly incurable poison," Gao Hao quickly exined.


    Li Yuan was shocked, nearly incurable?


    "Deacon Gao Hao, there''s no need to call a medical aircraft. I''m beyond saving."


    "This is a critical time, so don''t waste medical resources." Xu Bo shook his head, refusing Gao Hao''s offer.


    "I''ve long been prepared for this day."


    "It just came a year or two earlier than expected."

 Chapter 161: The Best Destination for a Martial Artist

    <h4>Chapter 161: The Best Destination for a Martial Artist</h4>


    "An early death by one or two years?" Li Yuan felt a tremor in his heart. He had previously thought that Teacher Xu Bo was just injured and his strength waspromised. He had no idea it was this severe. It turned out his teacher had only one or two years left to live. Normally, source martial artists could easily live over 150 years.


    Li Yuan knew that, given his teacher''s character, reaching this point, he was unlikely to lie.


    "Senior Xu Bo, shouldn''t we at least try?" Gao Hao couldn''t help but ask, "The medical aircraft cane very quickly."


    Gao Hao was a martial arts genius from Jiang City. Though he had not been taught by Xu Bo, as a member of Starlight Martial Hall, he had heard of Xu Bo''s exploits.


    "No need."


    "Deacon Gao Hao, the crisis at Nanhang Primary School has been resolved. Go on to your next mission, don''t worry about me." Xu Bo shook his head firmly. "The quicker we clear out the Fish Spirit tide, the fewer the casualties."


    "Alright, take care, senior." Gao Hao''s eyes dimmed slightly. He saluted and jumped onto the flying aircraft, which quickly departed and disappeared into the night sky.


    Time was pressing. As a source warrior, he was a crucialbat force that could make a significant difference.


    "Teacher." Li Yuan looked at Xu Bo.


    "How is your body?" Xu Bo asked, taking the initiative, "Are you hurt badly?"


    "No." Li Yuan shook his head.


    "Then gather the uninjured members of your and my team, form a new squad, and continue on to the next mission. Don''t stay here." Xu Bo''s face was pale butposed. "A squad led by you can still y a huge role."


    "No." Li Yuan shook his head. "Teacher, I need to take you back."


    "Follow orders."


    Xu Bo''s eyes suddenly became sharp. "You don''t even listen to your teacher? What can you do staying here? Can you treat me?"


    Li Yuan opened his mouth, his eyes slightly reddening, but he couldn''t speak.


    It felt like a giant stone was pressing down on his heart, with a deep sorrow spreading inside.


    "Don''t worry."


    "I won''t die for a while." Xu Bo''s voice became gentle again. "You''re a martial artist now, been in college for half a year, should''ve gone through several realbat assessments. Can''t you distinguish priorities?"


    "Right now, the most urgent thing is to resolve the Fish Spirit tide."


    "This is a disaster Jiangbei Province hasn''t seen in over a decade, and Jiang City hasn''t seen in a century." Xu Bo looked at Li Yuan. "You have the ability now, so use it."


    "Go!" Xu Bo said heavily, "Don''t make me reprimand you again."


    "Yes." Li Yuan gritted his teeth.


    ...


    A few minutester.


    Sixteen surviving members from the two squads reformed into a new ten-member team.


    Led by Li Yuan, they boarded an aircraft and, following the smart system''s arrangement, continued to execute the next mission, quickly disappearing into the night sky.


    The remaining six, either weaker or injured, stayed to continue participating in the school''s rescue efforts.


    "They''re gone."


    Xu Bo watched Li Yuan leading the team away, barely managing to stand up. He walked towards the partially copsed teaching building, listening to the cries for help from under the rubble, his heart aching.


    "me me."


    "If I could have lured the Fish Spirit warrior away, the building wouldn''t have copsed during the battle." Xu Bo gritted his teeth, enduring the pain throughout his body, and started to help with the rescue efforts.


    Death? From the day he knew he was incurable, he had been prepared.


    ...


    In the dark, swampy area.


    Numerous Fish Spirit warriors originally hiding there were now fleeing in panic.


    Buzz~ Buzz~ Buzz~ High above, numerousbat drones were converging from all directions, frantically driving them out.


    "Rat-a-tat!" Metal bullets streaked through the night sky, firing wildly, with Fish Spirit warriors falling and wailing everywhere.


    Boom!


    In the outskirts, the heavy drones, now without any reservations, used radar, thermal imaging, and other technologies to continuously drop bombs.


    Deafening explosions! Thunderous roars!


    Further away,rge ground forces consisting of human soldiers around level 10 andbat robots wielding various thermal weapons were advancing, killing everything in their path.


    In such frontal battles, even thousands of Fish Spirit warriors couldn''t withstand the overwhelming mechanical army if they weren''t at the second tier. Tens of thousands of Fish Spirit warriors would be annihted.


    ...


    About forty kilometers outside Jiang City center, in a street ruin.


    "Kill!"


    "Advance in three lines! ughter them." Li Yuan''s voice was cold as he gave orders.


    In such street ruins, they had to consider the many ordinary people still alive. Heavy weapons couldn''t be used, which gave these first-tier warriors a chance to shine.


    "Roar~"


    A Fish Spirit warrior hidden in the ruins suddenly leaped out, a dazzling de light cutting through the darkness.


    ng!


    The spear swung, blocking the terrifying de attack.


    Boom! Li Yuan''s figure, like lightning, dashed forward, directly colliding with the level 18 high-ranking Fish Spirit warrior, sending its massive body flying.


    St~


    A spear shadow pierced through the air, instantly impaling the warrior''srge body, the scene freezing mid-air.


    Blood flowed.


    The spear moved too fast.


    St~ Boom~ Li Yuan retracted his spear, the tip pointing downward, blood dripping along the shaft.


    The level 18 Fish Spirit warrior''s body hit the ground heavily, still trembling.


    Whoosh! Whoosh! Two more spear thrusts, and the Fish Spirit warrior''s head and four arms were severed, its body split apart.


    No more sound.


    Li Yuan always heeded his teacher''s advice.


    "[You have continuously killed tiered creatures, gaining spiritual nourishment. Your spiritual awakening degree has reached 25.2%.]" A notification from the Divine Pce shed across Li Yuan''s vision, making him pause.


    "Killing six or seven first-tier Fish Spirit warriors had no reaction. I thought I couldn''t increase my spiritual awakening degree unless I killed a second-tier one." Li Yuan thought, "Turns out, a single first-tier alien is not enough to increase it by 0.1%."


    Li Yuan could imagine, as the spiritual awakening degree increased to 40%, 50%, it would require killingrge numbers of aliens to gain a small increase.


    "Then I''ll kill them all."


    "No matter how many aliens, I''ll kill them all." Li Yuan''s eyes were cold, filled with intense killing intent.


    Breaking the Divine Pce shackles and increasing his spiritual awakening should have been a joyful event.


    But now, Li Yuan couldn''t find any joy in his heart.


    At this moment, he only wanted toplete more missions and kill more Fish Spirit warriors.


    ...


    For the entire Jiang City, this was an exceptionally long night.


    A disaster not seen in a century.


    In the past, though the Fish Spirit Astral Realm frequentlyunched attacks, they were usually small-scale. The only threerge-scale attacks targeted the areas near the astral realm''s entrances, like Shizhou and Yizhou.


    Jiang City? It had never faced such a massive attack.


    Therefore, the initial outbreak of the Fish Spirit tide caused shocking damage to Jiang City, with heavy casualties.


    However.


    Theprehensive city defense system, SkyNet, mechanical army, and numerous warriors made the city''s war machine quickly respond.


    With nearby counties and cities providing full support, by the time the morning sun rose again, the unprecedented ''Fish Spirit Tide'' had been mostly cleared.


    Except for a few Fish Spirit warriors who escaped intokes, rivers, or underground caves, the vast majority of invading Fish Spirit warriors had been exterminated.


    Human martial artists continued to chase and kill them with aircraft, and arge number of mechanical soldiers were also tracking and eliminating them.


    ...


    "ording to preliminary statistics."


    "After a night of hard fighting, Jiang City has returned to peace, and the astral realm creatures'' attack has been mostly cleared." The host on the Astral Realm channel spoke solemnly: "Preliminary statistics show that over 110,000 people have died in Jiang City, more than 120,000 injured, with economic losses exceeding... It is roughly estimated that over 60,000 tiered astral realm creatures have been killed... This is a painful lesson."


    "This was a targeted attack exploiting the ''city defense system'' loopholes."


    "It has been reported to the Seven Star Alliance, which will re-evaluate and re-deploy city defense systems on arge scale."


    ...


    December 18, 11:00 AM.


    Li Yuan''s team received no further mission assignments from the smart system.


    "The war tasks have basically ended."


    "Martial artist Li Yuan, yourbat video, monitored and synchronized by the smart ring, will be uploaded... After theprehensive end of the Jiang City defense war, there will be a unified award ceremony." Li Yuan received a notification.


    "I got it too."


    "There''s a reminder for us to go home and rest, awaiting further orders." Instructor Xing and Fang Longhu spoke, looking at Li Yuan.


    After a night of battle, their respect for Li Yuan had reached an unparalleled level.


    "Alright."


    "Let''s go back." Li Yuan''s eyes were bloodshot as he gave the order.


    Whoosh!


    The aircraft swiftly headed towards Starlight South Lake District.


    Ordinary rescue tasks? Ordinary people across society had been mobilized quickly.


    ...


    Starlight South Lake District was as peaceful as ever, seemingly unaffected by the fires of war.


    Back at home, Li Yuan exchanged a few words with his family before heading to the underground martial arts room. He consumed a portion of high-source spiritual spring and then began silently practicing the "Great Sun Starry Sky Sutra" and "Heavenly Stars."


    After the relentless battles and the injuries from fighting the second-tier alien, he was exhausted to the extreme. This session of cultivationsted for over five hours.


    It was only until 5 PM that Li Yuan slowly opened his eyes, his exhaustionpletely dissipated. His internal injuries had mostly healed, and he even felt more energetic.


    "Source power inherently has the effect of healing injuries," Li Yuan sighed internally. "With the visualization method, any non-fatal injury can be quickly recovered."


    Li Yuan nced at the Divine Pce panel:


    <strong>Life Level</strong>: 15.9 (First Tier)


    <strong>Punch Power</strong>: 17,345 kg


    <strong>Speed</strong>: 59.2 m/s


    <strong>Mental Power</strong>: 24.8


    <strong>Willpower</strong>: 29


    <strong>Spiritual Awakening Degree</strong>: 25.4% (Current Limit: 30%)


    <strong>Star Meridian</strong>: 10th Level


    <strong>Skill Realm</strong>: Spear Technique (Fourth Stage 99%), Movement Technique (Fourth Stage 99%), Fist Technique (Fourth Stage 99%)


    From the Divine Pce panel data, apart from the spiritual awakening degree, other aspects showed very little change.


    However, in reality, everything he had experienced during the bloody battlest night, from the deste streets to the dead ordinary people, the cries of the elderly and weak in the copsed building, and Teacher Xu Bo, had profoundly impacted Li Yuan''s heart.


    This was iparable to ten practicalbat assessments.


    "A martial artist''s duty."


    "Kill enemies, protect the country." Li Yuan muttered to himself, gaining a deeper understanding of these four words.


    This realization surpassed what hundreds of ''general history lessons'' could teach.


    ...


    At 6 PM, Li Yuan arrived at the ninth floor of the First Hospital in Guanshan District, heading straight to the advanced ward. After inquiring with Principal Tan and others, he confirmed that Xu Bo had been brought here. Being a source martial artist and having made many contributions, Xu Bo, despite his reluctance, was forcibly sent here.


    "Uncle Wan." Li Yuan saw Wan Qinghe and an unfamiliar woman in ck standing at the door.


    "Li Yuan? You came?" Wan Qinghe noticed Li Yuan.


    "You are Li Yuan?" The woman in ck stared at Li Yuan with a kind look.


    "Uncle Wan." Li Yuan nodded and looked at the woman in ck, "Senior, who are you?"


    Through the Divine Pce''s detection, Li Yuan confirmed that the woman in ck was a 24th level source martial artist.


    "She is your teacher Xu Bo''s former teammate," Wan Qinghe said softly. "Li Yuan, we''ll talkter. Go in first; your teacher... doesn''t have much time left."


    Li Yuan''s heart trembled, his eyes reddening slightly.


    He walked past the two source martial artists and entered the ward, where many people were present.


    Everyone turned to look at Li Yuan.


    "It''s Li Yuan, Xu Bo''s student."


    "Li Yuan is here." Most of these people had ordinary strength, but there was a boy who bore a resemnce to Xu Bo.


    Li Yuan immediately understood that these people were probably Xu Bo''s family.


    "Li Yuan." Xu Bo, lying on the hospital bed, was pale beyond belief.


    Compared to the mighty figure who fought fiercely with a second-tier alienst night, he was like a different person.


    "Teacher." Li Yuan''s nose tingled, and he leaned over the bed.


    Li Yuan could clearly sense that his teacher''s life force was indeed continuously waning.


    "Teacher, is there really no cure for your illness? No heavenly treasures that can help?" Li Yuan asked with a trembling heart, still holding onto a glimmer of hope.


    However, given Gao Hao''s knowledge and judgment, the situation was likely as he said, near incurable. Throughout the night and until now, Li Yuan had asked many people, receiving either ''incurable'' or ''impossible'' responses.


    "Don''t think too much. Many of my friends, including flying martial artists, have tried to help me," Xu Bo said weakly from the bed. "Extending my life by a few years was already a miracle."


    "I know what you''re thinking, but things can''t always go as we wish."


    "Even Dongfang Ji couldn''t do it."


    "Last night, being able to fight alongside you, my student, to kill a second-tier alien, was already very fulfilling." Xu Bo looked at Li Yuan, his pale face lit up with a radiant smile. "At least it proves that Xu Bo, even in death, died gloriously! Died with honor!"


    "This is the best destination for a warrior."


    "You, too, proved that I was a decent warrior and a barely qualified teacher."


    "I had hoped to see you win the global college martial artspetition, but it looks like I won''t be able to wait for that."


    Li Yuan''s eyes werepletely red, and he bit his lip, holding back his tears.


    "Xu Ling,e over and meet your Senior Brother Li," Xu Bo suddenly called out in a low voice.

 Chapter 162: Mental Transformation

    <h4>Chapter 162: Mental Transformation</h4>


    Li Yuan couldn''t help but turn his head to look. The young man, who bore a resemnce to Xu Bo, had also knelt down.


    With slightly reddened eyes, the young man looked at his father and then at Li Yuan. He sped his hands and bowed, "Senior Brother."


    He often heard his father talk about this "Senior Brother Li Yuan," the most outstanding student his father had taught in all these years.


    "Hmm, get up," Li Yuan said softly, helping the young man to his feet.


    "Teacher, if you have anything to say, please go ahead." Li Yuan struggled to hold back his tears as he looked at Xu Bo.


    "Alright."


    "I am dying, so I won''t hide anything anymore. I hope you won''t me your teacher," Xu Bo forced a smile. "Xu Ling is my son. His mother died at the hands of alien races, and I always felt I owed him."


    "In the future, if he encounters any trouble and you are able to help, please help him more," Xu Bo''s eyes showed a glimmer of hope.


    Perhaps, he once was a man of great resolve.


    A man who roamed the astral realm with a fearsome reputation as the ''Iron Tower.''


    But at this moment, he was just a ''father'' who hoped to pave a bit more road for his child in his final stage of life and leave behind a bit of goodwill.


    "Teacher, you have so many friends and rtives. They will all help Xu Ling," Li Yuan said, his heart aching. "But don''t worry, I will treat Xu Ling as my own brother and will help him whenever I can."


    "Good," Xu Bo felt reassured.


    He had sought help from many people, but in his heart, Li Yuan held the most weight and was the one with the most potential to be a flying martial artist in the future.


    "Li Yuan."


    "In the past, I also aspired to be a flying martial artist, to make a name for myself in China with the spear in my hand, and even to kill all the alien races in the astral realm," Xu Bo looked at Li Yuan and said softly. "Unfortunately, I couldn''t do it."


    "So, after getting injured, I returned to Jiangcheng to teach students and do my best in the remaining years of my life."


    "You are the best student I have ever seen," Xu Bo looked at Li Yuan with a hint of expectation in his eyes. "I hope you can carry on with the teacher''s blessing."


    "Be a flying martial artist."


    "And even surpass the flying level to truly be the pinnacle of human civilization," Xu Bo smiled.


    "Teacher, I will do my best," Li Yuan nodded, still trying hard not to let his tears fall.


    Xu Bo only became Li Yuan''s martial arts teacher in his second year of high school.


    In terms of time spent together, it wasn''t long.


    But Xu Bo was the first teacher who genuinely helped Li Yuan with no expectations, whether in cultivation guidance or daily life, or when joining the Starlight Martial Hall... Xu Bo always fully supported Li Yuan.


    Today was thest time they would see each other.


    ...


    Li Yuan didn''t stay in the ward for long.


    After all, he was just Xu Bo''s "student," barely considered a half-personal disciple.


    In this final moment of life, Xu Bo most wished for his family to be by his side.


    "Uncle Wan." Li Yuan walked out of the ward.


    The woman in ck had already left.


    "I wanted to tell you about Xu Bo earlier, but your teacher didn''t allow it," Wan Qinghe said. "You are still young and have seen less of this kind of thing."


    "I don''t want to persuade you of anything because anyone facing this will feel terrible," Wan Qinghe looked at Li Yuan and sighed. "Your teacher was a good man, and seeing him like this, I also feel bad."


    "I just want to tell you."


    "This is the path of a martial artist. Starting from university, many ssmates will die. When entering the astral realm, more and more friends, old acquaintances, and elders will die in battle. Many won''t even have their bodies or the ce where they died found... We can only face it, and we must face it."


    "What we can do is to make ourselves stronger and more resilient," Wan Qinghe looked at Li Yuan.


    Today, his words were particrly straightforward, with little concealment.


    "I understand," Li Yuan nodded softly.


    Not long after, Wan Qinghe also left. As the head of the Starlight Guanshan Branch, he had a lot of things to handle at such times.


    Taking some time to visit Xu Bo was already rare.


    But Li Yuan didn''t leave; he continued to wait silently outside the ward.


    As time passed, more people came to visit.


    Around 8 p.m., a slightly unexpected figure appeared in the corridor.


    "Lanyue?" Li Yuan looked at the visitor in surprise.


    "Are you that surprised to see me?" Lin Lanyue looked at Li Yuan. They hadn''t met in real life for a long time.


    "Didn''t you say you wouldn''t return to Jiangcheng during the holidays?" Li Yuan asked. He and Lin Lanyue oftenmunicated online.


    Previously, Lin Lanyue had been on the Lantis Continent and hadn''t returned from Starry Sky University.


    "You told me about Teacher Xu. He was also my martial arts teacher. Can''t Ie back to see him?" Lin Lanyue looked at Li Yuan.


    In high school, Xu Bo had been the martial arts teacher for three sses.


    "Do you have any way?" Li Yuan''s heart shed with a hint of hope.


    Last night, while on a mission, Li Yuan had asked Lin Lanyue if there was any way to help.


    "No," Lin Lanyue shook her head.


    Thest glimmer of hope in Li Yuan''s heart was extinguished.


    "To save Teacher Xu, the poison must be neutralized, but the Ster Blood Spirit Poison has already prated his star meridians. It''s too difficult," Lin Lanyue sighed and shook her head. "I asked my father, and perhaps someone beyond the flying level could do it."


    "But at least my father can''t."


    Li Yuan''s eyes dimmed; this was within his expectations.


    Just as Xu Bo himself had said, he had extensive connections and had flying martial artists try to help.


    If it could be saved, it would have been done long ago.


    "Alright, I''ll go see the teacher," Lin Lanyue said and entered the ward.


    She came out of the ward shortly after.


    The two sat quietly on the chairs outside the ward, waiting silently.


    "I heard from my second brother that you performed very well in the recent Fish Spirit Tide in Jiangcheng," Lin Lanyue looked at Li Yuan. "You will probably be given a specialmendation."


    "A specialmendation?" Li Yuan nodded slightly.


    With Lin Lanyue''s family background, it wasn''t difficult for her to know some news in advance.


    However, Li Yuan didn''t feel much joy in his heart. He would rather not have this so-calledmendation.


    Lin Lanyue looked at Li Yuan and didn''t say anything more.


    Although she was also Xu Bo''s student, she didn''t have the same deep feelings and couldn''t have the same feelings as Li Yuan.


    ...


    At around 4 a.m., Xu Bo passed away peacefully in the ward, surrounded by many family members, friends, and students.


    He was only 48 years old.


    ...


    Two dayster, Xu Bo''s memorial service was held in the auditorium of the Guanshan District.


    As one of the only two martial artists in Jiangcheng who died in the Fish Spirit Tide.


    Yes, Starlight Martial Hall and the state jointly recognized Xu Bo as "fallen in battle," and given his significant contributions to human civilization and China throughout his life, he was posthumously awarded the First-ss Gold Medal.


    His memorial service was undoubtedly grand.


    Lin Lanyue stayed in Jiangcheng for several days, apanying Li Yuan to attend Xu Bo''s memorial service.


    Then she quickly left and returned to the Lantis Continent.


    ...


    After attending Teacher Xu Bo''s memorial service and having a private conversation with Xu Ling, Li Yuan returned home.


    The various building and street damages caused by the Fish Spirit Tide in Jiangcheng were being rapidly repaired.


    However, the massive casualties and the pain in the hearts of tens of millions of people in Jiangcheng were not something that could be smoothed over quickly.


    It would take a long time.


    As time passed, Li Yuan spent the remaining days of his vacation either training intensively or apanying his uncle and aunt.


    After what happened with Teacher Xu Bo, Li Yuan became more aware that time often passes and never returns.


    Many things.


    If not done at the time, it''s easy to leave regrets that can never be made up for.


    For Li Yuan, he would never have the chance to repay Teacher Xu Bo''s "teaching grace."


    The deceased were gone.


    Therefore, Li Yuan cherished the days he could spend with his uncle and aunt even more.


    ...


    On December 25th, the Jiangbei Province announced that the "Fish Spirit Attack on Jiangcheng" was over, but the subsequent counterattacks and retaliations against the Fish Spirit Astral Realm would continue.


    ...


    On December 27th, Jiangcheng held a city-widemendation meeting to honor the citizens and martial artists who made outstanding contributions during the Fish Spirit Tide.


    Li Yuan was established as a "young martial artist model" and was finally awarded the First-ss Silver Medal.


    Along with his previous deeds, this made his reputation grow even more in the Jiangbei Province.


    However.


    Li Yuan never cared about all this. He didn''t even attend the banquet after the award ceremony.


    Instead, he returned home directly.


    On the vi''s rooftop, under the starry sky, the entiremunity was particrly quiet.


    "Two dayster, I will depart for the Bright Ruins Astral Realm," Li Yuan sat quietly.


    Downstairs.


    Because the meeting wasn''t broadcast live, his uncle, aunt, younger brother, and sister were watching the recorded video of the award ceremony.


    Li Yuan just sat quietly on the rooftop, listening to his family''s discussions.


    He looked at the calmke in the distance.


    He looked at the surrounding vis, and his heart was particrly peaceful. He felt that this moment was extremely beautiful.


    As if the wars of the past few days were just a dream.


    "If every day, everyone in the country could live like this, how wonderful would it be," Li Yuan silently thought.


    He quietly watched all this.


    Gradually, Li Yuan''s heart became increasingly peaceful, with a subtle change.

 Chapter 163: Transformation! First Understanding of the Unity of Heaven and Man

    <h4>Chapter 163: Transformation! First Understanding of the Unity of Heaven and Man</h4>


    After breaking through level 20, all living beings'' mental powers reach an astonishing level of perception of both themselves and the outside world. This heightened mental strength allows Source Martial Artists to perceive their entire bodies more acutely, achieving a profound sense of inner awareness.


    Mental and life levels form the foundation. The stronger the foundation, the easier it is to understand and master techniques.


    What about Li Yuan?


    His mental power is as high as 24.8,parable to an intermediate Source Martial Artist. More importantly, his skills are already extremely advanced. Guided by Dean Hai to cultivate the "Star Intent" and repeatedly witnessing Dean Li and Dean Xu''s demonstrations of the "Unity of Heaven and Man," he has gained a certain understanding of the concept but has yet to break throughpletely.


    Inner awareness and total control over the body''s minutest forces are already an extreme form of physical skill, almost impossible to surpass. The next level is where technique approaches the Dao, seeking the mysterious and profound wonders of nature¡ªthis is the "Unity of Heaven and Man," which requires not just physical talent but also a kind of spiritual insight.


    In the half month since returning to Jiangcheng, Li Yuan''s mind has been repeatedly and intensely impacted, experiencing moreplex changes than in his entire months at university. The Fish Spirit Tide brought unprecedented destruction to Jiangcheng. Patrolling the city at night, fighting life-and-death battles with second-tier aliens, and his teacher''s final moments, entrusting his child to him¡ªall these events have deeply affected 18-year-old Li Yuan.


    A person''s talent is divided into innate and acquired. Innate talent is fixed, but acquired talent is shaped by countless experiences. Many people, despite ordinary talent, achieve great things through the tempering of life''s experiences. Life experiences are crucial.


    Li Yuan''s natural talent is already very high. His experiences since middle school have gradually honed his mind, allowing him to make rapid breakthroughs. Even without the "Divine Pce," his physical progress before bing a Source Martial Artist would have been slow, but his skill development would still have been fast, potentially soaring to great heights by his thirties or forties. However, that would be a different path.


    In reality, with the help of the Divine Pce, Li Yuan''s transformation speed has been more than ten times faster than normal cultivation, with all kinds of umtions urring much quicker.


    Until today.


    After returning from the award ceremony for the "First-ss Silver Medal," sitting on the rooftop and quietly observing the peaceful city and countryside under the starry sky, Li Yuan''s mind gradually entered a unique state. He vaguely sensed the profound mysteries of the vast universe and his own insignificance.


    "Heaven and Earth and I," Li Yuan''s mindpletely immersed, his heartbeat slowing down, entering a state of ''self-forgetfulness.''


    Gradually, countless insights from the Star Intent" flooded his mind. Li Yuan felt as if he had be an ordinary star in the vast starry sky¡ªimmense and boundless, yet insignificantly small in the grand cosmos, like dust.


    This stark contrast of grandeur and insignificance created a fascinating unity.


    "The universe is vast, andpared to it, even towering stars are like tiny specks of dust."


    "As Dean Hai said, even flying martial artists, who can move mountains and control seas, are merelyrger ants in the grand scheme."


    "The vastness of the universe is worth pursuing for a lifetime." Li Yuan sat quietly, countless thoughts and insights flowing.


    This was an enlightenment, a transformation of the mind. In this special environment, Li Yuan''s mind and the surrounding world achieved a perfect union.


    "However."


    "The vastness of the universe doesn''t change who I am. Human civilization''s spark may be a fleeting me in the cosmos."


    "Large stars may be cosmic dust."


    "But I have my own will. Though small, it will shine brightly." Li Yuan felt all of this quietly.


    In his mental world, the star he had be grew more radiant, more dazzling.


    No matter how vast the starry sky, it couldn''t block his light.


    "Star Intent," second level¡ª"Stardust."


    Simultaneously.


    Silently, Li Yuan''s mind seemed to detach from his body, entering the vast expanse of the world... the Unity of Heaven and Man.


    The union is not of the body but of the mind.


    The mind is as vast as the world. Only a strong enough mind can travel far.


    In an instant, as Li Yuan''s mind united with the world.


    A silent force from the world''s essence nourished Li Yuan''s mind, rapidly transforming his mental and spiritual consciousness.


    "My mind," Li Yuan felt incrediblyfortable, his mental power continuously transforming.


    Mental power is the soul.


    The growth of the soul mainly relies on the body''s nourishment, but once a technique reaches the level of the Unity of Heaven and Man, the vast world can also nurture the soul.


    Mental power and skills areplementary, neither solely achieving the other.


    Even more.


    In Li Yuan''s special state of mental transformation, his mind instinctively guided his star meridian to operate, drawing arge amount of source power into his body, continuously transforming his physical constitution.


    ...


    That night passed quickly for Li Yuan.


    When he emerged from that special state, his entire demeanor had subtly changed.


    In the distance, a hint of dawn appeared on the horizon.


    "My mind?" Li Yuan opened his eyes, noticing a subtle change in his vision, the world appearing more vibrant and lively.


    The entire world seemed toe alive.


    "My mental power and body?" Li Yuan, slightly dazed, instinctively looked at his Divine Pce interface.


    ¡ª¡ª <strong>Life Level: 16.5 (First Tier)</strong>


    <strong>Punch Strength: 21,800 kg</strong>


    <strong>Speed: 66.2 m/s</strong>


    <strong>Mental Power: 26.6</strong>


    <strong>Willpower: 30</strong>


    <strong>Spiritual Awakening Degree: 25.4% (Current Limit 30%)</strong>


    <strong>Star Meridian: Level 10</strong>


    <strong>Skill Realm: Spear Technique (Level 4, 99%),Movement Technique (Level 5, 1%), Fist (Perfection)</strong> (The rock fist technique is mastered it cannot be improved further. Dont know just read somements on qidian)¡ª¡ª


    Staring at the changes in his Divine Pce interface, Li Yuan was stunned for a long time.


    "This is the Unity of Heaven and Man?"


    "They say once a skill reaches level five, one can be a Source Martial Artist within a year. I didn''t believe it before, but now..." Li Yuan felt incredulous.


    In just one night, his life level increased by 0.4! His mental power surged over 1 level.


    Even his mental willpower unknowingly reached level 30, the level of a flying martial artist.


    Although this was because Li Yuan''s first experience of the Unity of Heaven and Man was like the first activation of his star veins, where the initial nourishment by the world''s force had an excellent effect.


    But the results were still astonishing.


    It was foreseeable that in the uing time, Li Yuan''s body and mental power would grow at an even more exaggerated speed.


    "The Fist technique has reached perfection, representing my ultimate control over my body." Li Yuan closed his eyes, feeling that every minute force in his body was perfectly harmonized.


    There were no more obstacles.


    Even his mind could easily extend outside, sensing the profound mysteries of the surrounding world.


    His skill level had approached the Dao!


    At just eighteen, Li Yuan''s skill level was already moving in that direction.


    "Eighteen years and four months."


    "Level five, the Unity of Heaven and Man." Li Yuan continued to sit on the rooftop, gazing at the strands of light on the horizon. "This level, in the history of human civilization, should be considered extremely fast."


    Perhaps there were more monstrous talents like Fang Hai, who achieved the Unity of Heaven and Man at sixteen.


    But those were exceptions, rare even in human history.


    Moreover,pared to Fang Hai''s two-year journey from level four to level five... Li Yuan''s eighteen-month journey from level three to level five was even more astonishing.


    "Unfortunately."


    "My teacher couldn''t witness this moment." Li Yuan''s heart dimmed slightly. "If my teacher knew, he would be very happy."


    That night, during the fierce battle with the second-tier alien alongside his teacher, Li Yuan could feel his teacher''s extreme joy and excitement.


    A master''s greatest expectation is for their disciple to surpass them.


    "Teacher."


    "I will carry your hope to the pinnacle of the Global Martial Arts Tournament." Li Yuan''s eyes shone brightly, facing the dawn. "And one day, I will stand at the summit of human civilization''s martial arts."


    Chasing the peak of martial arts.


    This was Li Yuan''s desire.


    ...


    Having just reached the Unity of Heaven and Man, Li Yuan didn''t rush to tell anyone. Instead, he returned to his underground martial arts room.


    The lights were bright.


    "ck Star Spear." Li Yuan grasped his weapon, silently feeling the force within.


    Whoosh!


    The spear moved, and Li Yuan once again practiced his Starry Spear Technique. The movements were continuous and magnificent.


    It seemed unchanged from before.


    However, if an expert with deep awareness observed, they would be astonished to find that Li Yuan''s spear technique now had a special rhythm.


    It was as if¡ªthe spear had gained a spirit!


    "The Star Intent."


    "This is the true Intent of the Stars." Li Yuan practiced repeatedly, trying to integrate his insights into the Starry Spear Technique.


    Once skill reaches near the Dao, the differences in techniques and weapons be negligible.


    The five major killing moves of the Starry Spear Technique were already versatile enough for use.


    The "Star Intent" focuses more on a sense of ''intent,'' a feeling of harmony with the universe.


    However!


    Even as Li Yuan practiced repeatedly, making his spear techniques significantly more powerful, the Divine Pce still showed his spear technique stuck at level four, 99%.


    "Just practicing might not be enough. I should test it in battle." Li Yuan thought.


    Entering the rest room, he got into the virtualwork pod.


    Logging into the Starry Sky Combat Network.


    ...


    "Master, it''s been a while since you came." The fairy-like girl fluttered, her voice excited.


    "It has been a while." Li Yuan smiled faintly.


    Since achieving deep awareness, his time battling on the Starry Combat Network had significantly decreased.


    He only logged in asionally when he felt like having a few ranked matches.


    "Beep~" Li Yuan checked his rank data: Ranked Matches: Eclipse Rank. Points: 784 (1000 points to qualify for a promotion match) Ranked Win Rate: 69% ...


    "Ranked Match." Li Yuan clicked to start a ranked match, seeking a worthy opponent to test his thoughts.


    Only twenty secondster.


    "Match found." The system prompted.


    "This time was quick; I thought it would take a few minutes." Li Yuan grinned.


    ...


    Time flew by, match after match. Facing numerous experts with deep awareness, Li Yuan effortlessly won each battle.


    Victory! Victory! Victory!


    He was unstoppable!


    Though his spear technique seemed stuck at level four, 99%, his level five movement skills made him nearly invincible in the Eclipse rank.


    Today.


    Perhaps guided by fate, Li Yuan''s matches went exceptionally smoothly.


    He felt more and more in sync as he fought.


    In an hour, he won fourteen matches. His spear technique grew sharper, faster, more ferocious.


    Finally.


    In the fifteenth match, the system matched him against a "Transcendent Rank" super expert, a true level five master.


    This match was entirely one-sided.


    Li Yuan struggled to defend against the opponent''s sword with his spear. If not for his level five movement skills, he would have been defeated long ago.


    "Hmm?"


    As another sword strike shed, Li Yuan could no longer block it. Instinctively, his spear suddenly surged, vaguely drawing a mysterious force from the universe.


    The spear''s speed soared.


    ng! The spear shed with the sword, and Li Yuan was forced back.


    Li Yuan was stunned for a moment.


    Then, another de light cut through, and the dazed Li Yuan vanished into nothingness.


    However.


    Just before disappearing, Li Yuan''s face showed a slight smile, his mouth opening as if to say ''thank you.''


    In Li Yuan''s Divine Pce interface, a new prompt appeared: "Your spear technique has advanced from level four, 99% to level five, 1%."


    ...


    As Li Yuan finished this match.


    "Important notification."


    "Li Yuan, from China, aged 18, in histest virtual battle, his spear technique drew upon ''heavenly force,'' suggesting his skill level has reached level five." A message from the Starry Sky Combat Network''s intelligent system was sent.


    As an S-level key message, it was directly ryed to Starlight Martial Hall, Starry Sky Martial Hall, and China''s Martial Arts Bureau.

 Chapter 164: Principal Fang Hai

    <h4>Chapter 164: Principal Fang Hai</h4>


    In the mysterious "Observation Space" of the Starry Sky Combat Network, two observers from China were shocked as they looked at the data in their hands, exchanging nces filled with disbelief.


    "18 years old? Li Yuan? Isn''t this the one we observedst time?" The ck-robed observer couldn''t help but speak.


    "Yes." The white-robed observer shrugged. "In the entire China, the only other 18-year-old at the Eclipse Rank is Tantai Feng, but he uses a different weapon. We''ve observed him multiple times before... Breakthroughs in strength always have traces. It must be Li Yuan; it''s impossible for another such genius to suddenly appear."


    The white-robed observer had already started referring to Li Yuan as an "exceptional genius."


    "18 years old, Unity of Heaven and Man?" The ck-robed observer''s voice was filled with amazement. "How did he do it?"


    "Damn, why didn''t we notice his battle video earlier?" the ck-robed observer muttered.


    "He''s not currently in a ranked match, so we can''t see his personal space." The white-robed observer said, "Let''s check the battle rey."


    He reached out and clicked on the screen.


    "Bang~" A notification sounded in the observation space.


    "Respected observers, this user has been ssified as an ''SSS-level user''. You do not have observation privileges," the system''s voice announced. "To observe, please submit a permission request."


    "What?"


    "SSS-level user?" Both observers were stunned. As special observers stationed in the Starry Sky Combat Network for China, their permissions were extremely high.


    Normally, they could observe even Transcendent-level matches.


    "When did he be an SSS-level user?" The white-robed observer couldn''t help but ask. "We could still watch his reys not long ago."


    "18 seconds ago, by direct order of a Star Lord from the Seven Star Alliance," the system voice responded.


    The two observers were shocked to the core.


    A Star Lord?


    To bear such a title in the alliance, one must be at the pinnacle of flying martial artists, or even higher¡ªa top-tier figure in human civilization.


    Suddenly.


    "Beep~" A sound abruptly rang in the observation space. Arge screen appeared before them, showing a ck-robed elder.


    "Director." The two observers stood respectfully and slightly bowed.


    "There''s no need for additional observation on Li Yuan," the ck-robed elder said gently. "All data you''ve gathered on him is to be sealed and must not be leaked."


    "Yes," the two observers replied respectfully.


    ...


    Simultaneously.


    At the headquarters of the Starry Sky Martial Hall on the Blue, within the colossal floating city resembling a spaceship.


    The morning light remained unchanged.


    In an ultrarge office.


    "Yao Man," a middle-aged man in a ck robe said indifferently through a holographic screen. "All information on Li Yuan is to be sealed. Cease any further investigation."


    "What? Stop investigating?" Yao Man, a beautiful woman in traditional Tang attire, was taken aback.


    Yao Man held a high position within the Starry Sky Martial Hall. Although not a flying martial artist, her authority wasparable to many who were. She managed numerous affairs for the Starry Sky Martial Hall in China.


    "This is a directive from China," the middle-aged man on the hologram said calmly. "Li Yuan is contracted with the Starlight Martial Hall. If it''s confirmed that he has reached the Unity of Heaven and Man at the age of 18, he will be another exceptional genius under 19 since Yu Jinghe in China. Their emphasis on him is understandable."


    "You have to understand,pared to us, China has more trust in the Starlight Martial Hall."


    "But can his strength really be hidden? Once the Global Martial Arts Tournament happens, it''ll be exposed," Yao Man said, her voice carrying a hint of dissatisfaction. "We''re just collecting data; we won''t harm him."


    "There''s already an order from a Star Lord. This isn''t a discussion but amand," the holographic middle-aged man stated directly.


    Yao Man fell silent immediately.


    A Star Lord?


    China only had a few Star Lords in the Seven Star Alliance.


    "Yes, I willply immediately," Yao Man replied seriously, no longer arguing.


    "Alright, no matter how the Starlight Martial Hall and China nurture him, he is still a genius of human civilization. We will just observe," the middle-aged man said.


    Yao Man nodded.


    The Starry Sky Martial Hall, Starlight Martial Hall, and the ckstone Martial Hall, the three major halls, subtly led the Seven Star Alliance, holding positions above the seven countries. There waspetition among them, but always within limits.


    Although some individuals might have personal vendettas, direct conflicts between the three halls were never allowed.


    ...


    At Kunlun Martial University, deep within the vi area of the Six Institutes.


    By a quietke.


    The exotically handsome Dean Hai was practicing his martial arts in training attire, silently punching in the morning light.


    In early winter, the wind was cold, but it didn''t affect Dean Hai in the slightest.


    Each move and stance.


    Gradually, wisps of blue light gathered around him, flowing like water, containing a touch of mysterious Dao rhythm.


    If Li Yuan were here, he would be deeply shocked, for he could only achieve initial spiritual integration with the heavens and earth.


    But Dean Hai''s whole being seemed to merge with the universe, not just spiritually but also physically.


    As he moved through his martial arts forms, his entire presence became a beautiful painting, continuously drawing upon the mysterious powers of nature¡ªforces born of the universe.


    This level of mastery had truly entered the realm of the Dao, glimpsing the profound truths of nature.


    After a long while!


    Whoosh!


    As Dean Haipleted his movements, water flowed naturally, turning into countless raindrops scattering around, moistening the surrounding grass.


    "Old Hai, your martial arts have improved again," a sudden warm voice broke the tranquility.


    "Hm?" Dean Hai, who had been rxed, quickly turned around, staring in shock at the figure at the end of theke.


    A ck-robed figure stood on theke, hovering in the air.


    Yet, despite Dean Hai''s spiritual senses being fully extended, covering several kilometers, this figure had managed to avoid his detection¡ªuntil they spoke.


    Whoosh!


    The ck-robed figure stepped forward, seemingly teleporting, instantly crossing hundreds of meters to stand before Dean Hai, smiling at him.


    The figure appeared to be in their thirties, with a chiseled, handsome face, eyes deep and unfathomable like a vast ocean, revealing no thoughts.


    Most importantly, just by standing there, the figure seamlessly merged with the surroundings, far surpassing Dean Hai.


    "Old Fang." Dean Hai smiled. "Why didn''t you let me know you wereing?"


    "Kunlun Martial University is my home. Do I need to inform you when I visit my home?" the ck-robed youth said calmly.


    The identity of the ck-robed youth was obvious.


    "A higher rank means greater authority. You win," Dean Hai spread his hands in defeat.


    Whoosh!


    With a wave of Dean Hai''s hand, two chairs from the distant vi courtyard flew over to the grass. "Old Fang, have a seat."


    A fruit te alsonded.


    The ck-robed youth smiled faintly and sat down without further words.


    Once both were seated.


    "Tell me, what''s the matter?" Dean Hai asked, grabbing an apple.


    He and the ck-robed youth were very familiar with each other, even having a life-and-death friendship, and did not care for formalities.


    The stronger one is, the more they act as they please.


    "It''s about Li Yuan," the ck-robed youth said calmly.


    "Li Yuan?" Dean Hai frowned. "Didn''t we discuss this before? As long as he scores over 80 in the practical assessment, you''d help secure a Flying Star quota for him?"


    "Why, are you backing out now?" Dean Hai was a bit dissatisfied. "He''s my student, but also your student."


    "Can you let me finish?" The ck-robed youth nced at him.


    "Go on," Dean Hai shrugged, taking a big bite of the apple.


    "I just received news that he has seemingly achieved the Unity of Heaven and Man," the ck-robed youth said calmly.


    "What?" Dean Hai was stunned.


    He wondered if he had heard wrong.


    "Do you need me to repeat it?" The ck-robed youth nced at him.


    "No, I need a moment." Dean Hai shook his head, the shock in his heart indescribable.


    Li Yuan, at the fifth stage of Unity of Heaven and Man?


    "You''re talking about my student, Li Yuan, right? He only reached deep mental profundity in early October, right?" Dean Hai asked suddenly.


    "Yes, him," the ck-robed youth remained calm.


    "And now, at the end of December, you''re telling me he has achieved Unity of Heaven and Man?" Dean Hai looked at the ck-robed youth.


    "It''s not fully confirmed yet," the ck-robed youth said. "I came to ask you to send someone to Jiangcheng to verify it personally."


    "If confirmed, he will directly receive the Flying Star quota," the ck-robed youth said softly. "If not, we proceed as nned."


    "Okay." Dean Hai calmed down.


    Although he was initially shocked, he knew that there were historical precedents of 18-year-olds reaching the fifth stage of Unity of Heaven and Man.


    "If confirmed, will he still be sent to the Astral Realm for survival training?" Dean Hai asked. "The mortality rate there is very high."


    "Yes."


    The ck-robed youth nced at Dean Hai. "Didn''t you always tell the younger generation like Li Yang that I was overprotected andcked tempering, hence never breaking through?"


    "Damn it," Dean Hai red. "Were you eavesdropping? Have some decency!"


    The ck-robed youth smiled faintly, as if saying, "Yes, I was eavesdropping. What can you do about it?"


    Whoosh!


    The ck-robed youth stood up.


    "Not staying a while longer? Have an apple; it''s washed," Dean Hai offered.


    "I don''t like apples." The ck-robed youth stepped out and disappeared at the end of theke.


    In the air, his final words lingered, "If I hear you ndering me again, I''ll sit on you and let out a stinky fart."


    Dean Hai watched him leave.


    For a long time.


    Until the ck-robed figurepletely vanished.


    "Damn Fang Hai, threatening me. Does being a principal make you great?" Dean Hai muttered softly.


    "Yes, being a principal makes me great." The familiar voice suddenly reappeared.


    "Get lost!"


    Dean Hai red. "Even my muttering is eavesdropped on? What kind of fetish is this!!"


    Boom!


    Dean Hai shed into the vi, the door mming shut.


    ...


    An hourter, arge aircraft took off from Kunlun Martial University, heading straight for Jiangcheng.

 Chapter 165: Transcendent Rank! Number One in the World!

    <h4>Chapter 165: Transcendent Rank! Number One in the World!</h4>


    On the aircraft.


    "Li Yang, what exactly is going on? Why did Dean Hai want us to head to Jiangcheng immediately to see Li Yuan?" Dean Xu frowned.


    She had other important matters to attend to but was suddenly called away.


    The key issue was that Dean Hai only exined the situation to Li Yang and then instructed her to follow Li Yang''s orders. She was naturally displeased since she didn''t know the specifics.


    "It''s good news."


    "But we need to meet Li Yuan to confirm it," Li Yang said with a mysterious smile. "Don''t worry, we''ll be there in a few hours."


    Li Yang was already quite excited.


    He couldn''t forget the scene when Dean Hai told him about this.


    "Li Yuan is suspected to have achieved Unity of Heaven and Man," Dean Hai had said calmly, as if everything was under control. "Go with Dean Xu to Jiangcheng to verify it."


    Unity of Heaven and Man.


    When Li Yang first heard this news, his shock was indescribable. He even doubted his own ears.


    My goodness!


    Li Yang had spent decades cultivating, struggling to break through to the fifth stage, and was praised by countless people.


    And Li Yuan? How old was he?


    "If it''s true, advancing from the third stage to the fifth stage in just a year and a half?" Li Yang murmured to himself. "That progress speed is too incredible, even more astonishing than Fang Hai back then."


    "But."


    "He''s my student, my disciple," Li Yang''s eyes were bright with anticipation.


    ...


    Li Yuan had no idea that his sudden burst in the Starry Sky Combat Network''s "virtual battle" had caused such a huge sensation.


    After all, it wasn''t a Transcendent Rank promotion match, and he ultimately lost that battle.


    Li Yuan had exited the virtualwork and returned to the underground martial arts room.


    Holding the ck Star Spear.


    "The spear is like a dragon," Li Yuan gripped the spear tightly, silently feeling the flow of force within the spear, meticulously detailed, with no obstructions.


    It could be said that Li Yuan and his spear were now truly one, far beyond mere "man and weapon as one."


    "The virtualwork''s simtion of fifth-stage skills only reaches 50%, not a full hundred percent," Li Yuan''s eyes were bright. "To truly practice the spear, it must be real."


    The real world is the foundation.


    The vast power of the real world is boundless; the virtualwork is merely a simtion.


    "Whoosh!"


    Li Yuan moved his spear. His spear techniques had fundamentally changed. The spear tip emitted dazzling light, like the brilliance of flowing stars.


    Vaguely, it seemed as if starlight intertwined, magnificent and splendid.


    At this moment, Li Yuan truly felt a glimpse of the second level of the "Star Intent"¡ª"Stardust," immersing himself fully in the spear technique.


    As the spear shadows transformed, Li Yuan could vaguely sense a strange essence of the universe being captured, the intrinsic mysteries of the universe''s operations.


    The spear technique followed this essence, making the spear''s power more terrifying and the spear speed faster.


    An all-around enhancement.


    Each thrust! When it exploded, it seemed like stars shattering, grand and unstoppable.


    Each retraction! When it contracted, it was as vast as the earth, solid and unbreakable.


    This was the second level of the "Star Intent"¡ª"Stardust."


    It could attack, it could defend, it could be majestic, and it could be minute.


    "Unity of Heaven and Man! The Intent of the Stars!" Li Yuan increasingly understood the true meaning of the Unity of Heaven and Man.


    Before the fifth stage, martial artists excavated their bodily power, making their bodies explode faster and fiercer.


    From the fifth stage onward, it''s about pushing the body to the extreme, striving to align every move with the intrinsic trajectories of the universe.


    It''s like two people with the same physical quality, but the one with higher skills will naturally be much stronger.


    And the fifth-stage skill is about aligning the mind and body with the universe.


    People exist within the universe.


    The mysteries of the universe are the Dao.


    "If it weren''t for the ''Star Intent,'' and the guidance and teaching of Teacher Li Yang and Dean Xu, I couldn''t have taken this step so quickly," Li Yuan practiced smoothly.


    Comprehension muste from oneself.


    But with the experience of predecessors, standing on the shoulders of giants, one can move faster and more steadily.


    "Compared to half a month ago."


    "My speed and power have increased significantly, and my spear and body techniques have transformed," Li Yuan thought to himself. "If I encounter that second-tier Fish Spirit again, I could hold it off by myself."


    Of course.


    Li Yuan wasn''t arrogant enough to think he could now defeat a second-tier powerhouse... The second-tier Fish Spirit he fought was just a fresh breakthrough without source power armor or weapons, the weakest kind of second-tier alien.


    After practicing for a long time.


    "[Your spear technique realm has increased from Level 5, 1% to Level 5, 2%]" a notification from the Mind Pce suddenly shed.


    Li Yuan didn''t pay much attention, fully immersed in his practice.


    After more than an hour, Li Yuan finally stopped, feeling immensely refreshed.


    "When practicing the spear, I unconsciously entered the state of Unity of Heaven and Man, with the universe''s power nourishing the soul and the source power washing over the body," Li Yuan instantly understood what happened, marveling inwardly. "Making me feel no fatigue."


    "It''s said that once you achieve Unity of Heaven and Man, you don''t need to sleep or rest... It seems to be true."


    For martial artists in the Unity of Heaven and Man.


    Entering this state during daily practice is a form of rest.


    Suddenly.


    Li Yuan remembered Dean Hai once saying, "Fishing and enjoying are also forms of practice."


    Back then, Li Yuan didn''t understand.


    Now, Li Yuan somewhat understood. Eating, fishing, walking, birds flying,ke waves rippling... Everything in the universe contains the mysteries of nature.


    But ordinary people are too dull to perceive it.


    "Living beings are born only able to control themselves," Li Yuan thought. "Gradually controlling oneself, then extending outwards... sensing the universe."


    "I''m just beginning the Unity of Heaven and Man."


    "I must practice the spear or spend long periods in quiet contemtion to align my mind with the universe," Li Yuan thought.


    "Next, I must strive to make my daily life and spear practice as harmonious with the universe''s operations as possible... Until one day, I and the universe are one."


    Mind merges with the universe!


    Body merges with the universe!


    I am the universe!


    ...


    Suddenly.


    "Hmm?" Li Yuan turned sharply, seeing the figure standing by the stairs.


    "Muhua, when did you get here?" Li Yuan smiled.


    "I''ve been here a while." Li Muhua''s eyes were bright. "Brother, your spear technique just now was so beautiful. I''ve never seen such beautiful spear technique before."


    "Compared to your spear technique, our teacher''s spear technique is just trash."


    Li Yuan couldn''t help butugh. Most middle school martial arts teachers only have a skill level of around the third stage.


    How could theypare to him?


    "Don''t aim too high too soon. The spear has no fixed form; my spear technique has no set pattern. You can''t learn it now," Li Yuan said with a smile. "First, work hard to master the Rock Fist Technique and then the basic spear techniques."


    "When your realm is enough, I''ll arrange for a good teacher to teach you," Li Yuan said.


    "Okay, brother, I will work hard." Li Muhua nodded heavily, full of determination.


    "Brother."


    "Mom asked me to bring you breakfast and milk. I''ll leave it here," Li Muhua said with a grin. "I won''t disturb your practice."


    He put down the milk and quickly went upstairs.


    "Milk." Li Yuan smiled, taking a sip.


    It had no special taste.


    But it warmed Li Yuan''s heart.


    "Muhua''s martial talent is indeed much higher than Qianqian''s," Li Yuan thought. "And his perseverance is strong."


    As they grew older, the differences between his siblings became more apparent.


    Perhaps because her martial spirit hadn''t awakened, Li Qianqian preferred academic studies.


    On the other hand, Li Muhua had high martial talent and trained diligently.


    Due to different experiences, Li Muhuacked the "craziness" Li Yuan had in his early training but had more steadiness andposure, with his own ideas and ns.


    Li Yuan was pleased with this.


    "People be stronger through hardships, but we shouldn''t glorify suffering," Li Yuan thought. "I trained so hard back then to give Qianqian and Muhua more choices and to face everything more calmly as they grew up."


    "Whatever they choose in the future, as long as it''s positive, I will support them."


    "I, as their brother, will always have their backs." Li Yuan didn''t demand his siblings achieve great things.


    ...


    Logging back into the Starry Sky Combat Network.


    "Master, you''re back so soon," the fairy-like AI girl said excitedly.


    Li Yuan ignored her and checked his rank data:


    Ranked Matches: Eclipse Rank.


    Points: 982 (1000 points to qualify for a promotion match)


    Ranked Win Rate: 75%


    ...


    "Having stabilized my spear technique, with both body and spear techniques at the fifth stage, I should attempt to break into the Transcendent Rank," Li Yuan thought calmly, with a hint of anticipation.


    The nine ranks of the Starry Sky Combat Network, Bronze, Silver, and Gold, are primarily for ordinary people and first-tier martial artists.


    Meteor, Bright Moon, and Eclipse ranks are for second-tier martial artists, considered experts.


    Transcendent Rank requires fifth-stage skills. Globally, those who reach this rank are extremely rare, either exceptional geniuses or top-tier source martial artists.


    "Two more ranked matches."


    "Then I''ll take the promotion match." Li Yuan clicked to start the rank match.


    ...


    This time, the match-making process was exceptionally long, but Li Yuan was patient.


    Twelve minutester, the two ranked matches ended.


    Li Yuan won easily. Theprehensive breakthrough in his spear and body techniques allowed him to crush other Eclipse Rank experts.


    "Enter the Transcendent Promotion Match." Li Yuan stood on the tform and spoke loudly.


    ...


    Boom!


    Li Yuan''s consciousness trembled slightly, and then the world changed. He found himself in a vast wilderness.


    "Level 20 physical fitness? Source martial artist?" Li Yuan instantly sensed the change in his body.


    An unprecedentedly powerful body, with pure source power that he could mobilize.


    The source power battle suit covered his entire body, and he held a source power weapon.


    This was the standard for human source martial artists.


    "Hiss~"


    "Hiss~" The opponents he faced finally appeared. Giant serpents with blood-red wings emerged on the wilderness.


    Each was nearly twenty meters long, their heads raised four to five meters high, flicking their tongues, all massive creatures.


    "Blood-winged Serpents? All second-tier?" Li Yuan was slightly surprised, seeing the few ck scales on the serpents.


    Back then.


    In Kunlun Martial University''s practical assessment, he had killed a Blood-winged Serpent, but it was only Level 14.


    Compared to second-tier Blood-winged Serpents, it was a world of difference.


    "Ha, let''s fight." Li Yuan suddenlyughed, activating the source power within him.


    Boom!


    He darted out like lightning, his spear imbued with source power, sharp and boundless.


    "Swish!" "Swish!" "Swish!"


    The enormous Blood-winged Serpents charged at Li Yuan.


    ...


    This battle was exceptionally fierce, with Li Yuan fighting against more than ten Blood-winged Serpents.


    His spear techniques were sharp, each strike wounding the serpents.


    But these serpents were formidable, physically superior to Li Yuan, and outnumbered him.


    Often, Li Yuan severely injured one serpent, only to be forced back by others.


    After a grueling battlesting over 20 minutes, Li Yuan, using his superior body techniques, managed to kill all the Blood-winged Serpents before exhausting his source power.


    "Congrattions, Defender Yuan. You have passed the Transcendent Promotion Match and reached the Transcendent Rank," the system notification sounded in Li Yuan''s ears.


    Before Li Yuan could process it.


    Whoosh!


    The surrounding scene changed. The blood-stained source power battle suit and weapon disappeared, and Li Yuan found himself in a bright space.


    "What is this?" Li Yuan was momentarily stunned.


    In front of him stood a woman in white.


    "Congrattions, Li Yuan, on bing the first freshman this year on Blue to break through to the Transcendent Rank," the woman in white said with a smile.


    "First?" Li Yuan smiled. "Does that mean I''m number one globally?"


    "Yes."


    "Considered number one for this year," the woman in white emphasized.


    "That''s enough." Li Yuan''s smile grew. "Tantai Feng, I''ve surpassed you."


    "Next time, I''ll fulfill my promise to Tian Dazhuang and show off in front of you."

 Chapter 166: The Arrival of the Aircraft

    <h4>Chapter 166: The Arrival of the Aircraft</h4>


    In the initial Ten Schools Freshman Competition, Li Yuan lost to Tantai Feng. He epted the defeat calmly, without anxiety.


    However, epting defeat didn''t mean giving up.


    Li Yuan was just aspetitive, firmly believing that he would surpass Tantai Feng in the future.


    Now, he had achieved that.


    "However, to truly settle the score, we''ll have to wait for the virtual battle in the Global Martial Arts Tournament at the end of February," Li Yuan thought, feeling a mix of anticipation and excitement.


    Just as he was reflecting, the white-robed woman spoke again.


    "Li Yuan, in recognition of your achievements, the Seven Star Alliance will award you 50 million Blue Star Coins," she said with a smile. "This is the highest and final reward from the Starry Sky Combat Network."


    "50 million Blue Star Coins?" Li Yuan was slightly surprised.


    That''s quite a lot.


    "Does everyone who reaches the Transcendent Rank get this?" Li Yuan couldn''t help but ask.


    "Those who achieve the Transcendent Rank before the age of 20 are rewarded with 50 million Blue Star Coins," the white-robed woman exined. "If they achieve it after 20, the reward is 20 million Blue Star Coins."


    "Reaching the Transcendent Rank means that in reality, they are likely to be top-tier Source Martial Artists, which makes them valuable assets to human civilization," she added. "This money is more of an honorary encouragement."


    Li Yuan nodded slightly, thinking to himself.


    Not in need? I really could use the money.


    "By the way," Li Yuan suddenly asked, "is there anyone else among the first-year students in the entire Seven Star Alliance who has reached the fifth stage in their techniques?"


    "In the entire alliance?" The white-robed woman smiled mysteriously. "That''s confidential and shouldn''t be disclosed to you."


    "I can only tell you this much."


    "There are others!"


    ...


    After ending his conversation with the white-robed woman, Li Yuan exited the Starry Sky Combat Network and returned to his virtualwork ''personal space.''


    "First on Blue Star?"


    "Unexpectedly, among the Seven Star Alliance first-year students, there are others who have reached the fifth stage in their techniques," Li Yuan thought, feeling both surprised and not too shocked.


    After all, Fang Hai had reached the fifth stage at 16, so it wasn''t surprising for 18 or 19-year-olds.


    But Li Yuan wouldn''t underestimate himself.


    Among the sevens of the Seven Star Alliance, Blue Star wasn''t the strongest but also not the weakest.


    Even if there were other first-year students with fifth-stage techniques on others, there wouldn''t be many.


    "Step by step."


    "Now, looking at the entire younger generation of human civilization, I should be in the top tier," Li Yuan felt a surge of anticipation. "As long as I keep progressing and continuously surpassing myself."


    "Eventually, I will surpass all opponents and be the top genius of human civilization."


    While deep in thought.


    Suddenly.


    Li Yuan received a notification that his bank ount had been credited with 50 million Blue Star Coins.


    "That was fast."


    "No wonder it''s directly from the Seven Star Alliance," Li Yuan mused. "It''s said that the Seven Star Alliance is jointly led by the three major martial halls, overseeing Soaring Star and many astral realms, with immense wealth."


    The reason the Seven Star Alliance can suppress all countries is due to its superiority in military, economic, and martial power, far surpassing any single nation, unifying the power of human civilization.


    "My wealth." Li Yuan clicked on the screen, checking his wealth column:


    <strong>Bank Bnce: 145.61 million Blue Star Coins</strong>


    <strong>Martial Hall Points: 22.18 million</strong>


    <strong>Heaven and Earth Treasures: 15 units of Hundred Marrow Spirit Wither, 15 units of Star Earth Crystal</strong> ...


    "From October until now, I mainly spent Martial Hall points to buy arge amount of high-source spiritual spring," Li Yuan thought. "Used for cultivation."


    In fact, after awakening the star veins and being able to cultivate "Heavenly Stars," using high-source spiritual springs for cultivation had very little effect on improving his physical fitness.


    The improvement was less than ten percent.


    With the current Unity of Heaven and Man, the usefulness of high-source spiritual springs paired with Hundred Marrow Spirit Wither would be further reduced.


    However, after careful consideration, Li Yuan decided to continue as usual, mainly because he didn''t want to reveal his secret of awakening the star veins at the first stage.


    "No rush."


    "Now with the Unity of Heaven and Man,bined with ''Heavenly Stars,'' I will definitely be a Source Martial Artist before the end of the first year," Li Yuan thought. "I''m about to head to the Bright Ruins Astral Realm for life-and-death trials, aiming to raise my Spiritual Awakening Degree to 30%."


    Once the Spiritual Awakening Degree reaches 30%.


    ording to precedent, there should be another Source Power Infusion.


    If there is another Source Power Infusion, Li Yuan''s physical fitness and mental power will soar again, bringing him closer to bing a Source Martial Artist.


    "The Bright Ruins Astral Realm, I wonder what awaits there," Li Yuan''s eyes gleamed.


    ...


    At Starlight University, in a student vi.


    On thewn outside, the sun was rising.


    "Flowing Light."


    "My teacher said that to reach the Unity of Heaven and Man, I need to understand the second level of ''Momentary Flowing Light,''" Tantai Feng stood on thewn, contemting.


    "But how toprehend it?"


    "Unity of Heaven and Man, mind merging with the universe, how is it so easy?" Tantai Feng shook his head, feeling troubled.


    He had been stuck at the stage of deep mental profundity for a while but had not been able to break through.


    Starlight University certainly valued him highly.


    All the training conditions were no worse than Li Yuan''s, perhaps even better.


    But a good external environment only increases the probability of a breakthrough, not guarantees it.


    Suddenly.


    Beep~ Tantai Feng''s smart wristband trembled, signaling an important message. He instinctively looked down.


    "Star Lord''s order, confidential information, currently only for your knowledge: Li Yuan has just broken through to the Transcendent Rank on the Starry Sky Combat Network and has been confirmed to have achieved the Unity of Heaven and Man." Tantai Feng stared at the message, momentarily stunned.


    Unity of Heaven and Man?


    Li Yuan?


    He recalled the powerful opponent who had broken through during their fight in the Ten Schools Freshman Competition.


    After a while.


    "Damn impressive," Tantai Feng muttered to himself. "I guessed he might surpass me, but I didn''t expect it so soon."


    "Damn it!!"


    "I haven''t even warmed up the global first position, and I can''t show off in front of him," Tantai Feng muttered, then suddenly smiled. "Anyway, I wonst time."


    He turned off the smart wristband and continued contemting his de techniques.


    To say that Tantai Feng had no emotional reaction would be untrue, but he had a broad mind and didn''t mind being surpassed.


    He liked to shine in front of others.


    But he was more focused on his own growth.


    ...


    Boom!


    Arge aircraft slowlynded at Tianhe Airport in Jiangcheng.


    Li Yang, who was sitting in his seat, was about to stand up to get off the aircraft when his smart wristband vibrated.


    He looked down and was momentarily stunned.


    "What''s wrong?" Dean Xu stood up, looking at Li Yang.


    "I can tell you now why we came," Li Yang lifted his head, his face beaming. "Li Yuan has just reached the Transcendent Rank, confirming that he has achieved the Unity of Heaven and Man."


    "Fifth-stage Unity of Heaven and Man?" Dean Xu''s pupils contracted in disbelief.


    She immediately understood the task for her and Li Yang in Jiangcheng.


    "Let''s go."


    "Since we''re here, let''s meet the best genius Kunlun Martial University has had in the past fifty years," Li Yang said with a smile, stepping off the aircraft.


    ...


    At noon.


    Li Yuan''s family had just finished lunch. Li Yuan was about to apany his uncle fishing.


    Suddenly, a flying vehicle descended rapidly from the sky outside the vi.


    At a height of over thirty meters above the ground.


    Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh! Three figures leapt down from the vehicle,nding lightly on thewn outside the vi.


    This scene.


    Startled Li Changzhou, Aunt Chen Hui, and the others. Jumping from over thirty meters up?


    Unharmed, what kind of strength is this?


    "Teacher, Dean Xu, Hall Master Fei?" Li Yuan was shocked to see the three sudden visitors.


    He instantly guessed it might be rted to his breakthrough to the Transcendent Rank on the Starry Sky Combat Network.


    However.


    It was understandable for Hall Master Fei toe, but how did Dean Li and Dean Xu get here so quickly?


    "Hall Master Fei?" Li Changzhou and Chen Hui didn''t recognize Li Yang and Dean Xu, but they knew Hall Master Fei.


    Moreover, from the order of the visitors, it seemed that Fei Qian, the Hall Master of Jiangcheng, held a slightly lower status?


    "Li Yuan." Li Yang strode forward.


    "Teacher, Dean Xu, Grandpa Fei." Li Yuan stepped forward and bowed slightly.


    "Haha, Li Yuan, don''t mind me. Today, Dean Li and Dean Xu are the main visitors. I''m just apanying them," Fei Qian said with a smile.


    In terms of power, he, as the city hall master, seemed to outrank Li Yang and Dean Xu.


    But in their realm, personal strength was valued more than secr power.


    Both Li Yang and Dean Xu were far more powerful than Fei Qian.


    "Li Yuan, let''s find a quiet ce to talk," Li Yang said with a smile.


    "Sure." Li Yuan nodded. "This way, teacher."


    "You must be Li Yuan''s uncle and aunt," Dean Xu said with a smile to Li Changzhou and Chen Hui. "You''ve raised a wonderful child."


    "Hello, senior," Li Changzhou and Chen Hui were ttered. They realized the visitors were of extremely high status.


    Usually, with their standing, they would not have the chance to meet such figures.


    Now, they were so amiable because of Li Yuan.


    ...


    Li Yuan led Li Yang to the underground martial arts room.


    "Activate the soundproofing," Li Yang said directly.


    "Yes, teacher." Li Yuan nodded, feeling a hint of seriousness. Is it that important?


    He immediately activated the soundproofing system of the martial arts room, preventing any eavesdropping.


    "We''ve already heard about the Fish Spirit Tide in Jiangcheng. You performed very well," Li Yang said. "Your achievement in Unity of Heaven and Man has caused quite a stir in the higher echelons of the school."


    "It''s said to have even rmed the principal, who ordered your records to be sealed."


    "The principal?" Li Yuan was curious. "Teacher, who is the principal?"


    "The principal?"


    "I only know his surname is Fang, but I don''t know who he really is," Li Yang shook his head. "Probably, only the main deans of the eight institutes know."


    Li Yuan nodded slightly. So mysterious?


    Considering Li Yang was already a vice dean and part of the school''s upper echelon, yet he didn''t know the principal''s name?


    "The principal is a legendary figure, rumored to be a ''Star Lord'' of the Seven Star Alliance," Li Yang said with a smile. "Maybe you''ll have a chance to meet the principal in the future."


    "Star Lord?" Li Yuan was puzzled.


    "An existence beyond the flying level, or nearly invincible within the flying level, can be a Star Lord of the alliance," Li Yang briefly exined.


    This made Li Yuan realize how terrifying the principal must be.


    "Alright, that''s not important."


    "This time, there''s no need to verify your strength," Li Yang said, handing over a box. "Mainly, on Dean Hai''s orders, I''m here to deliver a life-saving item before you head to the Bright Ruins Astral Realm."

 Chapter 167: Geniuses Are Like Clouds

    <h4>Chapter 167: Geniuses Are Like Clouds</h4>


    "A life-saving item?" Li Yuan looked at the box in Dean Li''s hands.


    At first nce, it looked no different from an ordinary wooden box.


    ng~ Dean Li opened the wooden box.


    Immediately, a strange fragrance wafted out from the box, and a crystal clear, purple pill appeared in front of Li Yuan.


    It was small, only the size of a little finger, but just the strange fragrance alone made one want to swallow it.


    "Teacher, what is this?" Li Yuan couldn''t help swallowing.


    "Its original name is the ''Source Purple Longevity Pill,'' meaning it''s like having an extra life with it." Dean Li looked at the pill in the box with a touch of emotion and said, "However, we Source Martial Artists are used to calling it the ''Life-Saving Pill.''"


    "Its effect is very simple."


    "If you suffer severe injuries, even if your internal organs are shattered, as long as you take it within a short period, you can recover quickly," Dean Li said softly. "Of course, the head is a fatal weakness and cannot be injured."


    "Apart from the head, everything else can recover, including the heart."


    "Even if the heart is injured, it can recover?" Li Yuan was shocked, looking at the purple pill.


    What kind of medicine is this?


    "It has three defects," Dean Li said. "The first is that its medicinal power is limited; it''s not very helpful for Flying Martial Artists, only effective below that level."


    Li Yuan listened attentively.


    This was not surprising. If it were effective even for Flying Martial Artists, it would be a true divine medicine.


    "The second is rarity; it''s extremely scarce. Many Source Martial Artists may have never even heard of it." Dean Li looked at Li Yuan, "I''m not very clear on how it''s made, but it''s not for sale. You won''t easily find it through normal purchase channels."


    Li Yuan nodded. Indeed, his permissions in the Starlight Martial Hall were quite good.


    But he had never heard of it.


    "The third is that it heals injuries but doesn''t cure poison," Dean Li said solemnly. "So, if you face some toxic alien races, be careful."


    "The vast Astral Realm has many types of poison. One careless move, and you might be poisoned."


    "Understood." Li Yuan nodded, thinking of poison?


    Teacher Xu Bo died because of poison in the Astral Realm.


    Uncle Li Changzhou also almost died from the poison in the Astral Realm... In fact, every year, arge number of ordinary people and martial artists die from poison in the Astral Realm.


    There''s no way around it. The Astral Realm is vast, and contact with various alien civilizations makes all kinds of poisons prevalent and hard to guard against.


    "Put it away," Dean Li said. "Remember, its fragrance is unique. With the keen perception of a Source Martial Artist, it''s easily detectable, so it''s best to hide it in the inneryer of your ''Source Power Battle Suit'' topletely iste it."


    "When you need to use it, retrieve it from the suit with a single thought." Dean Li instructed Li Yuan on how to use it.


    "Yes." Li Yuan nodded and reached into the box to take out the Source Purple Longevity Pill.


    Buzz~


    A wisp of ck light seeped from Li Yuan''s palm, wrapping around the Source Purple Longevity Pill like a liquid, and it disappeared instantly.


    The lingering fragrance in the air quickly dissipated as well.


    "Good." Dean Li nodded. "That''s the first thing. The second is about your skills reaching the fifth stage."


    "You did the samest time, reaching the fourth stage high-level without telling me immediately, and now it''s the same again." Dean Li seemed a bit helpless. "Do you look down on me as your teacher? Every time I hear it from others."


    "Teacher, my mistake." Li Yuan admitted his mistake immediately.


    But in his heart, he felt helpless. Each time, he had just broken through.


    "Your rapid progress not only exceeded my expectations but probably everyone else''s predictions about you." Dean Li smiled again. "The speed from the fourth to the fifth stage is incredibly fast. You are even slightly faster than Fang Hai back then."


    "Slightly faster?" Li Yuan was stunned.


    The time he took to go from the fourth to the fifth stage was less than half of what Fang Hai took.


    "Do you think I''m wrong?" Dean Li smiled. "Indeed, you are much faster in terms of time, but you have to understand something. Your physical fitness has surpassed level 15, and your mental power has long beenparable to a Source Martial Artist."


    "Fang Hai, when he broke through to the fifth stage, was only 16 years old, with physical fitness at level 8," Dean Li sighed. "And he didn''t have the talent for mental power."


    "Level 8?" Li Yuan understood what Dean Li meant.


    Comprehension, mental power, and mentality are interrted.


    Mentality is the hardest to grasp, so let''s not talk about that for now.


    Comprehension is the most mysterious, rted to a person''s soul essence, life experiences, and many other aspects.


    But mental power can be quantified.


    Increasing mental power enhances one''s thinking speed, calction ability, and perception.


    Simply put, in martial arts cultivation, mental power is an amplifier of one''sprehension talent and a foundation.


    If a person''s physical fitness and mental power are both only level 5, no matter how high theirprehension talent is, they can''t reach the fifth stage of skills.


    It''s like a chef, no matter how skilled, without ingredients, he can''t cook a great meal.


    But simrly, even if a person has lowprehension, if their mental power reaches level 29, with gradual practice, reaching the fourth stage of skills is not too difficult.


    Fang Hai, with physical fitness at level 8 and presumably average mental power, achieved the fifth stage in skills.


    His highprehension is evident.


    That''s why it caused such a sensation back then.


    "Of course, your mental power is also your talent," Dean Li smiled. "Overall, you are very close to Fang Hai back then."


    "China has already listed you as a genius on par with Yu Jinghe."


    "Among those below Flying Martial Artists, you two are the most valued by the top levels of China." Dean Li sighed.


    Li Yuan nodded slightly. This was already very high recognition.


    "Yu Jinghe already has the strength of a Flying Martial Artist, enough to protect himself, and no one will target him," Dean Li said. "But you, although your strength is close to a Source Martial Artist, it''s still far from enough... You should know, there are alien spies among us humans too."


    "Alien spies?" Li Yuan felt a chill.


    He had heard his teacher mention this in school, but had not seen it himself.


    "These alien spies, some are aliens who infiltrate, as some alien civilizations look very simr to us humans, some even are humans." Dean Li said, "Others are humans bought by aliens... Due to the virtualwork''s surveince, they don''t easily expose themselves, mostly just collecting information."


    "Some alien spies, even without open conflict with us, won''t target you."


    "But a few alien races want to destroy uspletely, like the alien civilization behind the Astral Realm of Luo Bo Sea. If they know your talent, they might assassinate you at any cost," Dean Li said solemnly. "Previously, your value was at most equivalent to a top-level Source Martial Artist."


    "So, even if they knew about you, they wouldn''t easily target you. The Starlight South Lakemunity you live in is rtively safe."


    "But now, your status is barelyparable to a Flying Martial Artist," Dean Li sighed.


    Flying Martial Artist? Li Yuan was shocked.


    This evaluation was already extremely high.


    A genius is just a genius, but a Flying Martial Artist is a real powerhouse.


    It seems that his breakthrough to the fifth stage of skills indeed shocked the top levels of China and the Starlight Martial Hall.


    "Now, those who know about your fifth stage skills are just me, Dean Xu, Dean Hai, and the principal in the school," Dean Li said. "And a few top-level people in the Starlight Martial Hall and the Starry Sky Sky Martial Hall know, but your information is sealed."


    "Hmm, Tantai Feng might be informed as a form of motivation for him," Dean Li said. "After all, he is also highly valued by the top levels of China."


    "But like Fei Qian and other teachers in the school don''t know. Don''t leak it yourself for now."


    "Understood." Li Yuan nodded.


    All this was probably to prevent attacks from alien spies.


    "Teacher, how long do I need to keep this secret?" Li Yuan couldn''t help but ask.


    "Not too long, just until the end of February," Dean Li smiled. "It won''t matter if it''s revealed during the Global University Martial Arts Competition."


    "At that time, staying in the school will be absolutely safe."


    "And with your cultivation speed, you''ll soon be a Source Martial Artist," Dean Li said. "Once you be a Source Martial Artist,bined with your skills, your strength will increase significantly, and it will be difficult for aliens to assassinate you."


    "After all, they wouldn''t mobilize a Flying-level to assassinate you; the cost is too high."


    "Blue Star is ultimately our human territory. It''s extremely difficult for aliens to hide a Flying-level existence without being detected, and they wouldn''t expose themselves unless absolutely necessary." Dean Li was confident.


    Li Yuan listened quietly.


    From what the teacher said, there were Flying-level spies within human civilization?


    The thought alone was chilling.


    "With your skill level, at the February Global University Martial Arts Competition, if you''re lucky, you might make it into the top ten," Dean Li smiled.


    "Lucky to make it into the top ten?" Li Yuan listened to his teacher''s words.


    "What? Not convinced?"


    Dean Li couldn''t help butugh. "If it were just the freshman battle of global universities, you''d undoubtedly be the first, not even Tantai Feng could beat you."


    "But the Global University Martial Arts Competition''s virtual battle is open to freshmen, sophomores, and juniors."


    "The students from the top three global martial schools might not match your skill talent."


    "But those sophomores and juniors have been practicing for more years, and many are already Source Martial Artists... Their basic skills improve significantly, making it easier for them to reach the fifth stage."


    "At least from what I know, there are fifth-stage skill martial arts geniuses among the juniors in the top three global martial schools, and there''s more than one." Dean Li said solemnly. "There might even be some among the sophomores."


    "Altogether, there are at least ten or more."


    "Besides the top three martial schools, regional martial arts universities, although generally having less talented students, sometimes produce extraordinary geniuses." Dean Li said. "Even in our Kunlun Martial University, besides you, there''s a fifth-stage genius."


    "Senior Jin?" Li Yuan responded.


    "Hmm, he broke through after your ten-school freshman battle," Dean Li nodded. "It took him over two years to go from the fourth to the fifth stage."


    "So."


    "There are usually about twenty fifth-stage skill students in the virtual battle of the Global College Martial Arts Competition, varying slightly each year."


    Li Yuan pondered.


    In his current ss, people like Guan Ying, Yu Ming, and Gaurav might also reach the fifth stage in a few years.


    Tantai Feng? He has a high chance of breaking through in the next year or two.


    Time indeed has a magical power.


    "Thispetition should be divided by age," Li Yuan couldn''t help but sigh. "Otherwise, it''s too unfair for freshmen."


    "You never thought it was deliberately arranged this way?" Dean Li smiled. "The intent is to let each batch of so-called top geniuses face some hardship and temper their character."


    "Secondly, the rewards of the Global University Martial Arts Competition are excellent... Since there are only so many spots, it''s all integrated into onepetition." Dean Li exined.


    Li Yuan realized, that made sense.


    "Regardless of others, if Tantai Feng can break through, he might have some hope." Dean Li said. "Your main focus should still be on yourself."


    "My expectation for you is to make it into the top ten of the virtual battle."


    "With two months left, it''s enough time for you to improve your strength significantly," Dean Li smiled. "If you make it into the top ten, the rewards will be beyond your imagination."


    "Yes." Li Yuan nodded.


    The top ten?


    His mainpetitors were the martial arts geniuses from global colleges who had broken through to the fifth stage of skills.


    "Lastly, about the Bright Ruins Astral Realm."


    "The day after tomorrow, you''ll depart," Dean Li said. "The school has arranged for you to enter through the third entrance."


    "The survival challengests for a month."


    "Return to school as soon as it''s over." Dean Li instructed. "The school has forged a new identity for you, and you just need to slightly disguise your appearance... So, if necessary, revealing your fifth-stage skills is fine."


    "Understood." Li Yuan nodded.


    Although he had some fame, it was limited to Jiangcheng City and at most within Jiangbei Province, so few would recognize him quickly.


    Just like Li Yuan himself wouldn''t deliberately pay attention to the appearances of battle heroes.


    ...


    Soon, Dean Li and Dean Xu left.


    Li Yuan''s life returned to peace, and for the next two days, he patiently spent time with his uncle and aunt.


    Two dayster.


    On January 1st, 2044, in the Seven Star calendar.


    Fully armed, Li Yuan bid farewell to his family.


    "Uncle, Aunt, I''m going to Soaring Star for special training this time and won''t be able to contact Blue Star for a month." Li Yuan smiled. "I''ll get in touch after returning from Soaring Star."


    This was the excuse Li Yuan gave.


    He didn''t want to worry his uncle and aunt.


    "A month? That long without contact? There''s no danger, right?" Chen Hui showed a trace of concern on her face.


    "Go ahead. Going to Soaring Star is a rare opportunity, a cultivation holynd for human civilization." Li Changzhou smiled. "Don''t worry about us at home."


    ...


    Using the alias "Xu An," Li Yuan traveled through the Starlight Martial Hall''s channels and boarded a special aircraft.


    Heading towards the Bright Ruins Astral Realm.


    "The Bright Ruins Astral Realm has four stable entrances, and asionally unstable ones appear." Li Yuan looked at the information in his hand, astonished. "It''s simr to the Fish Spirit Astral Realm."


    The Fish Spirit Astral Realm has entrances stretching hundreds of miles, unstable, and often appearing deep underground, making it hard to guard against.


    Half a dayter.


    Li Yuan arrived at the third entrance of the Bright Ruins Astral Realm in Jiangnan Province.

 Chapter 168: The Bright Ruins Astral Realm

    <h4>Chapter 168: The Bright Ruins Astral Realm</h4>


    Jiangnan Province is the wealthiest province in China and one of the richest areas on Blue Star, brimming with prosperity. However, that prosperity is confined to the big cities and has nothing to do with the Third Entrance to the Bright Ruins Astral Realm.


    The Third Entrance is located in the suburbs, with a military exclusion zone extending for tens of kilometers around it. Normally, civilian aircraft are not allowed to enter this area and could be shot down by electromaic towers at any time.


    Whoosh! It was drizzling in the sky when a small aircraft sped toward a hundred-meter-tall war fortress.


    "Martial Artist Xu An, Martial Artist Yang Zhu, we are about to reach the Third Bright Ruins Fortress," said a burly martial artist with a full beard in a low voice.


    "Hmm." Li Yuan nodded slightly, looking into the distance.


    This war fortress covered a vast area, not asrge as the Kunlun Fortress but still resembling a giant beast crouching on the vast earth.


    With Li Yuan''s current level of ess, he knew that if the entrance to a astral realm was not fixed, it would be fine. But for stable astral realm entrances, human civilization would almost always build war fortresses to prevent unexpected situations.


    "Through the war fortress, you can enter the Bright Ruins Astral Realm," said a lean middle-aged martial artist beside him softly. "Of the four entrances to the Bright Ruins Astral Realm, two are in our China, and the other two are in Africa, which are of less concern to us."


    Li Yuan nced at the lean middle-aged martial artist, a fellow Starlight Martial Hall martial artist named Yang Zhu who was also preparing to enter the Bright Ruins Astral Realm.


    With a physical fitness level of 18.4, Yang Zhu had an aged look in his eyes and appeared to have experienced much, despite his youthful appearance of around thirty to forty years old.


    Rumble~


    The aircraft slowly descended and hovered about ten meters above the ground.


    "This is as far as we can take you," the female pilot said with a smile. "The military personnel inside the war fortress will guide you."


    "Alright, thank you."


    Li Yuan smiled, grabbed a rectangr weapon case beside him, and jumped down.


    A height of ten meters was nothing. With his current skill and physical fitness, even jumping from thirty or forty meters, he could avoid any injury by using proper techniques to dissipate the impact.


    Yang Zhu, carrying a sword and shield, followed silently and jumped down as well.


    Rumble~


    The aircraft quickly ascended and flew toward the distant city shrouded in mist and rain.


    "Who are these two, that we have to personally escort them?" the female pilot couldn''t help but ask. "Are they someone important?"


    "I don''t know either," the bearded warrior shook his head. "It should be the one named Xu An. He''s an L6 level member of the Martial Hall."


    "L6 level? Usually, that requires a high-level Source Martial Artist, right? Could he be an illegitimate child of a Flying Martial Artist?" The female pilot was shocked.


    "Don''t ask too much. Some things are beyond your control," the bearded man said. "Just focus on flying."


    ...


    Carrying the weapon case, Li Yuan and Yang Zhu followed two soldiers through a passageway and into a waiting hall.


    "Martial Artist, the trains to the astral realm leave with ten people each time," a soldier said with a smile. "Thest one just left, so you''ll have to wait a bit."


    "Once there are ten people, we''ll depart."


    "There are various free snacks and drinks prepared here. Please help yourselves," the soldier said with a smile.


    "Okay."


    "Hmm." Li Yuan and Yang Zhu, having either thoroughly researched the rules or being seasoned veterans, asked no further questions and quietly waited.


    "Xu An, would you like a drink?" Yang Zhu asked.


    "No need," Li Yuan said calmly.


    Yang Zhu nodded, fetched a cup of wine and a cup of water from a nearby counter, and handed the water to Li Yuan.


    "Thank you." Li Yuan epted without hesitation.


    "Are you a student of a martial arts university?" Yang Zhu asked, looking at Li Yuan.


    "Do I look like one?" Li Yuan smiled faintly, having slightly adjusted his appearance. In modern society, such methods were not umon. Moreover, he wasn''t that famous, so few should recognize him.


    "Not exactly, but you look young."


    Yang Zhu smiled. "Entering the astral realm requires at least level 15 in physical fitness, which means most people wouldn''t be so young. Besides, today is January 1st. Traditionally, many elite martial arts university students head to various astral realms for life-and-death training after the holidays."


    "So, I deduced you are from a martial arts university."


    Li Yuan was taken aback. So that''s how he was exposed.


    Never underestimate anyone''s observational skills.


    "But you seem to be always ready for battle, so you must have experienced many life-and-death fights," Yang Zhuughed. "You must be a senior student in your fourth or fifth year."


    "Brother Yang, you''re quite urate," Li Yuanughed.


    Being ready for battle at all times? With skills at the fifth stage, he could easily maintain such a state whenever he wanted.


    But Yang Zhu''s insight spoke volumes.


    "The Bright Ruins Astral Realm has been unstable recently. Are you here for a defense mission or abat mission?" Li Yuan asked, changing the subject to avoid more questions.


    "Abat mission," Yang Zhuughed. "Defense missions are too boring. What about you?"


    "I''ll follow the arrangements," Li Yuan replied vaguely.


    Suddenly.


    "Hmm? There''s a female martial artist, and she looks quite young and pretty," Yang Zhu''s eyes lit up.


    "Oh?" Li Yuan also noticed the neer, his eyes brightening.


    "Brother Yang, do you believe I can get her V-chat contact right away?" Li Yuan smiled.


    "You? I don''t believe it," Yang Zhuughed, shaking his head.


    "Watch me." Li Yuan smiled, walking straight to the female martial artist who had justpleted her identity verification.


    The female martial artist turned and saw Li Yuan, her eyes lighting up instantly.


    She recognized him.


    "Hello, I''m Xu An. May I have your V-chat contact?" Li Yuan smiled.


    The female martial artist was stunned for a moment, then noticed Yang Zhu in the distance and instantly understood, smiling, "Hello, I''m Shi Xiao."


    ...


    The unexpected appearance of senior student Shi Xiao took Li Yuan by surprise. To prevent her from calling out his real name, he took the initiative to "flirt."


    Shi Xiao, being very intelligent, immediately realized Li Yuan was hiding his true identity.


    "Little brother Xu, impressive," Yang Zhuughed. "The world indeed favors the good-looking."


    Li Yuan smiled without a word.


    As time passed, more and more martial artist gathered in the waiting hall.


    But suddenly.


    ng~ The metal entrance far away opened, and two medical trolleys were quickly pushed out, with two men covered in blood lying on them.


    One of the men had both arms severed, with flesh and blood mangled, seemingly a martial artist from his attire.


    "Hurry."


    "Make way, make way!" Several medical personnel pushed the trolleys, rushing toward the fortress entrance.


    Li Yuan, Shi Xiao, and the others instinctively looked outside through the windows.


    Outside the war fortress, a small aircraft was slowly descending.


    This scene.


    Made the originally chatty martial artist in the waiting hall fall silent, a shadow cast over everyone''s hearts.


    Venturing into the astral realm had a terrifyingly high mortality rate.


    "It seems the situation in the Bright Ruins Astral Realm is not optimistic," Yang Zhu sighed. "It''s likely a direct conflict with the local forces."


    Li Yuan and Shi Xiao exchanged a nce.


    Conflict?


    They came to the Bright Ruins Astral Realm precisely for life-and-death battles.


    "Here we go."


    "We have ten martial artist, let''s go! Let''s go!" The guarding soldier shouted.


    ...


    ng~ The train slowly started, with the ten martial artist scattered around the carriage.


    Li Yuan and Shi Xiao, being from the same institution and both students of Li Yang, naturally trusted each other more.


    They naturally sat together.


    Buzz~ Holographic projections appeared simultaneously on the walls at the front, back, and sides of the carriage.


    In the projection, a burly officer appeared, looking serious.


    "Honored martial artist, first, thank you for voluntarily entering the astral realm and contributing to human civilization," the officer said solemnly. "We are about to enter the primary astral realm, Bright Ruins Astral Realm."


    "The Bright Ruins Astral Realm is extremely vast. Our known exploration range has a maximum diameter of over 60,000 kilometers, far from the realm''s limit."


    "In the entire astral realm, besides our human civilization, two other alien civilizations are known to ess it through portals: the ''Heavenly Virtue Civilization'' and the ''Qilin Demon Civilization.''"


    "The Heavenly Virtue Civilization is a humanoid civilization. Their appearance is very simr to ours, except for significant differences in gic sequencing and some intrinsic differences in their aura... Their appearance is simr, so be wary of Heavenly Virtue Civilization''s impostors in the astral realm."


    "The Qilin Demon Civilization is a beast-like civilization..."


    "And the most powerful in the Bright Ruins Astral Realm are the local forces. Although the primary astral realm''s origin isn''t strong, the vast territory and their mutualpetition and battles still breed several Flying-level beings. Each of them is a dominant force in the Bright Ruins Astral Realm and should never be provoked."


    "In various parts of the Bright Ruins Astral Realm, there are many second-tier creatures upying many high-source treasurends, spiritual soil veins, and natural treasures... These are the targets of our human civilization''s conquest."


    "Remember."


    "In a primary astral realm, the entrance and exit must be for life levels below 20. In the astral realm, you must practice moderately... Once your life level reaches 20 and you be a Source Martial Artist, you will have to stay in the Bright Ruins Astral Realm forever."


    "The following is a detailed introduction to Base Three..." The burly officer continued to exin various details about the Bright Ruins Astral Realm. All the martial artist listened quietly. Even though Li Yuan already knew this information, he didn''t mind hearing it again.


    Suddenly, rumble~ An invisible pressure enveloped all the martial artist in the carriage, causing almost everyone, including Shi Xiao, to change their expressions.


    "Inter-realm passage." Li Yuan knew what this was¡ªan area where the space collision between the astral realm and Blue Star created a unique pressure. It was this special force that prevented second-tier life forms from passing through.


    However, this pressure was negligible to Li Yuan, whose skills had reached the fifth stage. With his skills and mental strength, he easily withstood it.


    ...


    The strange pressure came quickly and left quickly. Many people in the carriage gradually returned to normal.


    "Li... Xu An, you didn''t feel anything?" Shi Xiao couldn''t help but ask.


    "I can endure it," Li Yuan smiled.


    Not long after, the carriage slowly stopped, and the door opened, letting sunlight shine directly in.


    "We''re here."


    "The Bright Ruins Astral Realm." The group of people walked out of the carriage onto a metal za outside.


    There were many soldiers around the za, and everyone could see the towering war fortress hundreds of meters away. And in the far distance, at the end of the earth, a mountain stretched across the horizon like a backdrop.


    "Is that Bright Mountain?" Li Yuan couldn''t help but ask.


    "Yes."


    Standing beside Li Yuan, Yang Zhu also saw the mountain at the horizon and said softly, "ording to the data, it should be more than 20,000 kilometers away from us... Its height should exceed 1,000 kilometers. It''s the highest mountain in the Bright Ruins Astral Realm and is said to be home to more than one Flying-level creature... The mysteries of the astral realm allow anything to happen, and anything to be born. Such a mountain shouldn''t exist on Blue Star."


    Many veteran martial artist were indifferent, having seen it before, but Li Yuan and Shi Xiao were both amazed. This was a natural wonder not seen on Blue Star.


    "Xu An, Shi Xiao."


    A warrior officer suddenly walked over and said solemnly, "Pleasee with me."


    Other martial artist looked over, wondering what was going on. Li Yuan and Shi Xiao exchanged a nce, then obediently followed the officer into the war fortress.


    They took an elevator, eventually arriving at arge office. An old man in a blue uniform was standing in front of a huge map projection, silently pondering.


    In the map projection, there were continuous mountain ranges,rge rivers, and severalrge red dots marked...


    "Sir, they are here," the martial artist officer said softly.


    "Oh? You can leave now." The old man in blue seemed to notice them for the first time, turning to look at Li Yuan and Shi Xiao. After the escort officer left, he smiled, "Hello, Li Yuan and Shi Xiao."


    "Hello, senior," Li Yuan and Shi Xiao said in unison.


    Li Yuan was already filled with shock.


    Because, in his divine pce, he had detected that the old man in blue had a life level of 24. He was a Source Martial Artist!


    But isn''t the Bright Ruins Astral Realm a primary star realm? How could a Source Martial Artist return to Blue Star?

 Chapter 169: One Town for Thirty Years

    <h4>Chapter 169: One Town for Thirty Years</h4>


    "You applied toe here for the trial and adventure, so your school forwarded your information to me," the old man in the blue uniform said with a smile.


    Li Yuan and Shi Xiao understood immediately. This was standard procedure.


    "My surname is Liu, and my full name is Liu Jing. I am the chief officer of Base Three," the old man in the blue uniform said. "As elite students from Kunlun Martial University, you are different from ordinary martial artists whoe to explore. We will pay more attention to you."


    "Senior Liu," Li Yuan and Shi Xiao immediately corrected their address.


    As the chief officer of a astral realm war base, the old man in blue undoubtedly held significant power. And the independence of a war base here was certainly very high. When exploring life and death on someone else''s turf, one must naturally respect the host.


    Moreover, Li Yuan had a vague understanding of the reason behind the other party being a Source Martial Artist, and he couldn''t help but feel a sense of respect.


    "Since this is your first time here, there are some things I need to rify in advance," the old man in blue said. "Firstly, our human civilization has four main forward bases in the Bright Ruins Astral Realm. Bases One and Two are very far from us, over ten thousand kilometers away, so we can''t rely on them."


    "Bases One and Two are the two entrance bases in Africa?" Li Yuan couldn''t help but ask. The Bright Ruins Astral Realm had four entrances: two in Africa and two in China.


    "Yes," Liu Jing nodded. "Our Base Three and Base Four are rtively close to each other, but still over two thousand kilometers apart. We oftenmunicate through Blue Star as an intermediary."


    Li Yuan and Shi Xiao were speechless. Two thousand kilometers, in the dangerous and alien-ridden Bright Ruins Astral Realm, was extremely far.


    "So, for our Base Three to survive, we must rely mainly on ourselves," the old man in blue, Liu Jing, looked at the two of them. "The base''s main tasks are, first, to continuously kill the alien creatures near the base to expand our survival space. This is thebat mission."


    "Second, to search for various resources, such as natural treasures, mineral veins, and suitable spiritual soils. This is the exploration mission."


    "Third, the defense mission. Over the decades, the area within three hundred kilometers of the base has be our sphere of influence. We have developed many resource points, but asionally we still face attacks from alien races, requiring warriors to defend."


    Liu Jing looked at the two of them. "Which mission do you want to participate in?"


    Ordinary warriors wouldn''t have a choice.


    "Combat mission," Li Yuan and Shi Xiao said in unison.


    "Okay," Liu Jing smiled faintly. "I''ll arrange for you to join a martial artist squad. I''ll find you a strong enough team."


    "In a team, with many people working together, the chances of survival are much higher."


    "Okay," Shi Xiao nodded, having some experience from previous astral realm explorations.


    "Senior Liu, may I explore alone?" Li Yuan suddenly asked. "I remember it''s possible to apply to form a single-person team."


    Before Liu Jing could respond, Shi Xiao was already shocked. "Li Yuan, are you crazy? This is your first time exploring a astral realm. How high is your physical fitness?"


    In her impression, Li Yuan''s true strength should not be greater than hers, and hecked experience.


    "To form a single-person team, you must be an 18th-level warrior," the old man in blue, Liu Jing, squinted slightly and smiled. "Your information shows that your strength isparable to a 19th-level warrior, so you qualify."


    "Comparable to a 19th-level warrior?" Shi Xiao was stunned.


    "It seems this youngdy didn''t know," Liu Jing smiled. "Li Yuan performed excellently during the Fish Spirit Tide in Jiangcheng, earning a first-ss silver medal. Very impressive."


    "First-ss silver medal?" Shi Xiao''s mouth formed an ''O'' shape. She knew how difficult it was to obtain such a medal. She was aware of the Fish Spirit Tide in Jiangcheng but not of Li Yuan''s achievements, as she hadn''t paid attention to themendation ceremony.


    "Li Yuan, your strength is good, but experience is another matter. Are you sure you don''t want an experienced guide?" Liu Jing asked.


    "No need," Li Yuan shook his head. In terms of strength, he was nearly a Source Martial Artist. A regr martial artist squad would only hold him back. Moreover, if he wanted to quickly increase his spiritual awakening level, he would need to kill many alien races, which was easier done alone.


    "Okay, the choice is yours. You can explore alone," Liu Jing said. "Shi Xiao, do you want to explore alone as well?"


    "No," Shi Xiao shook her head repeatedly. "Please assign me to a martial artist squad."


    With physical fitness over level 17 and fourth-stage skills, Shi Xiao''s strength was also close to a 19th-level warrior. But she didn''t have Li Yuan''s confidence.


    "Alright, you will receive the information shortly," Liu Jing said. "When fighting the aliens, remember three things: First, avoid second-tier aliens. Second, don''t use thermal weapons lightly. Third, within a thousand kilometers of the war base, we can respond to your distress signals immediately. Beyond that, the signal bes very weak."


    "Understood," Li Yuan and Shi Xiao said solemnly.


    They were aware that in the Bright Ruins Astral Realm, human civilization was just a small force... They needed to develop quietly and steadily.


    Each war base only managed an area within a few hundred kilometers. Using thermal weapons could indeed kill many aliens, even causing second-tier aliens to fall under heavy fire. However, the true rulers of the Bright Ruins Astral Realm were not the second-tier aliens but the Flying-level beings!


    Provoking a Flying-level enemy would be disastrous for the human forward bases. Simr incidents had happened frequently during human explorations of many astral realms.


    "Commander," the door opened, and the previous officer walked in.


    "Arrange for Wu Qing''s team to ept Shi Xiao," Liu Jing said. "She asked for a skilledpanion, so I''m giving her one."


    "Yes," the officer nodded. "Martial Artist Shi Xiao, pleasee with me."


    "Xu An, keep in touch," Shi Xiao winked. She guessed that Li Yuan had his own ns and didn''t insist on staying with him.


    "Sure," Li Yuan nodded with a smile.


    After they left, the door closed again, leaving only Li Yuan and Liu Jing.


    "Rest assured, only I know your detailed information," Liu Jing smiled. "How is your teacher, Li Yang?"


    "Senior, you know Teacher Li?" Li Yuan was surprised.


    "We were ssmates at Kunlun Martial University and had a good rtionship back then," Liu Jing smiled. "It''s just been over thirty years since west met."


    Li Yuan sighed internally. Thirty years?


    The more he saw, the more Li Yuan felt the influence of Kunlun Martial University on China. Many Source Martial Artists in China came from Kunlun Martial University.


    "ording to your teacher''s instructions, I need to evaluate your life-and-death adventure," Liu Jing smiled. "So, when you kill aliens, take their distinctive items as proof. Understood?"


    "Yes," Li Yuan nodded. The Bright Ruins Astral Realm was not like practical exams withprehensive monitoring. Everything relied on oneself.


    "Shi Xiao is joining a martial artist squad with teammates to help her, so I don''t need to say much. Since you''re exploring alone, I''ll give you a few more tips," Liu Jing said.


    "Besides being wary of alien beasts, pay attention to two things," Liu Jing said seriously. "First, the life forms of the Heavenly Virtue Civilization. They look simr to humans, and their activity area is close to our Base Three."


    "ording to our investigations, one of their astral realm entrances is less than two thousand kilometers from us."


    "So close?" Li Yuan was surprised. At such a short distance, encounters between strong individuals from both sides were possible.


    "Yes, very close," Liu Jing said. "Secondly, be wary of other human martial artists."


    "Other human martial artists?" Li Yuan''s pupils contracted.


    "People have selfish desires. If two martial artist squads simultaneously discover a valuable natural treasure, how would they divide it?" Liu Jing said calmly.


    Li Yuan remained silent.


    "If one side concedes, fine. If both want it, there will be conflict," Liu Jing said. "On Blue Star and within the war base,ws prohibit mutual killing. But don''t test human nature''s limits when facing treasure temptations."


    "Beyond 300 kilometers from the war fortress, we won''t intervene in mutual killings among human martial artists."


    "So, you must remain vignt around other human martial artists," Liu Jing said.


    "Thank you for the reminder, Senior," Li Yuan said. Liu Jing''s willingness to speak so frankly showed genuine concern.


    "Go ahead."


    ...


    After Li Yuan left, Liu Jing sighed internally, "I''m slowly getting old."


    More than thirty years had passed. As a Source Martial Artist, he could live much longer, but he felt mentally exhausted. He longed to return home but couldn''t. Such days would continue indefinitely.


    ...


    After leaving Liu Jing''s office, another martial artist officer took over Li Yuan''s reception.


    He mainly introduced the environment within a 500-kilometer radius of the war fortress, such as areas with second-tier aliens and ces where many aliens gathered. He also detailed the locations of human civilization''s resource points (nting, minerals), observation points, and the main activity areas of other martial artist squads.


    These details were not in the Starlight Martial Hall''s database.


    With his current mental strength, although not capable of photographic memory, Li Yuan quickly memorized the essentials.


    Finally, "How long has Senior Liu been here?" Li Yuan asked his question.


    "Do you mean themander?" The warrior officer was initially stunned, then smiled. "I''ve heard it''s been over thirty years."


    "He was the first chief officer of Base Three and voluntarily stayed here. I''ve heard he used to be a 25th-level Source Martial Artist, but his strength was greatly diminished after an injury."


    "All the Source Martial Artists in the base volunteered to stay here."


    "With Source Martial Artists and the war fortress as thest line of defense, our human civilization can barely maintain a foothold in the Bright Ruins Astral Realm," the martial artist officer sighed. "This is why the surrounding alien forces tacitly acknowledge this several hundred kilometers as our territory."


    "But."


    "We first-tier martial artists still have vacations and rotations and can return to the country... But the Source Martial Artists have to guard this ce for life."


    Li Yuan nodded slightly, feeling a deep sense of appreciation.


    In human civilization, there were always many silent contributors.


    ...


    There is no night in the Bright Ruins Astral Realm; the sky always has two suns intertwined. Therefore, on the day of his arrival in the Bright Ruins Astral Realm, at six o''clock in the evening Blue Star time, Li Yuan set off alone afterpleting all preparations.


    He began his first exploration in the astral realm.

 Chapter 170: Walking Alone

    <h4>Chapter 170: Walking Alone</h4>


    <i>Boom!</i>


    Riding a low-altitude flying vehicle, Li Yuan quickly left the war fortress, crossing over 100 kilometers and numerous mountain ranges and rivers.


    Within a 100-kilometer radius of the war fortress, there were still signs of human activity. Beyond that, roads gradually disappeared, trees grew taller, and the mountains stretched into what resembled a primeval forest.


    "Xu An, martial artist, we can only take you this far," the driver said with a smile. "Further out, you might encounter flying alien species."


    "Alright," Li Yuan nodded and smiled. "Thank you for your trouble."


    In the Bright Ruins Astral Realm, the native alien species that could cultivate and absorb source energy were primarily beast-like, with a few humanoid species among them. Each race was unique and bizarre... Because of this, they fought fiercely among themselves and didn''t focus on human civilization.


    Second-tier aliens generally had intelligenceparable to humans. To most native aliens, a human civilization outpost within a radius of several hundred kilometers was considered the territory of another special race. Therefore, unless they wanted to provoke a war, other second-tier aliens would rarely invade the ''100-kilometer'' range of the outpost.


    As for first-tier aliens? They weren''t very intelligent, but after being killed and cleared out over the years, they understood that a very powerful force was entrenched in this area and should not be provoked.


    "Whoosh!"


    Li Yuan, holding a spear and a battle sword, with arge pack and wearing a full set ofbat gear, dropped from dozens of meters high directly to the ground.


    The jungle was not very dense.


    Watching the flying vehicle quickly depart, Li Yuan muttered to himself, "Next, it''s up to walking. ording to previous experience, if I want to quickly increase my spiritual awakening level, I need to kill stronger aliens to get more spiritual nourishment."


    "I need to leave the war base and get 300 kilometers away as soon as possible."


    Within 100 kilometers of the base, aliens were almost extinct; within 300 kilometers, they were repeatedly killed and cleared by martial artist squads, so the number of tiered aliens was very few.


    Under the two suns, the earth was not scorching.


    "200 kilometers, I should be able to reach it within 3 hours," Li Yuan moved swiftly, covering dozens of meters in a single stride.


    High cliffs and wide rivers were easily crossed with a single leap. Maintaining a speed of 20 to 30 meters per second was like a leisurely walk for Li Yuan.


    "Unity with the heavens and the earth."


    While on the move, Li Yuan was also contemting the mystery of unity with the heavens. He tried to understand the natural world through various activities like practicing with his spear, standing, sitting, lying down, and walking.


    After traveling for more than ten kilometers, suddenly, several shadows shed through a pile of broken, withered grass. The air exploded with a roar as they charged towards Li Yuan.


    "Swish!"


    These shadows were fast, but Li Yuan''s spear was faster, slicing through the air with a single thrust.


    "Thud! Thud! Thud!" Blood sttered as six serpent-like aliens were torn apart and fell to the ground.


    "Feathered Serpent n?" Li Yuan nced at them. The six aliens looked somewhat like the Bloodwing Serpent n but had smaller, shorter wings used only for gliding.


    "With a life level less than ten, how dare they attack me?" Li Yuan shook his head, not bothering to collect their items.


    ...


    The roads in the Bright Ruins Astral Realm were harder to navigate than Li Yuan had imagined. The high mountains, which seemed to be only one or two kilometers away in a straight line, were very time-consuming to cross. Some canyons and great rivers were also difficult to traverse.


    However, with Li Yuan''s strength, after nearly four hours, he had finally left the range of human civilization activities and truly entered the wilderness.


    This journey also made Li Yuan understand the true meaning of a ''high-source environment.''


    During these 200 kilometers, more than 100 aliens had died at his hands, mostly lower-tier ones. Most had actively ambushed him.


    "With the rich source energy, these astral realm creatures don''t need to consume much to be influenced by it and grow and reproduce rapidly," Li Yuan sighed.


    He had reviewed a lot of data. Compared to many astral realm life forms, human growth and reproduction rates were much slower.


    The greatest advantage of human martial artists was their perceptiveness.


    "Astral realm creatures might reach tiered status upon maturity, but often it takes tens of thousands or even hundreds of thousands to produce one second-tier strong individual," Li Yuan mused. "Human martial artists, on the other hand, can produce one second-tier strong individual for every few hundred first-tier warriors."


    Humansck powerful bloodlines but possess extraordinary overall perceptiveness. At least among the many alien civilizations encountered by human civilization, there were almost none that surpassed humans in perceptiveness.


    ...


    While wandering in the wilderness, Li Yuan suddenly stopped, his keen mental power sensing arge group of powerful alien life forms gathering a few hundred meters away.


    "Finally."


    "Some interesting opponents," Li Yuan smiled slightly.


    Boom!


    His figure darted forward, shattering the rock beneath him and then leaping off arge tree, using it to propel himself further as the tree copsed.


    Battle! Erupt!


    ...


    "Roar!" "Howl!" "Howl!" Arge number of wolf-like aliens roared and charged at Li Yuan.


    They were all tiered beings. As the dominant race in this area, they would naturally not retreat from a provocation by another alien life form.


    "Kill!"


    Li Yuan''s spear danced, the spear shadows shifting like a rolling star, vast and imposing.


    Thud! Thud! Thud! Blood sttered as alien bodies fell to the ground, crashing into rocks, the earth, or trees.


    "Not good."


    "These aliens are still too weak, mostly level 12 or 13, with few reaching level 14," Li Yuan shook his head slightly. "I can easily crush them without using source energy."


    "No challenge."


    Whoosh!


    Li Yuan immediately adjusted, suppressing his strength and speed to level 11.


    Instantly, he felt the pressure as the aliens seemed to be able to attack him at any moment.


    "The spear like a rolling star." Li Yuan immersed himself in the spear technique, fighting fiercely with these aliens.


    For Li Yuan, exploring the star realm to increase his spiritual awakening level was one aspect.


    The most important thing was to engage in life-and-death battles with numerous aliens, tempering his mind and courage through these encounters, and understanding the mysteries of nature in the wilderness.


    Eventually, after killing over sixty wolf-shaped aliens, the remaining dozen or so aliens could no longer hold out and fled with desperate roars.


    Li Yuan did not pursue them.


    "After killing so many."


    "My spiritual awakening level didn''t even increase by 0.1%?" Li Yuan nced at the divine pce panel, muttering to himself. "Or is it that these aliens are too weak to provide spiritual nourishment?"


    After some calction, Li Yuan realized that raising his spiritual awakening level from 25.4% to 30% would be a long and arduous process.


    He did not bother to cut up the alien corpses. Instead, he uploaded the battle video and continued on his way.


    The so-called ''cutting and providing evidence'' would be done after leaving the war fortress by 1000 kilometers.


    Before that, as long as Li Yuan didn''t mind, he could choose to upload battle videos.


    Reducing the burden.


    ...


    "Slow! Too slow, move faster!" Li Yuan shouted angrily, battling numerous winged humanoid life forms.


    These humanoid beings had very strong limbs, sharp as weapons. Facing Li Yuan''s spear, they fell one by one, blood staining the earth.


    "[You have continuously killed tiered beings and gained spiritual nourishment, spiritual awakening level reached 25.8%]" a divine pce notification shed.


    ...


    As time passed day by day, Li Yuan continued his journey in the wilderness.


    He gradually adapted to this environment.


    Hungry? Eat some beast meat, and practice the "Heavenly Star" to nourish his body with source energy, needing to eat very little.


    Thirsty? Drink mountain spring water directly.


    Tired? Practice the "Great Sun Starry Sky Sutra," which not only strengthens mental power but also relieves fatigue.


    Li Yuan did not need to return to a fixed observation point or base for rest.


    The rest of the time, Li Yuan was either fighting alien life forms or searching for them.


    Or if he asionally felt something from the natural world, he would stop, silently practice his spear technique, and then continue his journey and battles.


    Such training efficiency was extremely remarkable.


    With the increasing number and strength of the alien life forms he killed, including even level 17 and 18 aliens, Li Yuan''s spiritual awakening level, though difficult to improve, surged rapidly through the killing of vast numbers of aliens.


    Quantitative changes led to qualitative changes, gradually breaking through from 25.4% to 26%, 26.5%, and beyond.


    Li Yuan''s spear technique and physical abilities were continuously improving, seemingly without any bottlenecks.


    ...


    At the main officer''s office on the ninth floor of the third outpost base in the Bright Ruins Astral Realm.


    "Sir."


    "In the past ten days, except for the martial artists who died in battle, most of the registered and outward-bound martial artist teams at the base have records of returning to the observation points for rest," a tall, lean military officer said seriously. "But Xu An has no such records. It seems he has vanished into thin air."


    "No records of him? He didn''t return to the observation point?" Liu Jing inquired.


    "No records," the lean officer said. "We can only locate him through the smart ring, confirming that he has been moving and should still be alive."


    "Alright, I understand. You may leave," Liu Jing said, giving no further instructions.


    Once alone in the room, Liu Jing clicked on the projection, and numerous videos appeared, showing scenes of Li Yuan fighting countless aliens from a first-person perspective.


    All these had been uploaded to Liu Jing.


    "Really insane."


    "In ten days, the number of kills is more than a normal team," Liu Jing thought, feeling quite amazed. "From theprehensive information, could he really be going without rest?"


    "Well, it''s enough to give a full score for life-and-death exploration."


    For an eighteen-year-old, Liu Jing felt there was no need to be overly critical.


    Excessive demands were counterproductive.


    ...


    On January 13, 2044.


    At the top of an inconspicuous mountain about 600 kilometers from the third outpost base.


    On arge rock.


    Li Yuan stood there, gripping his spear tightly, the spear tip pointing forward, as if sensing something.


    Gradually, Li Yuan''s presence became less conspicuous, blending subtly with the surrounding scene, a very mysterious phenomenon.


    "Whoosh!" The spear moved forward with a swift thrust, slicing through the air in a circr motion before retracting instantly.


    Li Yuan slowly opened his eyes. His peripheral vision caught a glimpse of the divine pce panel:


    <strong>Life Level:</strong> 16.8 (First Tier)


    <strong>Punch Force:</strong> 24,400 kilograms


    <strong>Speed:</strong> 70.2 meters/second


    <strong>Mental Power:</strong> 26.9


    <strong>Willpower:</strong> 30


    <strong>Spiritual Awakening Level:</strong> 28.9% (Current Limit 30%)


    <strong>Star Meridian:</strong> Level 10


    <strong>Skill Realms:</strong> Spear Technique (5th Stage 5%), Movement Technique (5th Stage 6%), Fist Technique (Perfect)


    "..."


    "I feel like I''m making progress quickly."


    "But the improvement from the fifth stage of spear technique is still much slowerpared to when I was at the fourth stage," Li Yuan mused. "I''m still 1.1% short of my spiritual awakening level. I need to keep working hard."


    Whoosh!


    Li Yuan leaped lightly, swiftly descending the mountain like a monkey, searching for other alien life forms.


    Momentster, Li Yuan extended his mental power, sensing all around him. Suddenly, he stopped and turned his gaze toward the nearby forest.


    Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!


    In the distance, three human figures dressed in light purple robes appeared, each wielding a weapon, and rapidly approached.


    "Human martial artists?" Li Yuan thought, puzzled. "Something''s not right. Why hasn''t the smart ring alerted me to their approach?"

 Chapter 171: Humans? Aliens! Kill!

    <h4>Chapter 171: Humans? Aliens! Kill!</h4>


    "Human martial artist?" Li Yuan wondered. "This is strange. Why hasn''t the smart ring notified me of approaching warriors?"


    Three figures approached rapidly. Li Yuan scanned their auras with his mental power and found no signs of spiritual energy, as if they were ordinary humans.


    In the war base''s 1,000-kilometer radius, the signal is usually good. The base can contact human martial artists in this area at any time and even roughly locate them through the smart ring. Beyond 1,000 kilometers, direct contact bes difficult. Within 1,000 kilometers, if human martial artists are within 3 kilometers of each other, they usually receive a notification to avoid friendly fire.


    No notification? There are three possible reasons: one, the martial artists don''t want to reveal their whereabouts and have turned off the smart ring''s positioning system; two, the smart ring is lost or damaged; or three, the individuals are not human martial artists but aliens.


    This area is only about 600 kilometers from the human war base, which is barely within their sphere of influence. Could strong beings from the Heavenly Virtue civilizatione all the way here?


    "From their attire, they do resemble human martial artists," Li Yuan''s eyes narrowed. He moved like a gust of wind, disappearing into the slightly dark forest.


    With his current skill level, although he hasn''t specifically practiced assassination techniques, his ability to hide and move silently after achieving harmony with nature isparable to that of some skilled assassins. After all, what is stealth? Essentially, it is blending into the environment so that others cannot detect you. Achieving harmony with nature means bing one with the environment. A person who achieves this level of mastery can quickly be proficient in various skills and techniques that would normally take a lot of training.


    Li Yuan''s mental power was extended, and he detected the three figures in purple robes moving through the forest. These figures had no idea of Li Yuan''s presence.


    "Second Brother, Third Brother, stay alert and be cautious. We''ve entered the activity zone of the Seven Star civilization and might encounter human martial artists at any moment," said the lean, tall man in purple robes. He was vignt, scanning the surroundings. His face resembled those from China, though his skin was darker, and his speech was distinct, with anguage entirely different from humannguages.


    "Hmm."


    "Even though we''ve disguised ourselves to look like them, they might not recognize us from a distance."


    "We''re only responsible for scouting and warning. The team leader and others are the ones tasked with capturing. ording to the time, they should be closing in soon," the other two figures in purple robes, holding weapons, responded gruffly.


    The three of them were forming abat formation, constantly observing their surroundings with sharp eyes as if searching for something.


    Suddenly.


    "Who!" The leading figure in purple robes seemed to sense something and shouted in a slightly awkward chinesenguage.


    The other two figures in purple robes were startled but had not yet noticed anything.


    "Whoosh!" Without a sound.


    A young man in ck attire suddenly appeared about fifty meters away in the forest. He held a ck spear and had a slightly innocent smile on his face.


    "Hello, seniors, it''s me. I finally found some living people," the young man in ck excitedly waved his spear and shouted.


    The voice echoed in the forest, very noticeable, along with the young man''s smile.


    The three figures in purple robes looked at each other.


    "It''s a human martial artist, not very old, probably just resting here earlier," the lean, tall figure said softly. "From the life aura, he seems to be around level 17. Let''s observe if there are more people, and once we get close, we''ll capture and interrogate him."


    Level 17?


    The two figures in purple robes beside him rxed their vignce slightly. They were both level 18 warriors, and their team leader was close to level 19. A one-level difference in physical quality could result in a significant gap in strength.


    "Little brother, which team are you from?" The lean, tall figure in purple robes smiled and approached.


    "I''m from the Suzuki team," the young man in ck said with a smile. "This is my first time here, and I got separated from them. Which team are you seniors from?"


    "Oh?"


    "The Suzuki team? I''ve heard of them," the lean, tall figure in purple robes replied to Li Yuan.


    The distance, originally tens of meters, quickly closed to within twenty meters in just a few seconds.


    In the next moment.


    Whoosh! Whoosh! The two figures in purple robes beside the lean, tall figure suddenly surged forward with terrifying speed, one on the left and one on the right, charging at the young man in ck.


    "With thebined strength of Wei Lao and Zhen Hong, we should be able to subdue him in a few moves," the lean, tall figure thought.


    However, contrary to his expectations, the young man in ck did not react with panic or confusion. Instead, he sprang into action almost simultaneously, with even greater speed and ferocity.


    "Not good, he''s hiding his strength," the lean, tall figure''s expression changed, and he immediately exploded with energy, drawing his battle sword to try to save his twopanions.


    But it was already toote.


    Boom! Boom! Boom! The three figures shed like lightning in mid-air.


    "Whoosh!"


    The spear whistled with a terrifying shriek, piercing right in front of the two purple-robed figures.


    Too fast.


    Li Yuan''s explosive speed and power stunned the three purple-robed figures.


    "Be careful." The lean, tall figure instinctively spoke in his nativenguage.


    Pfft! Pfft!


    The figures collided, the spear shadow intertwined, and arge amount of blood sttered.


    The necks of the two purple-robed figures instantly had huge blood holes.


    Their weapons ttered to the ground, and their bodies fell heavily onto the grass.


    In theirst moments, the two purple-robed figures couldn''t believe their eyes. How could a human youth, clearly at level 17, be so powerful suddenly?


    "Boom!"


    After killing the two, Li Yuan didn''t pause and immediately engaged with the lean, tall figure in purple robes.


    "Die!" The lean, tall figure roared, his figure like a ghost, swinging a huge weapon simr to a battle sword.


    As the strongest among the three, despite being intimidated by Li Yuan''s explosive power, he had no choice but to fight back at close range.


    "Facing a long weapon with a short one, if I can find a chance to engage in closebat, I have a chance."


    "Moreover, this Seven Star person''s life level is not as strong as mine. As long as I block a wave of attacks, I can escape," the lean, tall figure thought.


    Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!


    Li Yuan''s spear whistled and transformed into dozens of phantoms. The spear tip howled, like countless lights surrounding him.


    It was one of the five killing moves of the Stardust Spear Technique, ''Stardust Dawn''.


    Although it was a defensive move, it could also be used as an offensive move if the realm was high enough.


    "ng!" "ng!" "ng!" Countless spear shadows howled. Even though Li Yuan''s physical quality was much weaker, his spear was much faster than the lean, tall figure''s, precise and ruthless.


    One spear strike after another.


    Li Yuanpletely took the initiative.


    Each spear strike sent a chill down the lean, tall figure''s spine, as if he was teetering on the edge of death. He couldn''t think much and could only use all his strength to swing his battle sword to block.


    After nine consecutive shes.


    Under the terrifying force, the surrounding soil and rocks flew chaotically.


    "Rise." Li Yuan shouted angrily, swinging his spear heavily, striking the lean, tall figure''s arms.


    In this collision, the lean, tall figure could no longer hold on. The terrifying force sent him flying uncontrobly.


    As a first or second-tier strong warrior who couldn''t fly, in closebat, one would rarely allow themselves to be airborne.


    Pfft!


    "Thud!" Seizing the opportunity, Li Yuan thrust forward, his spear howling as it created blood holes in the lean, tall figure''s shoulders.


    His arms were almost torn apart.


    "Bang!" The lean, tall figure''s body mmed into a nearby mountain wall, kicking up countless fragments. The excruciating pain in his arms made him drop his battle sword.


    "ng!" "ng!" The battle sword fell to the ground.


    The lean, tall figure''s body, suffering from the impact, fell to the ground and barely stood up, hisbat abilitypletely lost.


    Boom! A ck sh darted in.


    "Whoosh!" Another spear shadow shed by.


    Crack! The sounds of shattered knee bones exploded.


    The lean, tall figure''s knees exploded, instantly bing a mess of blood and flesh. He could no longer withstand it and fell to his knees, face down.


    With his arms and knees both incapacitated, he lost his ability to move.


    "Thud!" Another kick sent the lean, tall figure flying several meters, crashing down heavily.


    Hey on his back, bloodied, clearly suffering from severe injuries and unable to move further.


    However, with his strong vitality, his heart and head were unharmed, so he wouldn''t die immediately.


    Li Yuan stood five meters away, not approaching, coldly staring at the lean, tall figure.


    Even with an absolute advantage, caution is always necessary.


    "If it weren''t for wanting to capture you alive for questioning, with your strength, I could have killed you within five moves."


    "From the Heavenly Virtue civilization, you understand humannguage," Li Yuan said coldly. "I ask, you answer. If you answer, I promise to give you a quick death. Otherwise, you''ll definitely regret it."


    "Regret?" The purple-robed, lean figure on the ground sneered. "Seven Star human, don''t think you can pry anything useful from me. Don''t underestimate the willpower of our Heavenly Virtue people. You better kill me quickly."


    "Otherwise, when our reinforcements arrive, you''ll definitely die," the purple-robed figure red at Li Yuan viciously, feeling his vitality ebbing away and moving toward death.


    "Your reinforcements?" Li Yuan smiled faintly. "Do you still have manying?"


    "Hmph." The purple-robed figure snorted coldly and stopped speaking.


    "Refusing a toast only to drink a forfeit," Li Yuan shook his head slightly. A light brown pill appeared in his hand.


    Buzz~


    Li Yuan, enveloped in his ck battle suit, quickly approached the purple-robed figure and forced the pill into his mouth, making him swallow it.


    "Source Force Battle Suit?" The purple-robed figure was shocked, then sneered again. "No matter the drug, don''t think you can..."


    "Aaahhh!"


    His body began to tremble violently.


    "Special interrogation drug."


    "One pill costs ten thousand Blue Star coins," Li Yuan murmured to himself. "It''s almost equivalent to one-tenth of the pain from a Hundred Marrow Spirit Wither... Let''s see if your willpower is strong enough."


    Li Yuan had prepared 20 of these pills specifically for the aliens.


    For those who have reached the level of advanced warriors, ordinary pain, like severed limbs, is easily endured. Special methods must be used.


    In just a few seconds.


    "I''ll talk."


    "I''ll tell you everything," the purple-robed figure could no longer hold on and began to scream wildly.


    Soon, Li Yuan obtained the intelligence he needed from the purple-robed figure.


    Without hesitation, he contacted the base and quickly reported the situation.


    "Xu An, you did well."


    "This is intelligence we didn''t know."


    "However, Observation Point 19 has been attacked by arge number of Heavenly Virtue civilization''s strong warriors. ording to the distress signals, there don''t seem to be any second-tier warriors," the voice on themunication channel was serious. "We have dispatched a support team via aircraft to Observation Point 19... but flying is risky, and they may not arrive in time."


    "Nearby."


    "Two martial artist teams have already gone to assist. We hope you can also provide support."


    "Understood. I will set off immediately." Li Yuan said solemnly. Observation Point 19 was under siege?


    "What about this Heavenly Virtue figure?" Li Yuan inquired.


    "Kill on the spot!"

 Chapter 172: Demon Blood Spirit Crystal

    <h4>Chapter 172: Demon Blood Spirit Crystal</h4>


    After ending the call, Li Yuan didn''t waste any time. He stood up, swung his spear, and killed the nearly unconscious purple-robed man on the ground. His head was split in two, ensuring he was dead beyond resurrection.


    "[You have continuously killed low-tier creatures and obtained spiritual nourishment. Spiritual awakening has reached 29%]" shed a notification on the Divine Pce interface.


    In fact, Li Yuan was so certain that these three were from the alien race, and not Seven-Star humans, not because he understood their conversation or noticed too many clues, but simply because the Divine Pce''s scan indicated that killing them would yield "spiritual nourishment." This kind of prompt only appeared with alien beings.


    "No matter how well you disguise yourself, you can''t escape the Divine Pce''s detection," Li Yuan said, ncing at the corpses.


    In reality, if Li Yuan hadn''t killed them, the injured Heavenly Virtue n member would have certainly died due to his wounds. Moreover, in this wild jungle, losing mobility was equivalent to waiting for death. Who knows when a beast or alien mighte smelling the blood.


    "Chasing after a human? Why?" Li Yuan murmured to himself, reflecting on the information he had just obtained.


    The information was not extensive, primarily two points:


    The Heavenly Virtue n members Li Yuan killed were merely ''Tier 1 Warriors'' assigned to guard the Bright Ruins Astral Realm, simr to military martial artists in human civilization. They were part of a squad sent to pursue a human martial artist from hundreds of kilometers away. However, they had no knowledge of the specific identity of this human or why they were being pursued.


    "A squad from the Heavenly Virtue n, at least 50 warriors," Li Yuan mused, "There must be more than one Tier 19 warrior among them."


    The Seven-Star human civilization and the Heavenly Virtue civilization had interactions not just through the Bright Ruins Astral Realm but also through other astral realms. Although they were not engaged in a frenzy of warfare like the alien civilization behind the Luo Bo Sea, they were always in an antagonistic rtionship.


    Over the years, both sides had developed a deep understanding of each other''snguage, culture, and even technological history. This was why Li Yuan, once confirming they were ''aliens,'' acted without hesitation.


    No need to question the reason. ording to the base''s ''rules of engagement,'' encountering two major alien civilizations within 1000 kilometers of the base allowed for direct attack.


    ng~ Li Yuan quickly searched the three corpses but found little of value. Weapons? Armor? All were Tier 1 mid-grade, of little worth and no ce to store them. Most of the rest were just provisions.


    "Ah, a life detector? Tier 1," Li Yuan grinned, discovering something truly valuable on the most powerful Heavenly Virtue n member.


    It was a technological product of the Heavenly Virtue n, somewhat simr to the Seven-Star human civilization''s ''life blood detection instrument,'' but of better quality and truly miniaturized for portability.


    Although Li Yuan had the Divine Pce scan and didn''t need this device, it could fetch millions of Blue Star Coins if handed to the base.


    "Perhaps our life blood detection instruments in the Seven-Star human civilization were inspired by this," Li Yuan thought.


    War, in a way, continuously drives technological advancement, forcing a civilization to be stronger to avoid extinction. Over centuries, the Seven-Star human civilization had made leaps in both technology and martial arts through interactions with numerous alien civilizations.


    "Beast civilizations often have weak technology," Li Yuan mused. "But many humanoid civilizations have very advanced technology, surpassing even human civilization."


    This information might be unknown to ordinary people, but it wasn''t a secret to source martial artists. Li Yuan had read extensive materials from the Starlight Martial Hall and was well aware of this.


    "Despite how slow it seems, the body search took only a few dozen seconds," Li Yuan said, tossing the life detector into his tight backpack.


    "Observation Point 19?"


    He set the direction on his smart ring and set off at full speed.


    The straight-line distance was 40 kilometers!


    "At full speed, I should be able to arrive within 20 minutes. I hope they can hold on," Li Yuan thought, his figure turning into a streak of light as he dashed towards Observation Point 19.


    A squad of Heavenly Virtue n warriors?


    Breaking into an observation point wasn''t difficult, especially without advanced technological weapons.


    "30% spiritual awakening, just 1% away," a fierce light shed in Li Yuan''s eyes. "I''ll use you for my experiment."


    The Seven-Star human civilization, within the Bright Ruins Astral Realm, is divided into outposts and data points in addition to the forward base. Data points are areas suitable for cultivating valuable herbs or mining resources. Observation points are usually at the outermost edge of activity, meant for surveince and vignce over arge area. They also provide a temporary resting ce for many martial artists honing their skills in the outer regions.


    Observation Point 19 was an observation point situated far from the war base, hidden within a mountain. The entire mountain''s interior had been hollowed out, making it look like an ordinary small hill from the outside, butplex inside.


    For decades, it had been safe. But today, Observation Point 19 faced a catastrophic disaster.


    The outer defense system of the observation point had been breached.


    "Da-da-da!"


    Fierce fire snakes howled as over ten metal bullets sealed a wide passage,pletely suppressing dozens of Heavenly Virtue n warriors outside the passage.


    In such a confined space, even Tier 19 experts would find it extremely dangerous to force their way through the barrage of metal bullets.


    "Damn it," a towering man who looked like a monster, standing outside the passage, cursed. He was over 2.5 meters tall, wearing ck armor, with eyes that seemed ready to shoot fire.


    The surrounding Heavenly Virtue warriors remained silent.


    "Captain Logan, what should we do?" a short, stout man asked, his voice low. "We know that this observation point might have other passages. If we dy too long, they might escape."


    "The key issue is that this ce is very close to the Seven-Star human base. They are definitely calling for reinforcements. Once the source martial artists arrive, we''ll be doomed."


    "Failing the mission will bring us big trouble as well," the short man said, looking at hispanion. "Lord Blood Guardian won''t spare us."


    Clearly, among the more than forty Heavenly Virtue n warriors present, these two had the highest rank.


    "Molong, I don''t need you to remind me," the burly man named Logan said coldly. "I know the consequences of failing the mission better than you."


    "Don''t hesitate. Let''s break through together."


    "Yes."


    The two powerful Heavenly Virtue n leaders, no longer hesitating, took out a small vial from their pockets. Opening it revealed a blood-red pill.


    They swallowed the pills directly.


    Seeing the blood-red pills, the surrounding Heavenly Virtue n warriors'' eyes shed with envy.


    Boom! Boom!


    Quickly, the burly man Logan and the short man Molong''s skin turned fiery red, with blood-red energy flowing over their bodies. This was a special treasure of the Heavenly Virtue n, the ''Demon Blood Spirit Crystal.'' Taking it would significantly enhance their strength, speed, and provide a touch of special source power.


    It had little effect on source warriors but provided immense benefits to Tier 1 beings. Not only did it cause a massive increase in strength with no significant side effects, but it also improved overall physical fitness slightly after the drug''s effect wore off.


    However, this drug was extremely precious and usually inessible to Tier 1 warriors. This was a special mission, and the two leaders, being above Tier 19, each received one for critical moments.


    ng~ Crack~


    Logan and Molong''s armorpletely covered their bodies.


    "Let''s charge; you follow."


    "Kill!" Logan roared.


    Boom! Boom! The two men, one wielding a war de and the other a giant battle axe, darted into the passage.


    ng! ng! ng!


    Countless metal bullets rained down on them, their terrifying impact reducing their speed, but the blood-red energy flowing over their bodies,bined with their armor, blocked the bullets.


    Inside Observation Point 19, dozens of human warriors, all holding weapons, stared anxiously at the passage.


    The firearms were controlled directly by the observation point''s intelligent system.


    "Captain," Shi Xiao, gripping her war de, said coldly, staring intently.


    "Rx," said Wu Qiong, the captain standing next to her. About thirty years old, she exuded a mature aura. "Your strength is second only to mine in the squad; it''s just that youck experience."


    "In life-or-death battles, calmness is crucial," Wu Qiong said softly, being a veteran martial artist in the Bright Ruins Astral Realm.


    "Understood," Shi Xiao nodded.


    "Captain Wu Qiong, don''t worry."


    "With the ammunition we have, it shouldn''t be difficult to hold them off for over half an hour," said the observation point''s officer.


    "Just now, you said the outer defenses could hold for at least twenty minutes, and what happened?" Wu Qiong shot him a cold nce. "Three of my team members are dead."


    The officer fell silent. He hadn''t expected the Heavenly Virtue n warriors to be so fierce, all above Tier 18, definitely an elite squad.


    Suddenly, "Not good, they''ve broken through," Wu Qiong''s eyes shed with cold light as she shouted, "Prepare for battle! Kill!"


    Boom!


    As the two terrifying Heavenly Virtue n leaders burst through the metal storm into the passage, their figures shed, destroying numerous firearmunchers. The following dozens of Heavenly Virtue n warriors surged in like a tidal wave.


    "Kill!"


    "Fight back!" More than twenty human martial artists had no way to retreat and immediately charged into battle.


    "A bunch of trash."


    "You can''t escape," the burly man Logan said, spotting his target and charging forward.


    "You''re facing me," Wu Qiong swung her spear, blocking his path.


    "Get lost!"


    ...


    After about 23 minutes, Li Yuan, racing at full speed ording to the smart ring''s map, finally reached the mountain forest outside Observation Point 19.


    His expression changed as he surveyed the surroundings.


    "Corpses?" Li Yuan scanned and saw numerous bodies in the outer area. Many wore purple robes, clearly Heavenly Virtue n warriors. Many others were clearly Seven-Star humans.


    "So many dead?" Li Yuan''s eyes shed with a hint of killing intent.


    "Has the observation point fallen?" Li Yuan wondered, his ears picking up the sound of battle.


    "There are still survivors."


    With a sh, Li Yuan sped down the exposed wide passage and charged in.

 Chapter 173: Li Yuan! Full Power Burst!

    <h4>Chapter 173: Li Yuan! Full Power Burst!</h4>


    No. 3 Outpost, Sixth Floor


    In the massive conference hall, countless beams of light converged, forming tworge light screens.


    One screen disyed a three-dimensional map, depicting undting mountains and rivers, with numerous red dots moving across it, asionally disappearing.


    The other screen showed a live feed of a brutal battle taking ce within Observation Point 19. The valiant Wu Qiong wielded a long spear, fiercely fighting against the formidable and burly ''Logan,'' but she waspletely overpowered. Nearby, the young Shi Xiao, dual-wielding swords, teamed up with another 19th-level warrior to contain the hulking ''Mo Long.'' Other human warriors struggled against the attacks of the Heavenly Virtue warriors.


    With their topbat power and overall numbers at a disadvantage, the defeat and death of Wu Qiong and Shi Xiao seemed only a matter of time.


    Before the screens, three figures frowned. They were the main officers of the No. 3 outpost, all of whom were source martial artists.


    "Where''s the support team?" The only woman among them, dressed in purple, asked sharply.


    "At their current speed, they need another 20 minutes," the blue-d elder Liu Jing replied slowly. "They just encountered arge group of flying aliens, losing one aircraft, forcing some to proceed on foot."


    "Within a 100-kilometer radius of Observation Point 19, only three martial artist teams are avable. Wu Qiong''s team is the fastest, but they can''t hold out alone," Liu Jing continued. "Another team needs at least 15 minutes to arrive."


    He was responsible for the overall situation, including the rescue mission for Observation Point 19.


    He sighed, "The key issue is the strength of these Heavenly Virtue warriors. The two leaders have used ''Dragon Blood Spirit Crystals,'' and Wu Qiong, despite being among the strongest high-level warriors, is at an absolute disadvantage in singlebat."


    "Even if another team arrives, they may not be able to win," Liu Jing said rationally.


    The conference room fell silent. The overall strength of the Heavenly Virtue race far surpassed that of human civilization in the Bright Ruins Astral Realm, allowing them to deploy greater forces.


    "I should have gone earlier," the white-d young man frowned. "Had I gone, the support team wouldn''t have been dyed and would have arrived by now."


    "No."


    "Han Chong, I understand your thoughts," Liu Jing said, looking at the young man. "But you must realize that today is just a minor skirmish. We three cannot act recklessly."


    "No major incidents, we cannot leave the outpost."


    "We must not leave the 300-kilometer radius of the outpost unless it''s a dire emergency," Liu Jing said gently. "Breaking the rules may seem beneficial now, but it will bring great disaster in the long run. If we attract flying-level native beings, it won''t just be a few martial artists dying; the entire outpost could be wiped out."


    "I understand, Liu Lao," Han Chong said in a subdued voice, knowing the rules.


    Watching human martial artists being killed, he felt disheartened.


    "Sometimes, casualties are inevitable," Liu Jing sighed. Human civilization had only established ''outposts'' in the Bright Ruins Astral Realm, which were essentially observation posts for gathering intelligence and limited resources, not ''advance bases'' or ''garrison bases.'' Therefore, both China and the Seven Stars Alliance invested limited resources in the Bright Ruins Astral Realm.


    The dominant force in the Bright Ruins Astral Realm was the terrifying flying-level beings leading their respective factions in central ''Bright Mountain,'' rarely concerning themselves with the peripheral regions. For the Seven Stars human civilization to survive in the Bright Ruins Astral Realm, they had to stay low-profile, avoiding the attention of these flying-level beings. This was why source martial artists were not allowed to act recklessly.


    Frequent actions by source martial artists would undoubtedly attract powerful second-tier aliens, leading to disastrous wars. If the situation deteriorated, the outpost''s devastating thermal weapons capable of annihting top second-tier aliens would likely draw flying-level native beings, resulting in catastrophe.


    "Wait," Liu Jing''s eyes suddenly brightened. "There may be a turning point."


    "Xu An has arrived," Liu Jing said.


    "Xu An?"


    "Who''s Xu An?" Han Chong and the woman in purple looked puzzled, unfamiliar with Li Yuan''s situation.


    "You''ll find out soon," Liu Jing said with a hint of expectation in his eyes.


    ...


    Observation Point 19


    Whoosh! As Li Yuan charged into the passageway, he saw several human corpses, their attire indicating they were ordinary guards at the observation point. This scene reminded Li Yuan of the fish tide in Jiangcheng, where he also saw numerous simr human corpses.


    At that moment, Li Yuan''s killing intent surged.


    At the end of the passage, three purple-robed figures, seemingly responsible for perimeter security, were chatting casually.


    "Seven Stars human martial artists are here," the three purple-robed figures immediately spotted Li Yuan. Initially tense, they quickly showed disdain.


    "Only level 17."


    "The life detector shows just level 17," one purple-robed figure said indifferently. "Kill him."


    "Don''t waste time."


    Without hesitation, the other two purple-robed figures produced flying darts and hurled them at Li Yuan with a fierce force.


    Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!


    The flying darts, moving at incredible speed, reached supersonic levels, with great weight and impact power far surpassing bullets.


    Ordinary level 17 martial artists, facing these sudden darts, would be flustered or even killed, at least forced to retreat.


    "Throwing weapons?" Li Yuan''s eyes were cold as he moved instantly, not retreating but advancing, bing a blur rushing toward the enemies.


    Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!


    Li Yuan''s figure seemed to blur, appearing to move in a straight line but actually making tiny, lightning-fast movements, extremely difficult at such high speeds.


    In a sh, Li Yuan easily dodged more than ten whistling darts,pletely traversing the over 50-meter passage.


    This was the fifth-level technique ''Unity of Man and Nature.''


    Sensing the world allowed Li Yuan''s perception to far surpass normal first-tier warriors, easily detecting the darts'' paths.


    Boom! Boom! Boom! The supersonic heavy darts missed Li Yuan and embedded deeply into the metal walls of the passage.


    "Not good."


    "Is he level 19? Such speed."


    "The life detector was wrong."


    "And his technique is superb, his body skills strong," the three Heavenly Virtue warriors'' faces changed instantly.


    They were all elite warriors over level 18, each with third-level techniques.


    Though Li Yuan''s speed was fast, they could barely see it, feeling his terrifying strength.


    "Run."


    "Quickly."


    "Meet up with the captain," the three Heavenly Virtue warriors turned and fled without hesitation, moving at great speed.


    Fight? Judging from Li Yuan''s speed and body skills, they knew they were no match. Better leave it to the two captains.


    Boom! Boom! Boom! Li Yuan and the three Heavenly Virtue warriors chased and fled at extreme speed, passing through several passages and two halls, each severely damaged, some half-copsed, showing signs of fierce battles, with many human and Heavenly Virtue corpses.


    Whoosh! Whoosh! The three Heavenly Virtue warriors retreated quickly, but Li Yuan pursued even faster.


    In a state of extreme mental acuity, Li Yuan, whose life level was originally 16.8, unleashed speed and powerparable to level 19 warriors.


    After nearly ten seconds of lightning-fast chase, the slight sounds of fighting turned into loud roars and yells from the deepest part of the observation point.


    Finally, Li Yuan caught up with the three fleeing Heavenly Virtue warriors.


    "Kill!"


    "Kill." Two Heavenly Virtue warriors decisively turned,unching an attack at Li Yuan, timing their move perfectly like a sudden counterattack, attempting to y him.


    Whoosh! Whoosh!


    Two spear shadows streaked through the air like lightning.


    Thud! Thud! The two Heavenly Virtue warriors felt a cold sh before their eyes. Li Yuan had already passed them, their throats pierced by the spear, blood spurting out.


    They fell heavily.


    "This..."


    "I..." The two Heavenly Virtue warriors couldn''t believe they were dead.


    "What?" The surviving Heavenly Virtue warrior was stunned.


    One spear killed two elite warriors?


    The strength gap was this big?


    But he didn''t know that Li Yuan''s speed and power were far superior. Not killing them instantly would be abnormal.


    When the strength and speed gap is vast, techniques matter little, but with close or superior basics, high-level techniques show their terrifying potential.


    Li Yuan, achieving ''Unity of Man and Nature'' at eighteen, was historically significant in the Seven Stars human civilization.


    One can imagine how rare this was.


    In first-tier beings, even those with fourth-level techniques were rare, let alone fifth-level.


    "Kill!"


    Li Yuan''s speed barely paused, swiftly pursuing thest Tianliang warrior.


    ... In the grand hall.


    Dozens of Heavenly Virtue warriors hadpletely overwhelmed the human martial artists, many of whomy dead.


    It was a one-sided ughter.


    "Kill! Kill, kill!" Wu Qiong, spear in hand, fought valiantly against the burly Logan, looking for a chance to kill him.


    ng!


    ng! Shi Xiao, dual-wielding swords, fought desperately but was filled with despair.


    The old ghost was dead, Man Zai was dead, Yu Hai was dead... The nine warriors Shi Xiao had just met in the squad, six of them were dead and the rest was severely wounded.


    Shi Xiao saw no hope of winning, not even escaping.


    Almost all human martial artists had lost hope, making their final desperate struggles.


    Die! They would fight to take one down with them.


    Suddenly.


    Boom! A purple figure was suddenly sted into the entrance passage.


    This purple figure mmed into arge pir, then fell to the ground, covered in blood, with blood flowing from its neck¡ªit was clearly not going to survive.


    "Huh?"


    "What happened?" Several Heavenly Virtue warriors instantly reacted, instinctively looking towards the dark passage.


    Swish!


    While their attention was drawn to the corpse, a shadowy figure, like a ghost, took advantage of the night and slipped into the hall,unching a direct attack.


    "Plop!"


    "Plop!" Several terrifying spear shadows blossomed, and before a few Heavenly Virtue warriors could react, they felt a chill in their throats followed by a sharp pain. They instinctively clutched their throats, unable to make a sound.


    They fell one by one.


    "Not good."


    "An assassin! It''s the enemy." The Heavenly Virtue warriors finally awoke from their daze, ring angrily at Li Yuan.


    "Reinforcements?"


    "Just one person?" The human martial artists in the hall, who were still alive, first felt a surge of hope, then a tinge of disappointment.


    Only one person came?


    "Li Yuan?" The previously desperate Shi Xiao''s eyes lit up upon recognizing Li Yuan.


    Immediately, Shi Xiao''s heart tightened as she shouted, "Xu An, run! Get out of here!"


    Shi Xiao genuinely liked Li Yuan and didn''t want to see him die alongside her.


    "Senior sister." Li Yuan also saw Shi Xiao and felt a wave of relief.


    Fortunately, he arrived in time.


    He didn''t have romantic feelings for Shi Xiao, but she had treated him well, so he naturally didn''t want anything bad to happen to her.


    Boom!


    As soon as Li Yuan entered the hall and grasped the situation, he fully unleashed his power, charging towards the short and stout Mo Long.


    "Kill."


    "Kill him." The other Heavenly Virtue warriors roared with anger, many of them brandishing their weapons, trying to stop Li Yuan.


    "Plop!" "Plop!"


    Like a whirlwind, with spear shadows dancing, Li Yuan, at full strength, instantly killed three Heavenly Virtue warriors, showing no mercy.


    "Kid, die." A deep, low growl resounded.


    Boom!


    The short and stout man, who had been suppressing Shi Xiao and trying to kill her, suddenly withdrew his battle-axe and, in a sh, charged at Li Yuan with the speed of lightning.


    Swish, swish, swish! Axe lights intertwined, and the axe shed with the long spear as Li Yuanpletely blocked Mo Long''s attacks.


    "Haha, exhrating."


    "Stronger than the alien opponents I''ve killed before." A gleam shed in Li Yuan''s eyes. "If I can kill him, I wonder how much my spiritual awakening will increase."


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