《High-Level Martial Era》


 Chapter 1: 1 Li Yuan

    Seven Stars Calendar, September 2042, Xia Country, Jiangbei Province, Jiang City.


    A city known as the furnace, where most of the year is winter or summer, and early September is the hot season.


    Guan Mountain District''s Number One High School.


    In each ssroom of the senior high building, simr banners hung behind the ckboard: "No fight, no survival in third year," "Struggle for one year, have no regrets for life," "No toughness in third year, how can you stand firm?"...


    And one ssroom on the first floor to the east was exceptionallyrge, nearly a thousand square meters. Unlike ordinary ssrooms, there were no desks or chairs; one side was lined with swords, spears, sabers, staffs, and many other cold weapons, while the other side was fitted with various special instruments, as well as a track paved with dark red metal.


    This is the Martial Arts ssroom.


    At this moment, over a hundred students are practicing standing postures, each performing different movements.


    Some resemble monkeys, others are like flying birds, some appear tiger-like... their vitality and spirit are exceptionally strong.


    "It originates from the feet, activated through the legs, governed by the waist, uniting the force of the hundred skeletons into the fingertips..." a burly middle-aged man in a ck Martial Path uniform walked among the students.


    His face was stern, nearly two meters tall, with a voice like a bell and eyes like a fierce tiger, scrutinizing every student.


    What drew the most attention was his right arm, which was actually a silver metallic limb that could move as naturally as a real arm, perfectly integrated with the severed limb.


    "In theory, these are the key points of the Basic Cultivation Method that you should''ve mastered in your second year, but what do I see?


    Your postures are still sloppy in the third year," the burly man scolded angrily as he walked, and a casual p from his metal arm would knock a sweat-drenched student to the ground: "If the stance is stable, the center of gravity will be difficult to shift, and the Basic Cultivation Method is the foundation of Martial Path!"


    "One day''s practice for one day''s worth of skill, miss a day of practice and you''re a hundred days behind; I bet you allpletely rxed during the half-month summer vacation and didn''t practice at home."


    "You''re in third year and still thinking about rxing? You''re ordinary ss students without awakened Spiritual Nature; if you don''t work hard, how will you be admitted to Martial Arts University?"


    "Even if you''re not aiming for the Martial Arts University, taking the cultural route, martial arts scores still ount for 30%..." the burly man kept berating.


    Yet the group of students didn''t dare to breathe heavily, practicing with even more dedication.


    "Report."


    "Report." A series of simr voices suddenly echoed at the ssroom door as a group of students in Martial Path uniforms appeared at the entrance.


    "Group Two back from the Spiritual Aptitude Test?" the burly man nced toward the doorway.


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


    This student was nearly one meter eighty tall with a buzz cut. At first nce, he didn''t seem too extraordinary, but upon closer inspection, one could see he stood straight, with a spine that was almost perfectly aligned, exuding an unshakable presence with a casual stance.


    Clearly, this student had integrated the ''carry the head suspended from above, sink the tailbone'' principle of the Basic Cultivation Method into his everyday movements.


    He truly achieved the state where intention leads and spirit conveys.


    This level of understanding of the Martial Arts Realm surpassed all other students practicing postures in the ssroom.


    "Li Yuan, how did it go?" the burly man looked at him.


    The nearly hundred students practicing posture couldn''t help but sneak nces at the student named Li Yuan.


    "Teacher Xu, I didn''t awaken," Li Yuan replied calmly, shaking his head without showing disappointment.


    The burly man frowned upon hearing this.


    Li Yuan was the most promising student in his ss to awaken Martial Spirit.


    "Li Yuan couldn''t seed?"


    "At the end of the second year''s exams, his martial arts score was in the top thirty of his grade. His Physical Quality had already reached level 6 at that time, and now must be even stronger, yet he still hasn''t awakened Martial Spirit?"


    "Awakening Martial Spirit, it''s really difficult!" The nearly hundred practicing students couldn''t help feeling privately shocked.


    Nowadays, across the whole Xia Country and even the entire Blue Star, talent is selected in two ways¡ªacademic courses and Martial Arts Cultivation.


    And all students have been taught Basic Cultivation Methods by the state and practice martial arts from middle school onwards.


    At Guan Mountain District Number One High School, there are over two thousand students in the third-year grade, spread out across twenty sses.


    But there''s only one Martial Arts Elite ss; all the others are ordinary sses.


    The Martial Arts Elite ss has more than sixty students, all of whom have awakened Martial Spirit, and often the top fifty martial arts scores in the grade are held by them.


    For Li Yuan to make it into the top thirty in martial arts in an ordinary ss was indeed surprising.


    "What about the others? Did anyone awaken their Spiritual Nature?" the burly man swept his gaze over the rest.


    Silence ensued.


    "Come on in," the burly man said, unfazed.


    In truth, most who would awaken their Martial Spirit often did so in their first year of high school, if not earlier, in middle school.


    Awakening in the third year? The chances were very slim!


    The burly man had only held hopes for Li Yuan, and with a wave of his hand he instructed: "Group Three, go to the Martial Arts Building for the Spiritual Aptitude Test."


    Boom~


    One row of students practicing posture, their legs already sore and feet in pain, quickly got up at these words and rushed out of the ssroom.


    Meanwhile, Li Yuan and his group had returned to their spots to continue their practice.


    "Brother Yuan, Teacher Xu seems a bit disappointed," muttered Li Yuan''s ssmate with a short goatee, looking quite mature: "But you, Brother Yuan, you don''t seem saddened at all by the results of the Spiritual Aptitude Test."


    "Stop it."


    "Let''s continue training; practicing the basic method for four hours a day is a fundamental requirement." Li Yuan said indifferently, foreseeing the oue and feeling no disappointment.


    "Four hours?" The mature-looking ssmate mumbled, "No wonder you''re the second-record-holder in our ss."


    Hearing this, Li Yuan smiled and no longer engaged with his ssmate, closed his eyes gently, stood in his ce, knees slightly bent, and his presence changed immediately, resembling a boulder, and the unshakable air about him grew stronger.

 Chapter 2: 1 Li Yuan_2

    "Solid Rock Cultivation Technique." Li Yuan''s mind conjured up the many actions of this cultivation method.


    He had practiced these actions tens of thousands of times, mastering them by heart.


    In this era, the Martial Path was prevalently practiced.


    The Seven Fundamental Cultivation Methods, publicly disclosed by the Seven Star Alliance to all citizens of the Seven Greats, had no hierarchy of quality, only suitability.


    Whether they be rich and powerful ormoners, anyone who practiced martial arts started with the Basic Cultivation Method.


    The "Solid Rock Cultivation Technique" was precisely the method Li Yuan had chosen.


    He had been cultivating it for over five years.


    Each Basic Cultivation Method could greatly stimte the potential of the human body, continuously enhance physical quality, and even fully awaken Spiritual Nature.


    Not to mention Li Yuan''s Physical Quality had not yet reached the 7th level.


    Even Martial Artists whose Physical Quality had surpassed the 9th level and reached the Entry Rank would continuously practice the Basic Cultivation Methods.


    "Huf!"


    "Huf!"


    Each Basic Cultivation Method consisted of thirty-six training movements, apanied by an exclusive Breathing Technique.


    Li Yuan''s breathing was sometimes rapid, sometimes prolonged, coordinating with his limbs'' movements, causing a faint sound to emerge from within his body.


    Muscles and bones resonating in unison!


    "That feels great." Li Yuan immersed himself in this training.


    He could feel every muscle and bone in his body being stimted and bing stronger.


    This was the evolution of life.


    In this era, ordinary youths all had the potential to break the century-old sprint world records.


    And they did it with Cultivation Methods.


    "It''s a pity, thest semester-end assessment didn''t get me into the top twenty of my grade. Otherwise, besides the five thousand in schrship money, I would have gained some Qi and Blood Elixirs this term." Li Yuan''s thoughts drifted, "With more Qi and Blood Elixirs, my Physical Quality would progress faster, and it would alleviate some of the financial pressure on my uncle and auntie."


    Li Yuan was an orphan; it was his uncle and auntie who raised him.


    His uncle was a state enterprise employee, while his auntie was a middle school teacher.


    In theory, such a family would not be rich, but it should be more thanfortable.


    But Li Yuan had been frail and sickly since childhood, and to treat his illnesses, his uncle and auntie had spent a lot of money.


    Likewise, on the rmendation of a doctor, from junior high onwards, they invested heavily in Li Yuan''s Martial Arts Cultivation, even more than they spent on their own children.


    Fortunately.


    Li Yuan had a good talent, and his cultivation was diligent. He passed the middle school entrance exam and got into Guan Mountain District''s top high school, improving his academic performance even further after entering high school, and by his second year, he had entered the top hundred of his grade and closed the semester-end assessment within the top thirty.


    This brought great joy to his uncle and auntie.


    However, Martial Arts Cultivation requieres talent and even more so, money.


    Especially since his Physical Quality had reached the 6th level, the food from the Star Realm needed to increase Physical Quality, the medicinal elixirs to supplement Qi and Blood, medicated diets, special equipment, and so on, all were like money pits.


    Whenpared with other students in the top thirty of his grade, Li Yuan''s external conditions were quite ordinary, or even it could be said they were poor.


    Yet in his heart, Li Yuan understood that his uncle and auntie were already doing their best to support him.


    He still had younger brothers and sisters at home, and he couldn''t ask for more.


    "But, six times now,"


    "Since the first year of junior high, every annual Spiritual Nature test, I''ve failed." Li Yuan contemted, "If the Spiritual Nature within me could awaken, I''d get a 10% bonus on my exam scores, and I could easily break into the top ten of my grade."


    "With an awakened Martial Spirit, I''d also receive a national subsidy."


    Whether one has awakened their Martial Spirit.


    Across the entirety of Blue Star and even among the Seven Greats, it was the most important indicator for assessing one''s Martial Path talent, without exception.


    Yet, Li Yuan had never managed to awaken his Martial Spirit.


    "Over the years, the number of students from our school who got into the top five prestigious institutions has never exceeded five." Li Yuan silently reflected, "With my current performance, getting into a normal Martial Arts University wouldn''t be a problem."


    "But to get into one of the top five institutions, without awakening my Spiritual Nature, the chances are extremely slim."


    The poption of Xia Country was nearly two billion, with twenty-four provinces, each having a Martial Arts University that only enrolled students from within the province¡ªthese were the targets for most students aspiring to the Martial Path.


    However, the top five institutions, established by Xia Country, are the prestigious Martial Arts Universities that enroll students on a national scale.


    In normal Martial Arts Universities, although the students receive considerable cultivation resources, much still depends on themselves.


    But students at one of the top five Martial Arts Universities, each one, would receive extensive resources from the country.


    "With national resources for cultivation, my Martial Path can go much further, and someday I''ll be an Entry Rank Martial Artist like Teacher Xu, or even stronger than him," Li Yuan silently vowed.


    His goal for the college entrance exam was one of the top five prestigious institutions.


    However, the top five Martial Arts Universities also had extremely high score requirements.


    "One step at a time, there are still nine months until the college entrance exam." Li Yuan quietly practiced, with fewer and fewer extraneous thoughts in his mind.


    ...


    Soon after, waves of noise came from outside the ssroom; over a dozen students from the third group returned to the ssroom door, their faces all bearing a trace of excitement.


    "Teacher Xu, Wan Xiao has awakened his Spiritual Nature."


    "Teacher Xu..." Before the husky man could inquire, many students couldn''t help but blurt out.


    The ssroom immediately erupted intomotion.


    "Wan Xiao, he''s awakened his Martial Spirit?"


    "Is he going to the Elite ss now?"


    "Students in the Elite ss, I heard they can start practicing High Rank Cultivation Methods earlier." Most ssmates couldn''t help but show envious looks.


    Only with an awakened Martial Spirit can one enter the Elite ss.


    Otherwise, even if someone like Li Yuan made it into the top thirty of his grade, he would still have to stay in a regr ss.


    "Wan Xiao?" Li Yuan opened his eyes, involuntarily looking toward the tall and husky figure at the ssroom door with a slightly flushed face.


    He was nearly one meter ny tall, with an extremely burly figure, resembling a bear, with astonishingly thick arms, but his face still bore traces of youthfulness.

 Chapter 3: 1 Li Yuan_3

    He was the only student in the ss, aside from Li Yuan, whose martial arts scores were in the top hundred of the grade¡ªWan Xiao.


    "Li Yuan," called out an excited Wan Xiao, seemingly catching Li Yuan''s gaze, he looked over at Li Yuan and smiled.


    Li Yuan smiled back.


    In terms of martial arts scores, Li Yuan was better than Wan Xiao.


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


    As the top two performing students in ss, Li Yuan and Wan Xiao seemed to oftenpete for schrships, but their rtionship was actually quite good.


    The friendship between ssmates is often very pure.


    "Damn! Brother Yuan, you didn''t awaken, but that Wan Dumb Bear did¡ªit''s just dumb luck," muttered the mature-looking boy standing next to Li Yuan, "With that, his martial arts scores, with the spiritual nature bonus, are almost catching up to yours, Brother Yuan."


    Wan Xiao''s nickname was Dumb Bear.


    Li Yuan whispered with augh, "Old Zhou, are you jealous?"


    The boy speaking was named Zhou Qi, nicknamed ''Old Zhou'' because of his abundant body hair and mature appearance.


    He had been Li Yuan''s ssmate since junior high, and they had both tested into Guan Mountain First High School, ending up in the same ss.


    After five or six years, they were akin to good brothers.


    "Jealous my ass," Zhou Qi muttered, "My cultural course grades are good enough for a key university. As for martial arts sses, they''re mainly for building physical strength, can''t be a wimp forever, can''t fall behind even Lingling... I''m speaking out for you, that''s all."


    Li Yuan just smiled.


    Zhou Qi''s physical quality was average, still falling short of level 4, but his academic scores were pretty good, ranking within the top fifty of the grade.


    National resources are limited, and Martial Arts Universities only recruit a minority of students.


    Ultimately, the majority of students still get into different universities based on their academic scores.


    "Wan Xiao has good physical quality; it''s very normal for him to awaken his Martial Spirit," Li Yuan said with a smile. "Besides, college entrance exams are apetition among all senior high school students in the province, or even the nation, not just against Wan Xiao."


    Li Yuan was happy for Wan Xiao''s awakening of the Martial Spirit.


    Already over sixty seniors in their school had awakened their Martial Spirit. Looking at the whole province, the whole country... there were too many.


    Rather than worrying about others, it''s better to improve oneself. This was something Li Yuan had understood from a young age.


    ...


    Wan Xiao''s sessful awakening provided a great stimulus to the other students, and those who hadn''t been tested yet began to feel a slight sense of expectation.


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


    In the end, after all the students in ss 3-2 had been tested, only Wan Xiao had awakened his Martial Spirit.


    Once all the students returned to the ssroom.


    Teacher Xu, a burly figure, swept his gaze across the room and spoke in a deep voice, "Good, that''s enough basic training for today, stop there."


    Rustle~


    Rustle~ Immediately, all the students stopped, many with their legs aching and weakening.


    But out of respect for Teacher Xu''s strictness, no one dared to lie down on the floor.


    The Basic Cultivation Method was very draining on one''s physical strength.


    Even though the seniors'' physical quality generally reached level 4, after two hours of practice, most were still finding it challenging.


    "Having students awaken their Martial Spirit is a good thing, but don''t be disappointed if you didn''t seed," said Teacher Xu.


    "There will be another Spiritual Aptitude Test organized by the school during the mid-term exams in January, and the standard exams in April."


    "Before the college entrance exams, there will also be a national Spiritual Aptitude Test."


    "As long as you''re awakened before the entrance exam, you''ll get bonus points on your martial arts scores," Teacher Xu said in a deep voice. "But remember, your exam scores are the foundation. Only with a high base score do bonus points matter."


    "Even in the Elite ss, not everyone will get into a Martial Arts University."


    "How do you get good scores? Hard work!"


    "Take Li Yuan for example, without the spiritual nature bonus, his martial arts scores still surpass 800, beating the majority of the Elite ss students," Teacher Xu dered. "And his diligence, well, that goes without saying."


    Many students couldn''t help but look towards Li Yuan, most of them showing admiration in their eyes.


    Li Yuan''s dedication to training was somewhat renowned throughout the senior year.


    "Brother Yuan, Teacher Xu is drawing hatred for you again," whispered Zhou Qi from the side.


    Li Yuan could only offer a wry smile.


    Ever since his martial arts scores entered the top hundred of the grade, he had be ustomed to being ''that kid from someone else''s family.''


    Teacher Xu''s full name was Xu Bo. He was the homeroom teacher for their martial arts ss at Guan Mountain High School and was one of only two top-tier Martial Arts Teachers at the school.


    As Li Yuan knew, Teacher Xu''s physical quality had surpassed level 15, which was quite a respectable existence even among entry-rank martial artists; he had been a military martial artist before retiring due to injuries to teach at Guan Mountain High School.


    It is worth noting that surpassing level 9 in physical quality brings one into the category of entry-rank martial artists, whose status in society is extremely high.


    The average adult''s physical quality generally hovers around levels 5-6.


    "You are currently in a critical phase where your physical quality is rapidly improving. Senior year is also the year that will decide your destiny," Teacher Xu continued to speak. "You must not ck off."


    "Now, rest for half an hour, and then I will conduct the skills assessment in turn," Teacher Xu finished speaking and turned to leave.


    "Ah?"


    "Skills assessment?"


    "About to be utterly defeated by Teacher Xu''s ss again, I bet you won''tst three moves."


    "Do you think you canst more than three moves?" Many students whispered amongst themselves, all quite excited.


    In Li Yuan''s eyes, a trace of inexplicable light also shed.


    Blue Star, and even the Seven Greats, have always faced the threat of war, where powerful martial artists y an important role.


    Therefore, it''s a general consensus for everyone to train in the Martial Path.


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


    For students like Li Yuan, there is immense admiration for martial arts masters.


    Xu Bo is one of the top martial arts masters these students cane into contact with in reality.


    "Brother Yuan, skills assessment is your forte," Zhou Qi said excitedly.


    "Worry about yourself first. I watched you doing standing stakes just now, and you haven''t progressed sincest semester," Li Yuan said with a smile. "Don''t get knocked down by Teacher Xu with a single stickter; that would be embarrassing in front of Peng Lingling."


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


    Zhou Qi''s face stiffened, and he said sheepishly, "I''m not nning on applying to Martial Arts University, Lingling won''t care."


    ...


    In the ssroom, every student took out their own weapon from the weapons cab behind the ssroom''s weapons rack.


    After that, they all put on their protective gear.


    In this era, each high school student is provided by the nation with one or two unsharpened cold weapons for training purposes, mainly swords, spears, and shields, with a few opting for axes, halberds, and swords.


    As for weapons such as hammers, battle-axes, hooks, forks, whips, and maces? Almost no students would choose them.


    In the practice of cold weapons, sword and spear are mainstream.


    The martial arts exam consists of a basic score of one thousand points, whiches from physical quality, martial arts skills, and academic performance, ounting for 50%, 40%, and 10% respectively.


    If one awakens their Spiritual Nature, there will be additional bonuses.


    Therefore, skills assessment is incredibly important and is the focus of the students'' daily training.


    If one only has good physical quality butcks skills, they won''t be able to get into Martial Arts University.


    Whoosh!


    Li Yuan also took out his weapon from his personal weapon cab, a ck spear nearly three meters long, weighing about five kilograms.


    Though called a spear, the tip was just for decoration, closer to a long stick, as they were issued by the state for practice, not for actualbat.


    Whoosh!


    Li Yuan held the spear shaft and made what seemed to be a casual thrust.


    Swoosh! The spearhead punctured the air, creating a sensation of tearing through the void, causing the expressions of his ssmates nearby to change slightly.


    With Li Yuan''s strength, even a casual thrust, though not sharpened, was quite powerful.


    "No one else in our ss can handle such arge spear like Li Yuan can."


    "Li Yuan wielding a spear gives me the feeling he''s going to face Teacher Xu," many ssmates whispered among themselves, showing eyes full of envy and admiration.


    There were many in the ss who practiced spear technique, but most were reluctant to train with such a long spear.


    "A longer reach means greater strength."


    But the longer the shaft, the harder it is to control.


    A weapon is something to train and nurture for a lifetime; what suits one best is the best.


    "Number one in skills! Brother Yuan''s martial arts skills assessment score at the end of his sophomore year was 356 points, the only one in the grade to exceed 350 points," Zhou Qi said with a grin. "Even Teacher Xu said Brother Yuan''s spearmanship is very solid."


    Many ssmates couldn''t help nodding their heads.


    Without the bonus points from Spiritual Nature and with physical quality that isn''t the best of the best, how could Li Yuan''s martial arts scores break into the top thirty of his grade?


    It was because his spear technique was far superior to his peers.


    On the single subject of martial arts skills, Li Yuan was widely acknowledged as first in his grade.


    Shortly after.


    Teacher Xu, broad-shouldered and stout, casually carrying a long stick, re-entered the ssroom.


    His gaze lingered a bit longer on Li Yuan.


    "For the test, I will adhere to the standards of the college entrance exam," Xu Bo said in a deep voice, holding the long stick and speaking very seriously.


    "Take each test seriously, treat every test as if it''s the college entrance exam, and when the real exames, it will just be another test," he instructed.


    "Based on student numbers, go in reverse order. One at a time."


    "Number 112, Zhou Qi."

 Chapter 4: 2 Physical Quality Level 6.5

    "Why are we going in reverse order based on student numbers this time? Is Teacher Xu targeting me?" Zhou Qi shrank his neck.


    He had thought he would be thest to be tested, by which time, he guessed, the other students would probably not pay much attention and he would not lose face as a result.


    But to do it in reverse? Zhou Qi felt an urge to die.


    "Go on." Li Yuan patted Zhou Qi on the shoulder with a smile, "A cutes whether you stretch out your neck or retract it."


    Zhou Qi made a face, "Even if you''re going to decapitate me, at least give me a moment to wash my neck."


    Muttering under his breath, Zhou Qi was very honest with his actions, fearing a reprimand from Teacher Xu Bo, he quickly took his long spear and walked to the center of the ssroom.


    In the center of the ssroom was a huge silver metallic circle, distinctly different from the rest of the floor material.


    The silver circr ground had a diameter of about 12 meters, giving the impression at first nce of an arena.


    Li Yuan, Wan Xiao, and the hundred other students tacitly stepped out of the limits of the silver round.


    "Management authorization." Teacher Xu suddenly spoke in a deep voice, a device simr to a smartwatch on his left wrist emitted a faint red light, "ss 3 (2), Martial Arts Skills testing, Physical Quality detection, record simultaneously!"


    Immediately.


    Whoosh~ The many devices above the ssroom, previously inactive, instantly flickered with white light.


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


    "Tss~" One of the devices suddenly shot out two beams of red light, which spread to envelop both Zhou Qi and Xu Bo.


    Everyone was ustomed to this scene.


    Merely three seconds.


    "Swoosh!" The electronic screen at the back of the ssroom suddenly lit up, disying two very conspicuous lines of white text¡ª


    "Zhou Qi (student), Physical Quality: 3.9 level (previous test 3.7 level)"


    "Xu Bo (teacher), Physical Quality: 12.0 level (beyond the detection limit)"


    ...


    "Huh, it''s been so long since thest test, and I''ve actually improved by 0.2 level?" Zhou Qi''s face showed a hint of smugness, "It seems that the effort of the past few months has paid off a bit."


    "Physical Quality still not at level 4?" Xu Bo frowned slightly.


    A Physical Quality of 3.9 level, looking at the millions of third-year high school students in the whole province, was actually not bad, even average.


    But you see, in Guan Mountain District''s top high school in the capital, such physical quality was at the bottom.


    "It seems Zhou Qi says he''sying low, but his body is very honest." Li Yuan couldn''t help but smile.


    Their age was the stage where physical quality could skyrocket, and an increase of 0.2 level in three months meant Zhou Qi was indeed working hard behind the scenes.


    With this rate of progress, by the time of the college entrance examination, Zhou Qi''s Physical Quality reaching 4.5 levels was hopeful.


    "It''s just that the school''s Life Vitality Detector is a bit low-grade and can''t measure Teacher Xu''s real Physical Quality," Li Yuan thought quietly.


    The Life Vitality Blood Testing Instrument was an extremelymon device in this era, frequently found in schools and various Martial Halls.


    Many people also had it in their homes, withplex sensing principles, specifically designed to detect the strength of life''s vitality and then convert it into the corresponding Physical Quality level.


    5.0 level was the standard for a normal adult.


    10.0 level was the minimum threshold for an Entry Rank Martial Artist. Only Entry Rank Martial Artists were truly considered Martial Artists, who could receive benefits like government subsidies and many other rights.


    The school''s Life Vitality Blood Testing Instrument, mainly serving students, typically had an upper limit of 12.0 levels. It might seem basic, but it was very reliable and not easily damaged.


    For an instrument with such high usage, durability was most important.


    Of course, the Physical Quality assessment for the college entrance examination wasn''t solely based on instrument measurements but also included specialized tests of speed, Fist Strength, and many other aspects, with a finalprehensive score being given.


    "For the test, I will assess your scores against the college entrance examination standards, using about 5.0 level of strength and speed. I hope you can demonstrate a level of 300 points under the rating system," Xu Bo spoke.


    Martial Arts Skills total 400 points. Scoring 300 points in just the Martial Arts Skills category was the threshold for admission to a Martial Arts University.


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


    Level 5?


    In other words, Xu Bo would employ speed and strength much stronger than his own.


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


    "Yes."


    Zhou Qi held the spear in the central position and suddenly lunged forward with impressive speed, covering the ten meters in the blink of an eye; his two-meter-long spear danced swiftly, aiming directly at Xu Bo.


    Spear Technique relies on a single thrust.


    Zhou Qi''s Physical Quality may seem not high, but his Fist Strength had exploded beyond one hundred fifty kilograms.


    And having practiced Spear Technique for two years, even if his Comprehension was average and he wasn''t especially diligent, he still had a solid foundation.


    At least his thrust lookedpetent.


    That''s why students were required to wear full-body armor during tests.


    In cold weaponbat, even if the weapon was not sharpened, without any protection, you could be seriously injured or maimed.


    Whoosh!


    Xu Bo, who was tall and burly and not wearing any armor, seemed to casually step to the left. His movement wasn''t fast, but he easily dodged Zhou Qi''s fierce spear thrust.


    The spear''s tip missed his body by a hair''s breadth.


    At first nce, it looked extremely dangerous.


    "That movement technique?" Li Yuan''s eyes brightened as he noticed the sophistication in Xu Bo''s step.


    Not an inch too much or too little.


    A perfect conservation of energy.


    It was an absolute control over one''s body coupled with precise prediction of the opponent''s attack, admitting no margin for error.


    "Dodged again?" Zhou Qi didn''t hesitate, withdrawing his spear and following with a turn of the spearhead, flicking out a series of spear flowers before stabbing towards Xu Bo once more.


    Yet Xu Bo simply retreated one step, seemingly narrowly avoiding the attack once again.


    Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!


    Zhou Qi wielded his long spear with all his might, either stabbing, shing, or sweeping, but before Xu Bo''s exquisite movement technique, all his attacks fell short.


    "So close, just a bit more." Zhou Qi gritted his teeth.


    "It''s not just a bit, it''s far off," Li Yuanmented quietly from the sidelines.


    He could see clearly, it wasn''t that Zhou Qi''s spear technique was poor, but that Xu Bo''s movement technique was too exquisite.


    His steps, appearing unhurried, were rmingly precise, calcting all of Zhou Qi''s long spear movements in advance.


    And after more than ten consecutive spear thrusts, Zhou Qi was also under a great burden, feeling weakness in his arms, causing his spear momentum to slow.


    It was in that moment.


    "Rip!"


    The sound of air tearing apart, the constantly evading Xu Bo suddenly stepped forward, his left hand thrusting out the long stick with a bang, the head of the stick moving like a venomous snake, instantaneously deflecting Zhou Qi''s spear parry, and sending the long spear flying.


    "Bang~"


    The head of the stick chopped down, lightly tapping the back of Zhou Qi''s hand, causing a surge of pain that made him release the long spear instinctively.


    ng~ The long spear hit the ground.


    The stick was already withdrawn.


    Inside the ssroom, it was dead silent, all the students looking at the scene.


    Xu Bo, who had only taken over their ss''s Martial Arts teaching since thest semester.


    And in the skill test at the end of the previous semester, Xu Bo had not revealed such amazing body movement and control.


    "Is this Teacher Xu''s true strength?"


    "Clearly, Teacher Xu''s speed is very slow, probably even slower than mine, but his footwork..." More than a hundred students in the ss were shocked; many had Physical Quality over 5.0.


    In past teachings, these students knew that Xu Bo''s Physical Quality was extremely strong, knew that Xu Bo''s Martial Arts Skills were profound.


    But when instructing them, Xu Bo had never fought against them with the speed and strength of a level 5 Physical Quality.


    Teaching drills and actualbat are two different things.


    Perhaps many students had seen far more amazing battle videos on the inte.


    But watching videos and the impact brought by witnessing a fight at close range are different.


    Tick-tock!


    On the screen at the back of the ssroom, a number had appeared¡ª"245 points".


    The score was determined by a program that evaluated data, the process ofbat, and the results, all calcted together.


    For the college entrance exam, each student''s skills assessment would also include manual evaluation.


    "The score, actually lower thanst semester?" Zhou Qi muttered to himself but didn''t feel too embarrassed.


    At least, he hadunched so many thrusts.


    ... In order of student numbers.


    One after another, students underwent the test, with most having Physical Quality between 4.5 and 5.5.


    As for the Martial Arts Skills assessment?


    The process of the tests, much like Zhou Qi''s, followed a simr pattern.


    It began with the students attacking, while Xu Bo easily dodged each assault with his movement technique, and finally, a stick thrust out. Even though many students demonstrated superior speed and strength, they still couldn''t block it.


    The scores, mostly struggling to surpass 300 points.


    Even for Wan Xiao, student number 2, with a Physical Quality test score as high as 6.0, his burst of speed and strength was a significant cut above level 5.0.


    Yet he held out against only three of Xu Bo''s strikes.


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


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


    "Wan Xiao,st semester''s final was 329, right? Why have you regressed?"


    "It''s not that he has regressed; it''s that the assessment standards have increased significantly. Haven''t you noticed that most of our scores have dropped?"


    "Last semester''s final exam was ording to the high school junior year standards, this test is ording to college entrance exam standards."


    "Only Li Yuan is left."


    "I wonder how many strikes he can withstand from Teacher Xu." All the ssmates'' gazes were focused on Li Yuan, and even many of the girls showed anticipation.


    In Martial Path achievements, Li Yuan was within the top thirty of the whole grade, but in senior ss (2), he was undisputedly number one.


    Good performance and a likable personality naturally made him more popr.


    During student life, most are not as opportunistic as in society.


    "Li Yuan," Xu Bo''s eyes shed with a barely perceptible expectation.


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


    Whoosh!


    A beam of red light shot over, enveloping Li Yuanpletely.


    Three secondster.


    On the screen at the back of the ssroom, data appeared¡ª"Li Yuan (Student), Physical Quality: 6.5 (Last check 6.0)"

 Chapter 5: 3 Unawakened Higher Spiritual Nature

    "I''m not seeing things, am I? Li Yuan''s physical quality has reached level 6.5? It''s improved by 0.5 since the end of June?"


    "Improved by 0.5 level in less than three months?"


    "Even Lin Lanyue, the current top student in martial arts and a hopeful for Starry Sky University admission, couldn''t have improved so quickly, could she?"


    "Is the machine broken?"


    "The school uses it but never seems to fix it; it would be normal if it''s broken." More than a hundred students were surprised, their gazes shifting between Li Yuan and the screen.


    Most people actually understood that the likelihood of the equipment being damaged was almost zero.


    The key was that the speed of Li Yuan''s improvement in physical quality was indeed frightening.


    In the elite ss, even students who had awakened their Martial Spirit and came from wealthy families couldn''t improve at such a monstrous rate.


    "I''ve been working so hardtely, spending the vacation soaking in the cultivation room and consuming all sorts of supplements every day, and my physical quality has just barely reached level 6.0. I thought I could close the gap with Li Yuan." Wan Xiao, big as a bear, couldn''t help but think: "And now, the gap is even wider?"


    The rtionship between the two was good; Wan Xiao had always set Li Yuan as his target, hoping to catch up to him.


    "Level 6.5! Brother Yuan is awesome!" Zhou Qi couldn''t help shouting, instinctively feeling happy for Li Yuan.


    Ten meters away.


    "Level 6.5? How could Li Yuan progress so quickly?" Teacher Xu Bo also became a bit unsettled.


    Having not sensed an awakening of the Martial Spirit in Li Yuan during today''s test, he felt somewhat disappointed.


    An awakening in Wan Xiao was a pleasant surprise.


    Now, the level of Li Yuan''s physical quality was a shock.


    "If he had awakened his Martial Spirit and was practicing a high-rank cultivation method, then improving by 0.5 level in less than three months wouldn''t be too rare... But he underwent testing at noon and clearly hadn''t awakened his Martial Spirit," Teacher Xu thought with many ideas racing through his mind. "Besides, he hasn''t had the time to cultivate."


    As an entry-rank martial artist and one who had crawled through the ranks in the military, Teacher Xu saw things the students could not.


    In a matter of seconds, he thought of numerous possibilities.


    "Li Yuan." Teacher Xu spoke in a deep voice: "Don''t rush to test your skill level. First, go to the track to test your burst speed, and then test your fist strength again."


    "Yes," Li Yuan nodded, understanding Teacher Xu''s intentions.


    The Life Vitality Detector hardly ever malfunctioned, but there were ways to trick its sensory system, resulting in false data.


    There was a possibility of cheating.


    However, the speed and strength one could explosively unleash were impossible to fake.


    "It seems to be aprehensive test."


    "Looks like Teacher Xu isn''t absolutely sure either."


    "What will Li Yuan''s burst speed be?"


    "Hard to say, the Life Vitality Detector providesposite data, and everyone''s situation is different. Even if two people have the same physical quality level, some may be faster, others might have higher fist strength, and some stronger endurance." All the students were whispering to each other, and most were attentive.


    They were all curious.


    If Li Yuan''s physical quality was indeed level 6.5, how high would he rank in the martial arts performance of the entire grade?


    "Activate permissions for the sprint speed test and fist strength test, and record," Teacher Xu ordered coldly, a flicker of red light glowing from his wrist.


    "Hum~" White light projected down from above the ssroom, illuminating the roughly 40-meter-long dark red metal track to the left side of the ssroom.


    Above the track, faint lights twinkled.


    This was why martial arts ssrooms needed to be so spacious.


    Therge amount of technological equipment used to test physical data required space.


    For instance, the martial arts ssroom for the elite ss covered an evenrger area, like a small sports arena.


    "Testing burst speed?" Li Yuan ced his long spear on the silver metallic floor and came to the start of the track. He took a deep breath and quickly calmed down.


    The speed test wasn''t just running.


    During the martial arts college entrance exam, sequential tests for forty meters, one hundred meters, one kilometer, and ten kilometers would be conducted.


    The forty-meter speed test had the highest score weight, followed by the ten-kilometer long-distance run.


    One tested instantaneous burst speed, and the other endurance.


    "In martialbat, life and death are often determined within two or three moves, or even a single exchange. Since life and death hang by a thread, instantaneous burst speed is the most crucial," Li Yuan quickly adjusted his condition: "But in war, one often faces more than one enemy, and battles canst a long time, making endurance equally important."


    Li Yuan was clear that the establishment of the martial arts college entrance exams was closely rted to war.


    In this era, human civilization on Blue Star and the Seven Greats all faced enormous survival threats.


    War, was the main theme of society.


    Whoosh!


    Using the Breathing Technique to regte himself, Li Yuan quickly rxed with each inhale and exhale. His spiritual power was strong enough to faintly sense the beating of his internal organs, the steady flow of the heart''s blood supply, and the strands of vigor throughout his limbs.


    The next instant!


    "Boom!" With the spine as his core, Li Yuan''s overall strength suddenly tensed in unison, as if drawing a bowstring fully back, his vigor was transmitted through the hips directly to his legs. Like an arrow released from the bow, he instantly sprinted forth.


    The source of vigor is in the feet, activated by the legs.


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


    Swish!


    Li Yuan sprinted across the forty-meter track in seconds, mming into the buffer wall at the end of the track.


    The buffer wall, akin to a sponge but with more specialized material, was custom-made by the school to protect the students.


    Tick-tock!


    Data appeared on the screen on the wall at the end of the track ¡ª "14.2 meters per second."


    This was Li Yuan''s finish line speed, not the average speed.


    "That''s fast."


    "It seems Li Yuan''s physical quality has indeed reached level 6.5," the spectating students spoke to each other, now thoroughly convinced.


    They all knew that the Basic Cultivation Method Li Yuan practiced was the Solid Rock Cultivation Technique, which specialized in strength.


    If Li Yuan was that fast, what about his strength?


    "14.2 meters per second? Not bad," Teacher Xu nodded slightly and directly instructed: "Now, test your fist strength."


    The fist strength testing area is much smaller, located in the corner of the ssroom, rather inconspicuous.


    Li Yuan stood on the testing ground.


    Whoosh~ Several white beams of light were projected downwards from the equipment overhead, enveloping Li Yuan to check if his movements were standard and qualified.


    The fist strength test was not about pursuing extreme explosive power, but rather the strongest force that could be unleashed by one arm when steadying oneself in ce.


    If one''s posture couldn''t even be maintained while throwing a punch, then no matter how strong the power released, it would be meaningless. In a life-or-death fight, it would only give the enemy an opportunity to kill with one strike.


    "Rx first." Li Yuan adjusted his breathing, his tense body gradually rxed, his feet spread apart, knees slightly bent to generate more propelling power the moment he punched.


    Following that, at the sigh of his exhale, Li Yuan''s spine was like a great dragon, his left foot stepping slightly to the side, the right foot pushing off the ground, through the twisting of his waist and abdomen, instantly drawing the power of his waist and back, transmitting all the strength in his body from the bottom up to his right arm.


    Five fingers came together to form a fist!


    His right fist, like a cannonball fired from a chamber, fiercely struck the giant sandbag hanging in front.


    "Bang!" A dull booming sound.


    In an instant.


    The screen above the fist strength testing area clearly disyed: "424 kilograms (movement qualified)."


    "Damn!"


    "424 kilograms! Awesome!"


    "With that kind of fist strength, he''s not far from the 7th level physical quality standard. I remember for the 7th level physical quality, the fist strength requirement is 450 kilograms." There was a stir, and Li Yuan''s ssmates were thoroughly shocked.


    Martial Path isn''t just about nurturing the body; the data from the Life Vitality Detector can only ever be a reference.


    What''s shown in actualbat is what truly convinces people.


    Across the entire Blue Star, and even within the Seven Star Alliance, there are strict divisions regarding physical quality levels corresponding to burst speed and fist strength:


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


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


    Level 7: 15 meters per second, fist strength 450 kilograms


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


    Level 9: 20 meters per second, fist strength 1000 kilograms


    ...


    Despite individual talent differences and different Cultivation Methods leading to various tendencies, the discrepancies from the standard for each level aren''t toorge.


    Li Yuan''s Life Vitality Detector disyed 6.5 level, with burst speed within the normal range.


    But his fist strength was very close to the 7th level standard.


    "My fist strength peak is still short of 300 kilograms." Wan Xiao subconsciously clenched the Combat Saber in his hand: "Is the gap between Li Yuan and myself already this big?"


    "Training involves being tight within rxation, and employing strength within flexibility, only using true tightness can one deliver powerful and explosive strikes. It seems my student has really grasped the essence of the Basic Cultivation Methods," said Teacher Xu Bo, his eyesight was sharp enough to see the crux of it.


    Normal people find it difficult to channel all of their body''s strength; managing to exploit ny percent of it is already very admirable.


    One must fully understand the vigor in their body and condense this vigor to exert one hundred percent of their strength.


    Li Yuan, evidently, had almost achieved this.


    "Not bad," said Teacher Xu Bo, revealing a rare smile.


    This scene caused many students to marvel silently.


    You should know that when Wan Xiao awakened his Martial Spirit, Teacher Xu Bo didn''t smile.


    Li Yuan, hearing the sounds around him, maintained a calm exterior, but inwardly, he felt somewhat unsatisfied.


    "ording to the Divine Pce panel, my instantaneous burst speed should reach 14.4 meters per second, and my fist strength peak should be 426 kilograms," Li Yuan frowned slightly: "It seems like I still haven''t perfectly executed my physical quality."


    At that moment.


    In Li Yuan''s field of vision, there was an almost transparent screen that others couldn''t perceive but he could see.


    ¡ª¡ª


    [Life Level: 6.6 (unranked)]


    Physical Quality Index: 72 (Indicates Explosive Power, Endurance, Speed, Physique, Spiritual Power, etc. Comprehensive Assessment.)


    Fist Strength: 426 kilograms


    Speed: 14.4 meters per second


    Spiritual Power: 12.4 level


    Physical Body Cultivation Method:


    Mind Cultivation Method:


    Skill Realm: Spear Technique (Third Stage 36%), Movement Technique (Third Stage 21%), Fist Technique (Third Stage 88%)


    [Note: A certain high-rank Spiritual Nature lies dormant within the body, yet to awaken.]


    ¡ª¡ª


    Li Yuan could make the entire screen appear before his eyes with just a thought in his mind, clearly disying his Martial Arts Cultivation.


    This was something that had awakened suddenly when Li Yuan''s Physical Quality reached level 5.0 in his second year of High School.


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


    Later, after repeated experiments and confirmation, he discovered that the screen itself only had a detection function, akin to an extraordinarily precise ''Cultivation Detector''.


    It wasn''t capable of directly enhancing Li Yuan''s Martial Arts Cultivation.


    "However, the Mind Spirit Divine Pce''s  has already given me ample help," Li Yuan thought silently.


    As he pondered.


    Li Yuan returned to the silver metallic floor and picked up his ck Long Spear.


    His gaze fell upon Teacher Xu Bo, who stood ten meters away. The panel before his eyes shifted, disying a string of text messages:


    [Target individual, Life Level exceeds detection limit (current Life Level detection limit is 16.6)]


    "Teacher Xu, please enlighten me." Li Yuan first saluted, then his figure suddenly darted forward, crossing several meters in an instant, and with an explosion of strength, the Long Spear, like a dragon with the screeching of tearing air, headed straight for Xu Bo.


    "Hm? This Spear Technique!" Xu Bo''s eyes lit uppletely.

 Chapter 6: 4 Spear Technique, Scores

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


    "So fast!"


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


    To know, Li Yuan and Teacher Xu Bo were less than ten meters apart, and Li Yuan''s long spear was nearly three meters in length, plus Li Yuan''s burst speed... the spear tip, aimed directly at Teacher Xu Bo''s chest.


    "A mid-level thrust?" Zhou Qi clenched the long spear in his hand, recognizing the move from Li Yuan.


    Spear technique can vary infinitely, but the fundamental styles are no more than blocking, seizing, stabbing, thrusting, cleaving, copsing, poking, entangling, and twisting, with all spear skills being derived from these basic moves.


    A mid-level thrust can be considered the most ordinary of spear techniques, and yet it is also the most crucial.


    So-called mid-level thrusting means thrusting straight and level, taking the shortest distance between two points, the assault swift as an arrow.


    What it contests is precision, speed, and power.


    "It''s the same move, but Brother Yuan''s thrust could probably pierce me dead," Zhou Qi thought in awe.


    In the arena.


    "Straight thrust? Using the weapon and strength advantage?" Xu Bo discerned Li Yuan''s intent.


    As the saying goes, ''the knife is like a fierce tiger, the sword like a roaming dragon, the stick sweeps across widely, and the spear picks a single line.''


    The stick is shorter than the long spear.


    In such a straight confrontation, the long spear will undoubtedly strike first, and the speed and strength Li Yuan possessed are far greater than Xu Bo''s explosive 5.0-level power.


    "Boom!"


    Facing Li Yuan''s attack, Xu Bo no longer started with an evasion like before but instead took the initiative to strike. With one step forward, he swung his long stick in the air, drawing a smooth arc, whip-fast as it struck the tip of the spear, borrowing the force to alter its direction sharply.


    He dodged Li Yuan''s ferocious strike.


    "Hiss~!" As if he had expected it, Li Yuan instantly utilized the forceful rebound of his spear shaft and, with his waist as the core, violently twisted his body and powered through, turning the spear shaft a full one hundred and eighty degrees, chopping down towards Xu Bo with the force of an ax de.


    This time they were closer, and the burst speed was even faster.


    "Haha!" Teacher Xu Bo suddenlyughed, as if he possessed foresight, dodging backward and avoiding Li Yuan''s fierce chop.


    "He can dodge that too?" Li Yuan was slightly shocked in his heart, the teacher''s reaction speed was just too fast.


    Without giving him time to think.


    "Whoosh!" A blurred stick shadow had already taken advantage of the spear''s missed swipe to m down fiercely.


    "Retreat!" Li Yuan immediately changed his footwork to retreat explosively while he simultaneously tried to block the iing stick with his long spear horizontally.


    "Bang~" Weapons collided.


    Yet Li Yuan didn''t feel the impact from the opponent''s long stick, as if his long spear was stuck to it.


    Very ufortable.


    Whoosh!


    Xu Bo suddenly advanced a step, closing the distance with Li Yuan yet again, wielding his long stick in a deceptive thrust, fast and fierce.


    "Swish!" Li Yuan was forced to retreat and dodge; the long spear, being a long weapon, required space to unleash its full power.


    But what shocked Li Yuan was that even though there was nothing wrong with his movement technique, he simply couldn''t back away. Teacher Xu Bo''s long stick always managed tond just right, forcing Li Yuan''s long spear into defensive parries again and again, disrupting his full force.


    The long stick sometimes turned wild, sometimes gentle, unpredictable.


    Boom! Boom! Boom!


    Their weapons collided lightning-fast over a dozen times, and Li Yuan was already forced back to the edge of the silver floor.


    "Boom~" Another stick shadow swept through, and Li Yuan only felt a slight pain in his chest, his body retreating uncontrobly backward.


    Taking several steps back, he finally stopped.


    With full body armor and Teacher Xu Bo not exerting strong force, a single training stick strike wouldn''t cause any real harm to Li Yuan.


    "I lost." Li Yuan held his long spear upright and said helplessly, "Teacher Xu, even with my advantage in speed and strength, I couldn''t withstand even twenty of your moves."


    This only indicated that the gap in their cold weapon skills wasrge.


    Around them, it was as silent as death.


    All the students stared dumbfounded at the match between Li Yuan and Teacher Xu Bo.


    The exchange was short but extremely intense, almost like a realbat, far above the level of the skills test they had just undergone.


    "You have already blocked more than ten of my moves," Teacher Xu Bo said, a rare smile emerging on his usually cool face. "Your spear technique has improved greatly since the end ofst semester''s exams. I also had to go all out to win against you."


    All out?


    Li Yuan sighed inwardly; this was merely Teacher Xu demonstrating full effort at a Fifth Level Physical Quality.


    If both sides unleashed their power and speed to the fullest, he probably wouldn''t be able to withstand three moves.


    This was the difference in skill level.


    "At the end ofst semester''s exam, my Spear Technique and movement technique were both at Second Stage 99%, breaking through only after the test," Li Yuan thought to himself. "By that estimate, Teacher Xu''s Skill Realm must be at least at a Fourth Level standard."


    Without other points of reference, Li Yuan wasn''t too clear on the specific differences between First Stage, Second Stage, and Third Stage as indicated on his dashboard.


    But he could vaguely discern that among his ssmates, only a very few like Wan Xiao had achieved the Second Stage standard in cold weapon skills.


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


    If his Spear Technique and movement technique improved, it would definitely be reflected in the data on his panel.


    Drip-drop!


    On the screen at the back of the ssroom, Li Yuan''s Martial Arts Skills score had appeared¡ª"365 points."


    "So high?"


    "It''s over 360 points," Zhou Qi''s eyes shone brightly.


    "This is the difficulty level of the high school entrance exams, and Li Yuan''s Martial Arts Skills score has risen so much just entering senior year?"


    "With such a single subject score, he''s probably among the best in the city."


    "By the time of the college entrance exams, maybe Li Yuan could vie for the city''s top scorer in Martial Arts Skills."


    "Li Yuan will definitely get into Martial Arts University."


    "If only my Spear Technique was as formidable as Li Yuan''s..."


    "Who''s peeing yellow, give him a wake-up ssh."


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


    If Li Yuan''s score had been only 320 or 330 points, these ssmates might have been jealous of him, as the gap wouldn''t have been so outrageous.


    But with such arge difference, most people could only admire.


    Most people are aware of their own limits, why be envious of someone clearly not on the same level?


    Moreover, Martial Arts Skills and Physical Quality are different.


    If onees from an extremely well-off family that can afford to hire a dedicated Dietician and Physiotherapist, and set up a specialized training n, and moreover if one awakens the Martial Spirit... it''s possible to elevate one''s Physical Quality to Level 7 or even higher during senior year.


    But improvements in Martial Arts Skills can''t simply be bought with money.


    ...


    With Li Yuan''s assessment concluding, the time hade to 5:30 in the afternoon.


    "Alright."


    "Looking at today''s test, most of you have been working hard after entering senior year," Teacher Xu Bo spoke again, his voice regaining its coolness. "But there are also some students who have regressed instead of progressing."


    "You are senior year students now. The college entrance exam does not, I say, decide your life''s destiny, but it is certainly a significant opportunity in your life... The day after tomorrow afternoon, I wille again to supervise your Martial Path practice, ss dismissed," Teacher Xu Bo turned and left.


    Behind him, another voice drifted over: "Li Yuan, Wan Xiao, both of you,e to my office."


    The many students, already with sore feet from practice and drenched in sweat, immediately scattered.


    Many boys, while gulping down water, called out to each other to rush for a spot in the cafeteria.


    Some girls discussed going to the restroom first.


    "Brother Yuan, I''ll head to the cafeteria with Yan Zhou and the others first, and save seats for you! We''ll also grab a nutritional meal for you," Zhou Qi shouted.


    "Old Zhou, Brother Yuan''s meal needs to be double the portion," the robust male student named Yan Zhouughed, then called out to Li Yuan, "Brother Yuan, leave the meal to us; you better hurry to the office."


    "Thanks, I''ll transfer the money to you guyster," Li Yuan said with a smile.


    "No, no, you''ve bought me breakfast a few times, and I haven''t paid you back yet. Let''s call it even with tonight''s dinner," Yan Zhouughed.


    Li Yuan chuckled.


    Apart from Zhou Qi, he had several good friends in the ss.


    "Li Yuan, let''s go," the burly Wan Xiao called out to Li Yuan: "What does Mr. Xu want with us?"


    "If he''s looking for you, it''s probably to transfer you into the Elite ss," Li Yuan said with a smile.


    As for why Mr. Xu was looking for him? Li Yuan had his guesses, but wasn''t yet certain.

 Chapter 7: 5 I Believe in You (Thanks to the Wandering Silver League for their All-In Support!)

    ```


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


    The students, having just finished ss, moved in groups, dressed in the uniform martial attire, as they made their way out of the ssrooms towards the cafeteria, their voices filled withughter and chatter.


    Li Yuan and Wan Xiao exited the senior high school building, circumvented arge flower bed, and entered the office building.


    At the end of the corridor to the left on the first floor was Teacher Xu''s office.


    Though called an office, it was in fact a martial arts room of astonishingly vast proportions.


    "Reporting."


    "Reporting." Upon arriving at the door, Li Yuan nced around and estimated that this martial arts room exceeded five hundred square meters.


    This was his second visit.


    Equipment such as life vitality detectors and fist strength testing areas were ced around, and noticeably more advanced.


    On one side of the wall, cold weapons like spears, sticks, and axes were disyed, most of them unsharpened.


    But there were also sharpened cold weapons.


    Even more, Li Yuan caught sight of an independent restroom and physiotherapy room at the far end of the office.


    "Li Yuan, this is what a true warrior cultivation room looks like. Entry rank warriors can practice here in peace," whispered Wan Xiao from beside him, a hint of envy in his eyes, "My family''s cultivation room is less than a hundred square meters, not even one-fifth the size of Teacher Xu''s ce here, and we don''t have a dedicated physiotherapy room."


    "Normally, if I need to treat my body, my dad has to drive me to the Martial Hall. It''s quite troublesome."


    Li Yuan remained silent.


    Physiotherapy room? His own home didn''t even have a separate cultivation room.


    As for going to the Martial Hall? That was even more out of the question financially.


    As far as Li Yuan knew, a warrior cultivation room of several hundred square meters, like the one before him, would cost tens of millions of Blue Star coins just for the interior decoration.


    In Jiang City''s housing market, even a moderately good location would cost over twenty thousand Blue Star coins per square meter.


    By Li Yuan''s estimation, the total price of this martial arts room was at least twenty million Blue Star coins.


    What was the average monthly sry in Jiang City? Li Yuan remembered seeing a figure not long ago on the news; it should be about 11,342 Blue Star coins.


    The median ie was even lower.


    "You two,e in." Teacher Xu Bo stood at the center of the martial arts room, his presence like that of an iron tower, especially that metallic right arm which was tremendously intimidating.


    Teacher Xu''s aura seemed more restrained than it had been in the ssroom earlier.


    Yet it exuded a more dangerous feel.


    "Teacher," greeted Li Yuan and Wan Xiao obediently.


    "Wan Xiao, I''ve submitted your ss transfer application. It should be approved before six this evening. After approval, report directly to the elite ss tomorrow," Teacher Xu said to Wan Xiao.


    Known as Bear, Wan Xiao was burly in stature, yet appeared somewhat diminutive in front of Teacher Xu.


    "That fast?" Wan Xiao was caught off guard.


    "Don''t worry, I''m not rushing you out," said Teacher Xu with a cool voice but patiently, "After your spiritual awakening, you can practice high-rank cultivation methods, which are far more efficient than basic ones."


    "The college entrance exam is drawing near, and your awakening to the Martial Spirit came quitete. It''s better for you to join the elite ss sooner; maybe it will give you an extra point in the exams."


    Teacher Xu continued, "Later, when the application is approved, the entry-level texts that you tried during the test and which suit you will be sent to your school ount. I remember your family has a cultivation room, so don''t bother with the self-study session tonight. Go home and try practicing them one by one."


    "After you report tomorrow, the teachers in the elite ss will give you one-on-one guidance until you''ve mastered thempletely," Teacher Xu concluded.


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


    He now understood that Teacher Xu was not trying to get rid of him, but was actually considering his situation seriously.


    "You may go," Teacher Xu waved his hand.


    Wan Xiao saluted and left.


    "Li Yuan," Teacher Xu looked at Li Yuan again, curiosity in his eyes, "your spear technique and movement technique should have reached the Third Stage."


    The Third Stage? Li Yuan was momentarily stunned.


    In the standard high school curriculum, there were no such terms as First Stage, Second Stage, or Third Stage.


    Only scores for skills.


    "Oh, I forgot," Teacher Xu remarked upon seeing Li Yuan''s expression,ing to a realization, "That is the terminology for entry rank martial artists. Then let me phrase it differently. Have you reached the Gold Stage on the Starry Skies Fighting Network?"


    ```


    "I arrived just half a month ago," Li Yuan said.


    Blue Star, as well as the Seven Greats, all have virtualworks that span their respectives, with a simtion realism exceeding 70%, and the most popr game within these virtualworks is the ''Starry Skies Fighting Network''.


    "The Starry Skies Fighting Network is quite special, and it''s not just a simple game," Xu Bo said, looking at Li Yuan. "It primarily tests a person''s martial arts skills, and it''s very training-intensive."


    Li Yuan nodded in agreement.


    The prevalence of the Starry Skies Fighting Network, heavily promoted by the entire Seven Star Alliance on each, is inseparably linked to its significant promotional impact on reality.


    "Being able to stand firm in the Gold Stage indicates that your spear technique and movement technique must have reached the Third Stage," Xu Bo said. "For your age, reaching this level in martial arts skills is quite impressive."


    Li Yuan smiled and said, "It''s because of the good teaching I have received."


    A rare smile squeezed its way onto Xu Bo''s usually stern face.


    "Your physical quality is also improving quickly," Xu Bo said, his eyes reflecting a hint of curiosity. "Can you tell your teacher the reason?"


    He was indeed curious.


    "I''ve just been practicing normally," Li Yuan shook his head and said. "Teacher should know my family''s situation; I can''t afford those special medicines."


    "Don''t worry, your teacher isn''t suspecting you of using forbidden medicine that stimtes life''s potential," Xu Bo said.


    In this era, there are some special treasures that can rapidly enhance physical quality, but most of them overdraw life''s potential and are counterproductive.


    After use, they would have serious side effects; at best, one''s strength would be hard to improve further, and at worst, it could lead to a shortened lifespan.


    Decades ago, when martial arts college entrance exams first began, many students would use these in secret, hoping to get into a good university.


    Latterly, as the rules of the martial arts college entrance exams were refined, these types of medicines and fluids have been listed as forbidden and cannot be produced and used at will.


    Before the college entrance exam, various devices would be used to performprehensive checks on the students.


    "Normal practice leading to such progress? Very good!" Xu Bo revealed a rare smile. "I have high hopes for you bing a martial artist."


    "High hopes for me?" Li Yuan was taken aback.


    Since the other party took over as the homeroom teacher, he did indeed receive a lot of attention.


    But it was limited to the attention a teacher gives to a good student.


    Having high hopes for him bing a martial artist? This was the first time Teacher Xu had said so.


    Bing a martial artist was very challenging!


    "Teacher, I still haven''t awakened my Martial Spirit," Li Yuan couldn''t help saying.


    "Is Spiritual Awakening that important?" Xu Bo asked in return.


    Li Yuan was puzzled. Was it not important?


    "It is very important," Xu Bo said on his own. "But in a certain sense, it''s also not important."


    Li Yuan''s confusion intensified.


    "What is Martial Spirit? Essentially, it is thepatibility with the Seven High-Rank Cultivation Methods," Xu Bo exined.


    "Only with apatibility over ny percent can one start practicing high-rank cultivation methods in advance, which can significantly increase the efficiency of enhancing physical quality," Xu Bo continued. "This would greatly increase the chances of bing a powerful martial artist."


    "This is why the Seven Star Alliance puts such great importance on Martial Spirit."


    "Including the five prestigious national schools, they all prefer students who have awakened their Martial Spirit for the same reason."


    "After all, practicing high-rank cultivation methods earlier increases the likelihood of reaching Entry Rank as a martial artist, and the younger one bes a martial artist, the greater the hope of achieving great sess."


    Li Yuan nodded without a word.


    When young, vitality is robust, making martial arts cultivation breakthroughs easier.


    "Martial arts cultivation is the miraculous evolution of life," Xu Bo said, his eyes gleaming. "In reality, we humans still know very little about life cultivation, whether it''s the Seven Fundamental Cultivation Methods or the Seven High-Rank Cultivation Methods... all of them have been gradually summed up by the numerous high-rank martial artists of the Seven Star Alliance over hundreds of years."


    "More than eighty years ago, during the first martial arts college entrance exam, the Seven Star Alliance only published three high-rank cultivation methods."


    Li Yuan''s eyes lit up.


    He was not very clear about much of the information that Teacher Xu spoke of before.


    "All cultivation methods aim to drive life evolution, to continuously improve our physical quality," Xu Bo said, looking at Li Yuan. "And you, merely practicing the basic cultivation methods without any precious resources, are progressing faster in improving your physical quality than most students in the elite ss."


    "What does this imply?"


    "Your true talent may be very high," Xu Bo sighed lightly. "It''s just that you don''t fit any of the Seven High-Rank Cultivation Methods."

 Chapter 8: 6: The Den of Swallowing Metal

    "Could it be that my talent is very high?" Li Yuan''s pupils contracted slightly.


    He couldn''t help but think of the note on the Mind Spirit Divine Pce data panel: "Contains some kind of high-rank Spiritual Nature yet to awaken."


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


    It should be more reliable than Teacher Xu''s estimate.


    The information Teacher Xu revealed today also gave Li Yuan more to ponder.


    Previously, although Li Yuan had searched multiple times on the virtualwork, he couldn''t find much information due to insufficient permissions.


    "My talent is high? Having the Mind Spirit Divine Pce may also be a kind of talent," Li Yuan murmured to himself.


    Over the past hundred years, as many Cultivation Methods have gradually be avable, and with the development of technology, arge number of Martial Artists have been born into human civilization.


    And those exceptional Martial Artists who could soar into the sky and survive nuclear explosions, which one of them didn''t have a growth journey filled with legends?


    Li Yuan didn''t believe that his Mind Spirit Divine Pce would be an exception.


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


    He was smart; given that Teacher Xu had called him over, he surely intended to do more than encourage him.


    "Persevere," Xu Bo advised, looking at Li Yuan. He originally wanted to say "proceed step by step," but he changed it at thest moment.


    Seeing Li Yuan''s surprised expression, Xu Bo continued, "Your progress is already very fast, and there''s no need to be too anxious about the Martial Spirit not awakening yet. With your results, it''s easy to get into Martial Arts University."


    "If you practice normally, in at most two to three years your Physical Quality should be able to reach level 10.0."


    "Once you be an Entry Rank Martial Artist, High Rank Cultivation Methods will no longer be your restraint."


    "Who knows, in the future you might even create a set of High Rank Cultivation Methods unique to yourself," Xu Bo said with a smile.


    "Create Cultivation Methods?" Li Yuan couldn''t help asking, "Can I?"


    "Haha, what''s this about being able or not?" Teacher Xuughed. "How old are you? When you''re young, you have endless possibilities."


    "Even the founders of the three great Martial Halls, who could have known about their achievements when they were young?" Xu Bo looked at Li Yuan with a smile. "The founders of the three great Martial Halls are far-fetched, but do you not even have the ambition to surpass me?"


    "My Physical Quality is only level 19," he added.


    Li Yuan held his breath.


    Ever since Xu Bo became his Martial Arts ss''s homeroom teacher, Li Yuan had always seen him as a target to strive for.


    Now, knowing his strength, a Physical Quality that reached as high as level 19, it was no wonder he was a First ss Martial Arts Teacher.


    "Let''s talk about something more practical," Xu Bo said to Li Yuan, "Although you haven''t awakened your Martial Spirit, your Physical Quality and Martial Arts Skills are quite good. Combining that with your family situation... I will apply to the school for a Third ss schrship for you."


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


    Martial Arts Cultivation consumes a lot of resources.


    Therefore, for students with excellent Martial Arts results, the country provides various awards and subsidies starting from the first year of high school.


    As a provincial key high school, Guan Mountain District Number One High School receives more state funding than ordinary high schools.


    For eachrge-scale standardized test, students who rank within the top hundred in Martial Arts receive additional rewards.


    The top fifty get a reward of two thousand Blue Star Coins.


    The top thirty get a reward of five thousand Blue Star Coins.


    The top twenty receive on top of the previous reward two Basic Lifeblood Elixir portions.


    The top ten in the grade will, on top of the top twenty''s basis, also be allocated a separate Martial Arts Cultivation Room.


    These are examination rewards.


    Schrships are even more special; they are allocated based on academic results inbination with family circumstances and also require a teacher''s rmendation to have a chance of being granted.


    Those who receive a schrship are few.


    "You have made considerable progress, but after all your Martial Arts results are only within the top thirty of the grade. If you want to apply for a Second ss schrship or higher, it''s quite difficult," Xu Bo said. "But there is still hope for a Third ss schrship. Of course, even if the application is sessful, the money isn''t much, just twenty thousand; don''t think it''s too little."


    "Teacher, you''re too kind," Li Yuan felt immensely grateful in his heart.


    Twenty thousand? That''s equal to two months of his aunt''s sry.


    All the schrships he had received since starting high school, when added up, didn''t even amount to twenty thousand.


    "Is there anything I can do for you, Teacher?" Li Yuan followed up with another question.


    "There''s nothing you need to do, just earnestly cultivate and get good grades," Xu Bo waved his hand, "Go have your meal. When the application goes through, I will let you know."


    "Yes," Li Yuan replied as he left, closing the door behind him as he exited.


    He watched Li Yuan leave.


    "This kid, does he still think I want some kind of reward?" Xu Bo shook his head with augh.


    Suddenly his brows furrowed slightly.


    This man, who was as tough as an iron tower, now showed a fleeting expression of pain.


    "Time for medicine again?" Xu Bo suppressed the pain and walked towards the therapy room.


    ...


    Upon leaving the office building.


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


    Before entering the office, he had guessed it was something good.


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


    "Did Teacher Xu not tell me these things before because, although my past grades were not bad, he didn''t think they were outstanding enough?" Li Yuan thought to himself, "Was my performance today sufficient?"


    Li Yuan had read many books.


    In those stories, many seniors liked to promote their juniors.


    But the precondition was also that the juniors were worth promoting.


    "If one doesn''t try hard enough, or isn''t talented enough, then even if opportunitiese by, they will be missed," Li Yuan reminded himself.


    "Should I send a message in the family group?" Just as the thought appeared in Li Yuan''s mind, he immediately suppressed it.


    Phew!


    A gust of wind blew by, helping Li Yuan to calm down further.


    "No rush," he told himself.


    "Teacher Xu is a First ss teacher, but he''s not part of the school management. Even if it goes through, it probably will take some time," Li Yuan reasoned in his mind. "And if it doesn''t happen, it would just be a false hope."


    "I''ll wait until the schrship is really granted before I tell my uncle and aunt," he decided.


    "Yes, I shouldn''t tell the other students either," Li Yuan had thought it through. "Teacher Xu called for me alone and had Wan Xiao leave first; he probably doesn''t want others to know."


    "If the school wants to publicize it, I''ll wait for the school to announce it in the future."


    All his experiences up to this point,bined with the books he had read, made Li Yuan understand the saying, "Sess is achieved in secrecy, while failure is caused by loose talk."


    Don''t boast about things that haven''t happened yet.


    "First, let''s get something to eat," Li Yuan regained hisposure and ran towards the cafeteria.


    ...


    The Guan Mountain District''s First High School has over six thousand students, so the cafeteria is quiterge.


    Li Yuan had just entered the cafeteria.


    "Brother Yuan, over here." Zhou Qi, who was squatting in the distance, called out, sitting with Wan Xiao, Yan Zhou, and over a dozen other boys, upying tworge tables and eating.


    Seeing this, Li Yuan walked over with a smile.


    The boys in his ss really liked to gather and eat together.


    "Brother Yuan, here are your two nutrition meals," Zhou Qi said while eating, pushing two specially prepared meal boxes in front of Li Yuan.


    "Who swiped their card? Was it Yan Zhou?" Li Yuan asked with a smile as he sat down to eat.


    "I told you I was paying you back," Yan Zhou said with a smile.


    "The breakfasts I brought you a few times were just hot dry noodles, eggs, and soy milk, all together less than fifty coins," Li Yuan shook his head, "These two nutrition meals alone cost one hundred and fifty."


    There was a big difference in the price of meals among all the boys present.


    For ordinary meals with two meat dishes and two vegetable dishes, or three meat and two vegetables, a meal costs less than twenty coins.


    Zhou Qi and Yan Zhou were eating this kind of meal.


    Because they were going to attend cultural sses in the evening, they wouldn''t have any intense physical activity, and their energy consumption would be low...


    But for someone like Li Yuan, who still needed to undergo high-intensity martial arts cultivation in the evening, ordinary meals wouldn''t suffice. Over time, this would lead to a deficiency in his body''s vitality.


    He must eat the specially prepared nutrition meals from the cafeteria, which were much more expensive.


    One meal cost seventy-five Blue Star coins, and Li Yuan needed two of them.


    To be precise, Li Yuan''s normal three meals a day would end up costing nearly three hundred coins per day.


    At least eight thousand Blue Star coins a month.


    And that was still not enough to support Li Yuan''s normal cultivation; he asionally had to consume various expensive vitality potions and supplements.


    If you include physiotherapy, his monthly expenses were a startling number.


    This was also because Li Yuan was a student and could always cultivate in the school''s martial arts ssroom, where various training equipment like cold weapons, sandbags, and areas for practicing spear technique were well-equipped.


    The effects couldn''tpare to a private martial arts cultivation room, but the advantage of the school''s martial arts ssroom was that it was free.


    If one were to go to a formal martial hall in society? The rent was charged by the hour, and ordinary families simply couldn''t afford it.


    The martial path is a gold-swallowing beast; it''s not just a saying.


    This was also the reason Li Yuan longed to be admitted to one of the top five prestigious schools.


    Because supporting his martial arts cultivation had already be very difficult for his uncle and aunt to continue.


    ...


    Leaving the cafeteria.


    "Brother Yuan, we''re heading off to the academic building, see you tomorrow," Zhou Qi and Yan Zhou said to Li Yuan.


    "Okay," Li Yuan nodded.


    In this era, starting from freshman year, students would study academic courses in the morning and engage in martial arts cultivation in the afternoon.


    In the evening? It was up to the students to choose, depending on the path they wanted to take.


    There are only twenty-nine Martial Arts Universities across Xia Country.


    While there are more than a thousand cultural universities nationwide.


    If one applies for Martial Arts University, their academic scores are converted and ount for 10% of the total.


    If one chooses the academic course route, martial arts scores are converted and ount for 30% of the total score.


    Though the decision to pursue the martial path or the academic path is made at the time of choosing preferences, the vast majority of students start leaning towards one since their freshman year.


    Li Yuan returned to the martial arts ssroom.


    ncing around, he saw that there were less than ten people left in the ssroom, which was empty.


    Most of the students from ss 3 (2) were focused on academic courses, which was the choice of the vast majority of students.


    "Getting into Martial Arts University is indeed difficult," Li Yuan thought to himself.


    Every year, there were millions of students taking the college entrance exam in Jiangbei Province.


    The only Martial Arts University in Jiangbei, ''Jiangbei Martial Arts University'', admits no more than ten thousand students each year, making up less than 1% of all applicants.


    As a key school in the province, the Guan Mountain District''s First High School also rarely sees its students exceed a hundred admissions to Martial Arts Universities each year.


    The sky was not yet dark.


    Most of the ten or so people in the ssroom were idly chatting with each other.


    The evening martial arts practice was unsupervised by teachers; it relied entirely on self-discipline.


    "Li Tianyou." Li Yuan''s gaze flicked towards a figure in the corner of the ssroom.


    The boy was about 1.8 meters tall, with a somewhat thin face, wearing a martial outfit, silent, and seriously practicing the Basic Cultivation Method.


    He wasn''t disturbed at all by the chatter of others.


    Seeing the sweat dripping from his forehead, it was evident that he had been cultivating for a while.


    "He''s such a studious one!" Li Yuan sighed inwardly, "Deserving of being the top studious person in the ss."


    Without disturbing the others,


    Li Yuan took out his spear from his weapon locker, chose an open spot in the ssroom, and began practicing his spear technique.


    Why not practice the Basic Cultivation Method?


    Because Li Yuan would get up at around 3 am every day toe to the school and practice the Basic Cultivation Method alone in the empty martial arts ssroom for more than two hours.


    Then, shortly before 6 am, he''d go to the cafeteria for breakfast, then to the academic ssroom for self-study.


    In the afternoon, he''d practice the Cultivation Methods for two hours with everyone else.


    Every day''s cultivation should be divided into two to three sessions,sting four hours for optimal results; this has been verified by numerous martial arts experts through repeated experiments.


    Life evolution and the tempering, recovery, and growth of the body and bones take time.


    Too much can be as bad as not enough.


    With the remaining time, Li Yuan was able to delve into his spear technique and movement technique.


    Two hourster,


    The school bell echoed through the campus, and the students in the ssroom had already left one by one. Aside from Li Yuan, who was still practicing his spear technique, the only other person left was Li Tianyou, still cultivating his sword technique.


    Suddenly,


    In Li Yuan''s field of vision, a message popped up that only he could see.


    [Your spear technique realm has increased from Third Stage 36% to Third Stage 37%.]

 Chapter 9: 7 The Home at Midnight (Seeking Monthly Tickets for Binge Reading)

    "Improved to 37%?"


    "I haven''t even noticeably felt it myself, yet the Divine Pce panel has already sensed it with precision," Li Yuan''s eyes gleamed faintly.


    The Divine Pce panel couldn''t directly enhance Li Yuan''s martial arts cultivation.


    But its greatest benefit was to reflect Li Yuan''s effort and progress in a numerical form, like a progress bar.


    Absolutely positive feedback.


    No one doesn''t want to seed, it''s just that many people worry that their efforts won''t yield results.


    With the Divine Pce panel, being able to clearly see one''s own progress made Li Yuan''s motivation to cultivate even greater.


    Cultivating was very exhausting.


    "But the rewards of cultivation are great," Li Yuan suddenly exerted himself, and the spear in his hand became a blur as he thrust it forward fiercely.


    "Whoosh!"


    "Whoosh!" "Whoosh!"


    Faint, ear-piercing shrieks exploded, forming streaks of blurred spear shadows in the air.


    "The practice of martial arts, trying over and over to break the limits of life, is indeed thrilling," Li Yuan suddenly retracted his spear, revealing a trace of a smile.


    Over a hundred years ago, before the cultivation methods were poprized and traditional martial arts prevailed, even ordinary people would get addicted to fitness.


    What more for high-level martial cultivation?


    Li Yuan, in particr, relished the process of his body growing stronger.


    It was exhausting, but very cool.


    "Li Yuan, your spear technique is really amazing," an earnest voice of admiration suddenly sounded.


    Li Yuan turned his head and smiled, "Tianyou, your sword technique isn''t bad either. I remember you had a martial arts skills score of 312 today."


    Li Tianyou, standing to the side, had a thin face, but bright eyes.


    "I can''t catch up to you," Li Tianyou said with a smile, standing tall.


    "It''s nine o''clock, everyone else has left." Li Yuan''s gaze swept around: "Aren''t you going home?"


    The Ministry of Education had stipted that early self-study began at seven in the morning, and evening self-study ended at nine.


    Six days of sses a week.


    Lower-level cities and counties might be morepetitive, but, as a key high school in the provincial capital, it was natural to strictly enforce the schedule.


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


    "Alright," Li Yuan smiled, "I''ll head back first."


    "Mm-hmm," Li Tianyou nodded.


    Li Yuan ced the spear back in the weapons cab and walked out of the ssroom.


    Watching Li Yuan leave,


    the smile on Li Tianyou''s face vanished as he muttered to himself, "Why isn''t my sword technique as formidable as Li Yuan''s spear technique?"


    "If only I could awaken the Martial Spirit, that would be great."


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


    Shaking his head to dispel the multitude of distracting thoughts, Li Tianyou picked up his long sword and continued to earnestly practice his sword technique.


    Outside, the night lingered long.


    Most ssrooms had already turned off their lights.


    Only this martial arts ssroom remained lit, with Li Tianyou''s slim figure looking somewhat lonely in this moment.


    ...


    Under the night sky, on Luoyu Street,


    Li Yuan, having practiced all day and his clothes soaked with sweat, finally boarded the driverless ''517'' trolley.


    There were very few people on the bus.


    In an era of a highly developed virtualwork and abundant material resources, most people''s work ispleted online.


    Even those with offline jobs, mostborers had finished their day and were home.


    "...Inte August, national authorities and the Starry Sky Martial Hall''s Xia Country branch conducted a joint operation, sessfully eliminating a group of Star Realm aquatic races in the Jiangbei Province Xiang River basin, but some did escape, please residents along the river stay alert..."


    "Next, here''s coverage on the ongoing wars in the Northern Border Province''s Second Level Star Realm ''Rob Sea'' and the ''Aust Moon Sea'' of the ''Firefly'' Second Level Star Realm..."


    The electronic disy above the driverless trolley continuously broadcast thetest news.


    Li Yuan sat on a single seat, pushed open the window, and the wind blew in through the window, looking at the streetscapes passing by outside.


    Veryfortable!


    "Starry sky and love should always advance tirelessly, Star Sea World reminds you that Spring Eye Station is upon us," suddenly, the stop-arrival announcement sounded, pulling Li Yuan''s thoughts back to reality.


    "Star Sea World sure advertises a lot," Li Yuan shook his head secretly.


    He stepped off the bus.


    A few meters away was the entrance to Li Yuan''s residentialmunity¡ªthe Wanhua tinum Mansion.


    Themunity''s name sounded grand, but the buildings were quite ordinary, even somewhat run-downpared with the neighboring newmunity ''Xiongchu World.''


    "Wee home, owner," a gentle female voice sounded.


    Li Yuan entered themunity after facial recognition.


    There wasn''t even a security guard at the entrance to themunity, just two intelligent robots standing off in the distance.


    Within themunity, all buildings were modest 11-story high-rises.


    Due to the constant threat of war over the past decades, the construction of super-tall buildings has been disallowed for years, with most structures around ten stories high and no taller than eighteen stories.


    Although over twenty years old, the Wanhua tinum Mansion was still rtively well-maintained.


    Li Yuan''s home was in building two, unit two.


    "Little Yuan, sses are over?" An elderly couple was jogging slowly along the green belt of themunity.


    "Yes, Granny Sun, you''re exercising again huh?" Li Yuan replied with a smile.


    Although this was amercial district, most people who bought homes here years ago were employees of the same state-owned enterprise, enjoying a discounted price.


    So, in some sense, this neighborhood could be considered a welfare housingmunity provided by thepany.


    With so many years passed,


    many residents in themunity knew each other well.


    "Granny Sun and her husband are almost ny years old, but they''re still strong and even haven''t purchased a home robot," Li Yuan thought to himself. "ording to the books, over a hundred years ago, the average lifespan was only seventy or eighty years."


    Thanks to the widespread practice of cultivation methods, except for idental deaths, the average lifespan of people on Blue Star had surpassed one hundred years, with the average lifespan in Xia Country being even closer to one hundred and ten years.


    For those who became Entry Rank Martial Artists, their lifespan was even more astounding.


    Li Yuan had just reached the foot of his building.


    "Brother?" A surprised young girl''s voice rang out from not far off.


    "Bro~" Another young boy''s voice sounded.


    Thump~thump~thump~ Two youngsters around the age of twelve or thirteen, both dressed in loose martial arts uniforms, jogged over from a shadowy area not far away.


    "Qian Qian, Muhua," Li Yuan smiled. "Why haven''t you gone home yet?"


    The girl was pretty and lively, with fair skin and bright eyes.


    The boy had a youthful face, but he was almost as tall as Li Yuan and half a head taller than the girl.


    Li Qianqian and Li Muhua.


    They were indeed the fourteen-year-old twin son and daughter of Li Yuan''s uncle and aunt, both in their second year of junior high.


    "Brother, we just came back from the Martial Arts Room," Li Qianqian said cheerfully, clinging to Li Yuan''s arm and swinging it.


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


    Each neighborhood has a public sports hall, as mandated by the government. Funded by the state, managed and operated by property managementpanies, it is free for residents to use.


    "Not so good, there were too many people, not much space to practice," Li Muhua shook his head.


    "At your age, you should still focus on building a foundation, practice more standing poles, and contemte the cultivation methods," Li Yuan advised. "Especially you, Muhua. You''ve already awakened your Martial Spirit; you should be even less hasty in your practice."


    Li Muhua had a high martial arts talent.


    Li Qianqian''s talent was much less, but her academic performance was very good.


    "Mhm," Li Muhua nodded, then as if he recalled something, he said, "Brother, I remember today was the day your school tested for Martial Spirit, right?"


    Li Qianqian also looked at Li Yuan.


    "No sess," Li Yuan said indifferently, not seeming to care too much.


    Li Qianqian and Li Muhua exchanged nces.


    "Brother, don''t be discouraged. Even without a Martial Spirit, you can still get into Martial Arts University," Li Qianqian giggled. "Let''s go home first, Mom was just messaging me, asking when we would be back."


    "Brother, go get the package from the property management,"


    Li Qianqian tugged at Li Yuan''s sleeve, heading towards the elevator.


    "Sis, I got the packagest time, it''s your turn this time," Li Muhua said helplessly.


    "Good little brother¡ª."


    "Qian Qian, go with Muhua," Li Yuan patted Li Qianqian''s head.


    "Brother!!"


    ¡­


    "Click~" The door opened.


    "Mom, brother came back with us," Li Qianqian called out even before entering the door.


    "Is everyone back?"


    A voice also came from inside the house.


    Li Yuan followed his younger siblings into the house, enteringst after scanning the room, which was not small.


    Four bedrooms and a living room, spanning a hundred and thirty square meters.


    It was clearly visible that various decorations were somewhat outdated.


    "Uncle, Auntie," Li Yuan saw his uncle and aunting out of the bedroom. The auntie was wearing a long-sleeved nightgown, her face without makeup.


    The uncle was somewhat overweight, his skin was dark, but his clothes were very neat, wearing a ck short-sleeved shirt, long pants, and sports shoes meant for going out.


    "Ah Yuan," the auntie smiled when she saw Li Yuan.


    "Qian Qian, go back to your room and wash up. Your dad and I need to speak with your brother," the auntie instructed.


    "Okay."


    "Brother, don''t open my package, I want to open it myselfter," Li Qianqian dragged Li Muhua, dropping off the package and heading into her room.


    In the living room,


    only Li Yuan and his uncle and auntie remained.


    "Uncle, another business trip?" Li Yuan asked quietly, having noticed the big suitcase in the living room.


    The uncle worked for a state-owned enterprise in civil engineering construction and was constantly traveling across the country, so business trips were a normal part of life.


    "Yes, I just got the notice this afternoon," the uncle nodded.


    "Where to? Why the rush?" Li Yuan inquired.


    A flicker of hesitation crossed the auntie''s face.


    "What''s there to hide? Yuan is all grown up now," the uncleughed, then looked at Li Yuan. "I''m going to the Northern Border."


    "Such a rush to go, and to the Northern Border again," Li Yuan was initially surprised, then seemed to realize something, his expression growing tense. "To the Second Level Star Realm ''Rob Sea''?"

 Chapter 10: 8 Some things, someone always has to do

    ```


    "You saw the news too?" Uncle said.


    "Yes," Li Yuan nodded.


    The Seven Greats are far apart from each other, with numerous Star Realms appearing on each.


    The number of Star Realms on Blue Star is considered lowpared to the other Seven Greats.


    A Star Realm can lead to the deep reaches of the starry sea and foreign civilizations; it is the frontline of the war between human civilization and foreign domains.


    Wars aremon there.


    The highest level Star Realm within the borders of Xia Country is the ''Rob Sea Star Realm'' in the Northern Border Province, a Second Level Star Realm that is garrisoned by arge military force all year round.


    In the past few days at school, Li Yuan heard that war had broken out in the Rob Sea Star Realm, but he was not clear about the severity.


    Now it seems it''s quite dire.


    "The Rob Sea war broke out quite suddenly, and headquarters has ordered us to go and support the construction," Uncle said with a smile, appearing very rxed.


    "We are leaving tonight, on the high-speed train at three in the morning," Auntie said from the side, her eyes filled with worry.


    Li Yuan looked at his uncle with simr concern.


    In Li Yuan''s memory, the impression of his parents is now very vague, since they 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 are equivalent to his parents.


    Uncle, named Li Changzhou, had a decent talent for the Martial Path. He graduated from Jiangbei Martial Arts University and also earned a degree in ''Civil Engineering in Hydraulics & Ocean Engineering.'' After graduation, he worked his way up to middle management in a state-owned enterprise, with quite an impressive sry.


    Auntie, named Chen Hui, is a high school math teacher.


    The couple should have umted a considerable estate over the decades. Why then do they still live in an old neighborhood?


    Li Yuan knew it was because of him!


    The expenses of his illness and surgery as a child umted to over a million Blue Star Coins;ter on, the cost of recuperation, various tonics, health care expenses, and biological medicines were substantial.


    Since middle school, cultivating the Martial Path has also been like a gold-eating cave.


    Take his cousin ''Li Muhua,'' for example; he revealed a Martial Spirit talent surpassing that of Li Yuan in middle school, even awakening it in the first year of junior high.


    But even now, the variety of cultivation resources Li Muhua receives isn''t as much as Li Yuan had back then.


    His uncle and aunt never said anything about it.


    His younger brother and sister also never felt that Li Yuan was taking their resources.


    But Li Yuan himself felt some guilt towards his uncle and aunt and even his siblings.


    This was also an important reason why Li Yuan began to consciously practice the Martial Path fervently starting in middle school.


    He did not want his uncle and aunt''s hopes to turn into nothing; he was determined to achieve something significant.


    Especially after entering high school, he became even more clear about his goals, hoping to repay his uncle and aunt with his own efforts in the future, and to make up for his brother and sister.


    Just after entering his second year of high school, Li Yuan''s physical quality reached the 5.0 level, and he then awakened the miraculous Mind Spirit Divine Pce, which elerated his Martial Arts Cultivation tremendously.


    "The Mind Spirit Divine Pce is indeed miraculous, but without personal effort, it''s all in vain," Li Yuan realized this after awakening the Mind Spirit Divine Pce.


    Therefore, he dared not ck off even more.


    "Getting into a Martial Arts University."


    "And even to be admitted into one of the top five prestigious schools, ultimately bing a High Rank Martial Artist." This has always been Li Yuan''s aspiration.


    Not just for himself, but for his family as well.


    When he just learned that his uncle was going to the Rob Sea, Li Yuan''s heart trembled.


    Uncle Li Changzhou spoke lightly of it.


    But Li Yuan, who frequently followed the news, knew that soldiers and Martial Artists defending against the invasion from foreign civilizations across the Star Realms, were the most dangerous.


    Next were the workers engaged in various military defense constructions.


    This trip for Uncle Li Changzhou was essentially as an engineer.


    You should know, powerful Star Realm Creatures are not stopped by ordinary heavy weapons; only some cutting-edge technological weapons or High Rank Martial Artists can handle them.


    It''s very dangerous.


    "If I hadn''t fallen ill back then, or if the expenses for Martial Arts Cultivation weren''t so high, Uncle could have stayedfortably in the city, maintaining municipal works, instead of opting for an external assignment just for that extra subsidy to his sry," Li Yuan thought, his heart feeling even more unpleasant.


    ...


    "Xiaoyuan,e into the bedroom, I''ll talk with you slowly," Uncle Li Changzhou called Li Yuan into the master bedroom.


    There were two small stools in the master bedroom, and Li Yuan sat down.


    Uncle sat on the edge of the bed.


    "ng~" Auntie gently closed the door.


    Li Changzhou''s hair was already somewhat sparse, and though he was a bit overweight, he still exuded an air of schrly grace.


    ```


    "Originally, your aunt advised me not to tell you, worrying that it might affect your senior year studies," Li Changzhou smiled as he looked at Li Yuan, "but I believe that the sons of the Li family should be able to withstand any pressure."


    Aunt Chen Hui remained silent, sitting beside them.


    "Uncle, go on," Li Yuan said softly.


    "ording to the information I received, several entry and exit points of the Rob Sea defense system have been severely damaged. The casualties of the military and the Starry Sky Martial Hall are significant," Li Changzhou said indifferently, "This attack was held back, but if attacked again, there''s a risk of aplete breach."


    Li Yuan held his breath¡ªAplete breach?


    The entrances and exits to the Star Realm are critical gates for human civilization to resist invasions.


    If breached, it would be an absolute disaster.


    Years ago, his parents died in a Star Realm disaster.


    "There''s a risk of death for me this time," Li Changzhou looked calmly at Li Yuan, "In war, where is there no death?"


    "Uncle, is there no way for you to avoid going?" Li Yuan couldn''t help but ask.


    "Headquarters has requested our presence, but if one truly wishes not to go, there are ways, after all, the country has only issued a level three alert," Li Changzhouughed.


    Li Yuan listened closely.


    Xia Country had divided its wartime danger response into three alert levels, with level three being the lowest and level one the highest.


    Once a level one alert is activated, it means the entire country will enter a state of war, with aprehensive mobilization: all citizens and all resources must be ready to obey conscription orders.


    In the past hundred years, Xia Country has only activated level one alert once, in the year 2028.


    Above level one alert is the "Civilization Alert," which can only be issued by the joint decision of the highest council of the Seven Star Alliance and the three major Martial Halls.


    Once issued, it signifies that at least one human has fallen into a life or death situation, needing full support from others.


    In the centuries since the Alliance was formed, a Civilization Alert has been activated only once.


    However, even the lowest "level three alert," once issued, signifies a significant consumption of resources and a high number of casualties.


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


    "Someone has to be a part of this war, don''t they?"


    Li Yuan fell silent.


    "Am I the only one capable? Such argepany, and it can''t do without me?" Aunt Chen Hui suddenly shouted, her eyes faintly red with emotion.


    Li Changzhou had already discussed this with her earlier.


    And in the living room, fearing that Li Qianqian and Li Muhua would notice something amiss, she had held back, showing nothing.


    But now, hearing Li Changzhou''s words, she finally couldn''t hold back and vented out.


    Li Changzhou was taken aback for a moment, then silently reached out to gently hold his wife Chen Hui''s waist,forting her.


    Chen Hui bowed her head, her eyes red-rimmed, and said no more.


    After a moment.


    "Little Yuan, don''t worry too much," Li Changzhou said afterforting his wife, then turned to Li Yuan, "After all, I''m not going to be fighting hand-to-hand like other martial artists; it''s not that dangerous."


    "Besides, I am at least an Entry Rank martial artist and have some self-protective strength," Li Changzhou said with a smile.


    Li Yuan remained silent.


    His uncle had graduated from Martial Arts University, and at his peak, his physical quality surpassed level 12, but after years of working, he was probably at level 10 or 11 now, and many of hisbat skills were likely rusty.


    Martial Path is not about immortality; it requires daily diligent practice.


    Suddenly.


    "Beep!" Li Yuan instantly felt a vibration at his wrist and subconsciously looked at it.


    "Your ount ending in 1486 has received 56,000.00 Blue Star Coins... Transferred to the ount ending with... Bnce of 58,324.12 Blue Star Coins," The disy clearly showed a line of text.


    "Uncle?" Li Yuan was startled.


    He recognized at a nce that the transferring ount ended with his uncle Li Changzhou''s number.


    "That''s your living expenses for September and October."


    "With me gone to the Northern Border Province, thework may not be smooth. I''ve sent it all to you today, manage it well," Li Changzhouughed, "Before, I took you to buy basic Blood Qi Medicinal Liquid from Uncle Zhong; you should have some experience."


    "I''ve made arrangements with your Uncle Zhong."


    "When you have time over the weekend, go to the Martial Hall and see him," Li Changzhou said, "Your aunt will transfer the living expenses to you in the future."


    "Aunt," Li Yuan looked towards his aunt.


    "Listen to your uncle," Chen Hui''s mood had somewhat stabilized, her voice cooling down again, "Take the money, and don''t worry about the family."


    Li Yuan was silent, asking no further.


    Right now, his cultivation indeed required money.


    "By the way."


    "Have you thought about the direction of your college entrance exam?" Li Changzhou looked at Li Yuan.

 Chapter 11: 9 Qi and Blood Medicines

    ```


    Logically, with the pressure of being a senior in high school already immense, it wouldn''t be appropriate to ask such a sensitive question now.


    Besides, there were still nine months left until the college entrance exams.


    It was only because Li Changzhou was about to travel far away, and he believed Li Yuan wouldn''t be affected, that he inquired.


    Auntie Chen Hui couldn''t help but look towards Li Yuan, as she''d always taken care of his daily life and was naturally concerned.


    "College entrance preferences?" Li Yuan pondered for a moment and said, "Uncle and auntie, I still n to be a full-time martial artist. My first goal is the nation''s five major Martial Path colleges."


    "If I don''t get admitted, then I''ll strive to enter the ''Warrior ss'' at Jiangbei Martial Arts University."


    A full-time martial artist?


    Li Changzhou and Chen Hui exchanged a nce, a hint of worry passing between them.


    Not all graduates from Martial Arts University necessarily end up as full-time martial artists.


    Like Li Changzhou, who attended Martial Arts University with decent results, but eventually also majored in other subjects.


    The advantages of a martial artist over ordinary people areprehensive; even in everyday work, a martial artist''s energy and speed of thought are far superior, increasing the likelihood of making greater achievements.


    However, full-time martial artists, as the name implies, devote themselves entirely to the Martial Path, seeking to go further in it, but it is far more dangerous.


    Because as martial artists train further, advancement often requires enduring various life and death struggles...


    "Xiao Yuan, can''t you take up another major simultaneously? After graduating, bing a civil servant or a martial arts teacher isn''t that good," Chen Hui couldn''t help saying.


    In her eyes, there was no difference between Li Yuan and Li Muhua.


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


    To her mind, bing a civil servant or a martial arts teacher was among the best jobs.


    "A full-time martial artist?" Li Changzhou didn''t argue, but instead he pondered and asked, "Can you get admitted to one of the five prestigious Martial Path colleges? Doesn''t your school only manage a few admissions a year, and have you awakened to Martial Spirit today?"


    Li Changzhou was very aware of the difficulty in being admitted to any of the five prestigious Martial Path colleges.


    Jiangbei Martial Arts University admits ten thousand students a year in Jiangbei Province.


    Yet the five major Martial Path collegesbined only admit about ten thousand students nationwide each year.


    In Jiangbei Province, historically they''ve only admitted a few hundred students per year.


    "I haven''t awakened." Li Yuan shook his head.


    "You haven''t awakened, then you..." Li Changzhou frowned.


    "But in today''s school test, my physical quality was grade 6.5." Li Yuan said, "And my Martial Arts Skills score was over 360 points."


    Li Changzhou''s eyes brightened, and he couldn''t hide the excitement on his face.


    He understood the significance of what Li Yuan was saying.


    "Really?" Chen Hui was also quite surprised.


    She remembered that although Li Yuan''s scores were also excellent at the end of the previous semester, they seemed not nearly as high as now.


    Especially the physical quality, which had improved by 0.5 grades so suddenly? It was quite astonishing.


    "Xu Bo teacher personally conducted the assessment, and the Martial Arts Skills score is based on college entrance examination standards," Li Yuan added.


    Xu Bo''s assessment?


    Li Changzhou nodded slightly.


    He knew Xu Bo, who even in the entire Guan Mountain District, had some fame.


    Previously, Li Changzhou had heard that Xu Bo became Li Yuan''s teacher in charge of the martial artist ss and was very pleased, believing Li Yuan had found a good teacher.


    "Good!"


    "Xiao Yuan, if you continue like this, not to mention getting into one of the top five colleges, there''s a great chance to get into the ''Warrior ss'' at Jiangbei University," Li Changzhou smiled and said, it was the best news he''d heard all day.


    Li Yuan looked at his uncle and aunt, sighing slightly in his heart.


    He had originally nned to surprise them during the January mock tests.


    But now, with his uncle about to travel, Li Yuan thought it over and still wanted his uncle to have some peace of mind.


    For parents, the greatest concern is the safety of their children, followed by their children''s futures.


    "We''re not in a rush to decide on college entrance preferences or whether to be a full-time martial artist; we''ll wait until you get into Martial Arts University and decide in college," Li Changzhou advised, "For now, just focus on working hard."


    "I understand," Li Yuan nodded vigorously.


    "My trip to the Northern Border, for now, just you be aware of it," Li Changzhou added, "After I''m gone, when you have time, help your aunt take good care of your younger siblings... Alright, you''ve had a long day, go back to your room and rest."


    "Hmm." Li Yuan pondered for a moment but in the end didn''t mention the matters of the Third ss schrship.


    He got up and left the master bedroom.


    The door closed.


    "Old Li," Chen Hui turned to Li Changzhou, with a hint of anger in her tone, "just now, were you supporting Xiao 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 Skills score exceeding 360 points, with such a rate of progress... I remember our eldest brother''s Martial Arts Skills score during his college entrance exams was not even this high."


    "You still remember your elder brother." Chen Hui gritted her teeth, "Our elder brother and his wife, back then to save us..."


    "Enough," Li Changzhou frowned.


    "You don''t want me to talk, but I have to," Chen Hui suddenly stood up, staring at her husband, her eyes slightly red, "Our elder brother and sister-inw helped us so much, and left only Xiao Yuan behind. Don''t you know how dangerous it is to be a full-time martial artist?"


    "How many of your former ssmates who chose the path of a full-time martial artist are still alive?"


    "I know what you mean," Li Changzhou looked at his wife and sighed softly, pulling her down to sit.


    "But the child is grown up and has his own will."


    "We can only advise, not force," Li Changzhou said, "After I leave, you can try to persuade him slowly."


    "Besides, the path of a full-time martial artist is not easy to walk."


    "How many students admitted to Martial Arts University don''t aspire to be full-time martial artists? But in the end, very few choose that path."


    "Once he enters university and understands there are always greater talents out there, without us needing to urge him, he wille to his senses," Li Changzhou said.


    Chen Hui finally nodded reluctantly.


    "Wife, keep mepany for a bit longer," Li Changzhou pulled his wife into his embrace.


    Chen Hui calmed down, resting against her husband''s chest.


    Time passed.


    Approaching midnight.


    "The kids must all be asleep by now," Li Changzhou finally stood up, whispered, "Wife, I have to go now, or I''ll miss the high-speed rail."


    ```


    "By the time I get to the Northern Border, the government-promised subsidy of five hundred thousand wille through, and then I''ll transfer it to you."


    "The family... I''ll leave it in your hands."


    ...


    Inside Li Yuan''s room.


    The lights were out, with only the faint streemp light and moonlight streaming in through the window.


    In the room of less than twenty square meters, besides two wardrobes, there was a miniature home virtualwork capsule upying about two square meters.


    The rest of the area was empty.


    One side of Li Yuan''s wardrobe concealed a Murphy bed designed to be foldable.


    The purpose was to save space, making it convenient for him to practice simple exercises at home.


    However, ever since awakening the Mind Spirit Divine Pce in his sophomore year, Li Yuan seldom used the Murphy bed, mostly sitting directly on the wooden floor.


    Today was no exception.


    "Hmm?" Li Yuan, seated on the floor, perked his ears slightly.


    His strong physical quality gave him hearing beyond that of ordinary people, coupled with the profound silence at night, he was sensitive to the slightest sounds.


    "Uncle is leaving?"


    Li Yuan heard the faint sound of the door closing, and like a cat, he got up without making a sound.


    He approached the window.


    Half a minuteter, Li Yuan saw his uncle, Li Changzhou, carrying his suitcase, hurriedly walking out the apartment door.


    After taking a few steps, Li Changzhou paused, looked back at the building upstairs, and then without lingering any further, disappeared around the corner of the street.


    Li Yuan stood by the window for a long time.


    "Uncle, are you truly willing to go to the Northern Border?" Li Yuan sighed inwardly.


    That one phrase "Someone has to go" from his uncle had greatly moved him.


    From a young age, his uncle had been full of patriotism and had always been guiding Li Yuan.


    Yet, in Li Yuan''s view, the situation in the Northern Border didn''t seem to warrant such a step yet.


    "Uncle is going, not just because of the nation''s call, but perhaps also for that very high subsidy." Li Yuan''s eyes dimmed slightly, "Muhua and I are both practicing Martial Path, and the financial pressure on our family is huge."


    He raised his hand.


    Whirr~ Silently, a glimmer of light shot out from Li Yuan''s wrist, forming a transparent holographic projection in front of his chest.


    Disyed was a wealth of war report news regarding the ''Rob Sea Star Realm,'' including news about bat subsidies'' and ''support subsidies.''


    "I must get admitted into one of the top five Martial Arts Universities." Li Yuan murmured to himself, his resolve growing stronger.


    Whoosh!


    Li Yuan went to the wardrobe near the window and gently pressed it; the door, spring-loaded, popped open.


    In front of Li Yuan, besides clothes, was only a specially crafted metal box with the pattern of an endless starry sky shining brightly on it.


    This was the symbol of the ''Starry Sky Martial Hall,'' one of the three great Martial Halls.


    He opened the box.


    "Basic Qi and Blood Elixir." Li Yuan gazed at the two rows of ten bottles of elixir in the box, nine of which were empty, with only one full bottle remaining.


    He took out thest bottle of elixir and held it in his hand.


    "Two thousand per bottle." Li Yuan looked at the exquisite bottle in his hand; its nearly transparent and smooth surface felt slightly cold to the touch.


    This was a specially designed bottle, capable of preserving the effects of the medicine for a long time.


    Through the bottle, one could see the flowing red liquid inside, faintly reddish under the weak moonlight, giving off a sense of vitality and vigor.


    This was the universally used Basic Qi and Blood Elixir.


    Even ordinary meals, including nutritional meals, could only ensure that one''s qi and blood would not be depleted during high-intensity physical training.


    But to improve the speed of physical evolution? That required the use of various precious elixirs and treasures.


    As far as Li Yuan knew, many precious medicines were more effective than the Basic Qi and Blood Elixir, but their prices were far more exorbitant.


    In terms of cost-effectiveness, the Basic Qi and Blood Elixir was among the highest in auxiliary cultivation medicines.


    Yet even so, it cost two thousand Blue Star Coins a bottle.


    Li Yuan needed a bottle every three days for his cultivation.


    Every month, he spent nearly two thousand Blue Star Coins just on Basic Qi and Blood Elixir.


    Plus the cost of daily meals.


    Each month, Li Yuan nearly spent close to thirty thousand Blue Star Coins on cultivation supplies.


    Not to mention clothing expenses, tuition fees, and other costs.


    And with Li Qianqian, Li Muhua... One could imagine the financial pressure his uncle and aunt bore.


    "ording to the schedule, I have to drink a bottle today." Li Yuan pulled the stopper off with ease.


    A strange scent wafted through the air.


    "Glug~." Li Yuan skillfully tipped his head back and drank the entire bottle of Basic Qi and Blood Elixir.


    Ensuring not a drop was left.


    He then ced the empty bottle back in the box.


    Soon, Li Yuan felt streams of warmth emanating from within his body, gradually spreading to all parts, eagerly absorbed by his muscles and bones.


    It was veryfortable.


    "After three days of intense cultivation, the effect of thest bottle of Qi and Blood Elixir has mostly worn off, and my muscles and bones are craving for more." Li Yuan was very satisfied with the medicinal effect.


    "Hmm."


    "It''s past midnight, time to practice the ''Great Sun Starry Sky Scripture.''" Li Yuan sat cross-legged, closed his eyes.


    Gradually, his mind emptied and his spirit receded inward.


    His consciousness focused on his mind.


    Boom!


    Silently, his consciousness arrived at a mysterious ce.


    There, a strange pce floated.

 Chapter 12: 10 "Observing the Great Sun Starry Sky Scripture

    This mysterious ce, boundless and endless, had no terminus.


    "Mind consciousness."


    "Every time my consciousnesses to my mind world, I am still somewhat shocked," Li Yuan murmured to himself.


    The mysterious ce was what he had awakened when his physical quality reached Level 5.0.


    After many attempts.


    Li Yuan finally confirmed that this should be the source of his own mind consciousness, that is, the mind world.


    The so-called mind world, as described in the vast number of Martial Path books bestowed upon Li Yuan, was referred to by powerful martial artists with various names such as the Upper Dantian Pce, the Brain Sea, the Sea of Consciousness, and many others.


    In simple terms¡ªbrain!


    It is the core of life and soul consciousness.


    If Li Yuan wanted to leave, a thought was all it would take.


    "Divine Pce," Li Yuan''s consciousness focused on the strange Divine Pce within the mind world.


    This Divine Pce seemingly had fouryers from the outside.


    This was the biggest aid to Li Yuan''s rapid increase in strength over the past year.


    Humm~ In the mind world where distance is irrelevant, with a thought from Li Yuan, he had already entered the strange Divine Pce.


    The inside of the Divine Pce was vast and boundless.


    "Divine Pce panel." With a thought from Li Yuan, the data panel immediately appeared within his field of consciousness.


    The Divine Pce panel appeared when Li Yuan''s consciousness first perceived the mind world and then entered the Divine Pce.


    It was the first benefit he received from this Divine Pce.


    But Li Yuan''s consciousness did not enter the Mind Spirit Divine Pce just to wander around aimlessly.


    His consciousness had already taken notice of the only piece of furnishing in the vast pce¡ªthe Jade tform.


    All red in hue, crystal clear, and upon close observation, engraved with many mysterious patterns that seemed to follow certain special rules, it subtly contained a kind of indescribable magical power.


    "Great Sun Jade tform," Li Yuan said to himself, the name he had given to the Jade tform.


    The next moment, Li Yuan''s consciousness converged directly upon the Jade tform, as if he were seated on the peculiar Jade tform.


    "Boom~" Li Yuan''s originally active consciousness immediately began to quiet down, and soon the environment around his consciousness changed.


    Beneath him was no longer the Jade tform, and around him was no longer the firstyer of the Divine Pce.


    It had transformed into an infinite starry sky, within which was a resplendent Great Sun, illuminating the endless expanse of stars.


    "Visualize within the heart mansion!"


    "Observing the Great Sun Starry Sky Scripture," the contents of this Visualization Method involuntarily surfaced in Li Yuan''s heart.


    "Recorded in the Mysterious Chronicles, ''Observing the Great Sun Starry Sky Scripture,'' is profound and its imagery boundless... The Great Sun hangs high, its mes fierce like a raging fire forging steel, enough to hone one''s will, making it as firm as a rock, fearless in the face of tribtions, an observation of the Great Sun implying shining virtue, dazzling, and invincibly powerful."


    "Ideas extend to stars, filling the heart''s universe, with focused examination bringing all celestial maps within grasp, connecting the threads oftitude and longitude, simting thews of heaven and earth, a conception of the Starry Sky containing infinite changes and vibrant life."


    "The Great Sun and Starry Sky merge as one, nurturing the spirit and mental state within the Divine Pce..."


    Li Yuan''s consciousness had unwittingly learned the ''Observing the Great Sun Starry Sky Scripture'' the first time he perceived the Jade tform.


    It was a magical Visualization Method that could temper the mind consciousness.


    At that moment.


    Li Yuan''s consciousness was faced directly with the zing Great Sun, as if subjected to the scorching fire, and intense pain instantly swept across his whole body, causing his physique to tremble involuntarily... the agony was immense.


    "This is the torment of the soul, not actual pain, my body will not suffer any injuries," Li Yuan was already familiar with this and tried his best to endure.


    To know, since starting his Martial Arts Cultivation in junior high school, the practice of Martial Path was very strenuous, involving both sweat and blood, especially so with Spear Technique.


    Tired or sleepy? Continue training!


    Hot weather? Train!


    Cold weather? Train!


    After a continuous month of cultivation, and then wanting tozily rest for a day? No way!


    It could be said that since Li Yuan began Cultivation Methods in Martial Arts with the intention to be a powerful martial artist.


    His determination and willpower far exceeded that of ordinary people, even more so after several years of cultivation.


    Even so, a year ago, when he first trained with the ''Observing the Great Sun Starry Sky Scripture,'' Li Yuan onlysted less than ten seconds.


    The pain was truly unfathomable.


    Over the past year, doing so almost every day, not only did it strengthen his spiritual power but also tempered his will.


    "Ideas extend to stars, filling the heart''s universe..." While enduring the pain, Li Yuan began to exercise the Visualization Method.


    Humm~ Silently, a gentle force emanated from the endless Starry Sky, nourishing Li Yuan''s mind consciousness, gradually restoring his fatigue.


    Enabling him to withstand the scorching of the Great Sun.


    ```


    Time ticked away, second by second... Li Yuan finally managed to hold on for about three minutes.


    Boom! His consciousness shattered.


    "Hmm?"


    Li Yuan opened his eyes, as his consciousness had just returned to rity. He briefly calmed his mind, then closed his eyes again, concentrating to enter the Mind Spirit Divine Pce once more and began to repeat the process... it was almost like self-torture.


    A quarter of an hour!


    Half an hour.


    An hour.


    Suddenly, Li Yuan received a prompt from the Divine Pce panel:


    [Your spiritual power level has been raised from 12.4 to 12.5]


    ...


    "Finally raised another 0.1 level," Li Yuan thought to himself, and then without further ado, he continued his persistent cultivation.


    Another hourter.


    "Hmm?" Li Yuan tried again, only to find that his consciousness could no longer converge on the Jade tform.


    He opened his eyes and looked down at his smart ring.


    "It''s 2:11 in the morning."


    "Another two hours of cultivation?" This was also something Li Yuan had figured out.


    Cultivating the Observing the Great Sun Starry Sky Scripture, he could only continue for a maximum of two hours each day, after which he would no longer be able to carry on.


    Li Yuan hypothesized that cultivating this Method was so painful, with repeated forced exits from the spiritual world, it probably wasn''tpletely without cost, it was just that he hadn''t noticed it yet.


    Cultivating for a maximum of two hours per day was very likely a form of self-protection by the Mind Spirit Divine Pce.


    "Enough."


    "Just one year of cultivating the Observing the Great Sun Starry Sky Scripture and my spiritual power level has grown from 5.9 when I first entered my second year of high school to now 12.5," Li Yuan noticed another change in his body.


    Compared to the extreme fatigue he felt two hours ago, his body had nowpletely recovered.


    Symptoms like muscle soreness had disappeared entirely.


    It was as if he had slept deeply for ten hours and then received the most professional physical therapy.


    This was another benefit of cultivating the Observing the Great Sun Starry Sky Scripture ¡ª deep restoration.


    "Comfortable."


    Li Yuan stood up, a smile appearing on his face.


    In addition to his physical state returning to its peak, he could sense that his awareness of his body and his sensitivity to his surroundings had be much clearer.


    "The stronger the spiritual power, the stronger the control over the body."


    "In that case, whether I am practicing Spear Technique, movement technique, or the Basic Cultivation Methods, the efficiency will be much higher," there was a glint in Li Yuan''s eyes.


    Why had he progressed so rapidly this past year?


    First, it was because of the Divine Pce panel, which let him always know his progress, filling him with motivation to cultivate.


    Second, it was the acquisition of the Observing the Great Sun Starry Sky Scripture ¡ª this Visualization Method.


    Spiritual power surpassing ordinary people!


    Higher efficiency in cultivation!


    Also allowing his body to recover to its healthiest state in a short time every day, at an extremely fast pace, saving arge amount of physical therapy expenses.


    "People like Wan Xiao and some elite students would go for electric therapy, massage, medicinal baths, and other means of physical therapy to maintain and recover their bodies after arduous training," Li Yuan thought to himself: "But I reckon none of that can match the additional effects of my cultivating the Observing the Great Sun Starry Sky Scripture."


    This was a very magical Visualization Method.


    "But no matter how magical the Method, one still has to put in the effort to cultivate it step by step," Li Yuan was clear about this truth.


    Many people have opportunities and encounters.


    For example, being born into the Blue Star''s richest family, isn''t that an opportunity?


    For example, if born into the family of the mightiest warrior of the Seven Star Alliance, isn''t that an opportunity?


    But.


    No matter what kind of opportunities one may have, if one bescent and neglects their cultivation because of them.


    Then in the future, it would be difficult to reach the pinnacle.


    "In this world."


    "Many people are born into wealthy and powerful families, have resources, possess high talent, and also work hard," Li Yuan mused to himself: "If I don''t work hard as well, how can Ipare to them?"


    Thinking this, Li Yuan stood up.


    "Time to study for the academic subjects," Li Yuan entered the virtualwork capsule within his room.


    ```

 Chapter 13: 11 Martial Path is Me (Four more updates for monthly passes)

    Li Yuan wore a ''smart ring,'' which was simr to early mobile phones but had more powerful functions, such as holographic projection and body condition monitoring. However, it couldn''t connect consciousness to the virtualwork.


    And the virtualwork pod, as an electronic device essential in every household of this era.


    Only by using it could one connect their consciousness to the virtualwork.


    Its appearance resembled those early space capsule gaming consoles.


    "Iris verification!"


    "Consciousness connection." Li Yuanid back in the pod''s chair and put on the neural connection device, feeling the cool metal against his scalp.


    In an instant, consciousness connected to the virtualwork.


    The Blue Star virtual!


    The Seven Greats, separated by the vast expanses of starry sky, hence each''s virtualwork is rtively independent... at least Li Yuan had no ess to the virtualworks of others.


    Hu!


    Li Yuan''s consciousness had arrived in a special space.


    He could leave at will, should he choose to.


    "Although the virtualwork allows for consciousness connection, it always feels somewhat surreal, unable to achieve a hundred percent realism," Li Yuan thought to himself. "Not to mention achieving a one-to-one replication of body data scanning as depicted in some novels."


    "After all, the virtual can never rece the real."


    However, a virtualwork with a realism of up to 70% was already incredibly magical.


    In the few decades since its inception, human civilization underwent an earth-shaking transformation.


    Hu! Hu!


    In Li Yuan''s view, numerous options appeared:


    Study Space (Virtual School/ssroom/Laboratory/Library/Martial Arts Room...)


    Virtual City (Jiang City/Capital City/Hacheng/Sucheng...)


    Social Space (Music/Friends/Dating/Games...)


    Commerce (Virtual Mall/Real Estate/Hotel Reservations)... a myriad of options.


    The vast majority of the options were in color, indicating they were essible.


    But there were also a few grayed-out options.


    For example: Adult Series (Prohibited for Minors)


    ...


    Li Yuan had just turned seventeen not long ago and was not yet an adult.


    "Enter personal study room." Familiar with the process, Li Yuan directly entered his personal study room.


    He began to review academic knowledge.


    Theoretically, students couldplete all cultural course learning online, but the virtualwork ultimately couldn''t achieve 100% realism.


    Moreover, tangible materials are the hardware, the basis of all virtuality.


    Therefore, ces like schools, office buildings, and service halls still existed in reality, and students still needed to attend school.


    Of course, most office work, cultural examinations,pany interviews, etc., werepleted online.


    For students'' self-study, if they had high self-discipline, they could be more efficient online.


    Li Yuan was one of those highly disciplined individuals.


    After an hour of efficient self-study.


    "The total score for the cultural courses is 1000 points. I scored 658 points in the second-year finals. I aim to reach 700 points this year in my senior year," Li Yuan muttered to himself. "I just don''t want to fall too far behind."


    Everyone''s energy is limited.


    Li Yuan had considerable talent in the Martial Path, especially in Spear Technique, where he exhibited greatprehension.


    Even before encountering the Mind Spirit Divine Pce, his Spear Technique was already of Second Stage quality, clearly indicating his aptitude.


    But in academic learning, his talent was admittedly average, definitely not on par with Zhou Qi and Yan Zhou, especially since he devoted little energy to it.


    It wasn''t a surprise that he hadn''t yet managed to score 700 points.


    Even if he did score 700 points, it would still be below average at Guan Mountain District''s top high school.


    This was despite the fact that Li Yuan''s academic performance had improved over the past year as his spiritual power level rose, boosting his study efficiency.


    Otherwise, he wouldn''t even be confident of scoring 700 points on the college entrance exam.


    "A polymath?"


    "How many polymaths can there be? What I need to do is to fully unleash my strongest point, to be the master of one," Li Yuan had a clear understanding of himself.


    Why did he want to pursue a full-time career as a Martial Artist?


    The first reason was his deep love for it.


    The second reason was that after awakening the Mind Spirit Divine Pce, Li Yuan believed he had much greater hope for major achievements on the Martial Path than on the academic route.


    ...


    It was past three in the early morning.


    "It''s time to go to school," Li Yuan stepped out of the virtualwork pod.


    He slung his bag over his shoulder.


    Without disturbing his aunt, brother, or sisters, he quietly left the house.


    ...


    Driverless trams and subways operate 24 hours a day, but after midnight, the intervals between trips be much longer.


    So, Li Yuan often chose¡ªto run to school.


    He considered it a warm-up exercise.


    In the streets at just past three in the morning, aside from streetmps and the asional passing vehicle, everything was deserted.


    Passing by the corner ''Fook Wei Noodle Shop'', he could see the owner had already woken up and started preparing for the day.


    "Boss, good morning," Li Yuan greeted with a smile.


    "Running at night again, eh? Be careful out there," the apron-d owner stood up and greeted Li Yuan with a smile.


    They often bumped into each other.


    Not knowing each other''s identities or names, but over time, they had be familiar ''strangers''.


    ...


    Twenty minutester, Li Yuan arrived at school.


    Face recognition to enter.


    He went into the ssroom, and the lights were on.


    "I''ll start with two hours of Basic Cultivation Method," Li Yuan said as he stood in the corner of the ssroom, calming his mind and quickly entering a stance practiced in martial arts.


    His posture was as solid as a rock, coordinating 36 forms of movements with breathing techniques.


    He began a new day of cultivation.


    Solid Rock Foundation Initiation, Rock-breaking Slide, Stance as Steady as a Pir, Sky-shattering Stone, Hard Smash like Diamond, Mountain Firm as Abyss... These 36 forms were essentially derived from the Solid Rock Fist Technique.


    It was divided into practice method andbat application.


    In reality, Li Yuan even devoted more effort to the Solid Rock Cultivation Technique than to the Spear Technique.


    "Spear Technique can be pondered slowly."


    "But my Martial Spirit is destined not to awaken in a short time, and none of the seven high-rank cultivation methods suit me," Li Yuan thought to himself. "In that case, I must continue to cultivate using the Solid Rock Cultivation Technique."


    "Even after bing a Martial Artist, I may still need to rely on this very cultivation technique, so I must diligently study the Solid Rock Fist Technique." Li Yuan was clear in his thoughts: "The higher my Fist Technique Realm, the more efficient my physical cultivation will be."


    Physical quality is the foundation; Spear Technique and movement technique are the weapons that unleash physical quality.


    "Moreover, Spear Technique, movement technique, Fist Technique are essentially thebination of body and mind. Progress in one aspect of martial arts skills can lead to faster improvement in other skills."


    Time passed by.


    Li Yuan practiced tirelessly, and gradually, a faint warm current flowed from his dantian in the waist area, spreading throughout his body to be devoured and absorbed by muscles and bones.


    The basic qi and blood medicinal solution he had taken a few hours earlier was gradually taking effect.


    Muscles became firmer, bone density further increased, and the internal organs were growing more robust... Only with crazy cultivation could the medicinal solution''s effectiveness not be wasted.


    Li Yuan cultivated without showing any signs of fatigue.


    In his mind involuntarily surfaced the famous words of the first martial arts powerhouse of human civilization, ''Dongfang Ji'':


    "What is the Martial Path?"


    "The Martial Path is not about surpassing others; it''s about pouring every ounce of your blood and passion into daily training, day and night, practicing sixteen hours a day, consistently over a hundred years, and when you look back after another hundred years, you will find that you are the Martial Path!"


    "The Martial Path is me."


    ...


    Just after four in the morning, the sky still dark.


    "Boom!" An intelligent off-road vehicle drove in through the school gate.


    It parked automatically.


    A figure towering like an iron tower and a ck-d woman with a robust figure stepped out of the car.


    Both headed towards the office building.


    "Tie Ta, is this the school you work at?" The woman with a firm face and sharp eagle-like eyes gazed across the campus. "This is my first visit to see you since your retirement."


    Xu Bo smiled rarely: "You''re really in a hurry this time, passing through Jiang City and can only stay for four hours."


    "I''m here particrly to check on your medication," the ck-d woman nced at him. "Otherwise, with such urgent tasks, I wouldn''t have stopped in Jiang City at all. Come on, take me to your therapy room for a preliminary examination."


    "If your nerve injury has worsened, the supervisors will have toe up with a new solution for you."


    Suddenly, the ck-d woman halted her steps.


    "A student is already here to practice so early? And he seems to be doing pretty well, his Basic Cultivation Method is nearly perfected, with a high level of control over his body," the ck-d woman said with slight surprise.


    Her gaze drifted toward a nearby building.


    In the entire high school building, only one ssroom on the first floor was lit.


    Through the window, one could see a student inside focused on cultivating Fist Technique.


    Each movement was as unmoving as a rock towering on thend, exuding an unshakable aura.


    "Li Yuan?" Xu Bo frowned slightly to one side: "He''s already practicing at school this early?"


    "Can his body handle that?"


    Cultivation should be in moderation.


    In Xu Bo''s view, it was necessary to ensure sufficient sleep, rest, diet, and treatment for efficient cultivation.


    "Considering his vibrant spirit, blood filled with energy, and seemly well-rested state, it appears he''s been resting very well." The ck-d womanmented with a smile: "Tie Ta, do you know him, is he your student?"


    "He is my student," Xu Bo said, looking thoughtfully at Li Yuan.


    "Let''s go, we will first visit my Martial Arts Room."

 Chapter 14: 12: The Ultimate Move "Hidden Dragon in the Gorge

    Xu Bo and the woman in ck passed by the ssroom. Their breaths were so well concealed, and because they did not observe for long, Li Yuan did not notice them at all.


    He waspletely immersed in his own cultivation.


    Although Li Yuan was serious when studying his academic courses, he essentially did it with the mindset of pleting a task'', so it was difficult for his efficiency to reach the highest level.


    But when cultivating his fist technique or spear technique, feeling his physical quality and martial skills gradually improving filled Li Yuan with heartfelt joy.


    Utterly focused.


    Doing one thing well only happens when one is fully immersed and loves it from the bottom of their heart, which is the only way to make the greatest progress.


    Time passed, minute by minute, second by second.


    Suddenly.


    [Your Fist Technique Realm has increased from 88% at the Third Stage to 89% at the Third Stage.]


    [Your Fist Strength has increased from 426 kg to 427 kg.]


    [Your Speed has increased from 14.4 m/s to 14.5 m/s.]


    Three prompts appeared out of nowhere in Li Yuan''s vision, and his Divine Pce panel data changed ordingly.


    But so engrossed was he in his cultivation that he didn''t even notice the slight improvements to his physical quality.


    It wasn''t until his intelligent wristband suddenly vibrated.


    "Is it already 5:30 am? How time flies," Li Yuan was startled awake.


    He was already sweating profusely.


    "Hm? My physical quality has improved again?" It was only then that Li Yuan noticed the reminders on the Divine Pce panel.


    He felt even more satisfied in his heart.


    "A little progress every day, as long as it''s consistently maintained," Li Yuan thought to himself.


    Ever since awakening the Mind Spirit Divine Pce a year ago and learning the Great Sun Starry Sky Scripture, Li Yuan only needed to meditate for two hours each day. If he could endure the hellish torture of his psyche, his physical exhaustion would vanishpletely, rendering better recovery than sleep or deep therapy.


    Since then, he had cultivated the habit of arriving at the school for cultivation at around 3:30 am.


    Even during holidays, he would find a ce to cultivate alone at the bottom of his apartmentplex.


    Striving to the utmost.


    Only by doing so had he managed to make such rapid progress in the Martial Path over the past year.


    Li Yuan wiped the sweat from his body and put back his towel.


    Suddenly sensing something, he turned to look back.


    "Tianyou? You''re here so early?" Li Yuan smiled at the slim figure with the backpack.


    "You got here even earlier than me," Li Tianyou said, also looking surprised at Li Yuan.


    "I just got here a while ago, just put my bag down," Li Yuan, while taking out his long spear,ughed and said, "I left evening self-study earlier than you yesterday, so I need to work harder in the morning."


    "Is that so?" Li Tianyou looked at Li Yuan, puzzled.


    He could no longer remember how many times this had happened.


    Every time after evening self-study, he was thest one to leave the ssroom, which is why he was called the ''First Study King'' by his ssmates.


    But!!


    Li Tianyou alone knew that no matter whether he arrived at the ssroom at 6:30 am, 6:15 am, or even 6:00 am, one figure was always there before him¡ªLi Yuan.


    Today, he deliberately arrived at 5:40 am.


    Li Yuan was already standing in the ssroom.


    "Pfft!"


    Not far away, Li Yuan took out his long spear and silently began to practice his spear technique.


    "Could it be that Li Yuan arrives at school every day at 5:30 am, or even earlier?" Li Tianyou couldn''t help but think as he watched Li Yuan.


    He immediately shook his head.


    Impossible!


    "My home is just a street away from school, pretty close."


    "When I asionally arrive around 5 am, I feel a bit sleepy during the day," Li Tianyou thought to himself. "If I want to stay fully energized throughout the day, I should get up at 6:15 am."


    Li Tianyou was equally disciplined.


    "Li Yuan''s family is only slightly better off than mine, so he can''t afford high-level therapy, and he lives so far away... If he wants to get to school by 5:30 am, he has to get up at 5 am. His body can''t handle that."


    "He must be like me, only asionallying to school for practice early in the morning."


    "It''s just that these few times, we happened to bump into each other," Li Tianyou guessed.


    He didn''t dwell on it and started practising the Basic Cultivation Method on his own.


    Until 6:30 am.


    It was broad daylight by then, and a few ssmates began to trickle into the Martial Path ssroom.


    "You two study kings are here again?" Several ssmates teased, and then they all began to practice on their own.


    It wasn''t that the students of ss 3(2) didn''t work hard; rather, most of them focused on academic courses, and even if they arrived early, they would likely head to an academic ssroom to review.


    "ng!"


    Li Yuan put his long spear back into the weapon cab and left the ssroom to go to the canteen.


    It was time for breakfast.


    Eating three meals a day, at set times, adjusting for snacks or portions ording to what the body needs.


    That is the basic code of conduct for a Martial Path student.


    After breakfast.


    Li Yuan went straight to the cultural ssroom, beginning a morning of cultural lessons.


    ...


    Day after day.


    Li Yuan practiced methodically.


    For senior year students¡ªwhether they focused on cultural studies or the Martial Path.


    The process was incredibly dull and depressing.


    But Li Yuan was clear, there were no actual geniuses in the real sense.


    "Genius" has always been 99% perspiration plus 1% talent, and sometimes, when breaking through a bottleneck, that 1% of talent is indeed more important.


    However, without the 99% perspiration, no matter how high one''s talent, it would ultimately be a castle in the air.


    Because the world nevercks geniuses.


    What is alwayscking are hardworking geniuses.


    ...


    Day after day, time flew, and it was suddenly mid-September.


    During this time, Li Yuan made time to visit the ''Starry Sky Martial Hall Guan Mountain District branch'' and purchased a whole box of basic blood Qi liquid from Uncle Zhong for 19,000 Blue Star Coins.


    Uncle Zhong, a friend of his Uncle Li Changzhou, was an Entry Rank martial artist and a member of the Starry Sky Martial Hall, who helped to buy the basic blood Qi liquid with a discount.


    Even so, this expense still made Li Yuan''s heart ache.


    But it had to be spent.


    If he didn''t have the basic blood Qi liquid, his progress in physical quality would be at least halved.


    Even his body might not be able to withstand such frantic training, resulting in a deficit.


    The Martial Path required not only talent and effort but also financial investment.


    All three were indispensable.


    And now, it had been over ten days since Teacher Xu Bo promised the "Third ss schrship".


    Li Yuan was eager at heart.


    But during this period, whether it was during his Martial Path sses or when he encountered Teacher Xu Bo during the breaks, Li Yuan never mentioned it.


    It was as if such a conversation had never taken ce between them.


    "This schrship, I can only wait for it, I must not ask for it," Li Yuan sighed inwardly.


    Because, he wasn''t entitled to it.


    If Teacher Xu Bo had kept silent all this time, he must have encountered some difficulties.


    To ask proactively would only displease the other party.


    ...


    Before long, another five days had passed.


    The moonlight was hazy, scattering a cool brilliance over the oil cypress path outside the senior teaching building.


    In the spacious Martial Path ssroom of senior year (ss 2), a dozen students were each practicing on their own.


    On one side of the field, Li Yuan was immersed in practicing his Spear Technique.


    Standing there, his entire presence was like an immovable rock, emanating an invisible pressure, with both hands holding the spear.


    He repeatedly practiced various techniques with the long spear.


    "Pff!"


    "Pfft!" The tip of the spear drew invisible arcs through the air, creating afterimages, swift as a gale with aggressive, straight thrusts.


    "Boom!" Suddenly, firm as a Solid Rock Pir, the spear shadows flowed endlessly.


    Each turn, lift of the spear, thrust, and parry by Li Yuannded precisely on the points he had envisioned in his mind.


    With his spine arching and waist twisting, the muscles and bones throughout his body moved along with the long spear, reaching a high realm of unity between body, heart, and weapon.


    Suddenly.


    Li Yuan, who had just taken a defensive stance with his spear, suddenly lunged forward with a powerful thrust as if a dragon lurking in a myriad of rocky ravines unleashed its power.


    The might of this thrust was hidden to the extreme before its burst.


    But when the thrust exploded forward, its ferocity reached the ultimate extreme.


    "Boom!" The spear shadows instantly blurred, and the air itself seemed to crackle.


    This scene.


    Astonished all the surrounding students, who couldn''t help but turn their heads to look at the move Li Yuan had just executed.


    "Finally, I''ve fully perfected this killing move."


    "Dragon Hidden in the Gorge!" Li Yuan retracted his spear, a faint light flickering in his eyes: "With this move,bined with the killing move ''Solid Rock Pir'' I created before, one offensive and one defensive supporting each other."


    "I am now fully capable of surpassing 500 points in the Gold Stage on the Starry Skies Fighting Network."


    The Combat Network had long established a rule.


    If one could reach 500 points in the Gold Stage before the age of eighteen, they would be rewarded with 50,000 Blue Star Coins.


    "Hmm?" Li Yuan suddenly noticed a reminder on the Divine Pce panel.


    [Your Spear Technique Realm has progressed from the Third Stage at 40% to the Third Stage at 46%]

 Chapter 15: 13 Xu Bos Test

    "Creating this unique move, my Spear Technique Realm has increased by 6%?" Li Yuan revealed a trace of a smile at the corner of his mouth.


    Such an improvement was within his expectations.


    Li Yuan remembered that during the second semester of his junior year, as the final exams approached, his Spear Technique Realm had been stuck at 99% at the Second Stage, unable to break through.


    Teacher Xu, at that time, had given him three pieces of advice.


    First, both Fist Technique and movement technique arebinations of body and mind. As you gradually improve control over your body to mobilize its strength to the utmost, both Fist Technique and movement technique will often continue to improve, and vice versa.


    Second, Spear Technique is a weapon! The essence of practicing Spear Technique is the integration of body, mind, and weapon. As the weapon is an external object, not an inherent part of the body, it is more difficult to cultivate; however, a weapon can exert terrifying fighting power beyond the body''s strength.


    Third, when you hit a bottleneck in spear practice, try transforming fists into spears!


    "Historically, the ''Xingyi Quan'' in traditional martial arts evolved from spear skills," Li Yuan thought silently. "Integrating the force and technical variations of Spear Technique into bare-handed Fist Technique truly transforms the spear into a fist."


    "In this era, with Cultivation Methods like stance practices and Breathing Techniquesplementing each other, the efficiency of body cultivation far exceeds that of the ancients.


    The entire human civilization has embarked on the road of Life Evolution, repeatedly breaking the limits of life, and ultimately giving rise to Martial Artists capable of soaring through the heavens and earth, but the fundamental principles of Martial Arts Skills remain unchanged." Li Yuan reviewed the past.


    "The ''Solid Rock Fist Technique'' and the traditional Xingyi Quan have a simr ingenuity and can also be transformed into Spear Technique."


    This was the direction that Li Yuan chose after receiving guidance from Teacher Xu Bo.


    It was also one of the reasons why Li Yuan had so fervently studied the "Solid Rock Fist Technique."


    Fist Technique, Spear Technique, and movement technique were never independent of each other but promoted each other.


    During the final exams of his junior year, Li Yuan had not managed to break through.


    Therefore, during the vacation, he did not rx at all and kept pondering relentlessly.


    With his spiritual power further enhanced, finally, in the half-month before school resumed.


    Li Yuan took the basic spear skills as the cornerstone andbined the core secrets of the "Solid Rock Fist Technique" to create his very first real Spear Technique move¡ªSolid Rock Pir.


    This movebined the two moves from the Solid Rock Fist Technique, ''Solid Rock Foundation Initiation'' and ''Force like a Steady Pir,'' into Spear Technique.


    Both the "Solid Rock Cultivation Technique" and the "Solid Rock Fist Technique" prioritize the foundation and energy from the ground, and they are the strongest in defense among the Seven Fundamental Cultivation Methods.


    This Spear Technique move was also a defensive one.


    Creating ''Solid Rock Pir'' enabled Li Yuan''s Spear Technique Realm to break through from 99% at the Second Stage to the Third Stage in one fell swoop.


    At the beginning of the school term, during the test and the sparring with Teacher Xu Bo, it was also because of this unique move that Li Yuan was able to withstand more than ten moves.


    A defensive spear move would only save your life.


    To kill an enemy? You must attack.


    Therefore, in these two months, Li Yuan had been thinking about how to create an attack move.


    "Solid Rock Fist Technique excels in defense, so creating a defensive ultimate move is easy, but creating an attack move is difficult."


    The Seven Fundamental Cultivation Methods include seven Fist Techniques, like the "zing me Fist Technique" and the "True Gold Fist Technique," which are good at attacking and can more easily create attacking ultimate moves.


    Through repeated practice of both Fist Technique and Spear Technique.


    As his Skill Realm rose higher, it was only after referencing the concept of ''Turnabout Spear'' that Li Yuan finally had a breakthrough.


    "Turnabout Spear is about feigning weakness before an enemy, pretending to retreat and then suddenly turning around to counterattack¡ªit''s a mounted spear skill," Li Yuan thought silently. "My Solid Rock Spear Technique excels in defense, whether it''s in the cirction of vigor, footwork, or the way I hold the spear, there''s an innate tendency towards defense."


    "Then, the moment I take the initiative to attack, during the switch between spear moves, it''s easy for the enemy to discern the feint from the real attack."


    "The only way is to counterattack."


    "To use defense as offense, waiting until the enemy is careless or bes weary after a fierce attack, then suddenly strike with a lethal move." Li Yuan''s eyes shone with determination.


    On this principle, Li Yuan finally created the killing move ''Hidden Dragon in the Gorge.''"


    "Based on the single sessions of Martial Arts lessons these past two weeks and Teacher Xu''s personal guidance," Li Yuan thought. "The First Stage and Second Stage are the foundation of skills."


    In the most recent lessons.


    Teacher Xu Bo always provided personal guidance to Li Yuan.


    "The Third Stage Realm emphasizes the integration of body, mind, and weapon, striving to use one hundred percent of the body''s strength," Li Yuan thought silently. "The Spear Technique and Fist Technique that I normally execute instinctively can''t fully utilize my strength."


    "Only when I find the opportunity to apply an ultimate move can I achieve it."


    Only those moves that can fully unleash the body''s strength can be considered ultimate or killing moves.


    So far, the ultimate moves that Li Yuan had created were only two.


    "Moving forward, if I can create more ultimate moves," Li Yuan gradually rified his future path. "Even to the extent that someday, every punch or spear thrust I make could achieve perfection in the cirction of vigor and weapon power without wasting any strength, then my Martial Arts Skills will be able to break through to the Fourth Stage Realm."


    In the lectures by Teacher Xu Bo.


    The so-called ''Fourth Stage Realm'' has another name¡ªUnity with the Weapon.


    Also known as ''Body-Mind-Weapon Integration.''


    In ancient times, if one''s skills reached the Fourth Stage, they could barely qualify to be called a ''Spear Technique Master'' or ''Fist Technique Master.''


    "Unity with the weapon? That''s a bit far off," Li Yuan shook his head slightly. "Step by step, let''s continue to ponder more ultimate moves."


    Each ultimate move is essentially a specific way for the body to exert force perfectly.


    The more ultimate moves created, the more perfected the body''s overall power-generation techniques be, and ultimately, one would naturally step into the Fourth Stage Realm.


    "Whew!"


    ```


    "Tssk!" Li Yuan continued to practice his Spear Technique, bing more familiar with the "Dragon Hidden in the Ravine" move.


    "The day after tomorrow."


    "The day after tomorrow is a holiday, I''ll have enough time, so I''ll work hard to get my points up to the Gold Stage with 500 points," Li Yuan resolved.


    Can''t wait for the schrship.


    If he wanted to lessen the financial burden on his family, he''d have to find his own way.


    The prize money of fifty thousand from the Starry Skies Fighting Network had been on Li Yuan''s mind for quite some time.


    ¡­


    Office building, first floor.


    Teacher Xu Bo''s office was exceedingly spacious.


    "This kid, he''s progressing really fast," Xu Bo, standing in the middle of the Martial Arts Room and built like a tower, dressed in a martial arts uniform, remarked.


    In front of him.


    A mass of light coalesced to form an image on a light screen about two meters high and two and a half meters wide.


    The screen disyed the martial arts ssroom of ss Senior Three (2).


    And the erged image showed Li Yuan practicing his "Dragon Hidden in the Ravine" Spear Technique.


    "He really can keep his cool, hasn''t asked me about it after all this time; the kid sure is steady," Teacher Xu said, a hint of teasing in his smile.


    As the homeroom teacher and a special-grade instructor of the school, he had high-level ess and could freely pull up ss surveince footage.


    Thus, upon seeing that Li Yuan arrived at school past four o''clock that day.


    He began to pay special attention to Li Yuan and pulled up a significant amount of past surveince records.


    This investigation, even for someone ustomed to big scenes like Xu Bo, was somewhat surprising.


    He found that Li Yuan had beening to school after three o''clock every day for a year.


    Without ever taking a break.


    "Determined, persistent, he''s a promising student," Teacher Xu thought. "Moreover, my previous spection was correct; his family''s conditions are only average. The fact that his body can withstand such intense training demonstrates that his physical talent is truly remarkable."


    Teacher Xu was unaware of the existence of the "Observing the Great Sun Starry Sky Scripture."


    He attributed Li Yuan''s ability to endure daily arduous training, yet still be full of vigor, to ''exceptional talent.''


    His standards were incredibly high, and he knew that there are many unique geniuses in this world.


    The abilities that Li Yuan disyed weren''t anything special to him.


    What Teacher Xu valued most were Li Yuan''s persistence andprehension.


    "Having talent isn''t everything," he said.


    "But it''s crucial to make the effort to realize that talent," he added.


    However, even after thoroughly investigating, besides providing normal guidance in his teaching, Teacher Xu had yet taken no particr action.


    He wanted to observe and test Li Yuan further.


    Should he use his resources and connections to nurture someone with talent just because he had it? Who said he had to? Li Yuan wasn''t Teacher Xu''s own son.


    Just a student.


    That was why he was going to use the issue of the ''schrship''.


    To see what kind of character Li Yuan had.


    If Li Yuan couldn''t wait more than a few days and became impatient to inquire, Teacher Xu would understand, as it''s human nature. He would apply for the schrship, and even help get a Second ss Schrship, fulfilling his duty as a teacher.


    But he wouldn''t do more than that, because the talented individuals worthy of Teacher Xu''s attention shouldn''t just be ''ordinary people.''


    "It''s about time."


    "Since it''s his Senior year, I can''t dy him too long, and besides, he''s still a kid after all, my demands can''t be too harsh," Teacher Xu gazed at the light screen and said, "ck Dog, help me connect with Principal Tan."


    "Yes, Master."


    "Beep¡ªbeep¡ª" The projected image changed.


    Shortly after.


    An office scene appeared on the screen, where a middle-aged man in his forties was sitting in front of a desk.


    If Li Yuan saw the man, he would definitely recognize him as the school''s principal, ''Tan Zhenlong''.


    Tan Zhenlong, his actual age over seventy years old.


    In this era, the normal retirement age is eighty; if one is a Martial Artist, they may choose to dy retirement to a hundred years old.


    "Old Tan," Teacher Xu said bluntly.


    "Xu Bo," Principal Tan smiled and asked, "Calling me thiste, what''s the matter?"


    "I want to apply for a Special Schrship spot, approve it," Teacher Xu said straightforwardly.


    ```

 Chapter 16: 14 Special Scholarship

    ```


    "Special Schrship?" Principal Tan, who was going through documents, had his smile freeze on his face.


    He doubted his ears, "Xu Bo? Did you say special?"


    "What else?" Xu Bo red, "Old Tan, cut the chatter and just hurry up and approve it."


    Principal Tan felt a headacheing on.


    As a principal, his power was substantial; in theory, all teachers were his subordinates... but Xu Bo had a special status.


    "Xu Bo, it''s not that I don''t want to approve it for you." Principal Tan lifted his eyelids and said helplessly, "A Special Schrship isn''t just a First Rank Schrship. A First Rank Schrship is only a hundred thousand Blue Star Coins, which I can approve directly."


    "A Special Schrship is five hundred thousand Blue Star Coins. Even if I agree, it still has to be reported up to the Education Bureau."


    "I know." Xu Bo nodded as if it were a matter of course, "After you approve it, I''ll give Director He a call."


    Principal Tan was startled.


    The Director He that Xu Bo mentioned was his immediate supervisor.


    Principal Tan understood that Xu Bo wasn''t terrifyingly powerful; after an injury, his Physical Quality was just at the level of 19, but having survived in the Star Realm for over twenty years and stilling back alive... his connections were unfathomably deep.


    To Principal Tan''s knowledge, when Xu Bo first came to Guan Mountain District''s Number One High School, it was Director He who personally escorted him.


    "Xu Bo." Principal Tan shook his head, "If you want me to agree, you at least have to tell me why. Which student is it? Or is it a promising seedling from some middle school?"


    Principal Tan knew Xu Bo well.


    He was very strict in teaching students, but equally responsible, often considering the students'' welfare.


    He was the school''s leading star teacher.


    Otherwise, even with Xu Bo''s extensive connections, Principal Tan wouldn''t care much about him.


    As for suspecting that Xu Bo would embezzle the five hundred thousand Blue Star Coins? That had never crossed Principal Tan''s mind.


    You see, Xu Bo''s office... he had spent millions of Blue Star Coins to renovate it himself... the wealth umted by a powerful Martial Artist who had wandered the Star Realm for many years is quite astonishing.


    "There is a promising seedling, but not from middle school." said Xu Bo, "He''s from the third year of high school."


    "A high school third-year promising seedling worthy of a Special Schrship?" Principal Tan was slightly surprised.


    He didn''t recall such a student.


    The schrship took into ount many aspects like academic performance, family background, talent, and political connections.


    "I''ll send you the information." Xu Bo said.


    Soon enough, Principal Tan received the online data and immediately began reviewing it. With over fifty years of experience working in the education field... his capabilities were strong.


    "Xu Bo, this Li Yuan is indeed a promising seedling with great potential. It''s to your credit that you discovered him." Principal Tan first praised Xu Bo''s eye for talent.


    Immediately afterward, he switched tones, "But to be nominated for a Special Schrship? To be honest, Li Yuan is stillcking a bit."


    "What is hecking?" Xu Bo''s face showed displeasure, "Didn''t you see his Spear Technique video?"


    "I saw it, it''s impressive."


    Principal Tan shook his head, "But the schrship is issued by the state, and it''s not just up to me and Director He to approve, the Intelligent Supervision Bureau also has to pass it."


    "The Intelligent Supervision Bureau doesn''t have manual reviews, they only acknowledge official exam results, and whether Martial Spirit has awakened is also a significant indicator."


    "In thest term exam, he just made it into the top thirty of his year, and he hasn''t awakened his Martial Spirit... it''ll be difficult to pass the final review." Principal Tan exined.


    "With his current strength, he has the potential to break into the top twenty of his year." Xu Bo red.


    "That''s your im." Principal Tan shook his head, "The Intelligent Supervision Bureau only recognizes official exam results; we''d at least have to wait until the January re-examination."


    "January re-examination?" Xu Bo showed displeasure, "That''s still several months away, the iron''s going to get cold."


    "Old Tan, you''re also a Martial Artist, you know how important this age is." Xu Bo said, "What resources can you directly allocate now?"


    "Now?"


    Principal Tan thought for a moment, "Second ss Schrship, I can directly approve that."


    "Fifty thousand Blue Star Coins? Not enough." Xu Bo tly shook his head.


    "That''s all the authority I have on hand." Principal Tan spread his hands and then added, "Alright, how about this, I''ll also give him ess to an independent Martial Arts Room, which is the treatment for the top ten in the grade."


    Xu Bo frowned, seemingly still not satisfied.


    "Xu Bo, that''s enough."


    "For a third-year high school student, fifty thousand is enough to buy two or three months'' worth of basic vitality fluid." Principal Tan said, "Wait until the January re-examination, if he can break into the top twenty of his year, I''ll help apply for a First Rank Schrship."


    "Top twenty of his year? Old Tan, I have to say, you really undervalue people." Xu Bo shook his head, "Li Yuan has aplete chance of breaking into the top ten by the January re-examination."


    This time, Principal Tanughed.


    "He hasn''t awakened his Martial Spirit."


    "It''s almost impossible for him to aim for the top ten of his year," said Principal Tan with augh, "If he can really do it... well, I''ll do my best to help him apply for the Special Schrship."


    "If the application doesn''t go through, I''ll sponsor some of it out of my own pocket." Principal Tanughed.


    "It''s a deal."


    Xu Bo''s eyes lit up, revealing a sly gleam, "You said it, and I''ve recorded it... Alright, I''ve already sent the Second ss Schrship application to you, hurry up and approve it."


    "I have other things to attend to, so I''ll hang up now."


    "Beep¡ª"


    Xu Bo had hung up the video.


    Leaving Principal Tan in his office, who hadn''t quite recovered, staring at the ''pending approval document'' that had just appeared on his work screen.


    He paused for a moment.


    Principal Tan needed no further exnation.


    He had been outmaneuvered.


    If Xu Bo truly intended to apply for a Special Schrship, why would he send a Second ss Schrship application in a split second?


    It was clearly prepared in advance.


    Xu Bo''s real target was the Second ss Schrship... mentioning the Special Schrship was just an opening gambit to highball.


    "This Xu Bo..." Principal Tan smiled wryly and said, "Number Nine."


    "Open the pending approval document."


    "Approved."


    ...


    In the office building, inside Xu Bo''s office.


    "Special Schrship?" Xu Bo revealed a cryptic smile, "Call Director He? I''m not that foolish."


    Xu Bo knew clearly that, with Li Yuan''s current situation, there was no chance of passing the Intelligent Supervision Bureau''s review.


    "That''s enough."


    "And I even earned an independent Martial Arts Room." Xu Bo chuckled, "This old Tan, he''s just too rigid, always hemming and hawing when it''s time to release some funds."


    ```


    "It''s like he treats the government funding as his secret stash of money tucked away behind his wife''s back, as if I would waste it..."


    "Hmm? Agreed?"


    "He was quite agreeable this time." Xu Bo thought for a moment and said, "ck Dog, send a smiley face to Principal Tan."


    "Oh no, send that selfie with my smile I savedst time."


    "Yes, Master."


    ¡­


    9 o''clock in the evening.


    The sounds of the evening self-study session were echoing through the campus as students gradually left.


    Inside the Martial Arts Room of ss 3-2.


    Only Li Yuan and Li Tianyou remained, both practicing with cold weapons.


    "Li Yuan, aren''t you leaving?" Li Tianyou couldn''t help but shout.


    "It''s fine, you go ahead." Li Yuan smiled and said, "I''m going to practice a bit longer."


    Li Tianyou was stunned for a moment.


    He had arrived at school at 5:45 this morning, thinking of going home early to rest tonight... but now he hesitated.


    "Li Yuan arrives earlier than me and leavester." Li Tianyou gritted his teeth, "I can''t match his talent, but surely I can match his effort?"


    "Continue practicing."


    In the distance, Li Yuan hadn''t noticed the change in Li Tianyou''s expression; he was examining the data on the Divine Pce panel.


    ¡ª


    [Life Level: 6.7 (Unranked)]


    Physical Quality Index: 74 (Aprehensive measure of explosive power, endurance, speed, physique, spiritual power, and many other aspects.)


    Fist Strength: 445 kilograms


    Speed: 14.7 meters per second


    Spiritual Power: 12.9


    Physical Body Cultivation Method: "Solid Rock Cultivation Method"


    Spiritual Cultivation Method: "Observing the Great Sun Starry Sky Scripture"


    Skill Realm: Spear Technique (Third Stage 46%), Movement Technique (Third Stage 29%), Fist Technique (Third Stage 94%)


    [Note: A certain higher Spiritual Nature is hidden within the body, not yet awakened]


    ¡ª


    "Compared to the beginning of the month, both my physical quality and spiritual power have been steadily improving." Li Yuan was quite satisfied.


    He firmly believed that if he persisted in his cultivation like this,


    one day, he would be a powerful Martial Artist.


    What excited him most today was creating the unique move ''Dragon Hidden in the Gorge''.


    "Just created, it''s not very smooth to execute yet."


    "These next few days, I need to ponder over it more." Li Yuan was deep in thought.


    Suddenly.


    "Li Yuan." A cold voice, like a resounding bell, came from inside the ssroom.


    Li Yuan and Li Tianyou both turned their heads.


    "Teacher Xu?" Li Yuan was slightly surprised.


    "Come to my office." Xu Bo spoke gravely, then turned and walked away, disappearing into the night.


    "Tianyou, I won''t being back to the ssroomter," Li Yuan said hurriedly, cing the spear back in the weapons cab.


    He grabbed his bag and quickly left the ssroom.


    "Thiste."


    "Teacher Xu hase to find Li Yuan?" Li Tianyou''s eyes shed with envy, "No wonder Li Yuan was in no hurry to leave, was Teacher Xu nning to give him special guidance?"


    Li Tianyou shook his head and muttered to himself, "Li Tianyou, oh Li Tianyou, don''t worry about others."


    "Focus on yourself!" His gaze sharpened and he earnestly began practicing Sword Technique again.


    ¡­


    Inside Xu Bo''s office.


    "A Second ss Schrship? 50,000 Blue Star Coins?" When Li Yuan heard this good news, he was first stunned, then filled with endless joy.


    Even with hisposure, he could hardly contain his exhration.


    For Li Yuan, the 50,000 Blue Star Coins could not only help relieve his family''s financial pressure,


    but also ease the pressure in his heart.


    It could alleviate some of the guilt he felt towards his uncle and aunt.


    "This happy?" Seeing Li Yuan''s unabashed joy, Xu Bo was quite surprised.


    Xu Bo instantly realized that this schrship was probably more important to Li Yuan than he had anticipated.


    "It''s so important to Li Yuan,"


    "yet he hasn''te to me without so much as a word for more than half a month, quite steady." Xu Bo thought to himself, his estimation of Li Yuan rising a notch.


    Once Li Yuan hadpletelyposed himself,


    "Thank you, Teacher Xu," Li Yuan gratefully said.


    Li Yuan was aware that his schrship being upgraded from Third ss to Second ss was likely the reason Xu Bo had taken so long.


    "The schrship will be transferred to your ount next Monday," Xu Bo said, "Also, I have two more pieces of good news for you."


    "Good news?" Li Yuan listened intently.


    More good news?


    "First, I begged the principal with this face of mine five or six times before he agreed to allocate a separate Martial Arts Room for you, so you can concentrate on your cultivation," Xu Bo said seriously.


    A separate Martial Arts Room? Li Yuan was shocked; this privilege was nearly exclusive to the top ten students in the grade with hardly any exceptions.


    "Teacher, you''ve gone to great lengths." Li Yuan felt increasingly grateful.


    "Second, the principal has agreed that if you can break into the top ten in the grade during the January exams, I can help you apply for a First Rank Schrship, 100,000 Blue Star Coins," Xu Bo looked at Li Yuan, "If you can reach 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 given to you."


    "Whether you can seize it is up to you."

 Chapter 17: 15 The Goal of 860 Points

    Li Yuan''s heart raced as he listened.


    To break into the top ten, one hundred thousand Blue Star Coins for a First Rank schrship?


    Top five, five hundred thousand Blue Star Coins for a Special Schrship?


    It was Blue Star Coins!


    Li Yuan remembered correctly, his aunt, a middle school teacher, made about one hundred thousand Blue Star Coins a year.


    Like his uncle, if he chose not to be stationed in some dangerous ces, he''d make a few hundred thousand Blue Star Coins a year.


    "Teacher, really?" Li Yuan asked subconsciously.


    It wasn''t strange for Li Yuan to react this way.


    Even though he was mature and had a good temperament,


    he was still only a seventeen year old boy. To him, one hundred thousand Blue Star Coins was already a significant fortune.


    "Would I lie to you?"


    Xu Bo''s voice was still cold, "The rewards are certainly real, but forget about the top five in the grade, can your Martial Path results break into the top ten in the January mock exams?"


    Li Yuan calmed down as well.


    Yes, no matter how good the rewards were, it had to be in his hands to count.


    If it was the top twenty in the grade, Li Yuan still saw some hope, but the top ten? The chances were indeed very slim.


    The most important reason was Martial Spirit... Students who had awakened their Spiritual Nature enjoyed a 10% bonus to their Martial Path scores, a significant advantage.


    If Li Yuan scored 900, a student from the Elite ss only needed 820 raw points to surpass him.


    "Getting into the top ten is indeed difficult, but you still have some hope."


    "Besides, I''ve also worked hard with the principal on your behalf. Even if you can''t make the top ten, as long as your raw score is second in the grade," Xu Bo looked at Li Yuan, "we will still give you some aid, it''s just that, of course, it won''t be as good as the schrship."


    "Raw score, second in the grade?" Hope red up in Li Yuan''s heart again.


    Last semester, his raw score was already sixth in the grade.


    The second in raw score? The chances were actually greater than being in the top ten in total score.


    "Thank you, teacher." Li Yuan expressed his gratitude sincerely, feeling that teacher Xu Bo, though seemingly cold, was actually warmhearted on the inside and treated him very well.


    "It''ste, go home and rest."


    "When youe to school tomorrow, you will have ess to the Independent Martial Arts Room. I''ll send you the specific room number tomorrow," Xu Bo waved his hand.


    "Yes," Li Yuan nodded and left the office.


    And closed the door behind him.


    Listening to the faint footsteps of Li Yuan as he walked away, a smile cracked on Xu Bo''s cold face, "He who strives for the utmost reaches the middle, he who strives for the middle reaches the bottom, and he who strives for the bottom achieves nothing."


    "Kid, don''t me me when you find out the truth."


    Having observed Li Yuan for a long time, Xu Bo knew he was steady in temperament and worked hard in his cultivation.


    But Xu Bo knew human nature even better, that a certain amount of pressure and temptation was needed to bring out even greater motivation.


    Simply put¡ª dangling a carrot!


    The carrot just couldn''t be hung too high, or else it would lead to discouragement if unreachable. Therefore, Xu Bo set another goal for Li Yuan, ''second in raw score''.


    "Three goals."


    "Kid, as long as you reach the medium goal, you''ll be effectively reaching the high one," Xu Bo thought silently, "I hope you don''t disappoint me."


    Out of the two thousand students in this cohort, Li Yuan was the second one to catch his eye.


    ...


    Muhua tinum Mansion, Building Two.


    "Muhua, we need to spend twenty thousand Blue Star Coins this month?" Li Yuan was in his room.


    He felt a heavy weight in his heart.


    Although Aunt Chen Hui had avoided Li Yuan earlier and quietly talked with his younger brother Li Muhua in the master bedroom, deliberately trying not to let him overhear... Li Yuan''s hearing was too good now.


    Standing in the living room, he still overheard a little.


    "I need at least thirty thousand a month, Muhua also needs about the same, and Qian Qian will need nearly twenty thousand. Add up the daily expenses..." Li Yuan had counted this sum countless times in his heart.


    The household expenses amounted to at least ny thousand Blue Star Coins a month.


    In reality, the three children could have been supported without practicing the Martial Path, based on the condition of his aunt and uncle... but the expense of purchasing various supplements and potions to assist Martial Path cultivation was staggeringly high.


    "Moreover, Qian Qian and Muhua aren''t like me."


    "I have awakened the Mind Spirit Divine Pce, the ''Great Sun Starry Sky Scripture'' provides rxation and healing effects on the body, which can probably match the effects of high-level therapy that costs tens of thousands of Blue Star Coins a month," Li Yuan was very clear about this, "While for Qian Qian and especially Muhua,"


    "if they want to achieve great sess in the Martial Path, the resources currently invested are not enough."


    "This schrshipes with a hundred thousand Blue Star Coins."


    "By the weekend, I must surge to five hundred points in the Gold Stage, then grab another fifty thousand Blue Star Coins," Li Yuan resolved quietly.


    As for the three promises made by the teacher Xu Bo?


    On the electric train ride home, Li Yuan calmed down and had thoroughly thought it through.


    "Five hundred thousand Blue Star Coins!"


    "If I could get them, the financial pressure on my family would be relieved by arge extent at once."


    "But, top five in my grade?" Li Yuan thought about it and his heart sank to the bottom.


    On the way home.


    Using his smart wristband, Li Yuan reviewed the final exam rankings of the second year once again.


    His overall Martial Spirit score was 802 points, ranked sixth in the grade by raw score and twenty-ninth by total score.


    The students in the top five of the grade were all from the Elite ss. Their raw scores alone were over 800 points, and with additional points... the total score of the top one even reached an astonishing 962.5 points!


    "The top one in the grade is too strong; there''s no hope for me."


    "Without an awakened Martial Spirit, my raw score is my total score."


    "To break into the top five of the grade, my raw score must at least reach 860 points to have a sliver of hope," Li Yuan thought to himself, "Even for the top ten, a raw score of around 840 points is nearly necessary."


    A raw score of 840 points.


    In the final exams of the second year, that would have already been the second-highest raw score in the grade.


    "Work hard."


    "By the January mock exams, strive to get over 410 points in Physical Quality, strive to get over 375 points in Martial Arts Skills, and strive to get over 75 points in academics," Li Yuan set three individual subject goals for himself.


    All of them must be met.


    Only then would there be a faint hope of reaching the top five in the grade.


    ...


    In the master bedroom, Chen Hui was having a video call with Li Changzhou.


    "Wife, did you receive the money?" Li Changzhou''s face looked even darker.


    "Mhm."


    "Don''t worry, I''ll n everything at home," Aunt Chen Hui nodded, "With these five hundred thousand, plus what we had before, it should be enough until next year around February or March."


    "Mm-hmm," Li Changzhou smiled and said, "Wife, don''t worry too much. There will be a subsidy from thepany at the end of the year, and there''s my sry... life will be easier after Xiaoyuan''s college entrance exams."


    Chen Hui nodded and tried to smile lightly to appear rxed.


    Suddenly.


    "Buzz~" The other end of the video call shook violently; Li Changzhou, who had been sitting, suddenly stood up.


    "ng~" In the video, a door that was ajar got knocked open, and faint yet massive explosion sounds could be heard from outside.


    "Manager Li, hurry! Quick!" A worker d in a uniform smeared with dirt rushed in frantically and said urgently, "The higher-ups told our team to end our break and go up immediately."


    "Alright."


    Li Changzhou nodded repeatedly and turned to Chen Hui on this end of the video, saying, "Wife, I need to work overtime. I''ll call you backter."


    Buzz¡ª¡ªThe video call ended.


    "Old Li." Chen Hui''s face showed a trace of worry, immediately shutting off the smart wristband.


    Closing her eyes.


    When she reopened them, Chen Hui''s face had regained its rxed expression, and she stepped out of the master bedroom, "Qian Qian, Xiaohua, you two should go to sleep."


    "Xiaoyuan, don''t stay up toote either."


    "Okay, mom!"


    "Got it, aunt."


    ...


    The following day at noon.


    In the school cafeteria, students were eating their lunch, asionally ncing up at the news on therge electronic screen.


    "...Last night, the ''Second Level Star Realm Rob Sea'' in the Northern Border Province erupted in intense conflict once more, our national defense forces, and the alliance support armies were fearless and brave¡­" the news kept ying.


    "It''s always fighting."


    "There hasn''t been any let-up recently, I''ve heard that many people have died; some Star Realm Creatures even broke through the defense lines."


    "I hope they can hold on." The students spoke quietly among themselves while eating.


    Li Yuan sat next to Zhou Qi, silent, only ncing asionally at the news, a flicker of worry passing through his eyes.

 Chapter 18: 16: Independent Martial Arts Room (Requesting Monthly Votes for Third Update)

    This past half-month.


    Li Yuan, aside from diligently practicing his cultivation, had been closely following the war in Northern Border Province.


    After all, his uncle was constructing defense facilities in Northern Border Province.


    ording to the news, the human allied forces were winning victory after victory, each time with great sess, causing significant casualties among the Star Realm Creatures.


    However, Li Yuan keenly sensed that something was amiss.


    "Battle reports can deceive, but the front line won''t," Li Yuan murmured as he ate, ncing at the news ying on the electronic screen.


    "Based on past experiences, if our human civilization truly had the advantage, then after facing the first wave of attacks, we would quickly organize arge army and Martial Artists to infiltrate deep into the heart of the Star Realm..." Though Li Yuan''s science grades were average, his humanities grades were quite good.


    He was particrly adept at both history and geography.


    Especially modern history.


    "The war in the Rob Sea Star Realm, it''s been half a month, and it seems like the front line has been stuck in a tug of war at the several major entrances to the Star Realm," Li Yuan said, worry filling his eyes.


    What does that indicate?


    The human allied forces have been unable to push back!


    The war, it must be very fierce.


    "I hope my uncle cane back safely," Li Yuan thought to himself. These days, his uncle would asionally call or send messages, telling him not to worry.


    Sigh!


    "Old Zhou, Yan Zhou, I''ve finished eating¡ªI''m heading out first," Li Yuan said, picking up his meal box and preparing to walk toward the collection table.


    "Brother Yuan, wait for us¡ªwe''re about to finish, too," Zhou Qi called out. "Let''s go to the Martial Arts Room together."


    "I''m heading to the Elite Building, it''s not on the way," Li Yuan said softly.


    The Guan Mountain District''s top high school covered a vast area, with the teaching buildings divided into four types: the Cultural Building, Martial Hall, Office Building, and Elite Building.


    The so-called Elite Building consisted of three extrarge Martial Arts Rooms and dozens of independent Martial Arts Rooms.


    It was specifically for the use of students from the three Elite sses ranging from freshman to senior year.


    In total, there were less than two hundred students.


    "Going to the Elite Building?" Zhou Qi and Yan Zhou were caught off guard for a moment.


    "Looking for someone? Wan Xiao?" Yan Zhou asked, puzzled.


    "From now on, I''ll be training there," Li Yuan pondered before saying: "The school approved an independent Martial Arts Room for me. I''ll practice there during Martial Arts self-study from now on."


    Martial Arts sses only happened every other day for their ss.


    The schrship, if the school didn''t publicize it, no one would know¡ªLi Yuan wasn''t about to invite envy by revealing it.


    But an independent Martial Arts Room? It was there for all to see; it was bound to spread sooner orter, so Li Yuan decided to just tell them upfront.


    "An independent Martial Arts Room? Holy shit!"


    "Is it Brother Yuan''s?"


    "Definitely approved by Teacher Xu!"


    "Brother Yuan is awesome!" Yan Zhou, Zhou Qi, and the rest of the dozen or so boys exploded with excitement, shouting fervently.


    This immediately drew the attention of many other students around them.


    "Keep it down, I''m only telling you guys¡ªdon''t spread the word," Li Yuan said in a low voice.


    "Understood."


    "Brother Yuan, we want to check it out; I''ve never been inside an independent Martial Arts Room before."


    "An independent Martial Arts Room, I''ve never even dared to dream of that," the boys lowered their voices, but their curiosity remained.


    They didn''t envy Li Yuan; even if a few of them had thoughts, they weren''t foolish enough to show it.


    After all, their group of more than a dozen boys had Li Yuan as their implicit leader.


    Moreover, they all knew that Li Yuan''s Martial Path grades were excellent, with his bare score already ranked in the top ten of their grade.


    "I haven''t been there either," more people shouted.


    "Alright, I''ll take you guys sometime in the future," Li Yuan said with a smile. "But not today, it''s my first time going, and I need to get familiar with it."


    Everyone nodded in agreement.


    ...


    The Elite Building and the senior year Martial Hall were separated by a small yground, and one had to cross the Office Building to get there¡ªit was rtively independent.


    As a result, the area was very quiet.


    Tree-lined roads nked both sides, with a gentle breeze blowing, quite refreshing.


    "The Elite Building," Li Yuan quickly arrived at the bottom of the grand building, ncing around, noting the rather ssic decoration.


    In front of the building stood a statue of a person.


    "Dongfang Ji." Li Yuan recognized the statue.


    The first strongest of human civilization, the strongest in Xia Country, founder of the Starfire Martial Hall... he was also the first extraordinary martial artist to walk out alive from the center of a nuclear explosion.


    He was the idol Li Yuan admired most.


    "The Martial Path is me." As Li Yuan approached the statue, he saw the famous quote engraved beneath it.


    At one o''clock in the afternoon, it was time to return to the martial arts ssroom for self-study practice, so there were quite a few studentsing and going.


    However, nobody paid much attention to Li Yuan.


    First-year students thought Li Yuan was in second or third year, while third-year students thought he was a second-year student.


    Perhaps, Li Yuan had a little fame in the third year, but it was limited to being ''famous by name''.


    Apart from his ssmates, students from other sses rarely recognized him.


    Suddenly.


    "Li Yuan." A voice tinged with surprise called out, and Li Yuan turned his head to look.


    A burly figure resembling a bear, dressed in martial arts attire, walked up the steps.


    "Wan Xiao, long time no see," Li Yuan said with a smile, waving his hand.


    The person who came was none other than Wan Xiao, who, after awakening his Martial Spirit, had transferred to study in the Elite ss.


    "It''s been a long time indeed," Wan Xiao said with a smile.


    Although they were in the same school, being in different sses made it very difficult to encounter each other.


    "How''s the Elite ss?" Li Yuan asked with a smile.


    "Not bad," Wan Xiao nodded. "The high-rank cultivation methods are indeed extraordinary, everyone in the ss is very skilled, and sparring with each other has great effects..."


    "You''ll have to work hard, don''t let me surpass you in the next exam," Wan Xiao said half-jokingly.


    "I''m waiting for it," Li Yuan said with a smile. Their rtionship was good, and he didn''t take it as a provocation.


    "By the way, I haven''t asked you yet, what are you doing at the Elite Building?" Wan Xiao asked, puzzled. "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 startled. "The fourth floor? That''s a senior-year independent martial arts room, but room 11 hasn''t been open, has it? There''s nobody there."


    "There''s nobody yet." Li Yuan said with a smile. "Once I arrive, there will be."


    Wan Xiao''s pupils narrowed. He wasn''t stupid and couldn''t help saying, "Your independent martial arts room?"


    Li Yuan nodded with a smile, "It''s my first time here, so you can show me the way."


    ...


    On the fourth floor, in front of the independent Martial Arts Room 4011.


    Watching Li Yuan open the door to the martial arts room with ''face recognition,'' Wan Xiao finally believed what Li Yuan had said was true.


    His face still couldn''t hide his shock.


    "Impressive, was it granted by Instructor Xu?" Wan Xiao said, standing at the entrance to the martial arts room.


    Li Yuan simply smiled.


    "That''s right," Wan Xiao continued, "Aside from not awakening your Martial Spirit, based on raw scores, you indeed qualify to be here."


    Deep down, Wan Xiao truly admired Li Yuan.


    Li Yuan stood inside the martial arts room, looking around. The room was about one hundred and fifty square meters and very clean.


    He drew open the curtains.


    Sunlight poured in, making the room bright.


    Fist strength testing area, life vitality detector, projector, camera... even a virtualwork pod.


    Except for the space issue not having a speed test track, the room had all the technological equipment one could ask for.


    "Starting today, this is my independent martial arts room?" There was a trace of joy in Li Yuan''s eyes.


    With an independent martial arts room, there would be no disturbances, and naturally, his training efficiency would be higher.


    Wan Xiao stood at the door of the martial arts room with a hint of envy in his eyes.


    An independent martial arts room? He actually didn''t care about it!


    His family''s martial arts room was not inferior to the school''s independent martial arts room.


    What Wan Xiao cared about was the honor that came with it.


    Suddenly.


    "Wan Xiao, what are you doing here? Who let you open the door to Martial Arts Room 4011?" An icy voice echoed down the corridor.

 Chapter 19: 17 Bets Protected by Law

    "It wasn''t me who opened it," Wan Xiao quickly waved his hand.


    The soundproofing of the Martial Arts Room was excellent, but with the door wide open, plus Li Yuan''s sharp ears, he naturally heard the voice that hade through.


    He couldn''t help but turn his head to look.


    He saw a youth in a ck martial outfit, well-proportioned, and with a buzz cut, who took a few quick steps and arrived at the entrance of Martial Arts Room 4011.


    The youth was half a head shorter than Wan Xiao, about the same height as Li Yuan, and had a rather delicate-looking face.


    "Wan Xiao, how could you jump out the window... Eh! Howe this Martial Arts Room now has an owner?" The youth was about to speak when he noticed the green sign on the door of the Martial Arts Room.


    There are three types of signs at these Martial Arts Rooms'' doors, indicating different statuses¡ªupied, empty, or invaded.


    A green sign signifies that it was opened normally by the owner.


    "4011 wasn''t empty... Who are you? How do you have ess to 4011?" For the first time, the youth noticed Li Yuan inside the Martial Arts Room and looked at him with a puzzled face.


    The youth wasn''t stupid.


    He had thought that Wan Xiao had opened the Martial Arts Room by jumping through the window.


    But from Wan Xiao''s words, coupled with the green sign at the door, he instantly deduced¡ªLi Yuan was the owner of the Martial Arts Room.


    "Wan Xiao, aren''t you going to introduce us?" said Li Yuan with a smile.


    He could tell that the youth harbored no ill will; he was simply straightforward and unsophisticated.


    "That''s Gu Qianghan from ss One, Year Three." Wan Xiaoughingly introduced the youth: "Nickname ''Not-So-Strong''."


    ss one of every grade level is the Elite ss.


    "Wan Xiao, I''m telling you again, call me Gu Qiang, and if you call me by my full name next time, I''m really going to lose it," the youth said with displeasure.


    Wan Xiao justughed it off and didn''t pay any mind, then pointed at Li Yuan and said, "Gu Qiang, didn''t you keep talking about Li Yuan after Teacher Xu''s ss the other day? Look, this is Li Yuan."


    The youth, who was previously unhappy, instantly brightened up and stared at Li Yuan: "You''re the Li Yuan that Teacher Xu Bo mentioned, the one with the extremely impressive spear technique?"


    "Uh, an impressive spear technique?" Li Yuan said with a smile: "I wouldn''t say my spear technique is that impressive, but if Teacher Xu Bo was referring to Li Yuan from ss Two, Year Three, then it must be me."


    Li Yuan already knew who the youth was.


    When checking the end-of-term rankings for the second year, he naturally took notice of the top ten students from the previous grades.


    Gu Qianghan was indeed the third in martial arts performance at the end of the second year.


    However, his appearance was a bit unexpected for Li Yuan, having a delicacy that didn''t quite match his name.


    "If Teacher Xu says you''re good, then it must be true," said Gu Qianghan, his eyes shining: "I checked, and at the end ofst semester, your score in Martial Arts Skills was the highest in the whole grade."


    "Mhm," Li Yuan looked at the youth with interest.


    "I want to challenge you," stated Gu Qianghan, excitedly fixing his gaze on Li Yuan, eager to try.


    "Li Yuan, don''t underestimate him."


    "This guy is quite crafty. When I first got to the Elite ss, I was fooled by his looks," Wan Xiao hastily added.


    "What do you mean fooled by me, I didn''t ambush you, I challenged you fair and square," Gu Qianghan said with disdain: "You look like a bear but couldn''t even take ten punches from me, and you still have the nerve to say that."


    Wan Xiao was taken aback.


    And was left speechless.


    When he first arrived in the Elite ss, he encountered Gu Qianghan challenging him. Misled by the other''s delicate features and assuming he was easy to bully, he ended up... suffering a terrible defeat.


    "Ten punches?" Li Yuan nodded slightly, not surprised.


    Just based on the end-of-year results in the second year, Gu Qianghan''s raw score was even higher than his own, so defeating Wan Xiao was normal.


    "How about it?" Gu Qianghan fixed his eyes on Li Yuan: "We''ll fight in full armor. I want to test your spear technique.


    Gu Qianghan''s eyes shone with a fighting spirit.


    Li Yuan just smiled.


    From the conversation between the two just now, Li Yuan had guessed the reason why the other wanted to challenge him.


    Probably, Teacher Xu had used his spear technique as an example in the Elite ss and made some unttering remarks.


    For instance, "You call yourselves the Elite ss? I don''t see any of you living up to Li Yuan from ss Two, Year Three."


    "A Li Yuan who hasn''t even awakened his Martial Spirit, his spear technique alone is enough to take all of you down."


    Using students from other sses as examples to suppress students from the ss they are teaching is amon tactic used by many teachers.


    Simrly, it has inadvertently drawn a lot of animosity toward Li Yuan in the Elite ss.


    "Li Yuan, if you are a Martial Artist, then ept my challenge," Gu Qianghan looked at Li Yuan.


    Li Yuan looked at Wan Xiao with an odd expression, it had been a long time since he had heard such a melodramatic phrase.


    Wan Xiao spread his hands as if to say ''he has always been this melodramatic''.


    "I do not ept," Li Yuan shook his head.


    Gu Qianghan''s eyes widened: "Li Yuan, do youck the spirit of a Martial Artist?"


    "I''m not even a Martial Artist yet, so naturally, I don''t have the spirit of one," Li Yuan rolled his eyes at Gu Qianghan.


    "Alright, this is my Martial Arts Room. I''m going to start training," he dered.


    In fact, Li Yuan''s refusal to fight was not because he was scared of the opponent.


    It was meaningless and carried risks.


    Sparring with Teacher Xu Bo was different¡ªthe teacher''s strength greatly surpassed that of the students, able to control the entire scene, ensuring no one would get hurt.


    But when two students with simr strengths sparred using cold weapons, it was impossible to fully control endangering oneself.


    Even fully armored and using dull cold weapons, one could easily suffer serious injuries or even death.


    Such incidents were not umon.


    Li Yuan was not willing to risk any danger for a cause that had no benefits.


    "You..." Gu Qianghan was about to speak again.


    "Gu Qianghan, who gave you the audacity to engage in a private duel?" A stern voice suddenly came from outside the door.


    Gu Qianghan''s expression stiffened, and instead of getting angry at being called by his full name, a trace of fear shed through his eyes.


    "Sis¡ª" Gu Qianghan suddenly turned around, cing his hand on Li Yuan''s shoulder, his face now filled with a smile: "I was just joking with Li Yuan, right, Li Yuan?"


    Li Yuan was momentarily stunned, somewhat caught off guard.


    Wan Xiao shrugged, indicating that this was nothing new to him.


    Gu Qianghan shook Li Yuan''s shoulder vigorously, frantically gesturing to Li Yuan with his eyes.


    But Li Yuan stood his ground, immovable as a rock, his gaze had already fallen on the figure at the door.


    A girl roughly seventeen or eighteen, wearing a crimson tight-fitting martial arts uniform, her face delicate yet strong, with bright eyes and white teeth, her brows and eyes exuding a sharp and resolute temperament.


    Her jet-ck hair was swept up high behind her head, giving her an especially capable appearance.


    However, the most eye-catching thing was the fiery red longsword hanging at her waist.


    "Hello, Li Yuan, I am Lin Lanyue from Senior ss 3 (1)." The girl also looked at Li Yuan and took the initiative to say, "I apologize on behalf of my brother for his crazy streak; I hope you won''t mind it."


    "I''m fine," Li Yuan said with a handshake and a smile.


    The girl nodded, her gaze bing sharp again as she turned it back to Gu Qianghan, making his scalp tingle.


    "Sis!" Gu Qianghan involuntarily removed his hand from Li Yuan''s shoulder.


    "If I catch you in a private fight again, even calling for your mom won''t save you," the girl said coldly.


    Gu Qianghan awkwardly touched his head without daring to utter a word.


    Since childhood, Gu Qianghan had always harbored an innate fear of his cousin, who was only half a year older than him.


    "It''s all trivial stuff."


    "Don''t me him; none of us has any problems," Li Yuan said with a smile.


    Li Yuan instantly recognized the person before him.


    She had spoken more than once at school-wide assemblies.


    From the time she enrolled, her name had constantly been on the honor roll.


    She was the top Martial Path student in the senior year, recognized as the most likely candidate to get into Starry Sky University¡ªa martial arts prodigy¡ªLin Lanyue.


    "As long as you don''t me him, that''s fine."


    The girl nodded, still focusing on Li Yuan: "It''s wrong for my brother to seek a private duel with you, but Teacher Xu said your martial arts skills surpass everyone in our ss, and it''s not just my brother who is dissatisfied."


    "Frankly, I''m not convinced either."


    Li Yuan was startled.


    Wan Xiao was also taken aback.


    Gu Qianghan''s eyes lit up with excitement, fully aware of his cousin''s personality.


    She seemed affable on the surface, but was actually very tough at heart.


    "I would also like to learn from you and see for myself how impressive the person that Teacher Xu said has spear technique close to ''Unity''. But it won''t be a realbat," the girl set her sights on Li Yuan, "how about a match on Starry Skies Fighting Network?"


    Starry Skies Fighting Network was a virtual fight; nobody would get hurt.


    "What''s in it for me?" Li Yuan shrugged and smiled, "I never do anything without benefits."


    "Benefits?" Lin Lanyue frowned.


    "How about this, we make a bet," Li Yuan said with a smile, "If you win, I will publicly acknowledge that you have the best martial arts skills in the entire grade."


    "If I win, you give me two thousand Blue Star Coins, how does that sound?" Li Yuan smiled.


    "What kind of bet is that?" Gu Qiang scoffed, "A sure win, you''re thinking too beautifully."


    "Up to you."


    "If you don''t agree, please leave and don''t dy my training," Li Yuan said with a smile.


    "Fine, I agree," Lin Lanyue said, looking at Li Yuan.


    "Sis!" Gu Qiang was astonished.


    "Shut up," Lin Lanyue frowned.


    "Let''s make it next Sunday afternoon at two, how about that?" Li Yuan said with a smile, "Let''s add each other as V friends first, then I''ll send you my ount name."


    "Fine."


    Soon, they became virtualwork friends.


    "Gu Qiang, let''s go," Lin Lanyue turned and walked away, with Gu Qiang reluctantly following her.


    That left Li Yuan and Wan Xiao alone.


    "Li Yuan, that was a huge loss," Wan Xiao said, unable to hold back, "You don''t know, Lin Lanyue''s family is very wealthy; if you had bet five thousand or even ten thousand Blue Star Coins just now, I think she would have agreed."


    Li Yuan shook his head, "Foolish."


    "Thew of Xia Country states that bets on Starry Skies Fighting Network cannot exceed two thousand Blue Star Coins for minors."


    "Any amount over two thousand Blue Star Coins is not protected byw."

 Chapter 20: 18: Starry Sky University

    "Protected byw?" Wan Xiao was stunned for a moment, then gave a thumbs up, "Li Yuan, I''m impressed by you."


    "To aplish great things, you have to study thew first," Li Yuan said with a smile.


    Immediately afterward, Li Yuan shifted the topic, "Lin Lanyue and Gu Qianghan are siblings?"


    "Yeah," Wan Xiao said, "They seem to be cousins, not bearing the same surname anyway. They have a good rtionship. Gu Qianghan isn''t afraid of anyone except his sister."


    "ording to him, it''s because he can''t beat his sister that he''s afraid. Once he can, he definitely won''t be anymore," Wan Xiao said with augh, "But I feel like he will never be able to beat her in this lifetime."


    "Even if it were you in full armorbat, I reckon you wouldn''t stand a chance against Lin Lanyue," Wan Xiao said seriously.


    Li Yuan nodded slightly.


    If you say I had a bit of fame in my senior year, then Lin Lanyue was truly a household name.


    Being beautiful was just a small part.


    In the entire Guan Mountain District''s Number One High School, with thousands of students, could you not find a few beautiful girls? As a key provincial school, there was never talk of ''campus belles or beaux.''


    Most students actually don''t pay too much attention to other people in their ss, let alone in other sses.


    Lin Lanyue, as the sole ''public figure,'' was mainly because of her cliff-like leading martial arts achievements.


    The absolute first.


    Since her freshman year, in everyrge or small test involving martial arts, she was essentially always at the top.


    At the end of her sophomore year, she scored 875 points raw, and her overall score was even more astounding at 962.5, leaving the second ce trailing by more than fifty points.


    The only exception was thest martial arts skills test of her sophomore year.


    For the first time, it was taken by Li Yuan.


    "Full armorbat?" Li Yuan pondered for a moment: "What''s her Physical Quality level?"


    "It should be over 8.0 levels," Wan Xiao said, "That''s my guess, since I haven''t had any minor tests in the Elite ss since I joined."


    Li Yuan nodded slightly.


    Based on Lin Lanyue''s Physical Quality scores fromst term, along with her rate of progress, you could roughly estimate... she should be between 8.0 and 8.3 levels.


    This was already terrifying.


    By the college entrance exam standards, Physical Quality has a full score of 500 points, 10.0 levels is the full mark.


    9.0 levels are 470 points.


    8.0 levels are 440 points.


    7.0 levels are 400 points.


    6.0 levels are 360 points.


    5.0 levels are 300 points.


    "At least 8.0 levels? Given her rate of improvement, by the time of the college entrance exam, her Physical Quality might have a chance to reach 9.0 levels," Li Yuan thought with a silent sigh, "No wonder everyone says she has the potential to be admitted to one of the top three martial arts universities in the world, Starry Sky University."


    "The world''s top three martial arts universities ¨C Starry Sky University, Starfire University, and ck Stone University ¨C are better than the five famous universities in Xia Country," he added.


    Li Yuan never dared to underestimate others.


    Lin Lanyue, in terms of talent, was one of the most formidable among the tens of thousands of senior students in Guan Mountain District; her family background was also excellent, and crucially, she herself was diligent enough... A true hard-working martial arts prodigy.


    "Teacher Xu in the Elite ss uses your spear technique as a benchmark," Wan Xiao said with a smile, "But he never mentioned your scores, and I haven''t leaked yourst test spear technique score either. Lin Lanyue probably doesn''t know it yet."


    Li Yuan nodded slightly.


    Martial arts skills had a full score of 400 points; ording to the college entrance exam standards, 320 and 360 are major thresholds, which are hard to cross.


    "To exceed 320 points, your martial arts skills should be at the Second Stage," Li Yuan silently contemted, "To surpass 360 points, both the spear technique and movement technique should probably be at the Third Stage."


    As for what''s required for a full score? Li Yuan was not clear about that.


    Li Yuan also didn''t ask his teacher Xu Bo, so as not to give the impression that he was aiming too high prematurely.


    "In full armorbat, her Physical Quality is nearly two levels higher than yours; your chances of winning are slim," Wan Xiao said, with a hint of excitement, "But in virtualbat? Heh, I believe in your spear technique."


    "When it''s time for the Zhou Tian fight, I want toe and watch. Remember to send me the room number," Wan Xiao said.


    "Alright," Li Yuan replied with a nod.


    ...


    After seeing Wan Xiao off, Li Yuan closed the door to the Martial Arts Room.


    All becamepletely quiet.


    "Xiao Yu, connect via Bluetooth, take over the smart management authority of Martial Arts Room 4011, the authorization code is..." Li Yuan suddenly began speaking.


    Rapidly.


    "Master, I have taken control of the Martial Arts Room authority. I''m very pleased to serve you," a gentle female voice rang out.


    "Open the martial arts skills evaluation system."


    "Open the video analysis system," Li Yuan continued, then opened the nearby weapons cab.


    It was filled with arge number of weapons, among which there were six long spears, each varying in length and weight.


    Li Yuan took out the regtion long spear he used the most and ced it on the weapons rack beside him.


    Then, he began to silently practice the "Solid Rock Cultivation Technique."


    "A bet of two thousand Blue Star Coins?" Li Yuan let his thoughts drift as he felt the subtle changes in his muscles and sinews, all the while pondering the events of the day.


    Li Yuan had never really taken this match to heart; he was never worried about losing.


    Losing was not shameful.


    The other was the top student of his grade, a martial arts prodigy.


    Win or lose? As long as it led to progress in his martial arts and didn''t result in any losses, what did winning or losing matter?


    "Dongfang Ji, the strongest warrior of human civilization, also lost more than once on his path to growth," Li Yuan reflected inwardly, "Martial path is my path; external things shall not disturb my inner peace."


    "Failure will just be a stepping stone on the path to growth."


    Li Yuan had read many biographies of Dongfang Ji.


    The ''Martial Path is my path'' proposed by him didn''t mean that he himself represented the martial path, but rather ''Martial Path is the way I go.''


    "As long as you devote yourself to the martial path, you needn''t care about others'' judgments, you don''t have to mind their praise or scorn," Li Yuan''s eyes were clear, "By following my own path, my heart and thoughts are the true essence of the martial path, and that is my way."


    In simple terms, walk your own path and let others talk.


    The martial path is about surpassing oneself.


    "However,"


    "College entrance examination admissions are determined by ranking, sparring with Lin Lanyue once will also let me know the current level of martial arts skills of these top senior students," Li Yuan pondered.


    ...


    In the Martial Arts Room 4001.


    "Sis, do you really want topete with him? He doesn''t lose anything if he loses," Gu Qianghanined from the sideline.


    "Two thousand Blue Star Coins doesn''t mean much to me," said Lin Lanyue, her voice cold and clear as beads falling on a jade te.


    She was practicing a set of fist techniques, with each movement of her fists and palms subtly releasing a wave of air with a resonating sound.


    "It''s not about the money."


    "It''s about face," Gu Qianghan shook his head and said, "You''re the top of the grade, while he''s ranked only in the twenties. It would be so embarrassing to lose."


    "Face?"


    Lin Lanyue suddenly stopped her movements, her sharp gaze fixed on Gu Qianghan, "You practice the Martial Path for face?"


    Gu Qianghan shook his head repeatedly, "Of course not, but..."


    "Shut up."


    Lin Lanyue frowned and said, "Aunt has spoiled you, you spar with people every day just to show off your strength, for face? No wonder you even dare to engage in private fights."


    "Sis, I really won''t do it again," Gu Qianghan quickly said, although in his heart he muttered to himself, ''Aren''t you also challenging someone to a duel?''


    "Don''t think I don''t know what you''re thinking."


    "I want to spar not because I want to defeat him, but because I want to see how good the spear technique that even Teacher Xu praised is," Lin Lanyue said coldly, "As for winning or losing?"


    "If I lose, will it hinder me from getting into Starry Sky University?"


    "It''s two o''clock, go back to your Martial Arts Room and cultivate," Lin Lanyue said with a frown.


    "Okay there," Gu Qianghan turned and left, unwilling to stay for another second.


    ...


    Just before the end of ss, inside Martial Arts Room 4011.


    [Your Spear Technique realm has increased from 47% of the Third Stage to 48% of the Third Stage.]


    Li Yuan suddenly became aware of the notification in his field of vision and abruptly stopped his spear.


    "Improved by another one percent?"


    "Ever since I created the ''Dragon Hidden in the Gorge'' spear move, the progress of my spear technique seems to have elerated," Li Yuan thought to himself, "However, to create the ''Myriad Mountains'' move that I''ve been conceptualizing, it''s probably going to take some more time."


    Such moves that perfectly harness the body''s strength be rtively easier to create after the first or second one.


    Until one day when every move reaches Perfection, that will be the Fourth Level Spear Technique.


    Before long.


    Li Yuan walked out of the Elite Building. Before he reached the cafeteria, he saw a crowd of students gathering from afar.


    It was Zhou Qi, Yan Zhou, and the others, seemingly having waited for a while.


    "Brother Yuan, I heard you''re going topete with Lin Lanyue to decide who''s number one in Martial Arts Skills?"


    "No, I heard it''s to determine the real number one in the grade."


    "Huh? Howe I heard that Brother Yuan was the one who challenged Lin Lanyue..."


    "I heard if Brother Yuan wins, Lin Lanyue will agree to date him..." the crowd was buzzing with variousments.


    Li Yuan: "..."


    "Stop!" Li Yuan suddenly shouted, and the surroundings immediately quieted down.


    "Who told you that?" Li Yuan asked.


    "Wan Xiao, I guess, he was the first to talk about it in the ss group. Didn''t you see the group message, Brother Yuan?"


    "Anyway, it has spread," Zhou Qi said with a grin, "Brother Yuan, tell us, do you really want to pursue Lin Lanyue?"


    Everyone else was also curious.


    "There is indeed a bet," Li Yuan frowned, "But it''s just a normal spar, nothing else."


    "I''m off to eat, I still have to cultivateter," Li Yuan turned and headed for the cafeteria.


    The crowd exchanged nces.


    A normal spar?


    "If it''s a normal spar, why would Brother Yuan keep it a secret? And hurry off so quickly," Zhou Qi shook his head, "There must be something going on."


    "Hmm, I think so too."


    ...


    Weekend, 1:50 PM.


    On the virtualwork of Blue Star, the Starry Skies Fighting Network.


    Personal challenge tform, room number 8673795.


    "369 spectators?" Li Yuan, incarnated in the virtual world with a long spear in hand, stood on the tform. He frowned upon seeing the number of spectators and the dense virtual figures filling the spectator tform disyed on the screen overhead.


    "Brother Yuan, good luck, take down Lin Lanyue."


    "Brother Yuan, smash her."


    "ss Senior Third Year (2), Brother Yuan is the strongest."


    "Lin Lanyue, beat Li Yuan to a pulp!"


    "Li Yuan looks so arrogant, he''s asking for a beating."


    "I think he''s pretty handsome, even more than both my boyfriends." Various messyments were spreading from the spectator tform.


    In the virtual world, people''s speech and behavior tend to be more unrestrained than in reality.


    Li Yuan didn''t understand why a simple virtual fight had turned into this situation.


    But now, Li Yuan just felt that the high realism of the virtualwork might not be such a good thing after all.


    "Li Yuan, prepare yourself," Lin Lanyue stood at the other end of the tform, holding a long sword.


    Her virtual appearance was quite simr to her real-life appearance.


    Only her hair had changed from long to short and dyed red, less solemn but more untamed.

 Chapter 21: 19 The Gold Master

    "Wan Xiao and Zhou Qi, they all have big mouths." Li Yuan felt quite helpless in his heart.


    On the day he and Lin Lanyue arranged their duel, the news spread throughout the entire senior year before night self-study even began.


    Lin Lanyue was a celebrity, and Li Yuan also had some reputation.


    There were all sorts of rumors.


    The most important reason was that Lin Lanyue had never challenged another student to a duel in recent years, and Li Yuan was the first.


    At first, Li Yuan held the idea that ''the clean do not need justification,'' and couldn''t be bothered to pay attention, butter on he realized how naive he was.


    Today, over 300 people havee to the Starry Skies Fighting Network to watch their battle, and they were mostly ssmates.


    And the number was steadily approaching 400.


    This was already an astonishing number, considering it was just a personal duel, and no one was live streaming it.


    "Brother Yuan, see how awesome I am? I brought the whole ss to cheer for you!" Zhou Qi, with his blonde spiky hair and leather pants, waved and shouted from the spectator stands.


    The virtualwork''s 70% realism made the entire ring and its surroundings nearly identical to reality, with hundreds of people gathered around the ring creating a bustling scene.


    "Keep it up."


    "Brother Yuan, your long spear must be hungry for action by now."


    The noisy voices all around, many people also took out banners and glow sticks, all of which were props provided for free by the system.


    Quite a few were supporters of Li Yuan.


    But most of the audience was still rooting for Lin Lanyue. Good grades, pretty, very popr¡­ mainly among the boys.


    The boys were mostly quite loyal, only liking pretty eighteen-year-old girls.


    Even more so since Lin Lanyue was only seventeen.


    ¡­On the ring.


    "Ready." Li Yuan''s thought moved.


    Suddenly, the lights around the ring about 30 meters in diameter changed from red to green in an instant.


    The virtual bodies of Li Yuan and Lin Lanyue disappeared instantly.


    At the same time, a huge countdown appeared above the ring: 30, 29, 28¡­


    "Both parties in the duel are below the Fallen Star Stage, so the system has set physical quality at level 8.0 for the battle."


    "You have 24 seconds left, please choose your weapon, otherwise it will be automatically selected based on your preference after time runs out."


    In the preparation space, the system''s voice echoed in Li Yuan''s ears.


    "Physical quality of level 8.0." Li Yuan felt the change in his body''s strength, already quite used to it.


    "Weapon n number one." Li Yuan said directly.


    As an ''old bird'' who had been through over a thousand battles on the Starry Skies Fighting Network, he chose different weapon ns for different types of battles and different opponents.


    Li Yuan had set up five different weapon ns.


    "Selected weapon: Standard Long Spear number 9, length 2.3 meters, weight¡­" Arge amount of data shed before Li Yuan''s eyes.


    A 2.3 meters long spear was considered a shorter one, and Li Yuan would be at a disadvantage if he faced other long spear experts.


    An inch longer, an inch stronger.


    Since Lin Lanyue''s weapon was a sword, a spear that was too long would not be nimble enough, and thus not necessarily advantageous... it was fine to have a slightly longer weapon.


    "Even when hunting a rabbit, the lion uses all its might, not to mention the 2,000 Blue Star Coins at stake," Li Yuan mused.


    Li Yuan never wasted.


    ¡­


    The crowd around the ring was surging, with the number of spectators exceeding 400, and not all were students. There were also a few outsiders.


    For example¡ªTeacher Xu Bo, Principal Tan Zhenlong.


    "Quite a lively atmosphere."


    Principal Tan stood in a corner, wearing a hat that made him look different from his real appearance. No students could recognize him.


    "It''s lively," Xu Bo said with a smile. "Look, it''s about to start."


    Principal Tan nodded. He was brought along by Xu Bo, mainly because he had nothing else to do.


    As Lin Lanyue was the top seed of the senior year, Principal Tan naturally took some interest in her.


    On the ring.


    Countdown 3, 2, 1... swoosh! swoosh!


    Li Yuan and Lin Lanyue reappeared on either side of the ring, both inbat armor and armed with their weapons.


    The most eye-catching was the golden emblem above their heads.


    "Gold Stage?"


    "Gold experts?"


    "Both are at the Gold Stage?" Suddenly, a series of exmations erupted from around the ring.


    "Brother Yuan reached the Gold Stage? He was still at the Silver Stage when west yed the great escape together," Zhou Qi, Wan Xiao, and the others all widened their eyes.


    "He''s been secretly leveling up without us?" Yan Zhou said, "Next time we have to get Brother Yuan to take us for a great escape."


    "Gold experts? Both of them?" Li Tianyou stood in a corner, looking at the insignias above the two on the ring, "Lanyue also reached the Gold Stage?"


    Lin Lanyue didn''t know Li Tianyou.


    But that didn''t stop Li Tianyou from falling for Lin Lanyue at first sight.


    There were quite a few senior year boys who had secret crushes on Lin Lanyue, but very few had the courage to actually confess.


    "Damn, Li Yuan is also at the Gold Stage?" Gu Qianghan stared at the emblem above Li Yuan''s head, "No wonder Teacher Xu praised Li Yuan so much."


    The revtion that both parties to the duel were at the Gold Stage instantly cranked up the atmosphere.


    "Oh? Both at the Gold Stage?" Principal Tan was also slightly surprised, "I wonder if they have reached 500 points. If so, they''re both qualified for special admission."


    "Old Tan, I told you, these two students are extraordinary," Xu Bo said with a smile. "Otherwise, why would I bring you here?"


    Let alone senior year students.


    Even many students at Martial Arts University didn''t reach the Gold Stage.


    ¡­


    "You''ve reached the Gold Stage?" Holding his long spear, Li Yuan stared at the red-haired Lin Lanyue, quite surprised.


    The Starry Skies Fighting Network ssifies into nine stages: Bronze, Silver, Gold, Fallen Star, Bright Moon, Sun Eclipse, Transcendent, Legendary, Martial Sage.


    For minors to reach the Gold Stage was extremely rare.


    Even many of the self-proimed martial arts experts who are big streamers are mostly at the Bright Moon Stage, with very few reaching Sun Eclipse Stage.


    Transcendent Stage and above? Those who reached it were already top martial artists in the real world and wouldn''t be streaming.


    At least, Li Yuan had never seen any Transcendent Stage masters when watching streams.


    He had only seen them in somebat videos.


    "Just you can break through?" Lin Lanyue asked, looking at Li Yuan with a cold voice.


    Lin Lanyue wasn''t surprised that Li Yuan had reached the Gold Stage, she had anticipated it.


    "You have animosity towards me?" Li Yuan sensed vaguely.


    The next instant.


    "Boom!" Lin Lanyue made her move.


    Her armor was also a fiery red, making her look like a ze as she charged toward Li Yuan like lightning.


    With a physical quality of level 8.0, her burst speed reached 18 meters per second, and her standard fist strength was 800 kilograms.


    And the diameter of the arena was only 30 meters.


    From initiation to closing in, Lin Lanyue could reach Li Yuan in no more than 2.2 seconds.


    "Chi~" A fiery red long sword struck at Li Yuan like lightning.


    "Rip~"


    Li Yuan cracked a smile and gripped his long spear, his body moving in an instant, fiercely thrusting forward.


    Central level thrust!


    "ng!" The fiery red long sword collided with the long spear, and the spear trembled, deviating in direction, while the sword turned in mid-air like a viper striking back.


    "This swordsmanship."


    "It''s a bit bizarre. Its explosive power is so strong. It''s even stronger than my spear''s straight thrust. Could it be a move associated with the high-rank cultivation methods?" Li Yuan wondered in surprise.


    He had heard early on that Lin Lanyue practiced the zing me Burning Heaven Cultivation Method from among the seven high-rank cultivation methods.


    Each method is divided into many parts, such as stance-practice methods, breathing techniques, and fist techniques.


    Li Yuan had nevere into contact with high-rank cultivation methods.


    But he knew it was an advancement of one of the Seven Fundamental Cultivation Methods, the zing me Cultivation Method.


    "The ''zing me Cultivation Method'' excels in attacking, and this high-rank cultivation method should be the same. Head-on attacks are not my strong suit, and her swordsmanship level is also at the third stage." Li Yuan''s spear technique changed in his hand: "I must be careful."


    The long spear was swiftly retracted, switching from attacking to cing the spear in defense.


    At the same time, Li Yuan started to move, using his movement technique to unload force.


    "ng!" "ng!" Sword light and spear shadow collided rapidly, striking over ten times in the blink of an eye.


    "How steady are his steps and foundation?" Lin Lanyue was also surprised: "My use of ''Sea of Fire Sinking Boat'' was actually unloaded by him with a single spear stroke."


    In Lin Lanyue''s view, Li Yuan, who was all about defense, seemed like a tortoise.


    She couldn''t break through at all.


    ...


    "So fast!"


    "How did Li Yuan block Lin Lanyue''s continuous sword attacks?"


    "Awesome!"


    "His stepping technique is so exquisite."


    "Li Yuan''s spear technique, so stable." Most of the spectators were amazed.


    They had mostly seen higher-level live duels and recorded fights.


    But subconsciously, they viewed those as martial path masters, not expecting a ssmate to be so strong.


    "Do you know what it means to be the top martial arts student of the year?"


    "I always said Lin Lanyue was no match for Brother Yuan."


    "Come on, Brother Yuan, finish her."


    "Brother Yuan''s spear is always enduring!"


    "He can even block several strikes from Teacher Xu''s ss. How much more so Lin Lanyue?"


    The students of ss 3 (2) were excited.


    They weren''t highly skilled, but they understood a simple truth of martial arts: the longer one''s attacks are unsessful, the greater their energy consumption tends to be.


    "His defense is indeed good."


    "This sword technique, it should be derived from ''Sea of Fire Sinking Boat'', attacking fiercely." Principal Tan alsomented, with a touch of surprise: "Li Yuan actually blocked it. His spear technique is really stable. He should haveprehended a defensive move."


    "Xu Bo, you''ve taught a good disciple," Principal Tan said with a smile.


    "Old Tan, since you said that, why don''t you quick approve his first-rank schrship." Xu Bo said with augh.


    Principal Tan immediately shut his mouth.


    "Hmm?" Xu Bo smiled and said no more, continuing to watch the fight, when suddenly his eyes lit up, and he shook his head, saying, "Lin Lanyue has been careless."


    ...


    Above the arena, Lin Lanyue continuously unleashed her sword techniques, her attacks like relentless mes, applying constant pressure.


    "ng!" "ng!" "ng!"


    Li Yuan''s long spear, whether it was sweeping, flicking, retreating with footwork, or asionally thrusting straight to force a retreat.


    Lin Lanyue was unable to get close.


    After mastering the technique ''Solid Rock Pir'', Li Yuan''s focus on defense had the essence of an immoveable mountain.


    "The fifty-seventh sword," Li Yuan silently counted in his mind: "She has been on the attack, her energy is depleting, and her sword force weakening."


    "She''s getting anxious."


    "In a fight to the death, once you be hasty, you''re prone to making mistakes, just wait."


    On the fifty-ninth sword, Li Yuan keenly captured a slight change in the threat of the opponent''s sword technique.


    The sixty-third sword.


    "Whoosh!" The sword light red like fire, swift and fierce.


    Lin Lanyue was stillunching fierce attacks, bent on breaking through Li Yuan''s defense. Her swordsmanship was sharp, but unbeknownst to her, she had somewhat rxed her own defense.


    After all, from start to finish, Li Yuan had never gone on the offense and had been strictly defending.


    "Now is the time!" Li Yuan''s eyes suddenly shone brightly,


    "Boom!"


    Li Yuanpletely disregarded Lin Lanyue''s strike, his long spear vibrating fiercely as if it were a giant dragon hidden amidst countless rocky cliffs, exploding forward with a piercing thrust.


    Spear technique killing move¡ªDragon Hidden in the Gorge!


    "Not good!" Lin Lanyue immediately realized something was amiss, feeling Li Yuan''s momentum change in an instant, as if a ferocious beast had bared its fangs.


    The force was formidable.


    "It''s toote to retreat." Realizing this, Lin Lanyue''s eyes gleamed with cold light, without any hesitation.


    Instead of retreating, she thrust her sword even more fiercely.


    "Thump!!"


    The long spear pierced through the armor, directly prating Lin Lanyue''s chest, blood streaming down as her body dissipated into nothingness.


    The light armor couldn''t block Li Yuan''s spear.


    "Rip!"


    The next instant, the fierce long sword also struck Li Yuan''s shoulder, blood sshing.


    "ng~" The long sword fell to the ground.


    On the arena, only the injured Li Yuan remained.


    "The spear is longer than the sword, so I had an extra 0.1 second of reaction time." Li Yuan shook his head, then revealed a slight smile.


    "One minute, two thousand Blue Star Coins in hand."


    "What a thrill!"

 Chapter 22: 20 Rewards of the Fallen Star Rank

    "Congrattions on your duel victory, Guardian¡¤Yuan, your ount has received 2000 Blue Star Coins, transferable to¡­" Li Yuan had already received the notification from the Starry Skies Fighting Network.


    The stakes for both sides were agreed upon before the match, and Lin Lanyue had transferred the funds in advance.


    Therefore, as soon as he won, the money was credited to Li Yuan''s ount.


    "The near-realbat, where I don''t have to worry about injury, is indeed more satisfying than solitary practice in reality," Li Yuan grinned, "It''s just a pity that it''s not 100% realistic, so it''s not as thrilling."


    In this era, why do Martial Path strongmen emerge one after another?


    The virtualwork ys an irreceable role.


    Take the Starry Skies Fighting Network, for instance; it has many ws, such as not being able to fully simte real moves, with some data bing distorted.


    Additionally, it can''t scan everyone''s real body data, so the data for the conscious body and the real body are different, and it can''t achieve a perfect fit.


    But!


    Through consciousness connection, participants can still engage in arge number of fights and moves that are difficult to experiment with continuously in reality.


    In realbat, one mistake can mean death or severe injury.


    How many real battles could martial artists of the past experience in a lifetime? Most practice alone, and it was already good if they had a few sparring partners.


    But in this era, every Martial Artist, before fighting with Star Realm Creatures in actualbat, can go through thousands, even tens of thousands of virtual battles, not only vastly improving their training efficiency.


    It also hones their mindset, courage, and skills.


    In the battle between Li Yuan and Lin Lanyue, both had reached the age of 16, hence the blood, severed limbs, and other effects were realistically simted.


    However, since they were underage, the pain was only set to 10%.


    If it were adultpetition, the pain would be at a minimum of 20%, with the highest setting being an astonishing 80%, closely resembling a life-and-death battle.


    "Starry Skies Fighting Network."


    "Essentially, it''s a realbat training camp for Martial Artists," mused Li Yuan to himself.


    Human civilization as a whole now revolves around ''war''.


    ...The battle between Li Yuan and Lin Lanyue was intense.


    It ended in less than a minute.


    After all, each random strike from their spear or sword exerted thousands of kilograms of force. Grasping just one small opening in the opponent''s defense usually resulted in a deadly blow.


    Before Li Yuan''s spear exploded forward, aside from the teacher Xu Bo, who had noticed the signs early on, many students still felt that Lin Lanyue had the upper hand.


    "Li Yuan has been retreating all along, a prolonged defense is bound to fail! Can such defense really hold up?" a boy questioned.


    "You know nothing!" Zhou Qi scoffed, "Brother Yuan is the strongest."


    Zhou Qi might not understand, but he knew that Li Yuan had the highest Martial Arts Skills scores.


    "Lin Lanyue''s attack is very aggressive. If Brother Yuan slips even the slightest, he will lose," Wan Xiao, with better observation, said, "But Brother Yuan''s defense is wless... I feel his Spear Technique has gotten stronger than during thest test."


    "Who should I be rooting for?" Li Tianyou watched, his heart still torn.


    Then, suddenly.


    "Brother Yuan is awesome!" Zhou Qi, wearing leather pants, suddenly jumped up, punching the air wildly, overwhelmed with excitement, "He won!"


    "What?"


    "A sudden Spear Thrust? Lanyue lost?" Li Tianyou''s eyes widened, watching the scene in disbelief.


    "Damn!"


    "That''s ruthless, how could he stab her in the chest?"


    "Sister actually lost?" Gu Qiang held his breath in shock, "This Li Yuan, he really didn''t hold back at all."


    "So fast, Li Yuan is so brutal." A buzz of astonishment circted among the Spectator tform, as these students were all amazed.


    They had thought that even if Li Yuan were to win with a defensive counterattack, it would take dozens more moves at least.


    Nobody expected a sudden reversal at the peak of Lin Lanyue''s offensive.


    The Straight Thrust burst forth.


    Lin Lanyue''s body got pierced, even her Combat Armor was prated, showing the dominion of the spear.


    It was incredibly brutal.


    "Li Yuan won!"


    "So what if it''s the Elite ss? They still got knocked to the ground!"


    "Brother Yuan, number one in skill." The students of High School Year 3 ss 2 were quite excited and took pride in his victory.


    So what if it was the Elite ss? So what if you awakened your Martial Spirit? Countering and bringing down the so-called favored children of heaven is the hot-blooded tradition engraved in the bones of the people of Xia Country.


    It''s also the most enjoyable story to witness.


    "Li Yuan doesn''t show any mercy, not even to women, that''s Lin Lanyue for goodness'' sake!" Some of the boys were somewhat indignant.


    "Are you joking?"


    "Idiot, huh!"


    "Fool, in a life-and-death fight, you expect to be spared? Not enough of apdog yet?"


    "Flirting at a time like this?"


    "If you''re so capable, go have a match with Li Yuan."


    "To like someone is to respect her," which drew more retorts from students, "In a fight to the death with Star Realm Creatures, do you also spare the pretty ones?"


    Most of the boys came to support Lin Lanyue.


    But they wouldn''t really consider Li Yuan''s actions cruel, at most they saw him as fierce and domineering.


    When Li Yuan was victorious, they cheered just the same.


    In a fight, you have to give it your all. Carelessness and underestimating the opponent is irresponsible to oneself.


    The purpose of the fight is victory!


    This is the first lesson every student learns in Martial Path ss.


    "The greatest respect you can show your enemy is to go all out to kill them. Only the person who wins and survives is worthy of talking about spirit and honor." This is a quote from Lant, the world''s second strongest fighter.


    At this moment.


    The system announced, already echoing above the challenge tform: "The moment of glory has arrived; victory belongs to ''Defender¡¤Yuan.'' His long spear was like an insurmountable barrier, sessfully defending his honor and bing the ultimate victor."


    ...


    "The challenge space will close soon, 60, 59..." Text appeared on the screen above the tform.


    Many people quickly began to leave.


    Whoosh! Lin Lanyue, who had just been eliminated, reappeared on the tform, no longer wearing herbat armor.


    She had reverted to her original attire.


    The wound on Li Yuan''s shoulder had also healed, and his weapons and armor had vanished.


    In a nonbat state, in a nonbat space, it was impossible to harm others.


    "Lin Lanyue, thank you for letting me win," Li Yuan said with a smile.


    Lin Lanyue frowned slightly and said, "Your spear technique is indeed powerful; I am not your match."


    A little over ten seconds after the battle had ended.


    Lin Lanyue reviewed it right away and understood that Li Yuan''s martial arts skills really were superior.


    Otherwise, her relentless assault with dozens of strikes could not have been so effortlessly blocked by the opponent, who ultimately counter-struck with a single thrust to kill her.


    This could only mean that there was indeed a gap between them.


    "But there is one thing, I hope you will exin clearly to me and the other students," Lin Lanyue said, staring at Li Yuan.


    "Exin?" Li Yuan was startled, immediately thinking of the hostility Lin Lanyue had shown at first.


    "Are you referring to what the others were saying?" Li Yuan shook his head, about to exin, "It has nothing to do with me, it''s them who..."


    Bang!!


    A figure rushed onto the tform.


    "Brother Yuan, you won today. What''s our next step?" Zhou Qi excitedly ran onto the tform.


    Li Yuan was surprised: "..."


    "It has nothing to do with you?" Lin Lanyue nced at Li Yuan and then at Zhou Qi with a slight frown but did not say anything else.


    She left the virtual space directly.


    "Eh? Why did Lin Lanyue leave?" Zhou Qi realized btedly, "Brother Yuan, did I ruin the mood between you two? I just got too excited, didn''t I?"


    Li Yuan was silent for three seconds before he slowly said, "Old Zhou, I want you to do something for me."


    "What is it? Just say the word, Brother Yuan," Zhou Qi said confidently.


    "Be my sparring partner."


    "Fight me in ten matches," Li Yuan said with a hint of a smile; "Otherwise, I won''t feel at ease."


    "Sparring partner?" Zhou Qi turned and tried to slip away.


    ..."He''s so cool!"


    "Howe I didn''t notice this before in school?"


    "I kind of want Li Yuan to be my third boyfriend. I''ll ask him out at school tomorrow."


    "Let me have him; I only have one." A few girls were still discussing in low voices, seemingly worried others might overhear.


    The 60-second countdown ended, and thebat space closed.


    ...


    After practicing (and dominating) in three matches with Zhou Qi and Wan Xiao, Li Yuan let them go.


    He returned to his personalbat space.


    All was quiet.


    "Next, it''s time to start ranking up," Li Yuan thought, and a light screen appeared in front of him:


    Ranking Match: Gold Stage.


    Points: 112 (1000 points needed for promotion match)


    Win Rate in Stage: 52%


    Overall Historical Win Rate: 57%


    ...


    "ording to the rules, underage yers who reach 500 points in the Gold Stage get a reward of 50,000 Blue Star Coins," Li Yuan mused. "If I can reach the Fallen Star Stage, I''ll get a reward of 500,000 Blue Star Coins."


    "My birthday is in August, and it''s going to be tough to reach the Fallen Star Stage in theing year."


    "However, with my two trump cards, there is still hope of reaching 500 points in the Gold Stage," Li Yuan said as he clicked to begin.


    Ranking match matchmaking.


    "Win a match, earn 1-12 points; lose a match, lose 1-12 points," Li Yuan recited in his mind. "The more points you get if your opponent''s rank is higher than yours and you win."


    "If your opponent''s rank is lower and you lose, you''ll lose a lot of points."


    "I hope I can make it in one go today," Li Yuan thought to himself.


    Beep¡ªMatch found.


    "You are about to enter a ranking match, your opponent is in the Gold Stage (322 points), please prepare forbat," the system reminded.


    "Enteringbat space, countdown starting at 10, 9..."

 Chapter 23: 21, 192 games! 496 points!

    ```


    The Starry Skies Fighting Network has over ten different multiyerbat modes, including battle royale for a thousand yers, Star Realm Survival, ranked matches, matchmaking fights, and individual duels.


    Modes like the battle royale and Star Realm Survival typically involve teams of 3-10 yers, challenging not only individual strength but also teamwork, and they are extremely popr.


    Many martial arts streamers spend years in these two modes ofbat.


    If they co-operate well, they canpletely achieve victory against stronger opponents.


    Li Yuan, Yan Zhou, and Zhou Qi would often form teams during their leisure time only to face crushing defeats¡­


    But the true martial arts masters who aspired to push the limits of their lives and hone their martial arts skills¡­


    would focus more on ''ranked matches''.


    With exactly the same physical quality and a randombination of cold weapons¡­ the contest is about thebatants'' martial arts skills and their awareness in battle.


    The purest form of martialbat.


    Only the victor survvies.


    Since his junior year of high school, aside from practicing in reality, Li Yuan spent almost every holiday, summer vacation, and winter vacation participating in ranked matches.


    His main goal was to sharpen his own martial arts skills through these virtual duels that were close to real fights.


    ¡­In the ranked match arena, a huge tform with not a single spectator.


    Shua! Shua!


    Li Yuan and a fiery red figure appeared simultaneously on opposite sides of the tform.


    "Li Yuan?"


    "Lin Lanyue, you''re also in ranked matchmaking?" The two stared at each other, both somewhat taken aback.


    Neither expected to be matched again just two minutes after their duel had ended.


    It was extremely rare.


    Both ranked and matchmaking fights paired fighters with equivalent ranks from around the globe.


    Just how many were at the Gold Stage worldwide?


    At least ten million.


    Both fell into an ufortable silence, then three secondster.


    "I''m not going to lose."


    Lin Lanyue was the first to speak, her eyes fixed on Li Yuan as she coldly said, "You may be slightly better in martial arts skills, but that doesn''t mean I''m bound to lose."


    "Mm-hmm, you''re right," Li Yuan nodded.


    42 secondster.


    On the tform.


    "Puchi!"


    His long spear was like a dragon, as Li Yuan once again suddenly erupted, ruthlessly piercing Lin Lanyue''s chest with his fierce long spear.


    "You¡­" Lin Lanyue, enduring the intense pain of being impaled by the spear, only managed to shout one word.


    Before her entire being turned to nothingness.


    "You''ve gotten a bit smarter, refraining from rash attacks, always probing," Li Yuan retrieved his spear, gently shaking his head: "It''s just a pity, I only revealed a single w, and you were duped again."


    "You really want to win against me too badly."


    "The more you want to win, the easier it is to lose," Li Yuan murmured to himself: "Always keep a steady mindset."


    "Steady as an old dog, you advance unstoppable."


    At this point.


    Li Yuan had received a system notification: "Congrattions, Guardian Yuan, you''ve won this Gold Stage match, points +10!"


    "Her rank points were higher than mine."


    "So the system considers my win bonus points?" Li Yuan thought.


    Winning a fight and earning 10 points was a significant amount.


    "Continue matching," Li Yuan willed.


    ¡­


    In another private space.


    "So annoying!!"


    "Damn Li Yuan, it must have been on purpose, aargh!!"


    Alone in a space with a starry sky backdrop, the red-haired Lin Lanyue couldn''t hold back any longer, grinding her teeth as she murmured to herself: "I curse you to never find a wife in your life."


    For Lanyue, losing wasn''t something she cared about.


    She didn''t even know how many times she had lost in ranked matches.


    If it were just two simple losses to Li Yuan, she wouldn''t be so angry.


    She was prepared for the possibility of defeat when she agreed to the duel.


    What mattered was how she lost.


    Twice she had been pierced through the chest by a long spear; once might be coincidence, but twice? Still coincidence?


    "Calm down! Lin Lanyue, you need to stay calm," Lin Lanyue took a deep breath, striving to calm herself down: "In martial arts cultivation, the first thing is to remain calm, not to panic in any situation."


    Suddenly.


    Drip¡ª Amunicative call.


    Seeing the name disyed on themunication projection.


    "Big Brother?" Lin Lanyue hesitated, then murmured softly, "Xiao Qing, answer the call."


    Buzz¡ªthe projection changed, revealing a young man wearing blue martial arts attire, quite handsome.


    The man''s features bore some resemnce to Lin Lanyue.


    "Little sister," said the man with a smile.


    "Big Brother," Lin Lanyue suppressed the irritation in her heart, revealing a small smile: "What made you suddenly contact me?"


    "What, I can''t get in touch with you?" the young man said with a smile.


    "Hmph!"


    Lin Lanyue couldn''t help but snort, "Big Brother, think about how long it''s been since youst got in touch with me."


    The young man smiled indulgently and said, "I heard from Xiao Qiang that you lost a duel with a ssmate on the Starry Skies Fighting Network, so I came to see how you were right away."


    ```


    "G¨³ Qi¨¢ngh¨¤n, that loudmouth." Lin Lanyue frowned. "I''ll go teach him a lesson at school tomorrow."


    "Xiao Qiang is just worried about you, so he told me." The young man smiled. "As an older sister, don''t be too hard on him."


    "I know¡ª" Lin Lanyue elongated her tone.


    But in her mind, she was figuring out how to deal with Gu Qiang tomorrow at school.


    "I watched your fight video." The young man spoke seriously. "It''s normal for you to lose, aside from being at a disadvantage with weapons, that boy''s spear technique is also much higher than yours, I reckon he must be at the Third Stage Intermediate Rank."


    "Third Stage Intermediate Rank?" Lin Lanyue was slightly surprised, aware of the ranking divisions of Martial Arts Skills.


    Lin Lanyue could sense that Li Yuan''s Martial Arts Skills were higher, but she hadn''t expected him to be so much stronger than her.


    "His movement technique should also be at the Third Stage level, I fear he might have a chance to be listed in the ''Blue Star Youth Rankings''." The young man said. "That''s enough to qualify for special recruitment."


    "Blue Star Youth Rankings?" Lin Lanyue was even more astonished.


    With her family''s vision, she naturally understood the significance of this list.


    "How about his Physical Quality?" the young man asked casually.


    "So-so, I reckon just over level 6, hasn''t awakened his Martial Spirit yet." Lin Lanyue shook her head.


    She had some understanding of Li Yuan''s situation.


    "Hasn''t awakened his Martial Spirit?" The young man was taken aback, then shook his head. "That''s a bit of a pity."


    The young man had only asked casually, without truly caring.


    To him, whether Li Yuan was good or bad didn''t matter.


    "Little sister, your Swordsmanship should have just broken through to the Third Stage," the young manughed. "In a normal sparring match, you''d have a hard time winning against that boy even out of a hundred attempts."


    Lin Lanyue involuntarily bit her lower lip.


    She was unwilling to ept it at heart, but she also knew her second brother''s judgment was possibly even more astute than Teacher Xu Bo''s.


    "Having such a Martial Arts Skills genius as a ssmate is a good thing," the young man smiled. "It''s also a warning for you, so you won''t get overly proud thinking you''re the top of the middle school grade."


    "I wasn''t," Lin Lanyue frowned. "Second Brother, did youe tofort me, or to lecture me?"


    "Haha, okay."


    "My mistake, I won''t scold you anymore." The young manughed. "You focus on honing your Swordsmanship, there''s still half a year''s time, strive to break into the Blue Star Youth Rankings."


    "With that qualification, when you enter Starry Sky University, you will be given more attention, and dad can also apply to the family for more resources for you," the young man said.


    "Yeah, I know." Lin Lanyue nodded.


    She wasn''t young anymore, soon to be of age, and was very clear on how the family operated.


    When there are many children, only those who are sufficiently excellent can receive the family''s resource investment for cultivation.


    Otherwise, even upon reaching adulthood, you''d barely get fifty thousand Blue Star Coins per month for living expenses.


    Forget about anything else.


    "In two weeks, after Big Brother and Ie back from the United States, we''lle visit you specifically," the young man smiled.


    "Your matters are resolved? Is dad noting?" Lin Lanyue was quite surprised.


    "Dad has to go to Ross Country, there are still military affairs to attend to," the young man shook his head.


    "Oh!" Lin Lanyue pursed her lips, rather disappointed.


    Before long.


    Lin Lanyue ended the call with her second brother.


    "Third Stage Intermediate Spear Technique, Third Stage movement technique?" Lin Lanyue murmured to herself: "This Li Yuan, he progresses so fast."


    She remembered very clearly.


    In freshman year, there was no mention of Li Yuan in the grade rankings; he rose suddenly in sophomore year.


    In just one year, by the end of the sophomore final exams, he had burst into the top thirty of his grade, even surpassing her in the single Martial Arts Skills score.


    In reality, losing a single top score had minimal impact on Lin Lanyue.


    But it made her take note of the name Li Yuan.


    "In that exam, I was only a few points behind in skill score, which means the gap wasn''t big." Lin Lanyue clenched her teeth. "Now, he has be so much stronger than me in Martial Arts Skills?"


    Lin Lanyue didn''t quite understand.


    She had received excellent Martial Arts education since childhood, had the guidance of a dedicated Swordsmanship teacher, and she practiced diligently... yet, she was rapidly overtaken and surpassed by him.


    "Perhaps."


    "Just as dad said, there are always some geniuses in this world." Lin Lanyue shook her head to herself. "It''s just a pity that without awakening Martial Spirit, it''s too hard to achieve great sess in the Martial Path."


    She was verbally annoyed, feeling that in both bouts, Li Yuan had done it on purpose.


    But deep inside, Lin Lanyue felt some regret for Li Yuan.


    "Let''s continue."


    "Following the ''Mind Method'' dad helped me with, I can almost go through forty ranking matches at one time." Lin Lanyue resumed matchmaking.


    Ordinary people get a headache from ying video games for too long.


    The virtual fights on the Starry Skies Fighting Network are much more taxing on the spirit.


    Especially when injured or defeated, that intense pain is extremely stimting for the mind.


    So, virtual duels can''t go on indefinitely.


    ...


    Night, nine o''clock.


    In the virtualwork, Starry Skies Fighting Network, inside Li Yuan''s personal space.


    "Finally, almost there." Li Yuan took a deep breath, eyes scanning over his ranking match panel:


    Ranking Match: Gold Stage.


    Points: 496 (1000 points needed to participate in promotion matches)


    ...


    From two o''clock in the afternoon until nine at night.


    For seven hours, Li Yuan had hardly rested, fighting a total of 192 matches.


    He won 120 matches and lost 72.


    And had pushed his points from 112 to 496.


    Only one victory away from reaching 500 points.

 Chapter 24: 22 Global [4684] Name

    The ranking battle mode, with consecutive wins, would asionally match Li Yuan with those masters above 500 points in the Gold Stage,


    but those were still the minority¡ªmost of the time, he was prioritized to match with yers who had nearly the same amount of points.


    "After creating ''Hidden Dragon in the Cleft,'' my Spear Technique has greatly improved. Now, when I face the Martial Arts masters in the lower levels of the Gold Stage, my win rate has increased significantly," Li Yuan said with a hint of exhaustion but still brimming with fighting spirit.


    His points had been soaring up until now.


    "Ordinary adults, with insufficient spiritual power, would probably need to rest after six or seven battles, and can fight a maximum of twenty to thirty bouts per day at most; otherwise, they would strain their energy and affect their real-life cultivation," Li Yuan''s eyes twinkled with light.


    "But me, I can experience up to two hundred virtual battles in a single day and still maintain my peak condition."


    Why had Li Yuan''s Martial Arts Skills skyrocketed over the past year?


    Aside from his innateprehension in Spear Technique,


    it also had an inseparable rtionship with his continuously strengthening spiritual power.


    The stronger the spiritual power, the more control he has over his body during daily practice, the faster the improvement in his Spear Technique.


    Simrly, in the virtual Combat Network battles, he could fight more bouts.


    His year of virtual fights was equivalent to the training many others would umte over three or even five years.


    With such conditions, how could Li Yuan''s Martial Arts Skills not improve rapidly?


    "Thest battle, I must win,"


    "Five thousand bucks, they''re mine," Li Yuan clicked on the option box¡ªStart Matching.


    Beep¡ªMatch Sessful.


    "Entering the ranking match soon, your opponent is in the Gold Stage (499 points)¡­ Countdown 10, 9¡­"


    ...


    Inside a broadcasting room on the Starry Skies Fighting Network, the live stream title read, ''Martial Path Champion''s Road, Furiously Rushing to 500 Gold Stage Points.''


    In the broadcasting room was a young elf-dressed girl, about seventeen or eighteen years old, and¡­ a middle-agedmentator.


    "Brothers,"


    "Xiu''er, who is aspiring to be the Martial Path champion of South Bright City, surpassed 360 points in Martial Arts Skills during thest school Martial Path test¡­ today, she attempts to rush to 500 points in the Gold Stage,"


    The girl asionally tossed her head, looking quite adorable as she awaited the match.


    But the middle-agedmentator was very excited.


    "Reaching 500 points in the Gold Stage, not to mention South Bright City, even in the whole of Jiangbei Province, there are still fewer than 50 people under 18 who can reach this stage¡­ Let''s see if Xiu''er can seed in her third attempt," the middle-agedmentator quickly said.


    "Oh! Match sessful!"


    "The opponent''s points are 496, another Martial Arts master aiming for the Gold Stage,"


    "In her previous two attempts today, the opponents both had over 600 points. This time, with only 496 points¡­ let''s watch with anticipation¡­ 5, 4¡­" the middle-aged man said excitedly.


    There were plenty of Martial Arts livestreamers in the Gold Stage.


    But for underage broadcasters to reach the Gold Stage was quite rare. The additional appeal of battling for the top spot in the college entrance exam, an elven young girl, attractiveness¡­ these gimmicks attracted even more attention.


    This broadcaster named "Xiu''er" was quite popr on the Starry Skies Fighting Network.


    At the moment, the viewing count had already surpassed two thousand people.


    Of course, as a minor, she couldn''t broadcast alone; at least not until over 16 years old, and even then, a guardian must apany her and there''s a time restriction on weekly broadcasts... all mandated byw.


    "This time, I should seed,"


    "The opponent''s 496 points seem much weaker than thest two,"


    "Knock out the opponent."


    "Xiu''er has fought over 30 matches today, with a win rate of 56.6%, which is very good. I''ll tip her."


    "I''ve been watching Xiu''er''s broadcasts for two years,"


    "It''s nurturing! Raising a Martial Path champion, I''m just waiting for the day Xiu''er bes one,"


    "She''ll definitely win," a torrent of text bulletments, voice bulletments, image bulletments shed by... along with various tips.


    Suddenly,


    Whoosh! The live broadcast scene shifted, forming a fighting arena, and a young man with a long spear appeared on the other side of the stage.


    "A young man?"


    "The opponent looks so young; could he also be a minor?"


    "Definitely an adult, this is just a virtual image. If he were also a minor, wouldn''t he be vying for the top spot in the college entrance exam too?" the audience discussed among themselves.


    ...


    On the battle stage,


    "Hm? So many people?" As soon as Li Yuan stood on the stage, he realized that the previously empty Spectator tform suddenly filled with a massive crowd, teeming with thousands of viewers.


    "A big broadcaster?" Li Yuan nced around, and his gaze finally rested on the elven girl holding a silver long spear twenty meters away.


    Normally in Gold Stage matching, even if you encountered a broadcaster, having a hundred spectators was considered good.


    Meeting a big broadcaster with thousands of viewers? It was the first time Li Yuan had encountered such a thing today.


    Li Yuan couldpletely block out the sound from the Spectator tform and ignore the external audience... but he chose not to.


    "A broadcaster?"


    "Seems to be an underage girl broadcaster?" Li Yuan heard some of the audience''s voices, "Let''s see how strong she can be."


    In fact, Li Yuan had tried broadcasting before; he had thought about earning money through live streaming to ease his family''s financial pressures... but he soon realized.


    This industry was deeplyplex.


    Unless one was a super-high-level expert in the Sun Eclipse Stage, bing popr as a broadcaster was very difficult.


    Those who did be popr broadcasters had more than just Martial Arts Skills to thank.


    Being good at fighting did not guarantee proficiency in broadcasting.


    Making money was never simple in any field.


    Moreover, Li Yuan was very clear in his understanding that virtual battles were ultimately just an auxiliary means for honing Martial Arts Skills, and real-life cultivation was the core.


    The purpose of making money, too, was for cultivating the Martial Path.


    One should not lose sight of the essence by focusing on the superficial.


    "Xiu''er?" Li Yuan looked at the name of the elf girl, vaguely recalling having scrolled past her live broadcast videos.


    But the impression wasn''t deep; she likely wasn''t one of the top broadcasters.


    "Hello."


    "May I take a turn with this?" asked the elf girl, holding a silver long spear with a giggly smile, quite adorable.


    Li Yuan slightly furrowed his brows.


    Whoosh!


    Suddenly, the elf girl moved with the speed of an 8.0-grade Physical Quality, like lightning as she charged toward Li Yuan.


    "Xiu''er starts ying dirty again."


    "Stab him!"


    "This guy must have been tricked, probably hasn''t watched Xiu''er''s livestream." The Spectator tform erupted with numerous voices.


    "Pfft!" The silver long spear thrust straight!


    "Straight Thrust?"


    Without the slightest hesitation, Li Yuan gripped the spear with his left hand and supported it with his right, thrusting straight with a midline stance as well.


    It was as though both were using a mutually destructive move.


    But the long spear Li Yuan had chosen was nearly three meters long, about half a meter longer than his opponent''s... and Li Yuan''s character model was taller with longer arm reach.


    It was destined that Li Yuan''s spear would be the first to strike the opponent.


    An inch longer, an inch stronger.


    "Bang~"


    At the moment their spear tips crossed, the elf girl''s Silver Spear suddenly trembled, unleashing terrifying strength in an attempt to knock Li Yuan''s long spear aside... clearly, she had realized her weapon''s disadvantage.


    "Bang~"


    However, Li Yuan, as if foreseeing her move, simrly shook his long spear with equal hardness.


    Then, with a nce from the corner of his eye, he swiftly backpedaled,nding and neutralizing the impact of the force.


    "Whoosh!" A violent rush of air from the spear wind.


    The elf girl''s follow-up thrust came up empty, the spear tip just an inch from Li Yuan''s head.


    "Despite the continuous collisions, she still maintains the stability of her spear for consecutive attacks... This must be some kind of killer move," Li Yuan dodged the thrust and made a judgment, "I must be cautious."


    In a usual scrimmage, repeated impacts cause recoil that transmits through the spear, affecting the fighter, making many maneuvers difficult and requiring adjustment.


    If the opponent can attack consecutively, it indicates that thebination is very special.


    Such killer moves are those that perfectly harness Vigor, allowing for defense and attackbinations that ordinary people can''t achieve.


    "Such quick reflexes, such strong movement technique," the elf girl said, equally surprised at her pretty face.


    Thisbination was one of her killer moves, which often took her opponents by surprise and allowed her to resolve fights in just a few moves.


    ..."Such impressive movement technique."


    "Very steady!"


    "Themon folk includes a true master."


    "Xiu''er just got outyed,"ughed many spectators on the Spectator tform; they weren''t really concerned about winning or losing.


    ...


    "ng!" "ng!" "ng!"


    With each collision, both sides proved to be masters of Spear Technique, constantly moving at high speed and probing for opportunities.


    Each was trying to find the other''s weakness and seize the chance.


    But Li Yuan was very steady, scarcely initiating an attack, preferring not to attempt glory but to avoid fault, his defenses repeatedly blocking the elf girl''s Silver Spear.


    "Virtualbat is for honing Spear Technique, fighting one more or one fewer battle makes little difference," Li Yuan thought calmly, not in a hurry.


    But desperation gradually grew in the elf girl.


    She could hear the murmurs of the surrounding audience, many making light of her withments like ''kind of boring,'' ''won''t you fight,'' ''charge in,'' ''just circling around,'' ''are these two putting on a y,'' ''Can you still be called Xiu''er if you can''t put on a show,'' ''Where''s all that bragging now,'' ''told you she''s not up for it''..."


    While the elf girl wanted victory, the race to 500 Points and the associated rewards, she was also looking for an impact on her livestream.


    "This guy, like a turtle."


    "If this keeps up, the fight won''t end in five minutes, probably half the spectators will leave, not waiting any longer," the elf girl gritted her teeth and took the initiative to attack.


    "ng!" "Bang~"


    Mere moments after the spear shaft and tip collided several times, Li Yuan kept retreating while the elf girl advanced with each step.


    "Here''s my chance," the elf girl''s eyes sparkled.


    In less than ten exchanges, as Li Yuan was almost backed to the edge of the ring and the elf girl thought she was about to win.


    "Whoosh!" The normally defensive Li Yuan suddenly exploded into action, his long spear thrusting swiftly.


    "Rip~"


    The long spear tore through the air, emitting a sharp whistling sound!


    "Not good," ''Xiu''er,'' the elf girl''s pupils contracted. Just as she thought of retreating, the spearhead pierced through her throat.


    It was simply too fast!


    The skirmish hadsted nearly two minutes, with her dominating the scene for over ny percent of that time.


    But as sheunched a continuous attack at the moment when her old strength was spent and new strength had not yet emerged, Li Yuan seized the opportunity for a decisive blow.


    "The Martial Arts livestream is popr with spectators, who will tip with gifts for entertainment, allowing one to profit."


    "Sometimes those spectators can also ignite one''s passion for battle," Li Yuan silently retrieved his spear, ncing toward the now bustling Spectator tform nearby: "But acting on momentum can also result in being constrained and troubled by it."


    "Life-and-death battles should be pure."


    "Fighting isn''t for show, it''s about determining life and death."


    "Your Martial Arts Skills are not inferior to mine, but you didn''t focus your heart entirely on the battle," Li Yuan stared at the spot where the elf girl had vanished: "That is why you lost."


    Life-and-death battles have never been determined solely by Physical Quality or Martial Arts Skills.


    It''s also about mentality.


    Practicing the Solid Rock Cultivation Technique, Li Yuan had a frighteningly stable mentality.


    "Congrattions, Defender¡¤Yuan, you''ve won this Gold Stage match, Points +10."


    "Congrattions, Defender¡¤Yuan, you''ve reached 500 Points at the Gold Stage, eligible to im a reward of 50,000 Blue Star Coins."


    "Congrattions, Defender¡¤Yuan, you have entered the ''Starry Sky Youth Ranking,'' ced at number [4684] globally, number [1224] in the Xia Country District, and number [47] in the Jiangbei Division, detailed rankings can be checked through the following methods..."

 Chapter 25: 23 Special Admission Qualifications

    Starry Skies Fighting Network, Personal Space.


    Li Yuan''s consciousness had just returned to his body.


    Rustle~ Countless lights and shadows converged, coalescing into the figure of a young girl dressed in a green ancient costume.


    "Guardian Yuan, congrattions on your entry into the Youth Rankings of Blue Star. Your status within the Starry Skies Fighting Network has been elevated," the girl in the green costume said with a slight smile. "From today onwards, I will be your dedicated artificial intelligence customer service in the Starry Skies Fighting Network, at your service throughout the entire process. You may name me."


    "Dedicated artificial intelligence customer service?" Li Yuan was slightly taken aback.


    AI intelligence in this era was already very advanced.


    As far as Li Yuan knew, usually only when a user had charged up a certain amount of money into the ''Starry Skies Fighting Network'' and purchased many additional services could they get their own dedicated AI customer service.


    Unexpectedly, simply being listed on this so-called Youth Rankings of Blue Star also had this benefit.


    "Xiaoyu," Li Yuan said directly. His own AI wristband was named Xiaoyu as well.


    One size fits all.


    "Xiaoyu is pleased to serve you," the girl in the green dress said with a small bow, looking very innocent.


    "I want to view the Youth Rankings of Blue Star as well as the order of the list," Li Yuan said directly.


    "Understood," the girl replied with a wave of her delicate green hand, as a light screen projection appeared before Li Yuan.


    It contained a great deal of text description, along with various videos and images.


    Li Yuan quickly understood.


    "The Youth Rankings of Blue Star arepiled by the ''Starry Skies Fighting Network.'' Anyone who reaches 500 points at the Gold Stage is eligible for entry," Li Yuan thought to himself. "ording to rumors, behind the Starry Skies Fighting Network are the Seven Star Alliance, the three Great Martial Halls, and various powerful nations...


    It serves not only as a high-intensity method to hone martial artists'' martial arts skills, but also to select martial arts prodigies."


    Now it seemed, the rumors were not unfounded.


    "The Youth Rankings of Blue Star purely evaluates martial arts skills," Li Yuan nodded slightly. "That makes sense; the Starry Skies Fighting Network can easily filter candidates without expending additional resources."


    "If they were to assess both martial arts skills and scrutinize physical quality and talent... that would essentially be a college entrance examination," Li Yuan couldn''t helpughing.


    Whether it''s all of human civilization or just a single country, efforts are made to screen out talents in technology and martial arts... The college entrance exam is the most extensive andprehensive evaluation method.


    The Starry Skies Fighting Network, by contrast, is about selecting for a single criterion: martial arts skills.


    "The Youth Rankings of Blue Star cover the entire Blue Star region. The list resets every year on September 1st," Li Yuan continued to read.


    "Any youth who has not reached the age of 18 before the deadline on September 1st is eligible to enter the next year''s Youth Rankings of Blue Star."


    Li Yuan immediately realized that this so-called Youth Rankings of Blue Star did notprise only minors.


    The oldest on the list might be nearly 19 years old.


    For example, those born on September 2nd.


    However, if they were indeed martial arts prodigies, they could reach the Gold Stage and amass 500 points at the age of 14 or 15, allowing them to be listed on the Youth Rankings of Blue Star for four or five consecutive years.


    "So by this calction, the current list of the Youth Rankings of Blue Star hasn''t even been updated for a month?" Li Yuan thought to himself. "Less than a month, and there are already 4,684 individuals listed?"


    And that was just within the region of Blue Star.


    Looking at the civilization of the Seven Greats, how many must be listed?


    If one were to wait until next year, how many more would be on the list by August?


    Let alone those from Blue Star who emerged as martial arts prodigies within a year.


    "Anyone who can surge to 500 points on the Gold Stage won''t have martial arts skills inferior to mine," Li Yuan shook his head slightly. "My martial arts skills are unmatched in the Guan Mountain District''s First High School."


    "But on a global scale? It''s nothing special," Li Yuan calmed himself.


    He felt the insignificance of his own achievements.


    The world was indeed vast.


    "But every journey begins with a single step, and at least I''ve made it onto the list," Li Yuan then chuckled to himself. "In the entire Jiangbei Province, including me, there are only 47 people ¡ª probably most of them are sophomores or juniors in high school."


    In Jiangbei Province, there were over a million high school seniors.


    In terms of martial arts skills, Li Yuan had already surged to the top echelon of a million high school seniors.


    A year ago, Li Yuan would not have dared to imagine achieving such sess.


    After reading through all the contents,


    "Stage rewards?" Li Yuan''s gaze fell on thest page, his eyes lighting up.


    ¡ª¡ªStage Rewards (Before turning 18):


    1. Reach 500 points at the Gold Stage, receive a reward of 50,000 Blue Star Coins.


    2. Reach the Fallen Star Stage, receive a reward of 500,000 Blue Star Coins.


    3. Reach the Bright Moon Stage, receive a reward of 20 million Blue Star Coins.


    ¡ª¡ªStage Rewards (Ages 18 to 30):


    1. Reach the Fallen Star Stage, receive a reward of 10,000 Blue Star Coins.


    2. Reach the Bright Moon Stage, receive a reward of 200,000 Blue Star Coins.


    3. Reach the Sun Eclipse Stage: receive a reward of 5 million Blue Star Coins.


    ...


    "It''s so extravagant," Li Yuan muttered to himself. "A reward of 20 million Blue Star Coins?"


    Twenty million! That''s what an average person would hope to earn in a hundred years of work.


    But Li Yuan had to admit, the difficulty was indeed high; to reach the Bright Moon Stage before the age of 18.


    If they surpassed 18 years of age, even if they reached the Bright Moon Stage, the reward would only be 200,000 Blue Star Coins.


    "Never mind the Bright Moon Stage, reaching the Fallen Star Stage before the age of 18 would probably be difficult too," Li Yuan shook his head, casually asking, "Xiaoyu, how many on the Youth Rankings of Blue Star have achieved the Fallen Star Stage by now?"


    "As of today, there are 44," the girl in the green dress, Xiaoyu, replied, "but the specific list cannot be disclosed."


    Li Yuan nodded.


    He had already found when attempting to view the list that he could only see general statistical data.


    But the specific names? Who had made it onto the Youth Rankings of Blue Star?


    Unable to query.


    "Perhaps, this is a form of protection," Li Yuan thought darkly. "In some sense, those who are on the list are all martial arts powerhouses of the future, though they have not yet matured."


    Though one could find a wealth of information through various countries'' school exam results, college entrance exam scores, and so on...


    But the difficulty of gathering information in either case was clearly not on the same level.


    "Rewards." Li Yuan looked at the three-stage rewards listed on the page, deep in thought.


    "Bright Moon Stage? That''s too far off, somewhat unrealistic."


    "But Fallen Star Stage?"


    "My birthday is on August 29, and I have about eleven months to hone my martial arts skills."


    "Even if I don''t reach it before the college entrance exam, it doesn''t matter, I can continue to work hard after the exam."


    "As long as I reach the Fallen Star Stage, there''s a reward of 500,000 Blue Star Coins," Li Yuan set his goal in his heart.


    He was full of anticipation, brimming with motivation.


    Because this was a goal he truly had hopes of achieving.


    As long as he reached 1000 points in the Gold Stage and then won the promotion match, he would be in the Fallen Star Stage.


    "Let''s try a few more matches," Li Yuan couldn''t help but click ''Stage Matching''.


    Six minutester.


    "Lost!"


    "Lost!"


    "Three consecutive losses, all against experts with over 600 points, I lost them all," Li Yuan returned to his personal space, feeling somewhat helpless.


    Not only did he not gain points, but he had dropped back down to 491 points.


    Li Yuan calmed down as well.


    "It seems that 500 points is indeed a threshold. With my strength, I have a winning rate of over 80% against those under 500 points," Li Yuan reviewed today''s battles. "Facing experts with 500 points, especially those over 600 points, my chances of victory are less than 30%."


    "This means, to dominate at the Gold Stage with my martial arts skills, I''m still far off."


    To think about reaching the Fallen Star Stage without being nearly unbeatable at the Gold Stage?


    It''s practically a fool''s dream.


    The gap between each rank in the Starry Skies Fighting Network is vast, almost insurmountable.


    "Little Jade, my points fell below 500, that won''t affect my reward, right?" Li Yuan asked.


    "It won''t affect it."


    "The Blue Star Coin reward is based on your historical highest score," the girl in green said with a smile. "The 50,000 Blue Star Coin reward will be issued to your bank ount after a unified review on Monday."


    "Good," Li Yuan nodded his head.


    The Starry Skies Fighting Network, as the number one game in the virtualwork, is also endorsed by the authorities...trustworthy.


    "Log out," thought Li Yuan.


    He left the virtualwork.


    ...


    After leaving his room.


    "Bro,e and have an apple, I''ve cut it for you," his sister Li Qianqian called from the sofa.


    "Sure," Li Yuan smiled. "Watching a projection? What''s this show?"


    "Bro, it''s not a drama series; it''s a documentary, ''Exploration of the Rob Sea Star Realm,'' by our country''s first explorer who first entered the Rob Sea..." His brother Li Muhua quickly exined, reciting the details like it was precious knowledge.


    "Oh?" Li Yuan nodded, sat down, and watched the documentary with his brother and sister while eating apples.


    The interior of the Star Realm is very unique; many technological devices fail to function.


    Added to that, numerous Star Realm Creatures roam freely, putting one in constant danger... Over the decades, human civilization has been fighting, but there is not much footage about the depths of the Star Realm.


    "These explorers are all martial artists, huh? They leap up cliffs tens of meters high as if it were nothing," Li Muhua couldn''t help but say.


    "Without the strength of a martial artist, who would dare to venture into the Star Realm? Isn''t that suicide?" Li Yuanughed. "Moreover, they are not ordinary martial artists."


    At the very least, their physical quality must exceed level 20!


    ...


    After watching the documentary for half an hour, their aunt came out of the master bedroom and urged everyone to go to bed.


    After washing up, Li Yuan returned to his room.


    He was in no rush to tell his aunt about reaching 500 points in the Gold Stage.


    "I''ll wait until both sums of money are truly in my ount," Li Yuan stood barefoot in the room.


    "I''ve spent the entire day in the virtualwork."


    "Can''t neglect the Basic Cultivation Method."


    "Two hours of ''Solid Rock Cultivation Technique'' first, then the ''Observing the Great Sun Starry Sky Scripture''," Li Yuan quickly made a decision.


    For Li Yuan, having a snack with his brother and sister and watching a projection show was already a rare rxation.


    Martial Arts Cultivation had no shortcuts.


    It''s about daily umtion.


    ...


    Late at night.


    When Li Yuan got up at three in the morning and quietly left home to rush to school.


    In Jiangbei Province, at the Martial Arts Hall.


    The smart system and the duty personnel had already received an unremarkable file pending review.


    "Blue Star Youth List 2042-2043 period, entry number [4684], name ''Li Yuan,'' ce of residence ''Guan Mountain District, Jiang City, Jiangbei Province''... Please conduct aprehensive assessment of this individual within 10 days to confirm whether he qualifies for the special recruitment of Martial Artist Students."

 Chapter 26: 24: Arrived! Joy!

    ```


    At eight in the morning, at Guan Mountain District''s Number One High School.


    Li Yuan was frowning, twirling his pen while working on the math test paper in front of him, feeling waves of headache, derivatives, limits, continuity, indefinite integrals, linear transformations... College content from over a century ago, now they had all be high school math exam topics.


    People in this era are much stronger physically, and their learning efficiency is higher, so exam difficulty has increased as well.


    "Math is really difficult."


    "Memorizing history and biology is way easier than this," Li Yuan muttered to himself, yet he was seriously working on these math problems.


    Since his junior year, Li Yuan''s spiritual power had been continuously improving, which significantly increased his thinking speed and memory... As a result, even though he only spent four hours a day on his academic studies, his grades were still not left behind by his ssmates.


    Even among the whole grade, his academic performance had improved.


    Keep in mind, Guan Mountain District''s Number One High School is a key school, and an average student there would be considered a top student in some regr high schools.


    However, this was also approaching the limit of Li Yuan''s academic study potential.


    An increase in memory greatly improved Li Yuan''s performance in subjects likenguage, history, and biology, which require a lot of rote memorization... But subjects like math and physics were difficult.


    Unfortunately, in the current college entrance examination, math and physics are the subjects with the highest score weighting.


    "I must study hard and try to get full basic scores in math, physics, and chemistry." Li Yuan resolved.


    Just then.


    Buzz~


    Li Yuan''s smart ring vibrated twice in quick session.


    "Hmm?" Li Yuan nced out of the corner of his eye, his eyes lighting up.


    "Your ount ending in 1486 has received 50,000.00 Blue Star Coins... transferred into ount ending with... bnce 83,124.64 Blue Star Coins."


    "Your ount ending in 1486 has received 50,000.00 Blue Star Coins... transferred into ount ending with... bnce 133,124.64 Blue Star Coins."


    Two sums of money, fifty thousand was a reward from the Starry Skies Fighting Network.


    Another fifty thousand was an award for a Second ss schrship.


    "Good!" Li Yuan couldn''t help but clench his fists; if it weren''t for being in ss, he would probably have jumped up in excitement.


    100,000 Blue Star Coins!


    From childhood till now, Li Yuan was receiving such arge sum of money for the first time.


    Most importantly, in a way, this was a reward gained through his own efforts.


    It''s fundamentally different from what his uncle and aunt gave him.


    Just like many people remember receiving their first paycheck after growing up and starting work, even if theyter obtained ten times, a hundred times more wealth... it couldn''t rece the significance of that first paycheck.


    The first time is always special.


    "Brother Yuan, what''s up? You seem so happy? Did you solve a big problem?" Yan Zhou, who was sitting beside, nced at his own test paper and whispered, "Let me see."


    "No."


    Li Yuan calmed down, subconsciously nced up in the direction of the teacher to see if the teacher had noticed him, "I only answer the first question every time."


    Suddenly.


    "Some students, don''t think the teacher can''t see you, it just that I don''t want to call out your name," a cold voice sounded, "Do it yourself! Can you cheat like this during the college entrance exams?"


    Li Yuan and Yan Zhou both lowered their heads and closed their mouths at the same time.


    ...


    At nine in the morning, in the principal''s office.


    The principal, Tan Zhenlong, who was working, suddenly looked up at a flickering light screen projection not far away.


    "Master, it''s the ''Director Wang'' from the Education Bureau," a gentle voice rang out.


    "Number Nine, answer the call," Principal Tan set down his pen, "Activate reception mode."


    "Yes."


    Woosh~ The principal''s office immediately changed as beams of light swept across, significantly altering the decor of the office, making it visibly morefortable through the change in lighting.


    "Director Wang," Principal Tan said with a smile.


    In the projection, a young man wearing a jacket appeared, looking to be about thirty years old.


    "Principal Tan, sorry to disturb you," Director Wang said with a smile, "I need to trouble you with something, it''s about a student at your school."


    "A student?" Principal Tan became curious instantly.


    "Yes, this morning the city''s Martial Arts Hall notified us that we need to report information about a student from your school named Li Yuan, he should be a senior," Director Wang said, "Yesterday, he just broke into the Blue Star Youth Rankings..."


    "Li Yuan? I know of this student, he is a good prospect," Principal Tan nodded repeatedly, "I understand, I''llpile the data and send it to you right away."


    Having worked in the education sector for decades, he had encountered simr situations more than once.


    Principal Tan already understood the implications and knew what he needed to do.


    "Alright, it''s all routine, I won''t keep you any longer," Director Wang said with a smile, "Go ahead with your work."


    Ending the video call.


    "Li Yuan?"


    "The Blue Star Youth Rankings? He made it on so quickly?" Principal Tan was surprised as he sat at his desk.


    Yesterday, he had been invited to see the match between Lin Lanyue and Li Yuan and felt that thetter might make it onto the Blue Star Youth Rankings.


    But he didn''t expect it would happen so quickly.


    After thinking for a moment.


    "Number Nine, contact Teacher Xu Bo," Principal Tan spoke, and the connection was quickly made.


    "Old Tan, you looking for me?" Xu Bo appeared in the video, smiling, "What''s up? Hurry up and say it, don''t dy my cultivation."


    "Cultivating during work hours?" Principal Tan red.


    "No Martial Arts sses this morning, what else would I do if not cultivate?" Xu Bo replied with conviction, "My diligent cultivation is also so I can do my job well."


    Principal Tan couldn''t help but smile helplessly, "Let''s not digress, I have something to tell you."


    Quickly.


    ```


    Principal Tan exined the relevant situation.


    "The Blue Star Youth Ranking? Martial Arts Department? It must be about the special recruitment by the five prestigious schools." Xu Bo shook his head lightly, "Based on my experience, it''s probably impossible to get the special recruitment qualifications."


    In this era, the Martial Arts Department within Xia Country, responsible for managing martial artists, held astonishing power.


    The subordinate Martial Arts Hall and Martial Arts Offices were also extremely influential.


    "Yes, that''s what I think too," Principal Tan sighed lightly, "Not awakening the Martial Spirit means you''re not suitable for any high-rank cultivation methods. Future physical quality improvements will fall far behind those of other martial artists. Indeed, it''s difficult to get directly recruited by one of the top five schools through special recruitment."


    Xu Bo nodded slightly, without saying much more.


    Although he had a suspicion that Li Yuan''s physical quality had improved remarkably and he had high actual talent... that was just his guess.


    Over the years, not just throughout all of human civilization, but even within Xia Country alone, there had been many students like Li Yuan. Strong in martial arts skills, decent physical quality, but never able to awaken their Martial Spirit...


    Very few ultimately stood out.


    "Let''s just focus on training him well," Principal Tan pondered, "Even if the special recruitment isn''t sessful, with his results, it won''t be difficult for him to get into a Martial Arts University. His future won''t be bad."


    "In the future, he might even catch up to you," Principal Tan suddenly said with a smile.


    "I hope so," Xu Bo changed the subject, "By the way, Old Tan, since the special recruitment selection is going on, why don''t you just give him..."


    Xu Bo was interrupted before he could finish speaking.


    "Hang it up!" Principal Tan''s face lost its smile as he waved his hand, "Hang it up!"


    ...


    "Special recruitment?"


    Xu Bo, dressed in his martial arts uniform, stood in his office and pondered, "Forget it, it''s just a pipe dream, no need to tell Li Yuan about it. It''ll just make him uneasy."


    Xu Bo continued to practice his Basic Cultivation Method.


    "After my arm was severed, the nerve toxin wasn''tpletely cleared out, my Origin Power isn''t flowing smoothly, and my dantian is also damaged, causing my physical quality to drop by four levels." Xu Bo reflected silently, "All these years, I''ve only been barely able to maintain at level 19."


    "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 shone with light.


    ...


    Li Yuan waspletely unaware of his selection for the special recruitment qualification screening by the top five prestigious schools.


    It was noon, and sses were over.


    "Old Zhou, you guys go ahead to the cafeteria, I''ve got something to do," Li Yuan told Zhou Qi and the others to go ahead.


    One by one, the ssmates left until Li Yuan was the only one remaining.


    He approached the ssroom door, nced at the corridor, and confirmed that there was no one in the nearby ssrooms.


    Unable to hold back any longer, Li Yuan immediately activated his smart ring, "Xiao Yu, connect me to auntie."


    "Beep¡ªBeep¡ª"


    A full six seconds passed.


    The hum of a holographic screen projected in front of Li Yuan, visible only to him¡ªa privacy screen.


    "Li Yuan, what''s the matter? Why the urgent video call?" Aunt Chen Hui looked at Li Yuan anxiously, from what could be seen in the background, she was at her office.


    Chen Hui was a middle school teacher.


    "Auntie, put on the headphones," Li Yuan said with a smile, "I have some good news for you."


    "Good news?" Aunt Chen Hui was taken aback.


    Soon she put on the headphones.


    "Auntie, it''s about the schrship and..." Li Yuan promptly exined the situation, and concluded with emphasis, "Don''t worry, auntie, I''m not lying to you, both amounts have already been deposited into the ount."


    As he spoke, Li Yuan sent a screenshot of the ount to his auntie.


    "100,000 Blue Star Coins?" Chen Hui was a bit surprised, her mouth hanging open slightly.


    This was almost the equivalent of her annual take-home sry.


    "Good!"


    "Good!" Chen Hui repeated, her eyes slightly moist with emotion, and she instructed, "Li Yuan, go ahead and eat. Remember to call your uncle after lunch, before one o''clock, they rest from one to two in the afternoon."


    "He''ll definitely be very happy when he knows about it."


    Ever since her son and daughter entered middle school, adding Li Yuan on top of that, these past few years Chen Hui had felt a tremendous financial pressure.


    Particrly this month, her husband Li Changzhou had gone to the war front in Northern Border Province for a highpensation package.


    Chen Hui ofteny awake at night, worried sick, dreading suddenly receiving a certain kind of news.


    But she couldn''t show it in front of the children.


    Chen Hui knew that the 100,000 Blue Star Coins Li Yuan just received wouldn''t solve the family''s problems.


    But at that moment, Chen Hui finally saw a glimmer of hope.


    ...After hanging up the phone with his auntie.


    Li Yuan tried to call his uncle, Li Changzhou, to share the good news with him.


    Beep¡ªBeep¡ª


    No answer.


    "No answer?" Li Yuan was taken aback and couldn''t help but feel a bit worried, then he reassured himself, "Uncle must be busy with something."


    Leaving a detailed message on themunicator and sending the screenshot of the deposit to Li Changzhou, Li Yuan had done everything he needed to.


    With that, Li Yuan finally felt a bit more at ease as he walked out of the ssroom.


    The September sun poured down on the corridor and on him too.


    It was warm andforting.


    "Today''s sunshine is really nice." Li Yuan smiled as he went downstairs toward the cafeteria.

 Chapter 27: 25 Message from the Martial Hall

    They had lunch.


    Students exited the cafeteria in groups of three or two, walking along the tree-lined path, all heading towards the Martial Path building.


    Senior year was exhausting, but during the rare free time at noon, most students still had smiles on their faces, brimming with youth and endless longing for the future.


    This contrasted starkly with off-duty workers.


    Li Yuan and Wan Xiao were on their way to the Elite ss building.


    Zhou Qi and Yan Zhou? They took different paths, so they split up after eating.


    "That''s Li Yuan, isn''t it?"


    "Seems like it."


    "Wan Xiao was in the same ss as Li Yuan before; the two of them together, the other one must be Li Yuan."


    "Is he the one who defeated Lin Lanyue?"


    "I heard he likes Lin Lanyue, and he didn''t hold back when striking." Many senior year (ss one) students passing by took note of Li Yuan and Wan Xiao.


    They all turned their heads to look.


    "Li Yuan, after this fight, you''ve truly made a name for yourself." Wan Xiao said in a low voice with augh, "Just now in the cafeteria, there were quite a few people looking at you."


    "The entire grade, even the freshmen and sophomores, are spreading your fame." Wan Xiao exaggerated.


    "Envious, huh? Isn''t it all because you were spreading rumors?" Li Yuan nced at him, "Want to practice again?"


    Wan Xiao choked.


    Yesterday on the Starry Skies Fighting Network, he was ''sparring'' with Li Yuan for three rounds.


    It was a nightmare.


    "I''ve said it wasn''t me; it was Zhou Qi..." Wan Xiao shook his head repeatedly.


    "You initiated it, and he amplified it," Li Yuan had a clear train of thought.


    Wan Xiao suddenly changed the subject, "By the way, Li Yuan, do you really have no feelings for Lin Lanyue? I see a lot of boys in the Elite ss are interested in her, but only a few dare to express it. Could it be that she''s not pretty?"


    "Lin Lanyue is quite pretty," Li Yuan said casually, not noticing someone behind him.


    After all, there are so many peopleing and going in the school; one can''t always be aware.


    Suddenly.


    Two girls walked past Li Yuan and Wan Xiao, one of them dressed in practice attire, tall and slender, her long hair tied up high, and she nced at Li Yuan from the corner of her eye.


    It was Lin Lanyue.


    "Heard that? Wan Xiao did that on purpose," Li Yuan immediately understood.


    "Li Yuan, don''t be a coward, if you like her, then say it out loud." Wan Xiao yelled.


    At the same time, he was alreadyughing madly as he ran to the back.


    Li Yuan shook his head helplessly, not bothering to chase Wan Xiao, but instead waved his hand and greeted Lin Lanyue openly.


    This scene made Lin Lanyue freeze for a moment.


    Just now, she had indeed heard Li Yuan''s words, but she didn''t expect that Li Yuan would take the initiative to greet her.


    Looking at Li Yuan''s smiling face.


    Lin Lanyue couldn''t help but think of yesterday''s virtualbat, subconsciously touching her chest.


    "Lanyue, he''s greeting you," the girl beside her, with waist-length hair, made faces, deliberately bumping Lin Lanyue''s waist.


    "Qiqi, let''s go," Lin Lanyue said softly, her slender fingers straightening out a lock of hair by her temple, quickening her pace.


    She didn''t respond to Li Yuan.


    Nor did she look at him again.


    "This Lin Lanyue, she was quite polite the first time we met, but today she ignored my greeting," Li Yuanughed.


    He wasn''t the type to shrink back in the presence of a pretty girl.


    He watched Lin Lanyue and the others enter the Elite ss building.


    "Li Yuan, how was my assist?" Wan Xiao popped up from somewhere.


    "Nicely done."


    "As a token of my gratitude, let''s go to my Martial Arts Room first; I''ll give you some free extra training," Li Yuan said, draping his arm around Wan Xiao''s shoulder with a firm grip that he couldn''t break free from.


    "Li Yuan, let go of me, I''m not interested in you."


    ...


    It was almost two o''clock.


    Inside Martial Arts Room 4011, Li Yuan stood by the window, his gaze falling into the distance.


    A fineyer of sweat was seeping through his skin.


    Li Yuan had just finished half an hour of Basic Cultivation Method, and his physical quality had improved slightly.


    Suddenly.


    "Drip¡ª" The sound of the smart bracelet rang.


    Li Yuan walked to the side and picked up his bracelet, revealing a pleased expression, "Uncle?"


    The call connected.


    Hum~ A holographic screen projected in front of Li Yuan.


    On the opposing screen was Li Changzhou, wearing a helmet.


    "Uncle," Li Yuan said with a smile, a trace of worry in his heart settling down.


    "Xiao Yuan."


    "Your aunt has already called and told me," Li Changzhou said, sitting on a work chair and smiling, "Goodd, you''ve done well. I, your uncle, haven''t reached 500 points in the Gold Stage on the Starry Skies Fighting Network in decades."


    Li Yuan felt warmth in his heart.


    It wasn''t because he had surpassed his uncle, but because of his uncle''s recognition.


    "How are things on your end, uncle?" Li Yuan asked.


    "No worries, don''t be concerned," Li Changzhou replied with a smile, "The Starry Sky Martial Hall has received arge batch of people. I reckon in a few days, we''ll beunching a major counteroffensive... I''m calling you because there''s another matter, rted to you."


    "What is it, uncle?" Li Yuan asked immediately.


    "It''s about your Uncle Zhou. He specifically called me," Li Changzhou looked at Li Yuan, "It seems like he wants to recruit you into the Starry Sky Martial Hall."


    "Join the Starry Sky Martial Hall?" Li Yuan was slightly surprised.


    Human civilization had three great Martial Halls¡ªStarry Sky Martial Hall, ck Stone Martial Hall, and Starfire Martial Hall.


    Starfire Martial Hall, founded by Dongfang Ji, the strongest person in human civilization.


    ck Stone Martial Hall, created by Lant, the second strongest person in human civilization.


    The Starry Sky Martial Hall, in no way inferior to the other two great Martial Halls.


    The three great Martial Halls represented the three most terrifying forces within the Martial Artistmunity and served as the main force against Star Realm Creatures.


    The divisions of the three great Martial Halls were spread across the Seven Greats.


    ording to information Li Yuan gathered from the virtualwork and books, at the Seven Star Alliance''s highest council, thebined influence of the three great Martial Halls faintly eclipsed that of the major nations on each.


    Within Xia Country''s borders, only the divisions of Starry Sky Martial Hall and Starfire Martial Hall were present, and their power was immense.


    "Aren''t the three great Martial Halls only joined by Martial Artists?" Li Yuan expressed his confusion.


    "You''d be a reserve member first," Li Changzhou said, "Your Uncle Zhou probably got wind through some channel that you''ve be a member of the Blue Star youth rankings... It''s quitemon."


    Li Yuan listened attentively.


    His Uncle Li Changzhou was a Martial Artist, and as far as Li Yuan knew, his uncle had apparently been a member of the Starry Sky Martial Hall in his early years and was well-versed in this area.


    "There are three types of membership when joining a Martial Hall."


    "One type is a registered member, which basically just means registering without many benefits or rights," Li Changzhou said with augh, "Like me, I''m still just a registered member of the Starry Sky Martial Hall even now."


    "In name, all Martial Artists in human civilization will join one Martial Hall, but most Martial Artists maintain this kind of rtionship with the Martial Halls."


    "Registered members are not hindered from joining other big groups, some Martial Artist organizations, or from joining the military or special state departments."


    Li Yuan nodded to himself. Registered?


    It wasn''t very useful.


    "The second type is an internal member," Li Changzhou continued, "like being an employee of apany. You must sign a contract with the Martial Hall, get paid by the Martial Hall, be cultivated with the Martial Hall''s resources, and in key moments, you must obey the Martial Hall''s orders to fight."


    "Like your Uncle Zhou, he is an internal member of the Starry Sky Martial Hall," Li Changzhou said.


    Li Yuan nodded slightly.


    Uncle Zhou had a very good rtionship with Uncle Li Changzhou.


    Every time he bought Basic Qi and Blood Elixirs, it was through Uncle Zhou, as he could get them at an internal price, with a 5 percent discount.


    "Internal members are also ranked differently. If one''s strength is too weak, such as below level 15, the assessments are usually very strict," Li Changzhou exined, "It''s not something you can join if you want to."


    Li Yuan understood.


    It was like some big corporations hiring employees, requiring high education, work experience, and interviews... It was normal for an internal member of a Martial Hall to have high criteria.


    "The third kind is a reserve member."


    "Even before bing a Martial Artist, you can sign up early, which is usually reserved for martial path geniuses." Li Changzhou said with a smile, "For your Uncle Zhou to seek you out means he sees great potential in you."


    "As a reserve member, the advantage is that you can get a substantial amount of Cultivation Methods resources ahead of time, mentoring by masters, Qi and Blood Elixirs, etc., all for free."


    "For free?" Li Yuan''s eyes lit up.


    "Hear me out," Li Changzhou said, "There''s no such thing as a free lunch. There''s always a price to pay for what you gain."


    "Once you sign to be a reserve member of the Martial Hall, when you be a Martial Artist, you must join the Starry Sky Martial Hall and be an internal member."


    "Besides,"


    "Ordinary Martial Artists who join a Martial Hall as internal members can terminate their contracts at some cost."


    "But if you sign up early, the conditions for canceling the contract in the future will be much harsher," Li Changzhou cautioned seriously, "So, think it over."

 Chapter 28: 26 Hes Somewhat Special

    After listening to his uncle''s words,


    Li Yuan immediately thought of the trainees at numerous entertainment agencies.


    It seemed like amon tale.


    When big stars switch agencies, the contracts they sign are often very lenient.


    Trainees? A 9:1 split in their favor was considered quite good.


    Even more so, many agencies had no intention of nurturing trainees, instead nning to profit from their breach of contract fees.


    "Don''t worry too much."


    In the holographic projection, Li Changzhou seemed to notice Li Yuan''s concerns, and with a smile said, "Martial Artists umte personal might within themselves, the more powerful they are, the harder they are to restrict. A peak Martial Path master possesses the might to destroy heaven and earth... Even if you sign a contract early, it''s not as dark as you imagine."


    "In fact, if you can sign early, the benefits outweigh the drawbacks." A rare trace of regret appeared on Li Changzhou''s face as he sighed, "Your aunt and I have limited abilities."


    "Uncle, don''t talk like that, what you''ve done is more than enough," Li Yuan interrupted Li Changzhou, then asked, "What should I do now, Uncle?"


    "ording to your Uncle Zhong, he wants to talk to you in person," Li Changzhou said. "I guess he wants to take a closer look at your Martial Path talent... This is a good thing."


    "Set a time to meet with your Uncle Zhong first, then talk."


    "But no matter what terms they offer, do not agree to anything. Wait until they put out their terms, then get in touch with me," Li Changzhou instructed. "You''ve just turned seventeen... you have talent in Martial Path, keep working hard and maybe Starfire Martial Hall will approach you too."


    "Additionally, with you entering the Blue Star Youth Rankings, the country should also reach out through the school, and there''s a chance they''ll recruit you early."


    "You should think about it carefully first, and I''ll also contact some ssmates to find out more about the situation."


    "This will determine the path of your life."


    Li Yuan nodded.


    He had understood what he needed to do; it was to showcase his talent and then choose the best contract to sign.


    "Alright, let''s stop here for today, I need to start work," Li Changzhou said with a smile.


    Themunication was cut off.


    "Special recruitment?"


    "Early signing with Starry Sky Martial Hall?" Li Yuan put down his smart wristband, muttering to himself as he calmed down, "No rush."


    "I''ve only awoken my Mind Spirit Divine Pce a year ago."


    "From now until the college entrance exam, as my spiritual power increases, my Martial Arts Skills will improve even faster, and my control over my body will be even greater." Li Yuan''s eyes sparked with a light, "Hence, my efficiency in practicing the ''Solid Rock Cultivation Technique'' will be higher."


    "Unable to cultivate High-Rank Cultivation Methods? The rate of my physical quality improvement is still not slow."


    Over the past year, Li Yuan''s physical quality had been improving faster and faster, surpassing most students in the Elite ss.


    Why?


    It was due to his rapidly improving Martial Arts Skills and his continuous cultivation of the ''Observing the Great Sun Starry Sky Scripture''.


    "Practice spear."


    Li Yuan calmed his mind, took out arge spear from the weapon cab at his side, and silently pondered over his Spear Technique.


    More than an hourter.


    [Your Spear Technique level has increased from Third Stage 48% to Third Stage 49%]


    "On weekdays, I ponder over the Spear Technique in reality."


    "Every weekend, I hone my skills in virtualbat. Thebination of the two indeed provides a rapid improvement," said Li Yuan with a hint of a smile. "Since the start of school up to now, my Third Stage Spear Technique has improved nearly 20%."


    This kind of progress within less than a month would be terrifying to share.


    ...


    The Martial Hall is a very special organization.


    It is somewhat akin to a multinational corporation, but not exactly the same.


    The three major Martial Hall branches are highly independent within their respective nations.


    Ordinary departments have no authority over them; only the Martial Arts Department does.


    Starry Sky Martial Hall, Guan Mountain District branch.


    This is a twelve-story, incrediblyrge circr building that is muchrger than an averagemercialplex and not too far from Guan Mountain District''s First High School.


    In an office on the twelfth floor, the decoration is quite luxurious.


    "Dong~ Dong~" The sound of knocking on the door.


    "Master, it''s First Rank Martial Artist ''Zhong Cheng''." A gentle voice echoed in the office.


    "Open the door, let him in," a slightly cold female voice emanated from the resting area.


    Click~ The door opened.


    A middle-aged man in a ck suit entered the office and came to the center, giving a slight nod and said, "Vice Hall Master Song."


    If it were an insider from the Starry Sky Martial Hall''s Guan Mountain District branch, they would immediately understand who the office''s owner was ¡ª one of the three vice hall masters, ''Song Yi''.


    The Guan Mountain District branch was only a five-rank branch of the Starry Sky Martial Hall.


    Even so, the power of a vice hall master was astonishing and not within reach of an ordinary martial artist.


    A young woman with a slender figure, whose loose martial attire couldn''t hide her shapely body, walked out from a side resting room.


    She wore no makeup, but her skin was fair, with a melon seed-shaped face, and her eyes were extremely sharp.


    In her every move and stance, she exuded an invisible aura that revealed her extraordinary martial arts cultivation.


    "Zhong Cheng, how is the contact going?" Song Yi asked the man in the suit, her gaze sharp.


    "I''ve spoken with Li Yuan''s guardian today, and they agreed to our contact," Zhong Cheng nodded and said, "Additionally, I''ve had two encounters with Li Yuan and am familiar with his situation... The young man is decent and quite diligent in his training."


    "However, it seems that neither Starfire Martial Hall nor the Martial Arts Hall has reached out to Li Yuan," Zhong Cheng said.


    "It''s better that they haven''t made contact." Song Yi''s red lips curved into a smile, "If the Martial Arts Hall had reached out, wouldn''t our hopes be much reduced?"


    "In Xia Country, most martial arts prodigies eventually choose special recruitment," Song Yi said, "For us to recruit, we mostly have to wait until they graduate from university."


    Zhong Cheng couldn''t help but nod.


    "Vice Hall Master Song," Zhong Cheng hesitated before saying, "I have a good rtionship with Li Yuan''s family, but objectively speaking, I''ve specifically looked into Li Yuan''s data."


    "Starfire Martial Hall and the Martial Arts Hall haven''t made any moves for a reason... Li Yuan has not awakened his Martial Spirit, and while his martial arts skills are not bad, they aren''t exaggerated either," he exined.


    "Hundreds of youths emerge every year on Blue Star''s youth rankings in Jiangbei Province alone."


    "And there are other age groups of martial arts prodigies..." Zhong Cheng expressed his doubt, "Is Li Yuan worth the great expense to sign him early?"


    Thews of the Seven Star Alliance stated explicitly:


    To sign a contract with a minor before term, the individual must be at least twelve years old.


    Next, they must provide cultivation resources worth at least one million Blue Star Coins each year, for no less than six years.


    Moreover, the one million Blue Star Coins provided yearly cannot include so-called ''instruction by a master'' or ''training premises.''


    At least half of it must be mary rewards, and the rest must be tangible resources like qi and blood potions.


    It was designed to prevent Martial Halls from signing people indiscriminately.


    This meant.


    Signing early would cost the Starry Sky Martial Hall at least six million Blue Star Coins or more, not including other indirect expenses ¡ª a truly astonishing price.


    "Under normal circumstances, Li Yuan indeed wouldn''t be worth us signing early," Song Yi said slowly, "However, he has something special about him."


    "Special?" Zhong Cheng was taken aback.


    Whoosh~


    Suddenly, an abundance of light shot down from the ceiling, forming a projection screen disying copious amounts of data, text, images, and videos.


    "What''s this?" Zhong Cheng was puzzled.


    "The Starry Skies Fighting Network, which our Starry Sky Martial Hall directly controls," Song Yi said with a mysterious smile, "We''re also the primary shareholders in the entire virtualwork''s controls."


    "By the Seven Star Alliance''s agreements, a lot of information from the Starry Skies Fighting Network must be shared with the other two major Martial Halls and the host country."


    "So, whether it is the Starfire Martial Hall or the Xia Country Martial Arts Department, they would know immediately if Li Yuan entered the Blue Star youth rankings... but specific match intelligence, winning rates about Li Yuan, we would not pass on to them," she said.


    "Just take a look, and you''ll understand," Song Yi pointed at the projection.


    Zhong Cheng immediately started clicking through the screen, browsing through Li Yuan''s data.


    Soon.


    Zhong Cheng realized something was amiss.


    "Hepleted 196 virtual battles within a single day?" Zhong Cheng was a bit shocked, "How did he manage that? Can his mental consciousness endure it?"


    He immediately scrolled forward through the history records.


    He was shocked to discover.


    In the past three months, nearly every weekend, Li Yuan would engage in high-intensity virtualbat, the fewest being around ny battles, and sometimes exceeding two hundred.


    "This? This!"


    "Li Yuan''s spiritual power?" Zhong Cheng''s eyes lit up, already realizing, he blurted out, "Is it at a martial artist level?"


    "A ny percent probability," she said.


    "Although we haven''t conducted a detailed test yet, by my estimation, his spiritual power is at least level 11," Song Yi said with a smile, "Add to that his martial arts skills."


    "Do you think he is qualified for us to sign him early?"

 Chapter 29: 27 C-Level? D-Level Contract

    ```


    "Enough."


    "His martial arts skills are improving rapidly, and it''s definitely rted to his strong spiritual power, but the most important factor is hisprehension of the spear technique," Zhong Cheng, dressed in a ck suit, said somewhat excitedly.


    "The kid is barely seventeen... It''s very different from those who only made it onto the Blue Star Youth List close to neen."


    "So young, and his spear skills are already so high."


    "Normally speaking, there''s a great chance that his spear technique will break through to the fourth level in the future." Zhong Cheng took a deep breath, "His spiritual power is so strong that once his body bes even stronger, his spiritual power will probably quickly surpass level 20."


    "For Li Yuan, the two major difficulties in bing a Prime Warrior aren''t going to be problems at all in the future," Zhong Cheng said as he looked towards Song Yi.


    As an official member of the Starry Sky Martial Hall, Zhong Cheng was well acquainted with the operation mode of the Martial Hall.


    He was aware that the value paid for signing a prospective member in advance was at least ten million Blue Star Coins.


    Perhaps even more.


    But to spend such a huge sum, just to cultivate a first-rank martial artist with a physical quality of barely over ten levels?


    It simply wasn''t worth it.


    The goal of signing in advance and focusing on cultivation was only one¡ªto cultivate a Prime Warrior.


    Song Yi was such a Prime Warrior.


    Because of her formidable strength, Song Yi was able to secure her position as the Vice Hall Master of Guan Mountain District''s division.


    "To be a Prime Warrior, there are three major difficulties," said Song Yi with a slight smile, "For most people, the hardest part is spiritual power, as it mostly depends on innate talent."


    Zhong Cheng couldn''t help but nod.


    Physical quality not high? That can be enhanced through external means, there are many such treasures, and theoretically, as long as one has enough money, anyone can meet the physical requirements of a martial artist.


    Martial arts skills? That depends greatly onprehension, but with instruction from a renowned master, improvement can be swift.


    Spiritual power? The treasures that can enhance spiritual power are unimaginably expensive, beyond even what Prime Warriors would dare to contemte, so itrgelyes down to talent.


    And now.


    In the eyes of Zhong Cheng and Song Yi, Li Yuan was one of those with exceptional talent for spiritual power.


    Combined with his level of spear skills.


    He was very much worth cultivating!


    "Shall we contact him this week?" Zhong Cheng asked, "Ask him toe to the Martial Hall?"


    "That''s too hasty," shook her head Song Yi.


    Zhong Cheng was taken aback, anxious.


    Did she not ask him to contact Li Changzhou immediately? And now she''s saying it''s too rushed?


    "I asked you to contact him promptly for fear that the Martial Arts Hall and Starfire Martial Hall might detect something fishy and beat us to it," Song Yi exined as she picked up her coffee from the side and stirred it gently, "But now, we''re pretty sure no one has reached out to him yet."


    "Li Yuan is a kid; he might just agree impulsively, but his uncle, Li Changzhou, isn''t foolish."


    "If we reach out now, they will definitely ask to raise the terms of the contract."


    "So, let him cool his heels for a few days."


    "Once they realize that we''re the only ones interested, negotiations will naturally go more smoothly," Song Yi said with a smile.


    "Trying to lower the price?" Zhong Cheng frowned slightly.


    Driving down the price isn''t a good choice.


    Because, martial artists represent martial power, and martial power is the source of all authority.


    Pushing for a lower price during pre-contract negotiations could lead to bacsh once the other party grows stronger.


    "Start by lowering the price," Song Yi said with a faint smile, then she spat out three more words: "Then, raise it."


    "Create a difference in treatment."


    "In this way, we can show off Starry Sky Martial Hall''s regard for talent, and make Li Yuan feel grateful," Song Yi smiled, "Besides, leave the matter of this contract to you."


    "You have my authorization for a C-level contract at most; don''t disappoint me."


    "Thank you, Hall Master Song," Zhong Cheng nodded continuously, "I will definitely handle this matter well."


    ...


    Late at night, just past nine o''clock, Li Yuan finished his cultivation practice and took the unmanned train back home from school.


    His aunt had been sitting on the couch waiting for him.


    "Aunt!" Li Yuan called out.


    "Back? Drink your high-energy milk first, it''s on the table, just made a while ago," his aunt said.


    "Alright," agreed Li Yuan with a nod.


    Except for Sundays when he ate at home, his three meals during weekdays were basically all at school.


    Worried about his high expenditure of energy during nighttime cultivation, his aunt would always calcte the time and prepare a cup of high-energy milk for him every night.


    Picking up the cup from the dining table, Li Yuan sat down in the living room.


    "Aunt, with my allowance from Uncle for thest two months, plus the money I got today, I think I can make it till February, so there''s no need to give me any for now," Li Yuan spoke up as he drank his milk.


    "Okay," Chen Hui said with a smile, watching Li Yuan as he guzzled down the milk.


    She had always been very satisfied with Li Yuan.


    Obedient, sensible, and sometimes showing maturity beyond his years, he always made her feel at ease.


    As he grew older, Li Yuan began to show noticeable talent in martial arts.


    What used to worry Chen Hui was that she and her husband could not provide sufficient financial support for Li Yuan.


    This time, Li Yuan earned two bonuses on his own, which also gave her a bit more peace of mind.


    "Your uncle sent me a message," Chen Hui said, "that Starry Sky Martial Hall is interested in signing you in advance. What do you think about it?"


    "It depends on the terms that Starry Sky Martial Hall offers," Li Yuan put down his empty cup and pondered, "However, if the Martial Arts Hall is willing to recruit me specially, I would prefer to go that route."


    "Right."


    ```


    "The best would be a special recruitment," Chen Hui said quite satisfied, "Special recruitment is akin to having a reserved spot in one of the top five schools, and after graduation, a job assignment is guaranteed. You might even directly enter the city''s Martial Arts Bureau."


    As a high school teacher, Chen Hui had a clear understanding of special recruitment and hoped most of all for Li Yuan to be specially recruited.


    In her view, special recruitment by the state not only guaranteed job cements but also was much safer than enlisting in the military¡ªat least if one stayed out of military ranks.


    But if you sign a contract with a Martial Hall, the future is uncertain.


    Members of a Martial Hall are those who will charge into the front lines of the Star Realm battlefield, with casualty rates no less than those of military martial artists.


    "Mm-hmm, I''ll listen to you, Auntie," Li Yuan said with a smile, understanding his aunt''s concerns.


    Li Yuan had his own considerations as well.


    The three major Martial Halls, each gathering arge number of martial artists, were the most powerfulmunities of martial artists, surpassing even the nation.


    In terms of martial arts cultivation, choosing a Martial Hall could lead to faster progress, but it''s often more dangerous.


    On the other hand, opting for the special recruitment from the Martial Arts Hall would mean administrative positioning, which would be best for his family in the future.


    With state resources for cultivation, the pace of martial arts progress wouldn''t be slow either.


    ¡­


    When Li Yuan was full of anticipation,


    The ensuing developments were entirely beyond his expectations.


    The day after he made it onto the Blue Star Youth Ranking, Starry Sky Martial Hall contacted his uncle Li Changzhou once.


    After that, there was no more news.


    It wasn''t just the Starry Sky Martial Hall that went silent; neither the Martial Arts Hall nor the Starfire Martial Hall showed any signs of interest¡ªno one came looking¡­ Time passed, day by day.


    In the blink of an eye, more than half a month had gone by.


    The time came to mid-October.


    Even with Li Yuan''s calm disposition, after waiting so long, he was somewhat perplexed.


    That afternoon, his uncle Li Changzhou made a video call.


    "Li Yuan."


    "Your Uncle Zhong messaged me again today; he felt a bit embarrassed, so there''s been no news for so many days. He''s responsible for signing contracts at the Martial Hall," Li Changzhou said seriously in the video projection, "He really hopes to sign with you."


    "Mm," Li Yuan nodded slightly.


    Zhong Cheng and Uncle Li Changzhou were undoubtedly good friends for many years.


    "But he was frank with you¡ªyour issue is with Martial Spirit. Hence, his application for you was stalled during the second review, and now the higher-ups of the Martial Hall are discussing it," Li Changzhou looked at Li Yuan, "But the result should be out in the next couple of days."


    "A result in the next couple of days? Because of Martial Spirit?" Li Yuan listened quietly.


    Was it again because of Martial Spirit?


    "Don''t be discouraged; your Uncle Zhong said he would do everything he can to fight for you," Li Changzhou said, "We might have been overly optimistic about this. Even if it doesn''t work out, don''t be disappointed."


    "Don''t ck in your cultivation either," Li Changzhou advised.


    "Don''t worry, Uncle, I''m not cultivating Martial Path just to sign early with the Starry Sky Martial Hall," Li Yuan said with a smile, "When the timees, even if they want to sign, I might not be willing to."


    He ended the video call.


    The smile on Li Yuan''s face was gone.


    Standing inside Martial Arts Room 4011.


    "Martial Spirit?"


    "Because I haven''t awakened it, do neither the Martial Arts Hall nor the Starfire Martial Hall give me a chance?"


    "Perhaps, without Uncle Zhong, there wouldn''t even be a glimmer of hope with the Starry Sky Martial Hall," Li Yuan gripped his long spear, silently thinking, "Without a suitable high-rank cultivation method, is there no hope of bing a powerful martial artist?"


    Neither Li Yuan nor Li Changzhou had ever considered that the Starry Sky Martial Hall might be doing this on purpose.


    After all, with the Starfire Martial Hall and Martial Arts Hall forparison, there was no word from either party.


    "Rip!"


    Li Yuan suddenly thrust his spear, a terrifying force erupted, nearly casting a residual image, followed by multiple spear shadows transforming, bursting through the air with piercing screeches.


    Suddenly, two notifications shed across Li Yuan''s vision.


    [Your Spear Technique realm has advanced from Third Stage 56% to Third Stage 57%]


    [Your Life Level has increased from 6.8 to 6.9]


    ¡­


    The next day, close to 10 p.m.,


    Li Yuan, who was in his room, suddenly received a video transmission.


    "Uncle Zhong?" Li Yuan''s eyes brightened slightly.


    He answered the call.


    Buzz¡ªthe projection immediately revealed a middle-aged man dressed in casual home attire, looking very spirited.


    "Uncle Zhong," Li Yuan said with a smile.


    "Li Yuan." Zhong Cheng chuckled, "Calling you sote, I didn''t disturb you, did I?"


    "No."


    "That''s good." Zhong Cheng smiled, seemingly a little sentimental, "I have some good news for you. Your contract application has been approved in the meeting. It''s a D-level contract."


    "It''s passed?" Li Yuan''s eyes lit up, "Thank you, Uncle Zhong."


    He had already prepared for the possibility of not being approved.


    "No need to thank me; it was your own excellence."


    "Come to the Martial Hall at nine o''clock on Sunday morning, and we''ll discuss the specific terms," Zhong Cheng said with a smile, "No problem, right?"


    "No problem."

 Chapter 30: 28: I, Li Changzhou, Am Not Yet Dead (Four Updates for Monthly Pass)

    He ended the video call with Zhong Cheng.


    Li Yuan contemted for a moment, afraid of disturbing his uncle Li Changzhou''s rest, and chose not to make a direct video call. Instead, he first left a message.


    He briefly exined the situation.


    Just five minutester.


    Beep¡ªbeep¡ªLi Changzhou initiated the video call back. Li Yuan immediately answered.


    "Uncle." Li Yuan looked at Li Changzhou in the projected video, covered in dust, as if he had just finished some work.


    "I roughly know what''s happening." There was no joy on Li Changzhou''s face that Li Yuan had anticipated, but rather his eyebrows were deeply furrowed, "If the Starry Sky Martial Hall really only offers a D-grade contract in the end, then whether you sign it or not is another matter."


    "Oh?" Li Yuan was slightly puzzled.


    Special recruitment by the Martial Arts Hall had always been Li Yuan''s first goal, yet there had been no news for the past half month.


    Actually, at the start, Li Yuan had not been so eager about signing with a Martial Hall ahead of time.


    But in recent days, Li Yuan had searched online for a lot of information and found that early signing with the major Martial Halls was generally good, apart from being quite binding, there weren''t any pitfalls.


    Most importantly, as long as one signs early, no matter the grade, it indeed could greatly reduce the financial pressure on his family.


    He could even get cash rewards to support his family.


    In his heart, Li Yuan felt indebted to his uncle and aunt.


    He always felt that his uncle ventured to the Northern Border Province because of him.


    "Through some connections, I''ve pretty much figured it out." Li Changzhou patiently exined, "Over the years, the early signing contracts offered by the three grand Martial Halls have been divided into D, C, B, A, and S grades, five levels from low to high."


    "The contracts of the same grade from different Martial Halls are almost identical in terms."


    Li Yuan nodded slightly. It seemed that in the eyes of Starry Sky Martial Hall, he belonged to the lowest tier?


    However, being able to sign early already marked him as extremely outstanding.


    "A D-grade contract provides one million Blue Star Coins annually for six years," Li Changzhou said somberly. "It sounds good, but you need to understand."


    "The resources you currently need for your cultivation and the resources you will need after entering university and bing a Martial Artist are two different concepts."


    "Take the basic blood essence potions, for example, one bottle costs just 2000 Blue Star Coins, and currently, you only need to spend twenty thousand Blue Star Coins a month on them."


    "After bing a Martial Artist, just the First Rank blood essence potions used by a First Rank Martial Artist will cost 10,000 Blue Star Coins per bottle, and in a month you may need at least ten to as many as twenty or thirty bottles," Li Changzhou said earnestly. "Just this most basic item alone will cost at least a million Blue Star Coins a year."


    "Then there''s the ''auxiliary divine spirit treasures.'' If you aspire to be a Second Rank Prime Warrior in the future, these are indispensable, and they cost several million Blue Star Coins a year at the very least..."


    "And there''s physiotherapy..."


    "And the purchase of weapons, various types of auxiliary equipment. Martial Artists have to fight with Star Realm Creatures, can their equipment be ordinary? It''s expensive and easily damaged." Li Changzhou looked at Li Yuan, "One million, for you right now, is a lot."


    "If you''re not focused on the Martial Path but want to study other majors in the university."


    "Then you don''t have to spend too much on the Martial Path. You can slowly cultivate at the university, aiming to be a level 15 Martial Artist, and this contract could even be considered generous. You might even be able to save a few million Blue Star Coins," Li Changzhou said.


    "After graduating from university, ording to the contract, Starry Sky Martial Hall will still have to provide you with a job."


    "By then, like your Uncle Zhong, you can be an ordinary member in the Martial Hall. The benefits and treatments are no worse than those of a civil servant."


    "If Starry Sky Martial Hall initiates the termination of the contract and does not provide a job, you take those few million Blue Star Coins and find a new job, it''s sure to be profitable."


    "This is a broad and bright path for those who wish to take it easy." Li Changzhou stared at Li Yuan.


    Li Yuan was shocked.


    He had not thought that there was such a way to y the game.


    "But Xiao Yuan, are you really content with being an ordinary person? An ordinary Martial Artist?" Li Changzhou stared at Li Yuan.


    Li Yuan fell silent.


    "You''re not satisfied," Li Changzhou shook his head and sighed. "I''ve watched you grow, how could I not understand? Your frenzied cultivation, besides wanting to help the family, importantly, you have the heart of a Martial Artist."


    "From the second year of junior high to your senior year of high school, have you ever taken even one day off on weekends, or during the summer or winter breaks? You were even cultivating during the New Year''s."


    "You''re harsh on yourself."


    "I''ve never seen such determination, I''m not your match, and your father wasn''t either," Li Changzhou said slowly.


    Li Yuan''s eyes flickered. For so many years, his uncle rarely spoke so much, let alone mentioned histe father.


    "Your aunt has always wanted you to take the civil service exam or be a teacher in the future. She''s always med me, thinking I shouldn''t have supported you."


    "Why don''t I object to you bing a full-time Martial Artist?" There was a hint of excitement in Li Changzhou''s voice, "I don''t want you to end up regretting like I did at the age of forty."


    Li Yuan was shaken, looking at his uncle with amazement.


    "Being a full-time martial artist is dangerous,"


    Li Changzhou replied with an open smile, "But since ancient times, which hero didn''t dream of galloping across the battlefields and pursuing the limits of the Martial Path?"


    "To stand shoulder to shoulder with the divine with the body of a human! To explore the limits of life."


    "My time for that has passed."


    "But you still have the chance," Li Changzhou said with a smile, looking at Li Yuan, his helmet covered in much mud, making him look rather unkempt.


    Li Yuan listened with bated breath.


    "If you want to walk the path of a full-time martial artist, this money, the money from this contract, is far from enough," Li Changzhou continued, "but this contract will bind your future."


    After hesitating for a moment, Li Yuan couldn''t help but say, "Uncle, ording to the information I''ve found, if I perform well enough, Starry Sky Martial Hall will upgrade the contract."


    "But what if Starry Sky Martial Hall doesn''t upgrade it?" Li Changzhou countered, "Why should you leave your destiny in someone else''s hands?"


    Li Yuan realized the truth.


    "Uncle Zhong is a good man, but many things are not his to decide as an ordinary member," Li Changzhou said, "Moreover, as far as I know, once you sign a contract with the Martial Hall in advance, your development will be restricted when you get to Martial Arts University."


    "Restricted?" Li Yuan was taken aback, this was something he didn''t know.


    "For example, the five prestigious schools of Xia Country, they are funded by the state," Li Changzhou said, "If you sign with the Martial Hall in advance, you''re destined to join the Martial Hall after university graduation¡­ Do you think when some special resources arrive at the school, and they have to choose between you and another student specially recruited by the Martial Arts Hall, whom will they choose?"


    Li Yuan''s eyes flickered.


    Signing with the Martial Hall in advance was indeed a kind of bondage in a sense.


    "This contract."


    "You go to the Martial Hall on Sunday, first learn more from Uncle Zhong, and if you can be promoted to a C-level standard and have passive upgrade uses, such as reaching a certain standard before a certain age will directly automatically upgrade you to B level or even A level, then signing is no harm," Li Changzhou patiently exined.


    "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, there''s no need to sign."


    "Li Yuan, I know what you''re thinking, you want to help your family," Li Changzhou stared at Li Yuan, "But remember, your uncle is not dead yet."


    "The time for you to fully support this family has note yet."


    "At least, before you go to university, have no worries, what you need to do is to devote yourself to training wholeheartedly, understand?" Li Changzhou said solemnly.


    "Yes, Uncle," Li Yuan nodded firmly.


    "I believe in you, I can''t be wrong," Li Changzhou looked at Li Yuan.


    "Now that Starfire Martial Hall and Starry Sky Martial Hall are not signing, it''s theirck of foresight."


    "When the college entrance exam resultse out, or even when you enter university, naturally you will receive better contracts."


    "It''s never toote to sign then."


    ¡­


    Uncle Li Changzhou''s words calmed Li Yuan downpletely, and he could think about the matter more calmly.


    "Uncle is right."


    "What''s the rush? In the end, they will be the ones in a hurry," Li Yuan revealed a hint of a smile.


    He continued with his training.


    In the blink of an eye, it was Saturday, two dayster. Li Yuan kept to his routine, going to school and then back home.


    Saturday afternoon.


    All the senior year students had Martial Path sses together in the martial arts ssroom today.


    At the school gate.


    Several ck cars arrived slowly, and six figures descended from the vehicles one after another.


    Five of them were dressed in ck suits, while one of the middle-aged men wore a ck Tang suit, seemingly ordinary, yet exuding an indescribable presence.


    "Lord Wan."


    "Lord Wan, wee to our school," Principal Tan Zhenlong and several vice principals all came forward with smiles to greet him.


    "Tie Ta," the middle-aged man looked directly at Xu Bo standing in the distance and smiled, "It''s been a long time since we parted in the Star Realm."


    "Old Wan," Xu Bo then stepped forward with a wide grin, "I didn''t expect that the new Hall Master of the Starfire Martial Hall''s Guanshan branch would be you."


    "Wee!"

 Chapter 31: 29: The Shocked Xu Bo

    ```


    Seeing the middle-aged man in Tang attire dismiss him and speak directly to Xu Bo, the expressions of several vice-principals changed slightly.


    They couldn''t help but turn to look at Xu Bo.


    Previously, although the vice-principals had heard many rumors, they had never witnessed Xu Bo''s abilities firsthand, so they still harbored some doubts about him.


    Now? There were no more doubts.


    Only Principal Tan Zhenlong remainedposed, as he was the one most aware of Xu Bo''s background, which was why he had specifically called Xu Bo to meet at the school entrance.


    And the oue had been exactly as he expected.


    "Tie Ta, your hand, I''ve heard..." The middle-aged man in Tang attire nced at Xu Bo''s silver mechanical right arm.


    "Old Wan, that''s all in the past."


    Xu Bo waved his hand with a smile, "Today you''re here for the first inspection of your tenure at our school, let''s talk business first."


    "This is Principal Tan."


    Xu Bo took the initiative to introduce him.


    "Principal Tan." Lord Wan smiled slightly.


    "Lord Wan, hello, I have long heard of Lord Wan''s prestige in the Star Realm." Principal Tan slightly bowed and extended his hand.


    Principal Tan lowered his posture.


    As the Hall Master of Starfire Martial Hall in the Guan Mountain District, Lord Wan held an extremely high status.


    This status stemmed not just from the power of the Martial Hall, but also from Lord Wan''s own strength.


    "Principal Tan, let''s enter the school," Lord Wan said with a smile. "I''ve juste back from the Star Realm, and am not familiar with many things, so let''s do everything ording to standard procedure, starting with a look at the students from the three elite sses."


    "Sure."


    "This way, please, Lord Wan, the students from the three elite sses are all waiting in the martial arts ssroom," Principal Tan said with a smile.


    A crowd surrounded them as they entered the school.


    ...


    Two hourster, a group of people emerged from the elite building, surrounded by Lord Wan, Principal Tan, and Xu Bo.


    "Principal Tan and all the teachers, excellent teaching,"


    Lord Wan said with a smile, "The students from the elite sses are all outstanding, especially the seniors in the third year. I see many of them have the hope of being admitted to the top five prestigious schools."


    "I believe that in a few years, our Guan Mountain District will see a surge of entry-rank martial artists," Lord Wan praised.


    "Lord Wan tters us," Principal Tan said with augh. "But I wonder, have you taken a liking to any of the students?"


    The vice-principals and teachers all looked towards Lord Wan with anticipation.


    Why do Martial Halls conduct inspections?


    Essentially, they invite the decision-makers of the Martial Halls to see if any students qualify for early recruitment.


    For the school, being specially recruited by the Martial Arts Hall would be the best oue, but such opportunities are scarce.


    If the students could sign early contracts with the Martial Hall and receive its training, their chances of being admitted to the top five prestigious schools would greatly increase, which would also be a significant aplishment for the school''s leaders.


    In fact, why are there only the Starry Sky and Starfire Martial Halls within Xia Country, and why do these two halls hold so much power?


    In a sense, even though these two Martial Halls seem independent, they both possess some official character.


    "These students are all excellent, but some decisions aren''t mine to make alone," Lord Wan said with a smile. "When I get back, I''ll have the Martial Hall conduct aprehensive assessment of these students. I believe there will be favorable results."


    A hint of disappointment shed in the eyes of the school leaders.


    Clearly, Lord Wan had not taken a particr liking to any student, at least not at first sight.


    "Lord Wan, would you like to take another look at the students from the regr sses?" Principal Tan''s smile remained unchanged. "Among the regr ss students, there are some who are exceptional too."


    Lord Wan smiled without answering.


    "Principal Tan, the Hall Master has limited time today, and it''s gettingte," a man in ck clothes whispered. "What do you say?"


    "Oh, alright, sure, we''ll wait for another opportunity," Principal Tan said, nodding repeatedly.


    This was the norm. The regr ss had too many students, and their chances of bing martial artists were low... Whether it was Starfire or Starry Sky Martial Hall inspecting, they rarely visited the regr sses.


    You see, inspecting school students is only a small part of a Martial Hall''s duties.


    And just in the Guan Mountain District, there were dozens of middle and high schoolsbined, so there wasn''t enough time to visit each one, and most assessments were done by directly reviewing martial path results.


    "Old Wan."


    Xu Bo, who had been silent all this time, suddenly spoke up, "I''ve selected a few good seeds from the regr ss, do you want to stay a bit longer?"


    Everyone turned to look at Xu Bo.


    "Xu..." Principal Tan was just about to speak.


    "Are these the ones Tie Ta takes an interest in?" Lord Wan revealed a hint of curiosity, smiling, "Selected from the regr ss? If Tie Ta you have noticed them, they must have some potential. Alright, I will take a look."


    Lord Wan was willing, first because he wanted to give face to Xu Bo.


    Secondly, he truly wanted to achieve something noteworthy as the new Hall Master, but none of the students from the three elite sses he saw today had satisfied him.


    "Alright, Teacher Xu, lead the way," Principal Tan said, seizing the moment to reply with a smile.


    "This way," Xu Bo said, walking ahead of everyone else.


    ...


    "Today, Teacher Xu asked me toe here and specifically instructed me not to go anywhere else, but why?" Li Yuan wondered inwardly as his gaze swept over the other three students.


    Two were second-year seniors, one was a first-year senior, and none of them were acquainted with each other.


    ```


    With Li Yuan included, there were only four people in the martial arts ssroom.


    Suddenly.


    "Hmm?" Li Yuan''s ears twitched as he heard the noisy soundsing from the end of the hallway.


    It was the voice of Teacher Xu.


    "Hall Master Wan?" Li Yuan heard a title in the voices.


    Before he could ponder further.


    Very soon.


    Teacher Xu, Hall Master Wan, Principal Tan, and a group of people walked into the martial arts ssroom.


    Faced with this scene.


    The other three students all showed nervousness, while only Li Yuan, who was prepared, remained the mostposed.


    "Hall Master Wan, is it the Hall Master of the Starry Sky Martial Hall or the Starfire Martial Hall?" Li Yuan''s peripheral vision fell involuntarily on the middle-aged man in traditional attire, and a series of text messages appeared in his field of view.


    [Target individual, Life Level exceeding sensory limit (current Life Level sensory limit is 16.9).]


    The man stood at the front, dressed most distinctively, clearly with the highest status.


    Moreover, just one nce at this middle-aged man in traditional attire gave Li Yuan an intense sense of danger, especially those calm eyes that seemed like knife edges, making one involuntarily want to look away.


    "What a powerful martial artist, he might even be stronger than Teacher Xu," Li Yuan thought in shock.


    Every use of his Divine Pce panel required mental energy, after many uses he would feel fatigued, as if having gone through numerous virtual battles, so Li Yuan seldom used it in daily life.


    "A Martial Hall''s Hall Master? Apanied by the principal and Teacher Xu? What are they here for?" Li Yuan''s thoughts raced through his mind.


    At the same time.


    Li Yuan and the other three students were already calling out, "Principal, Teacher Xu."


    "Teacher Xu."


    Several vice-principals? Li Yuan and the others only recognized them by face, knowing they were school leaders, but had no idea what their surnames were, so naturally, they did not address them by name.


    "Alright."


    "Listen, all of you. Today is a very important opportunity for you. Later on, show us all your Physical Quality and Martial Arts Skills," Teacher Xu said solemnly, "Xiong Yifan, youe first for the triple test."


    The triple test referred to the Life Vitality Detection, Fist Strength test, and Burst Speed test.


    Immediately.


    The high first-year student stepped into the range of the Life Vitality Detector...


    Lord Wan didn''t pay much attention to this high first-year student. He seemed to have noticed something, his gaze involuntarily falling on Li Yuan as he quietly asked, "Tie Ta, what''s this student''s name?"


    Teacher Xu took notice of Lord Wan''s gaze and said, "His name is Li Yuan, Old Wan, do you find him impressive?"


    "Li Yuan?" Hall Master Wan''s eyes flickered as if remembering something, and he said with a smile, "Let''s take a look first, no rush."


    "Hmm," Teacher Xu nodded.


    Soon after.


    The three students from the first and second year of high school hadpleted their tests, and their Physical Quality data, whenpared within their respective Elite sses, ranked in the upper middle range.


    Only, that was it, not enough to change Lord Wan''s mind.


    Finally, everyone''s gaze settled on Li Yuan.


    "Is he Li Yuan?"


    "I''ve heard of him."


    "Seems to have quite the Martial Arts Skills."


    "However, having not awakened his Martial Spirit upon entering his third year, the chances for early signing don''t look very good," a few school leaders whispered among themselves. They didn''t know that Li Yuan had entered the Blue Star youth ranking, but they had all heard of Li Yuan''s name.


    After defeating Lin Lanyue in virtualbat, Li Yuan had be somewhat of a minor celebrity at the school.


    "Li Yuan, go," said Teacher Xu in a deep voice. "Be serious, and bring out all your strength."


    Out of the four students selected from the regr ss, Teacher Xu valued Li Yuan the most.


    Or perhaps, in his eyes, Li Yuan was the one with the most promising chance of signing early with a Martial Hall.


    "Yes."


    Li Yuan nodded and directly stepped onto the silver circr floor in the center of the martial arts ssroom. This circr area served both as the skill-testing ground and the Life Vitality Detector''s sensing range.


    Whoosh!


    A beam of red light shot over, enveloping Li Yuan''s entire body.


    Three secondster.


    On the screen at the back of the ssroom, data appeared - "Li Yuan (Student), Physical Quality: 6.9 st measured at 6.5)."


    "Historical data: September 5th: 6.5."


    "Historical data: June 25th, 6.0."


    ¡­


    "6.9? It improved by 0.4 since a little over a month ago?" Teacher Xu''s eyes revealed a hint of surprise as he looked at Li Yuan, quite astonished.


    "Interesting," Lord Wan showed a smile.

 Chapter 32: 30 B-Level Contract

    "6.9 grade? Just over three months ago, he was at 6.0 grade? A little over a month ago, 6.5 grade? His physical quality has improved this fast?" Principal Tan Zhenlong was also extremely surprised.


    Because of Xu Bo''s multiple rmendations, and the fact that Li Yuan''s special admission information had been summarized a few weeks ago.


    Therefore, Tan Zhenlong had a deep impression of Li Yuan.


    It''s just that, in his estimation, Li Yuan''s physical fitness would probably have reached 6.6 grade.


    After all, under normal circumstances, the further you get in your cultivation, the slower the improvement in physical quality.


    "In just over two months, from 6.0 grade to 6.5?"


    "And in a little over a month, another 0.4 grade improvement?" Several vice-principals and Martial Hall martial artists were all very shocked.


    A sole 6.9 grade in physical quality? Not enough to surprise anyone.


    Among the many people present, except for Li Yuan and a few other students, almost everyone else was a martial artist.


    The several school leaders present had the lowest physical quality at 9.8 grade.


    In this era, martial artists have a much greater chance of holding positions of authority than non-martial artists.


    Evenpared to students, in the senior year elite ss, there are several students with a physical quality over 7.0 grade.


    Lin Lanyue, with the strongest physical quality, had already reached 8.5 grade.


    But what was shocking about Li Yuan was the speed of his progress.


    After all, everyone present knew that Li Yuan hadn''t awakened his Martial Spirit.


    He could improve so fast just by practicing the Basic Cultivation Method?


    "Good." Xu Bo''s eyes lit up slightly.


    He often observed Li Yuan through monitoring and knew that Li Yuan had made significant improvements in his physical quality.


    But he didn''t expect it to be so remarkable.


    "Li Yuan," Xu Bo''s voice boomed 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 performed very well.


    Moreover, Li Yuan was also aware.


    No matter where this mysterious Hall Master came from, this was an opportunity for him.


    "Today, I should have heard before that the Martial Halles to inspect the school once a year," the thought shed through Li Yuan''s mind, "but in the past, they seemed to only inspect the elite ss."


    "This opportunity was fought for by Teacher Xu."


    "Many times, good opportunities often onlye once or twice."


    Without much thought.


    Li Yuan had already arrived at the Fist Strength testing area, got into position, adjusted his posture, and then suddenly unleashed a punch with all his might.


    "Bang~" Apanied by a dull explosion, his fist fiercely struck the huge sensor sandbag.


    In an instant.


    The screen above the Fist Strength testing area clearly disyed: "454 kilograms (Action Qualified)".


    After testing his Fist Strength.


    Li Yuan didn''t stay still; after a brief adjustment, he proceeded to the track''s starting point.


    The forty-meter-long test track!


    The white light from above the ssroom shone down, reflecting on the dark red metallic track.


    "Hu!"


    After a brief adjustment and taking a deep breath, Li Yuan tensed his legs and his entire body suddenly sprinted forward.


    Whoosh!


    Like a passing shadow, Li Yuan had already dashed across the track, mming into the buffer wall at the end of the track.


    Tick Tock!


    The electronic disy at the end of the track now showed the data¡ª"15.1 meters/second".


    "What fast speed."


    "Could the Life Vitality Detector have made a mistake?"


    "How could Li Yuan''s empirical data be so high?" a series of low-voiced discussions were exchanged among the school leaders and the five Martial Hall martial artists, all a bit surprised.


    Why were they surprised?


    Because Li Yuan''s Fist Strength data and Burst Speed data had both exceeded the 7.0 grade physical quality standard set by the Seven Star Alliance.


    7.0 grade standard: 15 meters per second, Fist Strength 450 kilograms.


    Normally, it''s quitemon for actual data to be slightly higher or lower in one aspect.


    Like Li Yuan? Both aspects are higher?


    Unusual.


    "Good." Xu Bo and Tan Zhenlong exchanged nces, smiles appearing on both of their faces.


    "Teacher Xu, I''ve finished the tests," Li Yuan walked back to the center of the ssroom from the far end of the room.


    "Old Wan," Xu Bo looked toward Lord Wan.


    "Don''t rush."


    Lord Wan''s face carried an unfathomable smile as he turned to several people behind him, "Instructor Xing, what do you think? Does he qualify?"


    The five Martial Hall martial artists looked at each other.


    "Lord," Instructor Xing spoke in a deep voice, "this young fellow''s physical talent is not bad... it shouldn''t be difficult for him to be a martial artist, but he hasn''t awakened his Martial Spirit, so signing him early... might still need to be considered."


    Instructor Xing saw the close rtionship between the Lord and Xu Bo, so he didn''t make a definitive statement.


    However, everyone present was shrewd enough to understand Instructor Xing''s real meaning¡ªnot qualified.


    "No rush, take another look," said Lord Wan with a smile before turning to Xu Bo, "Tie Ta, your student''s strongest aspect should be his Martial Arts Skills, right... Let''s test that and see."


    "You noticed?" Xu Bo said with a smile.


    "Life Vitality Detector usually doesn''t make mistakes," Lord Wan said with a smile, "but he has managed to exhibit extraordinary strength and Burst Speed... this suggests he has a very high level of control over his body, and his Vigor deployment is probably close to Perfection."


    "From his walking posture, his Basic Fist Technique should also be nearly perfected."


    "I estimate that his Martial Arts Skills are the strongest among the students at your school," Lord Wan said casually, "and most likely, it''s a case of leading substantially."


    Xu Bo and Principal Tan exchanged nces and couldn''t help butugh.


    "As expected of Old Wan, your judgment is still sharp," Xu Bo said with aughter.


    Xu Bo knew that Lord Wan had been in his position for less than a week.


    Without looking at previous data, it was likely he didn''t know about Li Yuan''s selection for the Blue Star youth list.


    "Li Yuan, take out your Long Spear," Xu Bo looked at Li Yuan andmanded, "Let''s proceed with the skill test."


    "Yes."


    Li Yuan walked towards the nearby weapon cab; he had already prepared the weapon in this ssroom at noon as instructed by Xu Bo.


    Meanwhile.


    Li Yuan couldn''t help but look again at the middle-aged man in the Tang suit, "Such impressive eyesight."


    Li Yuan had also heard Lord Wan''s spection.


    ...


    Once ready with his Long Spear, the Martial Arts Skills testmenced, with many devices above the ssroom activating.


    Li Yuan, holding the Long Spear, stood facing Xu Bo ready for the test.


    "Come, attack me. Show me all that your spear technique has to offer," Xu Bo said in a deep voice, holding a long stick in his hand.


    "Yes," Li Yuan nodded, knowing that his teacher wanted him to reveal his full strength.


    Without hesitation.


    "Boom!" Li Yuan''s body was like lightning, already showing improvement, stabbing out with his spear fiercely and relentlessly.


    "ng!"


    The long stick met the attack, striking the tip of the spear.


    If this were a little over a month ago, Li Yuan probably would have had trouble withstanding even this single collision.


    But now, his spear technique had taken another step forward.


    "Whoosh~" The shaft of the spear followed the motion downward, the rear hand pulling back, followed by a strong push forward, causing the tip of the spear to tremble and draw arge circle, seemingly creating dozens of shadow spears in an instant.


    "Teacher Xu''s physical quality seems to be around level 7, attack," Li Yuan charged forth ferociously.


    There''s a saying, ''the spear fears the shaking head.''


    It refers to the bewildering changes when the spear shaft wavers, making the spearhead''s movements unpredictable and marking the most terrifying moment of a spear attack.


    Swish! Swish! Swish!


    One thrust followed another, a relentless barrage, lightning-fast jabs targeting Xu Bo, each thrust powerful and urate.


    This was indeed Li Yuan''s newly developed killer move¡ªMountain Ranges and Myriad Forms.


    It was a deceptive attack suitable for a spear technique, also apt for groupbat.


    "Haha, not bad," Xu Boughed, wielding his stick in his left hand, poking out with each strike precisely timed to hit the spearhead of Li Yuan''s attacks.


    This prevented Li Yuan from fully unleashing his power.


    In the blink of an eye, the two exchanged dozens of moves.


    "Li Yuan, be careful," Xu Bo suddenly roared, changing his footwork as the long stick thrust forth like a spear with lightning speed.


    The timing was too good.


    This stick thrust came precisely when Li Yuan''s spear had failed to hit and he was withdrawing his power.


    "Not good," Li Yuan''s spear technique immediately adapted, switching from offense to defense, disying a proficiency in his moves that surprised the martial artists watching from outside the arena.


    Without hesitation.


    Li Yuan directly employed the ''Solid Rock Pir,'' standing firm like a massive boulder, fiercely blocking Xu Bo''s assault.


    Dozens more attacks and defenses followed.


    Whew!


    Xu Bo suddenly backed off, creating distance from Li Yuan and said with a smile, "Alright, that''s enough."


    Only then did Li Yuan stop, his vitality boiling within him.


    It had been too fierce.


    Teacher Xu''s attacks, seemingly slow, were actually stable, urate, and ruthless, leaving him with no power to fight back.


    "But at least, I''ve defended for so long, much better thanst time," Li Yuan took a deep breath.


    At this moment, Xu Bo had already fiddled with his smart ring and said in a deep voice, "Skill assessment over."


    Beep¡ª


    On the screen at the back of the ssroom, a score appeared¡ª"374 points (College Entrance Exam Standard)."


    "374 points?"


    "That high!"


    "College Entrance Exam Standard, over 370 points?"


    "I remember Lin Lanyue scored only 361 points, right?"


    "Last year, the top scorer in the Martial Arts Skills section for Jiang City''s college entrance exam scored just over 380 points," a few vice-principals were thoroughly shocked.


    Lin Lanyue scored 361 points.


    Li Yuan scored 374 points.


    The difference seemed to be just over ten points, but unlike academic subjects, martial arts scores are more definitive; strong is strong, weak is weak, rarely influenced by fluctuations in performance.


    Once over 360 points,


    Nevermind 10 points, even a 5-point gap represented a clear distinction in Martial Arts Skills.


    A 10-point difference meant that if the two were to engage in virtualbat, the oue would nearly be a given.


    "Our school, could it produce a city''s top scorer in a single subject? There''s still so much time until the college entrance exam."


    "Our district''s educational quality has always been mediocre at best within the city," the vice-principals exchanged nces, all harboring the same thought.


    Especially the vice-principal in charge of ''teaching,'' who had the brightest smile on his face.


    "Alright, Li Yuan, put the weapon back," Xu Bo said.


    Li Yuan obediently returned the long spear to its ce.


    "Lord Wan, what do you think?" Xu Bo ced the long stick aside and walked over.


    "Instructor Xing? What do you all think?" Lord Wan smiled, still not giving a direct answer.


    The martial artists from the Martial Hall looked at one another.


    "If he can awaken his Martial Spirit, he''ll qualify for a Grade C contract; but without awakening the Martial Spirit, it falls short, though still enough for a Grade D contract," Instructor Xing hesitated before saying.


    In reality, in Instructor Xing''s opinion, Li Yuan was slightlycking even for a Grade D contract.


    High in Martial Arts Skills?


    Without the awakened Martial Spirit, that''s a significant w.


    "A Grade D contract?"


    Lord Wan nodded slightly and turned to say, "Tie Ta, Principal Tan, could I have a word alone with Li Yuan, if you don''t mind?"


    A private talk?


    Principal Tan and Xu Bo exchanged a nce, both seemingly contemtive.


    "Sure," Principal Tan didn''t refuse, smiling, "If Lord Wan wishes to speak with Li Yuan alone, that''s his good fortune."


    "We''ll head out first," Principal Tan beckoned the other school leaders to leave the ssroom.


    "A private talk?" Only Li Yuan, who had just walked over, was still confused.


    What''s going on?


    "Li Yuan, this is Lord Wan from the Starfire Martial Hall''s Guanshan branch. Have a good talk," Xu Bo whispered to him.


    Starfire Martial Hall Guanshan branch''s Hall Master? Li Yuan was inwardly startled but remainedposed on the outside.


    In his view, this was an important figure.


    Soon,


    The school leaders, martial artists from the Martial Hall, and the three students all left the ssroom, leaving only Li Yuan and Lord Wan.


    The ssroom door closed.


    "Li Yuan, my name is Wan Qinghe," Lord Wan said with a smile.


    "Lord Wan," Li Yuan was inwardly nervous, unsure of the other party''s intentions.


    "I would like to invite you to join the Starfire Martial Hall and sign a contract in advance," Lord Wan said with a smile as he looked at Li Yuan, "A Grade B contract, an upgraded passive model."


    "The moment you awaken your Martial Spirit, it will immediately upgrade to a Grade A contract."


    "What do you think?"

 Chapter 33: 31: Its Just Too Much

    "A B-level contract?"


    "Once I awaken my Martial Spirit, I''ll be directly promoted to an A-level contract?" Li Yuan felt somewhat dizzy.


    It was like being suddenly knocked out by happiness.


    After all, even after making it onto the Blue Star youth leaderboard, there had been no word from the Starfire Martial Hall or the Martial Arts Hall, with the only interesting from the Starry Sky Martial Hall.


    And even then, after half a month of hesitation, the best they were willing to offer was a D-level contract.


    The difference between a D-level contract and a B-level contract was not a tiny bit.


    Whew!


    Li Yuan took a deep breath and did not let his head be swayed by the excitement; he instantly recalled the teachings of his uncle, Li Changzhou, from when he was young: "Even in overwhelming joy or anger and pain, before making a significant decision, you must calm down and ask yourself three questions."


    What is it!


    Why is it!


    How to do it!


    Four words in summary¡ªsteady! Don''t be rash!


    In just a few seconds, Li Yuan had calmed down again and identified the core question, "Why?"


    Why would Lord Wan offer me a B-level contract? It was a contract worth tens of millions, with nearly ten million in Blue Star Coins provided in cash alone.


    I am not Lu Bu; I do not have that many adoptive fathers to love me.


    "Lord Wan."


    Li Yuan said calmly, "A B-level contract is very good, better than I expected... but why would you offer me such a contract, Lord Wan? I haven''t even awakened my Martial Spirit."


    There must be something abnormal when things deviate from the norm.


    Because of my good physical quality? There are not too few elite ss students who are better than me.


    Martial arts skills? I''m not bad, but not to the extent of being unparalleled in the world.


    "The boy is steady, not blinded by benefits," Lord Wan smiled at Li Yuan, raising his opinion of him another notch.


    Lord Wan smiled and said, "I don''t want to hide it from you. I am willing to offer a B-level contract because you have strong spiritual power, which can probablypete with that of a First Rank Martial Artist."


    Spiritual power? Li Yuan was inwardly startled.


    The other party can sense the strength of the spiritual power?


    Yes, I have been practicing the ''Observing the Great Sun Starry Sky Scripture'' every day, continuously enhancing my spiritual power, which has reached level 13.2, not too weak even among Martial Artists.


    Usually, the spirit is enhanced in tandem with the body.


    "Of course, I can only feel it vaguely, and my judgment is not precise," Lord Wan continued. "Technological instruments can''t directly test spiritual power. To detect it, you generally need a Third Rank Martial Artist to do it personally... I am just a Second Rank Prime Warrior, with a special method of cultivation.


    Plus, your weak strength means you can''t fully conceal your spirit, which is why I could sense a bit."


    "If you were a Martial Artist, with your spiritual power contained in the sea of consciousness, I would have difficulty sensing it." Lord Wan spoke very frankly, disying none of the airs of a superior.


    He treated Li Yuan as if they were chatting casually, which felt veryfortable.


    Lord Wan''s words cleared many doubts in Li Yuan''s mind but also raised new ones.


    "Strong spiritual power is enough for a B-level contract?" Li Yuan couldn''t help asking.


    Li Yuan knew the importance of spiritual power but wasn''t clear on just how important it was.


    There was no detailed information avable online.


    "Whether it''s important depends on the person," Lord Wan smiled and said. "If you want to be a Second Rank Prime Warrior, then spiritual power is essential. But if you''re just a First Rank Martial Artist... whether your spiritual power is a bit stronger or weaker isn''t a big deal."


    "After all, no matter how strong your spiritual power is, if someone chops off your head with a sword, you''re still going to die."


    Li Yuan nodded slightly, thinking to himself, "Prime Warrior? So Lord Wan is a Prime Warrior? Indeed stronger than Teacher Xu."


    A First Rank Martial Artist?


    A Second Rank Prime Warrior?


    The ssification of ranks among Martial Artists was not entirely secret in society, and students like Li Yuan, about to graduate from high school, also took a keen interest in it and mostly understood it.


    Martial Artists are ssified by their physical quality.


    Levels 1-9.9 are considered ordinary people.


    Levels 10.0-19.9 are known as Entry Rank Martial Artists or First Rank Martial Artists.


    Levels 20.0-29.9 are called Second Rank Martial Artists.


    Prime Warrior is a term of respect for those above Second Rank Martial Artists.


    First Rank Martial Artists, with physical qualities between levels 10-19, often need to use hot weapons to contend with Star Realm Creatures.


    Prime Warriors, with at least level 20 physical quality and the ability to wield the miraculous Origin Power, are incredibly strong; ordinary hot weapons are nearly useless against them.


    They use cold weaponsbined with Origin Power to fight powerful Star Realm Creatures... but Prime Warriors are exceedingly rare.


    At least, in the past decade or so, Li Yuan had never encountered a Prime Warrior in real life, only through various videos and images.


    Lord Wan was the first.


    "The rapid recent improvement in your martial arts skills and physical quality must be directly rted to your spiritual power," Lord Wan said with a smile. "Spiritual power is challenging to measure directly, and those with exceptional spiritual talent are extremely rare... For instance, among the twenty million people in Jiang City, not even one emerges in a year."


    "Therefore, assessments like the college entrance exams or even special admissions at other times do not include spiritual power in their testing scope."


    "Moreover, generally speaking, even if we don''t go testing for it, those with exceptional spiritual talents will gradually reveal themselves in university, where they can then receive specialized training without dy."


    Li Yuan suddenly understood after a little thought.


    Testing for spiritual power? You''d generally need a Third Rank Martial Artist, but even Second Rank Prime Warriors are extremely rare.


    The strength of a Third Rank Martial Artist...is beyond theprehension of ordinary people. How could such figures have the time to do such things?


    Input and reward are not proportional.


    "And you, Li Yuan," Lord Wan smiled, "are one of those with spiritual power talent one in a million."


    Li Yuan was speechless.


    Spiritual power talent? He feared he was not.


    "However, I can cultivate the ''Great Sun Starry Sky Scripture''. My limit,pared to those with natural talents, will only be stronger." Li Yuan muttered to himself.


    From Lord Wan''s attitude,


    Li Yuan had realized just how precious the ''Great Sun Starry Sky Scripture'' was¡ªcould it directly enhance spiritual power? It definitely belonged to that category of inconceivable methods.


    Just that, Li Yuan hadn''t intended to expose it yet.


    Because, from his own experience, having the method seemed useless.


    "Every time I can cultivate, it is when my consciousness is focused on the Great Sun Jade tform in the Mind Spirit Divine Pce," Li Yuan thought: "If I hand over the method? It is very likely to jeopardize my safety first."


    "How do I exin the origin of the method? Say that I awakened it?"


    Who would believe that?


    Would he be taken by powerful figures for experiments? Entirely possible.


    Only two seconds.


    Li Yuan had already made up his mind, before he understood the real secret of the ''Great Sun Starry Sky Scripture'',


    before he had sufficient strength to protect himself, he mustn''t reveal the secrets of the Mind Spirit Divine Pce.


    "In the future, when I cultivate the ''Great Sun Starry Sky Scripture'', I''ll have to be careful not to be detected by anyone." Li Yuan resolved privately.


    "Li Yuan."


    "How do you feel?" Lord Wan smiled, "A Grade B contract is the highest authority I can offer, a cash payment of 9 million Blue Star Coins, resources and treasures worth a total of 9 million Blue Star Coins, plus a total value of ''18 million Blue Star Coins'' in mentorship, Spear Technique Manual, and Origin Power Manual."


    "Granted in six increments over six years."


    "If you''re still not satisfied, I am willing to personally sponsor you a one-time cash bonus of one million." Lord Wan smiled at Li Yuan.


    Li Yuan held his breath, suspecting he had heard wrong.


    He had thought a Grade B contract would be good, but never imagined it would be this good.


    The value of 18 million Blue Star Coins in mentorship guidance and manuals not to mention, those things aren''t tangible and their value is quite abstract.


    But just cash + treasures alone already amount to a total value of 18 million Blue Star Coins.


    It''s three times that of a Grade D contract!


    Even if it''s spread over six years, it''s still incredibly extravagant for Li Yuan, a high school senior.


    Moreover, is Lord Wan willing to provide a personal sponsorship of one million Blue Star Coins? In cash?


    Even more unbelievable to Li Yuan.


    Right.


    With a Grade B contract worth tens of millions of Blue Star Coins, that''s what the Martial Hall offers, not Lord Wan spending his own money.


    But personal sponsorship means Lord Wan is really forking out his own cash.


    "Phew!"


    Li Yuan took a deep breath, finding it hard to calm down for a long time.


    It wasn''t that Li Yuan wasn''t steady; rather... the offer was simply too generous.


    Lord Wan wasn''t in a hurry either, watching Li Yuan with a smile.


    "Lord Wan."


    Li Yuan finally spoke, "The conditions you offer are indeed so favorable I can''t refuse... It''s just that I still need to discuss it at home."


    "No problem, you''re not of age yet, and to sign the contract early on, your guardian''s signature would be needed anyway," Lord Wan nodded in agreement.


    "Additionally," Li Yuan hesitated, then said: "The Starry Sky Martial Hall approached me two days ago with an early contract signing as well, but it''s just a Grade D contract, I haven''t agreed."


    "I was nning to go talk to them this weekend." Li Yuan chose to tell the truth without exaggeration.


    "The Starry Sky Martial Hall?"


    "Approached you for an early contract signing? How did they?" Now it was Lord Wan''s turn to be stunned.


    Only a second.


    Lord Wan seemed to realize something.


    "Li Yuan, wait a moment." Lord Wan raised his hand to activate his smart ring, quickly searching for something.


    Soon, Lord Wan stopped scrolling through the light screen.


    "So that''s how it is."


    Lord Wan suddenly smiled: "Li Yuan, you have already entered the Blue Star Youth Ranking, I just took office, I didn''t know about this document before."


    "The Blue Star Youth Ranking, originating from the Starry Skies Fighting Network... The Starry Sky Martial Hall really yed a good game."


    "They must have discovered it."


    "But with your qualifications, even if you sign early, they should at least offer you a Grade C contract."


    "A Grade D contract? That''s simply an insult to a Martial Path genius like you." Lord Wan shook his head slightly.


    "An insult to me?" Li Yuan was astonished.

 Chapter 34: 32 The Greatest Sincerity

    Insult?


    Li Yuan hadn''t expected Lord Wan to use such a word to describe the Starry Sky Martial Hall.


    Actually, from their initial encounter until now, Li Yuan had a very good impression of Lord Wan... As a Hall Master and a powerful Prime Warrior, he had treated a high school student like himself with nearly equal respect.


    The terms he offered for signing the contract were what Li Yuan considered sky-high.


    How much did his uncle earn over the years of working in the most dangerous regions? Around a million Blue Star Coins annually, at most.


    "Lord Wan... but so far, only the Starry Sky Martial Hall was willing to sign a contract with me in advance," Li Yuan said with a hint of hesitation.


    Li Yuan still felt grateful towards the Starry Sky Martial Hall and Uncle Zhong.


    "Haha, it seems you really don''t understand the details about the Starry Sky Martial Hall," Lord Wanughed. "Let me have Teacher Xu exin it to you, he understood as soon as I mentioned it."


    Lord Wan did indeed want to press down on the Starry Sky Martial Hall to show his high regard for Li Yuan.


    But he knew even better that to recruit a genius like Li Yuan, signing a contract based on benefits was only the first step; it was best to also cultivate a mutual emotional bond.


    To disclose the truth himself? It would make him seem petty.


    Very soon.


    Lord Wan invited both Teacher Xu and Principal Tan over.


    In front of Li Yuan, Lord Wan quickly rified the situation to them, openly discussing the Level B contract, talking about Li Yuan''s exceptional talent in spiritual power, and also mentioning the Starry Sky Martial Hall''s private discussion with Li Yuan.


    "Exceptional talent in spiritual power? A Level B contract?" Principal Tan was extremely surprised, looking at Li Yuan in utter shock.


    He, too, was a First Rank 16-level Martial Artist and understood the importance of spiritual power for bing a Prime Warrior.


    Exceptional talent in spiritual power? Principal Tan had heard of it before but had never seen it.


    It was too rare.


    "Lord Wan, you''re offering a Level B contract? The Starry Sky Martial Hall privately contacted Li Yuan for only a Level D contract?" Upon hearing this, Teacher Xu''s expression changed, revealing a trace of anger, "It''s probably that Song Yi fellow!"


    "Song Yi? The Vice Hall Master of the Starry Sky Martial Hall?" Lord Wan pondered. He had just assumed his position and had only met the Chief Hall Master of the Starry Sky Martial Hall''s Guan Mountain District branch.


    The Vice Hall Masters? Lord Wan knew their information, but he hadn''t actually met them yet.


    "Yes." Teacher Xu nodded. He had been mixed up in the Guan Mountain District for several years and was familiar with the leaders of the area.


    "Li Yuan."


    Teacher Xu looked towards Li Yuan, who still seemed a bit confused, and spoke softly, "Did you enter the Blue Star Youth Rankings so quickly because you had consecutive duels on the Starry Skies Fighting Network exceeding a hundred matches?"


    "Right," Li Yuan began to understand a bit.


    "You made it into the Blue Star Youth Rankings, and the Martial Arts Hall, Starfire Martial Hall, they only know of this news, but they don''t know your detailed data on the Combat Network," Teacher Xu exined directly. "But the Starry Sky Martial Hall would know, because they directly control the Starry Skies Fighting Network."


    The Starry Sky Martial Hall?


    The Starry Skies Fighting Network?


    Li Yuan understood instantly and suddenly realized why only the Starry Sky Martial Hall was willing to sign a contract with him.


    So, there was an information gap?


    "Li Yuan, to think I am the headteacher of your Martial Spirit ss, I thought you excelled due to your physical talent, never did I expect you had such exceptional spiritual power..." Teacher Xu shook his head.


    "If it really is Song Yi, based on what I know about her, it is very likely that when you go to the Starry Sky Martial Hall and are in the process of negotiating, she will appear and directly upgrade your contract to a Level C."


    "In doing so..."


    "You would naturally feel grateful to her, and it is very likely you would immediately agree to sign," Teacher Xu looked at Li Yuan. "Once you''ve signed, even if you find out the truthter, first, she hasn''t wronged you, and second, as someone who guided you, she would have many excuses, and you wouldn''t really hold it against her."


    Li Yuan held his breath.


    He had never imagined that there were so many schemes behind a single contract.


    But Teacher Xu was right.


    If the Starry Sky Martial Hall really intended to do so, and there hadn''t been anyplications today, he most likely would have agreed to the contract.


    "This Song Yi, she''s too used to ying tricks, now even on my student," said Teacher Xu, his expression growing colder.


    After his injury, his strength never fully recovered, but his strong connections meant that most of the Second Rank Prime Warriors in the Guan Mountain District respected him a great deal.


    To him, Song Yi''s actions were a p in the face.


    "Li Yuan."


    Lord Wan remained calm, smiling and said, "I invited your principal and Teacher Xu here just to make you understand... the terms I''ve offered for the contract represent my utmost sincerity."


    "I believe that even if your principal reports this to the Martial Arts Hall, the Martial Arts Hall''s special recruitment terms would have difficulty reaching Level B," Lord Wan said openly.


    Li Yuan nodded lightly.


    "Li Yuan, I will report your situation again, but based on my experience, the Martial Arts Hall will most likely only offer you a Level C contract." Principal Tan nodded and said, "The Martial Arts Hall''s special recruitment is usually much more stringent... The final decision is still in your own hands."


    The special recruitment by the Martial Arts Hall requires much stricter standards?


    Li Yuan was deep in thought.


    "Li Yuan, don''t worry, I will give you time to think it over, to go back and discuss with your family." Lord Wan smiled and said, "The specific details of the contract will be sent to you by your Teacher Xu tonight."


    "Within a month, whenever you''re willing, contact me."


    "My virtual V number is..." Lord Wan said with a smile.


    "Li Yuan, aren''t you going to write it down?" Xu Bo said.


    "Yes." Li Yuan promptly opened his smart wristband, quickly noted it down, and added Lord Wan as a friend.


    Immediately, Li Yuan also realized that this was not Lord Wan''s work V number, but his private number.


    "Alright."


    "Principal Tan, Tie Ta, I only asked the two of you toe here; you should understand my intention," Lord Wan said with a smile.


    Principal Tan and Xu Bo exchanged nces.


    "Mm." Xu Bo nodded, "Rest assured, I will keep it confidential."


    "Lord Wan, rest assured," Principal Tan said solemnly as well.


    "Good, I have other matters to attend to, so I''ll take my leave now."


    "Oh, and Principal Tan, Tie Ta, that Lin Lanyue, if she''s willing, my Starfire Martial Hall can offer her a Level C contract, but her family... Please ry the message to them," Lord Wan said with a smile.


    "Rest assured, Lord Wan," Principal Tan said with a smile.


    Lord Wan nodded, then he turned to Li Yuan, "Young friend Li Yuan, I hope I can see you training at the Starfire Martial Hall."


    Right after that, Lord Wan left the martial arts ssroom and headed outside the school.


    After seeing him off to his car.


    Xu Bo took Li Yuan back to his own office.


    "Li Yuan, the terms offered by Lord Wan are quite good," Xu Bo pondered for a moment and said, "If your spiritual power talent is reported, the Martial Arts Hall will definitely recruit you specially, but the conditions won''t be this favorable."


    "Teacher, why not?" Li Yuan couldn''t help asking.


    Shouldn''t it be roughly the same?


    "You don''t understand." Xu Bo smiled and said, "The Martial Arts Hall''s special recruitment is funded by taxpayers'' money, and the official audit is extremely strict...


    The folks at the Martial Arts Hall don''t really care if you get the best training; they want political achievements, but they aren''t willing to take responsibility either, so the students they recruit specially are ones they are absolutely sure will seed."


    Li Yuan understood that without an awakened Martial Spirit, there was too much uncertainty.


    The Martial Arts Hall would not easily take big risks.


    "Actually."


    "Lord Wan''s willingness to give you a Level B contract is most likely rted to his recent appointment," Xu Bo said with a smile, "He''s just taken office and certainly wants to achieve something notable."


    "Your contract carries a bit of a gamble."


    "A Level B contract... If you haven''t reached the 16th rank of Martial Artist by the age of 30, he would bear the consequences."


    "Of course, with his strength, he wouldn''t mind that, but if you really choose to sign, you have to live up to the expectations."


    "Signing early is just a way to make your Martial Path progress faster," Xu Bo advised.


    "I understand," Li Yuan nodded.


    If Teacher Xu hadn''t exined, he wouldn''t have known theplex intricacies behind it all.


    Beep¡ª


    Li Yuan''s smart wristband vibrated, indicating an iing file awaiting receipt.


    "This is the Level B contract sent from Lord Wan, just forwarded to me, he indeed values you, showing the utmost sincerity. Perhaps as soon as he got in the car, he ordered someone to draft it," Xu Bo remarked, then looked at Li Yuan, "It''s almost dinner time."


    "Eat your dinner, don''t go to evening self-study, go home and discuss with your family, and make a decision as soon as possible."


    "Of course, if you want to wait for the results of the Martial Arts Hall''s special recruitment, or want to talk with the Starry Sky Martial Hall again... that''s fine too," Xu Bo hesitated for a moment without fully persuading.


    After all, he was just Li Yuan''s homeroom teacher, not his personal master.


    Such significant life decisions, he could not make directly for Li Yuan.

 Chapter 112: 106: New Record! The First in History! (Requesting Monthly Tickets)

    In the venue, everyone was staring at the two giant screens, eager to see the final results.


    "Li Yuan, truly impressive! You should change your name to ''Li Qianghan''." Gu Qianghan stood among the crowd, eyes shining.


    "The score isn''t changing."


    "700 points, why has it stopped moving?"


    "Could it be a failure?"


    "Could he have been killed by the Mountain Guardian of the Star Realm Creatures?" Li Yuan''s score had been stuck at 700 points and hadn''t moved, which immediately sparked spection among many first-year neers.


    Even Dongfang Hai and An Nong were a bit worried.


    "Don''t worry, trust the big brother to take down a thousand points as if it''s nothing." Gu Qianghan alone remained utterly confident.


    "Really?" Many students from the Sixth Institute expressed their concerns.


    "Trust my judgment." Gu Qianghan grinned, giving off an air of unfathomable depth.


    Gu Qianghan muttered to himself, "ording to my sister''s words, Li Yuan''s Martial Arts Skills are among the top few dozens globally for his age, and within the first-year students of Kunlun Martial University, he is utterly dominant."


    Why did Gu Qianghan have such faith in Li Yuan? Was it blind trust?


    No! It was because of intelligence!


    He had learned from Lin Lanyue about the level of Li Yuan''s skills, which should have reached the Intermediate Rank of the Fourth Level.


    However, Gu Qianghan never disclosed this information to other students because he wanted to maintain his own image.


    Simrly, dozens of second and third-year students in the venue were also well aware.


    "This junior named Li Yuan is indeed formidable."


    "Junior? In our second year, except for Senior Brother Liu and the other two who reached the Fifth Mountain, the rest can''tpare to him."


    "Don''t just talk about second year. As far as I know, even most of the older students from fifth year have been stuck on the Third Mountain for several years." These second and third-year students were quite shocked.


    It was simply too ferocious.


    ...


    Li Yuan, a first-year neer who hadn''t even started school.


    Based solely on the exposed Martial Arts Skills, he was already in the top tier among third-year students.


    In the second year, he was absolutely in the top five.


    How exaggerated?


    "He hasn''t finished yet, his name is still lit up, indicating he''s still challenging. He must be battling with the Mountain Guardian of the Fourth Mountain."


    "Probably." These older students weremunicating, "I feel like he can totallypare with those creatures from Starry Sky and Starfire."


    "Compare with the creatures from Starfire? Indeed! He canpare with them. Our school has produced a monster this year, haha."


    "Can he win against the Mountain Guardian of the Fourth Mountain?"


    "Unlikely."


    "If he wins, wouldn''t that mean he could enter the Fifth Mountain? A first-year newbie who hasn''t officially started school, crossing the Fifth Mountain in the entrancepetition? Even Senior Brother Jin didn''t achieve that."


    "Not just Senior Brother Jin, I just looked at the historical records, and in history, only one senior has ever done it."


    "It''s impossible."


    "700 points, already outrageously impressive. Compared to him, we''re practically nothing." These second and third-year students subconsciously found it inconceivable.


    Most people, when living through a significant historical event that will be remembered for millennia, are usuallypletely unaware of it.


    Because of this, most people tend to underestimate the presentpared to the past.


    Suddenly.


    "Buzz~" The numbers on both screens jumped at the same time. Li Yuan''s score leaped from 700 points straight to 1000 points.


    First: Li Yuan (1000 points)


    Second: Yang Hong (399 points)


    Third: Wu Luo (329 points)


    Fourth: Han Hongjun (288 points)


    ...


    Eight Institutes'' Entrance Competition (Institutes):


    First: Sixth Institute (6767 points)


    Second: Third Institute (6563 points)


    Third: Seventh Institute (6043 points)


    Fourth: Fifth Institute (5956 points)


    ...


    "1000 points!!"


    "Holy shit, he really won! Big brother is amazing!" An Nong and Gu Qianghan almost jumped up at the same time, both suddenly swinging their fists.


    It was as if they themselves had cleared 1000 points.


    Subconsciously, Gu Qianghan couldn''t help stealing a nce at An Nong, sensing a familiar aura about him.


    The scent of a rival!


    "Brother Qiang." An Nong touched his head sheepishly and then quickly continued cheering and swinging his fist: "Number one! The Sixth Institute is number one."


    "Big brother is amazing."


    "1000 points! Grabbing the first ce." The whole venue erupted at that moment, whether they were from Jiangbei Province or not, every student from the Sixth Institute was boiling over.


    They all felt a sense of glory.


    "1000 points?"


    "This Li Yuan, did he really score a thousand points? He''s that much stronger than Yang Hong and Wu Luo?"


    "Is the system broken or something?" Neers from other institutes were somewhat incredulous.


    It was just too preposterous.


    If Li Yuan had scored five hundred or six hundred points, they might have reluctantly epted it, but 1000 points?


    This indicated that even the very top new recruits could notpare to Li Yuan.


    It was a precipitous lead.


    "What do you all know, that Wu Luo waspletely defeated by our big brother as early as March."


    An Nong immediately took up the role of amentator and began to shout, "Our big brother, in terms of strength, is one of the very best nationwide. It''s only because he hasn''t awakened his Martial Spirit that he came to Kunlun Martial University."


    "Our big brother''s high school exam, the Martial Arts Score was 900 points! Full score!" Gu Qianghan also shouted.


    "900 points?"


    "He hasn''t awakened his Martial Spirit? What!" Many students from other provinces in the venue were stunned.


    A full score prodigy?


    You should know that, on average, each province across the country only sees 1-2 of such Martial Arts prodigies.


    Shouldn''t such an individual definitely go to one of the global top three martial arts schools? Yet he chose Kunlun Martial University?


    "Truly 1000 points?"


    "This is even more ferocious than Senior Brother Jin back in the day. He''s a monster."


    "Where did he pop up from?"


    "His score is still rising?"


    "His Martial Arts Skills must be at the Intermediate Rank of the Fourth Level, just how old is he? He hasn''t even started school?"


    "Such a monster would be very highly ranked even at Starfire University, right?"


    "He actually came to our school?"


    "Full score in Martial Arts and hasn''t awakened his Martial Spirit?" The dozens of older students, watching the score and listening to the tales of Li Yuan''s past glories told by new students from Jiang City''s Sixth Institute, were utterly unsettled.


    They couldn''t help but feel that way.


    1000 points, and 700 points, werepletely different concepts.


    Most of these second and third-year students knew the specific point scores and the requirements of the Kunlun Nine Mountains:


    First Mountain: 1-30 points, with the full score requirement around Second Stage Perfection.


    Second Mountain: 30-100 points, with the full score requirement around Third Stage High Rank


    ```


    Third Mountain: 100-300 Points, the full score requirement is approximately at the Initial Rank of the Fourth Level.


    Fourth Mountain: 300-1000 Points, the full score requirement is approximately at the Intermediate Rank of the Fourth Level.


    Fifth Mountain: 1000-3000 Points


    Sixth Mountain: 3000-10000 Points


    ...


    "He''s still breaking through."


    "1200 Points now."


    "He surely won''t make it to the Sixth Mountain," everyone stared intently at the two colossal light screens in the distance.


    Over the years, Kunlun Martial University had students who suddenly burst forth and rose to prominence during their time at university.


    But overall, they were far from matching the top talents at the top three martial arts universities.


    Today, Li Yuan''s dimension-reducing strike genuinely delivered a shocking blow to the hearts and minds of both new and old students of Kunlun Martial University.


    Is this a freshman?


    ...


    Virtualwork, Kunlun Nine Mountains, Fifth Mountain.


    "The difficulty of the Fifth Mountain has suddenly skyrocketed so much."


    "Just now, I was forced to use the third form of the Ster Spear Technique, ''Dawn Piercing the Clouds'', to barely kill the final Wolf King of the Fourth Mountain."


    "Now these opponents, each and every one, could be considered a weakened version of the Wolf King."


    Li Yuan, holding his long spear, was in a very sorry state, his figure shifting like the wind as he dodged the attacks of human-shaped Star Realm Creatures.


    These Star Realm Creatures were physically much weaker than Li Yuan, but all possessed martial arts skills at the threshold of the Fourth Level.


    Every move was ruthless.


    Under thebined assault of more than ten opponents, Li Yuan was utterly suppressed, and it was difficult for him to kill even one.


    Suddenly.


    "Puchi~" Li Yuan seized an opportunity, his spear like lightning, its tip instantly pierced the throat of one of the Star Realm Creatures.


    Blood sttered! Dead!


    But in the next moment.


    "Whoosh~" A blurred de light also instantly swept across Li Yuan''s back, the terrifying impact made him stumble, his body involuntarily surged forward, no longer able to maintain perfect bnce.


    "ng!" "Boom!" The other Star Realm Creatures instantly seized the chance, unleashing a barrage of ferociousbos.


    After barely dodging three strikes.


    "Puff~"


    A sh of the de, and Li Yuan''s figure vanished from the Fifth Mountain.


    Failed!


    "Congrattions, freshman ''Li Yuan'', for reaching the Fifth Mountain on your first attempt in the Kunlun Nine Mountains, achieving 1300 Points, setting a new historical record in the admissionpetition, and entering the top hundred of the freshman records for the Kunlun Nine Mountains." A system voice announced.


    Whoosh!


    Li Yuan had already returned to his ''personal exclusive space'' in the Kunlun Space.


    "Admissionpetition historical record?" Li Yuan paused, then clicked twice on the light screen to check.


    ...Admission Competition Historical Record (Seven Stars Calendar 2009 to present):


    First ce: Li Yuan, 1300 Points (2043)


    Second ce: Yan Jing, 1100 Points (2029)


    Third ce: Jin Huguo, 700 Points (2041)


    ...


    Kunlun Nine Mountains Freshman Record (Seven Stars Calendar 2009 to present)


    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 pondered for a moment before he understood the significance of the two leaderboards.


    The first leaderboard represented that since 2009, among all students who participated in the admissionpetition, he was the first in points.


    First in history!!


    The second leaderboard was not limited to the admissionpetition, but reflected the overall scores of all freshmen who had ever challenged the Kunlun Nine Mountains.


    "Jin Huguo?" Li Yuan murmured to himself, remembering the name from the leaderboard.


    Because with a simple calction of the time.


    Li Yuan knew that Jin Huguo was the only one still in school among the top ten in the history of the admissionpetition records.


    Jin Huguo must be a senior who just started his third year.


    "He reached 8000 Points in the Kunlun Nine Mountains at the end of his freshman year? That score, it must be the Sixth Mountain," Li Yuan''s eyes sparkled with a hint of light as he smiled, "Very good."


    "It looks like Kunlun Martial University also has some geniuses."


    "Finally, there''s a bit of a challenge."


    ...


    nk~ The virtualwork pod opened, and Li Yuan stood up, feeling the outside atmosphere boiling over.


    "Senior Brother!"


    "Senior Brother!" An Nong and Gu Qianghan stood at the front, exchanged a knowing nce and excitedly shouted out these words.


    Following that, dozens of new students from the Sixth Institute in Jiang City started shouting ''Senior Brother'' with excitement.


    Then, new students from other provinces who belonged to the Sixth Institute also joined in.


    In a short time, the entire venue resounded with shouts of ''Senior Brother''.


    This scene left the new and old students from other institutes speechless, yet unable to refute.


    With such strength, who else could be the Senior Brother?


    ...


    "1300 Points?" Wu Luo, who was in the basement, looked at the score on his smart ring.


    After a long silence.


    "Damn, is he this freakish! If I had known, I would not have chosen Kunlun Martial University."


    ...


    "1300 Points?"


    "First in history? Damn impressive!"


    A hulking young man by the name of Yang Hong, also in his vi, chuckled to himself while looking at the score above, "With such a score, will he participate in the Global University Martial Arts Competition in his freshman year?"


    The Global University Martial Arts Competition was a contest among students from martial arts universities around the globe.


    But normally, freshmen wouldn''t get the chance to participate.


    ...


    Such important news didn''t require students to inform the teachers.


    The relevant teachers had already received notifications from the auxiliary AI the moment it happened.


    Heilong Building, a building dedicated to students and teachers of the Sixth Institute.


    Ninth floor, inside an office.


    "Hmm?" President Li, who was pondering over a cultivation n, suddenly felt his smart ring vibrate and looked down to check.


    "Hmm?"


    President Li was taken aback, "1300 Points? Goodness, that''s a big leap fromst time, isn''t it?"


    "Could it be that this kid is really cheating?"


    ```

 Chapter 36: 34: The Rights of Martial Hall Members

    The next morning at half-past ten.


    In the Guanshan branch of the Starfire Martial Hall, on the sixth floor.


    Inside a meeting room decorated quite simply.


    "Li Yuan, sign your name here, here, and here..." the instructor Xing, whom he had met yesterday, pointed out each spot on the contract that required a signature.


    Li Yuan, listening, sat down with his aunt Chen Hui and began to sign his name in each designated ce.


    Li Yuan and his aunt had already checked this contract thoroughlyst night.


    Everything was clear and there were no issues.


    Once Li Yuan and Chen Hui finished signing, instructor Xing handed the documents to Lord Wan, who was standing by.


    A B-level contract requires the Hall Master''s signature.


    As soon as the signatures werepleted, the staff members who had been waiting for a long time immediately took photos and recorded videos.


    They then uploaded the files to the virtualwork.


    "Buzz~" Li Yuan''s smart wristband vibrated, he looked down to see a message from the virtualwork - the notarized document.


    It was sent by the Martial Arts Hall of Jiangbei Province.


    "Such quick speed," Li Yuan muttered to himself.


    "Li Yuan, save a copy of the document. You should have also received the electronic contract in the virtualwork, it has been notarized by the Martial Arts Hall,"


    "It officially carries legal effect now." Lord Wan stood up, smiled, and extended his hand, "Wee, you are now officially a member of the Starfire Martial Hall."


    "Thank you, Lord Wan." Li Yuan stood up to shake hands.


    Li Yuan was extremely grateful to Lord Wan in his heart.


    "ording to the contract, each year we will provide you with 1.5 million Blue Star Coins, 1.5 million Martial Hall Points, and 3 million Martial Hall Cultivation Points for six years," Lord Wan said, "Today, the cash will be transferred directly to your card, and the points and cultivation points will be under your name once youplete the ''Martial Hall Member Authentication'' process."


    "Additionally, my personal sponsorship of 1 million Blue Star Coins and 1 million points will also be in ce by today, so don''t worry," Lord Wan said with a smile.


    "Okay," Li Yuan nodded.


    "Instructor Xing will handle the specifics for you next," Lord Wan said with a smile. "If there''s anything you don''t understand, or instructor Xing can''t solve, contact me and I''ll help you handle it."


    "Understood." Li Yuan nodded, his gaze subconsciously shifting to instructor Xing.


    Thest two sentences from Lord Wan seemed to be directed at instructor Xing.


    But instructor Xing''s face was filled with smiles, betraying no sign of any emotional changes.


    Straight away,


    Lord Wan exchanged a greeting with Chen Hui and then left with a couple of subordinates.


    "Li Yuan, the contract signing isplete."


    "You''ve just joined Starfire Martial Hall today, so there''s no need to go to school," Xu Bo, who had been silent up until now, spoke in a deep voice. "First get familiar with the environment of the Martial Hall, ande to school tomorrow."


    "Okay," Li Yuan nodded repeatedly, as he wouldn''t make it in time for the morning cultural sses anyway.


    The afternoon and evening? They were for self-study of Martial Path, which could be done anywhere.


    "Old Xing, I''ll trouble you with this student of mine," Xu Bo said to instructor Xing.


    "No trouble at all," instructor Xing enthusiastically replied. "It''s my honor to guide Li Yuan."


    Now, the meeting room was left with only Li Yuan, his aunt, and the three members of the Martial Hall including instructor Xing.


    "Li Yuan, Ms. Chen," instructor Xing said with a smile. "Follow me, let''s get your identity authentication done first, then I''ll show you around the entire Martial Hall building."


    "Do I need to do it too?" Chen Hui was momentarily stunned.


    "Ms. Chen, normally, when someone joins our Starfire Martial Hall, they can apply for two family cards which also allow the family to enjoy some rights of the Martial Hall," said a ck-d martial artist with a smile. "For example, free lunch and dinner, free weekend Martial Path sses, ess to Martial Arts Rooms,plimentary therapies, and so forth."


    Li Yuan felt a silent sense of appreciation.


    He had heard about the numerous benefits for official members of the Martial Hall while in school.


    Now it seemed that just the perks of having a family card were quite valuable.


    "That''s so generous?" Chen Hui first rejoiced, then hesitated, "Are there only two cards avable?"


    "Yes, Li Yuan is an L3 level member of the Martial Hall, whiches with the privilege of two family cards," confirmed the ck-d martial artist with a nod.


    "Let''s forget about it, I won''t apply," Chen Hui said, shaking her head.


    She wanted to keep the two spots for Li Muhua and Li Qianqian.


    "Ms. Chen, don''t worry," instructor Xing said with a chuckle. "I''ll gift you two W3 level membership cards. You just need to bind one to yourself; the benefits are the same as the family card''s, for a period of six years,"


    "In six years, Li Yuan might have been promoted to L4 level or even higher, so naturally there will be more family slots avable. How does that sound?" instructor Xing said with a smile.


    Chen Hui looked toward Li Yuan.


    "Auntie, instructor Xing means well, ept it," Li Yuan spoke, intuitively understanding the situation.


    This was instructor Xing''s way of showing favor to him.


    Not to ept would actually be impolite.


    ...Afterpleting the identity and membership card authentication, Li Yuan officially became a provisional member of the Starfire Martial Hall.


    Chen Hui looked around for a while and then left first.


    Li Yuan was left alone.


    He apanied instructor Xing to the seventh floor.


    "The whole building."


    "What we saw from the first to the sixth floor are open to the public, such as various auxiliary cultivation treasures for sale, charged therapy rooms, Martial Arts Rooms, Martial Path sses, weapon sses, and so on," instructor Xing introduced to Li Yuan. "Floors seven to twelve are usually only essible to internal members of the Martial Hall."


    "Among the official members, only L1 and L2 levels are equipped with public Martial Arts Rooms for shared use."


    "For L3 level members, apart from Martial Path geniuses like you who signed a B-level contract, it''s middle management and high-level martial artists, and by high-level I mean at least 16th level," instructor Xing said with a smile. "They are provided with individual Martial Arts Rooms."


    Saying this,


    instructor Xing had led Li Yuan to the front of Martial Arts Room number ''7024'' and, after identity authentication, opened the door.


    Immediately,


    a rather spacious Martial Arts Room appeared in Li Yuan''s line of sight, its area definitely exceeding 400 square meters.


    "So big." Li Yuan''s eyes flickered slightly.


    This was much better than the independent Martial Arts Room at school.


    The area was more than double in size, with a moreplete array of technological equipment, as well as dedicated rooms for therapy and rest.


    Even though it still didn''t quitepare to Instructor Xu Bo''s office, it was very close.


    "The background identity authentication has beenpleted, starting from today, for the next six years, the right to use this Martial Arts Room will belong to you," Instructor Xing said with a smile, "Of course, there''s a one-month trial period, and if you feel ufortable, you can request a change."


    "It''s for my use?" Li Yuan felt quite pleased in his heart.


    A six-year usage right, that was enough.


    Ordinary wealthy families, like Wan Xiao''s with assets of at least several tens of millions, could not build such a Martial Arts Room.


    Time passed.


    After having lunch and another hour and a bit, through Instructor Xing''s introduction and exnation, Li Yuan gradually understood the entire workings and personnel structure of the Martial Hall... and what he had to do next.


    "Li Yuan, the specific rules within the Martial Hall are all avable on the virtualwork," Instructor Xing said with a smile, "If there''s anything unclear, you cane directly to me."


    "Okay, thank you for your hard work, Instructor Xing," Li Yuan said with a smile, "If there''s a chance, I will speak to Lord Wan about this."


    "Haha, thanks a lot," Instructor Xingughed.


    After seeing the visitor off.


    Li Yuan returned to Martial Arts Room 7024. Though it was a fully enclosed room, the air was exceptionally fresh.


    "My spiritual power matter has been kept confidential; no wonder Instructor Xing doesn''t understand why I could sign a Grade B contract," Li Yuan shook his head secretly, "Maybe he thinks I have some special rtionship with Lord Wan, so he is being so cautious."


    Otherwise, as the chief instructor of the entire Guanshan sub hall, with status only below the true and Vice Hall Masters.


    Why be so polite to a high school student like me?


    Suddenly.


    "Ding-dong¡ª" The doorbell rang, and the disy screen at the door showed the scene outside.


    It was a meal delivery robot, precisely the meal Li Yuan had ordered ten minutes ago.


    After retrieving his meal, Li Yuan went to the table at the end of the Martial Arts Room to eat.


    "I really am hungry."


    Li Yuan feasted, "Two nutrition meals, only for 40 Points? It''s even better than the nutrition meal at school for 50 Blue Star Coins."


    "Instructor Xing was right, inside the Martial Hall, Points are more useful than equivalent Blue Star Coins."


    ...


    After the meal.


    Li Yuan didn''t rush to cultivate but used the high-level virtualwork pod inside the Martial Arts Room.


    Entering the Virtual World.


    "Enter Starfire Space," Li Yuan''s consciousness connected, giving the directmand.


    Hum~ The space transformed.


    "Respected L3 member, wee to Starfire Space, I am your exclusive AI..." a pleasant voice rang out.


    "Change the steward''s name to ''Little Jade'', with the appearance of an ancient girl," Li Yuan directed immediately.


    "Yes." A girl in purple attire appeared in front of Li Yuan: "Little Jade will serve the master."


    Li Yuan paid her no mind, instead starting to inspect this virtual space that he had just gained ess to.


    Starfire Space is the ''exclusive space'' of Starfire Martial Hall.


    Only members and clients of Starfire Martial Hall could enter.


    "My Starfire level." Li Yuan''s gaze fell on the adjacent panel:


    Name: Li Yuan (ID 2042100806492)


    Affiliation: Xia Country¡ªJiangbei Province¡ªJiang City


    Level: L3


    Points: 2,499,960


    Cultivation Points: 2,800,000


    ...


    "2.5 million Points, of which 1.5 million Points are provided by the Grade B contract, and the other 1 million Points were gifted by Lord Wan," Li Yuan silently thought.


    Through consulting the user manual,bined with Instructor Xing''s previous introduction, Li Yuan quickly understood.


    Points, fundamentally, are the internal currency of Starfire Martial Hall, which can be used to purchase various items and services.


    From all sorts of auxiliary cultivation treasures, such as Basic Vitality Potions, First-Rank Vitality Potions, Spirit Nourishing Potions, Origin Power Essence Pills... to all kinds of precious weapons, Spear Technique Manuals, Origin Power Manuals, and so on.


    This was in terms of Martial Arts Cultivation.


    In daily life aspects, such as financial management, renting or buying vis, purchasing luxury cars, private jets, yachts, legal representation, buying daily necessities, priority hospital beds... everything connected to life, the Martial Hall could help to solve.


    The prerequisite is, you are willing to spend enough Points.


    "Points, in many affairs, indeed are more useful than money," Li Yuan reflected in his heart.


    The experiences of the day had a great impact on him, truly opening up Li Yuan''s eyes.


    Letting him have an initial contact with... the world of a Martial Artist.


    "Earning Points, one way is to take office, to hold a position in the Martial Hall, and like a sry, you receive an amount every month," Li Yuan thought quietly, "The second way is toplete various tasks for the Martial Hall, like going into the Star Realm..."


    Li Yuan only nced over and didn''t focus on the methods of obtaining Points.


    It was temporarily unrted to him.


    "Me, a little guy with only 7th Level Physical Quality, what Points can I earn?"


    "I''m merely a reserved member, not yet a formal member."


    "The Martial Hall let me in just to spend money."


    "What I need to do now," Li Yuan''s eyes sparkled, "is to use the Points and money gifted to me by the Martial Hall."


    "To improve my family and... enhance my strength," Li Yuan''s eyes sparkled, "Strive to get into one of the top five prestigious schools and be a Martial Artist."

 Chapter 37: 35 Training Plan

    Aftermunicating with Teacher Xu and Instructor Xing,


    Li Yuan understood that signing a contract in advance didn''t mean he could forgo attending university.


    An early contract was essentially an investment by the Martial Hall; they would provide Li Yuan with some guidance in his cultivation but wouldn''t cover everything.


    For him, the best path was still to take the college entrance exam and attend a Martial Arts University.


    "ording to Teacher Xu, the Martial Hall is a gathering ce for martial artists and in the grand scheme of human civilization, its role is to bebat-ready, not necessarily to nurture talent,"


    "What the Martial Hall needs more is immediatebat power," Li Yuan mused quietly, "The responsibility for nurturing lies with the Martial Arts University. That''s where the mostprehensive training for martial artists is avable."


    "Be it the nation or the Seven Star Alliance, all sorts of precious resources are poured into Martial Arts Universities."


    "Many invaluable resources are provided for free in universities, but inside the Martial Hall, you have to spend a fortune to acquire them."


    "Even some priceless resources aren''t avable in the Martial Hall."


    Attending a Martial Arts University would mean receiving the best martial artists'' education.


    Many top martial artists would take turns serving and mentoring students at various Martial Arts Universities.


    "Only through systematic study at a Martial Arts University can one proceed more steadily and farther on the path of a martial artist," Li Yuan didn''t dare overestimate himself.


    It''s true he had awoken the Mind Spirit Divine Pce by chance, but the more he saw, the more he realized how insignificant he was.


    "Just like uncle said,"


    "On the road to growth, sometimes you need the support of influential people, and sometimes you need opportunities," Li Yuan murmured, "Teacher Xu is my benefactor."


    "Signing a contract early with Starfire Martial Hall is my opportunity."


    "What I need to do is to make good use of them to help me enter a broader domain."


    ...


    Inside the Starfire Space,


    "Little Jade, weren''t my cultivation points 3 million?" Li Yuan asked in confusion, "Why does it show 2.8 million now?"


    "Master,"


    "As an L3-level member, you enjoy many privileges from the Martial Hall every year, like the family card and your exclusive Martial Arts Room... You have to pay 200,000 points for these, which are automatically deducted," the girl in purple said yfully, "Cultivation points are unique to martial arts prodigies who have signed early contracts."


    "They work simrly to points but can only be used to purchase non-physical martial arts cultivation services."


    "The 200,000 points you need to deduct will be taken first from your cultivation points," the girl in purple added.


    Li Yuan immediately understood.


    If points are considered the internal currency of the Martial Hall, then cultivation points... are like ''coupons'' for early signees, with many restrictions.


    "It can only be used for paying annual fees, mentorship from famous teachers, skill secret manuals, Origin Power manuals, cultivation video tutorials..." Li Yuan browsed the uses of cultivation points.


    All of which were non-physical.


    "No wonder the Martial Hall is so generous," Li Yuan muttered, "3 million cultivation points? In name, they''re worth 3 million Blue Star Coins, but items like various secret manuals and cultivation videos... the Martial Hall could recreate numerous copies if they were willing, with almost zero cost."


    Some cultivation resources, being replicable, aren''t genuinely precious, so the Martial Hall can afford to be more generous with them.


    But physical resources, like qi and blood elixirs, truly require a substantial use of resources to create, so the Martial Hall would strictly control the distribution of these.


    Of course, even though cultivation points aren''t as good as points, they''re still quite useful.


    ...


    "The higher the rank within the Martial Hall, the greater the privileges and the fewer points needed for the same services?" Li Yuan examined the Starfire ranking exnations, "At L3 level, I''m not doing too badly among all Martial Hall members."


    He learned this after talking with Instructor Xing.


    L1 level is for trial members.


    L2 is the rank for most members of the Martial Hall. At this level, the members, mostly martial artists under level 15, and those with D-tier or C-tier preliminary contracts, fall under this category.


    L3 usually consists of basic-level Martial Hall managers or members on preliminary B-tier contracts.


    To reach L4 or L5 levels, one usually has to be a Second Rank Prime Warrior.


    For someone like Lord Wan, he''s an L5-level member.


    "Unless I upgrade to an A-tier contract, I''ll remain an L3-level member until I be a Second Rank Prime Warrior," Li Yuan reviewed the requirements for his B-tier contract.


    Want to move up in Starfire ranks? It depends on your innate talent and strength, as well as your contributions to the Martial Hall.


    Provisional members with an A-tier contract belong to L4 level.


    And S-tier contract''s provisional members? Directly L5 level members!


    If Li Yuan wished to move from a B-tier to an A-tier contract? ording to the contract stiptions, there are three ways to do that.


    "First, awaken the Martial Spirit."


    "Second, get into Starfire University."


    "Third, reach the Fallen Star rank with 300 points on the Starry Skies Fighting Network before the age of 18." Li Yuan frowned slightly.


    The first and second routes were nearly the same in Li Yuan''s eyes.


    "If I can awaken the Martial Spirit and get a 10% score bonus, with eight months of hard work and training, my chances of getting into Starfire University are extremely high." Li Yuan thought to himself, "Without awakening the Spiritual Nature, the chances of getting into Starfire University are basically zero."


    Starfire University is globally known as one of the top three elite martial schools, alongside Starry Sky University and ck Stone University.


    From their names alone, one can hear the inseparable rtionship these top three elite martial schools have with the three major Martial Halls.


    The difficulty of gaining admission to them is far higher than the top five famous schools of Xia Country.


    The top five famous schools of Xia Country together enroll about ten thousand students each year within the country.


    Looking globally, there are more than a dozen Martial Arts Universitiesparable to Xia Country''s top five.


    However, as far as Li Yuan knew, Starfire University only enrolls less than a thousand students globally each year, and no more than three hundred within Xia Country.


    Those in Xia Country who can gain admission to one of the top three elite martial schools are, with few exceptions for specially recruited students, at least among the top ten martial talents of their province.


    "Legend has it, those who sessfully graduate from Starfire University are mostly Second Rank Prime Warriors." Li Yuan shook his head slightly.


    Provincial Martial Arts Universities, the top five famous schools of Xia Country, and the top three elite global martial schools... these represent three distinct levels.


    "Martial Path grades, top ten in the province?"


    It''s not that Li Yuan didn''t dare to dream, but without awakening the Martial Spirit, was he supposed to just wish for it?


    Even if Li Yuan were to score 1000 points in his Martial Arts Skills, it would still be hard to break into the top ten of his province.


    The others have a total score of 1100 points.


    One must be realistic in life.


    "My score isn''t even in the top ten within my school year, let alone the whole province." Li Yuan didn''t ponder further, "Compared to the first two routes, the third one seems more realistic."


    Reaching the Fallen Star rank with 300 points on the Starry Skies Fighting Network before the age of 18.


    This path was difficult as well, but considering the rate of improvement in Li Yuan''s Martial Arts Skills, there was a glimmer of hope.


    ...


    After rifying everything.


    Li Yuan spoke softly, "Xiao Yu, I need a training guidance n tailored for me."


    "Okay."


    "First, please fill out your personal information again, and be sure to provide urate details," Xiao Yu said. "This way, the Martial Hall''s intelligent system can make the best n."


    Hu~


    With a wave of Xiao Yu''s hand, a light screen immediately appeared.


    It disyed many fields waiting to be filled out.


    Age, gender, Life Level, Fist Strength, Burst Speed, weapon used, Martial Arts Skills, Cultivation Techniques... there were more than a hundred items.


    "The Martial Hall should have my information, but it probably wants to double-check," Li Yuan thought, as he filled out each item.


    With the Divine Pce panel at his disposal, the uracy of the information Li Yuan provided was destined to be far beyond what other reserve members could offer.


    "Please wait a moment, Master," Xiao Yu said. "I am requesting to utilize the intelligent resources to develop a cultivation n for you."


    Ten minutester.


    "Master, it isplete," Xiao Yu announced. "Please review it."


    Weng~


    Quickly, a huge light screen appeared in front of Li Yuan, filled with densely packed text and exnations.


    "To aid the improvement of physical quality, the main rmendation is to take a Basic Blood Medicine every two days... Due to theck of high-rank Cultivation Techniques, one must take at least one Essence Pill of Origin Power per month." Li Yuan read the first item, "The monthly cost is about 130,000 Blue Star Coins/points."


    "Basic Spirit-Nourishing Elixirs, three bottles a month, cost about 90,000 Blue Star Coins/points..."


    "Deep Medicinal Baths, once every ten days, with a monthly cost of about 30,000 Blue Star Coins/points..."


    "Purchase the Second Rank Spear Technique ''Ster Spear Technique'' for 1 million Cultivation Points."


    "Purchase the Second Rank movement technique ''Dragon Movement Technique'' for 1 million Cultivation Points."


    "For mentorship, hire a Second Rank Prime Warrior to provide guidance on spear technique and movement technique once a month, each session costing 100,000 Cultivation Points/points/Blue Star Coins..."

 Chapter 38: 36: Essence Pill of Origin Power (Three more for monthly votes and followers)

    ording to the information provided by Li Yuan, the intelligent system used its vast database toe up with a very detailed training n.


    It was also highly targeted.


    Moreover, for every n it formted, there was an extremely detailed exnation, exining the reasons.


    After reading through the entire thing.


    Li Yuan had to admit that the intelligent system''s analysis made a lot of sense.


    "AI intelligence based on big data is indeed extraordinary," Li Yuan reflected internally.


    The only problem was that the n was very costly.


    "If I follow this full set of ns by the intelligent system, I''d have to spend about 400,000 Blue Star Coins/Points each month," Li Yuan calcted and felt his scalp tingle: "That''s nearly 5 million a year."


    How much were the Blue Star Coins and points given by the Martial Hall in total?


    3 million a year.


    It wasn''t until this moment that Li Yuan truly understood what his uncle Li Changzhou had said.


    Full-time Martial Path?


    No money? What Martial Arts can you practice?


    To be a strong Martial Artist, you have to pay a hefty sum.


    "I''m not even an Entry Rank Warrior yet, and if I be a First Rank Warrior, the costs will only get higher," Li Yuan shook his head slightly.


    Of course, Li Yuan was also aware that the training n provided by the intelligent system belonged to the very high-end category.


    It could assist in maximizing the efficiency of the enhancement of Physical Quality, Martial Arts Skills, and spiritual power.


    Improving all three aspects together would greatly increase the hopes of bing a Prime Warrior in the future.


    The only problem was the cost.


    Even for wealthy families like Wan Xiao''s, they probably would only dare to engage in this kind of spending during the sprint phase of the High Third Rank.


    "Lin Lanyue''s family background seems better than Wan Xiao''s, maybe her cultivation resources can reach that level," Li Yuan sighed internally: "No wonder her progress far exceeds that of other students."


    Decent talent, effort, plus the boost from resources.


    How can an ordinary personpare with Lin Lanyue?


    "My advantage lies in the Mind Spirit Divine Pce," Li Yuan pondered: "With the ''Observing the Great Sun Starry Sky Scripture,'' not only can I rapidly increase spiritual power, but I can also experience deep sleep, eliminating all fatigue, worth the highest level of physical therapy."


    The rapid enhancement of Li Yuan''s Physical Quality owed much to the ''Great Sun Starry Sky Scripture.''


    "Therefore, items such as Spirit Nourishing Potion, top-tier physical therapy... these can all be discarded," Li Yuan decided.


    If he were to purchase and use them, perhaps the training efficiency would be higher.


    But then again, who asked Li Yuan to be poor?


    "Being poor, I have to choose the most cost-effective method."


    Li Yuan''s gaze swept over the other items: "That way, the main expenses that require points are threefold: first is the enhancement of Physical Quality, Basic Vitality Potion, Origin Power Essence Pill."


    "Another item is the Deep Medicinal Bath."


    "Then there''s sparring practice, apanied by a Level 15 Warrior, twice a week, costing 20,000 Blue Star Coins each week," Li Yuan thought to himself.


    Adding all that up.


    In a month, it would cost approximately 240,000 Blue Star Coins/Points.


    With that, by the time of the college entrance exam in June next year, the total cost would be around 2 million Blue Star Coins/Points.


    "The next gift from the Martial Hall won''t be until October next year," Li Yuan thought: "Moreover, I also need to save some points for after bing an Entry Rank Warrior."


    After entering the university, there will be many cultivation resources from the school, but they are not yet in sight!


    Li Yuan had to n for himself.


    "As for Cultivation Points, Spear Technique, movement technique, guidance from a master, I will ask Teacher Xu when I go back to school," Li Yuan decided.


    Time slipped away by the minute and the second.


    Suddenly, Li Yuan received two bank alerts, directly disyed on 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 Lord Wan, and the other should be the contract reward from the Martial Hall." Li Yuan felt slightly puzzled, "But why is the contract reward 1.2 million Blue Star Coins?"


    "Could it be that another 300,000 Blue Star Coins are still owed to me?"


    Li Yuan was about to inquire with Xiao Yu.


    "Master, this year''s cash reward from the Martial Hall has been deposited ording to the contract. All contract rewards for the 2042-2043 fiscal year have been fully ounted for," Xiao Yu took the initiative to speak.


    "Why is the cash from the contract reward short by 300,000?" Li Yuan couldn''t help but ask.


    "Taxes!"


    "Such contract rewards from the Martial Hall are made through a public ount and are subject to state supervision. Taxation is mandatory, and the Martial Hall has already paid it on your behalf. Master, you can check this in the virtual tax space," Xiao Yu immediately exined. "Normally, forrge ie like this, any amount exceeding 1 million must have an ie tax of up to 50% deducted."


    "However, contract rewards are considered privileged ie, and there are tax reliefs from the state, so only 20% is deducted."


    "Reminder, Master, you must not evade or under-report taxes. Once discovered, the fine starts at ten times the amount," Xiao Yu said cheerfully.


    "But rest assured, Master, the other 1 million Blue Star Coins are a private gift and not subject to tax," Xiao Yu added.


    "As for points, cultivation points, they are internally disbursed by the Martial Hall, covered by the Martial Hall''s running costs... The Martial Hall will handle the tax calction and payment, so Master doesn''t need to worry about that," Xiao Yu informed.


    Li Yuan was already feeling overwhelmed.


    Taxes?


    300,000 Blue Star Coins just gone like that? Li Yuan felt a sting of pain.


    He fell silent for a while.


    "That''s right, taxes should be paid." Li Yuan consoled himself inwardly, "With the wars in the Star Realm, basic infrastructure, education, civil welfare... the state needs funds. Paying taxes is the duty of every citizen."


    Since childhood, Li Yuan had been educated in such a manner.


    In the past, it was just slogans, but this time he truly understood.


    "For cultivation, best to use points," he decided.


    "Cash, after all, has a wider range of uses," Li Yuan thought to himself, with a hint of anticipation, "Moreover, it''s time to give some cash to Auntie."


    He had worked hard for so long, if not for today?


    Relieving his family''s financial stress had always been one of Li Yuan''s motivations.


    ...


    Li Yuan didn''t stay too long at the Starfire Martial Hall. By four in the afternoon, he had already returned to school.


    He found Xu Bo in his office.


    "Back so soon?" Xu Bo was a bit surprised and asked with a smile, "How do you feel?"


    "The Martial Hall is very good," said Li Yuan sincerely.


    "The Martial Hall''s conditions for cultivation have always been top-notch," Xu Bo said with a smile, "You''vee back to me so quickly; there must be something you need, right?"


    "Yes," Li Yuan confirmed.


    "I''d like to ask for Teacher''s guidance," Li Yuan said respectfully, and he promptly ryed the cultivation n from the intelligent system to Teacher Xu.


    "The cultivation n made for you by the AI is veryprehensive. It''s just that they are all quite costly, and you do not have enough wealth to afford all of them, so you must choose the ones with the best cost-effectiveness," Xu Bo advised. "I''ll just point out two things."


    "Please, Teacher," Li Yuan listened attentively.


    "Firstly, try your best to exchange for the Basic Source Energy Essence Pills," Xu Bo said gravely.


    "The cultivation n suggests taking one pill a month, but in reality, it''s best to see how much your body can handle... If your body can withstand it, taking two pills a month is optimal."


    "The Basic Source Energy Essence Pills are expensive, costing 100,000 Blue Star Coins each," Xu Bo looked at Li Yuan and continued, "But their effects are extremely good."


    "You haven''t awakened your Martial Spirit and cannot practice high-rank cultivation methods. Taking the Essence Pill can greatly make up for this drawback."


    "Your physical talent is already formidable."


    "If the results are good enough..."


    "By the time of the college entrance exam, your Physical Quality could be elevated to 8.5 or even 9.0 level, surpassing Lin Lanyue is a possibility," Xu Bo said earnestly.


    Li Yuan''s eyes flickered with excitement, suddenly feeling a rush of aspiration.


    But he also felt a wave of pressure.


    He had be a millionaire, so why did it feel like he was poorer than ever?

 Chapter 39: 37 The Magical Origin Power

    "Two pills a month?" Li Yuan sighed inwardly.


    Basic Source Energy Essence Pills cost 100,000 Blue Star Coins/Points each, and if he were to take two, it would greatly increase his monthly budget.


    "You haven''t taken Source Energy Essence Pills before, have you?" Xu Bo looked at Li Yuan.


    "No." Li Yuan shook his head. His family couldn''t afford such precious cultivation treasures.


    Families like his uncle and aunt, who could provide their children with basic vitality potions on a long-term basis, were already in the minority.


    Source Energy Essence Pills? Only billionaires would dare to purchase and use them regrly.


    "Then let me exin to you that Source Energy Essence Pills are essentially substitutes for High Rank Cultivation Methods," Xu Bo said. "Do you know the fundamental difference between Basic Cultivation Methods and High Rank Cultivation Methods?"


    "Cultivation efficiency," said Li Yuan.


    "That''s the oue, not the reason," Xu Bo said. "Basic Cultivation Methods efficiently absorb the energy produced from the food we eat, thus promoting life''s progress."


    Li Yuan couldn''t help but nod.


    The modern human being''s most fundamental difference from the traditional martial arts of the past lies in the Cultivation Methods.


    They are the keys to unlocking life evolution.


    "But Basic Cultivation Methods have their limits," Xu Bo continued. "No matter how strong our digestive system is, we can eat ten pounds of nutritious meals a day, but can we eat a hundred pounds?"


    "We can''t," Li Yuan shook his head.


    "Right, even with high-energy food, there will be impurities, and eating too much would be more than the body can handle," Xu Bo continued. "But for a powerful Martial Artist, not to mention pushing the body to evolve further, even to maintain the body''s state requires massive energy consumption."


    "It''s like an electric car, the more powerful it is, the more electricity it consumes."


    "Like me, your teacher."


    Boom!


    With one step, Xu Bo moved as if a phantom, the air instantly exploding, the airflow surging into wind.


    Xu Bo stopped at the other end of the office.


    "This?"


    "Is this what a 19th rank Martial Artist is like?" Li Yuan watched, holding his breath, a hint of excitement in his heart.


    He was certain that Teacher Xu just now erupted with a burst speed definitely exceeding 50 meters per second.


    To know, this was an on-the-spot burst, not Xu Bo''s maximum burst speed.


    This was what truly powerful Martial Artists were like.


    Xu Bo walked back slowly and said as he walked, "Every day, to maintain my strong body, if I relied only on eating, I would have to consume several tens of pounds of high-energy food."


    "This is still in urban life, if I were to fight with Star Realm Creatures, the consumption would be greater, two hundred pounds of high-energy food wouldn''t be enough."


    Li Yuan was speechless.


    He thought of elephants and giraffes, which spent most of their day eating.


    If they exercised, their consumption would be even greater.


    "That''s why we have produced vitality potions," Xu Bo said. "Vitality potions are essentially extracted from food, easier for the body to absorb, and almost free from impurities, though theye at a costly price."


    "By taking them, one can reduce the demand for food."


    Li Yuan nodded slightly.


    By using vitality potions, the burden of eating would be reduced and the efficiency of cultivation could be at least doubled.


    "But as one progresses, bing a 15th rank Martial Artist or even stronger, vitality potions alone are no longer enough."


    "In recent decades, Source Energy Essence Pills have emerged, allowing us to directly absorb Origin Power."


    "What is Origin Power?"


    "Since the alteration of the Six Great Star Bridges hundreds of years ago, the most mysterious energy ''Origin Power'' appeared in the Starry Sky," Xu Bo said, somewhat emotionally. "Once we can absorb Origin Power, the speed of our body''s evolution will increase tenfold, a hundredfold."


    Li Yuan listened intently.


    Origin Power was exceedingly magical.


    Powerful Martial Artists could, in just a few decades, achieve flying through the heavens and the earth, and even walk out unscathed from the center of a nuclear explosion... all because they absorbed Origin Power and promoted their body''s evolution.


    With the body of a human, they rivalled the Divine.


    "There are three methods to absorb Origin Power."


    "First is to have a Physical Quality of at least 19th rank, with sufficiently profound skills, and a perfect unity of body, mind, and intent to barely perceive Origin Power and achieve initial absorption," Xu Bo said gravely. "This is the most primitive absorption method, very inefficient, but the first generation of Martial Artists became strong step by step using this method."


    "Later on."


    "As the number of Martial Artists grew more and more, and became stronger and stronger, the first High Rank Cultivation Technique was finally deduced, drastically increasing the efficiency of absorbing Origin Power by more than ten times," Xu Bo said. "Subsequent techniques, the second, the third¡­ until now, our human civilization has developed seven major High Rank Cultivation Methods."


    ```


    "Even ordinary people can achieve preliminary absorption of Origin Power and greatly increase the efficiency of enhancing their Physical Quality if they resonate with corresponding High Rank Cultivation Methods." Xu Bo said with a hint of regret as he looked at Li Yuan.


    ```


    ```


    Li Yuan understood what Teacher Xu meant.


    ```


    ```


    Awakening Martial Spirit wasn''t as mystical as the ''Spirit Root'' depicted in novels.


    ```


    ```


    Its essence is aboutpatibility with the seven High Rank Cultivation Methods.


    ```


    ```


    Apatibility over 85% is considered an awakening.


    ```


    ```


    Why does human civilization ce such immense importance on Martial Spirit? Because ordinary people who practice High Rank Cultivation Methods can gradually absorb the Origin Power from the universe to strengthen their bodies.


    ```


    ```


    As a result, the efficiency of Life Evolution spikes, and the hope of bing a Prime Warrior greatly increases.


    ```


    ```


    This is why the students in the Elite ss generally possess formidable physical qualities.


    ```


    ```


    Secondly, Origin Power exists everywhere in the Starry Sky of the universe.


    ```


    ```


    It is not only much more potent than any medicament for Qi and blood, but also inexhaustible, saving a vast amount of resources for the entire human civilization.


    ```


    ```


    "Absorbing Origin Power through High Rank Cultivation Methods is the second method, and it''s the best method," Xu Bo shook his head, "but you can''t do it now... Li Yuan, if you want to absorb the Origin Power from the universe on your own, you can only use the most primitive absorption method."


    ```


    ```


    "That would require your Physical Quality to be elevated to level 19."


    ```


    ```


    Li Yuan nodded slightly.


    ```


    ```


    Not absorbing Origin Power yet raising your Physical Quality to level 19? You can imagine how difficult that would be.


    ```


    ```


    You must resort to a great deal of external resources.


    ```


    ```


    "Of course, if you be an incredibly powerful Prime Warrior in the future, you might be able to create a High Rank Cultivation Method that suits yourself."


    ```


    ```


    "Even to create High Rank Cultivation Methods that arge number of ordinary people can practice." Xu Bo said emotionally, "In doing so, you would be a significant benefactor to human civilization."


    ```


    ```


    "The world''s number one Martial Artist, ''Dongfang Ji'', once said that every person is uniquely endowed and should have a suitable High Rank Cultivation Method."


    ```


    ```


    "If our human civilization could give birth to a hundred High Rank Cultivation Techniques, then everyone will find a High Rank Cultivation Method that suits them from their youth, and the concept of Martial Spirit would no longer exist."


    ```


    ```


    "By then, the speed at which Martial Artists are born in our human civilization will be more than ten times faster than it is now," Xu Bo quoted Dongfang Ji, "and this will require generations of Martial Artists to struggle and strive for."


    ```


    ```


    "A hundred High Rank Cultivation Methods?" Li Yuan sighed inwardly.


    ```


    ```


    Human civilization, from the era of Life Evolution, has only spawned seven universal High Rank Cultivation Methods in nearly two hundred years.


    ```


    ```


    However,pared to the three High Rank Cultivation Methods more than eighty years ago,


    ```


    ```


    the pace at which Martial Artists are born in this era has increased several times.


    ```


    ```


    The more Martial Artists there are, therger the base, the increased number of powerful Martial Artists, which in turn elerates the speed at which High Rank Cultivation Methods are created.


    ```


    ```


    This cycle is virtuous.


    ```


    ```


    And it constantly strengthens human civilization.


    ```


    ```


    "The third method to absorb Origin Power is through Essence Pills; this emerged in thest two to three decades," Xu Bo exined, "Essence Pills contain traces of Origin Power, which can be absorbed immediately upon consumption."


    ```


    ```


    "It''s just that Origin Power is domineering."


    ```


    ```


    "Without the aid of High Rank Cultivation Methods to help with the assimtion, the absorption will be very difficult," Xu Bo said, "Therefore, an ordinary person should suffice with one pill a month."


    ```


    ```


    "Your natural Physical Quality actually belongs to the very top tier; it''s just that you don''t have a fitting High Rank Cultivation Method." Xu Bo looked at Li Yuan with a touch of regret, "And with your strong spiritual power, perhaps you could manage two pills per month."


    ```


    ```


    "Thank you for the guidance, Teacher," Li Yuan nodded and replied with a candid smile, "If I don''t have a High Rank Cultivation Method that suits me."


    ```


    ```


    "Then in the future, I will strive to create one."


    ```


    ```


    "Ha ha," Xu Boughed upon hearing this, "That''s the spirit; your Teacher awaits."


    ```


    ```


    ...


    ```


    ```


    "This ''Ster Spear Technique'', along with the ''Dragon Movement Technique'', are inherited from the same lineage as the ''Solid Rock Cultivation Technique'', which I suggest you switch to," Xu Bo continued, "Both of these Secret Manuals are highly reputed among Martial Artists, pointing directly to the Fifth Stage of skill."


    ```


    ```


    "Pointing directly to the Fifth Stage of skill?" Li Yuan pondered.


    ```


    ```


    His own skill was only at the Third Stage.


    ```


    ```


    "Teacher, can''t you teach me a Second Rank Secret Manual?" Li Yuan couldn''t help but ask.


    ```


    ```


    "Me?" Xu Bo was first taken aback and then he smiled, "Indeed, I have practiced many Second Rank Secret Manuals, covering Spear Techniques, Sword Techniques, and movement techniques."


    ```


    ```


    "But I can''t teach you," Xu Bo shook his head, "Have you not noticed that I''ve never advised you to practice a Second Rank Secret Manual?"


    ```


    ```


    "Why not?" Li Yuan was astonished.


    ```


    ```


    "I only have the right to learn, not the right to instruct." Xu Bo exined, "Like the Fist Techniques, Spear Techniques, and movement techniques you are currently studying¡ªall of these are First Rank Secret Manuals, suitable for students with First Stage and Second Stage skills."


    ```


    ```


    "A vast number of First Rank Secret Manuals and Cultivation Methods arepletely public and free for all citizens."


    ```


    ```


    "But from the Second Rank Secret Manuals onwards, there are copyrights," Xu Bo said, "They must be purchased before they can be used."


    ```

 Chapter 40: 38 Xu Bos Assistance

    "If you don''t have a purchase record and are caught learning or spreading it, you will be found guilty of viting thew."


    "Once verified, you will be punished jointly by the Martial Arts Hall and the Culture Hall, starting at ten times the cost," Xu Bo shook his head and said, "In serious cases, you might even be sent to prison."


    Prison? Li Yuan held his breath.


    "Teacher, could this approach be detrimental to the evolution of human civilization''s martial path?" Li Yuan hesitated slightly, "What about the poor?"


    No money, no right to learn high-rank skill secret manuals?


    "Your thoughts are correct, indeed this is somewhat unfair to the poor," Teacher Xu said, "Copyright protection is a double-edged sword."


    "Too much protection can stifle innovation."


    "But without any protection, innovation can also be stifled," Teacher Xu said, "Therefore, after many social experiments, the current situation has been established."


    "Cultivation methods, whether basic or high-rank, arepletely open, and arge number of first-rank secret manuals are alsopletely free."


    "This is enough to allow ordinary people to try the martial path for free," Teacher Xu said.


    "For most people, reaching the third stage in skill would be extremely difficult."


    "If one truly is a martial path genius," Teacher Xu said, "with astonishing talent for technique or an extraordinary body, then the nation or even the Seven Star Alliance have various channels to find talents, providing cultivation resources for free."


    "Striving to discover all martial path geniuses is the purpose of all human civilization forces."


    "Like you, being offered a contract by the Martial Hall in advance is one of the channels for discovery," Teacher Xu smiled and said, "Simrly, students at Martial Arts University have free ess to many second-rank and even third-rank secret manuals in the ''Martial Knowledge Web''."


    "The cost of the secret manual royalties is paid by the nation on behalf of Martial Arts University students."


    Li Yuan suddenly understood.


    The nation, or rather the whole of human civilization, had long considered this point.


    "With copyright fees."


    "Under the drive of interest, powerful martial artists are more motivated to create new skill secret manuals and cultivation methods," Teacher Xu said, "Paying copyright fees is also an encouragement for martial artists to share their creations instead of hoarding them."


    "With mutual exchanges, every martial artist can learn the fruits of others'' wisdom, and they would grow faster."


    Teacher Xu looked at Li Yuan and said, "In the future, if you create some powerful skill secret manuals, you can also upload them to the Culture Hall and collect copyright fees."


    "You can make money while sitting at home."


    Li Yuan smiled, his mind drifting to the many unique skills and teachings in history that were passed on to only one or two people per generation and would be lost if any mishaps urred.


    The continuous strengthening of human civilizationes from the passing down of knowledge from generation to generation.


    The martial path is the same.


    "With your current martial arts realm, learning two second-rank secret manuals is enough," Teacher Xu instructed, "Wait until your spear technique and movement technique both break through to the fourth level, then it won''t be toote to learn more second-rank secret manuals."


    "Yes," Li Yuan nodded.


    Without a high enough martial arts realm, trying to learn everything without mastering anything is a joke.


    "Of course."


    "In your cultivation n, the monthly guidance from a master doesn''t need to be included," Teacher Xu said, "My guidance will suffice."


    "If you''ve purchased the copyright to a manual, my guidance won''t count as a copyright infringement."


    "Not seeking guidance from a Prime Warrior?" Li Yuan hesitated slightly.


    Getting guidance from Teacher Xu was undoubtedly a great opportunity, but Teacher Xu was only 19th level.


    Could he really match the guidance of a second-rank Prime Warrior?


    "What, you doubt your teacher?" Teacher Xu, seeing through Li Yuan''s thoughts, revealed a smile, "Rest assured, my martial arts realm is not weaker than most Prime Warriors, if back then... Never mind, let''s not talk about that."


    Teacher Xu suddenly sighed, his smile fading, seemingly with a hint of lost interest.


    "Teacher, I was wrong," Li Yuan quickly apologized.


    "It''s not your fault, it has nothing to do with you," Teacher Xu shook his head, then continued, "From now on, on Wednesday evenings in my office, I will guide you once in spear technique and movement technique."


    "No extra charge."


    "Thank you, Teacher," Li Yuan felt grateful in his heart.


    Once a week?


    "However, the twice-a-week martial artist sparring sessions for actualbat, you need to find someone yourself," Teacher Xu said, "I don''t have that much time."


    "Yes," Li Yuan nodded.


    Having the teacher personally take time out to guide him in spear technique and movement technique was very fortunate.


    He couldn''t ask for more.


    You should know that to invite a second-rank Prime Warrior for guidance would cost 100,000 cultivation points for just one session.


    Suddenly.


    "Hmm?" Teacher Xu frowned deeply, gritting his teeth, showing a look of pain.


    "What''s wrong, Teacher?" Li Yuan was shocked.


    "It''s nothing," Teacher Xu said somberly, his voice even seemed a bit shaky, "An old problem from the battlefield."


    "Alright, that''s enough."


    "Martial arts cultivation, no matter how much guidance you receive, ultimately relies on your own practice," Teacher Xu said.


    "Don''t worry, I''ll just take some medicine and it will be fine, you should go back, and think it over," Teacher Xu said, enduring the pain.


    "Yes," Li Yuan left with worry in his heart.


    But he was smart and noticed that Teacher Xu didn''t want to show his vulnerability in front of him.


    Once Li Yuan left the office.


    "The effects of the medicine aresting shorter and shorter," Teacher Xu clenched his teeth, "I couldn''t help but use Origin Power to demonstrate to Li Yuan just now, and it elerated the onset."


    Teacher Xu slowly walked to the rest area, taking out a delicately packaged small bottle from the refrigerator.


    He opened it and took the medication.


    The pain in his body quickly eased.


    "It''s unknown how many more years I can live," Xu Bo murmured, a hint of ferocity in his eyes, "If I''m really close to death, I will apply to return to the Star Realm."


    "I, Xu Bo,"


    "if I am to die, must die on the battlefield."


    It was quite a while before Xu Bo entirely recovered. Suddenly his smart ring vibrated with an unread message.


    "Hmm? A message from Li Yuan? Asking about my health?" Xu Bo felt a touch of warmth in his heart, "This kid, he does care."


    Xu Bo guessed that if he didn''t respond, Li Yuan would likelye to his office to check on him again.


    "ck Dog,"


    "reply to Li Yuan saying I''m fine," Xu Bo said sternly.


    "Yes, Master."


    ...


    "It''s good that Teacher is fine," Li Yuan, in the school''s independent Martial Arts Room, received Xu Bo''s reply.


    He turned off his smart ring.


    "Let''s enter the virtualwork." Li Yuan entered the virtualwork capsule beside him.


    Connecting consciousness, he directly arrived in the Starfire Space.


    "Master," a purple-d young girl appeared out of thin air.


    "Use Cultivation Points to purchase the Second Rank Secrets Manual ''Dragon Movement Technique'' and the Second Rank Secrets Manual ''Ster Spear Technique''," Li Yuan immediately said, "Also, exchange points for an Origin Power Essence Pill."


    Basic vitality medicine? There were still a few bottles at home, no rush to buy them.


    "Master, please confirm the purchase list." Xiao Yu waved her hand, and a screen appeared in front of Li Yuan, listing the items.


    Li Yuan nced over and confirmed they were correct.


    "Confirmed."


    Quickly,


    "Obtained use rights for the Second Rank Secrets Manual ''Dragon Movement Technique'', registered in the Martial Arts Hall and Culture Hall, inquiry code is... 1 million Cultivation Points deducted."


    "Obtained use rights for the Second Rank Secrets Manual ''Ster Spear Technique''... 1 million Cultivation Points deducted."


    "Received one Origin Power Essence Pill, please fill in the delivery address... 100,000 points deducted."


    Li Yuan directly received three reminders from ''Starfire Space''.


    "Delivery address, let''s go with home," Li Yuan pondered a moment, "As for the delivery time, let it be ten o''clock tonight."


    As a Martial Hall L3 level member, he could have delivery within 24 hours.


    "Master, the Origin Power Essence Pill will be delivered to your door tomorrow," Xiao Yu said cheerfully, "ording to copyrightw, all Secret Manuals above the Second Rank must be studied in the virtual space; there are no physical copies."


    "Master, you now have ess to all the data of the Secret Manuals and may choose to enter your personal space to study."


    "Alright," Li Yuan nodded slightly.


    If there were physical manuals, private dissemination would be too easy. If disseminated through the virtualwork?


    The entire virtualwork is under the supervision of human civilization.


    "I have to see just how impressive these Second Rank Secrets Manuals are," Li Yuan thought with anticipation.


    ...


    While Li Yuan was studying the Skill Secret Manuals in the virtualwork,


    in the office of Song Yi on the twelfth floor of the Starry Sky Martial Hall''s Guan Shan branch.


    "Pong~"


    The teacup was crushed instantaneously, and tea sshed everywhere.


    But Song Yi, dressed exquisitely, didn''t seem to mind, the ss shards not harming her fingers in the slightest.


    Song Yi''s eyes were piercingly sharp, with a hint of coldness, "What did you say? Li Yuan refused tomorrow''s meeting? Why?"


    "Yes."


    Zhong Cheng, clothed in ck, stood, replying with a wry smile, "I only received Li Yuan''s message this afternoon. I sent him a message, he didn''t respond."


    "So, I contacted his uncle, and only then I found out he has already been signed by the Starfire Martial Hall in advance," Zhong Cheng said softly.


    "Starfire Martial Hall?"


    "They poached the person I had my eye on?" A flicker of anger crossed Song Yi''s eyes, "We invited him first, how could the Starfire Martial Hall be so unscrupulous?"


    "And this Li Yuan!"


    "We already had an arrangement, and he suddenly refused, without giving you a reason," Song Yi''s gaze turned icy, "Is this the promising candidate you spoke of?"


    At that moment, a trace of dissatisfaction surged in Zhong Cheng''s heart.


    ming me for your n?


    "Hall Master Song," Zhong Cheng said softly, "As far as I know, there''s a good reason why Li Yuan directly turned us down."


    "A good reason? Whose side are you on, defending him?" Song Yi red at Zhong Cheng with an extremely sharp look.


    "The Starfire Martial Hall offered him a Grade B contract," Zhong Cheng said quickly.


    Song Yi''s pupils constricted.


    In the room, there was a deadly silence.


    After a long pause,


    "Get out," Song Yi suddenly ordered harshly.


    "Yes," Zhong Cheng nodded, turned, and left, apparently even forgetting to shut the door.

 Chapter 41: 39 Stellar Spear Technique

    "A B-level contract?"


    Song Yi sat on the sofa, murmuring to herself, "In a fifth-rank branch of the hall, only the hall master is qualified to sign a B-level contract, and there are at most two quotas per year."


    "To obtain more quotas, one must apply to the Jiang City branch or even the Jiangbei Provincial branch."


    Whether it''s Starfire Martial Hall or Starry Sky Martial Hall, the rank of each branch is basically equivalent.


    The Guan Mountain District branch is a fifth-rank branch, also the most basic level branch.


    The Jiang City branch is a fourth-rank branch.


    The Jiangbei Provincial branch is a third-rank branch.


    Further up, there is the Xia Country headquarters as a second-rank branch, and the Blue Star headquarters as a first-rank branch.


    "Wan Qinghe?"


    "The rumors are indeed true, he has a gambling nature." Song Yi whispered to herself, "Just arrived, and he is already showing me his power."


    "Just you wait."


    "A little guy with decent spiritual power whose Martial Spirit hasn''t even awakened, at best is worth a C-level contract, and you actually give a B-level contract¡ªI''m going to watch your joke."


    Being a Prime Warrior herself and the Vice Hall Master, Song Yi didn''t truly care about missing out on signing a martial arts prodigy.


    It was just that this matter made her feel embarrassed.


    ...


    It was past ten o''clock at night, at the Wanhua tinum Mansion, the Li household, where usually at this time, Li Qianqian and Li Muhua would have already washed up and gone to bed.


    Today.


    The living room lights were on, and the whole family was present.


    "Qianqian, Muhua." Li Yuan sat on the sofa, the holographic screen of his smart ring opened, his fingertips moving across the screen, swiftly filling in the information.


    Li Qianqian and Li Muhua were both excitedly standing next to Li Yuan, staring at the screen.


    Suddenly.


    A pop-up window on the screen jolted, disying ¡ª Dependent''s Card review passed.


    "Great." Li Yuan showed a smile, "Your two dependent cards are set up now, tomorrow you can just use facial recognition to enter the family area of Starfire Martial Hall."


    "Wow! The Martial Hall!!"


    "I only visited during a school activityst time, the venue is so huge."


    "Practicing there must be way better than in the residential area''s Martial Arts Room."


    "Brother, is everything really free?" Li Qianqian and Li Muhua asked with great excitement and enthusiasm, pestering Li Yuan.


    Sitting on a small stool, Chen Hui watched this scene with a smile.


    "Not everything is free."


    "But things like fruits, drinks, basic physiotherapy, the public martial arts room, and the weekly public martial arts sses... these are all free. There are a few things that cost money, such as nutritional meals, but your dependent cards are linked to my ount already.


    If you want to buy something small, just swipe the card." Li Yuan said, "From now on, have dinner every night directly at the Martial Hall, then practice in the public Martial Arts Room."


    Middle schoolers don''t have evening self-study sessions.


    "At nine o''clock in the evening,e to the entrance of the Martial Hall building and wait for me; we''ll ride home together." Li Yuan looked at his younger siblings.


    L3 members, the Martial Hall will provide a ''private electric car'' free of charge, with right of use, and avable on call within Jiang City.


    "Yay."


    "Last time, my ssmate even bragged to me that he got a W2 level membership card of the Martial Hall." Li Muhua''s eyes lit up with excitement: "Brother, from what I read, the permissions for a family card are even higher,parable to the W3 level membership card."


    "And there''s physiotherapy." Li Qianqian also said excitedly, "After I practice each time, my whole body aches to death..."


    The siblings discussed more and more animatedly.


    Li Yuan looked at the excitement of his brother and sister, feeling joy in his heart.


    He had been wholly devoted to cultivation since the second year of junior high.


    All to improve the family conditions like today, wasn''t it?


    Li Yuan always felt that he upied the resources and affection meant for his younger siblings, and being able topensate them was the happiest thing for him.


    "Okay, the cards are taken care of." Chen Hui reined in her smile and said seriously, "This is because your brother worked hard and risked his life to get an early contract."


    "I don''t expect you to be as outstanding as your brother, but you must work hard to cultivate while in the Martial Hall, understand?"


    "We know, Mom." Li Qianqian said with a smile.


    "Mom, I''m definitely going to learn from brother and strive to sign a contract with the Martial Hall in advance too." Li Muhua said with a determined expression, "Then I''ll get you a big house."


    "Okay, okay, I''ll wait for when you can take care of meter, now go wash up." Chen Hui hurried 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, you received it, right?" Li Yuan spoke softly.


    "I''ve told you, we still have money at home." Chen Hui said helplessly, "Once you be a martial artist, you''ll have no end of ces to spend money."


    "Aunt."


    "This money is for Qianqian and Muhua''s preparation." Li Yuan spoke earnestly, "Muhua has awakened his Martial Spirit; following the standard procedure, it won''t be difficult to get into Martial Arts University."


    "But for Qianqian... she hasn''t awakened her Martial Spirit, and she must not be cut off from basic Qi-blood potions, otherwise, she won''t be able to keep up with martial arts cultivation."


    "Qianqian''s martial arts talent..." Chen Hui hesitated, as she hadn''t nned to let Li Qianqian pursue deep martial arts training.


    "Aunt,"


    Li Yuan interrupted Chen Hui''s thoughts, "Qianqian''s talent for the Martial Path may indeed be low, but that''s exactly why we must strive to cultivate her all the more. For the college entrance exam, even if she takes the academic route, the martial arts score still ounts for 30%."


    "Qianqian has good academic grades. As long as her martial arts grades are slightly better, she has a chance of getting admitted to a C9 university." Li Yuan stressed.


    "As for me?"


    "The money I have left is enough for now."


    "After the January mock exam, the school will have schrships." Li Yuan said with a smile, "If I get into university, there are various state awards."


    After a lot of persuasion, Chen Hui finally agreed to ept the money reluctantly.


    ...


    Late at night, upon returning to his own room.


    "I gave Aunt one million Blue Star Coins."


    "I have 1.33 million left in cash." Li Yuan nced over his ount bnce.


    The next cash deposit from the Martial Hall, ''1.2 million Blue Star Coins'', wouldn''t arrive until next October.


    One could say.


    Li Yuan''s current cash and Martial Hall points, used for purchasing various martial arts resources, may notst until then.


    But Li Yuan had no regrets.


    "In martial arts cultivation, money is never enough. If you want to make excuses not to give, there''s always an excuse." Li Yuan''s eyes shone fiercely, "But for my brother and sister, these years are also the most critical."


    "Resources not enough?"


    "Find another way."


    "There are still three months until the January assessment test, give it your all, and break into the top five." Li Yuan had not forgotten Teacher Xu Bo''s promise.


    Breaking into the top ten of the grade, one hundred thousand Blue Star Coins.


    The top five, a Special Schrship of five hundred thousand Blue Star Coins.


    "Let''s start with learning Spear Technique." Li Yuan sat inside the virtualwork pod, connecting his consciousness to it.


    He arrived at his personal cultivation space.


    It was empty, with both length and width exceeding 200 meters, and the height was also over 50 meters.


    "Learn the ''Ster Spear Technique''." Li Yuan said loudly, "First time learning."


    Immediately.


    "Boom~" Arge amount of light converged, eventually forming the figure of a burly man in a ck battle garment, wielding a long spear with a sharp gaze.


    He looked straight at Li Yuan.


    The intangible aura he emitted caused Li Yuan to instinctively tense up, but it was only momentary.


    "Virtual teaching, huh?" Li Yuan looked at the man in ck.


    "The ''Ster Spear Technique'' is a Second Level Spear Technique, an advanced evolution of the First Rank ''Solid Rock Spear Technique''."


    "The ''Solid Rock Spear Technique'' originated from the ''Solid Rock Cultivation Technique'', embodying the steadiness of a boulder, immovable as a mountain." The man in ck spoke deeply, "It emphasizes defense over offense, turning the enemy''s momentum into nothingness..."


    "Whoosh!"


    As he spoke, the man in ck swung his long spear, performing various moves¡ªretracting, thrusting straight, mming down in fury, whipping, and parrying with the spear... The seemingly simple techniques appeared so familiar to Li Yuan.


    Indeed, it was the ''Solid Rock Spear Technique'' that he had practiced countless times, and within it, he also saw shadows of the unique spear moves he had derived.


    Solid Rock Pir, Cavern-Hiding Dragon, Myriad Mountain Vistas... one technique flowed into the next.


    They all looked quite ordinary, but in the hands of the man in ck, there was a transformative magic to them.


    "This!"


    "This! This!" Li Yuan''s eyes widened, "I''ve been practicing spearwork for several years, first mastering the basic techniques, then cultivating the ''Solid Rock Spear Technique,'' eventually breaking through to the Third Stage, and deriving a few unique moves."


    "But my techniques, how could they be as coherent? Perfectly impregnable." Li Yuan held his breath.


    So formidable!


    It was the same technique, but the power varied greatly depending on the practitioner. The man in ck was far stronger than Li Yuan.


    "Fourth Stage."


    "The Spear Technique demonstrated by this man in ck is definitely of the Fourth Stage Realm, truly unifying all of his body''s vigor as one. He is the spear, and the spear is him." Li Yuan realized, "This is the realm of a Spear Technique Master."


    "The ''Solid Rock Fist Technique'' has eighteen forms."


    "The ''Solid Rock Spear Technique'' also has eighteen routines." The man in ck''s practice grew faster, but his energy was powerful, his voice resonant as arge bell, "But as you continue practicing, you must try to gradually simplify the eighteen routines."


    "Ultimately forming five major killing moves."


    "Solid Rock Pir, Cavern-Hiding Dragon, Myriad Mountain Vistas, Cloud Layered Peaks, Rock-Stabilizing Heaven and Earth." The man in ck listed consecutively.


    The first three killing moves he mentioned were also exactly the ones Li Yuan had independently realized.


    "What I''ve realized is the same as the foundational part of the ''Ster Spear Technique''?" Li Yuan felt greatly excited in his heart.


    This was enough to show.


    His Spear Technique cultivation had been on the most correct path all along.


    Of course, Li Yuan was aware that those few killing moves were not entirely realized by himself. In some sense, it was Teacher Xu Bo''s repeated guidance that had kept him from straying.


    "Once you master the five major killing moves, your Spear Technique should approach Third Stage Perfection, which also meanspleting the foundational cultivation of the ''Ster Spear Technique''." The man in ck said, "At that point, you can try to cultivate the ''Ster Five Moves''."


    "As long as you learn any one of those moves, it represents that your Spear Technique has stepped into the Fourth Stage Realm."


    "If in the future,"


    "you manage to fullyprehend the ''Ster Five Moves,'' even reaching the Ster Realm... that will be the Fifth Stage Spear Technique Realm."


    "The skill level will be nearly divine, ranking as a master among all of human civilization." The man in ck continued, "Now, follow me and practice the ''Solid Rock Spear Technique''s five major killing moves."


    Subsequently, the man in ck persisted in his demonstration, and Li Yuan too materialized a long spear.


    And began to practice along with him.


    The man in ck would break down every move of the ''Solid Rock Spear Technique'', practicing them part by part.


    Through observing Li Yuan''s standard of Spear Technique, he would lead him in his cultivation, assisting Li Yuan inprehending the nuances of force transition between the changes in spear moves.


    This man in ck was clearly an intelligent teacher.


    And as his practice deepened, Li Yuan could feel the power of this Second Rank Secret Manual.


    It was several times more efficient than his solitary contemtion.


    "One million Cultivation Points, worth it!" Li Yuan was extremely excited in his heart.


    What he purchased was not merely a manual.


    But also the full guidance of an intelligent teacher.


    "However, practicing in virtual reality is just mental learning. To truly learn with the physical body, there needs to be extensive training in reality." Li Yuan was very clear about this.


    Mind and body must learn together; only then is something truly learned.


    ...


    After studying the ''Ster Spear Technique'' for an hour, Li Yuan began to learn the ''Dragon Movement Technique'' in the virtual space.


    This was also a very exquisite movement technique.


    ...


    In the early morning after 1 AM, Li Yuan exited the virtualwork and came to the window, the world silent.


    "Virtual cultivation is an aid."


    "The key is still reality, first cultivate the ''Observing the Great Sun and Stars Scripture'' for two hours, then head to the school for practice." Li Yuan thought to himself as he sat cross-legged, his mind''s consciousness already entering the Mind Spirit Divine Pce.


    At past 4 AM, Li Yuan finally left home and ran towards the school.


    It had been a long time since he went to school thatte.


    ...


    Senior year learning was tedious, yet Li Yuan found joy in it, constantly moving between school, home, and the Martial Hall.


    Feeling his own strength increase day by day.


    Day after day.


    In the blink of an eye, over two months had passed.

 Chapter 42: 40 Li Yuans Strength

    Late December in Jiang City has descended into winter, with temperatures lingering around zero degrees.


    Inside the Starfire Martial Hall branch in Guanshan, the temperature is kept at a constant 20 degrees Celsius, making it exceedinglyfortable.


    Martial Arts Room 7024.


    Two men d in full protective gear, even with helmets fitting tightly, each brandishing a cold weapon, are engaged in fiercebat.


    "Kill!" One of the figures, nearly one hundred and ny centimeters tall in his shoes, wielding a silver long spear, moves in a motion reminiscent of a swimming dragon. The spear suddenly swings out, leaving a blur as it thrusts towards his opponent.


    Fast! urate! Ruthless!


    The other figure nearly two meters tall, extremely burly, wields a sword in one hand and a shield in the other.


    Reacting even faster, actingter but striking first.


    Therge shield brutally smashes forward, like an indomitable copper wall and iron barrier, mming hard against the iing spear thrust.


    "Boom~" Li Yuan, holding the long spear, feels as though he struck a steel te. The terrifying force rebounds through the spear; a normal martial artist would probably find their arm numb from the impact.


    "Stick!" Li Yuan''s long spear is incredibly flexible, as he retreats ordingly, even pulling back the shaft of the spear to shed as much of the force as possible.


    Retreating does not mean falling behind.


    Sometimes, only by shedding force can one minimize the damage sustained.


    "Whoo!"


    The long spear thrusts again, suddenly whooshing through the air. In an instant, it seems to create dozens of phantoms, covering the sky as it envelops the opponent.


    The Solid Rock Spear Technique''s five major deadly moves include ''Myriad Mountain Phantasms.''


    Skilled in group attacks, skilled in confusion.


    Swish! Swish! Swish! Bursts of de light re up, colliding with the spear shadows in an instant; the figure in ck armor alternates between swinging his sword and using his shield to block.


    Retreating eight steps consecutively, he barely withstands Li Yuan''s full set of deadly moves.


    "Be careful now."


    Li Yuan roars suddenly like thunder.


    Fortunately, it''s a soundproofed room; otherwise, there would certainly beints of disturbing the peace.


    You should know, after firing more than twenty consecutive spear thrusts, Li Yuan''s aura reached its peak. Apanying his roaring shout, his spear transformed into a great dragon, howling as it brought down a terrifying force.


    Solid Rock Spear Technique''s five major deadly moves ¡ª Ground and Sky!


    This move treats the spear like a heavy club or a battle halberd, as unstoppable as a rolling boulder, it''s the most ferocious burst of power.


    Switching between the two deadly moves is extremely fast.


    The ck armored figure, in this moment of danger, seems to only be able to raise his shield instinctively, doing his best to block the falling spear.


    "Bang~"


    After the brutal impact, the figure in ck armor looks somewhat disheveled, but his body easily withstands the impact before retreating.


    "Stop!"


    "Li Yuan, you''ve won." The figure in ck armor suddenly speaks, his voice tinged with resignation and a trace of emotion.


    Li Yuan stops and stands still with his spear.


    Click~


    Click~ Both remove their helmets.


    "Li Yuan, your spear technique has advanced frighteningly fast. That final continuous attack must have been two deadly moves, right?" The man holding the shield is a bearded brute in his forties with a scar on his face.


    "Right."


    Li Yuan nods with a smile, "It''s the basic chapter deadly moves from the Second Rank Secret Manual ''Ster Spear Technique.'' I''ve just gained control over the integration of these two moves."


    Indeed, Li Yuan had only recently attained preliminary control over thest of the five deadly moves ''Ground and Sky'' in the virtualwork.


    Today was the first time he practiced it in realbat.


    "Impressive."


    "I''ve been sparring with you for two months, and your progress in spear technique is truly terrifying. I''ve never seen a spear technique prodigy like you before.


    I was able to suppress you with my sword technique at the beginning, but now you''ve surpassed me in skill level," the bearded brute reflects, "Just now, I used about a level 8.0 Physical Quality, clearly stronger than you in speed and power, but I still couldn''t dominate you."


    "Thatst spear thrust, I had to use almost a level 9 strength, or I definitely wouldn''t have withstood it."


    Li Yuan smiles.


    To execute ''Ground and Sky,'' if you directly engage, it''s easy for the opponent to evade.


    The best way is to build momentum with Myriad Mountain Phantasms and then strike the final blow to crush the enemy.


    "Your spear technique," the bearded brute looks at Li Yuan, "has already surpassed my sword technique by a margin, and should be close to the Fourth Stage Realm."


    "Not quite," Li Yuan shakes his head. "I haven''t fully mastered the basic chapter of the Second Rank Secret Manual yet. I still need Uncle Hu to spar with me more."


    "Haha, no problem," the bearded bruteughs. "Next, shall we switch it up, and I attack while you defend?"


    "Sure," Li Yuan nods.


    This bearded brute named ''Fang Longhu'' is a regr instructor at Starfire Martial Hall, a Level 15 martial artist, and he was rmended to Li Yuan by Instructor Xing as a sparring partner.


    Twice a week, for an hour each session, at a cost of 10,000 Blue Star Coins per session.


    A sparring partner in actualbat must be far stronger than oneself.


    A martial artist of at least Level 15 is necessary to better manage the fight when sparring with Li Yuan.


    Half an hourter.


    Li Yuan finishes today''sbat session and sees off Fang Longhu.


    "Whew!"


    "Realbat is indeed more exhrating than virtual fighting," Li Yuan mutters to himself, quite excited.


    Virtual fighting canprehensively train various techniques, but it ultimatelycks a sense of reality.


    Actualbat is the ultimate goal.


    "Every time I engage in realbat, I feel that my Spear Technique and movement technique improve much faster." Li Yuan reflected, "It''s just a pity that actualbat opportunities are extremely rare."


    First, getting injured is easy in actualbat; once injured, just healing takes a long time and seriously dys cultivation.


    Second, good sparring partners are hard to find and expensive; ordinary people simply can''t afford them.


    "Professional sparring partners like Fang Longhu, aside from their day job at the Martial Hall, can earn several hundred thousand Blue Star Coins each month just from sparring." Li Yuan thought to himself.


    You should know that Fang Longhu has basically given up on bing a Prime Warrior, spending very little on the Martial Path and just maintaining his physical quality.


    Therefore, it''s quite easy for him to earn a few million a year.


    "Martial Arts Cultivation is a gold-consuming pit, but if you achieve a little sess, you can also earn a lot, and without taking risks." Li Yuan thought, "If a 15th-level Martial Artist earns like this, what about a Prime Warrior? No wonder Hall Master Wan gave me 1 million Blue Star Coins without a second thought."


    "My Spear Technique."


    "It improved by 1% tonight, and recently, progress has been getting slower." With a thought from Li Yuan, the Divine Pce panel appeared in his view.


    ¡ª¡ª


    [Life Level: 7.7 (Entry Rank)]


    Physical Quality Index: 80 (Aprehensive assessment of various aspects including Explosive Power, Endurance, Speed, Physique, Spiritual Power, etc.)


    Fist Strength: 724 kg


    Speed: 17.3 meters per second


    Spiritual Power: 14.2


    Physical Body Cultivation Method: Solid Rock Cultivation Method


    Mental Cultivation Method: Observing the Great Sun Starry Sky Scripture


    Skill Realm: Spear Technique (Third Stage 88%), Movement Technique (Third Stage 65%), Fist Technique (Third Stage 99%)


    [Note: There is some kind of high-level Spiritual Naturetent within the body that has not been awakened.]


    ¡ª¡ª


    "Judging by the rate of progress over the past half a month, it will take at least one more month to increase the Spear Technique to Third Stage 99%," Li Yuan thought to himself, "And transitioning from Third Stage to Fourth Stage will be a major bottleneck."


    "This step has stumped countless formidable Martial Artists."


    Over the past few months at Starfire Martial Hall, Li Yuan had met many Martial Artists.


    And with his own cultivation, he gradually came to understand the significance of Fourth Level Martial Arts Skills.


    "At the Martial Hall, I know more than a dozen Martial Artists above level 16."


    "Apart from Instructor Xing, none have managed to cultivate their skills to the Fourth Level and above," Li Yuan shook his head slightly.


    First Rank Martial Artists mostly have Third Stage standard Martial Arts Skills.


    Most people''s skills don''t even match Li Yuan''s current level.


    "Xu Bo''s Stick Technique easily crushes mine," Li Yuan couldn''t help recalling the past two months.


    Receiving guidance from Xu Bo once a week.


    "With such high-level skills, why didn''t he be a Prime Warrior? Was it because of an injury?" Li Yuan had many spections in his heart.


    Feeling fully rested, Li Yuan suppressed the various thoughts.


    "Never mind."


    "Continue with the Spear Technique practice."


    "I''ve just mastered the five major killing moves of the Solid Rock Spear Technique, and if I can connect them perfectly, I estimate it''ll reach Third Stage 99%." Li Yuan was extremely excited, "I will strive to bring my Spear Technique close to 99% before the January Evaluation."


    Only ten days left until the January Evaluation.


    "Hoo!"


    "Hoo!" Li Yuan continued to practice his Spear Technique, and another hour passed in a blink of an eye, bringing the time to past eight in the evening.


    He put away the Long Spear into the weapon cab.


    Drenched in sweat, Li Yuan first took a satisfying hot shower in the rest room.


    Then, he retrieved a delicately packaged medicine bottle from the treatment room.


    "Origin Power Essence Pill."


    "It''s been 20 days since thest time I took one, it''s about time to take another," Li Yuan took out an Essence Pill from the bottle.


    He was very careful.


    After all, this single pill was worth 100,000 Blue Star Coins.


    The Origin Power Essence Pill, covered in thin wisps of purple glow, thumbnail-sized with waves of fragrance wafting out as if to entice one''s cravings.


    He swallowed it directly.


    Li Yuan returned to the center of the Martial Arts Room and stood in a posture as immovable as a boulder, focusing his spirit.


    Soon.


    Wisps of rather fiery and overbearing energy gradually spread from Li Yuan''s chest to his limbs and throughout his body, causing him to shiver involuntarily.


    This was Origin Power.


    "Ah~ Sofortable!" Li Yuan enjoyed the sensation immensely.


    "Hiss~"


    "Hiss~" The muscles, tendons, and bones within Li Yuan''s body hungrily devoured every bit of Origin Power roaming through him, bing stronger and tougher.


    [Your Life Level has increased from 7.7 to 7.8.]


    [Your Fist Strength has increased from...]


    [Your Burst Speed has increased...]

 Chapter 43: 41 Why is he a B rank when Im only a C rank?

    Half an hourter.


    Li Yuan finally felt the rampaging, dominant, and scorching energy coursing through his body gradually fade away.


    "Each time I take an Origin Power Essence Pill, my body undergoes noticeable changes," Li Yuan mused inwardly. "Today, my life level has actually improved by 0.1 level."


    Feeling the amazing transformation of his body step by step was indeed exhrating.


    "In just over half an hour, my maximum fist strength has advanced further, reaching 732 kilograms?" Li Yuan nced at the Divine Pce panel.


    The effects of the Origin Power Essence Pill had not been fully digested, but had be hidden within him.


    For the next ten days or so, Li Yuan would have to practice diligently to ensure his muscles and bones fully absorbed it, without wasting even a bit.


    "I wonder if I can raise my physical quality to 7.9 levels before the January evaluation exams," Li Yuan thought to himself.


    From mid-October to now, over two months.


    It seemed his physical quality had only improved by 0.9 level, apparently the same speed as before taking the Origin Power Essence Pill.


    But the improvement of life levels is not linear, the further you go, the more astonishing the gap between each level.


    The standard for fist strength at physical quality level 6 is 300 kilograms.


    The standard for fist strength at physical quality level 7 is 450 kilograms.


    And the standard for fist strength at physical quality level 8 is 800 kilograms.


    In other words, in just over two months, Li Yuan''s fist strength had increased by nearly 300 kilograms.


    "Up to level 10 of physical quality, the gap from level 7 to level 8 is thergest, and the data indicators for various attributes almost double," Li Yuan said to himself. "Many students at Martial Arts University, if they do not awaken their Martial Spirit, might not even reach level 8 by the time they graduate."


    Interacting with many Martial Artists at the hall gave Li Yuan more insight.


    Over eighty percent of Entry Rank Martial Artists have awakened their Martial Spirit.


    "My improvement has been so quick."


    "The Origin Power Essence Pill has the greatest effect," Li Yuan thought. "The capacity of my body to endure and digest... Although it''s not as strong as what Teacher Xu said, digesting one every month, being able to digest one every twenty days is quite astonishing."


    Over the past two months.


    Li Yuan had ingested four Origin Power Essence Pills.


    The cost was enormous, but its effects were outstanding.


    Without the Origin Power Essence Pills, just taking basic blood and energy potions, Li Yuan estimated his physical quality would now be around level 7.3 or 7.4.


    "Teacher Xu wasn''t wrong."


    "Once the physical quality is strong to a certain extent, it''s not just about continuing to improve¡ªjust maintaining it is difficult," Li Yuan suddenly swung his hand.


    "Whoosh!"


    His hand, like a de, tore through the air.


    Since breaking through to life level 7.5, Li Yuan clearly felt the effects of the Origin Power Essence Pill weakening.


    Eating nutritional meals? Taking basic blood and energy potions? The effects were even weaker.


    Li Yuan could foresee.


    Once he became a Martial Artist, if he only ate nutritional meals and took basic blood and energy potions, it would be difficult to continue improving his physical quality.


    By then, the auxiliary effect of the Origin Power Essence Pill in cultivation would be reduced by more than half... The more powerful the body, the more energy consumed in cultivation andbat.


    Continuous rapid improvement? Firstly, you need to use higher grade treasures, and secondly, your body has to be able to withstand it.


    "Martial Spirit!"


    "If I could practice high-rank cultivation methods, I would be able to directly absorb the Origin Power from the universe," a flicker of light passed through Li Yuan''s eyes. "No wonder, this parameter of Martial Spirit is considered so crucial by the Seven Star Alliance."


    Practicing high-rank cultivation methods would greatly save on resources.


    Not just for the individual, but for the entire human civilization as well.


    Thinking of this.


    Li Yuan raised his smart ring to check the bnce of 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 nine o''clock in the evening, Li Yuan changed his clothes and left the Martial Arts Room, heading toward the elevator.


    "Li Yuan, you''re leaving now?"


    "Uncle Wang."


    "Brother Liu."


    Martial Artists greeted Li Yuan from time to time with enthusiasm, and he responded to each one.


    "Li Yuan, heading back? Your brother and sister just went downstairs," said a young man in an instructor''s uniform with cropped hair, who happened to walk by and greeted Li Yuan with a smile.


    "Alright, thanks, Brother Liu," Li Yuan replied with a smile.


    The cropped-haired youth had just graduated from Martial Arts University and had not long be a Martial Artist. He was responsible for teaching the public free martial arts sses.


    Li Qianqian and Li Muhua were both his students.


    As a result, he had a close rtionship with Li Yuan.


    Over the past two months, in the Martial Artist circles of the Starfire Martial Hall''s Guanshan branch hall, basically everyone knew that Li Yuan was a B-level Martial Path talent signed in advance by the Martial Hall.


    A B-level contract indicated that the future was at least that of a level 16 Martial Artist with a certain chance of bing a Prime Warrior. His potential was enormous.


    Furthermore, every time Instructor Xing, the head instructor, met Li Yuan, he was extremely enthusiastic and polite, let alone these ordinary Martial Artists and instructors?


    "In the past, I was just an ordinary student. When I came to the Martial Hall building, I couldn''t even get through the door, and no one would give me the time of day," Li Yuan thought to himself.


    "Now? When Brother Liu points out something for Qian Qian and Muhua during their practice, he is more enthusiastic than when teaching other junior high students."


    When one is powerful, everyone around bes friendly and kind.


    ...The elevator doors opened, and as Li Yuan was about to enter, his gaze suddenly sharpened.


    There was a familiar face.


    "Li Yuan?" The girl standing in the elevator also seemed surprised.


    "Lin Lanyue, long time no see," Li Yuan greeted her cordially.


    A few months ago, their virtual match at school had caused quite a stir.


    But as time passed, Li Yuan had made no further moves, and with the increasing demands of their senior year studies, all the rumors had dissipated.


    Instead, the two would greet each other when they asionally met at school.


    Today, Lin Lanyue wasn''t wearing her Martial Arts uniform. Instead, she was in casual clothes, a cashmere long coat covering her upper body and a form-fitting turtleneck sweater underneath, showing off her fair, blush-tinged skin. She wore pale blue jeans that outlined her long and beautifully curved legs.


    The attire was markedly different from her usual student look.


    "Li Yuan, what are you doing at the Martial Hall?" Lin Lanyue asked, slightly puzzled.


    "Just some stuff," Li Yuan said with a smile, without going into detail.


    The fact that he had signed with Starfire Martial Hall ahead of time wasn''t mentioned by either the principal or Teacher Xu Bo.


    It wasn''t spread around the school at all.


    Li Yuan did not want to attract unnecessary attention with matters that brought him no advantage, so naturally, he wouldn''t discuss them.


    "Yue Yue, is this your ssmate? I feel like I haven''t seen him before." A young woman in her thirties, d in a mink coat, eyed him with a hint of wariness.


    She remembered Lin Lanyue rarely took initiative to greet male students.


    "He''s from ss 3 (2)," Lin Lanyue exined.


    "ss 3 (2)?" The young woman frowned slightly.


    A student from a regr ss?


    How did they get to know each other?


    "Li Yuan, this is my aunt," Lin Lanyue introduced him proactively.


    Lin Lanyue internally approved and admired Li Yuan for his prowess in Martial Arts Skills, having been beaten by him herself.


    Moreover, Li Yuan had never approached her again over the past few months, making Lin Lanyue realize that he was indeed different from those other boys who tried to pursue her.


    "Hello, Auntie," Li Yuan greeted her as it was natural to do so.


    The young woman was taken aback. Auntie?


    Do I really look that old?


    Ding~ The elevator doors opened.


    "I''ve got something else to do, so I''ll be going now," Li Yuan said with a smile. "See you at schoolter."


    He stepped out of the elevator.


    "See you at school," Lin Lanyue nodded, then leisurely walked out of the elevator with the young woman.


    They weren''t in a hurry to leave but watched Li Yuan walk away.


    "Yue Yue, you should minimize contact with ordinary ss boys in the future," the young woman said with a frown.


    Lin Lanyue was momentarily startled, then sheughed and said, "Auntie, do you remember when I was defeated on the Starry Skies Fighting Networkst time?"


    "Hmm? Xiao Qiang has mentioned it," the young woman recalled. "Was it him?"


    "Yes," Lin Lanyue nodded, watching Li Yuan leaving. "His Spear Technique is formidable; I''m no match for him in virtualbat."


    "So what if his skills are strong?"


    "Without a Martial Spirit, the best he can do is to get into Jiangbei Martial Arts University. Does he think he can get into one of the top five academies?" The young woman snorted.


    Lin Lanyue smiled and made no retort.


    She knew that her aunt''s temperament was not to underestimate Li Yuan, but she was simply dissatisfied that Li Yuan had called her ''Auntie.''


    "Oh, there''s Instructor Xing over there," the young woman suddenly brightened up. "Come on, let''s go and say hello."


    "Oh," Lin Lanyue nodded.


    She seldom came to the Starfire Martial Hall and didn''t really care about any instructor.


    Suddenly.


    "That boy?" The young woman raised her eyebrows in confusion. "Instructor Xing stopped to greet him?"


    "Really?" Lin Lanyue was also surprised and looked over.


    Not far away.


    Instructor Xing had stopped Li Yuan and was smiling as he talked with him, giving off the impression, to outsiders, more of a peer-to-peer exchange rather than a senior interacting with a junior.


    After a while.


    Instructor Xing waved as he saw Li Yuan out of the building and then moved towards the elevator.


    The young woman, dragging Lin Lanyue along, greeted him proactively.


    "Instructor Xing," the young woman said with a bright smile.


    "Ms. You," Instructor Xing recognized the young woman and smiled back. "Are you here for physical therapy again today?"


    Instructor Xing looked at Lin Lanyue. "You... must be Hall Master Lin''s daughter, Lin Lanyue, right?"


    "You know me?" Lin Lanyue asked, surprised.


    "I remember."


    "When Hall Master Lin was in Jiang City, I met you when you were a child," Instructor Xing said with a smile. "I was present at your school for an inspectionst time, but there were too many people, so I didn''t greet you."


    "Later on, our Martial Hall sent you a ss C contract invitation, which you didn''t ept."


    Lin Lanyue couldn''t help but smile.


    Her father was a member of Starry Sky Martial Hall, so naturally, she wouldn''t ept an advance contract invitation from Starfire Martial Hall.


    "Instructor Xing, that boy just now, who is he?" The young woman pointed at Li Yuan, who had just left the building.


    "Oh?"


    "You mean Li Yuan?" Instructor Xing looked back and said with a smile. "He goes to the same school as Xiao Lin. Don''t you know him?"


    "Not really," Lin Lanyue shook her head.


    "He''s a ss B contract member of our Martial Hall," Instructor Xing said with a smile. "This young man is quite outstanding."


    ...


    Instructor Xing got into the elevator.


    "Yue Yue."


    "You''re lying to me? Didn''t you say he was from a regr ss? How could he have a ss B contract with Starfire Martial Hall?"


    The young woman was stunned for a moment and looked at Lin Lanyue with a skeptical expression: "Is there something going on between you two? Otherwise, why would you lie to me?"


    "Auntie, I really didn''t lie to you," Lin Lanyue said, her bright eyes also filled with confusion, and she asserted, "Li Yuan really is from ss 3 (2)."


    "I''ve never heard of someone who hasn''t awakened their Martial Spirit securing a ss B contract in advance," the young woman shook her head. "Your grades are so good, and even on thest assessment, you just qualified for ss C."


    Lin Lanyue was toozy to respond to her aunt anymore; she lowered her head and frowned, lost in thought.


    Yeah, I''m only ss C!


    Why would Li Yuan sign a ss B contract?

 Chapter 44: 42: The wise man does not stand under a tottering wall

    "Could it be because his martial arts skills are high?"


    Lin Lanyue could only think of this possibility, then said, "Auntie, let''s go home. I have to do some problems when I get back."


    "Alright." The young woman nodded, and as they walked, she looked at Lin Lanyue, "Yue Yue, you really didn''t know that Li Yuan signed with the Starfire Martial Hall early?"


    "I really didn''t know." Lin Lanyue shook her head.


    "Why don''t you ask him about itter? A Grade B contract, the Martial Hall only has two or three slots each year." The young woman said curiously, "It seems you have a good rtionship with him."


    "I won''t ask." Lin Lanyue shook her head decisively, "If he doesn''t say it himself, there must be a reason he''s keeping quiet."


    "Right, don''t talk about this in the parent''s group chat, and definitely don''t use it as gossip material," Lin Lanyue warned her aunt with a nce.


    She knew her aunt was quite the bbermouth.


    "Sure." The young woman replied nomittally.


    "I''m serious," Lin Lanyue said sternly, "otherwise, I won''t help you with the cardter."


    "Okay, okay, my little ancestor, I promise not to blurt it out," the woman in the mink coat surrendered immediately with a wave of her hands.


    ...


    When Li Yuan was taking his younger brother and sister home in the Martial Hall''s designated car.


    In the twelfth-floor office of the Martial Hall''s building, decorated in a simple style.


    "Hall Master."


    Coach Xing entered through the door.


    In front of the huge floor-to-ceiling window, a middle-aged man in traditional Chinese garb stood with his back to the door, looking down at the night view outside.


    "How is it?" Lord Wan asked without turning around, his voice very calm.


    "I asked, and I also pulled the data from the testing equipment in various martial arts rooms. The six members who signed ahead of time all performed well," Coach Xing reported respectfully, "The one who performed the best and made the most progress should be Li Yuan."


    "ording to Fang Longhu, Li Yuan''s physical quality should be close to Level 8; his skill level has even approached the perfection of the Third Stage," said Coach Xing, "Compared to two months ago, his progress is astonishing."


    "Oh?"


    "So, the progress is quite rapid." It was then that Lord Wan turned around, smiling, "Coach Xing, what do you think?"


    "Hall Master has discerning eyes," Coach Xing replied, bowing his head.


    "Old Xing, rx, don''t worry that I have any schemes," Lord Wan said with a smile, "I know what you''re thinking. In your heart, based on Li Yuan''s current performance, he would barely qualify for a Grade C contract, right?"


    "Subordinate wouldn''t dare," Coach Xing replied hurriedly.


    "Don''t worry," Lord Wanughed, "I have my reasons for giving him a Grade B contract. You just keep track of the data."


    "Yes," said Coach Xing.


    But inside, he muttered to himself, it doesn''t matter since you''re the Hall Master. As long as you don''t me meter, you decide how to proceed.


    After Coach Xing had left.


    "The person rmended by Tie Ta is indeed not bad," Lord Wan sighed inwardly, "but if in the end he cannot awaken the Martial Spirit, his development after level 10 might be somewhat difficult..."


    He shook his head gently, then pushed the thought aside.


    The early signing of martial arts prodigies was just a small part of his duties, requiring his attention once a month.


    Half an hourter.


    "Beep beep¡ªalert¡ª" A voice suddenly sounded in the office.


    Hum~


    Red lights started shing on Lord Wan''s smart ring, changing his expression instantly as he checked the message, "Star Realm creatures? At least nine of the First Rank, with the strongest nearing the Second Rank? Appeared in the area from Southeast Lake to Binhu Road, causing at least thirty-five deaths?"


    "Could it be remnants from thest sweep along the Xiang River basin?" Lord Wan thought immediately of the previous operation.


    Each martial artist was registered with the Martial Arts Hall.


    Their identity information was bound to their smart rings.


    Whenever Star Realm creatures appeared and were detected by Xia Country''s ''Sky Net'' system, the first to be informed would be the nearby martial artists, requesting assistance.


    As a Prime Warrior, Lord Wan''s smart ring had a maximum sensing range of 100 kilometers.


    That is, any Star Realm creatures of Entry Rank discovered within a 100-kilometer radius would send a notification to him.


    Without hesitation.


    "Dahe, send a message immediately to thebat-ready martial artists of the Martial Hall. First and Second Teams, deploy, coordinate with the military for a kill and containment," Lord Wan issued orders one after another, "Bring me my weapon."


    "Yes, Master," the voice of the assistant AI echoed in the office.


    One of the important duties of the Martial Hall was to protect the local residents.


    Each basic level Martial Hall had martial artist squads onbat-ready duty, able to deploy at any time.


    Whoosh! Whoosh!


    Two furniture robots dashed out from the nearby weapons room, one carrying a shield and the other abat saber.


    Lord Wan grabbed the shield and saber, then gently pressed a metallic button on his chest.


    Immediately.


    Before the naked eye, the previously loose-fitting traditional Chinese attire transformed rapidly into a thinyer of metallic battle garment thatpletely covered his body, with the entire garment ck in color.


    It radiated a sense of coolness and oppression.


    "Master, the single-person flying vehicle has arrived," the intelligent voice rang out. "Should I open the window?"


    "Open the window," Lord Wanmanded coldly.


    "Rumble~" The floor-to-ceiling window that was originally closed quickly opened outward, fully exposing the interior to the elements and allowing gusts of wind to blow into the office.


    Whoosh!


    With a faint exertion of force in one leg, Lord Wan''s figure shot out, traversing dozens of meters in ateral movement, tracing an arc through the air like a cannonball plummeting towards the ground.


    This building was twelve stories high¡ªover forty meters above the ground!


    Boom!


    A booming sound filled the air as a single-person flying vehicle resembling an assault boat whizzed past at an incredibly low altitude and at a breathtaking speed.


    Precisely timed, it caught Lord Wan in mid-air.


    The flying vehicle soared into the sky, reaching about a hundred meters above the ground, and rushed toward the scene of the incident at top speed.


    ...


    The next day, after training for the entire night, Li Yuan stepped out of his home leisurely just after four in the morning.


    Walking on the street.


    In the winter, it was still pitch dark around five in the morning, with a light drizzle falling, making the ground slippery.


    "Hm?" Li Yuan had just left his residentialplex when he sensed something amiss¡ªhe saw an armed military patrol in the distance.


    Along with two patrolling soldiers.


    asionally, unmanned aerial vehicles flew by overhead, conducting surveince patrols.


    The security was extremely tight.


    "Is this a manhunt for fugitives? No, could it be..." Li Yuan instantly thought of a possibility.


    Without a moment''s hesitation,


    he immediately opened his smart wristband, clicked into an app ''Star Realm Creatures Alert'', and the location was directly marked as Jiang City''s Guan Mountain District.


    His eyes scanned the dozens of alert messages that had been posted in session.


    "Could it really be Star Realm creatures? Daring to show up in Jiang City?" Li Yuan thought in shock, "But ording to the news, so far, there have been dozens of casualties?"


    "Over thirty Star Realm Creatures have also been killed."


    "And now, suspected Star Realm creatures are still atrge, and the entire Guan Mountain District is under martialw, with aprehensive manhunt underway?"


    After a moment''s thought,


    Li Yuan turned around.


    He went back upstairs, to his home.


    "Though there are military vehicles and drones on the streets, appearing to offer safety, walking alone like this is too conspicuous," Li Yuan mused, "Binhu Road is less than ten kilometers from here."


    "Bad luck on the road, and I might really encounter a fleeing Star Realm creature."


    "At home,"


    "There are alert systems overhead and underground in the residential area, the buildings and doors and windows are reinforced, and the stairwells require facial recognition for entry¡ªhome is very safe," Li Yuan thought to himself, "The chances are slim, but it''s still not worth the risk."


    Yes!


    As an elite student, Li Yuan''s martial prowess was stronger than most adults¡­ but against firearms, they were in vain, not to mention Star Realm creatures?


    The wise do not stand under a wall that is in danger of copsing.


    This was something Uncle Li Changzhou had always taught Li Yuan since he was little.


    Simrly,


    From an early age, all students were taught the rule: if youck the strength of a Martial Artist, scatter and run at the sight of Star Realm creatures! Call for help immediately and report to the authorities at once!


    In fact,


    All Martial Artists received the same warning: without the strength of a Prime Warrior, do not engage a Star Realm creature alone lightly, wait for heavy weapons! Wait for attack drones andbat robots!


    ...


    Back at home, Li Yuan was not too panicked.


    Instead, he opened the door to his room.


    Then, in his bedroom, he stood in quiet contemtion, practicing his punches and training in the Basic Cultivation Method.


    Ever since he could remember,


    Jiang City, where Li Yuan lived, suffered attacks from Star Realm creatures every half a year or so, sometimes even less.


    It couldn''t be helped.


    Jiang City, with its convergence ofrge rivers and manykes and its extensive water system, was one of the cities within Xia Country most frequently attacked by Star Realm creatures.


    Most of these attacks were small in scale, and it was best to calmly wait for the military and Martial Artists to clear the threat.


    As forrge-scale attacks? Li Yuan had only experienced one when he was very young, and his memories of it were quite vague.


    Soon, it was past six in the morning.


    "The alert has been lifted?" Li Yuan received a message notification on his smart wristband.

 Chapter 125: 114 Qiu Jing! The Greatly Improved Li Yuan (Seeking Monthly Pass)

    Having reached a 20% level of Spiritual Awakening, could another influx of Origin Power be possible? Li Yuan was not sure.


    "I''ve got to try, at least get to the 20% limit first," Li Yuan murmured to himself.


    He couldn''t help but nce at the Star Realm Creature lying on the ground.


    It seemed small in stature, not even as big as a regr tiger, but its movements were swift and flexible. That kind of Explosive Power and speed were hard toe by in the animals on Blue Star.


    "A beast-like Alien Race? Wonder which Star Realm ites from," Li Yuan muttered, "Did the military capture it?"


    Entering university for a month, with two general knowledge courses each week, teachers would disclose various secrets.


    These were hard toe by on the inte.


    To avoid mass panic, many details were rtively confidential.


    Li Yuan was clear that the Star Realms on the Seven Greats of human civilization,bined, amounted to at least several hundred, if not a thousand.


    However,


    most Star Realms are in a ''silent'' state, either due to entrance restrictions, or because the other side has yet to detect the existence of the Star Realm, or they do not wish to start a war just yet.


    Meaning the Alien Races behind the Star Realms and humankind were generally at peace, like the Moon Demon Star Realm and Moon Demon Civilization.


    The second type was the ''ordinary hostile'' state, like the Fish Spirit Star Realm, where the hostility of the Alien Civilization behind it is not small, but due to many restrictions, arge-scale war cannot be initiated.


    The third type was the ''war'' state, like the Rob Sea Star Realm and its Alien Civilization, shing with human civilization time and again with devastating wars.


    The fourth type was the ''arch-enemy'' state, indicating the Star Realm is of very high level, and the Alien Race behind it was capable of instigating wars that could destroy human civilization and had indeedunched such wars, only to be repelled by human civilization.


    Star Realms of the ''arch-enemy'' status were mainly concentrated in Feixing.


    "Star Realms are special zones formed where different worlds touch the Seven Star Sea, many Alien Civilizations want to invade the Seven Star Sea to destroy our Human Race," Li Yuan whispered to himself, "But we are also constantly counterattacking, even capturing arge number of Star Realm Creatures."


    Like the ''Combat Assessment'' organized by Martial Arts Universities each year.


    Could the massive number of Star Realm Creatures that are killed be naturally bred? Of course not!


    Most of them are captured by the strong among the Human Race to be used as practice by the younger generation of Martial Artists.


    In ordinary Martial Arts Universities, ny-nine percent of graduates do not reach level 15 by graduation, so the mortality rate can be kept below 10%.


    But what about Kunlun Martial University?


    After undergoing numerousbat assessments, once the Physical Quality reaches level 15, one must enter the Star Realm to directly participate in the war.


    Ultimately, only then can a powerful Martial Artist who has withstood the test of life and death be cultivated with a super low mortality rate of less than 20%.


    Strong body? High skills? These do not qualify one as a Martial Artist.


    Being fearless in the face of danger, calmly facing life and death, decisive in killing, that is the kind of Martial Artist needed by human civilization, which requires ample tempering.


    To Li Yuan''s knowledge,


    A hundred years ago, ordinary Martial Artists, without undergoing repeated and progressively more dangerousbat assessments, often went directly to Star Realm battlefields.


    A venture of life and death resulted in an ordinary Martial Artist mortality rate of over 30% or even 50% as the norm.


    "Let''s continue,"


    "The currentbat assessments can only be considered as ufortably bright sunshine entering a greenhouse," Li Yuan gripped his Long Spear tightly and continued to venture deeper into the forest.


    asionally, Li Yuan would climb to the canopy of arge tree to scout the environment further away.


    However, with nothing but rolling hills and tall trees, traditional high ground was not to be found.


    The effort was of little use.


    ...


    Three hourster.


    Nearly 20 kilometers away from where Li Yuannded, there was a light rain falling from the sky.


    On a gentle slope covered with dense woods and rugged stones,


    severalrge ferocious beasts resembling lynxes, with skins like leopard spots glistening and sleek, extremely agile, were roaring and besieging Li Yuan, who held a Long Spear.


    Their roars echoed in the woods.


    Nearby, severalrge trees had been knocked down and even some giant stones shattered.


    In a valley crevice nearby, therey tworge beast carcasses and five smaller ones.


    "So ferocious, and they live in groups," Li Yuan felt a headacheing on, "Each one''s Burst Speed is so fast; level 13 Star Realm Creatures are indeed fierce."


    Just before, Li Yuan had inadvertently entered this group of Exotic Beasts'' den and was under attack by two female beasts.


    He quickly killed them all.


    However, Li Yuan had not yet managed to withdraw when he was confronted by four more Exotic Beasts attacking him in unison.


    The lowest among them had a Life Level of 12.6.


    The biggest one, clearly the leader, had a Life Level well above 13.


    As one advances in the Martial Path, a difference of one level makes a clear gap in Physical Quality.


    "Roar!"


    "Roar!" The four Exotic Beasts took turns attacking, attempting to take down Li Yuan.


    Whoosh! Whoosh!


    Compared to the Exotic Beasts'' bursts, Li Yuan''s movements were not particrly fast, but they were exceptionally agile, as he time after time deftly dodged their attacks.


    To withstand their attacks head-on? With the terrifying force of the Exotic Beasts'' strikes, Li Yuan would be injured if he took a single hit.


    After two, he would be coughing up blood.


    What Li Yuan relied on was the absolute control over his body after achieving Unity of body and mind.


    The Dragon Movement Technique made him as agile as the wind, almostpletely blending into the surroundings.


    "Huff!" Li Yuan, who kept dodging, swung his Long Spear time and again.


    Though his body moved slower, it did not mean his weapon was slow.


    Li Yuan''s Long Spear unleashed violent bursts in an instant.


    With each thrust, he would wound an Exotic Beast, causing blood to stter.


    This was also the reason why all four Exotic Beasts were extremely wary of him.


    "They are extremely intelligent with strongbat instincts, it''s hard for my spear to hit a vital spot with one strike," Li Yuan thought.


    He could easily spot the ws in the Exotic Beasts'' attacks and dodges, but their speed made it hard to seize the opportunity.

 Chapter 46: 44 Two Hall Masters

    ```


    In this era, material science had advanced, so even a metallic hollow stick had great strength and toughness.


    Most importantly, this member of the Fish Spirit n had a Physical Quality of only 10.2 levels, just at Entry Rank. Although their bones and muscles were tough, they weren''t yet immune tomon weapons.


    "Whoosh!"


    "Bang~" "Bang~" Li Yuan swung down the first two strikes like lightning, both wielded one-handed with the flow.


    With two consecutive, precise, heavy strikes, he caved in the skull of the Fish Spirit n member, blood spurting out.


    Theyypletely horizontal on the ground, their slender body still twitching.


    Li Yuan didn''t stop; he knew well the importance of a finishing move.


    The third strike was now a two-handed grip, the most suitable position for exerting force with a heavy stick.


    There are many simrities in the force application between spear technique and stick technique.


    "Whoosh!" Li Yuan''s vigor burst forth instantly, calmly unleashing the "Stable as Earth", with the stick head chopping down like the head of a spear.


    "St~Bang!!!"


    Over a thousand kilograms of terrifying force erupted, striking precisely the same spot as before... andpletely burst open like a watermelon.


    Blood and fluids sshed widely, scales scattered about, some of the blood even sshing onto Li Yuan himself.


    The body of the Fish Spirit n member was no longer moving.


    "Whoosh!"


    "Whoosh!" Li Yuan gripped the long stick tightly in his hand, still not daring to rx, watching the Fish Spirit n member before him: "This time, it should be over, right?"


    This was Li Yuan''s first life-or-death battle.


    But with thousands of life-or-death struggles in the virtualwork, as well as numerous practical exercises with Fang Longhu.


    Especially the daily trials of pain from the "Observing the Great Sun Starry Sky Scripture".


    Li Yuan''s heart had long be incredibly tough.


    Spear technique, movement technique,bat instincts in the face of life and death had unknowingly be ingrained deep within Li Yuan''s bones.


    "I, Li Yuan, can kill Star Realm Creatures one-on-one?" Li Yuan took a deep breath, hands gripping the metallic long stick even tighter.


    In his heart, an inexplicable emotion arose.


    It was as if he had gone through a major event in life, a purification of the soul.


    Sometimes, certain transformations in lifee unexpectedly, impossible for anyone to anticipate.


    All one can do is prepare well in advance.


    Clearly, through years of practicing the Martial Path, Li Yuan was internally and physically ready for a life-and-death struggle; he had indeed given a satisfactory answer to himself.


    No cowardice! No fear!


    Only courage, decisiveness, and caution.


    He stepped back five paces.


    Li Yuan still faced in the direction of the Fish Spirit n''s corpse, while his peripheral vision scanned all around, remaining alert for any sudden appearance of Star Realm Creatures.


    "Young man, are you a Martial Artist?" The noodle shop owner, holding a kitchen knife, watched Li Yuan with utter shock.


    He had never expected that the youth he often saw in the mornings could be so formidable.


    In just two encounters.


    The strong and fierce Star Realm Creature was brought down, seemingly lifeless now.


    Instinctively, the noodle shop owner thought the youth must be a Martial Artist.


    In his understanding, in closebat with cold weapons, only a Martial Artist could defeat Star Realm Creatures.


    "Not a Martial Artist." Li Yuan responded.


    "Then you?" The noodle shop owner swallowed hard, about to say something.


    Suddenly.


    "Rustle~" From the alley from before, two small figures darted out abruptly; Li Yuan''s pupils slightly contracted, followed by a moment of rxation.


    They were two smallbat robots, less than half a meter in height, shaped likerge spiders, quitepact, equipped with gun barrels.


    "Whoosh! Whoosh!"


    The twobat robots scanned their surroundings and quickly gathered around the corpse of the Fish Spirit n, projecting red beams, seemingly scanning.


    Li Yuan stepped further back andpletely rxed.


    He could tell that the gunshot wounds on the leading Fish Spirit n member were most likely inflicted by thebat robots during pursuit.


    In the whole of Jiang City, there were countless suchbat robots,rge and small.


    Apart from a few extremely powerful Star Realm Creatures, most Star Realm Creatures could be annihted by thebined forces ofbat robots and unmanned fighting drones.


    "Now, should I leave?" A thought just arose in Li Yuan''s mind.


    The next moment.


    "Boom!" "Boom!" There was a sudden roar of explosions in the sky; Li Yuan instantly looked up, and two flying vehicles shaped like assault boats appeared in his vision.


    In today''s cities, the tallest buildings do not exceed 12 floors, so flying vehicles operating dozens of meters above the ground are quite safe.


    "Single-person flyers?" Li Yuan held his breath.


    Before the flyersnded.


    "Whoosh! Whoosh!"


    Two figures d in ck battle garments had already jumped down from the flying vehicles.


    Like phantoms, their speed terrifyingly fast, yet when they touched the ground, they were incredibly agile and nimble, not causing any breakage on the surface.


    Effortlessly.


    They then came walking directly towards him.


    ```


    "At least thirty meters, jumped right down?" Li Yuan held his breath as he watched the two approaching figures.


    With Li Yuan''s current strength, the most he could do was jump down from five meters, and even then he''d have to roll to unload the force to ensure he wouldn''t get injured.


    The two martial artists only showed their eyes, with the rest of their bodiespletely wrapped in ck battle garments.


    The invisible aura they emitted, however, caused Li Yuan''s heart to race, prompting him to instinctively activate the Divine Pce Inquiry.


    [Target person, Life Level exceeds sensory limit (Current Life Level sensory limit is 17.8)]


    Both individuals exceeded Li Yuan''s sensory limit, which further drained his spirit.


    "We were hunting down that Second Rank leader, and missed this little guy, who is actually dead?" The battle garment on one figure''s head contracted, revealing arge bald head.


    It was a bald man, his features as if chiseled with a knife and ax.


    The other,paratively frail figure, also saw his battle garment contract to reveal a face, and it turned out to be a brown curly-haired woman, looking to be about thirty years old, with an exotic charm.


    "Foreign martial artists?" Li Yuan muttered to himself.


    "Young man, I am a bona fide citizen of Xia Country," the brown curly-haired woman spoke fluently in Mandarin andughed, "My family has been naturalized since my great-grandfather''s generation."


    Li Yuan fell silent, realizing that high rank martial artists do indeed have excellent hearing.


    "Kid, thebat robot told me you killed this Star Realm creature? Are you a student from Martial Arts University?" The bald man approached Li Yuan, inquiring as he opened his smart ring: "Let me check the nearby surveince."


    "I killed it," Li Yuan said directly. "Senior year, from the first high school in Guanshan."


    The bald man didn''t respond, turning to look at the holographic projection and began to check the surveince.


    The brown curly-haired woman also looked on.


    Less than ten seconds passed.


    "Hmm?"


    "What? This stick technique? No, it looks like spear technique!"


    "It''s spear technique." Both powerful martial artists showed surprise and couldn''t help but look at Li Yuan.


    They had initially thought that the Fish Spirit n member had been gravely injured nearly to death and thus fell to Li Yuan as an easy target.


    Only after viewing the surveince did they discover... the Fish Spirit n member had indeed been injured but still retained most of its strength.


    And Li Yuan, in a single encounter, punctured the creature''s eyes with a metal pipe.


    He then proceeded to smash its head with ferocity.


    This strength, this ferocity.


    Both the bald man and the brown curly-haired woman were taken aback.


    A high school senior? Since when had high school students be so formidable?


    "What''s your name?" the bald man looked at Li Yuan.


    "Li Yuan." Li Yuan replied.


    "Li Yuan? Would you be interested in signing a contract with my Starry Sky Martial Hall?" The bald man revealed a smile which he assumed was kind, "I''m ''Lu Huai'', the Hall Master of the Guanshan branch of the Starry Sky Martial Hall."


    Li Yuan was startled.


    This bald man was a Hall Master, his position possiblyparable to that of Lord Wan?


    He must be a Prime Warrior.


    "Good to meet you, Hall Master Lu," Li Yuan shook his head. "I''ve already signed a pre-contract with the Starfire Martial Hall."


    After thinking, Li Yuan added, "A B-level contract."


    "Starfire Martial Hall? A B-level contract?" The bald man was taken aback, "I haven''t heard of this, have I?"


    "A B-level contract? Li Yuan, from the first high school?" The brown curly-haired woman''s eyes lit up as she teased the bald man with a wink, "Oh Lu, I remember now."


    "Last month, Xing Zixuan mentioned to me once that Lord Wan signed a B-level contract with a high school student."


    "Supposedly, it was poached from your Starry Sky Martial Hall, must be him."


    "I was intending to ask Lord Wan at the end-of-year meeting." The brown curly-haired woman smiled indulgently at Li Yuan, "No need to ask now, your courage for taking initiative, facing danger fearlessly, and your spear technique that''s close to the Fourth Level is enough to justify a B-level contract."


    Li Yuan grew increasingly confused as he listened.


    But he vaguely sensed that the brown curly-haired woman seemed quite familiar with Lord Wan.


    "Poached by my Starry Sky Martial Hall? I wasn''t aware," Lu Huai, the bald man, frowned slightly.


    He looked at Li Yuan unconsciously.


    "Don''t stare at Li Yuan. Don''t scare our little guy from the Martial Hall," the brown curly-haired woman red at the bald man, "If you want to know, go ask your people at the Martial Hall."


    "Fine, I won''t ask him anymore," the bald man shook his head in resignation.


    "Li Yuan."


    "Come, let''s take a photo, sign your name," the brown curly-haired woman smiled at Li Yuan while opening her smart ring: "Don''t worry, I''ll report your deed of killing the Star Realm creature soon, and then notify your school. I''ll strive to get you an honorary title and a reward."


    "I appreciate it, senior," Li Yuan was still somewhat dazed, but let her lead.


    He quickly took a photo with the corpse of the Star Realm creature.


    And signed his name on the light screen of the woman''s ring.


    "Don''t call me a senior, myst name is Zuo." The brown curly-haired woman looked at Li Yuan: "I''m the Vice Hall Master of the Guanshan branch of the Starfire Martial Hall, in charge of battle readiness patrols and retrieving Star Realm creatures."


    "Vice Hall Master Zuo?" Li Yuan was slightly startled.


    He had heard other martial artists from the Starfire Martial Hall speak of her before, but he hadn''t paid much attention and didn''t look up her information previously.


    "You know me?" Vice Hall Master Zuo smiled at Li Yuan, "Killing a Star Realm creature must be a first for you, right? Do you want to take a day off and rest at home?"


    Killing a Star Realm creature for the first time, especially one of a humanoid species, could make many people nervous or even lead to psychological barriers.


    "No need to take leave."


    "Vice Hall Master Zuo, I should go to school," Li Yuan said seriously. "I still have sses today."


    "School?" Vice Hall Master Zuo was surprised, then she smiled, "I''ll give you a ride."

 Chapter 47: 45 This world has never been peaceful

    Li Yuan refused the Left Hall Master''s kind offer and, after a few more words, set off for school alone.


    However.


    Perhaps to protect Li Yuan, the Left Hall Master ordered two spiderbat robots to follow him all the way, only leaving his side as he was about to enter the school.


    As for the school''s interior? Inrge cities nowadays, ces like schools, research institutes, government buildings, and mega-malls are all stationed withbat robots.


    There are also numerousbat robots patrolling along the streets and through the residential areas.


    This is precisely why, despite some casualties, small-scale Star Realm Creature attacks are quickly exterminated once they are detected, and they hardly ever cause any significantmotion.


    This has be the urban defense system gradually established over the past hundred years, apanied by the advancement of human civilization''s technology and the umtion of experience.


    Entering the school, it was nearly seven.


    Li Yuan headed straight for the cafeteria.


    Despite the turmoil outside, it didn''t affect the cooks from preparing the meals on time.


    "Brother Yuan, over here." Zhou Qi called out to Li Yuan.


    Li Yuan bought soy milk and two bowls of hot dry noodles and sat down with his ssmates.


    "Li Yuan, I''ve noticed that you''ve been arrivingter andter these days," L¨« Tianyou said while taking big bites of his food.


    "Isn''t it because of the Star Realm Creature attack warnings? I only came out after the alerts were lifted," Li Yuan said with a smile. "Aren''t you the same?"


    "I also waited for the alert to be lifted."


    "My dad drove me to school, afraid of running into danger," others chimed in. "I heard thatst night, a lot of people died on Binhu Road."


    "Sigh!"


    "Hopefully none from our school."


    While his ssmates sighed over a Star Realm Creature attack that caused dozens of casualties, happening right in Guan Mountain District, they have also grown somewhat ustomed to it.


    The frequency was just too high.


    "Li Yuan," L¨« Tianyou said seriously, "It''s not just today, but for the past two months you''ve often arrivedter in the morning than even me."


    "Are you cking off a bit?"


    "Tired of studying, huh?" Li Yuan replied jokingly. "You''re the real study bug of our ss."


    Ever since signing with Starfire Martial Hall and learning two Second Rank secret manuals, Li Yuan often practiced his Spear Technique and movement techniquete into the night in the virtual inte.


    Therefore, he no longer arrived at school before five every day, and asionally it would even be past six.


    "Tianyou, who do you think you are, waking up earlier than chickens and sleepingter than donkeys?" Zhou Qi teased. "Look at you, you''ve be thinner than when school started. Take it easy."


    "Yeah, Tianyou, you''re pushing yourself too hard. Remember to eat more vitality and blood potions. In Martial Arts Cultivation, that''s an expense you can''t skimp on," Yan Zhou added.


    "Yes, I know," L¨« Tianyou replied softly, his head lowered as he ate.


    Li Yuan casually nced at L¨« Tianyou.


    He could clearly see the Physical Quality Level of the other party...L¨« Tianyou''s training was indeed intense, but his physical quality hadn''t improved much.


    It was clear his nutrition wasgging behind.


    Li Yuan would asionally give a sidement or two, but L¨« Tianyou only took it to heart in words...after enough times, Li Yuan chose to stay silent.


    Each person has their own fate, and one can only be responsible for oneself.


    "Brother Yuan, the January exams areing up soon, and there''ll be another Spiritual Aptitude Test," Zhou Qi said, putting down his cutlery. "What do you think about it?"


    "Spiritual Aptitude Test?" Li Yuan was taken aback, soon shaking his head, "I don''t know."


    The other students had already begun discussing it.


    The Spiritual Aptitude Test adds 10% to the total score of the Martial Arts exam, which is enough to change one''s destiny and potentially allow students with no previous hope for Martial Arts University to reach its gates...


    In this era, unless one''s cultural exam scores could challenge the top universities, most students are well aware that the path of the Martial Path holds more promise than that of cultural studies.


    It''s just that Martial Arts University is extremely hard to get into.


    "[You have in an Entry Rank creature and obtained Spiritual Nutrients, achieving a Spiritual Awakening Level of 0.6%]" Li Yuan quickly finished his breakfast and was engrossed in the recent message that appeared on his Mind Spirit Divine Pce panel.


    This notification.


    He received it after killing a member of the Fish Spirit n, and it even brought changes to the Divine Pce panel.


    ¡ª¡ª


    [Life Level: Level 7.8 (Unranked)]


    Physical Quality Index: 81 (Evaluates explosive power, endurance, speed, physique, spiritual power, and many other aspects.)


    Fist Strength: 732 kilograms


    Speed: 17.4 meters per second


    Spiritual Power: Level 14.2


    Spiritual Awakening Level: 0.6% (Current upper limit: 20%)


    Physical Body Cultivation Method: "Solid Rock Cultivation Method"


    Mind Cultivation Method: "Observing the Great Sun Starry Sky Scripture"


    Skill Realm: Spear Technique (Third Stage 88%), Body Technique (Third Stage 65%), Fist Technique (Third Stage 99%)


    [Note: When the Spiritual Awakening Level reaches 25%, 50%, 75%, 100%, 125%, you will gradually receive Spiritual Guidance.]


    ¡ª¡ª


    "Spiritual Awakening Level, what is that?" Li Yuan mused silently, "Is it rted to how well-aligned it is with High Rank Cultivation Methods?"


    The Divine Pce panel did not offer an exnation.


    Or rather, ever since he became aware of the Mind Spirit Divine Pce, Li Yuan had hardly received any exnations.


    Most of his understanding came from his own interpretations.


    "Judging by thest sentence on the Divine Pce panel, if my Spiritual Awakening Level reaches 25%, will I receive Spiritual Guidance?" Li Yuan frowned, "But my current limit can only reach 20%."


    What is Spiritual Guidance? Li Yuan wasn''t sure.


    However, Li Yuan had a hunch that the high-level Spiritual Nature shown on the Divine Pce panel, and the Martial Spirit valued by human civilization, didn''t seem to be the same concept.


    "If I want to increase the Spiritual Awakening Level." Li Yuan thought reflectively, "Do I have to kill Entry Rank Star Realm Creatures? To obtain Spiritual Nourishment?"


    "Nourishment, is it to nurture my own Spiritual Nature?"


    With only one example, Li Yuan had no way to verify his guess.


    Nevertheless.


    With a Spiritual Awakening Level of 0.6%, Li Yuan felt as if he hadn''t changed at all.


    "Most likely, I need to raise the awakening level to 25% before any significant change urs, and maybe I will receive benefits simr to the ''Observing the Great Sun Starry Sky Scripture''." Li Yuan also held a sliver of hope in his heart, "But how do I increase the upper limit of Spiritual Awakening from 20% to 25%?"


    "Physical Quality? Or is it spiritual power?"


    "Or is it a breakthrough in Martial Arts Skills?"


    Li Yuan knew nothing.


    ...


    Regarding changes on the Divine Pce panel.


    After pondering without result, Li Yuan decisively ignored it.


    Up to this point, the Divine Pce panel had only recorded his Martial Arts Cultivation, it had never directly increased his strength... power still had to be obtained through Li Yuan''s step-by-step cultivation.


    "Regardless of what Spiritual Awakening is."


    "For now, I''ll follow the set routine for cultivation, and maybe I''ll understand when I am stronger," Li Yuan thought silently.


    Conducting experiments by killing Star Realm Creatures? Li Yuan dismissed this idea instantly.


    This time, the killing of the Fish Spirit n was partly because of Li Yuan''s strength and partly because of luck, as the enemy was injured.


    If he encounters an uninjured Entry Rank Star Realm Creature, even just level 11 or 12, Li Yuan would almost certainly lose, given their absolute advantage in Physical Quality.


    Moreover.


    Even if Li Yuan wanted to kill, where would he go?


    "No rush, I''ll think of a way when the upper limit reaches 25%," Li Yuan was very calm.


    ...


    "I have a piece of bad news to share with everyone."


    "Last night, the Star Realm Creatures attacked, and one student from both Senior Year 2, ss 16 and Senior Year 3, ss 8 has been confirmed dead," the cultural ss head teacher, Mr. Chen, stood at the lectern and announced solemnly.


    Silence fell over the room.


    Even a few students who had been whispering stopped.


    It wasn''t the first time, and those who passed weren''t ssmates... but belonging to the same school was enough to touch all the students.


    "Star Realm Creatures," Li Yuan''s gaze sharpened as he subconsciously clenched his fists.


    Since childhood, almost everyone had lost friends and ssmates to such incidents.


    "The school will initiate a fundraising activity. The supervisory ount has been published on the school''s website," continued Mr. Chen, "The amount is not tallied, donor names will not be disclosed, no third parties are involved, and after the deadline, the funds will be directly transferred to the families of the two students."


    "Please donate ording to your own situation, there is no obligation."


    "Alright, let''s continue with the lesson."


    "Everyone, look at the second-tost major problem. This question is a popr type this year and is definitely going to appear in the college entrance exam. I have exined it many times, and many students are still getting it wrong. Today I will exin it onest time, it''s fifteen points I''m giving you, so listen carefully..."


    ...


    "About this Star Realm Creature attack."


    "The two students who passed away." Inside the Martial Arts ssroom, the teacher Xu Bo, stood like a tower, his voice resounding like a bell, "I hope you understand."


    "This world has never been peaceful."


    "I don''t expect all of you to get into Martial Arts University, nor do I force you to join the army and go to the frontline, but I hope you don''t ck off in your Martial Path."


    "Be a little stronger."


    "In the future, if you encounter simr dangers, the hope of surviving will be a bit greater."


    ...


    The Star Realm Creature attack in Jiang City ultimately left eighty-six people dead.


    But it didn''t cause much of an uproar, and it didn''t even stay on the hot search list of Xia Country''s virtualworks for a full day.


    Because.


    At the Rob Sea, another unprecedentedlyrge battle erupted anew, with Star Realm Creatures attacking like a tide, and in just one day, the military reported over three thousand deaths...


    ...


    January 3, 2043, Jiang City, the January Mock Exam for Senior Year 3, was held as scheduled.

 Chapter 48: 46 January Adjustment Exam (Third Update, Requesting Monthly Votes)

    The mid-year exam in Januarysted for three days.


    From the first day to the second day''s morning, cultural subject exams were conducted, and in the afternoon of the second day, the "Spiritual Aptitude Test" took ce.


    The Martial Dao Assessment was scheduled for the third day.


    ...Li Yuan did not disrupt his cultivation n because of the exam; he still arrived at school a little after four as usual to practice the Basic Cultivation Method.


    At seven o''clock, after showering in the Martial Arts Room, he hurried to the canteen for breakfast.


    Then he rushed to the examination venue with Zhou Qi, Yan Zhou, and the others.


    The January mid-year exam was one of the two most importantrge-scale standardized tests before the college entrance exam; both the Education Bureau and the schools took it extremely seriously.


    All the standards were strictly modeled after the college entrance exam requirements, such as not being able to bring smart rings and other devices into the exam halls, among various other checks... The 20 sses were divided into 40 exam venues in total.


    The seating arrangement in the cultural exam halls was determined by the rankings from thest major exam''s cultural subjects.


    "Brother Yuan, we''re heading upstairs," Zhou Qi waved,ughing.


    "Brother Yuan, do well in the exam; we''ll be waiting for you upstairs."


    A group of ssmates teased Li Yuan as they went up, where higher floors signified higher rankings.


    "These guys," Li Yuan shook his head with a smile.


    Suddenly, Li Yuan nced at the admission ticket in Li Tianyou''s hand and smiled, "Tianyou, I''m in exam room 29, and you''re only in room 33, huh? Do well, I''ll be waiting for you upstairs."


    With that, Li Yuan too ascended the stairs.


    Leaving behind a disheveled Li Tianyou.


    ...Students in exam room 29 belong to the lower-middle ranks in terms of cultural subjects at Guan Mountain District''s top high school.


    However, as a key high school, even students from exam room 35 have hopes of being admitted into a first-tier university specializing in cultural studies.


    After sitting down, Li Yuan looked around and saw many familiar faces.


    Apart from ssmates from his own ss, it seemed that quite a few were from the Elite ss.


    Students of the Martial Arts Elite ss generally didn''t score high on cultural subjects.


    Energy is limited for everyone; without investment, it''s hard to achieve good returns.


    "Gu Qianghan, you''re here too?" Li Yuan smiled at the person next to him.


    "Just call me Gu Qiang," the handsome youth responded stubbornly.


    "Alright, Xiao Qiang," Li Yuanughed, "I remember your sister called you by that name a few days ago."


    Li Yuan and Gu Qianghan often encountered each other as they both had private Martial Arts Rooms on the fourth floor of the Elite building.


    The handsome young man red and stood, as if he wanted to dispute this with Li Yuan.


    "The invigtor is here, your homeroom teacher," Li Yuan pointed towards the distance, sitting upright.


    The young man quickly sat down and turned his head, finding no one; annoyed, he turned back to Li Yuan, "You fooled me."


    "She''s really here this time," Li Yuan said seriously, "Your homeroom teacher."


    "I don''t believe you," Gu Qianghan showed Li Yuan the middle finger, his face filled with contempt.


    "Gu Qianghan!"


    "Sit down! The test papers are about to be distributed!" A stern voice suddenly exploded from the entrance of the ssroom; Gu Qianghan shivered and immediately bent his head and sat down.


    The homeroom teacher of the senior year Martial Arts Elite ss was a female Martial Artist.


    At Guan Mountain District''s top high school, she and Xu Bo were known as the ''Cultural Martial Asuras''.


    ...


    The cultural subject exams thatsted a day and a half were uneventful for Li Yuan.


    For over a year, Li Yuan''s spiritual power had steadily increased, making it extremely easy for him to memorize rote learning material.


    However, an increase in spiritual power did not directly trante to an increase in intelligence, and since he spent very little time on cultural subjects... Li Yuan was clear-headed about this.


    "People like Zhou Qi, with their good academic performance and the amount of time they spend studying."


    "My ranking in cultural subjects should improve slightlypared to thest exam... but I''m not expecting a dramatic change," Li Yuan mused. "Just do my best."


    ...


    After finishing the cultural subjects exam, all the students returned to their ssrooms where many beganparing their answers.


    "What was the answer to thest multiple-choice question in math? Was it B?" a conspicuous student eagerly asked.


    "It should be C," replied a student who normally scored nearly perfect on math.


    "But I guessed randomly, so maybe I''m the one who''s wrong," the math prodigy added.


    "Damn, I initially calcted C, but then changed it to B... I feel like I won''t score over 150 in math again," the conspicuous student said, frustrated.


    With a total of 200 points, math was the most significant subject.


    In the midst of the noisy discussions,


    Li Yuan sat at his desk, lost in thought.


    He neverpared answers.


    Not out of confidence, but indifference.


    Cultural subjects totaled 1000 points, but if one chose to apply to Martial Arts University, the cultural score would be converted to 100 points, ounting for only 10%.


    For Li Yuan, there was only a 10-point difference on the total score between scoring 700 and 800 in cultural subjects.


    But the amount of effort required was vastly different.


    "ording to tradition, the difficulty of the January mid-year exam is higher than that of the college entrance exam," Li Yuan calcted silently, "This time, I should''ve got all the basic points; scoring over 650 in cultural subjects would mean sess."


    Suddenly.


    Chen, the homeroom teacher of the cultural ss, entered the room with a stern expression, "Everyone sit down; we have the schedule for the Spiritual Aptitude Test. Our ss starts at 2 PM; we''re the first to be tested."


    The senior year (1) ss was the Elite ss and had all awakened their Martial Spirit, so there was no need for retesting.


    The senior year (2) ss was the first one to be tested.


    "After the test, we''ll have self-study," Chen instructed, then left the ss.


    "The Spiritual Aptitude Test! It''sing again."


    "I wonder if I can change my fate."


    "Stop dreaming."


    "Wake up, it''s senior year; I''m not peeing yellow enough to sprinkle you," the students once again began discussing among themselves.


    Many top cultural ss students had already silently taken out their books to resume studying.


    If choosing the cultural path, even if one awakened the Martial Spirit, it wouldn''t grant any extra credit.


    "Brother Yuan, your physical quality seems to have surpassed level 7.0; you must have awakened," Zhou Qi said cheerfully.


    "Maybe," Li Yuan replied thoughtfully.


    He wasn''t certain if a 0.6% Spiritual Awakening Level would bring any change.


    ...


    An hour and a halfter.


    "I''ve awakened the Martial Spirit?" Zhou Qi walked out of the testing room, both shocked and baffled, staring at his test result in disbelief.


    This caught the attention of the surrounding ssmates.


    "Zhou Qi, he has actually awakened?"


    "This?" A buzz of discussion arose, almost all the students found it unbelievable.


    Zhou Qi''s Martial Path grades in ss were known to be among the lowest.


    "Zhou Qi has awakened?" Li Yuan cracked a slight smile, ncing at the ''unawakened'' marked on his own test slip.


    He had anticipated his ownck of awakening, as the Divine Pce panel had basically exined.


    But how could Zhou Qi''spatibility with high-rank cultivation methods exceed 85% in the senior year?


    "Some pursue tirelessly and fail to attain, while others gain without even hoping for it." Li Yuan nced at the doorway of a distant testing room.


    Li Tianyou was looking enviously at Zhou Qi, who had be the center of attention.


    "Sometimes, it really is about fate," Li Yuan remarked with a sigh.


    ...The testing for ss 3 of the senior year concluded.


    In the end, only Zhou Qi seeded in awakening.


    As one gets older, with the body and skeleton bing set, the hope of attainingpatibility with high-level cultivation methods grows bleaker.


    For ss 3 of the senior year to witness the continuous awakening of two students'' Martial Spirits within a single term was already a rare urrence.


    ...


    In the Martial Dao Assessment, the tests for Qi and blood, Fist Strength, and Martial Arts Skills were all closed tests; other students wouldn''t learn of the specific data immediately.


    But the physical quality tests such as forty meters, one hundred meters, one kilometer, ten kilometers.


    These were public.


    On the third day of the January exams.


    The students of ss 3 of the senior year followed behind the Elite ss students, arriving at the school''srgest yground.


    There, they could undergo a ten-thousand-meter running test.


    However, the first physical test was the forty-meter sprint.


    "The speed of those in the Elite ss is so fast."


    "14.5 meters per second!"


    "That one, reaching 15.7 meters per second, his physical quality is definitely over level 7."


    "Damn! Damn! 17.2 meters per second? That''s close to level 8."


    "Well-deserving of the Elite ss." Next to Li Yuan, ssmates watched as the Elite ss students crossed the finish line, bursting into exmations from time to time.


    No wonder the students of ss 3 were so amazed; their physical qualities were generally just over level 5.


    In the Elite ss, after half a year of cultivation in their senior year, even the weakest had surpassed level 6, and quite a few were over 7.0.


    Cultivating high-level methods, even if one could only absorb traces of Cosmic Origin Power each time, conferred a massive advantage over average people.


    Of course, among the Elite ss students, those with a Physical Quality of level 8.0 were still few and far in between.


    "Look, it''s Lin Lanyue."


    "First in Martial Arts Skills among the grade."


    "It''s her."


    On the track, the girl in red training gear, with bright eyes and white teeth, immediately drew everyone''s gaze.


    No help for it, Lin Lanyue''s fame was too great among the senior year.


    "Lin Lanyue?" Li Yuan also turned curious and looked over; it was true that her physical quality was extremely strong.


    Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!


    On the track, six figures burst into a sprint at once, with the crimson silhouette unleashing a terrifying speed.


    In just over two seconds, Lin Lanyue had already crossed the finish line, far ahead of the other students.


    On the distant disy, Lin Lanyue''s final result also appeared¡ª"19.7 meters per second"


    "Holy shit."


    "Is this a high school student?"


    "She''s almost a Martial Artist."


    "Damn, she''s twice as fast as I am; one punch from her could definitely kill me." Waves of astonishment rose amongst the crowd, filled with shock.


    Li Yuan''s eyes fell upon Lin Lanyue and with a thought, the inquiry results appeared before him [Target person, Life Level: 9.0]


    "Level 9.0?" Li Yuan was inwardly astonished.


    Upon a slightparison, Li Yuan concluded, "Her body''s rate of improvement doesn''t seem slower than mine."


    Logically, as one progresses, the rate of physical quality improvement should slow down.


    Yet, Lin Lanyue''s physical quality improvement showed not a hint of deceleration and there was even a trend of elerating.


    The 40-meter test proceeded very quickly.


    It wasn''t long before it was ss 3''s turn.


    "Random student numbers, first group, number 36, number 1, number 8..." The proctor rapidly announced the exam numbers.


    Li Yuan, as the top martial arts student of the ss, was number 1.


    He took his ce at the starting line.


    "Is Li Yuan being tested?"


    "What''s his level of physical quality?"


    "Don''t know."


    "Should be over level 7, I think he was 6.5 at the start of the semester," Li Yuan''s appearance also drew many students'' attention.


    Even many Elite ss students looked over.


    Li Yuan, with the ability to make it into the top thirty of the general ss and recognized as the first in Martial Arts Skills.


    Especially after defeating Lin Lanyue in thest virtual fight, he had gained a considerable reputation at the school.


    "Lanyue, look, it''s Li Yuan... Oh, you''re already watching him." The slightly plump girl beside her was about to call Lin Lanyue.


    She then realized that Lin Lanyue had already stopped walking.


    "Li Yuan?" Lin Lanyue watched intently; she was quite curious.


    How did Li Yuan manage to sign a B-level contract with Starfire Martial Hall?


    Perhaps this exam period might reveal some reasons.


    "Lanyue, what do you think Li Yuan''s physical quality level is now?" her chubby best friend asked curiously.


    "Him?" Lin Lanyue hesitated, "Maybe it''s 7.4."


    "That high?" The best friend was a bit surprised; that level of physical quality would almost break into the top ten of the Elite ss.


    At that moment,


    Whoosh! Whoosh!


    Whoosh! The six on the track had already burst from the start, Li Yuan like an arrow, instantly leaving the five ssmates far behind.


    Pulling nearly double the distance, he crossed the finish line directly.


    "Beep¡ª"


    On the electronic disy, Li Yuan''s result instantly appeared¡ª"17.8 meters per second"

 Chapter 49: 47: Only Wishing for No Regrets

    "17.8 meters per second?"


    "I didn''t see that wrong, did I?"


    "How can he be so fast? That''s ridiculous, is he from the ordinary ss?"


    "Brother Yuan is awesome!"


    "Li Yuan is too impressive." Outside the testing area, hundreds of students burst into exmations.


    The students of ss 3 (2), being Li Yuan''s ssmates, were mostly shocked and excited. If one had to describe it in a sentence, it would be ''Li Yuan is getting more and more awesome.''


    But for the students in the Elite ss, although they were also shocked, their reactions were more like ''This Li Yuan is this awesome?''


    "He really hasn''t awakened his Martial Spirit?"


    "With that kind of physical quality, he''s almost at level 8.0, perhaps he is already at 8.0." Students of the Elite ss discussed fervently, some in disbelief.


    As Elite ss students, when ites to ordinary ss students, they mostly feel a sense of superiority.


    Before, they knew Li Yuan was impressive, especially his Martial Arts Skills, even Lin Lanyue couldn''tpare to Li Yuan.


    However, not having awakened the Martial Spirit meant in their subconscious that the cultivation speed would be much slower.


    But Li Yuan''s current performance? It''s already crushing most of the students in the Elite ss.


    "What the hell! He''s even slightly faster than me, his physical quality is almost the same as mine? How did he improve so fast?"


    Gu Qianghan''s eyes widened: "Doesn''t that mean his raw score is going to outstrip mine?"


    Gu Qianghan, at the end of his second year, ranked third in the grade for Martial Arts performance.


    However, Gu Qianghan''s forty-meter burst speed test was only 17.6 meters per second.


    "Lanyue, him?"


    The plump girl standing next to Lin Lanyue gaped: "With that burst speed, he''d be ranked third in our ss, right?"


    Lin Lanyue ignored her best friend, falling into contemtion: "How did he do it? Is this why he was able to sign with Starfire Martial Hall?"


    A winter''s day, the sunshine was just right, with a gentle breeze that wasn''t too dry.


    The girl stared at the handsome young man in the crowd, dressed in a white Martial Arts uniform.


    The young man had a radiant smile on his face as he epted the enthusiastic cheers from his ssmates, yet he did not look towards the girl.


    "Lanyue, stop daydreaming."


    The plump girl couldn''t help but nudge the girl''s hand: "I admit Li Yuan is very handsome, seemingly more so than any of the boys in our ss, but you don''t have to moon over him this much."


    "You''re the one mooning over him." Lin Lanyue shot her friend a nce: "I''m just curious how he could improve so quickly."


    "Curious?"


    Plump girl Peng Qiqi chuckled mischievously: "Curiosity is the first step to falling, if you don''t want the handsome guy, I won''t be polite."


    "It looks like you''re the one about to fall." Lin Lanyue raised her head slightly: "Besides, I don''t think Li Yuan is handsome. We are Martial Artist Students, we first look at strength, appearance is not important."


    "You don''t find him handsome?" Peng Qiqi teased: "Then, you wouldn''t approve of any of the boys in our school."


    "To get my approval, they at least have to first get to the podium," Lin Lanyue said with the corners of her mouth curved slightly, pulling her friend''s hand: "Let''s go, it''s time to gather for the 100-meter test."


    "Podium?"


    "Lanyue, listen to what you''re saying," Peng Qiqi exaggeratedly eximed: "Only the top Martial Arts performer in the grade can get to the podium, who canpete with you? Oh, I get it, you''ve got your eye on the junior boys from the first and second year?"


    "So you like them young!"


    ¡­


    "Young man, are you truly from the ordinary ss?" Two proctors from other schools, simrly astonished by Li Yuan''s strength, asked.


    Among the third-year students, not having awakened the Martial Spirit and having physical quality surpassing 6.5 is extraordinarily rare.


    Not to mention standards like 7.9 or 8.0.


    The two teachers paused the test temporarily to check the equipment while reconfirming Li Yuan''s identity from afar.


    "Yes," Li Yuan nodded.


    "Impressive, Guan Mountain District has produced another promising youngster,"mented one of the older Martial Arts Teachers, unable to help himself: "Young man, work hard, even without the Spiritual Nature bonus, with your physical quality, you have a chance to get into the Warrior ss of Jiangbei Martial University."


    "Thank you, teacher," Li Yuan smiled and said.


    The Warrior ss at Jiangbei Martial University, simr to the Elite ss, would receive the best cultivation from Jiangbei Martial University.


    But that was not Li Yuan''s goal.


    ¡­


    Time passed, and the physical testing of one hundred meters, one kilometer, and ten kilometers were conducted in session.


    Lin Lanyue was the most notable.


    Her disyed physical quality was truly leading by a steep margin, not only far surpassing all the Elite ss students but also well ahead of the second ce.


    And the one who garnered nearly as much attention as her was Li Yuan.


    In terms of physical testing data, there were several students like Gu Qianghan in the Elite ss who were no less than him.


    However, Li Yuan was too special; he was just an ordinary ss student, unable to practice High Rank Cultivation Methods... yet his physical quality had already surpassed more than ny percent of the students in the Elite ss.


    "Li Yuan''s improvement is too exaggerated."


    "He really hasn''t awakened the Martial Spirit? How could his physical quality increase so fast?"


    "I just checked, by the end of second year, based on score conversion, his physical quality should have only been at level 6.0."


    "In just half a year, his physical quality has improved by almost 2 levels, even more exaggerated than the top students of the Elite ss."


    "By the time of the college entrance exams, how high will his physical quality be? Level 9? He''s not going to be a Martial Artist already, is he?"


    "With Martial Arts Skills, he is first, and his physical quality is also this impressive?"


    ```


    "How high will his Martial Arts Score be after this assessment exam? I feel he can make it into the top twenty of our grade."


    "The top twenty for sure, maybe even the top ten."


    "The top ten? Impossible."


    "He hasn''t awakened his Martial Spirit, and it''s normal for those in the top ten to receive bonus points for their Spiritual Nature. For Li Yuan to reach the top ten is too difficult, no matter how high his Martial Arts Skills score is, it can''t be perfect." Many students in the senior third grade were discussing this.


    For a time, Li Yuan virtually became a famous figure in the school, attracting much attention.


    The underdog''s counterattack has always been the most popr topic amongst the masses.


    Li Yuan was not weak, but hisck of an awakened Martial Spirit resonated with most ordinary students and made them favor him.


    Even engendering a sense of vicariousness¡ªso what if he hasn''t awakened? He''s still awesome.


    ...The three-day January assessment exams came to an end.


    That evening was self-study ss, and the exam results would be posted the following day during ss.


    Around seven in the evening.


    Inside Martial Arts Room 7024 of the Guan Mountain District''s branch of the Starfire Martial Hall.


    "Boom!"


    "Hoo!" "Bang!" Li Yuan, dressed in a loose martial arts outfit, was practicing the Solid Rock Fist Technique.


    This Fist Technique was in harmony with the Solid Rock Cultivation Technique, or one might say, the Fist Technique was a direct evolution of the Cultivation Stance Practice and Practice Method.


    Each movement, though seemingly slow, was fiercely explosive in its action.


    "Fist Technique is about control over one''s body."


    "Spear Technique is about control over one''s weapon."


    "When my Spear Technique broke through to the Third Stage, it was actually my Fist Technique that had broken through first." Li Yuan concentrated on his cultivation, ncing unconsciously at the Divine Pce panel: "My Spear Technique has just broken through to 90% of the Third Stage, but my Fist Technique has long reached 99% of the Third Stage."


    "Spear Technique at Fourth Level emphasizes Body-Mind-Weapon Integration."


    "Yet for Fist Technique at Fourth Level, it''s simply about Body and Mind Unity." Li Yuan pondered silently, "If I can''t even achieve perfect Body and Mind Unity, how can I manage to achieve Body-Mind-Weapon Integration?"


    Body and Mind Unity is the foundation for Body-Mind-Weapon Integration.


    The spear and fist are inseparable.


    Practicing the spear essentially means practicing the fist, but Li Yuan would still asionally focus on practicing his Fist Technique.


    "ording to the Divine Pce panel, my Physical Quality level is 7.8, but based on the real data I''ve demonstrated today, I should be simr to the other students at level 7.9." Li Yuan''s thoughts roamed: "Based on the university entrance exam standards, my score for Physical Quality should be around 435 points."


    "For Martial Arts Skills score, I didn''t make any mistakes today, so I''m definitely over 380 points." Li Yuan sighed inwardly.


    360 points is the benchmark for the Third Stage.


    To reach 380 points, Li Yuan estimated, one would have to attain at least Intermediate Rank Third Stage skills.


    With his own Spear Technique skills close to Perfection of Third Stage, how many points he could get was unclear to him.


    "However."


    "Even by the most conservative estimate, as long as I score over 65 points in the academic subjects, my total Martial Arts Score should exceed 880 points." Li Yuan recited inwardly, "Hopefully enough to break into the top ten."


    Breaking into the top ten of his grade, Li Yuan was fairly confident.


    But the top five?


    "Small hope, not going to be presumptuous." Li Yuan threw a punch with such force that it made the air around him seem to explode.


    There was no sense of loss in Li Yuan''s heart.


    What had to be done had been done to the fullest; the rest was waiting.


    "Whatever the result, I have no regrets, so why should I create more worries for myself?" Li Yuan''s heart was as calm as still water as he continued to practice his Fist Technique in silence.


    The heart of a martial artist seeks only to be without regrets.


    ...


    At nine o''clock in the evening, at the principal''s office of Guan Mountain District''s top high school.


    Principal Tan Zhenlong was still working overtime.


    "Beep¡ª" The sound of the intelligent assistant rang out, "Master, Teacher Xu Bo is calling you on video."


    "Xu Bo?"


    "That guy really can''t wait even a quarter of an hour," Tan Zhenlong shook his head with a smile, put down the performance list in his hand and said, "Xiao Jiu, connect the call."


    Whirr~ An assembly of light converged, forming a screen.


    The imposing figure of Xu Bo appeared in the screen projection.


    "Old Tan, have you seen the January assessment exam results?" Xu Bo''s face was full of smiles.


    "I have."


    Tan Zhenlong nodded slightly and spoke indifferently, "Why are you looking for me sote, Teacher Xu?"


    "It''s about Li Yuan." Xu Bo replied.


    "Li Yuan?" Tan Zhenlong nodded, "He performed quite well."


    "So what?" Xu Bo looked at Tan Zhenlong.


    "So what?" Tan Zhenlong''s mouth curled with a smile as he looked at Xu Bo.


    "What''s with that attitude." Xu Bo red, "You old rascal, don''t pretend to be clueless with me, I have video proof fromst time."


    "Hurry up."


    "I''ve already sent you the schrship application, get it approved quickly."


    ```

 Chapter 50: 48: 900 Points? Final Rankings

    January 6, 2043.


    Li Yuan did not practice "Ster Spear Technique" or "Dragon Movement Scripture" in the virtualwork today.


    So, as usual, he left the house a little after three in the morning.


    "It''s been several days since Ist saw the night of Jiang City at three in the morning," Li Yuan looked up at the pitch-ck sky, "I still cannot ck off in my daily practice."


    He arrived at his personal martial arts room at school.


    As usual, he first practiced the Basic Cultivation Method for two hours before starting to practice with the spear.


    "Shua!"


    "Shua!" The shadows of the spear moved unpredictably as Li Yuan manipted his long spear in his hand.


    As he moved with the steps, sometimes the spear was like a sudden gust of wind or torrential rain, sometimes dreamy and elusive, and sometimes fierce and violent.


    Sometimes a sudden straight thrust would cause the speed of the spear''s tip to soar, making the air roar and explode.


    The eighteen routines of "Solid Rock Spear Technique" had long been perfected to the extreme by Li Yuan.


    "I have fully grasped the five deadly moves of the Solid Rock Spear Technique," he said to himself.


    "Following Teacher Xu Bo''s guidance, what I need to do now is to practice over and over, engraving the flow of vigor from the five deadly moves deep into my bones," Li Yuan thought. "In the end, without deliberately using any particr move, any spear technique I execute should reach a state of wless vigor."


    "Body and mind as one."


    "Then that''s Fourth Level Spear Technique," Li Yuan mused. "Improvement in skills can only rely on oneself."


    "ording to the intelligent teacher, the breakthrough from the perfection of Third Stage to Fourth Level is a mysterious one, a breakthrough in the spiritual consciousness'' perception of the body."


    "Some martial artists may break through just by having a sleep and feeling it."


    "Some may have an epiphany during a life-and-death battle, leading to a breakthrough."


    "But many more martial artists are stuck at the perfection of Third Stage for their entire lives."


    "There is no absolute path to sess from Third Stage to Fourth Level," Li Yuan pondered. "What I need to do now is to practice over and over again."


    "If a thousand times is not enough."


    "Then ten thousand times it is!"


    "First, I''ll train my spear technique to 99% of the Third Stage," Li Yuan''s heart was filled with longing. "Then go and fight in virtualbat, go to real battle."


    Years of spear practice told Li Yuan.


    If you can''t break through?


    Then it''s not enough umtion! Just keep training!


    "Read a book a thousand times, and its meaning will appear," Li Yuan swung therge spear in his hand. "The same goes for the spear."


    "You only ever hear about Spear Technique Masters who practiced their way there."


    Over an hourter.


    [Your Spear Technique realm has increased from 90% of the Third Stage to 91% of the Third Stage.]


    ...


    Around seven o''clock, Li Yuan arrived at the ssroom.


    Most of the students had already arrived.


    However,pared to the usual scene where most students were earnestly studying on their own, the atmosphere in the ssroom today was much more somber, with most people distracted.


    "Old Zhou, why the long face?" Li Yuan sat down, pulling out his test papers while asking.


    "Brother Yuan, the results for the January mock exams are about to be announced," Zhou Qi said glumly. "Aren''t you nervous?"


    "Not nervous," Li Yuan shook his head. "It''s just a few points difference."


    "I forgot you''re a martial arts student; cultural sses only ount for 100 points," Zhou Qi sighed. "But I''m a cultural student, if I do poorly, I''ll get skinned alive when I get home."


    "Then you''d be ''Zhou the Skinner,''" Li Yuan said offhandedly.


    Zhou Qi gave Li Yuan a helpless look, toozy to even retort.


    "You haven''t told your family about your awakening of Martial Spirit, have you?" Li Yuan inquired.


    "I told them," Zhou Qi replied. "But what good does that do? My dad just asked me one question: with only a few months left, can you make it into Martial Arts University?"


    "A person must be self-aware. I didn''t even hope to get into Martial Arts University," Zhou Qi said. "So, I''ve decided not to go to the Elite ss."


    "Just learn the High Level Cultivation Method and that''s enough."


    Li Yuan was speechless.


    Indeed, Zhou Qi''s physical quality was only at 4.3 levels up till now, and his martial arts score was quite terrible.


    Not going to the Elite ss couldn''t be called wrong.


    "It''s good too," Li Yuan smiled. "With the awakening of Martial Spirit, you can cultivate High Level Cultivation Method, and your martial arts score will improve much faster."


    "Even if you go the cultural route, martial arts still ount for 30% of the score."


    "Mm-hm," Zhou Qi nodded.


    At that moment.


    The homeroom teacher of the cultural ss, dressed in a small chanel-style jacket and pencil pants, appeared at the front door of the ssroom.


    Teacher Chen''s face was as dark as water, holding a stack of papers and two ranking lists in his hands.


    Instantly!


    The ssroom fell silent, everyone knew that the rankings were about to be unveiled.


    Especially the students who chose the cultural path, each of them became nervous, many involuntarily bowed their heads.


    All were inwardly chanting ''don''t call my name.''


    Of course, there were also a few with excellent grades, hoping in their hearts ''maybe this time I did well, I can improve by a few ranks.''


    For martial arts students like Li Yuan, they were rtively calm byparison since, at least, they had a rough idea of their own martial arts scores.


    "Bang~" The test papers were thrown onto the podium.


    The atmosphere grew even more tense.


    "This January mock exam really revealed your true levels; hanging around all nonchnt, not studying culture properly, not practicing martial dao diligently..." Teacher Chen''s voice was icy. "All of you think that just being in Guan High will get you into a first-tier university? Dream on!"


    "Based on the citywide rankings this time, some of you would struggle to make it into a second-tier university, and I won''t call out any names - you know who you are!" Teacher Chen scolded like a machine gun.


    Many students bowed their heads even lower.


    The January mock exam.


    As the first major standardized test of the final year in high school, the cultural paper was intentionally difficult, aiming to undermine the students'' confidence, to get them to settle down and review better.


    At this stage, Teacher Chen, as the homeroom teacher of the cultural ss, would not allow her students to develop any sense of pride.


    She scolded relentlessly for more than ten minutes, without repeating herself once.


    Even Li Yuan, with his strong psychological fortitude, started to doubt if he was one of the ''very few people, rotten mouse droppings, certain individuals'' that Teacher Chen was referring to.


    Finally.


    "But there are very few students who have made significant progress, and they deserve encouragement," Ms. Chen said lightly, "Okay, I''ll start with the academic scores now. Everyone listen carefully."


    In high school, there is no emphasis on protecting students'' grade privacy.


    "Li Shutong, 889 points," Ms. Chen paused: "Second in academic performance for the grade."


    This immediately caused a burst of exmations. A score over 850 points in academics is a clear indication of a top student.


    "Li Wanxing, 868 points."


    ...


    "Zhou Qi, 849 points."


    Zhou Qi, with his head bowed, suddenly lifted it slightly, his face full of pride. His academic performance was quite good.


    One by one, the students'' grades were announced, some beaming with joy, others showing frustration on their faces.


    Where there''s ranking, some rise and some must fall.


    There are always half dissatisfied.


    "Li Yuan, 742 points," Ms. Chen added when she read Li Yuan''s name: "Not bad, a great improvement."


    Instantly, many students turned to look at Li Yuan, which made him somewhat embarrassed.


    They don''t praise the ones with over eight hundred points.


    Praise his score in the seven hundreds?


    "Brother Yuan, didn''t you score just over six hundred pointsst time?" Zhou Qi widened his eyes at Li Yuan: "An increase of nearly one hundred points?"


    "Yeah, I''ve spent more time reviewing recently," Li Yuan said with a smile.


    "You''re full of it," Zhou Qi immediately retorted: "When have you ever attended the academic study sessions in the evening?"


    "I was reviewing in the Martial Arts room," Li Yuan said frankly.


    The scores of each student were read out.


    Li Tianyou''s score was 586 points, which was near the bottom of the ss. As for the academic performance ranking for the grade, it likely fell short of thest time.


    In fact, among the ten or so Martial Artist Students, Li Yuan''s academic performance was already a steep lead.


    ...


    After the academic grades were announced, Ms. Chen didn''t pause and went straight on: "Now I will read out the Martial Arts scores, listen carefully."


    All ears perked up to listen.


    The academic results were known, and knowing the Martial Arts results meant they could calcte the overall score and see where they stood.


    Ms. Chen looked at the second transcript and unconsciously nced at Li Yuan, seemingly hesitant.


    "Li Yuan," Ms. Chen paused for a moment before slowly saying: "827 points."


    Boom!


    The entire ssroom exploded in an instant, and many people looked at Li Yuan with a shocked gaze.


    They doubted if they heard that right.


    You should know, this Martial Arts score doesn''t include the academic conversion points. In other words, the total possible score is only 900 points.


    Li Yuan exceeded 800 points?


    And by several tens of points!


    It was known that although Li Yuan had stolen the show at yesterday''s Martial Dao Assessment, he hadn''t dominated quite like Lin Lanyue, but now this result was truly exaggerated.


    "827 points? Brother Yuan, you have 74 points added for your academic conversion. Adding that up," Zhou Qi already started calcting for Li Yuan: "Holy shit! Brother Yuan, your total Martial Arts score exceeded 900 points!!"


    "A raw score of 901 points," Zhou Qi couldn''t help but exim.


    "901 points?"


    "A raw score over 900 points? Li Yuan." All students were shocked.


    It was just too fierce.


    Academic performance might be boosted substantially in a short time, but improving in Martial Arts generally happens very slowly.


    "Cough, cough, quiet!" Ms. Chen coughed twice, regaining calm in the ss.


    "Li Yuan really did well this time."


    "Physical Quality score of 438 points, third in the grade," Ms. Chen said: "Martial Arts Skills... 389 points, first in the grade."


    "This single score in Martial Arts Skills is also the first in Guan Mountain District and second in Jiang City."


    Boom!


    All the students in the ss were once again excited and shocked.


    Whether it was the 389 points in Martial Arts Skills or the second-in-city ranking for that category.


    Both were somewhat beyond theirprehension.


    Normally, such martial arts scores shouldn''t appear in their ordinary ss.


    It was practically fantasy.


    "389 points?" Li Yuan remained very calm in his heart, muttering to himself: "Not bad, it seems that to surpass 390 or even get close to a perfect score, I''ll probably have to reach the Fourth Level in Spear Technique."


    With a total Martial Arts score of 901 points, the result was way better than Li Yuan had expected.


    "Teacher, Li Yuan has a total Martial Arts score of 901, what rank is he in the grade, did he make it into the top ten?" Suddenly, a student couldn''t help but speak out.


    The others, too, were looking at Ms. Chen with curious and expectant gazes.


    A total score over 900 points.


    Even without extra points for Spiritual Nature, the ranking for the grade must be quite astonishing.


    Li Yuan also looked towards Ms. Chen, his fist clenched slightly.


    Could he be in the top five?


    "In terms of the raw score, Li Yuan is second," Ms. Chen said directly: "The first ce in Martial Arts raw score is from the Elite ss, Lin Lanyue, with 929 points."


    "As for the final total score, Li Yuan ranks sixth in the grade and two hundred and twelfth in the city," Ms. Chen''s face revealed a rare smile: "Based on the rankings from previous years, this score gives him a chance to break into the top five famous schools."


    Clearly, Ms. Chen was extremely satisfied with Li Yuan''s performance.


    "The top five famous schools?"


    "A citywide ranking, reaching over two hundred names?"


    "Sixth in the grade?" The other students were even more stunned and couldn''t help but look at Li Yuan.


    "Brother Yuan, that''s freaking awesome!!" Zhou Qi was even more excited than Li Yuan.


    "Sixth in the grade?" Li Yuan''s face only showed a slight smile as he sighed inwardly: "Still short by one rank, huh?"

 Chapter 51: 49: Invitation from Martial Arts University

    Last September.


    When Teacher Xu Bo helped to apply for a Second-ss schrship, he had promised Li Yuan that as long as he ranked within the top ten in the grade, he would be awarded a First-ss schrship of 100,000 Blue Star Coins.


    If he ranked within the top five, he would be awarded a Special Schrship of 500,000 Blue Star Coins.


    "Just one spot short." Li Yuan sighed quietly to himself.


    He did not feel particrly disappointed in his heart, having given his all, there wasn''t a need to dwell on it further.


    It''s not reasonable to expect others to underperform.


    "It''s enough."


    "At least, I can get 100,000 Blue Star Coins." Li Yuan thought, "Moreover, a few days ago when I encountered the Left Hall Master at the Martial Hall, the Left Hall Master said that the achievements and rewards from the Martial Arts Hall and the Martial Hall were about to be distributed, which probably meant a substantial amount of money."


    Li Yuan''s bank ount currently still had a considerable number of Blue Star Coins and Martial Hall Points.


    But his martial arts cultivation was like a gold-consuming cave, consuming them just as fast.


    Naturally, he had to think of a solution.


    "Li Yuan, keep up the good work," Teacher Chen on the tform nced at Li Yuan before continuing, "I hope the other students will learn more from Li Yuan."


    "Now I will read the martial arts scores of the others; listen carefully."


    "Li Tianyou, 685 points," Teacher Chen said.


    Li Tianyou followed closely behind Li Yuan, ranking second in the ss for martial arts achievement.


    However, though he ranked second, his score gap with Li Yuan was astonishing.


    "685 points?" Li Tianyou''s face rxed slightly.


    But he still didn''t look too pleased.


    With 685 points, plus his academic converted score of 59 points, his total martial arts score was only 744, making the prospect of getting into a martial arts university quite slim.


    "Am I still not working hard enough?" Li Tianyou clenched his fists silently, somewhat unreconciled: "If I had more resources for cultivation, more guidance from teachers, my score could definitely have been much higher."


    Li Tianyou was not foolish.


    He practiced his cultivation madly, to the point that even his body was starting to fail to keep up. He was aware of the asional well-meaning advice from other students.


    But, what can be done when there''s not much money at home?


    "Gu Yaoyao, 664 points," Teacher Chen continued reading the scores.


    Most of the students'' martial arts scores were quite ordinary, with no significant fluctuations.


    Martial arts cultivation requires talent, and even more so, resources.


    If one says that for academic exams, there are asional shes of brilliance, extraordinary performances.


    Then, in martial arts assessments, there are only two possibilities: normal performance or poor performance, extraordinary performance does not exist.


    Strong is strong, weak is weak.


    ...


    After finishing announcing scores, it was time to distribute test papers and discuss the questions.


    Li Yuan listened attentively.


    "I already spend less time on academic subjects; I must pay attention in ss," Li Yuan thought clearly, "To get into one of the top five prestigious schools, I need to strive for every single point. If I can score a few more on the academics, the hope will be greater."


    One point difference could determine the fate of thousands, it was no mere saying.


    Like Li Yuan this time.


    The ten points added to his cultural subjects, which allowed his martial arts total score to exceed 900, yed a critical role.


    ...


    Before you knew it, it was ten o''clock, and there was a fifteen-minute break between sses.


    Teacher Chen first posted three score sheets next to the ckboard on the ''score column,'' then turned around and said, "Li Yuan, Li Tianyou, Wang Zihan, the three of youe with me to the office."


    "The rest of you, ss dismissed."


    Immediately.


    The students in the ss swarmed to the score column like a tide, starting to check their own rankings.


    Teacher Chen had only announced the scores just now, without revealing theplete rankings.


    The scores posted would indicate one''s ranking in the grade, district, and city.


    "Locked in! Top ten thousand in the city."


    "Damn, one point off and more than a hundred ranks difference in the city? That many contenders?"


    "Sigh, going to get a lecture from my parents again."


    "Didn''t perform well this time, only ranked thirteenth in the grade; didn''t even break into the top ten."


    The students discussed among themselves, some jubnt and some in sorrow, but most of them were unsatisfied, calcting things like ''if I could gain five more points in this subject, ten more in another, my ranking would definitely...''


    Li Yuan and Li Tianyou had followed Teacher Chen to her office by now.


    Li Yuan was calm and collected, while the other two were on edge.


    "You two wait outside," Teacher Chen instructed, "Li Yuan,e in with me."


    Entering the office, Teacher Chen sat down to organize the papers, greeting the nearby teachers as if she had forgotten Li Yuan''s presence for a moment.


    This was amon tactic used by experienced teachers to discipline students.


    First they leave the student hanging for a while, asionally throw a cold nce, continue to ignore them, letting the student be more and more anxious.


    Eventually, without even needing the teacher to speak, students confess their wrongdoing in a burst.


    However.


    Being called separately to the office after a major exam mostly happens for two reasons¡ªeither marked improvement or significant regression.


    Li Yuan believed he represented the former.


    "Cough~ Cough~" Li Yuan coughed, reaching for the water cup, "Teacher, the water''s cold, let me add some hot water for you."


    Without waiting for Teacher Chen''s response, Li Yuan had already picked up the cup and went to the water dispenser.


    Li Yuan first poured out the cold water, then refilled it with both cold and hot water, gauging the appropriate temperature by feel.


    After adjusting the water, he twisted the cup lid loosely.


    Then, taking a paper towel, he wiped off the water droplets from the outside of the cup and returned to the desk, cing the cup gently on Teacher Chen''s left side.


    People typically hold the cup with their left hand and twist the cap with their right.


    "The water temperature''s just right," Li Yuan smiled, "Why not have a drink first?"


    "You!" Teacher Chen watched the whole process, shaking her head with a chuckle, but it was clear she was in a good mood.


    Teachers, in fact, all like students who are good at handling things and have a sweet mouth.


    "I called you here because there''s something I need to discuss," Teacher Chen said as he picked up a water cup, sipping on it while speaking. "You did well in the recent exam, ranking sixth in the grade, especially with your Martial Arts Skills score. In previous years, this score alone could havepeted for the city''s top score in the individual subject."


    Li Yuan listened intently.


    "Unfortunately, this year a prodigy emerged from the Teacher''s College High School," said Teacher Chen with a hint of regret. "That student achieved a perfect score in Martial Arts Skills."


    "A perfect score in skills?" Li Yuan was somewhat surprised.


    The Physical Quality score is 500 points, with a full score requirement being a Level 10.0 physical quality.


    For Martial Arts Skills, worth 400 points, Li Yuan was not sure about the requirements, but he guessed they would involve Fourth Level skills.


    "What''s the name?" Li Yuan couldn''t help but ask.


    "Wu Dongdong," Teacher Chen said. "He also ranked first in the overall Martial Arts score of the city during this January''s assessment, with a Martial Arts score of 900 points and an overall score of 1,077 points."


    "Full scores in two categories? That''s really impressive!" Li Yuan eximed sincerely.


    Such a score was incredibly exaggerated.


    Far more so than Lin Lanyue''s scores.


    A Martial Arts score of 900 points suggests that the person has at least a 10.0 physical level and that their academic performance is also good.


    The Teacher''s College High School has always been the best high school in Jiang City, known nationwide. It''s not surprising that they would produce such a Martial Arts prodigy.


    Actually.


    Li Yuan wasn''t at all surprised that someone could far surpass him.


    After all, the highest pre-signing with the Martial Hall is an S-level contract, which indicates that there have definitely been people who''ve signed it before.


    Even after awakening his Martial Spirit, Li Yuan only qualified for an A-level contract.


    This world nevercks geniuses, which is something Li Yuan has understood since he was young.


    "Forget about others."


    "You, in fact, have already done quite well," Teacher Chen said. "After the January assessment, in early March, Jiangbei Martial Arts University has an ''observation invitation event''. Our school has ten slots. The top ten students from the January assessment in terms of Martial Arts overall score can go."


    "Are you willing to go?" Teacher Chen looked at Li Yuan.


    "An invitation from Jiangbei Martial Arts University?" Li Yuan was taken aback for a moment.


    "Yes, they invite the elite Martial Artist Students from the whole city and even the province, nearly a thousand in total, for a five-day period," Teacher Chen exined with a smile.


    "If a professor from the university takes interest in you and thinks you''re suitable for cultivation, after the college entrance examination is over, they''ll immediately invite you to the Martial Arts University, and you''ll start special training over the summer."


    "Martial Arts Cultivation is different from academic courses. At your age, three months is crucial. Utilized properly, it''s enough to significantly improve your Martial Arts strength."


    "Hmm," Li Yuan nodded in agreement.


    Indeed, starting from the age of sixteen and apanied by physical development and vigorous vitality, Martial Arts Cultivation would advance by leaps and bounds.


    "Teacher, my college entrance examination goal is ''Kunlun Martial Arts University''," Li Yuan stated.


    The five renowned Martial Arts colleges in Xia Country are named after Xiaking, South Sea, Kunlun, East Sea, and Polestar.


    Kunlun Martial Arts University has the most enrollment allocations in Jiangbei Province every year and is the first choice for Martial Arts elites in Jiangbei Province.


    "I know."


    "If you can get into Kunlun Martial Arts University, it would certainly be the best choice for you. You have the potential to do it. But without an awakened Spiritual Nature, are you one hundred percent sure?" Teacher Chen questioned Li Yuan.


    Li Yuan fell silent.


    "Your goal is to aim for Kunlun Martial Arts University, but Jiangbei Martial Arts University is your safety. Going to visit and get a feel for it, and meeting the university''s professors is not a bad thing for you," Teacher Chen put down his water cup. "Right?"


    Li Yuan nodded, finding reason in Teacher Chen''s words.


    "Okay, then. I''ll send you the application form and the detailed itinerary on V-chat. Fill it out and send me an electronic signature when you''re done," Teacher Chen said. "By the way, after this afternoon''s school-wide mobilization meeting, the schrship for ranking in the top ten of your grade will be deposited into your ount. Don''t forget to check it."


    "Yes, thank you, Teacher," Li Yuan nodded.


    For arge-scale exam like this, being in the top ten for total Martial Arts Scores in the gradees with a reward of five thousand Blue Star Coins and several bottles of blood-qi potions as schrship bonuses.


    Moreover, one would also obtain a private Martial Arts Room, but Li Yuan already had one.


    ¡­


    Among the three, thest one to enter the office was L¨« Tianyou, who was much more nervous than Li Yuan.


    "Teacher," L¨« Tianyou approached the desk.


    "Don''t worry, I called you here not to criticize you but to tell you that you did well on the exam," Teacher Chen said with a smile. "Do you remember what I told youst time, about applying for the Third ss schrship?"


    L¨« Tianyou''s eyes lit up.


    "With your scores from this exam,bined with your family''s financial situation... you''ve been sessful in your application," Teacher Chen said with a smile. "I know you work very hard, but make sure to bnce work and rest. Don''t push yourself too much. The twenty thousand coin schrship will be transferred to your ount today."


    "Thank you, Teacher," Tianyou said, quite moved, his eyes reddening slightly.


    "Alright, off you go. Keep this matter to yourself; you don''t need to tell anyone else," Teacher Chen stood up, patted L¨« Tianyou''s shoulder, and saw him out.


    Teacher Chen sat back down in his chair.


    His smile faded as he turned on his smart bracelet and stared absent-mindedly at the documentbeled¡ª"Third ss Schrship Application Review Comments: Rejected."


    "Sigh."


    Teacher Chen let out a soft sigh.


    After a moment of thought, he forwarded the document to Xu Bo.


    This schrship application was something she and Xu Bo had worked on together for L¨« Tianyou.


    ¡­


    After lunch, Li Yuan returned to the 4011 Martial Arts Room and entered the virtualwork pod directly.


    Connection established.


    "Personal space." Li Yuan stood in his vast personal space, checking the invitation from Jiangbei Martial Arts University:


    Dear Li Yuan...


    "It''s all nonsense," Li Yuan frowned, quickly skimming the first few pages.


    Suddenly, Li Yuan stopped sharply, fixed on the itinerary details.


    Day Four itinerary: Combat Assessment: Hunt Star Realm Creatures.


    ¡­


    After pondering for a while.


    Li Yuan quickly filled in his information.


    Electronic signature.


    Click, ept Invitation!


    "I hope it doesn''t disappoint me," Li Yuan murmured to himself, disengaging his consciousness from the virtualwork.

 Chapter 52: 50: Recognition on the Podium

    He exited the virtual reality pod.


    Li Yuan began today''s Martial Path training, starting with the Basic Cultivation Method and then practicing his Spear Technique.


    This had be Li Yuan''s routine.


    It wasn''t until three-thirty in the afternoon, after taking a hot shower in the rest room, that Li Yuan left the Martial Arts Room.


    As Mr. Chen mentioned this morning.


    At four o''clock in the afternoon, there would be a school assembly for all teachers and students. Everyone was required to gather at the sports field on time, with no exceptions for tardiness.


    Just as he closed the door of the Martial Arts Room.


    "Li Yuan?" A rather happy voice came from not too far away: "You''re still in the Martial Arts Room? Hurry up, I thought I was the only one left."


    "Gu Qiang, you haven''t left yet?" Li Yuan said with a smile, spotting the handsome young man at the end of the hallway.


    Whether it''s mealtime, bathroom breaks, heading to the sports field, or after school, students always liked to pair up.


    Boys were no exception.


    Approaching the end of the term, Li Yuan and G¨³ Qi¨¢ngh¨¤n had run into each other quite often.


    They had be quite familiar with each other.


    Through frequent interactions.


    Li Yuan had long noticed that despite G¨³ Qi¨¢ngh¨¤n''s seemingly impulsive nature, he was actually quite straightforward with no ill intentions¡ªhis face always gave away his thoughts. He made for a pretty good choice as a friend.


    "It''s Gu Qiang! Gu Qiang!" G¨³ Qi¨¢ngh¨¤n hopped, protesting: "That''s what my sister calls me."


    "If your sister can call you that, why can''t I?" Li Yuan walked closer with a smile: "Come on, let''s go downstairs."


    "Of course my sister can call me that." Gu Qiang led the way down the stairs, ncing back at Li Yuan: "You''re not my brother-inw, why should you call me little Qiang?"


    "So what if I call you that?" Li Yuan chuckled: "You can''t beat me anyway."


    "This exam, in terms of bare Martial Path scores, I seem to remember you weren''t as high as me."


    G¨³ Qi¨¢ngh¨¤n suddenly felt stuck.


    Indeed!


    He had seen the score report and knew about Li Yuan''s terrifying score in the January assessment¡ªsecond in the grade... and far exceeding the third ce.


    From a practical standpoint, whoever has a higher bare Martial Path score often has a greater advantage and a higher probability of winning in actualbat.


    "Tch!"


    G¨³ Qi¨¢ngh¨¤n suddenly raised his middle finger: "So what if your bare score is higher than mine? I have extra points for Spiritual Nature, and my overall score is second in the grade while you''re only..."


    Seeing that Li Yuan didn''t respond.


    "Forget it." G¨³ Qi¨¢ngh¨¤n suddenly realized it was inappropriate to continue and waved his hand magnanimously: "I forgive you for tricking me during the exam. From now on, remember to call me Gu Qiang, ''little Qiang'' is not for you to use."


    "Got it, Gu Qi¨¢ngh¨¤n," Li Yuan purposely elongated the sound.


    "Oh my, you won''t have any friends if you keep this up," G¨³ Qi¨¢ngh¨¤n red.


    ¡­


    Li Yuan and G¨³ Qi¨¢ngh¨¤n, exchanging ''friendly greetings'' all the way, walked into the sports field together.


    At that moment, there were only two minutes left until four o''clock.


    The majority of the sses from the whole school had already assembled in an orderly fashion.


    The lineups for ss three-year-one and ss three-year-two were right next to each other.


    "Lanyue," the slightly plump girl Peng Qiqi nudged the hand of the girl next to her, Lin Lanyue: "Look, why is your brother so close with Li Yuan? They''reing over sote together."


    "Could it be that Li Yuan is trying to take a shortcut?" Peng Qiqi winked: "First he gets on good terms with your brother, then chases after you."


    "Qiqi, have you been reading too many romance novels?" Lin Lanyue extended her hand, pinching her best friend''s neck, causing Peng Qiqi to giggle.


    Many boys around couldn''t help but nce over.


    In the Martial Arts ss, there were quite a few who had a crush on Lin Lanyue.


    However, no one dared to confess.


    "Hehe." Peng Qiqi tried to block Lin Lanyue''s hand while muttering softly: "Then you tell me, why is he so close with Gu Qiang?"


    "Don''t you know what kind of person Gu Qiang is?" Lin Lanyue shook her head gently: "If you could pin him down and beat him up repeatedly, he''d also be willing to be friends with you."


    "Gu Qiang and Li Yuan had a sparring match?" Peng Qiqi asked in surprise.


    "Yeah, they both have individual Martial Arts Rooms next to each other," Lin Lanyue nodded: "They''ve fought several times in virtual battles, and Gu Qiang lost every time."


    Peng Qiqi mused: "Right, Li Yuan''s bare Martial Path score this time was second, exceeding 900 points, not much lower than yours."


    "He''s 28 points lower," Lin Lanyue emphasized.


    She was actually very concerned about Li Yuan''s score.


    In the morning, the homeroom teacher from her culture ss informed her of the scores and rankings right away, and also told her about Li Yuan being the first in ''skill score'' in the Guan Mountain District and second in the entire city.


    At that time, Lin Lanyue was shocked by Li Yuan''s incredible rate of progress.


    However, she naturally didn''t want to admit it in front of her best friend.


    "You remember his score quite well, huh."


    Peng Qiqi giggled: "By the way, you said before that only someone on the podium would be worthy of your affection. I think next time, Li Yuan''s bare score might surpass yours."


    Lin Lanyue blinked, her long eyshes fluttering: "Let''s wait until he surpasses me, then we''ll talk."


    "Even if his bare score surpasses mine, his total score is still lower. The ones who get on the podium are the ones with the highest total score, not the highest bare score," Lin Lanyue said indifferently.


    In her subconscious, she felt that Li Yuan had a chance of surpassing her bare score.


    "You''re just a sore loser," Peng Qiqiughed, suddenly sticking out her tongue: "Herees Mr. Xia."


    Mr. Xia was the homeroom teacher for ss three-year-one.


    ¡­


    "Today, we are honored with the presence of the following leaders at our school. They are the Director of the Guan Mountain District Martial Arts Bureau ''Director Zhang'', representatives from the Guan Mountain District Education Bureau...


    the Deputy Hall Master of the Starfire Martial Hall''s Guan Mountain branch, Hall Master Song of the Starry Sky Martial Hall''s Guan Mountain branch..." the host teacher introduced the guests seated at the podium.


    There were more than a dozen in total.


    "The Hall Master Zuo is here?" Standing among the ranks, Li Yuan looked up at the woman on stage with her brown curly hair and face full of valor, slightly surprised.


    Logically, how could so many leaders be present at an internal school assembly for teachers and students?


    The representatives from both major Martial Halls had arrived.


    "Brother Yuan, haven''t you noticed? There seem to be quite a few reporters here today," Yan Zhou whispered, pointing to the long spears and short cannons on either side of the podium.


    "Oh," Li Yuan nodded. He had arrived at the yground ratherte and hadn''t noticed until now.


    "Respected leaders and teachers..." Principal Tan Zhenlong had started his spirited speech.


    As Principal Tan read from the papers, his eyes swept over the thousands of students below, as if seeing a scene brimming with vitality and flourishing life.


    Time passed.


    As one leader after another spoke, the students below had started to yawn.


    Finally.


    The most important part of today''s agenda began¡ªthemendation ceremony.


    "In this citywide January examination, our senior year students fought valiantly, achieving outstanding results again... Wan Qingling and ten other students ranked in the top ten for total academic scores."


    "Lin Lanyue, Gu Qianghan... Li Yuan... and ten other students ranked in the top ten for total Martial Path scores. Please join me, all teachers and students, in congratting them and hope everyone will learn from them," the presenting teacher said with passion.


    Scattered apuse broke out from below.


    Most of the students had lost all interest and just wished to leave the assembly and return to their ssrooms swiftly.


    This was especially true for the first and second-year students, who mostly felt like they were merely cheap ''NPC audiences,'' sending their friendly regards to the leaders in private.


    Down below.


    "Lanyue, it''s about time for you to go on stage," Peng Qiqi whispered softly, "Good luck."


    The first in both academic and Martial Path scores, as per tradition, are to go on stage for special recognition and a photo with the school leaders.


    Lin Lanyue was quite indifferent.


    Events like this she had experienced many times over her high school years and was very familiar with the process.


    However.


    The teacher hosting on stage did not introduce the two top-ranked students of the year as Lin Lanyue and most senior students had expected; instead, he handed the microphone back to Principal Tan Zhenlong who had stepped forward.


    "Today''s assembly,"


    Principal Tan Zhenlong said solemnly: "Apart from summarizing the January exams for the senior year andmending excellent students, there is also a very specialmendation."


    A specialmendation? These words immediately piqued the interest of many students.


    "All students should be aware."


    "Just a week ago, our Guan Mountain District had just suffered a serious attack by Star Realm Creatures..." Principal Tan''s voice was low and somber.


    At this moment, the somewhat stale atmosphere was revitalized, and many students couldn''t help but look up at Principal Tan, all curious.


    A specialmendation connected to a Star Realm Creatures attack?


    Even Lin Lanyue and Gu Qianghan were quite curious.


    "...However, when an Entry Rank Star Realm Creature charged towards the crowd,"


    "At such a critical moment, at such a crucial time, a seventeen-year-old high school student who happened to pass by, disregarding his own safety, picked up the crude weapon nearby and stood bravely between the Star Realm Creature and the innocent crowd..." Principal Tan recounted the ''fierce battle'' that took ce not so long ago with deep emotion and vivid detail.


    The thousands of students below were also quite engrossed in listening.


    It was much more interesting than the previous leaders'' speeches.


    "Wow! Fighting with an Entry Rank Star Realm Creature? Who is it?" Peng Qiqi was surprised and whispered, "Lanyue, was it you?"


    In reality, not only Peng Qiqi but also many students from the Elite ss and other sses in the senior year looked towards Lin Lanyue.


    All the students realized.


    If Principal Tan was delivering this speech in such a manner, the student who battled the Star Realm Creature must certainly belong to their school.


    In their eyes, perhaps only Lin Lanyue had a chance of barely contending with an Entry Rank Star Realm Creature.


    Besides Lin Lanyue, who else could it be?


    "It wasn''t me," Lin Lanyue shook her head, a trace of curiosity shing in her eyes, "Who then?"


    Indeed, she had fought against Star Realm Creatures before, but it had always been on controlled grounds against Unranked Star Realm Creatures.


    Initiating a battle with an Entry Rank Star Realm Creature?


    Lin Lanyue admitted to herself that she did not yet possess that courage or strength.


    "In the end, after a strenuous and arduous battle." Principal Tan continued to speak: "This seventeen-year-old student managed to kill the Star Realm Creature, saving the lives of many innocent people."


    "Tomend this student for his bravery and outstanding contribution during the Star Realm Creature attack,"


    "Jiang City''s Martial Arts Hall, the Education Bureau, Starfire Martial Hall of Jiang City, Starry Sky Martial Hall of Jiang City... have jointly decided to award him the ''Young Hero'' role model title," dered Principal Tan, his passion burning and eyes shining bright: "Now."


    "Let''s invite Li Yuan, a student from the senior year, ss 3-2, toe up on stage,"


    "and receive the honor of the role model title!"


    "Wow!"


    "Apuse~" Instantly, the entire yground erupted with a wave-like surge of pping.


    First and second-year students stretched their necks, full of anticipation, looking towards the direction of the podium.


    Eager to see which senior was so impressive.


    Several sses close to the senior year, ss 3-2, were already staring wide-eyed at the young figure slowly stepping out from the ss lineup.


    Dressed in white Martial Arts attire, the boy with a well-proportioned body and noble bearing.


    Under the watchful eyes of everyone, the young man walked calmly to the podium with a slight smile on his face,posed and collected.


    ..."Lanyue."


    "Li... Li Yuan, he''s actually gone up to the podium," Peng Qiqi stared wide-eyed at the white-d figure, somewhat mesmerized, then suddenly whispered, "Do you really think Li Yuan isn''t good? If you don''t want him, don''t fight with me for him, okay?"


    "We''ll talk about thatter," Lin Lanyue''s gaze was fixed on the podium, unflinching.

 Chapter 53: 51: Generous Rewards

    On the stage, a group of leaders took turns stepping forward to take photos with Li Yuan, shake hands, and offer a few words of encouragement in hushed tones.


    Most of it was just formalities.


    "Li Yuan, you did well on the test, and killing that Star Realm creature really made our Martial Hall proud." When it was the turn of the Left Hall Master, her face beamed like a flower as she looked at Li Yuan with eyes full of affection.


    As if she were looking at her own nephew.


    In interpersonal rtionships, first impressions are extremely important.


    The Left Hall Master had an excellent first impression of Li Yuan.


    Moreover, after reviewing Li Yuan''s many records upon returningst time, she was convinced that his character and temperament were top-notch.


    In her heart, Li Yuan was a junior worthy of careful cultivation.


    "Thank you, Hall Master." Li Yuan also wore a full smile.


    Li Yuan was well aware that his being able to create such a stir and receive the ''Young Hero'' honor was firstly because he killed a Star Realm creature.


    However, it undoubtedly involved the behind-the-scenes operations of the Starfire Martial Hall.


    Otherwise, would everyone who made a contribution certainly receive a reward?


    "Li Yuan, this is Song Yi, the Hall Master of the Starry Sky Martial Hall," said the Left Hall Master with a beaming introduction, "Technically speaking, she''s your benefactor."


    Song Yi''s expression changed slightly at those words, somewhat unpleasant, yet she couldn''t show it.


    "Greetings, Hall Master Song." Li Yuan pretended to be unaware of anything and replied earnestly.


    Of course, Li Yuan knew who she was.


    He had heard Teacher Xu mention her when he agreed to sign with the Starfire Martial Hall.


    She was Zhong Cheng''s direct superior and most likely the decision-maker for his D-level contract.


    "Yes, the young man is quite good, keep up the hard work," Hall Master Song managed to force a smile.


    When she learned that Li Yuan was the recipient of the ''Young Hero'' title, she didn''t want to attend the event.


    Nevertheless, she had to represent the Starry Sky Martial Hall because Lu Huai requested her presence.


    ...


    Beneath the stage, a group of journalists took photographs.


    Killing an Entry Rank Star Realm creature was actually a minor affair, but it was done by an underage high school student... This was a rare highlight in the Star Realm creature attack incident.


    It held significant propaganda value.


    Meanwhile, on the field, students, whether they were from the senior or freshman year, were mostly whispering to each other.


    Much of it was praise like "so impressive," "awesome," "is this senior named Li Yuan?" and "so handsome."


    If Li Yuan were only good at academics, he might not win the favor of most students; in fact, it could even breed envy.


    But to fight a life-and-death battle with a Star Realm creature?


    You see, in this era, the entire society highly revered Martial Artists who fought with Star Realm creatures, and students were no different.


    In the eyes of most students, Li Yuan''s actions were more than ten times more impressive than those who ranked first in exams.


    The passion for heroism is an aspiration of youth since ancient times.


    "Lanyue, are you still looking at Li Yuan?"


    Peng Qiqi waved her hand in front of Lin Lanyue and couldn''t help butugh, "You''re gazing so intently, could it be that you''ve really fallen for Li Yuan?"


    "It''s not that I like him." Lin Lanyue''s gaze shifted to her best friend, and she smiled wryly, "I''m just reminded of some things and am feeling somewhat emotional."


    "What things?" Peng Qiqi was puzzled.


    "Li Yuan''s family is not well-off," Lin Lanyue said, "He hasn''t experienced a Spiritual Awakening of the Martial Spirit, and even though his skill talent is extremely high... achieving his current sess must have required a lot of effort."


    Peng Qiqi was stunned.


    She hadpletely forgotten about that aspect.


    "Like you said, he looks handsome standing on the stage," Lin Lanyue continued, "But when he took the initiative to fight the Star Realm creature, he must have only wanted to save people, not thinking about any rewards."


    "Before that, he had probably never fought a Star Realm creature."


    "To willingly confront one," Lin Lanyue seemed to recall something and murmured thoughtfully, "requires a lot of courage."


    "Lanyue, what are you trying to say? Do you like him or not?" Peng Qiqi grew more confused as she listened.


    "It has nothing to do with liking him or not," Lin Lanyue pinched her friend''s round face, smiling, "I just."


    "I admire him a lot."


    ...


    After the school assembly for all students and teachers concluded, the leaders departed, and the students from each ss orderly returned to their Martial Arts ssrooms.


    To resume sses.


    Li Yuan, on the other hand, followed Principal Tan Zhenlong to the principal''s office.


    Upon entering.


    "Teacher Xu? Director Li?" Li Yuan noticed two people already waiting there and greeted them.


    Director Li was the representative from the Education Bureau.


    "Li Yuan, take a seat," Principal Tan greeted Director Li and the others first, then told Li Yuan to sit down.


    Li Yuan obediently sat on an armchair and looked toward the group.


    Being called over especially for this, the matter must be far from simple.


    "Director Li, why don''t you speak," suggested Principal Tan with a smile.


    "Well, all right," Director Li, dressed in a ck work uniform with a square face, looked at Li Yuan, "Li Yuan, the Education Bureau and the Martial Path Bureau havemunicated about your case."


    "We called you here to inform you of a few matters."


    "First, Principal Tan and Teacher Xu, who specially applied for the Special Schrship on your behalf, have gotten it approved. By tonight, before six o''clock, you will receive a reward of 500,000 Blue Star Coins in your ount," Director Li smiled. "It is a national reward, and it will not be taxed."


    "Special Schrship?" Li Yuan was slightly surprised, a wave of excitement rising in his heart.


    500,000 Blue Star Coins!


    Immediately, Li Yuan subconsciously looked over at Teacher Xu Bo beside him.


    Li Yuan remembered, Teacher Xu had said that he had to reach the top five in his grade.


    Xu Bo nodded slightly, gesturing for Li Yuan to remain calm.


    "Second, you''ve earned the title of Young Hero, which is a Martial Path title.


    ording to the rules, you qualify for extra points and will receive a 20-point boost for the Martial Arts special portion during the college entrance exam," Director Li continued, "But you cannot stack bonuses; if you awaken your Martial Spirit before the college entrance exam, you will have to choose one or the other."


    "I understand," Li Yuan said, even more delighted.


    In the college entrance exams, there are many bonus items, such as Spiritual Awakening, hero titles, children of heroes and martyrs, and so on, but you cannot stack multiple bonuses.


    And Li Yuan was clear on that.


    Spiritual Awakening? From the Divine Pce panel, it seemed difficult to resonate with the seven High Rank Cultivation Methods, and Li Yuan hardly dared to hope.


    Therefore.


    That 20-point bonus became incredibly important.


    "Third, in this month''s Elemental Moon test, your score in Martial Arts Skills was first in the district and second in the city. Considering your situation, the district has decided to grant you an additional reward of 100,000 Blue Star Coins, to support your Martial Path cultivation," Director Li said with a smile, "Hope you won''t find it too little."


    "It''s a lot," Li Yuan quickly responded, "Thank you, Director."


    "No need to thank me," Director Li replied with a smile, "You should thank the nation. For a true Martial Arts genius, even without a Martial Spirit Awakening, the country offers significant support and cultivation."


    Li Yuan nodded lightly.


    The more he practiced, the more he felt the advantages of High Rank Cultivation Methods, and if he could only continue practicing Basic Cultivation Methods, bing a level 19 Martial Artist would be exceedingly difficult.


    It required the consumption of vast resources.


    Hence, the country wasn''t easy with its support; it always chose the best among the best.


    ...


    After sending off Director Li, Principal Tan and Teacher Xu returned to the office.


    "Li Yuan, are you satisfied now?" Xu Bo asked with a smile.


    "I was already quite satisfied before, but now I owe Teacher Xu and the Principal even more thanks," Li Yuan said gratefully.


    Suddenly, Li Yuan couldn''t help but turn to Tan Zhenlong. "Principal, didn''t you sayst time that I had to reach the top five in the Martial Path total score of my grade to have a chance to apply for the Special Schrship?"


    "Top five? Did I say that?" Principal Tan was stunned. "When did I set the bar so high? Didn''t I say it was the top ten that could strive for it?"


    Now, it was Li Yuan''s turn to be stunned.


    The Principal only required the top ten?


    "Li Yuan, the Principal''s memory isn''t what it used to be; it''s normal that he can''t remember after so long," Xu Bo said repeatedly.


    After that, he grabbed Li Yuan''s shoulder as if arge pincer had mped down on him.


    "It''ste; the Principal needs to rest, so let''s not disturb him anymore."


    Whoosh!


    Xu Bo, with Li Yuan, shed out several dozen meters in an instant without even closing the door.


    "Top ten?"


    "Top five? This Xu Bo," Tan Zhenlong hade to his senses, shaking his head with a chuckle, "Set a high standard to achieve a middle oue? But even then, it must be moderate."


    "Isn''t he afraid that setting the standard too high will make Li Yuan give up?" the Principal mused with a hint of emotion. "Nevertheless, Li Yuan really is excellent."


    "With the ability to add 20 points during the college entrance exam."


    "Looks like, even without a Martial Spirit Awakening, Li Yuan should be able to get into one of the top five prestigious schools," Principal Tan said, smiling.


    Credit for political achievements?


    At his age, he had no hopes of promotion.


    He simply wanted, in hisst term, to cultivate more outstanding students.


    ...


    In the office building, within Xu Bo''s Martial Arts Room.


    "There''s going to be another reward from Starfire Martial Hall?" Li Yuan looked at Teacher Xu with a hint of surprise.


    "Yes."


    Xu Bo, robust as Tie Ta, smiled. "With such an excellent performance this time, it''s only natural that Starfire Martial Hall will give you some extra rewards... Signing a contract with the Martial Hall, the rewards stipted there are set by the highest echelon of the Martial Hall, and no one can change that."


    "If you perform mediocrely after signing, you just go through your contract normally."


    "However, if you exceed expectations during that process, even if your contract level can''t be elevated, the subordinate Martial Hall you belong to will also give additional rewards," Xu Bo exined to Li Yuan.


    "If the performance is outstanding enough, the Martial Hall might even upgrade the contract level," Xu Bo continued.


    Li Yuan suddenly understood, knowing only about upgrading contracts, but was not very clear on the rest.


    Li Yuan tactfully didn''t ask further about the top five or top ten matters.


    He immediately understood that Teacher Xu wasn''t trying to deceive him, but merely wanted to better motivate him.


    "Oh, by the way."


    "About the invitation from Jiangbei Martial Arts University, have you seen it?" Xu Bo inquired.


    "Teacher Chen mentioned it, and I agreed," Li Yuan said.


    "You should definitely go," Xu Bo smiled, "Teacher Chen isn''t the head of the Martial Arts ss and might not be aware, but I can tell you that this invitation isn''t just organized by Jiangbei Martial Arts University alone."


    "Oh?" Li Yuan was puzzled.


    "While it''s at Jiangbei Martial Arts University, representatives from all five prestigious schools will be there to observe," Xu Bo said with a smile.

 Chapter 54: 52: Grateful for the Past Efforts of Myself

    "People from the five prestigious schools are observing?" Li Yuan was somewhat curious, "Is Jiangbei Martial Arts University willing?"


    "Haha, naturally they''re not too keen on the idea, but they can''t stop it," Xu Bo revealed a smile, "After all, those five schools are much more powerful than it."


    "Moreover, even if they could stop it, what would it matter?"


    "Do you think the top five hundred Martial Artist Students from the provincial exams would actively choose to enroll at Jiangbei Martial Arts University?" Xu Bo asked.


    Li Yuan nodded slightly.


    That''s right!


    To be a student in the Martial Arts ss at Jiangbei Martial Arts University, the resources and cultivation efforts received could beparable to those of ordinary students at the top five prestigious schools.


    But of the millions of students taking the exam province-wide, how many would believe they would be the bottom at one of those top five schools?


    Like Li Yuan himself, he also believed that despite not having a suitable High Rank Cultivation Method in the short term, as long as he could get into one of the top schools, he could rise step by step.


    "Teacher, what primarily do the top five schools observe?" Li Yuan asked curiously, "Normally, isn''t it based on the score?"


    "Not the same!"


    "Have you seen the specific itinerary?" Xu Bo asked, "Inside, there''s a Combat Assessment."


    "I''ve seen it," Li Yuan said.


    "There are specialized skill exchanges, Combat Assessments, and other special tests," Xu Bo said, "Do you understand the purpose of the country and even the entire Seven Star Alliance in training Martial Artists?"


    "To kill the enemy, to protect the nation," Li Yuan instinctively said.


    "Right," Xu Bo nodded firmly, "The purpose of training Martial Artists is practicalbat, to nurture powerful warriors who can fight for human civilization."


    "Thus, many things cannot be discerned by scores alone, they must be teased out through various events and actions."


    "Take the simplest example."


    "Some people have high talent and strong physical quality, but their mentality is wed. They falter in life-and-death struggles, unable to disy even a tenth of their strength during critical moments. Could they be a focus for key cultivation?" Xu Bo said with a smile.


    "High scores but low ability?" Li Yuan immediately understood.


    "Then there are some who seem to have extreme talent, but are very selfish, considering only themselves in everything," Xu Bo said somberly, as if recalling something, "If cultivated, they could potentially threaten human civilization for their own gain."


    "For their own benefit, to the threat of human civilization?" Li Yuan held his breath.


    "Don''t be shocked," Xu Bo shook his head, "Looking back in history, were such things rare? Everyone has their own selfish desires, but there''s a limit which must not be exceeded."


    "Those who are extremely selfish, if detected by those above, will be approached with great caution regarding their cultivation."


    Li Yuan nodded gently; he very much agreed with this point of view.


    "As for these tests and observations, I''m not worried about you," Xu Bo looked at Li Yuan, "I consider myself quite urate in judging people."


    Over time, Xu Bo''s recognition and fondness for Li Yuan only grew stronger.


    "Teacher," Li Yuan couldn''t help but touch his head, a bit embarrassed.


    "ording to the information I''ve received, just from Jiang City alone, more than three hundred people will attend. For the entire province, I estimate it will be over a thousand people," Xu Bo continued.


    "That many?" Li Yuan was somewhat surprised.


    It was muchrger in scale than what Teacher Chen had mentioned.


    Organizing an event for over a thousand people, selecting individuals from all over the province, involves a tremendous amount of manpower and resources.


    The attention given by those above to this invitation event became apparent.


    "The tentative time is in March, which is before your April adjustment exam," Xu Bo said, "You have three months, enough time to further enhance your strength."


    Li Yuan listened attentively.


    "What you need to do is focus on cultivating and strive to perform well during the event, aiming to secure an invitation to the special training offered by the top five schools," Xu Bo said earnestly.


    "Special training invitation?" Li Yuan recalled what Teacher Chen had mentioned.


    "Martial Artist Students are different from academic students."


    "Academic students go to university in September and are then slowly cultivated," Xu Bo said, "But for Martial Artist Students, from the moment they fill out their preferences, as soon as the universities send out their eptance notices aroundte June, the state will start distributing various resources to aid in cultivation."


    Li Yuan nodded slightly.


    This wasmon knowledge.


    Why does Xia Country only recruit a little over two hundred thousand Martial Artist Students each year? Doesn''t the nation want to train more?


    The reality is that the resource subsidies for each Martial Arts University student are an exorbitant figure.


    For academic university students, the state subsidizes tens of thousands of Blue Star Coins per year.


    But for Martial Arts University students, it starts at ten times that amount.


    Not just in Xia Country, but across all Seven Greats, a vast majority of resources from human civilization are poured into the Martial Arts Universities.


    "Students at the top five schools start their schooling in early July," Xu Bo said, "But normal initiation into cultivation and special training are different."


    "The special training is for those recognized as elites and will receive many resources exclusive to the university," Xu Bo said, "If you can be selected for special training from the beginning, your chances of bing a Second Rank Prime Warrior will greatly increase."


    Li Yuan held his breath and listened.


    Many things are subject to information asymmetry.


    This knowledge wouldn''t be a secret for families of Martial Artists who graduated from the top five schools.


    Li Yuan? He certainly wasn''t clear on this.


    After all, his uncle, Li Changzhou, had only been an ordinary student at Jiangbei Martial Arts University.


    "In the invitation event, those who perform excellently will be invited?" Li Yuan pondered.


    "Correct."


    Xu Bo said earnestly, "In a sense, this is also your biggest opportunity."


    "Biggest opportunity?" Li Yuan was taken aback.


    "The normal list for special training still considers scores," Xu Bo exined, "For example, the top fifty in the provincial exams are a must for the special training list without exceptions; this is mandated by the national policy to prevent any personal maniption."


    Li Yuan nodded slightly, agreeing that using scores as a criterion is the right approach.


    Not letting the decision be solely at the discretion of the schools.


    Only a well-established system can ensure long-term stability and peace.


    "If you don''t awaken your Martial Spirit, even with a bonus of 20 points, are you confident about breaking into the top fifty in the province?" Xu Bo looked at Li Yuan.


    Li Yuan thought for a moment and shook his head: "No confidence."


    Indeed, no confidence.


    ording to the experience of previous years, the overall scores of the top fifty in the province usually exceed 1,000 points.


    "The number of independent ces offered by the prestigious schools isn''t that many," Xu Bo said. "Therefore, you must cherish this opportunity and show off your strengths."


    "For example, spiritual power, martial arts skills, actualbat... strive to sign a special training contract in advance."


    "Your newly acquired ''Young Hero'' title is also a boost, it will add quite a bit of luster to your profile," Xu Bo said with a smile.


    This morning, when Xu Bo learned that Li Yuan had received this honor, he was very surprised and delighted.


    "It was also a fluke," Li Yuan said, touching his head again.


    "A fluke? But you still need strength," Xu Bo shook his head. "When the opportunityes, only those who are well prepared can seize it."


    "If it were other students, would they be able to seize it?"


    "Surviving without being killed by Star Realm Creatures is already quite good," Xu Bo remarked with emotion.


    Li Yuan nodded slightly.


    "After the invitation event ends, sign up with whichever school is willing to give you a special training spot. Don''t just fixate on Kunlun Martial Arts University," Xu Bo said.


    "Yes," Li Yuan nodded.


    He had long heard that many students who performed exceptionally well in the January and April assessments were fought over by the top five prestigious schools to sign a targeted contract for college entrance preferences.


    "Thank you for the guidance, Teacher," Li Yuan expressed his gratitude.


    If Xu Bo hadn''t mentioned it, Li Yuan might not have paid much attention to this event, and he could have missed the opportunity.


    "No need to thank me."


    "Only those who break into the top ten of their grade are eligible for this event," Xu Bo said with a smile. "The opportunity was fought for by yourself."


    "If you''re going to thank anyone, thank the hard-working you of the past."


    "I, am merely fulfilling the responsibilities of a teacher."


    "Alright."


    "It''s past five, go eat first to avoid having to queue upter," Xu Bo waved his hand.


    ...


    At night, in the Wan Hua tinum Mansion where his family lives.


    "Mom, mom, look quick! Brother is on TV!!" Li Qianqian tugged at Chen Hui''s hand, eagerly pointing to the distant projection screen.


    "I''m watching, I''m watching," Chen Hui said.


    "Brother looks so cool," Li Muhua''s eyes widened at the projection, which showed the day''s award ceremony as reported by the Jiang City television station.


    The segment wasn''t long, just over twenty seconds, but it was enough to exin the entire event.


    "Brother, I want to be a young hero too someday; brother, you''re really cool," Li Muhua looked up at Li Yuan with admiration.


    Li Yuan was about to speak.


    Smack~ a pnded on Li Muhua''s buttocks.


    "You want to be what kind of hero? Do you have the strength your brother has?" Chen Hui scolded with a frown. "Just take care of yourself, understand? If you want to be a hero, talk about it after you be a Martial Artist."


    Smack~


    Another pnded on Li Muhua''s buttocks.


    "Mom, that''s enough, I got it, take care of myself, immediately distance myself and report to authorities in case of danger, don''t join in on the chaos, don''t go to crowded ces, stay away from the riverbank, and theke..." Li Muhua chuckled as he jumped up, reciting the ''Li family maxims.''


    Li Yuan and Li Qianqian couldn''t help butugh as well.


    "And you."


    "Xiao Yuan, such a big event, why didn''t you tell me earlier?" Chen Hui looked at Li Yuan with full concern: "If your teacher hadn''t sent me a message, I would have had no idea."


    "Auntie, didn''t Ie out alright?" Li Yuan said repeatedly: "I thought there was no need to worry you if I was fine, so I didn''t mention it. I''ll definitely be more careful next time."


    "You''re thinking there will be a next time?"


    "How would I exin it to your uncle if something happened to you?" Chen Hui unleashed her words like a machine gun: "You were lucky this time; the Star Realm Creature you encountered wasn''t strong. Can you guarantee next time that..."


    Li Yuan smiled andforted his aunt.


    He knew his aunt meant well, worried for his safety.


    ...


    Late at night, the house was quiet, and Li Yuan had entered the virtualwork.


    Inside the Starfire Space.


    Li Yuan nced at the two screens before him, one for his bank ount, the other for points:


    Bank bnce: 1,885,340 Blue Star Coins


    Martial Hall Points: 1,714,280


    Martial Hall Cultivation Points: 700,000


    ...


    "The Martial Hall actually rewarded me with 200,000 Blue Star Coins this time?" Li Yuan looked at his bank ount bnce.


    He had received three transfers that day.


    He then checked the message from the Left Hall Master.


    "This solves the pressing needs," Li Yuan thought to himself. "The next few months are for vigorous cultivation."


    "Before the invitation event, increase my strength as much as possible."

 Chapter 55: 53 8.8 Magnitude! Third Stage 99%!

    At the schoolmendation assembly, Li Yuan received the title of "Teenage Hero".


    Not only did he be a sensation throughout the school,pletely overshadowing Lin Lanyue in terms of poprity, but many younger students began to see him as their idol.


    His newfound fame even spread online, thanks to various news media reports.


    Of course, it was limited to the range of Jiang City.


    January 8th, a little past ten in the morning.


    It was break time in the senior year (2) ss cultural ssroom.


    "Brother Yuan, you''ve really be famous this time," Zhou Qi said excitedly as he flipped through, shouting, "Look, your social media ount has been dug up, and the number of fans has increased by more than a thousand."


    This prompted many students to curiously look towards Zhou Qi''s light screen.


    "Most of those following are just watching the excitement, mainly from our school. With so many news stories these days, the hype will die down in two days." Li Yuan shook his head and chuckled, "Are you taking this seriously?"


    "When I leave the school, even the owner of the noodle shop at the gate probably won''t recognize me," Li Yuan said with augh.


    "That''s true," Zhou Qi said with augh, scratching his head and shutting off his smart ring watch.


    "Brother Yuan, did you see the reports on the Rob Sea?" Yan Zhou asked from the back row, "I remember you mentioned your uncle went there for work."


    "I saw it," Li Yuan''s smile faded considerably, "The fight was very fierce this time, and it seems it still hasn''t beenpletely quelled up till now."


    Ten days ago.


    That was two days after Jiang City was attacked by Star Realm Creatures, before the January exams, and the "Rob Sea" in the Second Level Star Realm had erupted into an unprecedentedly fierce battle.


    It has been a headline in Xia Country and even throughout Blue Star ever since.


    Li Yuan had been paying close attention, almost sending messages daily to his uncle, Li Changzhou.


    Li Changzhou would asionally reply with a message telling him not to worry.


    "I saw in the news yesterday that from September until now, nearly ten thousand people have died in this war," L¨« Tianyou said, shaking his head with a sigh, "The casualties are truly terrible."


    Suddenly, the atmosphere in the ssroom became somewhat oppressive.


    In this age of advancedworks.


    As seniors about to face college entrance exams, they would follow various national news stories and reflect on their future choices.


    Moreover, students of this era are well aware that their own fates are closely linked to the fate of the entire nation and human civilization.


    "Don''t worry about it," Li Yuan suddenly said with a smile, "There have been so many wars before, and we always held our ground; it will definitely be the same this time."


    "The ss is starting."


    "The ss is starting."


    The ss bell rang, and many students returned to their seats, ceasing their discussions.


    "Rob Sea." Li Yuan sat at his desk, his gaze drifting out the window, his mind wandering.


    Northern Border Province, almost ten thousand kilometers away from Jiangbei Province.


    All is peaceful in Jiang City, while on the frontlines of the Rob Sea, war rages on...


    ...


    Life for Li Yuan settled back into its usual rhythm, following the same routine every day.


    School, home, the Guan Mountain branch of the Starfire Martial Hall.


    Apart from morning academic studies, he meticulously practiced Basic Cultivation Methods and Spear Technique.


    Depending on his physical condition, he continued to purchase and consume basic Qi and blood potions and Origin Power Essence Pills.


    Day after day was a repetitive grind.


    Exceedingly mundane!


    The money in his bank ount and the points in his Martial Hall ount were rapidly depleting like rushing water.


    Li Yuan''s strength was steadily improving step by step.


    Such is the nature of Martial Arts Cultivation, or rather, the nature of reaching the pinnacle in any field.


    The moment of glory in front of others may require a decade of hard work and sweat in umtion.


    There are no shortcuts.


    ...


    Before you knew it, it was February 10, 2043.


    This was Xia Country''s most important traditional festival, ''Spring Festival'', celebrated grandly not just throughout the country but across the globe.


    Even as seniors, the school had a ten-day holiday.


    At home in Wanhua tinum Mansion.


    "Come, let''s toast to the new year," Aunt Chen Hui said as she sat at the head of the table, with a seat next to her empty, but with the light screen projection from the smart ring watch on the table.


    Chen Hui looked towards the projection of the man, "Changzhou, happy New Year."


    "Wife, happy New Year," Li Changzhou said, smiling as he raised his water cup in the video. His face had darkened a lot, "Xiao Yuan, Qianqian, Muhua, happy New Year to all."


    "Uncle, Auntie, happy New Year," Li Yuan also said with a smile as he raised his ss.


    "Dad, Mom, Brother, happy New Year."


    Even though Li Changzhou was thousands of miles away, he still joined his family for the Spring Festival through video projection.


    The family was full of joy andughter.


    After dinner.


    Li Qianqian and Li Muhua were cleaning up, Li Yuan went to his room. There was still some time before the Spring Festival G, and he wanted to seize the moment for more cultivation.


    On the couch, Chen Hui sat there.


    "Changzhou."


    Chen Hui held her smart ring watch, looking at her husband in the light screen projection, slightly worried, "How long before you cane back? Didn''t you say you woulde back in January?"


    "It will probably take another two months," Li Changzhou said, "You know, thest two months have been very tense... The teams prepared to rece us are now at the Rob Sea."


    "They are working alongside us day and night."


    "Seems we''ll have to wait for the next batch of people toe for the recement," Li Changzhou said.


    "All right then," Chen Hui nodded reluctantly, "Take care of your safety."


    "Don''t worry."


    "Since the big battle half a month ago, the military and the Martial Hall Martial Artists have been counter-attacking into the Star Realm. After such a prolonged tug of war, we should be close to victory," Li Changzhou said with a smile, "Last month was indeed dangerous, but we''ve been advancing this month."


    "Where I''m working now is on the edge of the Star Realm, but it''s actually part of arge fortress behind the lines, so it''s not very dangerous."


    "Yeah," Chen Hui nodded.


    If it weren''t for the knowledge that her husband was rtively saferpared tost month, her worries would only be greater.


    "Try not to give them too many details," Li Changzhou whispered. "Especially Little Yuan. The college entrance examination is getting closer."


    "Mhm, I understand," Chen Hui nodded.


    ...


    Regarding Uncle Li Changzhou''s situation, Li Yuan indeed didn''t know much.


    It wasn''t that he didn''t care, but Li Changzhou rarely spoke of the true situation.


    Li Yuan had always mistakenly believed that his uncle''s workce was some distance away from the Star Realm.


    After the Spring Festival, life for a senior in high school became even more tense.


    In every ss, whether it was the culture ssroom or the martial arts ssroom, ''100-day countdown'' signs were hung up.


    The college entrance examination was increasingly near.


    Yet Li Yuan''s heart became more tranquil.


    He had always been fully dedicated to his cultivation, whether it was physical cultivation or spear technique, or even his academic studies, he never cked off.


    "The college entrance exam is just one result."


    "Whether the result is good or bad does not depend on whether the test is taken seriously during those three days," Li Yuan thought to himself. "But on whether every day and night of the past three years, six years, or even twelve years has been filled with sufficient effort."


    "With enough umtion, sess will naturally follow."


    "If there''s not enough umtion and the scores aren''t high enough, anxious? Worry is futile!" Li Yuan''s heart instead became purer.


    ...


    "Brother Yuan, my physical quality has reached 4.8 levels," Zhou Qi said excitedly after yet another ss test. "High-rank cultivation methods are really insane."


    "Impressive! But you can''t ck off. You didn''t have high physical quality before, and now that you''ve awakened a high-rank cultivation method, you need to strive to catch up," Li Yuan smiled. "Try to improve more before the college exams."


    "Mhm, my goal is to reach 5.2 levels before the exams, to meet our ss average," Zhou Qi stated confidently.


    This is the terrifying aspect of high-rank cultivation methods.


    Absorbing Origin Power from the universe is like eating various supplements every day.


    Zhou Qi''s physical quality, which was initially at the bottom of the ss, had improved to nearly middle-rank within just over two months.


    Given another year to Zhou Qi.


    His physical quality level could entirely rise to the top ten of the ss.


    ...


    March 8, 2043, inside School 4011''s Martial Arts Room.


    "Li Yuan."


    "After half a year of cultivation, your spear technique, movement technique, and fist technique have all reached the Third Stage perfection, without substantial defects anymore," Xu Bo, who resembled an iron tower, said. "Starting next week, you don''t need toe to me for guidance anymore."


    "Don''t need toe anymore?" Li Yuan was slightly stunned.


    "I''ve told you everything I need to," Xu Bo looked toward Li Yuan, smiling. "From now on, how to break through from the Third Stage to the Fourth Stage, you''ll have to find the way yourself."


    "I have but onest piece of advice for you."


    "First the body, then the heart; reach mastery through the object. Only by integrating inward and outward, can there be unity," Xu Bo said earnestly.


    First the body, then the heart; reach mastery through the object?


    "I have taken note, thank you, teacher, for your guidance during this time," Li Yuan took note and respectfully performed a deep bow.


    If the rtionship between Li Yuan and Xu Bo was just that of amon teacher-student rtionship back in October ofst year.


    Then, after such a long period of time, with Xu Bo''s repeated earnest guidance and generous sharing.


    Their affection had surpassed the ordinary scope of a school teacher-student rtionship, starting to approach that of a master and a closed-door disciple in ancient martial arts.


    The master is both teacher and father.


    Although not quite there yet, simr emotions had arisen.


    "Haha, it''s already veryte; you should head home early," Xu Bo said with augh as he helped Li Yuan up.


    Having spent a long time together, he had grown increasingly fond of Li Yuan.


    In the few years at Guan Mountain District''s number one high school, he had taught nearly a thousand students.


    But the ones who could reach the level of emotional connection he had with Li Yuan were few and far between.


    ...


    Late at night, at two o''clock in the morning.


    Li Yuan, who endured two hours of inhuman torture, woke up from within the Mind Spirit Divine Pce.


    [Your spiritual power has increased from 14.9 to 15.0 levels] Li Yuan nced at a reminder from the Divine Pce panel a few minutes ago.


    "Day after day of arduous cultivation, enduring the torment of the zing Great Sun."


    "My spiritual power has finally broken through to the 15.0 levels," Li Yuan took a deep breath, feeling quite joyful in his heart.


    For a martial artist level, 10 and 15 are thresholds.


    In Li Yuan''s subconscious, spiritual power at 15 levels must also be a threshold.


    "Only a week left before the invitation from Jiangbei Martial Arts University," Li Yuan''s gaze subconsciously swept over his Divine Pce panel.


    ----


    [Life Level: 8.8 (Entry Rank)]


    Physical Quality Index: 91 (aprehensive measurement of explosive power, endurance, speed, physique, spiritual power, and many other aspects.)


    Fist Strength: 988 kg


    Speed: 19.6 m/s


    Spiritual Power: 15.0 levels


    Spiritual Awakening Level: 0.6% (current ceiling of 20%)


    Physical Body Cultivation Method: [Solid Rock Cultivation Method]


    Spiritual Cultivation Method: [Observing the Great Sun Starry Sky Scripture]


    Skill Realm: Spear Technique (Third Stage 99%), Movement Technique (Third Stage 99%), Fist Technique (Third Stage 99%)


    [Note: When the Spiritual Awakening Level reaches 25%, 50%, 75%, 100%, and 125%, gradual Spiritual Guidance will be received.]


    ----


    "Let''s try again today, to see if I can pass the promotion match for the Fallen Star rank," Li Yuan thought to himself, as he got up and entered the virtualwork pod.

 Chapter 56: 54 Fallen Star Promotion Match

    Consciousness connected.


    Upon entering the virtualwork, Li Yuan chose to go straight to his personal space in the Starry Skies Fighting Network.


    "Master, you have finally descended."


    "Exclusive assistant Xiao Yu, at your service," the girl in white cheerfully said.


    Li Yuan smiled and went straight to the point, "Disy individualbat records for the ranking matches."


    Shwoosh~ A holographic screen formed:


    Ranking Matches: Gold Stage.


    Points: 990 (1000 points needed to participate in the promotion matches)


    Win rate in the Stage Matches: 88%


    ¡ª¡ª


    "990 points, I hope I don''t face anyone from the Fallen Star Stage. It would be best to get 10 points in one go," Li Yuan thought to himself. "Otherwise, I''ll have to waste a bit more time."


    Two months ago.


    Li Yuan''s Spear Technique had improved to 99% of the Third Stage. A week ago, his movement technique also smoothly advanced to 99% of the Third Stage.


    Ever since his Spear Technique reached 99% at the Third Stage, Li Yuan had already been among the elite in the Gold Stage rankings on the Starry Skies Fighting Network.


    He often went ten ranking matches without a single loss, which sent his win rate soaring from just over 50%.


    A week ago, his movement technique reached 99% of the Third Stage.


    On the day of the ranking matches, Li Yuan achieved a horrifying streak of 56 consecutive wins, which pretty much affirmed his status as ''undefeated in the Gold Stage.''


    Then ¡ª Li Yuan was sanctioned by the matchmaking system.


    Three matches in a row!


    In each one, Li Yuan was paired with a master from the Fallen Star Stage.


    Except for one match where he barely managed to fend off more than a dozen moves, the remaining two were straight losses, not even close to the same level.


    "Let''s start," Li Yuan''s hand reached out to click, setting up his weaponry configuration.


    Beep¡ªMatch sessful.


    "You are about to enter the ranking match, your opponent is at the Gold Stage (996 points). Please prepare forbat," the system warned: "Entering thebat space in 10, 9..."


    "996 points? Could this also be a master? Is my luck really that bad?" Li Yuan muttered to himself.


    A sh of light.


    Li Yuan appeared out of thin air in the center of a huge arena, with not a single spectator around.


    On the distant stage, a middle-aged man also appeared, holding a spear in his right hand and a shield in his left.


    "Spear Shield?" Li Yuan gripped his Long Spear tightly.


    There were many Martial Artists who used a weaponbination like the knife-shield or spear-shield.


    The spear, also a Long Weapon, tended to be shorter than a spear used alone, since it was meant to be wielded with one hand, and thus, wasn''t as agile.


    With a shield, survivability greatly increased, as did the margin for error in life-threatening fights.


    However.


    Those with shield weaponbinations invariably had one weakness ¡ª they weren''t agile enough.


    Li Yuan didn''t fancy using a shield.


    With his long spear, he believed he couldy waste to everything in his path.


    "Boy, once I kill you, I can participate in the promotion match," the middle-aged man dered with augh: "I''ve already had ten consecutive victories today."


    "Ten consecutive victories?" Li Yuan was slightly surprised.


    "Yes," the middle-aged man nodded, saying with confidence: "You won''t be a match for me. You might as well just surrender now to avoid being killed and taking a mental blow."


    In the Stage Matches, it was permitted to surrender proactively.


    The advantage was that one''s mind wouldn''t take damage, but the downside was that the point deduction would be more severe.


    "Uncle, I know why you matched with me," Li Yuan suddenly cracked a smile.


    "Why?" the middle-aged man asked, puzzled.


    "Because the system sent me to sanction you!" Li Yuanughed loudly, his figure suddenly moved, shooting out like a swimming dragon.


    Strength, speed, both fully unleashed!


    "This fast? Does he have a Physical Quality of 8.0?" the middle-aged man was instantly shocked, realizing that this seemingly young opponent was not to be trifled with.


    In the virtualwork, one could freely alter their face and outfit.


    However, to prevent fraudulent activities, each person''s identity information was bound, and they were not allowed to change their gender, and changes to their appearance could not exceed a five-year age difference.


    Boom! The middle-aged man moved as well, instantly springing into action. Having made it to over nine hundred points in the Gold Stage, his skills were not inferior.


    "Huff!"


    The middle-aged man used his shield to block, changing his steps and angling his body, trying to deflect Li Yuan''s thrusting spear to the side.


    "Bang!"


    The spear made contact with the shield.


    "Blocked it," the middle-aged man had just revealed a brief smile when a look of shock appeared on his face.


    "Rip~"


    The big spear that should have made a powerful impact against the shield seemed to carry little force and stuck to it instead.


    Then, the spear tip retracted, scraping along the shield, and let out a piercing noise.


    The next instant.


    "Boom!" The Long Spear that had retracted half a meter in a sh, lunged forward again like lightning, aiming a Straight Thrust.


    It already bypassed the middle-aged man''s shield.


    Such a lightning-fast spear technique was too quick for the middle-aged man, who felt a sense of dread.


    At that moment between life and death.


    "I''ll stab too!" The middle-aged man''s long spear suddenly left his hand, propelling directly toward his target.


    With this strike.


    If Li Yuan were to thrust straight at the middle-aged man, he would certainly be pierced through the chest and killed, resulting in a likely tie.


    "ng~"


    Li Yuan, without any hesitation, retracted his spear and stepped back, channeling his vigor throughout his body, unleashing a terrifying force that knocked the flying spear away.


    "Buzz~" As the spear flew off, it heavily struck into the ground outside the arena.


    And on the stage.


    "Bang!" After deflecting the spear, Li Yuan spun his long spear and executed "Steady as Mount Tai," bringing it down fiercely on the middle-aged man.


    "Boom~"


    The middle-aged man defended with his shield, feeling a terrifying force bearing down on him, involuntarily stepping backward.


    "Go!"


    Li Yuan retracted his spear, stepped back to unload the force, then changed his footing andunched a central-level thrust at his opponent, the spear striking like lightning.


    "ng!" "Bang~" "Boom~" The sounds of consecutive impacts echoed.


    The middle-aged man, holding the shield with one hand, became even more agile, sessively blocking Li Yuan''s spear attacks.


    After all, he was also a skilled practitioner with over 900 points in the Gold Stage, whether it was his movement technique or shield technique, both were of Third Stage high-rank level.


    But!


    Strong as he was, Li Yuan was stronger. Whether it was physical control or mental acuity, or even his movement technique and weapon handling, Li Yuan had achieved the Third Stage to perfection.


    "Pfft~"


    On the neenth spear thrust, Li Yuan finally seized his chance, sting the shield aside and piercing directly through the middle-aged man''s throat.


    Blood sttered.


    "I lost?"


    "So brutal, where does this Martial Path genius hail from?" These were the middle-aged man''sst thoughts, his body instantly vanished from the spot.


    "Not bad shield work."


    "But the coordination with the spear isn''t quite there, and the control over the body iscking," Li Yuan mused silently, instinctively critiquing his opponent: "Unable to unleash the full strength of the body."


    Li Yuan had defeated hundreds of such opponents in the past month or two.


    At this moment.


    Li Yuan received a system notification: "Congrattions, Guardian¡¤Yuan... Points +10."


    "Your stage points have reached 1000, and cannot increase further, would you like to participate in the advancement test?" the system asked again: "Friendly reminder, the cooldown for the advancement test is one week."


    "If you fail, you will lose 50 points."


    "If sessful, you will permanently advance to the Fallen Star Stage."


    The rules were always reminded once.


    "Participate in the advancement test," Li Yuan made his choice.


    Buzz~


    His figure instantly disappeared from the arena.


    ¡­


    This was a small sea ind, shaded by green trees, with tumultuous waves in the distance.


    "This is the fifth time."


    "I wonder, now that I have perfected Third Stage movement technique, do I have a chance of passing this time?" Dressed in light armor and holding a long spear, Li Yuan appeared on the ind, scanning his surroundings.


    This was his fifth visit.


    Swiftly.


    Swish! Swish! Swish! Sounds came from the distant jungle, as twelve humanoid creatures quickly emerged.


    They varied in height, the tallest over one meter eighty, the shortest around one meter seventy, all with four arms, their skin a bluish tint, their hands and feet tipped with sharp talon-like ws, and their backs adorned with fin-like tails.


    "Fish Spirit n," Li Yuan muttered to himself.


    Indeed.


    The Starry Skies Fighting Network''s advancement tests were not matchups against other martial artists, but battles against ''Star Realm Creatures'' set by the system.


    For each stage advancement, there were various Star Realm Creatures to choose from.


    Every time Li Yuan came here, he chose the Fish Spirit n.


    "Roar~"


    "Howl~" "Waah~" Upon seeing Li Yuan, all twelve Fish Spirit n''s eyes turned blood-red, their bodies surged with energy as they swung their de-like arms and charged toward Li Yuan.


    As if they had encountered their mortal enemies.


    "Every visit, it feels so real, this virtualwork setting, they''ve even maxed out these simted creatures'' sense of hatred," Li Yuan thought to himself.


    Amidst these thoughts, Li Yuan met them head-on with a lightning-fast spear, his form shifting as he thrust toward the tallest Fish Spirit n member.


    The long spear trailed afterimages.


    Thrusting straight at the adversary''s throat.


    "ng!" The Fish Spirit n member reacted swiftly, shing at Li Yuan''s spear with its wed arm, making contact.


    "ng!"


    "ng!"


    With variable spear techniques, Li Yuan was incredibly fluid, shing three times with the creature''s ws and taking advantage of the gap between its four arms to thrust straight into its chest like lightning.


    "Spurt~"


    Blood spurted out as Li Yuan''s spear pierced through the chest of the Fish Spirit n member, causing its body to stagger immediately.


    Yet, Li Yuan did not follow through to kill it at once. Instead, he swiftly withdrew his spear, his weapon swinging like a heavy stick, sweeping to the right to block a vicious swipe of a w.


    There were twelve of them, after all.

 Chapter 57: 55 Breakthrough! Global [996]

    ```


    "ng!"


    "ng!" Li Yuan''s long spear kept changing, blocking the three w strikes in session.


    Then, with a sudden roll, his figure was incredibly agile, once again avoiding thebined attack of two ws.


    It was extremely dangerous.


    "Pfft~" as he sprang up from the roll, Li Yuan casually thrust back, the spearhead piercing the eye socket of a Fish Spirit n member who couldn''t dodge in time.


    As he withdrew as soon as he struck, the spear tip had already churned through the brain.


    Bang~ The creature fell over.


    "Kill Count +1." the system notification sounded.


    Compared with his previous four attempts at the promotion battles, there had been no essential progress in Li Yuan''s spear technique.


    The greatest improvement was his movement technique, which allowed him to face the siege of these Fish Spirit n members with moreposure.


    "Too clumsy," Li Yuan thought to himself, "In terms of physical quality, these Fish Spirit n members should all be at least Eighth Level or even close to Ninth Level, much stronger than me."


    "But their skills are estimated to be at the peak of the Second Stage."


    If it were one on one, Li Yuan could kill a Fish Spirit n member at first contact.


    But there were too many of them.


    Even ants can overwhelm an elephant, let alone these Fish Spirit n members whose w swipes carry the force of over a thousand kilograms.


    "Roar~"


    "Howl!!" The Fish Spirit n warriors roared, seemingly more furious as they saw theirrades being killed, their bloodshot eyes fixed on Li Yuan, seeking to kill him.


    "Puff!"


    "Pffht!" While evading and blocking, Li Yuan would asionally burst out with his spear.


    Most of the time, Li Yuan was on the defensive.


    But, whenever he found an opportunity to strike with his spear, the Fish Spirit n would be either dead or injured.


    "They may seem numerous, but due to spatial constraints, at most three or four can attack me at a time," Li Yuan kept counterattacking by using their force.


    Time ticked away.


    "Kill Count +1"


    "Kill Count +1" the system kept reminding.


    In less than a minute, six Fish Spirit n membersy in a pool of blood, and the pressure on Li Yuan was steadily decreasing.


    Suddenly.


    "Waaah~" One of the Fish Spirit n members suddenly let out a strange cry, its four arms waving wildly, its ws like knives, grazing the endpoint of Li Yuan''s long spear.


    "Bang~" The spear shaft was forced to move in a different way, exceeding what Li Yuan had anticipated. His arms went numb from the shock, and his dodging body involuntarily slowed down by half a beat.


    Being half a beat slow in a life-or-death fight means the difference between life and death.


    "Hoof!"


    "Swoosh!" A series of emerald figures leaped toward Li Yuan, giving him no space to break out of the encirclement.


    No fewer than six w strikes, sharp as des, were swooping in from all directions simultaneously.


    "ng!" "ng!"


    "Thump!"


    Li Yuan wielded the spear, swinging it twice to block two w strikes, only to feel a terrifying force hitting his back.


    It was as if he had taken a brutal chop! Li Yuan''s entire body went numb, blood churning inside him.


    "Pfft~" A mouthful of fresh blood spurted out.


    Huff!


    Li Yuan steadied his stance, desperately mobilized the vigor throughout his body, and surged forward with the flow of the w attack to avoid the w that was swooshing in right after.


    However, more ws wereing down, exactly when Li Yuan''s old strength had faded and new strength hadn''t yet formed.


    "This is bad," Li Yuan''s scalp tingled.


    He felt a sense of mortal danger.


    In his previous four attempts at the promotion battles, the first two times he was beaten to death as soon as he arrived.


    The third time he killed three members of the Fish Spirit n.


    The fourth time he killed five members of the Fish Spirit n.


    He had thought that with his improvement in mobility, he had a chance to break through, but Li Yuan realized he had still underestimated the difficulty of the Fallen Star promotion battle.


    After killing six Fish Spirit n members, the remaining six seemed to enter a berserk mode, disying even more exaggerated speed and strength.


    "Kill!"


    "I need to be faster! Even faster!"


    Li Yuan''s eyes were faintly red as he let go of all restraints, knowing he was unlikely to escape and exerting all his strength to execute his spear technique.


    In that instant, Li Yuan felt as if the blood in his body was boiling.


    It was as if it was the natural burst of instinct in the face of death.


    All the vigor in his body seemed to be activated, with spirit, will, and body simultaneously exploding to their limits, reaching a mysteriously harmonious realm.


    "Huff!"


    At that moment, Li Yuan felt as though he had broken through some kind of limit in his control of his body, breaking free of shackles.


    The transfer of power throughout his body became wonderfully fluid, a sensation Li Yuan had never experienced before.


    "Boom!"


    Li Yuan''s spear suddenly increased in speed, carrying a much greater force with it.


    In an instant, the spear tip traced a semicircle through the air.


    "Puff!" "Puff!" A sweep of the spear cleared away one w, and the spear tip directly grazed the throats of two Fish Spirit n members, blood sshing.


    "Kill Count +1"


    ```


    "Kill Count +1"


    Two consecutive system notifications shed by.


    "Boom!" "Bang~" Several other attacks from the Fish Spirit n finally arrived, their sharp ws viciously shing at Li Yuan''s body.


    One w, in particr, was exceedingly precise, whooshing through the air and ferociously aiming for Li Yuan''s neck.


    With a splurch! Li Yuan felt the world spinning around him.


    Agonizing pain transmitted to his consciousness and he instantly vanished from where he was.


    Fallen Star advancement match, fifth challenge failed.


    Kill count, eight!


    ...


    Inside his personal space on the Starry Skies Fighting Network.


    "I."


    "What just happened?" Li Yuan stood dumbfounded on the spot, not the least bit disheartened by his failure in the Fallen Star advancement match.


    On the contrary, his eyes were filled with excitement and joy.


    "Thatst burst with my spear?" Li Yuan reminisced about that spear thrust.


    In the moment between life and death.


    Under that unprecedented oppression, all Li Yuan wanted was to be faster! Even faster!


    There was no deliberate move execution, only a desperate ''bite off a chunk of the opponent even in death'' frenzy.


    In this state of madness, Li Yuan channeled his vigor throughout his body, achieving a truly perfect,plete state.


    Because of this, he was able to turn the tides in his bleakest moment and strike down two members of the Fish Spirit n.


    "The transmission of vigor was wless, without the slightest obstruction," thought Li Yuan.


    His gaze swept across the Divine Pce panel in his field of view, looking at the section regarding his skill realm.


    ¡ª¡ª


    Skill Realm: Spear Technique (Third Stage 99%), Movement Technique (Third Stage 99%), Fist Technique (Fourth Level 0%)


    ¡ª¡ª


    "The realm, it really broke through," he said.


    "Fist Technique, it has stepped into the Fourth Level," Li Yuan''s eyes sparkled: "Fist Technique is a fusion of body and mind, a focus on the control of one''s physique, it was bound to be the first skill to break through."


    "Hahaha!"


    Li Yuan finally couldn''t help but burst into heartyughter, feeling an unprecedented sense of exhration: "My Fist Technique has been at Third Stage 99% for three or four months."


    "My Spear Technique reached Third Stage 99% two months ago."


    "In these past few months, I have been training my Spear Technique like a madman," said Li Yuan, with a glint in his eyes: "But I''ve been unable to break through, struggling to get a grip on it."


    "Justst night, my teacher told me to try and figure it out on my own, saying I might break through at any time."


    "I didn''t expect it."


    "So soon, just a single advancement match, and I''ve already broken through?" Li Yuan felt incredibly satisfied.


    Failure in the advancement match, a breakthrough in Martial Arts Skills.


    Li Yuan knew that it wasn''t a breakthrough amidst life and death, since it was all virtualbat, and deep down, he knew there was no real danger of death.


    Being able to break through was more due to the countless previous spear and fist practices, the umtion of experience,prehension, and a little bit of¡ªluck.


    From this breakthrough, he stepped into apletely new realm.


    "Master."


    "Congrattions, Master, you''ve broken into the top 1000 of the Blue Star Junior Rankings," the maiden beside him giggled: "Your current ranking is 996."


    "996?" Li Yuan was taken aback.


    His eyes had just scanned a system notification.


    "Guardian ¡¤ Yuan, you killed eight Guardians in the advancement match. Your ranking on the Blue Star Junior Rankings has risen from [1132] to [996] globally, [243] in the Xia Country District, and [9] in the Jiangbei region."


    Li Yuan, previously too excited, had focused solely on himself and missed this message.


    "996?"


    Li Yuan murmured to himself: "That uncle I met earlier also had 996 points."


    "Could it be, I have a special connection with 996 today?"


    "But I clearly ended up with 007." After joking about himself, Li Yuan ceased paying attention to the ranking.


    996th ce?


    This ranking on the Blue Star Junior Rankings is based on stage points and performance in the advancement matches.


    His previous four attempts at advancement matches each caused his ranking to soar.


    This time, he had sessfully entered the global top thousand.


    This was already an astonishing ranking.


    After all, Li Yuan''s gaze passed over a data disy regarding the Blue Star Junior Rankings: the listed number for the 2042-2043 period was ''36,874'' individuals.


    In the span of half a year.


    The Blue Star Junior Rankings had skyrocketed from just over four thousand people when Li Yuan first joined the list to over thirty thousand.


    Li Yuan couldn''t see the specific list, but he could see the totals.


    This was to ensure every Martial Path prodigy on the list had a general understanding of their own position, to prevent undue arrogance.


    "If I could have another go at the advancement match, I should be able to pass the Fallen Star stage match," Li Yuan thought to himself: "Too bad there''s no chance left."


    Failure in an advancement match meant a cooldown period of seven days.


    "Xiao Yu, on the Blue Star Junior Rankings, how many have reached the Fallen Star stage now?" Li Yuan casually asked.


    "As of today, there are 164," the girl in blue, Xiao Yu, answered: "The names cannot be disclosed."

 Chapter 58: 56: Senior Brother, I Recommend Someone to You

    ```


    "164th ce? That''s six more thanst week," Li Yuan nodded slightly.


    Li Yuan had to admit, his Martial Arts Skills had indeed improved quickly.


    But when looking at the number of martial arts geniuses globally, there were still a lot of them.


    "Xiao Yu, is there any extra reward for reaching the top 1,000 worldwide?" Li Yuan asked with a smile.


    "Nope," the girl answered. "However, ording to Master''s age, as long as you reach the Fallen Star stage before turning 18, you can get a reward of 500,000 Blue Star Coins."


    Li Yuan nodded slightly, but his goal was not the 500,000 Blue Star Coins rewarded by the Starry Skies Fighting 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, one of the three criteria is to reach 300 points in the Fallen Star stage of the Starry Skies Fighting Network before the age of 18," Li Yuan thought to himself, looking forward to it.


    Once the contract was upgraded, the many resources granted by the Martial Hall would soar significantly.


    The total value was at least tens of millions of Blue Star Coins.


    Whew!


    Li Yuan''s thoughts shifted, and he exited the virtualwork.


    ...


    It was a little past three in the morning.


    Like in the past, Li Yuan arrived at school early.


    In the Martial Arts Room 4011, the lights were fully turned on, and the recording and skills'' analysis functions were all activated as well.


    "Huh!"


    Li Yuan stood at the center of the Martial Arts Room, beginning to practice the Solid Rock Fist Technique.


    He stood there like an immovable boulder, and as he moved dynamically, his fists and palms alternated.


    "Boom~" Every now and then, the Martial Arts Room would resound with explosive sounds caused by the movement of air.


    Solid Rock Foundation Initiation, Steady as a Pir, Hidden Dragon in the Gorge, Millstone Push, Stone Bears All Life, Rock Anchors the Universe... These were moves of the Fist Technique that Li Yuan had practiced thousands of times before.


    Performing them today, however, he felt apletely different sensation.


    "Rustle~" Li Yuan''s heart was utterly tranquil.


    In the midst of practicing the Fist Technique, he quietly felt the flow of blood in his body like a rushing river, sensed the powerful beating of his heart, and even more so theyered transfer of muscle strength and the connection of tendons and flesh.


    All his vigor converged into the Great Dragon of his spine... With Li Yuan''s powerful spiritual power, he could deeply sense all of this.


    Every bit of strength in his body was under his control.


    With just a thought, he could perfectly maneuver his body''s power without wasting an iota.


    Everything within his body was under his ''perception'' as if he had an extra pair of eyes inside.


    "Is this what the teacher referred to as ''internal vision''?" Li Yuan marveled silently: "In ancient traditional martial arts, this is precisely the grandmaster realm that countless martial artists sought."


    The times were different.


    In ancient times, without Cultivation Methods, without various cultivating instruments, and certainly without something as miraculous as the virtualwork, reaching the grandmaster realm was extremely difficult for martial artists.


    This was the pinnacle of ancient martial arts.


    But in today''s Advanced Martial Era, the grandmaster realm? Though still a milestone in the Martial Arts Realm.


    Among countless Martial Artists, this realm was hardly a secret.


    "In the past."


    "With my powerful spiritual power, I could also vaguely sense the subtleties of my body''s muscles, bones, and tendons."


    Li Yuan carefully felt and familiarized himself with it: "However, it was not as clear as it is now."


    "Internal vision allows me to control every bit of strength in my body and to clearly perceive the state of every corner of my body."


    "This means that when I next practice the Basic Cultivation Method, the efficiency will be even higher," Li Yuan thought with great joy.


    Why does the Martial Arts Cultivation of the entire human civilization ce such importance on Martial Arts Skills?


    Because it is indeed important.


    It''s fundamental.


    For example, one of the three requirements to be a Second Rank Prime Warrior is for Martial Arts Skills to reach the Fourth Stage.


    [Your Fist Technique Realm has improved from Fourth Stage 0% to Fourth Stage 1%]


    [Your Fist Technique Realm has improved from Fourth Stage 1% to Fourth Stage 2%]


    One prompt after another shed on the Divine Pce panel.


    After two more hours, Li Yuan repeatedly practiced the Fist Technique, taking breaks to stand in stakes intermittently.


    He had pushed his Fist Technique Realm up to Fourth Stage 5% beforeing to a stop.


    "The force is now perfected."


    "Control is at a level of subtlety," Li Yuan revealed a trace of a smile: "Having just made a breakthrough, I managed to significantly improve my Fist Technique Realm with a bit of consolidation."


    "Progressing beyond this will be increasingly difficult."


    Li Yuan wasn''t in a hurry to practice his Spear Technique, as the premise of Body-Mind-Weapon Integration is the unity of body and mind.


    As long as his Fist Technique Realm is high enough, his Movement Technique will naturally enter the Fourth Stage, and with a bit of practice, his Spear Technique can break through as well.


    ```


    ```


    Like many martial arts grandmasters, they never really practiced with weapons much in their lifetimes, but any weapon that came into their hands would have an effect that would transform the decayed into the miraculous.


    Why?


    Because their unity of body and mind had reached an extremely high level, that is, the perfection of the Fourth Stage.


    Thus, any weapon they picked up, after a brief familiarization, could quickly unleash the standard of Fourth Stage martial arts skills.


    ¡­


    Li Yuan did not know that when he surged into Blue Star''s youth rankings, into the global top 1000.


    The system of the Starry Skies Fighting Network had already automatically sent the relevant documents to Xia Country''s Martial Arts Hall, Starry Sky Martial Hall, and Starfire Martial Hall.


    The top 1000 were in fact those under key observation, especially those with vast improvements like Li Yuan.


    ¡­


    At eleven o''clock in the morning, at the Starry Sky Martial Hall, Guan Mountain branch.


    "Bang~"


    "Lu Huai! You absolute jerk!!" Dressed in rather dazzling attire, Song Yi mmed the teacup in her hand onto the ground, where tea and shards flew in all directions.


    The scene she had just been called into by Lu Huai lingered in her mind.


    He handed over the documents about Li Yuan.


    Then, he said in a casual tone, "Hall Master Song, regarding the matter of Li Yuan signing a contract ahead of time, I personally feel you were somewhat inconsiderate. If the higher-ups pursue ountability in the future, you should brace yourself mentally."


    It seemed as if there was no scolding.


    But such words were already a severe usation of her ''negligence''.


    "It''s just the global top 1000, what''s so great about that?" Song Yi gritted her teeth. "It''s not as if his Spear Technique has broken through to the Fourth Stage, deserving such a big fuss. And he specifically had to call me over?"


    But in reality.


    Song Yi was feeling some regret in her heart.


    Although she could not see each specific battle scene of Li Yuan, the documents sent to the Martial Hall had already detailed Li Yuan''s recentbat record and win rate.


    An 88% win rate at the Gold Stage!


    A winning streak of over fifty matches at the highest.


    How exaggerated was that? It was enough to prove that Li Yuan''s martial arts skills had reached the perfection of the Third Stage, only a hair''s breadth from stepping into the Fourth Stage Realm.


    If it were just a seventeen-year-old''s perfection of Third Stage skills, that wouldn''t be too extraordinary.


    The key point is, a year ago, Li Yuan was still at the Silver Stage with Second Stage skills on the Starry Skies Fighting Network.


    This rate of progress was terrifying.


    Over so many years, Song Yi had not seen such a formidable martial arts prodigy in Guan Mountain District.


    "Hmph."


    "Perfection of the Third Stage? How many martial artists are stuck at this step? And it''s uncertain whether they can break through before the age of eighteen," Song Yi thought to herself. "Besides, even if he breaks through, so what? Without awakening the Martial Spirit to be a Prime Warrior, who knows how many years that would take."


    Her irritation stemmed from feeling embarrassed.


    And because of that, she was annoyed with Li Yuan.


    However, Song Yi never considered harming Li Yuan. Whilepetition existed between different Martial Halls, they were more cooperative thanpetitive overall, all sharing the same goal¡ªto fight for human civilization.


    ¡­


    At the Starfire Martial Hall, Guan Mountain branch.


    On the twelfth floor.


    "Li Yuan, in the global top 1000 of the Blue Star youth rankings?" Dressed in traditional Chinese attire, Hall Master Wan looked at the document in his hands, slightly surprised. "So soon?"


    After a brief moment of thought.


    Wan Qinghemunicated with Xu Bo to inquire in detail about Li Yuan''s various cultivation aspects.


    He then called coach Xing to inquire about Li Yuan''s recent status at the Martial Hall.


    Havingpleted all this.


    "This Li Yuan is truly an uncut gem," Wan Qinghe, looking at thepiled information in his hands, was somewhat surprised. "With so little resources, his physical quality has also improved so quickly?"


    "Could it be that he is actually the kind of individual with top-tier physical talent, who justcked the appropriate high-rank Cultivation Methods?" Wan Qinghe spected in his heart.


    But he was not certain.


    After pondering for a while.


    Wan Qinghe activated his smart wristband and selected a prominently marked contact from his list.


    He dialed.


    Beep¡ªbeep¡ªcall connected.


    Hum~ a holographic screen formed, showing a burly man holding abat saber, his presence formidable.


    "Brother Wan, what''s the rush to find me? What''s the matter?" the burly man asked jocrly.


    "Ninth Senior Brother."


    "Isn''t Kunlun Martial Arts University about to conduct a special training invitation inspection in Jiangbei Province?" Hall Master Wan spoke with great respect. "I''d like to rmend someone to you in advance."


    ```

 Chapter 59: 57 Bad News! Second Level War Alert!

    "You''re rmending someone to me?"


    The burly man known as Ninth Junior Brother to Hall Master Wan looked surprised and ced hisbat saber aside, pondering, "Have you returned from the Ruins Star Realm, Wan disciple?"


    The Ruins Star Realm was a star realm in the southern seas of Xia Country, also a Second Level Star Realm, but far less famous than Rob Sea.


    Wan Qinghe had been adventuring in the Ruins Star Realm for a long time.


    "Yes."


    "I''ve been back for over half a year and forgot to mention it to Ninth Junior Brother," Hall Master Wan said with a smile: "I have returned to Jiang City and now I am the Hall Master of a Fifth Level Martial Hall."


    Ninth Junior Brother not knowing his current situation did not surprise Hall Master Wan.


    Their master was one of Xia Country''s top Martial Path powerhouses, possessing not just the ability of Flying Heaven but could also be considered one of Kunlun Martial Arts University''s ''cornerstones.''


    Hall Master Wan was lucky to be epted as a nominal disciple back in the day.


    The burly man in the video, however, was a direct disciple.


    In terms of age, Hall Master Wan was a year older than the burly man and had entered the university a year earlier, but ording to the rules, all nominal disciples must call direct disciples ''Senior Brother.''


    The distinctions between nominal disciples and direct disciples were crystal clear.


    The gap in status was enormous.


    Moreover, with many years passed, the gap in their strengths had grown even wider, and they had not interacted much in nearly a decade.


    "Wan disciple, you should know that even though I am the ''Eight Institutes'' vice president, I''m only in charge of teaching. The inspection trip to Jiangbei Province was not led by me."


    "I''m not directly responsible for recruitment; at most, I offer suggestions," the burly man said carefully: "If his martial arts talents and strengths are not outstanding enough, he won''t pass the school''s final review."


    He subconsciously thought that Hall Master Wan wanted to use his influence, and he wasn''t too keen on it.


    Nor did he want to strain their rtionship.


    After all, when he''d just been epted by their teacher, Hall Master Wan had helped him quite a bit.


    "Haha, rest assured, Ninth Senior Brother," Hall Master Wan revealed a smile: "I don''t mean to trouble you, on the contrary, I truly wish to rmend a promising talent to you."


    "The one I''m rmending is seventeen and a half, and his Martial Arts Skills have already reached Third Stage Perfection," Hall Master Wan quickly said: "Yesterday, he broke into the top 1000 of the Blue Star youth rankings."


    "Moreover, his spiritual power talent is extremely high, I estimate he can alreadypare to 13th or 14th Level Martial Artists," Hall Master Wan finished in one breath.


    Heid out all of Li Yuan''s strengths.


    "Oh?" The burly man showed a hint of surprise: "From what you say, this youngster indeed sounds outstanding."


    "No, that''s not right."


    The burly man suddenly expressed doubt: "Wan disciple, based on what you said, he has the potential to aim for Starfire University. Why seek me out?"


    "Does he have a physical disability? Missing an arm or legs?" Ninth Senior Brother inquired: "Or are there other defects?"


    "Senior Brother is perceptive," Hall Master Wan said with a wry smile: "He has not awakened his Martial Spirit."


    "So that''s it," the burly man understood instantly.


    Martial Spirit was one of the most important indicators to measure martial arts talent, if not the most important.


    This could be glimpsed from how much it factored into the college entrance exam scores.


    "This kid, based on what you say, may not find it too difficult to spend hundreds of millions of Blue Star Coins to be a Prime Warrior with some extra resources," said the burly man: "But without a suitable High Rank Cultivation Method, forget about bing a Flying Heaven Warrior in the future, it would be difficult to even break through Level 25."


    "It is difficult," agreed Hall Master Wan.


    Yet Hall Master Wan silently muttered that Ninth Senior Brother really set his sights high, mentioning Level 25 when Hall Master Wan himself hadn''t reached Level 25 yet.


    But Wan understood that Ninth Senior Brother was only a step away from bing a Flying Heaven Warrior.


    "With such high mastery of techniques and strong spiritual power, logically, as long as thepatibility exceeds 80%, he would have the hope of sensing Cosmic Origin Power through a Cultivation Method," the burly man frowned: "His age is also approaching the limit... There''s a ny-nine percent chance that our human civilization''s seven major High Rank Cultivation Methods don''t suit him."


    "If he wants to achieve great sess in the future, he must create a High Rank Cultivation Method that suits himself," the burly man said with a hint of regret in his voice.


    The burly man''s vision was indeed high.


    He knew very well that to date, the human civilization''s seven major High Rank Methods were mostly developed by Flying Heaven Warriors, even those at the very pinnacle, through their personal experience and repeated experiments, gradually summarizing them over time.


    Creating a High Rank Cultivation Method, even if it was the most basic one tailored only to himself, would be extremely difficult for a Prime Warrior.


    Throughout the entire human civilization, such genius individuals were also rare.


    "Yes, it''s very difficult," Hall Master Wan acknowledged the difficulty of creating one''s own Cultivation Method: "But he truly is a promising seed, at least there''s a great hope for him to be a Prime Warrior."


    "A Prime Warrior?" The burly man pondered for a moment: "Here''s what we''ll do, Wan disciple. Send me his detailed information."


    "I''ll speak to Teacher Fan Jin for you and ask him to pay attention to this matter."


    "Teacher Fan Jin? Is he the visiting teachering to Jiangbei this time?" Hall Master Wan''s eyes lit up.


    Fan Jin was one of the teachers who had taught Hall Master Wan in the past.


    "Hmm, there are eight teachers organizing the inspection trip to Jiangbei, one from each of the Eight Institutes," the burly man said with a smile: "You also know that Jiangbei Province is one of the provinces where Kunlun Martial Arts University recruits thergest number of students."


    Hall Master Wan couldn''t help but nod.


    The five renown schools of Xia Country, each year, recruit about two thousand students each, a total of ten thousand.


    Out of which, about five hundred are recruited in Jiangbei Province alone, with Kunlun Martial Arts University recruiting more than 300 of them.


    However, those who make it to the special training list don''t exceed 15% of the admitted students.


    "As long as the kid is as you say, with decent Martial Arts Skills and spiritual power, he should have no problem getting on the special training list," the burly man didn''t finish his thought.


    "Thank you for the trouble, Ninth Senior Brother," said Hall Master Wan.


    He disconnected themunication.


    "Li Yuan."


    "I have done all I could for you," Hall Master Wan sighed inwardly: "I hope you can seize this opportunity."


    After a moment of thought.


    Hall Master Wan sent a message to Xu Bo.


    ...


    In the daytime, just after one in the afternoon.


    After lunch, Li Yuan arrived outside Xu Bo''s office, the door was open.


    "Teacher, you were looking for me," Li Yuan stood at the doorway.


    He had just received Xu Bo''s V-Chat message and came straight away.


    "Come in first," Xu Bo stood by the window.


    He was gazing at the cherry blossoms that were gradually blooming along the sides of the road outside.


    Every year, in March and April, it was the time when Jiang City''s cherry blossoms bloomed and attracted people from all over the country to visit and y.


    "You''ve entered the top one thousand of the Blue Star Youth Rankings, haven''t you?" Xu Bo looked at Li Yuan, "Your progress is faster than I expected."


    "Teacher knows?" Li Yuan was slightly surprised.


    He had only tried the advancement match after two in the morning.


    "News from Starfire Martial Hall," Xu Bo said and then roughly told Li Yuan about Lord Wan contacting Kunlun Martial Arts University.


    "A dean from Kunlun Martial Arts University?" Li Yuan held his breath.


    Martial Arts University is iparable to an ordinary cultural university.


    As far as Li Yuan knew, one had to at least be a Prime Warrior to hold a position in any ordinary Martial Arts University.


    A dean? Definitely a big shot.


    "I''m not sure who it is, but Lord Wan really has you in mind."


    "For this invitation event, the observer from Kunlun Martial Arts University will probablye to assess you specifically," Xu Bo instructed, "Prepare well and seize the opportunity."


    "The student understands," Li Yuan said solemnly.


    He immediately realized this was a rare opportunity.


    Perhaps, if he just demonstrated his strength normally, he could get an invitation for special training from the top five prestigious schools.


    But with additional attention, it would naturally be easier.


    "What a pity," Xu Bo suddenly sighed a little.


    "Teacher, what is it?" Li Yuan asked, puzzled.


    "I just think, if you had awakened your Martial Spirit and had the bonus of Spiritual Nature, you might have even had a chance at Starry Sky University or Starfire University," Xu Bo said, looking at Li Yuan with quite a bit of regret.


    "The top three global elite martial institutions?" Li Yuan smiled, something he had never dared to think about.


    The top three global elite martial institutions only recruited around a thousand people worldwide each year.


    Based on exam results, only the top ten in the whole province had a certain guarantee of entry.


    Li Yuan''s initial goal was just the top five prestigious schools.


    ...


    As time went by day by day, Li Yuan''s life continued in a straight line of three points.


    Aside from studying cultural sses in the morning.


    The rest of the time, Li Yuan devoted himself to cultivating his Fist Technique and Spear Technique, hoping to make aplete breakthrough in his Spear Technique.


    Before long, it was March 13th.


    Inside Martial Arts Room 4011.


    "Skills are interconnected."


    "Unity of body and mind, I feel that the strength in my body runs uniformly and reaches perfection," Li Yuan thought to himself, "I''ve even started to uncover deeper levels of strength in my body."


    "The might of my Spear Technique is also constantly improving."


    Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh! The long spear in Li Yuan''s hand changed unpredictably, darting with thrusts, whips, uplifts, and horizontal cuts.


    "Bang~"


    "Bang~" "Bang~" The giant sandbag hanging in mid-air in the Martial Arts Room, weighing a thousand kilograms, kept bursting with dull sounds.


    This training sandbag was reced by Li Yuan a month ago at his own expense to better facilitate his training.


    "Solid Rock Spear Technique, the five major killing moves, I''vepletely mastered them and truly engraved them into my bones," Li Yuan''s eyes shone brilliantly as he handled the long spear with endless variations, as if it had merged with him.


    "But..."


    "I still can''t fully master the first move of the Ster Spear Technique, ''Ster Illumination,''" Li Yuan kept trying.


    The might of his Spear Technique continued to improve.


    But for several days now, the Spear Technique skill on the Divine Pce panel was still stuck at Third Stage 99%.


    "The Divine Pce panel doesn''t give any hints."


    "But I have a feeling," Li Yuan''s eyes were bright: "I''m getting more and more proficient with this move, and if I keep practicing like this, I''ll soon haveplete control over the first technique."


    Li Yuan had a premonition that once he mastered it perfectly, that would be the time his Spear Technique would step into the Fourth Level.


    It''s not about slow progress, but theck of hope.


    "Beep¡ª Beep¡ª" Suddenly, a sound arose.


    "Master, your sister ''Li Qianqian'' is urgently trying to reach you," the assistant AI''s voice rang out.


    "Urgent contact?" Li Yuan was startled and immediately sheathed his spear and said, "Connect."


    Whoosh~


    A holographic screen formed, showing Li Qianqian''s small oval face, full of anxiety, with tears swirling in her eyes.


    Judging by the background, she seemed to be standing in a corner of a corridor.


    "Brother!" Li Qianqian cried out as soon as themunication connected.


    "Qian Qian, what''s the matter?" Li Yuan''s voice was low: "What happened? Don''t panic, tell me slowly."


    "Rob Sea!"


    "So many people have died in the Rob Sea Star Realm, the war has escted," Li Qianqian''s voice trembled with tension: "The country has already issued a Second Level war alert. Our teacher just spoke of it in ss."


    "Second Level war alert?" Li Yuan''s pupils shrank.


    The mes of war had been at a Third Level alert for the past half a year.


    Moreover, just two days ago, he had video called his uncle, and the war in the Rob Sea Star Realm was about to end, wasn''t it?


    The war hadn''t ended yet, but had escted?


    "I just tried to call Dad, and it said he wasn''t in the service area," Li Qianqian was extremely anxious: "I called Mom, and she didn''t pick up either."


    "Brother!"


    "You don''t think Dad is in trouble, do you?!"

 Chapter 60: 58: The Uncertain Fate of Li Changzhou

    "Out of the service area?" Li Yuan''s heart gave a jolt.


    If it was temporarily unreachable, that would be quite normal, perhaps they were just busy.


    But being out of the service area, there were only two possibilities.


    First, the signal at uncle''s location was being interfered with.


    Second, uncle was within the Star Realm.


    As far as Li Yuan knew, the interior of the Star Realm was very special, seemingly not in the same space as the regr Blue Star world, causing many technological weapons to malfunction andmunication to be extremely inconvenient.


    "Could it be that uncle had already entered the Star Realm?" Li Yuan thought with a sinking feeling.


    ording to recent news about the military situation in the Rob Sea, the military and Martial Hall''s martial artists had already prated deep into the Star Realm to counter-attack.


    Yet, whenmunicating with his uncle, his uncle always mentioned being at the ''Number 7 Base'' in the far rear.


    In an instant, numerous thoughts shed through Li Yuan''s mind.


    "Qianqian, don''t worry too much, uncle will be alright," Li Yuan said, still appearing very calm on the surface.


    Li Yuan did not want his sister to be frightened.


    "It must be that the signal was affected, so it''s out of the service area."


    "Uncle has always been in the rear, even if an unexpected situation were to arise in the battle, he would be able to withdraw quickly," Li Yuanforted her, "Aunt might be in ss and unable to answer the phone, so don''t worry too much."


    Li Qianqian and Li Muhua''s middle school and the school where Chen Hui worked were not the same one.


    "Really, brother?" Li Qianqian seemed somewhat reassured, but still full of worry, "Is my dad really in the far rear?"


    "Of course, it''s true," Li Yuan said with a slight smile, "Alright, go back to ss for now. I''ll let you know if there''s any news."


    He hung up the phone.


    The smile disappeared from Li Yuan''s face, as he spoke directly, "Xiao Yu, immediately search for thetest military situation about the Rob Sea, check if a Second Level war alert has been triggered."


    A Third Level war alert already meant arge-scale deployment of troops and martial artists to provide reinforcements.


    Second Level? That meant the entire Star Realm defense line was at risk of beingpletely breached.


    All the provinces would have to provide support on a massive scale.


    "Yes, master," the auxiliary AI responded.


    Only a few secondster.


    Hum~ The holographic screen formed.


    It disyed a news video, featuring Xia Country''s military spokesperson.


    The time of the news release was thirty minutes ago.


    The spokesperson, d in military attire, had a serious expression and a hint of sorrow as he reported.


    "...The Second Level Star Realm, Rob Sea... sincest September, up to now, there have been over eleven thousand casualties... Initiating Second Level war alert," the spokesperson announced solemnly.


    "I believe that in this war, Xia Country will be victorious, humanity will prevail."


    Right after that, one piece of news after another appeared on the screen: they were aboutrge-scale gatherings and mobilizations from various ces.


    "Support teams from twenty-nine Martial Arts Universities."


    "Combat robot legions."


    "Sky and Space Forces."


    Across vast wilderness, multitudes of multi-functional armored vehicles speeding onwards non-stop...


    On airport runways, rows of fighter jets and flying crafts taking off continuously...


    Alongside high-speed rail tracks, endless formations of fully preppedbat robots ready to deploy...


    ...In various ces across Xia Country, troops of ready martial artists stationed at the two great Martial Halls simrly began to urgently depart.


    Support from all directions.


    ...


    All of this.


    Indicated just how urgent and dangerous the situation was in the Rob Sea Star Realm.


    Watching each piece of news on the screen, Li Yuan''s fists clenched involuntarily, veins on the backs of his hands bulging slightly.


    In an instant.


    Li Yuan thought of the Star Realm disaster he personally experienced more than a decade ago.


    He had survived.


    But his parents had left him forever.


    Now, was this scene to be reenacted? As for uncle, even if he was in the so-called far rear, it was still the rear of the front lines.


    Was it truly safe?


    Thinking this, Li Yuan subconsciously looked out the window.


    It was still a day filled with bright sunshine and the fragrance of cherry blossoms.


    Through the window, one could see on one side of the Martial Arts teaching building, numerous students were still methodically engaged in their Martial Arts Cultivation, many even ying and fooling around.


    The Second Level war alert had only been issued a short while ago.


    Apart from the military and the two great Martial Halls, the majority of ordinary people were probably still unaware.


    Moreover, Northern Border Province was quite far from Jiangbei Province.


    A Second Level war alert mainly involved the deployment of military martial artists, and at most, the conscription of retired soldiers; it would not result in a total mobilization of civilians and would not cause much impact on Jiang City.


    "Xiao Yu, connect me to uncle," Li Yuan said in a low voice.


    "Beep¡ªThe target is not in the service area and cannot be reached," Xiao Yu replied.


    "Connect me to aunt," Li Yuan spoke again.


    "Beep¡ªBeep¡ª" Each second felt like a long wait.


    The call connected.


    But Chen Hui did not turn on the video, it only showed voicemunication.


    "Aunt?" Li Yuan spoke directly, "The Rob Sea¡­"


    "Xiao Yuan, I know, there''s no need to worry," Chen Hui''s voice was quite calm, "As soon as I got the news, I immediately called a colleague from your uncle''spany headquarters to ask."


    "The Number 7 Base where your uncle is at hasn''t been attacked; they''ve begun to retreat, but the signal is probably affected."


    Chen Hui said, "I guess he''ll call us tonight or tomorrow."


    "Is that so?" Li Yuan''s heart eased slightly.


    What worried him the most was the possibility of his uncle''s location being attacked and losing contact.


    "Yes, you don''t need to worry too much," Chen Hui''s voice remained light-hearted, "Alright, I have a meeting starting soon, so I have to hang up now."


    "Okay."


    He hung up the phone.


    ...inside an office at the school, empty, all the other teachers had gone to teach.


    He hung up the phone with Li Yuan.


    "Changzhou," Chen Hui''s eyes were bloodshot, tears faintly visible as she flipped through the light screen.


    Another chat screen appeared, the contact was named ''Manager Liu of Xia Construction Ninth Bureau''.


    Thest message sent by the other party was clear: "Chen Hui, don''t panic, the Base Three where Old Li and the others are located has indeed lost contact, but thepany has not confirmed that it haspletely fallen. The war base is very sturdy, and there is still hope for rescue."


    Base Three was a forward base.


    "Definitely!"


    "They must survive," Chen Hui silently chanted in her heart.


    What echoed in her mind were all the moments she had experienced with Li Changzhou over the past twenty years.


    Chen Hui understood that the front line of the war was so dangerous that the entire war base had lost contact... the hope was slim.


    But.


    Without confirmed news of the base''splete fall, Chen Hui would still hold on to hope.


    ...


    After hanging up with his aunt, Li Yuan breathed a sigh of relief, no longer as worried as before.


    Suddenly, his eyes widened.


    Something was wrong! There''s a problem!


    "If my uncle were really safe, my aunt would have shown concern, or evenined to me," Li Yuan thought like lightning, "But my aunt spoke too casually."


    That wasn''t like his aunt at all.


    At the same time, Li Yuan wondered, why didn''t his aunt answer the video call?


    Could it be?


    After taking a deep breath, Li Yuan spoke up again, "Little Yu, help me contact Wang Haoyu, noted as Uncle Wang."


    Wang Haoyu was his uncle''s former department colleague and a good friend of his uncle''s.


    Li Yuan remembered that when he was in elementary school, Uncle Wang and his Uncle Li Changzhou often drank and ate together.


    However, ever since his uncle applied for an external assignment, they were in contact much less frequently.


    Soon the call connected, and a middle-aged man in a suit appeared on the screen.


    "Uncle Wang," Li Yuan''s face was full of anxiety, "How is my second uncle doing? Have you been able to contact him? Did they evacuate?"


    "Little Yuan, you know already?" Uncle Wang on the video was taken aback.


    "I mostly know," Li Yuan was anxious, "Weren''t they saying that the war was nearly over? How did it suddenlye to this? Uncle Wang, do you know thetest situation?"


    "Since your aunt has told you, I won''t hide it." Uncle Wang sighed, "Base Three, although it wasn''t the first to be counterattacked, it is located on the edge of the Star Realm. It''s indeed out of contact now and probably under siege."


    Base Three? Li Yuan felt as if struck by lightning.


    His uncle wasn''t at Base Seven but at Base Three?


    "But Base Three is a forward base, the sturdiest of all. The country is gathering forces for a rescue," Uncle Wang said gravely, "Perhaps they can be rescued... Anyway, there''s still hope."


    "Also."


    Uncle Wang hesitated then said, "Little Yuan, I heard that you have achieved a lot in the Martial Path and even earned the ''Young Hero'' title. I was happy for you when I first found out."


    "You''ve grown up, and if, I mean if... it''s the worst oue, you have to be strong, take good care of your aunt and your younger siblings, understand?" Uncle Wang looked at the somewhat silent young man in white on the video.


    Uncle Wang felt an unwillingness and even thought his words were somewhat cruel.


    He had watched Li Yuan grow up.


    But he felt that, at this time, he should admonish Li Yuan.


    "I understand, fully understand," Li Yuan said in a low voice, "Don''t worry, Uncle Wang. I will take good care of the family."


    "Alright, I''lle over to see you and your aunt in a couple of days," Uncle Wang said finally, "I''m still busy over here, call me if anythinges up."


    "Hmm, thank you, Uncle Wang," Li Yuan ended the call.


    In the Martial Arts Room.


    Li Yuan was somewhat stunned, even feeling slightly dizzy, his mind full of Uncle Wang''s recent words ¨C Base Three!


    Lost contact, possibly fallen?


    Besides, he could tell from Uncle Wang''s words that it was highly likely his uncle wouldn''t make it back alive.


    "Definitely."


    "There must be hope."


    "Uncle, you must still be alive." Li Yuan clenched his fists tightly, his heart torn, full of despair.


    But still, Li Yuan harbored a sliver of hope in his heart.


    He stood still, not moving.


    Li Yuan was silent for a long time.


    As if he hade to a clear decision, Li Yuan began sending out messages to some people, including his younger siblings.


    Whoosh!


    Li Yuan bent down slightly, picking up therge spear he had discarded on the ground moments before.


    "What has happened cannot be changed."


    "Whether my uncle can survive is not within my control; that depends on the national military, on the martial artists," Li Yuan clenched his teeth, his heart was trembling with anxiety.


    "All I can do is pray for my uncle''s safe return."


    In Li Yuan''s heart, his uncle and father were no different.


    "If... it''s really that oue," Li Yuan''s eyes reddened slightly, "like what Uncle Wang said."


    "I must hold up this family."


    "Uncle would definitely not want me to wallow in sadness, he would wish for me to live on like a man," Li Yuan clenched his fists tightly.


    His eyes reddened, yet no tears fell.


    Li Yuan did not make more calls nor did he flip through the news again.


    Instead, he began practicing with his spear again!


    Spear shadows emerged once more.


    In the Martial Arts Room, they swept through the air in a howling burst, Solid Rock Pir, Hidden Dragon in the Gorge, Visions of Many Mountains... He executed each move of the Solid Rock Spear Technique wlessly.


    "Kill!"


    "Kill!" In that moment, Li Yuan felt as if the sandbags before him had turned into the Fish Spirit n.


    They had be those bloodthirsty creatures from the Star Realm.


    Li Yuan''s heart was filled with an uncontroble anxiety and sadness, and a hint of anger he wanted to release violently.


    Stabbing and cleaving with the spear again and again as time passed, Li Yuan''s spear technique became faster!


    More ferocious.


    It had surpassed the past! He was truly beginning to reach a new realm.

 Chapter 61: 59 Fourth Level Spear Technique

    After five to six days, Li Yuan''s Fist Technique had already improved to the Fourth Level at 6%, but his Spear Technique had not been able to break through.


    Body and mind integration is the foundation of Body-Mind-Weapon Integration.


    Therefore, Li Yuan practiced the Solid Rock Spear Technique over and over again, constantly pondering the first move of the Ster Spear Technique.


    This increased the might of his Spear Technique continuously.


    But!


    Body-Mind-Weapon Integration, the emphasis lies in the word "weapon", that is, the control over the weapon.


    The weapon is an extension of the body.


    Yet, it ultimately isn''t a part of the body, the spirit, the consciousness, the nerves cannot truly connect to the weapon.


    So, to perceive the flow of force within the weapon as clearly as one perceives the muscles and vigor of the body is very difficult.


    During these days, the might of the Spear Technique improved.


    This signified that Li Yuan''s perception of the redundant forces generated during the weapon''s motion, strikes, collisions, withdrawals, and Straight Thrusts was bing increasingly clear.


    Until today.


    Until this moment.


    When the news of his uncle''s uncertain fate arrived, Li Yuan swung the Long Spear filled with anger and murderous intent over and over again.


    He executed the moves repeatedly!


    A full hour passed.


    All that remained in Li Yuan''s mind was the Spear Technique, desiring to exhaust all his energypletely.


    Finally, as if resulting from a build-up of potential to a critical point, or perhaps as if destined by fortune.


    "Boom!" In Li Yuan''s mind, it was as if a door had been gently pushed open.


    His powerful spiritual power, as if it had grown eyes, subtly permeated the inside of the weapon.


    He perceived the extremely subtle flow of vigor within the weapon.


    "Rip~"


    The Long Spear danced, its tip drew dazzling arcs of light in mid-air, moving unpredictably, tearing the air and producing astonishing explosive sounds.


    Body, spirit, Long Spear!


    The three achievedplete Unity.


    Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!


    Whoosh!


    Overwhelming Spear Light flickered, enveloping Li Yuan in the center, like the twinkling stars in the night sky, round and wless, impregnable.


    It was the ''Ster Illumination'' among the five ultimate moves of the Ster Spear Technique.


    The Ster Spear Technique, renowned for its Defense, with the first move, Ster Illumination, as the opening form, is also the most essential one.


    Having mastered the first form.


    One could gradually extend to the following four forms, and eventually, when all five forms are integrated,prehend the Ster Realm.


    [Your Spear Technique realm has been elevated from the Third Stage at 99% to the Fourth Level at 2%]


    A prompt shed on Li Yuan''s Divine Pce panel.


    Whew!


    This unprecedented burst of power, coupled with the hours of practice that preceded it.


    Atst drained all of Li Yuan''s energy.


    Li Yuan felt an unparalleled exhaustion in both his spirit and body, waves of fatigue overwhelmed him, and his eyelids began to droop involuntarily.


    "ng~" The twenty-kilogram Long Spear hit the ground.


    Li Yuan simply sat down on the ground, and then copsed entirely.


    He fell asleep right there.


    Too exhausted.


    ...


    More than an hourter.


    Li Yuan was already lying in the bed of his rest room, snoring loudly.


    Next to him, Zhou Qi and L¨« Tianyou were sweating profusely.


    Having practiced Basic Cultivation Methods, Physical Quality had increased continuously, which meant the body had also be heavier; it had not been easy for the two of them to get Li Yuan onto the bed.


    Then, they covered him with a thin quilt.


    In March, Jiang City still carried a bit of chill.


    "Teacher Xu, Li Yuan will be okay, right?" Zhou Qi couldn''t help asking, a hint of concern in his eyes.


    "He''ll be fine."


    "He must have practiced Spear Technique to the limit, exhausted his strength, too tired," Xu Bo said indifferently from the side


    "How did you guys know something was wrong with Li Yuan?" Xu Bo looked at the two of them.


    Zhou Qi and L¨« Tianyou exchanged a nce.


    "Teacher, wasn''t there an incident in Rob Sea?" L¨« Tianyou took the initiative, "Li Yuan''s uncle has always been there, and since Li Yuan didn''te down for dinner... we got a bit worried, so we thought we''d check on him."


    "The door was ajar, we pushed it open and found him," continued L¨« Tianyou.


    "And you?" Xu Bo looked towards Lin Lanyue standing by the door.


    "I saw them rush out from the Martial Arts Room looking panicked, so I came over to have a look," today Lin Lanyue was dressed in a red martial outfit, "and immediately sent a message to you, Teacher."


    Lin Lanyue''s gaze settled on Li Yuan''s face.


    Xu Bo nodded slightly and added, "Has Li Yuan''s uncle not returned to Jiangbei yet?"


    "No," Zhou Qi shook his head, "from what Li Yuan said, it seems like he''s always been on the front lines."


    "Alright, I got it," Xu Bo nodded, "Zhou Qi, you two go have your meal first."


    "Yes."


    Zhou Qi and L¨« Tianyou left the Martial Arts Room.


    "Lin Lanyue," Xu Bo turned to Lin Lanyue, speaking gravely, "Li Yuan''s uncle''s incident, it seems, has had a big impact on him."


    "Tomorrow afternoon."


    "You''re setting off for Jiangbei Martial Arts University; you are more familiar with that ce... do your best to help him out."


    "As for Li Yuan," Xu Bo''s gaze returned to Li Yuan lying on the bed, he sighed lightly, "his luck has always been not very good."


    "Luck?" Lin Lanyue was startled upon hearing this, and asked, "His fainting is rted to his uncle? Is his uncle that important to him?"


    In Lin Lanyue''s impression, Li Yuan was supposed to have an extremely strong will.


    "He is an orphan."


    Xu Bo said indifferently, "It was his uncle who raised him, and from what I know, his uncle went adventuring in Rob Sea probably to earn more subsidies for Li Yuan''s Martial Path cultivation."


    Lin Lanyue''s heart trembled slightly, she couldn''t help but nce at Li Yuan lying on the bed.


    ```


    She had not expected Li Yuan''s background to be so special.


    She had had no idea before.


    "Did his uncle sacrifice himself?" Lin Lanyue couldn''t help asking.


    "Not sure," Xu Bo shook his head, "As you know, the situation in the Rob Sea is incredibly chaotic, but judging from Li Yuan''s expression, the outlook doesn''t seem too good... The war in the Star Realm is hard to call."


    Lin Lanyue nodded slightly, her background made her very worldly.


    In some respects, she had insights that Xu Bo didn''t necessarily have.


    "Teacher Xu, I will do my best to help Li Yuan in this invitation event," Lin Lanyue''s gaze swept over Li Yuan once more, as if she had made a certain decision: "I''ll try my best to get him on the special training list."


    "However."


    "You don''t have to go out of your way to tell Li Yuan," Lin Lanyue added: "With his personality, he probably wouldn''t like to ept direct help from others."


    "Hmm, let me thank you on behalf of Li Yuan," Xu Bo smiled faintly: "You go back first, I''m here, no need to worry."


    ...


    After watching Lin Lanyue leave, Xu Bo''s gaze fell back on Li Yuan, his brow slightly furrowed.


    "Really training with the spear to the limit? Tired to this extent?" Xu Bo murmured to himself.


    The initial check by the rest room equipment confirmed there were no major issues with Li Yuan''s body.


    All indicators were normal.


    Thinking of this, Xu Bo exited the resting room, gently closed the door behind him, and spoke in a low voice: "ck Dog, I want to check the Martial Arts Room 4011, I am applying for video ess."


    Every individual Martial Arts Room, aside from the resting areas, was monitored.


    But ordinary teachers didn''t have the authority to view the footage.


    After a while.


    "Master, the application is sessful, you can check the videos from the past seven days," the assistant AI''s voice rang out.


    Whirr~


    Xu Bo''s smart ring projected a light screen which showed the inside of the Martial Arts Room.


    "y the scene from two hours earlier," Xu Bomanded.


    The scenes in the light screen immediately changed, revealing Li Yuan practicing his Spear Technique in the Martial Arts Room.


    Just one look.


    "This Spear Technique?" Xu Bo''s pupils showed a hint of surprise, how could he not recognize the impressiveness of Li Yuan''s Spear Technique? It was clearly much stronger than before.


    Time passed.


    Faster! Faster! Xu Bo kept watching until he finally stopped speeding up the footage.


    The most crucial moment arrived.


    "Fourth Stage Spear Technique!" Xu Bo''s eyes widened, shock filling his gaze.


    "Seventeen and a half years old, Fourth Stage Spear Technique?"


    Xu Bo knew that with Li Yuan''s rate of progress, he would eventually enter the Fourth Stage of Spear Technique.


    But he had never imagined Li Yuan would breakthrough so quickly.


    "The special training list is secured," Xu Bo grinned.


    Then, he nced at the slightly ajar door next to him, and his smile faded away.


    "Oh."


    ...


    It was past eight in the evening.


    Li Yuan gradually awoke from a deep sleep, his head pounding and his body still feeling overwhelmingly fatigued.


    "Me? Am I on a bed?" Li Yuan noticed the light nket covering him.


    The light suddenly turned on, the door opened, and the light was blinding.


    Li Yuan subconsciously covered his eyes.


    "Awake?" A pleasant voice sounded, and a girl in a crimson training outfit stood by the door, seemingly holding a few boxes of nutrition meals.


    "Lin Lanyue?" Li Yuan recognized the owner of the voice.


    "I''ve just reheated the nutrition meals for you; they''re on the dining table there, you should get up and eat," Lin Lanyue said: "I''ll call Teacher Xu over."


    After putting down the items, Lin Lanyue turned and left.


    Li Yuan sat up swiftly, quicklying to his senses as the headache eased: "Did I pass out on the floor while practicing with the spear?"


    After getting out of bed and washing up.


    Li Yuan stepped out of the rest room and approached the dining table, where four boxes of nutrition meals wereid out.


    He was too hungry to think much, so he started eating voraciously.


    "Finally awake? Looks like you''ve got quite an appetite," Xu Bo''s voice came from the doorway.


    "Teacher," Li Yuan set down his chopsticks and stood up.


    "Don''t get up, sit and eat," Xu Bo said with a slight smile: "It''s your first time performing Fourth Stage Spear Technique, the sudden, excessive physical exhaustion must have made you hungry."


    "Teacher knows I''ve achieved Fourth Stage with my Spear Technique?" Li Yuan was slightly taken aback.


    Xu Bo smiled and didn''t exin.


    "Where is Lin Lanyue?" Li Yuan instinctively looked towards the doorway.


    "I had her go back to cultivate," Xu Bo said: "She cares for you, at six o''clock she bought you meals, fearing you wouldn''t have enough, she bought four boxes."


    Li Yuan felt a warm feeling in his heart and couldn''t help saying: "She found me unconscious?"


    "The ones who found you were Zhou Qi and Li Tianyou," Xu Bo said: "Then Lin Lanyue happened to be there, and she called me over."


    Li Yuan nodded and continued to eat voraciously.


    He was indeed hungry.


    "You pushed yourself too hard in spear training and then suddenly had a breakthrough, your body couldn''t handle the consumption all at once and so you fainted," Xu Bo said standing by: "Don''t worry, once your body gradually adapts, it''ll be fine."


    As Li Yuan ate, he asked: "Teacher, is itmon for people to experience this upon breaking through to the Fourth Stage with their technique?"


    "Most won''t," Xu Bo said: "Most Martial Artists break through to the Fourth Stage of a technique after reaching level 15, when their bodies are strong enough."


    "Your body is too weak."


    "With Body-Mind-Weapon Integration, and your spiritual power being much stronger than your physical quality, the immense consumption in an instant is what caused this," Xu Bo exined.


    Li Yuan suddenly understood.


    He devoured a box of food like a whirlwind, yet he didn''t feel sated at all.


    Now, Li Yuan felt like he could eat a whole cow.


    "Li Yuan, your uncle is at Base Three, right?" Xu Bo suddenly said.


    Li Yuan froze, his voice tinged with excitement: "Teacher, is there news?"


    "Base Three has not fallen," Xu Bo said gravely.


    ```

 Chapter 62: 60: Flying Heaven Warrior, Civilizations Blade

    "Really?" Li Yuan looked at Xu Bo excitedly, momentarily forgetting to continue eating.


    When his Fist Technique broke through to the Fourth Level, Li Yuan was very excited and joyful. He nned to share the good news with his uncle once his rank on the Starry Skies Fighting Network was raised to Fallen Star.


    But when his Spear Technique stepped into the Fourth Level, Li Yuan''s heartcked that joy.


    It wasn''t until now, learning that Base Three had not yet fallen, that Li Yuan''s somewhat suppressed mood lifted considerably.


    In his heart, hope was kindled.


    "Teacher, where did this informatione from?" Li Yuan couldn''t help but ask.


    "I heard about your uncle from Zhou Qi," Xu Bo said. "The school has some of your uncle''s information. Xia Country''s Iron Ninth Bureau... I asked around, and the Iron Ninth Bureau''s construction support teams are mainly concentrated in Bases Three and Four."


    "At present, only Base Three has lost contact," Xu Bo said. "Given your situation, I inferred that your uncle should be at Base Three."


    Li Yuan nodded slightly.


    Having spent so much time together, Li Yuan had long realized that although his teacher appeared to be a rough man, he was actually incredibly perceptive.


    "My second uncle is at Base Three," Li Yuan said.


    "From what I know, this time, it''s the fiercest counterattack by the Alien Race from the depths of the Rob Sea. They had been umting strength for years, constantly luring the enemy deeper..." Xu Bo briefly exined. "The casualties have been heavy; the first three War Bases have been besieged, and Bases One and Two have already fallen."


    "Base Three is the oldest of the forward bases and the most robust; it has been confirmed to still be resisting."


    "The state has already dispatched arge amount of support forces to push back the Alien Race that broke through from the Rob Sea Star Realm." Xu Bo said, "Right now, they are also going all out in the rescue effort for Base Three."


    Li Yuan listened intently.


    Xu Bo''s words were simple, yet they contained a massive amount of information.


    "Can they be saved?" Li Yuan couldn''t help but ask.


    "First, let''s watch a recentbat video. This is an internal military video; don''t share the content elsewhere," Xu Bo said, but he didn''t continue to exin where the video hade from.


    "ck Dog, y the video."


    Beep!


    A light screen projected from Xu Bo''s smart ring and a video appeared on it.


    Li Yuan watched the video.


    The dark sky was raining.


    There was a vague blood hue in the sky, and majestic mountain ranges stretched into the depths of the earth.


    Rocky and barren mountains were numerous, with scarce vegetation, and one could vaguely see many skeletal remains, macabre and terrifying.


    "The Rob Sea Star Realm?" Li Yuan''s pupils contracted slightly.


    He had seen many documentaries about the Rob Sea Star Realm and had some understanding of its domain.


    "This is the outer perimeter of the Star Realm," Xu Bo said. "Keep watching."


    Quickly, the camera angle changed.


    "Rumble rumble~" At the same time, an immensely frenzied roar came from the video.


    A gigantic metal War Fortress appeared in the video, with an area so vast and standing thousands of kilometers tall. Built against the mountains, it resembled an undying steel city.


    Visibly, the outermostyer of the fortress showed countless outlets, revealing a massive array of cannon muzzles and gun barrels, sinister and terrifying.


    At that moment, countless fire serpents were pouring out from those cannon muzzles.


    "Howl!"


    "Roar!" "Roar!" A multitude ofrge beasts with strange appearances charged from a hundred miles away at a stunning speed, from the sky and through the passageways between the rolling mountain ranges, relentlessly towards the steel War Fortress in the extreme distance.


    "Beast-type Star Realm Creatures?" Li Yuan held his breath.


    Using flesh and bone to fight against thermal weapons.


    "Boom!" Countless cannons fired, and smoke filled the air.


    Whoosh! Whoosh! These Star Realm Creatures varied from several meters to dozens of meters in size, all moving at a stunning speed. While advancing, they were making great efforts to dodge the firepower.


    Large-caliber, high-speed metal bullets streamed like fire serpents, wildly ravaging the ground.


    The vast majority of Star Realm Creatures were instantly torn apart if swept by therge calibers or hit by the cannons.


    But.


    When the stream of bullets struck a few Star Realm Creatures, a thinyer of red light would instantly appear on their surface, preventing them from being torn apart by the barrage. They could only be forced backward, not destroyed.


    Even among these few creatures with red light shining on their bodies, one swift move could cover hundreds of meters. They didn''t dodge at all,pletely withstanding the metal onught and advancing without interruption.


    It was chilling.


    "Origin Power?" Li Yuan said instinctively.


    "Correct," Xu Bo also stared at the light screen, speaking softly, "to withstand the metal bullet stream, they must be at least Second Rank Alien Species. They have cultivated Origin Power into their bodies, their vitality is formidable, and their defense is terrifying."


    "In the Star Realm, unlike on Blue Star, many high-tech weapons can''t be used."


    Li Yuan watched and listened.


    Many of these bits of knowledge had been covered in middle and high school ssrooms, and he was somewhat familiar with them.


    High-speed missiles guided by satellites and many super long-range weapons were difficult to use in the Star Realm... because fundamentally, the Star Realm and Blue Star weren''t in the same world.


    The more cutting-edge the technology for the weapons, the more limited its use.


    On the contrary, purely close-range thermal weapons powered by gunpowder were rtively unaffected by the environment.


    "Is this Base Three?" Li Yuan watched nervously in the video.


    That massive War Fortress standing between heaven and earth was like a monstrous metal beast devouring life, ughtering countless Star Realm Creatures on the path of their assault.


    But!!


    The Star Realm creatures suffered heavy casualties, but their numbers were astonishing, and instead of swarming en masse, they dispersed strategically, minimizing their own losses.


    "Are they trying to deplete the War Fortress''s ammunition?" Li Yuan instantly surmised.


    As time psed, the video showed that under the cover of numerous Second Rank creatures, the Star Realm creatures'' army was getting closer and closer to the area where the War Fortress was located.


    Star Realm creatures were pure cannon fodder.


    Watching the intense battle in the video, Li Yuan''s tension ran high, his fists clenched subconsciously.


    But just as the Star Realm creatures'' army gradually approached the outer defense line of the War Fortress, suddenly¡ª


    "Boom!" An inconspicuous exit appeared on the massive War Fortress.


    The next moment¡ª


    A golden stream of light burst forth from the exit, its terrifying speed creating a visible shockwave in its trajectory.


    Even with Li Yuan''s eyesight, he could barely make out the details of the golden light.


    Buzz~The video slowed down to more than ten times its normal speed.


    "What''s that?" Li Yuan finally saw it more clearly¡ªa human figure cloaked in the golden light, seeming to wear a metallic battle garment, wielding a Combat Saber.


    Soaring through the void!


    "A Flying Heaven Warrior?" Li Yuan was breathless, a wave of fervor boiling within him.


    Legends spoke of powerful warriors who could soar through the heavens and burrow through the earth, the true guardians of human civilization.


    Only two seconds.


    "Buzz~" The video returned to normal speed, and that dazzling golden light had torn through the sky, its speed far exceeding multiples of the speed of sound!


    "Poom~"


    "Poom~" "Poom~!" In the sky, those Second Rank flying creatures screamed in terror and scattered, their flying speed soaring to over a hundred meters per second under the threat of death.


    A rare few flying Star Realm creatures even reached near-sonic speeds, but still, the golden light quickly caught up to them.


    Then came streak after streak of explosive golden Saber light shing through the Vast Sky.


    Each streak of golden light represented the fall of a flying Star Realm creature, their bodies bursting open, plummeting toward the ground.


    Then¡ª


    The golden light dove down from the thousands of meters in the sky, rocks shattering explosively¡ªit was like a deathly golden beam.


    Wherever it passed, all the mighty Second Rank creatures, whether it was serpents over fifty meters long or armored behemoths rising over twenty meters high like small hills, were rended open upon impact.


    The Human warrior bathed in the golden light appeared like an Asura emerging from the depths of hell!


    ...


    The video ended, and Xu Bo simultaneously shut off the intelligent ring disy, the Martial Arts Room quieting down.


    Li Yuan''s eyes were wide with surging emotions, his blood boiling, and he couldn''t calm down for a long time.


    Flying Heaven Warriors!


    This was what Li Yuan had imagined¡ªthe supreme martial force capable of soaring through the heavens and roaming freely, standing at the pinnacle of human civilization.


    "Teacher, was that a Flying Heaven Warrior?" Li Yuan asked eagerly, looking up at Xu Bo.


    "He''s not quite a Flying Heaven Warrior, but in terms of strength, many Flying Heaven Warriors are not his match," Xu Bo said.


    Li Yuan was puzzled.


    "Once you enter university, you''ll gradually understand," Xu Bo said seriously. "The person who made that move is named Yu Jinghe, a graduate of Starfire University, and should be considered the foremost Martial Path genius to emerge in Xia Country in the past twenty years."


    Clearly, Xu Bo was very familiar with Yu Jinghe.


    "Yu Jinghe?" Li Yuan held his breath,mitting the name to memory.


    Previously, Li Yuan had never heard of this person.


    The world of top martial artists was mysterious and vast; they often wandered the Star Realm, only appearing on the front lines of war during critical moments, serving as the sharpest des of human civilization.


    Therefore, most of the time,mon folks seldom heard the names of Flying Heaven Warriors.


    On the contrary, many Prime Warriors who became top broadcasters were more famous on the virtual Combat Network.


    "The foremost Martial Path genius in Xia Country?" Li Yuan thought to himself.


    Indeed impressive.


    "With the Alien Race from the Rob Sea nning for years, under normal circumstances, Base Three would surely have fallen," Xu Bo spoke gravely. "But with Yu Jinghe there, just in time, when coupled with the War Fortress''s defense system, there''s hope it could hold out until reinforcements arrive."


    "That impressive?" Li Yuan was inwardly astonished.


    "He has the strength to rival a Flying Heaven Warrior," Xu Bo said in a low voice. "Each Flying Heaven Warrior is nearly a humanoid nuclear weapon, one man equivalent to a million-strong army."


    "Every Flying Heaven Warrior is a pir of strength for human civilization."


    Li Yuan listened quietly.


    In the past, he knew Prime Warriors were strong, and he had heard legends about Flying Heaven Warriors.


    But never had he felt so directly the terrifying martial force of a Flying Heaven Warrior.


    "Yu Jinghe?"


    "You must hold on," Li Yuan silently prayed. "Uncle, you must survive."


    Meanwhile¡ª


    After watching the video, a seed was nted in Li Yuan''s heart.


    "Flying Heaven Warrior!"


    "One day, I will also be a Flying Heaven Warrior, a lone guardian against a million-strong army, unmatched throughout the Star Realm."

 Chapter 63: 61 "Nirvana Divine Scripture

    ```The Second Level war alert caused a huge stir in less than a day, with support rushing from all over to the Rob Sea.


    However, for most citizens of Jiang City, life wasn''t greatly affected.


    Watching the military video that Teacher Xu Bo showed him, Li Yuan''s originally tense heart also rxed quite a bit, and he wasn''t so worried.


    A little past nine in the evening.


    After finishing four boxes of nutritional meals and taking a bottle of basic Qi and blood potion, Li Yuan finally felt most of his hunger dissipate and his body''s sense of fatigue recover substantially.


    "Indeed, it wasn''t wrong."


    "When people are hungry, they only think about eating," Li Yuan sighed inwardly, "Once satiated, all sorts of misceneous thoughtse flooding in."


    Li Yuan was even more worried about his uncle.


    He packed up his things.


    "Teacher, I''m heading home," Li Yuan said.


    "Hmm, get everything ready when you get back," Xu Bo said, "Tomorrow afternoon, we''ll head out to Jiangbei Martial Arts University."


    "Yes."


    ... Li Yuan walked out of the elite building with others following.


    "I hope Li Yuan isn''t too badly affected," Xu Bo watched as Li Yuan walked out of the school gate, "With his Spear Technique breakthrough to the Fourth Level, as long as he performs normally, he should be able to make it onto the special training list for Kunlun University."


    "Once he gets past this, the road ahead will be much smoother."


    Xu Bo well knew that Li Yuan''s cultivation was different from ordinary people; he needed arge amount of resources to support it.


    He must strive to get into the coreyer of the top five universities.


    ...


    It was nearly ten o''clock when Li Yuan finally got home, his younger brother and sister had already gone to sleep.


    His aunt looked as usual, changing her story tofort Li Yuan.


    Telling Li Yuan not to worry, just to focus on preparing for the invitation event at Jiangbei Martial Arts University.


    "Alright, as long as uncle is fine, I will definitely strive to secure a spot on the special training list," Li Yuan said.


    He didn''t break through his aunt''s lies.


    Li Yuan knew that his aunt''s reluctance to tell him the truth was also for fear of affecting his assessment at the invitation event of Jiangbei Martial Arts University.


    "Tomorrow."


    "I will head to Jiangbei Martial Arts University," Li Yuan returned to his room and went through his cultivation as per routine.


    He was not in the least bitcent about his Spear Technique advancing to the Fourth Level.


    On the contrary.


    Having witnessed the power of a Flying Heaven Warrior, feeling the helplessness of his uncle being in danger, Li Yuan''s motivation to cultivate was stronger than ever before.


    Persistent and steady umtion is the foundation of great achievements.


    [Your life level has increased from 8.8 to 8.9.]


    [Your Fist Technique, from...]


    [Your speed, from...] The Divine Pce panel issued three consecutive reminders.


    "Fist Technique breakthrough to the Fourth Level."


    "Today, Spear Technique also entered the Fourth Level, I have perfect control over the vigor in my body, uncovering deeper potential, and cultivating the Basic Cultivation Method has indeed increased efficiency," Li Yuan nodded to himself.


    Originally, his cultivation efficiency was already faster than that of most students in the elite ss.


    In the future, it will only be faster.


    ...


    After one in the morning, while Li Yuan was still cultivating the "Observing the Great Sun Starry Sky Scripture" at home.


    In the Guan Mountain District, Starry Sky South Lake Residential District.


    The name of the district is quitemon, but in reality, it is one of the most top-tier residential districts in Guan Mountain District, let alone the entire Jiang City.


    Because, those who live here are families of Martial Artists from the Starry Sky Martial Hall, and at least a Level 15 Warrior.


    To the east side of the district is the most expansive, manor-like superrge detached vi, with extremely strict security, not just guards on duty, but alsobat robots patrolling.


    On an adjacentwn, there is also a flying vehicle parked.


    Inside the vi''s basement, there is a thousand square meterrge Martial Arts Hall, extremely luxurious, with all sorts of technological facilities avable, even a sixty-meter ''speed testing runway''.


    In the center of the Martial Arts Room.


    A girl dressed in red exercise gear had her eyes tightly closed.


    "Boom~" Waves of intense heat, resembling dancing mes, kept emerging around her, then condensed behind her back.


    Gradually, behind the girl, the vague form of a me phoenix tree took shape.


    On the phoenix tree, the phantom of a firebird seemed to circle and dance, elusive and indistinct.


    "This?"


    "My little sister?" The young man in a blue Martial Path suit standing to the side was shockingly watching this scene, "The Burning Body Phoenix Tree, Phoenix Soul Refining."


    "My little sister actually fulfilled the requirements of the ''Nirvana Divine Scripture'' before she turned eighteen," the young man was dumbfounded.


    Even though father had tasked him with checking on her, saying she''d likely awaken someday.


    However, the young man hadn''t quite believed it before he came.


    Because, from a young age.


    Aside from her perseverance in training, his little sister did notpare to himself and his elder brother back then.


    "Father really does see things clearly," the young man muttered to himself.


    Seconds and minutes ticked by.


    The young man patiently waited.


    His little sister meeting the requirements for cultivating the "Nirvana Divine Scripture" meant a guaranteed smooth future, and as her brother, he naturally felt joy.


    Another quarter of an hour passed.


    The swathes of red light gradually merged into Lin Lanyue''s body, causing her expressions to show slight pain, but she gritted her teeth and endured it.


    Lin Lanyue could clearly feel an astonishing transformation taking ce inside her body.


    It was like a leap in life level.


    Finally, everything calmed down.```


    ```


    "Huh!" Lin Lanyue gradually returned to normal, only her skin had be more rosy, and a faint me mark appeared on her forehead.


    As the me mark slowly merged into her forehead, she also opened her eyes.


    "Me? My physical quality." Lin Lanyue gently clenched her fists, feeling the significant transformation of her body, and couldn''t help but look towards the young man in the distance, "Second brother?"


    "Your physical quality was already at 9.6 levels before; now, it must have surpassed 10.0 levels, reaching the threshold requirement for an Entry Rank Martial Artist," the young man said with a smile.


    "Improvement this fast? Won''t it affect my future?" Lin Lanyue hesitated.


    She knew that many treasures that quickly enhance one''s strength in a short period could actually consume one''s life potential, limiting future achievements.


    "No."


    "What you took was the ''Crimson Sky Fire Marrow Crystal'' that mother had someone send from Feixing, along with the ''Sr Phoenix Bloodstone'' that father helped you refine into your body a few years ago. They perfectlyplement each other," the young man said with a smile: "Their main function is to promote a second awakening of your Spiritual Nature."


    "In fact, most of the power of these two treasures has not yet been unleashed. As you continue to practice in the future, they will naturally exert their effects gradually."


    Lin Lanyue nodded slightly.


    All this time, she seldom took basic qi and blood potions and other auxiliary cultivation drugs.


    But as her body maturedpletely, the speed of improvement in her physical quality became faster and faster.


    The most important reason was the foundation-building treasure left inside her by her father.


    "Second brother, did I just seed?" Lin Lanyue couldn''t help asking.


    "Yes," he said.


    The young man expressed his feelings: "Just as father predicted, you have met the requirements to practice the ''Nirvana Divine Scripture''."


    "I really don''t get it."


    "Both big brother and I attempted a second awakening of Spiritual Nature and failed. We could only continue practicing the ''zing me Burning Cultivation Method,'' and even now, we are still 29th level Prime Warriors." The young man shook his head with a wry smile: "If mother knew that you had met the requirements to practice the ''Nirvana Divine Scripture,'' she''d be very happy."


    "Mother?" Lin Lanyue''s eyes dimmed; she hadn''t seen her mother for many years.


    Father and big brother were also busy.


    Only the second brother would asionallye to see her.


    "What about father? Why didn''t hee today?" Lin Lanyue couldn''t help asking.


    "He went to the Rob Sea," the young man said solemnly: "The situation there is intense. The country conjectures that with the aliens being so aggressive, the likelihood of the Rob Sea Star Realm''s entrance expanding into a ''Third Level Star Realm'' is very high."


    Third Level Star Realm?


    Lin Lanyue was shocked; she understood what that meant.


    In the whole Blue Star, there were several Second Level Star Realms, but only one Third Level Star Realm had appeared so far.


    Another Third Level Star Realm? And within the territory of Xia Country?


    It would undoubtedly be a disaster.


    "No wonder the country has directly issued a second-level war alert," Lin Lanyue thought to herself.


    "Therefore, the Martial Arts Department has speciallymunicated with father, requesting him to go there," the young man said. "If it reallyes to the most dangerous moment,"


    "Only a strong man like father could prevent the frontline situation frompletely copsing."


    Lin Lanyue nodded slightly; she knew her father''s significance to the country.


    "Little sister."


    "You handle this well; I must leave in a bit," the young man smiled: "In the following few months, you''ll need to work harder."


    "Get a good result,"


    "Once the college entrance exam is over, the family''s review team wille," the young man advised.


    "You''ve just arrived, and now you''re leaving?" Lin Lanyue frowned.


    "I''m the boss of the department. With so many people waiting for me, surrounding me, how can I stoppletely?" The young man said affectionately as he patted the girl''s head: "Don''t worry, once the matter with the Peni Star Realm is settled, I''lle back to see you."


    "If there''s anything, we can alsomunicate via virtualwork."


    "Mm, I got it, don''t worry," Lin Lanyue said with a smile.


    She really didn''t want her second brother to leave, but she knew the priorities.


    ...


    March 14th, Saturday, 2 PM.


    Guan Mountain District''s first high school.


    While other students were practicing in the Martial Arts Room,


    a vice-principal, Xu Bo, and the senior grade director had brought Li Yuan, Lin Lanyue, Gu Qianghan, and ten other students to stand at the sports field, waiting.


    Li Yuan, Gu Qianghan, and the others were carrying bags on their backs.


    "Li Yuan, have you been to Jiangbei Martial University before?" Gu Qianghan asked in a low voice.


    "No," Li Yuan shook his head slightly.


    Jiangbei Martial Arts University''s campus was over a hundred kilometers away from Jiang City and under strict control.


    "I''ve been there twice, following my sister." Gu Qianghan said with a smile: "She has a lifetime pass and can take someone with her."


    "Oh?" Li Yuan looked at Lin Lanyue, who was closing her eyes and resting, with some surprise.


    He knew Lin Lanyue''s family was well-off, but to have a permanent pass to Jiangbei Martial University?


    "Here ites." Xu Bo suddenly spoke up, looking up at the sky.


    Whoosh!


    Arge flying vehicle that resembled an airship rapidly descended from the high sky, then quickly slowed down and gentlynded on the school sports field.


    This was a colossal object, more than seventy meters long and over twenty meters high.


    Its surface was streamlined, emitting a faint blue light.


    Very beautiful.


    "A second-level flying vessel, RB9 type,monly used for short-distance passenger transport," Gu Qianghan recognized it immediately and muttered: "As expected of Jiangbei Martial University, sovish."


    Second-level flying vessel? Li Yuan was secretly amazed.


    As far as Li Yuan knew, all of Blue Star''s flying vessels were categorized as ordinary, first rank, second rank, third rank... The standards hinged mainly on flight speed and protective capacity, with each rank divided into various types based on usage.


    For example, a second-rank flying vessel, once sealed, could withstand attacks from a second-rank Prime Warrior from startup to full eleration without damage.


    Flight speed? When cruising at full speed, it was at least supersonic, and several times the speed of sound was not surprising.


    Hum~ The hatch slowly opened.


    "Prepare to board," Xu Bo said in a low voice.


    ```

 Chapter 64: 62 Provisionally Listed as A-level

    Click¡ªthe hatch opened fully, its automatic locking mechanism engaging to prevent it from closing abruptly.


    Then, a staircase slowly descended from the hatch,nding steadily on the yground.


    A middle-aged man dressed in a ck Martial Path uniform, along with a young man in a suit, appeared at the hatch, following the steps down.


    "You must be Professor Ming, what a pleasure to meet you," the vice-chancellor said, extending his hand.


    The man in the Martial Path uniform offered a polite smile: "Hello."


    Afterward, the middle-aged man''s gaze shifted to Xu Bo standing beside him: "Xu Bo, long time no see."


    "Senior Ming," Xu Bo said with a hint of respect, "I didn''t expect you toe."


    Xu Bo was well aware of the middle-aged man''s prowess. Though he appeared to be under forty, he was actually in his eighties¡ªa powerful Prime Warrior.


    He was a very famous professor at Jiangbei Martial Arts University, with students all over the province and a high reputation within it.


    Xu Bo had met him once before.


    Martial Artists have exceptionally strong memories; once they meet someone, they rarely forget.


    "Ha-ha, why couldn''t Ie?" Senior Ming asked with a smile, "I didn''te just to see you, but to take a look at the future young talents of Jiangbei Province."


    The two conversed as though good friends.


    "These must be the youngsters your school selected this year," Senior Ming''s gaze fell on Li Yuan and others, his eyes shing briefly.


    Boom! Boom!


    As his gaze swept over them, Li Yuan instantly felt an overpowering pressure hit him, causing his heart to skip a beat.


    It was like a normal person walking in the wild suddenly discovering a white-foreheaded tiger crouched three meters away, staring intently at them.


    It was terrifying!


    Fortunately, Li Yuan''s spiritual power had already reached level 15, and day and night within the Mind Spirit Divine Pce, his will had been tempered by the scorching sun to be incredibly resilient.


    He did not show any difort!


    In contrast, among the other nine students, aside from Lin Lanyue and Gu Qianghan, everyone else instinctively stepped back two paces.


    Even two of the students let out an involuntary cry before realizing there was nothing to fear, and hung their heads in shame.


    "Psychic pressure, huh?" Li Yuan thought to himself.


    When he had read "Basics of Martial Path," the book mentioned that beings with strong blood energy, powerful spiritual power, and astonishing will would naturally form a biological maic field around them, exerting pressure on weaker life forms nearby.


    This wasmonly referred to as ''presence.''


    "Not bad, all of you are fine seedlings," Senior Ming said, his aura returning to normal with a smile.


    "You tter them, Senior Ming," the vice-chancellor responded politely.


    Whoosh!


    Senior Ming took a step and, like a phantom, moved over ten meters to stand before Lin Lanyue.


    Immediately, everyone''s attention shifted to them.


    "Senior Ming," Lin Lanyue said with considerable respect.


    "Lin Lanyue?" Senior Ming''s voice became gentle: "It seems the Lin Family is about to produce another outstanding heroine."


    "You know me, Senior?" Lin Lanyue sounded a bit surprised.


    "I do," Senior Ming said with a smile: "Years ago, I coborated with your father. I have great respect for him."


    The surrounding crowd was shocked, staring at Lin Lanyue, as they realized her father must be quite remarkable.


    "Senior Ming is this friendly with her?" The vice-chancellor and the grade advisor were both surprised


    Indeed, they did not know the true lineage of Lin Lanyue.


    The ''family information'' Lin Lanyue shared with others was optimized.


    "Thank you, Senior Ming," Lin Lanyue said, neither humbly nor arrogantly.


    "Work hard," Senior Ming said with a smile.


    Then, he turned his attention to Li Yuan standing nearby: "Young student, what is your name?"


    Li Yuan replied with great respect: "Li Yuan."


    "Li Yuan?" Senior Ming chuckled: "I''ll remember that. Li Yuan, if you don''t choose one of the top five universities for your college entrance exam, Jiangbei Martial University''s ''Warrior ss'' will always wee you. I''ll keep a special training contract reserved for you."


    "What?" Everyone around was taken aback.


    "Li Yuan is that strong?" Gu Qianghan looked curiously at Li Yuan.


    The other students were equally shocked.


    The quota for Jiangbei Martial Arts University''s Warrior ss? Most of the students present didn''t care.


    After all, as top ten in their grade, they were aiming for the top five universities.


    But to have a special training contract reserved especially for him?


    It meant that Senior Ming had high hopes for Li Yuan, recognizing his immense potential, far surpassing the other students present.


    "Li Yuan scored lower than us in the January mock exams."


    "He is favored over us?"


    "Could it be that Li Yuan''s strength surpasses ours by far?" A few students exchanged nces, confused but not daring to express it.


    "A special training contract reserved for me?" Li Yuan was also bewildered.


    Senior Ming saw so much in him?


    Could it be that, like Hall Master Wan, he had sensed something special in his spiritual power?


    "Li Yuan, aren''t you going to thank Senior Ming?" Xu Bo urged in a low voice.


    "Thank you for your generosity, Senior," Li Yuan promptly replied with respect.


    "Ha-ha, no need to be so formal," Senior Mingughed and then addressed all the students: "I know you all are aiming for the top five universities, but consider Jiangbei Martial University as a fallback."


    "Moreover, this event is being observed by representatives from the top five universities."


    "I hope that everyone will make the most out of these five days."


    "Alright, board the flyer."


    ...


    They watched the flyer take off.


    "Teacher Xu," the vice-chancellor couldn''t help but ask: "Do you know who Lin Lanyue''s father is?"


    "Not sure," Xu Bo shook his head.


    "What about Li Yuan?" the grade advisor inquired with curiosity: "Based on grades, even without the extras, isn''t Li Yuan behind Lin Lanyue? Why does Senior Ming favor him alone?"


    "I guess he wants to take Li Yuan as his godson," Xu Bo said with a smile.


    ```


    Grade Director: "..."


    ...


    Inside the aircraft, apart from senior Teacher Xu and a few other teachers from Jiangbei Martial Arts University, there were already more than ten students sitting.


    Looking at the school badges, they all came from other schools in Guan Mountain District.


    "Looks like they''re from First High School."


    "They have so many people, and our school only got two slots."


    "Stopining. The tenth ce from their school is probably stronger than our first ce."


    Students from other schools whispered among themselves.


    "Take your seats in order of your number and fasten your seat belts," instructed the young man in a suit.


    Lin Lanyue, Li Yuan, and Gu Qianghan sat in two rows facing each other ording to their grades.


    Li Yuan, who ranked sixth overall in his grade, happened to sit opposite Lin Lanyue.


    "Thanks for yesterday," Li Yuan said to Lin Lanyue in a low voice.


    "It was nothing," Lin Lanyue nodded.


    Curiosity got the better of Gu Qianghan: "Sis, what happened with you and Li Yuan yesterday?"


    "Sit down and shut up," Lin Lanyue replied coldly.


    Gu Qianghan dared not ask any further.


    "Li Yuan, have you awakened your Martial Spirit?" asked the short-haired, bulky young man sitting in the middle, looking at Li Yuan with curiosity and an underlyingpetitive spirit.


    The other ssmates also looked at Li Yuan curiously.


    They all remembered the scene from earlier; Teacher Xu''s attitude towards Li Yuan was distinctly different.


    "No," shook Li Yuan''s head.


    "You haven''t awakened?" The short-haired, bulky young man was confused: "But what about Teacher Xu earlier?"


    "I don''t know," Li Yuan shook his head.


    The short-haired, bulky young man frowned and was about to continue questioning.


    "Dong Haifeng," Lin Lanyue suddenly said coldly, "Hasn''t anyone taught you? Don''t pry into others'' privacy."


    "Lanyue, you?" Dong Haifeng''s expression slightly changed.


    "Lanyue is what you call her?" Gu Qianghan, sitting beside her, was unhappy: "Call her by her full name."


    Dong Haifeng was taken aback. He turned to look at Lin Lanyue, who was sitting by the window and had closed her eyes, clearly unwilling to deal with him.


    "Understood," Dong Haifeng muttered.


    Immediately, Dong Haifeng''s gaze swept over Li Yuan, and a subtle hint of disgust shed through his eyes.


    But he said no more.


    When you dislike someone, there''s no need for words.


    "Dong Haifeng?" Li Yuan, with his strong spiritual power, sensed the change in thetter''s emotions.


    Dong Haifeng, who often ranked in the top three of his grade in Martial Arts, was not much different from Gu Qianghan.


    Li Yuan did not know why the other held a dislike towards him, but he did not care.


    "I''m not Blue Star Coins; how can everyone like me?" Li Yuan shook his head lightly: "Even if I were Blue Star Coins, some still call them ''the root of all evil''."


    ...


    At the core area of Jiangbei Martial Arts University was a massive steel War Fortress, towering over three hundred meters high and brimming with a sense of technology.


    From a distance, it looked like a sci-fi city made of steel.


    Inside the steel city, in a small conference room, more than ten men and women dressed in uniform sat in a circle.


    The badges on their chests bore the uniform emblem of an imposing mountain.


    "The students invited to the event will arrive at the school this afternoon."


    "These eighty-eight students are the primary targets of our recruitment mission, and we aim to persuade them to apply to Kunlun Martial Arts University," dered the bald, burly middle-aged man at the head of the table, his voice sonorous: "You''ve all quickly reviewed the information, and the corresponding targets have been allocated to you."


    "S-grade targets, three."


    "A-grade targets, thirteen."


    "B-grade targets, seventy-two."


    "Prepare detailed scouting reports. Immediately interview and sign contracts with those confirmed to meet B-grade standards. Understood?" the bald man asked in a deep voice.


    "Understood," the group responded in unison.


    "Any additions?" the bald man asked.


    "President Li," a soothing voice suddenly spoke up: "I would like to add another candidate for scouting."


    Swish! Swish! Everyone turned to look all at once.


    "Professor Fan?" the bald man turned to look.


    The speaker was an unassuming elderly man in his sixties, known as Professor Fan Jin from Kunlun Martial Arts University''s ''Eight Institutes''.


    "Who?" inquired the bald man.


    "Li Yuan," Professor Fan Jin answered.


    "Li Yuan?" The bald man pondered: "Student Li Yuan from the First High School of Guan Mountain District?"


    "Yes," nodded Professor Fan Jin.


    "His Martial Arts Skills are not bad, fitting the A-grade standard, but his other aspects are average, which overall do not meet the B-grade standard," the bald man directly shook his head.


    He had memorized the information of thousands of students participating in the recruitment event.


    "The material is iplete," Professor Fan Jin stated: "I''ll add two points."


    "First, his skills are top-notch, having entered the top one thousand of the Blue Star youth rankings. In terms of skills, he meets the baseline of the S-grade standard."


    "Second, he has an extremely strong talent for spiritual power,parable to a 15th-level Martial Artist," Professor Fan Jin said.


    Surprise showed on the faces of the seated teachers.


    "Is this information reliable?" the bald man''s eyes brightened as he pressed for confirmation.


    "Reliable. As ofst October, he has already signed a B-grade contract with Starfire Martial Hall," Professor Fan Jin assured.


    "Good, temporarily listed as A-grade, a key target for scouting," the bald man decided, looking at Professor Fan Jin: "Professor Fan, you will take charge."


    "In five days, I want to see a detailed scouting report on him."


    ```

 Chapter 65: 63 Jiangbei Martial Arts University

    The aircraft took off andnded along the way.


    After picking up students from over ten schools, there were more than fifty students sitting inside.


    Finally, the aircraft started to elerate, shooting straight into the clouds.


    From the city area to the Jiangbei Martial Arts University campus, it was only over a hundred kilometers, and the Second Rank aircraft reached its destination in just a few minutes at full speed.


    It descended slowly.


    At four o''clock in the afternoon, the cabin door opened, and over fifty students followed Teacher Ming and others in disembarking the aircraft one by one.


    This was arge airport.


    Around the runway, there were already up to a hundred aircraft parked, with most looking simr to the one Li Yuan and his peers were on.


    Apart from the terminal building, not far away, there was a very special metallic high-rise, under which hundreds of students were standing densely packed.


    In the distant horizon.


    Lay a huge War Fortress, hundreds of meters tall and upying a vast area.


    "War Fortress?" Many students couldn''t help but exim in surprise.


    Li Yuan also looked over, unable to help himself.


    In the city area, aside from a few special buildings, most did not exceed twelve stories.


    But the distant, massive War Fortress, with its smooth contour lines, was filled with geometric aesthetics and a stern technological texture.


    The outeryer of the fortress seemed to also use a reflective material, shimmering with the changing light. One could vaguely see denseser turrets, electromaic towers, and numerous unmanned droneunch tforms.


    With just one nce,


    Li Yuan thought of the ''Number Three Base'' located in the Rob Sea Star Realm, towering a kilometer high, that he had seen in videos ¡ª the two were very simr.


    But watching in a video and seeing it in person conveyedpletely different levels of impact.


    "Jiangbei Martial Arts University''s War Fortress is rarely seen in photos online," Li Yuan thought to himself. "But why is there a War Fortress inside the university?"


    "Everyone, look over here,"


    "Let me introduce to you," the suit-d man leading the group said with a smile. "The War Fortress you see in the distance is ssified as a Second Rank War Fortress by the Seven Star Alliance, and it is the main teaching building of our Jiangbei Martial Arts University."


    "At the same time, it is also a military base, so during the entire event period, photography is prohibited on campus, which I''m sure everyone understands," he continued.


    The main teaching building? A military base?


    Located in the same ce? Many students were confused.


    "You all are soon to be students at the Martial Arts University, and you need to start changing your mindset," the young man in the suit said with a smile. "Ordinary university students are stillmon people, just like countless other civilians, and they are under protection."


    "But students at the Martial Arts University are notmon people."


    "Each Martial Arts University, in fact, is a gathering ce for top martial artists to teach and invest massive resources."


    "Each student at the Martial Arts University is a reserve military officer. Why does the nation invest so much in Martial Arts Universities?" the young man in the suit asked with a smile.


    "To kill enemies, protect the nation!" some students said instinctively.


    This was the education and guidance they had received from childhood.


    "Right, in a crucial moment," the man in the suit said solemnly, "any student from the Martial Arts University must unconditionallyply with military conscription."


    Students like Li Yuan and Lin Lanyue all became solemn, listening attentively.


    Every student aspiring to be a Martial Artist was aware


    that upon entering a Martial Arts University, one must sign a ''Conscription Contract,'' which meant bing a reserve military officer.


    A Martial Artist signifies not only powerful strength and extremely high social status but also the responsibility of guarding human civilization.


    Martial Artists, tasked with killing enemies and protecting the nation, have an inescapable duty.


    If one does not have such conviction and mental preparation,


    then there is no need to apply to the Martial Arts University, and one might as well remain an ordinary person.


    "Simrly, whether it is one of the top five universities or the Martial Arts Universities in each province, the locations are carefully chosen," the man in the suit added with augh. "In the future, you all will understand."


    "Now, look over here again."


    "The metal tower nearby is an Electromaic Tower, considered an extremely high-end core ofnd arsenals, and it is part of the peripheral defense of the entire War Fortress," the man in the suit continued to exin. "Our city has many Martial Artists and is also staffed by the military, making it very safe."


    "But here we are sparsely popted, and aircraft often take off andnd, which can easily attract the attention of flying Star Realm Creatures. Therefore, an Electromaic Weapon Tower has been specially built next to the terminal building."


    "Any flying Star Realm Creatures that dare to appear or approach within tens of kilometers will be directly killed by the electromaic cannons inside the Electromaic Tower," the man in the suit exined. "To reduce energy consumption, it is currently in a hidden state."


    "If fully activated, there would be hundreds of electromaic cannons," the man in the suit said with a smile.


    Listening, many students were quite shocked, as they had rarely seen such war weapons while living in the city.


    "Let''s go,"


    "Come over here to gather; most people have already arrived," the man in the suit led everyone to gather under the Electromaic Tower.


    In fact,


    the hundreds of students who had originally been waiting under the tower could not help but look over.


    "Seems like they''re from Jiang City again."


    "So many people, this is the third batch already."


    "Jiang City really gets a lot of slots."


    "What do you mean Jiang City gets a lot of slots? That''s because our city has good results. College entrance exams look at scores; over a third of the students admitted to Jiangbei Martial Arts University are from Jiang City," someone retorted.


    "Heh, I''m going to see, is Jiang City really that great?"


    "Not a single one who''s handsome," students from all over Jiangbei Province whispered among themselves.


    All who were invited were elite students from around the province.


    They were mostly big names at their respective schools, with many being perennial top students, and naturally carried a bit of arrogance.


    Drawing close, the dozens of students from Guan Mountain District, with Lin Lanyue and Li Yuan at the core, started toe over.


    There was no way around it, the most numerous and prestigious students at Guan Mountain District''s Number One High School were Lin Lanyue and Li Yuan.


    Walking beside Li Yuan, Lin Lanyue suddenly whispered, "Li Yuan, take a look at the boy over there ying with his smart ring, his name is Tian Dazhuang, remember him."


    "Tian Dazhuang?" Li Yuan was momentarily stunned.


    Such an unusual name.


    He looked over and saw a person with unremarkable appearance, short and stocky limbs, someone who would be absolutely unnoticed in a crowd.


    "What about him?" Li Yuan asked, puzzled.


    "Hees from the mountainous region of Shi Zhou," Lin Lanyue said softly. "His family is very poor, but in the January examinations, he scored full marks in Martial Arts Skills."


    "Full marks?" Li Yuan was slightly surprised and couldn''t help but give another look to the youth named Tian Dazhuang.


    His Martial Arts Skills are that impressive?


    "And that girl in white clothes, she''s from Xiangzhou," Lin Lanyue continued softly. "Her name is Wang Yu, she also scored full marks in Martial Arts Skills in the January examinations."


    "Wang Yu?" Li Yuan also made a mental note.


    The girl named Wang Yu, dressed in a tight Martial Arts uniform, had a great figure, but her appearance was ordinary, not nearly as striking as Lin Lanyue.


    "Any others?" Li Yuan couldn''t help asking.


    "You think full marks in Martial Arts Skills are asmon as cabbages? Thest one is Wu Dongdong from the city district, he hasn''t arrived yet," Lin Lanyue said with a shake of her head and a chuckle. "But several months have passed since the January examinations, so I wouldn''t rule out someone else making a breakthrough."


    Li Yuan murmured to himself.


    Someone else made a breakthrough? Unfortunately, that would be me.


    "Remember them, are we going to fight against them?" Li Yuan asked.


    "Didn''t you look at the schedule?" Lin Lanyue nced at Li Yuan. "There''s a Martial Arts Skills assessment tonight, did you think it would be an isted test like the college entrance exam?"


    "Is it not?" Li Yuan wondered.


    He had looked at the schedule.


    But the schedule didn''t offer detailed exnations for each item.


    "A free-for-all battle, thest one standing wins," Lin Lanyue uttered eight words.


    Li Yuan''s pupils contracted slightly; this was one type ofpetition mode from the Starry Skies Fighting Network.


    Very brutal.


    "Try to avoid those top experts as much as possible, if you can survive until the end of a fight, the observers from the five famous schools will definitely have a higher opinion of you," Lin Lanyue said in a low voice. "For the universities, they''re not just looking at scores, but more atbat experience."


    Li Yuan nodded slightly.


    If onecks absolute strength advantage but still emerges victorious in the melee, it''s enough to prove one''sbat capability.


    After all,bat isn''t aboutparing scores. Even someone strong can still lose to someone weaker.


    Therefore, knowing the strengths of others in advance is very important.


    "There are about ten others with Martial Arts Skills scores over 380 points; they all might make a breakthrough. I''ll point them out to you, and you remember," Lin Lanyue pointed each one out to Li Yuan, naming them and their scores.


    With Li Yuan''s spiritual power, remembering a dozen people in a short amount of time wasn''t difficult.


    After memorizing them all, Li Yuan asked in a low voice, "Why are you helping me?"


    The January examination results from each city were not made public. It''s not easy searching them out one by one.


    Most importantly, getting a hold of these people''s appearances and then remembering them is incredibly difficult.


    A normal 12th-grade student, who would go out of their way to pay attention to the results from other districts? And remember the faces on top of that?


    Even for their own city, it''s impressive enough just to remember the first-ce student.


    "Friends help each other," Lin Lanyue said with a faint smile. "I also hope you can help me during thebat assessment."


    Li Yuan smiled too, help Lin Lanyue?


    When he saw the special treatment from Senior Ming on the school''s sport field, Li Yuan had used ''Inquiry'' on Lin Lanyue and confirmed that her Physical Quality had reached an astonishing 10.1 level.


    This was already beyond the full score standard for Physical Quality in the college entrance exam.


    But Li Yuan didn''t reveal this.


    "Alright, mutual assistance," Li Yuan replied.


    He vaguely felt that from yesterday to today, his rtionship with Lin Lanyue indeed seemed more like that of normal friends.


    Furthermore, Li Yuan was truly grateful to her.


    This information hade at the perfect time.


    With his Spear Technique just breaking through to the Fourth Level, he might not be able to win if he really faced Tian Dazhuang or Wang Yu.


    Li Yuan continued chatting with Lin Lanyue.


    Not far away, other students looked on by themselves.


    Suddenly.


    Another aircraft arrived, dropping off dozens of students.


    "Here theye, from our Jiang City district," Lin Lanyue suddenly said.


    Li Yuan was taken aback; he couldn''t tell at all.


    Leading the team was a ponytailed girl hopping and skipping around, looking around curiously.


    "Gu Qiang, your good friend has arrived," Lin Lanyue turned her head to look at Gu Qianghan, who was bragging to a girl.


    "Good friend? Who?" Gu Qianghan turned his head, and his pupils shrank. "Crap, that little lunatic."


    He started to run.


    But it was toote.


    Whoosh! In a sh, the ponytailed girl appeared in front of Gu Qianghan and said cheerfully, "Little Qiang, long time no see."


    "Dongdong, it has been a long time, you''ve gotten prettier," Gu Qianghan forced a smile.

 Chapter 66: 64: Chaos in the Cage, The Goal is to be First

    "You just now, you wanted to run as soon as you saw me?" the ponytailed girl stared at Gu Qiang.


    "No, I just wanted to use the restroom," Gu Qiang hurriedly shook his head.


    "Really?" the ponytailed girl eyed him with doubt.


    "Really," Gu Qiang asserted with confidence.


    "Then why aren''t you going anymore?" the ponytailed girl red at Gu Qiang.


    "Seeing you, I no longer feel the need to go to the restroom," Gu Qiang blurted out.


    "Bullshit, if you want to run just say it. Anyway, when I want to beat you up, you can''t run away," the ponytailed girl huffed.


    The pretty girl beside them had already started tough.


    Gu Qiang''s face was almost green; just moments ago, he''d been boasting to her about how tough he was.


    "I''m not dealing with you anymore." The ponytailed girl flipped her hair and then her gaze fell upon Lin Lanyue not far away, her eyes lit up, and she jumped over: "Yue Yue sis."


    "Dongdong, long time no see." Lin Lanyue smiled and opened her arms to embrace the ponytailed girl.


    Lin Lanyue was half a head taller than the ponytailed girl, looking just like an older sister hugging her younger sister.


    Li Yuan watched the two from the side.


    After letting go of Lin Lanyue, the ponytailed girl curiously looked at Li Yuan and hesitated, "Are you Li Yuan?"


    "Mm-hmm." Li Yuan nodded.


    "You''re handsomer than how Yue Yue sis described you." The ponytailed girl showed her little tiger teeth and extended her hand, "Hello, my name is Wu Dongdong."


    "Wu Dongdong?" Li Yuan looked at the ponytailed girl.


    "She''s Wu Dongdong." Lin Lanyue smiled at Li Yuan, "Yuan Yue test, first in Jiang City, don''t be deceived by her appearance."


    "Mm-hmm." Li Yuan nodded lightly, still feeling somewhat surreal.


    Martial Arts Skills, Physical Quality high school exam double full score.


    A Martial Arts genius that is hard toe by in the entire Jiangbei Province in a year, looking at the whole world, probably at the top among her peers, it''s hard to associate with the ponytailed girl in front of him.


    "Yue Yue sis said you have excellent Martial Arts Skills, not many can impress Yue Yue sis." The ponytailed girl looked at Li Yuan, extending her smart ring, "Come on, add me on V, we can spar on the Combat Networkter."


    "Sure." Li Yuan smiled and added her as a friend.


    Li Yuan could tell, Wu Dongdong was naive, incredibly talented, and well-acquainted with Lin Lanyue; her background must be quite significant.


    "Dongdong, sparring on the Combat Network is fine," Lin Lanyue whispered, "Butter during the skills assessment, in the melee, if youe across Li Yuan..."


    "Understood." Wu Dongdong nodded like a pecking hen, "If I encounter Yue Yue sis and Li Yuan, I''ll first take out the others, then we can have a one-on-one at the end."


    "What if youe across me?" Gu Qiang edged forward, full of anticipation.


    "I''ll take you down first."


    ...


    Time passed, and after a quarter of an hour, aircrafts arrived one after another.


    At four o''clock in the afternoon, everyone finally arrived.


    Immediately after, Professor Ming delivered a stirring speech, andstly announced the start of the invitation to visit.


    Then, everyone received their campus ID cards.


    The first item¡ªcampus tour.


    ...


    Li Yuan had to admit.


    Jiangbei Martial Arts University was indeed superrge, far surpassing the area of ordinary universities.


    They took a sightseeing car for a cursory visit, and it took an hour to go around the main campus once.


    And that didn''t even include touring inside each teaching building.


    "So you see, Li Yuan, students at Martial Arts University mostly run when they''re in a hurry," Gu Qiang pointed to the students running furiously on both sides of the road, "Inside Martial Arts University, students are not allowed to ride bicycles."


    Li Yuan looked around.


    Indeed!


    There were very few leisurely strolling students; most were either jogging or sprinting.


    Before, Li Yuan had only heard of this from the inte, but this was his first time seeing it.


    Things like in ordinary universities, where boys and girls enjoy romantic walk under the moonlight, casual talks on the grass, exploration of the mysteries of human bodies in the woods... were even rarer.


    After a quick tour of Jiangbei Martial Arts University, Li Yuan''s impression could be summarized in four words: "Big! Fast!"


    ...


    After the tour, it was time to eat.


    "Ten Blue Star Coins?" Li Yuan looked at thevish nutritious meal on the table and was somewhat surprised.


    Outside, it would cost at least two hundred Blue Star Coins


    "This ten coins is also to prevent waste, it''s essentially issued by the school," Gu Qiangughed beside him, "Students at Martial Arts University receive subsidies on their campus card each month, you can''t even finish it normally, in reality, room and board are free, with additional subsidies¡­ Of course, supplementary Cultivation Resources are limited."


    "Each month, there''s a ranking, the higher you rank, the more Cultivation Resources you get."


    Li Yuan ate while listening to Gu Qiang''s exnations.


    It was clear, Gu Qiang knew a lot about Martial Arts University.


    "The welfare and benefits at Jiangbei Martial Arts University are already like this, what if one gets into one of the top five famous schools?" Li Yuan''s resolve grew the more he understood, "I must get in."


    "And strive to reach the core tier."


    Getting into one of the top five famous schools couldpletely alleviate his aunt and uncle''s financial pressure.


    "Uncle?" Li Yuan thought of the war in the Rob Sea Star Realm, his expression dimming momentarily, and he lowered his head to continue eating.


    Wu Dongdong suddenly pped the table and muttered, "I''m going to get another portion."


    After that, she got up and dashed out.


    "She eats that fast?" Li Yuan was shocked.


    He had only eaten half.


    "You''reparing eating speed with her?" Gu Qiang looked at Li Yuan with a strange look, "Li Yuan, that''s her Domain."


    Li Yuanughed.


    Turns out, this Wu Dongdong was a foodie.


    Within ten minutes, Wu Dongdong grabbed fourrge portions of nourishing meals, and devoured them all.


    Li Yuan prided himself on being a big eater, but he had to admit defeat.


    "Li Yuan, Dongdong''s physical talent is very special," Lin Lanyue said, "Her digestive speed... is iparable to ordinary people."


    ```


    "In addition to her regr practice of high-rank cultivation methods, she also consumes two Essence Pills of Origin Power every month," Lin Lanyue said with a smile.


    "Impressive," Li Yuan sincerely remarked.


    When ites to physical cultivation, growth normally has its limits.


    For martial artists, being able to eat and digest quickly is a remarkable talent, ensuring rapid physical development.


    "Indeed."


    "At school, it feels like I''m in a small pond. Apart from Lin Lanyue, nobody is my match," Li Yuan put down his chopsticks, his peripheral vision unintentionally sweeping over Wu Dongdong, who was still diligently focusing on his meal.


    At a distance, all were students. Li Yuan had tried to use Divine Pce Inquiry.


    Each one had a Physical Quality of over level 8.


    "Participating in this event, and seeing the best high school seniors from the entire province, makes me recognize my own insufficiencies," Li Yuan realized one of the purposes of the country holding such invitation events.


    It was to tell them, these students.


    First in the grade? First in the county? High Martial Path talent?


    Even if you are one in a thousand talents, just in Jiangbei Province, a year will produce over a thousand such talents.


    And what if you look at Xia Country? Or the whole world?


    Or even the entire human civilization? How many martial arts prodigies will emerge in a year?


    "One step at a time."


    "From middle school till now, I''ve worked desperately hard to have the chance to attend this invitation event today," Li Yuan''s eyes were full of longing: "This time, I must seize the opportunity."


    ...


    Eight at night.


    All visiting students, carrying their student cards, entered the amodations arranged by Jiangbei Martial Arts University.


    "Arge t?"


    Many ''impoverished students'' like Li Yuan were a bit shocked.


    "Normally, two students share one Martial Arts Room, with an area of over eight hundred square meters, including the martial arts room, bedroom, therapy room, dining room... someonees regrly to take care of it," the leading third-year student said with a smile: "Each semester, the top 20% of elite students in the assessment get an independent Martial Arts Room..."


    "Students in the top 5% of the Martial Arts ss get a detached vi, not including the garden, with a total area of 1200 square meters."


    "This time you are here topete, so you''ll be sharing a room with one other, don''t feel slighted," this third-year student said with a smile.


    Atst, Li Yuan and the others understood why the Martial Arts University covered such a vast area.


    Just the dormitory area alone was astonishinglyrge.


    "No wonder the number of martial artist student slots from the country has always been limited," Li Yuan sighed inwardly: "Not counting cultivation resources, just the amodations alone are consuming enormous resources."


    Jiangbei Martial Arts University consistently amodates about fifty thousand students a year, not including teachers and support staff.


    The Martial Arts University is a five-year program.


    Those who enjoy more resources also bear greater responsibilities.


    ...Male and female students stay in separate amodations.


    Li Yuan and Gu Qianghan were assigned to the same room.


    After setting down their backpacks, they immediately sat down in the virtualwork pods in the lounge.


    Consciousness connected.


    "Just like what that senior student said, after entering our campus card information, we can temporarily enter the space of Jiangbei Martial Arts University''s campus," Li Yuan said with a proud smile.


    With a thought, he entered.


    ...Shh! Shh! Shh! One figure after another appeared out of thin air, taking their seats.


    This was a colossal battle space.


    Quickly, close to a thousand people had appeared on the vast circr Spectator tform, bustling with excitement.


    In the center was a circr arena over 200 meters in diameter.


    "Li Yuan." A clear voice rang out; it was Lin Lanyue with her dyed red hair sitting next to him.


    The others who had appeared were also students from Guan Mountain District.


    Obviously, the system tried to arrange for students from the same school and district to sit together as much as possible.


    "You''re pretty early," Li Yuan said with a smile, and then his gaze swept around: "Do you know the fighting rules? Is it by number order, or random?"


    "It should be a pseudo-random selection," Lin Lanyue said.


    "Pseudo-random?" Li Yuan was puzzled.


    "It''s to make an effort to separate students from the same school or same county district, to avoid people teaming up and to ensure fairness," Lin Lanyue exined with a smile: "For example, if byplete random selection, our school''s ten students were chosen for the same battle, wouldn''t we team up to take out the others first?"


    Li Yuan understood.


    Two minutester, the consciousness of over a thousand students participating in this invitation event had descended upon this arena space.


    All the students knew that the first real test of this invitation event was about to begin.


    "Good evening to all the students from across the province," a deep voice said.


    Shh!


    A nearly two-meter-tall man in ck martial attire appeared above the arena, standing in mid-air with an impressive aura.


    "Let me repeat the rules again," his voice naturally amplified, echoing throughout the venue.


    "Cage melee."


    "Each round, 200 people will be randomly chosen to enter the arena to battle, with a total of 6 rounds," the man in ck said in a deep voice: "During the fight, you continuously attack; the more enemies you kill and the longer you survive, the higher your score."


    "Until ultimately, only one person remains."


    "Your virtual bodies will all have the same physical quality, which is level 10.0."


    "This is an assessment of your martial arts skills."


    "In each round, rank 2 to 9 will be rewarded with a hundred thousand Blue Star Coins."


    "The top scorer in each round will receive five hundred thousand Blue Star Coins!" the man in ck proimed robustly, reverberating across the entire battle space.


    Li Yuan''s eyes immediately lit up.


    "Five hundred thousand Blue Star Coins?" Li Yuan''s gaze sharpened.


    With his uncle''s life and death unknown, Li Yuan had long since resolved that in the worst-case scenario, he must be able to support his family.


    What is responsibility after all?


    Firstly, it''s about earning money.


    Not just for his own cultivation but also to afford the education his younger brother and sister need.


    "My goal is to be first," Li Yuan decided, his eyes filled with desire: "No one can stand in my way!"


    ```

 Chapter 67: 65: Elite? Just Enough for One Slash!

    "One hundred thousand Blue Star Coins?"


    Sitting in the lower rows, G¨³ Qi¨¢ngh¨¤n''s eyes shone as he turned around and said, "Sis, if you get it and share half with me, or I get it and share half with you, how about that?"


    "That''s enough for my pocket money for half a year," G¨³ Qi¨¢ngh¨¤n said, looking at Lin Lanyue with anticipation.


    Lin Lanyue nced at G¨³ Qi¨¢ngh¨¤n. "Do you think you can get it?"


    G¨³ Qi¨¢ngh¨¤n was taken aback.


    "Li Yuan, with your spear technique skills, you might have a chance at the top ten, but remember not to be reckless," Lin Lanyue looked at Li Yuan. "Surviving longer scores higher than killing more enemies."


    "Mhm," Li Yuan nodded slightly.


    The top ten?


    "Five hundred thousand Blue Star Coins," Wu Dongdong sitting in the back rows was also extremely excited, waving his hand as he shouted, "Yue Yue sis, plus the hundreds of thousands of pocket money I''ve saved up, it''s enough to buy that flying motorcycle I showed youst time."


    "Last time, no matter how much I pestered my dad, he wouldn''t buy it for me."


    "I''ve decided, I''m going to get that five hundred thousand and buy it in secret!!!"


    ...


    Not just Li Yuan and his group, the majority of students were tempted by the prize money.


    Five hundred thousand Blue Star Coins?


    Even one hundred thousand Blue Star Coins, to most senior third-year students, was a considerable sum.


    Especially for students like Li Yuan, whose families were of simr or even lesser means.


    "One hundred thousand Blue Star Coins?"


    "Five hundred thousand Blue Star Coins?" A student named Tian Dazhuang with average looks had slightly reddened eyes.


    He mumbled to himself, "No wonder before boarding the aircraft, the station chief specially told me that this was a good chance to make money."


    "The first challenge alone is worth five hundred thousand Blue Star Coins."


    "ording to the itinerary, could there be more rewardster? Maybe," Tian Dazhuang thought to himself. "Over the years, the state has already rewarded several million Blue Star Coins."


    "In this half year of Body-Mind-Weapon Integration, my physical cultivation has improved much faster, but I still started toote, awakening to my Martial Spirit in my second year of high school, and now my physical quality is only at level 8.5."


    "With my poor physical quality, it''s highly unlikely that I''ll take the first ce in actualbat. My skills are my biggest advantage."


    "I''m set on taking the first ce in the cage battle." Tian Dazhuang stared silently at the arena.


    He came from a remote mountain area.


    In this era, transportation, water conservancy, and many other facilities in the mountain areas are extremely convenient, with plenty of subsidies for poor families... but the gap between rich and poor is unavoidable.


    Tian Dazhuang, who came from a lower-ss family in the mountain area, had elderly grandparents, a severely ill father, a deceased mother, and a younger brother... Starting from middle school, he began to show terrifying talent in Martial Arts Skills.


    After entering high school and awakening to his Martial Spirit, Tian Dazhuang improved even more rapidly.


    The various cash awards from the school and the state increased, and after awakening to his Martial Spirit in his second year of high school, he was directly recruited by the Martial Arts Hall, which truly changed the fate of his family.


    He was a Martial Path genius that the school and even the entire county hadn''t seen in decades.


    He also carried the expectations of many.


    "Fate!"


    "My fate must be in my own hands," Tian Dazhuang''s eyes were filled with longing. "The principal and the station chief care so much about me; I have to achieve something significant."


    His county-level high school was very ordinary, so he was the only one invited this time.


    Many knew his name.


    But recognized his face? Few!


    ...


    "Five hundred thousand Blue Star Coins?" A girl named Wang Yu had an ardent gaze.


    She didn''t care at all about the gazes of some boys sneaking nces at her.


    Wang Yu was used to these looks.


    "I must get it, so I can change homes for my family sooner," she thought.


    "That way, my parents won''t have to keep squeezing into a small room to rest."


    ...


    Over a thousand students were emotionally stirred, watching the man in ck martial attire with great excitement.


    All who were here were pride of the heavens.


    Even though they knew their peers were strong, subconsciously, they were still full of confidence in themselves.


    "Aside from the cash rewards,"


    the host, a man in ck attire on the stage, continued to shout excitedly, "Besides that, dozens of observers from the five top schools are already watching you in another Virtual Space."


    "They are looking forward to your performance."


    "For regr students, their college entrance exams are in June," the man in the ck martial attire spoke passionately. "But for you elite students."


    "The college entrance exam, starting today, from this very moment, has already begun," the man in ck martial attire suddenly threw a punch, trying his best to drive the atmosphere to a climax.


    People are easily swayed.


    Especially the young.


    The higher-ups organized this invitation event, naturally hoping to see the best performance of the participating students.


    "Want to get special training contracts from the top five universities in advance?"


    "Want to receive arge amount of Blue Star Coin rewards?"


    "Want to earn recognition from Martial Arts University quicker after admission and get more cultivation resources?" the man in ck martial attire waved his arms, constantly turning to look at different students, roaring excitedly, "Then today, fight with all you''ve got."


    "Ignite your passion and blood, and show your strength to the fullest."


    Moreover,


    throughout thebat space, along with the host''s roar, cheers and shouts started to rise.


    These cheers and shouts did note from the thousands of students.


    They were sound effects inherent to thebat space, making many students feel their blood boil.


    "I announce, cage battle,st man standing wins."


    "The first round," the man in ck armor suddenly gestured, his voice thundering as loudly as if it were thunder booming, "starts now!"


    Shua! Shua! Shua!


    The first round, randomly selecting two hundred students,


    instantly vanished from their seats.


    "Gu Qiang was chosen," Li Yuan immediately noticed that Gu Qianghan sitting in the front row had disappeared.


    "Tian Dazhuang isn''t there either; was he selected for the first round as well?"


    "And Tan Bing," Li Yuan remembered, among the more than a dozen experts Lin Lanyue and he had mentioned.


    Three big shots were chosen for the first round.


    "It''s pseudo-random, and it''s based on January''s mock exam scores," Lin Lanyue whispered beside him. "Above, they must have grouped ording to the skill scores from the January mock exam, then conducted the random selection."


    "Ensure that the strength distribution of each participant in every battle is close to each other."


    Everyone waited patiently.


    ...Thirty secondster, weapon selection ended.


    "Boom!"


    Apanied by a massive booming echo.


    Two hundred participants, each wielding weapons and armor, simultaneously appeared at the edge of the arena, forming a vast circle.


    Each person had two opponents next to them, very fair.


    "Hm?"


    Li Yuan''s eyes flickered slightly as he couldn''t help saying, "Next to Tian Dazhuang is Gu Qiang, looks like his luck isn''t good."


    On the stage.


    Gu Qiang held two short axes, looking around as he stretched out one and swung it, provoking Tian Dazhuang, who stood expressionless with a mountain-splitting saber in hand.


    "Gu Qiang, why is he deliberately challenging Tian Dazhuang?" Li Yuan watched in surprise, "Has Gu Qiang''s martial arts skills reached the full score level too?"


    "No, his martial arts skills are just over 350 points, I believe," Lin Lanyue calmly shook her head.


    "Let''s see if he can break through to 360 points before the college entrance exam."


    "Then why is he..." Li Yuan hesitated, "Doesn''t he know about Tian Dazhuang?"


    "I didn''t share the intel with him," Lin Lanyue shook her head.


    Seeing Li Yuan''s puzzled expression.


    Lin Lanyue gently shook her head and said, "He''s different from you, you didn''t know the schedule details and it wasn''t convenient for you to lookup information about others, which is understandable."


    "But him? He has enough resources at his disposal, he could have easily learned about the event''s schedule in advance and gathered information on his opponents, but it seems he didn''t do anything," Lin Lanyue sighed lightly, "If he doesn''t take it seriously himself."


    "Why should I tell him? Better let him learn a lesson," Lin Lanyue shook her head.


    Li Yuan fell silent, feeling somewhat sorry for Gu Qianghan, who was excitedly twisting his body.


    Is this love from a sister?


    Lin Lanyue''s gaze fell on the stage, she didn''t say anything more, there were some things she didn''t want to say directly to Li Yuan.


    This invitation event.


    For martial arts geniuses with ordinary family backgrounds like Li Yuan, Tian Dazhuang, and Wang Yu, it was a rare opportunity.


    But for Lin Lanyue, Wu Dongdong, including Gu Qianghan?


    If they had potential and were willing to work hard, what theycked the least were these so-called opportunities.


    "Hmm?"


    "Dong Haifeng, he''s also in the first round?" Li Yuan''s gaze swept over and found another schoolmate on the stage.


    ...


    As Li Yuan and Lin Lanyue quickly exchanged words.


    The giant countdown number above the stage had already rapidly dropped from 15 to 3, 2...


    "1."


    "Begin." The ck-d man in the sky above the stage roared out, his whole body instantly flying up thirty meters high to ensure he wouldn''t interfere with any of the contestants.


    The next moment, the cheers in the battle space erupted thunderously.


    On the stage, the 200 participants, originally restricted in movement, suddenly felt they could move freely.


    But, for the moment, no one moved.


    No one wanted to be the first conspicuous target.


    At the same time, all participants could clearly see their own points and ce ranking from their field of view.


    This quietsted only a second.


    "Whoosh!"


    "Boom!" Someone made a move.


    This action, like a boulder thrown into calm waters, stirred up waves upon waves.


    Other participants all sprang into action.


    The countdown of 15 seconds just now meant everyone had already chosen their first target.


    "Boom!"


    "Boom!" "ng!" Instantly, there was a burst of frenziedbat on the stage.


    10.0-level physical quality allowed each participant''s burst speed to reach up to 22 meters per second, with fist strength hitting 1300 kilograms, and wielding ded weapons, one could imagine how powerful each blow was.


    Now, they were all concentrated in this narrow arena.


    "You little..." Gu Qianghan had barely roared out two words excitedly.


    "Puff~"


    A dazzling sh of a saber fiercely shed through, and Gu Qianghan''s entire being vanished into nothingness.


    "The first one," Tian Dazhuang murmured to himself as he held a mountain-splitting saber over a meter long, "Continue."


    He never cared about Gu Qianghan''s provocation.


    With his family situation, growing up, what kind of people hadn''t he encountered?


    In his eyes, Gu Qianghan was just a fool, not worth wasting energy to care about.


    "Boom!" Tian Dazhuang moved out several meters with a surge, directly heading to kill a spear expert.


    "ng!" A ferocious collision of weapons.


    Followed by, a saber shed like lightning.


    The spear expert was split in two by the fearsome velocity and power of the mountain-splitting saber.


    Blood sttered, turning into nothingness.


    Killed with one blow!


    ...


    "To be eliminated with one move, damn, I''m at the bottom of the ranking!" Gu Qianghan was the first to reappear in his seat.


    "How is it?" Lin Lanyue was looking at Li Yuan next to her.


    Li Yuan was intently watching Tian Dazhuang''s frenzied ughter on the stage and softly said, "His saber! So fast! Even faster than my spear."


    "It''s definitely a Fourth Level sword technique! And he''s been at the Fourth Level for quite a while," Li Yuan spoke earnestly.


    A hint of respect shed deep in Li Yuan''s eyes.


    Experts always admire other experts.


    "Right."


    Lin Lanyue nodded, "My swordsmanship teacher hasmented on Tian Dazhuang''s battle videos."


    "He said that in terms of martial arts skills alone, this Tian Dazhuang should be considered among the top thirty in Blue Star''s youth rankings, perhaps even higher."

 Chapter 68: 66: Li Yuan Makes an Appearance

    "The top thirty in the Blue Star Youth Ranking?" Li Yuan nodded in approval.


    To reach the Fallen Star level, one must at least achieve Body-Mind Unity.


    And once Body-Mind Unity is achieved, Body-Mind-Weapon Integration is no longer a bottleneck and is bound to be sessful, the only question being how long it will take.


    ording to the data Li Yuan got from the Starry Skies Fighting Network a few days ago, there were already 164 participants who had reached the Fallen Star level on the Blue Star Youth Ranking.


    "Based on my previous estimates, a perfect score in the martial arts skills section of the college entrance exam is likely to be Fourth Level Martial Arts Skills," Li Yuan thought to himself, "Could it be that a few months ago, this Tian Dazhuang was already at Fourth Level Sword Technique?"


    If that were true, at this age, one''s strength would be increasing rapidly.


    A few months have passed, and the opponent''s strength is definitely stronger now.


    Top thirty in the Blue Star Youth Ranking? Li Yuan did not think it was impossible.


    "In this world, what''s nevercking are geniuses," Li Yuan realized more than ever the significance of this statement.


    At this moment.


    "Sis, don''t scold me, it was just an ident," Gu Qianghan turned his head towards Lin Lanyue, "Next time I''ll be serious, I promise..."


    "Exin what to me?" Lin Lanyue frowned, "You lost, so just watch the battle carefully, see who your opponent is, and understand where you lost."


    Gu Qianghan immediately shut his mouth.


    He obediently turned his attention back to the duel on the tform.


    In fact, Gu Qianghan was not without talent nor did heck cultivation resources.


    It''s just that he was born in Rome, naturally optimistic, and spoiled by his parents; he was never under any pressure from a young age¡­ In school, most ssmates were very willing to be his friend.


    ...


    On the tform.


    "So weak! It seems that, as Dragon Senior said, looking across the whole Blue Star, my martial arts skills are among the top of my peers," Tian Dazhuang slightly shook his head, "Then let the massacre begin."


    "ng!"


    "Pfft!" "Pfft!" The sword technique was fierce and swift! With each sh, the force was unstoppable.


    Dodge? There''s no escape!


    Defend? Unbearable!


    Not a single person could withstand his broadsword''s cleaves twice.


    Blood was sttered!


    Tian Dazhuang''s score rapidly rose to first ce and kept on climbing, leaving the second ce far behind.


    "This strong? Isn''t it said that physical quality is the same?"


    "Attack him."


    "Gang up on him." The faces of the other participating students changed; they all realized the necessity of targeting this killing demon and without hesitation, attacked him from all sides.


    They all understood that if they didn''t take down Tian Dazhuang, they would not be able to secure first ce.


    Of course, there were also many who subconsciously shrank back, trying to avoid Tian Dazhuang.


    "Gang up?"


    Tian Dazhuang was expressionless, wielding the broadsword in his hand, his movements were eerily unpredictable, even faster than all other participants.


    He directly broke out of the encirclement.


    Then, the ughter continued!


    It should be known that those who were able to participate in the invitation event were definitely the elite students who all had hopes of getting into one of Xia Country''s top five prestigious schools.


    However, when these elite students faced Tian Dazhuang, an inconspicuous youth.


    One broadsword, from the north to the south of the tform, seemed unstoppable!


    ...


    On the tform, all the students not yet in battle were looking at the figure on the tform in shock.


    "How fierce!"


    "That guy with the sword is too strong; he''s just on a different level from the others."


    "Who is he? I don''t recognize him."


    Many people couldn''t help but look at the huge scoreboard above the tform, visible from all directions.


    "Tian Dazhuang? My great-great-grandfather''s name was Dazhuang, I think."


    "Who still has this kind of name these days?"


    "I remember now, he is from Shi Zhou, he scored full marks in Martial Arts Skills during the January assessment! He''s the only full scorer from Shi Zhou!"


    "Awesome."


    "Damn, look at our city''s top scorer, see that? Tian Dazhuang killed him with three shes. So satisfying! That idiot mocked mest time, acting tough and got struck by lightning, huh."


    "Is this really a high school senior?" The entire Spectator tform erupted into a frenzy.


    The figure holding the broadsword, in-looking and under one meter eighty in height.


    But at that moment, he, was the king of the tform.


    Tian Dazhuang, a verymon and even somewhat retro name.


    But everyone remembered it well.


    ...


    Jiangbei Martial Arts University, inside the College Building located in the War Fortress.


    In one of the supersized conference rooms, more than fifty people were sitting.


    They were vaguely divided into five teams.


    These people were teachers from Xia Country''s top five prestigious schools and ''observers'' for this invitation event.


    Their role was to observe these students.


    Currently, all observers were each staring at the holographic projections in front of them, which showed the ''Cage Melee'' scene of the invitee students.


    Each observer could rotate the projection 360¡ã for convenient observation of the battle from various angles.


    "This Tian Dazhuang."


    "Fourth Level skills! His sword technique is probably close to intermediate Fourth Level now."


    "His movement technique is also Fourth Level."


    "Skill level, barely enough for SS rank."


    "SS rank? I think it''s stillcking a bit, but he''s certainly not bad."


    "Not to mention Blue Star, just in Xia Country, ording to the data we''ve collected, his martial arts skills can definitely rank in the top five," the observers from the five prestigious schools were all taking notes and discussing with each other.


    "Look at his profile."


    "From a poor family, definitely has perseverance, and has awakened his Martial Spirit, giving him an S is no problem."


    "Seeing how he strikes, so decisive, calm enough, he won''t be bad in actualbat."


    "As long as he''s not too poor in actualbat, no problem."


    "At least an S rank." The observers from the five prestigious schools almost all made their judgment.


    They would pre-collect data, organize a list predicting those capable of reaching S, A, and B ranks, from high to low.


    Then, based on the list, during the invitation event, they would observe each person''s martial arts skills, physical quality, actualbat, and many other aspects.


    Ultimately, anyone qualifying for A rank or above will be directly issued a special training invitation.


    B rank? That would depend on the number of students.


    Of course, the profiles are mainly based on the records from the January assessments a few months ago.


    After such a long time, there are bound to be changes.


    Historically, almost every session has had students who have burst onto the scene, demonstrating strength beyond expectations.


    ...


    Time passed, and in a sh of experts, victories were determined with remarkable speed.


    In less than ten minutes, the first battle had ended, and only Tian Dazhuang remained on the stage.


    He was, without a doubt, the first.


    Dong Haifeng? His ranking was barely in the top one hundred and ten¡ªnot very noticeable.


    ...


    Swiftly, the second battlemenced right after.


    Wang Yu entered the arena and immediately unleashed her fury.


    Clutching a sword and shield and d in light armor, her shapely figure was as fierce inbat as it was appealing.


    She likewise astounded all the students present.


    "She''s too strong."


    "Can a girl really be that powerful?"


    "Damn, I was just sneaking a peek at her, brothers, she''s all yours now."


    "So powerful." Many students were surprised.


    If Tian Dazhuang''s approach was dominating, a straightforward cleave with his heavy saber rolling over everything, resistant to any variation you might throw at him.


    Then Wang Yu''s sword was enigmatic and unpredictable, paired with her shield technique, she showed no fear in the face of surrounding attacks.


    "Who is stronger between her and Tian Dazhuang?"


    "Both are strong, it''s hard to say."


    "That''s also a perfect score in martial arts skills? Damn, fighting us is just bullying."


    Many students discussed among themselves.


    If during the first battle, many students couldfort themselves with ''it''s not that we are weak, but he is too fierce.''


    Then Wang Yu''s arrival truly made these students understand the meaning of a perfect score in martial arts skills.


    The majority of elite students had skill scores of less than 360 points.


    Moreover, even those with skill scores of 360 or 370 points, when facing Wang Yu, were generally killed in seconds.


    Only with Third Stage and high-rank skills could one withstand a few moves against her.


    Fourth Level skills, achieving body-mind-weapon integration, under the same physical quality, the exploitation and utilization of bodily potential, muscles, and vigor were far superior to Second Stage and Third Stage skills.


    "Tian Dazhuang''s strength seems stronger." Li Yuan made a judgment, his gaze fixed on the voluptuous girl on the stage.


    "Really?" Lin Lanyue asked curiously, "How can you tell?"


    "Movement technique." Li Yuan stated confidently, "Tian Dazhuang''s movement technique is stronger, while Wang Yu''s shield technique... is not quite at perfection, probably not yet at Fourth Level."


    Lin Lanyue nodded slightly, Li Yuan''s opinion was simr to that of her swordsmanship teacher.


    ...


    The third battlemenced, with Wu Dongdong and Lin Lanyue both being chosen.


    During this fight.


    Wu Dongdong shone brightly as well, wielding a long spear like wind and lightning.


    Her ability to shift forms was terrifying, likewise sweeping the entire field!


    Li Yuan was not surprised by Wu Dongdong''s performance, but Lin Lanyue''s did catch him off guard.


    "Second?" Li Yuan looked at the final standings on the scoreboard.


    Lin Lanyue actually shot up to second ce.


    Partly, this was because Wu Dongdong was intentionally helping Lin Lanyue, keeping her from being attacked too much.


    On the other hand, it was Lin Lanyue''s swordsmanship that had truly be more formidable.


    "Third Stage and high-rank? She must be around 80% at the Third Stage." Li Yuan made his judgment.


    He had progressed rapidly over the past half year.


    While Lin Lanyue''s improvement in skills was neither the best nor the fastest, it was extremely fast nheless.


    ...the first three battles ended, and there was a one-minute rest.


    On the spectator tform.


    "Damn, sis, Dongdong, with you guysing in first and second, how am I supposed to show my face in the neighborhood?" Gu Qianghanined, "What happened to the Three Heroes of the neighborhood, leaving me as the only weakling?"


    "Gu Qiang, you are first too!" Wu Dongdong teased.


    She had just switched seats, sitting next to Lin Lanyue now.


    "Last ce is still first!" Gu Qianghan shook his head, "Just my luck, facing Dazhuang right at the start."


    "That''s also first ce." Wu Dongdong smiled.


    "Li Yuan, if you also make it into the top tenter, I''ll be utterly humiliated." Gu Qianghanmented pitifully.


    "Alright, then I won''t make the top ten. I''ll just kill myself in the opening to keep youpany, how''s that?" Li Yuan joked.


    "Forget it, I was just kidding. You should go all out." Gu Qianghan looked disheartened, his eyes devoid of spirit as he spread his limbs and looked to the sky, "I should think about how I''m going to exin this to my dad when I get back. Last ce... sigh, I''m going to get beaten again."


    "Thest time I got beaten... was also thest time."


    The people around them burst intoughter.


    The one-minute rest was over.


    On the stage.


    "The fourth battle, begin." The man in ck on the stage spoke slowly.


    Swish!


    Li Yuan vanished from his seat.


    "Li Yuan." A glint of expectation flickered in Lin Lanyue''s eyes as she focused on the stage.


    "Let''s see." Wu Dongdong said earnestly, "Yue Yue, you''ve always said he''s good."


    "After observing him this half day, he seems to be a decent person, just not talkative."


    "I hope his strength isn''t too weak."


    ...


    Inside the War Fortress conference room.


    "In the first three battles, all three S-ranks have appeared and performed well, and eight from the A-rank showed up."


    "This fourth battle only has two from A-rank."


    "No one has an absolute advantage, once the fight starts, it''s likely to be intense for a while." The observers from the five major schools chatted andughed, all rxed.


    The previous three battles had been watched intently by them.


    Only the ten observers from Kunlun Martial Arts University noticed that in addition to the two scheduled A-rank students, there was a third one.


    "Li Yuan."


    "Li Yuan has also entered this battle." Teachers from Kunlun University paid attention to Li Yuan.


    "I hope you don''t disappoint." Teacher Fan Jin inwardly remarked, watching the stage intently.


    Thirty secondster.


    Swish! Swish! Swish!


    Li Yuan, armed with a long spear and dressed in light armor, appeared on the stage with the other 199batants.


    "Hm?"


    "Not good." Fan Jin''s heart skipped a beat, "Why is Wu Luo, another A-rank student, right beside Li Yuan?"


    "This Wu Luo seems to have also entered the top 1000 of the Blue Star youth rankings, even earlier than Li Yuan."


    "This is trouble!"

 Chapter 69: 67: Sweeping the Arena

    "Is that Wu Luo? Not good." Lin Lanyue''s expression on the spectator tform changed slightly, as she also sensed something was off.


    "What''s wrong, Sister Yue Yue?" Wu Dongdong asked.


    "Next to Li Yuan, that''s Wu Luo from Hanshui Province. He scored 394 in the Prime Warrior martial arts skills test in January." Lin Lanyue said sternly.


    "394?" Wu Dongdong said indifferently, "Didn''t you say Li Yuan scored 389? The two should be about the same."


    "I''m afraid of an ident." Lin Lanyue frowned.


    She knew how important this invitation event was to Li Yuan and understood that the five hundred thousand Blue Star Coins were very important to him.


    "Sister Yue Yue, does he know Wu Luo''s strength?" Wu Dongdong asked in return.


    Lin Lanyue nodded: "He knows, I''ve told him."


    "Then that settles it." Wu Dongdong said seriously for a change, "Sister, I have to criticize you. I know you want to help Li Yuan."


    "But he has to be worth helping."


    "With the intelligence advantage, he''s fully capable of seizing the initiative. If he still can''t win?" Wu Dongdong said carelessly, "Then that''s his own problem."


    Lin Lanyue was still frowning, lost in thought.


    "Sister Yue Yue." Wu Dongdong waved his hand in front of Lin Lanyue''s eyes.


    Lin Lanyue looked at him.


    "You need to look at it from a different angle," Wu Dongdong said, "Difficulties can sometimes be opportunities."


    Lin Lanyue suddenly felt puzzled.


    "Facing Wu Luo is indeed a big threat," Wu Dongdong said, "But if he can beat Wu Luo, wouldn''t the observers from the five famous schools rate him higher? Wouldn''t the possibility of receiving a special training invitation be higher?"


    Lin Lanyue was stunned for a moment, then suddenly smiled, "Dongdong, I haven''t thought it through as well as you."


    "Hmm, then it''s up to Li Yuan himself." Lin Lanyue''s gazended on Li Yuan, who was on the stage.


    "Concern leads to chaos." Wu Dongdong said yfully, "Sister Yue Yue, I''ve helped you. You owe me a treat when we get back; I want the dishes made by Chef Liu."


    "Okay, whatever you want to eat is fine," Lin Lanyue said with a smile, "I''ll have Chef Liu prepare it when the timees."


    "Sister Yue Yue." Wu Dongdong pointed to the stage, "It''s starting!"


    ¡­


    "Wu Luo."


    "On this stage, there should be few who can match Wu Luo."


    "Perhaps, he could make it to first ce in this round." Some students from Hanshui Province also had high hopes for Wu Luo.


    ¡­Cage brawl, the fourth round.


    "Begin."


    The man in ck stood in the sky, his deep voice echoing throughout the battle space.


    The 200 people on the stage were immediately freed from their restraints, and the battle erupted in an instant.


    Having seen the previous three cage brawls, the participants in the fourth round understood that to survive longer,


    First, they must defeat nearby opponents as quickly as possible.


    Next, they must appear fierce enough to make others think twice before provoking them.


    If they flee from the outset? They would be seen as easy targets by everyone, bing the focus of group attacks.


    "Boom!" "ng!"


    "Bang~" Shadows moved with astonishing speed, and the sounds of weapons, such as swords, spears, cudgels, and hammers, continued to reverberate with their collisions.


    "Whoosh!"


    "Boom!" Both to his left and right, two opponentsunched attacks at Li Yuan simultaneously.


    "Wu Luo? Scored 394 in the January Prime Warrior test? Hanshui Province''s top scorer in the January Prime Warrior test?" Li Yuan had recognized the opponent on his right.


    As for the other person? Unfamiliar!


    In fact, at Li Yuan''s level, through immediate observation of burst speed and stepping techniques, he could roughly judge a person''s skill level.


    With the same physical quality, the higher the skill, the more power extracted from the body, resulting in stronger speed and force.


    Especially once reaching the Fourth Level of skill, it was not an exaggeration to say that the same body could fight against ten or even a hundred with ease.


    "First, take down the weaker one, then I''ll test this Wu Luo. He has a certain chance of reaching the Fourth Level." This was Li Yuan''s subconscious decision.


    "Huh!"


    As Wu Luo and the others moved, Li Yuan''s muscles and bones resonated, his feet shifted slightly, and his momentum instantly changed, giving off the feeling of an unshakable boulder.


    The next moment.


    "Boom!" "Boom!" Li Yuan''s legs powered up, propelling him forward like a cannonball, charging toward the opponent on the right with terrifying speed, even faster than Wu Luo, who had moved first.


    "So fast?" Wu Luo''s face changed immediately, "Fourth Level skill? Who is he?"


    Wu Luo''s skill had already reached the Third Stage of Perfection. To be quicker than him?


    Not just Wu Luo.


    On the spectator tform, many students from Jiang City were actually paying attention to Li Yuan.


    In the conference room of the War Fortress, observers from Kunlun Martial Arts University, and many others, also noticed Li Yuan''s sudden burst of speed.


    In a sh.


    His burst speed was much faster than the others.


    "Huh?" The student who tried to attack Li Yuan saw his sudden burst and panicked, instinctively swinging hisbat saber at the ck figure charging towards him.


    In the world of martial arts beginners, saber-wielders were the most numerous.


    "Scram!"


    Li Yuan just nced at him, raising his long spear instantly, executing the ''Stability of Heaven and Earth'' technique, his body''s power unified, especially the spearhead, which exploded like a boulder.


    He fiercely swept towards the opponent.


    "ng!"


    The long spear, like a suddenly rising dragon, was unstoppable, directly sending the iingbat saber flying. Then the spear''s head charged straight through, carrying an incredibly shocking force, directly piercing the opponent''s neck.


    "Pu-chi~"


    The saber-wielding participant was instantly blown away, his neck tearing open a horrifying wound, and blood sprayed out.


    His body turned into nothingness in mid-air.


    One spear, life extinguished!


    Armored for protection?


    With Li Yuan''s spear technique, facing a Second Stage with his Fourth Level ability, he paid no heed to the opponent''s armor, destined to strike at the vital points with every thrust.


    This scene even shocked Wu Luo, and suddenly, he saw Li Yuan turn back and nce at him with a cold gaze.


    "Run!" Wu Luo''splexion drastically changed, and he turned to flee, "This is definitely a Fourth Level master."


    "Run?" After powerfully killing one man, Li Yuan''s spirit soared, and without mercy, he charged towards Wu Luo.


    "Just now, it seemed like you wanted to kill me."


    Boom! Boom! As one chased and the other fled, they quickly covered nearly twenty meters towards the center of the stage.


    How big was the stage anyway?


    "Huh!" A participant noticed Li Yuan whisking by and instinctively shed at him with his knife.


    In the ranks of beginner martial artists, those who practiced the knife were the majority.


    "Scram!"


    Li Yuan only spared him a nce. He instantly raised his long spear, executing ''Stability of Heaven and Earth.'' The force throughout his body unified, particrly at the spearhead, which felt like a massive boulder erupting.


    He violently swept towards his opponent.


    If he were facing a high-ranking expert of the same level, Li Yuan''s direct use of this move would easily give his opponent a chance to kill him.


    However, Li Yuan''s strength was much too superiorpared to the majority of participants at the Second Stage, High Rank, and Third Stage, Initial Rank.


    They were simply not on the same level.


    The saber was yet to arrive when the spear had already struck!


    "Bang~"


    The 30-kilogram metal spear shaft smashed down onto the hastily raised shield of the opponent, sending him flying backward with a loud crash,  his arms breaking and fracturing.


    "I..." the participant spat blood from his mouth, about to speak when a shadow of the spear already swept by.


    It directly skimmed his neck, and his body dissolved into nothingness.


    "Pfft!"


    With the long spear whistling, Li Yuan stepped forward after killing the participant, thrusting forward gracefully and piercing the chest of another participant who was frantically trying to flee.


    In just one encounter, he had killed two people.


    "Holy shit, retreat!"


    "Him! Is he on the same level as Tian Dazhuang and Wu Dongdong? Full score in martial arts skills?"


    "Three already, and now another one?"


    "Are there so many achieving full scores in martial arts skills this year?" The surrounding participants were all stunned, their faces changing, retreating like the tide.


    After the first three chaotic cage battles, almost everyone had understood that in theory, over a hundred people could sacrifice dozens of lives to kill someone with full martial arts skills.


    But unity was key.


    No one was willing to truly fight to the death for someone else''s gain, which meant that those with full skills were destined to ughter all around them.


    Moreover, the domineering and strong performance disyed by Li Yuan was itself enough to intimidate others.


    "Go for second ce."


    "Just avoid him." This was what most participating students were thinking.


    ...On the spectator tform.


    "Holy shit!"


    "This one named Li Yuan?"


    "Li Yuan! He''s first in the field now!"


    "Li Yuan? Never heard of him before."


    "As of today, you have."


    "Another one with full martial arts skills?" Elite students from all over Jiangbei Province had noticed the spear-wielding figure, and were shocked by it.


    While others were still entangled in fights, Li Yuan had already killed three people, no, he had just killed another one.


    He had killed four, disying ferocity beyond belief.


    "Yue Yue!"


    Initially indifferent, Wu Dongdong''s eyes suddenly lit up: "Is Li Yuan also a Fourth Level expert? Good! Good! Good! You were just pretending to worry me, looking all concerned."


    "Holy shit!"


    G¨³ Qi¨¢ngh¨¤n, who had been sprawling lifelessly on the chair, suddenly jumped up, shouting excitedly: "Awesome! Li Yuan is awesome!"


    "That''s my brother, Li Yuan," G¨³ Qi¨¢ngh¨¤n waved his fists, instantly attracting the attention of many students around him.


    "My brother, Gu Qiang!" G¨³ Qi¨¢ngh¨¤n yelled excitedly, as if he were the one dominating the ring.


    While roaring,


    G¨³ Qi¨¢ngh¨¤n turned back and shouted, "Sis, I was wondering why you changed your attitude towards Li Yuan, turns out you knew he had reached the Fourth Level."


    "Me?" Lin Lanyue was just as confused, wanting to exin but finding no way to do so.


    Moreover, she was extremely shocked.


    "Fourth Level?" Lin Lanyue was staring at the figure in the arena.


    Li Yuan had caught up to Wu Luo, his spear attacks pushing Wu Luo back step by step.


    "When did Li Yuan break through to the Fourth Level?" Lin Lanyue wondered, "Does Teacher Xu not know either? Why did he ask me to help Li Yuan?"


    "What assistance does he need with this strength?"


    Lin Lanyue understood the difficulty of breaking through from the Third to the Fourth Level in martial arts skills.


    "That''s good!"


    "Fourth Level skills." Lin Lanyue suddenly smiled, "Li Yuan''s name is definitely on the special training list; it''s just a matter of which school is willing to offer an A-level special training contract."


    She was unaware of Li Yuan''s talent for spiritual power.


    "Li Yuan?" His schoolmates were also in shock, speechless.


    "Li Yuan? This!" Dong Haifeng''s eyes widened as he watched, and his petty thoughts instantly extinguished.


    Compete?


    It''s like throwing one''s life away!


    ...In the War Fortress, in the meeting room.


    "That student?"


    "Fourth Level!"


    "It''s definitely Fourth Level skills! Named Li Yuan? Why isn''t his information on my pre-invitation list?" The dozens of observers who were previously rxed were now shocked.


    "Not even a B-level?"


    "He''s just seventeen and a half?"


    "Not awakened to Martial Spirit, so not included on the list?"


    "Idiots! The recruitment office''s intelligence collectors are a bunch of useless metal scrap! Just based on Fourth Level skills, who cares about not awakening to Martial Spirit? He should at least be A-level." The observers started to frantically take notes in their panic.


    Fourth Level skills, after all!


    Whether a student of such skill level could emerge was a matter of luck.


    Sometimes, a province might not have even one.


    Sometimes, like Jiangbei Province, four or five might appear this year.


    Globally, normally at this age range, only about two hundred appear each year.


    "Fourth Level?"


    "It''s much stronger than the information provided by President Zhao?" Fan Jin''s heart skipped a beat, both excited and a bit anxious.


    Because if Li Yuan''s martial arts skills were only at the Third Stage of Perfection, then the other five prestigious schools might not be interested.


    Fourth Level skills?


    Even if he hasn''t awakened to Martial Spirit, he was destined to be fought over, with at least each willing to offer a special training invitation.


    "Old Fan." A voice echoed in Fan Jin''s mind.


    "President Li," Fan Jin looked toward the bald, stout man not far away who hadn''t said a word.


    "When the meeting ends,e with me to invite Li Yuan immediately, taking advantage of the fact that the other schools don''t know about his spiritual power, directly offer him an S-level special training contract." The voice continued, "And promise him."


    "It doesn''t matter if he hasn''t awakened to Martial Spirit. Our Kunlun Martial Arts University will do everything in our power to help him be a Prime Warrior and create his own Cultivation Technique."

 Chapter 70: 68 A Night Visit

    On the tform, the fight was still ongoing.


    Li Yuan, holding a long spear, was continuously attacking Wu Luo, who wielded a sword and shield.


    "Bang~" A forceful sweep of the spear forced Wu Luo to stagger back.


    "Li Yuan, I was wrong; I should not have attacked you without knowing you," Wu Luo said hastily while desperately defending, "But your entanglement with me will only allow others to benefit from our fight."


    As an expert who had achieved Perfection in both Sword Technique and Shield Technique at the Third Level, Wu Luo could still defend a few moves from Li Yuan when putting his full effort.


    "Benefit from our fight?" Li Yuan swept a cold nce around, and the other participants, who were already retreating, became even more flustered and retreated further.


    After all, Li Yuan had casually killed five participants while pursuing Wu Luo.


    Who wouldn''t fear such dominance and aggression?


    Moreover, for the other participating students, Wu Luo was also a great expert; his defeat by Li Yuan would only raise their hopes of entering the top ten.


    "This battle!"


    "No one is qualified to take advantage," Li Yuan said coldly, "Go to hell!"


    Did he have a grudge with Wu Luo before? No grudge!


    But he had to find an opponent nheless, so why couldn''t it be Wu Luo?


    To Li Yuan, the other people on the tform posed no challenge.


    In contrast, Wu Luo was the strongest and could exchange a few moves with him.


    "Pfft!!"


    "Boom!" "Boom!" Li Yuan stabbed out with his long spear again and again, the shadows of the spear changing unpredictably, each thrust fierce and violent.


    "Ahh! Damn it!" Wu Luo could only try his best to defend, almost spitting out blood in frustration, "This Li Yuan is simply insane."


    Logically, with Wu Luo''s strength, getting into the top ten in the cage melee was a piece of cake.


    "ng!" The two shed like lightning, Li Yuan''s attacks were swift and ferocious, like a tide of continuous strikes.


    Wu Luo''s defense was impable, yet with each sh, his arms numbed, making it increasingly difficult to resist. After twelve consecutive strikes, he was still caught off guard by Li Yuan, who pierced through his throat.


    Blood sttered.


    "I still couldn''t defend; is this the Fourth Level Spear Technique?" Wu Luo''s body immediately dissipated into nothingness.


    "My attack, much weaker than Wu Dongdong''s and Tian Dazhuang''s, especially weaker than Tian''s by a margin," Li Yuan pondered as he watched Wu Luo''s body gradually fade, "Tian Dazhuang''s mountain-splitting saber technique is extremely proficient in attack, and his martial arts skills are indeed much higher than mine, probably around 20% of the Fourth Level."


    The opponent had broken through at least three months ago; it was normal for him to be more skilled.


    Moreover, Li Yuan''s forte was defense, not attack.


    If he really had to fight Tian Dazhuang on the tform, Li Yuan believed he also had the chance to win.


    Perfection of the Third Stage and Fourth Level? They are worlds apart.


    But 2% of the Fourth Level and 20%? Both could achieve Body-Mind-Weapon Integration. The difference was only the extent of physical power exploitation, a gap that was not insurmountable.


    "Kill!"


    Li Yuan swung his spear and continued to strike at the others.


    On the entire tform, hardly anyone could withstand two strikes from Li Yuan, and they were defeated one by one.


    A siege? Setting aside the difficulty of unity, even if they could unite to attack him, they might not be able to kill Li Yuan.


    The final showdown unfolded between Li Yuan and another student preselected as A-Level by one of the five famous schools, Xiong Xiaocheng.


    In fact, Li Yuan had deliberately avoided the opponent, giving Xiong Xiaocheng the opportunity to pursue others.


    "I''m already second."


    "First ce? This Li Yuan is too fierce; my chances of winning are very slim," Xiong Xiaocheng stared at Li Yuan, feeling like a tiger was eyeing him.


    He was covered in sweat.


    "To win, I have only one chance."


    "At all costs, a sudden fierce onught might bring victory," Xiong Xiaocheng resolved. He too practiced with a long spear.


    Already second, it was better to give it his all.


    "Whoosh!"


    Xiong Xiaocheng pounced toward Li Yuan, his spear stabbing fiercely and violently.


    "Golden Cleaving Spear Technique?" Li Yuan figured out from the opponent''s starting stance and power delivery, "Is he an expert of the Heaven Cleaving True Gold Method?"


    Like the Ster Spear Technique, which fits exceedingly well with the Second Rank Spear Technique of the Solid Rock Cultivation Technique.


    Heaven Cleaving True Gold Method, one of the seven high-rank Cultivation Methods, naturally has a highlypatible, matching Second Rank Spear Technique.


    Li Yuan, who frequently fought on the Starry Skies Fighting Network, had seen many experts and could recognize some techniques.


    Especially since he had encountered a Fallen Star-ranked expert using the Golden Cleaving Spear Technique, which was ferocious and crazy, leaving a profound impression on Li Yuan, who had re-watched the video many times.


    "Boom!"


    "Boom!" "Boom!" Li Yuan, with a killing urge, whistled through the air with his long spear, attacking with offense against offense. Within just three shes, he had knocked Xiong Xiaocheng''s spear out of his hand.


    "Pfft!"


    The spear tip sliced through, a head flew, and the figure turned into nothingness.


    On the entire tform, only Li Yuan was left.


    ¡­


    "That''s a steady spear; his specialty must be defense," Tian Dazhuang on the Spectator tform watched Li Yuan closely, his eyes burning with excitement, "Another Fourth Level!"


    "I was too conceited, hanging only by a remote corner of the sky; not all of Long Senior''s words can be taken for truth," he thought.


    "Just in Jiangbei Province alone, including me, that makes four at the Fourth Level. Are there any more in hiding?"


    "How many across the country? And worldwide?" Tian Dazhuang muttered to himself, "Li Yuan?"


    "I''ve got it memorized."


    ...


    Whoosh!


    Li Yuan''s figure appeared in his seat, immediately drawing the attention of hundreds of surrounding students, all of whom turned to look at him.


    "Li Yuan?"


    "From Jiang City, there''s a Wu Dongdong and a Li Yuan, fitting for a provincial capital."


    "But I''ve never heard of this name from the teachers before."


    "Perhaps others intentionally hid their strength during the January assessments?" Many students quietly spected.


    The first three matches saw the explosive performance of three fourth-level masters: Tian Dazhuang, Wang Yu, Wu Dongdong, all of whom had established reputations.


    Despite not knowing their faces, many had heard their names.


    Li Yuan was the only exception.


    Ranked just over two hundred in Jiang City''s martial arts scores, he indeed seemed rather inconspicuous.


    After this battle, Li Yuan was destined to rise to fame among the students participating in the invitation event.


    "Li Yuan, awesome," Gu Qianghan turned around, excitedly shouting.


    Li Yuan just smiled.


    "Li Yuan, impressive. I had underestimated you," Wu Dongdong said as if he had discovered a treasure, gazing curiously at Li Yuan, "You''re at the fourth level in spear technique, and so am I. I must find a chance to spar with youter."


    "Sure," Li Yuan was not opposed.


    It was Lin Lanyue who merely smiled and said, "Congrattions on taking first ce, fifty thousand Blue Star Coins. You''ll have to treat us to a meal."


    "Sorry about that," Li Yuan chuckled, "I didn''t mention it earlier, but my spear technique only broke through yesterday."


    "Oh?"


    "Just yesterday?" Lin Lanyue reacted, "So, your fainting in the martial arts room yesterday... was it also rted to your spear technique breakthrough?"


    "Right!" Li Yuan nodded.


    ...


    The fifth and sixth cage battles continued in session.


    However, no super masters like Li Yuan and Tian Dazhuang appeared, creating a sheer cliff of advantage.


    In some sense, this made the battles even more exciting, allowing most of the participating students a greater chance to shine.


    The six rounds concluded.


    Out of the ten students from Guan Mountain District''s Number One High School, aside from Li Yuan and Lin Lanyue who took the first and second ces,


    none of the other eight managed to break into the top fifty.


    This made Dong Haifeng and the others realize the gap.


    Perhaps in terms of overall martial arts scores, some of them had slightly surpassed Li Yuan with ''spiritual nature bonus points'' during the January assessments.


    But the real strength gap was enormous.


    In the ''Jiangbei Martial University Invitation Event'', representing the highest level of Jiangbei Province''s high school seniors, Li Yuan was still the most dazzling.


    And they had be just ordinary members among the thousands of elite students.


    ...


    "I announce that the cage battles are over," the man in ck roared in his rumbling voice, "The sixty students who have won prizes can check their ounts."


    "All the Blue Star Coin rewards have been distributed."


    The conclusion of this event also marked the end of the first day''s itinerary for the invitation event.


    ...


    In the virtualwork, in his personal space,


    "Fifty thousand Blue Star Coins credited," Li Yuan had already received the bank ount notification and couldn''t help but smile, "The efficiency of Jiangbei Martial University''s work is indeed high."


    The most timely feedback can greatly motivate people.


    ...


    Exiting the virtualwork cabin, Li Yuan chatted with Gu Qianghan while taking a can of c out of the fridge.


    "Ding~"


    "Ding~" At the entrance of the martial arts room, the doorbell rang.


    "Who could it be thiste?" Gu Qianghan looked puzzled, "Who''s there?"


    "I''ll go get the door," Li Yuan said with a smile and went straight to open the door.


    When he opened the door, standing in front of Li Yuan were a bald man and a robed elder.


    "Who are you?" Li Yuan hesitated slightly; he could sense the aura emanating from both of them.


    Moreover, Li Yuan had instinctively inquired, and both had life levels beyond his inquiry limit.


    This meant that the two men before him were at least Prime Warriors.


    "Li Yuan,"


    "I''m the Vice Dean of the Sixth Institute of Kunlun Martial Arts University, my surname is Li," the bald man said with a slight smile, "I''vee to formally extend an invitation from Kunlun Martial University for you to participate in an S-grade special training."


    "May I have a private word with you?"

 Chapter 71: 69 All Things Have Spirits

    "President Li? An S-Level Special Training Contract?" Li Yuan looked at the two people before him.


    In the cage turmoil, his disy of skill must have attracted the attention of the top five schools.


    It''s just that Kunlun Martial Arts University''s arrival seemed too fast.


    After all, the entire cage chaos had just ended less than two minutes ago.


    What Li Yuan did not know was that during the fifth round of the cage chaos, President Li and Teacher Fan Jin had already changed their minds and set out early, rushing over at high speed in a flyer.


    "I¡­" Li Yuan hesitated before saying, "Senior fellows, I cannot confirm your identities."


    Logically, observers from the top five famous schools should not arrive so quickly.


    And signing contracts usually happened after the five-day invitation event was over.


    President Li and Fan Jin exchanged a nce and could not help butugh.


    "Li Yuan, I am Fan Jin."


    The elder-looking Fan Jin said with a smile, "A few days ago, one of your elders should have specifically submitted your information to our Kunlun Martial University."


    "My elder?" Li Yuan immediately thought of Lord Wan.


    Beforeing here, Teacher Xu Bo had mentioned this matter.


    "Precisely because information was submitted, before leaving for Jiangbei from Kunlun Martial University, President Li had already included you in the A-Level student list," said Fan Jin, speaking confidently with a smile. "It''s just that at the time, we didn''t know your skill had broken through."


    "An A-Level from the start?" Li Yuan felt surprised internally.


    He knew about the S-Level and A-Level distinctions for the pre-selected list after Lin Lanyue and he had talked about it.


    A-Level was already very high.


    "Just now, in the cage chaos, as soon as we discovered your skill had broken through, we immediately decided to upgrade to an S-Level Special Training Contract," said Fan Jin with gravity. "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 had mostly believed the identities of the others and could sense how much Kunlun Martial Arts University valued him.


    Suddenly.


    "Beep~" Li Yuan''s smart bracelet trembled, and he nced at it subconsciously: "Kunlun Martial Arts University''s S-level Special Training Invitation."


    The message was from the official source of Jiangbei Martial Arts University.


    "You should have received the invitation by now." President Li said with a smile. "Do you believe us now?"


    "President Li, Teacher Fan, I apologize," said Li Yuan, full of remorse. "Senior fellows, pleasee in."


    "It''s fine, being cautious is good," President Li responded with a smile. "There are roommates in your room. Let''s go into this conference room and talk alone."


    "Great, please lead the way, senior," said Li Yuan decisively.


    Since thest invitation from Martial Hall and the guidance from his uncle Li Changzhou, Li Yuan had thought things through very thoroughly... Sometimes, good opportunities onlye once or twice.


    Yes, his talent was not bad, but ultimately, hecked suitable high-rank cultivation methods, and his physical quality had not even reached level 9.


    Now, a president from Kunlun Martial University had personallye, showing how much they valued him.


    If he still put on airs, that would be foolish.


    A genius? That''s not the same as a strong warrior.


    ..."Li Yuan."


    "Li Yuan," Gu Qianghan walked out of the resting area with a freshly cut cantaloupe, puzzled, "Where has he gone?"


    ...


    At the end of the corridor on the same floor, there was a small conference room.


    "Sit down," President Li said with a smile.


    Teacher Fan Jin closed the door, drawing the curtains over the windows.


    Li Yuan obediently sat down.


    "On the list we prepared at Kunlun Martial University, there are four S-Level students so far," President Li said with a smile.


    He was a burly man with a bald head, and his smile gave off a kind demeanor.


    "Tian Dazhuang, Wu Dongdong, Wang Yu, and you," President Li continued. "However, we came to find you first, and our expectations of you are the highest."


    "You sought me out first?" Li Yuan was a bit hesitant.


    The four S-Level students President Li spoke of were exactly the four Fourth Level skill students.


    "Why?" Li Yuan asked, puzzled. "I haven''t awakened Martial Spirit, so logically, myprehensive evaluation should be much worse than theirs, right?"


    "Your spiritual power talent is stronger," Teacher Fan Jin, who also took a seat, said with a smile. "President Li is a 29th Rank Prime Warrior, but his spiritual power is extremely strong,parable to a 30+ rank Flying Heaven Warrior. Hence, he can urately sense the strength of your spiritual power."


    Li Yuan''s pupils constricted slightly.


    "Your spiritual power should beparable to a 15th Level Martial Artist," President Li said with augh.


    Li Yuan nodded slightly. It was indeed urate.


    Of course, Li Yuan was not surprised; Lord Wan had been able to sense it previously and although half a year had passed, his strength had grown and his mental concentration was stronger.


    But the strength of President Li was clearly much greater than that of Lord Wan.


    Spiritual power,parable to a Flying Heaven Warrior?


    "If we follow the unified evaluation standards of the Seven Star Alliance, categorizing you as A+ would be more appropriate, but I think you qualify for S-Level," President Li said with augh.


    "Why?" Li Yuan became even more perplexed.


    "Li Yuan, let me first tell you some things, and you will understand," said Fan Jin.


    "First Rank Martial Artists have much stronger physical qualities than ordinary people," Fan Jin spoke slowly. "But if they only hold cold weapons, they can still be killed by firearms, which you should understand."


    Li Yuan nodded, recalling the wartime footage he had seen of the Rob Sea.


    First-Rank Star Realm Creatures were quite fragile in the face of a metal storm created by firearms.


    It''s difficult for carbon-based flesh to directly withstand firearms.


    "Second Rank Martial Artists can directly use Origin Power, making it very difficult to kill them with firearms," Fan Jin continued. "That''s why top martial arts schools like the top five famous schools, or the top martial arts institutes in various countries, or the three top famous schools in Blue Star, all aim to cultivate Prime Warriors essentially."


    "Prime Warriors are the backbone of warriors who venture deeply into various Star Realms and kill Star Realm Creatures," Fan Jin stressed solemnly.


    Li Yuan nodded involuntarily.


    He had watched many documentaries; those who ventured deep into exploration were usually warriors above level 20.


    At least a Fifteenth Level Martial Artist.


    "Bing a Prime Warrior is extremely difficult," Fan Jin sighed lightly, "First and foremost, physical quality must reach Level Neen, followed by skill and spiritual power."


    "Actually, everything has a spirit, and every living being has Spiritual Nature, but there must be a specialized medium to directly absorb Origin Power from the universe at an early stage," stated Fan Jin.


    "High Rank Cultivation Methods?" Li Yuan felt an inkling of understanding.


    "Correct," nodded Fan Jin, "Hundreds of years ago, in the era of the Star Bridge, early Martial Artists had no Cultivation Techniques. They relied solely on consuming a massive amount of Heavenly Materials Treasures, forcibly stacking their Physical Quality to Level Neen."


    "Relying solely on consumption?" Li Yuan nodded slightly, familiar with that part of history.


    "Among the outstanding ones, their skill was refined, and their spiritual power was strong, eventually bing Prime Warriors," Fan Jin continued, "Once you be a Prime Warrior, you''ll understand... Prime Warriors can sense Origin Power directly, and they can absorb it without any Cultivation Technique."


    Li Yuan nodded gently.


    This point, had also been mentioned in books, and it was one of the reasons why Second Rank Martial Artists were known as Prime Warriors.


    "However, the encumbrance of using only the body''s natural abilities to absorb Origin Power makes evolution too slow; reaching Level Twenty-Nine in one''s lifetime is difficult."


    "Therefore, the first generation of Prime Warriors began to attempt to create Cultivation Techniques."


    "Without much guidance."


    "With no experience, many of the first generation Prime Warriors died due to their bodies exploding, with a mortality rate exceeding 99%," Fan Jin sighed slightly.


    "99%?" Li Yuan was shocked; such a mortality rate was too high.


    "The mortality rate was extremely high, but in the end, a very small number of people sessfully created rough Cultivation Techniques that were suited to themselves, and reached Level Twenty-Nine," Fan Jin said.


    "However, each person''s Physique is different, and the self-created Cultivation Techniques of Prime Warriors are rough, basically only suitable for themselves."


    "Then, among the Prime Warriors at Level Twenty-Nine, a very small number broke the shackles of life and became Flying Heaven Warriors."


    Li Yuan listened with bated breath.


    He had seen simr history in textbooks, but it wasn''t as clearly stated as by Fan Jin.


    "What happenedter?" Asked Li Yuan.


    "Flying Heaven Warriors, their strength and realm have already exceeded the scope of ordinary life. They can fly and escape into the earth, enter space with their physical bodies, and can go without eating or drinking for life...


    They already possess the capability to create universal Cultivation Techniques," Fan Jin said, "But in that era, there was still no talk of ''Spiritual Awakening,'' and no one could absorb Origin Power before reaching Level Twenty."


    Li Yuan nodded slightly.


    Everyone has Spiritual Nature, but without Cultivation Techniques, Spiritual Nature is meaningless.


    Early Flying Heaven Warriors created Cultivation Techniques that were only suitable for their own practice.


    "Throughout civilization, the Seven Greats kept investing massive resources, continuously producing Prime Warriors who sessfully created their own Cultivation Techniques; after many years, eventually, numerous Flying Heaven Warriors worked together to deduce the first universal High Rank Cultivation Technique, ''Southern Ming Myriad Waters Scripture,'' about two hundred years ago."


    "This made it a reality for ordinary people to absorb Origin Power."


    "With apatibility exceeding 85%, there is hope of Cultivation; withpatibility exceeding 90%, one can definitely cultivate."


    "The birth rate of Martial Artists within civilization started to speed up," said Fan Jin, "First Rank Martial Artists rapidly increased in number, but the resources consumed for various Cultivation Methods began to decrease."


    Li Yuan inwardly sighed.


    For someone like himself, relying purely on consuming various cultivation treasures was an astonishing use of resources.


    It''s not of great consequence for one individual.


    But what if there were ten, a hundred thousand, or a million? The entire human civilization couldn''t afford it.


    In the early days of human civilization, there was no choice; if you wanted to be a Prime Warrior, you had to sh head-on!


    With High Rank Cultivation Methods, ordinary people could cultivate and absorb Origin Power from the universe.


    Thus, on the path to bing a Prime Warrior, the resources consumed could be reduced by at least ny percent.


    "Without a suitable High Rank Cultivation Method, Prime Warriors seeking to break through to be Flying Heaven Warriors must create their own, and any carelessness can lead to death."


    "Now, with rich experience, the sess rate has increased tenfold, but the mortality rate of Prime Warriors creating their own methods still exceeds 90%," Fan Jin shook his head slightly, "If one has a suitable High Rank Cultivation Method right from the start, the transition from Prime Warrior to Flying Heaven Warrior at most fails to break through, one wouldn''t die due to cultivation."


    "Precisely because of this, eighty years ago, the system of Martial Arts University entrance exams began."


    "Considering the whole civilization, we prioritize the training of young people with a highpatibility with High Rank Cultivation Methods."


    "This is what is called ''Spiritual Awakening.''"


    "It reduces resource consumption and reduces the casualties caused by Prime Warriors'' creation of methods, but it leads to the birth of more Flying Heaven Warriors."


    "The more Flying Heaven Warriors there are, the more efficiently they can deduce universal High Rank Cultivation Methods."


    "Over the past eighty years, human civilization''s top Martial Artists have sessively deduced four new High Rank Cultivation Methods," Fan Jin looked at Li Yuan, "enabling more and more people to utilize their Spiritual Nature."


    Li Yuan fully understood.


    It wasn''t that human civilization did not want to cultivate ordinary people.


    But umting resources to be Prime Warriors bore a heavy toll, and creating methods resulted in a 90% mortality rate.


    Not to mention bing a Flying Heaven Warrior... The input and output were not proportional at all.


    With the same resources used to nurture people who could directly cultivate High Rank Cultivation Methods, the number of strong individuals born would be many times greater.


    "So."


    "Spiritual Nature bonus points, at its core, is it to discourage ordinary people? To make them give up the dream of Martial Arts University?" Li Yuan pondered.


    Online, society had never ceased debating the 10% additional points for Spiritual Nature.


    But this policy had remained unshaken for eighty years.


    "Correct," nodded Fan Jin, "This policy might seem somewhat unfair to ordinary people, but from the standpoint of the entire civilization, the benefits outweigh the drawbacks."


    "After all, Star Realm Creatures keep emerging, threatening our entire civilization," Fan Jin dered, "We must maximize resource utilization."


    "Then why list me as an ''S'' rank?" Li Yuan asked in confusion.


    "Because your talent is high enough," dered President Li with firm conviction.


    High enough talent? Li Yuan was taken aback.


    "Everyone has Spiritual Nature."


    "Talent is nothing more than Physique Talent, Spiritual Power Talent, and Comprehension Talent," President Li said with a smile, "Without guidance from High Rank Cultivation Methods or ingestion of remarkable treasures, your Physical Quality still improves extremely quickly, which indicates your Physique Talent is top-notch."


    "Spiritual Power Talent, top-notch."


    "Most critically, you''ve achieved Fourth Level skill at seventeen and a half years old, indicating your Comprehension Talent is also top-notch."


    "What you''recking is just the Cultivation Technique."


    "And in Law Creation, Comprehension is the most essential requirement."

 Chapter 72: 70 S-Class Special Training Contract

    "If yourprehension isn''t up to par, having only physical and mental talents at most will make you a Prime Warrior, and you would barely qualify as a B-rank talent," President Li continued.


    Li Yuan nodded slightly.


    At the Starfire Martial Hall, the initial B-rank contract they offered me was already at a premium.


    In the past six months, my progress had been astonishing, but without a breakthrough in skills to the Fourth Level, I would barely qualify as A-rank.


    There''s a startling difference between Third Stage perfection in skills and the Fourth Level.


    "With all three of your talents at the top level, it''s a case of 1+1+1>5, with no weaknesses." President Li spoke with utmost gravity: "The biggest obstacle on your path to bing a Level 29 Prime Warrior is theck of high-rank cultivation methods."


    "For ordinary Prime Warriors, the death rate when creating their own cultivation techniques exceeds 90% because theirprehension is average."


    "Moreover, even if they are lucky enough to sessfully create a cultivation technique, most will find it difficult to be Level 29 Prime Warriors, let alone Flying Heaven Warriors."


    "But you,"


    President Li looked at Li Yuan as if he saw an uncut jade and smiled, "I think your chances of sessfully creating a cultivation technique could exceed 50%."


    "As long as you don''t die in the trials of Star Realm."


    "You have a fifty percent chance of bing a Level 29 Prime Warrior in the future, and even a fair chance of bing a Flying Heaven Warrior, so why wouldn''t that be worth an S-rank contract?"


    ...


    The exnations from President Li and Teacher Fan Jin.


    Li Yuan began to vaguely see the path ahead for himself.


    All the way to bing a Level 29 Prime Warrior and even a Flying Heaven Warrior, the road ahead seemed clear.


    Of course, Li Yuan didn''t think he would smoothly be a Level 29 Prime Warrior; there were still many challenges ahead.


    President Li''s words could be trusted, but notpletely.


    It''s like climbing a mountain; seeing the path ahead and actually reaching the summit are two different things.


    "My predecessors," Li Yuan said, "even if I have potential, why did youe to me first among the four S-ranks?"


    "Because the other three S-ranks are very unlikely to choose one of Xia Country''s five prestigious schools," Fan Jinughed. "What does it mean to be S-rank? It means a martial arts genius recognized on a global scale."


    "The other three are very likely to choose either Starry Sky University or Starfire University,"


    "We observers understand this, and those students are clearly aware of it, so our motivation to recruit them isn''t that strong."


    "Our five prestigious schools in Xia Country are not bad, but whenpared to Starry Sky University, we are indeed weaker," Fan Jin admitted candidly. "Our main targets are actually A-rank students."


    Li Yuan nodded in understanding.


    From what he knew, the top ten scorers in the Jiangbei Province''s college entrance examination almost always went to Starry Sky University or Starfire University.


    This had been the practice for decades.


    "And me?" Li Yuan pressed on.


    President Li and Fan Jin both smiled.


    "Li Yuan, you must understand," President Li said seriously. "First of all, no matter how early a contract is signed, the final university admission is determined by the college entrance examination results."


    "When applying to the top three martial arts universities globally, your ''Youth Hero'' bonus points won''t count; only your Spiritual Nature bonus points... This is the rule set by Dongfang Ji, the strongest person in the world."


    "It''s to block all backdoor operations."


    "Unless you have an unparalleled talent in one area, for example, Fifth Stage skills," President Li exined. "Then, even without a suitable high-rank cultivation method, after verification by the high-levels of the three great Martial Halls, you could gain admission based on a single talent alone.


    But just Fourth Level skills aren''t enough for special admission to Starfire University or Starry Sky University."


    Li Yuan was speechless.


    Fifth Stage skills? For a high school senior? That would require an extraordinary genius.


    But Li Yuan understood that basing everything on the college examination scores was indeed quite fair, treating everyone equally.


    "Secondly,"


    "Your three talents are all top-notch¡­ but there are many students at Starfire University and Starry Sky University with the same level of top-notch talents," President Li told Li Yuan. "Do you think the administrators of the top three martial arts schools would care whether you seed in creating a cultivation technique?"


    "Even if you were to seed in creating a technique and even be a Flying Heaven Warrior in the future, Starry Sky University and Starfire University wouldn''t care about missing out on you."


    "Throughout history, they have produced many Flying Heaven Warriors," President Li said wistfully. "The one thing they don''tck is geniuses."


    Li Yuan sighed inwardly.


    Indeed, his level of skills was excellent.


    But on a global scale, there were hundreds of his peers just like him.


    "If you choose Kunlun Martial University, besides the absence of a cultivation method, your talents would be among the most top-notch of all the students," Fan Jin said cheerfully. "Kunlun Martial University would then do its utmost to support you in bing a Prime Warrior and creating a cultivation technique."


    "You would be given priority ess to all sorts of precious cultivation resources, a variety of cultivation techniques, and guidance from many high-level Prime Warriors."


    "Even when Flying Heaven Warriorse to give lectures at the school, you would be allowed to attend first," Fan Jin painted a bright picture for Li Yuan. "All of this would be clearly spelled out in the contract."


    Li Yuan pondered.


    He couldn''t get into the top three martial arts schools.


    Therefore, Kunlun Martial Arts University was indeed the best choice for him.


    "Don''t think that Kunlun Martial University is weak,"


    "Dongfang Ji, the strongest person in humanity, is an alumnus of our Kunlun Martial University," President Li said with pride. "Nearly twenty percent of Xia Country''s Flying Heaven Warriors are graduates from Kunlun Martial University."


    Li Yuan nodded slightly.


    His idol was Dongfang Ji, and he was well aware of Dongfang Ji''s legendary journey... from graduation at Kunlun Martial University to reaching the pinnacle of the Martial Path within a mere decade.


    Among the five prestigious schools of Xia Country.


    Kunlun Martial Arts University and Xiaking Martial Arts University are slightly stronger than the other three.


    Weakness is rtive to the top three martial arts schools globally.


    "Li Yuan, I''ll send you the S-rank special training contract first," President Li said. "Take a look at it."


    Ding!


    Li Yuan''s smart ring buzzed with a reminder, and when he looked down, there was already an additional document.


    Li Yuan clicked directly and quickly started to review it.


    The content was extensive.


    The resources and rewards were very generous.


    However, Li Yuan remained calm and, after deep thought, realized that the offer wasn''t as good as President Li and Teacher Fan Jin had described.


    The contract had many restrictions; if his progress wasn''t fast enough, subsequent resources and support would diminish, and the overall quality of resources might even degrade.


    But Li Yuan understood.


    Cultivation resources were precious, and if one''s strength wasn''t sufficient, it made no sense to hog them without making good use of them. It would be better to let someone more outstanding have them.


    This was also true for entering Starry Sky University.


    In this era, the entire human civilization faced constant threats to survival.


    Competition was everywhere, and there was no room to becent.


    Time passed until Li Yuan flipped through thest page of the contract.


    After waiting another ten seconds and seeing that Li Yuan was still contemtive,


    "Li Yuan, let''s stop here for today. There are still four days," President Li stood up smoothly and said with a smile, "The Martial Arts Universities in Xiaking and South Sea will definitelye to find you too. You can consider your options carefully."


    "Make the choice that''s most beneficial for you."


    "Teacher Fan and I will be leaving now. If you''ve decided, you can reply to me via the invitation letter," he added.


    President Li and Fan Jin walked straight toward the exit of the conference room.


    "ng~" As the door opened, President Li hadn''t even stepped out yet when,


    "President Li."


    Li Yuan suddenly spoke up: "There''s no need to consider further. I am willing to sign this S-level contract."


    President Li had his back to Li Yuan and did not turn around immediately, but a smile had already appeared on his face.


    He had seeded by pretending to retreat.


    In his heart, President Li grew even more satisfied with Li Yuan.


    ...


    Within the conference room, both partiespleted the electronic signature directly on the smart rings and then submitted the contract for review to the ''Martial Arts Hall'' and ''Education Department.''


    Only two minutester, the review passed.


    The legally binding electronic contract was sent in real time to Li Yuan''s virtualwork personal space.


    "Good!"


    "Li Yuan, wee to Kunlun Martial Arts University," President Li said with a smile. "Believe me, your decision is far from hasty."


    "This is my personal V ount. Come on, add it."


    "Thank you, senior," Li Yuan said with a ttered tone, quickly extending his smart ring to add the personal V ount.


    "Still calling me senior?" Fan Jin chuckled. "You should call him President Li."


    "President Li," Li Yuan immediately nodded.


    "It doesn''t matter what you call me," President Li said, in a good mood. "After the entering in July and the department allocation, whether or not you choose the Sixth Institute, you cane to me for anything in the future."


    "When you return to Jiangbei Martial University, if you have any questions about cultivation, feel free to ask me. I''llmunicate with you when I have time."


    "Yes," Li Yuan nodded repeatedly, feeling a warmth in his heart.


    Normally, after signing the contract, there was no need for the other party to do this.


    "Additionally," President Li paused before saying: "ording to the contract, the first subsidy of one million Blue Star Coins for your cultivation will be in ce within a week."


    "But I must remind you."


    "You must reach the national examination score. For the next few months, you can''t ck off in your training," President Li advised. "If your scores fail to reach the national line, we''ll be forced to terminate the contract."


    "Understood," Li Yuan responded solemnly.


    The national line for martial arts was the minimum score for the top five prestigious schools.


    ording to the contract, if the agreement had to be terminated due to Li Yuan not achieving sufficient examination scores,


    Then, he would not need to return the one million Blue Star Coins.


    ...


    After adding Teacher Fan Jin''s V ount, Li Yuan took the initiative to escort President Li and Teacher Fan Jin downstairs.


    Just reaching the doorway,


    Boom!


    A small flying vehicle slowly descended from the sky.


    Two figures ''lightly'' dropped from the seven- or eight-meter high flying vehicle to the ground.


    "President Li? And old Fan?" The leading ck-robed middle-aged womannded gracefully, her face showing surprise.


    Immediately,


    Her gaze then fell on Li Yuan with a bit of hesitation: "Are you Li Yuan?"


    "Yes," Li Yuan nodded.


    "This!"


    "Old Li, how did you get here so quickly?" the ck-robed woman couldn''t help saying: "Has Li Yuan already signed the special training contract with you?"


    "Sister Liu."


    The bald and burly President Li grinned, showing a mouthful of white teeth: "Sorry to make youe here for nothing, it''s sote, how about we all go for barbecue together? To make it up to you."

 Chapter 73: 71 One Hundred Million Blue Star Coins

    "Li Yuan." The elegant woman in ck didn''t pay attention to President Li and looked directly at Li Yuan, "Did you really sign the contract?"


    "Yes." Li Yuan nodded.


    "You''re still young, don''t be deceived by this surnamed Li." The woman in ck smiled, "This old guy may smile benignly, but he''s incredibly vicious in battle¡­ Would you be interested ining to East Sea Martial Arts University? Even if you''ve signed, it doesn''t matter, we can pay the penalty fee for you."


    Li Yuan was taken aback.


    Penalty fee? Can it really be done that way?


    "Surname Liu, since when is it proper to poach people right on the spot like this?" President Li was not so courteous, "How much do you n to pay for the penalty fee then?"


    "5 million Blue Star Coins," the woman in ck frowned, "Isn''t that the price for the penalty fee of an A-level training contract?"


    President Li and Fan Jin smiled at the same time.


    The corners of Li Yuan''s mouth couldn''t help but reveal a slight curve.


    "President Liu." Teacher Fan Jin said with a smile, his voice gentle, "If you want to sign Li Yuan, aside from needing his agreement, you will also have to pay Kunlun Martial University 50 million Blue Star Coins."


    "50 million?" The woman in ck''s face revealed a hint of surprise, "Did you sign an S-level training contract?"


    "What else could it be?" President Li chuckled, "Or are you suggesting that you don''t think Li Yuan is worth an S-level?"


    Whoosh!


    The woman in ck instantly turned her head to stare at Li Yuan and couldn''t help but say, "Did you awaken your Martial Spirit?"


    Li Yuan shook his head, "Not yet."


    "Then it''s¡­ your spiritual power?" The woman in ck stared at Li Yuan, specting, "Is your spiritual power talent very high?"


    "Senior has discerning eyes." Li Yuan nodded.


    "No wonder." The woman in ck now understood the reason.


    "President Li." The woman in ck looked over, "Impressive guts, I admire that. To simply give away one of the two S-level training slots like that."


    "I don''t have guts; I just feel Li Yuan is worth an S-level spot." President Li said with a smile, "Don''t you think Li Yuan is up to the S-level?"


    President Li asked again.


    "I never said that," the woman in ck responded indifferently, "You''ve signed him already; there''s no need to provoke further."


    Resources are limited.


    Behind every S-level training slot lies an enormous investment of resources, and naturally, the slots are not infinite.


    For example, for students from Jiangbei Province, for this invitation event, Kunlun Martial University has two S-level training slots, whereas the other four famous schools only have one S-level training slot each.


    The woman in ck looked at Li Yuan, her face showing a kind smile, "Li Yuan, work hard on your cultivation. I look forward to the day you be a Prime Warrior, even a Flying Heaven Warrior."


    "Thank you, Senior." Li Yuan replied neither humbly nor arrogantly, knowing that she was not willing to put forth an S-level slot.


    The woman in ck turned and left.


    She acknowledged that Li Yuan was excellent, otherwise, she wouldn''t have bothereding.


    However, she only had one S-level slot at her disposal, and she would have had to pay an additional 50 million penalty fee, which naturally caused hesitation.


    After all, there were already three S-level students, and several more among the top ten elites of the province.


    For instance, students like Wu Luo might not seem as technically skilled as Li Yuan at first nce, but their future prospects were more stable and their potential higher.


    They could be ssified as A+ level.


    However, to get them to choose one of the top five prestigious schools for the college entrance examination, an S-level training contract was usually necessary to sign them up.


    ¡­


    After seeing off the leaders from the two Martial Arts Universities, Li Yuan had just gone upstairs to his room.


    "Li Yuan, where did you go? Who was knocking at the door just now?" Gu Qianghan was leisurely eating melon, "I saved two pieces for you."


    "Didn''t do much." Li Yuan said with a smile.


    Ding~ Ding~ The doorbell suddenly rang again.


    ¡­


    Forty minutester, Li Yuan saw off thest teacher from Polestar Martial Arts University.


    "Polestar, Xiaking, South Sea."


    Gu Qianghan, standing by, was dumbfounded, "Brother, you''re awesome! You''ve just turned down three Martial Arts Universities in one go, and they all offered A-level training contracts."


    "They''re all rushing over right after the cage fight finished, aren''t you satisfied?" Gu Qianghan asked in confusion, "Especially Xiaking Martial Arts University, the terms of the contract they offered were very good."


    "The contract was indeed not bad." Li Yuan chuckled but did not exin further.


    "Wait a minute!"


    Gu Qianghan suddenly realized something and widened his eyes, "Was the very first doorbell ring from Kunlun visitors? Or from East Sea? Did you already sign a training contract?"


    "Xiao Qiang, you''re getting smarter." Li Yuanughed.


    Shock was written all over Gu Qianghan''s handsome face.


    "I''ve always been smart, and also, call me Gu Qiang." Gu Qianghan sat down on the sofa with a thump, deep in thought, "Did you sign right from the start? That can''t be right; with your Fourth Level skills, you''re definitely worth an A-level contract. Didn''t you want topare contracts more?"


    Gu Qianghan''s character was capricious and free-spirited; he was not fond of overthinking.


    But he wasn''t dumb, on the contrary, he was very smart, with an exceptionally high level of insight and vision.


    "S-level?" Gu Qianghan thought of a possibility, staring at Li Yuan with some disbelief, "Has a school offered an S-level contract?"


    "What do you think?" Li Yuan said with a smile.


    "Goddamn Li Yuan!" Gu Qianghan could not have been clearer, wailing, "S-level, to think that a school offered you an S-level elite training contract on the first day."


    "What did they see in you, huh? Technique? But you don''t have Fifth Stage Spear Technique."


    Li Yuan couldn''t help butugh.


    Having Gu Qianghan as a roommate was actually quite good, at least it wouldn''t be all silent and gloomy.


    Like a living treasure.


    "Li Yuan, do you really not understand the significance of S-level?" Gu Qianghan couldn''t help but say, "S-level, and the even more top-tier SS-level students, get to enjoy a lot of very special resources."


    "There''s an SS-level too?" Li Yuan was startled.


    "Of course, there is."


    Gu Qianghan said as a matter of course, "S-level, while there are a bunch nationwide each year, SS-level... ording to my dad, it''s hard to find even one in the whole country in a year, so they don''t make a big deal out of it."


    Li Yuan nodded slightly, his mind wandering to Yu Jinghe, who might just be a genius of that level.


    "You''re going to be amazing."


    Gu Qianghan said with feeling, "The special resources that S-level and above students can get ess to are many that even my dad can''t touch."


    Li Yuan was surprised in his heart.


    Though he had never asked, the signs indicated that Gu Qianghan''s father was at least a powerful Prime Warrior.


    "Can''t buy them with money?" Li Yuan asked subconsciously.


    "If there''s enough money, probably, but it''s not worth it," Gu Qianghan shook his head, "Of course, my dad only mentioned it in passing a few times, I''m not clear on the specifics."


    "ording to my dad, an initial S-level elite training spot, if sold, would easily go for one billion Blue Star Coins."


    "Of course, that''s just the initial spot, if you can''t maintain itter on, you''ll be demoted to A-level," Gu Qianghan said, "There''s an evaluation once a year."


    Li Yuan held his breath.


    One billion Blue Star Coins? He knew that S-level spots were precious, but he had no idea they were this valuable.


    No wonder the penalty for breaking the contract was as high as 50 million.


    "Some things can''t be measured with money."


    Gu Qianghan said with a smile, "Li Yuan, before I only thought you were awesome, but now, I truly admire you."


    "Without awakening Martial Spirit, you still made five prestigious schools offer you an S-level elite training contract. There must be hidden depths to you," Gu Qianghan said with a snicker, "No wonder my sister always says to learn from you."


    Li Yuan was taken aback for a moment, thenughed.


    In this world, no one is truly foolish.


    "Then you better study hard, maybe you can also get an A-level elite training spot," Li Yuan teased.


    "No way!"


    "I have no talent at all," Gu Qianghan''s head shook like a rattle-drum, "My grades look decent, but that''s all my dad''s doing, If I had my... let''s not talk about this, getting into one of the top five prestigious schools is enough to satisfy my dad."


    "But you can''t rely on your parents forever, right?" Li Yuan said with a smile, "They''re going to get old someday..."


    "Li Yuan."


    Gu Qianghan gave Li Yuan a sideways nce and said with a smile, "Do you believe that when I''m about to get old and die, my mom and dad can still bring me a bunch of little brothers?"


    Li Yuan was speechless; he understood what Gu Qianghan meant.


    Ordinary people can''t live off their parents forever, but Gu Qianghan... he really could!


    "You signed with Kunlun Martial University, right? My dad also told me to apply there."


    "I can''t count on my sister; she''s probably going to Starry Sky University. We''re like brothers, right? When we get to university, I''ll be counting on you to cover for me," Gu Qianghany back down and said leisurely, "In this life, I just want to coast by as a Prime Warrior and lie t."


    "Relying on parents at home, relying on brothers outside."


    "Sure," Li Yuan said with augh.


    He didn''t take the words seriously, knowing well that someone with Gu Qianghan''s connections and background wouldn''t need his help.


    On the contrary, Li Yuan had a vague understanding.


    Today, it was only after revealing his Fourth Level skills and obtaining the S-level elite training contract that he truly made Gu Qianghan want to befriend him from the heart.


    It had nothing to do with Gu Qianghan''s personality but the perspectives they''d been raised with since childhood.


    For these scions of great ns, the only ones they recognized were those from other major ns or real geniuses.


    "I, too, need some friends," Li Yuan thought to himself.


    A hero needs three gangs of fellows.


    Making more friends and connecting with powerful seniors is beneficial for one''s own path of Martial Arts.

 Chapter 74: 72 Mortality Rate 1.2%

    Gu Qianghan went to the rest area.


    Li Yuan, on the other hand, took a long spear from the nearby weapon cab and began to practice the spear technique.


    Most of today was spent on the move.


    He hadn''t been able to calm down and cultivate.


    "I''ll practice the spear for one hour, then the cultivation methods for two hours," Li Yuan decided. "After that, I''ll cultivate the ''Observing the Great Sun and Stars Technique.''"


    The path of cultivation allows for no rxation, even for a single day.


    "Others are willing to be friendly towards me and show goodwill, not because I''m handsome with a kind heart," Li Yuan thought very clearly to himself. "It''s because I have enough value."


    To have value is to solidify mutual feelings.


    Not to mention interacting with others; even between parents and children, it is the same.


    "Hu!"


    "Hu!" The long spear moved like a dragon; a casual thrust from Li Yuan could mobilize all the vigor in his body.


    In fact, while practicing with the spear, Li Yuan was also pondering.


    "I''ve signed the contract."


    "For the college entrance exam, as long as I hit the score thresholds of the top five universities, that will be enough?" Li Yuan thought to himself.


    He could not say with 100% certainty that he would reach this threshold; therefore, he mustn''t cken his cultivation.


    "Starfire University." Li Yuan shook his head slightly.


    Before his senior year, Li Yuan had never even considered Starfire University or Starry Sky University.


    The gap was too great at that time.


    However, people''s ambitions are always changing. After the January mock exams, as his scores improved, Li Yuan asionally thought about Starfire University.


    "Recognize reality." Li Yuan suddenly swung the long spear, the shaft striking the sandbag forcefully.


    "Beng~" The sandbag erupted with an astonishing boom.


    "Almost a century ago, Dongfang Ji managed to reach the pinnacle of the Martial Path from Kunlun Martial University," Li Yuan reflected. "Good or bad universities do not determine everything."


    Whether it''s high school or university, both are just stages in a martial artist''s journey.


    Not to mention that Kunlun Martial Arts University is not bad at all.


    Even Jiangbei Martial Arts University, where the students'' average talents are much lower, has seen many students transform during their university years. Historically, arge number of Prime Warriors have emerged, and more than one Flying Heaven Warrior was born.


    As for Kunlun Martial University? In terms of the total number of Flying Heaven Warriors, it isn''t far behind Starfire University.


    "Now, the conditions at Kunlun Martial University must be even better than in Dongfang Ji''s time," Li Yuan was filled with ambition.


    "Law Creation? Many predecessors have sessfully created new techniques in history."


    "In the future, I too will be able to createws and be a Flying Heaven Warrior."


    [Your Spear Technique realm has increased from the Fourth Level 2% to the Fourth Level 3%] The Divine Pce panel suddenly shed a notification.


    ¡­


    The invitations for the second and third days were quite ordinary, with discussions, lectures, and ''one-on-one'' interactions with elite students from Martial Arts Universities.


    There were also some tests, such as Fist Strength and Burst Speed assessments.


    The news of Li Yuan signing with Kunlun Martial University in advance and securing an S-grade contract gradually came to the notice of the observers from the top five universities.


    Some felt it was a pity.


    Others thought Li Yuan was not worth an S-grade contract.


    However, Li Yuan himself was unaware of these opinions.


    The news had not spread among the students.


    After Gu Qiang found out, he only told Lin Lanyue. Both kept it secret, not even letting Wu Dongdong know.


    On the third day, after dinner, thousands of students gathered in arge conference hall.


    "Thebat assessment against Star Realm Creatures starts first thing tomorrow morning?"


    "We have to sign a death waiver?"


    "There''s a 1.2% death rate for thebat assessment?" The thousands of elite students burst into an uproar upon hearing the female teacher''s exnation from the main tform.


    "Silence!"


    A deep voice exploded like a bell, instantly suppressing all the chatter.


    The conference room fellpletely silent.


    All students looked at the main tform, where next to the female teacher, a tall, burly man d in a blue Martial Path uniform had appeared.


    Standing over two meters tall with a formidable presence, especially as his icy eyes swept over, very few students dared meet his gaze.


    "A 1.2% death rate makes you panic, afraid?" said the man in blue with an icy tone. "Then, in the future, when you truly venture deep into the Star Realm and have to fight Star Realm Creatures, facing missions with over a 50% death rate, are you going to turn tail and run?"


    The entire conference hall was as silent as a graveyard.


    "A 1.2% death rate?" Li Yuan stood among the crowd, listening quietly.


    He was not afraid of the death rate; he was just a bit surprised.


    After all, they were supposedly here just as students participating in an event.


    Could there be a possibility of death?


    On the stage, a stalwart man in blue nodded to the female teacher, signaling for her to continue.


    "The location of thebat assessment will remain confidential for the time being."


    The female teacher''s voice was very gentle, "In thebat assessment, the majority of what you''ll face will be unranked Star Realm creatures, with the strongest being only level 12."


    "They have all been carefully selected."


    "Throughout the assessment process, we from Jiangbei Martial University, in cooperation with the military, will protect you all the way, striving for zero casualties."


    "However, it''s a fight to the death with cold weapons."


    "No matter how good the protection is, idents can still happen, so we don''t mandate that everyone must participate," said the female teacher. "If you are unwilling, then fill out the ''Voluntary Combat Assessment Waiver Form''."


    All the students listened, and only when they heard ''full protection'' did they feel somewhat reassured.


    Hearing that they could opt out, many students started harboring their own thoughts.


    "However."


    The female teacher changed her tone, "Those who do not participate in thebat assessment, or do not meet the minimum requirements during the assessment, will not be eligible for the special training contracts from the five top schools."


    "Moreover, even if you pass the college entrance examination and are admitted into one of the top five schools, you will still need to participate in thebat assessment to get on the special training list and must pass it."


    Whoo~


    A buzz of astonishment swept through the crowd, as most students had not been aware of this regtion before.


    "To be selected for special training, one must go throughbat assessments?" Li Yuan was equally surprised.


    "It''s a new rule," Lin Lanyue whispered beside him. "In the past, there werebat assessments, but they weren''t linked to the special training list."


    "The Martial Arts Department just issued the notice; it will officially be implemented this year and hasn''t been publicly announced yet, so it''s normal that it hasn''t spread widely."


    Li Yuan suddenly understood.


    "There will also be corresponding rewards for thebat assessment," the female teacher continued. "The student ranked first in points will be rewarded with 2 million Blue Star Coins."


    "Those ranked 2 to 10 will receive a reward of 500 thousand Blue Star Coins."


    "Those ranked 11 to 100 will receive a reward of 200 thousand Blue Star Coins."


    "For rankings beyond 100, as long as they pass thebat assessment, they will likewise receive a reward of 50 thousand Blue Star Coins."


    Many students'' eyes lit up.


    The rewards for thebat assessment were clearly higher than those for the skills assessment, with the first ce receiving a direct reward of 2 million Blue Star Coins.


    Forget the rewards for the top ten.


    Just by meeting the standard, there was at least 50 thousand Blue Star Coins, which was already quite a lot.


    "This is a wide-ranging subsidy," Li Yuan couldn''t help but remark.


    "Those who can participate in the event are all elite students from a province; it''s very normal for a batch of Prime Warriors to emerge in the future," Lin Lanyue said with a softugh. "So, having gone to great lengths to invite them here, Jiangbei Martial University will always disburse some money widely to curry favor and leave some goodwill."


    Li Yuan pondered for a moment.


    In a certain sense, this was Jiangbei Martial University''s investment inworking.


    By epting this reward, one has implicitly epted a favor from Jiangbei Martial University.


    On the stage.


    "Whether to participate in thebat assessment is for you to decide," said the female teacher. "After returning to your dormitory, you will find the contract documents on the virtualwork. You can simply sign to agree or waive in your personal space."


    ...


    Thousands of students filed out of the meeting room in session, and it was not yet dark.


    "Li Yuan, will you participate?" Lin Lanyue asked.


    "Going," Li Yuan smiled. "I''ve already signed the special training contract; I have to go."


    The day before yesterday, the S-level special training contract I signed clearly stated that I must participate in thebat assessment.


    Not participating would be a breach of contract.


    If I participate but fail the assessment, it''s not a breach of contract, but I would have to retake it upon entry to the school.


    If I fail the assessment twice, my treatment will be reduced.


    "There''s a risk of death; are you not afraid?" Lin Lanyue asked with a teasing tone.


    "Afraid of what? I have an honor title," Li Yuanughed. "If we''re talking about danger, thest encounter was even more perilous."


    "That''s true," Lin Lanyue smiled sweetly.


    Then she lowered her head, opened the smart bracelet, and clicked on the holographic screen.


    Ding~


    Li Yuan''s smart bracelet immediately vibrated, and looking down, he saw that Lin Lanyue had sent him a video file through V-Chat.


    "What is this?" Li Yuan asked, puzzled.


    "Never mind, there are too many prying eyes here," Lin Lanyueughed. "Watch it on the virtualwork when you get back, and you''ll understand. See you tomorrow."


    Lin Lanyue left directly.


    Suppressing the curiosity in his heart, Li Yuan did not open it and walked towards his dormitory building with Gu Qianghan.

 Chapter 75: March Summary and Beginning of the Month Request for Monthly Ticket

    First off, let me dere, this isn''t a speech for going premium, haha! Just to emphasize that! Don''t get it wrong, everyone.


    Thanks to the overwhelming support from all the brothers, with 30,000 sustained reads in the background, we''ve managed to secure both the ssh screen and widget for the new bookunch promotion during our new book period! This is a first for me in my history!


    However, these kinds of activities need to be scheduled, and we''ve been slotted for April 3rd. That means we''re going premium on April 3rd, so brothers, there''s no need to rush; you can read for free for a couple more days.


    Since our release on March 1st, up until today, the 31st, we''ve updated 72 chapters and 210,000 words. I''m personally quite satisfied with this update speed for the new book period.


    In terms of achievements, in one month of the new book period, we''ve gained 110,000 favorites and 30,000 sustained background reads, both of which are peaks in my writing career. Brothers, you guys are awesome!!!


    Immensely thankful!


    Then, let me talk about the n for April.


    In the early morning of the 1st, back-to-back uploads of 2 chapters.


    In the early morning of the 2nd, back-to-back uploads of 2 chapters.


    That above is the entire update during the free period, with more than 220,000 words. I hope you guys are satisfied with it.


    In the early morning of the 3rd, we''re officially going premium! On that day, we will have at least 5 chapters updated, and from then on, at least two chapters every day.


    Finally, and most importantly, every 2,000 monthly votes will result in an additional chapter!!!


    What does that mean?


    Even on the day we go premium, the 3rd, how many chapters we update won''t be up to me, but rather, it''ll depend on everybody''s voting enthusiasm.


    When "Yuan Tian Zun" was in itster stages, I indeed felt exhausted, but now, I''m filled with vigor and passion.


    I wonder if you brothers still remember the crazy burst of 400,000 words monthly during "Yuan Tian Zun."


    I haven''t forgotten!


    I''ve always remembered!


    But in my heart, I hope to surpass that moment! To reach a new pinnacle!!


    If we have 4,000 monthly votes on the morning of the 3rd when we go premium, then, there will be 7 chapters back-to-back!


    If we can get 8,000 monthly votes, that would be a burst of 9 chapters!


    And if we can reach 10,000 monthly votes on the day of the 3rd... Do you brothers think I''ll back down? I''ll definitely finish a burst of 10 chapters that very day!!!


    This bonus chapter event for monthly votes has no cap; the more monthly votes we have, the more chapters will burst forth. It will continue throughout the entire month of April, the whole month!


    If we ultimately have 80,000 monthly votes by the end of the month, trust me, there will be 40 bonus chapters in total!!!


    In conclusion.


    Thanks to the brothers who have supported us all the way from the old book! I appreciate you all!!


    Thanks to the new brothers of this book! Let us charge forward together!


    March has passed; April ising.


    The war song rises, and the long swords are unsheathed!


    Within the book, it''s the era of martial arts that''s brimming with a tidal wave of life evolution!


    Outside the book, it''s the battleground of the monthly vote ranking where gods contend for supremacy!!


    For the Start Point monthly vote ranking in April, I hope all the brothers can join me once more in the battle against the gods!

 Chapter 76: 73: First Level Star Realm ‘Moon Demon’ (Seeking Monthly Tickets)

    Back in the Martial Arts Room.


    "Gu Qiang, are you going to thebat assessment or not?" Li Yuan asked while drinking water.


    "Ah, I must participate in the battle." G¨³ Qi¨¢ngh¨¤n sighed, "Yesterday my mom said to me if I don''t pass thebat assessment, when I get back my dad will break my legs."


    Li Yuanughed.


    G¨³ Qi¨¢ngh¨¤n emphasized every day ''my dad wants to beat me up, my mom is not happy with me'', but it was evident that his parents were very caring towards him.


    Because, if parents truly don''t care, a child would only keep it hidden inside.


    "I''m going onto the virtual first." Li Yuan said with a smile, "Sign the documents."


    "Hmm, I''ll sign also in a moment,e, let''s have some watermelon today."


    ...Consciousness connected.


    He directly entered Jiangbei Martial University''s campuswork.


    "Death exemption agreement." Li Yuan browsed through the document, quickly scanning it.


    There were many uses, but they all boiled down to one sentence, "If you die during thebat assessment, Jiangbei Martial University willpensate with five hundred thousand Blue Star Coins."


    That was it.


    "Five hundred thousand Blue Star Coins?" Li Yuan clicked agree first, then returned to his personal space on the virtualwork toplete the electronic signature.


    In his personal space.


    "Combat assessment?" Li Yuan contemted in silence, "I hope it doesn''t disappoint me."


    Li Yuan decided to participate.


    Firstly, it was to meet the terms of the special training contract from Kunlun Martial Arts University.


    Secondly, the reward of Blue Star Coins.


    "During the skills assessment, the cage melee was divided into six rounds, so I didn''t need to directlypete with Wu Dongdong, Tian Dazhuang, and the others. I took first ce quite smoothly," Li Yuan thought to himself, "But thebat assessment? There''s only one first ce."


    Winning the two million Blue Star Coins reward was very difficult.


    Not to mention anything else.


    "Wu Dongdong, her spear technique is more sophisticated than mine, and her physical quality reaches as high as 10.5," Li Yuan thought to himself, "Her overall strength is a great deal stronger than mine. The chances of winning against her are very low."


    These past few days, Li Yuan had used the ''Divine Pce Inquiry'' on many students.


    As the number of inquiries increased, Li Yuan also realized that the weaker the opponent''s strength, the less spiritual power was consumed in the inquiry.


    Based on the results of these past few days'' inquiries.


    Li Yuan found that most of the thousands of elite students participating in the event had a physical quality between 8.0 and 8.5.


    Students below 8.0 and those above 9.0 were very rare.


    Physical quality above 10.0? Only Wu Dongdong and Lin Lanyue.


    Next was Wang Yu, at 9.5.


    Tian Dazhuang, perhaps because of his family reasons, had average cultivation resources and only a physical quality of 8.5.


    In other words, Li Yuan''s 8.9 physical quality already put him in the top 5% of all elite students.


    Like Gu Qiang, during the Yuan month''s assessment, his physical quality was close to Li Yuan''s.


    Now it had only reached 8.7, falling behind Li Yuan.


    For the past year and a half, just in terms of the speed of improvement in physical quality, Li Yuan was already considered among the top of Jiangbei Province''s million students.


    "Striving for first ce is difficult."


    "But, I must strive to break into the top ten," Li Yuan thought to himself, feeling very hopeful about earning another five hundred thousand Blue Star Coins with effort.


    Money was very important.


    "The martial path cultivation costs for my younger brother and sister will be huge," Li Yuan silently contemted, "If I want to give them the best conditions all the way to their senior year, several million Blue Star Coins will be far from enough."


    The investment in martial path cultivation, the consumption of money, is never-ending.


    The more, the better.


    Lastly, and most importantly for Li Yuan¡ªspiritual nutrients.


    Li Yuan kept this matter in mind.


    "ording to what President Li said, all things have a spiritual nature, I shouldn''t be an exception," Li Yuan mused, "So, the ''Spiritual Awakening Level'' on my Divine Pce panel... does it refer to the ''high-grade spiritual nature'' noted on my Divine Pce panel initially?"


    Is the one I''ve awakened a high-grade spiritual nature? This was Li Yuan''s guess.


    "Last time, before I killed a Star Realm Creature, I first got a prompt, then after killing it, I received 0.6% of the spiritual nutrients."


    "And when I inquired about human martial artists, I didn''t get a prompt for obtaining spiritual nutrients," Li Yuan thought to himself, "Must it be the killing of Star Realm Creatures? It should be!"


    "Does the target need to be Entry Rank life? It''s not confirmed!"


    Li Yuan hadn''t seen any other Star Realm Creatures,cking a control group.


    "Is this Spiritual Nourishment peeled away and absorbed from the deceased by the Mind Spirit Divine Pce¡­ or is it some kind of mysterious existence rewarding me for killing Star Realm Creatures?" a thought suddenly shed through Li Yuan''s mind.


    His strength continued to grow step by step.


    asionally, Li Yuan would ponder the origin of the Mind Spirit Divine Pce and the Divine Pce panel.


    Was it a certain special talent of his own?


    Or was it from some indescribable existence? Or the legendary immortals? Gods? Demons?


    All were unknowns.


    "Take it slow, once my strength is greater, I''ll have the chance to understand," Li Yuan thought to himself, "This Combat Assessment is precisely a test."


    Pushing aside these distracting thoughts.


    Li Yuan directly opened another video file sent by Lin Lanyue.


    A hum¡ª the screen lit up, disying a panoramic projection.


    Standing in ce, Li Yuan felt as though he were right there.


    The dim sky featured a high-hanging red moon; dazzling red lights shed across the sky from time to time, sweeping across the firmament, quite eerie.


    "Is this Blue Star?" Li Yuan wondered.


    As the viewpoint pulled back, mountain ranges rose and fell; wild winds howled, punctuated asionally by the roar of beasts¡­ At the horizon''s endy a colossal War Fortress.


    As the camera zoomed out, this rather vast world wasid out before Li Yuan.


    At the same time.


    A voice started to exin, "First Level Star Realm ''Moon Demon Star Realm,'' entrance located at Jiangbei Province''s ''Jiangbei Martial Arts University,'' a fully explored Star Realm bordering the Foreign Civilization ''Moon Demon Civilization''¡­ The maximum diameter of the entire Star Realm is about 2341 kilometers¡­ A forward base has been established, with a garrison controlling and covertly monitoring the entire Moon Demon Civilization."


    "Star Realm purposes, one, secretly lure and capture lifeforms of the Moon Demon Civilization for experimentation."


    "Two, serves as a scientific weapons testing base for the military in a ''high Origin Power environment''."


    "Three, used as a practical Combat Assessment field for students of Jiangbei Martial Arts University."


    Li Yuan watched the video, shocked.


    He understood at once that this was definitely a confidential video.


    The Moon Demon Star Realm? Located at Jiangbei Martial Arts University? As a native of Jiangbei Province, Li Yuan had never heard of it.


    "In Jiangbei Province, there''s only one First Level Star Realm ''Fish Spirit.''" Li Yuan couldn''t help thinking, "The Fish Spirit Star Realm is located at the border of Shi Zhou and Yizhou, more than two thousand kilometers away from Jiang City."


    The Fish Spirit Star Realm, as the name suggests, is the original homnd of the Fish Spirit n.


    The entrance to the Fish Spirit Star Realm where it intersects with Blue Star is quiterge, and small entrances keep appearing, so Xia Country has never been able topletely seal it off.


    Fish Spirit n invasions ur frequently.


    This is also why for decades, many cities along the banks of the Xiang River have been under constant attack from Star Realm Creatures.


    Fortunately.


    The Fish Spirit Star Realm is only a ''First Level Star Realm'', and the invaders are only First Rank creatures that can onlyunch small-scale attacks, not fatal to Jiangbei Province.


    "So, there''s another Star Realm here at Jiangbei Martial Arts University?" Li Yuan held his breath.


    ording to high school textbooks, Star Realms are spatial intersections between human civilization and Alien Civilizations.


    Even though, ording to the video''s description, the Moon Demon Star Realm has been controlled by human civilization, extremely safe.


    But who can guarantee that absolutely?


    Any Star Realm is a potential super volcano waiting to erupt.


    "No wonder Jiangbei Martial Arts University is a military base, no wonder they''ve built a War Fortress," all sorts of thoughts shed through Li Yuan''s mind: "Probably, it''s to seal off the Star Realm entrance instantly in case of any idents."


    Many ideas shed through Li Yuan''s mind, and he had to admit.


    Lin Lanyue''s background was indeed impressive; she could get her hands on such a video.


    Suppressing the thoughts in his mind, Li Yuan continued to watch.


    "Today, we will focus on the third point, regarding the Combat Assessment field," the video''s narration voice continued: "This is thetest detailed exnation of 2043."


    "Below are introductions to the Combat Assessment terrain, the distribution of Alien Race creatures, body structures, andmonbat methods¡­"


    "Moon Demon lifeforms are mostly beast-like, with their adult bodies generally around Level 8, but they have rtively low intelligence, generally equivalent to that of a 6-year-old human¡­ However, Sky-Flying Level Lifeforms have also been born, able to slowly absorb the Origin Power emitted by the ''Moon Demon''¡­ Second Rank Moon Demon Warriors, with their intelligence elevated to that of a 12-year-old human¡­"


    "The majority of Moon Demon lifeforms have body shapes close to ''wolves,'' with skin primarily ck and red, and scales growing on the waist and abdomen¡­ Their bodily weak points are¡­"


    "In the Combat Assessment field, the distribution of Moon Demon lifeforms is¡­"


    ¡ª¡ª


    PS: From April onwards, seeking base monthly tickets!

 Chapter 77: 74 Combat Assessment (Request for Monthly Votes)

    Li Yuan listened quietly.


    The entire video was very long,sting a full 22 minutes.


    "Note, this file is confidential and is for the internal viewing of Jiangbei Martial Arts University only, and must not be leaked." The video ended there.


    Li Yuan closed his eyes and silently recalled.


    He then clicked to start over, observing again, mostly at a fast-forward pace, but revisiting a few sections several times... until he confirmed he had remembered all the information in the video.


    His strong mental power gifted Li Yuan with an exceptional memory.


    "Delete source file."


    "Delete chat history."


    "Delete localwork records." Li Yuan performed a three-fold deletion, eradicating the evidence.


    Of course, there would certainly be traces left on the virtualwork.


    But with Li Yuan''s novice level, this was all he could manage.


    "If someone really wanted to investigate, why even bother with the strict secrecy?" Li Yuan mumbled to himself, "Besides, it''s only a secret of Jiangbei Martial University, not a state military secret."


    Li Yuan figured that as long as he didn''t distribute it himself, even if it was discovered, the impact should not be significant.


    "However, it seems somewhat hical to have watched this video in advance," Li Yuan murmured.


    It wasn''t as if he had directly copied the answers.


    But it was like knowing the scope and types of questions for a test in advance, which would naturally lower the difficulty.


    "But, if Lin Lanyue could get her hands on the video, then people like Wu Dongdong could probably do the same," Li Yuan shook his head.


    Li Yuan was no moral saint, and this was just abat assessment, not a university entrance exam.


    "Given the current situation, I might as well make good use of this informational advantage."


    "I''m not aiming for the top spot, but I''ll try to take down a few more Star Realm Creatures and see if I can push my Spiritual Nature to 10% in one go," Li Yuan determined silently.


    Exiting the virtualwork.


    Li Yuan stepped out of the rest area, took out his long spear, and continued his Martial Path training for the day.


    ...


    "Li Yuan, do you ever rest? Training again?"


    Gu Qianghan, holding a can of c, walked out of the therapy room.


    He stared at Li Yuan, gobsmacked, "I haven''t seen you take a day off in thest four days."


    "You''re already training at four in the morning."


    "You train for another two hours after lunch."


    "When youe back in the evening, you train until midnight, can your body handle it?" Gu Qianghan couldn''t help but say, "You really are a monster!"


    "I don''t have high-rank Cultivation Methods, so how can I catch up to others without training?" Li Yuan responded with a smile.


    "I''m impressed."


    Gu Qianghan gave a thumbs-up, sincerely saying, "In the past, my dad told me that real supreme fighters, like Dongfang Ji, train at least sixteen hours a day."


    "I never believed it, thinking it was Dongfang Ji hyping himself up after he became famous," Gu Qianghan said casually.


    Li Yuan: "..."


    "Having seen you, I believe it now."


    "But don''t you have any hobbies or fun?" Gu Qianghan looked at Li Yuan, "Training is so tiring, how do you keep it up?"


    "Hobbies?" Li Yuan thought for a moment and said with a smile, "Why would training be tiring? Isn''t it a joy to watch oneself improve bit by bit?"


    "If I really had to say a hobby..." Li Yuan said with augh, "training is my hobby."


    Perhaps, when Li Yuan first started practicing with the spear and cultivating, it was tedious and painful.


    But as time passed, if one couldn''t adapt to this lifestyle, if one couldn''t find passion in the tedium, then even if one persisted reluctantly, progress would be slow.


    Passion is the best teacher.


    Nowadays, Li Yuan truly enjoyed the process of gradually bing stronger through training.


    "Training? A hobby?" Gu Qianghan fell silent for a while, then suddenly sighed, "Li Yuan, honestly, you''d be quite suited to being my dad''s son."


    "My dad would definitely like you."


    "How about I introduce you to my dad and make you his godson?" Gu Qianghan seemed somewhat reluctant as he spoke, "I might as well reluctantly take you as my sworn younger brother."


    "Come on, call me ''brother'' and let me hear it."


    "Get lost, brat!"


    ...


    Perhaps influenced by Li Yuan.


    Gu Qianghan, who usually trained for only an hour at night, unusually trained for an extra 10 minutes.


    ...


    The next day, to ensure he had plenty of energy for thebat assessment, Li Yuan did not rise early to practice with the spear.


    Hey in bed and slept for two hours.


    For over a year, this was the first time Li Yuan hadid in bed to sleep, but perhaps because his spirit was too strong, the quality of his sleep was quite average.


    "It seems that as my strength grows stronger, there wille a day in the future when even simple sleep may be a luxury," Li Yuan sighed to himself.


    ... After eating breakfast sometime past six in the morning.


    Assemble at seven.


    On a yground not far from the War Fortress, over a thousand students gathered.


    Dozens of Jiangbei Martial University students, grouped in threes, were gradually checking the identity information of each student.


    There were also dozens of Jiangbei Martial University teachers and military base officers standing in the distance.


    Professor Ming was there too.


    "Very good," the burly man from yesterday, still in blue, said with a cold voice that echoed across the yground, "There are 976 of you willing to participate in thebat assessment. I am proud of your decision."


    "What is Martial Path? The Path of Killing! How can one im to follow the Martial Path without killing?"


    "What does the nation train Martial Artists for?" the burly man''s voice thundered: "To kill the enemy! To protect the country!"


    "If we''re to speak grander, Martial Artists are the sharpest des of human civilization."


    "When the Combat Saber is drawn, it''s meant to draw blood."


    "You are all elite students from the province; from the first year of junior high to senior high, you''ve practiced for six years, and your strengths have all approached that of an Entry Rank Martial Artist. Some may even be on par with Entry Rank Martial Artists."


    The burly man''s voice was robust: "I hope that six years of cultivation, numerous simted battles on the Starry Skies Fighting Network, and countless physical confrontations at school have prepared you well."


    "I wish you all, toplete the assessment ande back alive."


    "Collect your equipment and depart!"


    ...


    Inside the armory, students collected their equipment in order.


    "Li Yuan, this is for you: a full set of First Rank lower-grade body protection clothing, First Rank lower-grade soft armor, First Rank boots, and a helmet." This junior student handed over the protective gear box to Li Yuan: "Try it on to see if it fits. If it doesn''t,e back and exchange."


    "This is your exclusive positioning ring watch. At the assessment location, your smart ring watch will have no signal."


    "The positioning ring watch has few functions, only crucial ones like positioning, calling for help, and monitoring your life signs," the junior student advised, "But its biggest feature is that it''s very durable."


    "Durable?" Li Yuan was puzzled.


    "Unless it''s a Second Rank creature''s strike, it absolutely won''t break," the junior student said with a smile: "You should know, the more precise, the easier it is to damage."


    "The simpler it is, sometimes the more durable."


    Li Yuan couldn''t help but ask, "Produced in Ross Country?"


    "Smart, the original is developed by the military of Ross Country! This is our imitation... iterated product; cough, cough, it''s cheaper and performs better," the junior student said, grinning.


    Li Yuan was speechless, holding the protective gear box and entering the changing room next door.


    ...


    Having changed into his new gear, Li Yuan felt that it fit very well and wasfortable.


    The body protection clothing in no way hindered bodily flexibility.


    Clearly, with over a hundred years of war as a test, the equipment for Martial Artists had only gotten better.


    "First Rank lower-grade body protection clothing is made of materials that are sufficiently strong, flexible, and do not restrict movement," Gu Qianghan, who had also changed, said with a smile while standing to the side: "It can withstand attacks from Level 11 Martial Artists without breaking."


    "Like a First Rank medium-grade, it can withstand attacks from Level 15 Martial Artists."


    "First Rank upper-grade body protection clothing is enough to withstand attacks from Level 19 Martial Artists," said Gu Qianghan, who knew these details by heart.


    Li Yuan listened; he was not very familiar with this Martial Artist equipment, having never considered killing Star Realm Creatures before university.


    "However, the body protection clothing has its weaknesses," Gu Qianghan said: "It''s durable against tearing and biting, but it isn''t hard enough to withstand impact forces well."


    "That''s why we wear an extrayer of soft armor and helmets," he continued: "It gives extra protection to important organs in the torso and the head without greatly impacting bodily flexibility. When facing Star Realm Creatures with lower levels of civilization, in an equal rank confrontation, we Martial Artists, armed with weapons, have a veryrge advantage."


    Li Yuan nodded slightly; he had seen many documentaries.


    Most Star Realm Creatures in various Star Realms had very low levels of civilization.


    "It will be different once you be a Prime Warrior," Gu Qianghan said excitedly: "Second Rank Battle Garments, namely the Origin Power Battle Suit, must be activated with Origin Power. They''re not only durable but also significantly dampen various impact forces, truly unafraid of heat-based weapons..."


    "You know so much," Li Yuan remarked.


    "Of course," Gu Qianghan said, more excited: "I''m a military and equipment enthusiast."


    Feeling aplished in his role as ''teacher'' to Li Yuan, Gu Qianghan was quite pleased.


    "It''s just that your strength isn''t quite there," Li Yuan said earnestly.


    "Damn it!" Gu Qianghan felt depressed: "Weren''t we supposed to be brothers?"


    ...


    "Weapons." Li Yuan took his time picking out weapons in the armory.


    In the end, he chose a ck long spear over two meters, along with a half-meter short sword and a dagger.


    Holding the long spear in hand, he ced the dagger at his waist.


    The short sword was kept in the weapon pouch strapped to his soft armor.


    This was to ensure he had short-range weapons in case he identally lost the long spear.


    As a Fourth Level expert, even with unfamiliar weapons, he could wield more power than a Third Stage martial artist at the peak of Perfection.


    ...


    Once everything was ready, all the students entered an inconspicuousrge building in order.


    Following, they went down into the building''s basement.


    The basement revealed a different world, incredibly spacious¡ªit was a massive underground subway station.


    Several fully enclosed trains with their doors wide open had already been waiting for a while.

 Chapter 78: 75: Killing for Spiritual Nature Nourishment (Third update, seeking monthly pass)

    "Subway station?"


    "Such a huge underground space, it kind of resembles a high-speed rail tform."


    "From the surface, you can''t tell at all that underneath has been hollowed out, can you?" The majority of the students who walked down were shocked.


    Having watched the introduction video about the Moon Demon Star Realm, Li Yuan had many spections in his mind.


    Subconsciously, Li Yuan looked towards Lin Lanyue not far away.


    Lin Lanyue, simrly dressed in ck soft armor and a protective garment, was tall and striking.


    Feeling Li Yuan''s gaze, Lin Lanyue turned her head to look, shook her head slightly, and gestured that there was no need for further words.


    "Follow the sequence number from earlier, and board the train in order," a nearby military officer stated in a deep voice.


    Li Yuan boarded the train, his peripheral vision sweeping across the distance.


    Professor Ming, as well as those teachers and officers who were Martial Artists of the Second Rank, all stood far away.


    It seemed they had no intention of boarding the train.


    ...


    The train moved along,pletely enclosed, the windows opaque.


    This made it impossible for Li Yuan and the others to see the outside.


    If not for the faint trembling of the carriage, they wouldn''t even have been aware of the train''s motion.


    In each carriage, there were about 50 students standing in two rows, guarded by two Martial Artist officers, one at each end.


    Suddenly.


    "Whoosh~" Light converged on the front and back of the carriage and on the ss sides, forming projection screens.


    In the projections, the burly, blue-clothed figure reappeared.


    "Now, I will announce the rules for thebat assessment," the burly man said in a deep voice. "First, the assessment will take ce at a special military base. Entry and exit are strictly confined, and no one is permitted to inquire or divulge any information regarding the assessment area. Vitors will be considered ''spies.''"


    Many students showed shock at the announcement.


    Spying?


    "Second, during the assessment, fratricide is prohibited. The entire assessment area is under surveince," the burly man said coldly. "Vitors will receive the death penalty."


    The shock on many students'' faces intensified.


    Li Yuan, on the other hand, felt a slight movement inside. The first two rules were all about ''punishment.''


    Was this a warning issued beforehand?


    "Third, all Star Realm Creatures are under constant monitoring. Thus, as long as you kill them, the Points will be tallied in real time on the leaderboard, and there''s no need to collect any token. You can check the rankings anytime on the positioning ring."


    "Fourth, Star Realm Creatures below level 10 are each worth 1 point, level 10-11 Creatures are worth 10 points; level 12 Creatures are worth 50 points... If you encounter Star Realm Creatures above level 12, it is rmended to immediately flee and call for assistance."


    "Fifth, 5 Points are needed to pass the assessment."


    "Sixth, in case of danger, you may choose to call for assistance. Attack drones will arrive within 30 seconds... but that also signifies the end of the assessment, and Points will be halved, so measure your capabilities ordingly."


    "Seventh, the assessment starts at nine o''clock sharp and continues until four in the afternoon, a total of seven hours."


    ...


    After the rules were exined, the projections disappeared and the train continued on, not long after.


    Quite abruptly.


    Buzz~ Li Yuan suddenly felt a slight pain in his brain, as if being continuously pricked by a needle, involuntarily clenching his teeth.


    However, for Li Yuan, this level of pain was nothingpared to the torture of practicing the Great Sun Starry Sky Scripture.


    Meanwhile.


    Boom~ Around his body, it was as if an invisible force was squeezing him, simr to the resistance from all directions when entering water, bing increasingly ufortable.


    "Ah!" Some students had pained expressions on their faces, their faces flushed red and veins bulging as if they were in unspeakable agony.


    "Thump~"


    "Bang~" Many students couldn''t help but drop to one knee, trying to alleviate the sudden pressure.


    "Rx," the voice of a Martial Artist officer reached their ears. "This is your first experience, it will be over in twenty seconds."


    Ten secondster.


    "Boom!" It was as though their heads, first submerged underwater, were suddenly lifted back to the surface, breathing in fresh air once again.


    Including Li Yuan, all the students felt an unprecedented sense of relief, gasping for air.


    "Is it over? Just now, we must have gone through the space where the Moon Demon Star Realm and Blue Star interconnect," Li Yuan thought rtively calmly, scanning his surroundings.


    He noticed that aside from Lin Lanyue, who was just a bit pale,


    "Whew!" the other students were slumped on the ground, gasping for air, some barely able to grip their weapons.


    "What are your names, you two?" The officer at the end of the train asked curiously. "Have you been here before?"


    "Reporting, no sir," Li Yuan replied seriously. "My name is Li Yuan."


    "Never been," Lin Lanyue said indifferently.


    "Hmm," the officer smiled. "Both of you are promising young seedlings. Good luck to you."


    Several minutester.


    "Next stop, get ready to disembark," the officer at the front of the carriage instructed, and soon the train came to a slow stop.


    The carriage doors opened.


    Li Yuan and the others got off the train one after another, looking around to see the dimly lit sky. It was a spacious docking point, akin to a huge yground with a metallic ground. In the distance were massive War Fortresses towering over two hundred meters tall.


    Nearby, dozens of small aircraft were parked.


    Students from each carriage were disembarking.


    "Look up at the sky!"


    "A red moon?"


    "So eerie!"


    "We were clearly underground just minutes ago, how did we travel here so quickly? Did we go through a portal?"


    "And those War Fortresses? This feels like a whole other world; moons don''t look like this."


    "Those mountains are so tall, and the nts, I''ve never seen any of them before," Li Yuan heard the whisperings of astonishment from other students around him.


    Having anticipated this, Li Yuan immediately saw the red moon in the sky.


    No, to be precise, it''s akin to abination of the moon and the sun.


    In Li Yuan''s field of vision, it was twice asrge as the sun, but not as dazzling, with a faint, blurry halo around its edges.


    The whole world seemed to be on the verge of dusk, rather hazy.


    Streams of strange red light asionally surfaced and streaked across the sky.


    "Is this the Moon Demon Star Realm?" Li Yuan silently experienced it.


    He felt that the environment, while slightly different from Blue Star, had many important indicators such as gravity and air quality that seemed to be not much different.


    In fact.


    Apart from students like Li Yuan and Lin Lanyue who had foreknowledge of the situation, the other students were not fools and had mostly conceived guesses in their minds.


    But out of fear of the first and second rules, they dared not ask more.


    "In order, board the aircraft," hundreds of military officers stood everywhere, maintaining order and monitoring every student.


    In the sky, there were alsobat drones.


    Not far away, there were teams of patrollingbat robots, highly vignt.


    "These officers." With a thought, Li Yuan nced around, casting the Divine Pce Inquiry.


    [Target person, Life Level is 18.8.]


    [Target person, Life Level is 16.2.]


    [Target person, Life Level is 17.1.]


    ¡­


    Li Yuan selected three high-ranking officers and found that not one of them had a Life Level over 20.0.


    There were no Second Rank Prime Warriors!


    This reminded him of Professor Ming and those Prime Warriors, none of whom seemed to have boarded the train.


    "Could it be," a bold guess suddenly emerged in Li Yuan''s mind, "that life forms above Second Rank cannot enter the Moon Demon Star Realm?"


    Is this the difference between First Level and Second Level Star Realms?


    ¡­


    Every twenty students boarded a small aircraft, which then took off at high speed immediately after.


    Rumble~


    Inside the aircraft, Li Yuan fastened his seatbelt, and as usual, sat opposite Lin Lanyue, waiting for themand.


    Two officers maintained order, and after more than ten minutes.


    "Buzz~" Suddenly the aircraft door opened, and a fierce wind rushed inside.


    "Li Yuan, down!" a tall and lean officer said in a low voice.


    After unfastening the seatbelt, Li Yuan and Lin Lanyue exchanged nces, then took their long spears to the door, looked down, and saw that the aircraft was about three meters above the ground.


    Whoosh!


    He jumped down andnded lightly.


    "Rumble~" The aircraft door closed, and the small aircraft quickly ascended and left.


    On this hillside, only Li Yuan was left.


    "Hmm?" Li Yuan looked up to see a small ck dot in the sky, a hundred meters high, abat drone.


    It seemed to be there to protect him personally.


    "It''s 8:45 now." Li Yuan looked down at his positioning wristband, "The official start at 9:00?"


    Li Yuan observed the surroundings; he was on the mountainside of a range, with rugged rocks and sparse trees, fairly open.


    "Based on yesterday''s materials."


    "The entirebat assessment area is 100 kilometers long and wide," Li Yuan''s gaze swept over.


    "My location."


    Finally, Li Yuan saw thendmark solitary mountain ''de Mountain'' in the distance, and a smile appeared on his face: "I''m in the southeastern area, very good."


    "I should be less than five kilometers away from the ''Moon Demon Wolf Pack No. 5'' territory."


    "Waiting for themand."


    ¡­


    Fifteen minutester.


    "Thebat assessment begins!" the positioning wristband instantly ryed the reminder.


    "Depart." Li Yuan, holding his long spear, immediately headed towards his destination.


    Want to kill more Moon Demon creatures?


    Apart from being strong enough, one also needs to find their gathering spot!


    ¡­


    In the Moon Demon Star Realm, at the highest point of the War Fortress, in a very spacious conference room, there were densely packed monitoring screens overhead.


    "Initiate ''Absolute Protection'' for the 18 A-level and above students," a burly officer said in a deep voice, "Ensure there are no mistakes."


    "For the other students, do everything possible to ensure their safety as well."


    "Yes!"


    ¡­


    In a mountain ravine with a great depth disparity, Li Yuan was walking.


    "Ao~" "Howl~" Suddenly, three enormous Moon Demon creatures sprung out from a corner.


    They, covered in pitch-ck, stood over one meter tall, at least two meters in length, with tails nearly one meter long, resembling the ''wolves'' of Blue Star in appearance, yet their size was closer to that of a ferocious tiger, with scarce hair and dense scales covering their bodies instead.


    The most notable feature was their eyes, crimson, shining with intelligence, enough to cause one''s heart to tremble.


    "After several kilometers, I finally encounter three Moon Demon wolves," Li Yuan stopped, holding his long spear, and stared at the three Moon Demon wolves.


    No fear, only excitement.


    "[Target creature, Life Level is 8.2, defeating it will yield Spiritual Nature nutrients]" Li Yuan used the Divine Pce Inquiry on one of them and couldn''t help but smile, "Very good."


    ¡ª


    ps: I''ve read manyments from you guys, and I''m very touched. Thank you for the support! Although it''s still the free period, I''m still adding an extra chapter for a total of three chapters in a burst!!


    Please support with the monthly tickets!!

 Chapter 79: 76 Slaughter, Promotion

    "[Target creature, Life Level at 7.8, exterminating it can grant Spiritual Nutrients]"


    "[Target creature¡­]" Li Yuan didn''t dare to be negligent and expended his spiritual power to quickly conduct an inquiry on the other two Moon Demons.


    The results of the inquiries were simr, and Li Yuan''s heart steadied.


    "This matches the intelligence provided by Lin Lanyue exactly; adult Moon Demon wolves are around Level 8.0," Li Yuan thought to himself, "Once they reach Entry Rank, their body hair will gradually turn red."


    Moon Demon creatures, primarily Moon Demon wolves, ording to the intelligence, are a major species within the Moon Demon Civilization.


    Unranked, their fur and skin are ck.


    After entering the rank and as they absorb more and more of the Moon Demon''s Origin Power, they will gradually turn ''red.''


    Oncepletely red, that signifies a Second Rank Moon Demon wolf.


    At this moment, as Li Yuan sensed the aura of the three Moon Demon wolves, he involuntarily felt a hint of revulsion.


    "Awooo~"


    "Roar!!" The three Moon Demon wolves, with their bodies slightly crouched and with fierce eyes intently focused on Li Yuan, were filled with the intent to kill.


    They possessed a high level of intelligence, and in their perception, the creature before them, one that they found ''disgusting'' and whose aura shed starkly with theirs, made them extremely ufortable.


    However, the life aura it emitted didn''t seem very strong.


    Three against one, they had a chance of victory!


    The next instant.


    Boom! Boom! Boom! The three Moon Demon wolves suddenlyunched an attack, barking furiously at Li Yuan, and like three ck phantoms, they lunged toward him to kill.


    "Kill!"


    Li Yuan didn''t retreat but advanced, moving like a swimming dragon, easily dodging their onught.


    Following that, the 2.4-meter-long ck long spear in Li Yuan''s hand swung fiercely.


    The spear danced, thrusting forward venomously like a snake.


    "Puchi~"


    "Puchi!" "Bang~" In an instant, the jaws of the three Moon Demon wolves were all pierced by the spearhead. Their massive bodies, still carrying the momentum, charged forward for more than ten meters before finally crashing heavily to the ground.


    Blood sttered.


    The bodies of the three Moon Demon wolves convulsed several times before finallying to a halt.


    "[You have in an Unranked creature, obtaining Spiritual Nutrient, Spiritual Awakening Level reaching 0.7%]"


    "[You¡­ Spiritual Awakening Level reaching 0.8%]"


    "[¡­Spiritual Awakening Level reaching 0.9%]" The Divine Pce panel shed with three notifications in session.


    "Drip~plop~"


    The blood on the spearhead dripped down onto the withered wood, sshing about.


    Li Yuan took a deep breath, and thest trace of tension in his heartpletely dissipated.


    He gripped the long spear in his hand even tighter.


    Scenes of practicing the spear and punching from junior high school shed through Li Yuan''s memory.


    And the thousands of battles on the Starry Skies Fighting Network.


    Just as that sturdy man in blue said, six years of preparation were for this very moment.


    "Last time killing members of the Fish Spirit n was a sudden encounter," Li Yuan mused, "Today, I am fully prepared."


    Li Yuan looked down at the three dead Moon Demon wolves.


    They were the first batch of Star Realm Creatures that Li Yuan had killed in the true sense of the word.


    "Martial Path is, indeed, a path of ughter!" murmured Li Yuan, his understanding of this phrase growing deeper.


    After quickly regaining hisposure.


    "Unranked, each kill increases Spiritual Nutrients by 0.1%?" Li Yuan''s eyes scanned the Divine Pce panel and he thought, "By that calction, to reach the upper limit requirement of 20%, I need to kill 200?"


    That seems tough.


    How many Star Realm Creatures had the military base released altogether into the entire test area? Most importantly, they are hard to find.


    Besides, as time goes by and with nearly a thousand students proceeding with the ughter, the number of living Moon Demon wolves will grow less and less.


    "Every one I can kill counts," Li Yuan thought, "Star Realm Creatures aren''t as hard to kill as I imagined."


    Li Yuan understood that this had a lot to do with the information provided by Lin Lanyue.


    He had learned the weak points of the Moon Demon wolves ahead of time.


    "Points +3." Li Yuan nced at the record in the positioning bracelet:


    Assessment Points: 3


    Points Ranking: 8


    Note: Minimum requirements for Combat Assessment not yet met.


    ...


    Li Yuan walked through the mountains and forests, following the guidance from the video, continuously heading towards the gathering ce of the Moon Demon Wolf Pack No. 5.


    Along the way.


    Whether from behind or within the woods, Moon Demon wolves asionally popped out and charged at Li Yuan.


    But none were a match for Li Yuan.


    Under arge rock, a ck shadow shed towards Li Yuan like lightning.


    "Puchi!"


    The shadow of the spear was fleeting, instantly prating the head of the Moon Demon wolf. The spearhead swiftly retracted like lightning, and the huge wolf corpse fell heavily to the ground, motionless.


    Blood gradually flowed out.


    "That''s the eleventh one," Li Yuan''s gaze swept over the massive wolf carcass. "This Moon Demon Wolf, judging by its speed, it''s probably exceeded level 9.0, it unexpectedly increased my Spiritual Awakening Level by 0.3%."


    Having killed so many Moon Demon Wolves, Li Yuan gradually discovered.


    That killing Unranked Star Realm Creatures didn''t always increase it by 0.1%; the stronger the Moon Demon Wolf killed, the greater the increase.


    "I hope I''ll encounter an Entry Rank Moon Demon Wolf soon," Li Yuan thought with great anticipation.


    In terms of Physical Quality, Li Yuan was at 8.9 level.


    As for skills, even more so at the Fourth Level.


    After gradually getting used to life and death battles,


    It could be said that the Unranked Moon Demon Wolves posed no challenge to Li Yuan.


    Sophisticated skills, coupled with equipment assistance, allowed Li Yuan to easily overmatch in battles.


    ...


    At eleven-thirty in the morning, at the core area of the Moon Demon Wolf pack number 5 gathering ce.


    Within the dense jungle, boulders stood erect, incessant roars of Moon Demon Wolves filled the air, fueled by anger and apanied by the sounds of numerous wolves rushing about.


    Swish!


    A burly figure, extremely agile, wielding a sword and shield, was frantically darting amongst the rocks, with the de''s sh asionally driving back a Moon Demon Wolf, but struggled to inflict damage.


    Hum¡ªabat drone hovered silently dozens of meters high in the sky, ready to plummet down and rescue at a moment''s notice.


    "Damn it!"


    "Damn it!" Dong Haifeng clenched his teeth, his eyes filled with a trace of fear: "Just killed a few wolf pups, how did it provoke so many Moon Demon Wolves?"


    "And those two bastards, seeing the situation turn bad, actually ran away first."


    It was Li Yuan''s schoolmate¡ªDong Haifeng.


    Looking quite disheveled.


    "I only have 8 Points now, if I choose to call for help, the score will be halved, leaving only 4 points," Dong Haifeng thought resentfully, but felt helpless. Alone, with his strength, killing an adult Moon Demon Wolf wasn''t difficult.


    However, there were simply too many Moon Demon Wolves now.


    "Ao~"


    "Roar!" As time passed, more and more Moon Demon Wolves joined the pursuit.


    The speed of the Moon Demon Wolves was already fast.


    Suddenly.


    "Roar~" An angry growl, followed by a blurry red figure sweeping across the distant mountains, darting over like a ck and red phantom.


    Its speed was astonishing.


    "An Entry Rank Moon Demon Wolf?" Dong Haifeng recognized it at a nce, his face drastically changed, and he subconsciously wanted to call for help.


    Failing the assessment meant a loss of fifty thousand Blue Star Coins.


    That was better than losing one''s life.


    Right at that moment.


    "Boom!" From another direction in the Dark Valley, a ck figure suddenly burst out, its speed also remarkable, and it charged directly at the massive leader of the Moon Demon Wolves.


    "Li Yuan?" Dong Haifeng recognized the face of the ck figure, couldn''t help but anxiously shout, "Be careful! Retreat, it''s an Entry Rank Star Realm Creature..."


    He didn''t like Li Yuan, but that was limited to the kind of dislike among schoolmates.


    He didn''t want to see Li Yuan die.


    Suddenly, Dong Haifeng''s voice caught in his throat, his eyes filled with shock.


    "Puchi~"


    "ng!" Li Yuan, as if deaf to the calls, wielded his Long Spear and had already collided head-on with the charging leader of the Moon Demon Wolves. The two shed instantly.


    The sh was too quick.


    Li Yuan, holding the Long Spear, moved like a dragon, his speed notably slower than the Moon Demon Wolf leader, yet easily avoided the attack.


    After dodging the ws twice in a row, Li Yuan''s spear seemed to burst forth like a dragon, whooshing and thrusting violently.


    "Puchi!"


    The tip of the spear, dragon-like, with tremendous twisting force, pierced directly into the waist of the Moon Demon Wolf through the gap in its scales, blood sttered.


    "Ao~" The Moon Demon Wolf leader howled in pain, its front limbs hitting the ground, its hind limbs flicking its tail, as it tried to jump away and increase the distance from the spear.


    "Die."


    Li Yuan followed through by retracting the spear and stepping forward, his spear gathering force for another ferocious thrust.


    This time, with the massive body of the Moon Demon Wolf leader in mid-air and nowhere to use it for leverage, its fierce eyes could only watch as the spear approached.


    "Puchi!"


    The Long Spear instantly pierced the skin and thrust into the creature''s throat, reaching its head.


    A fatal blow!


    "Boom~" The massive body of the Moon Demon Wolf leader crashed down, mming hard into a boulder, struggling feebly.


    "[You''ve killed an Entry Rank creature, obtained Spiritual Nourishment, Spiritual Awakening Level has reached 5.7%]" the Divine Pce panel shed a prompt.


    "Roar~"


    "Ao~" The twenty or so Moon Demon Wolves that were initially chasing Dong Haifeng suddenly stopped, staring at Li Yuan with utter terror.


    Their strong leader had been killed.


    Li Yuan retracted his spear, nced over at Dong Haifeng''s shocked face, and with a slight smile said, "Dong Haifeng, what a coincidence."


    "Killed an Entry Rank demon wolf with just two spears?" Dong Haifeng swallowed subconsciously, staring at Li Yuan in utter shock: "Is Li Yuan''sbat, this strong?"

 Chapter 80: 77: 10% Awakening Level, First Trigger (With Announcement)

    Without waiting for Dong Haifeng''s response.


    "Roar~" Tworger Moon Demon wolves in the pack suddenly growled, paying no attention to Dong Haifeng, and abruptly turned around to start fleeing.


    "Howl~" "Howl~" Other Moon Demons also frantically followed in retreat.


    These Moon Demons were bloodthirsty, but they were not stupid.


    "Want to leave?"


    "These are all points, stay for me." Li Yuan''s eyes narrowed, his legs instantly exerted force, and his strong thighs fiercely stepped on a huge rock, leaping several meters high and darting out, turning into a phantom chasing after the Moon Demon wolves.


    "Whoosh!"


    "Whoosh!" Spears shadows were continuous, and the long spear in Li Yuan''s hand seemed alive, suddenly bursting forth with incredible power.


    "Boom~" "Boom~" "Boom~" One after another, the Moon Demon wolves were caught up by Li Yuan, followed by their heads being directly pierced by the long spear and killed.


    As an Entry Rank weapon, the long spear in Li Yuan''s hands was extremely sharp, with sufficient hardness and toughness.


    In just over ten seconds.


    Li Yuan had killed nearly ten of the more than twenty fleeing Moon Demon wolves, and the rest had scattered and fled early, frantically circling around the ravines and forests, disappearing from Li Yuan''s sight.


    Across the hundred-meter jungle wastnd, wolf corpsesy scattered, blood sttered, a shock to the eye.


    "They actually took the initiative to run?" Li Yuan mumbled to himself as he stopped the pursuit.


    Boom!


    A few more seconds passed, and Dong Haifeng, panting, ran up to Li Yuan''s side, and couldn''t help saying, "Li Yuan, thanks."


    "Thanks for what?" Li Yuan smiled.


    "You saved me," Dong Haifeng said earnestly.


    "I should thank you," Li Yuan replied lightly with a smile, "for leading them over here, otherwise I would have had to spend some effort looking for them."


    Dong Haifeng was startled.


    "Hmm?" Out of the corner of his eye, Li Yuan nced at the positioning bracelet, where the Combat Assessment data had already updated:


    Points: 46


    Ranking: 1


    Note: The Combat Assessment goal has been reached.


    ¡ª¡ª


    "That Moon Demon wolf just now was level 10.8, and killing it gave me 10 points?" Li Yuan''s mouth curled into a smile as he thought to himself, "Good, I''ve finally climbed back to first ce."


    With the information provided by Lin Lanyue and Li Yuan''s own strength, his points soared continuously.


    However, each time he reached the top, he would quickly be caught up by ''Wu Dongdong''.


    "Wu Dongdong, 42 points?" Li Yuan opened the ''light screen'' on his smart pocket watch and saw the detailed rankings:


    First ce: Li Yuan, 46 points


    Second ce: Wu Dongdong, 42 points


    Third ce: Lin Lanyue, 40 points


    Fourth ce: Wang Yu, 32 points


    ...


    The majority of students'' points were below 10, with fewer than 50 managing to exceed 10 points.


    Even more so, Li Yuan had noticed that the number of participants in the battle had already decreased to 745.


    This meant that more than 200 students had already terminated the Combat Assessment.


    Life-and-death struggles were not so easy for most elite students.


    "Dong Haifeng, keep it up; looking at your points, you still have a chance to rush into the top hundred," Li Yuan said, ncing at the dumbfounded Dong Haifeng next to him with a smile, "I''ll be leaving first."


    With a sweeping gaze to discern direction, Li Yuan went straight towards the deeper parts of ''Moon Demon Wolf Assembly Point No.8''.


    ording to the intelligence, a Moon Demon Wolf Assembly Point should contain more than just these Moon Demons.


    You see.


    The Moon Demons in the Combat Assessment area were captured by military bases and fed regrly; their numbers were substantial.


    Watching Li Yuan disappear at the end of the forest.


    Dong Haifeng stood in ce, silent for a long time before finally letting out a long sigh, "Perhaps, Li Yuan has never considered me a rival."


    "First ce?"


    "Lin Lanyue, third ce?" Dong Haifeng''s eyes dulled as he looked at the rankings of the two on his smart bracelet.


    "I yed the fool."


    ...


    Save Dong Haifeng?


    Although Dong Haifeng showed some inexplicable dislike and hostility on the way to Jiangbei Martial University, Li Yuan had never cared.


    How big could the so-called malice between students be?


    And how could it affect him?


    ...


    Inside the War Fortress of the Moon Demon Star Realm, in the highest-level''s superrge meeting room.


    Many officers were watching the densely packed light screen projections in the meeting room.


    "Too weak."


    The burly officer couldn''t help but shake his head, "They are just the most ordinary Moon Demons, and there are hardly any Entry Level ones, yet theypelled a quarter of the participants to call for rescue within just a few hours."


    "Look at that kid, his technique and physical quality are not bad, but he simply couldn''t capitalize on his sword technique advantage and was forced to retreat step by step," the burly officer said, shaking his head and sighing as he pointed to one of the light screens.


    "Old Wang."


    The tall and skinny senior officer beside him smiled, "They''re just kids. Although they have experienced many virtual battles, you and I both understand that realbat and virtualbat arepletely different."


    "Just the mindset alone is different," the tall and skinny officer said, "In virtualbat, no matter how realistically simted, one knows that they won''t be injured or die, so they naturally won''t be afraid."


    "In realbat, a slight carelessness may lead to death or injury; being tied up in one''s first battle is very normal."


    "Experience more real battles, and they''ll improve."


    The officer surnamed Wang shook his head and sighed, "I am just anxious watching them."


    Suddenly.


    "Old Wang, look, isn''t that kid performing well?" the tall and skinny officer pointed to one of the light screens, "So calm, and his spear technique is so graceful."


    "Even though his physical quality is a notch weaker, he dares to fight up-close with an Entry Rank Moon Demon Wolf."


    The light screen disyed the scene where Li Yuan saved Dong Haifeng and fought with the pack of Moon Demons.


    "Oh?" The officer named Wang turned to look, his eyes lighting up, unable to help but nod continuously, "Not bad, indeed!"


    They both could tell from the speed that Li Yuan''s physical quality was not exaggerated.


    Probably around level 9.


    But in closebat, each of Li Yuan''s moves, every thrust of his spear, was terrifyingly precise.


    The Moon Demon Wolf leader, with a strength far greater than Li Yuan, was no match at all.


    "Named Li Yuan?"


    ```


    The tall, skinny military officer lowered his head and quickly reviewed the data, then smiled, "Physical Quality 8.9 level? Spear Technique Fourth Level? He actually rushed to first ce."


    "Other students with even stronger physical qualities and not inferior techniques, when fighting, mostly hesitated,cking his psychological quality."


    "Moreover, he was quite lucky, encountering more Moon Demon wolves along the way," the tall, skinny officer said.


    "With such strength, it''s normal for him to rush to first ce," the Wang surnamed military officer smiled, "I likebat-type geniuses."


    As soldiers, being constantly on the front lines of war, they actually didn''t care about ''on-paper strength''.


    In their eyes, only strength that could be demonstrated was real.


    "Old Ji, look up his detailed information," the Wang surnamed military officer requested.


    "Alright."


    The tall, skinny officer quickly clicked on the console in front of him, and soon Li Yuan''s detailed information appeared.


    "Family background, very average!"


    "Oh? He has even been awarded the title of Youth Hero," the tall, skinny officer''s eyes brightened: "Old Wang, take a look."


    "The title of Youth Hero?" The officer surnamed Wang became even more surprised and lowered his head to look at the data.


    After more than ten seconds.


    Suddenly, both officers lifted their heads simultaneously, as if by tacit understanding, both revealing smiles.


    "What do you think?"


    "Let''s give him a spot," the Wang surnamed military officer said with a grin, "Last year we didn''t give out a single spot, and we got a scolding about it from above."


    "I don''t care for giving those things to the rich kids; do they need it? Even if given, they won''t remember our kindness."


    "This Li Yuan, though he is from the Starfire Martial Hall, can''t join our military, but reaching this level with his background, that fits my taste."


    "Besides, is one who has received the title Youth Hero of bad character?" the officer surnamed Wang listed a series of reasons.


    "Fine."


    "I also think he''s pretty good," the tall, skinny officer nodded, "Apart from Li Yuan, there''s another one I think isn''t bad."


    "Tian Dazhuang?" the officer surnamed Wang asked back.


    "You saw it too?"


    "I did. Hisbat mindset is a bit weaker than Li Yuan''s, but he was specially recruited by the Martial Arts Hall; maybe we can try inviting him to join our military."


    ...


    Time passed.


    In the one hundred square kilometer Combat Assessment area, with continuous mountain ranges, arge number of students kept fighting with Star Realm Creatures.


    Arge number of Moon Demon wolves died.


    Continuously, students were forced to call for help, and with thebat drones'' speed that followed, they could often arrive within ten seconds and kill the attacking Moon Demon wolves.


    However, no matter how quick the rescue and how well the protective gear safeguarded vital areas, asionally, students would still get attacked and injured or even killed.


    Such things were unavoidable.


    By the time it was three in the afternoon.


    The whole Combat Assessment field had less than two hundred students remaining.


    On a messy stone wastnd to the east of de Mountain.


    "Roar~" "Howl~"


    "Roar!" Head after head of Moon Demon wolves bellowed and continuously tried to besiege the young man in ck armor at the center.


    Arge number of Moon Demon wolf corpsesy scattered on the ground in disarray.


    The smell of blood they emitted was astonishing.


    The ck armored youth stood at the center, unmoved by the tide-like siege of Moon Demon wolves surrounding him, his spear circle unshaken.


    The speed of his spear was not fast, but each thrust was incredibly precise.


    One by one, Moon Demon wolves fell.


    He, like a boulder, stood firm and unmovable against the siege of hundreds of Moon Demon wolves.


    "Roar~" Not far away, on a huge rock, a massive Moon Demon Wolf King, over three meters in body length and almost one and a half meters at the shoulder, growled restlessly, its gaze locked on the young man in ck armor.


    It couldn''t understand how this alien youth with such a seemingly weak life force could possess such terrifying power.


    It didn''t dare to make a reckless move.


    "I don''t know if I should say it''s unlucky or lucky," Li Yuan thought to himself calmly, his eyes cold, "to have encountered the ''No. 1 group'' mentioned in the intelligence."


    A 12.1 level Wolf King, three wolves above level 10, and over a hundred regr Moon Demon wolves¡ªthis force was enough to make ordinary Entry Rank martial artists flee.


    Li Yuan wanted to escape, but he couldn''t.


    In terms of sheer running speed, his physical quality was not considered fast.


    In the more than 20 minutes of chase battle just now, Li Yuan had killed over twenty Moon Demon wolves, including one Entry Rank Moon Demon wolf.


    In the end, he was still surrounded.


    "However, continuous ughter has also caused my Spiritual Awakening Level to soar," mused Li Yuan, his eyes icy cold.


    "[...Spiritual Awakening Level reached 9.7%]"


    "[...Spiritual Awakening Level reached 9.9%]" Along with more Moon Demon wolves falling to the ground, a series of prompts kept shing across the Divine Pce panel.


    Suddenly, with a spear-stroke through the Vast Sky, two more notifications shed on the edge of Li Yuan''s vision.


    "[...Spiritual Awakening Level reached 10%]"


    "[Spiritual Awakening Level has reached 10%, you may guide Origin Power into your body once]"


    "Hmm? Origin Power infusion? What''s this? I thought you had to reach a 25% Spiritual Awakening Level before you get any Spiritual Guidance?" Li Yuan was taken aback.


    Before Li Yuan could ponder further.


    "Roar~"


    The huge Moon Demon Wolf King sitting on the distant rock could no longer bear it and, with a deep growl, suddenly leapt out, attacking like lightning.


    ----


    (Notice of the Book''s Official Launch)


    ps: I have released the summary for March, I have said what needs to be said, so I won''t separately post aunch notice to disrupt my brothers'' reading experience; I''ll say a few simple words here.


    On the morning of April 3rd, we officiallyunch, and the true test of a book''s sess begins. I hope that my brothers can subscribe and support.


    I ask for your initial subscriptions, which are critically important.


    Our book will have a specialunch event, with an initial subscription earning a pendant essory; from what I''ve seen, it looks pretty nice, and there will also be a lottery event, brothers don''t forget.


    Onunch day, April 3rd, I will release 5 chapters in quick session.


    Starting from April 4th, I will maintain a minimum of 2 chapters per day. I certainly intend to update this book diligently, but my primary goal is to polish each chapter to perfection, with quality as the foremost priority.


    The sole rule for additional chapters: every 2000 monthly tickets received equals one extra chapter, continuing throughout April.


    I hope my brothers will fully support with subscriptions and throw in those monthly tickets.


    At the stroke of midnight on April 3rd, don''t miss out!


    Feng Xian thanks you!


    ```

 Chapter 81: 78: Moving like a Dragon, Dying by a Single Spear (Please Subscribe)

    The Wolf King''s pounce was also an attackmand as it growled lowly.


    "Awooo!" The Moon Demon Wolves, which had previously hesitated due to Li Yuan''s ruthless killing, once again crazily surged towards him.


    In their pack, the Wolf King possessed unquestionable authority.


    "Die!" A fierce killing intent surged in Li Yuan''s eyes.


    He knew the most dangerous moment hade.


    Although he was prepared to call for help at any time, Li Yuan was not willing to give up the ''first ce'' he had nearly secured unless he was truly in a dire situation.


    After all, there was a difference of 500,000 Blue Star Coins and 2 million Blue Star Coins at stake.


    "Boom!" The long spear in Li Yuan''s hand suddenly erupted.


    His powerful spiritual powerpletely prated the interior of the weapon, sensing the subtle flows of vigor within.


    Body, heart, and weapon, the three united and burst forthpletely.


    "Rip~" The long spear danced, its tip tracing dazzling arcs around Li Yuan, moving unpredictably, almost shrouding him like twinkling stars in the night sky.


    Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!


    The sweeping spear light flickered, tearing through the air.


    "Pfft~" "Pfft~" "Pfft~" One after another, the Moon Demon Wolves that pounced first were pierced through their bodies and skulls by the long spear, falling to the ground in vanquished heaps, blood sshing.


    Ster Spear Technique''s first form¡ªSter Illumination!


    After his Spear Technique entered the Fourth Level, Li Yuan''s casual strikes possessed immense might.


    But the true killing moves were the Ster Five Forms, these special skills could summon the body''stent potential to the greatest extent.


    Although using them expended a great deal of spiritual power and physical strength, their might far surpassed ordinary moves.


    In the blink of an eye.


    Six Moon Demon Wolves fell to Li Yuan''s spear, including one over Level 10 Entry Rank Moon Demon Wolf.


    Such overwhelming force startled many of the Moon Demon Wolves.


    At this moment!


    "Roar~" The Moon Demon Wolf King finally closed in, its speed so swift it greatly surpassed Li Yuan''s.


    "Die."


    Li Yuan moved, his spear tip flicking like a snake''s tongue, striking like lightning directly at the Moon Demon Wolf King.


    "Whoosh!"


    The massive body of the Moon Demon Wolf King was incredibly agile, easily dodging Li Yuan''s charged and ferocious thrust.


    In terms of technique, it was far inferior to Li Yuan,rgely relying on battle instincts.


    However, its Life Level of 12 meant its speed and strength were far superior to Li Yuan''s.


    Fundamentals determined the lower limit.


    "Whoosh!" The Wolf King pounced again, probing Li Yuan while the other Moon Demon Wolves alsounched a frenzied attack, straining to distract him.


    "ng!"


    "Pfft!" "Bang!!"


    With each sh and collision, although asionally a Moon Demon Wolf perished under Li Yuan''s spear.


    The intensity of the onught had Li Yuan at aplete disadvantage.


    Several times, to avoid the Moon Demon King''s direct attacks, Li Yuan had no choice but to brace himself against the bodies of other Moon Demon Wolves, their astonishing impact causing his blood to churn.


    "The Wolf King is too fast."


    "The difference in physical quality is too great." Li Yuan exerted all his might time and time again, narrowly dodging the Moon Demon Wolf King''s attacks and pushing his movement technique to its limits.


    ```


    asionally, his sharp long spear would leave a small wound on the body of the wolf king.


    Both sides were caught in a madness.


    The Moon Demon Wolf King relied on its mighty body and the assistance of a multitude of ordinary Moon Demons.


    Li Yuan, however, relied on his skill, the sharpness of his weapon, and the toughness of his protective clothing.


    "My physical strength."


    "Is starting to wane," Li Yuan appeared mad, but his heart was extremely calm. He was precisely calcting his physical strength, "I must find an opportunity."


    "This wolf king continuously hides its weaknesses while constantly testing me; I need a chance."


    Just one critical thrust.


    Would y the Moon Demon Wolf King.


    ...


    In the conference room of the War Fortress,


    dozens of military officers were now seriously watching the frenzied battle between Li Yuan and the Moon Demon wolf pack on therge screen.


    Li Yuan had already been first in the scores and the center of attention.


    The Moon Demon Wolf King he now faced was also the strongest one among all in thebat assessment arena.


    The only Level 12 Star Realm Creature.


    "What amazing spear technique."


    "Truly beautiful."


    "Impable defense! The previous fights just showed his strong offense, but now it seems what he truly excels at is defense."


    "Fourth Level spear technique? A high school student?"


    "I''ve practiced the spear for more than a decade and am only at the Third Stage Intermediate Rank, yet I can''t advance further. Compared to him, I''ve really wasted my life."


    "The key is that facing a life-or-death battle for the first time, he can fully utilize his skills, truly abat genius!" the officers eximed in admiration.


    Perhaps Li Yuan''s physical quality wasn''t high, but his spear technique was indeed pleasing to the eye.


    "Old Wang, should we rescue him?"


    The tall and thin military officer Ji asked in a low voice, "The kid''s spear technique is impressive, but thebat assessment has been going on for over 6 hours. With such high-intensitybat, I fear he won''t have the stamina to continue."


    "With so many Moon Demons, he can''t kill them all, and that wolf king has a much stronger body than he does."


    "I''m afraid..." Officer Ji seemed concerned.


    Indeed, they had activated ''Absolute Protection,'' but with the speed and killing power of the Moon Demon King, there might still be a slip.


    "No rush."


    "Look, those two girls are getting closer," said the burly officer Wang in a low voice, pointing to another screen: "If we rescue Li Yuan now, he won''t be able to take first ce."


    "Oh?"


    ...


    In the woods, two ck figures, one tall and one short, were moving swiftly forward.


    "Yue Yue, so many wolf corpses. It looks like the fight has extended over to that wastnd," Wu Dongdong quickly said.


    "Hmm."


    "Looking at the signs of battle, someone was pursued," Lin Lanyue, with swords in both hands, surveyed the area and swiftly analyzed the situation.


    Whoosh! Whoosh!


    The two moved quickly and soon saw the wastnde into view, directly witnessing the fierce battle taking ce there.


    "It''s Li Yuan!"


    Excitement colored Dongdong''s voice, "Sister, there are so many Moon Demons and that wolf king, it might be over Level 12!!"


    ```


    "Li Yuan." In Lin Lanyue''s eyes, there was only Li Yuan, and she instantly realized that Li Yuan had fallen into an absolute disadvantage.


    An instinctive worry arose in her heart.


    "Quick, Dongdong, save him."


    Lin Lanyue''s footsteps quickened, as she dashed out like a fleeting shadow.


    "Got it!!"


    "Watch me kill the Moon Demon Wolf King and take back the first ce." Wu Dongdong was extremely excited as he rushed out following her.


    The physical quality of both of them was at the Entry Rank.


    ...


    "ng!"


    "Boom~" The Moon Demon Wolf King was cunning, repeatedly probing with its ws, which were incredibly hard and not at all afraid of colliding with the spear shaft or even the spear tip.


    It didn''t give Li Yuan any chance to attack its vital points.


    Other Moon Demons also attacked repeatedly, either trying to bite with their mouths or pounce to kill.


    In contrast, Li Yuan''s Spear Technique was visibly slowing down.


    "My strength is decreasing, my Spear Technique is getting slower."


    "I must hold on, I must defend." Li Yuan''s heart grew more determined as he poured his whole being into the fight.


    Li Yuan, too, perceived his own weakness.


    Movement Technique!


    After breakthroughs in his Fist Technique and Spear Technique, the only thing left was his movement technique.


    Fourth Level movement techniques theoretically involved the integration of body and mind.


    Butpared to Fist Technique, movement techniques greatly test the perception of and inquiry into one''s surroundings.


    Perceiving the environment, utilizing the environment, ensuring that every movement and dodge of the body or limbs is the most energy-efficient and precise¡ªthat is the Fourth Level of the movement techniques.


    If given one or two more months, with his strong spiritual power and Fist Technique Realm, Li Yuan would definitely break through in his movement technique as well.


    However, from the breakthrough of the Fist Technique to the Fourth Level to now, it had only been about ten days.


    Although Li Yuan had been practicing the Dragon Movement Technique all this time, he stillcked that final insight.


    "If my movement technique could reach the Fourth Level, facing the siege of so many Moon Demons,plemented by my Spear Technique, I could handle it much morefortably." Li Yuan''s eyes were cold.


    The oppressive feeling brought by life-and-death battle.


    Stimted the body over and over, evoking the most primal evolutionary drive from the deepest part of the body.


    Evolve or die!!


    The tension and stimtion brought about by a brush with death were iparable to tens of thousands of virtual battles.


    Whoosh! Whoosh! Li Yuan fiercely dueled with the Moon Demon Wolf King.


    Gradually, Li Yuan felt a mysterious sensation, vaguely grasping that glimmer of insight.


    Swish!


    Swish! Li Yuan''s steps changed; although his moving speed didn''t increase, he dodged the Moon Demon Wolf King''s attacks more easily and nimbly.


    As if he were a gust of wind!


    Each time, Li Yuan seemed to perform ''ultimate'' dodges against the surrounding Moon Demons'' attacks.


    "Roar~"


    "Howl!" The Moon Demon Wolf King grew anxious; it had seen the hope of killing Li Yuan.


    But now, that hope seemed to have be distant again, each attack only ''a bit'' short.


    A fluke once, but what about twice? Thrice?


    How had this weak alien life form suddenly improved so much?


    "Boom!" The Moon Demon Wolf King could no longer restrain itself, and risking danger, itunched a full-force attack on Li Yuan.


    "Dragon Movement."


    "Wind follows the tiger, clouds follow the dragon. The Fourth Level of the Dragon Movement Technique is to be like the wind." Li Yuan waspletely immersed in this special state, feeling as if everything around him was faintly reflected in his heart.


    Instinctively, his body made the most advantageous choices.


    Be like a dragon moving through the wind!


    This was the essence of the Dragon Movement Technique.


    "Roar~" The Moon Demon Wolf King roared furiously, lunging forward, trying to corner Li Yuan with its massive body and burst speed.


    "After so many probes, it finallyes."


    "Die!"


    Li Yuan''s eyes suddenly erupted with light, and vigor burst forth from his body. His spine curved like a fully drawn bow, with all the power transferring from his waist to his arms.


    His spear gleamed like stars!


    The spear''s speed suddenly exploded.


    "Piercing!"


    A sh of cold light, and the spear tip grazed a bloody mark under the jaw of the Moon Demon Wolf King, who was charging snarling, and then impaled right into its flesh, prating straight through the heart within its body.


    This thrust almost pierced through the Moon Demon Wolf King.


    This was Li Yuan''s long-umted burst of power!


    "Spurt~~" Blood sttered.


    Li Yuan swiftly withdrew his spear like lightning, flinging the nearly thousand-kilogram corpse of the Moon Demon Wolf King over his head, while also avoiding the attacks of two other Moon Demons.


    "Boom~"


    The enormous corpse of the Moon Demon Wolf King heavily crashed into a boulder, then rolled down to the ground, its massive body still struggling, with blood flowing.


    "Swoosh!"


    Li Yuan stood erect, his gaze piercing cold, as his long spear drew a semicircle, striking down a Moon Demon that couldn''t retreat in time.


    No signs of weakness.


    "Howl~"


    "Roar~" The multitude of Moon Demons around him, with eyes full of terror, growled and subconsciously began to back away, looking to get away from the devil before them.


    "Li Yuan."


    "We''re here to save you."


    Two voices suddenly rang out one after the other, and then Li Yuan saw two ck figures burst from the forest and roar into the midst of the Moon Demon pack.


    Sword light and spear shadows intertwined, blood sshed, and one after another, Moon Demons fell to the ground.


    "Swish!" "Swish!" The remaining over a hundred living Moon Demons could no longer bear it and, howling in fright, fled into the distance.


    Phew!


    Upon seeing this scene, Li Yuan could no longer bear it and sat down on the ground, gasping for breath.


    His strength had already nearly reached its limit; he had just been forcibly intimidating the pack of wolves.


    "Spiritual Awakening Level: 12.8% (current limit 20%, can guide Origin Power into the body one more time)" Li Yuan nced at a section on the Divine Pce panel and pondered.

 Chapter 82: 79: The Absolute First (Seeking Subscriptions and Monthly Pass)

    After a chase, having sessively killed more than twenty fleeing Moon Demon wolves, Lin Lanyue and Wu Dongdong finally returned.


    "Li Yuan, impressive!"


    Wu Dongdong clicked his tongue in wonder, circling the massive, unmoving body of the Moon Demon Wolf King: "This Moon Demon Wolf King must have been level 12, right?"


    "We thought you''d need us to rescue you."


    "Who would have thought that you could kill it amidst a wolf pack''s siege?" Wu Dongdong said, shing his white teeth: "More formidable than I imagined."


    "Luck," Li Yuan said with a smile.


    "How is it? Are you hurt anywhere?" Lin Lanyue squatted next to Li Yuan, her gaze sweeping over the bloodstains on his body, showing a trace of concern.


    "All this blood is from the Moon Demon wolves," Li Yuan said with a smile, shaking his head: "Just a bit drained."


    For a moment, the faces of the two were somewhat close.


    "If you hadn''te, with so many Moon Demon wolves left, I would probably have had to call for help," Li Yuan subtly changed the subject.


    "We just happened to be there," Lin Lanyue said with a slight smile as she stood up.


    Seeing that Li Yuan was indeed all right, she let go of her worry.


    "Hey, Li Yuan,"


    "I feel like you get really lucky, to actually encounter a wolf king," Wu Dongdong suddenly sighed in a low voice: "I can''t catch up with your score anymore, two million Blue Star Coins gone, you''ll make a huge profit this time, we''ll have to ughter you for a feastter."


    "Really?" Li Yuan smiled, ncing at the score ranking on his locator ring:


    First: Li Yuan, 188 points


    Second: Wu Dongdong, 129 points


    Third: Lin Lanyue, 94 points


    Fourth: Wang Yu, 76 points


    Fifth: Tian Dazhuang, 66 points


    ...


    Li Yuan''s score had originally been only a dozen or so points more than Wu Dongdong''s.


    But after this battle, he had left his opponent far behind.


    The key was the final wolf king, with a life level surpassing 12.0, providing Li Yuan with an entire 50 points.


    "Yue Yue, are we still going to look for Moon Demon wolves?" Wu Dongdong turned and looked at Lin Lanyue.


    "Li Yuan is a bit drained, I''ll stay with him," Lin Lanyue said: "Let''s not have another Moon Demon wolf pack appear."


    "No need," Li Yuan said: "I''ll rest for a while, I can still exert most of mybat strength, you two continue with thebat trials."


    "Li Yuan, it''s not just to keep youpany," Lin Lanyue smiled: "We''ve fought for more than six hours, we''re tired too."


    "Besides, there''s only half an hour left until the assessment ends, is it likely our ranks will drop out of the top ten?"


    "We''re all in the top ten, the reward is no different," Lin Lanyue said earnestly.


    Li Yuan fell silent, unable to argue further.


    "Alright then."


    "Sister, I''ll listen to you," Wu Dongdong spread his hands, shrugged his shoulders, and nted his long spear heavily into the ground, then plopped down to sit: "Since I can''t surpass Li Yuan, let''s just wait for the assessment to end together."


    The three stayed where they were.


    Li Yuan rested while observing his Divine Pce panel.


    ¡ª¡ª


    [Life Level: 8.9 (Entry Rank)]


    Physical Quality Index: 93 (measuring explosive power, endurance, speed, physique, spiritual power, and many other aspectsprehensively.)


    Fist Strength: 991 kilograms


    Speed: 19.9 meters/second


    Spiritual Power: 15.1 level


    Spiritual Awakening Level: 12.8% (current limit 20%, can guide Origin Power into the body once)


    Physical Body Cultivation Method: "Solid Rock Cultivation Method"


    Mind Cultivation Method: "Observing the Great Sun Starry Sky Scripture"


    Skill Realm: Spear Technique (Fourth Level 4%), movement technique (Fourth Level 1%), Fist Technique (Fourth Level 7%)


    [Note: When the Spiritual Awakening Level reaches 25%, 50%, 75%, 100%, 125%, you will gradually receive spiritual guidance.]


    ...


    The over six hours ofbat assessment, especially the intense battle with the Moon Demon Wolf King, had propelled Li Yuan''s movement technique into the Fourth Level, signifying that his martial arts skills hadprehensively stepped into the Fourth Level.


    Both his spear technique and fist technique had improved somewhat.


    However, what Li Yuan was most concerned about was his Spiritual Awakening Level: "Awakened 10%, Origin Power into the body?"


    This change was something he had never thought about before.


    Moreover, calming down now, Li Yuan vaguely sensed some kind of change within the Mind Spirit Divine Pce, awaiting his discovery.


    "Wait until the assessment is over, then I''ll try it alone," Li Yuan thought to himself.


    Half an hourter.


    "Beep~" "Beep~" The locators on the wrists of the trio vibrated slightly, signaling "Combat assessment over."


    "Second, second!"


    Wu Dongdong shouted with augh: "Yue Yue sister, wait until I buy a flying motorcycle, I''ll take you for a ride."


    "Alright, I''ll be waiting," Lin Lanyue said with a smile.


    Li Yuan watched this scene with a smile, a flying motorcycle? That seemed rather extravagant for him.


    Eight minutes passed.


    "Rumble!"


    A small flying craft descended at high speed, the hatch opened, quickly picked up Li Yuan, Lin Lanyue, and the others, and sped toward the direction of the War Fortress.


    ...


    The flying craft soon arrived at the metal za outside the War Fortress, where dozens of craft had alreadynded.


    Students continually emerged from the flying craft.


    Li Yuan, Lin Lanyue, carrying their weapons, also stepped down.


    "Sister, Li Yuan, look over there," Wu Dongdong suddenly pointed into the distance.


    There was a row covered with white cloths on stretchers.


    "Bodies?" Li Yuan''s pupils contracted slightly, and his heart shook a little.


    Eight stretchers implied eight bodies.


    Though they had been informed of a ''death rate'' in thebat assessment, seeing it for the first time still made Li Yuan somewhat uneasy.


    Companions who were alive and kicking in the morning.


    Turned into cold, lifeless bodies by the afternoon?


    After all, Li Yuan was just a seventeen-year-old boy. The joy of having just snagged the first ce inbat had also been scattered quite a bit.


    "Thebat assessment was just a fight against some weaker Star Realm creatures; the danger was still controble, and yet so many died," Li Yuan reflected inwardly: "What about the future?"


    "Will I, too, die on the battlefield someday?" Thinking this, Li Yuan subconsciously gripped the long spear in his hand even tighter.


    Strength!


    One must possess even greater strength to ensure one''s survival.


    ... "Li Yuan, the chief officer of the military base might specifically look for you in a bit," Lin Lanyue suddenly said in a low voice.


    "Looking for me?" Li Yuan was puzzled.


    "Yeah." Lin Lanyue''s voice was very soft, audible only to the two of them: "If they do, and their requests aren''t excessive, agree to them first, grab the benefits first."


    "Benefits?" Li Yuan was even more puzzled, weren''t the benefits just two million Blue Star Coins?


    What other benefits could there be?


    But with many people around, Li Yuan didn''t inquire further, and the two followed the crowd, moving toward the distance.


    "Look, Li Yuan is here!"


    "First in actualbat."


    "188 points, that''s ruthless. He took down over a hundred Moon Demon wolves by himself."


    "So awesome." Many students noticed Li Yuan walking over, their eyes filled with admiration.


    In terms of fame, Li Yuan was already quite well-known.


    After thisbat assessment, his ranking shot up dramatically to first ce, further increasing his fame.


    Many people watched Li Yuan''s score soar continually, especially in thest hour when it went up crazily.


    Points represent the number of enemies killed!


    What does this imply? In thest hour, Li Yuan most likely faced an onught from a pack of Moon Demon wolves and still managed to hold on until the end unscathed.


    Naturally, this won over everyone''s respect.


    "Li Yuan is so badass! If I were this badass, I could pee on my dad''s head, and he''d praise me for peeing well."


    "I fought with all my might to kill just 5, and I almost got injured, while he killed more than 180!!"


    "Don''t mention it, I was so unlucky. I killed 8, but then ran into a wolf pack in thest ten minutes... My points dropped to just 4, fuck! I failed thebat assessment!"


    "Li Yuan is ruthless, and so is Wu Dongdong who follows him."


    "That pretty girl next to Li Yuan, Lin Lanyue, right? She''s actually third, scoring even higher than Wang Yu."


    Compared to Li Yuan and Wu Dongdong, Lin Lanyue was much less famous, but her beauty added quite a bit of credit to her name.


    In the bustling crowd.


    "Li Yuan, badass."


    Gu Qianghan suddenly rushed over from a distance, punching Li Yuan hard in the chest and said excitedly, "You actually took down Wu Dongdong! That motherfucking T-Rex couldn''t even get you! Worthy of being my bro!"


    Li Yuan was taken aback, then nudged his mouth and gave Gu Qianghan a look.


    Lin Lanyue, standing nearby, revealed a mischievous smile.


    "What?" Gu Qianghan still hadn''t realized what was happening.


    "Gu! Qiang! Han!" Wu Dongdong burst out from behind Li Yuan, his face full of anger and his small eyes bulging like copper bells.


    "Holy shit, Dongdong, you''re here?" Gu Qianghan''s eyeballs nearly popped out, and he turned to run.


    "Thump~"


    He was tackled to the ground by Wu Dongdong, who struggled and screamed: "Sis, Li Yuan, save me."


    Li Yuan and Lin Lanyue exchanged a smile and strode forward.


    ...


    Ten minutester.


    Nearly a thousand students, regardless of whether they passed the assessment, all gathered in the square.


    Their gazes were all directed towards the stage.


    "First, I hope all students will observe a minute of silence for the eight ssmates who died in battle," the thin and tall army officer surnamed Ji said slowly as he scanned the crowd.


    All the students'' eyes dimmed.


    Complete silence.


    During the long minute, only the sound of the wind could be heard across the vast square.


    "Opportunities for actualbat training are scarce," the thin and tall army officer surnamed Ji spoke again: "If you go to war in the future, it will be ten times, a hundred times more dangerous than today!"


    "I hope that everyone, after going back, will summarize today''s experiences and train harder so that we can minimize sacrifices in the future."


    "I also wish everyone here achieves Prime Warrior status as soon as possible and truly be the de of human civilization!"


    "Secondly, congrattions to the 293 students who sessfully passed thebat assessment," the thin and tall army officer continued: "Lastly, specialmendation for Li Yuan, Wu Dongdong, Lin Lanyue... and ten other students."


    All students were listening attentively.


    After a pause, the thin and tall army officer continued, "Especially student Li Yuan, who, all by himself, fell into an ambushid out by a pack of Moon Demon wolves, sessfully killed a level 12 Wolf King, making it the only case in the entirebat assessment. He deserves special recognition."


    Instantly, the crowd erupted in astonished murmurs.


    Even though many had guessed the result from Li Yuan''s final surge in points, confirmation still sent a shock through everyone''s heart.


    A Level 12 Star Realm Creature!


    Most students knew that Li Yuan''s physical quality wasn''t too exaggerated.


    "Li Yuan, you''vepletely made a name for yourself now, overshading Tian Dazhuang and the female tyrannosaur," Gu Qianghan muttered with a bruised and swollen face.


    "Keep your voice down; if you''re overheard, you''ll get beaten up again," Li Yuan said with a smile.


    Gu Qianghan subconsciously shrank his neck.


    "Fame?" Li Yuan mused to himself; he didn''t care about fame.


    What he was thinking about was when the reward of 2 million Blue Star Coins would be issued.


    Better safe than sorry!


    ...


    After the conference ended, all the students boarded the vehicles in sequence, ready to return.


    Li Yuan and Tian Dazhuang, however, were invited into a meeting room in a small building next to the square by two military officers.


    "Just me and Tian Dazhuang?" Li Yuan thought to himself, recalling Lin Lanyue''s reminder.


    "Li Yuan, pleasee into this room," said the guiding officer with a smile: "Tian Dazhuang, your room is next door."


    Li Yuan nodded, untroubled.


    Enter the room.


    At a nce, Li Yuan saw sitting inside thenky senior military officer who had just spoken.


    "Hello Li Yuan, myst name is Ji, and I am in charge of this War Fortress base," the lean senior officer Ji said with a smile: "Congrattions on achieving first ce in thebat assessment."


    "Please, take a seat."


    "In charge?" Li Yuan was slightly surprised in his heart.


    ording to the video introduction given by Lin Lanyue, this was the only War Fortress in the entire Star Realm.


    In other words, was the person in front of him in charge of the entire Moon Demon Star Realm?


    The power, absolutely astonishing!


    "Greetings, Senior Ji," Li Yuan said calmly, taking a seat.


    In the world of martial artists, those with stronger abilities and older age could be respectfully addressed as seniors.


    "Do you know why we didn''t call for Wu Dongdong?" the senior officer Ji asked with a smile.


    Li Yuan shook his head.


    It wasn''t just Wu Dongdong who wasn''t called; it seemed Wang Yu wasn''t called either.


    "I have looked over your file; the title of Young Hero is very rare, and you have a strong sense of justice."


    "Talented and excellent in realbat."


    "Would you be willing to join our military?" the lean senior officer Ji said, beaming: "Our military loves justice-orientedbat geniuses like you the most."


    "In my eyes, out of the thousands of students this time, you are absolutely the first one! Wu Dongdong and the others don''te close to you," the senior officer Ji stated emphatically.


    Li Yuan was taken aback.


    Absolutely the first? They thought so highly of him?


    ...


    Next door.


    "Tian Dazhuang, you''re excellent, from an ordinary family background, but your dedication to cultivation has truly changed the fate of your family," the burly officer Wang said.


    Tian Dazhuang''s eyes, for once, revealed a trace of pride.


    "Just from your resume alone, I greatly admire you... You, in my eyes, are definitely the first among these students, surpassing Li Yuan by far," the burly officer Wang said sincerely: "Would you be willing to join our military?"


    "You will receive the best cultivation our military has to offer."

 Chapter 83: 80: The Youthful Blink Envisions an Eternity of Pure Flow (Requesting Monthly Votes)

    ```


    In the room.


    "Our cultivation contract is definitely better than Starfire Martial Hall''s A-level contract." The thin and tall military officer surnamed Ji constantlyid out his terms, bewitching Li Yuan.


    The conditions were indeed generous.


    "Senior Ji."


    "I have already signed with Starfire Martial Hall," Li Yuan shook his head.


    "Signing doesn''t mean you can''t break the contract," the thin and tall military officer surnamed Ji smiled, "We''ll pay the penalty for you, so you won''t have to spend any money."


    "No, thanks."


    Li Yuan shook his head, "Senior Ji, my growth has been this rapidrgely because of the help from Starfire Martial Hall. Anything else is negotiable... but this is the one thing I can''t do, I''m afraid."


    Li Yuan had his principles.


    Initially, when Lord Wan signed with him, his performance only warranted a C-level contract, which was already overvalued.


    Later, the Martial Hall arranged a series of resource sponsorships, which is how he was able to improve so much in half a year.


    One must not forget their origins.


    The most important point was that once he returned from here, he would be able to try for a Fallen Star ranking on the Starry Skies Fighting Network... and then his B-level contract with the Starfire Martial Hall could also be upgraded to an A-level contract.


    The special training contract of the university and the cultivation contract of the Martial Hall were separate and did not interfere with each other.


    However, one could only sign one cultivation contract with entities like Starfire Martial Hall, Starry Sky Martial Hall, Martial Arts Hall, or otherrge groups.


    These were explicitly stipted in the "Martial Artist Law."


    "Haha, alright, I won''t insist any further," the Ji-surnamed thin and tall military officerughed, a hint of admiration shing in his eyes.


    He hoped that Li Yuan would agree.


    But, if Li Yuan had agreed immediately, he would actually have looked down on Li Yuan... This mentality was not contradictory.


    "Li Yuan, I''m liking you more and more," the Ji-surnamed thin and tall military officer smiled, "How about this, I represent the Jiangbei Provincial Military and sponsor you with one million Blue Star Coins."


    "Come on, don''t refuse this," the Ji-surnamed thin and tall military officer smiled.


    "This? One million?" Li Yuan was slightly shocked.


    "Rest assured, there are no other conditions," the Ji-surnamed thin and tall military officer conveyed with a smile, "Although you can''t join the military, if you can grow and contribute to the country in the future, whether you join the military or not, does it really matter?"


    Li Yuan felt a twinge of emotion and couldn''t help asking, "What about Wu Dongdong and the others?"


    "Them? Not necessary!" the Ji-surnamed thin and tall military officer shook his head andughed, "We only feel it''s worth giving resources to someone like you, and it wouldn''t be a waste."


    Li Yuan was rendered speechless, vaguely understanding why only Tian Dazhuang and himself were called in.


    Having too strong of a background could be less appealing.


    "Let''s take a sponsorship photo," the Ji-surnamed thin and tall military officer smiled, "Later, a sponsorship contract will be sent to your virtual personal space. Don''t worry, there will be no restrictions."


    "One million Blue Star Coins, within a week they will be in your ount."


    ...


    After seeing off Li Yuan, the Ji-surnamed thin and tall military officer leisurely drank tea, waiting another two minutes.


    ng~ A military officer surnamed Wang entered, wearing a smile.


    "Did it work?" asked the Ji-surnamed thin and tall military officer.


    "It did," nodded the military officer surnamed Wang. "Signed with the Martial Arts Hall, the future will always have to be allocated somewhere, so why not to our military? I''ll report it right away and have it arranged."


    "A Martial Path prodigy like Tian Dazhuang is not easy to snatch," a brawny military officer surnamed Wangughed, "How about you?"


    "It didn''t work out," the Ji-surnamed thin and tall military officer shook his head and sighed, "Li Yuan is really not bad, it''s a pity."


    "It''s normal not to seed, after all, he has signed with Starfire Martial Hall."


    "If you had casually promised a few things and he wanted to breach the contract because of that, then it would actually be a matter for serious consideration," the military officer surnamed Wangughed, "If you think he''s not bad, why not help him out?"


    "How can we help? Our sponsorship authority is only up to one million," the Ji-surnamed thin and tall military officer was puzzled.


    "Haha, I''m the clever one today," the military officer surnamed Wang said with a smile, "Who says sponsorship is the only way to help?"


    "We just need to let it out that we attempted to recruit Li Yuan with an ''S-level contract'' and were still rejected, then let the news reach Starfire Martial Hall."


    "As long as Starfire Martial Hall isn''t stupid, they''ll naturally know what to do," the military officer surnamed Wang chuckled.


    "I only promised an A-level contract, we don''t have the authority for an S-level contract," the Ji-surnamed thin and tall military officer frowned.


    "Starfire Martial Hall doesn''t know we haven''t been authorized from above," the military officer surnamed Wang wasn''t concerned.


    "What if it blows up and the high-ups ask why we promised an ''S-level contract''?" the Ji-surnamed thin and tall military officer was still worried.


    "Someone''s spreading rumors! Besides, no one will ask about such a small matter, it''s under my dad''s jurisdiction."


    ...


    On the yground.


    Li Yuan and Tian Dazhuang walked together toward the distant train.


    Li Yuan was now 185 cm tall, noticeably taller than Tian Dazhuang.


    "Did you sign, Li Yuan?" Tian Dazhuang asked in a muffled voice, unable to refrain from asking.


    The two of them had remembered each other for the past few days, but this was the first time theymunicated.


    "No," Li Yuan shook his head before asking back directly, "What about you?"


    "I haven''t fully decided yet, but I''m leaning towards it," Tian Dazhuang smiled faintly, "I was specially recruited by the Martial Arts Hall, and after graduating from university, I would be allocated anyways."


    Li Yuan nodded, "Joining the military is actually quite good."


    "Yeah."


    "But my dad wants me to return to the county in the future, saying that I should aim to be the director of the Martial Path Bureau down the line," Tian Dazhuang spoke in a low voice, "He said it''s not only safe, but I could also bring honor to my ancestors."


    Li Yuan also casually added, "My aunt wanted me to be a martial arts school teacher, saying that it''s a life of peace and safety."


    After listening to each other, both men fell silent for two seconds, then looked at each other and burst outughing heartily and freely.


    It was augh full of candor and unrestraint.


    Then, together, they strode towards the train.


    No more words were necessary; both understood each other''s thoughts and aspirations.


    Young men bursting with ambition, creating banners that will stand through the ages with a whip of their garment; with a single nce, young men evoke thoughts of evesting clear streams.


    Young men always march forward with hope.


    That is the essence of youth.


    ...


    After passing through the Star Realm''s entrance, Li Yuan, Lin Lanyue, and the others arrived at the underground train station of Jiangbei Martial University.


    Off the train, upstairs.


    ```


    All weapons and equipment were returned, and after changing back into their clothes, all the students filed out of the building, hopped onto the sightseeing cars, and headed toward the cafeteria.


    It was still not six o''clock yet; the sun was low in the west, and a gentle breeze made the atmosphere veryfortable.


    "The feeling ofing back is really good," Wu Dongdong stretched his body and sighed with emotion.


    Li Yuan couldn''t help but smile.


    Indeed, after experiencing life-and-death battles in the Moon Demon Star Realm,ing back made one all the more appreciative of the preciousness of peace and tranquility.


    "How about it, Li Yuan?" Lin Lanyue asked softly, "Did you agree to join the military?"


    "I didn''t agree," Li Yuan said, "but the military has promised to sponsor me with one million Blue Star Coins without making any demands."


    Give without asking for anything in return?


    Honestly, Li Yuan was somewhat skeptical when the military officer with thest name Ji spoke, but the whole process indeed had no issues.


    They didn''t make him sign any documents, nor did they ask him to sign electronically in the virtualwork right away.


    "How did you know the military woulde looking for me?" Li Yuan asked quietly.


    "The military''s sponsorship targets..."


    "There are usually three criteria," Lin Lanyue said indifferently, "First, one must have enough potential to have the hope of bing a Flying Heaven Warrior."


    "Second, one muste from a family that is not wealthy."


    "Third, they prefer to sponsor students who have a sense of justice and patriotism."


    "You fit all these to perfection," Lin Lanyue said with a smile. "And you came first in the Combat Assessment; the military respects actualbat power more than test scores, so I guessed you''d definitely be selected."


    "Impressive," Li Yuan said sincerely.


    Li Yuan realized that Lin Lanyue seemed to know everything about the workings of the Moon Demon Star Realm, even understanding the military''s movements so well.


    The scope of her background was probably beyond his imagination.


    "What''s the military''s goal?" Li Yuan asked, a touch of puzzlement in his voice. "They aren''t making demands."


    "If one day you be a Flying Heaven Warrrior, and the military has a mission that needs the help of a Flying Heaven Warrior, and they invite you to join," Lin Lanyue said with a smile, "would you go?"


    Li Yuan was taken aback.


    "In a sense, a Flying Heaven Warrior, with their individual might, stands above the mundane world and cannot be simply bound byw; it''s more about being tied down by emotions," Lin Lanyue continued.


    Li Yuan nodded, now understanding what Lin Lanyue meant.


    If the military faced a grave crisis and needed some Flying Heaven Warriors to battle, what then?


    It wasn''t as if issuing amand would guarantee a Flying Heaven Warrior''spliance.


    Their strength gave them the right to say ''no.''


    The military''s approach reminded Li Yuan of Jiangbei Martial Arts University''s rewards; essentially, both were about ''forging good karma.''


    However,


    Jiangbei Martial Arts University cast a wide, while the military selected only from the most elite students.


    "Let''s go,"


    "Let''s eat first," Lin Lanyue said with a smile. "You''ve expended so much energy today; you need to eat more tonight."


    "Time to eat! Time to eat!" Wu Dongdong got excited. "I''m going to eat six servings today."


    Everyoneughed.


    Li Yuan had long noticed that although Wu Dongdong came from a distinguished background, he was not picky about his food at all.


    Like a reincarnated glutton, he weed whatever came his way.


    ...


    Night fell, and after dinner, Li Yuan and Gu Qianghan returned to their dormitory.


    ng~


    Li Yuan directly took out the long spear from the weapon cab.


    "Huh? Li Yuan, you''re not tired? You''re still going to train today?" Gu Qianghan looked at Li Yuan as if he were a monster.


    "Just a bit more training," Li Yuan said with a smile.


    Tired? Of course, he was tired.


    But could he afford not to train? No, he couldn''t.


    "I''m off to bed," Gu Qianghan shook his head. "You keep training; I''m going to sleep."


    ng~ Gu Qianghan closed the door of his room behind him.


    Li Yuan smiled faintly, his gaze returning to the long spear. The smile vanished as he silently practiced his spear technique.


    Swish! Swish!


    The spear danced, creating shadows as numerous and unstoppable as stars, while his body moved like a dragon through the wind¡ªunpredictable and fast.


    Ster Spear Technique and Dragon Movement Technique, he practiced them in harmony with each other.


    For Li Yuan, while his body was tired, his movement technique had just broken through to the Fourth Level, and it was the perfect time to consolidate his training.


    Any improvement, no matter how small, was good.


    Qualitative changees from quantitative change.


    "Fourth Level training is about digging deeper into the body''s potential, based on the foundation of unity between body and mind," Li Yuan thought to himself. "The progress is clearly much slower than at the Third Stage."


    This training sessionsted until after nine, with sweat dripping to the floor, Li Yuan''s body was exhausted to its limits.


    Only then did he finally stop.


    "[Your Body Method Realm has improved from Fourth Level 1% to Fourth Level 2%]," Li Yuan nced at the prompt that appeared half an hour ago.


    "After twelve o''clock tonight,"


    "the seven-day cooldown for the promotion match will be over, and I''ll be able to try the ''Fallen Star Promotion Match'' again," Li Yuan looked forward with anticipation. "Last time I broke into the global top 1000, my techniques were only at the Perfection of the Third Stage."


    Now what?


    Both spear technique and movement technique had fully entered the Fourth Level, and his strength had increased tremendouslypared tost time.


    "By then, there will be an additional 500,000 Blue Star Coins."


    ...


    Just after ten o''clock, after showering and changing into pajamas, Li Yuan felt extremely rxed all over.


    He sat cross-legged on the soft bed.


    The room''s soundproofing system was excellent.


    "Gu Qianghan must have fallen asleep by now."


    "Now it''s time to see what this ''Origin Power Infusion'' is all about," Li Yuan closed his eyes gently, his consciousness entering his inner world.

 Chapter 84: 81: Origin Power Infusion (Seeking Subscriptions and Monthly Passes)

    Hum~ Li Yuan''s consciousness entered the spiritual world.


    Every day, he would practice the "Observing the Great Sun Starry Sky Scripture" for two hours, so he was extremely familiar with everything in the spiritual world.


    The spiritual world was boundless and endless.


    Li Yuan focused his attention on the central Mind Spirit Divine Pce and his consciousness directly entered it.


    "Huh?" Just as Li Yuan''s consciousness entered,


    he was shocked to discover that within the empty pce, besides the original Great Sun Jade tform,


    there was now an additional white jade staircase.


    "A staircase?" A thought shed through Li Yuan''s mind, "Could it be, it leads to the second level?"


    The Mind Spirit Divine Pce, if viewed from the void outside the pce,


    appeared to have four levels.


    But Li Yuan had only ever been able to enter the first level for a long time.


    He even doubted whether the Mind Spirit Divine Pce really had four levels or if it was just an illusion of his consciousness?


    After all, everything in the spiritual world was a mental construct and not absolutely real.


    But now? A new passage unexpectedly appeared?


    "Let''s try," Li Yuan immediately gathered his consciousness.


    He attempted to explore higher levels of the Mind Spirit Divine Pce using the newly appeared staircase.


    The moment his consciousness attempted to set foot on the staircase,


    "Boom!" A terrifyingly oppressive force rolled in like a heavy stone crushing down, causing Li Yuan''s consciousness to shake violently.


    His mind involuntarily clouded over, dazed and confused.


    After a long while,


    Li Yuan''s consciousness regained rity, and he reassembled his consciousness to enter the Mind Empty Divine Pce, staring hard at the newfound white jade staircase.


    "In the spiritual world, the strength of spiritual power determines the strength of my consciousness," Li Yuan understood, "This staircase exerts a terrifying pressure... my consciousness is too weak to withstand this pressure."


    His own spiritual power was not strong enough.


    "15.1 level of spiritual power is not enough? Do I have to wait until it''s higher, at 18 or even 20 levels, before trying again?" Li Yuan muttered to himself,


    not daring to try lightly again.


    The spiritual blow from just now, if it had urred half a year ago, Li Yuan estimated he would have be an idiot.


    Even though he could barely withstand it now, he could not just keep going up to take the beating.


    "The staircase, likely leading to the second level of the Mind Spirit Divine Pce, but I can''t go up yet," Li Yuan puzzled, "How should I guide the Origin Power into my body?"


    There were no clues at all.


    "What should I do?"


    Whoosh~ As if sensing Li Yuan''s thoughts,


    the next moment, Li Yuan vaguely felt the whole Mind Spirit Divine Pce beginning to tremble slightly.


    Then, he saw a golden fog seeping out from the staircase''s end, seemingly from the vague space of the second level,


    and cascading down the staircase towards the first level.


    "Golden fog? What is this?" Li Yuan was startled.


    Before he could react,


    Hum~


    The golden fog, seemingly from the second level of the Mind Spirit Divine Pce, had already merged directly into his consciousness.


    "Boom!"


    Li Yuan''s consciousness was hit as if by thunder, then darkness invaded, bing groggy, and he almost immediately perceived a change in his spiritual world¡ªit was no longer the Mind Spirit Divine Pce.


    It transformed into a boundless dark space.


    "Where is this?" Most of Li Yuan''s consciousness had fallen into a slumber, leaving only a trace of thought.


    Hum~ In silence, a majestic and vast voice seemed toe from the endless depths of darkness.


    "Seeking dust and subtlety, uniting as one, the essence of the sun and the moon, begins to temper the Spiritual Foundation; the heart follows the breath, the intention guards the major orifices..." Each ancient word seemed to contain some profound truth, directly imprinting into the depths of Li Yuan''s heart.


    It was as indelible as the "Observing the Great Sun Starry Sky Scripture," making it difficult for Li Yuan to forget.


    And unknowingly,


    Li Yuan''s heartpletely emptied out, and in the darkness all around, numerous points of light and stars emerged out of nowhere and wandered... beginning to nourish his spiritual consciousness.


    Making his spiritual consciousness grow even stronger.


    ...Inside the room.


    Li Yuan, sitting cross-legged on the bed, with his remaining consciousness, felt strands of mysterious power gradually permeating his body.


    Legend had it that the human body was a great secret of the universe with forty-eight million orifices of stars, and Li Yuan now had such an illusion.


    "So many!"


    "Permeating through all limbs and bones," he felt.


    "It''s Origin Power," Li Yuan, who had consumed many Essence Pills, was very familiar with Origin Power.


    His consciousness became clearer and he sensed that the power flowing into his body was indeed Origin Power!


    From the outside world.


    From the heavens and the earth.


    And it was many times purer than any Essence Pill he had taken.


    "ording to what Teacher Xu and President Li said, doesn''t one have to be a Prime Warrior before the body can autonomously absorb Origin Power?" Li Yuan was shocked, "Is this the ''Origin Power Entry'' of the Mind Spirit Divine Pce?"


    Li Yuan didn''t ponder deeply, but instead calmed his mindpletely.


    He turned his gaze inward!


    "Origin Power!" Li Yuan attempted to guide the Cosmic Origin Power flowing into his body with his spiritual power.


    Suddenly.


    "Hum~" Li Yuan clearly sensed that more and more Origin Power was rushing into his body, seemingly elerating.


    "Boom, boom, boom!"


    The surging and pure Origin Power finally converged like a torrent, circting through his limbs and bones, then countless pure Origin Powers began to be crazily absorbed by Li Yuan''s muscles and bones.


    Li Yuan''s entire body trembled wildly.


    "Evolution."


    "My body," Li Yuan was astounded as his tendons, bones, skin, membranes, internal organs, and even blood and hair were all madly absorbing Origin Power, undergoing transformation.


    In the past,


    taking Essence Pills put a great strain on his body, but now, there seemed to be no limit to absorbing Origin Power...


    [Your Life Level has been raised from 8.9 to 9.0]


    [Your Life Level has been raised from 9.1 to 9.2]


    [Your Fist Strength has increased from...]


    As his physical quality soared, Li Yuan''s Divine Pce panel shed with notifications from time to time.


    Clearly, the process of Origin Power entering the body would take at least several hours.


    ...


    When Li Yuan began to draw Origin Power into his body, his physical quality underwent a transformation.


    Late at night, eleven o''clock.


    More than a hundred kilometers away from Jiangbei Martial Arts University, in the Starfire South Lake District of Jiang City.


    In a standalone vi by theke, the lights were bright.


    Basement.


    The nearly thousand-square-meter Martial Arts Room.


    Empty, at the end of the Martial Arts Room, on the wall was written a colossal character ''Martial''.


    The writing style was bold and powerful, like iron strokes and silver hooks, as if carved by swords.


    "Uncovering the body''s potential."


    "Unity of body and mind."


    Wan Qinghe, dressed in loose martial attire, stood in the center of the Martial Arts Room, his eyes slightly closed, and he sighed inwardly, "This final moment of spiritual rity, this perception of subtlety, is truly difficult."


    "So many years, and I''ve never managed to break through," Wan Qinghe said with frustration.


    His Physical Quality had been stuck at level 25 for several years, unable to make further progress.


    What hecked was not High Rank cultivation methods, not spiritual power.


    But¡ªskills!


    The deeper one goes into cultivation, the more it tests spiritual power and Martial Arts Skills... the stronger the skills, the more potential in the body can be tapped, and naturally, the Physical Quality will be stronger.


    Conversely.


    Even with powerful Origin Power, body strength, without sufficient skills to harness it, it''s hard to exert true power.


    "The Wine Devil senior once told me,"


    "I''ve wandered the Star Realm for many years, and all I''ve found is ''urgency''."


    "In life-and-death situations, being a hair''s breadth away means life or death, how can one not be urgent?" Wan Qinghe pondered silently, "If I want to break through, I must find ''tranquility''."


    "I just returned to Jiang City, taking up the post of Hall Master at the Fifth Level Martial Hall."


    Wan Qinghe was contemting.


    Suddenly.


    "Master, an important person requests a video call," a gentle and abrupt voice rang out, "Note name: Ninth Senior Brother."


    "Hm?"


    "Why would Ninth Senior Brother call me sote? What could it be?" Wan Qinghe''s heart skipped a beat, and he hurriedly said, "Answer."


    Buzz~


    The video call was established.


    "Ninth Senior Brother," Wan Qinghe bowed slightly.


    In the video, his Ninth Senior Brother was wearing a pair ofrge shorts, his eight-pack abs showing, swaying a ss of red wine, leisurely lying on the bed.


    Beside him, the yful voices of several women could be heard.


    "Junior brother, still cultivating sote? So diligent, I haven''t disturbed you, have I?" Ninth Senior Brother took a sip of his drink.


    "Senior Brother jests, I too wish to break through as soon as possible," Wan Qingheughed, "Senior Brother, looking for me sote, is there something wrong?"


    "Nothing particrly important."


    "It''s just that a moment ago, President Li of Kunlun Martial University sent me a message," Ninth Senior Brother said, "He''s the leader of the delegation to Jiangbei this time, and he mentioned something about Li Yuan."


    "Li Yuan?"


    Wan Qinghe''s eyes brightened slightly, his heart uneasy, "What did President Li say?"


    "Hehe, Li Yuan is not bad," Ninth Senior Brother chuckled, "You''ve rmended a good talent to our Kunlun Martial University, President Li has already signed him with an ''S-Level Special Training Contract''."


    "S-Level Special Training Contract?" Wan Qinghe was taken aback.


    He was unaware of this news.


    After all, the recruitment event was organized by the Martial Arts Hall, Education Department, and Jiangbei Martial Arts University.


    Nobody had directly informed Starfire Martial Hall.


    "Mmhmm."


    "Also, you may not know, but Li Yuan''s Spear Technique, movement technique have both entered the Fourth Level," Ninth Senior Brother said, "In today''s just-concluded Combat Assessment, he also came first."


    "First in the realbat of the ''Cliff''s Edge'' style," Ninth Senior Brother added.


    "This?" Wan Qinghe was dumbfounded.


    For a moment, he didn''t know whether to be shocked or thrilled.


    This series of news was too unexpected for him.


    "Ninth Senior Brother, it''s great that Li Yuan can sign an S-Level training contract, thank you for the trouble, senior brother," Wan Qinghe said instinctively.


    The higher the level of the special training contract Li Yuan signed, the stronger he would naturally be when he graduated and returned to serve at Starfire Martial Hall.


    It would be more advantageous to Wan Qinghe.


    "Don''t rejoice too soon," Ninth Senior Brotherughed, "If it was all good news, I wouldn''t bother telling you, but there is a piece of bad news."


    "Bad news?" Wan Qinghe''s heart tightened.


    "I just learned of this news," Ninth Senior Brother said, "After today''s Combat Assessment, the military seems to have offered Li Yuan an ''S-Level Contract''."


    "S-Level Contract?" Wan Qinghe was taken aback and couldn''t help blurting out, "Really?"


    "Not sure."


    Ninth Senior Brother spread his hands, "But I can confirm two things. First, the military has already sponsored Li Yuan with one million."


    "Second, another martial arts prodigy, ''Tian Dazhuang,'' sponsored by the military, has confirmed he will join them and has signed an S-Level Contract."


    Wan Qinghe''s mind was in turmoil.


    It didn''t matter to him which university Li Yuan signed with; the two contracts did not conflict.


    But if he signed with the military, then he would indeed have to cancel the contract with Starfire Martial Hall.


    Yes, the breach of contract fee for a B-Level contract was high, but that''s rtive to ordinary people.


    A few tens of millions in damages, what is that to the military?


    "Alright."


    "Brother, I''ve told you the news," Ninth Senior Brother smiled, "What to do next, you at Starfire Martial Hall decides for yourselves."


    "Just a word of advice."


    "Li Yuan might not have awakened his Martial Spirit, but just a mere B-Level contract can''t keep him," he said.


    "I''m off to busy myself," Ninth Senior Brother in the projection already stretched out his hand to embrace the enchanting woman lying atop him.


    The video cut off.


    "The military? An S-Level Contract?" Wan Qinghe tried to keep himself calm as he contemted his next move.


    He knew.


    If he mishandled the next step, the cooked achievement might indeed fly away.

 Chapter 85: 82: Level 9.6! Fallen Star! (Fifth Release, Requesting Monthly Votes)

    Wan Qinghe''s frustration was unknown to Li Yuan, who was still experiencing "Origin Power Entry."


    In Li Yuan''s room at Jiangbei Martial Arts University, his body underwent a special state of transformation.


    It continued.


    At first, Li Yuan''s consciousness was semi-conscious, but eventually, he fell asleep without even noticing.


    In the silence of the night.


    "Hmm?" Li Yuan, who was ustomed to cultivating at three in the morning, suddenly opened his eyes as if his body had formed a biological clock.


    The next second, he was fully awake.


    "Me?"


    Li Yuan immediately noticed a change in himself, his vision had improved, and his body seemed to contain astonishing strength.


    "My body?"


    Li Yuan''s gaze swept over dozens of Divine Pce panel prompts before finally settling on the data disyed on the Divine Pce panel.


    ¡ª¡ª


    [Life Level: 9.6 (Pre-Entry Rank)]


    Physical Quality Index: 99 (Indicates aprehensive assessment of explosive power, endurance, speed, physique, spiritual power, and many other aspects.)


    Fist Strength: 1180 kilograms


    Speed: 21.1 meters/second


    Spiritual Power: Level 16.4


    Spiritual Awakening Level: 12.8% (Current limit 20%)


    ...


    "This?" Li Yuan was both shocked and overjoyed.


    His martial arts skills remained unchanged.


    But his physical quality and spiritual power had greatly improvedpared to before.


    "Just five hours, and my physical quality has improved by 0.7 level? Spiritual power by 1.3 levels?" Li Yuan held his breath.


    It was simply too dramatic.


    In the previous three months, despite continuously taking Origin Power Essence Pills, basic blood-strengthening medicinal liquid, and practicing frantically, Li Yuan''s physical quality had improved by less than one level.


    Moreover, as one progresses, the improvement in physical quality naturally slows down.


    This kind of transformation was utterly astonishing.


    "Hmm?" Li Yuan also noticed that the previous Divine Pce panel prompt "One chance to guide Origin Power into the body" had disappeared.


    "Origin Power Entry."


    "It has this effect? To greatly transform both my physical quality and spiritual power." Li Yuan recalled everything that happenedst night and still found it incredible.


    The Mind Spirit Divine Pce was truly miraculous.


    Phew!


    Li Yuan breathed a long sigh of relief, feeling all the fatigue erased, and a boundless strength within his body.


    He opened the door and stepped out of the resting room.


    Without turning on the lights.


    Moonlight streaming through the windows fell on the floor, and with Li Yuan''s vision, the moonlight was enough to see everything in the Martial Arts Room.


    "Phew!"


    "Boom!" Li Yuan didn''t pick up the spear, which might easily wake up Gu Qiang.


    He simply executed his fist technique, his fists and palms shifting, his footsteps moving, each punch he threw was forceful and resounded faintly through the air.


    Powerful and vigorous!


    "Exhrating." Taking in the strong vigor coursing through his limbs and body, Li Yuan felt excited: "If I had this foundational strength during thebat assessment yesterday, killing the Moon Demon Wolf King would have been even easier."


    A Physical Quality of 9.6 was nearly at Entry Rank.


    ...


    After performing several sets of fist techniques and after a thorough release of energy.


    Li Yuan calmed down and returned to his room to think.


    "Is this the benefit of reaching a 10% Spiritual Awakening level?" Li Yuan mused.


    "Does Origin Power Entry mean guiding external Origin Power into the body to promote evolution?"


    "Then, the improvement in spiritual power must be because of the golden fog that appeared in the Mind Spirit Divine Pce?" Li Yuan thought back to his consciousness''s experience in the spiritual world.


    The Dark Space, the twinkling starlight, the ancient indistinct sounds, the spell forms that seared into the depths of his heart¡­


    Li Yuan understood.


    The Mind Spirit Divine Pce seemed even more mysterious than he had initially thought.


    "Origin Power Entry uses Origin Power to drive evolution, so there should be no side effects." Li Yuan mused to himself: "At least, I''m not experiencing any adverse reactions now."


    Li Yuan had heard of some forbidden medicines that drastically increase strength.


    Theypletely overdraw the potential of life.


    "My spiritual power has improved so much."


    "The stairs in the Mind Spirit Divine Pce, let''s try them again now." Li Yuan closed his eyes and his consciousness surged into the Mind Spirit Divine Pce.


    Only three secondster.


    Li Yuan opened his eyes again, a look of shock in them: "The white jade staircase? It''s gone?"


    The white jade staircase that suddenly appeared in the Mind Spirit Divine Pce a few hours ago.


    It had now disappeared.


    The Mind Spirit Divine Pce had returned to normal.


    "Could it be that the entrance to the secondyer only appears when I have the opportunity to guide Origin Power into my body?" Li Yuan spected.


    He looked at the Divine Pce panel again.


    "Reaching a 10% Spiritual Awakening Level grants one chance for Origin Power Entry, so could reaching 20% perhaps grant another chance for Origin Power Entry?" Li Yuan harbored spections.


    And a sliver of expectation.


    If my physical quality has improved by 0.7 level this time, what about next time? Wouldn''t that directly push me to Entry Rank?


    Reaching a 25% awakening? Spiritual guidance? Li Yuan felt it was still a bit far for him, especially since the current disy showed a maximum awakening of only 20%.


    And Li Yuan didn''t yet know how to raise the limit.


    But Li Yuan was very clear about how to increase the awakening level from 12.8% to 20%¡ªby killing Star Realm Creatures.


    "It seems."


    "I need to find more opportunities for realbat like today." Li Yuan murmured to himself.


    He was very satisfied with hisbat performance from yesterday.


    He had fought with all his might.


    Not having pushed his Spiritual Awakening level to 20% was within Li Yuan''s expectations.


    Time passed.


    "First, the Mind Spirit Divine Pce must continue to be explored and tried; it''ll probably be my biggest trump card for rising to power." There was a sparkle in Li Yuan''s eyes: "Second, my spiritual power level has surged, matching the characteristics of my spiritual power talent. No matter,"


    "Third, my physical quality skyrocketed overnight and if I don''t hide it, it will definitely attract attention."


    "At least for the next few days, I can''t participate in any physical testing and must avoid drawing any attention. I''ll just wait for the April adjustment exam to disclose it."


    Reveal it during the April exam? Li Yuan wasn''t panicking at all.


    "As long as they can''t detect my Mind Spirit Divine Pce, in the end, it will all be attributed to my exceptional talent." Li Yuan said with a calm smile.


    In this world, there are many special treasures and unparalleled geniuses... An improvement of one level in physical quality within a month is not without precedent.


    It''s not like it increased by 10 levels at once.


    "Thinking about it that way..."


    A slight smile appeared at the corner of Li Yuan''s mouth: "There are nearly three months left until the college entrance exam."


    "As long as there are no side effects from the Origin Power entering my body."


    "I, am fully hopeful that before the college entrance exam, I can elevate my physical quality to level 10.0," a glint shed in Li Yuan''s eyes, "just like Wu Dongdong."


    "Both physical quality and martial arts skills maxed out."


    Previously, Li Yuan had nned to raise his physical quality to level 10.0 by this September.


    Now? He can at least be three months ahead of schedule.


    Martial arts cultivation has its golden age, one is from age 16 to 20, and next is from 20 to 30.


    The older you get, the more your body functions will gradually decline.


    After thinking everything through.


    "Three thirty? There are three and a half hours left until the seven o''clock assembly?" Li Yuan nced at his smart ring watch.


    "My cooldown time on the Starry Skies Fighting Network has passed, let''s try and see if I can break through to the Fallen Star rank with 300 points in one go."


    Once reaching the Fallen Star rank with 300 points.


    Then, Li Yuan''s contract with the Starfire Martial Hall would be upgraded directly from B to A level.


    Whoosh!


    Li Yuan sat down in the virtualwork cabin, connecting his consciousness.


    He entered the Starry Skies Fighting Network directly.


    Personal space.


    "Master, long time no see." The voice of the girl in purple was soft: "I''ve missed you so much."


    "Shut up."


    "Rank matching fight." Li Yuan directly clicked on the light screen, and just three secondster.


    Match sessful.


    Li Yuan disappeared, already entering the battle space.


    ...Five minutester.


    Inside 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 can no longer be increased..." the system voice rang out: "Would you like to participate in the promotion match?"


    "I will participate," Li Yuan dered loudly.


    Hum~


    Li Yuan''s figure vanished from the arena, starting his sixth Fallen Star promotion match.


    ...


    The familiar ocean, the familiar inds, the familiar silhouettes of the Fish Spirit n warriors.


    Li Yuan, holding a long spear, appeared.


    "Roar!"


    "Roar!" All twelve Fish Spirit n warriors stared at Li Yuan with killing intent.


    "Seeing you guys really warms my heart," Li Yuan said with a slight smile, "sadly, this is thest time."


    The Fish Spirit n warriors were all stunned; they didn''t understand Li Yuan''s words.


    But they could sense that Li Yuan was smiling.


    Boom!


    Like a gust of wind, Li Yuan ''drifted'' towards the group of Fish Spirit warriors.


    "Boom!"


    "Roar!" More than a dozen Fish Spirits finally galloped forward, swinging their arms like des of war, rushing towards Li Yuan.


    "Bring it on." Li Yuan grinned, and his long spear burst forth, with countless light shadows blossoming, the air itself seemed to be torn apart by the sweeping spear shadows.


    Ster Illumination from the Ster Techniques.


    "Puchi~" "Puf!" "Puf!"


    Wherever the long spear went, Fish Spirit warriors had their heads pierced, and they were turned into nothingness right after.


    A total of twelve spears!


    The battle was over.


    Having broken through spear technique and movement technique, and after experiencing thebat assessment, facing the dozen or so Fish Spirit warriors, Li Yuan had be quiteposed, with not a single worry in his heart.


    Three secondster.


    "Congrattions, Guardian Yuan, you have passed the promotion match, you have reached the Fallen Star rank, you are eligible to receive a reward of 500,000 Blue Star Coins." The system reminder sounded by Li Yuan''s ear.


    "Congrattions, Guardian Yuan, you have entered the ''Blue Star Young Heroes Ranking'', ranked globally at number [181], in Xia Country District at number[42], in Jiangbei Sub-district at[5], you can inquire about the detailed list in the following manner..."


    ...


    Swish! Li Yuan had returned to his personal space.


    "Congrattions, master, on making it to the Blue Star Young Heroes Ranking," the girl in purple said excitedly, "On the entire Blue Star, there are less than two hundred who have made the list."


    "What is the Blue Star Young Heroes Ranking?" Li Yuan asked directly.


    "Please look, Master."


    Soon, with Xiao Yu''s exnation, Li Yuan understood that other than the qualifications to be listed, this ranking followed the same rules as the ''Blue Star Youth Ranking.''


    The only difference was that you had to reach the Fallen Star rank to be listed.


    "That is to say, besides me, there are four more in Jiangbei province?" Li Yuan murmured to himself.


    Besides Wu Dongdong, Wang Yu, and Tian Dazhuang, was there another?


    But Li Yuan didn''t care. There were countless geniuses in the world; what mattered was to improve and surpass himself.


    "Continue."


    "Fallen Star rank match." Li Yuan directly started his first Fallen Star rank match: "Anyway, it''s 0 points at Fallen Star now, if I lose, it''s still 0 points."


    "No risk of demotion."


    "What''s there to fear!"


    ...


    Li Yuan had no idea that at the moment his Starry Skies Fighting Network rank broke through to ''Fallen Star''.


    The corresponding departments in the Jiangbei Provincial Martial Arts Hall, Starfire Martial Hall ''Jiangbei Sub-hall'', and Starry Sky Martial Hall ''Jiangbei Sub-hall'', all received an urgent notification.

 Chapter 86: 83 Provincial Hall Masters Command (Extra for 2000 votes)

    Virtualwork, Starry Skies Fighting Network.


    In a vast battle space with no audience around,


    two experts with virtual physical quality both at 10.0 were engaged in an insanely intense battle.


    Both were masters of spear technique.


    One looked to be about forty years old, with a burly physique, dressed in silver armor.


    The other was a youth in ck armor.


    "ng!"


    "ng!" "ng!"


    The spear technique of both sides was extremely exquisite. The middle-aged man''s spear moves were changing constantly, one thrust following another, flicking, straight thrusting, sweeping, chopping... Li Yuan was forced to employ his Ster Spear Technique to defend with all his might.


    "Boom!" "Bang!" The long spears shed like lightning, and asionally, Li Yuan would counterattack once or twice.


    "Incredible."


    "Fallen Star Stage, as expected, each one is a Fourth Level master, and each one is incredibly tough to deal with." Li Yuan felt unprecedented pressure, but also unparalleled excitement.


    Dueling with masters is the only way to improve oneself.


    If you always fight weak opponents, you''ll eventually be weak yourself.


    Suddenly.


    "Bang!" "Whoosh!" The middle-aged man''s long spear suddenly exploded with power, instantly producing over a dozen spear images that enveloped Li Yuan like an overwhelming force from the heavens.


    These spear images were actually continuous thrusts.


    But because the thrusting speed was so fearsomely fast, it appeared to ordinary people as though the thrusts were made simultaneously.


    "ng!" Li Yuan''s eyes were strong enough that after desperately blocking six thrusts,


    "Pfft~"


    The seventh thrust from the middle-aged man finally breached Li Yuan''s defense.


    But it was at that moment.


    "Kill!" Li Yuan''s eyes showed a trace of determination and madness, not care the least about the opponent''s spear thrusting towards him, his own spear burst forth without restraint.


    That instant!


    Li Yuan felt that the cooperation between his spirit, mind, and body all reached a new height, with deeper control of his body by his mind.


    [Your spear technique realm has increased from Fourth Level 4% to Fourth Level 5%], the Divine Pce panel notified.


    But Li Yuan had no time to pay attention to this, as his eyes fixed only on the long spear: "Kill! Faster! Even faster!"


    Boom!


    The spear was like a dragon bursting forth from within a chasm, filled with terrifying murderous intent, thrusting directly at the middle-aged man, making his scalp tingle.


    "Pfft!" That dreadful thrust instantly pierced through Li Yuan''s throat and head, and his entire figure instantly vanished from the arena.


    "Sssh~"


    Li Yuan''s spear tip also grazed the middle-aged man''s face, blood spraying in that moment.


    The battle ended, with a victor proimed.


    "Where did this little fellowe from, to be so mad?" The middle-aged man stood on the stage, his heart unable to calm for a long time


    "If he hadn''t deliberately reduced his age, he must be only seventeen or eighteen big."


    "After executing three major killing moves in session, I barely managed to defeat him," admired the middle-aged man.


    In the virtualwork, the appearance and age can only be adjusted by a maximum of five years.


    ...


    Starry Skies Fighting Network, personal space.


    "Thrilling!"


    "Haha, awesome." Li Yuan instantly appeared, not caring in the least about winning or losing.


    He was in pursuit of battle itself, aiming to extract experience from the fights.


    He did not expect to soar to 300 points right now.


    "12 points?" Li Yuan nced at the screen, which showed the segment points.


    Segmented Match: Fallen Star Stage.


    Points: 12 (1,000 points required to participate in the promotion match)


    Win Rate: 22%


    ...


    In the past two hours or so, Li Yuan fought a total of 18 battles, winning only 4 and losing 14.


    More losses than wins.


    "At least, I can asionally win a match." Li Yuan grinned with a smile.


    Previously, when he was at the Gold Stage and asionally sanctioned by a Fallen Star Stage master, he was utterly powerless to fight back.


    At least, Li Yuan could now fight back.


    Secondly, after more than a dozen battles, most of the matches were with Fallen Star Stage experts below 500 points, and Li Yuan gradually figured out a pattern.


    "The Martial Arts Skills of these masters seem no different from those of Tian Dazhuang," Li Yuan pondered secretly: "The technical level of most people should not exceed Fourth Level 30%."


    "Given my current rate of progress."


    "By the time of the college entrance exams, I should be able to reach 300 points in the Fallen Star Stage," Li Yuan looked forward to this in his heart.


    This was already much faster than Li Yuan had anticipated.


    Furthermore, through this invitation event, Li Yuan had already pocketed several million Blue Star Coins.


    Having signed a special training contract with Kunlun Martial Arts University, he had enough cultivation resources for the short term.


    Therefore, Li Yuan was not in such a hurry.


    "However, aside from the first 500,000 Blue Star Coins, I will have to wait for the rest," Li Yuan muttered to himself: "I hope nothing goes wrong."


    Otherwise, he would be the one crying.


    ...


    At six o''clock, Li Yuan exited the virtualwork, as usual, he went to the Martial Arts Room.


    He began today''s practice of the Basic Cultivation Method.


    Gu Qianghan had not gotten up yet.


    Li Yuan, while standing in his stance and practicing his punches, turned on the light screen projection.


    He directly tuned into Xia Country''s ''Star Realm Channel''.


    The Star Realm Channel specializes in reporting news about the various Star Realms of the Seven Star Alliance.


    When there are no wars, it mainly broadcasts documentaries of each Star Realm; during wars, it often goes deep into the frontlines for live broadcasts, which is very popr.


    What he has been followingtely is the ''Second Level Star Realm Rob Sea'' war affairs.


    "Yesterday, news from the frontlines of the Rob Sea Star Realm came in..." the host reads the news one by one.


    Li Yuan listens silently.


    In recent days, Li Yuan, though participating in invitation events, had been closely following the news from the Rob Sea Star Realm, hoping for good news.


    Regrettably, up until today, although the news was full of ''victorious reports,'' there had been no news about Base Three.


    6:26 AM.


    "We interrupt with breaking news."


    The newscaster''s voice on the screen suddenly became urgent, "Just moments ago, the frontline support teams of Starfire Martial Hall and Starry Sky Martial Hall, in conjunction with thebat Mechanical Legion, have for the first time opened up a transportation route from Base Five to the forward Base Three."


    "Base Three has not fallen! It has not fallen!"


    "The military has already organized..." the newscaster''s voice was full of excitement; it was clear he was very moved.


    Outside the screen.


    Li Yuan suddenly stopped his stance and punch training, his eyes wide as he stared at the screen.


    The only thought in his mind was the newscaster''s statement: "Base Three has not yet fallen."


    Not yet fallen!


    "Base Three has not fallen, is my uncle still alive?" An even greater anxiety crept into Li Yuan''s heart.


    Without hesitation,


    Li Yuan began to search for various news about ''Base Three'' on his smart ring.


    Unfortunately, Li Yuan had not yet seen any further news.


    ...


    On the fifth day of the event, there were no assessments, just some tours and exnations.


    ording to the schedule,


    after finishing the morning activities and having lunch, all the students would embark on their return journey.


    Around nine in the morning, during the tour,


    "Li Yuan, why do you seem so distracted? You keep looking at your smart ring." Wu Dongdong asked Li Yuan curiously, "Is something the matter?"


    "It''s nothing." Li Yuan forced a smile.


    Li Yuan was incredibly worried.


    If there continued to be no news, even if hope was growing more distant, although worried, Li Yuan felt a steady resolve in his heart.


    Now that he had seen hope, he was even more anxious.


    "Dongdong." Lin Lanyue frowned slightly and gave him a look.


    Wu Dongdong was not foolish; he immediately realized something was amiss and, acting obedient, nodded without asking any more and walked ahead.


    "Li Yuan, don''t worry too much."


    Lin Lanyue walked beside Li Yuan and whispered, "Transportation to Base Three has been reopened, and our Xia Country''s army has taken the advantage and is gradually driving them back, just waiting for a full relief."


    "ording to the messages sent back, most of the people trapped are still alive, your uncle should be fine." Lin Lanyue''s eyes were bright.


    Li Yuan could not help but look at Lin Lanyue.


    "On the day you fainted, Teacher Xu told me." Lin Lanyue smiled faintly.


    "Thanks." Li Yuan said quietly.


    Uncle''s situation at Rob Sea, many ssmates were aware of it, so it couldn''t be considered a secret.


    ...


    11:00 AM.


    Jiang City, the Jiang City branch of Starfire Martial Hall.


    As the core of Starfire Martial Hall in Jiang City, there were several buildings here, theirbined area roughly four or five times that of the Guanshan branch.


    In the most central building, apart from members of Starfire Martial Hall ranked L3 or above and a few service staff, others were not allowed entry.


    On the sixth floor, in arge, traditionally decorated office,


    "Hall Master Fei." Wan Qinghe bowed slightly.


    In the Jiang City branch, there were only a handful of people who couldmand such a greeting from Wan Qinghe.


    But the ck-robed elder sitting behind the desk, around sixty years old, indeed had that privilege.


    He was none other than ''Fei Qian,'' the Hall Master of the Jiang City branch, and one of the top five notable figures of Starfire Martial Hall in Jiangbei Province.


    "Wan."


    "This morning, you submitted an application, hoping to upgrade Li Yuan''s contract from a Grade B to Grade A." The ck-robed elder Fei Qian spoke with a smile, "I haven''t replied for a few hours and you''ve rushed over; is it that urgent?"


    "Hall Master Fei."


    "It''s not that I''m in a rush, but I''m worried about unexpected events," Wan Qinghe said, suppressing the urgency in his voice, "Have you seen the information?"


    "I have." Fei Qian replied with a smile that betrayed nothing, "And then?"


    "Li Yuan, except for the fact that he hasn''t awakened his Martial Spirit, excels in every other area at the top level." Wan Qinghe could hardly contain himself, speaking gravely, "ording to my investigation, the probability that he will create a sessful Law Creation is over 40%!"


    "In the future, there''s a high likelihood of him bing a 29th Level Prime Warrior."


    "He''s definitely worth a Grade A contract." Wan Qinghe stared at Fei Qian, "Kunlun Martial University directly offered an S-grade special training contract."


    "Although the university''s S-grade contract is not exactly equivalent to our contract levels, it already exins a lot."


    "The key!"


    "I''m worried that if we continue with the original contract without upgrading, the military or Starry Sky Martial Hall might poach him away." There was a hint of urgency in Wan Qinghe''s voice, "Hall Master Fei, you have always been wise, and I hope you will consider this thoroughly."


    Wan Qinghe''s words carried deep implications.


    The ck-robed elder Fei Qian chuckled, about to speak when the office was suddenly filled with the sound of the smart assistant, "Master! Importantmunication! A call from Lord Yang of the Province, would you like to answer?"


    The ck-robed elder Fei Qian immediately stood up, his expression turning serious, "Answer!"


    Wan Qinghe standing beside him was also shocked, instantly bing respectful.


    Provincial Hall Master?


    Like Wan Qinghe, who was only a district-level Hall Master; like Fei Qian, who was merely a city-level Hall Master, there was a clear difference in power and status, but ultimately, they were both Prime Warriors.


    Therefore, Wan Qinghe did not feel excessively afraid of the other.


    But a Provincial Hall Master? That was a truly major figure, the real powerhouse of Starfire Martial Hall in Jiangbei Province.


    Beyond the difference in rank, the more important distinction was the gap in power.


    ording to Starfire Martial Hall regtions, the Provincial Hall Master must be a Flying Heaven Warrior.


    A Flying Heaven Warrior, that was an existence absolutely above Prime Warriors.


    "Ding~"


    Themunication was established, voice only.


    "Fei Qian." An icy female voice came through the dark screen''s projection.


    "Lord Yang of the Province." Fei Qian became respectful.


    "I''ve reviewed the report you submitted this morning," the icy voice said, "You may give this Li Yuan a Grade A contract, and increase all rted resources by 20%."


    "Also, inform him,"


    "If he can break through to the Fifth Level in skill before he turns 20, he will be upgraded to an S-grade contract, with an additional ''Ster Earth Marrow Crystal'' as a gift."

 Chapter 87: 84: The Gem in the Stone (Extra for 4000 monthly tickets)

    "Ster Earth Marrow Crystal?" Wan Qinghe''s eyes shed with confusion. What is that?


    He had heard of various kinds of marrow crystals.


    But he had never heard of one with this particr name.


    On the other hand, the ck-robed elderly Fei Qian was startled upon hearing about it, "Ster Earth Marrow Crystal? My lord, is it real?"


    This treasure, Fei Qian had only heard mentioned in passing by other Flying Heaven Warriors.


    He had never truly seen it.


    "Are you questioning my decision?" An icy female voice came from within the light screen.


    "I wouldn''t dare," Fei Qian quickly replied, his head involuntarily bowing down further.


    As the Hall Master of the provincial capital''s city and one of the top five figures in the Starfire Martial Hall branch of Jiangbei.


    In the eyes of ordinary people, he was absolutely powerful and influential.


    But it wasn''t just the top five¡ª even the three other Provincial Vice Hall Masters had to respectfully bow their heads in the presence of Lord Yang of the Province.


    There''s no alternative! It''s all about strength!


    From a 29th level Prime Warrior to a Flying Heaven Warrior, the difference is as vast as that between heaven and earth.


    Human Prime Warriors are powerful, with burst speeds reaching the speed of sound. It''s quitemon for them to reduce a small town to rubble in a big battle, but they ultimately can''t fly, and their Origin Power is not unlimited. If surrounded with arge quantity of thermal weapons, there is hope of killing them.


    Flying Heaven Warrior?


    Bullets? Missiles? They might not even fly as fast as a Flying Heaven Warrior.


    Apart fromrge-scale weapons of mass destruction like nuclear weapons, thermal weapons are basically ineffective.


    The key is to take them by surprise!


    Otherwise, if the Flying Heaven Warriors spot it from a distance, they just need to rapidly escape the nuclear st''s center to survive.


    To call them human-shaped nuclear weapons is no exaggeration.


    "Beep~"


    Themunication was abruptly cut off.


    "Whew!" Only then did Fei Qian let out a long breath and sat back down, casting a sideways nce at Wan Qinghe, who looked anxious beside him.


    "My dear Lord Wan," Fei Qian leaned back, legs on the office desk: "Are you trying to say I''m senile, or that I don''t value talent? Keep talking, I''m listening."


    In one second!


    Wan Qinghe''s face filled with smiles, his upper body leaning forward as he eagerly moved to pour tea, "Fei Lao, you misunderstood my meaning. You''re as sagacious as you said just now."


    How could Wan Qinghe not understand that Fei Qian must have reported Li Yuan''s information to Lord Yang after receiving it?


    Otherwise, why would the Provincial Hall Mastere looking so quickly?


    "I came today, mentioning Li Yuan was just in passing. The main reason was to report to you about the recent preparations for the martial artist convention at the Guan Mountain branch..." Wan Qinghe spoke smoothly, respectfully offering the cup of tea, "Fei Lao, you can tell this tea is top-notch just by smelling it."


    "This tea was steepedst night."


    "I was toozy to change it this morning, so I just added some boiled water," Fei Qian said as he took the cup and put it aside.


    "You''re talking about the previous pot," replied Wan Qinghe, smiling honestly. "This pot, I brewed it anew while you went out just now."


    "You little rascal." Fei Qianughed and shook his head: "You must have cursed me eight hundred times in your heart."


    "I wouldn''t dare."


    "If I didn''t know how wise and magnanimous Fei Lao is, how would I dare toe directly?" said Wan Qinghe righteously.


    "Enough chit-chat," said the ck-robed elder Fei Qian seriously. "This Li Yuan you mentioned is indeed decent. Even before his information was sent to me, I had already received the notification that he entered the ''Fallen Star Stage'' on the Starry Skies Fighting Network."


    "Fallen Star Stage?" Wan Qinghe nodded, not at all surprised.


    "Combining your information."


    "To give him an A-level contract would actually be quite adequate," Fei Qian said smilingly. "But I chose to apply for an S-level contract for him. Do you know why?"


    Wan Qinghe shook his head.


    An A-level contract, Fei Qian as the city''s Hall Master, could decide on his own.


    But an S-level contract? That would require the consent of the Provincial Hall Master or at least two Vice Provincial Hall Masters.


    "Progress speed," Fei Qian uttered these four words.


    Wan Qinghe pondered thoughtfully.


    "The trajectory of martial arts talents usually falls into two categories," Fei Qian said with a smile. "The first type is like that of Jing He, who stood out in their youth and rose spectacrly, shining bright all the way. Tian Dazhuang, who was signed by the Martial Arts Hall this year, also somewhat fits this description."


    Wan Qinghe nodded; he had heard of Tian Dazhuang.


    In fact, among the senior evaluations of various forces, Tian Dazhuang was considered slightly better than Wu Dongdong.


    Physical quality is indeed important.


    But Tian Dazhuang''s physical quality is deficient mainly because hecks resources. Once the follow-up resources catch up, he may well match Wu Dongdong.


    "The second type is ''Fang Hai,''" Fei Qian said. "They start off incredibly dazzling, but as time goes on... they don''t seem as strong anymore."


    Wan Qinghe nodded again.


    Fang Hai was a figure who left his mark in the history of Xia Country''s martial arts and even that of Blue Star. A martial artist of the Fourth Level at fourteen and Fifth Stage at sixteen... aplete monster.


    He was once considered by Starfire Martial Hall as a once-in-a-generation talent with potential to rival Hall Master ''Dongfang Ji''.


    Later on... although his achievements were still decent, they were much lower than the lowest expectations.


    "Then, there''s a very small group, a third kind of trajectory that is an exception to the two types: hidden gems within uncut stones," Fei Qian said with a smile.


    "Hidden gems within uncut stones?" Wan Qinghe savored this metaphor.


    "At first like a rough stone; as the outeryer peels away, the true nature slowly bes apparent," Fei Qian said softly with a smile. "And the more they are polished, the more they shine, eventually bing a masterpiece passed down through generations."


    Wan Qinghe held his breath: "Fei Lao means to say, Li Yuan is¡­?"


    "It''s too early to make a definitive judgment," Fei Qian said with a smile. "But if you only look at his middle school data, you can only say he was a decent middle schooler."


    Wan Qinghe nodded in agreement.


    "He elerated his progress in the first year of high school; it was even faster in his second year," Fei Qian continued. "These past six months entering the third year, it''s been terrifying. In terms of progress speed, he''s even more exaggerated than other S-level students."


    Wan Qinghe nodded: "Fei Lao''s insight is profound."


    "Whether he is an uncut gem remains to be seen," Fei Qian said with a smile. "But at the very least, he''s a piece of jade."


    "Lord Yang of the Province probably had a simr line of thought, which is why she promised the Ster Earth Marrow Crystal."


    "What exactly is the Ster Earth Marrow Crystal?" Wan Qinghe couldn''t help but ask.


    "Don''t ask," Fei Qian cut him off.


    "Wait until Li Yuanes back... Not today, I have to go to Xia Country''s headquarters. I won''t return for twenty days," Fei Qian spoke. "Your request has been approved; you''ll stand in for me in signing the contract. Bring him to me when I return."


    "Yes," said Wan Qinghe with a nod.


    "Go," instructed Fei Qian. "Pay close attention to Li Yuan. Report any changes at any time. Handle small matters as you see fit."


    "Yes."


    ...


    Wan Qinghe left Fei Qian''s office and headed straight for the third floor.


    He entered one of the offices.


    "Old Wan, what brings you to my office?" A chubby middle-aged man was flipping through documents.


    "Old Hu, Fei Lao sent me to ask you for a favor," Wan Qinghe whispered, indicating it was something discreet.


    The chubby middle-aged man immediately realized it was a private matter.


    "What?" He also lowered his voice.


    "You know, a house just became avable in the Starfire South Lake district, right?" Wan Qinghe nudged the chubby middle-aged man''s arm and winked.


    The chubby middle-aged man got up and went to the door, looked around, closed it, and then spoke up: "Which one?"


    "That one in District One?"


    "You''re well-informed," the chubby middle-aged man said. "For whom?"


    "For a kid who''s about to sign an A-level contract. ording to the contract level, he''s entitled to move into District Two for free." Wan Qinghe whispered, "Mr. Fei meant for him to be upgraded to District One."


    "District One, that''s at least for a Prime Warrior, or an S-level contract," the chubby middle-aged man frowned. "Or you''d need a special permit from the city''s Martial Hall."


    "Weren''t this year''s special quotas already insufficient? If I could issue the permit, why would Mr. Fei have sent me to see you?" Wan Qinghe smiled. "Tiger, I''ve sent you the information. Mr. Fei wants you to think of something."


    "I''ll be waiting for your good news then, I''ll treat you to a meal next time."


    With that, Wan Qinghe didn''t wait for a reply, turned around, opened the door, and closed it behind him.


    Done in one go.


    "An A-level contract?"


    "Passed the review five minutes ago?" The chubby middle-aged man muttered as he nced over Li Yuan''s data in the contract: "Li Yuan? Isn''t he the one who hasn''t even awakened his Martial Spirit?"


    The file didn''t have Li Yuan''stest situation.


    The middle-aged man wasn''t worried about Wan Qinghe lying.


    Having just reviewed an A-level contract meant that Hall Master Fei had just looked it over, and considering Wan Qinghe immediately came to find him... the answer was nearly obvious.


    "Could he be Hall Master Fei''s illegitimate son? Hey, they do look quite simr."


    The more the middle-aged man looked, the more convinced he became.


    ...


    Jiangbei Martial Arts University, after lunch, everyone returned to their dorms to pack up their belongings.


    "Aunt."


    Li Yuan received a video call from his Aunt Chen Hui.


    "Huh? Uncle was at Base Three before? Not Base Seven?"


    "Has Base Three been relieved already? Good! That''s great!" Li Yuan acted as though he had just found out, his face flushed with excitement,forting his aunt.


    These past few days, he had exchanged messages with his aunt twice.


    "Aunt, I ranked first in thebat assessment yesterday," Li Yuan said with a smile. "I performed very well in this event. Jiangbei Martial University and the military jointly awarded me 3.5 million Blue Star Coins, everything''s going well, don''t worry."


    "I''ll be home tonight." Li Yuan also shared the recent good news with his aunt.


    As for reaching the Fallen Star rank?


    Since he wasn''t upgraded to an A-level contract directly, Li Yuan didn''t want to disclose too much yet.


    He hung up the phone.


    "Based on what Lanyue told me, she knows more than the news reports; Base Three should be safe now." Li Yuan sighed inwardly, "But still, there''s been no news."


    "I have no idea what''s really going on."


    All morning, he kept checking the news about the war in the Rob Sea area, but there was nothing new.


    "Li Yuan, let''s go," called Gu Qiangh¨¤n, shouldering his bag.


    "Okay, all set."


    ...


    Two o''clock in the afternoon.


    At Jiangbei Martial University, the vast runway was crowded with arge number of flying vehicles.


    "Li Yuan, see you online if we get a chance," Tian Dazhuang said with a smile, greeting Li Yuan.


    "Sure," Li Yuan replied, waving his hand with a smile.


    The two had added each other on V Chat and, although they had just met and hadn''t talked much, they had mutual respect for each other, sensing a kindred spirit.


    Shortly after.


    "Li Yuan, I''m off too. Come over to my ce when you have time." Wu Dongdong showed his small tiger teeth.


    "No problem," Li Yuan said with augh. Wu Dongdong had a straightforward personality and got along very easily with others.


    Shortly after.


    Li Yuan and Lin Lanyue boarded a flying vehicle and headed towards Jiang City''s Guan Mountain District.


    They arrived at the university by three in the afternoon.


    The President, several Vice-Presidents, and Xu Bo were already at the athletic field to wee Li Yuan and his group.


    "Haha, good! Li Yuan, Lin Lanyue, the school is already aware of your performances and we''re all happy for you," President Tan Zhenlong said with a beaming smile.


    The other school leaders also wore broad smiles.


    They all felt that the school''s ''college entrance exam achievements'' were getting more and more solid by the minute.


    "The school has decided."


    "To award Student Li Yuan with a schrship of two hundred thousand," Tan Zhenlong announced earnestly. "And to award Lin Lanyue with one hundred thousand in schrship."


    "The other students receive rewards as well..."


    The false smiles on the faces of Li Yuan, Dong Haifeng, and the others finally turned into genuine ones.


    Money was the real deal!


    ...


    After the wee ceremony, Lin Lanyue and Dong Haifeng made their way to their respective Martial Arts Rooms while Li Yuan was singled out by Xu Bo.


    "Teacher," Li Yuan said respectfully.


    "You did well this time, you''ve really made me proud," Xu Bo said with a smile.


    "Thanks to the teacher''s guidance," Li Yuan replied earnestly.


    "Haha," Xu Boughed.


    His view of Li Yuan was different from that of other students.


    To him, other students were just that¡ªstudents.


    But Li Yuan was like his half-disciple.


    "Alright,e to my office, Lord Wan has been waiting for you for quite some time," Xu Bo said.


    "Lord Wan?" Li Yuan was slightly puzzled. "Is there something the matter?"


    "It should be about the contract upgrade, but it seems to be more than just a mere A-level contract," Xu Bo said. "He didn''t want to say much to me."


    "Contract upgrade?" Li Yuan was astonished. He hadn''t yet met the standards for an A-level contract.


    "Oh, right!"


    "There''s something else," Xu Bo''s expression suddenly became more serious. "My friend just sent me news that the first group from Base Three has been rescued."


    "Your uncle''s name is on the list."


    "But it seems he''s injured, and the situation doesn''t look very optimistic," Xu Bo hesitated before adding, "You need to be mentally prepared."

 Chapter 88: 85 A-level Contracts and Connections (Additional Chapter for 6000 Monthly Votes)

    "Injured? Prepare myself mentally?" Li Yuan''s expression changed slightly.


    A pang in the heart.


    "Teacher." Li Yuan immediately asked, "Teacher, what exactly happened to my uncle?"


    "Calm down and listen to me," Xu Bo said, "Based on the information I just received, the battles at Base Three these past few days have been extremely brutal. Several times, the alien forces almost breached the fortress defenses."


    "Your uncle, in these battles, could have been reinforcing the defensive fortifications with all his might, and seems to have made considerable contributions. He 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 those who have rendered meritorious service. Although there are numerous titles, they are generally ssified, from highest to lowest, as the National Defense Medal, Gold Medal, Silver Medal, and Bronze Medal, with each category subdivided into First ss, Second ss, and Third ss.


    Four ranks, twelve levels.


    A Third ss Silver Medal may not seem much, but for an ordinary middle-to-lower level manager in a state-owned enterprise, it is an incredible achievement.


    Uncle, what on earth did you do?


    "The situation at the frontline is urgent; I don''t understand the specifics as I only found out twenty minutes ago," Xu Bo said gravely, "your uncle seems to have been poisoned by some special toxin, and his condition is deteriorating."


    "The second temporary hospitalcks doctors, medication, and equipment to treat him."


    "The Star Realm environment isplex and totally different from Blue Star, with various peculiar toxins."


    "The methods of powerful Star Realm creatures are often beyondprehension."


    "To save your uncle, we must rush him back to Jiang City to see specialists as soon as possible, to find a solution."


    "If we dy by another two or three days, I''m afraid there won''t be a chance left."


    "But at the moment, although Base Three''s danger has been temporarily averted, arranging for personnel and a flyer to airlift a single person from the temporary hospital there isn''t easy," Xu Bo sighed helplessly, "none of the people I know have that capability."


    Li Yuan''s heart quivered as if struck by thunder.


    He sensed from Teacher Xu Bo''s words that this poison was no ordinary matter.


    It might not even be poison!


    "Uncle." Li Yuan''s heart felt as if pricked by a needle.


    Was the figure who, like a father, had loved and guided him from a young age, in such grave danger now?


    This moment!


    Li Yuan wished he could fly immediately to the Rob Sea frontlines and bring his uncle back.


    "Li Yuan, listen to me, there''s still a chance," Xu Bo, observing Li Yuan''s emotional changes, said somberly, "Now, meeting Lord Wan is the opportunity to save your uncle."


    "Please speak, Teacher," Li Yuan struggled to calm himself.


    He remembered his uncle''s teachings.


    In critical moments, before making any decision, one must remain calm.


    "Getting your uncle immediate treatment isn''t a matter of money," Xu Bo looked at Li Yuan, "it''s about the priority of medical treatment. The people I know are unable to increase your uncle''s medical priority, understand?"


    "Ask Starfire Martial Hall to help me?" Li Yuan said softly, suppressing the anxiety in his heart.


    "Right."


    "Now, the senior management of Starfire Martial Hall is taking note of you, probably to help you upgrade your contract," Xu Bo nodded, seriously, "You are already on a B-level contract. Once upgraded, it would be an A-level contract."


    "An A-level contract signifies that Jiang City''s Hall Master has recognized you."


    "Thus, if the higher-ups of Starfire Martial Hall intervene, there is hope to quickly airlift your uncle back," Xu Bo continued, "Though the war is urgent, Base Three has been relieved, so squeezing out a flyer is possible."


    "The frontlines are governed by a decision-makingyer collectively formed by Starfire Martial Hall, Starry Sky Martial Hall, and the military."


    Li Yuan understood.


    To quickly bring his uncle back, someone with sufficient authority needed to speak on his behalf.


    "Teacher, take me to meet Lord Wan," Li Yuan urged.


    Now, Li Yuan did not want to waste a single minute.


    "Follow me."


    ...


    In Xu Bo''s office.


    Xu Bo did not enter; it was Li Yuan who came in alone.


    "Li Yuan, congrattions. Your impressive performance in the challenge event was truly eye-opening," said Wan Qinghe, dressed in a Tang suit, with a smile, "Please, take a seat and we''ll talk at leisure."


    "Lord Wan," Li Yuan managed a strained smile, his heart urgent, yet he also knew he couldn''t blurt out his request.


    Wan Qinghe observed Li Yuan.


    He felt, after not seeing him for several months, that Li Yuan''s physical qi and blood, along with his spiritual power, had greatly improved. Most importantly, there was an incredibly mysterious aura about him.


    It was very faint, but Wan Qinghe, with his cultivation in spiritual secret techniques, could sense it.


    A taste honed by the baptism of ughter.


    "Li Yuan, given your outstanding performance in the challenge event and your rise to the Fallen Star rank on the Starry Skies Fighting Network," Lord Wan smiled faintly, "I reported to Fei Qian first thing this morning, that is, Jiang City''s Hall Master."


    "I formally requested to upgrade your contract to an A-level contract."


    Jiang City''s Hall Master? Li Yuan understood; this was a real VIP.


    "Haven''t I still not met the standards yet?" Li Yuan couldn''t help but say.


    "Your performance in other areas has been excellent, which is sufficient," Lord Wan smiled, "Moreover, with your rate of improvement, you will undoubtedly meet the standards before turning eighteen; why dy?"


    Li Yuan nodded slightly; there were still five months until his eighteenth birthday.


    "Take a look at the terms of the A-level contract," Lord Wan tapped on his smart bracelet.


    Hum~


    Li Yuan felt a slight vibration on his wrist as he received a document and quickly opened it to review.


    He swiftly flipped through the pages.


    Compared to the B-level contract, the terms of the A-level contract had no changes, except for the resources provided.


    A B-level contract offers 1.5 million in cash and 1.5 million points annually, along with 3 million cultivation points.


    The A-level contract, however, provides 6 million in cash and 6 million points annually, as well as 12 million cultivation points.


    That''s a fourfold increase.


    The total value of the contract, just in cash and points, amounts to 72 million Blue Star Coins.


    Of course, it is distributed over six years.


    Once signed, Starfire Martial Hall would immediately settle the difference for the first year of the two contracts.


    The terms of this contract are nothing short of astonishing.


    It is hardly inferior to the ''S-level Special Training Contract'' of Kunlun Martial University, and in some ways, it''s even better.


    Because, if the pace of progress does not meet the expectations of Kunlun Martial University''s special training contract, it can be downgraded.


    But with Starfire Martial Hall''s contracts, once signed, they will not be downgraded.


    "Hmm?"


    "A 20% increase in benefits every year?" Li Yuan was surprised when he saw the additional use at the end of the contract.


    "Yes, this is an order specially given by Lord Yang of the Province after understanding your situation. The Provincial Hall Master pays a lot of attention to you," Wan Qinghe said with a smile.


    Seeing Li Yuan''s confusion.


    "The Provincial Hall Master, that is, the Hall Master of the Jiangbei Provincial Hall," Wan Qinghe reminded, "can only be held by a Flying Heaven Warrior."


    "Provincial Hall Master? Flying Heaven Warrior?" Li Yuan held his breath; this was definitely an existence at the pinnacle of power and martial might in Xia Country.


    Usually, one would only hear about them in major news.


    Such a person, paying attention to him?


    In Li Yuan''s mind, even a Prime Warrior was already a significant figure.


    "Don''t underestimate yourself," Hall Master Wan said with a smile. "Your talent is certainly worthy of the Provincial Hall Master''s attention."


    Upon hearing this, Li Yuan felt a stir in his heart.


    "Additionally."


    "The Provincial Hall Master has promised that if you manage to break through to the 5th Rank in your skills before the age of 20, you''ll be eligible for an S-ss contract and receive a ''Ster Earth Marrow Crystal,''" Wan Qinghe said with a smile. "Once you officially sign electronically, this use will be added to the ''special contract'' in the Starfire Space."


    "Ster Earth Marrow Crystal? What is that?" Li Yuan was puzzled.


    "A priceless treasure," Hall Master Wan spoke vaguely: "After you sign the contract, you will receive an exnation about the treasure when the time is right."


    In fact, Hall Master Wan himself did not fully understand it.


    But in his opinion, any treasure specially mentioned by the Provincial Hall Master must be an extraordinary treasure, beyond mary measurement.


    "Of course, that''s provided you meet the requirements."


    "The S-ss contract of the Martial Hall, in terms of difficulty andpensation, although not as good as the SS-ss special training contract of universities, is still far superior to the S-ss special training contract of universities," Hall Master Wan said with augh.


    "Understood," Li Yuan nodded. Merely from the treatment of this A-ss contract, one could glean its significance.


    "Willing to sign?" Hall Master Wan appeared rxed as he looked at Li Yuan.


    "I am willing."


    "Thank you for the cultivation the Martial Hall has provided me," Li Yuan said without hesitation. "And thank you, Hall Master, for your help. Without your assistance and rmendation all along, the City Hall Master and the Provincial Hall Master would definitely not have offered me this contract."


    Hesitation is not loyalty; loyalty does not hesitate.


    This was a lesson Uncle Li Changzhou had taught Li Yuan many times.


    Once such a decision akin to taking a side is made, there can be no hesitation.


    Moreover, Li Yuan truly felt grateful to them.


    "Good," Hall Master Wan showed a satisfied smile: "I didn''t help much; it''s all because you have been diligent enough."


    "By the way."


    "I have applied for a vi for you in the ''No.1 district'' of the South Lake Starfire Community, with a twenty-year residence right, free for the first ten years, and then just a property management fee annually for the next ten years," Wan Qinghe said with a smile. "It should be suitable for your family to live in."


    "In a couple of days, the move-in notice and rted instructions will be sent to your Starfire Space. You can arrange to move when you find the time." Wan Qinghe did not bring up Fei Qian at all.


    This was his personal favor.


    "South Lake Starfire Community?" Li Yuan was surprised; that was one of the topmunities in Guan Mountain District.


    It was also known as the safest vimunity.


    One vi, to rent for a year, probably cost hundreds of thousands of Blue Star Coins, not to mention the eligibility to reside there.


    Even with money, one couldn''t buy the eligibility to live there.


    "Hall Master, me?" Li Yuan didn''t know how to start.


    If you add it all up, the value of this A-ss contract was indeed extremely high.


    "Don''t worry, just live in peace."


    "It has always been the philosophy of our Starfire Martial Hall to allow top talents to pursue the ultimate in the Martial Path without distractions and to contribute to the entire human civilization," Wan Qinghe said, feeding Li Yuan some inspirational words. "I believe in you, that in the future, you will definitely secure an S-ss contract, or even be a Flying Heaven Warrior."


    Li Yuan took a deep breath and said earnestly, "Thank you, Hall Master."


    "Do you have any other requests?" Wan Qinghe asked with a smile. "Anything I can solve, I will help you resolve."


    "If I can''t resolve it, I will report it upward and try my best to help you."


    He looked at Li Yuan sincerely.


    "Hall Master, I do have something I need help with from the Martial Hall," Li Yuan said, as if he had made a tough decision.


    "Speak!"


    Quickly, Li Yuan recounted the situation regarding his uncle to Hall Master Wan.


    "A Third-ss Silver Medal?"


    "Your uncle? The Second Temporary Hospital?" Wan Qinghe nodded repeatedly, "Okay, I''ve noted it down. I will immediately contact the warriors of the Starfire Martial Hall in Rob Sea and try my best to arrange it."


    "However."


    "I can''t fully guarantee it," Wan Qinghe looked at Li Yuan.


    "Thank you, Hall Master," Li Yuan''s eyes reddened slightly.


    ...


    After sending off Hall Master Wan.


    "Hall Master Wan agreed?" Xu Bo entered the room and asked.


    "Yes, but he also didn''t dare to fully guarantee it," Li Yuan nodded and managed a weak smile: "Teacher, I''ll head back to the Martial Arts Room for now; I want some time alone."


    "Okay, let me know if you need anything," Xu Bo said, knowing the rtionship between Li Yuan and Li Changzhou.


    Not father and son, but closer than most.


    Back at Martial Arts Room 4011.


    Li Yuan pondered for a while before he decided to dial a V-call number on his smart ring.


    "Beep~beep~"


    Connected!


    "Li Yuan? Have you returned to Jiang City?" A rough voice with a hint ofughter came from the other end of the call.


    "President Li, there is something I''d like to ask for your help with," Li Yuan said directly.


    "Speak."


    ...


    A few minutester, after hanging up the call with President Li, Li Yuan dialed another V-call number.


    Soon.


    "Li Yuan?" a gentle voice came from the call: "What can I do for you?"


    "Senior Ji, I''m sorry to disturb you," Li Yuan started, "I have an urgent matter and I would like to consult you."

 Chapter 89: 86: Such a Hero Should Not Die (Extra for 8000 monthly votes)

    ```


    After hanging up the phone, Li Yuan stood by the window, looking at the cherry blossom trees in full bloom along the walkway in the distance.


    The cherry blossoms in March are really beautiful.


    But Li Yuan had no interest in enjoying the view, his mood was oppressively somber, his mind echoing the words of his teacher Xu Bo from earlier.


    Just now, Li Yuan had forcefully suppressed his impulsiveness, patientlymunicated with Lord Wan to understand the other party''s attitude and thoughts before he made his request.


    "What could be done, has been done," Li Yuan murmured as he gently closed his eyes, "It must seed."


    The window was open.


    Li Yuan just stood there quietly, letting the wind brush against his face.


    Waiting for the news.


    ...


    Half an hourter, when the bell rang signaling the end of ss and dinnertime hade.


    Inside Martial Arts Room 4001.


    "Whoosh!"


    "Whoosh!" "Whoosh!" Sword lights danced, lively yet strong, as the girl in red practice clothes trained in swordsmanship.


    Suddenly.


    Beep~ "Master, there is a video call from your second brother. Would you like to answer?" the voice of the assistant AI sounded.


    "Second brother?"


    Lin Lanyue was slightly startled, immediately saying, "Answer it!"


    Swoosh~


    Countless rays of light converged, forming a holographic projection not far away, and a handsome man in ck battle garment appeared on the screen.


    "Second brother," Lin Lanyue greeted with a smile.


    "Have you returned to school from Jiangbei Martial University?" the handsome man asked, observing the background in Lin Lanyue''s video.


    "Yes," Lin Lanyue nodded, "Second brother, is there any news?"


    "Yes," the man''s smile faded, "Didn''t you ask me to find someone named ''Li Changzhou'' this morning?"


    Lin Lanyue nodded quickly, "Yes, brother, is there news?"


    "I have found him."


    The man nodded, "He is seriously injured, just transferred to the base where I''m stationed, No. 7 Base, this afternoon. I went to see him personally; he has been poisoned with me Erosive Bone Poison and began slipping into aa this afternoon."


    "me Erosive Bone Poison? What is that?" Lin Lanyue asked, perplexed.


    "It is a toxin originating from a Third Rank me Serpent Demon," the man said solemnly, "He likely became infected during the final crazy onught by Star Realm Creatures at Base No. 3... The me Erosive Bone Poison from Star Realm is much weaker than the original toxin."


    "Third Rank me Serpent Demon?" Lin Lanyue''s face showed concern.


    She didn''t know what a me Serpent Demon was, but she understood the meaning of Third Rank.


    That was a terrifying existence on the same level as a Flying Heaven Warrior.


    "Is there a cure?" Lin Lanyue pressed.


    "If he was brought here a day earlier, he could have been saved," the man shook his head slightly, "But now... it''s difficult to treat, especially since Rob Sea has no antidote."


    "Right now, the toxin has prated deep into his bone marrow, he''s bing more and more in pain and weak."


    "He can''tst much longer."


    "Who is this Li Changzhou to you? He shouldn''t be rted to you, right?" the man inquired, "Why are you suddenly looking for him?"


    "Brother, don''t ask," Lin Lanyue said with a frown, urgently, "Just tell me, what can be done to save him?"


    "To save him now, the best thing that I know of is the ''me Tung Spiritual Spring,''" the man said, "This thing, Blue Star probably doesn''t even have it, and you know that better than I do."


    Lin Lanyue''s face changed again, she didn''t know about other treasures, but she was well aware of the me Tung Spiritual Spring.


    It was not very expensive, but extremely rare.


    Crucially, its source was not on Blue Star.


    "And it needs to be quick," the man added, "In two days at most, he is certain to die."


    "Two days?"


    Lin Lanyue was startled, after a short contemtion, she said, "Brother, could you arrange a flight transport to immediately bring him back from Rob Sea?"


    "Just before I contacted you, he had already been ced on a flight transport," the man said, "Based on the timing, he should be able to return to Jiang City by about ten o''clock tonight."


    "That quickly?" said Lin Lanyue.


    "He was supposed to be awarded a medal. Under normal circumstances, if he hadn''t been pushed back by others, he should have been scheduled to be moved out of Base No. 3 and wouldn''t have waited until the afternoon," the man shook his head, "Just now, in a moment, the military, Starfire Martial Hall, and Kunlun Martial University all contacted my No.


    7 Base asking about his condition, hoping for him to be quickly arranged to return to Jiang City."


    "So, I rearranged the transport, urgently sending him and another group of injured back to Jiang City," the man exined.


    Now it was Lin Lanyue''s turn to be surprised.


    So many forces making calls, could it be Li Yuan?


    "Okay, second brother, I got it," Lin Lanyue shook her head, "I have to hang up now; I''ve got something else to handle."


    Lin Lanyue immediately ended the call.


    After some thought, she took out another smart wristband from her backpack.


    She dialed another V-call number.


    Beep~ Beep~ Each tone seemed especially drawn out.


    A full minuteter, the call finally connected, but it was not a video call, just an audio conversation.


    "Xiao Yue, what''s up?" a hoarse voice came through the phone.


    "Uncle, I need your help with something."


    ...


    As evening approached, in Martial Arts Room 4011.


    Suddenly, the doorbell rang, awakening Li Yuan, who was waiting anxiously.


    He hurried to open the door. "Teacher."


    "I''ve just received news, your uncle has been put on a rescue flight transport and is expected to arrive at Tianhe Airport in four hours, around ten o''clock tonight," Xu Bo said in a low voice.


    Li Yuan was immediately overjoyed.


    At that moment, Li Yuan''s smart wristband also began to ring; it was a call from Hall Master Wan.


    Li Yuan promptly answered, and soon after, hung up.


    "How did it go?" Xu Bo asked.


    "Hall Master Wan said he has already arranged a small flight transport that will transfer my uncle directly from the airport to Xieji Hospital," Li Yuan''s voice was tinged with excitement.


    Xieji Hospital is one of the top-tier hospitals in Xia Country, considered first-rate even by the standards of the entire Blue Star.


    After all, Xia Country is the strongest nation on Blue Star.


    "That''s good; you should notify your aunt now to wait at the airport," Xu Bo said.


    ```


    ...


    For Li Yuan, today felt unusually long.


    10 o''clock at night.


    When he had already rushed to the airport and saw his Uncle Li Changzhou''s stretcher being pushed off the ne.


    Li Changzhou''s skin was slightly greenish, his face was withered, and he had fallen into a deepa.


    Clearly, the poisoning was severe.


    "Uncle," even though Li Yuan had braced himself for this possibility, seeing this sight still twisted his heart like a knife.


    "Changzhou," Aunt Chen Hui could no longer hold back, tears streaming down her face as she threw herself beside the stretcher, shouting Li Changzhou''s name loudly.


    "Aunt, we must hurry," Li Yuan suppressed the pain in his heart and forcibly lifted his aunt, speaking in a low voice, "Lord Wan, please help us."


    "Li Yuan."


    Lord Wan, who was standing nearby, spoke softly, "Don''t worry, I have arranged for the best doctors to conduct a consultation surgery overnight, doing everything possible to keep your uncle alive."


    "Okay, thank you," Li Yuan nodded.


    Li Changzhou''s stretcher was loaded onto a small aircraft and quickly headed toward the hospital.


    All the doctors were already in ce at the hospital.


    Meanwhile, Li Yuan, along with his aunt, got into the car that had been waiting for some time.


    "Li Yuan, that person just now, was he the Hall Master of the Starfire Martial Hall?" Sitting in the car, Chen Hui regained some of herposure.


    Right now, her heart was filled with uncertainty.


    In these past days, she had been filled with worry. The husband who had supported the entire family was nearly down, and from the looks of it, he was nearing death.


    Yet what truly shocked her was Li Yuan.


    In fact, she had already received a message from Li Changzhou''s colleague in the afternoon and knew about the danger Li Changzhou was in.


    However, she was helpless to do anything.


    Chen Hui had never expected that Li Yuan could arrange for an aircraft to bring her husband back overnight from nearly ten thousand miles away at the Rob Sea frontline.


    "Aunt."


    "Rest assured," Li Yuanforted in a low voice, "my talent has shown to be extremely high, and the Starfire Martial Hall values me greatly. They will definitely be able to save Uncle."


    "What about the treatment costs?" Chen Hui was very worried.


    Utilizing aircraft and organizing a medical consultation like this would certainly be very costly.


    "Aunt, I currently have over one million on me, and a few million more will be credited soon," Li Yuan said in a low voice, "Even if we need money urgently here, it won''t be difficult for me to borrow a few million more."


    Li Yuan believed, if he needed to borrow money, there would be no shortage of people willing to lend it to him.


    "That money is for your subsequent cultivation," Chen Hui said, shaking her head.


    "Aunt, I forgot to tell you that today, the Martial Hall upgraded my contract from a B-level to an A-level," Li Yuan said solemnly, "4.5 million Blue Star Coins will be credited tomorrow; we won''tck funds."


    "4.5 million Blue Star Coins?" Chen Hui was even more shocked.


    "Aunt, don''t worry."


    "As long as Uncle can be saved, even if it costs ten million, one hundred million, I''ll find a way," Li Yuan''s voice carried a fearsome determination.


    He had been desperately cultivating since middle school.


    Fighting his way to this day.


    Apart from the martial artist dreams he harbored in his heart, his greatest desire was to not let his uncle and aunt down, to validate their efforts.


    He wanted the entire family to live a better life.


    If he lost his family, what would be the point of cultivating so desperately?


    ...


    By the time Li Yuan and his aunt arrived at the hospital, Li Changzhou''s surgery had already begun.


    Xu Bo and Wan Qinghe were already waiting there.


    In light of Li Changzhou''s condition and to prepare for the worst, Wan Qinghe had arranged for the warriors of the Starfire Martial Hall to bring over Li Qianqian and Li Muhua.


    Chen Hui consoled Li Qianqian and Li Muhua.


    "Li Yuan."


    Wan Qinghe came over, found Li Yuan, and said solemnly, "Before your uncle was put on the ne, someone at Base Seven recognized the toxin."


    "It''s called the me Erosive Bone Poison."


    Wan Qinghe quickly briefed Li Yuan on the general origins of the toxin.


    "From a Third Rank me Serpent Demon?" Li Yuan''s face changed color.


    Third Rank warriors referred to the Flying Heaven Warriors.


    "Right now, your uncle''s only chance lies in the fact that the toxin is not the original poison," Wan Qinghe said seriously, "After all, the Third Rank alien powerhouses from the other side of Rob Sea cannot enter the Star Realm."


    "They use only a concocted toxin, which is much less toxic."


    "So there''s hope," said Wan Qinghe, "Now, it''s up to the doctors."


    Li Yuan also looked towards the closed doors of the distant surgery room.


    "Additionally, we''ve also rified the reason your uncle was poisoned," Wan Qinghe continued, "At the time, a defensive fortification in one direction of the war fortress was destroyed, the poison spread, and noborer dared to go up. Star Realm creatures kepting in to ughter."


    "Your uncle risked his life driving arge engineering vehicle to the gap, blocking the breach in the fortress, enduring several attacks from Second Level Star Realm creatures, and dyed until the Prime Warrior came to the rescue."


    "In the end, your uncle was poisoned, but he also saved more than a hundred workers and, crucially, held back the Star Realm creatures'' offensive."


    "This is also why your uncle was awarded a medal," Wan Qinghe sighed, "Your uncle''s character is truly admirable, and it''s no wonder he was able to raise someone like you."


    "The reason I''ve gone to such lengths to save your uncle is partly because of you, but not just because of you," Wan Qinghe said, "It''s also because your uncle is someone who deserves help."


    "Such a hero shouldn''t die."


    Li Yuan fell silent, involuntarily picturing the scenario that Lord Wan had described; it must have been extremely brutal.


    At the same time.


    Li Yuan rememberedst September, the night his uncle was leaving for the Rob Sea Star Realm frontline, he had said to him before leaving¡ª


    "Little Yuan, I could choose not to go to Rob Sea, but if I don''t, someone else will have to take my ce."


    "This war, someone has to go, right?"


    ...


    Time passed, and the surgery continued until after 4 a.m.


    Li Qianqian, Li Muhua, and the others had fallen asleep leaning against each other.


    Wan Qinghe had other matters to attend to and had left earlier.


    Xu Bo was still here, along with several of Li Changzhou''s good friends like Zhong Cheng, Uncle Wang and others who hade.


    And Li Yuan, stood silently at the door of the surgery room, waiting.


    "ng~"


    The door of the surgery room opened.

 Chapter 90: 87: She Went to Feixing (10,000 Monthly Tickets Plus)

    The operating room door opened, and two doctors walked out.


    Sigh! Li Yuan immediately lifted his head, his eyes filled with anticipation.


    Wahh~


    Some in the distance were awake, some half-asleep, but at this moment, all of them were wide awake, rushing forward to surround the doctors in the center.


    "Who''s in charge here?" The lead doctor scanned the crowd, but didn''t see Wan Qinghe.


    In an instant, everyone turned to look at Li Yuan and Chen Hui.


    So much time had passed.


    Li Changzhou''s friends had alle to understand the full details of today''s events and knew that Li Yuan was no longer the person he used to be.


    "Doctor, tell me, how''s my uncle?" Li Yuan''s voice was low.


    "You must be Mr. Li Yuan." The doctor let out a sigh, "This poison is not amon one on Blue Star, but an Origin Power toxin. Your uncle arrived toote, and the toxicity has spread deeply throughout his body. I''m sorry, we''ve done all we could."


    Boom!


    This sentence, like a bolt from the blue, made Li Yuan''s heart turn instantly cold.


    His aunt, Chen Hui, was already weeping inconsbly.


    Li Qianqian and Li Muhua, the siblings, also turned a ghastly pale, understanding the gravity of the situation.


    "Mr. Li Yuan, we will use special medication for half a day to slightly improve your uncle''s condition and then bring him back to consciousness," another doctor hurriedly said. "But it''s estimated that he can only maintain it for about half an hour."


    "This wakefulness is probably hisst."


    "After that, he will fall into a deep sleep again, and it will be very hard for him to wake up."


    "I think if there''s anything you want to say, you should take the opportunity when the timees."


    ...


    The next day in the afternoon, after three o''clock.


    In a high-level ward.


    After surgery, Li Changzhou''s body had been slightly cleaned up, covered with a nket, and full of tubes.


    His face was withered and pallid, but he had regained consciousness.


    Li Yuan, Chen Hui, Li Muhua, and Li Qianqian, the whole family, fought back their tears, dressed in sterile gowns, gathered around the bed.


    "Xiawei, I''m sorry."


    Li Changzhou''s voice was very faint, his head slightly tilted, straining to lift his hand to touch Chen Hui''s face: "In this life, the person I''ve wronged the most is you."


    "Changzhou, don''t say that." Chen Hui''s eyes were red, her lips pressed together, trying hard not to let tears fall.


    She looked at the man she had loved all her life, now withered and unrecognizable, and felt an extreme pain in her heart.


    "The remaining money in my card, remember to take it out, you know the password. After I''m gone, talk to Old Wang, he can arrange forpensation from thepany..." Li Changzhou rambled on with his advice.


    Li Yuan stood to one side, unable to stop turning his head away as tears kept falling.


    Li Qianqian and Li Muhua were already weeping heavily.


    "Okay, okay, I know, I will definitely take good care of the kids." Chen Hui kept responding to her husband, pulling Li Yuan over at the same time: "Li Yuan! Come quickly!!"


    "Changzhou, do you know? Li Yuan has signed with Kunlun Martial Arts University, and he will definitely attend Kunlun Martial University."


    "He also signed an A-level contract with the Starfire Martial Hall." Chen Hui held Li Changzhou''s hand, continuously talking to him.


    She wanted to assure Li Changzhou so he could leave this world in peace.


    "Really? That''s great! Good!" Li Changzhou put great effort into lifting his head slightly, looking at Li Yuan, forcing a smile, "Xiaoyuan, you seem to have grown a lot taller."


    "Uncle." Li Yuan''s voice was trembling, and he crouched down to get close to his uncle, allowing his uncle to touch his head.


    "You''ve grown up, and you''ve made achievements in the Martial Path. That eases my mind," Li Changzhou''s voice was faint. "Your parents were over ten years older than me, they had you veryte in life."


    "Over the years, I''ve often thought of them."


    "I always remember thest words your parents said to me, ''Run! Keep running forward! Run fast!''" Li Changzhou murmured, "Almost fifteen years have passed, and I''ve tried to keep running. Sometimes I''m so tired that I want to stop and look at you and your brother and sister, but I can''t... When I see your aunt and uncle, I hope they won''t me me. I really did my best."


    "Uncle!" Li Yuan could no longer hold back; he wanted to stay calm, but tears just kept streaming down from his eyes.


    He could feel that his uncle''s vitality was rapidly fading away.


    "Muhua, Qian Qian," Li Changzhou''s hand trembled as he lifted it.


    "Muhua, Qian Qian,e here quickly," Chen Hui pulled Li Muhua closest to the bed.


    Bringing them closer to their father.


    "You should listen to your mother from now on," Li Changzhou strained to lift his hand, trying hard to stroke Li Qianqian''s hair. "Your dad hasn''t done anything great in his life, I don''t have much to leave you. When I''m gone, listen to your older brother. He''ll tell you what to do. Understood?"


    "Understood, Dad."


    "Dad." The two siblings were already crying their eyes out.


    Their age and experience meant they didn''t feel the profundity of life and death as deeply.


    But they both knew that their most beloved father was about to leave them.


    "Uncle, I will definitely take good care of Qian Qian, take good care of Muhua," Li Yuan said, struggling to hold back his tears, "You can rest assured."


    Time passed.


    Li Changzhou started to cough, his withered body trembling continuously.


    But he still tried his best to speak with Li Yuan and Chen Hui.


    In his eyes, there was a deep affection for and reluctance to leave this world.


    "Little Yuan."


    Li Changzhou''s voice was growing weaker, "Remember, do not bear grudges because of what happened to me."


    "I don''t want to leave you all."


    "But, I have no regrets. Given another chance... I would still charge forward... cough cough!" Li Changzhou''s consciousness gradually blurred.


    Li Changzhouy on the hospital bed, his eyes fixed on the ceiling, gradually unable to hear Li Yuan and Chen Hui calling out to him.


    In the haze,


    Li Changzhou vaguely felt that he was back in his youth, back to a sunny afternoon.


    Spring was gorgeous, a breeze billowed into the room, and the ceiling fan made its rustling sound.


    Outside the room, there was the sound of his parents cooking.


    Inside the room, heyzily on the bed, half-asleep and half-awake.


    His older brother, who was in high school, sat beside him, diligently doing his homework and asionally stopping to reach out and tease him.


    For decades thereafter,


    Li Changzhou was always running hard, without a moment to rest, yet never again able to experience such an afternoon.


    ...


    At five o''clock in the afternoon,


    Li Changzhoupletely slipped into unconsciousness.


    Two doctors came in to check on Li Changzhou''s condition again, shook their heads, and then left again.


    Chen Hui clutched Li Changzhou''s hand tightly, opened her mouth but couldn''t say anything, with tears just flowing.


    Li Yuan silently apanied his aunt by her side.


    They all knew that Li Changzhou''s life had truly begun its final countdown.


    ```


    In a few short hours or half a day at most, the me of life would bepletely extinguished.


    More than ten minutester.


    Suddenly.


    "ng~" The room''s door suddenly opened, and a doctor rushed in urgently, saying anxiously, "Mr. Li Yuan, someone is looking for you, they say they have a way to save your uncle."


    Whoosh!


    Li Yuan stood up immediately, hope igniting within him again, "Who is it?"


    "What?" Chen Hui also heard and got up hurriedly to look at the doctor.


    "The person only said they are a friend of Miss Lin," the doctor said. "They didn''t specify who, but there are quite a few people, and one of them ims to be Lu Huai, saying you would know him."


    Two sentences.


    Like two bolts of lightning, streaked through Li Yuan''s mind.


    Miss Lin? Lu Huai?


    "Take me there immediately," Li Yuan said, suppressing his excitement, "Aunt, youe with me."


    "Okay," Chen Hui answered, quickly wiping the tears from her face.


    From Li Yuan''s demeanor, she realized that maybe, just maybe, there was hope for her husband.


    Li Yuan and his aunt hurried to a small conference room outside the corridor, where over a dozen people were already waiting.


    The doctors were there, and so was Xu Bo.


    But what caught everyone''s attention the most was the man in the ck robe standing in the center of the crowd. He was tall and straight with a height of about one meter eighty, with a face that seemed to be around thirty years old and a pair of extremely sharp eyes.


    His face gave Li Yuan a sense of familiarity.


    Most importantly, the Hall Master of the Starry Sky Martial Hall''s branch, ''Lu Huai'', who was clearly much taller, stood beside the man in the ck robe as if he was a subordinate.


    Everyone looked towards Li Yuan.


    "Hall Master Lu, Teacher," Li Yuan said, neither servile nor overbearing, his gaze falling on the man in the ck robe, "May I know who my senior is?"


    Lu Huai was about to introduce himself.


    The man in the ck robe raised his hand, stopping Lu Huai''s intention, and said with a faint smile, "No need to call me senior, I am not much older than you. Just call me Brother Lin."


    "Brother Lin?" Li Yuan was shocked inwardly, already having a guess in his mind, and said respectfully, "Brother Lin, do you have a way to save my uncle?"


    Li Yuan didn''t ask for an exnation; right now, that wasn''t important.


    "Yes!"


    The man in the ck robe nodded, "I brought a special artifact called the ''me Tongue Spiritual Spring''. There''s an eighty percent chance it can save your uncle''s life, stopping the poison from acting up."


    "But I''ve heard the situation from the doctors," he continued.


    "The me Erosive Bone Poison has prated deeply into your uncle''s whole body, even affecting his nerves. Even if he barely survives, he might not wake up," said the man in the ck robe. "You should be prepared for this."


    "In addition,"


    "There''s a twenty percent chance that the me Tongue Spiritual Spring won''t work, as the toxin has been in the body too long, and there is no absolute chance of sess."


    "Do we proceed? The decision is yours," the man in the ck robe said, looking at Li Yuan.


    "Do it," Li Yuan stated firmly.


    "Do it," Chen Hui echoed, to do it was to hope for life; to not would mean certain death.


    "Alright."


    "You sign the paperwork, and my people will start the detoxification surgery," the man in the ck robe nodded.


    A contract was immediately handed over.


    Li Yuan nced over it; it was simply a ''disimer contract''. Without any hesitation, he signed it, and Chen Hui followed suit.


    "Go ahead."


    With a wave of his hand, seven or eight people beside the man in the ck robe immediately rushed into the room with their boxes.


    ...


    Four hourster, outside the ICU ward.


    Li Yuan and his aunt Chen Hui, Li Qianqian, Li Muhua all stood by the window.


    Looking at Li Changzhou inside the ward, whose life signs were gradually stabilizing, they could hardly contain their excitement and joy.


    "Brother Lin, thank you!" Li Yuan said earnestly to the man in the ck robe.


    "There''s no need to thank me."


    "I''m just carrying out someone else''s wish," said the man in the ck robe with a smile. "The treatment was somewhat sessful, but whether your uncle will wake up... that''s not something I can decide."


    "From here on, it''s up to you all," he added.


    "I''ll be leaving now." The man in the ck robe smiled faintly and left quickly with his group of more than a dozen subordinates.


    Leaving Li Yuan''s family behind.


    "Xiaoyuan, who exactly is this Brother Lin?" Chen Hui couldn''t help but ask.


    "Who?" Li Yuan already had an answer in his heart and smiled, "The man who saved my uncle."


    ...


    One day, two days.


    Li Changzhou had yet to awaken, but his life signs were growing more and more stable, slowly returning to health.


    Chen Hui took a temporary leave from school.


    She also sent Li Yuan back to school, "Are you going to keep watch until your uncle awakes? I''m here, you go and concentrate on preparing for the college entrance exam."


    "When your uncle wakes up, he will be very happy if you manage to get into Kunlun Martial Arts University."


    "Okay, Aunt! I will definitely get into Kunlun Martial Arts University," Li Yuan said.


    ...


    Four dayster.


    Having returned to school, Li Yuan sought out Gu Qianghan immediately.


    "Are you looking for my sister?"


    "She left with her elder brother the day before yesterday," Gu Qianghan looked at Li Yuan puzzled, "Don''t you know? Didn''t she tell you?"


    Clearly, Gu Qianghan was unaware of the events that had urred in Li Yuan''s family.


    "Left with her elder brother?" Li Yuan was stunned for a moment.


    "Where did she go? When will she be back?" Li Yuan asked urgently.


    "She''s gone to Feixing, and it seems like she''s going for some kind of special training," Gu Qianghan said. "She probably won''t be back until before the college entrance exams."


    "Feixing?" Li Yuan''s pupils constricted.


    The most powerful among the Seven Greats of human civilization is ''Feixing''.


    The headquarters of the three great Martial Halls are on Feixing.


    The Seven Star Alliance''s headquarters is on Feixing.


    The first and second strongest humans, Dongfang Ji and Lant, are from Feixing.


    Feixing has no countries, it''spletely ruled by the three great Martial Halls.


    "Will she be back before the college entrance exams?" Li Yuan murmured to himself.


    ```

 Chapter 92: 89: Amazing Harvest (Request for Monthly Ticket)

    Five deposit notifications.


    "Finally, they''ve arrived, how exhrating." Li Yuan extended his hand to tap on the light screen, watching the dizzying series of numbers on the disy, a trace of joy flitted through his eyes.


    Since his uncle''s health indicators had been steadily improving, putting that matter aside for the moment.


    Li Yuan had been waiting for the reward from the invitation event to be fulfilled.


    Almost a week had passed, which was several dayster than the originally scheduled payment time.


    Unexpectedly, it all came through today.


    "This 3.6 million Blue Star Coins, is the difference between A and B level contracts from the Martial Hall for the first year," Li Yuan murmured to himself, "Is this 960,000 the extra 20% of cultivation resources from the Jiangbei subdivision of Starfire?"


    The A-level contract of Starfire Martial Hall is uniform from the headquarters, and nobody can alter it.


    However, different levels of Martial Halls have ''independent funds'' to offer extra rewards to various talents.


    After the January ranking exams, for obtaining the title of Youth Hero, Starfire''s Guanshan subdivision rewarded Li Yuan with 200,000 Blue Star Coins.


    And the 20% increase of this A-level contract was managed by the Jiangbei Province subdivision of Starfire.


    "Two sums of money, totaling a tax deduction of 1.14 million?" Li Yuan muttered.


    Li Yuan did not dwell on it, paying taxes to the country was only natural.


    Evading or cheating on taxes is shameful.


    "This 2 million, is the reward from Kunlun Martial University for being first in the actualbat assessment," Li Yuan scanned the next transfer, "The 500,000 Blue Star Coins foring first in the Cage Battle were given to me quite early on."


    "This 1 million is sponsorship from the military."


    "And the final 1 million is the first installment of cultivation funds from Kunlun Martial Arts University," Li Yuan mused to himself, "it''s what''smonly known as the contract deposit."


    The deposit is nonrefundable.


    All this money, in a sense, is allocated by the national side for cultivation, so they are all tax-exempt.


    "If I include the 200,000 Blue Star Coins awarded by the school," a smile appeared on Li Yuan''s face, "just for this half-month, I''ve earned 9.26 million Blue Star Coins."


    And that''s just Blue Star Coins.


    If the 5.7 million points and 9 million Cultivation Points given by Starfire Martial Hall are considered... in aggregate, the total value of the wealth Li Yuan has gained over thest half-month definitely exceeds 15 million Blue Star Coins.


    To some powerful martial artists and super-rich tycoons, this amount of wealth might not seem like much.


    But for Li Yuan? It''s an astronomical figure.


    At this thought.


    Li Yuan tapped on the light screen to enter ''Starfire,'' an app released by Starfire Martial Hall for smart wristbands.


    He then clicked on his personal ount, which clearly disyed all of Li Yuan''s wealth:


    Bank bnce: 10.89 million Blue Star Coins


    Martial Hall Points: 6.73 million


    Martial Hall Cultivation Points: 9.65 million


    "Half a year ago, I was just a high school senior worried about 100,000 Blue Star Coins," Li Yuan said with a slight smile.


    In the blink of an eye, however, he had be a multimillionaire.


    A cash multimillionaire, at that.


    Keep in mind that many so-called billionaires or tycoons would find it extremely difficult to raise tens of millions in cash in a short time.


    "From January to now, in just over three months, I''ve spent about 680,000 points and around 250,000 Blue Star Coins," Li Yuan''s gaze swept over the transaction records.


    The points were mainly for purchasing basic blood qi potions, deep medicinal baths, and buying Origin Power Essence Pills.


    The Blue Star Coins were primarily for daily expenses and payingbat coaches for practical fighting.


    Beyond that, Li Yuan''s expenditures were very few.


    It could be said that the vast majority of his wealth was spent on cultivation.


    The spending was significant.


    "But precisely because I never thought of saving money, focusing entirely on cultivation, that I had enough strength to shine in the invitation event," Li Yuan thought to himself.


    To a powerful martial artist, money?


    The greatest significance of money is to gradually transform it into strength, to increase one''s power more rapidly.


    "For the rest of this year."


    "I know of two definite sums," Li Yuan thought to himself, "one will be in October when the Martial Hall will distribute the second year''s cultivation funds."


    "The second is after entering the university when Kunlun Martial University will gradually disburse resources from the ''S-grade special training contract.''


    Together, these two contracts will grant Li Yuan a wealth valued at over 30 million Blue Star Coins a year, not even counting the Cultivation Points.


    However.


    The Martial Hall''s resource distribution is once a year; while Kunlun Martial University''s cultivation resources are distributed after a biannual assessment, with different rules.


    "No rush, the wealth I have now is enough for me to cultivate steadily," Li Yuan''s inner world was tranquil, "What I need to do is use this money well, to further strengthen myself."


    Li Yuan was very clear that this wealth was not genuinely earned through his own abilities.


    The invitation event of Jiangbei Martial University, did his actions truly merit several million Blue Star Coins?


    Nonsense!


    One should have self-awareness.


    "This wealth, under the national system and even that of the entire Seven Star Alliance,es from a set of established systems and is the reward for a Martial Path talent like me," Li Yuan thought to himself.


    What''s the purpose?


    Not for Li Yuan to enjoy and squander the wealth!


    "But to help me be stronger, to be a Prime Warrior and eventually a Flying Heaven Warrior," Li Yuan recalled the words Senior Ji from the Moon Demon Star Realm once said, "To truly be a sharp de guarding human civilization!"


    This!


    Was the key reason Li Yuan could ''easily''e into such wealth.


    ...Today is Wednesday.


    After the afternoon self-study session, Li Yuan did not eat at school but rushed directly to the Martial Hall.


    Every Wednesday was Li Yuan''s practicalbat training day.


    Past eight in the evening, inside Martial Arts Room 7024, two men d in full protective gear, each wielding cold weapons, engaged in a fierce confrontation.


    "ng!"


    Li Yuan''s long spear danced in his hands, strike after strike, as swift as lightning and as relentless as a great river, forcing Fang Longhu, who held a sword and shield, to continuously retreat.


    ```


    As if he had no power to resist.


    Suddenly, Li Yuan tensed his waist, advanced with a forceful step, and his long spear came chopping down fiercely like a giant axe.


    It was the ultimate burst of the second form ''Gxy Waterfall'' from the Star Constetion Techniques.


    umting might with twelve strikes, he propelled his aura and offensive to its peak.


    Just like a mighty waterfall plunging a hundred meters before smashing onto the ground with terrifying impact.


    "Not good."


    Fang Longhu''s face slightly changed, and finally ignoring the ''sparring rules,'' he burst out with almost all his strength in an instant, with his shield shing like lightning in front of him.


    "Boom~"


    The long spear struck the shield like an axe, and even though Li Yuan put forth all his strength, for a level 15 Martial Artist like Fang Longhu, withstanding this impact was still not difficult.


    "Stop!" Fang Longhu suddenly spoke.


    But Li Yuan had already stopped, smiling: "Coach Fang, you lose again."


    "Lost, lost!"


    "I really didn''t expect that even using about the power and speed of a level 12, I still couldn''t stop you," Fang Longhu put away his shield, somewhat emotional: "If you had kept on attacking just now, I''m afraid I really would have lost control and injured you."


    Li Yuan smiled.


    Although he had not burst forth with all his power, the nearly Entry Rank strengthbined with his Fourth Level Spear Technique had resulted in a quite astonishing force.


    Of course, it still was no threat to Fang Longhu.


    A level 12 Martial Artist and a level 15 Martial Artist, it sounds like a difference of only three levels.


    But this is a difference of three levels after Entry Rank, which is a world apart from the difference between level 6 and level 9.


    For Entry Rank Martial Artists, the physical quality difference between each level is substantial.


    Level 12 Martial Artists, with a burst speed of 30 meters per second and a fist strength of three thousand kilograms.


    And level 15 Martial Artists, their burst speed exceeds 50 meters per second, with a fist strength easily surpassing ten thousand kilograms.


    They''re simply not on the same level.


    Facing a level 12 Martial Artist, Li Yuan could stillpete using his skills.


    But if facing Fang Longhu for real? With his absolute speed and power, a single move could kill Li Yuan.


    The Fourth Level techniques are still not enough to bridge the gap in absolute power and speed.


    Click~Click!


    Both of them took off their helmets.


    "Li Yuan, I haven''t fulfilled my training duties today, so I won''t be taking the fee," Fang Longhu shook his head: "Additionally, from now on, I won''t take any more sparring jobs with you."


    "You won''t take them anymore?" Li Yuan was taken aback.


    "Can''t do the sparring anymore," Fang Longhu said with a helpless smile: "You''re simply too much of a monster, your progress is too fast. In just half a year, whether it''s your physical quality or your skills, your rate of improvement is simply incredible."


    "I''ve been sparring for over ten years, and I used to not quite believe in top-tier talents," Fang Longhu said with emotion: "After meeting you, I believe it."


    Li Yuan smiled.


    "Don''t worry, I will report directly to the Hall Master," Fang Longhu said with a smile: "You''ll be reassigned a sparring partner forbat training. Taking a break for a week won''t matter, just don''t pick someone by yourself."


    "Mhm," Li Yuan nodded.


    Combat training is important, but it''s also dangerous... It''s not just about being strong to do the job well.


    Qualified sparring partners are few, and excellent ones are even fewer.


    The most important thing is safety.


    In sparring jobs, there have been cases where the sparring partner failed to control their power and ended up killing the trainee.


    Fang Longhu was specially chosen by Starfire Martial Hall for Li Yuan, experienced and mature.


    Over the past half a year, Fang Longhu managed to adjust his power with each of Li Yuan''s improvements, providing pressure for Li Yuan while ensuring not to injure him.


    "Beep~" Fang Longhu''s smart ring vibrated, and he looked down: "Li Yuan, what''s this?"


    Li Yuan had transferred him 20,000 Blue Star Coins.


    "Coach Fang."


    "Thanks for the past half year of sparring, don''t refuse it," Li Yuan said with a smile: "Consider it an extra little bonus, don''t find it too small."


    "Haha, alright then, thanks," Fang Longhu chuckled: "In the future, if there are more sparring tasks, you can stille to me."


    Fang Longhu also intended to stay on good terms with Li Yuan.


    "Alright," Li Yuan said, nodding with a smile.


    He also had this intention, for when his younger brothers and sisters would needbat sparring in a few years, Fang Longhu would still be very suitable.


    ...


    At nine o''clock in the evening, in the office of the Hall Master on the twelfth floor of the Starfire sub-hall.


    "You''re resigning from Li Yuan''s sparring?" Wan Qinghe looked at Longhu with confusion.


    Previously, Fang Longhu had reported to Instructor Xing.


    But since January, by Wan Qinghe''smand, every half month, Fang Longhu had been reporting on Li Yuan''s progress.


    "Hall Master."


    "It''s not that I don''t want to keep going, but that I''m no longer qualified," Fang Longhu said helplessly: "Li Yuan''s rate of progress is too fast."


    "His techniques surpass mine by far, probably worth over 300 Fallen Star points."


    "His physical quality, I estimate, is at least level 9.5," Fang Longhu shook his head: "For Li Yuan''s sake, Hall Master, please get someone more capable."


    Wan Qinghe was shocked.


    300 Fallen Star points? Physical quality above level 9.5? It''s been just a week since the recruitment event ended, and Li Yuan has improved so much again?


    "Alright, you can go now, I will select someone new."


    ...


    At ten thirty in the evening.


    Li Yuan returned home, just finished washing up when he felt his smart ring vibrate.


    "Hmm? A document?"


    Li Yuan clicked to view: "A document from Kunlun Martial University?"


    ```

 Chapter 92: 89: Amazing Harvest (Request for Monthly Ticket)

    Five deposit notifications.


    "Finally, they''ve arrived, how exhrating." Li Yuan extended his hand to tap on the light screen, watching the dizzying series of numbers on the disy, a trace of joy flitted through his eyes.


    Since his uncle''s health indicators had been steadily improving, putting that matter aside for the moment.


    Li Yuan had been waiting for the reward from the invitation event to be fulfilled.


    Almost a week had passed, which was several dayster than the originally scheduled payment time.


    Unexpectedly, it all came through today.


    "This 3.6 million Blue Star Coins, is the difference between A and B level contracts from the Martial Hall for the first year," Li Yuan murmured to himself, "Is this 960,000 the extra 20% of cultivation resources from the Jiangbei subdivision of Starfire?"


    The A-level contract of Starfire Martial Hall is uniform from the headquarters, and nobody can alter it.


    However, different levels of Martial Halls have ''independent funds'' to offer extra rewards to various talents.


    After the January ranking exams, for obtaining the title of Youth Hero, Starfire''s Guanshan subdivision rewarded Li Yuan with 200,000 Blue Star Coins.


    And the 20% increase of this A-level contract was managed by the Jiangbei Province subdivision of Starfire.


    "Two sums of money, totaling a tax deduction of 1.14 million?" Li Yuan muttered.


    Li Yuan did not dwell on it, paying taxes to the country was only natural.


    Evading or cheating on taxes is shameful.


    "This 2 million, is the reward from Kunlun Martial University for being first in the actualbat assessment," Li Yuan scanned the next transfer, "The 500,000 Blue Star Coins foring first in the Cage Battle were given to me quite early on."


    "This 1 million is sponsorship from the military."


    "And the final 1 million is the first installment of cultivation funds from Kunlun Martial Arts University," Li Yuan mused to himself, "it''s what''smonly known as the contract deposit."


    The deposit is nonrefundable.


    All this money, in a sense, is allocated by the national side for cultivation, so they are all tax-exempt.


    "If I include the 200,000 Blue Star Coins awarded by the school," a smile appeared on Li Yuan''s face, "just for this half-month, I''ve earned 9.26 million Blue Star Coins."


    And that''s just Blue Star Coins.


    If the 5.7 million points and 9 million Cultivation Points given by Starfire Martial Hall are considered... in aggregate, the total value of the wealth Li Yuan has gained over thest half-month definitely exceeds 15 million Blue Star Coins.


    To some powerful martial artists and super-rich tycoons, this amount of wealth might not seem like much.


    But for Li Yuan? It''s an astronomical figure.


    At this thought.


    Li Yuan tapped on the light screen to enter ''Starfire,'' an app released by Starfire Martial Hall for smart wristbands.


    He then clicked on his personal ount, which clearly disyed all of Li Yuan''s wealth:


    Bank bnce: 10.89 million Blue Star Coins


    Martial Hall Points: 6.73 million


    Martial Hall Cultivation Points: 9.65 million


    "Half a year ago, I was just a high school senior worried about 100,000 Blue Star Coins," Li Yuan said with a slight smile.


    In the blink of an eye, however, he had be a multimillionaire.


    A cash multimillionaire, at that.


    Keep in mind that many so-called billionaires or tycoons would find it extremely difficult to raise tens of millions in cash in a short time.


    "From January to now, in just over three months, I''ve spent about 680,000 points and around 250,000 Blue Star Coins," Li Yuan''s gaze swept over the transaction records.


    The points were mainly for purchasing basic blood qi potions, deep medicinal baths, and buying Origin Power Essence Pills.


    The Blue Star Coins were primarily for daily expenses and payingbat coaches for practical fighting.


    Beyond that, Li Yuan''s expenditures were very few.


    It could be said that the vast majority of his wealth was spent on cultivation.


    The spending was significant.


    "But precisely because I never thought of saving money, focusing entirely on cultivation, that I had enough strength to shine in the invitation event," Li Yuan thought to himself.


    To a powerful martial artist, money?


    The greatest significance of money is to gradually transform it into strength, to increase one''s power more rapidly.


    "For the rest of this year."


    "I know of two definite sums," Li Yuan thought to himself, "one will be in October when the Martial Hall will distribute the second year''s cultivation funds."


    "The second is after entering the university when Kunlun Martial University will gradually disburse resources from the ''S-grade special training contract.''


    Together, these two contracts will grant Li Yuan a wealth valued at over 30 million Blue Star Coins a year, not even counting the Cultivation Points.


    However.


    The Martial Hall''s resource distribution is once a year; while Kunlun Martial University''s cultivation resources are distributed after a biannual assessment, with different rules.


    "No rush, the wealth I have now is enough for me to cultivate steadily," Li Yuan''s inner world was tranquil, "What I need to do is use this money well, to further strengthen myself."


    Li Yuan was very clear that this wealth was not genuinely earned through his own abilities.


    The invitation event of Jiangbei Martial University, did his actions truly merit several million Blue Star Coins?


    Nonsense!


    One should have self-awareness.


    "This wealth, under the national system and even that of the entire Seven Star Alliance,es from a set of established systems and is the reward for a Martial Path talent like me," Li Yuan thought to himself.


    What''s the purpose?


    Not for Li Yuan to enjoy and squander the wealth!


    "But to help me be stronger, to be a Prime Warrior and eventually a Flying Heaven Warrior," Li Yuan recalled the words Senior Ji from the Moon Demon Star Realm once said, "To truly be a sharp de guarding human civilization!"


    This!


    Was the key reason Li Yuan could ''easily''e into such wealth.


    ...Today is Wednesday.


    After the afternoon self-study session, Li Yuan did not eat at school but rushed directly to the Martial Hall.


    Every Wednesday was Li Yuan''s practicalbat training day.


    Past eight in the evening, inside Martial Arts Room 7024, two men d in full protective gear, each wielding cold weapons, engaged in a fierce confrontation.


    "ng!"


    Li Yuan''s long spear danced in his hands, strike after strike, as swift as lightning and as relentless as a great river, forcing Fang Longhu, who held a sword and shield, to continuously retreat.


    ```


    As if he had no power to resist.


    Suddenly, Li Yuan tensed his waist, advanced with a forceful step, and his long spear came chopping down fiercely like a giant axe.


    It was the ultimate burst of the second form ''Gxy Waterfall'' from the Star Constetion Techniques.


    umting might with twelve strikes, he propelled his aura and offensive to its peak.


    Just like a mighty waterfall plunging a hundred meters before smashing onto the ground with terrifying impact.


    "Not good."


    Fang Longhu''s face slightly changed, and finally ignoring the ''sparring rules,'' he burst out with almost all his strength in an instant, with his shield shing like lightning in front of him.


    "Boom~"


    The long spear struck the shield like an axe, and even though Li Yuan put forth all his strength, for a level 15 Martial Artist like Fang Longhu, withstanding this impact was still not difficult.


    "Stop!" Fang Longhu suddenly spoke.


    But Li Yuan had already stopped, smiling: "Coach Fang, you lose again."


    "Lost, lost!"


    "I really didn''t expect that even using about the power and speed of a level 12, I still couldn''t stop you," Fang Longhu put away his shield, somewhat emotional: "If you had kept on attacking just now, I''m afraid I really would have lost control and injured you."


    Li Yuan smiled.


    Although he had not burst forth with all his power, the nearly Entry Rank strengthbined with his Fourth Level Spear Technique had resulted in a quite astonishing force.


    Of course, it still was no threat to Fang Longhu.


    A level 12 Martial Artist and a level 15 Martial Artist, it sounds like a difference of only three levels.


    But this is a difference of three levels after Entry Rank, which is a world apart from the difference between level 6 and level 9.


    For Entry Rank Martial Artists, the physical quality difference between each level is substantial.


    Level 12 Martial Artists, with a burst speed of 30 meters per second and a fist strength of three thousand kilograms.


    And level 15 Martial Artists, their burst speed exceeds 50 meters per second, with a fist strength easily surpassing ten thousand kilograms.


    They''re simply not on the same level.


    Facing a level 12 Martial Artist, Li Yuan could stillpete using his skills.


    But if facing Fang Longhu for real? With his absolute speed and power, a single move could kill Li Yuan.


    The Fourth Level techniques are still not enough to bridge the gap in absolute power and speed.


    Click~Click!


    Both of them took off their helmets.


    "Li Yuan, I haven''t fulfilled my training duties today, so I won''t be taking the fee," Fang Longhu shook his head: "Additionally, from now on, I won''t take any more sparring jobs with you."


    "You won''t take them anymore?" Li Yuan was taken aback.


    "Can''t do the sparring anymore," Fang Longhu said with a helpless smile: "You''re simply too much of a monster, your progress is too fast. In just half a year, whether it''s your physical quality or your skills, your rate of improvement is simply incredible."


    "I''ve been sparring for over ten years, and I used to not quite believe in top-tier talents," Fang Longhu said with emotion: "After meeting you, I believe it."


    Li Yuan smiled.


    "Don''t worry, I will report directly to the Hall Master," Fang Longhu said with a smile: "You''ll be reassigned a sparring partner forbat training. Taking a break for a week won''t matter, just don''t pick someone by yourself."


    "Mhm," Li Yuan nodded.


    Combat training is important, but it''s also dangerous... It''s not just about being strong to do the job well.


    Qualified sparring partners are few, and excellent ones are even fewer.


    The most important thing is safety.


    In sparring jobs, there have been cases where the sparring partner failed to control their power and ended up killing the trainee.


    Fang Longhu was specially chosen by Starfire Martial Hall for Li Yuan, experienced and mature.


    Over the past half a year, Fang Longhu managed to adjust his power with each of Li Yuan''s improvements, providing pressure for Li Yuan while ensuring not to injure him.


    "Beep~" Fang Longhu''s smart ring vibrated, and he looked down: "Li Yuan, what''s this?"


    Li Yuan had transferred him 20,000 Blue Star Coins.


    "Coach Fang."


    "Thanks for the past half year of sparring, don''t refuse it," Li Yuan said with a smile: "Consider it an extra little bonus, don''t find it too small."


    "Haha, alright then, thanks," Fang Longhu chuckled: "In the future, if there are more sparring tasks, you can stille to me."


    Fang Longhu also intended to stay on good terms with Li Yuan.


    "Alright," Li Yuan said, nodding with a smile.


    He also had this intention, for when his younger brothers and sisters would needbat sparring in a few years, Fang Longhu would still be very suitable.


    ...


    At nine o''clock in the evening, in the office of the Hall Master on the twelfth floor of the Starfire sub-hall.


    "You''re resigning from Li Yuan''s sparring?" Wan Qinghe looked at Longhu with confusion.


    Previously, Fang Longhu had reported to Instructor Xing.


    But since January, by Wan Qinghe''smand, every half month, Fang Longhu had been reporting on Li Yuan''s progress.


    "Hall Master."


    "It''s not that I don''t want to keep going, but that I''m no longer qualified," Fang Longhu said helplessly: "Li Yuan''s rate of progress is too fast."


    "His techniques surpass mine by far, probably worth over 300 Fallen Star points."


    "His physical quality, I estimate, is at least level 9.5," Fang Longhu shook his head: "For Li Yuan''s sake, Hall Master, please get someone more capable."


    Wan Qinghe was shocked.


    300 Fallen Star points? Physical quality above level 9.5? It''s been just a week since the recruitment event ended, and Li Yuan has improved so much again?


    "Alright, you can go now, I will select someone new."


    ...


    At ten thirty in the evening.


    Li Yuan returned home, just finished washing up when he felt his smart ring vibrate.


    "Hmm? A document?"


    Li Yuan clicked to view: "A document from Kunlun Martial University?"


    ```

 Chapter 93: 90 New Evolution (Add More with 12000 Monthly Votes)

    "The document from Kunlun Martial University?" Li Yuan immediately clicked to ept.


    It was a brief guide of cultivation suggestions sent by Fan Jin.


    Li Yuan just started to read.


    "Drip~" The V call vibrated, amunication from Teacher Fan Jin.


    Li Yuan immediately chose to answer.


    Hum~ The video call connected.


    "Teacher Fan." Li Yuan smiled, looking at the elder dressed in pajamas on the screen.


    "Sote, I haven''t disturbed your rest, have I?" Fan Jin smiled.


    "No."


    "Well, you should have received the document." Fan Jin smiled, "Ideally, this cultivation guide should have been given to you after your college entrance exams."


    "However, I just got a message from Starfire Martial Hall that your physical quality has reached level 9.5?"


    Li Yuan kept a poker face, but his heart skipped a beat.


    He realized that he must have gotten too excited during today''sbat practice and failed to contain his strength in time, exposing his real power.


    A 99% chance, it was Fang Longhu who reported the situation when he requested to be excused from the sparring session.


    Fang Longhu''s report did not surprise Li Yuan.


    With his contract level, it was certain that the high ranks of Starfire Martial Hall would keep a continuous watch on him.


    Only, he hadn''t expected that Kunlun Martial Arts University would get wind of it in just two hours.


    For the moment, Li Yuan could onlyugh.


    "Haha, don''t worry."


    Teacher Fan Jinughed, "You have signed with both our Kunlun Martial University and Starfire Martial Hall, and at a very high level. Naturally, we have establishedmunication to more quickly know about your condition to timely adjust your cultivation n."


    "Thank you for your concern, teacher." Li Yuan smiled, "I had a breakthrough in my techniques the day before the invitation event. For some reason, my physical quality has improved very quickly over the past week or so after using the Essence Pills of Origin Power. I''d estimate I''m probably not quite at 9.5 yet, maybe around 9.3."


    To directly im 9.5 would be an exaggeration.


    The difference in the explosive strength of 9.5 and 9.3 is not big.


    "9.3?"


    Fan Jin was also surprised, "A week ago, were you not level 8.9? Could it be that the actual measurement back then wasn''t urate?"


    Li Yuan smiled and said nothing.


    "It seems President Li was right, you have an exceptionally high physical talent, you justcked cultivation technique. Your progress was faster than those students practicing high-rank cultivation methods... well, you had just entered the Fourth Level, capable of digging deeper into your physical strength...


    an improvement of 0.4 isn''t strange." Fan Jin nodded, his gaze at Li Yuan shifting slightly, "Good! Good!"


    Without need for Li Yuan to exin, Fan Jin had made his own assumptions.


    After all, such examples were not umon in the history of Martial Path.


    "9.3 is close enough." Fan Jin said, "You should know, Li Yuan, that to improve your physical quality, unlike many students, you''ll heavily rely on external substances."


    "The student understands." Li Yuan said.


    Others could cultivate high-rank methods and absorb Cosmic Origin Power, but he couldn''t.


    "Before reaching level 9.5, taking basic elixirs for blood and Qi, and ordinary Essence Pills of Origin Power, will satisfy your body''s evolutionary needs." Fan Jin said, "But the stronger the body, the more energy it consumes."


    "Just relying on these, once you surpass 9.5, the evolution speed of your body will gradually slow down, evening to aplete halt."


    Li Yuan nodded lightly.


    In fact, ever since his physical quality exceeded level 8.0, he had gradually started to feel this.


    "My suggestion is, in conjunction with the document''s cultivation guidance." Fan Jin said, "Start trying First Rank blood and Qi medicinal liquid, along with using Cleansing Spirit Marrow and Essence Pills of Origin Power."


    "What is Cleansing Spirit Marrow?" Li Yuan asked, puzzled.


    He was familiar with the first two.


    "It''s specifically developed for situations like yours where there''s no cultivation technique." Fan Jin said, "Any elixir or pill contains impurities."


    "Normal martial artists practice cultivation techniques and consume fewer external items, hence less burden on their bodies."


    "But you can''t."


    "Cleansing Spirit Marrow can continually wash away the impurities in your body.


    This way, as long as your body can absorb the Origin Power and the medicinal strength of blood and Qi, you could improve at an almost extreme speed." Fan Jin said, "In the past, the first generation of martial artists relied on the original version of ''Cleansing Spirit Marrow'' to toughly raise their physical quality to level 19."


    Li Yuan suddenly understood.


    "Nowadays, few use the Cleansing Spirit Marrow; you should be able to find it in the Starfire Space database." Fan Jin said, "Follow the proportion of use outlined in the cultivation guidance document."


    "Try it once first."


    "If your body can withstand the pain of the Cleansing Spirit Marrow, then continue; if you find your body can''t handle it, stick with the old cultivation n." Fan Jin smiled with anticipation, "Strive to increase your physical quality to level 10.0 by August, or even higher."


    "At the end of July, the school will organize a Combat Assessment. Although you''ve already passed it, you can apply again. The top 100 among the two thousand neers will get cash rewards." Fan Jin said with a smile, "The top ten will be awarded 3 million Blue Star Coins."


    He knew how to entice students with rewards.


    "Yes." Li Yuan said earnestly.


    After hanging up the call.


    "Combat Assessment? End of July?" Li Yuan''s eyes were full of excitement.


    Previously, Li Yuan had been pondering where to find an opportunity for a Combat Assessment.


    So he could raise his Spiritual Awakening Level to the 20% threshold to see if he might get another chance for Spiritual Nature to enter his body.


    With his current strength, going to the war front was too dangerous; neither Starfire Martial Hall nor the school would allow it.


    But unexpectedly,


    the opportunity had arrived just like that.


    "The end of July? That leaves four months?" Li Yuan silently thought, "The top ten, plus an extra reward of three million Blue Star Coins?"


    It was a very generous reward.


    "Do your best."


    "Just like Teacher Fan Jin said, strive to be a real First Rank martial artist." Li Yuan thought silently.


    Kunlun Martial Arts University, being subtly the number one Martial Arts University in Xia Country, recruits two thousand students each year, all of whom are elites from all over the country.

 Chapter 94: 90 New Evolution (Add More with 12000 Monthly Votes)_2

    However,


    "My goal is to be the first!" Li Yuan''s heart was full of ambition.


    The top ten rewards are 3 million Blue Star Coins.


    What about the first ce? Could it be higher?


    "Marrow Cleansing is painful? I want to see just how painful it can be!"


    ...


    Entering the virtualwork, Starfire Space.


    "Master, I am...," the girl in purple was about to speak.


    "Shut up." Li Yuan interrupted directly, "I want all the information on Marrow Cleansing, including the purchase price and the ess requirements."


    "Sure thing, master." The girl in purple was still smiling cheerfully.


    Buzz~


    A light screen appeared in front of Li Yuan, revealing arge amount of text information.


    "So that''s how it is." Li Yuan understood.


    Afterwards.


    Li Yuan also opened the training guidance document and finally concluded, "If I follow the new n, and if my body can withstand it, my evolution speed can increase by 50% to 100% before Level 12."


    How much faster specifically varies from person to person.


    What about after Level 12? If I stick to the original training n, it will be tough to improve even a bit once my physical quality reaches Level 12.


    "One step ahead, steps ahead."


    "Right now, I don''t have any high-rank cultivation methods, so naturally, I need to seize every opportunity." Li Yuan made the decision, "Adopt the new cultivation n."


    This n was good in every way.


    There was just one w¡ªmoney!


    In the past half year, Li Yuan had spent about 220,000 Blue Star Coins/Points each month on cultivation resources.


    But ording to the new n.


    "First Rank blood-qi potion, 10,000 Blue Star Coins a bottle, at least 20 bottles a month." Li Yuan thought to himself, "Three Essence Pills per month."


    "Plusbined with Marrow Cleansing, three times a month, 200,000 Blue Star Coins a time."


    The monthly cost would be at least 1.1 million Blue Star Coins!!


    Martial Path has always been a gold eater.


    In this cultivation n, Marrow Cleansing was central; without it, Li Yuan simply couldn''t digest that many blood-qi potions and Essence Pills.


    If you have money, you can''t even spend it all.


    "Xiao Yu, ording to the new training n, buy a dose of Marrow Cleansing first," Li Yuan said, "Deliver it to my Martial Hall address tomorrow."


    "Master, a reminder," the girl in purple said, "Marrow Cleansing is extremely painful after use, and if your body is too weak or your willpower isn''t strong enough, it can be hard to endure."


    "It is rmended that the master wait until after reaching Level 10.0 before trying."


    "Do it immediately."


    "Yes!"


    The next second.


    Beep¡ªLi Yuan received a notification that 200,000 Blue Star Coins had been deducted from his ount.


    "Pay with points!" Li Yuan couldn''t help saying.


    "Master, this is a new item, the first purchase will default to using Blue Star Coins..." the girl in purple''s voice became weak.


    "Couldn''t you have asked me first?"


    "You told me to do it immediately!" the girl in purple immediately became self-assured.


    ...


    The next afternoon.


    Li Yuan asked for leave from his teacher Xu Bo and went straight to Martial Hall.


    Xu Bo agreed straight away.


    Xu Bo had mostly let go when it came to Li Yuan''s training and even allowed Li Yuan to skip the usualrge Martial Path sses.


    You should know, most middle school Martial Arts Teachers have only "Third Stage" skill level.


    Just talking about skill realm, Li Yuan and Xu Bo were in the same major realm.


    Starfire Mountain Branch Division, Martial Arts Room 7024.


    "Marrow Cleansing." Li Yuan carefully opened the box, which contained a transparent bottle. Inside the bottle flowed a green liquid, resembling emerald.


    It emitted a faint glow, lustrous yet contained, just by looking at its appearance, one could feel a sense of purity and wlessness.


    "It''s really beautiful." Li Yuan thought to himself, "ording to the instructions, this stuff can''t be ingested. It has to be applied to the skin, and the whole body needs to be covered?"


    Applying with hands? That''s too outdated!


    Li Yuan, holding the bottle, came to the physiotherapy room and gently ced it on the holder of the ''full-body physiotherapy instrument''.


    Because he cultivated the "Observing the Great Sun Starry Sky Scripture", Li Yuan had seldom used the physiotherapy room before.


    "Little Jade."


    "Activate the full-body smear standing mode, cleanse my spirit and marrow, and apply the solution slowly over my entire body," Li Yuan directlymanded, "Authorization."


    "Yes," a gentle voice responded from the room.


    Li Yuan stripped off all his clothes and stepped directly into the full-body physiotherapy instrument, quietly waiting.


    Buzz~ The bottle of Marrow Cleansing Spiritual Solution was opened by the machine, and right after, Li Yuan saw the needle probe enter, the entire green liquid rapidly disappeared.


    Not a drop was left.


    Secondster!


    Buzz~ Buzz~ Several pairs of simted human hands, the ''smear applicators'', began to excrete green liquid on their surface and slowly started to smear it across Li Yuan''s entire body.


    The smear applicator simted human hands, slightly warmed up; it was veryfortable, but soon Li Yuan felt his back start to heat up slightly.


    "Marrow Cleansing Spiritual Solution? Just as described, it works fast," Li Yuan thought to himself.


    Swiftly.


    Li Yuan felt waves of strange power, as if seeping into his body along the smeared areas, soon causing his limbs and bones to begin to ache, with the pain escting continuously.


    Pain! As if fingernails were being viciously stabbed by needles.


    Itchiness! Ten times more intense than having one''s sole of the foot scratched.


    Soreness! Like the soreness and numbness after sitting too long, and then someone furiously shakes them.


    Under the culmination of the three experiences, every second was an absolute nightmare for a regr person.


    It was enough to make one consider suicide.


    "This is it?" Li Yuan frowned, although he felt difort, it was still bearable.


    Every day, Li Yuan would practice the "Observing the Great Sun Starry Sky Scripture"; just the mental pain alone was much more intense than this.


    Suddenly.


    The massage instrument slowly rubbed over a particr spot in the middle of the human body.


    It was very careful in its task.


    A few secondster.


    "Fuck!" Li Yuan suddenly widened his eyes, unable to hold back any longer, he cursed.


    ...


    Two hourster, night had fallen.


    The effects of the Marrow Cleansing Spiritual Solution had worn off, and Li Yuan finally regained full consciousness.


    "It was indeed a bit tough," Li Yuan murmured to himself, his eyes ncing over his robust body.


    Visibly, on the surface of the skin, there were some impurities and dirt that hadn''t been there before.


    "Marrow cleansing? Real pores excreting waste?" Li Yuan muttered to himself.


    However.


    Li Yuan''s eyes involuntarily scanned the Divine Pce panel; there had been no change in his Life Level.


    But he certainly felt that his whole body had indeed be lighter and more energetic.


    Shortly after, Li Yuan felt that his skin seemed to be much smoother and fairer than before after taking a shower.


    "Eat an Origin Power Essence Pill, and give it a try."


    Ten minutester.


    Li Yuan, having consumed the Origin Power Essence Pill, began to practice the Basic Cultivation Method, immediately feeling streams of warm Origin Power being released from his chest, rapidly coursing through his entire body.


    The muscles, bones, and flesh devoured it, bing increasingly robust.


    "As expected, it''s effective," a glint of light swept through Li Yuan''s eyes, "I just took an Origin Power Essence Pill ten days ago, technically, it should be difficult to absorb now, with most of its effectiveness wasted, and my body should feel quite ufortable."


    "Now? It''s as if I haven''t taken one in a month."


    Without hesitation.


    Li Yuan ced an order directly, purchasing a month''s worth of cultivation resources as required for his practice.


    ...


    "Marrow Cleansing Spiritual Solution?"


    "Li Yuan, he can actually withstand that kind of torture?" Wan Qinghe received the news about Li Yuan''s order for Marrow Cleansing Spiritual Solution very quickly.


    "Such willpower! Truly terrifying."


    ...


    Having implemented a brand-new cultivation n, Li Yuan''s slightly slowed body evolution speed,pared to before, had be even faster.


    Time flowed like water, day after day, and in the blink of an eye, it was April 10th.


    The April assessment for the senior three students of Jiang City was also just around the corner.

 Chapter 95: 91: April Mock Exam (Thanks to the Eternal 60-Point Golden Alliance)

    Guan Mountain District First High School.


    The April mock exam is thest citywide standardized test before the college entrance examination.


    But Li Yuan, as usual, followed his routine and arrived at school for training at three in the morning and went for a shower at seven.


    The habit of cultivation is not something Li Yuan would easily change.


    "Won''t youe back even for the April mock exam?" Li Yuan, passing by Martial Arts Room 4001, unconsciously nced inside and involuntarily slowed his pace a bit.


    The electronic lock was brand new and had no dust, which was because people cleaned it frequently.


    Although Gu Qianghan had already mentioned it half a month ago.


    But in recent days, as the mock exam approached, Li Yuan couldn''t help but feel a strange sense of expectation.


    "Indeed, I''m thinking too much," Li Yuan chuckled and shook his head, not taking it to heart.


    To travel from Blue Star to Feixing through the Star Bridge is not an easy task.


    Given Lin Lanyue''s family background and the fact that she specifically went for a mysterious "special training," she naturally would note back just for the April mock exam.


    While the April mock exam is important, it is, after all, not the actual college entrance examination.


    "Li Yuan." Suddenly, a voice called out, and a burly teenager greeted him from a distance.


    "Dong Haifeng?" Li Yuan greeted with a smile, it was indeed Dong Haifeng who he had rescued during thestbat assessment.


    Dong Haifeng had just emerged from the martial arts room, his face beaming with smiles.


    Since returning from Jiangbei Martial University, Dong Haifeng''s attitude towards Li Yuan had undergone a 180-degree turn.


    Every time he saw Li Yuan again, he became quite enthusiastic, and even had a hint... of respect.


    "Is Gu Qiang not here?" Li Yuan walked up and said with a smile.


    The door to Martial Arts Room 4003 was also closed, and the trash at the door was the same asst night.


    "He doesn''te to the martial arts room in the morning," Dong Haifeng replied with a smile, "He even often arriveste for morning self-study."


    Li Yuan was startled and suddenly realized that in the past six months, he seemed to have never run into Gu Qianghan early in the morning.


    He usually wouldn''t see him until the afternoon.


    "No wonder his progress is slow; if he can''t be seen in Jiang City at four in the morning, how can he cultivate quickly?" Li Yuan said with augh, "Let''s go, we''ll eat together in the cafeteria."


    Dong Haifeng was taken aback by the mention of Jiang City in the early hours. He hadn''t seen it either!


    "Gu Qiang''s progress is slow? Is this what being a big shot is like?" Dong Haifeng muttered to himself.


    ...


    In the cafeteria.


    "Brother Yuan, you really aren''t in a rush at all," Yan Zhou said while eating a steamed bun and watching Li Yuan and Dong Haifeng slowly enter the cafeteria.


    "In a rush for what?" Li Yuan said with a smile and sat down beside his ssmate to eat.


    Zhou Qi had already bought breakfast for Li Yuan; fried sauce noodles, beef noodles, a nutritious breakfast... plus two soda buns and two portions of siu mai.


    In reality, aside from the nutritious breakfast, eating too many carbohydrates does little to help martial arts cultivation and can even be harmful.


    But Li Yuan didn''t care.


    With his current physical quality, he could digest these foods very quickly.


    "Slurp!" Li Yuan devoured the fried sauce noodles with relish, feeling utterly content.


    The school''s fried sauce noodles and hot dry noodles actually didn''t taste that special, but after eating them for a long time, Li Yuan would feel ufortable if he missed a meal.


    These were foods he had eaten since he was young.


    "Yan Zhou, you''re the one who''s in a hurry," Zhou Qi said while eating andughing, "Last time you were in exam room 21, and this time you''re sitting in exam room 22, almost falling to the same exam room as Brother Yuan."


    "Old Zhou, you think you''re amazing? Perennial runner-up in the exam room." Yan Zhou immediately retorted.


    Yan Zhou''s academic performance was a bit off during thest mock exam in January, which is why his exam room number had been pushed back this time.


    But such fluctuations in rankings were very normal, so Zhou Qi teased,


    "What''s up with the runner-up?" Zhou Qi tilted his head back. "This is the runner-up among forty exam halls!"


    "I''m proud!"


    Everyone couldn''t help butugh.


    What Zhou Qi said was the truth. Among the hundreds of students in Grade 12, ss 2, few could be among the top two in the first couple of exam halls.


    "Brother Yuan, you''re not going to improve by another hundred points this time, are you?" Zhou Qi suddenly looked at Li Yuan, seemingly worried. "If you improve by another hundred points, your academic score will almost catch up to mine."


    In the January mock exams, Li Yuan''s academic performance had improved by about one hundred points, moving up from the 29th to the 24th exam hall, already approaching the middle ranks of the grade.


    "Don''t worry." Li Yuan smiled. "I''ll aim to score 120 more points, just enough to surpass you."


    "Damn, that''s so inhuman!" Zhou Qi cursed jokingly. "You''re taking all the points, leave some for us."


    However, nobody took Li Yuan''s words to heart. Improve by another 120 points? How could that be possible!


    "We''re done eating."


    "Let''s go. If we head to the exam hall early, we can get familiar with the people in front and behind us and strive for a united front."


    "I hope to surpass the key score line this time." A group of ssmates chatted with each other as they walked to their exam halls, most of them very rxed.


    Li Tianyou, on the other hand, was more silent, walking alone at the back.


    As they approached the exam hall building, the others gradually went upstairs.


    "Tianyou, wait a sec." A deep voice suddenly sounded from the side.


    Li Tianyou was startled, only then realizing that Li Yuan had somehow appeared beside him. "Li Yuan, what is it?"


    He stopped.


    "Tianyou." Li Yuan looked at Li Tianyou''s face, smiled. "Have you been losing weight recently?"


    Li Tianyou was stunned for a moment, subconsciously touching his own face.


    It seemed that he had indeed slimmed down.


    "Maybe." Li Tianyou forced a smile, without exnation.


    Suddenly.


    Beep~ Li Tianyou''s smart ring trembled slightly. He looked down and his pupils constricted; he had just received a transfer notification for fifty thousand Blue Star Coins.


    The sender, Li Yuan.


    At the same time, Tianyou also received a message from Li Yuan with a name and a V-chat number.


    "Li Yuan, what''s this?" Li Tianyou looked at Li Yuan in shock.


    "There''s less than two months left until the college entrance exam. I know you''ve been working hard on your training, but external help is very important. Buy some Qi and Blood potions. At the very least ensure a nutritious meal three times a day. This Zhong Cheng, he''s a Martial Path worker. You go to him to purchase the potions.


    Just say you''re my ssmate, and he''ll give you a discount," Li Yuan said with a smile, "Just to rify, I''m poor too, so it''s not a gift, it''s a loan, okay?"


    "But I can''t pay it back," Li Tianyou said, unable to resist.


    "I''m not asking for it back now. What''s more important, money or health? Are you really nning on losing weight?" Li Yuan said with a teasing grin. "Once you get into Jiangbei Martial University, find a good job after graduation, won''t you be able to pay it back? Remember, you have to repay me within ten years at thetest!"


    Li Tianyou''s eyes instantly reddened.


    He understood all too well that this was just Li Yuan''s way of making him ept the offer.


    Who ever offers a loan and then states that it needs to be repaid in ten years?


    "Li Yuan, I..." Li Tianyou''s voice choked up for a moment.


    "Tianyou, there are people around, behave." Li Yuan shook his head and said, "I''m not interested in you, don''t let others misunderstand."


    Li Tianyou was taken aback for a moment, then couldn''t help butugh.


    "Take it." Li Yuan smiled. "Actually, with your results, you have a very high chance of getting into Jiangbei Martial University, but you must not get tense."


    "Martial Arts Cultivation, the more anxious you are, the harder it is to progress."


    "Keep a calm mindset." Li Yuan smiled. "In this regard, you have to trust me."


    "Mm-hmm." Li Tianyou nodded. In his heart, Li Yuan had considerable authority when it came to Martial Arts Cultivation.


    Just like Teacher Xu Bo had publicly said during Martial Arts ss, with Li Yuan''s skill and cultivation, he could at least serve as a ''High-Rank Martial Arts Teacher''.


    "I''m heading up first." Li Yuan waved his hand, "See youter."


    "Fifty thousand Blue Star Coins." Li Tianyou looked down at his bank ount and couldn''t help but raise his head to nce at Li Yuan''s retreating figure.


    He wanted to tell Li Yuan it wasn''t necessary, but he couldn''t bring himself to walk away.


    Because he indeed needed it.


    "Thank you." Li Tianyou silently mouthed the words in his heart.


    ...


    After finding his seat number, Li Yuan had just sat down.


    "Li Yuan is in our exam room?"


    "This is exam room 24, isn''t it? A Martial Artist Student with such good academic performance?"


    "Heh, my exam number is actually in front of Li Yuan''s. Looks like I''m better than Li Yuan."


    "You really think so? Believe it or not, one punch from him could knock the snot out of you." Many students whispered among themselves in the exam room.


    Throughout this term, especially after the event hosted by Jiangbei Martial University, Li Yuan''s performance gradually began to spread among the senior year students.


    With the school''s deliberate promotion, Li Yuan''s fame had be unrivaled within the school, surpassing even Lin Lanyue.


    "Discussing me?" Li Yuan listened to the voices around him but didn''t pay too much attention.


    He was thinking about Li Tianyou.


    "I hope this money can help him somehow," Li Yuan silently sighed to himself.


    Out of all the ssmates he knew, the only one Li Yuan truly admired was Li Tianyou.


    Sometimes, Li Yuan would even think if Li Tianyou could awaken the talent of the Mind Spirit Divine Pce, even if not as much as himself, he would definitely be dazzling.


    One must know oneself.


    "Opportunity and luck sometimes outweigh effort," Li Yuan silently sighed again.


    Before, Li Yuan wanted to help Li Tianyou but didn''t have the means.


    Why only give fifty thousand Blue Star Coins? And to say it was a loan?


    First, Li Yuan knew Li Tianyou''s character was incredibly tenacious, not fond of asking for help, so he didn''t want Li Tianyou to feel too much psychological burden.


    Second, this money was meant as a gift from Li Yuan, without the expectation of being repaid.


    And third, the most important reason.


    "I am also still growing, and cultivation expenses are quiterge," Li Yuan silently sighed, "I hope it can give him a boost and help him get into Jiangbei Martial University."


    Once he got in, it would be nothing less than a turning point in Li Tianyou''s fate.


    Beep beep beep~ The bell rang.


    The invigting teacher entered the ssroom, and everyone ced their smart wristbands at the front of the room.


    The April mock exam officially began.


    ...


    After a day and a half of academic testing, Li Yuan could only say he did his best.


    "The score should not be worse thanst time," Li Yuan thought to himself, "Normally, the difficulty level of the April mock exam should be lower."


    The January mock exam had a higher difficulty level, aiming to discourage students from bing arrogant.


    In contrast, the April mock exam often had a lower difficulty level, meant to encourage students.


    ...


    The next afternoon was the Martial Arts Spirituality Test.


    Li Yuan''s test sheet, as usual, read ''Unawakened,'' all within his expectations.


    As President Li had said, with Li Yuan''s revealed physical talent and mental talent, if he could resonate with any High-Rank Cultivation Method, it would have appeared long ago.


    "Looks like no one else in the ss could resonate either," Li Yuan nced around.


    Throughout the entire senior stage, only Wan Xiao and Zhou Qi from his ss had seeded in meeting the resonance requirements of High-Rank Cultivation Methods.


    "Everyone has a Spiritual Nature."


    "It''s just not possible."


    "The current seven High-Rank Cultivation Methods were also created by generations of predecessors among humans," Li Yuan pondered silently, "In the future, if I can be a Flying Heaven Warrior, perhaps I could also be part of this grand process of civilization."


    ...


    On the third day, it was the Combat Assessment.


    Almost a month had passed since the Jiangbei Martial University invitational event.


    Li Yuan finally stopped hiding his Physical Quality and fully revealed it.


    40-meter Burst Speed test.


    "21.8 meters per second."


    "Damn!"


    "Li Yuan''s Burst Speed, this!" All the students present were shocked and could barely believe what they were seeing.


    "Brother Yuan is?"


    "Too awesome!"


    "Is Brother Yuan bing a real Martial Artist?" Zhou Qi, Yan Zhou, Li Tianyou, they were all stunned. That was a Martial Artist, after all.


    Even the three invigting teachers were somewhat taken aback.


    This Burst Speed was already infinitely close to the level 10.0 standard.


    Keep in mind, the ss they were testing was just an ordinary ss.


    "What''s so strange?"


    "Isn''t this the result Li Yuan should have?" Dong Haifeng, G¨³ Qi¨¢ngh¨¤n, and those other students among the top ten of the grade, weren''t too surprised.


    After all, they had seen someone who hadpletely dominated the ''Combat Assessment'' amongst the elite Martial Artist Students in the entire Jiangbei Province with an absolute, precipitous victory.


    Another month had passed, and was it so strange that Li Yuan''s Physical Quality was close to level 10?


    The subsequent physical tests, wherever public assessment was involved, Li Yuan always managed to shock his fellow students and the examiners alike.


    ...


    With such arge-scale exam, scoreption and grading happened very quickly.


    That same evening.


    In the principal''s office of Guan Mountain District No. 1 High School, Tan Zhenlong was waiting.


    "Ding¡ª" The smart assistant''s voice rang out, "Master, Director Wang from the Education Bureau is video-calling you."


    "Director Wang?" Tan Zhenlong was a little surprised and quickly said, "Answer it, guest mode."


    Whoosh~


    The lighting in the office adjusted, subtly altering the ambiance. A holographic screen formed, and a young man in his thirties wearing a shirt appeared in the projection.


    "Principal Tan, congrattions," the young man greeted with a smile.


    "Director Wang, congrattions for what?" Tan Zhenlong was momentarily puzzled.


    "The April mock exam."


    "Your school produced two city-wide subject toppers," the young man said with a smile. "Isn''t that worth congratting?"

 Chapter 96: 92: The Real Number One in the Whole City? (Seeking Monthly Tickets)

    "Two top scorers in individual subjects in the city?" Principal Tan Zhenlong was utterly surprised.


    As a principal, Tan Zhenlong was very conscientious and knew his school very well.


    Although Guan Mountain District''s No.1 High School was decent, it was only considered to be top-tier within Jiang City and not among the very best.


    In the past, the goals he set for the teachers were merely to secure the top spot within Guan Mountain District.


    "Haha, it seems that Principal Tan doesn''t know his school well enough," Director Wang said with augh. "Then I''ll keep you in suspense, you can see for yourself when the transcripts are distributed."


    "Also."


    "This year''s Guan Mountain District middle schools..." Director Wang started discussing other matters.


    Tan Zhenlong could only patientlymunicate with the other party.


    Finally.


    He ended the video call.


    "Two top scorers in individual subjects? Who?" Tan Zhenlong sat on the couch, his eyes clouded with confusion: "Li Yuan? His Martial Arts Skills should indeed be full marks, hmm, probably tied with Wu Dongdong from the Teacher''s College High School as the city''s top scorer."


    "And the other one?"


    "Could it be in the academic subjects? That shouldn''t be, none of them made it to the top thirty in the entire city during the January mock exams." Tan Zhenlong was quite puzzled.


    Without seeing the summary of the results, Tan Zhenlong could not guess.


    Could there be a dark horse?


    There were dark horses every year, but it was extremely rare for someone to rise to the city''s top spot in an individual subject.


    Half an hourter.


    Tan Zhenlong finally received a notification from the assistive AI that the Education Bureau had sent over the summary of the exam results.


    He opened the score report immediately.


    "What?" Tan Zhenlong''s pupils contracted as he looked at the name atop of the list: "Physical Quality,prehensive assessment 500 points? How is that possible?"


    Whoo!


    Suddenly, Tan Zhenlong recalled something and immediately said, "Xiao Jiu, I want to see the school''s January mock exam Martial Path scores."


    "Yes, Master."


    Soon.


    Tan Zhenlong got hold of the January mock exam results, and as hepared the two documents, he was inwardly so shocked he found it hard to express: "Four months, Physical Quality improved by 2.1 levels?"


    "What kind of genius is this?"


    At least, Tan Zhenlong had never seen one before.


    Suddenly.


    "Di~" The assistive AI made a sound: "Master, Teacher Xu Bo is calling."


    "Xu Bo? That kid surely has seen the transcript and wants toe brag to me about how good his judgment is, and how impressive the student he chose is," Tan Zhenlong muttered to himself, then said directly: "Xiao Jiu, hang up."


    Ten minutester.


    "Dong~ Dong~ Dong~" The knocking sound came from the door of the principal''s office.


    "Old Tan."


    The boisterous voice of Xu Bo came from outside the door: "Hurry and open up, I''m bringing you a bottle of good wine, we need to celebrate."


    Fifteen secondster.


    ng¡ªthe door opened.


    Tan Zhenlong looked at Xu Bo warily, eyeing his empty hands: "Where''s the wine?"


    "It''s on the bottom shelf of the bookcase in your office," Xu Bo said with a chuckle: "Move aside, didn''t I tell you I''d get it for you?"


    Tan Zhenlong red at him: "You got a dog''s nose?"


    "My nose is better than a dog''s, don''t forget, I used to be a Prime Warrior," Xu Bo said cheerily.


    ...


    April 13th, Monday.


    After morning self-study, most of the students in ss 2 of Senior Year Three were sitting distracted, everyone knew that today was the day the April mock exam results would be announced.


    Along with it, citywide rankings would be released, as well as the city''s estimated thresholds for first-tier universities, the C9 league, and the Martial Path provincial and national lines.


    The college entrance exam was nearing, and for most, their rankings in April would be unlikely to change much from their actual results.


    "Old Zhou, what''s up? You''re sulking again?" Li Yuan joked: "Worried about going home and being turned into a Zhou Papi by your mom?"


    "Brother Yuan." Zhou Qi nced at him helplessly: "You used that jokest time, can you not y it twice?"


    Li Yuan was taken aback, while the othersughed.


    Soon.


    The cultural ss''s homeroom teacher, Mr. Chen, who walked with a Wind, entered the ssroom wearing a leather jacket, holding the results in his hands.


    Immediately.


    Over a hundred students instinctively sat up straight, even Li Yuan, widely recognized as a ''top student,'' was no exception.


    It was an indescribable pressure.


    Over three years, even though Li Yuan had acquired the strength of an Entry Rank Martial Artist, he still felt somewhat awkward in front of Mr. Chen.


    However.


    Unexpectedly, Mr. Chen did not begin with the usual harsh criticism but, uncharacteristically, said: "The April mock exams went well for most of you."


    "It''s clear that everyone has put in a lot of effort since the January mocks and have been very serious."


    "For the few students who didn''t perform well, there''s no need to worry. Adjust your mindset; after all, it''s just a mock exam, and you will all likely achieve good results if you perform normally during the actual college exam."


    No criticism, no me.


    The words he offered were mostly encouraging, which relieved many in the ss.


    However, many students had an uneasy feeling.


    They all nced subconsciously at the countdown to the college entrance exam on the ckboard at the front of the ssroom, feeling somewhat dazed.


    With the end of the April mock exams, the actual college entrance examination really was drawing near.


    High school was indeeding to an end.


    ...


    "Now, I will announce the results."


    Mr. Chen''s voice even sounded a bit gentler: "As usual, we''ll start with the academic scores."


    "Li Shutong, 921 points, first in academic results in the grade, also first in Guan Mountain District, 24th in Jiang City," Mr. Chen said with a smile: "Very good performance."


    "Dong Cheng, 901 points."


    "Zhou Qi, 898 points, great improvement," Mr. Chen chuckled: "You''ve entered the top twenty of the grade."


    Many students couldn''t help but look at Zhou Qi, feeling quite envious.


    The difficulty of the April mock exam was low, so the scores generally increased, but like Zhou Qi, to move up dozens of spots and even break into the top twenty of the grade was extremely challenging.


    "Not bad," Li Yuanmented.


    "Brother Yuan, it''s because I''ve been practicing a High Rank Cultivation Method," Zhou Qi said quietly: "My Physical Quality has risen to over level 5."


    "With the improvement in Physical Quality, I feel clearer in the head every day when I do test papers and solve problems."


    Li Yuan nodded in agreement.


    The body is the foundation of everything.


    Without a good physical foundation, everything else is zero.


    Zhou Qi''s physical condition was mediocre before, but his academic performance was very good, which means his IQ is quite impressive.


    After practicing high-rank cultivation methods, his physical quality kept improving, and his academic scores increased a lot, which is normal.


    That''s also why in the college entrance exam, even cultural universities count martial arts performance for 30% of the total score.


    As far as Li Yuan knows, many prominent scientists within human civilization are martial artists or even Prime Warriors.


    "Li Yuan, 841 points," Teacher Chen read out Li Yuan''s name and paused, smiling, "Li Yuan, with your academic score, you''re almost reaching the threshold for the C9 universities."


    Wow!


    The ss immediately burst into an uproar, and all the students couldn''t help but turn to look at Li Yuan.


    841 points?


    That academic score alone wouldn''t be surprising, buting from a Martial Artist Student, it was rather exaggerated.


    Moreover, many students vaguely remembered that Li Yuan''s academic performance seemed to be only over six hundred points in the second year of high school.


    "Brother Yuan, did you improve by another hundred points?" Zhou Qi looked at Li Yuan as if he were a monster, "How did you study?"


    "I didn''t improve by a hundred points," Li Yuan said indifferently, shaking his head.


    After a two-second pause.


    "Zhou Qi, look, I scored 742 pointsst time, and 841 this time; if you do the math, that''s just an increase of 99 points," Li Yuan seriously added, "I suspect that the intelligence marking the test didn''t want me to show off, so it deducted one point from me on purpose."


    "Ah!" Li Yuan sighed deeply, seemingly full of regret.


    Zhou Qi and the surrounding students all couldn''t help but think¡ªone day they would really like to beat up this biggest show-off.


    ...


    After announcing the academic scores, Teacher Chen took out another transcript and looked at it for a long time.


    All at once.


    All the students'' hearts rose to their throats¡ªcould it be that they still couldn''t escape a scolding today?


    "Martial arts scores," Teacher Chen finally spoke, enunciating every word, "Li Yuan, first ce."


    Then there was silence again for a long while.


    Everyone was stupefied; it was within their expectation that Li Yuan would be first, but could it be that his score wasn''t as high as they thought?


    "Could there be a mistake?" Li Yuan even began to doubt himself.


    He had personally tested his martial arts scores and was confident about them; there shouldn''t be any mistake.


    "900 points!" Suddenly, Teacher Chen revealed a smile and loudly eximed.


    The entire ssroom fell silent for three seconds.


    Thenpletely erupted.


    "I didn''t hear that wrong, did I?"


    "900 points? The full score in martial arts!"


    "Damn."


    "Li Yuan, 900 points?" The entire sspletely lost their minds.


    900 points, meaning that Li Yuan was rated full marks in both the physical quality and martial arts skills categories.


    Even Li Yuan was a bit stunned¡ªfull marks?


    He couldn''t help but nce at his Divine Pce panel, where his Life Level was clearly marked as: 9.9!


    "Could it be because of my skills that my Explosive Power and speed exceed that of the normal Life Level, so in the end, I was given full marks byprehensive evaluation?" Li Yuan pondered secretly.


    "900 points?"


    Zhou Qi next to him was dumbfounded, then suddenly realized, "Brother Yuan, doesn''t that mean your total martial arts score is now 984 points?"


    An academic score of 841 points tranted to 84 points.


    Adding the 900 points from martial arts, indeed it was 984 points!


    "A raw score of 984 points?"


    "984?"


    "Looks like it''s true! This!" The students in the ss were even more incredulous.


    Let alone the raw score, even reaching this score with Spiritual Nature bonus points would already be extremely formidable.


    "Cough cough~"


    "Cough~" Teacher Chen on the podium coughed twice.


    The students in the ssroom finally quieted down reluctantly.


    "You''re right, Li Yuan''s martial arts raw score is 984 points, but that''s not the total score," Teacher Chen said with a smile, "Don''t forget, although Li Yuan hasn''t awakened his Martial Spirit, he has been awarded the title of ''Young Hero'' and gets an additional 20 points."


    "So!"


    "This time, Li Yuan''s total martial arts score is 1004 points! First in the grade, first in Guan Mountain District!"


    "28th in Jiang City."


    "Additionally."


    "Li Yuan is also one of the only two who achieved full marks in martial arts in Jiang City''s April assessment."


    "Without counting any additional bonus points and just considering raw scores, he even surpassed Wu Dongdong of the Teacher''s College Affiliated High School."


    "In a certain sense."


    "In this April examination, Li Yuan is truly the number one martial artist in the entire city!" Teacher Chen said in one breath without pause.


    A smile covered her face.


    It was clear.


    This time, the scores that Li Yuan had achieved had truly made her very happy and excited.


    ...


    The April resit results announced meant the end of the April examination period.


    But.


    Li Yuan''s score, like a bombshell, hit Guan Mountain District''s First High School, making the entire grade and even the whole school boil with excitement.


    Almost every ss'' teacher started using Li Yuan as an example to inspire their students.


    No bonus points for Spiritual Nature?


    Not from a prominent family background? None of these were obstacles!


    Li Yuan went from being average in his grade in the first year of high school, to the top hundred in the second.


    And now to the top ten in his grade in the third year, and finally to first ce! He also achieved the terrifying score of full marks in martial arts in the April exam.


    Such an achievement was definitely a first in the history of Guan Mountain District''s First High School.


    ...


    At ten o''clock in the morning that same day, at Starfire''s Guan Mountain branch shrine.


    "1004 points?"


    Wan Qinghe and Xu Bo weremunicating; when they first heard about Li Yuan''s test score, they didn''t grasp its significance.


    But soon, they understood.


    "Full marks in martial arts!"


    "Physical quality of at least 10.0?" Wan Qinghe was inwardly shaken beyond words, "In less than a month, Li Yuan''s physical quality improved by 1.1 levels?"


    "Monster indeed!"

 Chapter 97: 93: Song Yis Perilous Situation (Extra for Silver Alliance Moon Song Autumn Wind)

    ```


    "A month, and physical quality increased by 1.1 levels?" Wan Qinghe could hardly describe the shock in his heart with words.


    Indeed!


    Simr examples indeed exist in the history of humanity''s Martial Path, and not a few.


    But that''s across the entire history of human civilization''s Martial Path!


    Just as there have been many young generals in history, countless in the annals, but if a twenty-year-old general stood before you, the vast majority of people would be shocked.


    "Those who have made a name for themselves in the history of the Martial Path either have an extremely highpatibility with High Rank Cultivation Methods, even reaching 100%," Wan Qinghe sighed inwardly, "or theye from exceptional backgrounds and have used some Heavenly Materials and Treasures."


    Talent, or background.


    Or abination of both, for example¡ªDongfang Ji, the first strongest being of human civilization.


    In just over a decade, he grew from a Prime Warrior to a terrifying existence surpassing that of a Flying Heaven Warrior.


    Ultimately, he even surpassed Lant, who had been famed for a hundred years, and became the undisputed number one warrior of human civilization.


    Of course.


    No matter how much Wan Qinghe recognized Li Yuan, deep down, he would not think that Li Yuan could bepared to the chief of his own Martial Hall.


    "Resources?" Wan Qinghe shook his head in secret, his eyes scanning the distant light screen.


    Clearly written on it were the various kinds of auxiliary cultivation resources that Li Yuan had purchased from the Martial Hall over thest half year.


    Very ordinary.


    As for fate? In Wan Qinghe''s view, Li Yuan, who stayed in the city every day, neither went to some mysterious Star Realm nor to Feixing, couldn''t have had any great fortune.


    Really thought it''s like a novel?


    "So, it''s only talent left." Wan Qinghe reflected in private, "Old Fei was right after all, a jade among stones... Li Yuan truly has such qualities."


    "Indeed, a discerning eye."


    When the outer shell of stone reveals itself, the true jade emerges.


    However.


    Wan Qinghe also felt a considerable pride in his heart, that such a talent was ultimately one he had unearthed himself.


    If Li Yuan really were to achieve great things in the future, he too would take pride in it.


    "Livebat sparring?" Wan Qinghe pondered, instantlying up with an idea.


    "Yes, let''s do that," he decided inwardly.


    Following that.


    Wan Qinghe spoke: "Open V-Chat, and call Old Fei."


    "Yes, Master," the assistant AI''s voice sounded.


    ¡­Soon, Fei Qian received a call from Wan Qinghe.


    Wan Qinghe reported fully on Li Yuan''s recent development, mainly from the invitation event to the April assessment growth.


    And he particrly emphasized that he yed an important guiding role in the growth process of Li Yuan, thanks to the wise directions of old Fei.


    "You''ve done well, Qinghe," the robed elder Fei Qian said with a smile in the video.


    His way of addressing Wan Qinghe had changed.


    Clearly, he was very pleased.


    "It''s all thanks to following the instructions Old Fei gave before, I have always been fully supporting Li Yuan," Wan Qinghe said with a smile.


    "You did well," Fei Qian smiled in response.


    The two were lifting each other in turn.


    "I just looked at your investigation report too, he actually used ''Purify Body and Marrow'' three times within a month, truly crazy," Fei Qian said with some emotion, "Even a Prime Warrior might not be able to bear that kind of pain, right?"


    "That a seventeen-year-old youth could hone such terrifying willpower¡­"


    "¡­is what enabled his body to evolve at such a high speed," Fei Qian continued analyzing, "Even so, to be able to improve so much within a month, his physical talent is also terrifying."


    Wan Qinghe listened seriously to the other''s ''nonsense''.


    "Worthy of Old Fei, I didn''t think so much," Wan Qinghe concluded.


    "Is this new cultivation n of his set by Kunlun Martial University?" Fei Qian inquired.


    "Yes," Wan Qinghe nodded.


    "A bunch of madmen," Fei Qian shook his head, "I suspect they never considered Li Yuan''s ability to endure when setting up this cultivation n."


    Wan Qinghe was speechless; the other party was Kunlun Martial University, known to be above the Martial Hall when it came to training n strategies for talents.


    "Here''s what we''ll do."


    "In three days, I''ll return to Jiang City," Fei Qian instructed, "Bring Li Yuan to me, I want to see him."


    "Yes," Wan Qinghe replied respectfully.


    Wan Qinghe understood in his heart that Fei Qian couldn''t resist stepping in personally to offer guidance (plucking the peach) to Li Yuan.


    After hanging up the phone.


    "He really won''t take action until he sees the rabbit," Wan Qinghe muttered to himself, "As soon as the peach is nearly ripe, he wants to pick it."


    "No wonder he''s been able to sit firmly as the city''s Hall Master for twenty years."


    "Not only does he have a discerning eye, but he also has the stamina," Wan Qinghe muttered, "Byparison, my cultivation is still not deep enough, I need to continue to learn."


    "Flying Heaven, change the memo name of ''Old Fei'' to ''Old Fei Worthy of My Learning''."


    "Yes, Master," the assistant AI responded.


    ¡­


    Noon.


    Jiangbei Martial Arts University, in a ssroom within the main base for war, Professor Ming looked at the messageing through the screen and sighed.


    "Why do you sigh, Teacher?" The man in the ck suit next to him couldn''t help but ask, "Didn''t you have high hopes for Li Yuan before? His good exam scores only prove your good judgment, right?"


    "What''s the use of good judgment?"


    Professor Ming nced at the man in the ck suit, "If his scores were a little worse, and he didn''t reach the national line in the entrance exam, we might have had a chance to pick up a bargain."


    "Then, our Jiangbei Martial Arts University might have been able to produce another Flying Heaven Warrior in the future."


    "Now?" Professor Ming shook his head.


    "Shall we send some more stuff? To be closer?" the man in the ck suit couldn''t help but say.


    "Idiot!"


    "Won''t Kunlun Martial University and Starfire Martial Hall cultivate him with all their might? Does he need these few resources?" Professor Ming shook his head, "Approaching now, will only make Li Yuan think we have ulterior motives and instead arouse his wariness."


    "We can only hope."


    "During the previous invitation event, our Jiangbei Martial Arts University left a good impression on Li Yuan, and since our university is also his hometown university¡­"


    ¡­


    Afternoon, Starry Sky Guanshan Sub Hall.


    "Vice Hall Master Lu, you wanted to see me?" Song Yi, dressed elegantly, stepped into Lu Huai''s office.


    "Vice Hall Master Song, please sit," Lu Huai, in his martial attire, was slowly practicing punches, speaking in the meantime, "I called you here to discuss a matter with you."


    ```


    "Speak," Song Yi said earnestly.


    Whether in the Starfire Martial Hall or the Starry Sky Martial Hall, every level of Hall Master, the Chief Hall Master has much more power than the Vice Hall Master.


    "There is some news about Li Yuan that you might want to know about," Lu Huai said.


    The expression on Song Yi''s face changed slightly.


    Again?


    Over the past six months, she had lost count of how many times she had heard the name Li Yuan and because of this, she had already been reprimanded three or four times.


    "Vice Hall Master Lu, didn''t you say a month ago that this matter would stop there?" Song Yi couldn''t help but speak up.


    "Finish reading this first," Lu Huai frowned.


    Ding~ A screen of light condensed, disying arge amount of text describing the recent situation of Li Yuan.


    And.


    The potential grade assessment given by an "Inspection Envoy from Jiangbei Province" of the Starry Sky Martial Hall for Li Yuan.


    Skipping the details.


    But the final conclusion of the reportpletely changed Song Yi''splexion.


    "Based on current performance and age analysis, can be identified as A+ level, but the growth rate over the past year has been extremely rapid,pletely on par with S+ level,prehensive assessment: S- level."


    Whether S+ level or S- level, both belong to S level.


    "Do you understand now?" Lu Huai sighed.


    Song Yi nodded unavoidably.


    An Inspection Envoy is an extremely special position in the Martial Hall, mainly responsible for supervising the Martial Halls at all levels and reviewing whether the Hall Masters of each level fulfill their duties diligently.


    Broadly speaking, they have tremendous power and can reach the highest authorities.


    Narrowly speaking, they have no power to decide verdicts, and even if they discover vitions, they must await judgments from higher-level Martial Halls.


    "The triennial Hall Master assessment ising up soon," Lu Huai nced at Song Yi and sighed: "In these three years working with me, your performance in other aspects of work is satisfactory and quite diligent, and you haven''t fallen behind in your training, but with regards to this matter involving Li Yuan, you have indeed lost quite a few points.


    I''m worried that once this inspection report is submitted, you won''t pass the final assessment."


    Song Yi clenched her teeth.


    Failing the triennial major assessment meant she would face punishment and lose significant benefits.


    "Hall Master, where did you get this inspection report from?" Song Yi couldn''t help but ask.


    She knew in her heart that if she wanted to pass the review, she must have the content of this inspection report ''optimized'' somewhat.


    Calling her over was definitely not out of kindness to inform her.


    "I was having lunch with this Inspection Envoy at noon, and he casually mentioned the report, saying it wasn''tplete and wanted to discuss it with me, to seek my opinion," Lu Huai said with a smile: "Given our rtionship, I naturally have to consider your situation."


    Song Yi''s heart seethed with anger, clearly understanding Lu Huai''s implications.


    "Vice Hall Master Lu," Song Yi said in a low tone, "as long as I pass the assessment, I will definitely obey your orders for the next three years."


    She could only lower her head.


    "I''m afraid that''s still not enough."


    Lu Huai finally showed his fangs, grinning: "I tried to reason, but that Inspection Envoy still thinks you look quite presentable and are more suitable for reception and publicity work. He suggested that the contract reviews and financial tasks you are in charge of could be set aside for now."


    "What do you think, Hall Master Song?" Lu Huai stared at Song Yi.


    In the three years since he took office, Lu Huai had long coveted the financial authority of the Starry Sky Guanshan sub-hall.


    Unfortunately, he had never found the opportunity.


    Song Yi''splexionpletely changed, and she suddenly stood up, staring fiercely at Lu Huai: "Vice Hall Master Lu, are you really intent on pushing me to the brink?"


    "It''s just one week until the assessment," Lu Huai smiled.


    "Hmph!"


    "Then please have this Inspection Envoy submit the report. I don''t believe that because of Li Yuan, I can''t pass the assessment," Song Yi scoffed, turning around to leave.


    Bang~ The door mmed shut violently.


    "So stubborn!"


    Lu Huai picked up his teacup, smiling: "This is really good tea, a pity it''s still too hot, needs to cool down before I can drink it."


    ...


    "Threatening me?" Song Yi returned to her office and angrily threw her cup.


    Bang! Bang!


    The batch of teacups she had just purchased shattered quickly, ending their brief mission of venting anger.


    "Stay calm!"


    "Calm down," Song Yi urged herself to stay calm: "I must get past this barrier."


    "I must find a way."


    Song Yi quickly pondered: "Cooperate with Lu Huai? No! That guy is a smiling tiger. If I back down today, then forget about holding my head high again."


    "Even after this, he can still use the matter with Li Yuan to suppress me."


    "Then I would really be his puppet on strings!" Song Yi was stubborn by nature.


    She would rather resign and apply to be a ''Star Realm Martial Artist'' than endure this indignity.


    "So there are only two paths."


    "On one hand, I should ask my esteemed seniors for help," Song Yi muttered to herself, knowing that she had supporters behind her rise to the position of Vice Hall Master.


    "On the other hand."


    "The person who tied the bell can also untie it," Song Yi understood the key point: "Li Yuan."


    "I must have him join me in staging a y."


    Song Yi thought for a moment and began contacting Wan Qinghe.


    Although the two great Martial Hallspeted, they were part of the same district, and their high-level executives naturally had ways to contact each other.


    ...


    About the disputes triggered by himself, Li Yuan was unaware.


    In the afternoon.


    As usual, Li Yuan went to the Martial Hall, waiting for the new ''actualbat sparring'' and preparing for today''sbat training.


    But soon, Li Yuan was greeted by another familiar face.


    "Lord Wan?" Li Yuan was astonished: "Where is Coach Wu?"


    "He had something else and asked for leave at thest moment," Wan Qinghe said with a smile: "Today, I''ll be the one to spar with you in actualbat."


    "You?" Li Yuan''s eyes widened.


    "What, you think I''m not qualified?" A hint of displeasure appeared on Wan Qinghe''s face.


    "No," Li Yuan shook his head quickly.


    After a two-second silence.


    "Hall Master, you''re too expensive, I can''t afford it, maybe we should switch to someone cheaper?"


    "Unless, you''re willing to give me a discount!"

 Chapter 98: 94: Subtlety of the Mind (Extra for 14,000 monthly votes)

    "Lord Wan, Coach Wu is a level 18 martial artist, and a single sparring session with him costs 30,000 Blue Star Coins," Li Yuan calcted. "But you are a Prime Warrior... ording to the prices I found, a sparring session with a Prime Warrior starts at 100,000 Blue Star Coins."


    Watching the serious expression on Li Yuan''s face, Wan Qinghe struggled to hold back augh.


    He suspected that Li Yuan was feigning ignorance, but it wasn''t good to call him out on it.


    Indeed, the fees for sparring with a Prime Warrior were exorbitantly high.


    But the reality was... there was no market for it.


    For martial artists or students at about level 10, those between levels 15 and 18 could usually fulfill the sparring responsibilities.


    Sparring with a Prime Warrior?


    That was often only needed by martial artists above level 15.


    But martial artists of such levels already possessed the strength to protect themselves and could delve into certain Star Realms to fight to the death with genuine Star Realm creatures.


    Not only could they temper themselves, they could also earn money.


    Thus, unless a Prime Warrior was willing to ''lower their own worth'',


    there would be no space for them in the sparring market.


    "Haha, don''t worry, I''ll give you a discount," Wan Qingheughed. "How about this, 10,000 Blue Star Coins per session?"


    Li Yuan smiled.


    10,000 Blue Star Coins? For Lord Wan, this was practically giving it away for free.


    He instantly understood that this was Lord Wan''s way of further closing the distance between them.


    "Good."


    Li Yuan did not refuse, and with a smile said, "Then I''ll trouble you, Hall Master."


    Through his uncle Li Changzhou''s teachings, sometimes Li Yuan was not afraid of owing too many favors.


    What is rapport?


    There is no affection without interaction, and those willing to help you will often continue to do so.


    For the current Li Yuan, forming a deeper connection with an influential figure like Wan Qinghe was advantageous and harmless.


    "Haha, you''re certainly not shy," Wan Qingheughed.


    He now confirmed that Li Yuan''s earlier ounting was just for show.


    "I am on good terms with your teacher Xu Bo, so in the future, you don''t need to call me Lord Wan," Wan Qinghe said with a smile. "I''m older, so just call me Uncle Wan."


    Li Yuan was momentarily stunned.


    "What''s the matter, unwilling?" Wan Qinghe asked with a smile. "If you are reluctant, then never mind."


    "Of course I''m willing," Li Yuan replied with due formality, respectfully performing a salute: "Li Yuan greets Uncle Wan."


    Wan Qinghe nodded, his esteem for Li Yuan growing even higher.


    Knows when to advance and when to retreat, understands human rtions, values family, possesses high talent, and trains extremely hard¡­ indeed, he is an uncut gem.


    "Alright."


    "Now that you''ve called me Uncle Wan, I will fulfill my duty as an uncle."


    "You may disregard other things, but martial arts cultivation cannot be taken lightly," Wan Qinghe said seriously. "Put on your protective gear, and let me see the level of your spear technique."


    "Go all out, don''t worry about injuring me."


    "Yes," Li Yuan nodded, understanding the terrifying strength of a Prime Warrior.


    Even if he stood still and let himself be attacked, he probably wouldn''t break through his defense.


    Soon.


    The two actually began theirbat session.


    "Huff!" Li Yuan, holding a long spear, suddenly burst forth, and with a single stab, more than twenty spear shadows instantly appeared, thunderously striking toward his opponent.


    "Boom!"


    Wan Qinghe held a long stick, which moved with astonishing speed, striking from behind to the front, effortlessly blocking Li Yuan''s fierce thrust.


    "Buzz~" Waves of terrifying force, like ocean waves, traveled through the spear shaft in an instant, making Li Yuan''s arm tremble, first numbing his arm, then his whole body.


    This was a very peculiar method of exerting force.


    With just one exchange, Li Yuan realized that Lord Wan''s skill realm was far above his own.


    "Oh? You managed not to drop your weapon?" Lord Wan''s eyes shed with surprise: "Your Spear Technique?"


    Lord Wan could feel that Li Yuan''s burst of strength was indeed around level 10.


    But his mastery of spear techniques was higher than he had estimated.


    "Again," Lord Wanmanded. "Continue to attack me, and remember, feel the vigor in my stick."


    "Yes," Li Yuan nodded and once again abruptly unleashed his attack.


    "Boom!"


    "Pfft~" "Swish~" Li Yuan''s spear technique immediately changed, bing even more mysterious and unpredictable. One thrust followed another; some of these techniques were swift, some hammered with great force, some shed sideways, and some were fierce and angry stabs. Overall, they surged toward Wan Qinghe like a tide.


    These moves, while appearing different, all actually originated from the "Gxy Waterfall" technique.


    The Starry Sky Five Forms were not merely five simple techniques.


    In fact, each form contained a multitude of responses to an enemy''s spear technique.


    The Gxy Waterfall was one of the Starry Sky Five Forms, most adept at continuous attacks, building momentum unceasingly.


    "ng!" "ng!" Wan Qinghe held the stick in one hand, quite easily fending off Li Yuan''s assaults.


    Each time, as soon as Li Yuan began to build up his spear technique to burst forth, he would suddenly be counterattacked by Wan Qinghe.


    The strange vigor that trembled down would disrupt Li Yuan''s spear stylepletely.


    It was extremely ufortable.


    "This kind of vigor." Li Yuan tried his best to perceive it, his spirit prating the spear shaft, attempting to figure out the pattern of the vigor being transmitted through Wan Qinghe''s stick.


    It was incrediblyplex!


    It was as if he was facing a tangled mess, with no clue where to start.


    "It''s impossible to dissipate all the vigor in an instant; it''s a very sophisticated method of handling vigor," Li Yuan immediately realized. "What I can do is to try to dissipate some of it incrementally, thereby neutralizing more and more until I can fully cope with it."


    Li Yuan immediately changed his strategy for dealing with it, and his spear techniques also began to change ordingly.


    "Hmm?"


    Wan Qinghe, being far more advanced than Li Yuan, noticed at once and was surprised: "So quickly, he''s found the right approach?"


    "Could he truly be a genius who understands instinctively?"


    ...


    Inside Martial Arts Room 7024, after an intense hour of battle, it was Li Yuan who first couldn''t keep up.


    He surrendered andid down his long spear.


    "Uncle Wan, I''ve reached my limit," Li Yuan shook his head with a wistful smile. "It''s too difficult to dissipate the vigor from your stick technique."


    Battling with Wan Qinghe for an hour exhausted him more than a full day of his usual cultivation.


    "Do you feel it?" Wan Qinghe asked with a smile.


    Li Yuan nodded.


    "Talk to me," Wan Qinghe urged.


    "In terms of pure strength and speed, your bursts are very weak, probably even weaker than mine," Li Yuan said gravely. "But with each exchange, the instant explosion of vigor, whether it''s entangling force, shocking force, or unloading force, you are far superior in applying these kinds of vigor."


    As a "Spear Technique Master" who had reached 25% of the Fourth Level, Li Yuan now had quite a high perspective.


    "Correct," Wan Qinghe smiled. "That is exactly what I want to teach you today."


    Li Yuan immediately listened carefully.


    "In terms of physical quality, you''ve reached the threshold of an Entry Rank Martial Artist," Wan Qinghe said. "Next, you must gradually work towards bing a Prime Warrior."


    "Do you know the three great challenges of a Prime Warrior?" Wan Qinghe inquired.


    "I know," Li Yuan responded solemnly. "Spiritual power, skill realm, and physical quality."


    Spiritual power at level 20, skill realm at the Fourth Level with mind and body in unity, and physical quality at level 19.9.


    These are the three fundamental requirements for stepping into the realm of a Prime Warrior.


    It was not a secret; naturally, Li Yuan was aware of them.


    "Right," Wan Qinghe looked at Li Yuan. "For most First Rank Martial Artists, spiritual power and skill realm are the most difficult. That''s why they consume Spirit Nourishing Potions and Spirit Nourishing Pills. Advancing from the Third to the Fourth Level in skill is a significant challenge."


    Li Yuan nodded slightly.


    Advancing in skill realm was indeed difficult. Transitioning from the perfection of the Third Stage to the Fourth Level had stalled him for many days.


    As for spiritual power? He had been cultivating the "Observing the Great Sun Starry Sky Scripture" for so long and still hadn''t reached level 20.


    "However, for a normal Martial Artist, improving the body is rtively easier," Wan Qinghe continued. "But for you, it''s exactly the opposite."


    "Your greatest challenge is improving your body."


    Li Yuan did not dispute this point. Without the aid of High Rank cultivation methods, it was indeed much harder to enhance physical quality.


    "Using treasures like the Body Cleansing Marrow, you saw significant short-term effects," Wan Qinghe said. "But once your physical quality reached level 15, it became increasingly difficult."


    "Level 15?" Li Yuan pondered thoughtfully.


    "Beyond level 15, a Martial Artist''s body is already extremely strong," Wan Qinghe dered solemnly. "For example, a level 15 Martial Artist can throw a punch with a force of over ten thousand kilograms."


    "And a level 19 Martial Artist? Their punch can exceed a full force of over fifty thousand kilograms."


    "With each level''s difference, the gap in strength is astounding."


    "Historically, the original generation of Martial Artists truly spared no expense, utilizing all kinds of treasures andbined with the topmost talents. Only then did they gradually elevate themselves to be Prime Warriors," Wan Qinghe said. "But you don''t have such external conditions."


    Li Yuan listened silently.


    Indeed!


    Organizations like the Martial Hall and Kunlun Martial University seemed to value him, but they would certainly not give him those truly extraordinary treasures yet.


    The certainty was too great.


    "Of course, if you continue to cultivate step by step, I reckon that by about the age of 22, you could be a Prime Warrior," Wan Qinghe said. "Four years, a Prime Warrior at the age of 22, is quite fast for most people."


    "Butpared to your skill realm and spiritual power, it''s too slow," Wan Qinghe shook his head. "You also have to createws, which would waste your prime cultivation time."


    Li Yuan was left speechless.


    Originally, Wan Qinghe estimated that I could be a Prime Warrior in at most four years, around my senior year of college.


    "Uncle Wan, what should I do?" Li Yuan asked the question the other party had intended for him to ask.


    "One is through Heavenly Materials Treasures, but that''s not realistic, so let''s not talk about it."


    "Two, it''s about skill." Wan Qinghe said earnestly, "This is also what I want to talk about today, if your skill could quickly reach the ''heart and skill entering subtlety''."


    "Then, the evolution speed of your body will greatly increase."


    "Heart and skill entering subtlety?" Li Yuan was stunned for a moment, he was unfamiliar with these terms.


    "Fourth Level skills are divided into two minor levels," Wan Qinghe said with a smile, "The first realm is Unity."


    "The ''Unity'' that ordinary Martial Artists talk about is actually just the preliminary mobilization of whole-body vigor, achieving a unified force inrge muscle groups and bones."


    "But upon entering the Fourth Level, the heart further perceives the body and can further excavate deeper potential from the body, unleashing greater strength and speed."


    Li Yuan nodded slightly, the reason he could fight a level 12 Moon Demon Wolf King with level 9 during thebat assessment was exactly because of this.


    "Theoretically, if one can excavate one''s body potential to the extreme, a level 10 Martial Artist can easily contend with many level 14 or even level 15 warriors."


    Li Yuan also felt deeply moved, this was the terrifying aspect of profound skills.


    "However, when the perception of the body''s strength reaches a certain extent, it''s often difficult to continue excavating."


    "Each person has different limits, which is why many Prime Warriors are stuck at the initial rank of Fourth Level," Wan Qinghe exined, "To further break through, one must delve deeper into the body with the heart, allowing the power of the heart to reach every muscle, every bone, and even every flow of blood."


    "From top to bottom, the slightest injury in the tiniest capiry can be clearly perceived with the ''heart.''"


    "By then, not only can one unleash the body''s limit of strength, one can also detect various minor injuries and easily repair them, maintaining the body in its peak condition, and extending one''s lifespan to over 200 years."


    "This is the perfection of Fourth Level skills, a thought of the heart discerning subtlety!"


    "Also known as the Subtle Realm!"


    "It is also one of the necessary conditions for breaking through to be a level 25 Prime Warrior," a hint of longing shed in Wan Qinghe''s eyes.


    Li Yuan''s eyes widened as he listened.


    Perfection of Fourth Level skills? A lifespan of over 200 years?


    This is a level 25 Prime Warrior!


    "Think about it, if your skill reaches ''subtlety,''" Wan Qinghe said with a smile, "with the utilization of your body reaching its limit, how fast do you think your body''s evolution will be? I''m afraid that with enough resources, you could achieve level 19.9 in just one or two years."


    Immediately, Li Yuan had a goal in his heart, subtlety! The perfection of Fourth Level skills!


    "Uncle Wan, have you reached the subtlety in your skills?" Li Yuan suddenly asked.


    "I¡­"


    Wan Qinghe''s voice abruptly stopped, and he stiffly changed the subject, "By the way, apart from the actualbat training today, there''s something else I wanted to talk to you about."


    "Sure, please go on, Uncle Wan," Li Yuan, discerning everything, chose not to expose his newly acknowledged ''uncle,'' caring for his feelings.


    He was already a mature nephew, learning to take care of his uncle''s emotions.


    "Song Yi, the Vice Hall Master of the Starfire Martial Hall''s branch in Starry Sky Pass, remember her?" Wan Qinghe said.


    "Yes," Li Yuan nodded, he remembered her.


    She was only willing to offer him a D-rank contract.


    But Uncle Wan was better, directly giving him a B-rank contract.


    "She offered 1 million, wanting to invite you to do an interview program on television," Wan Qinghe said with a smile, "talking about how you bonded with Starfire Martial Hall from a young age, how you aspired to be part of Starfire Martial Hall, and finally, after some efforts, seeded in signing a contract with Starfire Martial Hall¡ªthe ''inspirational growth story.''"


    "What do you think? Are you interested?"

 Chapter 99: 95: Hes Worth the Price (Vote for Monthly Ticket)

    "A million Blue Star Coins for a television interview?" Li Yuan was dumbstruck.


    What kind of y was this?


    The key point, ording to Uncle Wan''s meaning, was that this program was going to be about his own story with Starfire Martial Hall?


    But there was no story to tell!


    In the past, when he bought qi and blood potions, he always went to Starry Sky Martial Hall.


    "Don''t understand?" Wan Qinghe looked at Li Yuan with a slightly puzzled expression and smiled, "This Song Yi, in Starry Sky Martial Hall, is responsible for various contract audits and the distribution of funds for the hall''s operation."


    "Financial authority?" Li Yuan asked.


    "Right," Wan Qinghe looked at Li Yuan, "You seem to know quite a bit."


    Li Yuan smiled; his uncle, Li Changzhou, had struggled in construction for many years and asionally taught him; naturally, he understood some things.


    In any organization, so-called management simply means effectively controlling personnel authority, financial authority, and executive authority.


    Li Yuan could guess that Song Yi wielded great power in the Starry Sky Guan Mountain branch hall.


    "The hall conducts audits of each Martial Hall every three years," Wan Qinghe patiently exined, "And the next audit ising up soon."


    "The matter of you almost signing with Starry Sky Martial Hall is no secret," Wan Qingheughed.


    Wan Qinghe didn''t say that this matter was primarily stirred up by him and Xu Bo together.


    "If you had only shown the potential for a Grade B contract, then the impact wouldn''t have been significant," Wan Qinghe smiled. "But the stronger you perform, especially in this April''s evaluation where you were essentially the top martial artist in Jiang City..."


    "Together with your performance at the Jiangbei Martial University recruitment event... it must have put her in a difficult position."


    "Moreover, the better you perform from now on, the more difficult it will be for her."


    "I suspect someone in Starry Sky Martial Hall is targeting her," Wan Qingheughed. "Controlling the finances of a halles with no small amount of benefit."


    "Internal strife?" Li Yuan was curious.


    "More like mutual supervision," Wan Qingheughed. "It can promote healthy internalpetition."


    Li Yuan was speechless.


    Uncle is just at a higher level than himself.


    "So, she came to me?" Li Yuan pondered, "Is it to have me dere through the program that my signing with Starfire Martial Hall was due to my own subjective reasons and not her dereliction of duty?"


    "To permanently resolve the problem of me?" Li Yuan smiled. "If you can''t solve the problem, solve the person who raises the problem?"


    "Smart," Wan Qinghe smiled. "Once you appear on the program, and she promotes it in secret, there should be no one who can openly use that reason to attack her anymore."


    "At least, she would have a strong support 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 could see that Uncle Wan had a strong ''desire to perform.''


    You must understand.


    Seniors love being respected, asked for opinions, and appreciated when the younger generation can take those opinions and improve even further upon them.


    This is the essence of all kinds of rtionships¡ªbe it that of a parent and child, confidants, or friends without regard for age difference.


    Just as Li Yuan expected.


    "If you refuse, you would offend her. Of course, it wouldn''t affect you much; she wouldn''t be stupid enough to target you anymore," Wan Qingheughed, "because you have be powerful enough to be her problem."


    "But it''s always good to have one less direct enemy," Wan Qinghe smiled. "The little devil is troublesome to deal with."


    Li Yuan smiled; his own strength was the most important.


    Why didn''t Song Yie to him before? Why didn''t she try to resolve the problem of him? It was because she didn''t think he was worth mentioning.


    If Song Yi knew that Uncle Wan treated her as a little devil, she would be grinding her teeth in irritation.


    "If you agree to turn hostility into goodwill, she will not only pay the money but also owe you a favor," Wan Qinghe continued. "Besides, once the program airs, if the higher-ups of Starfire Martial Hall are aware, they will also appreciate you more."


    It all sounded like benefits.


    "However, it would offend the higher-ups in Starry Sky Martial Hall who are targeting Song Yi," Li Yuan picked up the conversation. "But I am with Starfire Martial Hall, and I don''t care about her."


    "Right," Wan Qinghe looked at Li Yuan approvingly, "It''s up to you."


    Li Yuan had seen through Uncle Wan''s thoughts.


    "Uncle Wan, I think you''re right, reconciliation is better," Li Yuan said directly, "I also have some of my own thoughts."


    "Speak," Wan Qinghe said.


    "One million, isn''t that a bit cheap?" Li Yuan asked tentatively.


    Wan Qinghe was taken aback, thenughed, "You little devil, what do you want to do?"


    "For a million, I''ll only appear on the show saying that I''ve liked Starfire Martial Hall since I was a child," Li Yuanughed. "For two million, I''ll say that I have admired Hall Master Dongfang since I was little, idolized him, and was determined to join Starfire Martial Hall."


    "For three million, in addition to the above, I''ll add that my family is friends with ''Zhong Cheng'' from Starry Sky Martial Hall, so Hall Master Song Yi made me many private promises, even preparing to apply for a Grade B contract for me out of sequence, but ultimately, despite such temptations, I steadfastly chose to join Starfire Martial Hall," Li Yuan said in one breath.


    Wan Qinghe looked at Li Yuan withpletely changed eyes.


    Three packages¡ªbasic, premium, gship?


    If based on thest package.


    Song Yi would not only be meless, but in a certain sense, she would have done all in her power, fulfilling her dutiesmendably.


    No deductions, and she would even merit extra points.


    "Uncle Wan, my thoughts might be naive, what do you think?" Li Yuan held the opinion of the elder in high regard.


    "You can proceed with thest n," Hall Master Wan pondered, "But did you really lean toward joining Starfire Martial Hall at first?"


    "Yes!"


    "Although it''s not as exaggerated as the third n, I did indeed prefer to join Starfire Martial Hall," Li Yuan said decisively, "I don''t dare deceive Uncle Wan; since I was young, I have greatly admired Hall Master Dongfang. One wall of my room is adorned with Hall Master Dongfang''s words saying ''Martial Path is me.''"


    "As a child, I wrote more than once that ''The person I admire most is Hall Master Dongfang.''"


    "Furthermore, my ssmates also know that my idol is Hall Master Dongfang," Li Yuan quickly provided the ''material'' needed for a segment of the program.


    But in actuality, Li Yuan was downying things.


    Yes, Li Yuan admired Dongfang Ji very much, but he never had such a fervent desire to join Starfire Martial Hall.


    A mix of three parts truth, seven parts fabrication.


    But who could tell? There were no mind readers.


    "That''s good," Wan Qinghe believed Li Yuan.


    Suddenly, Wan Qinghe remembered something and couldn''t help but feel sentimental, "Back then, your teacher told me your aunt and uncle did not quite approve of you agreeing to sign a Grade B contract with us at Starfire right away; you insisted on agreeing immediately."


    "I always secretly thought your teacher was bluffing me, but now? I believe it," Wan Qingheughed.


    Li Yuan kept a smile on his face.


    Xu Bo, his teacher, had indeed streamlined a lot of processes for him.


    "Alright,"


    "Then let''s proceed with the third n. I''ll go and talk to Song Yi, leave it to me."


    "3 million may not be guaranteed, but at least 2 million is possible. I will do my best to strive for you," Wan Qinghe smiled. "Once the show airs, if it''s promoted well, the higher-ups of the Martial Hall will also have a better impression of you."


    "Thank you, Uncle Wan," Li Yuan said sincerely. "Additionally, Uncle Wan, I''ve been thinking, if I can pass the 300-point mark at Fallen Star, and move up in the rankings on Blue Star''s ''Youth Pride Leaderboard,'' couldn''t that increase my bargaining chips?"


    "Fallen Star 300 points? Are you confident?" Wan Qinghe''s eyes shone brightly.


    300 points in Fallen Star represented a minor watershed for Fourth Level techniques.


    "Yes," Li Yuan confirmed. "I''ve already reached 242 points in Fallen Star, and that was a week ago."


    "If I spend a bit more time, in this day or two, I should be able to break through."


    "Ha ha, good. If you can achieve that, I will make her offer at least 3 million," Wan Qingheughed. "Alright, continue with your training."


    "Yes."


    ...


    "Uncle Wan''s Vigor is mysterious and unpredictable; he must have mastered control over his bodily strength to the utmost degree," Li Yuan pondered alone in the Martial Hall.


    "Body control."


    "Unity, Subtlety." Li Yuan resumed practicing with his Long Spear, with deliberate slowness.


    He consciously induced and mobilized deeperyers of strength within his body.


    Li Yuan didn''t pay much attention to the matter of Song Yi.


    Money? 2 or 3 million, it would be best to obtain it, but if not, so be it.


    Over ten minutester.


    "Powerful."


    "As long as I am strong enough," Li Yuan''s Long Spear whistled through the air, and the spear shadows shifted unpredictably: "Whoever troubles me will find that I am their trouble."


    "Boom!"


    Suddenly, he thrust his spear, resembling a streak of light dashed across, causing a startling roar within the Martial Arts Room.


    [Your Spear Technique realm has increased from Fourth Level 25% to Fourth Level 26%.]


    ...


    On the twelfth floor of the Martial Hall, the Hall Master''s office.


    "Hall Master Song," Wan Qinghe said with a smile, looking at the elegantdy in the light screen projection. "Sorry to have kept you waiting."


    "How is it?" Song Yi asked. "Is Li Yuan willing to agree?"


    "Li Yuan is very courteous and is willing to appear on the show," Wan Qinghe said.


    A sense of joy shed in Song Yi''s heart.


    "However," Wan Qinghe''s tone shifted, and his expression cooled slightly: "If Li Yuan is willing to help Hall Master Song, shouldn''t Hall Master Song also be a bit more understanding?"


    Song Yi understood immediately and went straight to the point: "Lord Wan, just tell me, what''s your price?"


    "10 million!" Wan Qinghe stated indifferently.


    "What?" Song Yi''s expression changed slightly; despite her wealth, not that she couldn''t afford the price.


    But it was too steep.


    "He''s worth that price," Wan Qinghe stated casually. "Let''s discuss this in detail."


    Immediately after, Wan Qinghe exined the three ns to Song Yi.


    Her expression grew very interesting.


    "Additionally," Wan Qinghe''s face showed an inexplicable smile: "I want to remind Hall Master Song; I can also prepare another show where Li Yuan can thoroughly discuss how I, with my discerning eyes, spotted the gem he is, and the ''real process'' of how he joined my Starfire Martial Hall."


    Song Yi''s face darkened to the extreme.


    "Hall Master Wan, you think too highly of Li Yuan," Song Yi ground her teeth. "In my assessment, he only makes up a small part, at most 2 or 3 points out of 100."


    "You''re only missing those 2 or 3 points to pass the evaluation," Wan Qinghe replied, no longer being polite.


    "I''ll remind you,"


    "Tonight or tomorrow, Li Yuan will break through the 300-point barrier on Starry Skies Fighting Network."


    "When that happens, it won''t be this price anymore," Wan Qinghe said coldly.


    Song Yi''s face changed again.


    "10 million is too much," Song Yi said lowly. "At most 6 million, or I might as well give up this position."


    She had her limits.


    "Alright, deal," Wan Qinghe nodded. "However, you''ll have to cover all the taxes."


    "Taxes? What taxes?" An inkling of unease passed through Song Yi''s mind.


    "You will donate the money to ''Guan Mountain District Red River Street Martial Path Talent Development Association'' via the official channels," Wan Qinghe exined casually. "Whatever is left, you won''t have to worry about."


    A donation?


    Song Yi was stunned; she had never heard of such an association.


    In the end.


    Song Yi was forced to agree.


    "The money should arrive within two hours, remember, don''t use your own ounts," Wan Qinghe reminded her. "Then you can be on the show tomorrow."


    "You''ll still have three days to do promotions."


    After hanging up on Song Yi.


    Wan Qinghe dialed another V-call, and soon.


    "Big brother," a deep voice came through.


    "Little Six, didn''t I ask you to set up an association in Red River Streetst time?" Wan Qinghe''s voice was deep. "Today, a sum of money wille in, about 6 million after taxes."


    "Make sure the ounts are in order."


    "In a week, there will be a program airing, and you''ll justify the donation for sponsoring underprivileged, aspiring Martial Path talents by awarding it to ss (2) of the senior year at Guan Mountain District No.1 High School, to a student named ''Li Yuan.''"


    "How much shall we keep?"


    "Not a single cent; I''ll cover the intermediary expenses."


    "Understood."


    ...


    One hourter.


    "Li Yuan? Initially, Song Yi was only willing to offer 2 million, but I did my best to negotiate for you, and after a long talk, she agreed to pay 6 million," Wan Qinghe made a V-call to Li Yuan.

 Chapter 100: 96 Violence is the Source (Seeking Monthly Pass)

    "6 million?" Li Yuan was stunned when he heard the number.


    The previously proposed 3 million, in his view, was already an ''astronomical price,'' considering it was just for a few hours on a show.


    Therefore, Li Yuan''s expectation was around 2 million.


    To his surprise, Wan Qinghe was actually able to negotiate up to 6 million Blue Star Coins, which was simply terrifying.


    "Uncle Wan, impressive," Li Yuan sincerely said.


    He still had a lot to learn from Uncle Wan.


    "You underestimate your own value," Wan Qingheughed in the V-chat: "The first priority in negotiations is to be clear about your own value, and then to gauge the other party''s bottom line."


    Wan Qinghe didn''t explicitly say, but he had started at 10 million Blue Star Coins, guessing that Song Yi would eventually give in.


    But in dealing with people, one should leave room for maneuver.


    If you''re not prepared to utterly defeat the opponent in one blow, it''s best not to corner them.


    "Mmm-hmm," Li Yuan nodded: "So, Uncle Wan, about the money..."


    "Don''t worry, I''ve arranged everything," Wan Qinghe said solemnly: "You''ll go on the show tomorrow, and as for the money... the n is roughly this."


    Wan Qinghe briefly exined the arrangement to Li Yuan.


    "The Guan Mountain District Red River Street Martial Path Talent Development Fund Association?" Li Yuan blinked, what a backwater name.


    He couldn''t help asking, "Uncle Wan, is this association reliable? Let''s not get scammed."


    "Of course, it''s real," Wan Qinghe replied indifferently: "It''s officially registered, and Song Yi is sponsoring the association voluntarily, which has nothing to do with you or me, and it''s taxed."


    "In the end, because the association is inspired by your deeds, they''ll support your martial arts cultivation, which also has nothing to do with Song Yi, and personal ie tax will be paid."


    "Exactly."


    "The final 6 million you get has nothing to do with Song Yi,plying with every regtion of the Seven Star Alliance, so spend it without worry," Wan Qinghe said.


    "Understood," Li Yuan''s mind was like a clear mirror.


    In fact, this kind of private financial transaction could directly go to him without any issues...but since Song Yi needed to pass the scrutiny of the Starry Sky Martial Hall, it was necessary to leave no trace.


    "Uncle," Li Yuan naturally dropped another word from the honorific.


    He hadpleted the evolution from calling him Uncle Wan, to just Wan, and now simply Uncle.


    "What''s the matter? Something else?" Wan Qingheughed.


    "There should be some expenses in this operation, right? I know there are rules," Li Yuan whispered: "How about we go with the original n and give me 3 million instead?"


    "After all, running a society involves a lot of management, staff, and the costs of premises, probably tens of millions each year," Li Yuan said earnestly.


    Following the rules is important.


    Uncle Wan might not say it, but he couldn''t help but bring it up.


    "No need, if you still called me Hall Master Wan, then it would be by the rules," Wan Qinghe spoke lightly: "But if you call me ''uncle,'' I can''t let you call me that for nothing."


    "All right then."


    "You go back to cultivating," Wan Qinghe instructed.


    "Remember, all this is trivial, your strength is the foundation."


    "Also,"


    "The day after tomorrow in the afternoon, take leave with your teacher ande with me to the Jiang City Martial Hall. The City Hall Master ''Elder Fei'' wants to meet you."


    "Mm, thank you, Uncle."


    ...


    "6 million? Just like that, it''s in my hands?" Li Yuan hung up the V-chat, also somewhat bbergasted.


    "Uncle was right indeed."


    "The richer they are, the more ruthless they are at making money. The hardest million for ordinary people to earn is the first one," Li Yuan murmured to himself.


    Through Wan Qinghe''s maneuvers, Li Yuan also realized that Uncle Wan was not as benign and simple as he appeared on the surface.


    To think, how long had the other party been in office?


    And to already have such a well-established registered association.


    "Every man has his method."


    Li Yuan tightly gripped the long spear in his hand, murmuring to himself, "But the most powerful, will always be martial force."


    Like Dongfang Ji, who established ''Starfire Martial Hall'' that in just a few decades prated the domains of the Seven Greats, altering numerous rules from top to bottom within the Seven Star Alliance, tampering with many people''s vested interests.


    For instance, opening up Cultivation Techniques, the high school examination system, the Martial Hall contract system... Was it reliant on interpersonal skills?


    No! It was his invincible martial force! It was his resolve to protect the entire Human Race.


    Violence, it''s the foundation and the source.


    Dongfang Ji''s ''Seven Star Alliance Progress Movement,'' though only half a page long in the history textbooks, but behind ity countless beheaded, innumerable noble families and ns dissipated like smoke.


    "Martial Path."


    Li Yuan put down his spear and continued to practice the Basic Cultivation Method, not daring to rx for even a moment.


    Moreover, Li Yuan could feel that Wan Qinghe was indeed sincere toward him.


    Because, more than once he reminded him: "Your strength is the cornerstone."


    ...


    In the evening, Li Yuan returned home and chatted with his younger brother and sister.


    They went to sleep.


    "Auntie, how''s Uncle doing?" Li Yuan asked while sipping the hot milk his aunt had prepared for him.


    A cup of hot milk wasn''t much use to him.


    But Li Yuan knew that his rapid growth had made his aunt somewhat ufortable, and this was one of the few ways she could show her love for him.


    Why take that away?


    This was also why Li Yuan insisted oning home every day. From the perspective of pure cultivation benefits, he could entirely live in the Martial Hall.


    But then, what would his aunt think?


    The purpose of cultivation is not just to cultivate, but for the family.


    "His condition is improving quickly, he''s been moved to a regr ward, and his vital signs are basically back to normal. The Martial Hall''s special care workers are taking shifts around the clock, so I hardly need to be there," Chen Hui looked at Li Yuan drinking his milk, the corners of her mouth unintentionally curling up a bit, as it made her feel like this was still the nephew she knew.


    "Also, the treatment costs are mostly covered by the state, and the remaining part was paid by your uncle''spany."


    "Moreover, considering your uncle''s situation, there''s an additional ''Merit Subsidy'' from the state of about 400,000 Blue Star Coins, which should arrive within half a month," Chen Hui said.


    "Mm, that''s good," Li Yuan nodded, the treatment for uncle didn''t cost the family much.


    Expenses like rapid transfers using aircraft, Uncle Wan didn''t ask me to pay either.


    "By the way."


    "Last time, that Brother Lin, the treasures they brought, they didn''t make things difficult for you, did they?" Chen Hui couldn''t help asking.


    She was present at the time and had signed the documents, knowing that the mysterious ''Brother Lin'' was the key to saving her husband.


    "No."


    "If we''re talking about owing favors, then yes, but those were people from the high ranks of the Martial Hall," Li Yuan said with ease, "Auntie, don''t worry, I''m quite capable now. I''ll arrange everything properly. Once I be a Prime Warrior in the future, none of these will be an issue."


    Li Yuan didn''t tell his auntie the truth, as it wasn''t particrly meaningful.


    But he also couldn''t keep herpletely in the dark, as that would add to her psychological burden, making her prone to wild thoughts.


    "That''s good, we should properly thank those people," Chen Hui said, "Today, the hospital director told me your uncle''s recovery is almostplete, and they are ready to use the ''Consciousness Awakening Device''."


    "Consciousness Awakening Device?" Li Yuan nodded slightly, "Okay, let''s trust the doctors."


    Nowadays, the number of people in a vegetative state has drastically reduced, thanks to the ''Consciousness Awakening Device''.


    Its principle is simr to ''conscious contact sensing'' in a virtualwork.


    It starts by introducing the ''vegetative person''s'' consciousness into the virtualwork, then enhancing the stimuli.


    Ultimately achieving the goal of awakening.


    "By the way, Auntie, the Martial Hall told me that the apartment in Starfire South Lake District has been tidied up and redecorated, ready for us to move in," Li Yuan said, "It will be more convenient for you when you go to work, and for Qianqian and Muhua when they go to the Martial Hall."


    "What about this house then?" Chen Hui hesitated, "Should we wait for your uncle to wake up and leave the hospital before we move?"


    She felt a bit lost, as Li Yuan had brought huge changes to the whole family in just a few months.


    "We can leave this house as it is for now," Li Yuan said with a smile, "Everything that should be bought there has been bought. We can move in for a few days to see how it goes. If you''re still not used to it, we can move back."


    "You might not mind."


    "But for Qianqian and Muhua, the cultivation and learning environment will be better there," Li Yuan knew exactly how to grasp his auntie''s concerns.


    "Mm, okay," Chen Hui nodded reluctantly, she didn''t really care much about the vi.


    However, she ced great importance on the education of Li Qianqian and Li Muhua.


    Just like she once did for Li Yuan.


    "Beep~" Chen Hui suddenly felt her smart ring vibrate and looked down, slightly startled, "Two million Blue Star Coins?"


    She had just received a transfer from Li Yuan.


    "Li Yuan, what''s this?" Chen Hui was astounded, two million Blue Star Coins!


    That was more than a decade''s worth of her sry.


    "It''s for Qianqian and Muhua," Li Yuan said with a smile, "Auntie, this amount of money isn''t much to me anymore. This time I ranked first in the Jiang City Martial Path exams, and the day after tomorrow, the City Hall Master wants to meet me."


    "The City Hall Master?" Chen Hui gasped; this was a significant figure in her eyes.


    Usually only seen in the news.


    "The money is mainly to provide Qianqian and Muhua, especially Qianqian, with an Origin Power Essence Pill every two months," Li Yuan said, "You must have seen the training documents before."


    "Mm, okay," Chen Hui nodded, as she held a master''s degree and was quite educated.


    Shortly after.


    Li Yuan went into his room to wash up.


    "My nephew," Chen Hui stared at the empty milk cup on the table, lost in thought.


    "Big brother, sister-inw,"


    "Can you see this?" Chen Hui silently prayed in her heart, "Li Yuan has really grown uppletely."


    Just like Li Changzhou hadn''t forgotten.


    Chen Hui too had never forgotten how she held the wailing Li Yuan and ran for their lives.


    If Li Yuan''s parents hadn''t desperately fought off the two Star Realm Creatures, there would have been no escape.


    You must understand.


    Li Yuan''s parents were both Martial Artists, and if they had chosen to run for their lives, they would have had a much bigger chance of survival than the others.


    As she kept thinking.


    "Auntie, why are you crying?" Suddenly, a deep voice came from the bathroom.


    "Eh~"


    "Am I?" Chen Hui quickly wiped the tears from the corner of her eyes and smiled, "My eyes are a bit ufortable from watching the light screen too much."


    ¡­


    Entering his room, Li Yuan sat down in the virtualwork capsule straight away.


    "Having told Uncle Wan that I could score 300 points on the Fallen Star,"


    "Let''s get to it as soon as possible," Li Yuan thought to himself, ncing at his Divine Pce panel subconsciously.


    [Life Level: 9.9 (Entry Rank)]


    Physical Quality Index: 105 (indicating aprehensive assessment of aspects such as explosive power, endurance, speed, physique, and spiritual power.)


    Fist Strength: 1287 kilograms


    Speed: 21.8 meters per second


    Spiritual Power: 16.6


    Spiritual Awakening Level: 12.8% (current cap 20%)


    Physical Body Cultivation Method: Solid Rock Cultivation Method


    Mental Cultivation Technique: Observing the Great Sun Starry Sky Scripture


    Skill Realm: Spear Technique (Fourth Level 26%), movement technique (Fourth Level 20%), Fist Technique (Fourth Level 29%)


    [Note: When the Spiritual Awakening Level reaches 25%, 50%, 75%, 100%, 125%, you will gradually receive Spiritual Guidance.]


    ----


    "Spear Technique, movement technique, both have improvedpared tost week; there should be hope to break through," Li Yuan thought to himself.


    "Let''s start."


    Li Yuan''s consciousness connected, and he entered the Starry Skies Fighting Network, beginning the Fallen Star rank match.

 Chapter 103: 99: College Entrance Exam in June (Seeking Monthly Pass)

    "Getting up at four in the morning for cultivation without rest?" Big Brother Lin was puzzled, "Even for a Prime Warrior, that''s not possible, is it?"


    "Combining work with rest is the only way to endure in the long run."


    "Unless one reaches the level of a Flying Heaven Warrior, bes attuned with the heavens and nature, they might be able to rejuvenate at any time. Otherwise, who can push themselves so hard?" Big Brother Lin said earnestly, "Even Dongfang Ji, our senior, only mentioned training for sixteen hours a day."


    Lin Lanyue didn''t say anything.


    In her mind, she involuntarily recalled the scene described to her by Gu Qianghan after returning from Jiangbei Martial University, "Sis, that Li Yuan is simply a madman, a masochist. He practices every night, and then gets up again at four or five in the morning... I really admire him. If he doesn''t seed, who would?"


    Gu Qianghan''s emphatic words.


    Made the then Lin Lanyue gain a deeper understanding of Li Yuan.


    This was an extremely self-disciplined person with a steadfast goal, one who strove towards it relentlessly.


    "Bro, what exactly is it?" Lin Lanyue asked once more.


    "It''s about Li Yuan," Big Brother Lin said with a smile, "Do you want to know?"


    "Bro, if you''re going to tell me, tell me. If not, don''t dy my cultivation," Lin Lanyue shot him a nce.


    She clearly understood the difference between her eldest brother and her second brother; if the eldest got hold of some news, he''d be too antsy to keep it to himself.


    "Alright, alright, I''m convinced," Big Brother Lin said helplessly, raising his hand to bring up some data on the light screen.


    All of it concerned Li Yuan.


    "First in both subjects? First in Jiang City''s bare Martial Path score?" Lin Lanyue murmured to herself.


    Perfect scores! That was a truly terrifying achievement.


    "Little sis, you don''t seem so surprised," Big Brother Lin said smilingly, "Did you know in advance? Or have you beenmunicating with Li Yuan?"


    "No, and I wasn''t aware," Lin Lanyue said with a smile, "It''s indeed incredible that he could achieve such results, but when I think about the effort he has put in, it''s not surprising."


    "He has indeed practiced arduously," Big Brother Lin nodded, "Besides his academic results in the April exams, I just got news that he should have broken past 300 points in Fallen Star."


    "Fourth Level Intermediate Rank in skills?" Lin Lanyue finally showed a hint of surprise.


    She was very aware that Li Yuan had just entered the Fourth Level a month ago.


    Has he progressed this fast?


    You should know, because of practicing the Nirvana Divine Scripture, she was able toe to Feixing early for special training. Whether in physical quality or skills, her progress has been much faster.


    But now, her skills were still slightlycking behind reachingplete perfection of the Third Rank.


    "Fate often favors the more diligent," Lin Lanyue said with a slight smile.


    "Little sis, do you really like him?" Big Brother Lin suddenly asked.


    "Like?"


    Facing her big brother''s question, Lin Lanyue didn''t show any embarrassment, but after thinking for a while, she said, "Perhaps, it''s more that I admire him."


    "That''s fine, you''ve always been decisive, and it''s good as long as you know what you want," Big Brother Lin said with a smile.


    He was an experienced person; by looking at the way Lin Lanyue was, he clearly understood.


    But he didn''t mind.


    It has always been thus, from ancient times until now, that young boys admire and girls cherish spring; it''s better to guide than to suppress feelings.


    "Bro, you better not tell father and mother about this," Lin Lanyue suddenly red at her big brother.


    "Ha ha, why would I tell them?" Big Brother Linughed, "You''re not a child, just be happy."


    Big Brother Lin was very open-minded, although if the family knew, they would definitely have opinions.


    But who was he?


    He was Lin Lanyue''s big brother, after all!


    In his eyes, as long as his sister was not wronged, she could do whatever she wanted.


    Even if the sky were to fall, there were still her two brothers to stand tall for her; besides, he also found Li Yuan to be not bad.


    "However, little sis, I still have to remind you."


    "You mean well, but do you know what Li Yuan thinks? You did quite a lot for him, just saving his uncle, but..." Big Brother Lin couldn''t help but say.


    "Bro,"


    Lin Lanyue cut him off, frowning and saying, "Before I came to Feixing, I told you, what''s done is done, it wasn''t a big deal."


    "I don''t care how he thinks."


    "In the Martial Path, the aim is to have clear thoughts and a heart without regrets."


    "Whatever I do, I do for myself. Helping him wasn''t to get him to do anything for me," Lin Lanyue said earnestly.


    Deep down, Lin Lanyue was a stubborn person, even carrying a hint of rebelliousness.


    That was rted to her living alone in Jiang City from a young age.


    Although she had maids, bodyguards, martial arts teachers, and everything else she needed, shecked familial warmth.


    "Alright, alright, as long as you are clear in your heart,"


    Big Brother Lin surrendered, "Do you want to take a rest day today?"


    "The ''Fire Bath'' in Nirvana Divine Scripture gets better with each consecutive day of practice," Lin Lanyue shook her head, "I''ve only continued for six days."


    "Let''s get through today first."


    A glint of sympathy shed through Big Brother Lin''s eyes, but he didn''t try to persuade her further.


    The Fire Bath is indeed a burning in special mes.


    Not many canpletely endure such agony.


    But he had to admit, his sister''s willpower was truly exceptional, certainly top-notch for her age.


    "Okay, I''ll take you to Changji Volcanoter," Big Brother Lin said.


    Watching her big brother leave,


    "A spiritual marrow cleansing three times a month?" Lin Lanyue murmured to herself, remembering the information about Li Yuan she had seen earlier.


    She knew very well the pain of a spiritual marrow cleansing.


    "Six days?"


    "Let''s see if I can endure ten days. I can''t lose by too much," a flicker of determination shone in Lin Lanyue''s eyes.


    She continued practicing her swordsmanship.


    Every day, she practiced swordsmanship for half the day, then endured a ''Fire Bath'' for half a day to temper her body.


    ...


    On the evening of April 17th, Li Yuan returned home.


    "Bro,e and watch your program."


    "It''s reying!"


    "Come and watch." Li Qianqian and Li Muhua had already dashed over, both quite excited.


    On the distant sofa, Chen Hui was all smiles.


    "Program?" Li Yuan was initially stunned, instantly realizing they were talking about his interview program.


    It''s already being broadcast?


    Li Yuan, dragged by his brother and sister without even having time to take off his shoes, arrived in the living room.


    On the light screen projection, indeed, Li Yuan''s interview program was being yed.


    "''The Impoverished Martial Arts Champion from Jiangbei? Uncovering the Bitter Past Behind a Martial Path Genius''?" Li Yuan repeated the promotionalnguage read by the host for the episode.


    In an instant, Li Yuan wished he could find a hole to crawl into.


    ```


    Which shock department did thate from?


    "Auntie, this is a promotional program from the Martial Hall, the script was prepared in advance," Li Yuan hurriedly exined.


    "I understand."


    "Don''t worry, your aunt studied journalism before," Chen Hui said with a smile: "I get all this stuff about the news."


    Li Yuan nodded with a smile, d that his aunt didn''t overthink it.


    Within the light screen.


    "Since I was young, I''ve aspired to join the Starfire Martial Hall," Li Yuan said seriously: "It''s a Martial Hall founded by Dongfang Ji, and I''ve always admired Dongfang..."


    "I heard that 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 was indeed the first to invite me, and they prepared a C-level contract for me," Li Yuan''s face was filled with a young person''s ''sincerity'': "Hall Master Song Yi is a tremendously kind person.


    She spoke to me personally, saying although she didn''t have enough authority, if I were willing to sign, she would definitely help me apply for a B-level contractter on, and was even willing to sponsor me privately."


    "Hall Master Song Yi is a very outstanding, dedicated Hall Master," Li Yuan said earnestly: "It''s not that Starry Sky Martial Hall is bad, but I wanted to join Starfire more..."


    ... "Li Yuan is the most outstanding youth I''ve discovered in recent years. At the time, I didn''t have enough B-level contract slots, so I made a special request to Fei Qian, the City Martial Hall Master. He approved immediately," Wan Qinghe said in an interview within the VCR.


    ...


    "Li Yuan has a strong sense of justice. He''s also the recipient of the Young Hero title," a ssmate of Li Yuan''s said during an interview.


    ... In the end.


    "Not being able to invite Li Yuan might be my life''s biggest regret," even Song Yi appeared in the VCR, her face showing loss, but also a hint of pride: "But his growth along the way has proven that my initial judgement was correct; he truly is an uncut gem."


    "If anyone''s to me, it''s just that this kid, Li Yuan, is too determined. Once he sets a goal, he rarely deviates from it."


    "However, no matter which Martial Hall he joins, he''s a genius of Xia Country," Song Yi said with resounding conviction, elevating the intention of the entire program: "I have great faith in Li Yuan, and I look forward to the day when he bes a Flying Heaven Warrior, defending thends of our Xia Country."


    ...


    Li Yuan watched the program, the corners of his mouth twitching slightly!


    He remembered the dinner party from the night before, where both sides had a great time.


    Wan Qinghe had promised to Song Yi a spotlight.


    "Exchanging a feature for an extra four million," Li Yuan mused to himself: "Can the higher-ups of the Starry Sky Martial Hall really be trusted?"


    But.


    Li Yuan didn''t care too much, as long as the money was in hand.


    ...


    Li Yuan had no idea that the evening''s program was just the beginning. Over the next two days.


    The show continued to ferment, spreading in online forums in various districts of Jiang City, even throughout Jiangbei Province.


    Li Yuan actually showed signs of bing truly famous.


    "Brother Yuan, 666!"


    "You even got on a show? Brother Yuan, when did you shoot this? You didn''t tell us."


    "Brother Yuan, your social media ount followers have exploded, from over a thousand, now it''s soared to over thirty thousand."


    "Over forty thousand!"


    "Fifty thousand, it''s broken fifty thousand," Li Yuan became the talk of the school once again.


    "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 too much attention to the program.


    A weekter.


    The Starry Sky Martial Hall''s triennial review ended, and Song Yi had passed smoothly. She sent a ''thank you'' emoji to Li Yuan via V-chat.


    Inside Starfire Guanshan Branch''s Martial Arts Room 7024.


    "I hustled her, and she''s still thanking me?" Li Yuan shook his head as he nced at the bank ount figures.


    Bank Bnce: 18.79 million Blue Star Coins


    Martial Hall Points: 4.08 million


    Martial Hall Cultivation Points: 9.57 million


    "I haven''t really spent any Blue Star Coins. I gave Auntie two million, and here I''ve raked in ten million," Li Yuan thought to himself: "Almost reaching twenty million."


    However, the consumption of Martial Hall Points was massive.


    In just one month, just buying cultivation resources had cost Li Yuan over 2.6 million.


    The main reason was that his body''s evolution required more than what the cultivation n had estimated.


    To sustain a month, thirty bottles of First Rank Blood Qi Medicine, four Essence Pills of Origin Power, and three portions of Spirit Marrow Cleansing every month, would cost 1.3 million points/Blue Star Coins.


    "Got the second batch."


    "Enough for body evolution needs until mid-May," Li Yuan murmured to himself.


    ng~


    Li Yuan opened the door to the ''heat preservation box'' in the physiotherapy room, taking out a bottle of Spirit Marrow Cleansing.


    He gritted his teeth.


    "Damn, here we go again."


    "Is everyone at Kunlun Martial University a freak? All tougher than me?" Li Yuan grumbled to himself: "Makes sense, university students are definitely stronger than high school students."


    High school students always have a bit of admiration for university students.


    After a while.


    "Ah!" From inside the whole-body physiotherapy machine, Li Yuan''s groan, a mix of pain and relief, sounded once more.


    ...


    On April 27th.


    The Prime Warrior, skilled in spiritual secret techniques and invited by Hall Master Fei Qian, arrived in conjunction with the hospital''s top-level ''Consciousness Awakening Device.''


    After an hour''s effort.


    Uncle Li Changzhou finally woke up.


    ...


    On May 10th, Li Changzhou was discharged from the hospital.


    He didn''t return to his previous home but moved directly to the new house in Starfire South Lake Community, where Li Yuan and his family lived.


    ...


    By May 15th, Li Yuan and his family had moved all their belongings into their new home.


    ...


    As time went by day by day, Li Changzhou temporarily stopped working and recuperated at home.


    Auntie went back to her job at the school.


    Following Dongfang Ji''s ''Seven Star Alliance Progress Movement,'' for the recruitment of talents by Martial Arts Universities and Cultural Universities across the Seven Greats, a unified format of college entrance exams was adopted.


    So, as time stepped into June.


    In Jiang City and throughout Xia Country, one could even say the whole of Blue Star.


    Almost all countries and all eyes were on the annual college entrance examination.


    This was the test that determined the fate of countless people.


    ```

 Chapter 102: 98: The Commendable Elder Fei (Seeking Monthly Votes)

    April 16th, 2:00 PM.


    Li Yuan took leave and, apanied by Wan Qinghe who arrived to pick him up at school, rode a low-altitude flyer to the interview location.


    "Uncle, is the interview set at the City Martial Hall?" Li Yuan had just sat down in the flyer when he heard Wan Qinghe''s words, which surprised him.


    "That''s right," Wan Qinghe said with a smile: "It''s because Elder Fei came back early today."


    "He found out about this and decided to set the interview location at the City Martial Hall."


    "So¡­"


    "After the interview, we''ll go to meet Elder Fei," said Wan Qinghe.


    "Okay." Li Yuan''s heart was still full of anticipation, the City Hall Master, after all, was from the capital city.


    In terms of status and power, he was probably even higher than President Li.


    "Have you memorized all the interview content?" Wan Qinghe casually inquired.


    "Memorized it. Following your guidance, uncle, I even practiced several times in front of the mirror. I should be able toe across naturally," Li Yuan said. "Do you want me to give you a couple of sections?"


    In actuality, the interview script was only given to Li Yuan this morning; where would there have been time to memorize it?


    He had just skimmed through it hastily.


    "Let''s see it then," said Wan Qinghe.


    Soon, Li Yuan performed roughly what he remembered from the content.


    "Not bad." Wan Qinghe was won over by Li Yuan''s ''acting'' andughed: "I nced through the original script, some parts were too official. Your performance is more natural, and some of the rougher words you used make it seem even more real."


    "The changes were good."


    "Yeah, yeah." Li Yuan nodded repeatedly; how could he not make changes? He hadn''t memorized itpletely.


    "That''s also good."


    "Song Yi has decided to donate ten million to the association, after taxes," said Wan Qinghe nonchntly.


    "Ten million?" Li Yuan was shocked; he suspected he had heard wrong.


    "Yes, she just V-chatted me this morning."


    "It must be because she heard about your breakthrough of 300 points on Fallen Star, ranking you within the top 10 of the Blue Star''s young talents of Xia Country," Wan Qinghe said with a smile: "You''re quite quick, probably gave her a real scare."


    "Or perhaps, she wants to form a good rtionship with you."


    "Form a good rtionship?" Li Yuan doubted his ears, his rtionship with Song Yi wasn''t that of enemies.


    But it didn''t seem to be that good either.


    Logically, after taking arge sum from her, she should hate him.


    "Friend and foe, right and wrong, are never absolute," Wan Qinghe said with a smile: "You and Song Yi don''t have unresolvable grudges, so why can''t you be friends?"


    "On the contrary."


    "Bing friends with Song Yi would actually highlight the authenticity of this program," Wan Qinghe said with a smile: "So, I answered on your behalf and agreed for you to have dinner together tonight."


    "Dinner together tonight? Uncle, isn''t that too hasty?" Li Yuan hesitated: "After all, she was involved with this program¡­"


    "What program of hers?" Wan Qinghe shook his head: "This program is my doing, aimed at making your aplishments widely known to motivate more youths to diligently cultivate. It has nothing to do with her."


    "Her donation is unrted to you, and the production and promotion of this episode are also unrted to her."


    "Your dinner with her tonight is just a coincidence."


    "Do you understand?" Wan Qinghe lectured Li Yuan.


    "Got it, uncle!"


    ¡­


    The interview for the program took ce in a conference room of the Starfire Jiang City Martial Hall, fully equipped for the event.


    The host was very professional.


    It was even a locally famous program in Jiang City.


    A group of professional spectators came, and the two-hour-long interview performance by Li Yuan was highly professional.


    ¡­


    By 5:00 PM, Li Yuan and Wan Qinghe finally arrived at the central building of the City Martial Hall.


    Upon entry.


    "These decorations, tsk tsk," Li Yuan privately marveled.


    Li Yuan didn''t understand much about interior design, but he could sense that despite their seemingly humble ancient-style, these decorations exuded luxury at a nce.


    "Old-fashioned and elegant, it truly reveals taste," said Wan Qinghe with a light smile: "Elder Fei has been in charge of the City Martial Hall for twenty years and has always valued this aspect a great deal."


    Li Yuan nodded and couldn''t help but ask, "Uncle, what is Lord Fei of the City Hall like as a person?"


    "He should treat you quite nicely," Wan Qinghe said with a smile: "Also, in front of Elder Fei, address me as Lord Wan."


    "Understood," Li Yuan responded, pondering the significance of the change in address.


    Soon, after passing through a security check, the two arrived at the highest floor''s City Hall Master''s office.


    It was quite spacious.


    The door was already open, and an elderly man in a ck robe was leisurely practicing fist techniques, as if for health preservation, yet the invisible aura he emitted was very special.


    From a distance, Li Yuan instinctively sensed a hint of danger and became vignt.


    This was the maic field caused by the life force of a strong being.


    "Elder Fei, Li Yuan has arrived," Wan Qinghe said respectfully from the doorway.


    Li Yuan followed closely behind.


    "He''s here? Qinghe, bring Li Yuan inside," Fei Qian stopped his practice and turned around, his gazending on Li Yuan with a smile: "Hello, Li Yuan."


    Li Yuan felt the other''s gaze to be gentle and not sharp, but it was as if he saw right through him.


    Very powerful.


    "Hall Master Fei," Li Yuan greeted respectfully.


    "No need for formalities, given our age difference I could be your grandfather. Just call me Elder Fei or Grandpa Fei," Fei Qian said with a smile.


    "Grandpa Fei," Li Yuan knew which option to choose.


    The three of them sat down, and Wan Qinghe began with a few necessary reports about recent work as a formality.


    "Today, Li Yuan happens to be doing a program. He mentioned that he has always admired you. Just now, before I could even talk to him, he brought you up himself," Wan Qinghe said smilingly.


    "Is that so? Then he''s thoughtful," Fei Qian said with augh.


    Li Yuan maintained a polite smile on his face.


    Admiration? He had never said such a thing; Uncle Wan was ying off-script.


    "I''ve heard of many of your deeds, Grandpa Fei. My uncle has been mentioning them for years, saying that you were his lifesaver," Li Yuan blurted smoothly: "During the chaos at Xiang River 34 years ago, my uncle was in the Xiang River area maintaining the engineering projects and encountered an attack from Star Realm Creatures.


    At that time, it was Grandpa Fei who led the team and arrived just in time to rescue my uncle and the others."


    "My uncle always told me and my siblings to remember you," Li Yuan said earnestly.


    When praising someone, it''s best to pinpoint something good or small they''ve done; it easily wins their favor.


    Wan Qinghe looked at Li Yuan in surprise, wondering how he had such a deep connection with Old Fei.


    "The chaos at Xiang River? That was nearly ten years ago, a major disaster. I saved many people at that time." Fei Qian''s eyes revealed a reflection of memories, and he sighed, "I never imagined that I had also saved your uncle. That''s quite the fate."


    "Speaking of which."


    "Had Grandfather Fei not saved my uncle back then, it would have been difficult for me to embark on the Martial Path," Li Yuan said with a smile. "And today, it would have been very unlikely for me to meet Old Fei."


    "With that said, it''s not too far-fetched for Li Yuan to call Old Fei ''Grandfather,''" Wan Qinghe said with a smile.


    Fei Qian responded modestly, "As a Hall Master, saving people is my duty."


    But the smile at the corner of his mouth was very obvious.


    The scene was harmonious and warm for a moment.


    Li Yuan''s mind was clear as a mirror.


    Save his uncle? During the great disaster at Xiang River nine years ago, his uncle was indeed working locally, but tens of kilometers from the epicenter.


    In fact, Li Changzhou hadn''t faced any danger that time.


    However, over the years, whenever Li Changzhou watched the news, he would often say, "Hall Master Fei Qian of Jiang City is impressive."


    Li Yuan, knowing he would meet Fei Qian yesterday, had spent 15 minutes looking up his profile.


    He had noted many of his aplishments, and his mind was filled with suitable conversation topics.


    "I''m aware of your uncle''s situation." Fei Qian continued smoothly, "There were indeed some oversights in handling the front lines, and I will help look into it... Also, I just returned from the capital and happened to meet a Level 29 Prime Warrior who is very adept at the spiritual secret technique."


    "I''ve already made an arrangement with him; he will take the time toe to Jiang City in three days, to assist with the ''Consciousness Awakening Device'' and perform an awakening for your uncle," Fei Qian said solemnly. "Hoping for sess on the first try."


    "A Level 29 Prime Warrior skilled in spiritual secret techniques? Coming especially for my uncle?" Li Yuan held his breath.


    "Li Yuan," Wan Qinghe exined softly, "Level 29 Prime Warriors are all Fifth Stage experts, who from the inside out, achieve Unity of Heaven and Man and can begin to leverage the power of the elements gradually."


    "Among them, those adept at spiritual secret techniques have a very high sess rate in wakinga patients, even without the assistance of technological devices," Wan Qinghe said. "Inviting such an expert has cost Old Fei quite a favor."


    "Thank you, Grandfather Fei," Li Yuan expressed his sincere gratitude.


    No matter if the other party was genuinely optimistic about him or had other motives, one should judge by actions, not intentions.


    As long as his uncle could be awakened, Li Yuan would remember it in his heart.


    "Favors are of no particr concern, your uncle is a hero who deserved to be saved," Fei Qianmented. "Such determination and courage are beyond ordinary people."


    "If everyone had your uncle''s courage and perseverance, the many wars we fight against the Star Realm Creatures would be much easier to win."


    Li Yuan and Wan Qinghe both nodded in agreement.


    This was indeed true.


    "Li Yuan, there''s another matter I need to inform you about, concerning the ''Ster Earth Marrow Crystal'' that Lord Yang of the Province promised you," Fei Qian said gravely. "You must do everything in your power to acquire it."


    "Grandfather Fei."


    "What exactly is this Ster Earth Marrow Crystal?" Li Yuan couldn''t help but ask.


    Wan Qinghe was curious as well.


    "It''s a very special treasure rted to the use of Origin Power," Fei Qian exined. "If you have it, Li Yuan, the sess rate of your Law Creation could increase by at least twenty percent."


    Fei Qian had also obtained news about the Ster Earth Marrow Crystal from his visit to the capital, where he specifically inquired about it.


    "Increase by twenty percent?" Li Yuan was somewhat surprised.


    ording to what President Li had said, with his talent, the normal sess rate for Law Creation was forty to fifty percent.


    And this mysterious Ster Earth Marrow Crystal could increase it by another twenty percent?


    It seemed almost too good to be true.


    "Lord Yang of the Province thinks highly of you, which is why he made such a promise," Fei Qian said with some emotion. "Otherwise, even for Flying Heaven Warriors, it would not be easy to obtain such Heavenly Materials Treasures."


    "To acquire it,"


    "there is just one condition, you must reach the threshold of Fifth Stage Skill by the age of twenty," Fei Qian looked at Li Yuan.


    Li Yuan felt the pressure, Fifth Stage Skill?


    Normally, this was the Skill Realm of Level 29 Prime Warriors.


    What about him? He had just approached the Intermediate Rank of Fourth Level Skill.


    The more he understood the gap between Fourth and Fifth Stages, the clearer Li Yuan became about how difficult this step would be.


    "Take it step by step, the Provincial Hall Master made that promise because he believes you have the potential."


    "Your growth rate has also been elerating," Fei Qian said with a smile. "Add my private V number, and if you have any questions about cultivation in the future, you can directly message me."


    "Thank you, Grandfather Fei," Li Yuan said respectfully, and they added each other on V chat.


    ...


    At dinner, Li Yuan and Song Yi had a very enjoyable conversation. After the feast, Wan Qinghe and Li Yuan returned to Guan Mountain Martial Hall.


    Watching Li Yuan return to his Martial Arts Room, Wan Qinghe also returned to his top-floor office.


    "Old Fei is Old Fei."


    "I thought he might try to close the gap with Li Yuan by sponsoring him," Wan Qinghe sighed inwardly. "I didn''t expect him to invite such a special Level 29 Prime Warrior to save Li Yuan''s uncle."


    "Indeed."


    "Simple money and goods, at Li Yuan''s stage, continuing to give may not necessarily lead to heartfelt gratitude," Wan Qinghe realized. "Being too deliberate in courting favor can easily backfire."


    Many things can''t be resolved with just money.


    It takes heart.


    ...


    The Seven Star Alliance represents the most powerful force of human civilization, overriding nations.


    Its headquarters is located on Feixing, which is also the most powerful among the Seven Greats of the Human Race.


    Early in the morning, within the floating giant sky city.


    Gazing downward from the sky city, one could see a towering volcano in the far distance, its peak perennially covered with snow.


    Inside a Martial Arts Room.


    "Swoosh!" "Swoosh!" Swoosh! Streaks of sword light cut through the Vast Sky, exceedingly sharp.


    "Little sis, you''re up so early for cultivation? It''s just six o''clock," a figure in a ck robe entered the Martial Arts Room and stared at Lin Lanyue in surprise.


    "Brother, is six o''clock still considered early?" Lin Lanyue sheathed her sword and looked toward the courtyard entrance.


    "Is six o''clock not early?" The figure in the ck robe was taken aback.


    "If practicing at six o''clock is regarded as early, then what about those who start cultivating at four o''clock or even earlier every day?" Lin Lanyue gently shook her head. "Brother, did you need something?"

 Chapter 103: 99: College Entrance Exam in June (Seeking Monthly Pass)

    "Getting up at four in the morning for cultivation without rest?" Big Brother Lin was puzzled, "Even for a Prime Warrior, that''s not possible, is it?"


    "Combining work with rest is the only way to endure in the long run."


    "Unless one reaches the level of a Flying Heaven Warrior, bes attuned with the heavens and nature, they might be able to rejuvenate at any time. Otherwise, who can push themselves so hard?" Big Brother Lin said earnestly, "Even Dongfang Ji, our senior, only mentioned training for sixteen hours a day."


    Lin Lanyue didn''t say anything.


    In her mind, she involuntarily recalled the scene described to her by Gu Qianghan after returning from Jiangbei Martial University, "Sis, that Li Yuan is simply a madman, a masochist. He practices every night, and then gets up again at four or five in the morning... I really admire him. If he doesn''t seed, who would?"


    Gu Qianghan''s emphatic words.


    Made the then Lin Lanyue gain a deeper understanding of Li Yuan.


    This was an extremely self-disciplined person with a steadfast goal, one who strove towards it relentlessly.


    "Bro, what exactly is it?" Lin Lanyue asked once more.


    "It''s about Li Yuan," Big Brother Lin said with a smile, "Do you want to know?"


    "Bro, if you''re going to tell me, tell me. If not, don''t dy my cultivation," Lin Lanyue shot him a nce.


    She clearly understood the difference between her eldest brother and her second brother; if the eldest got hold of some news, he''d be too antsy to keep it to himself.


    "Alright, alright, I''m convinced," Big Brother Lin said helplessly, raising his hand to bring up some data on the light screen.


    All of it concerned Li Yuan.


    "First in both subjects? First in Jiang City''s bare Martial Path score?" Lin Lanyue murmured to herself.


    Perfect scores! That was a truly terrifying achievement.


    "Little sis, you don''t seem so surprised," Big Brother Lin said smilingly, "Did you know in advance? Or have you beenmunicating with Li Yuan?"


    "No, and I wasn''t aware," Lin Lanyue said with a smile, "It''s indeed incredible that he could achieve such results, but when I think about the effort he has put in, it''s not surprising."


    "He has indeed practiced arduously," Big Brother Lin nodded, "Besides his academic results in the April exams, I just got news that he should have broken past 300 points in Fallen Star."


    "Fourth Level Intermediate Rank in skills?" Lin Lanyue finally showed a hint of surprise.


    She was very aware that Li Yuan had just entered the Fourth Level a month ago.


    Has he progressed this fast?


    You should know, because of practicing the Nirvana Divine Scripture, she was able toe to Feixing early for special training. Whether in physical quality or skills, her progress has been much faster.


    But now, her skills were still slightlycking behind reachingplete perfection of the Third Rank.


    "Fate often favors the more diligent," Lin Lanyue said with a slight smile.


    "Little sis, do you really like him?" Big Brother Lin suddenly asked.


    "Like?"


    Facing her big brother''s question, Lin Lanyue didn''t show any embarrassment, but after thinking for a while, she said, "Perhaps, it''s more that I admire him."


    "That''s fine, you''ve always been decisive, and it''s good as long as you know what you want," Big Brother Lin said with a smile.


    He was an experienced person; by looking at the way Lin Lanyue was, he clearly understood.


    But he didn''t mind.


    It has always been thus, from ancient times until now, that young boys admire and girls cherish spring; it''s better to guide than to suppress feelings.


    "Bro, you better not tell father and mother about this," Lin Lanyue suddenly red at her big brother.


    "Ha ha, why would I tell them?" Big Brother Linughed, "You''re not a child, just be happy."


    Big Brother Lin was very open-minded, although if the family knew, they would definitely have opinions.


    But who was he?


    He was Lin Lanyue''s big brother, after all!


    In his eyes, as long as his sister was not wronged, she could do whatever she wanted.


    Even if the sky were to fall, there were still her two brothers to stand tall for her; besides, he also found Li Yuan to be not bad.


    "However, little sis, I still have to remind you."


    "You mean well, but do you know what Li Yuan thinks? You did quite a lot for him, just saving his uncle, but..." Big Brother Lin couldn''t help but say.


    "Bro,"


    Lin Lanyue cut him off, frowning and saying, "Before I came to Feixing, I told you, what''s done is done, it wasn''t a big deal."


    "I don''t care how he thinks."


    "In the Martial Path, the aim is to have clear thoughts and a heart without regrets."


    "Whatever I do, I do for myself. Helping him wasn''t to get him to do anything for me," Lin Lanyue said earnestly.


    Deep down, Lin Lanyue was a stubborn person, even carrying a hint of rebelliousness.


    That was rted to her living alone in Jiang City from a young age.


    Although she had maids, bodyguards, martial arts teachers, and everything else she needed, shecked familial warmth.


    "Alright, alright, as long as you are clear in your heart,"


    Big Brother Lin surrendered, "Do you want to take a rest day today?"


    "The ''Fire Bath'' in Nirvana Divine Scripture gets better with each consecutive day of practice," Lin Lanyue shook her head, "I''ve only continued for six days."


    "Let''s get through today first."


    A glint of sympathy shed through Big Brother Lin''s eyes, but he didn''t try to persuade her further.


    The Fire Bath is indeed a burning in special mes.


    Not many canpletely endure such agony.


    But he had to admit, his sister''s willpower was truly exceptional, certainly top-notch for her age.


    "Okay, I''ll take you to Changji Volcanoter," Big Brother Lin said.


    Watching her big brother leave,


    "A spiritual marrow cleansing three times a month?" Lin Lanyue murmured to herself, remembering the information about Li Yuan she had seen earlier.


    She knew very well the pain of a spiritual marrow cleansing.


    "Six days?"


    "Let''s see if I can endure ten days. I can''t lose by too much," a flicker of determination shone in Lin Lanyue''s eyes.


    She continued practicing her swordsmanship.


    Every day, she practiced swordsmanship for half the day, then endured a ''Fire Bath'' for half a day to temper her body.


    ...


    On the evening of April 17th, Li Yuan returned home.


    "Bro,e and watch your program."


    "It''s reying!"


    "Come and watch." Li Qianqian and Li Muhua had already dashed over, both quite excited.


    On the distant sofa, Chen Hui was all smiles.


    "Program?" Li Yuan was initially stunned, instantly realizing they were talking about his interview program.


    It''s already being broadcast?


    Li Yuan, dragged by his brother and sister without even having time to take off his shoes, arrived in the living room.


    On the light screen projection, indeed, Li Yuan''s interview program was being yed.


    "''The Impoverished Martial Arts Champion from Jiangbei? Uncovering the Bitter Past Behind a Martial Path Genius''?" Li Yuan repeated the promotionalnguage read by the host for the episode.


    In an instant, Li Yuan wished he could find a hole to crawl into.


    ```


    Which shock department did thate from?


    "Auntie, this is a promotional program from the Martial Hall, the script was prepared in advance," Li Yuan hurriedly exined.


    "I understand."


    "Don''t worry, your aunt studied journalism before," Chen Hui said with a smile: "I get all this stuff about the news."


    Li Yuan nodded with a smile, d that his aunt didn''t overthink it.


    Within the light screen.


    "Since I was young, I''ve aspired to join the Starfire Martial Hall," Li Yuan said seriously: "It''s a Martial Hall founded by Dongfang Ji, and I''ve always admired Dongfang..."


    "I heard that 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 was indeed the first to invite me, and they prepared a C-level contract for me," Li Yuan''s face was filled with a young person''s ''sincerity'': "Hall Master Song Yi is a tremendously kind person.


    She spoke to me personally, saying although she didn''t have enough authority, if I were willing to sign, she would definitely help me apply for a B-level contractter on, and was even willing to sponsor me privately."


    "Hall Master Song Yi is a very outstanding, dedicated Hall Master," Li Yuan said earnestly: "It''s not that Starry Sky Martial Hall is bad, but I wanted to join Starfire more..."


    ... "Li Yuan is the most outstanding youth I''ve discovered in recent years. At the time, I didn''t have enough B-level contract slots, so I made a special request to Fei Qian, the City Martial Hall Master. He approved immediately," Wan Qinghe said in an interview within the VCR.


    ...


    "Li Yuan has a strong sense of justice. He''s also the recipient of the Young Hero title," a ssmate of Li Yuan''s said during an interview.


    ... In the end.


    "Not being able to invite Li Yuan might be my life''s biggest regret," even Song Yi appeared in the VCR, her face showing loss, but also a hint of pride: "But his growth along the way has proven that my initial judgement was correct; he truly is an uncut gem."


    "If anyone''s to me, it''s just that this kid, Li Yuan, is too determined. Once he sets a goal, he rarely deviates from it."


    "However, no matter which Martial Hall he joins, he''s a genius of Xia Country," Song Yi said with resounding conviction, elevating the intention of the entire program: "I have great faith in Li Yuan, and I look forward to the day when he bes a Flying Heaven Warrior, defending thends of our Xia Country."


    ...


    Li Yuan watched the program, the corners of his mouth twitching slightly!


    He remembered the dinner party from the night before, where both sides had a great time.


    Wan Qinghe had promised to Song Yi a spotlight.


    "Exchanging a feature for an extra four million," Li Yuan mused to himself: "Can the higher-ups of the Starry Sky Martial Hall really be trusted?"


    But.


    Li Yuan didn''t care too much, as long as the money was in hand.


    ...


    Li Yuan had no idea that the evening''s program was just the beginning. Over the next two days.


    The show continued to ferment, spreading in online forums in various districts of Jiang City, even throughout Jiangbei Province.


    Li Yuan actually showed signs of bing truly famous.


    "Brother Yuan, 666!"


    "You even got on a show? Brother Yuan, when did you shoot this? You didn''t tell us."


    "Brother Yuan, your social media ount followers have exploded, from over a thousand, now it''s soared to over thirty thousand."


    "Over forty thousand!"


    "Fifty thousand, it''s broken fifty thousand," Li Yuan became the talk of the school once again.


    "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 too much attention to the program.


    A weekter.


    The Starry Sky Martial Hall''s triennial review ended, and Song Yi had passed smoothly. She sent a ''thank you'' emoji to Li Yuan via V-chat.


    Inside Starfire Guanshan Branch''s Martial Arts Room 7024.


    "I hustled her, and she''s still thanking me?" Li Yuan shook his head as he nced at the bank ount figures.


    Bank Bnce: 18.79 million Blue Star Coins


    Martial Hall Points: 4.08 million


    Martial Hall Cultivation Points: 9.57 million


    "I haven''t really spent any Blue Star Coins. I gave Auntie two million, and here I''ve raked in ten million," Li Yuan thought to himself: "Almost reaching twenty million."


    However, the consumption of Martial Hall Points was massive.


    In just one month, just buying cultivation resources had cost Li Yuan over 2.6 million.


    The main reason was that his body''s evolution required more than what the cultivation n had estimated.


    To sustain a month, thirty bottles of First Rank Blood Qi Medicine, four Essence Pills of Origin Power, and three portions of Spirit Marrow Cleansing every month, would cost 1.3 million points/Blue Star Coins.


    "Got the second batch."


    "Enough for body evolution needs until mid-May," Li Yuan murmured to himself.


    ng~


    Li Yuan opened the door to the ''heat preservation box'' in the physiotherapy room, taking out a bottle of Spirit Marrow Cleansing.


    He gritted his teeth.


    "Damn, here we go again."


    "Is everyone at Kunlun Martial University a freak? All tougher than me?" Li Yuan grumbled to himself: "Makes sense, university students are definitely stronger than high school students."


    High school students always have a bit of admiration for university students.


    After a while.


    "Ah!" From inside the whole-body physiotherapy machine, Li Yuan''s groan, a mix of pain and relief, sounded once more.


    ...


    On April 27th.


    The Prime Warrior, skilled in spiritual secret techniques and invited by Hall Master Fei Qian, arrived in conjunction with the hospital''s top-level ''Consciousness Awakening Device.''


    After an hour''s effort.


    Uncle Li Changzhou finally woke up.


    ...


    On May 10th, Li Changzhou was discharged from the hospital.


    He didn''t return to his previous home but moved directly to the new house in Starfire South Lake Community, where Li Yuan and his family lived.


    ...


    By May 15th, Li Yuan and his family had moved all their belongings into their new home.


    ...


    As time went by day by day, Li Changzhou temporarily stopped working and recuperated at home.


    Auntie went back to her job at the school.


    Following Dongfang Ji''s ''Seven Star Alliance Progress Movement,'' for the recruitment of talents by Martial Arts Universities and Cultural Universities across the Seven Greats, a unified format of college entrance exams was adopted.


    So, as time stepped into June.


    In Jiang City and throughout Xia Country, one could even say the whole of Blue Star.


    Almost all countries and all eyes were on the annual college entrance examination.


    This was the test that determined the fate of countless people.


    ```

 Chapter 104: 100: A Promising Future Is a Farewell (Extra for Silver League Song Chuyu)

    As the strongest nation on Blue Star,


    Xia Country''s college entrance exam schedule also aligns with the unified schedule for all nations on Blue Star, which is on June 6, 7, and 8.


    June 4, at Guan Mountain District''s First High School.


    A little after ten in the morning, before the second period began.


    Starting from the afternoon of the 4th, a holiday wouldmence to allow all students to rest, adjust, and review independently.


    Therefore, this period was also thest ss for all high school seniors.


    In ss 2 of the Senior year, the ssroom was still noisy and boisterous; aside from a few individuals, most students were chatting with each other, enjoying thest moments of their high school careers.


    By this point, no one was making ast-ditch effort to cram for the exams.


    Everyone had a clear understanding in their hearts.


    In thest two days, all that was required was to maintain the right attitude and briefly review cultural ss forms; the big picture was already set.


    "It''s finallying. It''s been so hard to endure! Atst, it''s at an end," Yan Zhou muttered, "Once I get into university, I''ll rx and have several intense romances to make up for what I missed in high school."


    "You?" Zhou Qi scoffed, "You blush at the sight of girls."


    "What about you?" Yan Zhou retorted, "You talk about Peng Lingling all day. Did you even get a chance with her?"


    "Bullshit, that''s not fawning, that''s respect," Zhou Qi snapped, "Besides, Lingling already agreed to date me after the entrance exam."


    "Oh Zhou, believe me,st time she said she would date you after entering Senior year, but what happened?"


    "This time is for real."  The two talked excitedly.


    Deep down, Zhou Qi probably knew that ''Peng Lingling'' had been leading him on all along.


    But then again, wasn''t Zhou Qi enjoying the process as well?


    Li Yuan sat calmly at his desk.


    With his Entry Rank physical quality and powerful hearing, he could easily make out most of the conversations between his ssmates.


    Although Li Yuan had spent more time practicing at the Martial Hall since the second semester of high school and his academic performance and Martial Arts Cultivation had improved by leaps and bounds,


    He had gradually be somewhat distanced from his ssmates.


    This was something that couldn''t be changed by mere will.


    Almost all students understood that after the entrance exam, Li Yuan was destined to soar high and get admitted into one of the top five prestigious universities.


    Bing a Prime Warrior in the future would be a modest goal for him.


    ssmates appeared equal on the surface, but it was merely by chance they had shared a ssroom for three years.


    Nevertheless, Li Yuan always enjoyed his time in the ssroom, especially in cultural studies sses.


    "After entering university, I''ll focus on Martial Path. When my body reaches level 15, I''ll need to venture into the Star Realms to hone mybat skills," Li Yuan silently reflected, "When that timees, these leisurely days will be gone forever."


    Li Yuan looked out the window at the midsummer sunlight. It was very bright but not dazzling.


    It felt warm on his skin.


    Soon.


    It would be thest ss of high school.


    ...


    "Ding ling ling~" A few minutester, the bell rang, and all the students gradually quieted down, preparing for the teacher''s arrival.


    Suddenly.


    "Bang~" "Thud~" A series of footsteps sounded outside the ssroom, indicating the presence of several people. Li Yuan caught it immediately.


    "So many people?" Li Yuan wondered.


    Soon, Li Yuan''s puzzlement was resolved.


    It wasn''t just the cultural studies ss teacher ''Teacher Chen'' who came, but all the subject teachers.


    Instantly, the students in the ss became excited and began tough with joy.


    You should know that yesterday and today, many subject teachers had already had their st lesson'' with the students and said their farewells.


    Young people are so easily moved.


    "Students, this is thest ss. To speak of knowledge points, actually, there isn''t much left to say. With three years of high school study, I believe everyone is well prepared," Teacher Chen said with a smile, and slowly continued, "For thest ss, I and the other subject teachers discussed it."


    "We still felt, we should formally say farewell to the students," said Teacher Chen, her eyes brimming with tears.


    She was very strict, and every student in the ss, including Li Yuan, had been criticized by her.


    But at thest ss, she became quite emotional.


    "Our teachers in this ss are all excellent," Teacher Chen''s voice softened, "Like Teacher Li, who insisted on working until just a few days before giving birthst semester; like Teacher Long, you are hisst group of students..."


    As she spoke,


    All the subject teachers looking at the students they had been with day and night for three years, felt somewhat nostalgic.


    And the students sitting in the ss, especially many of the girls, began to tear up.


    "Actually, every teacher has a lot they want to say to you all, but we feel that it''s time for goodbyes and there is no need for too many words," Teacher Chen struggled to control her emotions and spoke slowly, "In this final stretch, all we teachers want to do is leave you with a message."


    As she spoke,


    Whoosh~ Teacher Chen tapped her smart ring, and immediately, a lot of text appeared on the ckboard''s screen behind her.


    All the students looked over.


    "Fortunate to have known you all, it has been a privilege. As your teachers, we are limited in our skills, we have shared all we could, but still fall short," Teacher Chen tried her best to manage her emotions and repeated the words on the screen word for word, "May all students have a bright future and may your efforts not be in vain!"


    As thest word was spoken,


    Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!


    Teacher Chen, along with all the subject teachers, bowed deeply to all the students.


    Finally.


    This scene caused almost everyone to get up from their seats, with many girls unable to hold back their tears.


    "Teacher, you are the best."


    "We will definitely achieve good results and not disappoint you."


    "Teacher," more and more students couldn''t help but exim, their voices tinged with sobs or filled with determination.


    Even the rational Li Yuan was slightly affected, feeling a warmth in his eyes.


    It was the purest of emotions, untainted by any interests.


    All the teachers stood up, with several female teachers also having teary eyes but smiling faces.


    Suddenly.


    "Teacher." A voice, slightly choked and clear, rang out, "We''ve also prepared a few words in private, which we''d like to give to you teachers."


    It was Li Shutong, the ss valedictorian and ss president.


    At that moment,


    Not just the subject teachers, even Teacher Chen showed a hint of surprise on her face.


    "All stand," Li Shutong said with a trembling voice, loud and clear.


    Rustling.


    Immediately, all the students stood up one by one, their lips pursed, eyes earnestly fixed on the figures on the tform.


    The next instant, as if by an unspoken understanding from three years of day-to-day association, no one called out a preparatorymand.


    "Teachers above us."


    All the students began to recite in unison: "We students, dull and slow, have been fortunate to receive generous instruction from our teachers. Though mountains high and paths long lie ahead, we shall stride forth and endeavor to repay the peach and plum graces of our mentors."


    ...


    Apanied by the sound of the end-of-ss bell.


    Thest lesson for all the senior three students ended with the teachers'' blessings of a ''future as bright as brocade''.


    The high school journey was about toe to an end.


    Many ssmates began to make promises to ''apply to the same university,'' ''meet up more often after the college entrance exam,'' ''gather once a year in the future,'' and ''return to school together to visit the teachers.''


    But nearly all the teachers, watching the students they had taught for three years making these solemn promises to each other, understood one thing very well¡ªthe future as bright as brocade meant parting ways.


    High school graduation means many people say goodbye, which could mean never seeing each other again.


    However, no teacher would burst their bubble.


    Because, what good would that do? These students wouldn''t believe it.


    They mostly think, ''with Weixin groups and convenient transportation, meeting up is easy, so why won''t we see each other again?''


    They are in the prime of their youth.


    They should enjoy their youth.


    The greatest regret in life is being unable to possess youth and the full appreciation of it at the same time.


    But likewise, this is precisely what true youth is about; without experiencing it, how can one gain that appreciation?


    It''s like a video game, where the exploration phase is the most enchanting one¡ªyou get to enjoy every bit of growth.


    Once you clear the game, it bes tasteless.


    ...


    With his backpack slung over his shoulders, Li Yuan left the ssroom, his gaze unconsciously drifting towards the neighboring ss.


    It was the ssroom of ss One, Senior Three.


    Scanning the bustling crowd, he didn''t spot the figure he wanted to see in his heart.


    "Brother Yuan, where are you nning to go?" Zhou Qi smiled as he spoke from beside him: "We''re thinking of sitting on the sports field a bit longer before going home."


    "No,"


    "I''m going to the Martial Hall to train," Li Yuan said with a smile: "You guys chat."


    "Alright," Zhou Qi nodded.


    "See you, Brother Yuan."


    "Goodbye, Li Yuan." Many people greeted Li Yuan as they passed, and even students from other sses waved to him.


    Down the stairs.


    As if driven by some inexplicable force, Li Yuan didn''t head directly out of the school gate but instead went to the Elite Building.


    He climbed to the fourth floor and just took a nce.


    Li Yuan then turned around and went downstairs, striding towards the distant office building and arrived on 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 a throng of smiling students streaming out in the distance.


    "You''vee?" Xu Bo turned around to look at Li Yuan, a look of relief spreading across his face.


    They both knew that this chapter of their teacher-student bond wasing to an end.


    Li Yuan was soon to enter a much broader field of development.


    "Do your best on the exam."


    "With your abilities, performing normally is as easy as ying, when ites to breaking the national line," Xu Bo said with a smile: "I believe in you."


    "Mhm, mhm."


    Li Yuan responded with a smile: "I''ll just do as you''ve always said, treat every test as if it''s the college entrance exam, and then, the college entrance exam will be just another test."


    "Hahaha," Xu Boughed proudly. This was the most outstanding disciple he had taught over the years.


    ...


    In thest two days, Li Yuan neither rxed nor grew tense, as his considerable strength had given him enough confidence.


    He continued to practice regrly, but also didn''t give up on reviewing his academic subjects on thest day.


    Time moved forward to June 6th.


    ...


    The college entrance examination assigned students to random testing centers in various districts.


    Li Yuan was assigned to ''Guan Mountain District High School No. 5.''


    Amidst the citywide processions, traffic police clearing the way, and sounds of gongs and drums, Jiang City''s 2043 college entrance exam officially began.


    Even though Li Yuan said he would take a flying vehicle to the test center and there was no need to worry,


    Uncle Li Changzhou and Auntie Chen Hui still insisted on being there to see him off.


    For them, even though they know Li Yuan has a 99% chance of getting into one of the top five universities,


    And even though they''re aware that Li Yuan has be aplished, their hearts won''t be at ease until everything is settled.


    "Everyone is going to send off their kids, so we should too," Chen Hui dered.


    Li Yuanughed, his heart as clear as a mirror.


    To his uncle and aunt, him taking the college entrance exam was like a ''rite of passage to adulthood,'' as well as the most importantfort to his deceased parents.


    How could they not be present at such a moment?


    A day and a half of academic testing.


    A whole day of practical martial arts examinations.


    As each senior student stepped out of the final martial arts testing venue, it ushered in the end of their youth.


    In a certain sense,


    The end of high school signaled the uing university era, which symbolizes ''youth'' itself.


    ...


    The college entrance examination was a solemn affair, and thus, the scoring, reviewing, and tallying of results took three days.


    On June 12th, the results came out, also marking the day when various score lines were drawn.


    Twelve years of arduous study culminated on this day as the dust settled.

 Chapter 105: 101: Top 10 in Xia Country Among the 77 in the Province! (Seeking Monthly Pass)

    Starfire South Lake Residential Area, Zone One.


    House No. 225.


    As one of the top vi areas in Guan Mountain District, it''s on par with Starry Sky South Lake Residential Area, where each vi upies a substantial plot.


    That''s where Li Yuan''s new home is located.


    Three floors above ground, with a construction area of over 800 square meters, a garden of more than 500 square meters, and evenrger underground space¡­ this is the new home prepared for Li Yuan by Starfire Martial Hall.


    If it were to be put on sale, this vi alone, in its bare-bones state, would cost more than 50 million. Not to mention, the specially reinforced martial arts room underground¡­ the total cost exceeds 80 million Blue Star Coins, and key point, it''s not even eligible for purchase.


    Twenty-year residential rights.


    Today is June 12, the day high school examination results are released. Li Yuan, his uncle Li Changzhou, and his aunt Chen Hui, all stayed in the living room on the first floor, waiting for the results.


    It''s Friday, so Li Qianqian and Li Muhua have already gone to school.


    "Uncle, Aunt, don''t worry,"


    Li Yuan, seeing his uncle and aunt nervous and fidgety, smiled and said, "I will definitely pass."


    After experiencing so much and having absolute confidence in his own abilities, Li Yuan was veryposed.


    The national line? Easy to surpass.


    "We know, but¡­" Li Changzhou shook his head.


    The closer it gets to the revtion of the results, the more nervous parents tend to be, because they understand the significance of the college entrance examination.


    During the waiting time, rtives asionally called to ask about ''Li Yuan''s'' exam results.


    You see, over the past decade, Li Yuan barely made an impression on the rtives around him.


    These years, not many havee to visit.


    For one thing, rtives are aware of the situation of Li Yuan''s uncle and aunt. The medical expenses for Li Yuan when he was a child were staggering, and with such a heavy burden, these rtives all feared being asked to lend money.


    Secondly, Li Yuan''s father and Li Changzhou were the only two siblings, and aunt Chen Hui was an only child, so most of the so-called rtives were cousins or distant kin.


    With one generation close, the next generation bes cousins, and by Li Yuan''s generation, these familial ties were already quite distant.


    But most of these rtives were from Jiang City.


    Thus, starting in April, after the broadcast of the program Li Yuan was on, and its spread throughout Jiang City and even Jiangbei Province, the number of ''rtives'' who cared about Li Yuan slowly increased.


    "Hey, cousin! Li Yuan''s results aren''t out yet; let''s talkter¡­" Chen Hui answered nonchntly.


    Of course.


    There were also some calls from those who had truly cared and helped Li Yuan''s family through the years, like Zhong Cheng and Uncle Wang.


    Finally, it reached nine o''clock.


    "Li Yuan, you can check the results now," said aunt Chen Hui, approaching with a nervous smile, trying not to seem too eager.


    Li Changzhou also looked over, but didn''t speak.


    As the head of the family, the uncle always managed to stay calm.


    "Okay." Li Yuan smiled, tapped on the smart ring watch, a screen popped up, and he directly entered the score checking page.


    Li Yuan was well prepared.


    "Beep¡ª" The page even paused momentarily, an almost unbelievable urrence with today''smunication efficiency¡­ but it was just a brief hup.


    At this moment, it wasn''t just the people of Xia Country but those from all nations of Blue Star checking their high school examination scores.


    Swish!


    The score page popped up, with Li Yuan finding two more heads peeking from either side, all staring at the score disyed:


    Name: Li Yuan


    Major: Martial Path


    ID number: 420111202508298013


    Examination number: XXXX


    Physique: 500


    Technique: 400


    Culture: 86


    Bonus points: 20


    Total score: 1006


    National line: 941


    Provincial line: 772


    Provincial ranking: 77


    ...


    Upon seeing the total score of 1006 and the provincial ranking of 77.


    Aunt Chen Hui finally let go of a burden that felt like a thousand kilos, her excited smile breaking out, even apanied by tears of joy.


    Her decade-long worry.


    At this moment, it waspletely released.


    Chen Hui felt that all her efforts over the past decade were truly worth it.


    "Great! Great!" Li Changzhou alsoughed, reaching out to embrace his wife.


    He knew of the hardships Chen Hui had endured over the past decade, with anxiety, struggling, and enduring so much, often alone at home caring for three children.


    Now, it was finally time for the bitter to turn sweet.


    "Uncle, Aunt, you can rx now," Li Yuan said with a smile, very satisfied with his score.


    He still scored full marks in the Martial Arts section. With his spiritual power getting stronger and learning capacity improving, Li Yuan''s cultural score also reached a new high in the college entrance examination.


    However, limited by the bonus points, his total score was doomed to fall short of many others.


    So, Li Yuan was very satisfied with the ''77th'' provincial ranking.


    On this side.


    Aunt, having regained herposure, started ringing back the rtives one by one: "Hello, cousin! Let me tell you, the results have juste out. Li Yuan only scored 1006, barely over the national line for martial arts by 60 points. He didn''t perform well¡­"


    Li Yuan and Li Changzhou exchanged a nce and both smiled.


    Today, for Chen Hui, Li Yuan''s results were like a ''work summary'' of her more than ten years, her most glorious moment.


    No amount of bragging would be too much.


    "You should quickly give a V-call to those seniors and teachers of yours to report your score," Li Changzhou reminded, "The sooner, the better, to show your respect."


    "Especially the teachers from Kunlun Martial University, give them peace of mind," said Li Changzhou.


    "Okay." Li Yuan immediately made a series of V-calls.


    Xu Bo, Teacher Chen, Wan Qinghe, Fei Qian, the military base''s senior Ji, Fan Jin, President Li... This too was a summary of Li Yuan''s achievements.


    For Li Yuan, who had already signed with Kunlun Martial University.


    This result was a near-perfect report card.


    "Yes, President Li... Oh, the admissions notice will be issued in five days, with registration on the 28th of June, and sses starting on July 3rd?" Li Yuan spoke with President Li on the call.


    After all the calls were done, it was already after ten o''clock.


    Aunt Chen Hui, after having bragged for a while, had already moved into the kitchen to get busy.


    She wanted to cook some dishes to celebrate the asion.


    Li Yuan and uncle Li Changzhou stepped out into the yard together, basking in the midsummer sunlight.


    "Li Yuan, we owe you a lot for this time," Li Changzhou said softly. "If it wasn''t for you, I definitely wouldn''t have been able toe back."


    "Uncle, don''t say that," Li Yuan shook his head. "Our family should be well, and now everything is fine."


    Li Changzhou smiled, refrained from any rebuttals, knowing Li Yuan''s character.


    "When do you n to report to Kunlun Martial University?" Li Changzhou asked.


    "7.2," Li Yuan had already decided.


    "Thatte?" Li Changzhou was somewhat surprised, having just overheard the conversation between Li Yuan and President Li.


    "I wanted to spend a few more days at home, to keep you and Auntiepany," Li Yuan said with a smile. "Kunlun Martial University has only a half-month vacation every six months. Once I go to university, it will be difficult toe home."


    "It won''t dy your training, will it?" Li Changzhou frowned.


    "Not at all. The martial arts room at home is sufficient for my training, and there is no shortage of cultivation resources," Li Yuan said with a smile.


    Li Changzhou''s brows rxed, "In that case, it''s settled. You make your own decisions regarding the martial path. I''ve got some free time too, so let''s have a good chat, just the two of us."


    In truth, Li Changzhou hoped that Li Yuan could rx for a few days.


    During the time at home, he had watched Li Yuan''s cultivation and hade to an updated understanding.


    He felt Li Yuan was pushing himself too hard. His fanatical dedication to cultivation made even him feel queasy.


    Too much is as bad as too little.


    "By the way, Uncle," Li Yuan said with a smile, "I just bought a fishing rod yesterday. Starting tomorrow, I''ll apany you to themunity fish pond for fishing."


    "Sounds good," Li Changzhou''s interest was piqued.


    With work keeping him busy all year round, it had been a long time since he had indulged in this hobby.


    Li Yuan watched his uncle''s smile and looked over at his aunt cooking in the kitchen in the distance.


    He couldn''t help but smile as well.


    After so many years of hard training, wasn''t this scene right before him what he had been striving for?


    What needed to be done next was to be even stronger, to protect this happiness.


    Basking in the sun, looking at thewn, Li Yuan''s mind drifted back to his childhood, when he often used to say, "Uncle, take me out to y, will you?"


    In middle school, it turned into "See you tonight, Uncle and Auntie."


    Now, it was finally about to be "Uncle and Auntie, I''ll be back at the end of the year."


    "People often say that once most finish high school, they''ve already spent 90% of the time they''ll ever spend with their parents," Li Yuan thought to himself. "In June, I''ll spend more time with Uncle and Auntie."


    That night.


    Li Qianqian and Li Muhua came home, excited and thrilled upon hearing about Li Yuan''s college entrance exam scores.


    The whole family was celebrating.


    At 8 o''clock in the evening, under the watchful eyes of his family, Li Yuan used the newlyunched ''Volunteer Reporting System'' to fill in his choices.


    For his first preference, he filled in Kunlun Martial University.


    ...


    Late at night, after his uncle and auntie had gone to bed.


    Vi 225, the basement.


    This was actually a martial arts room that covered nearly a thousand square meters and had a ceiling over six meters high.


    "Hoo!"


    As usual, Li Yuan was practicing the Ster Spear Technique for nearly two hours before he finally stopped to rest.


    Li Yuan''s eyes nced at the Divine Pce panel.


    ¡ª¡ª


    [Life Level: 10.6 (First Rank)]


    Fist Strength: 1623 kilograms


    Speed: 23.8 meters/second


    Spiritual Power: 17.5


    Spiritual Awakening Level: 12.8% (Current Max 20£¥)


    Physical Body Cultivation Method: "Solid Rock Cultivation Method"


    Mental Cultivation Method: "Observing the Great Sun Starry Sky Scripture"


    Skill Realm: Spear Technique (Fourth Level 34%), Movement Technique (Fourth Level 26%), Fist Technique (Fourth Level 36%)


    ..."From April until now, thanks to the new cultivation n, my physical quality has not slowed down in its improvement," Li Yuan thought to himself. "However, the gap in physical quality grows more astonishing the further you advance."


    For example, at level 11, the standard fist strength is 1800 kilograms.


    At level 12, it''s 3000 kilograms.


    At level 13, the standard fist strength reaches a terrifying 5000 kilograms.


    When ites to Life Level advancements, the speed of elevation is going to slow down more and more, which is unavoidable.


    "I''ll start school in July."


    "At the end of July, there''s abat assessment," Li Yuan sighed inwardly. "I hope to reach a 20% Spiritual Awakening Level by then, to see if I can undergo another infusion of Origin Power."


    If he could experience it again,


    it would greatly enhance Li Yuan''s physical quality and spiritual power once more.


    "On the other hand,"


    "Advancing in the Fourth Level of skills is indeed harder the further you progress," Li Yuan nced over his Spear Technique and Fist Technique.


    Nearly two months had passed, and his progress was actually quite significant.


    But if the rate of progress continued like this, the hope of reaching the Bright Moon Stage on the Starry Skies Fighting Network before the age of 18 was virtually zero.


    "I''ll give it my all."


    Li Yuan was at peace with himself and resumed practicing the Basic Cultivation Method.


    ...


    At 9 o''clock in the evening, thousands of miles away from Jiangbei Province, at Kunlun Martial University.


    Light spilled from an academic building, glowing brilliantly in the night.


    In one of the meeting rooms, where there was a constant flow of people,


    "What''s the situation with admissions? Are the results out yet?" President Li asked in a deep voice.


    "We are still continuously contacting and doing our best to persuade more students to choose our Kunlun Martial University," the teacher whispered. "For the top 50 in each province, our recruitment teams have already set off to invite them one by one."


    "Tomorrow, we should be able to gather the results."


    "Hmm."


    President Li nodded and then inquired, "What about the students on the early contract signing list? Give me their scores."


    "Yes." The teacher was already prepared, promptly taking out a list and handing it to President Li.


    President Li looked down and saw that the first name on the list was Li Yuan.


    "Why is Li Yuan first?" President Li couldn''t help but say, "I remember his ranking in the province was just over seventy."


    "That''s changed."


    "This year, Principal Fang''s order was to rank everything after admission based on actual scores," the recruitment teacher exined. "This Li Yuan, our admissions office has also taken notice of him."


    "His total score ranks 77th in Jiangbei Province, nothing eye-catching, and is expected to be around 350th among all students after enrollment."


    "That is, if we include the spiritual bonus points and other adjustments."


    "If we don''t count those bonus points,"


    "With a full score in Martial Path, Li Yuan is the number one in bare martial scores in Jiangbei Province," said the admissions teacher. "Moreover, he ranks tenth nationwide."


    "Number one in Jiangbei? Top ten in the whole country?" President Li didn''t know whether to be happy or annoyed.


    He was certain,


    that Li Yuan''s profile was nowid out on the desks of all institute heads in Kunlun Martial University''s eight institutes.


    His n to secretly recruit Li Yuan into the Sixth Institute just got harder.


    "Principal Fang, really has nothing better to do," President Li grumbled to himself.

 Chapter 106: 102 New Journey (Request Monthly Pass)

    ```


    Students ranked within the top 50 or even top 100 in the entire province


    would be fiercelypeted over by the recruitment teams of the five prestigious schools.


    After all, if a Martial Arts University wanted to remain prosperous, the first requirement was to continuously receive funding, and the second was to keep producing arge number of Prime Warriors and even Flying Heaven Warriors.


    Powerful martial artists often give back to their alma mater, whether by directly donating money or providing care within their scope of authority.


    Alumni form a circle... but no university came to find Li Yuan.


    Li Yuan''s reputation as a martial arts prodigy had long spread throughout Jiangbei, and as the actual top scorer in Jiangbei Province''s Martial Path total score, all the major school recruitment teams knew about him.


    However, the fact that he had been signed by Kunlun Martial University with an S-level contract was also well-known.


    An S-level contract?


    Moreover, to persuade Li Yuan to break his contract and offer a better one, the overall cost was too great, so the other prestigious schools had all chosen to give up.


    ... June 17th, in the afternoon, at the residentialmunity''s fishing spot.


    "Uncle, why have I been so unlucky today?" Li Yuan couldn''t help but ask while sitting on the stool.


    "Your beginner''s protection period is over," Li Changzhou said with a grin: "Didn''t you see how many you caught the past two days? You caught twice as many as me."


    "It''s good that you didn''t catch any today, or else your aunt would keep saying we have too much to eat."


    "It''s obviously because of my superior skills..." Li Yuan was about to retort when he suddenly felt his smart ring vibrate. Looking down, his eyes lit up.


    "Uncle, my admission notice is here," Li Yuan said, raising his hand.


    "Oh? Let me see," Li Changzhou stood up immediately.


    Suddenly.


    "Uncle, quick, the float!" Li Yuan hurriedly pointed into the distance where the float hadpletely sunk into the water.


    "It''s a big one! Double happiness," Li Changzhou hastily bent down to grab the fishing rod.


    ... After putting the fish in the box, Li Changzhou sat down and looked at the admission notice document that Li Yuan had sent over, his mouth couldn''t stop curling upwards.


    "Uncle, which institute do you think I should choose?" Li Yuan asked offhandedly: "The Sixth Institute or the Eighth Institute?"


    The Sixth Institute was where President Li resided.


    The Eighth Institute was where President Zhao resided, who was the one who had originally rmended him to Kunlun Martial University. This President Zhao was also Wan Qinghe''s elder martial brother.


    Therefore, in Li Yuan''s heart, after entering Kunlun Martial University, it would definitely be a choice between the two.


    "I rmend the Sixth Institute," Li Changzhou said: "There are circles among martial artists too, which university youe from is arge circle, which institute you attend is a small circle, and after graduation, which Martial Hall you join or whether you enter the military orrge corporate groups form new circles."


    Li Yuan listened attentively.


    A hero supported by three gangs, a martial artist with a broadwork can also smooth the path of Martial Path.


    Li Yuan had no intention of being a loner.


    "Different circles may intersect with each other," Li Changzhou said: "President Zhao of the Eighth Institute seems closer to you in terms of rtionships, since he was the first to rmend you."


    "But has he sought you out these past few months?" Li Changzhou asked with a half-smile: "Given you any guidance?"


    Li Yuan shook his head.


    "He definitely knows about your situation and was the first to make the connection, yet he hasn''t sought you out, which indicates that he doesn''t really care about you," Li Changzhou said.


    Li Yuan nodded slightly. The other party was a level-29 Prime Warrior, with astounding strength.


    Not seeking him out didn''t necessarily mean he looked down on him.


    It could be his personality, or perhaps he wasn''t too concerned about mentoring juniors.


    "On the contrary, President Li has always cared about you," Li Changzhou said: "Before the college entrance exam, he even made a special call to you."


    "Originally, it was also he who offered you the S-level contract."


    "In a sense, if you enter Kunlun Martial University, he will be akin to your seat-teacher," Li Changzhou said: "That''s a very rare rtionship."


    Li Yuan understood his uncle''s meaning.


    It''s better to stick with the familiar than to enter a circle that''s unfamiliar and likely doesn''t value you.


    "President Li is quite a good person," Li Yuan nodded: "Uncle, should I give President Li a V-call first?"


    "Yes, you should!"


    "However, it seems you can apply and fill out your ''target institute'' directly on your enrollment notice," Li Changzhou said: "First fill in the Sixth Institute, then give him a V-call, he will be even happier."


    "Alright."


    ...


    After Li Yuan finished filling out the ''admission notice response'', he filled in his personal information and his wish to join the Sixth Institute.


    He then directly made a V-call to President Li.


    Just as Li Changzhou had expected.


    "President Li," Li Yuan said directly: "I''ve received the admission notice and filled out the receipt... I''ve filled in the Sixth Institute."


    "Do you think it''s appropriate?"


    "Not considering the Eighth Institute?" President Li said with a smile on the screen, aware of Li Yuan''s rtionship with President Zhao.


    "The Eighth Institute is very good, but these past few months, you and Teacher Fan Jin have given me a lot of guidance. Otherwise, I wouldn''t have made such progress," Li Yuan spoke sincerely: "I believe that cultivating under your guidance is the best choice for me."


    "Haha, good!" President Li''s voice contained augh: "Rest assured, your choice won''t be wrong. I will arrange everything so that you can be a Prime Warrior in the quickest time possible over the next two years."


    Li Yuan could tell that President Li was very satisfied with his decision.


    "For this half-month break, you can rx a bit," President Li said: "But don''tpletely fall behind on your cultivation, I''ll expedite your institute admittance checks."


    "Soon, you will be able to enter ''Kunlun Space'', and the resources from the S-level special training contract will be provided to you," President Li instructed.


    "Understood."


    "I won''t disappoint you, President," Li Yuan said: "At the end-of-July Combat Assessment, I will definitely bring honor to our Sixth Institute."


    "Well then, I''ll be looking forward to it," President Li listened as Li Yuan said ''our Sixth Institute'' and found it quite heartening.


    ...


    That evening.


    "You''ve already chosen the Sixth Institute?" Wan Qinghe and Li Yuan weremunicating through a V-call: "Not considering the Eighth Institute?"


    "Uncle, I am very grateful to President Zhao," Li Yuan seemed somewhat embarrassed: "But President Li has been guiding my cultivation all along. He asked about my intentions, and it was hard to say no, so I applied for the Sixth Institute."


    ```

 Chapter 107: 102 New Journey (Request Monthly Pass)_2

    "I have always remembered President Zhao''s kindness; although we belong to different institutes, I am still a part of Kunlun Martial University. When I get to the school, I will definitely pay him a visit,"


    "Haha, alright," Wan Qinghe chuckled. "Don''t worry, I will exin everything to President Zhao; he won''t me you."


    Wan Qinghe knew how to dispel any dissatisfaction that his ''Ninth Senior Brother'' might have towards Li Yuan.


    ... "Ninth Senior Brother."


    "Li Yuan said he volunteered to join the Sixth Institute, but I feel his words were hesitant, as if there might be something else going on," Wan Qinghe sighed: "Before, Li Yuan often mentioned he was grateful to you, and he said many times that he would pay a visit to you once he was enrolled at Kunlun Martial University."


    "You also know that."


    "No matter how talented he is, he''s still just a teenager, how can he withstand so much pressure?" Wan Qinghe sighed: "If anyone is to me, it''s me. I should have rified things with him sooner; he doesn''t know your attitude."


    "This matter, it''s my fault," Wan Qinghe said with a look of regret.


    "I understand."


    "It''s not rted to you and even less Li Yuan''s fault," the figure of President Zhao appeared on the light screen, imposing and slightly angry: "It must be Li Yang who''s behind this."


    President Li''s real name was Li Yang.


    "What about Li Yuan?" Wan Qinghe asked at the right moment.


    "Let him focus on his cultivation, tell him that it''s all the same whether he is in the Sixth Institute or Eighth Institute," President Zhao said: "When he arrives at Kunlun Martial University, if he has time, he can also attend my lectures."


    "Brother, your magnanimity exceeds that of President Li by far, as you don''t fixate on institute affiliations," Wan Qinghe praised.


    ...


    In Martial Arts Universities, each province had only one.


    The top elite schools in the country numbered only five, thus the national and provincial cutoffs were very clear.


    For the Martial Path, the top 10,600 were the provincial cutoff.


    The top 520 were the national cutoff.


    It had always been this way.


    Cultural universities, on the other hand, had much moreplex admissions processes.


    Therefore, until June 20th, the admissions for all universities in Xia Country were only concluded.


    On June 22nd, ss 3 (2) held a graduation dinner, but less than sixty students were able to attend.


    "The day we checked the results, I cried, and my mom hugged me and we cried together; high school was finally over,"


    "I cried too, but it was from getting a beating from my parents,"


    "Brother Yuan is amazing."


    "Kunlun Martial Arts University, and he was even selected for the special training program! Way too awesome."


    "Brother Yuan, I toast to you."


    "Brother Yuan." Li Yuan was almost the center of attention among his ssmates.


    This group of students who had just graduated from high school was awkwardly learning the etiquette of adult social interaction.


    "Li Yuan, thank you," Li Tianyou poured a ss of beer.


    His eyes slightly red, he said earnestly to Li Yuan, "If it weren''t for you, I might not have been able to make it in the end."


    Li Tianyou had narrowly made it into Jiangbei Martial Arts University, ranking just over 9900 in the province''s Martial Path.


    "It has nothing to do with me,"


    "This is all the result of your own efforts," Li Yuan said with a smile, trying to ease the other''s emotions.


    "Don''t worry, I will find a way to pay you back the money I owe as soon as possible," Li Tianyou said in a low voice.


    "Alright, I trust your character," Li Yuan said with a smile: "But there is no hurry, once you are in university, cultivation should still take priority."


    Li Yuan never said ''the money is a gift to you.''


    Li Yuan understood that insisting on repaying the money was an act of dignity that Li Tianyou was making every effort to maintain.


    Why trample on it?


    "Brother Yuan, let me drink another with you," Zhou Qi came over with his ss.


    This time in the college entrance examination, his performance was not bad; he got into a C9 university.


    Time passed, and many students gradually became tipsy.


    Li Yuan was very sober, looking at many ssmates who, just half a month ago seemed so familiar, now already appeared somewhat strangers.


    He understood that aside from a few good friends like Zhou Qi and Li Tianyou, he might never see many of these ssmates again.


    His adolescent years werepletely over.


    Without a sound, Li Yuan settled the bill and left.


    ...


    June, not too hot yet.


    After the ss reunion.


    During the subsequent vacation days, Li Yuan often spent his days apanying his uncle fishing, helping his aunt nt flowers, and going shopping for clothes with them at the mall.


    On weekends, the family of five would even go for outings to Beihu Moshan together.


    Since junior high, Li Yuan had never felt as rxed as he did this June.


    In the evenings, he would focus solely on the Martial Path training.


    "After the college entrance exams ended, I''ve been practicing the spear, and spent less time on the Martial Path," Li Yuan realized.


    "But why has my Spear Technique improved even faster?" Li Yuan wondered about this.


    This phenomenon made him reflect.


    "Efficiency."


    "For sess in any endeavor, the energy and time invested are very important," Li Yuan thought to himself, "just as the ten-thousand-hour rule makes sense in any ordinary profession."


    "However,"


    "once a certain level of proficiency is reached in something, blindly umting time may not be the best approach."


    "These days, with a more rxed state of mind, the free time during the day allowed me to think more, to see more of the world."


    "These changes, the rxation of the spirit,"


    "actually made my practice of the Spear Technique more efficient, with fewer distractions, and even my spirit seemed purer, more peaceful," Li Yuan came to understand.


    Practice, like life itself, sometimes the more you crave, the less you receive.


    A moment of inspiration can be worth years of practice, but such inspiration cannot be gained solely through ''internal strife''.


    "The cultivation of the spirit!"


    "In the past, I''ve been blindly chasing time, longing for greater efficiency," Li Yuan suddenly smiled, "Just like uncle said, being too tense for too long, one must loosen up from time to time."


    And so,


    Li Yuan began to ''enjoy'' spending time with his aunt and uncle even more.


    June 29th, past ten in the evening.


    "ng! ng!" Li Yuan was practicing with the long spear, swinging it to create dazzling arcs of light and aftershadows.


    Gradually,


    Li Yuan practiced with increasing ease, fully immersing himself in the spear technique, truly enjoying it.


    "Bang~ Bang~" The heavy punching bag was continuously hammered with strikes.


    "Sofortable," the images in Li Yuan''s mind whirred rapidly, scenes shing by, making the heavy punching bag in front of him seem like a formidable opponent.


    His spear technique became faster,


    and steadier; each explosive hit became almost instinctive.


    All of a sudden, at one moment,


    "Whoosh!" Li Yuan''s mind and heart aligned, and with a fierce thrust of his long spear, his speed surged dramatically, the tip of the spear moving almost inconceivably fast.


    It tore through the air with a roar.


    "Bang~" The incredibly tough punching bag was unexpectedly burst open by the blunt-tip long spear.


    Innumerable special sands inside scattered wildly, raining down chaos.


    [Your Spear Technique Realm has progressed from Fourth Level 36% to Fourth Level 42%]


    [Your Fist Technique Realm has progressed from Fourth Level 39% to Fourth Level 44%] Two notifications from the Divine Pce scrolled by.


    Li Yuan stood still, letting the sand fall and bury up to his ankles.


    "The third form of the Ster Spear Technique, ''Dawn Piercing the Clouds'', I can finally execute it fully," Li Yuan silently recited in his mind.


    Before long,


    Li Yuan phoned the staff responsible at the Martial Hall.


    People came to rece the punching bag and clean up everything.


    ...


    The leisurely vacation had toe to an end atst.


    July 2nd was thest day to report to Kunlun Martial University, and it was also the day Li Yuan would leave home.


    "Xiaoyuan, when you get to the university, cultivate well and don''t worry about home," Li Changzhou advised, "I''ll take care of things here."


    "Call home when you get to school," the aunt''s primary concern was always Li Yuan''s safety, even though Li Yuan was already an Entry Rank Martial Artist.


    "Mmm, okay, I know."


    "Uncle, Auntie, it''s windy, go back inside," Li Yuan, with his backpack on, waved with a smile.


    A small flying vehicle hung motionless in the air.


    Swoosh!


    Li Yuan leaped more than two meters high, catapulting straight into the cabin as the door closed.


    The flying vehicle quickly ascended, heading towards Tianhe Airport to catch a connecting flight.


    Li Changzhou and Chen Hui stood outside their vi, continuously waving goodbye, watching the flying vehicle disappear into the misty rain.


    Li Yuan!


    Officially embarked on his university journey.

 Chapter 108: 103 Kunlun Martial University, New Senior Brother (Extra for 18000 Monthly Votes)

    Sitting in the short-range flyer prepared by Martial Hall, he hurried to the airport.


    Suddenly.


    "Hmm?" Li Yuan noticed a vibration on his smart ring and looked down, his eyes moving slightly.


    It was a message from Lin Lanyue.


    Since the invitation event at Jiangbei Martial University, they had not seen each other again.


    Before and after the college entrance examination, Li Yuan had intended to meet Lin Lanyue to thank her in person.


    However, she had not returned to Guan Mountain District''s No.1 High School.


    Li Yuan had asked Gu Qiang about it.


    He confirmed only one thing: Lin Lanyue indeed returned to take the college entrance exam, but her exam site was at Guan Mountain District No.2 High School.


    And she had not returned to her home in ''Starry Sky South Lake Community''.


    Where does she live now? Gu Qiang also didn''t know.


    V-chat? Li Yuan had tried several times to send messages to Lin Lanyue, but they all sank like stones in the sea.


    It was as if 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 content of the message wasn''t long.


    "Li Yuan, I''ve seen your messages. Last time, I just happened to hear from Teacher Xu Bo and then my elder brother was passing through Jiang City, coincidentally having the Yan Tong Spiritual Spring. You don''t have to take it too much to heart. Also, congrattions on getting into Kunlun Martial University, the best martial arts university in Xia Country.


    I believe you can be a Flying Heaven Warrior in the future. Keep it up!"


    Li Yuan stared at the content on the screen, lost in thought for a while.


    Coincidence?


    Was it really a coincidence, or was it an excuse Lin Lanyue found so he wouldn''t feel too burdened?


    After pondering for a while.


    Li Yuan replied to the message, "Regardless, thank you. If there''s anything I can help with in the future, make sure you find me. I also wish you smooth sailing at Starry Sky University."


    Perhaps it was because they hadn''t seen each other for a long time.


    Or perhaps after the incident with Li Changzhou, Li Yuan realized the huge gap between them.


    The words he spoke were bing somewhat formic.


    Lin Lanyue''s score on the college entrance exam for martial arts was first in Guan Mountain District, second in Jiang City, and third in Jiangbei Province.


    The martial arts top scorers of Jiangbei Province were Wu Dongdong first, Wang Yu second, and Lin Lanyue third.


    Lin Lanyue, was smoothly admitted to Starry Sky University.


    She was also the only student from Guan Mountain District who was admitted to one of the top three global prestigious schools.


    Some time passed again.


    "Alright, we may meet again if it''s meant to be." Lin Lanyue sent another message.


    Li Yuan stared at the screen, silent for a long time, and with a light sigh, he did not send another message in the end.


    He turned off his smart ring.


    Closed his eyes to rest.


    Not long after.


    "Li Yuan, we''ve arrived at the airport," a deep voice rang out. "Enter the terminal building, and you can check in and board the ne."


    ng¡ªthe cabin door opened.


    "Instructor Xing, thank you." Li Yuan opened his eyes, and the man sitting in front of him was indeed Instructor Xing.


    "Do we still talk like this among us? Just go train well at Kunlun Martial University. I look forward to Guan Mountain District producing a Flying Heaven Warrior," Instructor Xingughed. "Don''t worry about home; I''ll arrange for Martial Hall people to keep an eye on it."


    "If there''s any major issue, I''ll also report it to the Hall Master."


    "Alright, trouble you," Li Yuan nodded.


    During the months he lived in the Starfire South Lake Community, Li Yuan also got to know many Martial Hall warriors.


    People like Instructor Xing, Fang Longhu, who lived in the Third District and had a great rtionship with Li Yuan, could be entrusted.


    Secondly, Li Changzhou''s character and ability were something Li Yuan greatly admired.


    In addition, as Li Yuan had left behind two million Blue Star Coins, he wasn''t too worried about his family.


    Half an hourter.


    Arge flyer took off from Tianhe Airport and flew towards Longxi Province.


    ¡­


    In the central vi of Starry Sky South Lake Community.


    In the living room on the first floor.


    "Little sister, it''s just two kilometers away, why not see him?" the young man in blueughed.


    "It''s not necessary," said the girl sitting on the sofa, shaking her head gently. "I understand him; he''s a person with great pride in his heart."


    "At this moment, he must feel like he owes me a big favor that he can''t repay... if we met, what else would we talk about?"


    "Awkward small talk?"


    "Or watch him clumsily say ''thank you'' to me?" Lin Lanyue looked at the young man in blue.


    The young man in blue was speechless.


    "Let''s wait."


    "I believe there wille a day when we meet again," Lin Lanyue stood up, her delicate face filled with calm, "By then, I believe he can face me withposure."


    "Aren''t you afraid it''s a wait in vain?" the young man in blue looked at his little sister. "Aren''t you afraid he might fall for someone else?"


    He felt that in the past six months, his little sister had undergone many changes.


    Gradually shedding her immaturity, she had be steadier, more resolute, and firm.


    She was truly starting to grow up.


    Beyond these changes, there was also a hint of a love that had not yet fully blossomed.


    The girl was silent for a long time before finally saying softly, "I trust my judgment."


    "If I''m wrong, then I''ll ept the consequences of the mistake," Lin Lanyue smiled. "Second brother, let''s go."


    "From Jiangbei Province to Lantis Continent, it''s over thirty thousand kilometers."


    "Today is thest day for registration, don''t bete."


    ¡­


    Catching arge flyer to Longxi Province, then a smaller flyer for a connecting flight,


    At three in the afternoon, Li Yuan finally arrived at Kunlun Martial University.


    "Kunlun Martial University." Li Yuan sat in a window seat of the flyer, able to see far into the distance,


    He already caught sight of it.


    On the endless expanse ofnd below, there were numerous vis, buildings, airports... The most eye-catching was a sci-fi-like, immense war fortress.


    This was Kunlun Martial University. The overallyout and structure were actually simr to Jiangbei Martial University, though even smaller in scale.


    After all, Jiangbei Martial University had forty to fifty thousand students, while Kunlun Martial University only had about ten thousand students year-round.


    But!


    That war fortress was towering, far surpassing the one at Jiangbei Martial University.


    "Kunlun Fortress." Li Yuan murmured to himself, conjuring up the name of the fortress.


    This fortress was one of the top ten ranked war fortresses on the vastnd in the northwest of Xia Country.


    Its height nearly reached nine hundred meters, covering an area of nearly twenty square kilometers¡ªan absolute behemoth.


    The other nine? Mostly located around the Robe Lake Star Realm.


    The flyer approached rapidly.


    "Just as I thought!"


    "Apart from the teaching buildings, they are all vis." Li Yuan sighed inwardly, "ording to the enrollment introduction, every student gets a detached vi, equipped with a flying vehicle and a housekeeper... It allows every student to devote themselves entirely to cultivation."


    In Jiangbei Martial University, only the top 5% of students can enjoy such treatment.


    But in Kunlun Martial University, everyone does, or even more so.


    Li Yuan''s gaze rose, and in the distance, he could see a huge mountain range that undted like a dragon stretching across thend.


    It was Xia Country''s first mountain range¡ªMount Kunlun.


    "The ancestor of all mountains, Kunlun," Li Yuan murmured to himself, "The name of Kunlun University does have a deeper meaning."


    ...


    "Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!" Several students on the flying vehicle got off one after another, following Li Yuan.


    Today was thest day for registration.


    Since it was already afternoon, almost all students hadpleted their registration.


    Therefore, under the terminal building in the distance, the banner that read ''Wee new students'' had fallen down halfway, and no one had bothered to fix it.


    "Li Yuan, over here, hurry up!" a handsome young man called out loudly from a distance.


    Next to him stood another youth with a robust physique, and behind them gathered more people.


    Seeing the two, Li Yuan couldn''t help but smile and quickly walked over, "Gu Qiang, Hai Feng, long time no see."


    Stepping forward, he greeted them with the habitual form of salutation among boys¡ªa punch to the chest.


    Indeed!


    Gu Qianghan and Dong Haifeng, they had both sessfully been admitted to Kunlun Martial Arts University.


    Along with Li Yuan, the three of them were the only students from the number one high school in Guan Mountain District to be admitted into any of the five famous schools.


    Having been admitted to the same university from the same high school, their rtionships were naturally closer, and they had been in touch early on.


    Before departure,


    Li Yuan had sent messages to Gu Qianghan and Dong Haifeng, informing them about his approximate time of arrival.


    "Li Yuan."


    "Li Yuan," Behind the two, stood thirty or forty people who all greeted Li Yuan one after another.


    "Are you all from Jiang City?" Li Yuan hesitated a bit, noticing many familiar faces.


    "Yes."


    "Li Yuan, we all participated in the invitation event of Jiangbei Martial University together. You might not remember us very well, but we all remember you," a tall, skinny boy said with a smile, "I''m An Nong."


    "Li Yuan, my name is Tong Zhi."


    "My name is..." dozens of people quickly introduced themselves.


    "Oh, I actually do remember a bit," Li Yuan smiled.


    Seeing a big group of fellow townspeople and old friends,


    the strangeness of being far from home was immediately dispersed by quite a lot.


    "What are you all doing here?" Li Yuan hesitated. It was one thing for Gu Qianghan and Dong Haifeng toe to pick him up.


    The others? They seemed familiar, but surely they were not that close yet.


    "What else? We are waiting for you, the great ''senior brother'' of the new students from the Sixth Institute," Gu Qianghan red, "Being the senior brother of new students of the Sixth Institute, and you''re thest toe? You have no sense of responsibility."


    "Senior brother of new students?" Li Yuan was confused.


    He had just arrived.


    How had he suddenly be the senior brother of new students?


    "Stop talking, we have to finalize the ranking by eight o''clock; our institute is currently sixth," Gu Qianghan called him over, "Get on the flying vehicle. I''ll exin everything on the way."


    "Have youpleted all the entrance procedures in the Kunlun Space already?"


    "Yes, room 61032," Li Yuan said.


    The sequence number meant vi number 1032 of the Sixth Institute.


    "Next to mine, I''m in 61031," Gu Qianghan smiled, "Once things are settled, you need to boost our Sixth Institute''s ranking."


    "To the Xuanwu Building."


    "Ranking?" Li Yuan became even more bewildered, unable to grasp everything as he had justnded.


    But still, he followed Gu Qianghan onto the flying vehicle.


    The flying vehicle seated four and was essentially a ''flying car,'' suitable for short trips.


    Each student was assigned one, capable of autonomous driving,muting smartly to any ce within the campus.


    When needed, it could be summoned directly.


    When not in use, it would automatically return to the vi, where it would charge, park, and wash itself.


    "The students of Jiangbei Martial University seem to use running as their means of transportation," Li Yuan couldn''t help but say.


    He remembered the scenes from the invitation event.


    "Different levels of universities have different training programs," Gu Qianghan said. "Even the weakest students at Kunlun Martial University can bepared to their strongest ones."


    Li Yuan smiled and said nothing.


    Perhaps it was so at the start of their studies,


    but by the second or third year, it might not be the case anymore.


    ...


    Traveling at ultra-low altitude along the road, Li Yuan saw many flying vehiclesing and going.


    All were filled with students from Kunlun Martial University.


    "Level 13 Martial Artist!"


    "Level 16 Martial Artist!"


    "Prime Warrior," Li Yuan nced around casually, utilizing Divine Pce Inquiry, and found that most of the people had a body level below 15.


    Those above level 18 were very rare.


    Prime Warriors? Very rare to see, Li Yuan only noticed a few along the way.


    Aside from the freshmen,


    Martial Artists were everywhere, those above level 15 weremon, and even Prime Warrior students existed¡ªthis was Kunlun Martial University,


    The top two martial arts higher education institutes in Xia Country.


    On their way, Gu Qianghan also quickly briefed Li Yuan, giving him an idea of the situation.


    "Inter-institutepetition, pre-admission Points ranking? The total Points of the top two hundred students in each institute?"


    "The deadline tonight at eight o''clock?"


    "The first-ranked institute receives 20,000 Blue Star Coins per student, and the student ranked first in individual Points gets 500,000 Blue Star Coins?" Li Yuan listened to Gu Qianghan''s exnation.


    "Are all of you from the Sixth Institute?" Li Yuan couldn''t help but ask, "Why such concentration?"


    The number of students from Jiang City admitted to Kunlun Martial University was supposedly less than a hundred.


    And Kunlun Martial University had eight institutes.


    "Because of you!"


    "You chose the Sixth Institute, and right after you told me half a month ago, I immediately contacted all these fellow townspeople. Before and after enrollment, we all strongly requested to join the Sixth Institute, to support you," Gu Qianghan said eagerly, "After all, someone has to offer support, it might as well be us."


    "Li Yuan, students from other provinces don''t know, but we do," he continued.


    "Your ranking in the college entrance examination was low because of Spiritual Nature points. Based on raw scores, you are the number one in Jiangbei Province."


    "But in university, what counts is true strength! "


    "Wu Dongdong, my sister, Tian Dazhuang, and all the other top talents who couldpete with you, have gone to Starry Sky University, Starfire University."


    "In terms of strength, if you say you are second in this batch of freshmen at Kunlun Martial University, I won''t believe anyone dares im to be the first!" Gu Qianghan''s eyes shone, "Li Yuan, I''ve said before; my sister can''t be counted on."


    "For the five years in university, I''ll be depending on you to cover for me."

 Chapter 109: 104: The Xuanwu that Surpasses Flying Heaven (20,000 Monthly Tickets Plus Update)

    "Cover you for five years?" Li Yuan listened to Gu Qianghan''s words and couldn''t help but want to say something.


    But when he thought about the other person''s family background and personality, he closed his mouth.


    Just like Gu Qianghan had said, he really could live off his parents.


    Moreover, Li Yuan had long discovered that Gu Qianghan, despite appearing nonchnt, actually had a very high IQ. Combined with his family background, such a person often believes they''ve ''seen through everything.''


    If he doesn''t wake uppletely on his own, it would be useless no matter what others say.


    Besides.


    "Being friends with Gu Qiang, being roommates, both are quite good," Li Yuan thought silently.


    "Brothers and sisters." Gu Qianghanughed loudly, "Aren''t you going to call Li Yuan ''Big Brother''?"


    "Big Brother!"


    "Big Brother." A dozen flying machines above, with dozens of freshmen from Jiang City, shouted out.


    Their voices echoed across the campus.


    It startled Li Yuan and also drew the attention of many passing students.


    Big Brother? Such a title was a rarity throughout the entire school.


    "Is this ''Big Brother'' title something you guys came up with?" Li Yuan couldn''t help asking.


    "Wrong!"


    "Li Yuan," Gu Qianghan said with a grin, "This isn''t self-proimed, it''s publicly recognized. We all recognize you as the ''Big Brother'' of the freshmen in the Sixth Institute. Ask around, who would disagree?"


    "Agreed!" Dong Haifeng said with a smile.


    "Li Yuan, you should be our Sixth Institute''s ''Big Brother'' of the new students," An Nong and the other freshmen shouted.


    The students who could get into Kunlun Martial University were all exceptional, often the prominent figures in their own high schools.


    Admitting another freshman as ''Big Brother''? No one was truly convinced.


    So what if he''s a bit stronger?


    Being stronger now doesn''t mean he''ll stay that way forever.


    But Li Yuan was different!!


    This group of students from Jiang City had all witnessed Li Yuan''s capabilities firsthand during the Jiangbei Martial University''s recruitment event.


    Moreover, at that time, Li Yuan''s Physical Quality was only around Level 9, and now that he''d reached Entry Rank, he was bound to be even more formidable.


    Most importantly, Li Yuan had broadcast a show that these students had watched and roughly understood the terrifying speed of Li Yuan''s rise.


    Various factors and the huge gap had earned their immense respect for Li Yuan.


    Joining the Sixth Institute didn''t mean they really expected to ride on Li Yuan''s coattails, but they did generally want the warmth of the group.


    "Big Brother?" Li Yuan shook his head and didn''t argue further.


    In fact, speaking of strength, Li Yuan was among the top of his age globally, but due to Martial Spirit reasons, he hade to Kunlun Martial University... Li Yuan couldn''t help but feel stifled inside.


    Deep down, he too wanted to prove himself!


    Li Yuan had ambition.


    Unable to get into Starfire University, Starry Sky University? Then he would work hard at Kunlun Martial University, striving to surpass the martial arts geniuses of the three top martial schools.


    He would strive to be a Flying Heaven Warrior, or even stronger.


    He wanted to prove through action that one doesn''t need to attend Starfire University or Starry Sky University to be the strongest.


    "First among the new students at Kunlun Martial University?" Li Yuan shook his head slightly.


    From the beginning to the end, Li Yuan''s goal was never just that.


    His sight was set further in the future.


    "Haifeng, how are the total points rankings for thepetition between the eight institutes determined?" Li Yuan asked.


    "It''s based on the points from the Kunlun Nine Mountains," said Dong Haifeng. "Each institute has about 250 new students, each of whom can attempt the Kunlun Nine Mountains."


    "They will take the best scores of the top 200, and thebined points of these 200 people will be the total score for an institute''s entrypetition."


    "Rankings are divided into individual rankings and total institute score rankings," Dong Haifeng exined quickly. "Right now, our Sixth Institute is ranked fourth, with over 5700 points in total."


    "So you''re saying that on average, each person doesn''t even have 30 points?" Li Yuan felt a twinge of toothache.


    The score was too low.


    Beforeing to school, Li Yuan had seen all kinds of study arrangements,petitive settings, and reward systems of Kunlun Martial University on the ''Kunlun Space'' of the virtualwork.


    He had some understanding of the Kunlun Nine Mountains, a kind of ''virtual contest'' set up by the university specifically to test Martial Arts Skills, divided into nine levels.


    The Kunlun Nine Mountains, it was somewhat simr to the advancement matches of the Starry Skies Fighting Network, but not exactly the same.


    "Right, the score is quite low."


    Dong Haifeng touched his head, somewhat embarrassed: "Because most of the new students'' Martial Arts Skills are actually less than Third Stage."


    Li Yuan mused to himself.


    Third Stage skills score 360 in the martial arts portion of the college entrance exam, which is actually very hard to achieve.


    Fourth Level skills? That''s one of the three major thresholds for a Prime Warrior.


    As far as Li Yuan knew, although arge number of Prime Warriors would emerge from Kunlun Martial University in the future,


    most people would not be Prime Warriors before graduating.


    Those who did be Prime Warriors mostly continued their cultivation after graduation, struggled through life and death in the Star Realm, and ultimately broke through their bottlenecks.


    Otherwise, there wouldn''t be so few Prime Warriors within human civilization.


    Take Li Yuan for example.


    Achieving Fourth Level skills during his high school phase? Globally, that ced him at the very pinnacle among his peers.


    Otherwise, would Li Yuan have received such attention from Starfire Martial Hall?


    "Li Yuan."


    "Oh no, Big Brother." Gu Qianghan immediately changed his address, visibly excited: "Our Sixth Institute, we''re actually only a hundred or two hundred points behind the second and third ces."


    "Only the Third Institute is more than six or seven hundred points ahead of us," Gu Qianghan said seriously. "You just need to be worth thirty people, get 800 points, and we''re sure to win."


    "Eight hundred points?"


    "Gu Qiang, you didn''t say that before, didn''t you say we''d aim for second ce?"


    "Eight hundred points, huh?" Others were amazed, they were full of confidence in Li Yuan, thinking that getting four or five hundred points wouldn''t be difficult.


    But eight hundred points?


    That was a bit of an exaggeration! Because they had all challenged the Kunlun Nine Mountains and knew the difficulties of the nine levels.


    "Eight hundred points, huh?" Li Yuan smiled, "Then I''ll give it a try, but let''s make it clear first, even if I don''t seed, don''t me me."


    ```


    "Haha, good."


    "Even Wu Luo could score over three hundred points. Big brother will definitely be stronger. Back then, Wu Luo was totally defeated by big brother''s hand."


    "Wu Luo''s Martial Arts Skills have stepped into the Fourth Level. Otherwise, many at the Third Stage would be stuck at the Third Mountain."


    "And there''s Yang Hong, who nearly scored four hundred points."


    "With big brother''s strength, surpassing those two shouldn''t be difficult," everyone said one after another, discussing.


    They were all filled with expectations for Li Yuan.


    Soon, they passed through a vast vi area.


    More than a dozen flying vehicles had already arrived in front of an extremelyrge building.


    In front of the building.


    Lay a colossal creature resembling a sea turtle, tens of meters tall and over two hundred meters in length, its statue looming.


    The statue was made of stone.


    Only its shell on the back appeared so real that it even gave off an inexplicable aura of horror, as if a powerful Xuanwu was genuinely lying there, closing its eyes to rest.


    "Is this the Xuanwu statue?" Li Yuan was shocked in his heart. He had seen it in school introductions.


    "Yes!"


    "Legend has it, a long time ago, there was a Star Realm creature Xuanwu that exceeded the Sky-Flying Level on Feixing," Gu Qianghan said excitedly. "It was Dongfang Ji, the first strongest human, who hunted it down alone. A world-shattering battle erupted between them on Feixing, devastating heaven and earth."


    "In the end, Dongfang Ji killed it."


    "Its remains were turned into a gift by Dongfang Ji and given to his alma mater, ''Kunlun Martial Arts University.''


    "That shell in front of us."


    "It''s the remains of a lifeform that surpassed the Sky-Flying Level."


    "After thorough research by Kunlun Martial University, the shell was made into this statue to serve as a warning, prompting all students to maintain a sense of awe," Gu Qianghan said confidently. "This building was therefore renamed Xuanwu Tower in memory."


    "You''re quite mediocre in ability but quite knowledgeable," Li Yuan joked.


    "Damn! Here we go again," Gu Qianghanined. "It''s not that I''m too weak, it''s that you''re too abnormal."


    "Let''s get off."


    The flying vehicles slowlynded in the square, and dozens of people jumped out.


    "Eight institutes, each with its own specialized area."


    "And there areprehensive buildings."


    "Xuanwu Tower is aprehensive building, divided into east and west wings," Gu Qianghan exined. "The east wing is the main area for first-year freshmen. Important activities for freshmen from all eight institutes are held here."


    Li Yuan listened, knowing some things while still unaware of others.


    Clearly, Gu Qianghan had arrived several days earlier and was quite familiar with many things.


    "Let''s go into the east wing," Gu Qianghan said.


    A crowd surrounded Li Yuan as they entered the east wing of Xuanwu Tower.


    The building was only twelve stories high, but it covered an enormous area.


    Upon entering, there was a vast open-air za, easily capable of amodating two to three thousand people. At the moment, there were six to seven hundred people gathered in the za.


    As Li Yuan and his group of dozens entered with great momentum, they immediately attracted the attention of the many first-year freshmen on the za.


    "They are from the Sixth Institute."


    "That one is Gu Qianghan."


    "From the Sixth Institute," someone recognized them.


    In just a few days, Gu Qianghan gained a certain level of fame among the freshmen for his excellent ''organizational abilities.''


    "Could it be that they still want topete in the entrancepetition for the institutes?"


    "The deadline is almost here; their strongest members should have participated already."


    "What are they doing here?" Many students showed puzzled looks on their faces.


    The entrancepetition for the institutes was already nearing its end.


    "Li Yuan!"


    "Li Yuan is here? He''s from the Sixth Institute?"


    "Damn!"


    "So why did they all from Jiang City join the Sixth Institute? Didn''t Li Yuan go to Starfire University?"


    "He actually came?" Among the several hundred people, many were from Jiangbei Province and quickly recognized the conspicuous figure with therge backpack.


    "Li Yuan?"


    "Who is Li Yuan?" Students from other provinces showed expressions of confusion. "Never heard of him. He wasn''t mentioned in the top ten admission scores this year."


    "Forget about it; go notify Wu Luo..."


    "And Yang Hong. It''s possible our Third Institute might lose the top spot," some students from Jiangbei Province started to panic.


    They had witnessed Li Yuan''s prowess.


    On this side.


    "Rankings?" Li Yuan looked up and already saw two giant light screens on each side of the za disying two sets of rankings.


    Kunlun Nine Mountains Individual Ranking (First Year):


    First ce: Yang Hong (399 points)


    Second ce: Wu Luo (329 points)


    Third ce: Han Hongjun (288 points)


    ...


    Institute Entrance Competition (Institute):


    First ce: Third Institute (6563 points)


    Second ce: Seventh Institute (6043 points)


    Third ce: Fifth Institute (5956 points)


    Fourth ce: Sixth Institute (5789 points)


    ...


    "Big brother, let''s start," An Nong whispered. "The sooner we secure it, the sooner we can rx."


    "Okay," Li Yuan nodded and walked directly toward the virtualwork pods in the distance.


    ```

 Chapter 110: 105: Power of One (Seeking Monthly Votes)

    ```


    "Hai Feng, help me with my bag," Li Yuan called out, slipping off his backpack to pass it to Dong Haifeng.


    After all, he was most familiar with Gu Qianghan and Dong Haifeng.


    The others? Although they called him ''senior brother,'' Li Yuan didn''t take it seriously.


    "Senior brother, leave it to me, I''m the best at this," said An Nong, the tall and skinny boy standing alongside, as he caught the backpack from Li Yuan''s hand and patted his chest, "I will definitely hold on to it well."


    Li Yuan was stunned for a moment, giving An Nong a curious look.


    The kid sure knew how to curry favor!


    "Alright, An Nong, thanks a lot," Li Yuan said with a smile, not rejecting the offer.


    In the short time from the terminal to Xuanwu Tower, Li Yuan had already made up his mind.


    The students who were able to enroll in Kunlun Martial University might not have talents that matched his own, but they were all top choices, and at the very least, they all had the potential to be Prime Warriors in the future.


    What''s most important is that this group of people were all from Jiang City!


    In ancient times, this meant they were naturally ''fellow vigers'', thereby naturally having a foundation of trust among each other.


    Therefore, now that Gu Qianghan had alreadyid some groundwork for him, if he could truly rally this group of people together, unite them, and truly establish prestige and influence among them, it might be of great use in the future.


    So-called socialworks and rtionships are all built up step by step.


    His uncle, Li Changzhou, had taught Li Yuan from a young age not to focus only on the present.


    For instance, learning a few foreignnguages, understanding an industry, acquiring additional certifications, and making more friends among ssmates...might seem useless at the moment, even mostly useless, but at some critical moment in the future, you might be able to use one or two of these skills to great effect.


    In a word.


    Gathering more resources, it''s never a mistake.


    "Senior brother?"


    "Are we electing the senior brother now?"


    "Don''t we wait until the Combat Assessment in July to choose the new senior brother?"


    "Is this Li Yuan really that amazing?" Many freshmen were shocked upon hearing An Nong''s address.


    The title of senior brother is clearly recognized for each ss and each institute by the school.


    It''s based on strength, and moreover, one must be willing, withpetitions every half year.


    There are responsibilities, but also benefits.


    "What do you guys know?" An Nong, holding therge bag,ughed coldly and said loudly, "Everyone says Yang Hong is the senior brother for the freshmen of the Third Institute, and Wu Luo will be the senior brother for the Seventh Institute... But do all the people in those two institutes truly acknowledge them?"


    The people in the venue looked at each other.


    At this moment, there were mostly students from the Third and Seventh Institutes in the venue.


    Truly acknowledging Wu Luo and Yang Hong? Forget about it!


    Many freshmen truly had never met Wu Luo and Yang Hong, so how could they recognize them?


    "So you guys from the Sixth Institute genuinely recognize this Li Yuan?" someone finally couldn''t help but shout.


    "Of course, we do."


    "Our senior brother of the Sixth Institute is way stronger than those two, just you wait and see," An Nong, waiting for this cue, immediately shouted towards Gu Qianghan and the others, "Brothers and sisters, show them the unity of our Sixth Institute, call out to senior brother."


    "Senior brother!" Over thirty people, seemingly prepared, shouted in unison towards Li Yuan, their voices echoing throughout the entire venue.


    Li Yuan was taken aback and looked at An Nong again.


    The kid was a pro!


    Just one nce, and you could tell he was great at creating ''hype,'' ying the groundwork,'' and ''building anticipation,'' perfect for public rtions work.


    If he learned to write cliffhangers, he could try writing serialized novels online, and he''d likely do well.


    "Are they really calling him that?"


    "Do so many people acknowledge him?"


    "This Li Yuan, is he really that incredible?" The unified shouting from tens of people instantly subdued the six to seven hundred freshmen in the venue.


    Many students who were originally skeptical started to be doubtful.


    Is this Li Yuan really that incredible?


    In fact, there were also many students from the Sixth Institute in the venue who came from other provinces and didn''t know Li Yuan, but they didn''t dare to speak out in the face of such a situation.


    People have the instinct to conform and fit in, and nobody wanted to bebeled as a ''traitor of the Sixth Institute.''


    For a moment, everyone in the venue couldn''t help but turn their eyes toward Li Yuan, waiting to see his performance.


    They wanted to see how incredible he could really be.


    Could he truly reverse a deficit of over seven hundred points with his own strength?


    "Senior brother, you can do it!"


    "Beat the Third Institute, take the top spot." An Nong, with the bag slung over one shoulder and waving his fist with the other hand, appeared extremely excited.


    The atmosphere was perfectly charged up.


    Li Yuan''s expression showed a trace of oddity as he murmured to himself, "If this act fails, it''s game over, will probably get ridiculed for years."


    To be the big brother, it''s crucial to hold your ground in big moments.


    "Well, it''s okay."


    "It''s only a seven hundred point gap, not seven thousand. Otherwise, it really would be a headache," Li Yuan muttered to himself, and sat straight down into the public virtualwork pod.


    The pod door closed.


    Li Yuan''s eyes tightly shut, his consciousness connected, already entering the virtualwork.


    Whoosh!


    Whoosh! Whoosh! Everyone subconsciously looked up, eyes fixed on the two giant screens with the leaderboards on either side.


    In reality, every student could participate in the ''Kunlun Nine Mountains'' virtual battles from their own vi.


    They could also see the real-time updates of the rankings.


    But however realistic thework is, what could be more exciting than being there in person?


    Hence, when the enrollmentpetition of the Eighth Institute approached closure, so many people came to the east hall of Xuanwu Tower.


    Primarily students from the Third and Seventh Institutes, they were actually prepared to celebrate.


    ...


    All freshmen from each institute have various chat groups.


    Therefore, in a very short time, many of the freshmen in the Xuanwu Tower were able to spread the news to their respective institute groups.


    "Who is Li Yuan?"


    "Does anyone know?"


    "The Sixth Institute is boasting that Li Yuan alone can chop down eight hundred points, how arrogant."


    "Never heard of him!"


    "Eight hundred points? Aren''t those idiots from the Sixth Institute saying that Li Yuan can grab a thousand points?"


    ```

 Chapter 111: 105: Power of One (Seeking Monthly Votes)_2

    ```


    "A thousand points? Bullshit! I don''t believe it!"


    "Wait till I get there, I want to see the face-pping." An abundance of messages began spreading immediately across various institute groups.


    Many new students started hurrying over from their vis, wanting to catch the excitement.


    Others who were reluctant to go out also instinctively followed the rankings and group messages.


    ...Inside a vi belonging to a student of the Seventh Institute.


    Underground Martial Arts Room.


    A handsome youth holding a sword and shield was silently practicing in the Martial Arts Room.


    Wu Luo!


    At the Jiangbei Martial University''s invitation event, although he was defeated by Li Yuan in the cage brawl, he performed well in the Combat Assessment and broke into the top ten.


    Eventually, Kunlun Martial University used another of their S-grade special training contracts to sign him.


    Wu Luo did not disappoint, ranking eighth in martial arts scores in Jiangbei Province in the college entrance exam.


    This achievement was barely enough to qualify for the top three global premier martial schools.


    "If I went to Starry Sky University, I''d be the least noticeable one, the bottom ss, with no one valuing me," Wu Luo silently practiced his Sword Technique: "But at Kunlun Martial University, I am among the top-tier talents, able to receive the most cultivation resources."


    "The odds of achieving great sess are even higher!"


    "Moreover, after the college entrance exam, I managed to break through to Unity of Mind and Body, and my Sword Technique has just stepped into the Fourth Level." Wu Luo thought to himself: "Among the two thousand freshmen, aside from that Yang Hong, no one else is my match."


    Wu Luo had his own considerations.


    He was well aware thatpared to geniuses like Tian Dazhuang and Wu Dongdong, he was slightly inferior and would struggle to rise rapidly at Starry Sky University.


    "Yang Hong."


    "Just you wait." Wu Luo''s eyes were resolute: "When ites to Physical Quality, you''re not my match. By the end of July''s Combat Assessment, I will definitely be stronger than you."


    Suddenly.


    "Beep~" The assistant AI sounded an alert: "Master, an important person has sent a message, with the remark ''new student Yang Hong''."


    "Yang Hong?" Wu Luo was slightly surprised as he spoke in a low tone: "Answer."


    Whoosh~ A beam of light shot out, and a hologram formed, disying a burly man holding arge axe, who seemed to have also been practicing just now.


    "Yang Hong, what''s up?" Wu Luo said indifferently.


    "Have you seen the ranking for the entrancepetition?" the burly youth asked in a low voice.


    "No." Wu Luo frowned.


    He typically did not take calls during his practice time, and since it had only been a few days since entering school, there were only a few in the Seventh Institute who knew hismunicator number.


    Thus, even after ten minutes had passed, no one could contact him.


    "Someone has surpassed both your score and mine," the burly youth said somberly.


    "What, surpassed? Are there any other Fourth Level Martial Arts Skill masters among the freshmen? Who?" A hint of shock shed through Wu Luo''s eyes.


    "From what I''ve heard from other students, you should be quite familiar with this person," the burly youth''s face showed a trace of puzzling meaning.


    "Someone I''m familiar with?" Wu Luo grew even more confused.


    "Li Yuan!" The burly youth almost seemed to smile as he uttered the two words.


    Boom!


    Those two words, like a thunderp, caused Wu Luo to widen his eyes in disbelief.


    That monster, Li Yuan, came to Kunlun Martial University?


    ...After ending the call with Yang Hong, Wu Luo immediately walked over to pick up his smart bracelet and swiftly tapped on the ''Kunlun Martial University'' app to check the rankings.


    Kunlun Nine Mountains Individual Rankings (Freshmen):


    First ce: Li Yuan (586 points)


    Second ce: Yang Hong (399 points)


    Third ce: Wu Luo (329 points)


    Fourth ce: Han Hongjun (288 points)


    ...


    "588, 591." Wu Luo watched as the numbers beside Li Yuan''s name on the hologram quickly jumped.


    In the blink of an eye, they had soared past 600 points.


    What did this indicate?


    Li Yuan had hardly faced any significant resistance, sweeping through all his opponents with ease.


    Wu Luo, who had also reached over three hundred points, knew all too well the strength of the opponents Li Yuan was facing.


    "Li Yuan?"


    Wu Luo muttered to himself, his eyes revealing a touch of unwillingness: "Could it be that after several months, though I finally made a breakthrough to the Fourth Level, the gap between us hasn''t narrowed, but has in fact grown even wider?"


    He stared intently at the hologram.


    "A thousand points."


    "You can''t possibly break through a thousand points and directly enter the Fifth Mountain, can you?" Wu Luo thought silently.


    ...


    In the virtualwork, within a space affiliated with Kunlun Martial Arts University.


    Some extremely mysterious and special areas, enveloped in mists, vast and boundless, stood nine tall mountains.


    The Kunlun Nine Mountains, with each peak taller than thest, the highest peak reaching into the clouds.


    Fourth Mountain, on the spacious mountain path.


    ```


    At this moment, blood had already flowed like a river, and one after another the bodies of Star Realm Creatures, resembling wolves with their silvery bodies,y in pools of blood.


    A handsome young man holding a long spear moved along the mountain path with a subdued expression, unfazed by the bloodshed.


    The spear flickered, like lightning.


    With each thrust of his weapon, another Star Realm Creature fell, symbolizing death.


    Li Yuan''s points were skyrocketing.


    "This challenge of Kunlun Nine Mountains is easier than I thought, I breezed through to the Fourth Mountain," Li Yuan even had the energy to observe his surroundings.


    In Kunlun Nine Mountains, one can freely choose their Physical Quality level, and by killing off all opponents on each mountain, you can pass.


    Li Yuan had chosen the Physical Quality level of 10.0, and so far, the opponents that had appeared were at level 9.0, including all types of Star Realm Creatures.


    The further one went, the higher the skill level of the opponents encountered.


    "Roar~"


    Suddenly, a low growl resounded, and an enormous silver wolf king emerged, darting towards Li Yuan with noticeably faster speed and strength.


    "Finally, it''s here."


    "Is this the part where you clear the minions and the final boss shows up? After getting rid of the boss, should this level be considered passed?" Li Yuan grinned and advanced to meet the challenge.


    Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!


    The spear''s shadow shifted unpredictably as Li Yuan instantly unleashed ''Twelve Continuous Strikes'' in an attempt to kill the silver wolf king outright.


    "ng!"


    "Whoosh!" "Whoosh!" The wolf''s ws changed as if they were made of metal, effortlessly blocking Li Yuan''s rapid spear strikes.


    "So fast!"


    "Worthy of being the boss." Li Yuan''s eyes lit up. After nearly twenty minutes storming through the Kunlun Nine Mountains, he finally found an opponent worth fighting.


    This silver wolf king, in terms of Physical Quality, was even inferior to the Moon Demon Wolf King that Li Yuan had faced in the past.


    But its skills were extraordinarily adept.


    "It must have achieved Unity, a threshold skill of the Fourth Level," Li Yuan instantly judged, "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 would have thestugh?


    "Kill!" Li Yuan finally stopped holding back, his spear transformed into a blur, instantly wiping out thest threemon silver wolves, and pounced on the silver wolf king like lightning.


    ...


    In the building of Xuanwu Tower, the venue was now filled with over nine hundred students.


    It wasn''t just freshmen, there were quite a few sophomores and even juniors who hade to join in the excitement.


    The venue was very quiet.


    Almost everyone''s gaze was fixed on two huge screens in the distance, disying the rankings:


    Kunlun Nine Mountains Individual Ranking (Freshmen):


    First ce: Li Yuan (700 points)


    Second ce: Yang Hong (399 points)


    Third ce: Wu Luo (329 points)


    Fourth ce: Han Hongjun (288 points)


    ...


    Sixth Institute Admission Competition (Institute):


    First ce: Third Institute (6563 points)


    Second ce: Sixth Institute (6467 points)


    Third ce: Seventh Institute (6043 points)


    Fourth ce: Fifth Institute (5956 points)


    ...


    "Seven hundred points already."


    "Sixth Institute has already surged to second ce."


    "This Li Yuan is too formidable, his Martial Arts Skills are so much stronger than Yang Hong and Wu Luo?" Freshmen from other institutes were rather shocked.


    Almost all freshmen had tried the Kunlun Nine Mountains challenge, but most couldn''t get past the first mountain. Managing to obtain 30 points and enter the second mountain was already considered good.


    Li Yuan? He alone had scored a whopping 700 points!!


    And he hadn''t stopped yet, he was still progressing.


    "Senior brother is still as fierce,"


    "Senior brother seems much stronger than when he was in the Jiangbei Invitational event,"


    "Amazing, our Sixth Institute has already reached second ce," An Nong, Dong Haifeng, and other students from Jiangbei Province expressed a mix of admiration and shock.


    There were many freshmen from Jiangbei at Kunlun Martial University, over three hundred.


    Most had witnessed Li Yuan''s battles.


    They felt that Li Yuan was even more formidable than before.


    At this moment, there was only one thought in the minds of most freshmen in the venue.


    Could Li Yuan truly lead the Sixth Institute to take first ce directly?

 Chapter 112: 106: New Record! The First in History! (Requesting Monthly Tickets)

    In the venue, everyone was staring at the two giant screens, eager to see the final results.


    "Li Yuan, truly impressive! You should change your name to ''Li Qianghan''." Gu Qianghan stood among the crowd, eyes shining.


    "The score isn''t changing."


    "700 points, why has it stopped moving?"


    "Could it be a failure?"


    "Could he have been killed by the Mountain Guardian of the Star Realm Creatures?" Li Yuan''s score had been stuck at 700 points and hadn''t moved, which immediately sparked spection among many first-year neers.


    Even Dongfang Hai and An Nong were a bit worried.


    "Don''t worry, trust the big brother to take down a thousand points as if it''s nothing." Gu Qianghan alone remained utterly confident.


    "Really?" Many students from the Sixth Institute expressed their concerns.


    "Trust my judgment." Gu Qianghan grinned, giving off an air of unfathomable depth.


    Gu Qianghan muttered to himself, "ording to my sister''s words, Li Yuan''s Martial Arts Skills are among the top few dozens globally for his age, and within the first-year students of Kunlun Martial University, he is utterly dominant."


    Why did Gu Qianghan have such faith in Li Yuan? Was it blind trust?


    No! It was because of intelligence!


    He had learned from Lin Lanyue about the level of Li Yuan''s skills, which should have reached the Intermediate Rank of the Fourth Level.


    However, Gu Qianghan never disclosed this information to other students because he wanted to maintain his own image.


    Simrly, dozens of second and third-year students in the venue were also well aware.


    "This junior named Li Yuan is indeed formidable."


    "Junior? In our second year, except for Senior Brother Liu and the other two who reached the Fifth Mountain, the rest can''tpare to him."


    "Don''t just talk about second year. As far as I know, even most of the older students from fifth year have been stuck on the Third Mountain for several years." These second and third-year students were quite shocked.


    It was simply too ferocious.


    ...


    Li Yuan, a first-year neer who hadn''t even started school.


    Based solely on the exposed Martial Arts Skills, he was already in the top tier among third-year students.


    In the second year, he was absolutely in the top five.


    How exaggerated?


    "He hasn''t finished yet, his name is still lit up, indicating he''s still challenging. He must be battling with the Mountain Guardian of the Fourth Mountain."


    "Probably." These older students weremunicating, "I feel like he can totallypare with those creatures from Starry Sky and Starfire."


    "Compare with the creatures from Starfire? Indeed! He canpare with them. Our school has produced a monster this year, haha."


    "Can he win against the Mountain Guardian of the Fourth Mountain?"


    "Unlikely."


    "If he wins, wouldn''t that mean he could enter the Fifth Mountain? A first-year newbie who hasn''t officially started school, crossing the Fifth Mountain in the entrancepetition? Even Senior Brother Jin didn''t achieve that."


    "Not just Senior Brother Jin, I just looked at the historical records, and in history, only one senior has ever done it."


    "It''s impossible."


    "700 points, already outrageously impressive. Compared to him, we''re practically nothing." These second and third-year students subconsciously found it inconceivable.


    Most people, when living through a significant historical event that will be remembered for millennia, are usuallypletely unaware of it.


    Because of this, most people tend to underestimate the presentpared to the past.


    Suddenly.


    "Buzz~" The numbers on both screens jumped at the same time. Li Yuan''s score leaped from 700 points straight to 1000 points.


    First: Li Yuan (1000 points)


    Second: Yang Hong (399 points)


    Third: Wu Luo (329 points)


    Fourth: Han Hongjun (288 points)


    ...


    Eight Institutes'' Entrance Competition (Institutes):


    First: Sixth Institute (6767 points)


    Second: Third Institute (6563 points)


    Third: Seventh Institute (6043 points)


    Fourth: Fifth Institute (5956 points)


    ...


    "1000 points!!"


    "Holy shit, he really won! Big brother is amazing!" An Nong and Gu Qianghan almost jumped up at the same time, both suddenly swinging their fists.


    It was as if they themselves had cleared 1000 points.


    Subconsciously, Gu Qianghan couldn''t help stealing a nce at An Nong, sensing a familiar aura about him.


    The scent of a rival!


    "Brother Qiang." An Nong touched his head sheepishly and then quickly continued cheering and swinging his fist: "Number one! The Sixth Institute is number one."


    "Big brother is amazing."


    "1000 points! Grabbing the first ce." The whole venue erupted at that moment, whether they were from Jiangbei Province or not, every student from the Sixth Institute was boiling over.


    They all felt a sense of glory.


    "1000 points?"


    "This Li Yuan, did he really score a thousand points? He''s that much stronger than Yang Hong and Wu Luo?"


    "Is the system broken or something?" Neers from other institutes were somewhat incredulous.


    It was just too preposterous.


    If Li Yuan had scored five hundred or six hundred points, they might have reluctantly epted it, but 1000 points?


    This indicated that even the very top new recruits could notpare to Li Yuan.


    It was a precipitous lead.


    "What do you all know, that Wu Luo waspletely defeated by our big brother as early as March."


    An Nong immediately took up the role of amentator and began to shout, "Our big brother, in terms of strength, is one of the very best nationwide. It''s only because he hasn''t awakened his Martial Spirit that he came to Kunlun Martial University."


    "Our big brother''s high school exam, the Martial Arts Score was 900 points! Full score!" Gu Qianghan also shouted.


    "900 points?"


    "He hasn''t awakened his Martial Spirit? What!" Many students from other provinces in the venue were stunned.


    A full score prodigy?


    You should know that, on average, each province across the country only sees 1-2 of such Martial Arts prodigies.


    Shouldn''t such an individual definitely go to one of the global top three martial arts schools? Yet he chose Kunlun Martial University?


    "Truly 1000 points?"


    "This is even more ferocious than Senior Brother Jin back in the day. He''s a monster."


    "Where did he pop up from?"


    "His score is still rising?"


    "His Martial Arts Skills must be at the Intermediate Rank of the Fourth Level, just how old is he? He hasn''t even started school?"


    "Such a monster would be very highly ranked even at Starfire University, right?"


    "He actually came to our school?"


    "Full score in Martial Arts and hasn''t awakened his Martial Spirit?" The dozens of older students, watching the score and listening to the tales of Li Yuan''s past glories told by new students from Jiang City''s Sixth Institute, were utterly unsettled.


    They couldn''t help but feel that way.


    1000 points, and 700 points, werepletely different concepts.


    Most of these second and third-year students knew the specific point scores and the requirements of the Kunlun Nine Mountains:


    First Mountain: 1-30 points, with the full score requirement around Second Stage Perfection.


    Second Mountain: 30-100 points, with the full score requirement around Third Stage High Rank


    ```


    Third Mountain: 100-300 Points, the full score requirement is approximately at the Initial Rank of the Fourth Level.


    Fourth Mountain: 300-1000 Points, the full score requirement is approximately at the Intermediate Rank of the Fourth Level.


    Fifth Mountain: 1000-3000 Points


    Sixth Mountain: 3000-10000 Points


    ...


    "He''s still breaking through."


    "1200 Points now."


    "He surely won''t make it to the Sixth Mountain," everyone stared intently at the two colossal light screens in the distance.


    Over the years, Kunlun Martial University had students who suddenly burst forth and rose to prominence during their time at university.


    But overall, they were far from matching the top talents at the top three martial arts universities.


    Today, Li Yuan''s dimension-reducing strike genuinely delivered a shocking blow to the hearts and minds of both new and old students of Kunlun Martial University.


    Is this a freshman?


    ...


    Virtualwork, Kunlun Nine Mountains, Fifth Mountain.


    "The difficulty of the Fifth Mountain has suddenly skyrocketed so much."


    "Just now, I was forced to use the third form of the Ster Spear Technique, ''Dawn Piercing the Clouds'', to barely kill the final Wolf King of the Fourth Mountain."


    "Now these opponents, each and every one, could be considered a weakened version of the Wolf King."


    Li Yuan, holding his long spear, was in a very sorry state, his figure shifting like the wind as he dodged the attacks of human-shaped Star Realm Creatures.


    These Star Realm Creatures were physically much weaker than Li Yuan, but all possessed martial arts skills at the threshold of the Fourth Level.


    Every move was ruthless.


    Under thebined assault of more than ten opponents, Li Yuan was utterly suppressed, and it was difficult for him to kill even one.


    Suddenly.


    "Puchi~" Li Yuan seized an opportunity, his spear like lightning, its tip instantly pierced the throat of one of the Star Realm Creatures.


    Blood sttered! Dead!


    But in the next moment.


    "Whoosh~" A blurred de light also instantly swept across Li Yuan''s back, the terrifying impact made him stumble, his body involuntarily surged forward, no longer able to maintain perfect bnce.


    "ng!" "Boom!" The other Star Realm Creatures instantly seized the chance, unleashing a barrage of ferociousbos.


    After barely dodging three strikes.


    "Puff~"


    A sh of the de, and Li Yuan''s figure vanished from the Fifth Mountain.


    Failed!


    "Congrattions, freshman ''Li Yuan'', for reaching the Fifth Mountain on your first attempt in the Kunlun Nine Mountains, achieving 1300 Points, setting a new historical record in the admissionpetition, and entering the top hundred of the freshman records for the Kunlun Nine Mountains." A system voice announced.


    Whoosh!


    Li Yuan had already returned to his ''personal exclusive space'' in the Kunlun Space.


    "Admissionpetition historical record?" Li Yuan paused, then clicked twice on the light screen to check.


    ...Admission Competition Historical Record (Seven Stars Calendar 2009 to present):


    First ce: Li Yuan, 1300 Points (2043)


    Second ce: Yan Jing, 1100 Points (2029)


    Third ce: Jin Huguo, 700 Points (2041)


    ...


    Kunlun Nine Mountains Freshman Record (Seven Stars Calendar 2009 to present)


    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 pondered for a moment before he understood the significance of the two leaderboards.


    The first leaderboard represented that since 2009, among all students who participated in the admissionpetition, he was the first in points.


    First in history!!


    The second leaderboard was not limited to the admissionpetition, but reflected the overall scores of all freshmen who had ever challenged the Kunlun Nine Mountains.


    "Jin Huguo?" Li Yuan murmured to himself, remembering the name from the leaderboard.


    Because with a simple calction of the time.


    Li Yuan knew that Jin Huguo was the only one still in school among the top ten in the history of the admissionpetition records.


    Jin Huguo must be a senior who just started his third year.


    "He reached 8000 Points in the Kunlun Nine Mountains at the end of his freshman year? That score, it must be the Sixth Mountain," Li Yuan''s eyes sparkled with a hint of light as he smiled, "Very good."


    "It looks like Kunlun Martial University also has some geniuses."


    "Finally, there''s a bit of a challenge."


    ...


    nk~ The virtualwork pod opened, and Li Yuan stood up, feeling the outside atmosphere boiling over.


    "Senior Brother!"


    "Senior Brother!" An Nong and Gu Qianghan stood at the front, exchanged a knowing nce and excitedly shouted out these words.


    Following that, dozens of new students from the Sixth Institute in Jiang City started shouting ''Senior Brother'' with excitement.


    Then, new students from other provinces who belonged to the Sixth Institute also joined in.


    In a short time, the entire venue resounded with shouts of ''Senior Brother''.


    This scene left the new and old students from other institutes speechless, yet unable to refute.


    With such strength, who else could be the Senior Brother?


    ...


    "1300 Points?" Wu Luo, who was in the basement, looked at the score on his smart ring.


    After a long silence.


    "Damn, is he this freakish! If I had known, I would not have chosen Kunlun Martial University."


    ...


    "1300 Points?"


    "First in history? Damn impressive!"


    A hulking young man by the name of Yang Hong, also in his vi, chuckled to himself while looking at the score above, "With such a score, will he participate in the Global University Martial Arts Competition in his freshman year?"


    The Global University Martial Arts Competition was a contest among students from martial arts universities around the globe.


    But normally, freshmen wouldn''t get the chance to participate.


    ...


    Such important news didn''t require students to inform the teachers.


    The relevant teachers had already received notifications from the auxiliary AI the moment it happened.


    Heilong Building, a building dedicated to students and teachers of the Sixth Institute.


    Ninth floor, inside an office.


    "Hmm?" President Li, who was pondering over a cultivation n, suddenly felt his smart ring vibrate and looked down to check.


    "Hmm?"


    President Li was taken aback, "1300 Points? Goodness, that''s a big leap fromst time, isn''t it?"


    "Could it be that this kid is really cheating?"


    ```

 Chapter 116: 110: The Pillar of Spirit (Extra for 22,000 monthly votes)

    "Martial Arts Skills reached the Fourth Level."


    "Whether it be the spear or the sword, many weapons are merely external; the most essential aspect is the heart," Li Yang said, "To practice any weapon, it must first resonate with the heart."


    "The spear seeks an unstoppable advance, unpredictable changes, and is best suited for attack. To unleash its maximum power, our spirit must also resonate with it."


    "The ''Ster Spear Technique'' may seem most adept at defense, yet it''s the explosive offensive burst hidden within the defense that is the essence," Li Yang exined in great detail.


    Time ticked away, second by second.


    In reality, this wasn''t the first time Li Yang had exined the ''Ster Spear Technique''.


    But because of Li Yuan, he deliberately chose the ''Ster Spear Technique'' today and started from the beginning.


    From the spear technique''s concept to the breakdown of each move, and even the ultimate state of Unity of the five techniques.


    Every student listened intently.


    Not everyone practiced the spear, but as they were all training with long weapons, there weremonalities.


    "So that''s the ''Ster Spear Technique''," Li Yuan listened, engrossed and captivated.


    Even though the secret manuals one gets ess to also offer guidance from AI teachers, an AI teacher''s abilities are limited.


    Li Yang''s exnation was clearer.


    Half an hourter, it was time for each student to go up in turn and train with Li Yang in breaking down moves.


    Ultimately, a sssting nearly two hours came to an end.


    "Reflect on this well after you return."


    "At this time next week, I will exin the Stick Technique," Li Yang said, "ss dismissed."


    "Li Yuan, interact more with your fellow students. In half an hour,e to my office," Li Yang instructed before directly leaving the Martial Arts Room.


    "Yes," Li Yuan nodded.


    As soon as Li Yang stepped out of the ssroom, the other dozen senior male and female students turned their attention to Li Yuan.


    "Junior Brother Li Yuan, where are you from? How did you train to be so freakishly strong?"


    "Junior Brother Li Yuan, do you have a girlfriend?"


    "Come on, junior brother, let''s connect on V-Chat," one of the senior sisters said directly, all of them showing great enthusiasm.


    Li Yuan felt a little embarrassed, replying to them one by one.


    "Li Yuan, I''m Yan He. Wee," said the only Prime Warrior, a tall, slender young man with a smile.


    Immediately, the others quieted down, evidently regarding Yan He with high esteem.


    "Senior Brother Yan," Li Yuan nodded in response.


    "Li Yuan, Senior Brother Yan is the strongest among us, not only a Prime Warrior but also proficient in Subtle Technique for spear skills, ranking among the top ten fighters in the whole university," a senior named ''Shi Xiao'' from the third year introduced.


    "Prime Warrior? Subtle Technique level?" Li Yuan was inwardly shocked.


    Even Uncle Wan had not reached the Subtle Technique level.


    As Li Yuan had anticipated, within the top echelon of students at Kunlun Martial University, having undergone years of training and umtion, there was indeed a group of formidable fighters.


    Yan He, who presented himself with an aura of schrly grace, said with a smile, "Junior Brother Li Yuan has just arrived today and still needs to acquaint himself with the ce. How about tomorrow night I host a banquet at my vi? We can all celebrate and, in doing so, wee Junior Brother Li Yuan."


    "A banquet?" Li Yuan was surprised.


    A banquet in the school?


    "Ha-ha, Junior Brother Li Yuan, it''s a tradition," Senior Sister Shi Xiao exined with a smile. "Whenever there''s a new junior under the teacher, we hold a banquet, also as a way to build rapport."


    "Just provide some money, and the school''s logistics department will take care of everything."


    "We at Kunlun Martial University are not like ordinary martial arts universities," Senior Sister Shi Xiao added with augh. "Besides, Senior Brother Yan is a Prime Warrior who often ventures into the Star Realm and earns money at an incredible rate; he''s very wealthy, so don''t worry about saving these few tens of thousands for him."


    Li Yuan instantly understood.


    In a sense, this group of senior brothers and sisters represented another circle, the pinnacle of Kunlun Martial University''s student body.


    They were not to be regarded as ordinary college students. Despite their current calm demeanor, once a fight broke out, each one''s martial strength would be overwhelming.


    Especially this Senior Brother Yan, with his proficiency in Subtle Technique, his power would be terrifying once unleashed.


    Upon graduation, his status would likely be much higher than Uncle Wan''s.


    After all, how old was he? He had a promising future and could even aspire to be a Flying Heaven Warrior.


    "Alright."


    Li Yuan smiled, "Thank you for the invitation, Senior Brother Yan. I will definitelye tomorrow."


    This group of seniors would be his futurework.


    "Good, we''ll wait for Junior Brother Li Yuan tomorrow," Yan He said with a smile. "If you have any questions about training in the future, feel free to ask us."


    "Alright," Li Yuan nodded.


    Li Yuan wanted to make more friends.


    In the same way, none of these senior brothers and sisters were fools. A brief analysis would reveal the terrifying potential of Li Yuan.


    Fellowship among sect members was very precious.


    It was simr to the rtionship between Uncle Wan and Vice President Zhao of the eighth institute; the two had a simr bond when they were younger.


    "By the way,"


    "Junior Brother Li Yuan, since you''ve just arrived today, if you have time, you might want to try the ''Pir of Spirit''," Yan He suggested.


    "Thank you for the reminder, Senior Brother."


    ...


    After saying goodbye to the new group of 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 doorframe, not entering directly.


    "You''ve arrived?" Li Yang smiled slightly, "Come in."


    Inside the office, besides Li Yang, there was also a tall, thin middle-aged man who smiled at Li Yuan.


    "Li Yuan, this is your practicalbat teacher, ''Jiang Lun''," Li Yang introduced, "A level 27 Prime Warrior with Subtle Technique, and also a spear technique instructor."


    "Starting from tomorrow, every three days, he will personally train with you for two hours," Li Yang said.


    "A practicalbat teacher?" Li Yuan was shocked.


    Having a level 27 Prime Warrior to spar with him?


    Was this not overlyvish?


    Such a Prime Warrior was far stronger than Uncle Wan.


    "Isn''t practical training usually with sparring coaches?" Li Yuan couldn''t help but ask.


    ording to the induction at enrollment, ''practicalbat sses'' for first-year students are usually arranged with Martial Artists ranked between level 15 and 20 as sparring partners.


    After all, there are only so many Prime Warrior instructors avable, generally capable of providing broad guidance.


    "What, is that strange?" Li Yang asked with a smile. "Ordinary students, of course, would only get practical training with level ten-plus sparring partners. The very best might get a regr Prime Warrior by their fourth or fifth year."


    "But you''re different."


    "An S-level special training contract, less than fifty in the whole school, each one trained personally by a real teacher," Li Yang said. "Jiang Lun is an excellent teacher, and you will benefit much more from sparring with him than with a regr sparring partner."


    Li Yang chuckled, "Now hurry and greet Teacher Jiang Lun."


    "Teacher Jiang," Li Yuan greeted respectfully.


    "I heard from President Li," Jiang Lun said with a smile, "that you were at the Intermediate Fourth Level as soon as you enrolled. I''ve never taught such an impressive student before. I hope that my practicalbat training can help you advance even further."


    Li Yuan nodded.


    He finally felt the special nature of the S-rank special training contract, to have such a powerful Prime Warrior as a sparring partner? If he were to pay for this, how much would it cost?


    A single sparring session would cost at least two hundred thousand Blue Star Coins.


    And that was only once every three days.


    Li Yuan arranged the training time with Jiang Lun.


    "Jiang Lun is a regr teacher after all, he can only train you once every three days."


    "Every day, I''ll arrange for another ordinary Prime Warrior to spar with you for practicalbat training," Li Yang continued, "Practicalbat training stimtes the bodyprehensively."


    "Any duration is fine."


    "As long as your body can withstand it."


    "The effect will be much better than virtual battles, so from now on, try to reduce your fighting time on the Starry Skies Fighting Network."


    "Yes," Li Yuan said, shaking emotionally.


    Indeed, the effects of practicalbat training were much better than virtualbat.


    The key question was, how many could afford it?


    Li Yang''s arrangement was equivalent to having several Prime Warriors rotating shifts to train him? It was incrediblyvish.


    "Let''s go."


    "Follow me to the Spirit Pir," Li Yang said as he walked out of the office.


    Li Yuan hurriedly followed.


    Taking a flying vehicle, they soon arrived outside the Vermilion Bird Building.


    The Vermilion Bird Building was a public building for third, fourth, and fifth-year students, divided into three towers.


    Undoubtedly.


    Named after therge za outside the building, where a huge skeletal statue of a bird creature, with wings spanning more than two hundred meters, stood.


    It was simply awe-inspiring.


    "A Fire System creature beyond the Flying Heaven Level?" Li Yuan gasped as he looked at the enormous skeleton.


    "Yes," Li Yang said, "It is a Fire System avian creature beyond the Flying Heaven Level that Dongfang Ji had in before donating its body to the university, which was eventually ced here as a memorial."


    Li Yuan inwardly sighed.


    He had read the introduction to Kunlun Martial University; just the openly disyed skeletal remains of Star Realm Creatures beyond the Flying Heaven Level amounted to three.


    As for those of the Flying Heaven Level? There were more than ten.


    These were both a warning to the junior students and a disy of Kunlun''s glorious aplishments.


    Whoosh! Whoosh!


    They bothnded and walked towards the Vermilion Bird Building, with many students along the way greeting President Li.


    President Li responded to each one.


    Shortly thereafter.


    President Li, leading Li Yuan, reached the eastern tower of the Vermilion Bird Building after passing several powerful guards.


    They headed straight underground.


    A sh of light passed through the stairs.


    Appearing before Li Yuan was a huge underground za, over ten meters in height and spanning several thousand square meters.


    The lights were bright.


    On the za, there were as many as a hundred students scattered in different areas, all with their eyes closed.


    Many of them had contorted faces, seemingly enduring immense pain.


    There were also quite a few with sweat dripping from their foreheads.


    "This?" Li Yuan held his breath as he watched this scene, his gaze instinctively drawn to the giant bronze pir at the far end of the za.


    About five meters tall, with a diameter of roughly two meters.


    Bronze-colored!


    Not the green of ancient bronze, but a shiny gold. Its surface was engraved with countless intricate andplex secret runes, giving it a mysterious and distinguished air.


    At the same time, though a hundred meters away, Li Yuan could still feel the mysterious spiritual pressure emanating from that bronze pir, making him slightly ufortable.


    "Teacher, is this the Spirit Pir described in the school''s introduction?" Li Yuan couldn''t help but ask.


    "That''s right!"


    "The Spirit Pir is Kunlun Martial University''s most prized treasure and also unique among the top five prestigious schools of Xia Country," Li Yang said with a hint of pride in his voice, "This is the most important gift Dongfang Ji gave to our Kunlun Martial University."


    "Thanks to the Spirit Pir, for decades, Kunlun has been able to slightly overshadow Kyoto Martial University," Li Yang said smilingly.


    Li Yuan nodded in amazement.


    The top five prestigious schools of Xia Country, with Kyoto Martial University located in the capital, held a unique position because it received the most funding.


    But Kunlun Martial University was no less prestigious and it seemed even stronger!


    Why? ording to many sources, it was because of the Spirit Pir that Dongfang Ji had presented.


    "Go give it a try and see how far you can go," Li Yang said with a chuckle.


    "Yes," Li Yuan said, descending the steps and walking towards the great bronze pir in the distance.


    For the first twenty meters, it was easy, not too ufortable.


    But then.


    As Li Yuan approached within fifty meters of the bronze pir, stepping over the specially marked ''caution line'' on the ground.


    "Hum~"


    It was as if he had stepped into a special domain as an invisible spiritual pressure enveloped Li Yuan instantly.


    Bang~as if arge hammer had smashed down on Li Yuan''s consciousness.


    Fortunately!


    Li Yuan''s spiritual power was exceptionally strong.


    "Hm?" Li Yuan''s eyes narrowed in shock, "Such strong spiritual pressure."


    "Bang~" "Bang~" This spiritual pressure wasn''t a one-off but washed over Li Yuan''s spirit like a tide, continuously assaulting and increasing the mental pressure he endured.


    "For your first attempt, to be so eager and still manage to endure easily, your spiritual power is indeed very strong," Li Yang appeared beside Li Yuan, smiling, "Do you understand the importance of the Spirit Pir now?"


    "To temper and strengthen spiritual power?" Li Yuan spoke softly.


    "Exactly!"


    Li Yang nodded, "Just like physical training, after countless rigorous sessions, strength and speed naturally improve."


    "The same goes for spiritual power."


    "The Spirit Pir is meant to exhaust martial artists'' spiritual power, making the spirit continually fatigued," Li Yang whispered, "Then when the spirit recovers, the spiritual power naturally bes stronger."

 Chapter 114: 108: The Elite Battle of Human Martial Path (Seeking Monthly Pass)

    Two hours after practicing the Basic Cultivation Method.


    Li Yuan felt exhrated, his body more invigorated than ever.


    "It''s just a basic method, but it''s one forged through thousands of refinements by my ancestors of the Human Race," Li Yuan thought to himself.


    "After advancing to the Fourth Level in all martial arts skills and using auxiliary treasures like body cleansing spiritual marrow and Essence Pills."


    "With the Basic Cultivation Method, the evolution speed of my body is extremely rapid, surpassing by far most of the freshmen who cultivate high rank methods," Li Yuan thought to himself.


    High Rank Cultivation Methods indeed help one advance faster, but everyone''s talent is different, and there is often a limit to how fast one can progress.


    And without a doubt.


    Li Yuan''s physical talent was exceptionally high, augmented by an abundance of resources bought with a considerable sum of money.


    Most importantly, Li Yuan could endure the terrible pain that came with using body cleansing spiritual marrow three times a month.


    This made the speed of his physical quality improvement astonishingly fast.


    "However."


    "Considering my current rate of improvement, achieving what Uncle Wan mentioned, bing a Prime Warrior within two years? That''s tough!" Li Yuan frowned slightly as he nced at his Divine Pce panel.


    ¡ª¡ª


    [Life Level: 10.8 (First Rank)]


    Fist Strength: 1710 kilograms


    Speed: 24.5 meters/second


    Spiritual Power: 17.9 level


    Spiritual Awakening Level: 12.8% (Current limit 20%)


    Physical Body Cultivation Method: "Solid Rock Cultivation Method"


    Mental Cultivation Method: "Observing the Great Sun Starry Sky Scripture"


    Skill Realm: Spear Technique (Fourth Level 42%), Movement Technique (Fourth Level 31%), Fist Technique (Fourth Level 44%)


    ...


    "Since the grading exam in April, when I became an Entry Rank Martial Artist, I''ve been improving by about 0.3 levels each month," Li Yuan thought to himself: "But it will definitely get slower as I progress."


    Bing a Prime Warrior in two years? Nearly impossible!


    "However, if Uncle Wan says so, he must have his reasons." Li Yuan pondered, "After all, he is a Prime Warrior and part of the management at Starfire Martial Hall, and he graduated from Kunlun Martial University. He must know something."


    Li Yuan could only think of two possibilities.


    First, as his martial arts skills improved, especially after reaching ''Subtlety'', the efficiency of his body conditioning would be much greater than he imagined.


    Second, Kunlun Martial University had special cultivation methods for students with S-Grade special training contracts that he was unaware of.


    "Tomorrow is the official start of the school year."


    "Then I''ll see President Li and ask for more details," Li Yuan looked forward with anticipation.


    ...


    At three in the morning, after ending his cultivation of the "Observing the Great Sun and Stars Technique," Li Yuan, as usual, entered the virtual reality pod.


    Preparing to have a few rank-matched fights on the Starry Skies Fighting Network.


    But as soon as he entered his personal space.


    "Master, you received three transfers and two document exnations yesterday," said the ck-d young girl respectfully, like a maid.


    "Three transfers?"


    Li Yuan was slightly surprised, and he quickly checked them. One was for 20 thousand, another for 500 thousand.


    These were for the team award and the individual award in the entrancepetition.


    And there was another of 10 million Blue Star Coins!


    "Kunlun Martial University''s S-Grade contract cash reward?" Li Yuan thought to himself, "They''ve already issued it upon my confirmed arrival at the campus?"


    This was for the entire year.


    As per the contract, a signing fee of one million Blue Star Coins had already been given to Li Yuan.


    Subsequent annual rewards amounted to 10 million, totaling to 50 million Blue Star Coins over five years.


    Meanwhile.


    In the S-Grade special training contract with Kunlun Martial University, it was stipted that as soon as Li Yuan became a Prime Warrior, all subsequent cash rewards would be issued in one lump sum.


    Bing a Prime Warrior signified being qualified to ''graduate'', with the option to apply for early graduation.


    "Compared with Starfire Martial Hall''s A-Grade contract, the cash rewarded by Kunlun Martial University is indeed lesser," Li Yuan thought to himself.


    Under the A-Grade contract Li Yuan signed with Starfire Martial Hall, a total of 43.2 million Blue Star Coins and 43.2 million Martial Hall Points would be issued over six years.


    Plus, over eighty million Cultivation Points.


    And this was just an A-Grade contract; if it were an S-Grade contract with Starfire Martial Hall, the various cultivation resource rewards would at least quadruple.


    Before bing a Prime Warrior, such rewards were astronomical.


    However.


    Li Yuan was well aware of the difference between the two contracts: the Martial Hall''s rewards were mainly cultivation resources, and they rarely supervised how the cultivation was done.


    For those who excelled, the contract level could be elevated.


    For those not making enough progress? They would simply be one among the masses, without a decrease in the contract level.


    As for Martial Arts Universities, their training programs were much moreprehensive, offering full guidance in all aspects, with many benefits not specified in the contract.


    For example, the reduction in benefits isn''t in cash rewards but many other special resources that aren''t written in the contract, like teaching staff, practicalbat training partners, heavenly materials treasures, and so on.


    ...


    At four in the morning,


    Li Yuan''s day of arduous cultivation truly began.


    At eight in the morning, after consuming an Essence Pill, he also ate three nutritious meals that were delivered.


    That''s right!


    The cafeteria of Kunlun Martial University was very small, and students hardly ever ate there.


    Because each student could order meals anytime they wanted, delivered to their vis or academic buildings, and up to 20 nutritious meals a day werepletely free.


    The entire Kunlun Martial University, with its massive number of logistics staff, assistant robots, and more, just for student services,


    Their goal was to allow every student to devote themselves entirely to Martial Path cultivation.


    ...


    At nine in the morning, Li Yuan took a flying vehicle and arrived at the Heilong Building, exclusive to teachers and students of the Sixth Institute.


    "Heilong."


    As Li Yuan got off the flying vehicle, he immediately saw the gigantic skeletal remains coiling up in front of the building.


    Even though it coiled around, its height nearly matched that of the whole building.


    If stretched out, it would probably be hundreds of meters long, a sight so shocking it could stir the soul.


    It resembled the skeletal remains of a giant serpent.


    Even though it had been dead for many years, as Li Yuan approached closely, he could still feel a wisp of its aura, causing one''s heart to tremble.


    "Big brother!"


    "Brother Yuan." Two voices called out from a distance, it was Gu Qianghan and An Nong.


    "Good morning," Li Yuan turned his head and smiled at the two.


    "Looking at the skeleton of the ck dragon?" Gu Qianghan asked curiously.


    "Yes," Li Yuan nodded, looking up at the gigantic skeleton of the ck dragon: "I read the academy''s brochure yesterday."


    "It is a ck dragon that burst forth more than twenty years ago, from the deep South Sea not far from the Ruins Star Realm, stirring up the wind and clouds, causing a terrifying tsunami that resulted in hundreds of thousands of casualties," Li Yuan said softly: "In the end, it was our university''s Dean Hai who took action, traveling thousands of miles across the South Sea, diving thousands of meters into the seabed, before finally killing it."


    "Right."


    "We know too."


    "Dean Hai''s famous battle, the flying heaven duel, the ying of the South Sea ck dragon," both Gu Qianghan and An Nong couldn''t help but say.


    Dean Hai is the only Flying Heaven Warrior among the six institutes.


    His power is terrifying, his fame illustrious.


    The battle to kill the South Sea ck dragon, back then, shook the entire Xia Country.


    The children of their generation mostly heard about it, and even saw some video clips of it.


    "Big brother."


    "Elder brother." More freshmen walked over, and after yesterday''s event at Xuanwu Tower, all the first-years from the Sixth Institute recognized Li Yuan and greeted him.


    Li Yuan nodded in acknowledgment.


    "Big brother, rest assured." Sounding low, An Nong said, "I''ve hastily chosen six people overnight and have started informing all the freshmen in batches."


    "It''s not a problem," said An Nong.


    "Alright, thank you for your hard work," Li Yuan could not help but nce at An Nong, seeing him as a real talent.


    But he wondered how good An Nong''s martial arts skills were.


    ...The Sixth Institute''s freshman orientation ceremony officially began at ten, and all the students were looking forward to seeing Dean Hai, who did not show up.


    Two vice-deans came instead.


    After various speeches, at eleven o''clock, when President Li announced the selection of the ''Master Brother'' for the first semester of freshman year.


    "Li Yuan!"


    "Master brother, Li Yuan!" The whole venue, within just a few seconds, erupted with a tsunami of cheering.


    Such enthusiasm.


    Not to mention President Li and the other leaders and teachers of the institutes, even Li Yuan himself was a bit flustered.


    "Could I really be this popr?" Li Yuan doubted.


    But what Li Yuan didn''t know.


    Last night.


    An Nong used only one argument to dispel any doubts among the Sixth Institute''s freshmen: "It''s not that Li Yuan wants to be master brother; do you think he, a martial arts prodigy, cares about a title like master brother?"


    "Without being the master brother, do you think the vice-deans and the dean would not cultivate him personally?"


    "Remember, we need Li Yuan!"


    "It''s not that Li Yuan needs our support, but that we need his help. Only if Li Yuan bes master brother will he be willing to lead us to winnings for the next few years... Anyone opposing Li Yuan as master brother is not opposing him."


    "They are opposing all of us, the more than two hundred new students of the Sixth Institute. They want to cut off the financial lifeline of all the new students!"


    "They are our sworn enemies."


    "Now, I ask again, does anyone still oppose?"


    No one questioned anymore.


    Finally, today''s freshmen''s orientation ceremony saw such a frenzied scene.


    Amidst shouts calling for his unanimous election as ''Master Brother.''


    A grand, sessful, and perfect orientation ceremony for the Sixth Institute''s new first-year students officially ended.


    ...


    In the afternoon, a drizzle began to fall, gentlynding on the spiraling skeleton of the enormous ck dragon.


    On the ninth floor, in President Li''s office.


    "You''re quite popr. Arriving on thest day, and yet everyone willingly voted for you to be master brother," President Li said to Li Yuan, with a smile that was not quite a smile.


    "You tter me, President Li," Li Yuan replied with a smile.


    "No matter, we''re aware of your performance in the Xuanwu Tower yesterday," President Li smiled: "If not you, no one else could convince everyone."


    Li Yuan nodded slightly.


    "This is a minor matter, your cultivation is what''s important," President Li smiled: "Are you just proud about creating a record in the entrancepetition?"


    "I would not dare," Li Yuan shook his head.


    "Sit down, take your time," President Li said, his demeanor bing like that of an ordinary elder.


    Li Yuan obediently sat down.


    "Your performance is indeedmendable, stronger than both Yan Jing and Jin Huguo," President Liughed: "Those two, Yan Jing graduated a few years ago and is already a 29th-rank Prime Warrior, not inferior in strength to me."


    Li Yuan listened intently.


    Calcting it, this senior Yan Jing.


    Should only be around 30 years old now, having be a 29th-rank Prime Warrior, his cultivation speed was indeed terrifying.


    "The other, named Jin Huguo, is our school''s current top genius, and also the only student from our school who made it into the top hundred of the global university martial artspetition''s virtual battle this past February."


    "The only one?" Li Yuan was somewhat surprised and couldn''t help saying: "Not a single one from the senior year students could catch up to Jin Huguo?"


    "Seniors in their fourth and fifth years of study have been cultivating for longer, and there are naturally those who are on par with, or even stronger than him," President Li exined.


    "However, the global university martial artspetition only allows students up to the third year to participate."


    "The global university martial artspetition consists of virtual battles and realbat."


    "Within virtual battles, you need at least a Fourth Level skill realm to qualify."


    "For realbat, you must at least be a Prime Warrior to participate," President Li said with some emotion: "Jin Huguo isn''t a Prime Warrior yet, so he could only partake in virtual battlesst time."


    Li Yuan was speechless; it was as he suspected.


    Bing a Prime Warrior before one''s senior year indeed seemed difficult.


    "As for seniors," President Li smiled, "the senior students can partake in the Human Race Martial Elite Battle."


    "It is a realbatpetition for martial elites of all martial universities from the Seven Star Alliance, across the Seven Greats."


    "It is also the highest honor every martial arts university strives to achieve."

 Chapter 115: 109: The Dean becomes a Teacher (Seeking Monthly Tickets)

    "Human Martial Elite Battle?" Li Yuan''s eyes shimmered slightly.


    He had heard of thispetition, and it was very popr on the virtualwork.


    There were many rumors,


    but mostly just text messages, as concrete videos of the battle were rarely searchable on the inte. It seemed like all videos were controlled and their distribution not allowed.


    "Only students of fourth and fifth year can participate?" Li Yuan couldn''t help asking.


    "Haha, that''s not the case," President Liughed. "In fact, both of thesepetitions set age restrictions based on September 1st, simr to the Blue Star Youth Ranking."


    "For example, to participate in the next Global University Martial Arts Competition, one must be born after September 1st, 2022."


    "For the next Human Martial Elite Battle, participants must be born after September 1st, 2020," President Li said with a smile. "Over the decades, a tradition has formed where freshman, sophomores, and juniors participate in the globalpetition."


    "And seniors and fifth-year students join the Human Martial Elite Battle."


    Li Yuan suddenly realized.


    This was a continuation of the current college entrance examination system, which used September 1st as a cutoff date for admission ages, not allowing either early or dyed admissions and strictly enforced.


    One could retake the exam for cultural universities,


    but to apply for Martial Arts University? You must be at least 17 years old and under 18.


    "In fact, even if you don''t get into Martial Arts University, as long as you meet the age requirement, you can still participate."


    "However, over the decades, there have been very few martial arts geniuses who rose to prominence without the cultivation of Martial Arts Universities, and gradually it has be apetition between the various Martial Arts Universities," President Li said with a smile.


    Li Yuan nodded slightly.


    A dark horseing from the general popce? In most cases, that''s just some people''s fantasy.


    Only the strongest talents,bined with the best instructors and cultivation resources, can give rise to genuine geniuses.


    "Normally, the champion of the Human Martial Elite Battle is a fifth-year student, as having longer training naturally confers an advantage," said President Li. "However, there have been some extraordinary geniuses in history who won the championship early."


    "Really?" Li Yuan asked curiously.


    "Quite a few," President Li said with a smile. "In the sixty-plus-year history of thepetition, we in Xia Country have had a genius who won the championship as a junior."


    "Who?"


    "Fang Hai," President Li said with a smile. "You might not have heard of him, but he is very famous among high-rank martial artists, reaching fifth-stage skills at the age of 16."


    "16 years old? Fifth-stage skills?" Li Yuan was dumbstruck.


    Was that even possible?


    "Unfortunately, hister achievements weren''t great," President Li shook his head. "He only became a Flying Heaven Warrior."


    Li Yuan was astonished, bing a Flying Heaven Warrior was considered an underachievement?


    "You don''t understand."


    "He was taken as a direct disciple by Dongfang Ji at the age of 17 and was expected to surpass the Flying Heaven Level, even rivaling Dongfang Ji," President Li sighed. "Unfortunately, he encountered a bottleneck and remains at the Flying Heaven Level."


    Li Yuan inwardlymented,parison is the thief of joy.


    "So, don''t be arrogant."


    "Your talent in martial arts skills is indeed one of the best in the recent thirty-year history of Kunlun Martial University," President Li said. "But in the full two-hundred-year history, you wouldn''t even rank in the top hundred."


    "Top hundred?" Li Yuan was taken aback.


    That low?


    "In the earliest days, there were no three top martial schools, and Xia Country''s most exceptional talents all stayed domestically," President Li said. "Understand?"


    Li Yuan got it.


    Just like himself, in terms of pure spear technique, he was indeed top-notch among this year''s students of Xia Country, but there were still a bunch who couldpare with him.


    In the past, these top talents would enter the top five famous schools.


    But in recent decades, each year''s most powerful geniuses have almost always headed to the three top martial schools.


    Those who enter Kunlun Martial University are mostly second-tier students.


    Therefore, standing out at Kunlun Martial University was naturally easy.


    "Don''t dwell too much on the strength now. Starting early doesn''t mean you''ll reach the Flying Heaven Level. There are many who advance gradually," President Li said.


    "I still have high hopes for you to be a Flying Heaven Warrior," President Li said with a smile. "Li Yuan, you currently have two main goals."


    Li Yuan was all ears.


    This was an elder assigning a mission.


    "First, is to make it past the Fifth Mountain of the Kunlun Nine Mountains before next February," President Li said. "As long as you do, I''ll allow you to participate in next February''s Global University Martial Arts Competition virtual battle."


    "Making it past the Fifth Mountain means your skills have reached high-rank fourth stage."


    "Making it past the Sixth Mountain means your skills have reached fourth-stage perfection."


    "Making it past the Seventh Mountain means your skills have entered the fifth stage," President Li said seriously. "In theory, you could join the virtual battle with fourth-stage skills, but if your strength isn''t enough, it would just be embarrassing."


    "Normally, sophomores are allowed topete," President Li said. "If you reach it, I''ll let you go as a freshman to broaden your horizons."


    "Making it past the Fifth Mountain? High-rank fourth stage?" Li Yuan murmured to himself, not finding it too difficult.


    After all, Li Yuan had set a goal for himself to reach the high-rank fourth-stage threshold by September.


    Only then could he im the 20 million Blue Star Coins reward.


    "The second goal is even more important ¨C the Ten Schools'' Freshman Battle this October," President Li said. "Your goal is toe first, or at least make it into the top four."


    "The Ten Schools'' Freshman Battle?" Li Yuan was puzzled. "Which ten schools? Does it include our Xia Country''s five famous schools?"


    "Yes."


    "And five other great martial arts schools from Asia, like Sakura Country, Tianzhu Country... The unitedpetition is set to take ce in our Xia Country this year."


    "Each year, the freshmen from the ten top martial arts schools will fight, and the rewards are substantial," President Li said with a smile. "The top sixteen will receive a 20 million Blue Star Coins reward."


    Li Yuan''s eyes lit up.


    That was a lot.


    "Money is just one aspect."


    "The Seven Star Alliance has prepared a Heavenly Materials Treasure for each of the top four in our freshman battle, which is really what''s most important," President Li looked at Li Yuan. "These treasures mostlye from some mysterious Star Realms, and their value is hard to calcte with money."


    "If sold, they''d easily fetch several hundred million Blue Star Coins."


    "Each treasure is prepared specifically for your individual situation," President Li continued. "Do you understand?"


    "I understand," Li Yuan replied, holding his breath.


    Heavenly Materials Treasures? Anything entitled with these words was extraordinary indeed.


    Thest time he encountered one was the ''Ster Earth Marrow Crystal'' promised by Lord Yang of the Province.


    But the requirements were extremely demanding, and he couldn''t see hope of achieving it anytime soon.


    Conversely, the ''Ten Schools Freshman War'' in October is closer and more rxed for me.


    "Don''t take it lightly."


    President Li reminded, "Just as our school has you, the other four famous schools in Xia Country also have some geniuses."


    "The other five famous schools in Asia also produce geniuses year after year... In short, it''s quite difficult topete for the top four."


    "Alright, I''ll work hard," Li Yuan affirmed with a nod.


    A fighting spirit also kindled within him.


    This Freshman War of the Ten Schools seems to involve not just individual rewards but also the honor of the nation.


    Although the Seven Star Alliance was established over a hundred years ago, and the threat from foreign civilizations is significant, wars between the nations of Blue Star have ceased.


    But thepetition during peacetime and the contest for national honor has never stopped.


    ...


    As Li Yuanmunicated with President Li, he gained an increasingly thorough understanding of the various training systems of Martial Arts University.


    "You will personally teach me skills?" Li Yuan asked in surprise.


    "What''s the matter, am I not qualified?" President Li asked with a half-smile.


    "No, not at all," Li Yuan said with augh, "I''m just a bit overwhelmed. I thought I''d be following some other teacher."


    Li Yuan had learned this from the school''s introduction.


    The school''s curriculum is divided into four categories: general education, skill sses, cultivation sses, and practicalbat sses.


    Each category has different teachers.


    The most important are the skill sses, followed by the practicalbat sses.


    "Normally, a freshman would choose to follow one teacher for cultivation, for example, practicing spear techniques under a spear technique teacher."


    "Those who practice swords would follow a sword technique teacher," President Li exined.


    "Just for skills teachers, the school has more than three hundred."


    "A teacher might lead as few as twenty or thirty students but as many as nearly a hundred students."


    "Skills teachers are at least 26th level Prime Warriors, with skills perfected to ''Subtlety'' at the Fourth Stage. It''s quite easy for them to teach second and third stage students," President Li said with a smile.


    Li Yuan held his breath.


    Does that mean there are at least three hundred 25th level or higher Prime Warriors at Kunlun Martial University?


    Such teaching resources are indeed formidable.


    "Once a student''s martial skills reach the Fourth Stage, ordinary teachers struggle to provide guidance," President Li continued, "They must be led by a vice president."


    "In our institute, there are nearly 1,100 students currently."


    "Including you, there are 52 students with skills at or above the Fourth Stage."


    "The weapon I practice is the spear, which is perfect to teach you," President Li said with a smile, "For the next while, you''ll be learning under me."


    "Okay," Li Yuan desired nothing more.


    Beforeing here, Li Yuan had spoken with Wan Qinghe.


    High school teachers and Martial Arts University teachers arepletely different concepts.


    University skills teachers are more akin to the ancient master-disciple rtionship.


    So without any hesitation, Li Yuan stood up and respectfully performed a deep bow, saying, "Li Yuan greets the teacher."


    Teacher, a title much more intimatepared to president.


    "No need for such formalities, we''re not in the times of ancient master-disciple practices," President Li said as he stood up, reaching out to raise Li Yuan up.


    But Li Yuan moved more quickly,pleting his deep bow.


    From beginning to end, without the slightest hesitation.


    "Why bother, we''re in modern society, don''t stick to these formalities," President Li said with a smile, yet unable to hide the joy on his face.


    Rituals might seem superficial, but they represent a kind of respect.


    In dealing with people and affairs, if one can''t even manage the superficial, how can they discuss what''s substantial?


    ...


    Two o''clock in the afternoon.


    In a huge martial arts room on the seventh floor of the Heilong Building, there were already eighteen students in martial arts uniforms waiting inside.


    Most of these students were practicing with long weapons, mainly long spears.


    "Teacher is here."


    "He''s arrived."


    "Looks like there''s someone with him too," more than ten students promptly took their seats.


    They turned to look at Li Yang entering the Martial Arts Room and Li Yuan following behind.


    "Take a seat here." Li Yang directed him to one of the empty seats.


    Li Yuan sat obediently, feeling the gazes of the group around him.


    With a thought, he activated his Divine Pce Inquiry, subsequently examining four individuals; all were Martial Artists, and there was even one Prime Warrior among them.


    "Let me introduce,"


    "The new student joining us today is freshman Li Yuan, the ''Big Brother'' of the new students in our Sixth Institute. Starting today, he''ll also be your fellow ssmate," President Li said slowly, "Don''t underestimate him. In terms of physical quality, he has reached the entry rank."


    "As for his skill level, he''s at the intermediate rank of Fourth Stage, already cing him in the middle of the pack," President Li''s gaze swept over his students.


    "To reach the entry rank at seventeen? That''s impressive!"


    "His name is Li Yuan?"


    "I''ve heard about it, the entrancepetition yesterday, it was Li Yuan who stood out, our Sixth Institute got first ce and even broke the historical record of thepetition."


    "Isn''t that more impressive than Jin Huguo?"


    "Is our Sixth Institute going to rise this year?" these senior ssmates whispered among themselves, and the few who didn''t know quickly became aware of Li Yuan''s achievements from the day before.


    They cast friendly, even admiring nces at him.


    Li Yuan also promptly nodded in response, very courteously.


    He knew very well that these eighteen senior ssmates, mostly fourth and fifth-year students, were almost destined to be Prime Warriors after a few more years of tempering their bodies post-graduation.


    Even in terms of martial skills alone, several were stronger than him.


    "Alright, everyone look this way and listen to the ss."


    "Today, I''ll be talking about ''Ster Spear Technique.'' Listen carefully," President Li deliberately looked at Li Yuan.

 Chapter 116: 110: The Pillar of Spirit (Extra for 22,000 monthly votes)

    "Martial Arts Skills reached the Fourth Level."


    "Whether it be the spear or the sword, many weapons are merely external; the most essential aspect is the heart," Li Yang said, "To practice any weapon, it must first resonate with the heart."


    "The spear seeks an unstoppable advance, unpredictable changes, and is best suited for attack. To unleash its maximum power, our spirit must also resonate with it."


    "The ''Ster Spear Technique'' may seem most adept at defense, yet it''s the explosive offensive burst hidden within the defense that is the essence," Li Yang exined in great detail.


    Time ticked away, second by second.


    In reality, this wasn''t the first time Li Yang had exined the ''Ster Spear Technique''.


    But because of Li Yuan, he deliberately chose the ''Ster Spear Technique'' today and started from the beginning.


    From the spear technique''s concept to the breakdown of each move, and even the ultimate state of Unity of the five techniques.


    Every student listened intently.


    Not everyone practiced the spear, but as they were all training with long weapons, there weremonalities.


    "So that''s the ''Ster Spear Technique''," Li Yuan listened, engrossed and captivated.


    Even though the secret manuals one gets ess to also offer guidance from AI teachers, an AI teacher''s abilities are limited.


    Li Yang''s exnation was clearer.


    Half an hourter, it was time for each student to go up in turn and train with Li Yang in breaking down moves.


    Ultimately, a sssting nearly two hours came to an end.


    "Reflect on this well after you return."


    "At this time next week, I will exin the Stick Technique," Li Yang said, "ss dismissed."


    "Li Yuan, interact more with your fellow students. In half an hour,e to my office," Li Yang instructed before directly leaving the Martial Arts Room.


    "Yes," Li Yuan nodded.


    As soon as Li Yang stepped out of the ssroom, the other dozen senior male and female students turned their attention to Li Yuan.


    "Junior Brother Li Yuan, where are you from? How did you train to be so freakishly strong?"


    "Junior Brother Li Yuan, do you have a girlfriend?"


    "Come on, junior brother, let''s connect on V-Chat," one of the senior sisters said directly, all of them showing great enthusiasm.


    Li Yuan felt a little embarrassed, replying to them one by one.


    "Li Yuan, I''m Yan He. Wee," said the only Prime Warrior, a tall, slender young man with a smile.


    Immediately, the others quieted down, evidently regarding Yan He with high esteem.


    "Senior Brother Yan," Li Yuan nodded in response.


    "Li Yuan, Senior Brother Yan is the strongest among us, not only a Prime Warrior but also proficient in Subtle Technique for spear skills, ranking among the top ten fighters in the whole university," a senior named ''Shi Xiao'' from the third year introduced.


    "Prime Warrior? Subtle Technique level?" Li Yuan was inwardly shocked.


    Even Uncle Wan had not reached the Subtle Technique level.


    As Li Yuan had anticipated, within the top echelon of students at Kunlun Martial University, having undergone years of training and umtion, there was indeed a group of formidable fighters.


    Yan He, who presented himself with an aura of schrly grace, said with a smile, "Junior Brother Li Yuan has just arrived today and still needs to acquaint himself with the ce. How about tomorrow night I host a banquet at my vi? We can all celebrate and, in doing so, wee Junior Brother Li Yuan."


    "A banquet?" Li Yuan was surprised.


    A banquet in the school?


    "Ha-ha, Junior Brother Li Yuan, it''s a tradition," Senior Sister Shi Xiao exined with a smile. "Whenever there''s a new junior under the teacher, we hold a banquet, also as a way to build rapport."


    "Just provide some money, and the school''s logistics department will take care of everything."


    "We at Kunlun Martial University are not like ordinary martial arts universities," Senior Sister Shi Xiao added with augh. "Besides, Senior Brother Yan is a Prime Warrior who often ventures into the Star Realm and earns money at an incredible rate; he''s very wealthy, so don''t worry about saving these few tens of thousands for him."


    Li Yuan instantly understood.


    In a sense, this group of senior brothers and sisters represented another circle, the pinnacle of Kunlun Martial University''s student body.


    They were not to be regarded as ordinary college students. Despite their current calm demeanor, once a fight broke out, each one''s martial strength would be overwhelming.


    Especially this Senior Brother Yan, with his proficiency in Subtle Technique, his power would be terrifying once unleashed.


    Upon graduation, his status would likely be much higher than Uncle Wan''s.


    After all, how old was he? He had a promising future and could even aspire to be a Flying Heaven Warrior.


    "Alright."


    Li Yuan smiled, "Thank you for the invitation, Senior Brother Yan. I will definitelye tomorrow."


    This group of seniors would be his futurework.


    "Good, we''ll wait for Junior Brother Li Yuan tomorrow," Yan He said with a smile. "If you have any questions about training in the future, feel free to ask us."


    "Alright," Li Yuan nodded.


    Li Yuan wanted to make more friends.


    In the same way, none of these senior brothers and sisters were fools. A brief analysis would reveal the terrifying potential of Li Yuan.


    Fellowship among sect members was very precious.


    It was simr to the rtionship between Uncle Wan and Vice President Zhao of the eighth institute; the two had a simr bond when they were younger.


    "By the way,"


    "Junior Brother Li Yuan, since you''ve just arrived today, if you have time, you might want to try the ''Pir of Spirit''," Yan He suggested.


    "Thank you for the reminder, Senior Brother."


    ...


    After saying goodbye to the new group of 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 doorframe, not entering directly.


    "You''ve arrived?" Li Yang smiled slightly, "Come in."


    Inside the office, besides Li Yang, there was also a tall, thin middle-aged man who smiled at Li Yuan.


    "Li Yuan, this is your practicalbat teacher, ''Jiang Lun''," Li Yang introduced, "A level 27 Prime Warrior with Subtle Technique, and also a spear technique instructor."


    "Starting from tomorrow, every three days, he will personally train with you for two hours," Li Yang said.


    "A practicalbat teacher?" Li Yuan was shocked.


    Having a level 27 Prime Warrior to spar with him?


    Was this not overlyvish?


    Such a Prime Warrior was far stronger than Uncle Wan.


    "Isn''t practical training usually with sparring coaches?" Li Yuan couldn''t help but ask.


    ording to the induction at enrollment, ''practicalbat sses'' for first-year students are usually arranged with Martial Artists ranked between level 15 and 20 as sparring partners.


    After all, there are only so many Prime Warrior instructors avable, generally capable of providing broad guidance.


    "What, is that strange?" Li Yang asked with a smile. "Ordinary students, of course, would only get practical training with level ten-plus sparring partners. The very best might get a regr Prime Warrior by their fourth or fifth year."


    "But you''re different."


    "An S-level special training contract, less than fifty in the whole school, each one trained personally by a real teacher," Li Yang said. "Jiang Lun is an excellent teacher, and you will benefit much more from sparring with him than with a regr sparring partner."


    Li Yang chuckled, "Now hurry and greet Teacher Jiang Lun."


    "Teacher Jiang," Li Yuan greeted respectfully.


    "I heard from President Li," Jiang Lun said with a smile, "that you were at the Intermediate Fourth Level as soon as you enrolled. I''ve never taught such an impressive student before. I hope that my practicalbat training can help you advance even further."


    Li Yuan nodded.


    He finally felt the special nature of the S-rank special training contract, to have such a powerful Prime Warrior as a sparring partner? If he were to pay for this, how much would it cost?


    A single sparring session would cost at least two hundred thousand Blue Star Coins.


    And that was only once every three days.


    Li Yuan arranged the training time with Jiang Lun.


    "Jiang Lun is a regr teacher after all, he can only train you once every three days."


    "Every day, I''ll arrange for another ordinary Prime Warrior to spar with you for practicalbat training," Li Yang continued, "Practicalbat training stimtes the bodyprehensively."


    "Any duration is fine."


    "As long as your body can withstand it."


    "The effect will be much better than virtual battles, so from now on, try to reduce your fighting time on the Starry Skies Fighting Network."


    "Yes," Li Yuan said, shaking emotionally.


    Indeed, the effects of practicalbat training were much better than virtualbat.


    The key question was, how many could afford it?


    Li Yang''s arrangement was equivalent to having several Prime Warriors rotating shifts to train him? It was incrediblyvish.


    "Let''s go."


    "Follow me to the Spirit Pir," Li Yang said as he walked out of the office.


    Li Yuan hurriedly followed.


    Taking a flying vehicle, they soon arrived outside the Vermilion Bird Building.


    The Vermilion Bird Building was a public building for third, fourth, and fifth-year students, divided into three towers.


    Undoubtedly.


    Named after therge za outside the building, where a huge skeletal statue of a bird creature, with wings spanning more than two hundred meters, stood.


    It was simply awe-inspiring.


    "A Fire System creature beyond the Flying Heaven Level?" Li Yuan gasped as he looked at the enormous skeleton.


    "Yes," Li Yang said, "It is a Fire System avian creature beyond the Flying Heaven Level that Dongfang Ji had in before donating its body to the university, which was eventually ced here as a memorial."


    Li Yuan inwardly sighed.


    He had read the introduction to Kunlun Martial University; just the openly disyed skeletal remains of Star Realm Creatures beyond the Flying Heaven Level amounted to three.


    As for those of the Flying Heaven Level? There were more than ten.


    These were both a warning to the junior students and a disy of Kunlun''s glorious aplishments.


    Whoosh! Whoosh!


    They bothnded and walked towards the Vermilion Bird Building, with many students along the way greeting President Li.


    President Li responded to each one.


    Shortly thereafter.


    President Li, leading Li Yuan, reached the eastern tower of the Vermilion Bird Building after passing several powerful guards.


    They headed straight underground.


    A sh of light passed through the stairs.


    Appearing before Li Yuan was a huge underground za, over ten meters in height and spanning several thousand square meters.


    The lights were bright.


    On the za, there were as many as a hundred students scattered in different areas, all with their eyes closed.


    Many of them had contorted faces, seemingly enduring immense pain.


    There were also quite a few with sweat dripping from their foreheads.


    "This?" Li Yuan held his breath as he watched this scene, his gaze instinctively drawn to the giant bronze pir at the far end of the za.


    About five meters tall, with a diameter of roughly two meters.


    Bronze-colored!


    Not the green of ancient bronze, but a shiny gold. Its surface was engraved with countless intricate andplex secret runes, giving it a mysterious and distinguished air.


    At the same time, though a hundred meters away, Li Yuan could still feel the mysterious spiritual pressure emanating from that bronze pir, making him slightly ufortable.


    "Teacher, is this the Spirit Pir described in the school''s introduction?" Li Yuan couldn''t help but ask.


    "That''s right!"


    "The Spirit Pir is Kunlun Martial University''s most prized treasure and also unique among the top five prestigious schools of Xia Country," Li Yang said with a hint of pride in his voice, "This is the most important gift Dongfang Ji gave to our Kunlun Martial University."


    "Thanks to the Spirit Pir, for decades, Kunlun has been able to slightly overshadow Kyoto Martial University," Li Yang said smilingly.


    Li Yuan nodded in amazement.


    The top five prestigious schools of Xia Country, with Kyoto Martial University located in the capital, held a unique position because it received the most funding.


    But Kunlun Martial University was no less prestigious and it seemed even stronger!


    Why? ording to many sources, it was because of the Spirit Pir that Dongfang Ji had presented.


    "Go give it a try and see how far you can go," Li Yang said with a chuckle.


    "Yes," Li Yuan said, descending the steps and walking towards the great bronze pir in the distance.


    For the first twenty meters, it was easy, not too ufortable.


    But then.


    As Li Yuan approached within fifty meters of the bronze pir, stepping over the specially marked ''caution line'' on the ground.


    "Hum~"


    It was as if he had stepped into a special domain as an invisible spiritual pressure enveloped Li Yuan instantly.


    Bang~as if arge hammer had smashed down on Li Yuan''s consciousness.


    Fortunately!


    Li Yuan''s spiritual power was exceptionally strong.


    "Hm?" Li Yuan''s eyes narrowed in shock, "Such strong spiritual pressure."


    "Bang~" "Bang~" This spiritual pressure wasn''t a one-off but washed over Li Yuan''s spirit like a tide, continuously assaulting and increasing the mental pressure he endured.


    "For your first attempt, to be so eager and still manage to endure easily, your spiritual power is indeed very strong," Li Yang appeared beside Li Yuan, smiling, "Do you understand the importance of the Spirit Pir now?"


    "To temper and strengthen spiritual power?" Li Yuan spoke softly.


    "Exactly!"


    Li Yang nodded, "Just like physical training, after countless rigorous sessions, strength and speed naturally improve."


    "The same goes for spiritual power."


    "The Spirit Pir is meant to exhaust martial artists'' spiritual power, making the spirit continually fatigued," Li Yang whispered, "Then when the spirit recovers, the spiritual power naturally bes stronger."

 Chapter 117: 111: The Amazing Treatment of S-Class (Request for Monthly Pass)

    Li Yuan listened to Li Yang''s words and looked towards the Pir of Spirit.


    This method of cultivating spiritual power was indeed unique.


    Previously, when Li Yuan was in Jiang City, he had never heard of such a thing.


    After all, spiritual power isn''t visible or tangible like physical strength, and it''s not easy to enhance.


    "Spiritual power is very important."


    "You must have a deep understanding of this," Li Yang said, "The stronger the spiritual power, the better control over the body and the easier it is to cultivate skills."


    Li Yuan nodded lightly; the speed at which his skills improved.


    Apart from his naturalprehension, the rapid increase in his spiritual power was the most important reason, without a doubt.


    With strong spiritual power, perception, calction, and understanding capabilities would continuously improve.


    In a way, it''s like enhancing one''sprehension.


    "But it''s difficult to improve spiritual power," Li Yang exined to Li Yuan, "The first method is the cultivation of the flesh. The body nourishes the spirit; the stronger the body, the stronger the spirit it will nourish."


    "Like 19th Rank Martial Artists, their spiritual power is at least of the 17th or 18th Rank standard."


    "The second method is using treasures to nurture the spirit, from the mostmon Spirit Nourishing Potions to the precious Divine-Nurturing Spring, and even some Heavenly Materials Treasures like Soul-Nurturing Nine-Leaf Grass, Sweet Spirit Core Crystal, and so on," Li Yang said, "The thing is, low-level medicinal effects are mediocre and costly, while the good Heavenly Materials Treasures are not only expensive but also scarce."


    Li Yuan pondered.


    Sweet Spirit Core Crystal? It sounded somewhat simr to Ster Earth Marrow Crystal, at least they both include ''Marrow Crystal'' in their names.


    As for Spirit Nourishing Potion? Li Yuan had heard about it from his uncle Li Changzhou.


    If one uses the basic ones, it''s 30,000 Blue Star Coins a dose.


    If it''s a First Rank Spirit Nourishing Potion, it''s even more expensive ¨C 100,000 Blue Star Coins each, and at least three bottles per month, costing several million Blue Star Coins a year. Only long-term use for several years would significantly help one advance to a Prime Warrior.


    "The third method is the Mind Method," Li Yang continued, "It''s difficult to cultivate spiritual power because spirits are ethereal and it''s difficult to exert pressure on the consciousness."


    "If there is an unsurpassable strong being beyond the Flying Heaven level, or some Flying Heaven Warriors who are proficient in this method and are willing to leave a trace of their spiritual imprint in the spirit, constantly oppressing it, this can have a polishing effect," Li Yang said with a smile, "It''s just, to do this without damaging weaker warriors and still leave the spiritual imprint is very difficult, requiring at least half a day each time."


    "Over time, the imprints will gradually dissipate, at moststing two or three months."


    "The imprints must be consistently applied over a long period."


    "Unless one is a very close rtive, or an extremely favored direct disciple, who could ask those top-level strong beings to go to such trouble?" Li Yang said, shaking his head.


    Li Yuan couldn''t help but nod.


    So there was such a method of spiritual cultivation in human civilization, the Mind Method?


    Too bad the requirements were too high; it was doomed not to be widely utilized.


    "Of course."


    "Legend has it, there is an even more powerful method than the Mind Method, known as the Visualization Method," Li Yang said with a smile, "It is said to have been brought over from some extremely strong Foreign Civilizations, but it has never been confirmed. I''ve only heard of it, so I don''t understand the specifics."


    Li Yuan maintained a calm exterior while his heart stirred with a tumult of surprise.


    The Visualization Method?


    The "Observing the Great Sun Starry Sky Scripture" that he was practicing seemed to be the Visualization Method.


    However, the practice was very demanding.


    Li Yuan had tried practicing solely with the spoken mantra but found it useless.


    He had to concentrate his spirit in the ''Jade tform of the Great Sun'' within the Mind Spirit Divine Pce to enter the state of visualization, which killed the idea of passing it on to his family members.


    "The Pir of Spirit at my Kunlun Martial University."


    "You can think of it as a weakened version, a wide-ranging ''Mind Method.'' Although its effects are not as strong as the specialized Mind Method, as long as one is within the influence of the Pir of Spirit, they can be polished," Li Yang said with some pride, "Across the entire Blue Star, only Starfire University and Kunlun Martial University possess a Pir of Spirit."


    "Even Starry Sky Martial University and ckstone Martial University don''t have it," Li Yang said.


    "Impressive," Li Yuan remarked sincerely.


    Cultivation resources would eventually be exhausted.


    But treasures like the Pir of Spirit, which could be passed down from generation to generation, no wonder it''s known as the number one treasure of Kunlun Martial University, a true cornerstone of the legacy.


    "Okay, you must have mostly adapted by now," Li Yang said, "Keep moving forward and try, let''s see how far you can go now."


    "There are nineyers in total. The pressure is strongest in the ninthyer, weakest in the firstyer."


    "Yes," Li Yuan nodded his head.


    Bearing the strong spiritual pressure, he began to walk step by step towards the Pir of Spirit.


    Despite the short distance of fifty meters, the area was divided into nineyers ording to the warning lines on the ground.


    Most students remained in the first threeyers, and even then, they were in pain.


    "Da~"


    "Da~" Li Yuan took steps deeper into the Pir, walking very slowly, feeling the intangible spiritual pressure emanating from the Pir of Spirit.


    It was as if invisible hammers were striking him, with the force growing stronger and stronger.


    "Li Yuan''s physical quality might be weak, but reaching the thirdyer should be about right," President Li thought to himself.


    As a 29th Rank Prime Warrior, he could vaguely sense the strength of Li Yuan''s spiritual power.


    Very soon,


    Li Yuan entered into the secondyer with ease. Without waiting for Li Yang to react much, Li Yuan quickly stepped into the thirdyer.


    Still, his expression did not change!


    He continued to advance toward the fourthyer.


    "The fourthyer?" Li Yang''s eyes shed with a hint of surprise, "Normally, one would need the spiritual power of the 19th Rank to set foot in this area."


    "Can Li Yuan handle it?"


    After just over a dozen seconds, Li Yuan, bearing the immense spiritual pressure, stepped into the fourthyer.


    Then!


    He continued towards the fifthyer. This sight shocked Li Yang, and it also drew the attention of many students cultivating their ''spiritual power'' at the Pir of Spirit.

 Chapter 118: 111: The Amazing Treatment of S-Class (Request for Monthly Pass)_2

    "The Fifth Layer area? Who is he?"


    "The Fifth Layer, that''s already the requirement for a Prime Warrior!"


    "I sensed his blood and breath, seems very weak, is his spiritual power that monstrous?" Some returning students wondered.


    They didn''t have Li Yuan''s Mind Spirit Divine Pce, which made it hard for them to urately judge someone''s Life Level.


    But as martial artists enhance their body and spirit, their perception sharpens, allowing them to make out quite a bit despite the vagueness.


    "Him? I saw him yesterday in the V chat group, seems like a freshman, named Li Yuan."


    "I remember now, he broke Senior Brother Jin''s admission record."


    "Li Yuan?"


    "Must be him, Dean Li Yang apanied him here." Many students started whispering among themselves.


    Even, quite a few students took out their smartwatches to start recording.


    These students were secretly astounded.


    Great skills could be exined by goodprehension, but without physical enhancement, it''s usually hard for spiritual power to rise rapidly.


    Not far away.


    "The Fifth Layer." Li Yuan was beginning to struggle, his face betraying a trace of pain.


    Indeed!


    If it were purely the intensity of spiritual power, Li Yuan would have had difficulty even in the Fourth Layer area.


    However, like the same body, the stronger the skills, the more terrifying the strength disyed.


    Spiritual power is simr; at the same level of spiritual power, if the willpower differs in strength, the performance will be utterly different.


    It''s like one person consuming various Heavenly Materials Treasures, both body and spiritual power being of the 19th Level.


    The other is one who reached the 19th Level through arduous and painstaking cultivation.


    The data looks the same for both, but if faced with horrible torture, can the duration of their endurance be the same?


    Willpower is akin to the ''skill'' of the spiritual power.


    Li Yuan, relentlessly practicing the "Observing the Great Sun Starry Sky Scripture" day and night, enduring repeated hellish torments, had long since tempered his will to an extremely high level.


    Naturally, he could concentrate his spiritual power to a terrifying degree.


    One step


    And another step.


    Finally, Li Yuan stood steadily at the end of the Fifth Layer area, his face and demeanor faintly twisted.


    The tremendous pain caused by the strong spiritual pressure made Li Yuan''s entire head buzz.


    "A freshman?"


    "He has rushed to the Fifth Layer area and is still standing firmly, which means he still has some strength left."


    "This monstrous? Strong skills and such terrifying spiritual power?"


    "The Fifth Layer area, doesn''t it mean his spirit canpare with a Prime Warrior?" And this scene shocked the other students.


    "Prime Warrior level?" Li Yang''s eyes also shone: "Is it the will?"


    "No wonder he could endure the thrice monthly Spirit Marrow Cleansing."


    "This willpower is truly unique." Li Yang felt slightly emotional in his heart: "Many high-level Prime Warriors probably don''t have such willpower."


    Among the Prime Warriors, those between levels 20-22 are often called junior Prime Warriors.


    Levels 23-25 are called mid-level Prime Warriors.


    Levels 26-28 are known as high-level Prime Warriors.


    A 29th Level Prime Warrior is a Top Grade Origin Martial Artist.


    ...Five minutester.


    Li Yuan, step by step, retreated from the Fifth Layer area back to the First Layer area.


    His breathing and expression returned to calm, as he came back to Li Yang''s side.


    "Teacher, your student is ipetent, only managed to reach the Fifth Layer area." Li Yuan said seemingly earnestly: "I couldn''t make it to the Ninth Layer area."


    Ipetent?


    The Ninth Layer area?


    Li Yang''s mouth twitched, and he couldn''t help saying: "Alright, stop ttering yourself, I only reached the Ninth Layer area after bing a 29th Level Prime Warrior... You are quite young, already very outstanding."


    "Teacher only reached the Ninth Layer area?" Li Yuan was surprised.


    "This Pir of Spirit, usually only warriors of the 13th Level and above dare attempt it, otherwise it''s easy to sustain severe mental damage, hurting the psyche." Li Yang said: "But it''s mainly for high-level Prime Warriors to temper their spirit."


    "For a Top Grade Prime Warrior like me, it has very little effect."


    "As for Flying Heaven Warriors, it''spletely useless." Li Yang said.


    Li Yuan couldn''t help nodding, so that''s how it was.


    That''s right.


    Martial Arts University, in essence, is a training base for martial artists; the Pir of Spirit is indeed quite suitable.


    If it were greatly beneficial even to Flying Heaven Warriors, it might easily lead to trouble.


    "Let''s go out first." Li Yang said, turning around to walk outside.


    The two walked out of the Vermilion Bird Building all the way to the empty za outside.


    "Did you feel the w in the Pir of Spirit?" Li Yang asked as they walked.


    ```


    "Exhausting the spirit too heavily?" Li Yuan pondered.


    During the session he just had, he had felt slightly tired mentally.


    "Right," Li Yang nodded, "Just like exercising the body, if you train too hard at once, your whole body will be sore for several days."


    "A First Rank martial artist, if they stay for two hours at a time, needs at least three to five days to recover; during this period, their mental exhaustion will even affect their normal cultivation," Li Yang said, "That''s why it needs to be paired with Spirit Nourishing Potions."


    "To speed up the recovery of spiritual power."


    "Even so, most students, the majority, only go to the Pir of Spirit to cultivate once a week," Li Yang said.


    Li Yuan suddenly understood why there were so few students at the Pir of Spirit earlier.


    "However."


    "As an S-tier special training contract member, every month, the school will provide you with a Divine-Nurturing Spring," Li Yang said, "Each one, if sold outside, is worth at least a million Blue Star Coins."


    "Its efficacy is much stronger than that of a First Rank Spirit Nourishing Potion, with even fewer side effects."


    "Divine-Nurturing Spring?" Li Yuan was secretly astonished; he had only heard about it online.


    Adding it up, just this one cultivation resource alone was worth tens of millions of Blue Star Coins a year.


    Truly extravagant!


    Without hesitating more than three seconds, Li Yuan directly said, "Teacher, can this be exchanged for other cultivation resources? I don''t really need it."


    "Such as those that assist in cultivating the body."


    "Not needed?" It was Li Yang''s turn to be stunned.


    "Teacher, my spiritual talent is high enough, and the Pir of Spirit helps me very little," Li Yuan said, "Right now, what''s most important for me is to enhance my physical quality."


    Divine-Nurturing Spring?


    In terms of effect, it definitely can''tpete with the Visualization Method in restoring the mental and physical state.


    Pure waste.


    "The school has already prepared for you a High Origin Spirit Spring each month for your physical cultivation,"


    "Its effects are equivalent to five or six Essence Pills of Origin Power, and its value isparable to Divine-Nurturing Spring, but it puts less strain on the body," Li Yang frowned, "However, if you exchange it for two High Origin Spirit Springs, will you take one every half a month? I''m afraid your body won''t be able to take it."


    He knew Li Yuan was making sense.


    With Li Yuan''s demonstrated talent for spiritual power and willpower, he basically doesn''t need to rely on many external substances, unless they are Heavenly Materials Treasures.


    "High Origin Spirit Spring?" thought Li Yuan; he had seen it before in the ''mall'' of Starfire Martial Hall.


    But he couldn''t afford to buy it.


    Too expensive!


    Thinking carefully, Kunlun Martial University had indeed prepared many cultivation resources for him.


    Seeing that Li Yuan had fallen into thought.


    "There is one way you could try," Li Yang suddenly said.


    "Please tell me, teacher," Li Yuan responded without even lifting his head.


    "Use the Washing Marrow Essence more often, four times, even five times," Li Yang stared at Li Yuan, speaking slowly, "However, you''ve used the Washing Marrow Essence before and should be clear about it."


    "It is essentially scraping bone to heal poison and a thorough cleaning of various impurities from the body in various ces."


    "Using it consecutively in a short period of time, the pain bes increasingly exaggerated," Li Yang sighed, "Using it three times a month, for you to be able to persist at your age would be incredible."


    Li Yuan had listened in astonishment; Washing Marrow Essence, four times a month?


    Five times?


    After a long silence, just when Li Yang thought Li Yuan was going to give up.


    Suddenly, Li Yuan said, "Teacher, I want to try!"


    For some reason.


    After saying those words, Li Yuan felt a burning sensation in his lower body...


    ...


    After discussing with Li Yang for half the day, Li Yuan finally knew the truth about the ''Extreme Cultivation Method'' that Teacher Fan Jin had given him.


    But in the end, Li Yuan had persuaded Li Yang.


    Two portions of High Origin Spirit Spring each month.


    To be trialed for a month.


    If after one month, Li Yuan couldn''t keep up, they would switch to a cultivation n of one Divine-Nurturing Spring and one High Origin Spirit Spring each month.


    ...


    At night, Li Yuan returned to his vi.


    Entered the virtualwork, Kunlun Space.


    "Following Teacher Li''s advice."


    "Apart from the regr cultivation of the body and refinement of spiritual power, if I want to improve my skill quickly, I need to study more Second Rank Spear Techniques," Li Yuan clicked on the light screen, "And consider more opinions from my predecessors."


    Martial Path Knowledge Net.


    This is a globalwork shared by all Martial Arts Universities, where every university student can log in to learn, free of charge, a certain number of Martial Arts Secret Tomes.


    Soon, Li Yuan saw the privileges he had as an S-tier student.


    "Free ess to study fifty Second Rank Secret Manuals, including Skill Secret Manuals, Origin Power Manuals, Spirit Usage Secret Manuals..."


    "Free ess to study three Third Rank Secret Manuals."


    ```

 Chapter 119: 112 Cultivation Years, The Arrival of Actual Combat (Requesting Monthly Pass)

    Virtualwork, Martial Path knowledge space.


    "Can I choose so many secret manuals?" Li Yuan looked at the massive number of secret manuals avable for him to learn.


    "Indeed, as long as anyone attends Martial Arts University, they can get arge number of cultivation resources distributed for free by the nation." Li Yuan inwardly sighed.


    Outside, if one wanted to purchase a Second Rank secret manual, it would cost at least a million Blue Star Coins.


    Even in the Starfire Martial Hall, it would cost a million Cultivation Points.


    In the university? Free to learn.


    "Let''s have a look." Li Yuan casually clicked, and saw the massive secret manuals quickly transform into books one by one.


    Their covers sparkled with light.


    The secret manuals were mainly divided into four categories: skills, Origin Power, spiritual power, and physical quality.


    But Li Yuan had already discussed it with Teacher Li Yang and had some understanding of it.


    Origin Power Manuals and Physical Quality Manuals are for Second Stage Prime Warriors to cultivate.


    As for himself now? Choosing a few Spear Technique Manuals to learn andprehend the skills would be enough.


    Spiritual Secret Manuals? To cultivate those, one would at least need to wait until reaching spiritual power level 20.


    "Skill secret manuals." Li Yuan clicked, and the light screens of the surrounding secret manuals flickered again.


    What was presented were Spear Technique Manuals, Saber Technique Manuals, Sword Technique Manuals... there were secret manuals for all eighteen types of weapons, all at least Second Rank secret manuals.


    "These secret manuals, were they all created by generations of human Martial Artists over hundreds of years?" Li Yuan was secretly astonished, "Many secret manuals have been contributed for free to the arsenal by powerful Martial Artists."


    Some secret manuals were free, while others required payment.


    However, for Li Yuan, there was no difference, even if he had to pay, it was within the free allowance of Grade S.


    It was as if Kunlun Martial University was paying on his behalf.


    "Although there are 50 secret manual slots, the teacher said not to bite off more than you can chew." Li Yuan thought to himself, "Right now, selecting four Spear Technique Manuals is enough."


    Li Yang had already listed the Spear Technique Manuals that Li Yuan was to learn next.


    "Cloud Commanding Spear Technique," "True me Spear Technique," "Meteor Spear Technique," "Golden Cleaving Spear Technique." Li Yuan quickly clicked to check the numbers and names.


    There were many umted secret manuals, so many of the names were the same, only the numbers were different.


    Confirm purchase!


    "First-year student ''Li Yuan,'' your Second Rank secret manual free learning quota has been reduced by 4, remaining quota 46." The system''s voice had already sounded, "The Skill Secret Manuals you just purchased have been sent to your personal space."


    "A reminder once again!"


    "Secret manuals are only permitted for your personal understanding and learning, and are strictly forbidden to be disseminated privately; severe penalties will be imposed if discovered." The system''s voice stated.


    Li Yuan smiled and didn''t take it too seriously.


    "Begin cultivation." With a thought, Li Yuan returned to his personal space to start learning the four newly acquired Spear Technique Manuals.


    First, learn the "Cloud Commanding Spear Technique."


    Li Yuan was clear about the purpose of Teacher Li Yang having him learn the Spear Technique.


    If the skill level was only Second Stage or Third Stage, pondering a Second Rank Spear Technique would be enough; at this time, specialization was most important.


    Learning too much could easily confuse the core essence of one''s Spear Technique, leading to loss outweighing gain.


    If one reached the Fourth Level, especially someone like Li Yuan who had stepped into the intermediate ranks of Fourth Level, in ancient times, that would qualify them to be called a "Spear Technique Master," enough to start a school.


    Since he was gradually bing clear about his own path, it was time to start "integrating the strengths of hundreds of schools."


    One should learn more Spear Techniques to incorporate into oneself.


    "ording to the teacher, to break through to the Fifth Stage, he studied over thirty Second Rank Spear Technique Manuals in the past." Li Yuan secretly said, "Only by absorbing the essence, was he able to achieve Unity of Heaven and Man and step into the Fifth Stage."


    Unity of Heaven and Man? Tai Xuan.


    Li Yuan still didn''t quite understand.


    But with sessive generations of predecessors summarizing sessful paths, Li Yuan just needed to follow in their footsteps step by step.


    Shortcuts? Many apparent shortcuts are actually cliffs at the end.


    ...


    While Li Yuan was starting to learn the new Spear Techniques, in the residential area for students of the Third Martial Hall.


    In one of the vis, the lights were bright


    The nearly thousand square meter Martial Arts Room below, where the ground and the four walls were all made of special materials strong enough to withstand the wanton burst of a Neenth Level Martial Artist without being damaged.


    At the moment, a lean young man in a ck Martial Path uniform holding abat saber was practicing his Saber Technique.


    "Whoosh!" "Whoosh!"


    "Whoosh!" Streaks of saber light flickered, as the ck-d young man moved at lightning speed, unleashing incredibly fearsome saber light that was agile and dreamlike, stirring one''s heart.


    His casual bursts of speed exceed 50 meters per second, forming terrifying afterimages in this cramped space.


    When he was seriously practicing.


    Suddenly.


    "Ding~ Master, Long Ya is calling you." The voice of the Martial Arts Room''s assistant AI sounded.


    Whoosh!


    The ck-d young man stopped, and the strands of saber light that filled the entire Martial Arts Room gradually dissipated.


    He was just pondering his own self-created Saber Technique.


    "Answer." The ck-d young man spoke in a deep voice.


    Hum~


    Light converged, forming a video projection in front of the ck-d young man, and a woman dressed in a white Martial Path uniform appeared in the video.


    "Little Ya." The ck-d young man showed a smile, "What''s the matter?"


    "Senior Brother Jin, do you know about Li Yuan''s matter this afternoon?" The white-d woman Long Ya had a hint of urgency on her face.


    "Li Yuan?" The ck-d young man paused, "The one who surpassed me in yesterday''s enrollmentpetition?"


    "Yes, that''s him." Long Ya hurriedly replied.


    "What happened this afternoon?" The ck-d young man disyed a smile, appearing veryposed. His appearance wasn''t considered handsome, but he had a square face which gave a sense of justice and security to others.


    He was Jin Huguo, the number one talent of Kunlun Martial Arts University.


    Also a Martial Arts prodigy with a considerable reputation within Xia Country.


    He had just started his junior year, and his expertise had already reached the level of Subtlety; even his Physical Quality had reached Level 19.


    "This afternoon, at the Vermilion Bird Building''s Pir of Spirit." The white-d woman stared at Jin Huguo, "Principal Li Yang took Li Yuan there, and on his first attempt, Li Yuan managed to reach the Fifth Layer region and stayed for several minutes, even withdrawing calmly afterward."

 Chapter 120: 112 Cultivation Years, The Arrival of Actual Combat (Requesting Monthly Pass)_2

    ```


    "Oh? The Fifth Layer region? His spiritual power has reached the level of a Prime Warrior?" Jin Huguo''s eyes shed with a hint of surprise, "He''s just a freshman, even if his physical quality is perfect, right now he can be at most level 10 at best."


    "This junior brother is indeed impressive," Jin Huguo remarked with a sense of admiration, "Perhaps, in the future, he might be much more formidable than me."


    With his strength and insight, Jin Huguo was very clear about what Li Yuan''s skills and spiritual power signified.


    The future held infinite possibilities.


    "Senior brother, you really don''t care?" The woman in white couldn''t help but ask as she looked at Jin Huguo.


    "Care about what? Having one more genius junior brother is a good thing," Jin Huguo smiled, "Instead, I''m worried that him being so dazzling as a freshman, without anypetitors, might cause him to lose his way and be degenerate."


    "This Li Yuan is so formidable, he might threaten your position in the school," the woman in white finally spoke her mind outright.


    Jin Huguo looked at the woman in white, feeling a desire tough inside.


    "Long Ya, how can you ask such a silly question?" Jin Huguo shook his head, "Not to mention that he''s a freshman and I''m a junior, there''s no directpetition."


    "Even if there waspetition, so what?" Jin Huguo was quite indifferent, "It''s justpetition within the school."


    "The number one talent at Kunlun Martial University? Does such a title sound impressive? Is it useful?"


    The woman in white was stunned.


    Useless?


    "Ever since Starfire University and Starry Sky University were established, our Kunlun Martial University has been declining for decades," Jin Huguo shook his head and said, "Inst year''s global collegiate martial arts tournament, only I managed to break into the top 100 in the virtual battle."


    "Actualbat, even more so, we didn''t have a single person qualifying for participation, how embarrassing was that?" Jin Huguo said, shaking his head.


    "Senior brother, you can''t be med for that," the woman in white hurriedly said, "Last year, you were just a sophomore and managed to break into the virtual battle top 100, triumphing over most senior students from the three famous schools, which was already dazzling enough."


    "Actualbat? In Xia Country''s five prestigious universities,st year only two managed to qualify for the main global collegiate martial arts tournament, and they were both eliminated in the first round."


    "For the uing tournament, you will certainly be able to participate in actualbat, and there''s totally a possibility of reaching the top 20," the woman in white said with an air of admiration, "That would be historic."


    Jin Huguo smiled. The top 20?


    As difficult as it was, he could only say there was some hope.


    "Not to mention that our human civilization needs more and stronger martial artists."


    "Just speaking of the present," Jin Huguo smiled and said, "If this Li Yuan is strong enough to stand out in the global collegiate martial arts tournament and make a name for Kunlun Martial University, I will only have respect for him."


    "As for some school position, it''s all clouds passing by."


    "It''s not like we arepeting to be the principal, we will graduate sooner orter," Jin Huguoughed, "From another perspective, before this, the school leaders have been cing all their bets on just me, I also feel quite a bit of pressure."


    "Having one more person to share the pressure, why not be happy about it?"


    Long Ya opened her mouth but said nothing.


    She could see that Jin Huguo genuinely didn''t care.


    "In a way, I find one Li Yuan not enough," Jin Huguo said, shaking his head, "If every ss could have twenty or thirty like Li Yuan, then our Kunlun Martial University might be able to regain its glory and once again be the number one martial arts university on Blue Star."


    Long Ya couldn''t help butugh out loud.


    The number one martial arts university on Blue Star? That was history from fifty years ago.


    After hanging up the video call.


    "Li Yuan?" Jin Huguo murmured to himself, smiled, and then continued pondering over his Sword Technique.


    ...


    The night of July 4th.


    Including Li Yuan, neen elite disciples under Li Yang gathered at ''Yan He''s vi.


    The vi was veryrge, more than ample for a banquet of dozens of people.


    After the wee ceremony had ended.


    "Junior brother, truly no girlfriend?" Shi Xiao, a senior sister holding a wine ss, asked with a teasing smile.


    "Senior sister,"


    "I just want to concentrate on the Martial Path," Li Yuan smiled, having already sensed the senior sister''s intentions.


    He had also inquired into the senior sister''s Life Level¡ª15.8.


    Quite formidable.


    Li Yuan knew that powerful martial artists were full of energy and most believed in themselves rather than others.


    Therefore, their ideas on many aspects werepletely different from ordinary people.


    Too bad, not only was Li Yuan uninterested.


    Even if he were interested, it was useless; he had just undergone a ''bathing'' service of Life Essence Purification during the day and needed to rest well upon returning.


    ...


    After this weing banquet.


    Life, since his enrollment, hadpletely returned to calm, and, in a way, Li Yuan''s university martial arts student career had officially begun.


    In themon knowledge ss attended by students from the Sixth Institute.


    "Why, when you were taking your college entrance exams, were there requirements for your cultural courses?" themon knowledge teacher, who was a Prime Warrior, asked in a resounding voice, "Martial Artists are not just brute warriors with blind fighting power; they should be thinkers as well."


    "Life Evolution is not just about developing muscles or the explosive power of Origin Power; it should also be about the evolution of the brain," the teacher said, his gaze sharp as he swept over every student, "You must know for whom and why you fight."


    "Next, I will talk about the history of modern Martial Path."


    "In the most ancient times, our Seven Greats did not know of each other''s existence."


    "Two thousand years ago, Star Bridges appeared, and including our Blue Star, the Six Greats were able to swiftly cross the Starry Sky through the Star Bridges and reach Feixing, only then discovering one another''s existence."


    "Despite being located in different Starry Skies, the Seven Greats were all inhabited by humans¡ªa very eerie coincidence¡ªand the appearance of the Star Bridges was also shrouded in mystery, with many spections that to this day remain an enigma."


    "And Feixing is the most mysterious and vast among the Seven Greats."


    "From that point on, the era of the Star Bridges was ushered in, andter, that year was designated as Year One of the Seven Stars era."


    ```

 Chapter 121: 112 Cultivation Years, The Arrival of Actual Combat (Requesting Monthly Pass)_3

    ```


    "This expanse of starry sky is also named the ''Seven Star Sea''," the general knowledge teacher exined.


    Li Yuan, An Nong, Gu Qianghan, and the others were not listening very attentively.


    Because these were allmon knowledge.


    They were mostly covered in the middle school textbooks.


    "In 1420, the Star Bridge copsed, evolving into the Six Grand Star Realms, also the original Six Grand Star Realms," the teacher continued, "But through the Star Realm, we can still reach Feixing."


    "Since then, the Cosmic Origin Power appeared, and the life on the Seven Greats generally became far stronger... Now the dawn of the Martial Path is just beginning."


    "But it wasn''t until 1609 that our human civilization gave birth to the first Prime Warrior," the teacher said, "From that time on, we were sure that Origin Power, aside from existing in the Heavenly Materials and Treasures, was also present in the cosmic starry sky and earth."


    "From then on, the Martial Path rose, and human civilization truly began Life Evolution."


    "By 1724, human civilization had produced the first Flying Heaven Warrior..."


    "In 1746, the first Star Realm emerged over Tianhai Star, and a multitude of Star Realm Creatures poured out, causing over thirty million deaths. It took thebined effort of manys to finally suppress the Star Realm entrancepletely."


    "That was when the nightmare began."


    "Then came the second, the third Star Realm... At that time, only the First Level Star Realm, Second Level Star Realm appeared; there were no Flying Heaven Level Star Realm creatures yet."


    "In the year 1766 of the Seven Stars, the first Third Level Star Realm appeared on Feixing," the teacher''s voice grew heavy as the corresponding information also appeared on the ssroom''s holographic screen.


    "Fire Demon, the first Flying Heaven Level Alien Race creature to appear, ravaged tens of thousands of kilometers, ughtering over eight million humans, before it was finally killed through the joint efforts of several Flying Heaven Warriors."


    "Then the second head, the third... a decade-long Star Realm war, nearly causing Feixing to fall, with more than six billion humans dead!" The teacher''s voice revealed a hint of sorrow.


    Even though it had been hundreds of years.


    Even though this great catastrophe urred in the distant Feixing, Blue Star had not suffered such a heavy blow.


    But for Li Yuan, An Nong, and the others, it was still heart-shakingly impactful.


    Over six billion humans dead? Nearly the entire human poption on Feixing was almost wiped out.


    How many humans are there on Blue Star today? Just over a hundred billion.


    "Until the year 1782."


    "Our human civilization gave birth to the first great existence to surpass the Flying Heaven Level, ''Lant''," the teacher''s voice suddenly rose with excitement, "officiallyunching the great counteroffensive."


    The teacher recounted many secrets, which were not mentioned in middle school textbooks.


    Li Yuan, An Nong, and the others couldn''t help but perk up their ears to listen attentively.


    "The ten-year war, under Lant''s leadership, essentially quelled the turmoil."


    "Thus ended the First Star Realm War."


    "In 1820," the teacher kept on with the narration, ""after a long four hundred years of the Martial Path''s dark age, human civilization''s first universal High Rank Cultivation Technique ''Nanming Wanshui Sutra'' was finally born."


    "Our human civilization''s warriors began to emerge like bamboo shoots after a rainstorm."


    Li Yuan was moved inwardly.


    A part of Martial Path history, half of human civilization''s history.


    History moving forward.


    Li Yuan was quite familiar with it, more and more High Rank Cultivation Techniques were born, and the whole of human civilization became increasingly prosperous.


    In 1920, the Second ''Star Realm War'' broke out on Feixing, with Alien Race creatures that surpassed the Flying Heaven Level appearing.


    But then!


    Dongfang Ji of Blue Star emerged dramatically, with absolute dominance and martial power, sweeping away all before him.


    No one knows how many Flying Heaven Level, and beyond Flying Heaven Level Star Realm Creatures fell at his hands.


    He also officially surpassed Lant, bing the recognized number one powerhouse of human civilization.


    Afterwards.


    Dongfang Ji established the Starfire Martial Hall and turned the nominally existent Seven Star Alliance into a reality, truly towering above the nations of the Seven Greats, and also promoted a decade-long ''Seven Star Alliance Progress Movement''."


    In the year 1954 of the Seven Stars, the Martial Arts college entrance exam was officially rolled out, infiltrating all countries.


    For nearly a century, the entire human civilization entered a high-speed development phase, nuclear weapons and various types of technological weapons emerged... Under the unified coordination of the Alliance, no more overly severe chaos broke out again.


    In 1962, Starfire University, Starry Sky University, ck Stone University, all simultaneously established branches on the Seven Greats.


    They universally recruited and trained top-tier talents.


    In 2009, virtualworks came into being, sweeping across the entire human civilization, elevating the speed at which human civilization discovered Martial Arts prodigies by a significant level once again.


    While Li Yuan was recalling and contemting.


    "Today''s ss ends here, you''re dismissed," the teacher said in a low voice.


    ...


    Inside the Heilong Building''s practical Martial Arts Room.


    "ng!"


    "ng! ng!" Li Yuan was engaged in an intensely fierce battle with his teacher Jiang Lun.


    "Too weak!"


    "You clearly have the Fourth Level Intermediate Rank Spear Technique, why don''t you disy it?"


    "Are you not a prodigy? Calling yourself a prodigy with such trash skills?"


    "Are you angry? Upset? Then hit me if you can!" Jiang Lun berated Li Yuan, his shouts echoing through the ssroom.


    Hecked the gentleness and elegance from the first time they met.


    "Mind, in harmony with every part of your body, feel every thread of force in the long spear."


    "Remember, every thread!"


    "I scold you, and your mind falters? Poor mentality, you need more training!"


    "I tell you to kneel, you kneel; I tell you to lie down, you lie down! Why? Because your Spear Technique isn''t strong enough."


    "Because you are weak."


    "Weakness is the original sin. When you fight with Star Realm Creatures, there''s no such thing as prodigies, only strength and weakness, and a dead prodigy is just a pile of flesh eaten up!"


    "Get practicing," Jiang Lun was like a tyrant, mercilessly tormenting Li Yuan.


    But Li Yuan had to admit that he made the quickest progress when engaging in practical training with his adversary.


    His inner self too was enduring the storms over and over again.


    ...


    "Spirit, from the inside out."


    "First sense your whole body."


    "What is Unity of Heaven and Man? Heaven refers to nature, Man to oneself," Li Yang was giving Li Yuan a private lesson, "When your skill reaches Subtlety, perfectly controlling every strand of your own strength."


    ```

 Chapter 122: 112 Cultivation Years, The Arrival of Actual Combat (Requesting Monthly Pass)_4

    "It''s about time to sense the natural forces of heaven and earth."


    "Human strength is limited, but the power of heaven and earth is infinite. Harnessing the power of heaven and earth can make the body unimaginably strong, running faster than the speed of sound, copsing buildings with a single punch... a casual burst can produce hundreds of tons of Fist Strength."


    "Even... Flying Heaven and burrowing earth."


    ...


    In the Martial Arts Room, the physiotherapy room.


    The body is covered in a soul-cleansing marrow wash.


    "Ah!" Li Yuan''s entire body trembled in pain, his face flushed red, and the veins in his head seemed to burst.


    Muscles spasmed as if billions of steel needles were pricking into his fingers.


    This pain prated deep into the marrow.


    Even with Li Yuan''s terrifyingly formidable willpower, he already experienced pain to the extreme, with his muscle fibers twitching and distorting.


    Such pain, if inflicted on an ordinary Martial Artist, could very likely result in being tormented to death.


    Ultimately.


    Li Yuan endured it with great difficulty. A thinyer of impurities, faintly tinged with ck, emerged on his skin''s surface.


    "This month, the fifth time, I finally made it through," Li Yuan murmured. He painstakingly drank the ''High Origin Spirit Spring'' ced beside him.


    Lying on the ground, he did not want to move at all and fell into a deep sleep.


    "Buzz~"


    The effects of the Spiritual Spring activated, waves of powerful Origin Power madly surged to every part of his body¡ªsinews, muscles, internal organs, even his blood... Every part of his body, like a ravenous beast, desperately consumed the Origin Power, growing stronger.


    ...


    Kunlun Martial Arts University provided Li Yuan with arguably the best, all-around cultivation environment.


    Li Yuan, in turn, was growing with unbelievable speed in every aspect¡ªtechnique,bat, physical quality, spiritual power... all-around improvement.


    This progress astounded Li Yang, Jiang Lun, and other instructors.


    In the blink of an eye, it was the end of July.


    "A rough gem!"


    "Forged through a hundred trials, he is bing stronger and stronger." Li Yang voiced his emotion, "Jiang, your tyrannical training method, he actually managed to withstand it."


    "Haha, through my training, his probability of death in future life-and-death battles will be much lower," Jiang Lun proudly said, "How to remain calm during battle? How?"


    "Without enough experience, you can pretend to be calm with words, but your heart won''t be able to settle down..." Jiang Lun was about tounch into another lengthy talk.


    "Stop!"


    "If you continue, I''m going to hit you," Li Yang red, and Jiang Lun immediately closed his mouth.


    "You''re the Dean, you''re impressive, can''t I just walk away if I don''t want to provoke you?"


    ...


    After seeing off Jiang Lun, in the office.


    "With Li Yuan''s current strength?" Li Yang looked at variousbat scenes of Li Yuan on the holographic screen, "Still doing the Combat Assessment with the freshmen?"


    "No, that''s no challenge at all."


    "To the Fourth Base then," Li Yang decided.


    Kunlun Martial Arts University''sbat assessment bases numbered five in total.


    The weakest Star Realm Creatures were in the First Base, while the strongest were in the Fifth Base.


    Which base the students attended for assessments was not determined by grade, but by strength.


    The Fourth Base? Normally, it was reserved for third-year students.


    ...


    July 29th, vi number 61032.


    "Hmm?"


    "My Combat Assessment base is the number four base?" Li Yuan looked at the message on the smart ring with a bit of surprise.


    Clicking, he reviewed the detailed information.


    "The number four base, Star Realm Creatures level, mostly at 13th Level, with a possibility of reaching 14th Level?" Li Yuan instinctively nced at his Divine Pce panel.


    ¡ª¡ª


    [Life Level: 11.3 (First Rank)]


    Fist Strength: 2250 kilograms


    Speed: 27.1 meters per second


    Spiritual Power: 18.4 Level


    Spiritual Awakening Level: 12.8% (Current Limit 20%)


    Skill Realm: Spear Technique (Fourth Level 53%), Movement Technique (Fourth Level 42%), Fist Technique (Fourth Level 55%)


    ...


    "Departure tomorrow."


    "The highest, asking me to fight nearly three levels up?" Li Yuan murmured to himself, "They really think highly of me."

 Chapter 128: 114 Qiu Jing! The Greatly Improved Li Yuan (Seeking Monthly Pass)_4

    ```


    "Really?" Li Yuan was taken aback.


    He had no idea.


    "From here, if you head east for about 15 kilometers, you''ll reach arge tribe of the Rock Desert Tribe within thebat assessment area," Qiu Jing said with a smile, "I estimate there are over two hundred warriors, and their leader is above Level 14."


    "Level 14?" Li Yuan felt a wave of relief.


    Level 14, with Fist Strength exceeding 8,000 kilograms, is several times stronger than Level 13.


    Luckily, he had not encountered them.


    "Haha, it''s normal that you don''t know; I only found out after some inquiry and it was not easy to shake off that leader''s pursuit," Qiu Jing said with a sigh, "You are also impressive, just into the first year, and you were able to hold on at the fourth base."


    "Without Senior Sister''s rescue, I probably would''ve been eliminated already," Li Yuan said with a smile.


    "Without me, another kilometer ahead there is a cliff. With your strength, you also had a chance to escape," Qiu Jing said with a smile, "Alright, take a detour on your own, stay away from the Rock Desert Tribe''s territory, and be careful afterward."


    "We''ll talk more when we get back to school."


    "OK, Sister, you also take care," Li Yuan nodded, not expecting her to apany him anyway.


    The gap in their strengths was evident.


    Moreover, this was abat assessment; both parties'' goals were to gain more points, so separating was the best decision.


    He watched as Qiu Jing departed into the distance.


    "Qiu Jing Senior Sister, ranked eighth at the fourth base?" Li Yuan nced at the ranking on his locator bracelet.


    ...


    Heeding Senior Sister Qiu Jing''s advice, Li Yuan changed directions, avoiding the Rock Desert Tribe''s territory.


    An hourter, the sky gradually darkened.


    Six kilometers away, on a small deste in.


    "Pff!"


    An exotic beast resembling a lynx was pierced through the throat by Li Yuan, and its huge body crashed heavily onto the barren ground.


    "[You have killed an Entry Rank creature, gained Spiritual Nature nourishment, Spiritual Awakening Level has reached 20%]


    "[You have reached the limit of Spiritual Awakening, temporarily unable to receive Spiritual Nature nourishment, once your spiritual power reaches Level 20, you can break the limit]


    "[Spiritual Awakening Level has reached 20%, second Origin Power assimtion initiated]" The Divine Pce panel shed with three notifications in an instant.


    Li Yuan immediately noticed them.


    "Sure enough, at 10% there was one instance of Origin Power infusion, and now at 20%, there is another," thoughts shed rapidly through Li Yuan''s mind, "So, spiritual power must reach Level 20 to break through the limit of Spiritual Awakening?"


    Before Li Yuan could contemte further,


    he suddenly widened his eyes: "Wait! This is different fromst time!"


    Because,


    Whirr~ merely three seconds after the Divine Pce''s reminder, Li Yuan felt a series of slight headaches, as if some mysterious force was infiltrating from his head into his limbs and throughout his body.


    The sensation was very strange.


    Immediately after, Li Yuan could feel a mysterious force gradually seeping into his limbs and body from the outside, and his pores seemed to feel a bit hot.


    It was Origin Power.


    "The first Origin Power infusion required my guidance, but this second infusion has started on its own?" Li Yuan quickly realized, "This is bad."


    "I am definitely under the school''s surveince right now."


    Without any hesitation,


    Whoosh!


    Li Yuan grabbed his long spear, his figure dashed away like lightning, swiftly lunging toward the distance.


    A few hundred meters away,


    there was a small cave beneath a cliff, the very ce Li Yuan had chosen for his overnight stay.


    In barely twenty seconds, Li Yuan felt his body getting hotter and hotter.


    Boom! He threw the long spear, which flew out like an arrow, piercing deeply into the cave wall.


    Phew!


    He drew hisbat saber, leapt into the air, and several shes of the de swept past. The trees next to the cave were instantly chopped into sections and fell.


    Then, Li Yuan quickly dragged these trees to the cave, erected them across each other, and barely sealed the cave entrance.


    Li Yuan, holding thebat saber, then rushed into the cave and ced a tree segment down.


    It practically sealed the already narrow entrance.


    "Even if an Alien Racees, I still have some preparations, at least giving me two seconds more to respond," Li Yuan clenched his teeth and sat down on the ground, "Moreover, the teachers can''t directly observe me now."


    The Origin Power infusion had barely started a minute ago.


    He took a deep breath.


    "Origin Power infusion." Li Yuan calmed downpletely, and his powerful spiritual power began guiding the surging Origin Power that was entering his body.


    This time, the Origin Power infusion was more abundant and purer than thest.


    "Evolve!"


    "My muscles and bones," Li Yuan could clearly feel that every part of his body was voraciously absorbing the Origin Power.


    Muscles became stronger, skin more resilient, bones more solid, and the vitality of his internal organs increased...


    [Your Life Level has increased from 11.3 to 11.4]


    As night fellpletely, the surroundings were utterly quiet, and time passed.


    [...from 11.8 to 11.9] apanied by notifications from the Divine Pce panel.


    Li Yuan''s body began yet another grand transformation.


    ```

 Chapter 129: 115: Rapid Progress! Slaughter! (Seeking Monthly Votes)

    Seated with legs crossed in the depths of the cave, the narrowest entrance was sealed with sections of cut wood.


    "There are no other lives in the cave, no danger." Li Yuan''s spiritual power was immensely strong,bined with his unique ''Divine Pce Inquiry.''


    If there had been any life in the cave, he would have detected it long ago.


    This was also why he could easily discover the crocodile exotic beast at the very beginning.


    "The body''s transformation is really fast." Li Yuan closed his eyes and could clearly feel the constant transformation of his physical quality.


    The evolution was so rapid that Li Yuan''s body was slightly feverish and sore.


    The drastic growth of physical quality was essentially a repeated tearing and reconstitution of the body''s muscles, bones, and flesh.


    But with Li Yuan''s strong will, enduring such pain was rtively easy.


    "In the first three hours, I improved by about 0.5 levels."


    "In this one hour, about 0.1 level? It seems much slower from the perspective of Life Level, but in terms of body strength, there''s even a faintly elerating trend," Li Yuan mused to himself.


    The difference in Life Level Bes more astonishing the higher one goes.


    For example, from level 10.0 to 11.0, the standard Fist Strength difference is 500 kilograms.


    But from level 18.0 to 19.0, the standard Fist Strength difference is 14,000 kilograms.


    This is the reason many martial artists improve to level 15 or 16 during the few short years in university, but struggle to reach level 19 even after twenty years of post-graduate cultivation.


    It was also the reason why Qiu Jing, despite seemingly lesser skills than Li Yuan, could ughter a group of Rock Desert Tribe warriors because his physical quality was 1.6 levels higher.


    The Fist Strength of level 12.9 was more than double that of 11.3.


    The difference in skills wasn''t huge, and Qiu Jing''s overall strength was more than five times higher than Li Yuan''s, naturally enabling him to massacre at will.


    After entering the Entry Rank, every 1-2 level increase in Life Level doubles the body''s standard Fist Strength.


    "Spiritual."


    Li Yuan''s spiritual power was much stronger than before; he left part of his consciousness to sense external dangers while a fraction of it had already entered the spiritual world.


    He went directly inside the Mind Spirit Divine Pce.


    As Li Yuan had expected, inside the Mind Spirit Divine Pce, the previously vanished white jade staircase reappeared.


    Wisps of golden mist were continuously falling from the upper space reached by the staircase, merging into the ground of the Divine Pce.


    "Is this golden mist, which I sense emanating from my brain, guiding Origin Power into my body, the mysterious power that I''m feeling? What exactly is it?" Li Yuan pondered.


    Suddenly.


    In the staircase, a small amount of the golden mist that was originally just merging into the ground separated and merged directly into Li Yuan''s consciousness.


    "Boom!"


    As with the almost identical experience before, Li Yuan''s consciousness felt like it was struck by thunder, bing groggy again, and the entire spiritual world turned into an endless Dark Space.


    "The Dark Space again?" Li Yuan''s spiritual power was much stronger than before, barely maintaining his rity, and he had a clear perception of the changes in the spiritual world.


    Hum~


    He perceived countless stars suddenly appearing out of nowhere, beginning to nourish his conscious mind.


    [Your soul has been nourished, spiritual power has increased from level 18.4 to 18.5] Unbeknownst to him, a Divine Pce prompt appeared.


    "Just as I suspected."


    "This golden mist, it can nourish and improve my spiritual power as well as lead Origin Power into my body." Li Yuan realized, silently experiencing the dual enhancement of physical quality and spiritual power.


    At the same time.


    In the Dark Space where his consciousness resided.


    "Seeking dust, finding the minuscule, merging to be one, the essence of the sun and the moon forges the Spiritual Foundation..." That grand and vast voice once again echoed in the Dark Space.


    Familiar voices, familiar text.


    "Spiritual Foundation." Li Yuan was moved.


    During thest Origin Power infusion, his consciousness fell into a deep sleep, with only faint awareness.


    But this time, he could clearly feel the mysterious fluctuations contained within this ancient and vast voice.


    It was extremely profound, seemingly representing some ultimate truth.


    "Stars!"


    Gradually, as he listened to this vast voice, Li Yuan''s consciousness faintly saw, in the endless darkness, what seemed to be dark stars beginning to emit light.


    They became brighter and more dazzling.


    The number of illuminated stars increased; from the initial dozens, they slowly became hundreds, thousands... Arge number of illuminated stars formed all kinds of strange trajectories, twinkling in the Dark Space...


    "Stars like threads." Li Yuan had a realization and subconsciously tried to memorize these strange ster trajectories as much as possible.


    This action was very draining, making Li Yuan''s consciousness even more groggy, as though he was about to sink into a deep sleep.


    ...


    While Li Yuan was hiding in the cave with his body quality and spiritual power constantly improving.


    In the War Fortress of the Star Realm he was in, within a threeyered meeting room.


    "What is Li Yuan up to? He''s been hiding in the cave for over six hours now." President Li was somewhat perplexed.


    "Isn''t that your problem?" Dean Xu shook his head


    "My problem?" President Li was taken aback.


    "Seriously, do you expect him to fight and ughter all night?" Dean Xu shook his head and said, "His physical quality is the lowest among the students at the fourth base. Night visibility is hindered. If he were to go out and forcefully hunt and battle, it would be even more dangerous."


    "It''s better to hide, rest well, and ughter during the day."


    "This shows he has self-awareness and isn''t reckless." Dean Xu continued, "I have high hopes for him."


    "Alright then." President Li nodded, also feeling that Dean Xu had a point.


    However.


    He clearly remembered that when Li Yuan hid in the cave, there was still over an hour before the skypletely darkened.


    "Could it be, I really made an error in judgment, forcing his growth?" For a moment, President Li doubted himself.


    ...


    Sunset and sunrise.


    The time came to ten o''clock in the morning the next day.


    The other participating students from the fourth base had all rested well and emerged from their respective encampments, beginning a new day of realbat and ughter.

 Chapter 125: 114 Qiu Jing! The Greatly Improved Li Yuan (Seeking Monthly Pass)

    Having reached a 20% level of Spiritual Awakening, could another influx of Origin Power be possible? Li Yuan was not sure.


    "I''ve got to try, at least get to the 20% limit first," Li Yuan murmured to himself.


    He couldn''t help but nce at the Star Realm Creature lying on the ground.


    It seemed small in stature, not even as big as a regr tiger, but its movements were swift and flexible. That kind of Explosive Power and speed were hard toe by in the animals on Blue Star.


    "A beast-like Alien Race? Wonder which Star Realm ites from," Li Yuan muttered, "Did the military capture it?"


    Entering university for a month, with two general knowledge courses each week, teachers would disclose various secrets.


    These were hard toe by on the inte.


    To avoid mass panic, many details were rtively confidential.


    Li Yuan was clear that the Star Realms on the Seven Greats of human civilization,bined, amounted to at least several hundred, if not a thousand.


    However,


    most Star Realms are in a ''silent'' state, either due to entrance restrictions, or because the other side has yet to detect the existence of the Star Realm, or they do not wish to start a war just yet.


    Meaning the Alien Races behind the Star Realms and humankind were generally at peace, like the Moon Demon Star Realm and Moon Demon Civilization.


    The second type was the ''ordinary hostile'' state, like the Fish Spirit Star Realm, where the hostility of the Alien Civilization behind it is not small, but due to many restrictions, arge-scale war cannot be initiated.


    The third type was the ''war'' state, like the Rob Sea Star Realm and its Alien Civilization, shing with human civilization time and again with devastating wars.


    The fourth type was the ''arch-enemy'' state, indicating the Star Realm is of very high level, and the Alien Race behind it was capable of instigating wars that could destroy human civilization and had indeedunched such wars, only to be repelled by human civilization.


    Star Realms of the ''arch-enemy'' status were mainly concentrated in Feixing.


    "Star Realms are special zones formed where different worlds touch the Seven Star Sea, many Alien Civilizations want to invade the Seven Star Sea to destroy our Human Race," Li Yuan whispered to himself, "But we are also constantly counterattacking, even capturing arge number of Star Realm Creatures."


    Like the ''Combat Assessment'' organized by Martial Arts Universities each year.


    Could the massive number of Star Realm Creatures that are killed be naturally bred? Of course not!


    Most of them are captured by the strong among the Human Race to be used as practice by the younger generation of Martial Artists.


    In ordinary Martial Arts Universities, ny-nine percent of graduates do not reach level 15 by graduation, so the mortality rate can be kept below 10%.


    But what about Kunlun Martial University?


    After undergoing numerousbat assessments, once the Physical Quality reaches level 15, one must enter the Star Realm to directly participate in the war.


    Ultimately, only then can a powerful Martial Artist who has withstood the test of life and death be cultivated with a super low mortality rate of less than 20%.


    Strong body? High skills? These do not qualify one as a Martial Artist.


    Being fearless in the face of danger, calmly facing life and death, decisive in killing, that is the kind of Martial Artist needed by human civilization, which requires ample tempering.


    To Li Yuan''s knowledge,


    A hundred years ago, ordinary Martial Artists, without undergoing repeated and progressively more dangerousbat assessments, often went directly to Star Realm battlefields.


    A venture of life and death resulted in an ordinary Martial Artist mortality rate of over 30% or even 50% as the norm.


    "Let''s continue,"


    "The currentbat assessments can only be considered as ufortably bright sunshine entering a greenhouse," Li Yuan gripped his Long Spear tightly and continued to venture deeper into the forest.


    asionally, Li Yuan would climb to the canopy of arge tree to scout the environment further away.


    However, with nothing but rolling hills and tall trees, traditional high ground was not to be found.


    The effort was of little use.


    ...


    Three hourster.


    Nearly 20 kilometers away from where Li Yuannded, there was a light rain falling from the sky.


    On a gentle slope covered with dense woods and rugged stones,


    severalrge ferocious beasts resembling lynxes, with skins like leopard spots glistening and sleek, extremely agile, were roaring and besieging Li Yuan, who held a Long Spear.


    Their roars echoed in the woods.


    Nearby, severalrge trees had been knocked down and even some giant stones shattered.


    In a valley crevice nearby, therey tworge beast carcasses and five smaller ones.


    "So ferocious, and they live in groups," Li Yuan felt a headacheing on, "Each one''s Burst Speed is so fast; level 13 Star Realm Creatures are indeed fierce."


    Just before, Li Yuan had inadvertently entered this group of Exotic Beasts'' den and was under attack by two female beasts.


    He quickly killed them all.


    However, Li Yuan had not yet managed to withdraw when he was confronted by four more Exotic Beasts attacking him in unison.


    The lowest among them had a Life Level of 12.6.


    The biggest one, clearly the leader, had a Life Level well above 13.


    As one advances in the Martial Path, a difference of one level makes a clear gap in Physical Quality.


    "Roar!"


    "Roar!" The four Exotic Beasts took turns attacking, attempting to take down Li Yuan.


    Whoosh! Whoosh!


    Compared to the Exotic Beasts'' bursts, Li Yuan''s movements were not particrly fast, but they were exceptionally agile, as he time after time deftly dodged their attacks.


    To withstand their attacks head-on? With the terrifying force of the Exotic Beasts'' strikes, Li Yuan would be injured if he took a single hit.


    After two, he would be coughing up blood.


    What Li Yuan relied on was the absolute control over his body after achieving Unity of body and mind.


    The Dragon Movement Technique made him as agile as the wind, almostpletely blending into the surroundings.


    "Huff!" Li Yuan, who kept dodging, swung his Long Spear time and again.


    Though his body moved slower, it did not mean his weapon was slow.


    Li Yuan''s Long Spear unleashed violent bursts in an instant.


    With each thrust, he would wound an Exotic Beast, causing blood to stter.


    This was also the reason why all four Exotic Beasts were extremely wary of him.


    "They are extremely intelligent with strongbat instincts, it''s hard for my spear to hit a vital spot with one strike," Li Yuan thought.


    He could easily spot the ws in the Exotic Beasts'' attacks and dodges, but their speed made it hard to seize the opportunity.

 Chapter 126: 114 Qiu Jing! The Greatly Improved Li Yuan (Seeking Monthly Pass)_2

    Time passed.


    After attacking several times in a row, two of the exotic beasts were badly injured and their blood flowed freely as their strength greatly diminished.


    "Boom~"


    Another spear thrust out like lightning.


    This time, instead of dodging, he faced the attack head-on. With a flick of his long spear in hand, it roared out and pierced through the neck of the exotic beast like lightning.


    Whoosh~ The long spear was retracted, and blood sprayed.


    As he pulled out the spear, Li Yuan flexed his waist and bent backwards sharply, the spearhead turning one hundred and eighty degrees in a fierce thrust¡ª


    Turnabout Spear!


    "Pfft!" The long spear thrust straight in, piercing directly through the strongest exotic beast''s neck, reaching deep into its guts.


    "Roar~"


    The beast struggled with all its might, its body shivering violently in excruciating pain, sensing its life rapidly draining away as it tried to swipe at Li Yuan with its sharp ws.


    However, Li Yuan''s chosen long spear was two and a half meters long, giving him an absolute advantage in distance.


    Piercing sound~ The long spear was retracted, bringing out arge amount of blood, and the exotic beast''s body finally ceased moving.


    Even though he confirmed the beast''s death, a gentleman wouldn''t stand under a dangerous wall, so Li Yuan quickly moved out of the attack range.


    "Roar~"


    "Huff!" Seeing their leader killed by Li Yuan in a single encounter, the remaining two exotic beasts sensed danger and began to flee at an extremely fast pace.


    Li Yuan didn''t pursue.


    Although his strong skills meant that the special terrain of the forest limited him very little.


    But those exotic beasts were physically far superior and very fast. If they were determined to flee, it would be difficult for Li Yuan to stop them.


    "[You have killed an Entry Rank creature, gaining Spiritual Nature nourishment, Spiritual Awakening Level reaches 19.2%]" Divine Pce''s panel shed a series of reminders.


    "Hmm? Just a bit more to go?" Li Yuan revealed a hint of a smile.


    In just a few hours, he had only encountered three battles.


    But just in thisst battle alone, Li Yuan had in four adult exotic beasts and a few younger ones, bringing his Spiritual Awakening Level close to 20%.


    That''s right, even killing those weaker younglings added to his Spiritual Nature nourishment.


    In the act of ughter, Li Yuan showed no mercy.


    Show mercy? Think of his uncle, think of his deceased parents, think of the scenes he''s seen in ss and in films... Over a decade of education had made it clear to Li Yuan.


    Being merciful to enemies is cruelty to oneself.


    "Total points," Li Yuan nced at the score ranking on the positioning ring:


    Points: 56


    Base Ranking: 174


    Grade Ranking: 1


    Note: Combat Assessment 10 points requirement fulfilled.


    ¡ª¡ª


    "Just now the grade ranking was at 16," Li Yuan revealed a touch of a smile, "and now I''ve rushed to the first ce?"


    Li Yuan understood.


    In different Combat Assessment bases, the same strength alien lifeforms were worth different points.


    If it was the first base, alien lifeforms above level 12.5 would count as 200 points.


    But in the fourth base, only alien lifeforms above level 14 would ount for 200 points; those below level 10 didn''t count at all.


    Unfair, isn''t it? Yes, it''s unfair.


    But this is the purpose of Kunlun Martial University''s Combat Assessment.


    If your Physical Quality is higher and your strength is stronger, then naturally, the requirements of the Combat Assessment will be higher.


    "Base Ranking 174?" Li Yuan wasn''t too concerned about this ranking, which indicated his position among the more than a thousand students at the fourth base.


    This ranking was already quite good, especially since Li Yuan''s Physical Quality was definitely thest.


    "All I need is to get first in the grade to receive the 3 million reward," Li Yuan muttered.


    After briefly discerning the direction, Li Yuan moved towards where the two exotic beasts had fled.


    Luck be with me! I might still run into them.


    "As long as I kill one more, my Spiritual Awakening Level will reach 20%," Li Yuan thought with anticipation.


    ...


    A thousand kilometers away from the fourth Combat Assessment base, a massive War Fortress stood.


    On the third floor, inside a conference room.


    "They''re performing quite well, more mature," one remarked.


    "It''s about time they matured," another replied.


    "Most of them have gone through three or four Combat Assessments. If they still can''t face life and death battles calmly, they''re simply too weak," several of Kunlun Martial University''s teachersmented while tapping their light screens, constantly switching their observation targets.


    Each Combat Assessment was a chance for students to grow.


    "How is it going?" one asked.


    "This kid can fully adapt even in the fourth base," President Li said in a low voice,ughing as he pointed at the advancing Li Yuan on the screen.


    There were numerous high-altitude drones on patrol.


    Together with the positioning bracelets worn by each person, and the many surveince cameras spread throughout the Combat Assessment base, they ensured every student was monitored, urately recording their scores.


    "Indeed very calm," remarked one.


    "If he can hold his ground in Jiang Lun''sbat training sessions, earning Jiang Lun''s approval, hisbat skills must be incredibly strong," Dean Xu said, her usually taut face rxing a bit, "He is calm in battle, his moves are clean and crisp, without any hesitation."


    "His ability to track movements and understand terrain is also quite impressive."


    "Doesn''t look like an eighteen-year-old student at all. Has he only been through one Combat Assessment?" Dean Xu spoke softly.


    "Yes, just once," Li Yang responded with a smile, "But I also have to remind you, he''s not even 18 yet."


    "Also," he continued.


    "Don''t treat him like a child; his Willpower is astoundingly strong," Li Yang said with a sense of admiration, "One month, five Spiritual Washings, would a normal Prime Warrior even withstand that?"


    Dean Xu was startled, seeming a bit surprised, "One month, five Spiritual Washings? Really?"


    She knew the pain of the Spiritual Washing.


    In fact, many Martial Path prodigies had attempted it, but most couldn''t endure the agony and, due to the high cost and rtively low benefit, eventually gave up.


    "Of course it''s true. I also found it hard to believe when I first heard," Li Yang said with emotion, watching the young man on the screen, "But he indeed did it."


    "He hasn''t been through much, and yet he has such terrifying Willpower. It''s a bit eerie."

 Chapter 127: 114 Qiu Jing! The Greatly Improved Li Yuan (Seeking Monthly Pass)_3

    ```


    "Perhaps, this what it means to be a genius,"


    ...


    At four o''clock in the afternoon, in a dense forest.


    Boom! Boom!


    Explosion-like sounds.


    "Quick! Quick! Quick!" Li Yuan dashed through the woods like lightning, cursing himself for not having an extra pair of legs as he sprinted through the chaos of rocks and trees.


    His speed had burst beyond 25 meters per second.


    If it were an ordinary person, their speed would be halved in suchplex terrain, but it barely affected Li Yuan.


    That was why he had been able to escape so far.


    "Woo woo woo!"


    "Ha!"


    "Roar!" Behind Li Yuan,


    over a dozen humanoid aliens were crazily chasing after him, each of them moving at an incredible speed.


    They were all over three meters tall with skin like hardened limestone, appearing like great rock humanoids at first nce.


    Some wielded sharp stone weapons and wooden spears.


    Others constantly picked uprge rocks and, with thousands of kilograms of force erupting, hurled them like cannonballs towards Li Yuan, who was fleeing at the front.


    "Rock Desert Tribe! The humanoids here are the legendary stone people," Li Yuan thought angrily, but he was helpless to do anything about it.


    In Xia Country, especially in Jiangbei Province, the Fish Spirit n is well-known.


    Simrly, so is the Rock Desert Tribe.


    This is an extremely brutal alien tribe with rock-like skin, tough and durable bodies, towering in height, ustomed to living in desert and Gobi environments... They had caused tremendous damage to Xia Country in the past and were nicknamed the Stone People.


    Li Yuan didn''t expect that the humanoid aliens in thebat assessment at the Fourth Base would turn out to be the Rock Desert Tribe.


    "Pom-pom-pom¡ª" Li Yuan frantically dodged the bombardment of thoserge stones.


    The boulders smashed into trees, creating huge gaps or even breaking them.


    Li Yuan made inquiries at the first chance he got.


    This group of Rock Desert Tribe members, most of them surpassed Level 13, the weakest being at 12.6.


    Combined with their natural intelligence and proficiency with weapons,


    if he were to fight head-on, even if he could kill a few, Li Yuan would surely die; he would at least need to call for backup.


    So, Li Yuan''s first choice was¡ªto run!


    What Li Yuan wasn''t expecting, however, was that this group of Rock Desert Tribe would pursue him so relentlessly.


    Luckily!


    The forest wasn''t their natural habitat, and theplex terrain greatly limited their speed, hindering them from utilizing their physical advantages.


    But as time passed, the distance between them was closing.


    "How much longer will they chase after running for several kilometers?" Li Yuan cursed in his heart, while also quickly scanning his surroundings, multitasking.


    He wanted to find a suitable battlefield.


    Preferably, it would limit the enemy''s long-range attacks and their numerical advantage.


    Finding such a ce wasn''t easy.


    Suddenly,


    "Junior Brother, don''t panic," a crisp voice whistled, exploding from a nearby cliff.


    Boom!


    A nimble figure shot into the sky, with legs forcefully propelling her upward, charging like a cannonball towards the Rock Desert Tribe members rushing down¡ªit was a woman.


    In her hands were two short battle axes, resembling two small shields.


    "Sister Qiu? Be careful!" Li Yuan instantly recognized her.


    It was the ''sophomore sister'' from President Li''s ss¡ªQiu Jing!


    She was one of only two sophomore students at the Sixth Institute who had reached the Fourth Level of skill.


    Her Physical Quality was at 12.9.


    In the sophomore ranks of the eight major institutes, Qiu Jing''s skill andbat ability were both in the top twenty.


    Because of their close age, their strengths were moreparable.


    Therefore, Li Yuan and Qiu Jing were quite familiar with each other and had a good rtionship.


    "Boom!"


    With a battle axe in hand and movements as fast as lightning, Qiu Jing swiftly dodged several times before directly confronting the strongest one among them, a Rock Desert Tribe member with a Physical Quality of 13.6.


    The two sides shed.


    "Rumble¡ª" The terrifying battle ensued with sshes of blood; several weaker members of the Rock Desert Tribe were decapitated, their severed limbs scattering.


    "Roar~"


    A few powerful members of the Rock Desert Tribe roared angrily, preparing to retreat, realizing the terrifyingbat prowess of the small-framed alien before them.


    Their skills were too sophisticated; they couldn''ty a hand on her.


    "Trying to leave?" Qiu Jing''s voice was cold, as a Fourth Level master, she unified her Vigor in an explosive manner.


    ughtering these Rock Desert Tribe members, who were close in Life Level, was a massacre.


    "Rumble¡ª" After more than a dozen shes, apanied by a dazzling axe glow, the strongest Rock Desert Tribe member''s chest was instantly sliced open by the sharp battle axe.


    Its head was then chopped off! It fell to the ground!


    "Roar~"


    "Whimper! Boom!" The remaining Rock Desert Tribe members finally scattered frantically.


    Qiu Jing quickly pursued them.


    "So strong," Li Yuan couldn''t help but feel impressed as he watched the scene.


    In terms of skills alone, he was far superior to Qiu Jing.


    But the gap in Physical Quality was too great; against this group of Rock Desert Tribe members, he could only flee.


    Even with Fourth Level skills, the limitations to the moves and the bonus they offer ultimately had their limits.


    Just half a minuteter,


    Whoosh!


    Qiu Jing, with her two bloodstained short axes,nded next to Li Yuan. Her body was smeared with blood, appearing like a War Goddess.


    "Junior Brother, aren''t you going to thank me?" Qiu Jing looked at Li Yuan, smiling, without a trace of the ferocity from the battle.


    "Thank Sister," Li Yuan smiled. "Sister is really incredible, killing those Rock Desert Tribe members like slicing through vegetables."


    "It''s nothing,"


    "They are just captured and ced here without even proper weapons," Qiu Jing shook her head. "If they were real Rock Desert Tribe warriors, armed with Metal weapons, they would be much harder to kill."


    Li Yuan nodded in agreement; indeed.


    Many alien races of the Star Realm, especially humanoids, were as civilized as the Human Race, with a highly developed culture and a plethora of weapons for aid.


    Physical Quality may seem the same, but the strength could bepletely different.


    "How did you manage to run into the heart of the Rock Desert Tribe''s activity area?" Qiu Jing asked curiously.


    ```

 Chapter 128: 114 Qiu Jing! The Greatly Improved Li Yuan (Seeking Monthly Pass)_4

    ```


    "Really?" Li Yuan was taken aback.


    He had no idea.


    "From here, if you head east for about 15 kilometers, you''ll reach arge tribe of the Rock Desert Tribe within thebat assessment area," Qiu Jing said with a smile, "I estimate there are over two hundred warriors, and their leader is above Level 14."


    "Level 14?" Li Yuan felt a wave of relief.


    Level 14, with Fist Strength exceeding 8,000 kilograms, is several times stronger than Level 13.


    Luckily, he had not encountered them.


    "Haha, it''s normal that you don''t know; I only found out after some inquiry and it was not easy to shake off that leader''s pursuit," Qiu Jing said with a sigh, "You are also impressive, just into the first year, and you were able to hold on at the fourth base."


    "Without Senior Sister''s rescue, I probably would''ve been eliminated already," Li Yuan said with a smile.


    "Without me, another kilometer ahead there is a cliff. With your strength, you also had a chance to escape," Qiu Jing said with a smile, "Alright, take a detour on your own, stay away from the Rock Desert Tribe''s territory, and be careful afterward."


    "We''ll talk more when we get back to school."


    "OK, Sister, you also take care," Li Yuan nodded, not expecting her to apany him anyway.


    The gap in their strengths was evident.


    Moreover, this was abat assessment; both parties'' goals were to gain more points, so separating was the best decision.


    He watched as Qiu Jing departed into the distance.


    "Qiu Jing Senior Sister, ranked eighth at the fourth base?" Li Yuan nced at the ranking on his locator bracelet.


    ...


    Heeding Senior Sister Qiu Jing''s advice, Li Yuan changed directions, avoiding the Rock Desert Tribe''s territory.


    An hourter, the sky gradually darkened.


    Six kilometers away, on a small deste in.


    "Pff!"


    An exotic beast resembling a lynx was pierced through the throat by Li Yuan, and its huge body crashed heavily onto the barren ground.


    "[You have killed an Entry Rank creature, gained Spiritual Nature nourishment, Spiritual Awakening Level has reached 20%]


    "[You have reached the limit of Spiritual Awakening, temporarily unable to receive Spiritual Nature nourishment, once your spiritual power reaches Level 20, you can break the limit]


    "[Spiritual Awakening Level has reached 20%, second Origin Power assimtion initiated]" The Divine Pce panel shed with three notifications in an instant.


    Li Yuan immediately noticed them.


    "Sure enough, at 10% there was one instance of Origin Power infusion, and now at 20%, there is another," thoughts shed rapidly through Li Yuan''s mind, "So, spiritual power must reach Level 20 to break through the limit of Spiritual Awakening?"


    Before Li Yuan could contemte further,


    he suddenly widened his eyes: "Wait! This is different fromst time!"


    Because,


    Whirr~ merely three seconds after the Divine Pce''s reminder, Li Yuan felt a series of slight headaches, as if some mysterious force was infiltrating from his head into his limbs and throughout his body.


    The sensation was very strange.


    Immediately after, Li Yuan could feel a mysterious force gradually seeping into his limbs and body from the outside, and his pores seemed to feel a bit hot.


    It was Origin Power.


    "The first Origin Power infusion required my guidance, but this second infusion has started on its own?" Li Yuan quickly realized, "This is bad."


    "I am definitely under the school''s surveince right now."


    Without any hesitation,


    Whoosh!


    Li Yuan grabbed his long spear, his figure dashed away like lightning, swiftly lunging toward the distance.


    A few hundred meters away,


    there was a small cave beneath a cliff, the very ce Li Yuan had chosen for his overnight stay.


    In barely twenty seconds, Li Yuan felt his body getting hotter and hotter.


    Boom! He threw the long spear, which flew out like an arrow, piercing deeply into the cave wall.


    Phew!


    He drew hisbat saber, leapt into the air, and several shes of the de swept past. The trees next to the cave were instantly chopped into sections and fell.


    Then, Li Yuan quickly dragged these trees to the cave, erected them across each other, and barely sealed the cave entrance.


    Li Yuan, holding thebat saber, then rushed into the cave and ced a tree segment down.


    It practically sealed the already narrow entrance.


    "Even if an Alien Racees, I still have some preparations, at least giving me two seconds more to respond," Li Yuan clenched his teeth and sat down on the ground, "Moreover, the teachers can''t directly observe me now."


    The Origin Power infusion had barely started a minute ago.


    He took a deep breath.


    "Origin Power infusion." Li Yuan calmed downpletely, and his powerful spiritual power began guiding the surging Origin Power that was entering his body.


    This time, the Origin Power infusion was more abundant and purer than thest.


    "Evolve!"


    "My muscles and bones," Li Yuan could clearly feel that every part of his body was voraciously absorbing the Origin Power.


    Muscles became stronger, skin more resilient, bones more solid, and the vitality of his internal organs increased...


    [Your Life Level has increased from 11.3 to 11.4]


    As night fellpletely, the surroundings were utterly quiet, and time passed.


    [...from 11.8 to 11.9] apanied by notifications from the Divine Pce panel.


    Li Yuan''s body began yet another grand transformation.


    ```

 Chapter 129: 115: Rapid Progress! Slaughter! (Seeking Monthly Votes)

    Seated with legs crossed in the depths of the cave, the narrowest entrance was sealed with sections of cut wood.


    "There are no other lives in the cave, no danger." Li Yuan''s spiritual power was immensely strong,bined with his unique ''Divine Pce Inquiry.''


    If there had been any life in the cave, he would have detected it long ago.


    This was also why he could easily discover the crocodile exotic beast at the very beginning.


    "The body''s transformation is really fast." Li Yuan closed his eyes and could clearly feel the constant transformation of his physical quality.


    The evolution was so rapid that Li Yuan''s body was slightly feverish and sore.


    The drastic growth of physical quality was essentially a repeated tearing and reconstitution of the body''s muscles, bones, and flesh.


    But with Li Yuan''s strong will, enduring such pain was rtively easy.


    "In the first three hours, I improved by about 0.5 levels."


    "In this one hour, about 0.1 level? It seems much slower from the perspective of Life Level, but in terms of body strength, there''s even a faintly elerating trend," Li Yuan mused to himself.


    The difference in Life Level Bes more astonishing the higher one goes.


    For example, from level 10.0 to 11.0, the standard Fist Strength difference is 500 kilograms.


    But from level 18.0 to 19.0, the standard Fist Strength difference is 14,000 kilograms.


    This is the reason many martial artists improve to level 15 or 16 during the few short years in university, but struggle to reach level 19 even after twenty years of post-graduate cultivation.


    It was also the reason why Qiu Jing, despite seemingly lesser skills than Li Yuan, could ughter a group of Rock Desert Tribe warriors because his physical quality was 1.6 levels higher.


    The Fist Strength of level 12.9 was more than double that of 11.3.


    The difference in skills wasn''t huge, and Qiu Jing''s overall strength was more than five times higher than Li Yuan''s, naturally enabling him to massacre at will.


    After entering the Entry Rank, every 1-2 level increase in Life Level doubles the body''s standard Fist Strength.


    "Spiritual."


    Li Yuan''s spiritual power was much stronger than before; he left part of his consciousness to sense external dangers while a fraction of it had already entered the spiritual world.


    He went directly inside the Mind Spirit Divine Pce.


    As Li Yuan had expected, inside the Mind Spirit Divine Pce, the previously vanished white jade staircase reappeared.


    Wisps of golden mist were continuously falling from the upper space reached by the staircase, merging into the ground of the Divine Pce.


    "Is this golden mist, which I sense emanating from my brain, guiding Origin Power into my body, the mysterious power that I''m feeling? What exactly is it?" Li Yuan pondered.


    Suddenly.


    In the staircase, a small amount of the golden mist that was originally just merging into the ground separated and merged directly into Li Yuan''s consciousness.


    "Boom!"


    As with the almost identical experience before, Li Yuan''s consciousness felt like it was struck by thunder, bing groggy again, and the entire spiritual world turned into an endless Dark Space.


    "The Dark Space again?" Li Yuan''s spiritual power was much stronger than before, barely maintaining his rity, and he had a clear perception of the changes in the spiritual world.


    Hum~


    He perceived countless stars suddenly appearing out of nowhere, beginning to nourish his conscious mind.


    [Your soul has been nourished, spiritual power has increased from level 18.4 to 18.5] Unbeknownst to him, a Divine Pce prompt appeared.


    "Just as I suspected."


    "This golden mist, it can nourish and improve my spiritual power as well as lead Origin Power into my body." Li Yuan realized, silently experiencing the dual enhancement of physical quality and spiritual power.


    At the same time.


    In the Dark Space where his consciousness resided.


    "Seeking dust, finding the minuscule, merging to be one, the essence of the sun and the moon forges the Spiritual Foundation..." That grand and vast voice once again echoed in the Dark Space.


    Familiar voices, familiar text.


    "Spiritual Foundation." Li Yuan was moved.


    During thest Origin Power infusion, his consciousness fell into a deep sleep, with only faint awareness.


    But this time, he could clearly feel the mysterious fluctuations contained within this ancient and vast voice.


    It was extremely profound, seemingly representing some ultimate truth.


    "Stars!"


    Gradually, as he listened to this vast voice, Li Yuan''s consciousness faintly saw, in the endless darkness, what seemed to be dark stars beginning to emit light.


    They became brighter and more dazzling.


    The number of illuminated stars increased; from the initial dozens, they slowly became hundreds, thousands... Arge number of illuminated stars formed all kinds of strange trajectories, twinkling in the Dark Space...


    "Stars like threads." Li Yuan had a realization and subconsciously tried to memorize these strange ster trajectories as much as possible.


    This action was very draining, making Li Yuan''s consciousness even more groggy, as though he was about to sink into a deep sleep.


    ...


    While Li Yuan was hiding in the cave with his body quality and spiritual power constantly improving.


    In the War Fortress of the Star Realm he was in, within a threeyered meeting room.


    "What is Li Yuan up to? He''s been hiding in the cave for over six hours now." President Li was somewhat perplexed.


    "Isn''t that your problem?" Dean Xu shook his head


    "My problem?" President Li was taken aback.


    "Seriously, do you expect him to fight and ughter all night?" Dean Xu shook his head and said, "His physical quality is the lowest among the students at the fourth base. Night visibility is hindered. If he were to go out and forcefully hunt and battle, it would be even more dangerous."


    "It''s better to hide, rest well, and ughter during the day."


    "This shows he has self-awareness and isn''t reckless." Dean Xu continued, "I have high hopes for him."


    "Alright then." President Li nodded, also feeling that Dean Xu had a point.


    However.


    He clearly remembered that when Li Yuan hid in the cave, there was still over an hour before the skypletely darkened.


    "Could it be, I really made an error in judgment, forcing his growth?" For a moment, President Li doubted himself.


    ...


    Sunset and sunrise.


    The time came to ten o''clock in the morning the next day.


    The other participating students from the fourth base had all rested well and emerged from their respective encampments, beginning a new day of realbat and ughter.

 Chapter 130: 115: Rapid Progress! Slaughter! (Seeking Monthly Votes)_2

    Li Yuan, hidden in the cave, remained secluded, without a bit of movement.


    The monitoring drone kept watch outside the cave but could not see inside.


    "Could it be, has something happened to Li Yuan?" President Li''s eyes revealed a hint of concern.


    "It shouldn''t be."


    "The drone has been monitoring; no alien race has appeared." Dean Xu shook his head and said, "The locator ring shows he is still in the cave, and his life signal is stable... there are no problems."


    "Then why hasn''t hee out yet?" President Li became somewhat anxious, "The ss points have been thoroughly outpaced by Yang Hong and Wu Luo."


    As vice presidents, they could check the points ranking of every grade and every base in the school at any time.


    For example, the freshmen.


    Even though they were in differentbat assessment areas like Base One, Base Two, and Base Four, they would have amon ss points ranking.


    High ss ranking meant rewards.


    High base ranking also meant rewards.


    "It''s his choice."


    "As long as he is not in life-threatening danger, we cannot intervene with thebat assessment." Dean Xu shook his head and said, "Let''s wait patiently."


    "Mm." President Li could only wait.


    Time reached noon, twelve o''clock.


    Li Yuan still had not emerged from the cave, and thebat assessment time had already passed 24 hours.


    "Thebat assessment for Base One and Base Two has ended." Dean Xu suddenly spoke up.


    Thebat assessment for Base One and Base Twosted only one day.


    Base Three and Foursted two days.


    Base Five wouldst three days.


    "Understood." President Li spoke in a subdued voice, his gaze fixed on the screen.


    At this moment, he felt the impulse to rush into thebat assessment base and drag Li Yuan out of the cave.


    He was keen to ask Li Yuan, what exactly did he n on doing?


    ...


    The Star Realm of Base Two.


    "Wu Luo." Yang Hong, carrying a battle axe, stepped off the aircraft and immediately saw Wu Luo, covered in blood, walking over from a distance.


    Yang Hong approached him proactively.


    "This time, it''s still me who has won."


    Yang Hong grinned with a slight smile, "In thisbat assessment, among the freshmen, I am number one in points."


    After 24 hours of fighting and ughtering, he didn''t rest even at night, madly hunting for prey.


    In the end, scoring 196 points, he not only ranked first in the grade.


    But also broke into the top thirty among the over one thousand students of Base Two.


    Keep in mind, Base Two primarily consisted of sophomores.


    This shows how hard-fighting Yang Hong was.


    Wu Luo scored only 171 points, second among the freshmen, but the gap in points was clear.


    "First?" Wu Luo scoffed, "You''re relentless; I''m not as crazy as you, but do you really think you''ve secured the win?"


    Yang Hong was taken aback for a moment.


    "Idiot." Wu Luo scoffed coldly, "Li Yuan is in Base Four, and the Star Realm Creatures there are much tougher. Killing creatures of the same score as us in Base Two is much more difficult... but they have one more day of assessment time."


    "He still has 24 hours."


    "You''re the idiot." Yang Hong said with disdain, "I''ve been monitoring Li Yuan''s score; it surged sharply at the start yesterday."


    "But from five o''clock yesterday afternoon until now, his score hasn''t increased at all."


    "Although he has not withdrawn from thebat assessment, I guess he is injured."


    "After all, Base Four is basically full of juniors and even seniors; he is far behind in physical quality, very dangerous."


    "Besides."


    "The longer the dy, the fewer Star Realm creatures there are...even if he isn''t injured, trying to catch up by more than a hundred points in one day? It''s almost impossible." Yang Hong was quite confident.


    "Wait and see." Wu Luoughed coldly, although he had actually acknowledged Yang Hong''s judgment in his heart.


    However!


    Wu Luo admired Li Yuan because Li Yuan was indeed too strong, far surpassing him in strength.


    But as for Yang Hong?


    Wu Luo was not convinced.


    The two had always been in covert contention,peting for the title of the ''second man'' of the freshmen.


    ...


    If Yang Hong and Wu Luo could still view Li Yuan''s score calmly,


    Then at the Star Realm of Base One, when the freshmen gathered in the square, it was filled with discussions.


    "Li Yuan, howe he only has a little over fifty points?"


    "It''s been a whole day."


    "Yang Hong is at Base Two, he''s ughtered his way to almost 200 points, raising the collective points of the Sixth Institute by a significant margin."


    "Could it be, for thisbat assessment, will the collective total score of the Sixth Institute take first ce?" The freshmen of each institute discussed among themselves, all focused on the collective scores.


    Except for Li Yuan, all the freshmen''s scores had already been finalized.


    The freshmen institute rankings:


    First ce: Sixth Institute (4031 points)


    Second ce: Fifth Institute (3951 points)


    Third ce: Sixth Institute (3931 points)


    Fourth ce: Seventh Institute (3874 points)


    ...


    The gap in total scores between each institute was notrge.


    Kunlun Martial University had already arranged the difficulty levels ordingly.


    Under normal circumstances, more than one-third of students would withdraw midway through the assessment.


    Even if they couldplete thebat assessment, most would score only around twenty to thirty points.


    In the rest area of Base One, the gathering ce of the freshmen of the Sixth Institute.


    "Our Sixth Institute''s total score is only 100 points behind the Third Institute."


    "It''s much smaller than the gap during the entrancepetition."


    "Now we''re in third ce, not bad."


    "Why does our senior brother only have a little over 50 points? Wasn''t it said yesterday that he could get 200 points? Yang Hong at Base Two got 196 points."


    "Idiot? That''s Base Four, the participants are all juniors and seniors, do you think scoring 200 points is so easy? If it were you, surviving for half an hour would already be quite an achievement."


    "It''s really unfair! If the senior brother was also in Base Two, he might have scored 300 or even 400 points; how could it have been Yang Hong''s turn to act so arrogantly." The freshmen of the Sixth Institute discussed among themselves.


    "That''s the rule of the school."


    "On the first day, the senior brother only got a little over 50 points; can he reach 190 points on the second day?"


    "Difficult, as thebat assessment proceeds, there are fewer and fewer Star Realm creatures; scoring points is harder." No one truly med Li Yuan for scoring low.


    Most people were well aware of the difficulty in Base Four.

 Chapter 131: 115: Rapid Progress! Slaughter! (Seeking Monthly Votes)_3

    However, many people were inevitably disappointed.


    "Trust in our senior brother."


    "There''s still a whole day left, maybe he can create a miracle." There were also quite a few students firmly supporting Li Yuan, believing he could create a miracle, mainly freshmen from Jiang City.


    Before long.


    The freshmen from the first and second bases began their journey back to school.


    But many freshmen were paying attention to Li Yuan''s finalbat score.


    The group total score pertained to every individual''s personal interests.


    ...


    July 31st, 1 PM.


    Inside the Combat Assessment Area of the fourth base, there were still 23 hours left until the assessment ended.


    In the dim cave, a faint light shone through the cracks.


    "Hmm? The infusion of Origin Power has ended?" Li Yuan suddenly came to full alertness.


    "Whew!"


    Li Yuan subconsciously looked down at his fists and gently clenched them, feeling an endless surge of power within his body.


    Ready to burst forth at any moment.


    This power was much stronger than before.


    Looking up again, his vision and hearing had significantly improved.


    "My Life Level..." Li Yuan nced over the Divine Pce panel.


    ----


    [Life Level: 12.7 (First Rank)]


    Fist Strength: 4460 kilograms


    Speed: 34.2 meters per second


    Spiritual Power: 20.0


    Spiritual Awakening Level: 20% (current limit 25%)


    Skill Realm: Spear Technique (Fourth Level 53%), Movement Technique (Fourth Level 42%), Fist Technique (Fourth Level 55%)


    [Note: The upper limit of Spiritual Awakening has increased to 25%. When the Life Level reaches 14 and the Spiritual Awakening Level reaches 25%, Spiritual Guidance will be received.]


    ----


    "Hmm?" Li Yuan was shocked, filled with excitement and joy.


    It was truly unbelievable.


    In just one night and half a day, his Physical Quality and spiritual power had increased so much?


    It was four to five times more than the first time he infused Origin Power into his body.


    It seemed like the Life Level had only increased by 1.4 levels.


    But the specifics of the Physical Quality change had to be considered; his Fist Strength skyrocketed from 2250 kilograms to 4460 kilograms, nearly doubling.


    His Burst Speed had also significantly increased.


    Such an increase was absolutely terrifying, and many students from Kunlun Martial University wouldn''t achieve such a thing in more than half a year of cultivation.


    "The improvement in Physical Quality is one aspect, but the key is spiritual power." Li Yuan''s gaze fell on one particr item.


    Spiritual Power, level 20.


    This was truly the standard of a Prime Warrior.


    Unbeknownst to many, Li Yuan had alreadypleted two of the three major checkpoints that countless Martial Artists found insurmountable.


    Only the final one concerning Physical Quality remained.


    "Breaking through the level 20 barrier in spiritual power also brought my Spiritual Awakening limit directly up to 25%," Li Yuan''s heart quivered: "Spiritual Guidance?"


    It had been over two years.


    Since the awakening of Mind Spirit Divine Pce in his senior year of high school until he entered college, for more than two years he had been researching higher Spiritual Nature and Spiritual Guidance on the Divine Pce panel.


    All without result.


    Now, atst, Li Yuan saw hope.


    "Do I need to reach a Physical Quality of 14 to unlock Spiritual Guidance?" Li Yuan thought silently.


    His Life Level was already at 12.7, and although there was a gap to level 14, it wasn''t far off.


    "No matter,"


    "Let''s slowly improve the Physical Quality and first increase the Spiritual Awakening Level to 25%, and meet one of the requirements." Li Yuan immediately made up his mind.


    Isn''t it just ughtering some Star Realm Creatures?


    With 23 hours left, killing four or five would be enough.


    "Whew!"


    Li Yuan stood up and stretched out all his muscles and bones.


    Then he threw a punch suddenly, with the shadow of his fist moving significantly faster than before.


    "With my current Physical Quality,bined with Spear Technique skills, I will be stronger than... Sister Qiu Jing," Li Yuan assessed.


    Li Yuan had sparred with Sister Qiu Jing on the Starry Skies Fighting Network.


    Based on his judgment, her Axe Technique skill level was probably around Fourth Level 20%.


    Where is Li Yuan?


    His Spear Technique level is at 53% of the Fourth Level, already very close to high rank, a huge improvement.


    "The only concern,"


    "is the monitoring during the Combat Assessment."


    "Although the majority of people are unclear about my strength, both President Li and Teacher Jiang are well aware," numerous thoughts shed through Li Yuan''s mind, "To double my physical quality overnight?"


    It''s too illogical.


    Too abrupt, most likely to make people think of ''Heavenly Materials Treasures'' instantly.


    "No need to unleash all my strength, let''s first get the Spiritual Awakening Level to 25%," Li Yuan reached out and gripped the Long Spear embedded in the stone wall.


    He wrenched it out!


    A top-grade First Rank Long Spear, incredibly tough, smooth as new.


    Then he took out some food and water from his backpack and consumed it all.


    "Boom!"


    Li Yuan, holding the Long Spear, dashed and broke through the trees covering the entrance to the outside.


    The sun was brilliant.


    "Let''s go."


    ...


    "Li Yuan hase out," Dean Xu was the first to notice and said with a smile, "Looks spirited, seems like he had a good rest."


    "We''ll see," President Li frowned.


    He had already decided, to give Li Yuan a good scolding after the Combat Assessment was over.


    He''s taking it too lightly.


    "Old Li, don''t take it too hard, a bit of setback doesn''t matter for a youngster like Li Yuan," a chubby old man said cheerfully beside him.


    This old man, was one of the three Vice Presidents of the Eighth Institute, ''Qin Huo''.


    "Qin, piss off," Li Yang nced at the other, "I''m very annoyed right now, don''t provoke me, or why not go back and practice?"


    "Old Xu, aren''t you going to manage him?" the chubby old man red.


    "Enough, you two stop bickering," Dean Xu felt a headacheing, his gaze fixed on the light screen.


    Watching Li Yuan.


    ...


    An hourter, around four kilometers away from Li Yuan''s resting cave.


    Two huge Exotic Beast corpsesy in a pool of blood.


    "12.9 level Star Realm Creatures, and it only increased my Spiritual Awakening Level by 0.1%?" Li Yuan looked at the reminder on the Divine Pce panel feeling helpless.


    Previously, killing one could still increase it by 1.2%.


    Now, after killing two, it''s only increased to 20.2%, too slow.


    "Could it be that a Spiritual Awakening Level of 20% is a bottleneck?" Li Yuan had an epiphany.


    Just like with Martial Artists, the difference in Life Level before and after Entry Rank is astonishing.


    "With only 22 hours left until the Combat Assessment ends, finding forty or fifty Exotic Beasts seems bleak," a hint of urgency flickered through Li Yuan''s mind.


    He originally thought that killing four or five would be enough.


    Now, he needs to kill forty or fifty.


    ughter is not difficult, the challenge is finding the targets.


    "There''s only one most reliable method," Li Yuan suddenly turned his head, staring at the distant forest.


    It was the direction where he encountered Sister Qiu Jing yesterday.


    "The Rock Desert Tribe."


    "Sister Qiu Jing mentioned that there are over 200 warriors in this tribe, killing just a part of them would be enough to push my Spiritual Awakening Level to 25%"


    "But then, I''m afraid I''ll have to unleash all my strength," a trace of coldness flitted across Li Yuan''s eyes.


    "So let it burst."


    "Even if it really draws the inquiry of the Flying Heaven Warriors, as long as they don''t discover the Mind Spirit Divine Pce, it will ultimately be attributed to my extremely high talent."


    "As long as I''m strong enough, there will be Great Confucians to reason for me," Li Yuan figured everything out in an instant.


    Unleashing all his strength carried certain risks, but the potential gains were also substantial.


    With Origin Power entering his body twice, the strength enhancement was already so significant.


    How miraculous would the so-called ''Spiritual Guidance'' be? Missing this Combat Assessment would mean waiting until next February.


    "Let''s go!" Li Yuan''s figure moved, he rushed towards the direction of the Rock Desert Tribe.


    ...


    An hourter.


    Deep underground, on a high-speed moving train.


    Both sides of the train were filled with freshmen from the Sixth Institute, the atmosphere was very tense.


    Suddenly,


    "Look everyone, the big senior brother, his score has surpassed 200. In just over ten seconds, it''s increased by more than a hundred points," an astonished voice rang out.


    "Our Sixth Institute is first in the total score among the freshmen groups!!"

 Chapter 132: 116: Kill One in Ten Steps (Vote for Monthly Tickets)

    "It''s true!"


    "The senior brother''s personal score has reached 242 points."


    "I told you, the senior brother will never let us down, he is the strongest freshman of our batch," a ssmate couldn''t help but say excitedly, pumping his fist.


    "257 points now."


    "In just these few seconds, it rose by so much?" Gu Qianghan and An Nong exchanged a nce, their eyes filled with shock.


    It wasn''t just the freshmen from the Sixth Institute.


    At this moment, in a row of trainpartments, freshmen from all eight institutes, and even some older students from Kunlun Martial University, had noticed Li Yuan''s rapidly increasing score and ranking.


    The change in score was almost calcted by the ''second'', enough to stun anyone.


    What did it represent?


    It represented that Li Yuan was encountering arge number of Star Realm creatures and was engaging in a frenzied ughter!


    Too insane.


    ...


    The fourthbat assessment base.


    A small basin surrounded by hills, with wooden huts built into the jungle on a hillside.


    A Rock Desert Tribe vige that once teemed with vitality.


    At this moment, it was already a chaotic river of blood.


    "Roar~"


    "Whoo!" "Whoo!" The densely packed Rock Desert Tribe warriors, with skin like rock, were howling as they frantically waved their primitive wooden and stone weapons in hand.


    Due to their racial traits, they were all incredibly tall.


    The slimmest among them stood over two and a half meters tall,


    Dozens of warriors surged like a tide towards a ''slender and short'' figure d in ck armor.


    He wielded a long spear, behind him more than ten bodiesy, blood sttering and staining the crimson tassel of the long spear, as if he had stepped out of hell.


    Due to the obstacles of trees, houses, and boulders, at most a dozen of the Rock Desert Tribe warriors could attack Li Yuan at any time.


    "Boom~" "Peng~" "Peng~"


    Standing at a farther distance, some of the Rock Desert Tribe warriors were swinging their arms, hurling huge stones fiercely towards Li Yuan.


    Hundreds of pounds of boulders whistled down.


    Even with a transformed physique, Li Yuan dared not take them head-on.


    But, relying on his greatly enhanced physical quality after the transformation,bined with his movement technique, Li Yuan''s figure flickered and easily avoided the barrage of boulder attacks.


    "Peng~" The boulders struck the trees, gouging outrge chunks, even causing the trees to topple and fall, while the ones hitting stones caused numerous fragments to scatter.


    "ng! ng! ng!"


    Li Yuan, advancing steadily, had a cold look in his eyes. His long spear danced in his hand like a dragon, instantly and easily parrying the attack of one warrior after another.


    Following the vibration of the spear''s shaft, he counter-thrusted with the momentum, the spear tracing a half-circle, its tip swift as lightning.


    "Stab! Stab! Stab!" Two of the Rock Desert Tribe warriors'' necks were slit in an instant, blood spraying out as they copsed with a thud.


    "[You have killed... with a Spiritual Awakening Level of 21.8%]"


    "[You... with a level of 21.9%]" Two notifications from the Divine Pce panel shed consecutively.


    "Killing one only raises it by 0.1%, and I''ve killed less than twenty," Li Yuan murmured to himself.


    Throughbat and Divine Pce inquiry, Li Yuan quickly deduced that most of these Rock Desert Tribe warriors were actually only around levels 12-13; those exceeding level 13 were in the minority.


    Just now, sneaking over from the depths of the forest, Li Yuan had intended tounch a surprise attack.


    ```


    s, it was broad daylight, and the vignce of the Rock Desert Tribe was extremely high, with not only visible sentinels but also hidden scouts.


    Li Yuan had only killed two before the entire tribe was alerted.


    Since the surprise attack failed, Li Yuan simply stopped pretending andunched a direct frontal assault.


    It quickly drew arge number of Rock Desert warriors rushing out from houses, caves, and wooden huts.


    At this moment, in closebat,


    warriors of the Rock Desert Tribe who had been throwing huge rocks from afar finally had to stop, fearing they would injure their own people.


    "Pfft!" "Pfft!" One warrior after another fell to the ground, most shot in the throat.


    Their skin was tough; if Li Yuan stabbed anywhere else, he wasn''t confident of a kill with one strike.


    Only the throat was very vulnerable.


    In terms of strength, Li Yuan was actually weaker than many Rock Desert warriors.


    But his skill was much too superior,pletely overpowering the majority of Rock Desert warriors who had not even reached the Second Stage.


    "Die! Die!" Li Yuan''s eyes were icy cold, without the slightest bit of mercy.


    First, the onesing out of the Rock Desert Tribe were all warriors, hardly any old folks, women, or children could be seen.


    Second, in a race war where life and death were at stake,


    there was no room for Li Yuan to show mercy.


    "Whoosh!" "Pffft!" Li Yuan disyed his spear technique to its fullest, as one warrior after another fell.


    Previously, when facing creatures of the Star Realm above level 12.5, the gap in strength was too big, and Li Yuan did not dare to meet them head-on, relying only on his movement technique to fight.


    As a result, he often fought for a long time, inflicting minor wounds on the opponent before he could seize the opportunity to kill one.


    Now? His Life Level had reached 12.7.


    With Li Yuan being able to tap into even deeperyers of his body''s strength, the power he could unleash was strong enough to rival a level 13 Rock Desert warrior.


    He dared to confront these Rock Desert warriors head-on!


    "Woof!"


    "Roar~" "Roar~" As one warrior after another fell, the remaining numerous Rock Desert warriors howled at each other,municating in their own simplenguage, their steps slowing down.


    The Rock Desert Tribe was indeed bloodthirsty and frenzied, but when faced with a battle with no hope of victory, they, too, began to fear.


    All living beings fear death, and fear is contagious.


    Over the past two days, there had been numerous ''alien race'' attacks on their tribe, with nearly a hundred tribal warriors lost.


    Now came an even more terrifying ''alien race.''


    At this time.


    "Roar~" From the central andrgest stone house of the tribe, finally, three figures emerged, each more burly than thest.


    The tallest one was probably nearly three and a half meters tall, truly deserving of the name ''rock giant.''


    Clearly, these three were the chieftains of the Rock Desert Tribe.


    "13.8 level, 13.7 level, 14.1 level." Li Yuan remotely conducted a Divine Pce inquiry, and immediately knew the strength of the three tribal chieftains.


    Two were close to level 14.


    The strongest had surpassed level 14, and given their intelligent-looking eyes, they were very formidable.


    "Spiritual Awakening Level 23.2%." Li Yuan nced at the Divine Pce''s panel: "Keep killing."


    The continuous ughter also ignited the fervor in Li Yuan''s heart.


    This kind of thrill, skirting the edge of life and death, where one mistake could mean severe injury or even death, was something that countless virtual duels andbat trainings could never rece.


    "Roar~"


    The 14.1 level Rock Desert Tribe''s great chieftain, seeing the constant injury and death among the tribal warriors, could no longer hold back and erupted with an angry roar.


    ```


    "Die!!" The slightly stiff roar still made Li Yuan instantly understand the other party''s intent.


    It understood a bit of human civilization''snguage.


    This roar echoed throughout the entire tribe, immediately heard by all warriors, invigorating their spirits without exception.


    Boom!


    The Rock Desert Tribe''s chieftain, like a rolling boulder, had his speed soar to the extreme, bringing up a whirlwind as he charged at Li Yuan like lightning.


    "Roar~"


    "Hmm!" The many Rock Desert Tribe warriors hastily retreated to the sides, clearing a path.


    Li Yuan''s eyes slightly narrowed, keeping watch on the opponent from the corner of his eye, his hand gripping the long spear as it swept out with terrifying power in a burst, the speed increasing by a great margin.


    Spear''s point attack!


    "Puchi~" "Puchi~" In an instant, another three Rock Desert Tribe warriors fell to the ground.


    Seeing this, the originally spectating second and third chieftains of the Rock Desert Tribe could no longer hold back and, with roars, joined the fray.


    ...


    In the fourth base, within the third-floor conference room of the War Fortress, dozens of teachers were staring in shock at the immense screen before them.


    It was showing Li Yuan''s battle in the heart of the Rock Desert Tribe.


    "Li Yuan, he?"


    "President Li, is Li Yuan really a freshman? His physical quality has definitely surpassed level 12.5!"


    "How did he train?"


    "Alone, he dared to charge into the Rock Desert Tribe''s territory? Qiu Jing tried before and managed to kill a dozen or so before he was chased off in a disarrayed flight."


    "Did he hide so much strength before?"


    "His points have now exceeded 500, shooting up to 16th rank in the fourth base." The teachers were discussing fervently, all quite astonished.


    "Old Li, is Li Yuan''s physical quality really that strong?" Dean Xu was equally surprised.


    It was one thing for other teachers not to monitor Li Yuan constantly, but she had been attentive throughout.


    Previously, Li Yuan had shown to possess roughly level 11.5 in terms of physical quality.


    After one night''s sleep, it had nearly matched up to level 13.


    "Haha, I''ve said before that he has exceptional talent, just watch." President Li chuckled, "Otherwise, why would I have arranged for him to be at the fourth base? I certainly had my reasons."


    "Really?" Dean Xu expressed skepticism; Li Yang''s exnations seemed inconsistent.


    "Really." Li Yang nodded, appearing veryposed.


    In reality, Li Yang was more shocked than any teacher present; he was all too aware of Li Yuan''s strength.


    "One night."


    "A rise of about 1.5 levels in physical quality? How did Li Yuan do it?" Numerous thoughts flickered through Li Yang''s mind: "Heavenly Materials Treasures? Or perhaps some Forbidden Medicine?"


    He contemted many possibilities.


    But chose not to reveal them.


    "I''ll ask him slowly when we get back to school," Li Yang thought to himself, leaning towards the possibility that Li Yuan possessed some Heavenly Materials Treasures.


    The battlemenced.


    "The three great chieftains of the Rock Desert Tribe have attacked simultaneously." Li Yang focused on the screen that had been erged.


    All the teachers watched intently.


    This battle was definitely the most pinnacle battle of thebat assessment at the fourth base to date.


    It''s worth noting.


    At this moment, above the Rock Desert Tribe''s territory, more than 20 silentbat drones hovered, ready to swoop down at any moment to slice through the Rock Desert Tribe''s warriors and rescue Li Yuan.


    ```


    ...In the Rock Desert Tribe.


    "Die!" bellowed the great chieftain, resembling a rock giant, as he swung a metalbat saber, his body d in tattered metal armor.


    Metal weapons and armor could tremendously increase thebat power of a Rock Desert Tribe warrior.


    Most importantly, the chieftain''s wisdom was extraordinarily high, almost human-like. Prolonged battles had honed his formidable and impressivebat skills.


    "Whoosh!" The chieftain''s figure darted forward, attempting to close in on Li Yuan with a faster burst speed.


    "Whoosh!"


    A terrifying sh of the saber whizzed by.


    "Kill!"


    Li Yuan, too, erupted in an instant, sidestepping the light of the saber. His long spear, like a starburst, streaked across the daylight, instantly producing a trail of spear-tip afterimages.


    "ng!" "ng!"


    "ng!" The long spear danced, like the Milky Way falling from the heavens, tumultuous and overwhelming, each blow stronger than thest, each wave higher than the one before.


    It was the ''Gxy Waterfall'', the second technique of the Ster Spear Technique, best known for group battles and consecutive strikes.


    Spear shadows burst forth,yer uponyer; droplets of fresh blood sprayed as the Rock Desert Tribe warriors, who tried to restrain Li Yuan, fell one after another.


    "ng!" Even the Rock Desert Tribe chieftain widened his eyes, desperately swinging hisbat saber to block the assaults.


    Too fast.


    Li Yuan''s physical strength was far inferior to his.


    However, with the Second Rank Secret Manual''s killing move, the long spear''s burst speed far exceeded hisbat saber''s. The spear, like lightning, nimble as waves, surging like a mighty river, was terrifying to the extreme, forcing the Rock Desert Tribe chieftain to block purely on instinct.


    In almost the blink of an eye.


    The Rock Desert Tribe chieftain had blocked nine of Li Yuan''s thrusts and had been pushed back nine steps. Hisbat saber had be pockmarked under the relentless stabs of the long spear... The gap in the quality of their weapons was enormous.


    "Twelve Continuous Strikes!"


    After harnessing energy for twelve strikes, Li Yuan''s spirit, energy, and mind all reached an unprecedented peak, his fighting spirit soaring to the skies.


    "Whoosh!"


    The long spear shed, unleashing a spear thrust with all of Li Yuan''s vigor, erupting thunderously. There was no shy technique, no variation, just a burst of speed pushed to the utmost extreme.


    The Ster Spear Technique''s third form¡ªDawn Piercing the Clouds!


    This was thebination of two devastating techniques, and also Li Yuan''s strongest attack!


    "Ooooh!!" The Rock Desert Tribe chieftain screamed in horror in his native tongue, instinctively trying to raise hisbat saber to block.


    But after continuously blocking the long spear, his arms were already awash with soreness, precisely when he was at his weakest.


    "Pfft~"


    A sh of silver, and the spear tip had already pierced through skin, deep into the Rock Desert Tribe chieftain''s throat, and then it was violently withdrawn, blood spraying copiously.


    "ng~" The hugebat saber fell to the ground.


    "Ah~~" The Rock Desert Tribe chieftain, nearly three and a half meters tall, instinctively covered his throat with his palm, helplessly opened his mouth, but not a sound came out as blood gushed from his mouth.


    After staggering backward a few steps.


    "Boom~" the Rock Desert Tribe chieftain finally copsed to the ground behind him, heavily crashing down, his massive body trembling and convulsing.


    Until his eyes dulledpletely.


    The Rock Desert Tribe chieftain, surpassing level 14, dead!!


    "You have killed a Star Realm creature over level 14, Points +200."


    "[You have in an Entry Rank creature, obtaining Spiritual Nature nourishment, Spiritual Awakening Level reaching 25%]"


    Li Yuan retracted his long spear, coldly fixing his gaze on the second and third chieftains of the Rock Desert Tribe, who had just arrived nearby, their faces filled with terror.


    ```

 Chapter 133: 117: Final Rankings (Requesting Monthly Votes)

    ```


    "Big brother? He?"


    "Dead?" The second and third leaders of the Rock Desert Tribe looked at each other, conversing in their tribalnguage.


    They were stunned, swallowing subconsciously.


    Their strongest, the one who led them in rebuilding the tribe, struggling for survival in this unfamiliar forest,


    Was killed by this frail-looking alien in such a short time?


    Yes, Li Yuan and the chief leader of the Rock Desert Tribe did exchange dozens of moves, but the speed at which they fought was extremely fast,sting less than ten seconds from start to finish.


    Instead, it took the chief leader of the Rock Desert Tribe several seconds to fall to the ground after being pierced by the spear and dropping his knife.


    "Huh!"


    Li Yuan, after retracting his spear, didn''t hesitate at all and leapt toward the two leaders who were only a few dozen meters away.


    No hesitation.


    "Roar!" The second and third leaders of the Rock Desert Tribe didn''t hesitate to turn and flee; even their invincible big brother had died.


    Half of the tribal warriors were dead or injured.


    Continue fighting? They would all die here.


    "Woo~"


    "Woo!!" The other hundred-odd Rock Desert Tribe warriors, witnessing this scene, alsopletely lost their courage to fight against Li Yuan and began frantically scattering in all directions.


    Demon!


    In the hearts of these Rock Desert Tribe warriors, this skinny alien was a bloodthirsty demon.


    "Escape?"


    "Go to hell!" Li Yuan moved like lightning.


    He no longer deliberately pursued the two leaders but chased and killed some of the Rock Desert Tribe warriors nearby.


    After all, the two leaders had much stronger physical qualities and skills, but they could not make up for the gap in straight-line running speed.


    Li Yuan could use the special terrain of the forest to gradually close the distance, but by the time he caught up and killed them, the other Rock Desert Tribe warriors would have vanished.


    "Points."


    "Better kill as many Rock Desert Tribesmen who are above Life Level 13 to rack up more points," Li Yuan thought to himself.


    After repeated Divine Pce inquiries, it was too draining, and Li Yuan could roughly distinguish their levels from their height.


    Level 12.0-12.9, killing one earns 5 points.


    Level 13.0-13.9, killing one earns 30 points.


    "I''m currently ranked ninth at the base. Now that I''ve revealed all my strength, there''s no need to hold back. Aim for a higher rank and take first ce," Li Yuan fought with gusto but remained extremely calm at heart, his spear shadow rolling like stars, carrying tremendous force.


    Wherever the spear light touched, one Rock Desert Tribesman after another fell and died.


    Before they could hardly withstand Li Yuan when they surrounded him, let alone now.


    It was apletely one-sided battle.


    "Pfft~" "Pfft~" The shing of the spear and the spattering of blood were like a beautiful painting.


    Li Yuan''s heart did not waver; he was a killing machine! ughter! More ughter.


    "They all deserve to die," Li Yuan was clear.


    The Rock Desert Tribe had made several incursions out of the Star Realm early on, causing huge casualties to Xia Country.


    To this day,


    Both sides continued a fierce tug-of-war in the True Rock Star Realm; it''s just that the scale of the war was not as great as in the Rob Sea.


    These Rock Desert Tribesmen in front of him,


    in actuality, had all been captured from the Star Realm by human civilization; they were inherently warriors.


    Whoosh!


    After pursuing and continuously killing more than thirty Rock Desert Tribe warriors for quite some time, Li Yuan finally stopped.


    By then, other Rock Desert Tribe warriors were nowhere to be seen, having escaped without a trace.


    "Points ranking," Li Yuan nced at the ranking on his locator bracelet:


    Points: 1352


    Base ranking: 2


    Grade ranking: 1


    Note: Combat assessment requirement of 10 pointspleted.


    ----


    "Dispersing the whole Rock Desert Tribe and jumping straight to second in the base ranking?" Li Yuan showed a hint of a smile.


    Li Yuan could understand in his heart.


    At the fourth base, either the exceptionally excellent sophomores, such as ''Qiu Jing'',


    or some ordinary juniors and very few seniors were present.


    Excellent juniors? It''s not hard for them to reach Level 14 in physical quality after a few years of cultivation in college, so they naturally go to the fifth base forbat assessment.


    Even the top juniors, many have already surpassed Level 15 in physical quality and began their life-and-death adventures in the Star Realm.


    For example, Senior Sister Shi Xiao, who is also a junior, had reached a physical quality level of 15.8st month.


    "Senior Sister Qiu Jing is ranked seventh, already the pinnacle of the fourth base''s strength," Li Yuan thought to himself, "and I am now stronger than Senior Sister Qiu Jing."


    Jumping to second ce? Quite normal.


    "There are still 20 hours left; let''s see if I can push for first," Li Yuan also had his ns.


    He knew that the first prize for thebat assessment was 3 million Blue Star Coins.


    Additionally, there would be extra rewards for being at the top of the base ranking.


    "However," Li Yuan''s mind moved, and he nced at another line on the Divine Pce panel:


    Spiritual Awakening Level: 25% (Current maximum is 25%, physical quality is not strong enough to withstand Spiritual Guidance)


    ...


    "Not strong enough physically? Is this why the Divine Pce panel reminded me that I need to reach Life Level 14 to receive Spiritual Guidance?" Li Yuan pondered.


    He was very eager, but he also knew that being anxious was useless.


    "At least, my Spiritual Awakening Level is already sufficient; it''s just the physical quality that''scking," Li Yuan thought to himself, "Level 14?"


    Based on the current physical quality level of 12.7 and previous progress rates, it would take him three to four months to reach it.


    Which means,


    "By around this November, I should get to see what this Spiritual Guidance really is," Li Yuan muttered quietly.


    Whew!


    Li Yuan, holding the long spear, moved his body and continued to pursue in the direction the Rock Desert Tribe warriors had fled.


    He had surged to second ce in the base points ranking.


    It was worth trying for first!


    ...


    In the third-floor meeting room of War Fortress, the atmosphere was boiling.


    "He really won."


    "This Li Yuan is too powerful."


    ```

 Chapter 134: 117: Final Rankings (Requesting Monthly Votes)_2

    ```


    "A new student just one month into school? Ever since Starfire and the others were established, have we at Kunlun Martial University ever had such an incredible freshman?" Dozens of teachers couldn''t help but discuss this, among them some at the level of vice-deans.


    The strength of Li Yuan, to them, is nothing to speak of.


    But to ce it on a boy under 18, it seems too exaggerated.


    Especially his Physical Quality!


    You must know, from 18 to 20 years old, as the body grows, the normal Physical Quality of a Kunlun Martial University student sees an astonishing increase. It''smon to see a rise of 2 or even 3 levels per year before reaching the 15th level.


    But Li Yuan? His Physical Quality at under 18 is on par with level 13.


    When he reaches 19, 20 years old, how terrifying will his Physical Quality be?


    "Stronger than Jin Huguo," Dean Xu said softly, "President Li, the S-grade contract you signed... indeed, it''s worth it. Good vision."


    "With his rate of physical progress, by his junior year, he will definitely be a Prime Warrior."


    "As for skills... from his fight with that leader of the Rock Desert Tribe, it should be very close to Fourth Level High Rank." Dean Xu nced at Li Yang, "Maybe by his junior year, our Kunlun Martial University, might really see the rise of an unrivaled genius that will shake the global college martial artspetition."


    "I am also very much looking forward to that day."


    "He, is considered my honorary disciple." President Li revealed a smile, a very radiant one.


    Regarding the uniqueness disyed by Li Yuan, Li Yang already had ns in mind.


    "The base''s ranking is now second."


    "He might even be able to rush to first."


    ...


    In a train cabin.


    "1352 points?" Yang Hong, who had been quite confident before, stared at the score on the screen, stunned


    How could this be possible?


    Li Yuan had clearly gone to the fourth base!


    That ce is for thebat assessments of the third-year students.


    Supposedly every Star Realm Creature is extremely powerful, how could a freshman get over a thousand points? And directly advance to the second rank in the base?


    "Could the scoring device be broken?" Yang Hong started to doubt life itself.


    But he knew in his heart that the likelihood of that was almost nil.


    "Sigh!" After a long silence, Yang Hong sighed softly.


    Thest glimmer of hope topete with Li Yuan extinguished.


    ...


    "1352 points? Oh no, 1382 points now! Damn impressive," Wu Luo sat in the train seat, marveling at Li Yuan''s score and ranking.


    "Big brother, why do I feel like you don''t care at all?" A ssmate beside him couldn''t help asking.


    "What''s there for me to care about?"


    "One must know their own limitations, don''t be an idiot like Yang Hong," Wu Luo said disdainfully, "Compete with Li Yuan? I never thought aboutpeting with Li Yuan."


    "In practicing Martial Arts Cultivation, indeed you should have goals, but the goals you set should be grounded, and not set up an impossible goal for a lifetime, that would be too damaging to the self-confidence," he continued.


    "My freshman year goal is to defeat Yang Hong, and firmly secure my position as the second person in the grade," Wu Luo said full of fighting spirit.


    ...


    "Big brother is awesome!"


    "Strong!"


    "1411 points!!" By the time the train carrying the freshmen was about to arrive at the school, the six train cars upied by the Sixth Institute''s freshmen had already descended into a frenzy.


    "Big brother!"


    "Team first."


    "With big brother''s strength, in the future he might be a Flying Heaven Warrior, and a top Martial Artist that will make a name for himself in Xia Country," these freshmen from the Sixth Institute all sighed admiringly and even started cheering excitedly.


    Yes, most of them, during high school, were considered the ''favorites of heaven,'' excelling in their studies.


    Therefore, at first, most of the Sixth Institute freshmen were only obedient in words when it came to Li Yuan bing the ''big brother,'' but they did not think much of it in their hearts.


    Especially in this Combat Assessment.


    At the end of the first day, Li Yuan''s score was only just over fifty points, and many Sixth Institute freshmen felt disheartened, even disappointed in him.


    After all, during the Combat Assessment, the first-ce institute''s team, each student could get a 100,000 Blue Star Coin reward.


    But then, Li Yuan burst forth with astonishing speed,pletely surpassing Yang Hong and Wu Luo.


    He pulled the team''s total score from third to first.


    Then, Li Yuan''s personal points continued to hit new records ¨C 500 points! 800 points! 1200 points!


    Until now, surpassing 1400 points.


    These continuously soaring scorespletely conquered the hearts of the vast majority of Sixth Institute freshmen.


    So strong!


    People always worship the strong.


    Even more, they extremely venerate those who can bring benefits to themselves time and time again.


    At this moment, Li Yuan truly managed to establish a certain prestige among the Sixth Institute freshmen.


    What is called establishing prestige and a sense of collective honor is most importantly being able to lead everyone from one victory to the next.


    ```


    It can bring benefits to everyone.


    Follow me, and you can win!


    "First!"


    "Big Brother, you will definitely be the first in the Fourth Base."


    "Seniors in their third or fourth year? Big Brother will surpass them directly." At this moment, these neers from the Sixth Institute no longer needed An Nong''s words to spur them on, they genuinely hoped Li Yuan could create a Kunlun Martial Universitybat assessment miracle.


    ...


    Time flew by.


    The sun rose and set, the end of thebat assessment drew closer.


    In the Third and Fourth Bases, many students had encountered danger and dropped out of thebat assessment.


    But those ranking at the top were still trying their best to find more Star Realm Creatures to earn more points.


    "First ce, Gu Zhen, 1988 points."


    "Second ce, Li Yuan, 1863 points."


    "He is more than 120 points behind, Li Yuan has been desperately catching up, but it''s hard to close the gap, as the Star Realm Creatures in the assessment area are getting scarce," discussed many teachers within the Star Realm fortress.


    "Only a bit more than one hour left."


    With their strong physical quality, the teachers felt hardly any impact from going several days and nights without sleep.


    ...


    "Those two in front are real freaks."


    "Gu Zhen, with a Physical Quality of 12.9 and Fourth Level skills, is among the top ten in strength among second-year students; he''s been far ahead in scores since the beginning."


    "Who would have thought Li Yuan would be even more monstrous, chasing after him and climbing the ranks."


    "And he''s just a freshman!"


    "The gap between their scores and the third ce is several hundred points." Students ranked in the top fifty of the Fourth Base could only look up to the first and second ces.


    The gap was toorge to bridge.


    ...


    In the mountains and forests.


    Li Yuan, holding a long spear, was patiently searching and observing, aiming to seize thest scoring opportunity.


    "Over 120 points, with only half an hour left, it looks indeed difficult to surpass him."


    "This Gu Zhen truly deserves to be one of the top seniors in the second year, only slightly weaker than those who went to the Fifth Base like ''Liu Jun.''" Li Yuan nced at the rankings.


    Second ce?


    Li Yuan could ept that, considering he had only scored a little over fifty points on the first day and had to catch up on the second day.


    Suddenly.


    "Hm?" Li Yuan suddenly stopped, a trace of inexplicable joy appearing on his lips, "Luck?"


    He quickly turned towards a hillside strewn withrge rocks.


    "Boom~"


    "Boom~ Bang~" Li Yuan swung his long spear, swiftly flipping the rocks away.


    In no time, a hole more than one meter in diameter appeared before Li Yuan.


    "Still noting out?" Li Yuan''s eyes were icy, as he had already sensed the presence of the other party with his spiritual power.


    Suddenly.


    "Whoosh!" A massive snake head shot out of the hole like lightning, its huge mouth open wide as it viciously bit at Li Yuan.


    "14.2 level? Blood Winged Snake n, you''ve been hiding deep enough." Li Yuan swiftly dodged the deadly strike.


    "Swoosh!"


    The glint of his spear shed as he thrust it straight at the serpentine head that was asrge as a human head!


    The battle erupted!


    ...


    Over a hundred kilometers away from Li Yuan, in a different part of the mountains and forests, ten minutester.


    "Less than twenty minutes left."


    "Being ranked first at the base should be secure." Gu Zhen, the hulking young man, showed a slight smile, "This Li Yuan is really formidable, catching up in just one day."


    "If he had started strong from the first day, I might not have been able to beat him." Gu Zhen felt a flicker of relief in his heart.


    The difference in rewards between first and second ce at the base was 1 million Blue Star Coins.


    For him, that was no small amount.


    "Huh?"


    Suddenly, Gu Zhen felt his location ring vibrate and couldn''t help but look down, only to widen his eyes and stand up abruptly, almost shouting in disbelief, "How is this possible!! Is this cheating?"


    On his smart ring disy, the overall ranking for the Fourth Base was clearly shown:


    First: Li Yuan (2065 points)


    Second: Gu Zhen (1989 points)

 Chapter 135: 118 Li Yang Asks Questions (24,000 Monthly Tickets Plus)

    ```


    The final ten-plus minutes.


    Gu Zhen, who had nned to rest, felt a prickling in his heart as he saw Li Yuan''s score and ranking suddenly surge.


    In his eyes, this wasn''t just about losing first ce.


    It was¡ª1 million Blue Star Coins!!


    "Damn it! Do you really have to y me like this?" Gu Zhen couldn''t help but curse.


    Without hesitation.


    He got up immediately, hoping to find other Star Realm Creatures, but at this stage of the Combat Assessment, where could he find any in such a short time?


    The fact that Li Yuan could find one didn''t solely depend on luck.


    The most important thing was his strong spiritual powerbined with ''Divine Pce Inquiry'', which allowed him to sense the Blood Winged Snake n hidden underground.


    And forced it out.


    Eventually, when the time reached noon, the participating students from the third and fourth bases received simultaneous reminders on their positioning wristbands.


    "Combat Assessment over, points locked, base rankings locked."


    ...


    In the fourth base, inside the third-floor meeting room of the War Fortress.


    "Haha, Old Qin, don''t be angry, please don''t be angry," President Li said with a triumphant smile: "Li Yuan managing to take first ce at the end was all luck! Pure luck!"


    "Humph!"


    The plump elder''s face didn''t look very good because Gu Zhen was a second-year student from his Martial Hall 8.


    "I''m just curious," the plump elder frowned and said: "That Blood Winged Snake n was clearly hiding in the cave, seemingly not making a single noise, and even covered the entrance with a huge rock. How did Li Yuan discover it?"


    "It is quite strange."


    "Even when I was observing, at least through the monitors, it waspletely unnoticeable," many teachers expressed their doubts.


    "You really have short memories," President Li shook his head and said: "Have you all forgotten?"


    "When he first enrolled."


    "Li Yuan challenged the Pir of Spirit and directly reached the Fifth Layer. His spiritual power is strong enough to match that of a Prime Warrior," President Li stated calmly: "With such strong spiritual power, is it strange that he could sense that Blood Winged Snake n?"


    "Indeed, Li Yuan''s perception is much stronger than the other students."


    "Hm, that makes sense." Many teachers nodded in agreement, indicating their understanding, and gradually dispersed.


    "Sister, are you satisfied?" President Li said, smiling at the woman beside him.


    "Don''t call me sister, call me Dean Xu," Dean Xu frowned and said: "This time you''ve managed to pick up a good seedling. What do you n to do next?"


    "Is it to continue training him normally? Or?" Dean Xu inquired.


    As deputy presidents, and being Top Grade Origin Martial Artists themselves, they had a much higher vision and understanding of the school''s internal affairs than the average teacher.


    They all knew that the so-called S-grade special training contract was aimed at the most outstanding ''ordinary students''.


    It was a standardized contract.


    It was used to train martial arts geniuses within the realm of normalcy.


    However, there are always some geniuses in this world that defy convention, and they need to be handled with special measures to fully tap their potential.


    "Sister, you know how it is, it''s not something we can decide," President Li shook his head: "But I will report to Dean Hai and exin Li Yuan''s situation."


    "Whether to continue with the structured training or do something extra, that will be for Dean Hai to decide."


    "Furthermore."


    "The reason I asked you toe this time was actually with this in mind," President Li said with a smile: "After all, to sign an SS-grade resource application, at least two deputy presidents need to agree."


    But in reality?


    Li Yuan''s explosive performance waspletely beyond President Li''s expectations, and his initial reason for inviting Dean Xu wasn''t for Li Yuan.


    But, make the best of a bad situation.


    "Yes."


    Dean Xu''s face showed a bit more satisfaction: "Old Li, this time you really put in some effort."


    If the SS-grade resource application regarding ''Li Yuan'' could pass the review.


    Then, President Li, as the ''advising teacher'', would definitely be credited with the primary merit.


    As one of the two deputy presidents who signed the form, ''Dean Xu'' would also receive a certain guiding bonus.


    "Of course, our sibling rtionship is well known, isn''t it?" President Liughed.


    After a pause, President Li continued: "Sister, what do you think our chances are?"


    "Hard to say." Dean Xu shook her head, pondering for a moment: "Sixty percent, I guess."


    "Just right, it seems Dean Hai is still on campus. Draft the application now, I''ll co-sign it, let''s try to settle it today."


    "Okay."


    ...


    In the fourth base, on the za outside the War Fortress, several aircraftnded.


    Arge number of students who held on until the final moment stepped out of the aircraft.


    The two-day Combat Assessment.


    Many had their armor torn with holes, and several were covered in blood, some of their own, and some from the Alien Race.


    "Phew!" Li Yuan also stepped off one of the aircraft and caught sight of a row of white stretchersid out on the ground in the distance.


    "Are there deaths again? The number seems not small." Li Yuan felt a touch of sadness.


    The joy of securing first ce was somewhat diminished.


    "Li Yuan." A crisp voice suddenly rang out from behind him.


    Li Yuan turned and saw a tall woman approaching with a smile on her face.


    "Senior sister," Li Yuan said with a smile.


    ```


    The visitor was none other than Sister Qiu Jing, who had already formed a decent rtionship with Li Yuan through attending sses together multiple times.


    This time, after going through a life and death experience in thebat assessment, their rtionship had naturally grown much closer.


    "Tsk, tsk, first ce, huh!" Sister Qiu Jing''s voice didn''t stop as she shook her head andughed, "Li Yuan,e on, tell me, were you just trying to mess with me?"


    Li Yuan was taken aback.


    "Did you, at that time, deliberately lure that group of Rock Desert Tribe warriors?" Sister Qiu Jing stared at Li Yuan.


    Li Yuan scratched his head and found he couldn''t exin at the moment, so he could only offer a silly smile.


    "I thought you were really in danger, and I foolishly charged in to save you," Sister Qiu Jing shook her head and sighed, "Later on, I was quite proud, thinking I had saved you."


    "But seeing youter crazily racking up points, you must have barged into that Rock Desert Tribe enve; with your strength, how could you care about the initial dozen or so Rock Desert Tribe warriors." Qiu Jing made a pitiful expression, "Poor me working so hard to save you, and you didn''t tell me the truth, even deceiving me."


    "Sister, me?" Li Yuan was somewhat at a loss.


    "Haha, just kidding," Sister Qiu Jing suddenlyughed, "I won''t pry anymore, you definitely have your reasons. However, you have to treat me to a meal after we get back."


    "Okay, no problem," Li Yuan also breathed a sigh of relief.


    Some things, he could talk about with Teacher Li Yang, but couldn''t discuss them with Qiu Jing.


    "What did you just see over there?" Qiu Jing suddenly pointed at the row of white stretchers in the distance.


    Li Yuan nodded slightly, his smile involuntarily fading a bit.


    "You''ll get used to it."


    "My best friend from university died in thestbat assessment," Qiu Jing''s eyes dimmed.


    Li Yuan''s heart stirred, and he looked at Qiu Jing.


    "We have no choice; thebat assessment is already the least life-threatening form of tempering we experience," Qiu Jing spoke softly, "If we can''t even survive thebat assessment... what will we do when we actually join the war?"


    Li Yuan nodded involuntarily, indicating his agreement.


    "Let''s continue to be stronger," Sister Qiu Jingughed again all of a sudden, "You''re just in your first year and already stronger than me; I''m dying of envy. With such talent, you''ll definitely be a very powerful Prime Warrior in the future."


    "Perhaps even a Flying Heaven Warrior."


    "By then, you''ll really be able to kill arge number of Star Realm Creatures that threaten our Human Race," Qiu Jing said with augh.


    ...


    As the two were chatting, suddenly.


    "Qiu Jing, Li Yuan." A deep voice rang out from not far away; a bald middle-aged man stood there.


    "Teacher."


    "Teacher." Both of them turned solemn at the same time.


    "Good performance, Qiu Jing is sixth, Li Yuan is first," Li Yang showed a faint smile, "Qiu Jing, wait here for the train to arrive."


    "Li Yuan,e with me for a moment," Li Yang walked towards a house in the distance.


    "Yes," Li Yuan nodded and followed.


    Qiu Jing winked at Li Yuan.


    ...


    Following Li Yang to a three-story building next to the square, they entered a conference room on the first floor.


    It was very quiet here, just Li Yuan and Li Yang.


    Li Yang sat down in a chair without a word.


    "Teacher," Li Yuan disyed a trace of nervousness.


    "You''ve improved your strength very quickly," Li Yang finally looked up at Li Yuan, "What level is your Physical Quality now?"


    "12.6," Li Yuan mentioned a figure, it was no use hiding it anymore.


    And it couldn''t be hidden.


    "Did you use some Heavenly Materials Treasures, or Forbidden Medicine?" Li Yang got straight to the point.


    "It''s not Forbidden Medicine; the teacher can check my body," Li Yuan only answered half the question.


    Whether it was Heavenly Materials Treasures or not, he didn''t answer.


    "Did the Starfire Martial Hall give it to you?" Li Yang inquired, "Previously, no information was passed on to me, did you sign a non-disclosure agreement?"


    Li Yuan stayed silent, his mind racing about how to respond.


    "Alright,"


    "The teacher understands," Li Yang believed he had seen through Li Yuan''s thoughts, and said with a smile, "The ''Fei Qian'' of Starfire Martial Hall definitely told you not to discuss it with anyone, else it might attract covetous eyes, right?"


    Li Yuan revealed a bitter smile, apparently feeling somewhat helpless.


    "Don''t worry."


    "A Heavenly Materials Treasure that enhances Physical Quality is all it is; we at Kunlun Martial University can protect you," Li Yang said with augh, "As long as it''s not Forbidden Medicine that affects potential, it''s fine."


    "Everyone has secrets, especially geniuses. If you don''t want to talk about it, I won''t press you."


    "I called you here to tell you that after you return today, Dean Hai wants to see you."


    ¡ª¡ª


    (The following was added after the main text was published and will not be included in the word count charged for.)


    ps: The third release of the day, still over ten thousand words with three updates; 24,000 monthly tickets for an additional update! First, let''s ask for monthly tickets!


    Also, to mention a few things, one is that I had to go to the hospital for checks today, so the updates were slower, sorry. I initially thought that there wouldn''t be any interruptions in the updates, so I didn''t say anything in advance because, as everyone knows, when you''re sick, no one knows what time the checkup results wille out.


    Next, regarding update times, I will try to stabilize update times in the future, but I don''t promise a specific time because it''s very easy to fall short of what''s promised.


    I''m not used to keeping a backlog of written chapters. In nearly 10 years of writing, besides new releases and theunch where I force myself to save 5-10 chapters, I don''t keep a backlog at other times. It''s not that I can''t keep a backlog, but having one significantly affects my writing state and spontaneous inspiration.


    I prefer to make slight adjustments based on daily reader feedback, so apologies for that.


    Lastly, regarding updates, I will definitely try my best to keep updating. I consider myself to be rtively quick with updates, but there''s no need to rush me to be faster. I personally hope to find a bnce between quality and the stability of my writing pace.


    A big long novel, purely chasing after update speed, can easily copse. If it copses, it''s useless to write 100,000 words in a day.


    Tomorrow, I will strive for 3-4 updates, depending on my condition.


    Thank you all for your support!

 Chapter 136: 119: 74 Million Blue Star Coins (Seeking Monthly Votes)

    ```


    "Dean Hai?" Li Yuan felt a slight shock in his heart and couldn''t help but ask, "Our dean, Dean Hai?"


    He had been at the school for quite some time and was rather familiar with the history of his own academy.


    "Is there a second Dean Hai at our school?" Li Yang said with a smile, "Most of the time, Dean Hai isn''t at the school. He''s either stationed in the Star Realm, or he''s traversing life and death in bitter cultivation."


    "This time you''re in luck. His Excellency is returning to the school today."


    "Just now, I''ve submitted your performance to Dean Hai at the first opportunity." Li Yang continued, "He has replied to my message, instructing us to bring you to meet him once we''re back at the school."


    "Yes." Li Yuan nodded, a mix of anticipation and nervousness in his heart.


    Dean Hai!


    That was a Flying Heaven Warrior, truly a peerless martial force to be reckoned with, whose strength was terrifying enough to basically ignore modern firearms.


    He could be considered a mainbat force guarding human civilization.


    For instance, the Provincial Hall Masters of ces like Jiangbei, Starfire Martial Hall, and Starry Sky Martial Hall, the strongest warriors in the military... they were all Flying Heaven Warriors.


    Such peerless beings could shake a province with a mere stamp of their foot.


    "Don''t worry, Dean Hai is very approachable; he won''t do anything to you," Li Yang said with a smile. "If he wants to see you, it means your performance has been outstanding."


    "It has been many years since Dean Hai has summoned a student from the academy for a one-on-one meeting."


    Li Yuan thoughtfully pondered.


    For such a superior being, time was precious, and without demonstrating the potential of a Flying Heaven Warrior, he probably wouldn''t summon anyone for a one-on-one meeting.


    Li Yang didn''t reveal too much to Li Yuan because he wasn''t sure what benefits Dean Hai might offer. He didn''t want to raise Li Yuan''s expectations too much.


    "By the way."


    "For ranking first at Base Four this time, the school will reward you with five million Blue Star Coins," Li Yang said with a smile. "As the top student in the grade, the school will reward you with three million Blue Star Coins."


    Li Yuan''s eyes lit up.


    Added together, that was eight million Blue Star Coins.


    Not a small sum.


    "Additionally, having served as the head senior brother for a month, the school''s evaluation of your assessment is ''excellent''." Li Yang smiled somewhat yfully, "The reward of ''one million Blue Star Coins'' for this half-year will increase by 20%, totaling 1.2 million Blue Star Coins, which will be given to you all at once."


    "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 truly fulfilled his duties? Not really.


    But leading the entire academy''s students to secure first ce in various assessments as a group? That qualified him as an outstanding senior brother.


    Results decided everything.


    "Alright, off you go." President Li said with a smile, "After the train arrives, go change into clean clothes when we''re back at school, and then wait at Heilong Building."


    "Yes." Li Yuan turned and prepared to leave.


    Suddenly.


    Buzz~ President Li''s smart ring vibrated.


    "Hmm?" President Li looked down, his expression changing suddenly as he stood up.


    "Teacher?" Li Yuan sensed something was amiss.


    "It''s nothing, hurry on to the train." President Li said solemnly, "Dean Hai won''t have time to see you today; wait for my notification."


    "Yes." Li Yuan immediately realized that something major must have happened.


    Whoosh! Li Yang grabbed hold of Li Yuan.


    Li Yuan felt a gust of wind sh by, and in an instant, they had moved over a hundred meters from the conference room.


    In the distance, arge number of students were boarding the train in an orderly fashion.


    "Go."


    After leaving those words, Li Yang moved, transforming into a streak of light darting over two hundred meters; yet the air hardly trembled.


    In a few bounds, he had disappeared at the end of the za.


    From the direction he went, he was heading to the War Fortress.


    "Such speed." Li Yuan held his breath as he watched Li Yang fade into the distance, witnessing his true strength for the first time.


    This burst speed.


    "Must be close to the speed of sound," Li Yuan sighed inwardly. "Is this the power of a Top Grade Origin Martial Artist?"


    It wasn''t just Li Yuan; many students had witnessed Li Yang speeding away.


    "No idea what major event urred, it seems even Dean Hai has to go there," Li Yuan thought to himself. "I hope everything is all right."


    Li Yuan didn''t ponder too deeply.


    When the sky falls, there will be tall people holding it up; he wasn''t yet capable of shouldering such responsibilities.


    Concentrating on his training to be stronger was what a good student should do.


    "Let''s go."


    Li Yuan walked toward the distant train, boarding the carriage in sequence.


    ...


    Boom! Li Yang burst forth at full speed, leaping dozens of meters high in a single bound, covering hundreds of meters in a sh, and swiftly arriving outside the War Fortress.


    The several dozen teachers who had been in the meeting.


    Almost all were already waiting outside the War Fortress.


    "Dean Xu, Dean Qin." President Linded and immediately asked, "What''s the situation?"


    "It''s urgent."


    "Our ''Observation Point Six'' in the Kunlun Star Realm has been exposed; the marrow crystal veins have been discovered by the Alien Race," Dean Xu said gravely. "Currently, it''s under siege by the native powers of the Star Realm, and from the traces that have been revealed so far, it appears that the Immortal Ruins Civilization''s Great Sects are behind it."


    "The Great Sects of the Immortal Ruins Civilization?" Li Yang''s expression changed.


    At their level, they were all too aware of what this implied.


    The Kunlun Star Realm was nothingpared to the vast and mighty Immortal Ruins Civilization.


    However, it was very important to the Human Race of the Seven Stars Sea, especially to Xia Country.


    Setting up Kunlun Martial University there was to guard the Kunlun Star Realm.


    It was also an important source of resources for Kunlun Martial University.


    "How could it have been discovered?" Li Yang couldn''t help but say, "Our observation points have always been very secretive."


    "It''s rted to Dean Zhao and the others," Dean Qin, a plump elder, sighed. "Europa''s Koreya applied to the alliance to enter the Kunlun Star Realm not too long ago... The situation is very chaotic, and we haven''tpletely figured it out yet."


    "Either way."


    "The principal has ordered us to go and provide support immediately. We''ll abandon Observation Point Six, but we must bring back the besieged Martial Artists, the mined marrow crystals, and we also have to eliminate all traces to avoid exposing more observation points," Dean Qin said.


    "Dean Hai and three other Flying Heaven Warriors are already stationed at the three major entrances of the Kunlun Star Realm."


    ```

 Chapter 137: 119: 74 Million Blue Star Coins (Seeking Monthly Votes)_2

    ```


    "To prevent the situation from getting worse."


    "Enough talk, time is of the essence. We''ll discuss it on the way, let''s go first." Dean Xu interrupted the two''s conversation.


    Swish! Swish! Swish!


    Dozens of Prime Warriors who were teachers and deans, with the lowest physical quality at level 26, quickly charged into a War Fortress entrance not far away.


    Deep inside the War Fortress, there was a channel that could quickly leave the Star Realm.


    ...


    The train sped forward at high speed.


    The samepartment as on the journey here.


    "Li Yuan, impressive."


    Wang Chan, a senior from his third year whom he had met on the way there, gave him a thumbs up, saying, "Amazing, actually managed to get first ce in the fourth base''s rankings."


    "Junior Li Yuan, how did your scores rise so quickly? Did you encounter a lot of Exotic Beasts?"


    "Junior, what''s your physical quality level now?"


    Seniors from various institutes all gathered around Li Yuan.


    For a moment, Li Yuan was the center of discussion in thepartment.


    "Junior, can we spar with the Spear Techniqueter?"


    "Li Yuan, you''re too awesome, can I add you on V?" Even a senior sister boldly made the invitation.


    Li Yuan found it a bit much to handle, but eventually, a few seniors from the Sixth Institute spoke up and gradually everyone in thepartment quieted down.


    Li Yuan finally let out a sigh of relief.


    He felt that this was even more troublesome than fighting a level-14 Star Realm Creature.


    "This time, including the reward from the senior brother and the team reward from the institute,"


    "I could get over 9 million." Li Yuan calcted in his mind: "That''s about enough, time to start preparing the first phase of Uncle''s physical rehabilitation treatment."


    Uncle Li Changzhou had been rescued and appeared to have recovered.


    But after suffering from me Erosive Bone Poison for a long time, and almost dying at the end, the recovery to health was only superficial, meaning he had been brought back from the brink of death.


    The vitality in Li Changzhou''s body had been mostly destroyed by the toxin.


    Just his physical quality alone had fallen from level 11 before the injury to about a level 6 standard now.


    In May, Li Yuan had discussed with the doctors.


    If Li Changzhou continued to live an orderly life with normal health care, his life expectancy would hardly exceed 70 years.


    It might seem not too short.


    But one must know that, barring idental deaths, the average life expectancy for humans in this era was well over a hundred years.


    For this reason, Li Yuan, after the college entrance exams, contacted a rehabilitation hospital through Wan Qinghe to start preparing a ''rehabilitation n'' for Uncle.


    "Three stages of rehabilitation treatment."


    "The first stage will cost about 16 million, the second stage is estimated at around 18 million, and the third stage at about 40 million."


    "A total of 74 million Blue Star Coins." Li Yuan had almost memorized the rehabilitation n: "If all goes well with theplete treatment, although it won''t make Uncle''s body return to its peak, his life expectancy should increase to around 90 years old."


    The three stages of treatment were incredibly expensive and beyond the reach of ordinary families.


    It involved life sciences, veryplex.


    If he told Uncle and Aunt the truth about such a huge expense, Li Yuan figured they would not agree.


    However, Li Yuan had made up his mind.


    "The money the country rewarded me with is meant for me to enhance my strength,"


    "And besides, cash rewards are always finite and in theory should not be used on other things." Li Yuan was clear on this: "But I will always have chances to make money and repay the country in the future."


    "Uncle''s health can''t be dyed. The longer we wait, the less hope there is for recovery, and no amount of money spentter will make up for it." Li Yuan''s thoughts were crystal clear.


    "The first stage, 16 million Blue Star Coins, start the treatment as soon as possible."


    "The entire treatment willst for about half a year."


    "During this half year, I will endeavor to be a level 15 Martial Artist as soon as possible. Then I can venture into many Star Realms, risk life and death, and truly earn money on my own," Li Yuan thought to himself.


    The Star Realms were full of danger but also contained countless treasures.


    Some Star Realms were so vast that they were ten timesrger than Xia Country, which has a territory of over a hundred million square kilometers.


    All kinds of Heavenly Materials Treasures originated from these Star Realms.


    Otherwise, how could those Prime Warriors and Flying Heaven Warriors be so wealthy?


    ...


    Returning to school, Li Yuan was warmly weed by over a hundred freshmen from the Sixth Institute.


    After a round of celebrations thatsted until after seven in the evening,


    Li Yuan finally returned to his vi, washed up, and then calmed down to practice the Basic Cultivation Method for over an hour.


    Afterpleting everything, he entered the virtualwork pod, connecting his consciousness.


    Within his personal space,


    "Master." The sprite girl circled around him.


    "ording to my earlier annotations, list all my assets in the bank and the Martial Hall." Li Yuan spoke softly.


    "Yes, Master, please wait a moment." The girl smiled.


    Swiftly.


    Whoosh! A huge screen appeared in Li Yuan''s field of vision, clearly marking his wealth.


    Bank Bnce: 36,550,000 Blue Star Coins


    Martial Hall Points: 440,000


    Martial Hall Cultivation Points: 9,570,000


    ...


    "My cash has exceeded 36 million," Li Yuan revealed a hint of a smile; this was all the cash he had.


    The rewards from the recentbat assessment, the award from the eldest senior brother, the prize from the entrancepetition, plus the rewards from the school''s S-grade special training contract.


    These amounted to Li Yuan''s current fortune.


    "Over the past six months, most of the Martial Hall Points I spent were for purchasing various cultivation resources," Li Yuan thought silently, "Now, at the school, I get two portions of ''High Origin Spirit Spring'' for free every month, each worth 2 million Blue Star Coins, so there''s no need to buy Origin Power Essence Pills anymore."


    Every month, Li Yuan himself mainly purchased Body Cleansing Spirit Marrow and First Rank Blood Essence potions.


    Each month''s expenses are about 1.3 million points/Blue Star Coins.


    "In October, the cash and points from the Martial Hall contract will be given to me," Li Yuan pondered, "In the following months, I''ll have to spend cash to buy various cultivation resources."


    Though tens of millions might seem a lot, it might not be enough to spend.


    As Li Yuan''s physical quality continued to improve, he would need more ''High Origin Spirit Spring,'' which the school could not provide indefinitely.


    More cultivation resources had to be bought with his own money.


    "I''ll prepare the first phase of my uncle''s rehabilitation treatment first," Li Yuan was contemting, "Before the end of this month, I will strive to reach the Bright Moon Stage on the Starry Skies Fighting Network."


    "In October, during the battle of the freshers from the ten schools, I''ll aim to take first ce."


    If both could bepleted as such, each would yield 20 million Blue Star Coins, totaling 40 million Blue Star Coins.


    That would solve Li Yuan''s current difficulties.


    ...


    After exiting the virtualwork, Li Yuan connected with Wan Qinghe via V-call.


    The video projection formed.


    "Li Yuan," Wan Qinghe appeared in the projection, smiling at Li Yuan.


    From the background, he was in the Martial Hall office.


    "Uncle," Li Yuan revealed a smile.


    After exchanging pleasantries for a while.


    "Uncle Wan, I need your help with something," Li Yuan got to the point: "The rehabilitation hospital''s ''Professor Zhong,'' whom I asked you to contactst time, has devised a three-phase rehabilitation n for my uncle. I would like to start the first phase and hope you could oversee it for me."


    "Rehabilitation n? The one costing over 70 million Blue Star Coins?" Wan Qinghe was slightly surprised.


    "That''s the one."


    "I would like to give you the money tomunicate with Professor Zhong," Li Yuan said with a smile, "No need to reveal the truth to my uncle for now, just let him receive treatment. Do you have time?"


    If it were anyone else, Li Yuan would not trust them with tens of millions of Blue Star Coins.


    But Wan Qinghe?


    Given his strength, status, and rtionship, there was no need for him to embezzle the money.


    "Haha, no problem," Wan Qinghe readily agreed.


    Before long,


    16 million Blue Star Coins were transferred by Li Yuan into Wan Qinghe''s ount.


    The video call ended.


    "Li Yuan is not somebody who can''t distinguish what''s important; he''s not the idiot who would throw money away without regard for his own cultivation," Wan Qinghe''s smile receded within the office, he thought silently: "Then, spending this sum of money probably won''t affect his cultivation."


    "It seems,"


    "He''s doing quite well at Kunlun Martial University," Wan Qinghe remarked with a slight smile.


    He didn''t think there was anything wrong with what Li Yuan did; on the contrary, he quite admired it.


    To be so grateful to his uncle,


    By extraption, his treatment of other seniors and benefactors would often not be too poor.


    ...


    After transferring the money,


    Li Yuan, far away at Kunlun Martial University, suppressed many thoughts and continued his regr cultivation of spear technique, cultivation methods, visualization method, and battles on the Starry Skies Fighting Network...


    The next day, on August 2nd,


    Past five in the early morning, Li Yuan, who was practicing with the long spear in the underground martial arts room, suddenly felt his smart ring vibrate.


    Signifying that a significant message had arrived


    "Hmm?"


    "What''s the matter?" Li Yuan stopped with his long spear and clicked on the screen of his bracelet, and a screen unfolded, quickly scanning through it.


    "It''s from the school,"


    "A notice of death?" Li Yuan looked at the grey notification document on the screen, his expression shifting slightly.


    "...Qi He, Fan Jin... and eleven other school teachers died in a Star Realm on a rescue mission on the 1st of August, 2043 Seven Stars calendar..." Li Yuan read the names of the eleven teachers on the notification, his mind reeling in shock.


    Especially one familiar name¡ªFan Jin!


    The kind-faced elder who had given him guidance on multiple asions, was he truly gone?

 Chapter 138: 120 Li Yuan, You Made a Mistake (Request for Monthly Votes)

    ```


    Within just one second, Li Yuan unconsciously clicked on the "Teacher List" in the APP, and after checking several times,


    He finally confirmed it.


    The ''Fan Jin'' mentioned in the obituary announcement was indeed Teacher 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, an indescribable train of thought wrapped around Li Yuan''s mind.


    It wasn''t the sadness of losing a loved one, but an inexplicable sadness and mncholy.


    To be honest, Li Yuan''s impression of Teacher Fan Jin was not very deep; they had met during an invitational event at Jiangbei Martial University.


    At that time, it was Fan Jin and Li Yang who came to see Li Yuan together and signed an S-level intensive training contract.


    In the months between the invitational event and the college entrance exam, Fan Jin had made multiple video contacts to instruct and guide Li Yuan.


    For example, Li Yuan''s choice to use the "Body Cleansing Marrow Technique" for cultivation was guided by a cultivation document sent by Fan Jin.


    Beyond that, there weren''t many interactions between the two.


    Even after entering Kunlun Martial University, due to teaching reasons, Li Yuan and Fan Jin had met only once.


    Were their feelings deep? Not really.


    After all, they had little real-life interaction, and Fan Jin had never directly coached Li Yuan.


    But in Li Yuan''s heart, Fan Jin was a dedicated and respectable teacher.


    Unexpectedly.


    In the blink of an eye, the kind elder had died just like that.


    "A rescue operation in some Star Realm?" Li Yuan nced through the reason stated in the obituary.


    He immediately thought of yesterday noon when Teacher Li Yang had received a message and left in a hurry.


    It was probably the same incident.


    "Not just Teacher Fan Jin."


    "There were ten other teachers." Li Yuan''s gaze unconsciously swept over the names of the other ten teachers.


    Just one battle, because of an unnamed rescue operation,


    had cost the lives of eleven Prime Warriors?


    And at least they were high-level Prime Warriors.


    "War." Li Yuan thought of the Rob Sea.


    He thought of his uncle, who had been injured before and had almost died.


    "The war with the Alien Race is a battle to the death." Li Yuan whispered to himself, "Now, all I can do is to strive to be stronger."


    Standing in ce.


    Li Yuan was silent for a long time, and in the end, he gently closed his smart wristband and once again gripped the long spear standing next to him.


    He gripped it tighter than before.


    Then, he continued to practice his spear technique.


    "Whoosh~" "Whoosh!" "Whoosh!" The shadow of the spear danced, at times like the rolling flow of stars, vast and unstoppable.


    At times the sh of the spear shimmered, like a raging river, each move and style continuous without end.


    That night.


    Li Yuan was moved, his heart was calmer, and his spear technique grew even more fierce.


    ...


    August 2nd, during the day.


    The sky started to drizzle.


    The school notification was not only sent to Li Yuan.


    All students were aware that eleven teachers had died in battle the day before.


    Apart from a few students who had died during the previous days''bat assessments,


    the entire sky over Kunlun Martial University seemed to be shrouded in ayer of somber sadness.


    Around ten in the morning.


    All students received another notification message: "Due to arge number of teachers undertaking war missions, the teaching tasks of the following institutes and grade levels are temporarily suspended."


    The sses for freshmen at the Sixth Institute were all halted.


    Because the three vice deans and arge number of lecturing teachers were temporarily unreachable.


    Li Yuan did not seek out other students but continued to cultivate alone in the vi.


    Everything proceeded ording to his own cultivation n.


    As if nothing had happened.


    ...


    After the noon nutritional meal and blood-qi potion,


    at two o''clock in the afternoon, Li Yuan was preparing to practice the Solid Rock Cultivation Technique.


    Suddenly.


    "Master, you have received a transfer notice of 16 million Blue Star Coins from ''Wan Qinghe''," the smart assistant suddenly sounded an alert.


    "Hm?" Li Yuan showed a hint of surprise, and with it a trace of confusion: "Why is Uncle Wan transferring the money back again?"


    Before Li Yuan could make a call to Wan Qinghe, he had already received amunication alert from him.


    "Answer." Li Yuan immediately said.


    A holographic screen formed.


    It showed the appearance of Wan Qinghe; looking at the background, he seemed to be at his own home.


    "Uncle Wan, what''s the matter?" Li Yuan was about to speak.


    "Li Yuan, don''t ask, just listen to me," Wan Qinghe said with a hint of helplessness: "Your uncle will probably call you on V-chat soon. I can''t talk him out of it or hide anything from him."


    Li Yuan was stunned¡ªhide it? What was there to hide?


    "Or let''s say, your uncle is more capable than you imagine, much more capable," Wan Qinghe sighed: "He''s only working as a middle manager in a state-owned enterprise; he is truly underutilizing his talents. In my life, I haven''t admired many people, but your uncle is one of them."


    ```


    "If you can persuade your uncle, talk to me again."


    Li Yuan grew increasingly puzzled. What on earth could have prompted Uncle Wan to say such a thing?


    "Beep~"


    The intelligent assistant''s voice rang out once more, "Master, Li Changzhou is calling you."


    "Your uncle is calling you, take the call first. We can talk more when you have time," Wan Qinghe said.


    "Alright, Uncle Wan." Li Yuan nodded.


    He understood that the issuey with his uncle, not with Wan Qinghe.


    After hanging up the video call, Li Yuan took the call from his uncle, Li Changzhou.


    The videomunication was established, and the figure of Li Changzhou appeared on the screen.


    Li Changzhou''splexion looked healthy, full of spirit, yet he was very thin, appearing to have aged a decade or more sincest year.


    "Uncle," Li Yuan began, his voice involuntarily lowering by several degrees.


    "What you have done is not right," Li Changzhou got straight to the point, his gaze gentle yet firm, as it had always been when looking directly at Li Yuan.


    Inside, Li Yuan couldn''t help feeling a twinge of panic.


    In front of his uncle, Li Changzhou, Li Yuan had always been like a child.


    "The first treatment payment of 16 million, totaling 74 million for the entire treatment? And to think you nned to hide it from me, not even consulting me?" Li Changzhou said slowly, "Li Yuan, what exactly were you thinking?"


    "Uncle, how did you find out?" Li Yuan couldn''t help asking.


    "I''m only injured, not senile. I used to be a martial artist too," Li Changzhou shook his head. "This morning, Professor Zhong sent me the treatment list. I consulted a few ssmates and soon realized that the items on the list far exceeded their apparent prices, even including High Origin products from the Star Realm... That''s when I knew something was off."


    "In any case, I''m aware of it now," Li Changzhou looked at Li Yuan. "This was the wrong move."


    "My body is already healed. I have been discharged for quite some time."


    "The Martial Arts Hall has also arranged free post-operative care, and the national support systems are veryprehensive. There''s no need for such an expensive treatment n," Li Changzhou shook his head. "It''s unnecessary."


    Conviction could be heard in Li Changzhou''s voice.


    "Free care isn''t good enough," Li Yuan shook his head. "Uncle, I''ve asked the doctors. With just that level of care, your body can''t possibly recover to its peak."


    "Besides, spending this money doesn''t affect me," Li Yuan spoke candidly. "Rest assured, this money isn''t borrowed from anyone; I earned it."


    "Earned it?"


    "How can you earn money when you''ve only been in university for a month?" Li Changzhou scrutinized Li Yuan, his voice full of doubt. "Isn''t it from the contracts with the Martial Hall, university, or somepetitions at the university?"


    "Right," Li Yuan nodded. "But this money is mine, and using it to treat your body, why can''t I?"


    "Wrong!"


    Li Changzhou''s voice suddenly rose, tinged with a barely concealed anger. "Li Yuan! You''re mistaken!"


    "This money isn''t yours!! In essence, it belongs to the state, to all the taxpayers."


    "You''re only in control of it because of your martial talents," Li Changzhou''s voice was deep and forceful.


    Li Yuan was stunned.


    He began to faintly grasp his uncle''s point.


    "Have you considered whether everything you''ve done up to now truly deserves such arge amount of money?" Li Changzhou stared at Li Yuan.


    "An ordinary person toils for a year just to earn a bit over a hundred thousand Blue Star Coins."


    "And you? In less than a year since high school, you''ve received several tens of millions of Blue Star Coins, not even including the various teacher resources and free cultivation resources."


    "You work hard at school, have a vi to yourself, people providing you everything you need, no worries about food, clothing, or housing, plus arge sum of money as long as you concentrate on cultivating and improving your strength... Do you think all thises without a price? That it''s something others owe you?"


    "This money isn''t just numbers pulled out of thin air."


    "Every single Blue Star Coin represents the hard work of countless people behind it, with martial artists dying in the Star Realm, ordinary people toiling away, resulting in equivalent goods," Li Changzhou looked directly at Li Yuan. "You''ve studied for so many years, don''t you understand this basic economic principle?"


    Li Yuan was silent.


    How could he not understand?


    From high school until now, the state, or rather human civilization, including all kinds of teachers, must have spent nearly fifty or sixty million Blue Star Coins on him.


    "Why do we have a widespread examination system across the alliance?"


    "Why do we cultivate martial artists with all our might? Why do we allocate vast resources to your group?" Li Changzhou gazed at Li Yuan, sighing. "You should understand better than I do."


    "You know better than me."


    "Our human civilization has always been faced with the threat of extinction! If we''re not strong, we die!!"


    "Investing vast resources to cultivate you, the martial talents, is entrusting our hopes to you."


    "Hopes that you would eventually be able to stand up and shoulder the responsibility of protecting civilization," Li Changzhou asserted gravely.


    "Uncle, I can earn this money backter..." Li Yuan''s voice was hesitant.


    "That''s for the future."


    "If this money was earned through your own efforts in the Star Realm, I wouldn''t mind spending it; it wouldn''t concern others."


    "But this money isn''t truly earned by you yet," Li Changzhou fixed his gaze on Li Yuan. "True, you have the authority over these funds, and actually, no one would care how you spend them."


    "But I taught you that as a person, you can be selfish, but there should be a line in your heart."


    "Previously, when you gave money to your aunt in secret, mainly to cultivate your younger brother and sister, and the amount wasn''t too much, I didn''t stop you."


    "But now, spending so much money on a cripple like me, if those who struggled to gather vast resources to cultivate you knew, would they understand?" Li Changzhou looked at Li Yuan. "They would only feel hurt!"


    "They would only think their hard work was wasted," Li Changzhou said somberly.


    "You''re not a cripple, uncle," Li Yuan couldn''t help but retort. "You''re a hero; these things are what you deserve."


    "Hero?"


    "In these past decades, the tens of thousands of soldiers and martial artists who died at Rob Sea, are they not more heroic than me?" Li Changzhou looked at Li Yuan. "In these past centuries, just in Xia Country, fighting against the Star Realm Creatures, the tens of millions that have perished, isn''t each one of them a hero? Who among them is inferior to me?"


    "Of all the human civilization to this day, aren''t the millions of fallen martial artists heroes?"


    "Do they all have the same treatment as I do?"


    Li Yuan opened his mouth.


    But he couldn''t refute it.


    Because it''s impossible for all fallen and disabled warriors to have such treatment.


    The resources of entire human civilization are finite, especially precious High Origin Treasures and martial resources, which are mostly supplied to the living martial artists.

 Chapter 145: 125: Dean Hai Arrives (Request for Monthly Tickets)

    August 3rd.


    Before 3 A.M., Li Yuan ended his cultivation practice with the Visualization Method, his energy and spirit fully restored to their peak.


    "This ''Observing the Great Sun Starry Sky Scripture'' truly is an incredible method," Li Yuan marveled inwardly.


    The longer the time passed, the deeper his understanding of Martial Arts Cultivation became, and he could sense the terrifying aspects of the Visualization Method.


    Other students needed sleep, supplementary medication, physiotherapy, medicinal baths, and many other methods to maintain long-term mental focus and alleviate physical fatigue.


    Li Yuan? He didn''t need any of those, the Visualization Method was enough.


    All 24 hours of the day, often minus time for eating and the asionalpse into daydreaming, he spent cultivating.


    In a sense, Li Yuan''s daily cultivation efficiency was equivalent to many students'' two days, or even longer.


    This was also why Li Yuan''s progress was so swift.


    Kung Fu!


    It requires talent, but even more so, time to hone it.


    "Whoosh! Whoosh!" Li Yuan resumed practicing with the spear, the spear light flickering, constantly moving and changing unpredictably within the Martial Arts Room.


    "My body," he said.


    "Stepping into the Fourth Level High Rank, my mind further prates my flesh and blood, my senses even sharper," Li Yuan practiced with his spear while sensing his body.


    Gradually, Li Yuan noticed that within his sinews and muscles, there flowed strands of extremely subtle Vigor.


    These strands of Vigor were like silk, each one very weak, but they spread across every corner of his body, originating from the blood, periosteum, and muscle fibers... When these tens of thousands of strands of Vigor converged, they contained an extremely terrifying force.


    "Is this what Subtle Strength is?" A surprise shed in Li Yuan''s heart: "I never noticed it before!"


    Previously, Li Yuan knew that after achieving subtlety in the mind, the exploitation of physical power would reach an inconceivable level.


    But how strong was it, exactly? He did not know.


    Today, after stepping into the Fourth Level High Rank, a wholly dedicated cultivation session allowed him to finally sense it.


    Seeing with his own eyes, feeling with his own mind, waspletely different from others'' descriptions.


    It''s like having one ton of Fist Strength; hearing others describe how powerful it is, reading textual descriptions, and actually possessing one ton of Fist Strength are worlds apart.


    "If I can control these tens of thousands of subtle Vigor strands, the power I could unleash would be at least several times stronger," Li Yuan inwardly eximed: "Is this the ultimate strength of the human body?"


    The human body is a treasure trove.


    It contains great secrets.


    Two individuals with the same Life Level, the one with the superior skills can unleash a power and speed that are vastly different.


    "Do skills, from Fourth Level High Rank to Fourth Level Perfection Subtly, mean gradually gaining control over these strands of subtle Vigor?" Li Yuan understood the direction of the next stage.


    From the Third Stage to the initial stage of the Fourth Level, it means controlling the major sinew, bone, and muscle power of the body, fully unleashing it with the waist, abdomen, and spine as the core without wasting a strand of Vigor, achieving ''Unity of Mind and Body.''


    From the initial stage of the Fourth Level to High Rank, it means digging deeper into the body''s strength, bing more refined.


    The ultimate Fourth Level Perfection is aboutpletely controlling every subtle strand of Vigor in the body.


    That is why it is called ''Subtlety of Spirit.''


    "Hoo!"


    Fully clear about the direction of the next stage of cultivation, Li Yuan cultivated with even more enthusiasm.


    Having a clear goal makes the journey more solid.


    "With such diligent cultivation and spear practice, the stimtion to my body is also immense; in terms of efficiency, it''s almost catching up to one third of the ''Solid Rock Cultivation Technique,''" Li Yuan gradually realized this: "In the future, the ''Solid Rock Cultivation Technique'' will probably be less and less effective for me; once my spirit is subtle, it will be useless."


    As his realm grew higher, Li Yuan also saw more clearly the purpose of Basic Cultivation Methods.


    They''re the high-level summariespiled by the predecessors on the Martial Path, a set of methods that allow ordinary people to explore their body''s potential to the greatest extent.


    The many postures during cultivation are essentially, from the perspective of ''subtle Vigor'' or even a higher realm, designed to stimte every part of the body as much as possible.


    Different Cultivation Methods are suitable for people with different physiques.


    "And the High Rank Cultivation Methods are ways to stimte the body to absorb Origin Power faster," Li Yuan mused to himself.


    In his mind, the ''Ster Trajectory Diagram'' that resembled silk threads, which he vaguely remembered from the second time he absorbed Origin Power into his body within the ''Dark Space,'' spontaneously emerged.


    Li Yuan always felt that it would be very important.


    "Perhaps, when my strength is greater, I will understand," Li Yuan sighed inwardly: "My spiritual power level 20, the upper limit of Spiritual Awakening Level has only been raised to 25%."


    "It seems that to increase the Spiritual Awakening Level to 30%, or even 50%, I must reach a higher level of spiritual power, level 25? Level 30 spiritual power?" Li Yuan could only guess for the time being.


    For now.


    What''s more important is to strive to raise his Physical Quality to level 14.


    "Now that my technique has further improved, my body evolves faster, perhaps, I could try consuming more ''High Origin Spirit Spring,''" the thought suddenly flickered through Li Yuan''s mind.


    The more consumed, as long as one can digest and train sufficiently, the faster the body''s evolution will naturally be.


    ...


    After practicing with the spear until eight in the morning, Li Yuan had breakfast and then took a bath and changed clothes.


    As for clothes, the Martial Arts Room cleaning, and vi maintenance, etc., the school logistics department would arrange for people to take care of everything thoroughly.


    Taking a flying vehicle, he arrived outside the Xuanwu Building.


    Yesterday was drizzle and mists; today, it had already turned into a sunny day, quite hot in the summer.


    The za outside the Xuanwu Building was already crowded with at least a thousand students gathered here.


    Li Yuan got off the vehicle from afar and walked toward the direction where the freshmen of the Sixth Institute were gathering.


    "Li Yuan."


    "Li Yuan has arrived." Several freshmen from different institutes recognized Li Yuan along the way; many even greeted him actively.


    Li Yuan nodded in response as he passed.

 Chapter 140: 122: Fourth Level High Rank, Bright Moon

    The prompts on the Divine Pce panel flickered, and Li Yuan took notice, but he did not stop to check as he had in the past.


    Instead, he continued practicing with his spear.


    His movements were as graceful as the wind, with his long spear dancing mightily without faltering, each thrust erupting with inconceivable might.


    Ster Illumination, Gxy Waterfall, Dawn Piercing the Clouds, Meteor Fall... Li Yuan executed each of his four major techniques in turn, his entire being faintly imbued with the essence of the stars.


    Ten times!


    A hundred times! A thousand times!


    The insights gained from months of solitary spear practice, the life-and-death struggles inbat assessments, the guidance from Teacher Li Yang, thebat wisdom from Teacher Jiang Lun and the other two sparring partners... it all amounted to what many others would take years or even longer to amass in spear training.


    At this moment, at the instant of perfect synergy between Li Yuan''s heart and his long spear.


    It burst forthpletely.


    "[Your Spear Technique Skill Realm has risen from 62% at the Fourth Level to 63% at the Fourth Level]," an asional prompt still shed on the Divine Pce panel.


    Advancing, Straight Thrust, Cleaving Spear, Retreating Right, Sweeping Spear, Crushing Spear... If observed by a Spear Technique Master, one would discover that Li Yuan was gradually entering a special state of ''clear-sightedness''.


    His mind waspletely empty.


    And his spirit fully unified.


    ...


    This practice sessionsted until past seven o''clock in the evening, before Li Yuan finally came out of his self-forgetful state.


    He exited that special mindset.


    "Phew~" Fatigue from every part of his body swept over him like a tide, making Li Yuan involuntarily put down his long spear and sit down on the ground.


    "It''s past seven?"


    "I was so engrossed that I practiced for nearly five hours?" Looking at the time, Li Yuan secretly sighed in relief: "Lucky I had some of the High Origin Spirit Spring just two days ago and ate plenty at noon, otherwise I would really not have been able to keep up from the afternoon until evening."


    As his focus shifted from the long spear, hunger pangs immediately struck Li Yuan.


    He quickly ordered five nutrition meals.


    Then, Li Yuan got up, dragging his exhausted body, and downed a bottle of First Rank Qi and Blood Potion from the rest room.


    Having reached the level that Li Yuan was at, Qi and Blood Potions had transitioned from being supplements to ''stamina restoration potions'', gradually diminishing in their role of enhancing physical quality.


    "Spear Technique." Li Yuan put down the empty bottle and nced at the Divine Pce panel, suddenly stunned.


    ¡ª¡ª


    [Life Level: 12.8 (First Rank)]


    Fist Strength: 4590 kilograms


    Speed: 34.8 meters/second


    Spiritual Power: Level 20.5


    Spiritual Awakening Level: 25% (Current limit 25%)


    Skill Realm: Spear Technique (Fourth Level 65%), Movement Technique (Fourth Level 48%), Fist Technique (Fourth Level 67%)


    ...


    "65%?" Li Yuan was somewhat surprised, his epiphany had increased his mastery by more than 10%.


    Even his Movement Technique had improved significantly.


    "Physical Quality has improved by 0.1 level, and my spiritual power by 0.5 level," Li Yuan thought in astonishment.


    Just one afternoon.


    "Teacher Li Yang once said."


    "The mind is the most powerful force. When the heart has enlightenment, all aspects will be improved," Li Yuan muttered to himself, "The progress of the mind has greatly enhanced my control over my body during my epiphany."


    "The moreplete the mind, the more natural the growth of spiritual power."


    "Body." Li Yuan closed his eyes and surveyed his interior, feeling an even deeper connection to his body, barely sensing the flow of every drop of blood.


    The pulsing and operation of the five internal organs seemed to be within his control.


    "Is this what High Rank Fourth Level body awareness feels like?" Li Yuan marveled to himself.


    The higher the skill, the deeper the excavation of bodily strength, the more terrifying the progress of physical quality.


    This is also why those martial arts geniuses, even after breaking through the Life Level of 15, could still improve several levels in a year.


    The gap between geniuses and ordinary people gradually formed.


    Until it becamepletely insurmountable.


    "With this special epiphany."


    "For theing period, my Spear Technique should not slow down," Li Yuan pondered, "Only the ''Subtlety'' of moving from high rank Fourth Level to perfect Fourth Level can stop me now."


    Before reaching Subtlety, all Li Yuan needed was time.


    If it were any other Martial Artist at level fifteen or so.


    After reaching High Rank Fourth Level in skill, due to the weakness of spiritual power, it would be very difficult to sense the whole body and near impossible to achieve Subtlety.


    This is the difference in foundation.


    This is also why most martial arts geniuses can only hope for Subtlety after bing a Prime Warrior.


    But for Li Yuan, the bottleneck of spiritual power simply didn''t exist.


    Strong spiritual power was a crucial reason for Li Yuan''s rapid progress.


    ...


    After eating, Li Yuan felt refreshed and took a bath.


    After some reflection, he initiated a call to Wan Qinghe.


    Soon the video link connected.


    Wan Qinghe''s figure appeared.


    "Uncle Wan," Li Yuan greeted with a smile, "I hope I''m not disturbing you by calling sote."


    "Not at all," Wan Qinghe replied with a smile, "How did it go? Did your uncle agree?"


    "No," Li Yuan shook his head.


    "I guessed you wouldn''t persuade him," Wan Qinghe said with a touch of regret, "I contacted him during the day. I don''t fully agree with his views, but I have to admire your uncle''s resolve."


    "Actually, I offered to help him this morning... and was declined as well."


    "If his determination was aimed at someone else, that would be another matter."


    "But your uncle is applying it to himself," Wan Qinghe continued with emotion, "I personally couldn''t do it."


    Li Yuan listened in silence.


    If it were his aunt, brother or sister in trouble, and his uncle refused treatment, Li Yuan would never just stand by.


    But this rehabilitation and longevity n was for Li Changzhou himself.


    Wan Qinghe looked at Li Yuan and continued, "As for the state rewards and Martial Hall appropriations for martial arts geniuses, though the purpose is to encourage your cultivation, part of it is indeed a ''Settling-In Fund'' for you to practice with peace of mind."


    "Including vis in areas like Starfire South Lake District... that''s the idea," Wan Qinghe exined, "The ''Rehabilitation and Longevity n'' you created for your uncle indeed exceeds the usual settling-in expenses."


    "But how should I put it? The money is given to you, and how you spend it is really up to you," Wan Qinghe said, "Martial arts ultimately seek a clear and unhindered mind."


    "This is also why I didn''t stop youst May when you asked me after I understood your intentions," he added.


    "Mmm." Li Yuan nodded slightly.


    Li Yuan was aware of this; in martial arts cultivation, one amasses great power within oneself, which is why the Martial Hall and even human civilization afford such great privileges and freedom to the ''martial artistmunity''.


    Because it''s uncontroble.


    The mighty martial force of a martial artist originates from within, and nobody can take it away.


    "You''re thinking right, and you''re doing right," Wan Qinghe said. "Your uncle... he''s also done nothing wrong, and is even more admirable. People like your uncle, once they decide something, others find it very difficult to shake their will."


    Li Yuan sighed in his heart.


    Why didn''t he dare to tell his uncle at the beginning? It was because he feared his uncle would refuse if he knew the truth.


    And indeed, that was the case.


    "My uncle resists internally; I can''t force him," Li Yuan shook his head and said. "I can only wait until I am strong enough to find a solution, just worried that if it drags on for too long, his body will weaken even more."


    Working hard to be stronger, and then to earn money on his own, that was Li Yuan''s goal.


    "Li Yuan."


    "You don''t need to worry too much. I had Professor Zhong re-examine him today, and your uncle is only in his forties. His body has no major issues, it''s just that his vitality is severely damaged," Wan Qinghe said. "Even if it''s a year or twoter, the impact won''t be fatal."


    "Moreover."


    "With the current technology, even if we implement a rehabilitation n, his body can''t recover to its peak. We can only say that his expected lifespan would be extended by a decade or two," Wan Qinghe said. "Rather than that, you might set your sights further in the future.


    If youe across some heavenly materials and treasures, not only could you restore his health, but his lifespan could be even longer than that of an average person."


    "Heavenly materials and treasures?" Li Yuan was startled.


    "Yes."


    "Some treasures in the depths of the Star Realm are quite special and have extremely unique healing effects on ordinary people. Regrowing flesh and reviving bones are a bit of an exaggeration, but for cases like your uncle''s, the effect is definitely ten times better than any rehabilitation n," Wan Qinghe said with a smile.


    "However, these treasures are extremely rare, and as soon as one is found, it is immediately used up. I only know about them from conversations with my senior brothers."


    "Once you be a top-grade Origin Martial Artist, you will have more connections and know more people, then you can think of a n," Wan Qinghe said with a smile.


    "Alright," Li Yuan felt a stir in his heart.


    Yes!


    He was being somewhat shortsighted.


    Rehabilitation ns extending his uncle''s life expectancy to ny were only the limit of current human technology... But some treasures from the Star Realm could work even better.


    "I''ll leave it at that."


    "You concentrate on your cultivation at Kunlun Martial University," Wan Qinghe said with a smile. "I will keep an eye on your family."


    "Thank you, Uncle Wan," Li Yuan said gratefully.


    ...


    Ending the video call.


    After his exchange with Wan Qinghe, Li Yuan felt even more at peace internally.


    He went out onto the balcony.


    Li Yuan couldn''t help but gaze into the distance, where the lights of each vi were on.


    In the further directiony the school''s ''Logistics Department'' building.


    At eight o''clock at night, it was still brightly lit.


    With Li Yuan''s exceptional eyesight, aided by the flood of lights, he could still see numerous staff bustling about, navigating in their flying vehicles.


    To serve so many students, the logistics department had to work 24 hours a day.


    A gust of wind brushed gently against his face, clearing Li Yuan''s thoughts even more.


    "Going forward,"


    "I''ll strive to pour all the prize money I win into cultivation," Li Yuan silently pledged. "I''ll advance to level 14 as quickly as possible to see what Spiritual Guidance truly is."


    "Right now?"


    "With my grasp of the Ster Four Techniques, I should have a great chance at challenging the Bright Moon Stage," Li Yuan turned and walked towards the rest room. "I''m still 300 Points short; I''ll make a push tonight."


    "Let''s see if I can break into the Bright Moon Stage in one go."


    Li Yuan needed to secure the 20 million Blue Star Coins of the Bright Moon Stage by August 29th.


    ...


    Over three hourster.


    In the virtualwork, the Starry Skies Fighting Network, Li Yuan was engaged in fierce battles with one opponent after another.


    "ng! ng! ng!" Li Yuan''s long spear whirled, as he put his all into disying the Ster Spear Technique, every move swirling like the stars, its power terrifying.


    Not only could he easily parry the opponent''s war hammer attacks, but the light from his spear also forced his foe into disarray.


    "Ster Four Techniques."


    "Truly wonderful," Li Yuan immersed himself inbat. "Ster Illumination is for defense, making one''s self unbreakable like the stars."


    "Gxy Waterfall is for consecutive strikes. If given enough time to build up the Twelve Continuous Strikes, its power is the strongest."


    "Dawn Piercing the Clouds is speed, using the utmost speed to burst forth and kill the enemy."


    "Meteor Fall is fierce. Though not as fast as Dawn Piercing the Clouds, it excels at direct bombardment," the more Li Yuan fought, the more exhrating he felt.


    Such Second Rank Secret Manual moves, taken individually, each had its ws.


    But whenbined, their power grew exponentially.


    "Puff!"


    After dozens of exchanges of moves, apanied by a streak of spear light across the neck, the opponent finally could not hold on any longer.


    Their body turned into nothingness.


    "Congrattions Defender¡¤Yuan, you''ve won the stage match. Points +9," the system''s prompt instantly sounded.


    Li Yuan noted the change in points.


    "No time to rest. Fighting nearly forty fights is indeed tiring," Li Yuan nced at the points on the Starry Skies Fighting Network.


    Stage Match: Fallen Star Stage.


    Points: 994 points (1000 Points required for the promotion match)


    Stage Win Rate: 76%


    ...


    In the past few months.


    As his skill level increased, even though he only entered the Combat Network asionally to fight, Li Yuan''s win rate was on the rise.


    Especially after today''s breakthrough in spear technique, Li Yuan fought 37 battles, losing only two.


    The two he lost, one was indeed terrifying with movement techniques and swordy inbination.


    The other was a Bright Moon Stage master.


    "Just 6 points short. If I''m lucky, I''ll be able to participate in the promotion match after the next battle," Li Yuan reached out to click match. "I hope the matching will be quick."


    All these hours, Li Yuan had spent a fair amount of time simply ''waiting to match''.


    After all, even though it''s global matchmaking, the number of high-level experts in the Bright Moon Stage is not that many.


    To Li Yuan''s surprise, after just five seconds.


    "Buzz~"


    Along with a sh of light, Li Yuan entered a brand new battle arena and immediately spotted his opponent in the distance.


    "Tian Dazhuang?"


    "Li Yuan?" Tian Dazhuang was equally astounded.

 Chapter 141: 123: Being the Matchmaker! Number One in Jiangbei!

    ```


    "To actually get matched up."


    "Long time no see." Li Yuan and Tian Dazhuang were both incredibly surprised.


    You see, it was almost midnight now, and by all ounts, most students would have already gone to sleep.


    Plus, since it''s global matchmaking, the chances of being matched up were slim¡ªit was just too coincidental.


    "You''re not sleeping thiste?" Li Yuan said with a smile, not making the first move.


    It''s not every day you run into a friend, so you tend to chat a little more.


    "Aren''t you upte too?" Tian Dazhuang said with augh, casually holding a heavy saber in his hand.


    The two of them hadn''t met many times.


    To be precise, they had only interacted once,


    But it was from that single encounter that both felt the other was a person of simr aspirations and character.


    It was quite rare.


    "Heard you went to Kunlun Martial University, how is it feeling?" Tian Dazhuang asked proactively.


    "Not bad, just that there aren''t any rivals among my peers, it''s a bit boring." Li Yuan shook his head, "Besides me, the two strongest are Wu Luo."


    "Wu Luo?" Tian Dazhuang was puzzled at first, then nodded his head, "I have a bit of an impression."


    His memory of Wu Luo was vague.


    During the Jiangbei Martial University recruitment event, he hadn''t paid much attention to students below the Fourth Level.


    Then Tian Dazhuangughed, "Makes sense, with your strength, going to Kunlun Martial University must be a killing spree. If it weren''t for yourck of awakened Martial Spirit, you definitely would havee to Starfire University, then it would''ve been more lively."


    "What about you? Still number one?" Li Yuan teased.


    "No chance."


    "In this Combat Assessment, I didn''t even make the top fifty. There''s a big gap between my Physical Quality and those freaks up front, it''ll take at least another year to catch up." Tian Dazhuang shrugged, "However, every virtual match, I do give a lot of people a good beating."


    "Speaking of skill alone, I''m probably in the top ten of our year," Tian Dazhuang said frankly.


    This wasn''t bragging, but treating Li Yuan as a peer.


    Li Yuan nodded slightly. Tian Dazhuang''s talent in skills indeed was extremely high.


    He reached the Fourth Level several months earlier than Li Yuan had.


    "To be able to match up with me, seems like you''ve improved a lot. Your Fallen Star rank points must have exceeded 800 by now," Tian Dazhuang said excitedly to Li Yuan.


    "994 points," Li Yuan smiled.


    Tian Dazhuang was stunned for a moment, suddenly remembering that the system had reminded him his opponent had 994 points.


    He was too excited seeing Li Yuan and had simply forgotten.


    Tian Dazhuang, also an expert with over 900 points in Fallen Star rank, knew the significance of this score.


    He was only 6 points away from advancing to the Bright Moon rank.


    "Got it."


    "If you win against me, you could participate in the promotion match?" Tian Dazhuang showed a smile, "Impressive, I just reached 900 points today and haven''t been in the Bright Moon promotion match yet."


    "But in this fight, I won''t hold back." Tian Dazhuang was confident.


    Although Li Yuan had a higher score, in Starry Skies Fighting Network battles, scores do not represent strength.


    Subconsciously, Tian Dazhuang still considered himself stronger; this wasn''t blind confidence.


    After all, he entered the Fourth Level earlier than Li Yuan and was studying at the better Starfire University.


    "Haha, it''s better if you don''t hold back." Li Yuan alsoughed, "I''ve wanted to battle you for a while now. I regretted not meeting you during the invitation match."


    It was indeed regrettable.


    If skills werepared, Li Yuan likely would not be a match for Tian Dazhuang during the Jiangbei Martial University invitation event.


    But in his bones, Li Yuan was unafraid of battles; winning or losing wasn''t the goal.


    Enjoying the process is what truly enhances oneself.


    "Haha, alright, let''s fight it out." Tian Dazhuang said with augh.


    In an instant.


    Li Yuan and Tian Dazhuang stopped talking, just silently staring at each other, both beginning to adjust their state.


    In virtual duels, both fighters'' Physical Quality is set at level 10.0.


    What''s tested is theirbat skills.


    "Attack!" The moment Tian Dazhuang moved, he was like a cannonball shot out, pouncing towards Li Yuan like lightning.


    The heavy saber swung straight down in a cleaving motion.


    A heavy saber is longer and much heavier than a regrbat saber, with greater momentum and weight¡ªit can be considered a heavy weapon.


    "Haha, bring it on." Li Yuanughed out loud, advancing instead of retreating.


    His long spear leaped forward, thrusting straight like lightning in a counter-attack.


    Can a saber be longer than a spear?


    "ng!" Tian Dazhuang quickly retracted his heavy saber, holding it across like a small shield to block in front of him, and straightway caught the tip of the spear.


    "ng~" As soon as it touched, there wasn''t the expected head-to-head sh, and Tian Dazhuang had already skillfully unloaded the force and retreated.


    "Running away?"


    Li Yuan smiled, surged forward like a gust of wind, noticeably faster than Tian Dazhuang; his long spear whirling high, then crashing down fiercely upon Tian Dazhuang.


    This blow, if itnded, was enough to shatter one''s brains.


    "Such fast speed." Tian Dazhuang''s expression changed slightly, sensing something was amiss.


    Li Yuan was attacking too rapidly, giving him no chance to evade.


    "Boom~" Tian Dazhuang used his saber to block, feeling a terrifying force transmit through the long spear to his makeshift shield. Even though he tried his best to apply unloading techniques, his arms still went numb from the impact.


    "Boom!" Tian Dazhuang retreated like lightning, warily watching Li Yuan.


    If Tian Dazhuang was full of confidence before the sh,


    Then after this exchange, he understood that the other''sbat skills clearly surpassed his own.


    "Improved this quickly?"


    "During the Jiangbei Martial University invitation event, he had only just reached the Fourth Level, it''s been less than five months, and he''s already stronger than me?" Tian Dazhuang was shocked.


    At the time of the Jiangbei invitation, Tian Dazhuang''s Sword Technique was nearly at the Intermediate Rank of the Fourth Level.


    After so long, and studying at Starfire University with the finest training, his Sword Technique was nearly at the High Rank of the Fourth Level.


    In the eyes of his teachers, he was already considered a rare talent.


    ```

 Chapter 142: 123: A Favor for a Grown-up! Number One in Jiangbei!_2

    But Li Yuan''s progress was noticeably faster than his.


    "Just because my technique is a bit inferior doesn''t mean I can''t win," Tian Dazhuang said with unrivaled calmness, no longer shing head-on with Li Yuan but instead shifting to a grappling fight.


    "Boom!"


    Li Yuan, on the other hand, was fiercely aggressive, his long spear like a dragon, striking at Tian Dazhuang like lightning again and again.


    The Ster Spear Technique was best at defense, particrly against being besieged or facing stronger opponents.


    Ster, wless, stable, and vast.


    Defensively impregnable, and when attacking, it was overwhelmingly powerful, fierce and aggressive. There wasn''t much variation, but its aim was to sweep and crush, topletely shatter any opponents in front.


    ...


    In the virtualwork, the Starry Skies Fighting Network hosted a very special area that normal people could not ess.


    Here, there were two individuals.


    One wore a white robe, the other, a ck robe.


    In front of them was a holographic projection showcasing the scene of Li Yuan and Tian Dazhuang''s bout.


    "Tian Dazhuang, a key talent cultivated by Starfire University this year, is actually not a match for this Li Yuan?" the person in the white robe said softly, "His spear technique is really good."


    "Yes, the Ster Spear Technique. Li Yuan has already grasped its true essence," the person in the ck robe said slowly, "Not even eighteen, and he''s at the high rank of the Fourth Level."


    "And ording to his information, he reached the Fallen Star level only in March. "


    "In less than five months, he rushed from stepping into the Fourth Level all the way to high rank?" the person in the white robe said in surprise, "A student from Kunlun Martial University?"


    "Yes," the person in the ck robeughed softly, "It seems that Xia Country has seen the rise of an extraordinary genius."


    The two of them.


    Were Xia Country''s ''Observers'' at the Starry Skies Fighting Network, watching arge number of battles daily and marking certainbatants as noteworthy.


    "Look at that."


    "Oh!" eximed the person in the white robe suddenly, "It looks like Tian Dazhuang is about to lose. It''s quite impressive that he''s managed to hold on for so long."


    ...


    In thebat arena, Li Yuan and Tian Dazhuang had reached an intensely heated stage of the fight.


    "ng!"


    "Bang~" "Pong~" The long spear and the broadsword collided over and over, with Li Yuan clearly in the dominant position.


    In terms of burst strength, speed, and skill, Li Yuan held the advantage.


    The spear also had a certain advantage in an open field like the arena for hand-to-handbat.


    An inch longer, an inch stronger.


    But Tian Dazhuang''s movement technique was excellent, moving again and again with simple yet highly effective steps, constantly evading Li Yuan''s fierce attacks.


    "Dy."


    "His movement technique is not as good as mine; look for an opportunity," Tian Dazhuang thought to himself, being abat genius, quickly realizing this during the fight.


    "Even if I can''t win, I can still hone my sword technique," he thought to himself, fully engaged in the struggle.


    "Interesting."


    "Speaking of movement technique alone, I am indeed slightly inferior to Tian Dazhuang," Li Yuan revealed with a smile, "I''ve invested too much thought into my spear technique."


    In the Dragon Movement Technique? Li Yuan hardly practiced it deliberately, only incidentally as part of his training with punches and spears.


    The less one practices, the lower the skill level naturally.


    Li Yuan''s great improvement in spear technique in such a short time was also rted to the time and effort he spent.


    "Such a fight."


    "Is also great practice for my own movement technique," Li Yuan did not employ his true killing moves.


    After dozens of exchanges, Li Yuan saw that Tian Dazhuang''s sword technique had not reached the high rank of the Fourth Level.


    His grasp on actualbat seemed to fall shortpared to Li Yuan''s, and in overall strength, there was indeed a gap.


    Li Yuan, first out of respect for this friend,


    And second, to properly refine his own movement technique,


    Did not fully unleash his power.


    "Boom!" "Boom!"


    The two fought fiercely, but not just for sheer victory; it was more for honing their own weaknesses.


    As their strength was depleting, both were running low on stamina, and the speed of their moves gradually declined.


    In the virtualbatwork, everything was a simtion of reality.


    Whether it was bleeding from an injury or fighting for too long, it would affect the performance of one''s strength.


    "Something''s not right."


    "It''s true that my movement technique is slightly stronger, but his body control is clearly better than mine, and his burst speed is even faster. The arena is only so big; he definitely has the opportunity to crush and kill me," Tian Dazhuang realized, "And furthermore, he doesn''t seem to have ever used his spear technique''s finishing move."


    A high rank in the Fourth Level with no knowledge of spear technique finishers? Is that possible?


    "Li Yuan''s strength is a cut above mine; he hasn''t fully erupted. Does he want to sharpen his movement technique?" Tian Dazhuang sighed inwardly, "Is he already so much stronger than me?"


    "Well."


    "Regardless, I''ll give it my all in this fight," Tian Dazhuang quickly adjusted his mindset, no longer pursuing ''victory,'' but instead aiming for purebat.


    To enjoy this battle.


    "Boom!" Li Yuan''s long spear suddenly quickened, unleashing the ''Gxy Waterfall''s'' Twelve Continuous Strikes, with the speed of the spear shadow skyrocketing instantly.


    "ng!"


    "ng! ng!" The collisions were like lightning strikes.


    Tian Dazhuang felt wave after wave of overwhelming force barraging him, barely able to withstand it.


    "Kill!" Instead of retreating, Tian Dazhuang became even more ferocious,unching an offensive as an answer to the offensive, fully demonstrating his aplishments in the sword technique.


    Tian Dazhuang, a farm boy who walked out from the mountains and rose all the way to Starfire University, was propelled by his absolute talent and cool judgement.


    Earning him the high expectations of countless people.


    In this moment, facing Li Yuan''s tempest-like spear attacks, Tian Dazhuang, under immense pressure, became ever moreposed inside.


    Gradually.


    Tian Dazhuang entered a unique state, where he felt his sword technique bing smoother and each strike he delivered was much faster and more forceful.


    "High Rank of the Fourth Level."


    "The Golden Cleaving de Technique''s fourth form, ''Mountain-splitting Sea-cleaving,''" Tian Dazhuang had an epiphany, finally glimpsing the hope of breaking through the bottleneck that had confined him for so long.


    His de became faster.


    "Did he break through?"

 Chapter 143: 123: A Favor for a Grown-up! Number One in Jiangbei!_3

    "A sudden enlightenment?" Li Yuan couldn''t help but smile, as he had already felt Tian Dazhuang''s sword technique was undergoing a rapid transformation.


    Subconsciously.


    Li Yuan''s long spear moved even faster, spear shadows intertwined,pletely suppressing Tian Dazhuang.


    The build-up of the Twelve Continuous Strikes had already reached its apex, but Li Yuan controlled the spear momentum to switch and did not fully release it, instead applying full pressure on Tian Dazhuang, trying to give him even greater stress.


    Finally.


    Li Yuan felt Tian Dazhuang''s sword technique gradually bing stable; it was clear the breakthrough was nearing its end.


    Tian Dazhuang''s eyes also became brighter, fixed on Li Yuan, as if seeing the hope of victory.


    "Haha."


    "Be careful, Dazhuang," Li Yuan suddenlyughed, spear shadows bursting forth like rollicking waves.


    Like a breached dam.


    "Boom!" The terrifying long spear tore through the vast sky, like a boulder whistling down, containing an unbelievable impact force.


    As fast as lightning, as heavy as a mountain.


    "Not good." Tian Dazhuang, who had just broken through, felt his joy not yet dissipated when his face drastically changed, sensing Li Yuan''s aurapletely transformed, with an unshakeable presence.


    Subconsciously he raised his sword to counter.


    After one collision, Tian Dazhuang was sted back several steps, his internal energy roiling ufortably.


    "Retreat!"


    Fighting the difort, Tian Dazhuang tried to dodge.


    "Dawn Piercing Clouds." Li Yuan, however, was on a roll, unleashing the Gxy Waterfall and instantly following with the "Dawn Piercing Clouds" technique.


    "Whoosh!" Another dreadful spear light tore through the vast sky, its speed reaching the extreme, faster than the previous move.


    This was Li Yuan''s burst of maximum speed.


    "This quick?" Tian Dazhuang found it difficult to believe, barely able to see the burst of this spear thrust.


    He could only swing his sword subconsciously.


    "Pfft!"


    Before the broadsword could block the attack, the spear light had already swept past his neck, blood flowing.


    Tian Dazhuang felt his body bing ethereal, understanding that this swift spear thrust had directly taken his life.


    He lost.


    It was an unquestionable defeat.


    But Tian Dazhuang harbored no feelings of defeat; he was utterly convinced by his loss and filled with gratitude.


    Tian Dazhuang understood, if Li Yuan had fully erupted from the start, he would have been defeated in just tens of moves.


    The other party had seen his sword technique breakthrough and had consciously aided him, not exploding in full force.


    ...


    Whew! Tian Dazhuang''s figurepletely vanished.


    "I won." Li Yuan revealed a smile, as he had just received the system prompt.


    Points reached 1000, and he could now enter the promotion match.


    "A fight, and my movement technique improved by 2%?" Li Yuan was slightly surprised, instantly understanding that this was because of greater control over his body.


    Suddenly.


    "Hmm?" Li Yuan sensed something, it was a V-message from Tian Dazhuang.


    Just two words: "Thank you."


    This was their first exchange since adding each other on V. Li Yuan smiled and replied with three words: "You''re wee."


    He closed themunication.


    "I won."


    "Back at the Jiangbei recruiting event, I was the number one in thebat assessment," Li Yuan thought, "The then universally acknowledged strongest skill holder Tian Dazhuang, now, has also fallen to my hands."


    "Of the million senior high students in Jiangbei Province," Li Yuan muttered to himself, "I, now, should truly be considered the number one in Jiangbei, right?"


    The number one in realbat!


    The number one in skill!


    "On this long Martial Path, surpassing each opponent, bing stronger," Li Yuan grasped a hint of aplishment.


    Martial Path, constantly surpassing, bing ever stronger!


    "Confirm, participate in the Bright Moon promotion match," Li Yuan said deeply, instantly transforming into a streak of light and scattering away.


    ...


    "I won."


    "This Li Yuan, is truly remarkable, seeing Tian Dazhuang''s breakthrough, he actually allowed his opponent to break through," two observers in the Observation Space expressed their surprise.


    "He''s very confident," said the observer in ck robes with a smile, "Such magnanimity is also very rare."


    "Indeed, it''s rather exceptional for Kunlun Martial University to produce such a student," the observer in white robes also nodded in approval.


    Some ten minutester.


    "Oh, he won his Bright Moon promotion match, he won quite cleanly and decisively."


    "It wasn''t a challenge for him."


    "I''ll check... including those from the three top-tier famous schools, there are only 17 Bright Moon stage students of this year''s first-year students globally, adding him, and well, Tian Dazhuang should be able to reach it in a few days too."


    "Yes, but Li Yuan is very young."


    "He''s our Xia Country''s first to reach Bright Moon stage before turning 18 this year, and the third globally."


    "Let''s issue the rewards, and also notify Starfire Martial Hall and Kunlun Martial University directly, don''t wait for the Starry Skies Fighting Network to do it."

 Chapter 144: 124 Everyone is Shocked (28,000 Monthly Ticket Additional Release)

    Dongfang Ji, as the top human warrior and founder of the Starfire Martial Hall, spent most of his time on the distant Feixing.


    However, he paid great attention to his homnd, ''Xia Country.''


    For example, the ''Blue Star headquarters'' of the Starfire Martial Hall was located in Xia Country.


    Simrly, Blue Star''s Starfire University was located in the northern part of Xia Country''s capital.


    Starfire University was much smaller than Kunlun Martial University in terms of scale, because it recruited less than 400 students each year, and that was on a global scale.


    The entire school had fewer than 2,000 students.


    Each student would rank among the top echelon at any of the five renowned schools in Xia Country.


    Even those who were slightly better would almost feel like they were crushing others from a different dimension.


    Night, inside one of the student vis.


    "Phew!"


    Tian Dazhuang left the virtualwork capsule and came out to the balcony, where he was greeted by the cold wind.


    "So strong."


    "Li Yuan''s spear is terrifyingly fast; it''s simply not like someone who has just touched the cusp of Fourth Level High Rank."


    "The gap between him and me is huge," Tian Dazhuang closed his eyes, recalling the battle they just had in the virtualwork.


    If he had lost to some expert who had practiced for decades, Tian Dazhuang wouldn''t care.


    But he had lost to a peer whose skills used to be inferior to his own.


    To say there wasn''t the slightest ripple in Tian Dazhuang''s heart?


    That would be a lie.


    "In our battle, hepletely controlled the field and was too calm¡ªthat level ofbat consciousness is simply unimaginable," Tian Dazhuang shook his head.


    He thought himself calm enough, but still felt small emotional fluctuations.


    His exchange with Li Yuan, however, was absolutely rational, absolutely calm.


    From beginning to end, Li Yuan didn''t make a single mistake.


    Seeing his own breakthrough, Li Yuan would ease up, waiting for it to finish; and once Tian''s breakthrough ended, it was like a thunderstorm striking, sweeping him away directly.


    "He, at least half a month or even a month ago, must have already stepped into the Fourth Level High Rank," Tian Dazhuang sighed inwardly: "Such speed of cultivation is really exaggerated; I really wonder how he trains."


    "Even if it''s Dantai Feng, Gong Mi, or Salvatore, their speed of cultivation wouldn''t be this fast."


    In Jiangbei Province, Tian Dazhuang was a top genius, previously unparalleled in skill.


    In the Jiangbei invitational event, the Li Yuan, Wang Yu, and even Wu Dongdong of that time had a clear gap with him.


    At Starfire University, although his skills barely ranked among the top ten of his cohort, they were not the most elite.


    Dantai Feng, Gong Mi, Salvatore¡ªwhen these three had just enrolled, they already possessed Fourth Level High Rank skills and were among the top martial arts talents in the world.


    And all of them possessed Entry Rank physical quality.


    "Interesting."


    "Just in terms of skill, Li Yuan probably can''t make it into the top ten globally for freshmen," Tian Dazhuang revealed an enigmatic smile: "But with his rate of improvement... at next year''s global university martial arts contest, he will likely give many a surprise."


    "Tsk tsk! Our Jiangbei really does produce talents."


    "Uh-huh."


    "I should also thank him; without his help, I wouldn''t have been able to step into the Fourth Level High Rank," Tian Dazhuang didn''t envy Li Yuan.


    On the contrary, he admired Li Yuan.


    In his view, although Li Yuan''s family situation was slightly better than his own, they were not wealthy or powerful.


    To rise step by step, he must have also suffered a lot.


    "If Li Yuan is so formidable."


    "I can''t fall behind."


    "Continue to train in sword techniques, to stabilize my realm," Tian Dazhuang adjusted his mindset.


    He headed to the Martial Arts Room underground to continue his sword practice.


    ...


    In the virtualwork, in the Starry Skies Fighting Network.


    "Won."


    Li Yuan returned to his personal space, feeling somewhat contemtive: "If I hadn''t made a breakthrough yesterday, it would have been very difficult for me to win."


    Eighteen Rock Desert Tribe warriors.


    Each programmed with a Physical Quality no less than his own, and their skills were all at Fourth Level Initial Rank.


    The difficulty was too high.


    Any single one of them when facing Li Yuan alone would be killed by him in a few moves.


    But when more than ten of them joined forces, their strength was magnified manifold, and they even coordinated rescues. Li Yuan had to rely on his movement techniques to fight a protracted battle before he found opportunities to defeat them one by one.


    "Mirror." A thought crossed Li Yuan''s mind.


    Swish!


    A mirror appeared in front of him, in which Li Yuan''s reflection was crowned with a shing crescent moon.


    It was dazzling!


    The symbol of the Bright Moon Stage.


    "In the virtualwork, many well-known big streamers are about at my level," Li Yuan muttered to himself: "If I started live streaming under the title ''Underage Bright Moon Stage,'' it would probably be quite a draw too."


    It would likely be popr.


    But Li Yuan was just musing; getting distracted by such things would greatly impact his Martial Path training.


    Those Bright Moon Stage big streamers were mostly Prime Warriors whose strength had trouble advancing.


    Of course, putting themselves out there, they also earned quite a bit of money.


    "Congrattions, master, kudos, master," the sprite girl circled around Li Yuan, quite excitedly saying, "for reaching the Bright Moon Stage."


    "In the Blue Star''s list of outstanding young talents, master, you are now ranked 17th, in Xia Country you are 5th," the sprite girl said.


    "Global 17th, 5th in Xia Country?" Li Yuan revealed a slightly enigmatic smile.


    The mothend indeed was the world''s leading power, with an outpouring of martial arts prodigies indeed being extremely numerous.


    "One step at a time."


    "Last September, when I first entered the Blue Star Youth Rankings, I was ranked over four thousand. In less than a year, I''ve surged to 17th in the world."


    Li Yuan was very satisfied with this achievement in his heart.


    "I guess the top 16 must be in the top three global prestigious schools," Li Yuan thought to himself.


    Among his peers, there were still 16 worthy of being surpassed by him.


    "Master, the 20 million Blue Star Coin reward from the Starry Skies Fighting Network will be credited to your ount tomorrow," the elf girl said with a smile.


    "Good."


    ...


    Having achieved the Bright Moon Stage, Li Yuan didn''t continue to battle on the Starry Skies Fighting Network, but instead, he withdrew from the virtualwork.


    He ate something.


    Time had already passed 12 o''clock.


    "After 12 o''clock, 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 begin their training at 6 or 7 in the morning and finish before 10 at night, generally not going past 11 o''clock.


    But Li Yuan''s training schedule was different.


    It started at midnight and ended at 12 o''clock the next night.


    The core principle was ''perseverance''.


    ...


    Deep into the night, at the Jiang City Starfire Martial Hall.


    Inside a vi.


    Deep in sleep, Fei Qian was startled awake by the ring of his smart wristband.


    An important message hade through.


    As a 29th-Level Prime Warrior, his spirit was exceedingly robust, and he was merely sleeping lightly.


    "Hmm?" Fei Qian instantly woke up, sitting straight up in bed.


    Taking the smart wristband that was ced beside him, he clicked on the screen, and a holographic projection appeared, disying a file. The content was not very long, but the message it contained was shocking.


    "Li Yuan."


    "Fourth Level High Rank? Bright Moon Stage?" Fei Qian was utterly astonished.


    Anyst traces of sleepiness were gone.


    "This!"


    Fei Qian couldn''t quite describe his own feelings at the moment. He had always paid close attention to Li Yuan and valued him greatly.


    But he never expected that just a month after entering Kunlun Martial University, Li Yuan would have made such great progress.


    "Wasn''t it in April that he reached 300 points in the Fallen Star category?" Fei Qian had a very good memory.


    "A monster indeed."


    "Right, he''s not even 18 years old yet?"


    "In the entire Xia Country, is he the first case this year?" Fei Qian, looking at the file''s content, grasped the key point.


    "It''s been decades since Jiang City produced a martial arts prodigy like this," he mused.


    Thinking this over,


    Fei Qian''s gazended on the final line of the file: "This information is for the knowledge of only those of Hall Master level or above within the city''s jurisdiction, not to be disclosed."


    The Human Alliance tends to protect peerless geniuses, keeping secrets under wraps as much as possible.


    After a brief contemtion,


    "Beep!"


    Fei Qian quickly dialed Wan Qinghe''s V-chat, and he answered promptly.


    "Fei, what''s the matter at thiste hour?" Wan Qinghe said somberly.


    "Nothing major."


    "Just a small matter," Fei Qian''s voice was calm: "Prepare to transfer Li Yuan''s brother and sister into the Martial Hall''s affiliated middle school, especially his brother. Focus on his cultivation."


    "Additionally,"


    "Raise the safety level of his family by another notch, and ensure their absolute security," Fei Qian said bluntly.


    Wan Qinghe, jolted awake from his sleep, was still somewhat groggy.


    "Did you understand?" Fei Qian''s voice carried a hint of discontent.


    "Understood." Wan Qinghe snapped alert and immediately responded, "Don''t worry, Fei, I assure you the task will bepleted."


    ...


    Kunlun Martial University, inside the Heilong Building, aze with light.


    The ninth floor.


    "Hmm?" Li Yang, who had a gloomy expression, was checking a list when he suddenly felt his smart wristband vibrate. He nced at it on impulse.


    Upon seeing it, a look of astonishment crossed Li Yang''s face: "How is this possible?"


    "What''s wrong?" Dean Xu, sitting not far away, turned to look at Li Yang: "Did something happen at another observation point in the Kunlun Star Realm?"


    "No."


    Li Yang shook his head: "I just received a dispatch from an observer in the Xia Country on the Starry Skies Combat Network."


    "Li Yuan has just achieved the Bright Moon Stage," Li Yang said gravely to Dean Xu.


    "Bright Moon Stage? Li Yuan?"


    Dean Xu was initially puzzled, but then she realized, showing a trace of amazement: "Fourth Level High Rank? Is it the freshman Li Yuan?"


    "Yes." Li Yang nodded emphatically: "And he''s not even 18 years old yet."


    "He''s the first case in our Xia Country this year."


    Dean Xu was even more astounded.


    She hadn''t specifically focused on Li Yuan''s age before.


    Suddenly, Dean Xu showed a rare smile: "Lately, it''s been all bad news. Now, atst, there''s some good news. I believe Dean Hai will be very pleased when he hears about it."


    "Yes, Dean Hai should be returning tomorrow and will likely meet with Li Yuan."

 Chapter 145: 125: Dean Hai Arrives (Request for Monthly Tickets)

    August 3rd.


    Before 3 A.M., Li Yuan ended his cultivation practice with the Visualization Method, his energy and spirit fully restored to their peak.


    "This ''Observing the Great Sun Starry Sky Scripture'' truly is an incredible method," Li Yuan marveled inwardly.


    The longer the time passed, the deeper his understanding of Martial Arts Cultivation became, and he could sense the terrifying aspects of the Visualization Method.


    Other students needed sleep, supplementary medication, physiotherapy, medicinal baths, and many other methods to maintain long-term mental focus and alleviate physical fatigue.


    Li Yuan? He didn''t need any of those, the Visualization Method was enough.


    All 24 hours of the day, often minus time for eating and the asionalpse into daydreaming, he spent cultivating.


    In a sense, Li Yuan''s daily cultivation efficiency was equivalent to many students'' two days, or even longer.


    This was also why Li Yuan''s progress was so swift.


    Kung Fu!


    It requires talent, but even more so, time to hone it.


    "Whoosh! Whoosh!" Li Yuan resumed practicing with the spear, the spear light flickering, constantly moving and changing unpredictably within the Martial Arts Room.


    "My body," he said.


    "Stepping into the Fourth Level High Rank, my mind further prates my flesh and blood, my senses even sharper," Li Yuan practiced with his spear while sensing his body.


    Gradually, Li Yuan noticed that within his sinews and muscles, there flowed strands of extremely subtle Vigor.


    These strands of Vigor were like silk, each one very weak, but they spread across every corner of his body, originating from the blood, periosteum, and muscle fibers... When these tens of thousands of strands of Vigor converged, they contained an extremely terrifying force.


    "Is this what Subtle Strength is?" A surprise shed in Li Yuan''s heart: "I never noticed it before!"


    Previously, Li Yuan knew that after achieving subtlety in the mind, the exploitation of physical power would reach an inconceivable level.


    But how strong was it, exactly? He did not know.


    Today, after stepping into the Fourth Level High Rank, a wholly dedicated cultivation session allowed him to finally sense it.


    Seeing with his own eyes, feeling with his own mind, waspletely different from others'' descriptions.


    It''s like having one ton of Fist Strength; hearing others describe how powerful it is, reading textual descriptions, and actually possessing one ton of Fist Strength are worlds apart.


    "If I can control these tens of thousands of subtle Vigor strands, the power I could unleash would be at least several times stronger," Li Yuan inwardly eximed: "Is this the ultimate strength of the human body?"


    The human body is a treasure trove.


    It contains great secrets.


    Two individuals with the same Life Level, the one with the superior skills can unleash a power and speed that are vastly different.


    "Do skills, from Fourth Level High Rank to Fourth Level Perfection Subtly, mean gradually gaining control over these strands of subtle Vigor?" Li Yuan understood the direction of the next stage.


    From the Third Stage to the initial stage of the Fourth Level, it means controlling the major sinew, bone, and muscle power of the body, fully unleashing it with the waist, abdomen, and spine as the core without wasting a strand of Vigor, achieving ''Unity of Mind and Body.''


    From the initial stage of the Fourth Level to High Rank, it means digging deeper into the body''s strength, bing more refined.


    The ultimate Fourth Level Perfection is aboutpletely controlling every subtle strand of Vigor in the body.


    That is why it is called ''Subtlety of Spirit.''


    "Hoo!"


    Fully clear about the direction of the next stage of cultivation, Li Yuan cultivated with even more enthusiasm.


    Having a clear goal makes the journey more solid.


    "With such diligent cultivation and spear practice, the stimtion to my body is also immense; in terms of efficiency, it''s almost catching up to one third of the ''Solid Rock Cultivation Technique,''" Li Yuan gradually realized this: "In the future, the ''Solid Rock Cultivation Technique'' will probably be less and less effective for me; once my spirit is subtle, it will be useless."


    As his realm grew higher, Li Yuan also saw more clearly the purpose of Basic Cultivation Methods.


    They''re the high-level summariespiled by the predecessors on the Martial Path, a set of methods that allow ordinary people to explore their body''s potential to the greatest extent.


    The many postures during cultivation are essentially, from the perspective of ''subtle Vigor'' or even a higher realm, designed to stimte every part of the body as much as possible.


    Different Cultivation Methods are suitable for people with different physiques.


    "And the High Rank Cultivation Methods are ways to stimte the body to absorb Origin Power faster," Li Yuan mused to himself.


    In his mind, the ''Ster Trajectory Diagram'' that resembled silk threads, which he vaguely remembered from the second time he absorbed Origin Power into his body within the ''Dark Space,'' spontaneously emerged.


    Li Yuan always felt that it would be very important.


    "Perhaps, when my strength is greater, I will understand," Li Yuan sighed inwardly: "My spiritual power level 20, the upper limit of Spiritual Awakening Level has only been raised to 25%."


    "It seems that to increase the Spiritual Awakening Level to 30%, or even 50%, I must reach a higher level of spiritual power, level 25? Level 30 spiritual power?" Li Yuan could only guess for the time being.


    For now.


    What''s more important is to strive to raise his Physical Quality to level 14.


    "Now that my technique has further improved, my body evolves faster, perhaps, I could try consuming more ''High Origin Spirit Spring,''" the thought suddenly flickered through Li Yuan''s mind.


    The more consumed, as long as one can digest and train sufficiently, the faster the body''s evolution will naturally be.


    ...


    After practicing with the spear until eight in the morning, Li Yuan had breakfast and then took a bath and changed clothes.


    As for clothes, the Martial Arts Room cleaning, and vi maintenance, etc., the school logistics department would arrange for people to take care of everything thoroughly.


    Taking a flying vehicle, he arrived outside the Xuanwu Building.


    Yesterday was drizzle and mists; today, it had already turned into a sunny day, quite hot in the summer.


    The za outside the Xuanwu Building was already crowded with at least a thousand students gathered here.


    Li Yuan got off the vehicle from afar and walked toward the direction where the freshmen of the Sixth Institute were gathering.


    "Li Yuan."


    "Li Yuan has arrived." Several freshmen from different institutes recognized Li Yuan along the way; many even greeted him actively.


    Li Yuan nodded in response as he passed.

 Chapter 146: 125: Dean Hai Arrives (Request for Monthly Tickets)_2

    After the entrancepetition and thebat assessment¡­ Li Yuan''s name and appearance were known to every freshman in their first year, no one was unaware of who he was.


    Even if some people didn''t like Li Yuan, they still had to admit that he was indeed strong.


    When one is powerful enough, at least on the surface, everyone must show respect.


    "The eldest apprentice-brother has arrived."


    "Eldest apprentice-brother." As soon as he arrived at the gathering ce for the Sixth Institute''s freshmen, the area instantly became lively.


    In thebat assessment, Li Yuan''s final heroic effort had already established his unshakable prestige among the freshmen of the Sixth Institute.


    "Brother Yuan." Gu Qianghan walked up.


    "Everyone, line up in order." An Nong was calling out to the students before he walked up and said, "Eldest apprentice-brother."


    The freshmen of the Sixth Institute.


    Had already started getting used to Gu Qianghan and An Nong organizing some activities.


    "For the memorial service, let''s all be a bit quieter," Li Yuan said, looking at the queue of Sixth Institute freshmen, "Even though these teachers don''t teach us, we should still show some respect."


    "Understood, I''ll take care of it." An Nong nodded and immediately went to organize the students.


    Today, Kunlun Martial University would hold a grand memorial service for ''eleven teachers'' who had passed away.


    Not far away, the Xuanwu Building was already filled with various wreaths and a huge ck and white banner, somber and dignified.


    Because of this.


    Students from all institutes had arrived on time at the location, ready to enter the memorial service together.


    Li Yuan stood at the very front of the Sixth Institute''s freshmen.


    "There are quite a number of reporters, and many teachers; President Li is also over there," Gu Qianghan pointed towards the distance.


    "Hmm." Li Yuan also looked over.


    As Prime Warriors, they were very important military forces, and those who died in battle were considered ''martyrs''.


    Not to mention the loss of so many powerful Prime Warriors at once; it was definitely a ''major casualty''.


    Today, it''s likely that every channel in Longxi Province will cover it extensively, and the Xia Country''s Central Television will probably also dedicate some time to report on it.


    "Sigh."


    "I don''t even know what kind of rescue operation it was; there was no news at all," Gu Qianghan sighed lightly, "Although they weren''t our teachers, the death of so many teachers truly feels distressing."


    "Logically, school teachers are all high-level Prime Warriors¡­ what kind of powerful enemies did they encounter? Could it be Flying Heaven Warriors?" Gu Qianghan said.


    Li Yuan silently nodded, not saying a word.


    One of the teachers who died in battle had once taught him.


    ...


    The memorial service proceeded in an orderly fashion. Because of the vast number of people, first the second-year students entered the memorial venue, followed by the first-year students.


    Until ten o''clock in the morning.


    Li Yuan, standing at the front of the queue of Sixth Institute freshmen, then led more than two hundred students from the institute into the venue.


    There were only photographs and wreaths.


    But the atmosphere was still extremely somber.


    "Mourn deeply..." looking at some of the wreathsbeled ''Teacher Fan Jin,'' Li Yuan''s heart grew even heavier.


    On both sides of the venue, many screens continuously disyed the meritorious deeds of the teachers who had died in battle.


    Each high-level Prime Warrior.


    In their youth, most of them had been martial path prodigies who caught the public eye.


    Some with outstanding achievements, others in the prime of their youth.


    Li Yuan watched every teacher''s screen one by one, apart from Teacher Fan Jin.


    The one who left the deepest impression on him was a 27-year-old teacher.


    27 years old, a level 27 Prime Warrior.


    From the photos and videos, he still looked young, with unlimited potential. There was even hope for him to be a Flying Heaven Warrior in the future.


    But now, he had died in battle.


    Dead, and so talk of genius and strength was pointless.


    Time passed.


    Behind Li Yuan, many first-year freshmen who initially didn''t pay much attention seemed to gradually be affected by the ambiance of the entire venue, bing increasingly quiet.


    The entire memorial service had no speeches from important figures.


    Only music, words, wreaths, and the martyrs'' portraits... Such a memorial service was clearly touching for every student.


    It was akin to a baptism of the soul.


    As the procession finally exited the memorial venue, Li Yuan subconsciously nced at the two lines of text hanging near the entrance.


    "Green hills bury loyal bones, rivers and mountains remember the heroes."


    "To not betray the grand ambitions of youth, be a heroic spirit to guard the starry frontiers."


    ...


    When Li Yuan led the freshmen of the Sixth Institute out of the memorial service,


    he didn''t notice that on the fourth floor of the venue, two figures had been silently watching him.


    "Dean Hai, what do you think?" Dean Xu asked respectfully.


    "His spiritual power is quite good, but I am not sure about his will." a gentle voice sounded, "During the event, no one supervised or observed him, but he was always very serious. Together with his past record and having achieved the title of ''Youth Hero'',"


    "I also took the time to watch his program yesterday."


    "All in all, his talent is not bad, and his moral character should also be decent," the gentle voice spoke indifferently, "The college did apetent job in attracting such a student."


    "This afternoon, have hime to see me."


    "Yes." Dean Xu felt a surge of joy inside, knowing she had passed the first hurdle.


    For Xia Country, or even for human civilization,


    having high talent does not necessarily guarantee full cultivation; character is extremely important... For some people, the stronger their power, the greater the harm to the entire civilization.


    However, the observation and judgment of character are never recorded openly.


    ...


    After the memorial service ended, Li Yuan returned to his vi to continue his training for the day.


    With each repetition of spear practice, the difort and oppression in his heart gradually subsided.


    Two o''clock in the afternoon.


    "Teacher." Li Yuan looked at Li Yang, who had suddenly arrived at his vi.


    "Get on my flyer, Dean Hai is waiting for you at the Heilong Building," Li Yang said with a slight smile, "You did well this morning, Dean Hai is very pleased with you."


    "This morning''s performance?" Li Yuan was immediately confused.


    What did he do this morning?


    ... On the flyer.


    "Reaching the Bright Moon Stage and not even telling me?" Li Yang nced at Li Yuan, "I only found out after receiving a message from the Starry Skies Fighting Network."


    "Heh, I haven''t had the chance," Li Yuan chuckled, "I was afraid if I told you directly, Teacher, you might think I was showing off."


    "If you have strength and talent, show it off all you want, what''s there to fear?" Li Yang shook his head with a chuckle, "For things like this, tell me immediately next time."


    "Yes."


    Soon, the flyer reached the Heilong Building, and the two hurried to the twelfth floor.


    When they arrived outside an office, the door was open, and Dean Xu stood at the doorway.


    "Dean Xu." Li Yuan initiated the conversation.


    "Go in, Dean Hai is right here." Dean Xu directed, "Don''t be rude, just have a normal conversation."


    Li Yuan nodded, still feeling a bit nervous inside.


    A normal conversation? That was with a Flying Heaven Warrior.


    Upon entering, this was a not-sorge Martial Arts Room, just over a hundred square meters.


    The decor was very simple; itcked extra furniture, there wasn''t even a rack for weapons.


    In the center of the Martial Arts Room, two meditation cushions were ced.


    A lean young man, who appeared to be in his early twenties and was wearing a blue Martial Path uniform, was sitting cross-legged on one of the cushions, looking very rxed.


    "You''re here." The young man smiled faintly, his gaze making Li Yuan''s spirit ripple slightly, and he was thoroughly intimidated.


    It wasn''t simple oppression, but a rather mysterious sensation.


    In that moment, Li Yuan felt as though he had no control over his own life and death.


    For a full three seconds, Li Yuan''s strong will and spirit freed themselves from this sensation.


    "Dean Hai." Li Yuan suppressed the shock inside and bowed slightly as a greeting.


    "Not bad."


    "Under level 13 and yet able to break free from the cocoon of my spirit''s influence," the young man in blue said with a smile, "President Li praised you as our college''s first-ever ''Spiritual Genius'', and she wasn''t wrong."


    "First Spiritual Genius?" Li Yuan was inwardly shocked.


    "Take a seat, let''s talk slowly," the young man in blue gestured towards the cushion in front of him.


    Li Yuan stepped forward, imitating the other''s posture, and obediently sat down cross-legged.


    "Don''t be nervous, it''s just an ordinary conversation," the young man in blue said with a smile, "Let me introduce myself first, I''m ''Hai Yi'', the dean of the Sixth Institute... but I don''t really manage affairs, this is my first time back at the college this year."


    Li Yuan was speechless.


    What an unconventional self-introduction from Dean Hai.


    "Seeing you because you are outstanding," Dean Hai said with a smile, "Your not yet awakened Martial Spirit is not a bad thing."


    "If I am not mistaken, there is likely a higher Spiritual Nature hidden within you."


    ¡ª¡ª


    ps: Dizzy, I forgot to delete some notes at the end of the chapter, a rookie mistake, sorry! The total word count is still over 4000, apologies!

 Chapter 147: 126: Spiritual Nature? Bloodline? Hundred Marrow Spiritual Withering

    "Higher Spiritual Nature?" Li Yuan''s face betrayed his confusion, "President, how is this different from a normal Spiritual Awakening?"


    In reality, Li Yuan''s heart was already a tumultuous sea of shock.


    Because initially, the Divine Pce panel had reminded him that he was harboring an unawakened ''Higher Spiritual Nature''.


    However, after he had killed members of the Fish Spirit n, the Divine Pce panel''s prompt disappeared and was reced by a ''Spiritual Awakening Level''.


    Could Dean Hai see right through him?


    For a moment, Li Yuan felt uneasy and anxious, wondering if the other party could see through his Mind Spirit Divine Pce.


    Were Flying Heaven Warriors that formidable?


    "Having cultivated for so long, you should be clear about the essence of high-rank Cultivation Methods," Dean Hai said with a smile.


    From his appearance, Dean Hai seemed to be only about eighteen or neen years old, very young, and even handsomer than Li Yuan.


    But his eyes were much deeper than Li Yuan''s.


    "Thepatibility with Origin Power," Li Yuan said, which he had known for some time.


    "Right."


    "The higher thepatibility with Origin Power, the faster you absorb it, and the quicker you grow," Dean Hai said. "Simrly, the more spiritual power and stronger the skills you possess, the more potential you can unlock from your body, and the more Origin Power you can absorb."


    Li Yuan slightly nodded.


    It was like a person naturally having arge frame and growing quickly, naturally eating more than the average person.


    If this person continued exercising to build muscle, increasing their energy consumption, they would eat even more.


    "All things have a spirit."


    "Origin Power is the most essential and pure force of the universe, which is why every life form can be close to it, though the degree of closeness varies," Dean Hai exined. "Even though you don''t resonate with any high-rank Cultivation Techniques, your ability to absorb Origin Power is extremely strong, isn''t it?"


    Li Yuan remained silent, listening.


    "President Li mentioned you possessed Heavenly Materials Treasures, which is why your physical quality surged overnight during thebat assessment," Dean Hai said with a half-smile. "But I''ve contacted Lord Yang of the Province, and the Starfire Martial Hall didn''t give you any Heavenly Materials Treasures."


    Li Yuan''s heart lurched.


    What was this, cheating?


    "Just now, when I sensed your entire body, I found traces of absorbing Origin Power but no signs of using other treasures," Dean Hai remarked with a hint of admiration. "It''s enough to prove that yourpatibility with Origin Power is unimaginably high."


    "Add yourprehension and spiritual power... it''s almost certain that you have ''Higher Spiritual Nature'' within you."


    Li Yuan was speechless.


    Hey! Big shot, I didn''t even open my mouth, and you''ve finished the story?


    "Your discernment is enlightening," Li Yuan replied vaguely.


    Since the big shot had already reasoned it out, he naturally took advantage of it without any objections.


    "The so-called ''Higher Spiritual Nature'' signifies an extremely highpatibility with a certain type of Origin Power, which will make your Martial Path naturally much smoother than normal people," Dean Hai continued. "It will even influence the growth of your skills."


    "Once your skills enter the Fifth Stage, or even in the future when they reach the Sixth Stage..."


    "Higher Spiritual Nature will provide you with great assistance," Dean Hai said.


    Li Yuan listened with astonishment; was it that powerful?


    "Higher Spiritual Nature might sound mysterious, but if I use another word, you''ll understand a lot more¡ªbloodline," Dean Hai stated with a smile. "Some creatures are naturally very strong."


    "Take the ck dragon outside our building; it''s a Second Order life form at birth, and with just a little effort, it bes a Third Order being... it''s all because its bloodline is extremely potent," Dean Hai said with a chuckle. "In alien civilizations at the edges of some Star Realms, there are numerous creatures that are Third Order lives from birth."


    "The strongest ones are even beyond the Flying Heaven Level upon reaching adulthood," Dean Hai sighed with emotion. "What is the endpoint of our human cultivators'' struggles is just the starting point for others."


    Li Yuan listened in shock.


    Born at the Flying Heaven Level? Or even surpassing it just like that?


    That''s too exaggerated! How could one possibly fight against that?


    "Of course, it''s exceedingly rare for alien races to be born at the Flying Heaven Level or higher, and they have no rtion to us," Dean Hai said with a smile. "They also can''t cross over to us."


    Li Yuan nodded slightly.


    Different strengths, different perspectives. Talking with Dean Hai greatly broadened Li Yuan''s horizon.


    "President, are you suggesting that there''s an extremely powerful bloodline hidden within me?" Li Yuan pondered aloud.


    "Yes," Dean Hai nodded. "Because of this bloodline (Higher Spiritual Nature), as you grow, your spiritual power bes increasingly strong. You have now reached the level of a Prime Warrior, and you can easily absorb arge amount of Origin Power without high-rank Cultivation Techniques, and your physical quality is also rapidly improving."


    Li Yuan appeared contemtive, but his mind was busy with thoughts.


    This analysis...


    ''Higher Spiritual Nature'' as mentioned by Dean Hai, might not be the same as the ''Higher Spiritual Nature'' on the Divine Pce panel.


    After all, his spiritual power and physical quality were achieved through painstaking cultivation.


    It''s rted to his body''s innate talent, but not significantly.


    "President, are you implying there are quite a few people like me within our human civilization?" Li Yuan asked curiously.


    "Not many, but not few," Dean Hai replied. "Strictly speaking, there are some secrets that you are not yet qualified to know."


    "But considering that you are one of them, there''s no harm in telling you. Just remember not to disclose it," Dean Hai said indifferently. "Mainly, a fewrge families will continuously produce individuals with Higher Spiritual Natures."


    "Or rather, Bloodline Awakeners."


    "Large families? Bloodline Awakeners?" Li Yuan was astonished. "Can Higher Spiritual Nature be inherited?"


    He had indeed never heard of such a thing before.


    "Yes."


    "Just as genes can be inherited, so can the talent for spirituality."


    "For instance, the well-known ''me Family,'' which has produced many Bloodline Awakeners and is powerful with a history of umtions, eventually created a unique Cultivation Technique called the ''Nirvana Divine Scripture,'' which is much more efficient than high-rank Cultivation Methods," Dean Hai exined casually. "To date, the family has produced several dozen Flying Heaven Warriors."


    "Several dozen?" Li Yuan was bbergasted. That was just too exaggerated.


    "Why not keep breeding these families? Wouldn''t that mean our human civilization would see a surge in the number of Flying Heaven Warriors?" Li Yuan couldn''t help but ask.


    This kind of bloodline inheritance had an overwhelming advantage.


    "It''s not that easy,"


    "First, most descendants are normal people, and only a very few can awaken, although the probability is much higher than that of ordinary people," Dean Hai said with a smile. "Second, they created special cultivation techniques suitable for this kind of high-level spiritual nature, which is why the sess rate seems higher."


    "Third, the more powerful the being, the harder it is to reproduce."


    "Even for some extremely powerful beings, like those who surpass the Flying Heaven Level, do you think ordinary people can be their partners? A single charge..." Dean Hai suddenly changed his sentence. "It''s like elephants and ants, can they produce offspring?"


    Li Yuan felt likeughing but understood what Dean Hai meant.


    From the First Rank to the Second Rank, and from the Second Rank to the Third Rank, although still human, the essence of their life level undergoes a fundamental leap.


    "Of course."


    "High-level spiritual nature cannot be detected, at least I can''t do it; one can only guess from external signs that you are one as well," Dean Hai said. "The biggest difficulty you face right now is the cultivation technique."


    Li Yuan listened intently.


    "Without a cultivation technique, even though you have an extremely high affinity with Origin Power, and by the time you reach level 20, your body will naturally absorb arge amount of external Origin Power, which is more than ten times that of ordinary Prime Warriors, you would need at least twenty years to be a level 29 Prime Warrior," Dean Hai said.


    A thought struck Li Yuan.


    So, does that mean ordinary Prime Warriors, without a cultivation technique, could also reach level 29 by passively absorbing for two hundred years?


    Of course, first, their techniques would have to break through.


    "What is the essence of a cultivation technique?"


    "To sense the life star within the body, forming a Zhou Tian cycle, allowing the Origin Power to flow endlessly," Dean Hai spoke slowly. "Our human body is like the vast starry sky, containing 480 million tiny stars."


    "480 million body stars?" Li Yuan was astounded.


    Is the human body like a miniature universe?


    Such a precise number?


    "This is an imaginary number; no one knows the exact number of body stars," Dean Hai said with a smile. "It''s like counting the stars in the universe''s starry sky; can you count them all?"


    Li Yuan shook his head.


    "The countless stars within the human body are imperceptible, the majority of which are dormant, dead stars where Origin Power cannot reside."


    "Only a very few awaken, known as ''Life Stars,'' much like the vast cosmos where life-sustaining stars are a minority, with the majority being unsuitable for life," Dean Hai continued.


    "But these few Life Stars are the key to life evolution; they are the nodes through which Origin Power circtes within the body."


    "Just as a few life-sustainings are what make this vast universe uniquely brilliant."


    A series of statements.


    It gave Li Yuan a sense of sudden enlightenment.


    Directly pointing to the essence of life evolution.


    "With countless stars in the human body, even if Life Stars make up only one part in a million, the total number is still enormous," Dean Hai said. "High-ranking cultivation techniques are about our minds gradually sensing the Life Stars located throughout the human body, imprinting spiritual marks on them, and eventually linking hundreds or thousands of Life Stars together."


    "Forming a great cycle, with Origin Power circting through these Life Stars, nourishing every part of the body, making these Life Stars stronger and stronger."


    Li Yuan was all ears.


    The essence of high-ranking cultivation techniques was something he had not known in the past.


    "Within the same species, with a gic simrity above 99.9%, Life Stars are the same," Dean Hai said. "The seven high-level cultivation methods are derived from the myriad body stars, finding paths based on the seven more fixed,mon routes of Life Stars in our human bodies."


    "Allowing arge number of humans to sense Life Stars in a rtively safe manner, one after another."


    "Law creation,"


    "relies on oneself, continuously sensing the stars within the body to find a circting path of life," Dean Hai looked at Li Yuan. "This is very dangerous."


    "It''s like sending a spacecraft to reach an unfamiliar; what if it''s a dead star?"


    "Death," Li Yuan hesitated before responding.


    "Right."


    "With countless stars within the body, it''s hard to know if it''s a dead star before the mind directs the Origin Power there," Dean Hai sighed lightly. "One failure would cause the body to be injured once."


    "Two failures, three failures... until eventually the bodypletely copses."


    "However,"


    "as a higher spiritual being, the number of ''Life Stars'' awakened in your body is certainly far more than that of ordinary people," Dean Hai said. "Combined with your strong spiritual power and impressive skills, your spiritual sense will be clearer, allowing you to avoid many small mistakes."


    "Moreover, this is not a few hundred years ago."


    "Nowadays, you can refer to the seven high-level cultivation methods, and find themon traits of the Life Star trajectories in our human bodies... Overall, I judge that your chances of sessfulw creation should be over 80%," Dean Hai made his assessment.


    "80%?"


    Li Yuan couldn''t help but say, "I remember President Li said before that I had a 40 to 50% chance of sess."


    "Foolish!"


    "When you were signed, were your spiritual power and techniques as strong as they are now?" Dean Hai spoke indifferently. "Predictions can only be based on the current stage."


    "If your techniques don''t improve quickly enough afterward, then it''s normal for your chances of sess to drop to 50% or even lower."


    "Likewise, if your techniques quickly reach the Sixth Stage, then your sess rate would approach nearly 100%."


    Li Yuan had nothing to say.


    Techniques at the Sixth Stage? He was still far from even reaching perfect Fourth Level.


    ...


    "Law creationes after you be a Prime Warrior,"


    "What''s most important for you right now is to improve your physical quality and techniques," Dean Hai spoke calmly.


    "As for techniques, you''ve received enough training; it''s all about yourprehension."


    "But physical quality,"


    "The earlier you be a Prime Warrior, the stronger your vitality, the morew creation failures you can withstand, and the greater your chances are," Dean Hai said.


    "I have prepared a Heavenly Materials Treasure for you, ''Hundred Marrow Spirit Dry.''" Dean Hai spoke indifferently: "There are 20 units in total, and each unit should let you withstand 10 sessions of uninterrupted absorption of the High Origin Spirit Spring."


    "Within two years, it should more than double your cultivation speed."


    Li Yuan''s eyes lit up; the effects seemed to be incredibly potent.


    His growth rate was already fast, but to increase it by more than double?


    "However, the pain from using it will also be several times that of the Spirit Marrow Cleansing,"

 Chapter 148: 127: Painful to Suicide (30,000 monthly tickets plus update)

    "Even more agonizing than the Marrow Cleansing?" Li Yuan was stunned for a moment. That intense?


    Involuntarily.


    Some parts of Li Yuan''s body were already aching faintly, and just the Marrow Cleansing had been terrifying enough.


    "Marrow Cleansing is an external application, but this is taken internally. Although both are a form of cleansing, there will be slight differences," Dean Hai said indifferently. "I have prepared everything. Whether you use it or not is up to you."


    "Think it over and let me know," Dean Hai said calmly.


    He pondered for just three seconds.


    "Dean, I am willing," Li Yuan gritted his teeth. It was just several times more painful, right?


    He had already endured the Marrow Cleansing five times a month.


    What was there to fear?


    To enhance his strength faster, what gaines without pain?


    "Won''t you consider it more carefully?"


    Dean Hai smiled, "I know you have strong willpower, worthy of a Prime Warrior, but this kind of pain¡­ is not that easy to withstand."


    "I''ve made my decision; I''ll do it," Li Yuan asserted through gritted teeth.


    "Fine, the items will be delivered to President Li. You will administer it under his guidance each time," Dean Hai said indifferently. "Now, you can go."


    "When your Physical Quality reaches Level 15, should you n to seek trial by ordeal in the Star Realm,e to see me again."


    "Yes," Li Yuan felt a surge of emotion.


    To meet with Dean Hai before venturing into life-and-death trials?


    ...


    After Li Yuan left and returned to his residence, Li Yang and Dean Xu entered the Martial Arts Room.


    "Dean Hai," Li Yang and Dean Xu both greeted respectfully.


    "I have prepared a total of twenty units of Hundred Marrow Spirit Desant for Li Yuan, enough for twenty months of cultivation," Dean Hai spoke indifferently. "Li Yang, it''s in your hands. Supervise each session to prevent idents."


    "Hundred Marrow Spirit Desant?" Li Yang and Dean Xu were both astonished.


    They doubted their own hearing.


    This was for Li Yuan''s use?


    "Dean, is it really Hundred Marrow Spirit Desant?" Li Yang couldn''t help but ask. "Can Li Yuan endure it?"


    "Hundred Marrow Spirit Desant, when paired with High Origin Spirit Spring, has an incredibly astonishing effect," Dean Hai exined indifferently. "Even a treasure like the Ster Earth Marrow Crystal can''t match its short-term effects."


    "The only downside is that it''s somewhat painful."


    "But I just tested it, and the kid does have impressive willpower; consider it a test of his resolve," Dean Hai said breezily.


    "What, you were the ones who asked me to train him, and now you have reservations?" Dean Hai''s expression was teasing.


    Li Yang and Dean Xu felt a shiver in their hearts, and they quickly shook their heads.


    To ordinary students, they were venerable vice deans with significant authority and mighty strength.


    But in front of Dean Hai, they were like students.


    "Additionally, upgrade Li Yuan''s contract level to SS for now," Dean Hai continued indifferently. "Increase his free resource quota from 2 million to 4 million Blue Star Coins a month."


    "If there is still a shortfall in cultivation resources, let him figure it out on his own."


    "Yes," Li Yang nodded.


    "Now, leave," Dean Hai instructed.


    "Let me know before Li Yuan, at Level 15, goes to the Star Realm for life-and-death trials," Dean Hai closed his eyes.


    Li Yang''s eyes shone with understanding, realizing immediately.


    Dean Hai evidently intended to give Li Yuan some life-saving items at that time.


    ...


    Li Yang and Dean Xu left the office and descended the stairs.


    "Is it necessary to be so harsh with the Hundred Marrow Spirit Desant?"


    Dean Xu shook his head gently, "I''ve only seen it once, and that Prime Warrior almost resorted to suicide."


    "I heard before that to torture some captured members of the Alien Race, Hundred Marrow Spirit Desant was used, driving them to seek death and spill any intelligence," Dean Xu said with a sigh. "Dean Hai is still as ruthless as before, perhaps too much."


    "Without being ruthless, how can one establish oneself?"


    "I was mentally prepared when I rmended Li Yuan to him," President Li said with a smile. "Sister, haven''t you heard the rumors about Dean Hai chasing down that ck dragon?"


    "What rumors?" Dean Xu asked, puzzled.


    "I heard,"


    "Back then, it was Dean Hai on the South Sea ind, a carefully built vi was destroyed by a tsunami caused by the ck dragon. It wasn''t an assignment for Dean Hai originally; he applied for it himself... He chased it for days and nights, made his way into the deep sea, and ughtered that ck dragon, skinning and deboning it," President Li finished gossiping in one breath.


    "That ruthless?" Dean Xu was somewhat shocked, as she had only been at the university for a few years.


    She hadn''t interacted much with Dean Hai.


    She had not heard about it before.


    "Of course, I''ve been following Dean Hai for nearly twenty years now, what don''t I know?" Li Yang said with emotion. "I will keep a close eye on Li Yuan."


    "If it bes too much for him, we''ll pause it," Li Yang added.


    "Sure," Dean Xu nodded.


    Soon after.


    Having seen off Dean Xu, Li Yang was about to look for Li Yuan.


    "Li Yang, you tell a good story," a detached voice suddenly echoed in Li Yang''s mind. "Come here a moment, and repeat it to me."


    "Dean Hai," Li Yang was instantly startled.


    ...


    In the following days, Li Yuan continued his orderly cultivation.


    Kunlun Martial University gradually returned to calm.


    On August 8th, at ten in the morning.


    Inside Li Yuan''s vi, in the underground Martial Arts Room, all the lights were turned on.


    Li Yang and Li Yuan stood there.


    In Li Yang''s hand, there was a small ck bottle, its bodypletely ck, revealing nothing of its contents from the outside.


    "So much time has passed."


    "The effects of your Marrow Cleansing medicine should be almost gone by now." Li Yang said seriously, "Today, let''s have you try the Hundred Marrows Spiritual Elixir."


    "Teacher, why do it in the underground Martial Arts Room?" Li Yuan couldn''t help asking, "And have me move all my belongings out?"


    "You''ll understand in a bit," Li Yang said.


    Li Yuan nodded.


    "I''ll ask you onest time, are you sure you want to use it?" Li Yang asked.


    "Teacher, let''s give it a try," Li Yuanughed, "If I can''t endure it, I''ll naturally give upter."


    "Alright."


    Li Yang stopped persuading and handed the ck bottle to Li Yuan, "There are ten tiny pills in a unit."


    "You can start by taking one to try," Li Yang suggested.


    "If you can withstand it, consume the remaining nine within ten minutes," Li Yang instructed.


    Li Yuan epted it and opened the bottle, pouring it into his hand.


    ck, resembling calcium tablets, they emitted a strange scent.


    "Hundred Marrows Spiritual Elixir? I thought it was liquid," Li Yuan thought to himself.


    Over these days, Li Yuan had already prepared himself mentally and didn''t hesitate. He took one and put it directly into his mouth.


    No particr sensation.


    He drank some water handed to him by Li Yang, and finally swallowed it down.


    For the first three seconds, Li Yuan felt nothing unusual.


    Gradually.


    As a Fourth Level high-rank expert, Li Yuan introspected his own body and could feel streams of strange power rapidly spreading from his chest and abdomen to every part of his body.


    A tingling sensation.


    It was somewhat itchy!


    It was somewhat painful!


    "Is this it?" Li Yuan''s willpower was remarkably strong, and he easily withstood it, not giving it another thought and directly swallowing the remaining nine ck pills.


    Li Yang opened his mouth slightly but didn''t dissuade him.


    Swiftly.


    "Hmm?" Li Yuan gradually noticed something was amiss. The streams of strange power seemed endless, growing stronger and prating every part of his body.


    "Such agony," Li Yuan clenched his fists tight, his whole body trembling slightly.


    As if fire ants were gnawing at the flesh over his wounds.


    As if des were repeatedly scraping across his bones.


    And then... a subtle sadness... much more intense than the pain of Marrow Cleansing.


    Moreover.


    As time passed, the pain Li Yuan endured escted continuously.


    Hisplexionpletely changed.


    "Ah!" Li Yuan finally began to lose his ability to cope, no longer caring about Li Yang''s presence, he suddenly curled up on the ground.


    Pain!!


    Deep into the marrow pain!! Much more severe than the agony of five Marrow Cleansing sessions.


    Li Yuan, as if he could hear the sound of marrow being extracted, his muscles twitching.


    His entire body turned red as if on fire, sweat seeping out like sma.


    "Ahh!" Li Yuan''s face was utterly contorted, he longed to endure.


    But it was simply too painful.


    The power contained in the Hundred Marrows Spiritual Elixir hadpletely erupted!!


    It was thoroughly purging ''impurities'' from the body, all hindrances to the absorption of Origin Power being cleansed.


    This suffering seemed to seep into Li Yuan''s soul.


    Pain!


    "It hurts!" Li Yuany on the ground, wailing, his demeanour utterly copsed, rolling madly about with veins on his neck fully exposed.


    Suddenly.


    Li Yuan swung his arm, striking towards his own head.


    Such unbearable agony! In that instant, Li Yuan wished only for death.


    In his consciousness, there was only pain.


    At this moment, he just wanted to end this sufferingpletely.


    Just then.


    "Whoosh!" A pair of hands reached out like lightning, restraining Li Yuan''s hands.


    Preventing his action.


    "Aaaah!" Li Yuan struggled fiercely, but to what avail against Li Yang''s strength? He effortlessly suppressed Li Yuan.


    Yet.


    Seeing Li Yuan''s state, Li Yang''s heart also ached.


    Even with Li Yuan''s formidable will, he was tormented to the point of wanting to take his own life.


    One could imagine just how excruciating the pain from the Hundred Marrows Spiritual Elixir was.


    ...


    For a full half-hour.


    The effects of the Hundred Marrows Spiritual Elixir gradually faded, and Li Yuan''s cries slowly subsided, with a thinyer of impurities emerging on the surface of his body.


    But Li Yuan''s spirit seemed nearly broken, as he lost consciousnesspletely.


    Unclear whether he had fainted or fallen asleep.


    "No wonder almost no one uses this stuff for cultivation," Li Yang finally released Li Yuan''s hands and muttered to himself, "Dean Hai is really ruthless, having me supervise. Could it be that he envisioned Li Yuan might contemte suicide?"

 Chapter 149: 128: Astonishing Transformation (Seeking Monthly Votes)

    ```


    He had slept continuously until around two in the afternoon, when Li Yuan''s consciousness gradually started to wake.


    Eyshes fluttering, his eyes opened slightly.


    "Huff!" Li Yuan''s consciousness quickly became clear, "Did I just endure the unbearable pain of the Hundred Marrow Spirit Withering and eventually lost consciousness?"


    The recent experience surged into his mind.


    That terrifying pain that seemed to prate deep into the marrow and soul was so intense that merely recalling it made Li Yuan''s frown unconsciously.


    It was truly too horrifying.


    The pain of the five-time Marrow Cleansing oveid on one another was child''s ypared to it.


    At the moment, the pain hadpletely passed, but subconsciously, Li Yuan was unwilling to remember it.


    "Thump~" Li Yuan stretched out his hand, trying to get up, only to feel his whole body as if being pricked by needles, aching all over.


    Nevertheless, this level of pain merely made him frown as he sat up without being affected.


    Only then did Li Yuan notice a thinyer of gray-ck dirt covering the surface of his skin.


    A gentle wipe with his hand, and it was rubbed away like a snake shedding its skin, revealing the dirt-free, jade-like smooth skin of Li Yuan beneath.


    Brimming with vitality.


    "Awake?" A cheery voice sounded from not too far away, as Li Yang walked over.


    "Teacher, you saw my disgrace," Li Yuan said as he slowly stood up.


    He had already recalled the scene where he had nearly sumbed to thoughts of suicide because he couldn''t bear the pain.


    This showed that his willpower was still not strong enough.


    "What''s there tough about? You think it''s shameful to feel pain so intense you want to kill yourself?" Li Yang chuckled, "You did quite well. At seventeen, to be able to endure ten minutes is frightening enough. I doubt there''s a second one like you in the entire school."


    "Though the Hundred Marrow Spirit Withering is a Heavenly Material Treasure and a marvelous Marrow Cleansing rarity, highly valuable... in reality, it''s more often used as a means of torture."


    Li Yangughed, "Aimed at high-value captives, a single pill can cause unbearable pain to an ordinary Prime Warrior, driving them to desire death."


    "After one pill, they would usually spill everything."


    "And you?"


    "You took a whole ten pills! That''s an entire unit''s worth. In terms of willpower, the majority of high-rank Prime Warriors wouldn''t be stronger than you," Li Yang remarked with a sigh.


    There were words Li Yang didn''t say; even if it were him, he couldn''t confidently im he would perform better than Li Yuan.


    Li Yuan listened silently, his face showing no joy.


    He was more reflective, understanding that his inability to withstand the pain signaled his weakness, rather than it being strictly due to the overwhelming agony.


    If he was weak, he needed more training.


    "Don''t be too hard on yourself," Li Yang said as he looked at Li Yuan, unable to refrain, "Willpower and spiritual powerplement each other; as your spiritual power grows stronger..."


    "For example, if you possessed a 29th-level spiritual power, with your willpower, you should be able to endure this kind of pain."


    "If you had spiritual powerparable to a Flying Heaven Warrior, you could easily suppress such pain."


    Li Yuan nodded slightly.


    Spiritual power and willpower are like physical quality and martial arts skills.


    Strong willpower can bring out the fullest extent of one''s spiritual power.


    But if spiritual power is too weak, even the strongest willpower cannotpensate for it.


    "Moreover, no one is born with strong willpower," Li Yang shook his head, "Just like a person''sprehension. While there are innate factors, the numerous experiences and enlightenments one encounters can reshape one''sprehension, even leading to transformation¡ªthat''s where the saying ''ate bloomer''es from."


    "The same goes for willpower."


    "Most people, after going through various trials, will grow increasingly strong in will... while a few, after experiencing certain life upheavals and major setbacks, might find their will weakened..." Li Yang looked at Li Yuan, "You''re so young, yet your will is so strong."


    "In the future, it will undoubtedly grow stronger, you must believe in yourself," Li Yang encouraged.


    He could see that Li Yuan had always been confident about his willpower.


    And he didn''t want the other to start doubting himself because of this.


    "Thank you for your guidance, Teacher," Li Yuan said respectfully.


    "Do we still need the Hundred Marrow Spirit Withering pills?" Li Yang asked tentatively, "Or how about using them when your spiritual power is stronger?"


    "No."


    "Teacher," Li Yuan smiled faintly, a determined look in his eyes, "I want to rise up from where I fell. I aim to try again in one month''s time."


    Scared?


    To say that Li Yuan wasn''t scared at all would naturally be untrue.


    Who would willingly subject themselves to such hellish torment?


    But Li Yuan understood better.


    To temper one''s will, the most important thing is to face one''s weaknesses, pain, and mental shadows head-on.


    If he gave up trying because of the pain from the Hundred Marrow Spirit Withering,


    then as time passed, that issue could be a psychological weak spot and might even worsen into a heart demon.


    It was something he had to ovee.


    "Are you sure?" Li Yang asked again.


    "Certain," Li Yuan affirmed assertively, "Next time, I will endeavor to avoid harboring any suicidal thoughts."


    "Alright," Li Yang nodded, no longer dissuading him.


    He recognized that for someone with such a formidable will at a young age like Li Yuan, the heart tends to be extremely resolute.


    Once they have set their minds on something, it is not easily swayed.


    "By the way,"


    "I have made a request to Dean Hai, and he has agreed," Li Yang grinned, "from now on, your monthly free resource quota will increase from 2 million to 4 million."


    "What specific resources you apply for is up to you decide."


    "And if it''s still not enough, you''ll have to find a way yourself," Li Yang added.


    "Got it," Li Yuan nodded.


    In the school, or rather, the national system, there is a cap on the ''resource quota'' for students of different levels.


    Ordinary students at Kunlun Martial University mainly rely on practicing High-Rank Cultivation Methods to enhance their physical quality, and their resource quota is mostly spent on Spirit Nourishing Potions and a few First-Rank blood essence potions, which is enough for them.


    But what about Li Yuan? If he wanted to maintain a rapid advancement, a monthly resource of 4 million Blue Star Coins would still be far from enough.

 Chapter 150: 128: Astonishing Transformation (Seeking Monthly Votes)_2

    ...


    After seeing off Li Yang,


    Li Yuan immediately took out a bottle of "High Origin Spirit Spring" from the resting room.


    The crystal bottle contained about half a liter. As soon as the cap was opened, a rich fragrance wafted out.


    It was like someone who had gone hungry for three days and three nights suddenly smelled the aroma of rice,


    and an irresistible urge to gulp it down rose within them.


    "One serving costs a million Blue Star Coins?" Li Yuan muttered to himself in amazement.


    It was indeed expensive!


    He quickly swallowed it down.


    Soon, streams of Origin Power madly surged through every muscle and bone in his limbs and body.


    Li Yuan clenched his teeth and gently closed his eyes.


    He was sensing with his mind throughout his entire body.


    He felt every muscle, bone, and organ as if they had been starving for a long time, madly devouring the circting Origin Power... His physical quality was improving rapidly.


    "The transformation from Solid Rock Cultivation Technique''s draining exercise really is efficient."


    "My body feels as pure as new, there''s not the slightest obstruction to the flow of Origin Power," Li Yuan reflected inwardly.


    The transformation exercise was indeed painful,


    but its results were also outstanding.


    "Phew!"


    Li Yuan began to practice the "Solid Rock Cultivation Technique" in an attempt to maximize the effects of the High Origin Spirit Spring.


    As Li Yuan cultivated, the aching in his body quickly dissipated, gradually returning to normal.


    An hour and a halfter.


    "[Your Life Level has increased from 12.8 to 12.9]," a subtle prompt shed across the Divine Pce panel.


    After another half an hour or so, Li Yuan finally stopped.


    "12.9?" Li Yuan nced at the Divine Pce panel, a hint of joy in his eyes, "At this rate of cultivation, I could probably reach around Level 14 in about two months."


    Even without high-rank Cultivation Methods or mastery in techniques,


    Li Yuan''s rate of improvement in physical quality was nothing short of terrifying.


    "Keep pushing!"


    He decisively ordered six nutritious meals and then took a bath.


    Tonight, he still had to engage in actualbat practice with Teacher Jiang Lun.


    ...


    Just like that,


    having met Dean Hai, Li Yuan had broadened his horizons and was further strengthened by the process of "Solid Rock Cultivation Technique."


    His state of cultivation underwent another change.


    Every day, he began cultivating Visualization Method from early morning.


    For the past year, Li Yuan had been dedicating roughly two hours a day to strengthen his spiritual power without deliberately seeking to temper his willpower.


    But starting from August 9,


    he continuously pursued another extreme of Visualization Method.


    Even while cultivating the "Observing the Great Sun Starry Sky Scripture," whenever Li Yuan''s consciousness entered that vast starry sky scene, he would deliberately try to get closer to the scorching sun,


    to make the burning pain his consciousness endured even more horrifying.


    "Before this, my strong willpower was mostly forged passively," Li Yuan thought intensely, "But deep down, my primary purpose was to increase my spiritual power and lessen the pain."


    Before, strengthening spiritual power was the goal, and tempering the will was incidental.


    After all, who would choose to be beaten daily if not necessary?


    "But the truth proves that my willpower is not strong enough, not nearly strong enough!" Li Yuan''s eyes were resolute, "Well then, I will actively temper it."


    "Just bing stronger in spiritual power? Not enough! My willpower must also progress faster."


    This change made Li Yuan''s process of cultivating the Visualization Method even more painful.


    "Solid Rock Cultivation Technique" was mainly for the physical body,


    whereas the "Scorching Sunburn" of Visualization Method targeted the soul and consciousness, not even allowing for unconsciousness, only sessive copses of consciousness.


    It''s through repeated tempering that steel is made!


    And Li Yuan wanted to forge his spiritual will to be unbreakable and unshakable!


    ...


    During the day, Li Yuan insisted on attending general knowledge sses.


    "Brother Yuan, I feel like your eyes have be different somehow," Gu Qianghan noticed the change in Li Yuan.


    "Is that so?" Li Yuan smiled.


    "Yes."


    "Gu Brother is right, big senior brother, it seems like your gaze has be sharper... It''s the aura... Yes, it''s like a spear, bing more fierce," An Nong alsomented.


    They all noticed the subtle changes in Li Yuan''s aura.


    "Haha, maybe I didn''t rest well," Li Yuan offered a poor excuse,ughing, "Let''s focus on the ss."


    Soon, the general knowledge ss teacher arrived.


    "Today, we will delve further into the weaknesses of the body structures of nine types of flying Star Realm Creatures, after which, you can switch yourbat targets to these creatures in the ''Kunlun Nine Mountains'' to gain a direct experience," the teacher said slowly.


    ...


    Besides general knowledge sses,


    Li Yuan spent almost all his time practicing the Spear Technique and cultivating other methods.


    "Teacher Jiang! Faster! Even faster," Li Yuan wielded his long spear, fiercely battling with Jiang Lun.


    While fighting,


    Li Yuan also roared, "Teacher, I don''t feel the pressure is strong enough, not enough, don''t hold back with me, as long as you don''t kill me, go ahead and beat me to a pulp."


    The long spear was like lightning, its might heavy as a mountain; all sorts of killing moves from the Ster Spear Technique were unleashed to the fullest by Li Yuan.


    Apanied by Li Yuan''s roar, that indescribable momentum even made Jiang Lun slightly astonished.


    Having taught students for so many years,


    he had never encountered someone as crazy as Li Yuan.


    "Good, after so many years, I''ve finallye across someone crazier than me," Jiang Lun revealed a smile.


    ...


    In Li Yang''s ss.


    "Teacher, with the vigor reaching subtlety and the mind sensing the entire body," Li Yuan raised a question, "then stepping into the Fifth Stage of ''Unity of Heaven and Man,''"


    "is this ''Heaven'' referring to the external environment? Does it mean that from the Fourth Level to the Fifth Stage, the movement technique will break through before the spear technique?"


    "The movement technique is abination of the mind, body, and the external environment."


    "Smart." Li Yang revealed a smile, "Before the Fourth Level, the movement technique oftengs behind the spear technique, swordsmanship, and so on."


    "But from the Fourth Level to the Fifth Stage, it''s often the movement technique that breaks through first."


    ...


    Time passed day by day, and in the blink of an eye, it was a monthter, September 1st.


    Li Yuan had trulye of age.


    Cultural universities all around the world had already begun their sessions one after another.


    And Li Yuan and his peers had truly be freshmen.


    The ''Blue Star Youth Ranking'' and ''Blue Star Young Heroes Ranking'' had all been updated.


    The ranking for Li Yuan''s 2042-2043 ss was fixed, bing history.


    Li Yuan''s final ranking on the Blue Star Young Heroes Ranking was 16th globally and 4th in Xia Country.


    This did not necessarily mean that the top 15 were stronger than Li Yuan, just that they had higher points in the Starry Skies Fighting Network.


    The new ''Blue Star Youth Ranking'' belonged to the new ss of global high school seniors, who had their own exciting stories.


    ...


    On September 8th, Li Yang once again came to Li Yuan''s vi, bringing with him a new portion of ''Hundred Marrow Spirit Drought''.


    "Have you thought it through? You still can give up," Li Yang asked finally.


    "Teacher."


    "You''re already here," Li Yuan grinned, a glint of anticipation in his eyes, "Today, I really want to try again to see if the Hundred Marrow Spirit Drought can defeat me."


    "Fine."


    Ten minutester.


    "Ahh!" The endless, horrific pain enveloped his entire body, tormenting Li Yuan to the brink of madness.


    He was howling in agony.


    The pain climbed to its zenith.


    The terrible efficacy of the Hundred Marrow Spirit Drought erupted; its erosion and torment of the body was something a normal Martial Artist could not possibly withstand.


    But this time,


    Li Yuan, though howling in agony and his body turning crimson, his teeth mped down almost to the point of drawing blood,


    clenched his fists tight, his bloodshot eyes looking as though they would burst, yet he still maintained a sliver of sanity.


    Hold on!


    Hold on!!


    I must hold on!! These thoughts erupted continuously from the depths of Li Yuan''s spirit.


    On the path to bing a powerful warrior, one could fail, one could lose.


    But one''s heart must never bow! Never cower!


    In terms of sheer talent, Li Yuan was actually not particrly strong.


    But deep down, he had the madness and the resolve to challenge anything.


    Half an hour.


    In Li Yuan''s consciousness, it seemed longer than the past year.


    Finnaly,


    the effects of the Hundred Marrow Spirit Drought were rapidly waning, the hellish pain steadily diminishing, and though still painful... Li Yuan suddenly felt a sense of relief.


    Afort that came from the soul.


    It was an absolute delight.


    "Haha! Great!" Li Yuany on the ground, his limbs still twitching with pain, as he couldn''t help but cough andugh heartily, "This feels amazing!"


    In the distance, Li Yang was shocked.


    He had watched the whole process clear as day.


    He had been ready to stop Li Yuan again,


    but he had never expected that, just a monthter, Li Yuan, who had suffered to the point of near-suicide and eventually lost consciousnessst time,


    this time, while seeming still in agony, had actually endured it.


    This Transformation of willpower was simply beyond belief.


    After a while, Li Yuan gradually returned to normal, lying on the ground resting.


    "Amazing!" Li Yang inwardly uttered two words.


    Talents often inspire envy.


    But it''s those with great resolution and willpower that truly earn respect.


    "I, Li Yang."


    Thinking over it, Li Yang couldn''t help but reveal a slight smile, "In my lifetime, to have the chance to teach such a disciple."


    Although Li Yuan was his student,


    and although Li Yuan''s strength was still very weak,


    at this moment, Li Yang had already made up his mind that Li Yuan''s future achievements would far surpass his own.

 Chapter 151: 129: October, Finally Understanding the Stellar Five Forms (Seeking Monthly Votes)

    Kunlun Martial University, deep within the vast vi district that belonged to the Sixth Institute.


    It was very quiet, with only a handful of super-sized vis, each beside its ownke.


    This area was on the outer periphery of Kunlun Martial University. It was September, and with the sun setting in the west, the not-toorgeke surface shimmered, presenting a stunningly beautiful scene, akin to a gorgeous painting.


    "You''re saying, Li Yuan took the ''Hundred Marrow Spirit Drought'' for the second time, and bore it all by himself?" Dean Hai, dressed in blue, was leisurely sitting on the grass beside the vi, wearing sunsses and fishing.


    A parasol was erected, shielding him from the sunlight.


    Beside him, someone was continuously cutting fresh fruit and was also constantly recing drinks on the table that were no longer chilled.


    "Yes," Li Yang replied solemnly, standing in the sunlight, "His willpower seems to have improved a lot sincest month."


    "Not bad," Dean Hai said indifferently after taking a sip of his cold drink, "What''s his Physical Quality level now?"


    "Almost 13.4," Li Yang said.


    "The progression is slower than I expected, but it''s still eptable," Dean Hai said indifferently, "At this rate of improvement, he probably won''t be able to participate in the next Combat Assessment."


    "Dean is wise," Li Yang nodded and said, "The next Combat Assessment is expected to be at the end of February next year. By then, his Physical Quality will most likely reach level 15. Participating in the Combat Assessment... would hold no value for polishing his skills."


    The intention behind the Combat Assessment is to temper the students, to let them feel the pressure of life and death.


    However, if youbine Fourth Level high-rank skills with Physical Quality above level 15, it would lead to chaos at the Fifth Combat Assessment base.


    It would then be losing the original purpose of the Combat Assessment.


    As for higher-level Combat Assessments?


    Given human civilization''s overall strength, it''s very difficult to capture that many advanced members of an Alien Race because they are hard to control, and any carelessness could cause serious trouble.


    Secondly, Martial Artists above level 15 can y a significant role in many ces.


    Therefore, once Physical Quality exceeds level 15, it is often realbat, not an assessment.


    "Fine."


    "If he progresses quickly enough to reach level 15 ahead of time, let him head to ''Mingxu Star Realm'' before January next year for his first life-and-death experience," Dean Hai said indifferently, "If he is a bit slower, then let him go in March."


    "January or March next year? So soon for a life-and-death challenge?" Li Yang was startled, and couldn''t help saying: "Dean Hai, his freshman year hasn''t even ended, shouldn''t we wait for Li Yuan''s strength to be stronger?"


    "Mingxu Star Realm is rife with Exotic Beasts, and we''ve only established observation points. If he just reached level 15 and then went in, it might be a bit dangerous," Li Yang exined.


    Different from the Combat Assessment, the risks of the assessment are rtively controlled.


    But venturing into a Star Realm, like Mingxu Star Realm which is a true ''pioneering Star Realm'' still in the Inquiry phase.


    Once danger is encountered, rescue is not immediate, and Li Yuan would have to rely solely on himself.


    "Mingxu Star Realm is just a First Level Star Realm."


    "The preliminary Inquiry results show that Second Rank native lifeforms are sparse in the entire Mingxu Star Realm, with a moderate level of danger." Dean Hai said indifferently, "There is indeed danger, but it''s precisely because of the danger that he can truly be tempered."


    "If he is nurtured in a greenhouse all the time, when will he grow up?"


    "Li Yuan is different from the other students," Li Yang insisted, "Other students, most of them resort to..."


    "There is no difference," Dean Hai gave a sideways nce to Li Yang, and said indifferently, "I understand what you mean. If Li Yuan continues practicing by the book, he can surely cultivate straight to level 20, or even a higher level."


    Li Yang subconsciously nodded his head.


    Why do most students go forth for life-and-death experiences after reaching level 15? They''ve hit a ceiling, and improvement is too slow.


    At that time, without the stimulus of life and death, entering Fourth Stage skills would be almost hopeless.


    "But my perspective is different from yours," Dean Hai looked at Li Yang, "I am not cultivating him to be a Prime Warrior."


    "I hope he can be a Flying Heaven Warrior."


    "If he wants to create Laws, then the higher and younger his skills are, the better his chances of sess."


    "Furthermore, he''s special. To be a Flying Heaven Warrior, he must have Sixth Stage Skills." Dean Hai exined patiently, "If he practices by the book, he would likely reach Subtlety next year."


    "And then what?"


    "From Fourth Stage to Fifth Stage, if there is no external stimulus, through regr cultivation, can you be sure when he''ll break through?" Dean Hai posed the question back.


    Li Yang shook his head, speechless.


    Skill cultivation bes increasingly difficult to break through as one progresses.


    The jump from Third Stage Perfection to Fourth Stage can trap the vast majority of Martial Artists.


    Like any student from Kunlun Martial University, they could have easily been termed ''top students'' in their adolescence.


    But if you broaden the time frame to twenty or even thirty years after graduation, the number of students who actually be Prime Warriors barely exceeds 40%.


    Let alone reaching Fifth Stage Perfection ''Subtlety'' from Fourth Stage Circle Perfection; this is an even bigger bottleneck.


    If one''s skills can step into Fifth Stage,bined with high-rank Cultivation Methods, one can smoothly cultivate to level 29 as a Prime Warrior.


    A level 29 Prime Warrior, in the outside world, is already a highly influential figure in any region or state.


    At present Kunlun Martial University, there are some students who have reached Subtlety.


    But Fifth Stage Skill students? Not a single one.


    "From a level 29 Prime Warrior to a level 30 Flying Heaven Warrior, it''s like a chasm," Dean Hai said indifferently, "To be a Flying Heaven Warrior, skills must be at least at Fifth Stage Perfection."


    "The greater the potential, the stronger the body, the harder it is to break through."


    "Like Yu Jinghe, who has surpassed the ''Heavenly'' realm and has stepped into the Sixth Stage and truly begun toprehend the Laws."


    "And what of it? He is still a level 29 Prime Warrior," Dean Hai said indifferently, "You yourself have Fifth Stage skills, don''t you understand?"


    Li Yang was at a loss for words.


    Didn''t he understand? Of course, he did!


    Li Yang himself was equally trapped at the Fifth Stage of skills.


    "Coddling along the way, having a smooth and worry-free cultivation might seem good, but Li Yuan would be able to safely cultivate to level 20 or even beyond level 25."

 Chapter 152: 129: October, Finally Understanding the Stellar Five Forms (Seeking Monthly Votes)_2

    ```


    "But without the stimulus of life and death, his spirit will hardly grow genuinely, and hisprehension and nature will struggle to transform," Dean Hai said, "Just like Fang Hai, how exceptional was he back then? Because he was too exceptional, Starfire Martial Hall was reluctant to let him undergo tempering, fearing his death. And in the end?"


    "Bing a Flying Heaven is indeed impressive, but does it do justice to the talent Fang Hai initially exhibited?"


    "A jade uncut won''t make a ware."


    "I have high hopes for Li Yuan."


    "I just hope that while his heart still retains its sharpness and energy, he advances with courage and vigor," Dean Hai looked at Li Yang, "Do you have any thoughts?"


    Li Yang shook his head repeatedly, like a bobblehead doll.


    Big brother! When you put it that way, am I even allowed to have any objections?


    However.


    Li Yang knew in his heart that Dean Hai had a point.


    "Rest assured, venturing through life and death is also a phase," Dean Hai''s voice softened again, "After he''s ventured for a while, he will return to the school to cultivate in tranquility. Combining the two approaches will yield the best results."


    "Yes," Li Yang nodded.


    Thump~


    The buoy on the nearbyke surface suddenly jerked.


    "Got a bite," Dean Hai revealed a smile and quickly lifted the fishing rod.


    A small fish was hooked and pulled up.


    ...


    As for Dean Hai and Li Yang agreeing on Li Yuan''s next stage of cultivation, Li Yuan himself was in the dark.


    He still immersed himself wholly in his cultivation, asionally¡ª


    "Oh?"


    "Qian Qian and Muhua got transferred to a school directly under Martial Hall? Did they agree to it?" Li Yuan called his uncle Li Changzhou on V-chat, "Oh? If they are willing, then fine, it''s your call, Uncle."


    Every three to five days.


    Li Yuan would contact his family, which was one of his few ''mental rxations''.


    And then.


    He would dive back into his cultivation.


    "With the help of the Hundred Marrow Cleansing, I''m absorbing the High Origin Spirit Spring at an incredible rate," Li Yuan sighed, "In August alone, I used up a whole nine portions."


    Nine portions, that''s 9 million Blue Star Coins!


    Apart from the four portions given by the school, Li Yuan paid for five portions himself.


    "In September, I might even need ten portions," Li Yuan thought.


    This rate of resource consumption was terrifying.


    The greater the consumption, the more astounding the results.


    As martial artists progress, their improvements usually slow down, especially in terms of Life Level.


    But for Li Yuan, it was quite the opposite; since his Entry Rank, his Life Level grade had been elerating steadily.


    ...


    "Li Yuan, your Physical Quality is improving too quickly," Jiang Lun, the practicalbat teacher, was the most astonished.


    He conducted practicalbat training every three days and could distinctly perceive¡ª


    Every time he saw Li Yuan, Li Yuan''s speed and strength had visibly improved.


    Such a rate of transformation was absolutely astounding.


    "Teacher, that''s why I''m saying I''m a genius," Li Yuan said with a chuckle, "Come on, Teacher, you''re not leaving today unless you let me have a good time."


    "You rascal," Jiang Lunughed.


    ...


    "Teacher Jiang," Li Yang approached Jiang Lun privately.


    "President Li," Jiang Lun was very honest.


    He appeared polite and studious outwardly, but he was wild at heart and knew very well who he could and couldn''t provoke.


    "Regarding the extent of Li Yuan''s Physical Quality enhancement, don''t let it leak out," Li Yang said gravely, "The highest authorities of the school have ns, and it''s an order directly from Dean Hai."


    "Understood," Jiang Lun had already begun imagining scenarios.


    Besides Jiang Lun.


    The other two regr Prime Warriors who often trained with Li Yuan were likewise entrusted by Li Yang not to disclose anything.


    ...


    Aside from Li Yuan diligently cultivating.


    All the freshmen at Kunlun Martial University had gradually adapted to the university''s cultivation pace and were fully engrossed in their practice.


    People like Gu Qiang and An Nong were also progressing very quickly as time went by.


    Before a general education ss started¡ª


    "Brother Yuan, my skill has reached the Intermediate Rank of the Third Stage," Gu Qiang said excitedly, "And my body just reached Entry Rank yesterday, hitting level 10.0."


    "Congrattions," Li Yuan replied with a smile.


    Gu Qiang''s pace of progress¡­ was decent among the new students of Kunlun Martial University.


    Especially in terms of Physical Quality, he was actually in the top tier.


    However, given his family''s background, it was somewhat slow.


    "By the way."


    "Brother Yuan, my sister asked about you the other day," Gu Qiang suddenly said.


    "Your sister?" Li Yuan was taken aback, Lin Lanyue?


    The two hadn''t contacted each other for several months.


    "How is she doing in Starry Sky University?" Li Yuan asked with a smile.


    Starry Sky University was far away on the Lantis Continent, located in the middle of the Pacific Ocean.


    And far from Xia Country.


    "She''ll be fine with my big brother there as a teacher," Gu Qiang shrugged his shoulders.


    Li Yuan realized that the ''big brother'' Gu Qiang mentioned was probably Brother Lin.


    "It seems her Physical Quality is almost at level 13 now, and her skill has reached the Intermediate Rank of the Fourth Level. She''s making extraordinarily rapid progress. Honestly, even Wu Dongdong probably can''t match her in a real fight now," Gu Qiang said thoughtfully, then smiled, "But she still can''t catch up to you, Brother Yuan."


    Wu Dongdong had also enrolled at Starry Sky University.


    "Lin Lanyue is almost at level 13? Fourth Level Intermediate Rank?" Li Yuan was surprised.


    Such incredible progress.


    Physical Quality aside, when Lin Lanyue entered the Entry Rank back in April, with her talent and resources, it was understandable that she could improve by more than two levels in nearly half a year.


    But her skill?


    Li Yuan remembered very clearly, right before and after the high school exams, Lin Lanyue seemed to have just broken through to the Fourth Level of skill.


    Because her exams in skills scored full marks.


    Yet, in just a few months, to have risen to the Intermediate Rank of the Fourth Level?


    "Indeed, one must never underestimate anyone," Li Yuan mused, feeling genuinely happy for his friend''s progress.


    ...


    Time continued to pass day by day, and before long, September ended and October arrived.


    The weather was no longer hot.


    Cultural universities would have a four-day holiday in October, but Martial Arts University only had a two-day vacation.


    ```

 Chapter 153: 129: October, Finally Understanding the Stellar Five Forms (Seeking Monthly Votes)_3

    ```


    Li Yuan had the rare pleasure of taking a flying machine to Fengjing, the capital of Longxi Province, with Gu Qianghan, and enjoyed a day of rxation.


    "Need to heed Uncle''s advice,"


    "Having toiled for three months, taking a day off asionally isn''t a bad thing." Li Yuan thought to himself, "Training too requires moderation."


    On October 2nd, Li Yuan returned early to Kunlun Martial University.


    Inside the vi, the underground Martial Arts Room.


    "Ster Illumination."


    Li Yuan was immersed in practicing his Spear Technique, engaging in fiercebat with a Level 21bat coach before him.


    Mainly, it was Li Yuan attacking and the coach defending.


    Dawn Piercing Clouds, Gxy Waterfall, Meteor Fall... The moves of the Ster Spear Technique had been practiced millions of times and were etched into Li Yuan''s bones. Now, they were constantly being executed.


    "ng!"


    "ng! ng!" Thebat coach, armed with dual shields, was deflecting Li Yuan''s every move like lightning.


    His skill level hadn''t caught up with Li Yuan.


    But with his superior physical quality, he could easily block Li Yuan''s attacks.


    "Twelve Continuous Strikes." Li Yuan fully erupted, his blood and Qi boiling as though on fire.


    Whoosh whoosh whoosh!


    The spear light flowed grandly, each thrust surpassing thest, casting blurred shadows.


    Too fast.


    If he were to face the "Level 14.1 chieftain of the Rock Desert Tribe" now, he would be killed by Li Yuan in an instant.


    In the blink of an eye.


    The Twelve Continuous Strikes reached their limit and Li Yuan''s spirit and power peaked.


    In that moment, he became extremely excited.


    "Kill!" With his final thrust, Li Yuan felt an unparalleled thrill, without the slightest pause, manipting his long spear to send out a sky full of spear shadows.


    Each thrust seemed real.


    Each thrust also seemed illusory.


    Instantly, there were definitely more than forty spear shadows, causing thebat coach, a Prime Warrior, to see a blur before his eyes.


    Ster Spear Technique''s fifth move¡ªVast Sky Battle!


    "[Your Spear Technique Realm has increased from Fourth Level 73% to Fourth Level 78%]"


    "[Your Fist Technique Realm has increased from Fourth Level 75% to Fourth Level 79%]" Two Divine Pce alerts shed by.


    After two months of arduous training, Li Yuan had finally managed to execute the entire fifth move of the Ster Spear Technique today!


    "ng!"


    The sole authentic and terrifying spear shadow cut through the vast sky, like lightning piercing the shields, striking directly at thebat coach''s chest.


    An appalling impact force of tens of thousands of kilograms erupted, causing thebat coach to retreat unconsciously, only then dissipating the force.


    Both sides stopped instinctively.


    "Impressive."


    Coach Peng sincerely eximed, "Li Yuan, this thrust of yours is much stronger than before, I couldn''t even stop it."


    "Peng Bro, you''re joking," Li Yuan replied with a smile, "That''s because you haven''t fully unleashed your strength and speed. Otherwise, no matter how fast my spear is, could it really exceed yours?"


    A Level 21 Prime Warrior can unleash Fist Strength of over 120,000 kilograms.


    With Origin Power in y, their bodies are harder than steel.


    A First Rank Martial Artist and a Second Rank Prime Warrior are simply notparable.


    "Physical quality doesn''t count for much; it will inevitably improve. Skill is fundamental," Coach Peng sighed, "Li Yuan, your Spear Technique must be nearing the Subtlety of the soul."


    Li Yuan smiled slightly, ncing over his Divine Pce panel.


    ¡ª¡ª


    [Life Level: 13.8 (First Rank)]


    Fist Strength: 7329 kilograms


    Speed: 40.9 meters per second


    Spiritual Power: 22.9 level


    Spiritual Awakening Level: 25% (Current limit 25%, physical quality not strong enough to withstand Spiritual Guidance)


    Skill Realm: Spear Technique (Fourth Level 78%), Movement Technique (Fourth Level 69%), Fist Technique (Fourth Level 79%)


    [Note: When Spiritual Awakening Level reaches 25%, 50%, 75%, 100%, 125%, Spiritual Guidance will be obtained step by step.]


    ...


    "With all five moves of the Ster Spear Techniqueprehended, continuous practice will gradually get me to Fourth Level 90%," Li Yuan realized.


    Though his Spear Technique seemed merely at Fourth Level 78%, Li Yuan knew he was getting closer to reaching the Subtlety of the soul.


    "Physical Quality at 13.8, in at most half a month, I should reach Level 14," Li Yuan anticipated with excitement.


    ... At ten o''clock at night, Li Yuan had already sent thebat coach away and was still practicing in the Martial Arts Room.


    Suddenly.


    Li Yuan''s intelligent bracelet vibrated, he looked down.


    "Eh? A school notification?" Li Yuan extended his hand to click on it, a light screen emerged showing the specific content of the notification.


    "The Inter-Schstic Rookie Fight (Virtual Combat), invitation notice." Li Yuan murmured to himself, "Me, to be selected as ''seed yer'' of Kunlun Martial University?"


    "Directly entering the second round?"


    ```

 Chapter 161: 137: Your Goal is Second (Asking for Monthly Votes)

    On the stage, the 17th cage free-for-all battle ended just one minuteter.


    Li Yuan killed thest opponent, survived until the end, and scored 31 points.


    It wasn''t that he didn''t try hard to fight in thest phase, but the time spent fighting Kimura Tatsuo was too consuming, and there weren''t enough people left... to support Li Yuan in scoring many more points.


    But even so.


    The points from the two roundsbined brought Li Yuan''s second-round total score to an impressive 105 points.


    This was already an exaggerated score.


    On the stage, only Li Yuan was left.


    "Temporarily in first ce overall?" Li Yuan nced at the total points ranking.


    The sizable point advantage from the first round, coupled with a good performance in the second, kept Li Yuan''s total score in the lead.


    Although there were still three cage free-for-all battles left.


    However, top contenders like Yu Ming, Guan Ying, and Garava had already finishedpeting in the previous rounds, and none of their two-round total scores had surpassed one hundred.


    So, in a sense, Li Yuan had almost secured the first ce in the total score for the second round.


    "Let''s go."


    With a thought, Li Yuan disappeared from the stage; he didn''t return to the spectator tform but directly exited the virtualwork.


    ...


    "Li Yuan!"


    "Li Yuan." The spectator tform once again erupted with the intense cheering of numerous onlookers.


    However, the freshmen from Kunlun Martial University were searching all over the spectator tform.


    "Where''s Li Yuan?"


    "Where''s our senior brother?" They were all puzzled.


    Logically, after exiting the stage, one should return directly to their seat on the spectator tform.


    ...


    At Kunlun Martial Arts University, inside Li Yuan''s vi, in the underground martial arts room.


    Li Yuan had walked out of the resting room and took a weapon off the rack beside him.


    "Entangle, Continuous." In Li Yuan''s mind, the battle with Kimura Tatsuo was still fresh.


    Suddenly, the smart ring on his wrist vibrated continuously.


    At this time, a vibration meant an important person had sent a message; Li Yuan looked down.


    One was from Li Yang: "Well done."


    Another was from Lin Lanyue: "You''re in first ce, keep it up."


    A smile unconsciously appeared on Li Yuan''s face as he replied to both messages.


    He turned off the smart ring and put it aside.


    Holding the spear, Li Yuan came to the center of the martial arts room, closed his eyes slightly, and held the long spear tightly with both arms, adopting the ''spear holding stance'' of the Ster Spear Technique.


    "Stars like spheres, rolling powerfully." Li Yuan murmured to himself.


    During the recent battle, through the exchange with Kimura Tatsuo,


    That sh of insight enabled Li Yuan to re-examine his spear technique from a different angle.


    Kimura Tatsuo''s ''Continuous Spear'' seemed simr to Li Yuan''s ''Twelve Continuous Strikes.''


    But there was a fundamental difference.


    ''Twelve Continuous Strikes'' was about one spear surpassing another, where the momentum of the next spear would always be stronger than the previous one, focusing on ''umtion.'' At its peak, it was like the gathering force of a great river, bound to burst out powerfully.


    If it didn''t explode and overflow, even at its peak, it wouldn''tst long.


    It was not durable.


    ''Continuous Spear,'' however, emphasized ''entanglement,'' a continuous, never-ending flow, where from the first spear to thest, the power often didn''t differ much.


    The downside was that it wasn''t domineering enough, but the upside was stability, not causing one''s spear momentum to suddenly copse.


    "Simr techniques, like ''Cloud Commanding Spear Technique'' which Teacher Li Yang had me practice actually contains a simr concept," Li Yuan realized he had encountered such moves before.


    In the Starry Skies Fighting Network, when exchanging blows with others, he had faced it as well.


    When practicing in realbat with Teacher Jiang Lun and the two Prime Warriors, they had also used simr moves.


    But they had never deliberately developed a systematic approach.


    "Most importantly, previously, I was solely focused onprehending the five forms of the Ster Spear Technique. Where would I have paid attention to this?" Li Yuan couldn''t help but smile and shake his head.


    It was like the moral of many stories in textbooks. Learnt in the ssroom as a child, you thought you understood them... only to realize a decade or twoter that you never trulyprehended them.


    The same was true for spear techniques.


    Beforepletelyprehending the five forms of the Ster Spear Technique.


    Even though Li Yuan knew that the core of ''Ster Spear Technique''y in the first form ''Ster Illumination,'' and that he was aware of the core concept ''Stars are like spheres.''


    Even having seen other masters use simr concept techniques.


    Without the corresponding level, it seemed like understanding the principle, but in reality, never having trulyprehended it.


    And the exchange with Kimura Tatsuo, in a way, came after Li Yuan hadprehended the five forms of the Ster Technique, and had reached a new level of understanding of the Ster Spear Technique.


    It was upon re-examining it that he gained a new understanding.


    It wasn''t that Kimura Tatsuo''s spear technique was particrly strong, it was just that he appeared at the right ce and time.


    Timing.


    Is often very important.


    "From the second form ''Ster Waterfall'' to the fifth form ''Ster Battle in the Wild,'' all are offensive moves," Li Yuan contemted: "Out of the five major moves, four are offensive, yet the ''Ster Spear Technique'' is recognized as ''an extremely strong defensive spear technique.''"


    "Why is that?"


    "At the core, it is the first form ''Ster Illumination.''" Li Yuan''s long spear moved slowly, as he began to practice the first form ''Ster Illumination'' anew.


    Although it seemed the same, once he executed it again, Li Yuan held a different understanding in his heart.


    In the past.


    Whenever he used it, he pursued the ultimate burst and speed, as spectacr as an exploding star.


    But now, revisiting the technique, his moves were slower, and his power more restrained.


    It was like a zing star that, after billions of years of evolution, transitioned from its initial ''moltenva'' period to stability.


    Not because the star no longer contained the potential for explosive power,


    But because it had condensed this surging force within, seldom unleashing it arbitrarily.

 Chapter 155: 131 The Strongest Opponent

    "Garava? Li Yuan?" The three students in the meeting room all showed puzzled expressions.


    They had never heard of them.


    In fact, as freshmen who had just entered university, they were far from the global university Martial Artspetition and few paid attention to students from other schools.


    Just like Li Yuan, he would not deliberately pay attention to geniuses from other schools¡ªit wasn''t very meaningful.


    "ording to the intelligence we''ve collected, both of them have reached the Bright Moon Stage on the Starry Skies Fighting Network," the elder in a ck robe said. "Garava broke through at the beginning of July, and Li Yuan at the beginning of August."


    "Bright Moon Stage?"


    "Garava broke through at the beginning of July? Doesn''t that mean he did so earlier than me and Guan Ying?" The tallest youth among them said in a deep voice, "How could such a talent remain within Tianzhu Country?"


    "The reason is unclear."


    The elder in the ck robe shook his head, "Regional Martial Arts Universities may not have students with overall qualities as great as ours, but with arge number andrge base, asionally super talents will emerge."


    "Like Kunlun Martial University,st year they produced Jin Huguo, who reached the Subtlety of the soul in his sophomore year and entered the top hundred of the virtualbat of the global Martial Arts Universitiespetition," the elder in the ck robe said. "Many of your senior ssmates were defeated by him.


    By next February when hepetes again, he will be even stronger; it''s possible for him to reach the top twenty or even top ten."


    Subtlety of the soul?


    The burly youth and the young woman both showed serious expressions on their faces.


    From the high rank of Fourth Level to the Perfection of Fourth Level, even though they were the top elites of Starfire University, they couldn''t say for sure that they would breakthrough by their sophomore year.


    "Alright."


    "The documents about those two and the collectedbat data, as well as information on other schools'' Fourth Level masters, have all been sent to your personal Virtual Space," the elder in the ck robe said. "Go look at them privatelyter."


    "You may leave now."


    "Yes." The three students stood up.


    Soon, they all arrived outside the meeting room.


    Suddenly.


    The extraordinarily handsome young man in ck clothes stopped, turned his head towards the burly youth and the young woman, "Yu Ming, Guan Ying, work hard, I don''t want you to fail to even make the top four. That would be too embarrassing for our university."


    "Dantai Feng, you..." The burly youth''s expression changed.


    The young woman next to him quickly shot him a warning nce.


    "What? Can''t ept it?" The young man in ck clothes nced at the burly youth, "If you''re not convinced, whether it''s actualbat or virtual battle, you pick."


    mes seemed to spray from the burly youth''s eyes.


    "Don''t be arrogant, thinking that just because you were third in the college entrance examination in Xia Country you will always be third," Dantai Feng said indifferently. "Tian Dazhuang is progressing no slower than you, he''s also at the high rank of Fourth Level."


    "Lin Lanyue from Starry Sky University has awakened high Spiritual Nature and her strength has grown rapidly."


    "As for Li Yuan?"


    "I don''t mind telling you." Dantai Feng nced at them both, "He might have beente in reaching the high rank of Fourth Level, but his rate of progress is the most terrifying. A year ago, he had just reached the initial rank of Third Stage."


    Yu Ming and Guan Ying''s expressionspletely changed.


    A year''s time, from the initial rank of Third Stage to the high rank of Fourth Level? That was exaggeration.


    Phew!


    The young man in ck clothes seemed uninterested in them and went straight away, disappearing from their view.


    "Damn it, always showing off in front of us."


    Yu Ming''s eyes seemed to spit fire, "If he''s so capable, he should show off in front of Salvatore."


    "Stop it." Guan Ying shook her head, "It''s normal for Dantai Feng to be proud with such a background and high talent."


    "His warning is correct."


    "This time, we can''t be careless," Guan Ying said seriously. "We could ept losing to Li Yuan, that would just be an internalpetition within Xia Country, stew in our own juice, but losing to Garava would be a true disgrace."


    "Hmph!"


    "He''s worried about us losing?" Yu Ming scoffed, "He should be careful not to capsize in the drainage ditch and lose his first ce...Guan Ying, I know what''s at stake, I''m heading back first."


    Mid-sentence.


    Yu Ming himself felt it was somewhat unrealistic. Dantai Feng lose first ce?


    The odds were too small!


    After all, Dantai Feng was already at the high rank of Fourth Level in swordsmanship, the first in Xia Country, before the college entrance examination.


    A few months into Starfire University, he still was absolutely among the top three of the freshmen.


    Even Salvatore, recognized as the strongest, couldn''t confidently say he would win in a virtual battle.


    When the level of skill is close, the oue of a battle depends a lot on the state at that moment.


    ...


    After getting exnations from the teacher in the Xuanwu Building about potential ''Fourth Level masters'' from various schools.


    By noon.


    Li Yuan returned to his vi, went to the basement Martial Arts Room, turned on the screen projection, and started looking through the ''information files'' the teacher had just sent over.


    "Dantai Feng, Yu Ming, Guan Ying, Garava." Li Yuan looked at the four names that were specially highlighted in the file.


    All four of them were at the Bright Moon Stage.


    The file included videos of theirbats, but most were from before the college entrance examination and had only referential value.


    Li Yuan examined them one by one.


    "Hm?"


    "This Dantai Feng." Li Yuan watched the young man in ck clothes easily defeat a series of Fallen Star stage masters on the screen and muttered to himself, "This coordination of Sword and Shield Technique, could it be that he''s at the high rank of Fourth Level?"


    Already at the high rank of Fourth Level before the college entrance examination?


    Li Yuan wasn''t sure.


    "With such talent, and another four months passed, how strong must he be now?" Li Yuan felt the pressure, "Has he reached Subtlety already?"


    If Dantai Feng had reached Subtlety, then there was a big gap between them.


    Despite Li Yuan''s rapid progress, having mastered the five forms of the Ster Spear Technique, he was still a ways off from reaching the 90% that represents Subtlety in the Fourth Stage.


    Suddenly.


    "Master, Tian Dazhuang is calling you on Vm, voice chat," the intelligent assistant informed.


    "Tian Dazhuang?" Li Yuan paused, then said with a smile, "Connect."


    Beep¡ªThe voice chat was established.


    "Dazhuang." Li Yuan said with a smile, taking the initiative to speak.


    The appetion was quite close.


    "Li Yuan."


    From the darkened screen, a deep voice came through, tinged with a hint of a smile, "Thank you for ourst battle on the Starry Skies Fighting Network."


    "It''s nothing," Li Yuan said with a smile. "You were about to break through then. Even if I had interrupted you, you''d have stabilized your realm in two or three days at most."


    "Yeah." Tian Dazhuang said, "You know about the three wildcard entrants in the ten-school freshman battle, right?"


    "Yeah, Dantai Feng... they are all from your Starfire University," Li Yuan said outright, naming the three people.


    He guessed that Tian Dazhuang must have had something urgent to say to call him out of the blue.


    "These three people, Yu Ming and Guan Ying are about as strong as I am, and for you, beating them shouldn''t be too hard," Tian Dazhuang said in a deep voice. "But be careful with Dantai Feng; he was already at the high rank of Fourth Level before the college entrance exam."


    "Now, he must be close to reaching the Subtlety of the soul," Tian Dazhuang continued.


    "Subtlety of the soul?" Li Yuan''s heart stirred, and he couldn''t help asking, "Has he reached it?"


    "Not yet."


    ```


    Tian Dazhuang confirmed, "I sparred with him just two days ago, and if his psyche had achieved subtlety, I wouldn''tst ten moves against him; he practices the ''Flowing Light Sword Technique''... You can watch more videos of masters from this style battling."


    "However, I can''t share his specificbat videos with you. I hope you understand," said Tian Dazhuang.


    "I understand," Li Yuan replied with a smile.


    There are clear rules about this, and Li Yuan, too, couldn''t share other students''bat videos at will.


    "I appreciate receiving this information. Thank you," Li Yuan said with a smile.


    "You''ve helped me before, so naturally, I should help you too," Tian Dazhuang replied with a smile. "Besides, I want you to win."


    "You want me to win?" Li Yuan asked in surprise. "If they lose, wouldn''t Starfire University also lose face?"


    "What do I care, it''s not my face being lost, and I even want to fight to win rewards. It''s just a pity the school doesn''t give me the chance," Tian Dazhuang replied with augh. "As for Dantai Feng... I''ve always wanted to beat him up, but sadly, I''m not strong enough."


    "Push yourself and try to beat him up for me."


    ...


    After ending themunication with Tian Dazhuang.


    "This Dantai Feng, he really knows how to make himself hated," Li Yuan said, shaking his head with a wry smile. "Even someone with Tian Dazhuang''s temperament can''t stand him."


    However, from Tian Dazhuang''s words, Li Yuan sensed how strong the other party was.


    The realm of skill.


    Most likely above his own.


    "But as to who will win, that only bes clear after the battle," Li Yuan said, as he turned and began walking upstairs.


    Entering the virtualwork, Li Yuan started watching videos of masters using the ''Flowing Light Sword Technique'' in battle.


    ...


    After familiarizing himself with the necessary knowledge.


    Li Yuan returned to the underground Martial Arts Room and resumed spear practice without any impatience in his heart.


    "Dantai Feng?"


    "Let him be as strong as he is, as long as I do my best, there''s hope for winning," Li Yuan said calmly in his heart. "If I really lose, then it would mean I wasn''t strong enough."


    "If I''m not strong enough, then I''ll continue to train and be stronger."


    Li Yuan pursued victory, but victory is just a result. The process determines the result, and he wouldn''t be discouraged if he didn''t win in the end.


    Doing his best is above all else.


    ...


    In the afternoon, Li Yang also sought Li Yuan, sharing simr information to Tian Dazhuang''s.


    ...


    That evening, someone unexpectedly video-called Li Yuan.


    Seeing the flickering name on the screen.


    Li Yuan, who was practicing his spear in silence, hesitated.


    After three seconds of hesitation.


    He answered!


    The video call connected, and on the screen projection appeared a short-haired woman dressed in a red Xia martial attire.


    Compared to half a year ago, she seemed more mature, her face less childish and three parts more heroic.


    It felt like a real transformation.


    "Lin Lanyue." Li Yuan greeted with a smile. "Long time no see. What brings you to contact me all of a sudden?"


    "Can''t I contact you?" The Lin Lanyue in the video replied with a smile.


    The background of the video showed that she was also in a Martial Arts Room.


    "Gu Qiang told me that the ten-school freshmanpetition starts tomorrow. Do you have confidence in defeating Dantai Feng?" Lin Lanyue got straight to the point.


    Clearly, she was well-informed about the ten-school freshmanpetition.


    "Nope," Li Yuan admitted with a smile. "He should be close to achieving subtlety in spirit. I think I''m still a bit behind in the skill realm, but to say that I have no confidence at all wouldn''t be true. As for winning or losing, we''ll only know after we actually fight."


    "It seems you also have your ways to get information about him," Lin Lanyue said with augh.


    "These are the only pieces of information I know," Li Yuan shrugged and replied with a smile. "To understand his strength further, I''ll have to wait for the actualpetition."


    "Right."


    "I''ve collected abat video for you to take a look at," Lin Lanyue said coolly. "It might help you some."


    With a *ding*, instantly,


    Li Yuan received a notification, and a video file was added.


    "Is this Dantai Feng''s video?" Li Yuan asked without epting it, unable to help himself. "Isn''t that against the rules?"


    "It''s not against the rules."


    "You''ll see when you watch it," Lin Lanyue replied with a smile. "Okay, when you make it to the finals, I''lle to cheer you on."


    "My realbat teacher is here, I have to hang up now."


    "Alright."


    Li Yuan nodded, and suddenly he said, "My uncle''s situation, thank you for that."


    Lin Lanyue paused for a moment, then said with a smile, "I told youst time, it was just a coincidence, don''t worry about it."


    "Good luck!"


    ...


    After ending the call, Li Yuan stared at the ''video file'' on the screen, hesitating.


    He clicked to open it.


    It wasn''t the Dantai Fengbat video he had anticipated.


    But it was a duel between two masters.


    One wielded a long spear, employing the Ster Spear Technique.


    The other used a sword and shield, disying the ''Flowing Light Sword Technique'' and the ''Vajra Shield Technique''.


    Bothbatants had skills at the high rank of the Fourth Level.


    "What is this?" Li Yuan muttered to himself in surprise.


    Soon, Li Yuan realized it wasn''t just a singlebat video.


    There were nine in total.


    The two masters were consistent in their choice of weapons and moves, but their skill levels kept varying, starting from the initial high rank of the Fourth Level and progressing towards the peak, even reaching the subtlety of the Fourth Level.


    "These are simted battles!"


    "They''re simting the differentbat scenarios that could ur between Dantai Feng and me," Li Yuan realized with a surge of emotion.


    This seemingly simple collection ofbat videos must have taken a lot of effort topile.


    ...


    Time passed.


    On October 4, the first round of thepetition had nothing to do with Li Yuan.


    He didn''t pay much attention to it, continuing his training as usual.


    On the morning of October 5,


    Li Yuan was about to face his first cage match battle.


    ```

 Chapter 156: 132: The Center of Attention (Seeking Monthly Votes)

    Virtual Network.


    The Rookie Contest of ten schools was held on the Starry Skies Fighting Network, and after entering the second round, a specialbat space was opened up, allowing spectators from all schools to enter and watch.


    Eight o''clock in the morning.


    Li Yuan entered the Starry Skies Fighting Network, and since his identity had already been registered, he could directly enter the ''Rookie Contest Space of Ten Schools''.


    Whoosh!


    With a sh of light, Li Yuan found himself in an extraordinarilyrge arena space.


    In the very center was a circr melee stage with a diameter of over 200 meters.


    Surrounding it were densely packed spectators that formed a sea of people. At a nce, there were probably more than a hundred thousand.


    Li Yuan was sitting in the spectator area very close to the stage.


    "Brother Yuan, you''ve finally arrived," Gu Qianghan, who was sitting in front, said excitedly with a smile, "The matches are about to start, and you, a seeded contestant, are not arriving earlier."


    "Big Senior Brother!"


    "Big Senior Brother." All around, sitting densely packed, were juniors from the Sixth Institute.


    Further away? With a nce, Li Yuan recognized many familiar figures, students from other academies in their first year.


    There were a lot of people.


    "Li Yuan, good luck," a shout suddenly came from behind him.


    Li Yuan turned his head and couldn''t help but show a hint of a smile¡ªit was Senior Sister Qiu Jing who was cheering for him.


    She was gathering with many second-year students.


    "Why are there so many people?" Li Yuan turned back and sat down, unable to help but ask.


    "Big Senior Brother, didn''t youe to watch the contest yesterday?" An Nong said with a smile next to him.


    Li Yuan shook his head.


    With Dantai Feng, a top-notch expert, participating, it was incredibly difficult to secure the first ce; he dared not rx.


    Yesterday, he was fully devoted to practicing.


    "The contestants are only students from our ten schools, plus a few wildcard students," Gu Qianghan exined, "But as for the spectators, in addition to students from our ten schools, students from the three top-tier martial schools also have permission to watch."


    Li Yuan understood in an instant.


    No wonder, the night beforest, Lin Lanyue had said, once he made it to the finals, she woulde to watch.


    "Moreover, the participating countries, like Xia Country, Sakura Country, ASEAN, Tianzhu Country... will also allow students from their own ordinary martial arts universities to watch and learn," An Nong said with a chuckle, "Like our country''s twenty-nine ordinary martial arts universities, their students cane to watch."


    "Only first-year students arebating, but students from the second to fifth year can still watch."


    "So,"


    "theoretically, the number of spectators could certainly exceed three million," An Nong eximed with emotion, "Of course, that''s just theoretical. Students above the third year basically do not pay attention to this event."


    "The main audience consists of first-years along with a few second-years."


    "But just yesterday, the peak number of spectators exceeded two hundred thousand."


    "Today is the Cage Melee, which is even more exciting; ording to past years'' data, surpassing five hundred thousand spectators should not be difficult," An Nong said with a smile.


    Li Yuan nodded slightly, his gaze sweeping over the Spectator tform in the distance, where even more ''spectator seats'' seemed to be appearing.


    Five hundred thousand spectators? That''s terrifying!


    One must know, this virtual spectating isn''t like watching on a screen, but rather a true simtion of ''arena spectating''; with every additional person, an extra spectator seat is created.


    Fortunately, this is the virtualwork, where constructing a virtual fighting tform is quite easy.


    In reality, it would be impossible to find apetition venue that could amodate a million spectators.


    "The Cage Melee has ten rounds in the morning and ten in the afternoon," Gu Qianghan couldn''t help but say, "Brother Yuan, which round are you in?"


    "3 and 17," Li Yuan said with a smile.


    After yesterday''s first round ended, all the students who had advanced to the second round had received their battle order.


    "I''m in the 6th and 12th matches," An Nong said helplessly.


    "Making it to the second round is pretty good," Li Yuan smiled. "You''re better than Gu Qiangh¨¤n."


    "Damn it, Brother Yuan, don''t be like that. I was only a little short of making it to the second round, with a ranking of over three thousand in the first round," Gu Qiangh¨¤n couldn''t help but say.


    People around them allughed.


    Li Yuanughed as well.


    "Our Sixth Institute had 67 people make it into the second round, ranking second in numbers amongst the eight institutes," An Nong introduced to Li Yuan. "In the entire school, a total of 453 made it to the second round, ranking first among the ten schools."


    "Hmm," Li Yuan nodded slightly.


    In the global view, Kunlun Martial University is considered just below the top three premier martial arts universities.


    It''s in the top five.


    Of course, there''s quite a sizable gap between this global top five martial arts university and the top three.


    Time passed.


    As the time for the mainpetition drew nearer, the number of spectators also kept increasing. When the time reached eight-thirty, the number of spectators had already surpassed 400,000 and was steadily heading towards 500,000.


    400,000 people gathered at a spectator tform? What kind of concept is that?


    Heads crowded everywhere¡ªit was a packed sea of people, and the atmosphere within the entire battle space was incredibly fervent.


    Students from various universities engaged in spirited discussions.


    Finally, at 8:30 AM.


    Even though there are slight timezone differences across countries, since they aren''t too far apart in reality, the impact isn''t veryrge.


    Whoosh!


    A huge brilliance streaked across the sky hundreds of meters high, followed closely by giant light screens that materialized above the Spectator tform, all aimed at every corner of the central ring.


    These allowed any spectator, no matter where they sat around the fighting ring, to clearly see everything on the tform.


    Even more, in front of each spectator, there was a ''Starry Sky Combat Screen'' they could manually adjust.


    Apart from watching through thebat screens, every spectator could also send ''livementary'' in real time.


    "Wee students from all the prestigious martial path academies," a deep voice erupted.


    A burly man in a ck robe appeared on the tform, with the character ''Martial Path'' emzoned across his chest.


    His voice also spread throughout the entire battle space.


    "Today marks the second round of the freshman fight for ten schools; it is the most exhrating ''cage melee''," the burly man announced with a booming voice. "1997 elite students from the ten major universities, along with three martial arts prodigies from Starfire University, willpete for 136 elimination spots."


    "The rules are as follows:"


    ...


    "Alright, that''s enough about the rules for the contenders to know," the burly host smiled. "For our audience here, you only need to know one thing."


    "In the cage melee, only the victor survives!"


    "This is the most brutal showdown, this is the most iron-willed trial," the burly man''s voice was filled with passion. "Only the strongest can survive to the end."


    "Now, I dere the second round ''cage melee'' of the freshman fight for the ten schools officially underway."


    Boom! Music sted through the vast sky.


    The spectator tform, now exceeding 500,000 spectators within the battle space, erupted into thunderous cheers that were deafening.


    "It''s quite enthusiastic," Li Yuan couldn''t help but remark, experiencing such arge crowd for the first time.


    "Once it''s over ten thousand, it''s a sea of people," Gu Qiangh¨¤nughed. "Brother Yuan, you should know, most of these spectators are frommon Martial Arts University students; they''re essentially here for the excitement, and they''ll be happy as long as a student from their own country wins."


    Li Yuan nodded in agreement.


    The spectators all have their own allegiances; they hope someone from their own school wins.


    But for students from institutions like Jiangbei Martial University watching thepetition? As long as a person from Xia Country wins, they''ll support them.


    Gradually, the shouting died down.


    "First match," the burly man''s voice suddenly burst forth like thunder, "Begin preparations."


    Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!


    The students who had been watching on the stage had vanished in an instant, entering the ''Preparation Space''.


    Of course, the disappearance of 200 students was barely noticeable on a spectator tform holding over 500,000 people.


    Just 15 secondster.


    Whoosh! Two hundred armed and armored contestants reappeared on the stage, all standing at the edge of the tform, forming a massive circle.


    At the same time, on the giant screen above the tform, names of 200 people appeared.


    Along with the ''Total Points Ranking''.


    The top 8 and top 136 were marked in special colors.


    The top 8 would go directly to the fourth round.


    Only the top 136 could enter the third round.


    ...


    All contestants appeared in an instant.


    Suddenly, cheers and shouts rose from the tform, from various schools, like waves.


    "Yang Hong!"


    "Yang Hong! Come on!" Some students from Kunlun Martial University burst out cheering.


    In the first match, Kunlun Martial had several dozen students participating, but the strongest among them was Yang Hong.


    However, there was no separate introduction for the contestants.


    So, no single student''s cries stood out specially, as countless voices echoed over the spectator tform, rather noisy.


    "Garava." Li Yuan nced over and spotted the unassuming figure.


    Dark skin, over 1.7 meters tall, with ordinary features, very inconspicuous.


    Wielding a long spear.


    "Trouble for Yang Hong."


    "Not good." It wasn''t just Li Yuan who spotted Garava, many elite students from Kunlun Martial University recognized him too.


    Yang Hong himself noticed as well.


    ...


    The countdown of ten seconds on the stage quickly concluded.


    "Begin." The burly man roared and then flew high into the sky, not to interfere with the contestants'' battles.


    At the same time, the 200 contestants felt the restraints on them lifted.


    "Boom!" The melee in the cage erupted in an instant.


    As if by an unspoken agreement, whoosh, whoosh, the more than ten contestants around Garava dashed away like shadows, heading further into the distance.


    Like a tiger entering a pack of wolves, no one dared to engage Garava first.


    Any student who made it to the second round was no fool.


    Most people knew who the top few experts were.


    Boom!


    The dark-skinned youth seemed to have anticipated this, his figure shing like lightning, and he rushed towards the area with the most people.


    "Pff!" "Pff!" The spear shadow shifted, and instantly, one powerful opponent after another fell.


    "Avoiding battle?"


    "My goal is to take the first ce in points for the second round," Garava thought thoroughly, his gaze calm, "The powerful fighters from Xia Country aren''t here, no one will be my match."


    "Wipe them out!"


    A group attack? Over a hundred people working together might actually get swept away by him alone.


    The intense melee ensued.


    And Garava''s points quickly soared, shooting straight to ''first ce in total points,'' and far surpassing the second ce.


    "Garava!"


    "Garava!" This scene made the over hundred thousand students from Tianzhu Country on the spectator tformpletely erupt with unprecedented cheers, instantly drowning out all other voices on the tform.


    Garava''s performance was too dominant.


    At the same time, his acts were also being spammed by countless Tianzhu students on the spectator screen.


    "The strongest in Tianzhu!"


    "Garava is the strongest!"


    "We Tianzhu are the true number one! Beat the people of Xia Country! Take first!"


    "Garava!" Countlessments rolled on, obviously, the Tianzhu students were extremely excited at this moment.


    ...


    In the first match, Garava undoubtedly survived till the end.


    The fiercest battle took ce between him and Yang Hong.


    But the so-called fiercest battle ended in less than ten moves, and Yang Hong was killed.


    In the end, Garava 52 points! Temporarily ranked first in total points!


    Yang Hong 14 points, temporarily ranked second in total points.


    The majority of the contestants scored zero.


    ...


    In the second match, there was no exceptionally powerful contestant who couldpletely dominate; the most dazzling was Kimura Tatsuo from Sakura Country, who also wielded a long spear.


    He ended up with 31 points, temporarily second in total points.


    The spectator tform holding tens of thousands of people instantly erupted with cheers from the tens of thousands of students from Sakura Country.


    "Kimura-kun!"


    "Kimura is amazing, I think he is not weaker than Garava in the first match, he might be the strongest."


    "The strongest Kimura."


    "Kimura-kun will surely take the final first ce." Arge number ofments scrolled on the spectator screen.


    ...


    In the third match, as the burly man host announced ''begin.''


    Two hundred contestants had already appeared on the tform from the preparation space.


    Instantly, the hundreds of thousands of spectators all looked over.


    "Big Brother."


    "Where is Li Yuan?"


    "Hm? Why can''t I see Big Brother!" Thousands of students from Kunlun Martial University searched for Li Yuan''s figure.


    But they couldn''t spot him instantly.


    "Damn! Big Brother is wearing a mask, trying to hide from others? Big Brother is so cunning."


    "Not just Li Yuan, others from the school have worn them too."


    "This seems to be An Nong''s idea just now, who urgently contacted other institutes'' participants for the third match."


    "Without any name reminders and with dozens of people wearing masks, students from other schools won''t recognize Big Brother in a short time."


    "An Nong 666!"


    "The battle has begun."

 Chapter 157: 133: King of the Melee (Extra added for Golden Alliances 600,000th anniversary)

    Students from various Martial Arts Universities around the world who want to watch the battle must enter the Spectator tform within thebat space.


    However, teachers and deans from famous schools can overlook from a higher level area, which is very quiet andfortable.


    The only catch is that their Spectator tform cannot be seen by the students.


    "Li Yuan is up," Dean Xu said with a smile, pointing at Li Yuan on the stage. "They even put on a mask."


    "Always full of tricks," Li Yang chuckled. "It must have been ast-minute idea after seeing others avoid Garava in the first round."


    "That Li Yuan boy has always been smart," the portly elder ''Dean Qin'' chuckled as he joined in.


    The three vice-deans spoke amiably among themselves.


    "Isn''t this precisely a sign ofcking confidence? If one is truly strong, why resort to these petty tricks?" Suddenly, a grating voice came from the side.


    Three deans turned to look in anger simultaneously.


    Who was this foolhardy person?


    "And who do we have here, if not Morita Daiku," Li Yang recognized the person and sneered. "Last year you were skulking about, and now that Sakura Country has Kimura Tatsuo, you dare strut in front of me?"


    The short, fat, and muscr man who had just made the sarcasticment red back in response.


    "Ba Qiang''s student Garava emerged this year, yet you don''t see others bragging far and wide, let alone being as foul-mouthed as you," Li Yang continued unabashed. "If your mouth stinks, go wash it out."


    The virtualwork has an automated trantion system, so their words are directly tranted.


    "President Li, long time no see," the ck-robed elder ''Ba Qiang'' from Tianzhu smiled.


    Garava was his student.


    "Long time no see."


    "You''ve always been low-profile, Ba Qiang," Li Yang grinned. "This year''s Garava is still formidable, maybe he could take the champion title. Unlike some, whose studentsck strength but not their loudmouth."


    "Garava is still a bit behind Li Yuan," said Ba Qiang, the ck-robed elder, modestly.


    He and Li Yang were well acquainted.


    Stung by Li Yang''s mockery, Morita Daiku, standing to the side, was seething, only to find he was beingpletely ignored by Li Yang.


    "Hmph."


    "Li Yuan? In the second round of the cage battle this afternoon, Kimura and Li Yuan happen to be in the same match. We''ll see who''s not up to snuff then," Morita Daiku said icily.


    In an instant,


    Not just Li Yang, Dean Xu, and Ba Qiang, but also teachers from other schools standing not far away were momentarily taken aback.


    Dozens of teachers all fell into a brief silence.


    "Cough cough," the ck-robed elder Ba Qiang quietly asked, "Morita, weren''t you at schoolst month? Didn''t you get a detailed update on these students?"


    "Yes."


    "I went to Star Realm in July and just got back yesterday," Morita Daiku was not truly foolish and immediately sensed something was amiss. "What''s the matter? Is this Li Yuan really that impressive?"


    "Whether he''s impressive, I don''t know," the ck-robed elder Ba Qiang shook his head. "All I know is, with Li Yang''s personality, Kimura Tatsuo is in for a tough time this afternoon."


    "Indeed."


    "The third match has started, see for yourself what Li Yuan is like," Ba Qiang advised ''kindly''.


    ...


    Within thebat space, the third match of the cage battle has already begun the final three-second countdown.


    "Fang Kui!"


    "Li Yuan!" On the spectator tform with hundreds of thousands of people, these two names were the most frequently and loudly called out.


    Especially "Li Yuan," not only the students from Kunlun Martial University but even many students from ordinary Martial Arts Universities of Xia Country were shouting it out.


    A good number were students from Jiangbei Martial Arts University.


    On the stage, 200 participants from different schools and countries, listening to the roaring cheers around them, all felt a sense of pride involuntarily stir within their hearts.


    Suchpetitions are not only for themselves but also for the glory of their schools and their countries.


    The countdown ended.


    The shackles on all participants dissipated at the same moment.


    "Boom!" "Boom!" Almost simultaneously, all 200 participants sprang into action.


    Most of them immediately dodged like lightning away from the few masked participants wielding long spears.


    No one was foolish.


    All these participants were the elite, and even if they hadn''t seen Li Yuan before, most had been briefed on some of his information by their schools.


    Knowing the terrifying strength of the opponent, he was definitely of the calibre contending for the championship.


    But now no one could pinpoint where he was.


    Thus, there was only one possibility¡ªthey must be one of the several masked ones.


    "ng!" "ng!" Even though many had dodged immediately, the chaos of battle was unavoidable.


    No one could stay out of it, after all, howrge was the stage?


    "Boom!"


    Li Yuan, masked and wielding a long spear, shed in front of one of the participants, his long spear moving like lightning as he thrust straight forward.


    "Not good," the face of this participant changed, just as he was about to raise his hand to block.


    "Thud!"


    The long spear had already shed across his throat, blood sttered, and his body instantly turned into nothingness.


    "Whoosh!"


    The spear swept back and arced through the air, blocking the fiercely shing saber.


    "Bang~" With a terrible sh, Li Yuan''s spear shaft twisted like a dragon turning over, already bypassing the opponent''s long saber, apanied by a sh of cold light.


    The spear tip pierced straight through the opponent''s throat.


    Dead!


    "2 points in the bag," Li Yuan was notified and his gaze swept over the participants nearby who were changing color.


    "Is he Li Yuan?"


    "Definitely!"


    "It shows Li Yuan with 2 points, and he just got two points."


    "Two moves to kill two people? That''s too savage," the participants were all shocked in their hearts.


    Those who made it to the second round should all be the elite of the Martial Path schools.


    But facing this terrifyingly skilled masked participant suspected to be Li Yuan, they were powerless to fight back.


    "An Nong''s method is indeed somewhat effective," Li Yuan mused inwardly.


    Although these participants would still try to dodge, initially there were four suspects, so everyone only had a one-in-four chance of avoiding him.


    It wouldn''t be like the first match where, before the brawl even started, everyone was staying away from Garava.


    That way, it would be much harder for Garava to ''score points.''


    "Run quickly."


    "This one is definitely Li Yuan," the participants near Li Yuan realized in horror and were eager to get away.


    The data showed that Li Yuan was strong, but it wasn''t until they actually saw him in action that they realized he was even stronger than his profile suggested.


    However, these participants didn''t avoid him at the start, and now the entire arena was in a melee.


    Where could they flee to?


    Besides, although all the participants had simted physical qualities that were the same, Li Yuan''s burst speed was a whole lot stronger.


    "Thud! Thud! Thud!" One by one, participants fell beneath Li Yuan''s long spear.


    One spear, one kill!


    Li Yuan''s points were skyrocketing, quickly breaking through 30 points.


    The number of people on the stage was rapidly diminishing.


    And in reality?


    Li Yuan hadn''t even used his Ster Spear Technique, just relying on his superior skills to constantly reap these participants.


    "Ster Spear Technique?"


    "Not many can force me to use the Ster Spear Technique," Li Yuan thought calmly.


    Scoring points was merely to surge into the fourth round in one go, to avoid the time-wasting elimination matches.


    "Hmm?" Li Yuan''s eyes flickered, suddenly shifting towards the distance.


    Dozens of meters away, a burly young man wielding two battle axes was frantically pursuing two masked participants.


    Those wearing masks were all students from Kunlun Martial University.


    Whoosh!


    Li Yuan''s figure moved instantly as he charged over.


    ... "Go to hell."


    The burly ''Fang Kui,'' holding two battle axes, frenziedly chased after the two masked participants before him.


    As one of the top three martial arts talents from Lion City Martial Arts University, Fang Kui had extremely sharp skills, and with his twin battle axes, he had killed more than ten participants in a very short time.


    He was the second most powerful contestant on this tform, just after Li Yuan.


    "Thud!"


    One axe swept past, knocking thebat saber out of one Kunlun student''s grip, and the student''s body disappeared in mid-air.


    Another axe swung down, trying to eliminate another Kunlun student.


    "ng!"


    A long spear struck like lightning, blocking the deadly swing of the axe.


    ...


    On the spectator tform.


    Upon witnessing the direct encounter between Li Yuan and Fang Kui, hundreds of thousands of excited students stood up shouting at once.


    The vast majority of the spectators didn''t know who Li Yuan and Fang Kui were or their achievements before the match.


    But everyone could tell that these two were the strongest in this chaotic cage battle.


    Their confrontation was naturally the climax of this mixed fight.


    Even the big screen on the stage turned its head, focusing on them immediately.


    "Fang Kui."


    "Fang Kui, beat him."


    "Fang Kui, you''re the strongest," more than a hundred thousand students from ASEAN went mad at this moment.


    Lion City Martial Arts University is the premier martial arts university for a poption of a billion in ASEAN.


    "Defeat Li Yuan."


    "I love Fang Kui," countless messages rolled on the spectator screen as well.


    ... But the ASEAN students'' cheerssted less than two seconds.


    "Li Yuan!"


    "Li Yuan!" More than 200,000 students from Xia Country on the spectator tform became excited, roaring so loud that it drowned out the ASEAN students'' voices.


    Nearly half of the spectators on the tform were from Xia Country, so naturally their momentum was stronger.


    Besides.


    In the eyes of countless students from Xia Country, that scene where Li Yuan saved his schoolmate with a single spear thrust was too cool.


    ...


    In the chaotic arena, the other participants all quickly steered clear of Li Yuan and Fang Kui.


    Them facing off early was a blessing for the rest.


    "Li Yuan? You''re stopping me?" Fang Kui, holding his battle axes, stared intently at Li Yuan, "You might be stronger than me, but if you focus on me, you''ll just waste time..."


    Fang Kui was aware of Li Yuan''s strength and didn''t want to confront him just yet; he hadn''t umted enough points.


    Moreover, he had just witnessed the scene of Li Yuan killing enemies and believed he could hold off for a while longer.


    "Noise."


    Li Yuan''s voice was ice-cold as vigor burst forth from his whole body.


    Li Yuan had seen Fang Kui''s profile; he had advanced to the Fourth Level of skill right after college entrance exams ended.


    The skills were decent, but not something Li Yuan took seriously.


    "Whoosh!"


    The high-rank Fourth Level skill, which had almost perfectly exploited the potential of the body,bined with the strongest burst-speed move of the five Ster Spear Technique killer moves¡ªDawn Piercing the Clouds.


    In an instant.


    Li Yuan fully erupted.


    "Hmm? Not right! He was hiding his strength just now?" Fang Kui immediately sensed something was wrong, his heart tightened instantly, feeling Li Yuan''s aura hadpletely changed.


    It was as if he became a mini star exploding, his long spear swept in, forcing Fang Kui to hurriedly swing his battle axes to defend.


    "Boom!"


    As Fang Kui raised his axes, the spear had already struck, shing with his weapon momentarily; he felt a terrifying force transmitted through his axes, and was sted backward.


    His arms went numb, and the axes almost slipped from his hands.


    The spear was too quick! Too fierce!


    "Boom!"


    Another terrifying spear light passed through the vast sky; the spear light was brilliant, like a giant star rolling through the sky, crushing everything, heavilynding on Fang Kui''s axes. His entire arm directly caved in and broke, blood sttering.


    "Bang~" The metal spear shaft, with its terrifying impact force, continued to heavilynd on his body.


    "Ah!" Fang Kui''s whole body crashed to the ground, already severely injured.


    "Thud~" The spear pulled back, the tip smoothly cutting across his neck, blood spilling.


    Fang Kui''s body instantly turned into nothingness.


    Dead!


    "You''re dying my time?" Li Yuan murmured to himself, "Three spears, including the time you bbered, a total of eight seconds, indeed you''ve dyed me a bit."

 Chapter 158: 134: Total Point Rankings (Extra added for Golden Alliances 600,000th anniversary)

    Upon witnessing this scene,


    the several hundred thousand spectators on the spectator tform were all stunned and shocked.


    Fang Kui, who had previously performed so fiercely, was beaten down by Li Yuan with just two or three thrusts of his spear.


    But after a moment of stunned silence, the spectator tform erupted with deafening cheers.


    "Li Yuan!"


    "Li Yuan!" Nearly three hundred thousand students from various Martial Arts Universities in Xia Country shouted out in a tsunami of voices that echoed in the entirebat space.


    So domineering!


    Fang Kui? The top genius from Sicheng Martial Arts University? He still got swept away easily by Li Yuan.


    "Li Yuan!"


    "Big brother," the several thousand students gathered from Kunlun Martial University werepletely boiling with excitement.


    "Li Yuan," even Sister Qiu Jing was waving her fists and shouting excitedly.


    For a moment, the voices of students from other countries and schools werepletely drowned out by the cheers of Xia Country students.


    There''s no helping it!


    In this kind of Martial Path duel arena, everything speaks through strength.


    Just like during the first match, when Garava''s strong outbreak made the over one hundred thousand students from Tianzhu Country excited.


    Now, in this third match, Li Yuan''s disy was even more fierce and domineering than Garava''s.


    The true king of the arena.


    ...


    In another spectator space, over a hundred elderly Prime Warriors from various schools kept their eyes glued to the sh on the tform.


    When they saw Li Yuan defeat Fang Kui with two thrusts, these teachers couldn''t help but let out exmations of amazement.


    "Excellent spear technique!"


    "Fourth Level high-rank, executing Ster Spear Technique moves, truly fluent."


    "He must have broken through quite a while ago."


    "Worthy of being the number one freshman from Kunlun Martial University, impressive!!" These teachers, with their exceptional eyesight, praised one after another.


    "Morita, now you know about this Li Yuan," said the robed elder Ba Qiang with a chuckle, patting Morita Daiku on the shoulder: "Better advise Kimura Tatsuo to steer clear this afternoon."


    Morita Daiku frowned, ncing subconsciously towards Li Yang and Dean Xu not far away.


    He happened to see Li Yang looking at him, a trace of ridicule and provocation on his face.


    "Damn it," Morita Daiku cursed under his breath, feeling a headacheing on.


    Of course, he understood, trouble was brewing.


    Li Yang''s character seemed gentle, but that was towards his younger peers.


    Towards many strong people of his own generation, Li Yang was famous for holding grudges.


    If this afternoon, Li Yuan really targets Kimura Tatsuo, it''s more likely to go badly.


    However,


    Backing down? Morita Daiku didn''t have this habit.


    "Hmph! With the points Kimura has umted, it''s not difficult for him to get into the top 136. Just consider it a kind of tempering," Morita Daiku thought to himself.


    Anyway, it isn''t he who''s getting hit! What''s there to fear!


    ...


    On the tform, after ying Fang Kui in a single encounter,


    Boom! Li Yuan sprang into action, continuing to y the other contestants on the tform.


    "Dyed by eight seconds, I should have been able to get two or three points. Lost two points," Li Yuan muttered to himself.


    Fang Kui? From the very beginning, Li Yuan had never taken him seriously.


    A cage battle royale, in Li Yuan''s eyes, posed no difficulty.


    The only difference was the overall points ranking. Li Yuan aimed for the top spot.


    Boom! Spear lights danced as all the people on the tform recognized him, Li Yuan simply took off his mask.


    He charged into the crowd like a whirlwind,


    once again stirring up a bloody storm.


    Li Yuan''s points kept rising, his overall ranking climbing rapidly, quickly closing in on Garava.


    "Kill!"


    Li Yuan didn''t specifically help fellow Kunlun Martial University students, but he did clean out students from other schools first.


    After a good two minutes,


    only Li Yuan and seven other students from Kunlun Martial University remained on the tform.


    They all looked at Li Yuan.


    "What''s the hesitation?" said Li Yuan seriously, "In a cage battle royale, the victor stands alone.


    "I''ll give you all a chance,e at me together."


    The seven Kunlun Martial University students exchanged nces.


    After only a second''s hesitation, they all charged at Li Yuan with howls.


    Thirty secondster, only Li Yuan stood alone on the entire tform.


    "Not bad, the bluster worked, got thest seven points," Li Yuan murmured to himself, "Finally in first ce."


    Killing ones 1 point!


    Surviving till the end gets an extra 10 points.


    If those seven Kunlun Martial University students had fought each other just now, Li Yuan would have lost at least two points.


    Thus, the third cage battle royale ended.


    Li Yuan stood at the top with ''74 points''.


    It could be said, nearly one-third of the participants on the tform were in by Li Yuan.


    How fierce.


    ...


    As Li Yuan disappeared from the tform, the entire spectator tform once again erupted with an unprecedentedly fervent roar.


    "Li Yuan!"


    "First ce! Take the championship!"


    "Li Yuan," the several hundred thousand students from Xia Country shouted excitedly.


    At that moment, students from all the Martial Arts Universities in Xia Country all remembered the name ''Li Yuan.''


    ..."This Li Yuan, so strong."


    "Indeed, fierce."


    "Kunlun Martial University, truly deserving of being Xia Country''s number one Martial Arts University," students from other countries'' Martial Arts Universities were also discussing.


    "This afternoon, it seems like Kimura will be facing Li Yuan."


    "What?"


    "Kimura and Li Yuan? Can Kimura win?"


    "It''s doubtful!"


    "Nonsense, Kimura is the strongest, he will definitely defeat this man from Xia Country," tens of thousands of students from Sakura Country were the most worried.


    ording to the schedule, in this afternoon''s second round of the cage battle royale, Li Yuan would be up against Kimura Tatsuo.


    ...


    "Li Yuan? Just as teacher said, he will be one of the biggest obstacles to reaching the top four," Garava''s eyes were filled with seriousness: "His battle against Fang Kui, that couldn''t have been his full strength."


    "Hopefully."


    "This afternoon, hopefully, Kimura Tatsuo can push him to reveal his true strength," Garava thought to himself.


    ...


    "This afternoon, I''ll be facing Li Yuan?" Kimura Tatsuo thought to himself.


    At the same time, he was browsing thements on the spectator screen, his brows slightly furrowed, "They all say I''m no match for Li Yuan?"


    "Hmph!"


    "Just by defeating a Fang Kui, all these people from Xia Country have gained so much confidence?" Kimura Tatsuo braced himself, "Believe in yourself."


    "I am the strongest."


    ...


    "Li Yuan, impressive." In a nondescript area of the Jiangbei Martial Arts University''s Spectator Space, L¨« Tianyou revealed a slight smile.


    He was pleased for Li Yuan.


    ...


    A nondescript area in the Spectator tform.


    Two girls in casual clothes were sitting here.


    "Sis, Li Yuan is really much more formidable now." Wu Dongdong, who had her hair tied in a ponytail, eximed, "During the Jiangbei invitation event, I thought I could beat him, but now? Definitely not his match anymore."


    Lin Lanyue smiled slightly, "Keep it up, he''s just a step ahead."


    "What do you mean ''just a step ahead''?"


    Wu Dongdong corrected her, "He''s gone from being two steps behind me to two steps ahead! The teacher said he might reach Subtlety before his sophomore year."


    Lin Lanyue just smiled without replying.


    "Ah, Sis, take a quick look," Wu Dongdong suddenly said with a smirk, pointing at the Spectator Screen.


    Lin Lanyue looked over.


    "Li Yuan is so cool."


    "I wonder if Li Yuan has a girlfriend."


    "So handsome! Why don''t we have such handsome guys at our East Sea Martial University?"


    "Li Yuan 666." A vast number of barragements were rolling across the screen.


    "Dongdong, I won''t watch the remaining matches," Lin Lanyue said with a smile, "I''m going to train."


    "Yue Yue sis, stop grinding, take a break for a day," Wu Dongdong eximed with wide eyes, "Watching the matches is so much better."


    "I''lle back for Li Yuan''s match in the 17th fight this afternoon," Lin Lanyue said with a smile.


    Without a sound, Lin Lanyue''s figure disappeared from the spectators'' seats.


    ...


    In another inconspicuous area of the Spectator tform.


    "This Li Yuan."


    "So fierce!"


    "I feel he''s much fiercer than Tian Dazhuang, the sense of pressure Garava gave me doesn''t seem as strong as his." Guan Ying and Yu Ming exchanged nces, their eyes filled with seriousness.


    The records only showed that Li Yuan had reached the Bright Moon Stage, but how strong exactly?


    It required realbat to analyze.


    One look, and Guan Ying and Yu Ming understood that the opponent was indeed not easy to handle.


    "And Dantai Feng?" Yu Ming wondered out loud.


    "His battle rounds are 10 and 12," Guan Ying shook his head, "He''lleter."


    "He''s not watching Li Yuan and Garava fight?" Yu Ming widened his eyes in surprise.


    "He said it was pointless," Guan Ying spread his hands, "And he told me, only the weak seek information."


    "This pretentious sicko! Can''t he live without boasting?" Yu Ming ground his teeth.


    ...


    At Starfire University, in a vi, in the underground Martial Arts Room.


    "Li Yuan''s Spear Technique is indeed sharp." The young man in ck watched the battle scene on the screen intently.


    Dantai Feng was repeatedly watching the battle between Li Yuan and Fang Kui.


    "Yu Ming, those two idiots."


    "Probably don''t know I have the privilege to project and watch the battles," Dantai Feng closed his eyes and pondered silently.


    Show off? He indeed liked to show off, but he wasn''t blindly arrogant.


    ...


    After finishing the fight, Li Yuan didn''t exit the virtualwork but returned to the Spectator tform.


    "Senior Brother."


    "Li Yuan." Hundreds of students from Kunlun Martial University around him got excited at once.


    "Quiet, everyone quiet down and watch the uing matches," Li Yuan said with a smile, gesturing with his hand.


    The area in the Spectator Space finally fell silent.


    As time passed, one after another, the cage battles proceeded rapidly, and one after another, the Fourth Level experts erupted.


    In the fourth match, the most dazzling was a freshman girl from the Capital Martial Arts University named ''Shi Ruo,'' but like Kimura Tatsuo, she did not possess the power to dominate the entire arena.


    In the fifth match, the first wildcard entrant ''Yu Ming'' made his debut.


    Simr to Li Yuan, he demonstrated dominating strength, almost sweeping the arena and finally scoring 51 points.


    In the sixth match, the second wildcard entrant ''Guan Ying'' appeared, ultimately scoring 47 points.


    The seventh match...


    ...


    The tenth cage battle, thest one of the morning session.


    At this moment, the number of spectators had exceeded 600,000, even more thanst year.


    In the limelight, thest wildcard entrant ''Dantai Feng'' finally made his appearance.


    "Dantai Feng." Li Yuan sat in the spectator seats, his gaze fixed on the figure d in ck.


    At that moment, not just Li Yuan.


    Each of the Fourth Level experts from the ten famous universities were staring at that figure.


    All the elite students who had entered the battle knew that Dantai Feng was the biggest obstacle on their road to the championship.


    Even more so.


    In several areas of the Spectator tform, some inconspicuous figures had appeared.


    They were elite students from Starfire University, Starry Sky University, and even ck Stone University, who had not participated in the ten-school freshman battle.


    But they all wanted to see for themselves what level of skill Starfire University''s top genius ''Dantai Feng'' possessed.


    The battle erupted swiftly.


    To everyone''s surprise, Dantai Feng''s weapon was not a sword and shield, but a pair of swords.


    This!


    It was the first time Dantai Feng showed the art of dual swords.


    On the tform.


    "Sword and shield?" Dantai Feng looked casually at the other contestants surrounding him and muttered to himself with a smirk, "Who is worthy of making me use a shield? Let''s end this boring battle quickly."


    The battle began.


    "Boom!" Dantai Feng exploded into action the instant the fight started; his form shifting dozens of meters at once, with his swords whipping through the sky.


    "Not good."


    "This sword technique." The participants along his path panicked, trying to wield their own weapons in defense.


    "Whoosh!"


    The long swords chopped down, swift as lightning, unstoppable! Contestants were sent sprawling to the ground one after another.


    Some had their heads flung off, others had their throats sliced open with a giant gash.


    Some were even cleaved face-on, sent flying, their armors nearly split open by the horrifying impact, leaving them coughing up blood, powerless to resist.


    In no time, the tform turned into a river of blood, bing a solo performance by Dantai Feng.


    No one was his match in a single exchange.


    Advanced Third Stage skills? Initial Fourth Stage skills? They seemed to make no difference before him.


    All were dispatched with a single strike!


    In the end, the tenth cage battle concluded, Dantai Feng alone scored 76 points, surpassing Li Yuan''s 74 points.


    Aeback to be the total score leader.


    "76 points should be enough to make it into the top eight," said Dantai Feng with a smirk, "I can skip the second cage battle this afternoon."


    His figure disappeared from the tform directly.

 Chapter 159: 135 Round 2 Match 17 (Celebrating 50,000 Averages)

    76 points!


    When this score appeared at the top of the points ranking screen in thebat space for the first time, the entirebat space fell silent for a moment.


    It was simply too strong.


    On the spectator tform, countless viewers, through the big screen, watched the erged ''fight rey''.


    The fierce de light, the sttering blood, was enough to make any student''s heart tremble.


    "Dantai Feng!"


    "Dantai Feng!" Along with Dantai Feng''s departure, thunderous cheers erupted from the vast spectator tform, resounding in all directions.


    Even the excitement and shouting surpassed that of Li Yuan''s earlier score of 74 points.


    Yes, Li Yuan''s 74 points were strong, fierce, and domineering when he defeated Fang Kui.


    But the sense of oppression it brought felt less than that of Dantai Feng.


    Li Yuan''s score was far beyond everyone else''s except for Dantai Feng.


    However, there were some tricks to achieving such a high score.


    And Dantai Feng? Single-handedly wielding dual des, the speed and the cunning sharpness of thebat saber lights were enough to chill the spine of any contender in the ring.


    ...


    "Too terrifying."


    "A master of Fourth Level skills, all killed by one straight sh? That''s too strong, what level is he at?"


    "I suspect he''s achieved Subtlety with his spirit. Facing us, it''s a pure downgrade beatdown."


    "Simply not on the same level." Many contestants who still yearned to break into the third round whispered among themselves, filled with shock.


    However, facing the outburst of Dantai Feng, those truly filled with dread were the likes of Li Yuan, Garava, Kimura Tatsuo, and Shi Ruo¡ªthese top geniuses aspiring to the top eight or even the top four.


    They were all silently recalling Dantai Feng''s sword technique, wondering whether they could withstand it if it were them.


    "Can''t withstand it."


    "Ten shes, dual des slicing together, I could probably only block ten at most," Kimura Tatsuo gritted his teeth: "I''m definitely not his match."


    Despair!


    An opponent too formidable to defeat.


    ...


    "His sword is too fast, its sudden burst speed far exceeding my spear technique." Garava clenched his fists, thinking to himself: "If I defend, I definitely won''t be able to hold off."


    "I must attack."


    "With attack against attack, using the advantage of my weapon, there is still hope of winning." Garava thought to himself: "But ording to the intelligence, isn''t his best skill shield technique?"


    He believed, there was hope for victory.


    ...


    "Such fast swords, the dual de style."


    Li Yuan closed his eyes in contemtion: "The Flowing Light Sword Technique, known for its speed, judging by the fight videos Lanyue gave me... The speed of the Flowing Light Sword Technique is based on the ''instantaneous continuous force,'' its disadvantage is the insufficient explosive power."


    "Dual des, further dispersing the body''s and arms'' force, making it difficult for each de to unleash full power, unlikely to stop my Straight Thrust."


    Having watched the fight videos that Lin Lanyue sent him dozens of times, Li Yuan felt as if he had battled ''Dantai Feng'' many times.


    Experience immensely rich.


    "Does he really want to fight like this?"


    Li Yuan kept pondering and specting until finally, he sharply opened his eyes: "Unless he has achieved Subtlety."


    "Otherwise, he is bound to lose without a doubt!"


    ...


    "Damn it, he''s showing off again." Yu Mingined on the spectator tform.


    Beside him, Guan Yingughed and said, "Upset? Then strive to reach the finals and defeat him."


    "Beating him is a joke," Yu Ming shook his head and said. "His Dual de Technique is designed for taking down the weak, allowing for faster, more efficient ughter."


    "It also allows him to better hide his true strength, so others can''t gauge the level of his Shield Technique."


    "But even if he uses two swords, I''m still hard-pressed to win," Yu Ming sighed. "Come the knockout rounds, he''ll definitely use the sword and shieldbination."


    "I know this show-off all too well; he always seems casual and indifferent, but when it really matters, he''s incredibly cunning."


    ...


    In that special Spectator Space, many teachers watched Dantai Feng''s outburst with a sense of awe.


    "Dual des like light, shadows that follow."


    "For a freshman to have cultivated the ''Starry Sky Sword Technique'' to such a level, he''s only a step away from grasping the essence of ''Starry Light''."


    "Truly worthy of being a top-tier talent at Starfire University," these teachers remarked with sighs of admiration.


    A Second Rank Secret Manual''s ultimate level is to grasp the essence, and once grasped, it''s an entrance into Subtlety.


    But these freshmen have only been in school for a few months, and many are not even 19 yet.


    Such talent is too exaggerated.


    However, top-level Martial Path talents like these, globally, only a few emerge each year.


    "For this cage melee where all students have participated, who do you all think will get first ce?" one teacher asked with a smile.


    "Dantai Feng, I think. I have high hopes for him."


    "Dantai Feng is most likely, the others... Li Yuan has a slim chance."


    "Li Yuan? I feel Yu Ming and the others are about on par with Li Yuan."


    Many teachers spoke up, each with their own opinion.


    But without a doubt, the majority acknowledged Dantai Feng''s prowess.


    Firstly, Dantai Feng has indeed exhibited extraordinary strength.


    Secondly, the reputation of being a top genius at Starfire University makes him more convincing.


    ...


    The morning''s ten rounds of cage melees came to an end, and the ten afternoon matches wouldn''t start until two o''clock.


    Everyone''s second round of opponents.


    Would all be as different as possible.


    The reason for two rounds of cage melees is to ensure fairness.


    Thebined Points from both rounds of the cage melees will be the ''total score'' for the second round.


    Li Yuan logged out of the virtualwork.


    "All ten matches are over, and it''s just past ten o''clock," Li Yuan nced at the time disyed on his smart ring.


    "There are more than three hours until the afternoon match."


    "Let''s continue training with the spear," Li Yuan said as he entered the underground Martial Arts Room and took out his Long Spear.


    He silently practiced.


    "Dual des are easy to break!" The Long Spear in Li Yuan''s hand moved like a swimming dragon, drawing dazzling arcs of light.


    "But ording to what Da Zhuang said, as well as the video materials Lanyue sent,"


    "Dantai Feng is studying both Second Rank Secret Manuals, the Starry Sky Sword Technique and the Vajra Shield Technique at the same time," Li Yuan mused. "Combining the sword and shield makes him very tough to handle."


    A single sword against a spear would undoubtedly put the sword at a disadvantage.


    But when sword and shield work together, facing a Long Spear, it boils down to who has the higher skill level.


    Whir! Whir! Whir!


    The spear rolled like a ground dragon, bursting with sharp, powerful sounds. This First Rank superior Long Spear, nearly a hundred kilograms in weight, seemed toe alive in Li Yuan''s hands.


    He repeated his practice time after time.


    Beating Dantai Feng? Li Yuan wasn''tpletely confident, but what he could do was to improve himself, striving to make his own strength greater.


    He gave it his all.


    No regrets in the oue.


    ...For over three hours, except for a ten-minute break for a meal, Li Yuan had been wholeheartedly devoted to his practice.


    It was almost two o''clock in the afternoon.


    [Your Spear Technique realm has risen from 79% of the Fourth Level to 80% of the Fourth Level] a notification suddenly shed across the Divine Pce panel.


    "80%?" Li Yuan nced at it.


    It happened just as he was swimming in countless epiphanies after havingprehended the five star moves.


    Therefore, Li Yuan had been making rapid progress in both spear and fist techniques over these past few days.


    Suddenly.


    "Beep~" The smart wristband vibrated, and Li Yuan looked down to see a V-message from Li Yang.


    "In this afternoon''s match, do not let Kimura Tatsuo score," the message from Li Yang was simple.


    Li Yuan couldn''t help butugh, and after thinking for a moment, he replied, "Okay!"


    Li Yuan was somewhat curious, however.


    What''s with Teacher Li, having such a bias against Kimura Tatsuo?


    "Since teacher has given the instruction," Li Yuan thought for a moment, "then I should handle it well."


    ...


    At two in the afternoon, Li Yuan entered the Starry Skies Fighting Network through the virtualwork.


    He arrived in thebat space, instantly appearing in the spectator seats.


    At this moment, with only ten minutes left until the 11th cage melee, the spectator stands were already packed, definitely more than 300,000 people.


    "Brother Yuan, good luck, strive to take first ce in total points," Gu Qianghan said with a smile.


    "Big Brother, we have no hope left."


    "It''s all on Big Brother now," the other students also cheered him on.


    Although only half of the cage melees had passed, most of the new students from the Sixth Institute who had made it to the second round now had zero points.


    They knew their limits.


    The nearly 95% elimination rate from the second to the third round was shockingly high, which meant that most would inevitably be stopped in the second round.


    Not long after, with the appearance of the burly host, the afternoon''s ''cage melee'' officially started.


    And the number of people on the spectator tform kept soaring, from over 300,000 to swiftly exceeding 500,000.


    "The cage melee, the eleventh fight, begins," the host roared.


    In this match, Li Mingyue from South Sea Martial University shone brightly, securing 26 points for herself.


    Her total score for the two rounds was also 26 points.


    She couldn''t help it.


    She faced Dantai Feng in the first round and before she could defeat any opponent, she was in by a single sh from Dantai Feng.


    ...The twelfth fight met with widespread attention, and numerous spectators, including Li Yuan, were filled with anticipation.


    Because, ording to the previous list, Dantai Feng was supposed topete.


    Unfortunately, this anticipationsted for only 30 seconds, and then the entire spectator tform exploded.


    Dantai Feng, did not appear!


    Quickly, the giant screen above the stage disyed Dantai Feng''s name, also marking ''Forfeited the second round cage melee.''


    "Forfeited?"


    "Is he that confident?" The elite geniuses from various schools all found it somewhat unbelievable.


    However, subconsciously seeing Dantai Feng''s score, they also felt somewhat relieved.


    76 points!


    That score was formidable.


    Many top experts, when adding their scores across both rounds, were unlikely to reach this level.


    "Damn! Showing off without an end, huh?" Yu Ming muttered under his breath, "To actually dare to forfeit? Just wait, sooner orter he''ll capsize in the gutter."


    "Say something positive," Guan Ying said helplessly.


    ...


    "He actually forfeited?" Li Yuan was a bit stunned, then shook his head, "What a pity."


    Even though Lin Lanyue had sent himbat videos, the effects of practicing the same secret manual differed with each individual.


    If he could watch the opponent''s battle directly, he could gain the most.


    ...


    Time passed.


    One cage melee after another took ce, with He Liancheng, Li Jiao, Fang Kui... those students who had not fully erupted in the first round were now shining in the second round cage melee.


    This also led to continuous changes in the total points ranking.


    Of course.


    For top talents like Yu Ming, Guan Ying, and Garava, even though their strengths were fully exposed and otherbatants were extremely wary of them,


    With their absolutely strong capabilities, as long as they exerted force, they could at least secure 30+ points.


    Before long.


    The seventeenth cage melee was about to begin.


    Whoosh! Whoosh! Li Yuan and the other 199 participants spread across the spectator tform.


    Suddenly vanished from the spectator seats.


    In this moment, the tens of thousands of students on the spectator tform of the wholebat space were noticeably more excited.


    The majority knew.


    The biggest highlight of the second round cage melee was about to begin.


    ...


    Whoosh! The two hundred participants, d in armor and wielding weapons, appeared together on the stage.


    After ten seconds, the battle began.


    "Move quickly."


    "It''s Li Yuan and Kimura Tatsuo."


    "Don''t engage them."


    "Let''s go for it," arge group of participants, like a tide, rushed towards a far-off ce, and then began to fight desperately among themselves.


    Rather than being harvested en masse by Li Yuan and Kimura Tatsuo, it was better to seize the time to fight fiercely.


    This was the thought of the vast majority of the participants.


    "Kill!" Holding a long spear, Kimura Tatsuo was about to charge into the crowd to battle.


    Boom!


    A figure had already dashed in front of him, also wielding a long spear, blocking his path.


    "Li Yuan?" Kimura Tatsuo was slightly startled.


    In this cage melee fight, thest person he wanted to encounter was Li Yuan.


    However, Kimura Tatsuo never imagined that the opponent would find him first thing.


    "Li Yuan, what''s the meaning of this?" Kimura Tatsuo looked at Li Yuan with considerable wariness.


    "No special meaning,"


    "Just that killing others doesn''t pose much of a challenge, and I wanted to see how strong you really are," Li Yuan said with a smile.


    Before the words were finished.


    "Whoosh!" The long spear in Li Yuan''s hand, like a dragon, tore through the air, striking towards Kimura Tatsuo like lightning.

 Chapter 160: 136 Spear Technique Epiphany

    At the very onset of the battle, Li Yuan immediately intercepted Kimura Tatsuo, a scene that was witnessed by hundreds of thousands of spectators on the Spectator tform.


    After all, the biggest highlight of the 17th cage melee was the showdown between Li Yuan and Kimura Tatsuo.


    "Quick."


    "Li Yuan goes straight for Kimura Tatsuo, are they going to sh head-on?"


    "Could it be a direct duel between the two?" The Spectator tform erupted in excitement in an instant.


    Immediately, the giant broadcast screens suspended in the sky concurrently disyed the scene of Li Yuan and Kimura Tatsuo engaging inbat.


    ¡­"Eldest senior brother is really domineering."


    "Heading straight for the strongest."


    "With the strength of our eldest senior brother, defeating this Kimura should be a piece of cake," the students of Kunlun Martial University also erupted, their eyes wide open and fixed on the scene.


    ¡­


    "Li Yuan challenging Kimura is definitely a mistake."


    "Kimura is the strongest."


    "Kimura is the strongest Martial Path genius from our Sakura Country this time; he will surely aim for first ce," a great number of students from Sakura Country were screaming like mad.


    They even kept sending barrage messages, engaging in ''friendly exchanges'' with students from Xia Country.


    They were few in number, but their fighting spirit was strong.


    "This won''t be easy."


    "Li Yuan''s Spear Technique is very fierce, it doesn''t feel much weaker than Dantai Feng''s; Kimura might not be able to win," a few of the Sakura Country students were quite rational.


    ¡­


    "Their showdown should be the peak confrontation of the second round."


    "Li Yuan is even more overbearing."


    "But Kimura Tatsuo is not weak either." The vast majority of spectating students were betting on Li Yuan.


    However, Kimura Tatsuo''s performance in the first round cage melee was also quite impressive.


    In this battle, who can win?


    ¡­


    "Li Yang." Morita Daiku, looking down at this scene from the teacher''s Spectator Space, red at Li Yang.


    "It''s not my fault."


    "I just ryed what you said word for word to my student," Li Yang said innocently: "Then my student said he must ask Kimura Tatsuo for some advice, to learn from a master."


    "Hahaha!" Dozens of teachers from various schools couldn''t help butugh.


    "Just wait."


    "Li Yang, don''t be so smug," Morita Daiku said through gritted teeth: "Who wins and who loses isn''t set in stone yet."


    "Mm-hmm, you''re absolutely right," Li Yang said with a smile: "Look, they''re starting to exchange blows."


    ¡­


    Li Yuan''s actions had drawn attention from all sides, but he himselfcked such awareness.


    Li Yuan only knew that since the teacher had given an order, he had to try his best to aplish the mission.


    "ng~"


    The two Long Spears had already collided, and following Kimura Tatsuo''s spear movement, he was attempting to redirect the power of Li Yuan''s spear to one side.


    "What a cunning use of force," Li Yuan''s eyes shined slightly, and as soon as they engaged, he felt the difference between his own Spear Technique and that of Kimura Tatsuo.


    His own spear strikes were powerful and heavy, and his defense was as steady as a mountain.


    In one word, heavy.


    But Kimura Tatsuo''s Spear Technique was all about the word ''entangle'', assaults unfurling one after the other, continuous and seemingly endless.


    "I should spar for a bit longer; it''s rare to experience such Spear Technique," Li Yuan''s thought process immediately changed.


    He originally wanted to end the battle quickly, but Kimura Tatsuo''s Spear Technique had given him many insights.


    He wanted to try it out a little longer.


    As for the total Points ranking? Dantai Feng''s forfeiture a while ago made Li Yuan calm down a lot; does first ce in the second round Points matter?


    Just making it to the top eight to enter the fourth round directly would suffice.


    With the Points Li Yuan had obtained in the first round, as long as he survived till the end of the second round, it was almost certain he would step firmly into the top eight.


    "ng!"


    "ng! ng!"


    Li Yuan''s Long Spear danced like a writhing serpent, numerous Spear Lights bursting forth, as he directly disyed ''Ster Illumination'', momentarily forming a huge circle around him.


    The stars formed a sphere! The spear tip drew a circle!


    Time and time again, he fended off Kimura Tatsuo''s spear assaults, no matter how furiously he attacked Li Yuan, with shes of Spear Light unable to shake Li Yuan''s Defense.


    "As solid as a mountain, the Long Spear is like a circle," Kimura Tatsuo finally realized the terrifying aspect of Li Yuan.


    An imprable Defense.


    No matter if he thrust, swept, or furiously chopped, Li Yuan would easily block and deftly dissipate the force, even countering in the process.


    "Boom~"


    Li Yuan''s asional retaliatory spear thrust made Kimura Tatsuo feel incredibly ufortable, desperately blocking them.


    "His skill, his exploitation of physical strength, far exceeds mine," Kimura Tatsuo eventually understood, being a Fourth Level Intermediate Rank expert.


    Li Yuan was simply using him as a whetstone.


    "Are all the people from Xia Country this strong?"


    "That Dantai Feng was despairingly strong, and this Li Yuan also turns out to be so powerful?" Kimura Tatsuo felt a hint of powerlessness.


    But immediately, his eyes also shed with ferocity: "I''m going all out, I just can''t believe it."


    "Using me as a whetstone?"


    "Be careful not to chip your de, or you might end up being my whetstone," Kimura Tatsuo also went berserk, attacking Li Yuan with all his might.


    He was well aware that with his first-round score, it was enough to storm into the top 136.


    The top eight? With Li Yuan standing in the way, there was no hope.


    So he decided to fight with all his might to defeat Li Yuan.


    "Boom! Boom!!" The two engaged in a wildly fric offensive and defensive battle, with their Long Spears colliding fiercely over and over again, so intensely that the otherbatants subconsciously avoided them.


    Their battle was too ferocious.


    Although all the participants had the same Physical Quality, both Li Yuan and Kimura Tatsuo, one nearing Fourth Level Perfection and the other nearing Fourth Level High Rank, unearthed far more strength from their bodies than the others.


    The power and speed of the spear''s dance hardly seemed to belong to a physical quality of 10.0 level.


    Time passed.


    The number of people on the tform kept decreasing, 180 people, 150 people, 120 people¡­ but Li Yuan was still fiercely battling it out with Kimura Tatsuo.


    Their fight


    also made the entire Spectator tform boil overpletely, with countless spectators shouting excitedly.


    "So fierce, this is what a master duel looks like."


    "Haha, of all the new student fights of the ten schools, this is the most intense one."


    "Li Yuan''s defense is impable, and Kimura Tatsuo is also attacking wildly," countless spectators discussed.


    "It shouldn''t be! With Li Yuan''s strength, he should be able to quickly resolve Kimura Tatsuo," many powerful individuals said, filled with doubts.


    Given the strength Li Yuan disyed in the first round, he should have easily crushed his opponent.


    ...


    "I told you, Kimura is the strongest, he even forced Li Yuan to go all out in defense."


    "Kimura is sure to win," spectators from Sakura Country constantly posted barrages of messages.


    Many viewers from Sakura Countrycked the insight and naturally assumed the attacker was stronger.


    Suddenly¡ª


    "Thump~" A muffled sound.


    Li Yuan, who had been on full defense, suddenly twisted his long spear, and in the instant, it flicked away Kimura Tatsuo''s long spear. The spearhead, like a dragon hiding in the deep sea of stars, suddenly burst forth with speed that soared to the extreme.


    It pierced Kimura Tatsuo in a sh of lightning, and that terrifying impact sent Kimura Tatsuo flying out forcefully.


    He mmed heavily to the ground, blood spilling from his mouth.


    "You!" Kimura Tatsuo struggled to hold onto his long spear, staring in disbelief at Li Yuan who had suddenly burst forth.


    "Thank you."


    "Without your spear technique, perhaps I wouldn''t have understood the key to my own so quickly." Li Yuan held the spear in his right hand and regrettably said, "It''s just a pity, your spear technique is not strong enough."


    If Kimura Tatsuo''s spear technique was fourth level high rank, Li Yuan believed his own gains would be greater.


    A pity Kimura Tatsuo wasn''t that strong.


    "If my spear technique were stronger, you might not have been able to hold out," Kimura Tatsuo gritted his teeth.


    "Is that so?"


    "I hope you can withstand my spear attack then," Li Yuan smiled and couldn''t be bothered to waste more words.


    Boom!


    Li Yuan moved again, his silver-colored long spear bursting forth like a silver streak, shooting straight towards Kimura Tatsuo with a whistling sound.


    "Ha!"


    With blood at the corner of his mouth, Kimura Tatsuo also let out a fierce shout, surging forward to try to block with his spinning long spear.


    "Thump~"


    The collision of spear shafts.


    Li Yuan''s long spear pressed down smoothly with the twist of his waist, generating even greater impact force, and directly knocked away Kimura Tatsuo''s long spear.


    "Not good," Kimura Tatsuo''s face changed drastically.


    Boom! A shadow of the spear followed close behind, rolling forward with bursting destructive power, and directly attacking him.


    Ster Spear Technique fourth style¡ªMeteor Fall.


    Li Yuan''s set of moves changed too quickly, smoother than when he defeated Fang Kui in the first round. His spear technique''s speed was so fast Kimura Tatsuo couldn''t fully block it.


    He couldn''t even retract his long spear in time, only managing to lift his left hand instinctively to block.


    "Crack!" The sound of an arm breaking.


    The terrifying impact carried by the spear shaft sent Kimura Tatsuo flying backwards, while the spear tip followed by moving from top to bottom across his face.


    Before Kimura Tatsuo even hit the ground, he had already disappeared from the tform.


    Defeated!


    With no sign of an outburst before, but once he did, he defeated Kimura Tatsuo in just a few moves.


    "Hm?"


    "Only just over seventy people left?" Li Yuan''s gaze swept over the entire tform, "That''s enough."


    "This fight with Kimura Tatsuo was as good as a long session of solitary contemtion for me," Li Yuan''s heart was filled with joy, "Less points is fine."


    That''s just how skill training is.


    Sometimes, diligent practice and prolonged meditation yield nothing, but asionally, a single battle, or seeing a certain scene, can lead to an instant epiphany.


    "Better end this early so I can get back to practicing with my spear, I might just fully grasp it," he thought.


    Boom! Li Yuan moved swiftly, his spear dancing through the air and creating shadows that caused droplets of blood to fly, as one participant after another fell to the ground.


    His points skyrocketed.


    ...


    "He won!"


    "Li Yuan is awesome."


    "Li Yuan." The hundreds of thousands of students from Xia Country on the Spectator tform all got excited, cheering and rooting for Li Yuan.


    First, he defeated Fang Kui, and then Kimura Tatsuo.


    The two battles had different opponents.


    But in either fight, once Li Yuan began his explosive attack, no one could withstand even a few moves.


    ...


    "He lost just like that?"


    "Li Yuan exploded with power, and Kimura couldn''t defend against even ten spears?"


    "The gap between Kimura and Li Yuan is that big?" The numerous students from Sakura Country who initially supported Kimura Tatsuo were dumbfounded, finding it hard to ept this scene.


    "Li Yuan''s spear technique is so powerful; he is the true spear prodigy."


    "It''s a pity such a talent like Li Yuan is not from our Sakura Country."


    "With Li Yuan''s strength, he''s definitely capable of clinching the championship."


    "It''s not that Kimura is weak, but that Li Yuan is too strong, absolutely wless, simply a hexagonal warrior," swiftly, many students from Sakura Country began to tter and support Li Yuan.


    They only pursue the strong.

 Chapter 161: 137: Your Goal is Second (Asking for Monthly Votes)

    On the stage, the 17th cage free-for-all battle ended just one minuteter.


    Li Yuan killed thest opponent, survived until the end, and scored 31 points.


    It wasn''t that he didn''t try hard to fight in thest phase, but the time spent fighting Kimura Tatsuo was too consuming, and there weren''t enough people left... to support Li Yuan in scoring many more points.


    But even so.


    The points from the two roundsbined brought Li Yuan''s second-round total score to an impressive 105 points.


    This was already an exaggerated score.


    On the stage, only Li Yuan was left.


    "Temporarily in first ce overall?" Li Yuan nced at the total points ranking.


    The sizable point advantage from the first round, coupled with a good performance in the second, kept Li Yuan''s total score in the lead.


    Although there were still three cage free-for-all battles left.


    However, top contenders like Yu Ming, Guan Ying, and Garava had already finishedpeting in the previous rounds, and none of their two-round total scores had surpassed one hundred.


    So, in a sense, Li Yuan had almost secured the first ce in the total score for the second round.


    "Let''s go."


    With a thought, Li Yuan disappeared from the stage; he didn''t return to the spectator tform but directly exited the virtualwork.


    ...


    "Li Yuan!"


    "Li Yuan." The spectator tform once again erupted with the intense cheering of numerous onlookers.


    However, the freshmen from Kunlun Martial University were searching all over the spectator tform.


    "Where''s Li Yuan?"


    "Where''s our senior brother?" They were all puzzled.


    Logically, after exiting the stage, one should return directly to their seat on the spectator tform.


    ...


    At Kunlun Martial Arts University, inside Li Yuan''s vi, in the underground martial arts room.


    Li Yuan had walked out of the resting room and took a weapon off the rack beside him.


    "Entangle, Continuous." In Li Yuan''s mind, the battle with Kimura Tatsuo was still fresh.


    Suddenly, the smart ring on his wrist vibrated continuously.


    At this time, a vibration meant an important person had sent a message; Li Yuan looked down.


    One was from Li Yang: "Well done."


    Another was from Lin Lanyue: "You''re in first ce, keep it up."


    A smile unconsciously appeared on Li Yuan''s face as he replied to both messages.


    He turned off the smart ring and put it aside.


    Holding the spear, Li Yuan came to the center of the martial arts room, closed his eyes slightly, and held the long spear tightly with both arms, adopting the ''spear holding stance'' of the Ster Spear Technique.


    "Stars like spheres, rolling powerfully." Li Yuan murmured to himself.


    During the recent battle, through the exchange with Kimura Tatsuo,


    That sh of insight enabled Li Yuan to re-examine his spear technique from a different angle.


    Kimura Tatsuo''s ''Continuous Spear'' seemed simr to Li Yuan''s ''Twelve Continuous Strikes.''


    But there was a fundamental difference.


    ''Twelve Continuous Strikes'' was about one spear surpassing another, where the momentum of the next spear would always be stronger than the previous one, focusing on ''umtion.'' At its peak, it was like the gathering force of a great river, bound to burst out powerfully.


    If it didn''t explode and overflow, even at its peak, it wouldn''tst long.


    It was not durable.


    ''Continuous Spear,'' however, emphasized ''entanglement,'' a continuous, never-ending flow, where from the first spear to thest, the power often didn''t differ much.


    The downside was that it wasn''t domineering enough, but the upside was stability, not causing one''s spear momentum to suddenly copse.


    "Simr techniques, like ''Cloud Commanding Spear Technique'' which Teacher Li Yang had me practice actually contains a simr concept," Li Yuan realized he had encountered such moves before.


    In the Starry Skies Fighting Network, when exchanging blows with others, he had faced it as well.


    When practicing in realbat with Teacher Jiang Lun and the two Prime Warriors, they had also used simr moves.


    But they had never deliberately developed a systematic approach.


    "Most importantly, previously, I was solely focused onprehending the five forms of the Ster Spear Technique. Where would I have paid attention to this?" Li Yuan couldn''t help but smile and shake his head.


    It was like the moral of many stories in textbooks. Learnt in the ssroom as a child, you thought you understood them... only to realize a decade or twoter that you never trulyprehended them.


    The same was true for spear techniques.


    Beforepletelyprehending the five forms of the Ster Spear Technique.


    Even though Li Yuan knew that the core of ''Ster Spear Technique''y in the first form ''Ster Illumination,'' and that he was aware of the core concept ''Stars are like spheres.''


    Even having seen other masters use simr concept techniques.


    Without the corresponding level, it seemed like understanding the principle, but in reality, never having trulyprehended it.


    And the exchange with Kimura Tatsuo, in a way, came after Li Yuan hadprehended the five forms of the Ster Technique, and had reached a new level of understanding of the Ster Spear Technique.


    It was upon re-examining it that he gained a new understanding.


    It wasn''t that Kimura Tatsuo''s spear technique was particrly strong, it was just that he appeared at the right ce and time.


    Timing.


    Is often very important.


    "From the second form ''Ster Waterfall'' to the fifth form ''Ster Battle in the Wild,'' all are offensive moves," Li Yuan contemted: "Out of the five major moves, four are offensive, yet the ''Ster Spear Technique'' is recognized as ''an extremely strong defensive spear technique.''"


    "Why is that?"


    "At the core, it is the first form ''Ster Illumination.''" Li Yuan''s long spear moved slowly, as he began to practice the first form ''Ster Illumination'' anew.


    Although it seemed the same, once he executed it again, Li Yuan held a different understanding in his heart.


    In the past.


    Whenever he used it, he pursued the ultimate burst and speed, as spectacr as an exploding star.


    But now, revisiting the technique, his moves were slower, and his power more restrained.


    It was like a zing star that, after billions of years of evolution, transitioned from its initial ''moltenva'' period to stability.


    Not because the star no longer contained the potential for explosive power,


    But because it had condensed this surging force within, seldom unleashing it arbitrarily.

 Chapter 162: 137: Your Goal is Second (Asking for Monthly Votes)_2

    Time and again, Li Yuan practiced, seeking the special feeling he longed for in his heart, hoping to grasp it.


    The so-called epiphany was never a process from 0 to 1 directly.


    It was a qualitative change from 0.99 to 1.


    In the past, Li Yuan had practiced the Ster Spear Technique countless times, immersing himself in spear technique for years without sleep or rest, and time and again fought against various teachers and coaches.


    This allowed him to unknowingly umte from 0 to 0.99.


    Kimura Tatsuo''s spear technique was the perfect catalyst, offering him a glimmer of a chance to break through to 1.


    But it was just a chance.


    To truly seize it, he still needed to put in a tremendous effort to practice, refine, and summarize.


    This was also the reason he came to practice with the spear immediately after each fight.


    "Stars seem to form a circle, without a beginning, without an end."


    "The trajectory of the stars is also a circle," Li Yuan practiced and pondered over and over.


    At this moment.


    Li Yuan no longer deliberately thought about how to use his spear technique against Dantai Feng.


    Instead, he simply wanted to make his own spear technique stronger.


    ...


    In the virtualwork, within the ''Combat Space'' of the Ten Schools Freshmen Fight, the final cage match had ended.


    High above, the giant screen disying the ''Total Points Ranking'' was nowpletely fixed.


    "Li Yuan, first ce!"


    "105 points."


    "First ce," thousands of students from Kunlun Martial University who hade to watch the matches all became excited.


    That minority of second- and third-year students, while still ratherposed, also began to p.


    "Li Yuan, Yu Ming, Guan Ying, Garava, Vikram, Dantai Feng, Ruan Wennan, He Liancheng, and other eight students are the top eight in total points for the second round," the burly man above the arena announced in a deep voice, "They will advance directly to the fourth round."


    "Kimura Tatsuo... and another 128 students have ranked within the top 136 in total points for the second round and will enter the third round to decide the eight additional spots for the fourth round tomorrow."


    With the announcer''s spirited voice, the second round of the Ten Schools Freshmen Fight officially ended.


    ...


    "Where''s the eldest senior brother?"


    "Haven''t seen him," the freshmen from the Sixth Institute of Kunlun Martial University couldn''t help but search for Li Yuan''s figure above the ring.


    "Damn."


    "Brother Yuan is also putting on airs, that Dantai Feng conceded and advanced to the top eight," Gu Qianghan couldn''t help butin, "Brother Yuan took first in total points and isn''t even showing up here."


    "Does putting on airs make one stronger?" Gu Qianghan shook his head.


    "No."


    "It''s not putting on airs that makes one stronger, but only the swagger of a true master is considered cool," An Nong said, pretending to be profound.


    "Otherwise, it''s just being a clown."


    ...


    At seven o''clock in the evening, as night fell.


    Whoosh!


    Li Yang arrived at Li Yuan''s vi in a flying vehicle, a smile on his face.


    "Teacher," Li Yuan, having received the news of Li Yang''s visit, had been waiting in the living room.


    "You did well today," Li Yang said with a smile as he sat down on the sofa, "Have a seat."


    Li Yuan''s victory over Kimura Tatsuo today allowed him to bask in glory in front of teachers from all schools, naturally bringing him great joy.


    "Hmm," Li Yuan sat down.


    "Taking first in total points and giving the university a boost is not bad," Li Yang said with a smile, looking at Li Yuan with more and more satisfaction.


    "Hardly," Li Yuan shook his head, "Dantai Feng conceded in the second round, otherwise, with his strength, taking first in total points would have been a piece of cake."


    Li Yuan was self-aware.


    First ce in the second round''s points? It was only a nominal title.


    "Being humble is necessary, but there''s no need to be overly modest," Li Yang said with augh, "Dantai Feng conceded, but Yu Ming and Guan Ying didn''t, and neither did the elite students from other schools."


    "Why didn''t they take first ce?" Li Yangughed, "Isn''t it because they''re not as strong as you?"


    ```


    "Your ability to overshadow Yu Ming and Guan Ying has proved that you are no worse than the elite students of the top three martial arts schools in the world,"


    Li Yuan nodded, not exining any further.


    "What, still worried about Dantai Feng?" Li Yang asked curiously.


    "Yes," Li Yuan did not hide his concern. "Teacher, to be honest, if it were against anyone else, like Garava, Yu Ming... Although I''m not absolutely certain of victory, I believe I would have a chance."


    "Only with Dantai Feng, if he uses his shield and sword, upon self-reflection, I''m more likely to lose than win." Li Yuan admitted honestly, "My strength is still not enough."


    One should be realistic in their martial arts training, not falsely arrogant.


    A tough challenge is a tough challenge.


    "Ha ha ha." Li Yang looked at Li Yuan with a smile. "Actually, I never expected you to win."


    Li Yuan was taken aback.


    He didn''t have hopes for me to win?


    "Do you know who Dantai Feng is? He is just a step away from reaching Subtlety in his mind and spirit," Li Yang said with a smile."Among the freshmen at Starfire University, he''s expected topete for the top spot."


    "The top spot at Starfire University is practically contending for the top spot worldwide."


    "In other words, Dantai Feng, in your cohort, has hopes of challenging for the worldwide first ce, or at least the top five," Li Yang stated solemnly.


    Li Yuan was surprised.


    Dantai Feng was so formidable? He actually had the potential to challenge for the top spot worldwide.


    "Normally, for apetition like the freshman fight of the ten schools, Starfire University shouldn''t choose their strongest students to participate; there''s no point in honing them."


    "The second tier of elites should be chosen ording to custom." Li Yang shook his head, "Like Yu Ming, Guan Ying... that''s why I previously thought you had a chance to fight for first ce."


    "This time, I don''t know what the higher-ups at Starfire University were thinking to actually send him."


    Li Yuan listened quietly.


    "So, with Dantai Feng here, I stopped expecting you to take first ce," Li Yang said with augh."Not that you''re inferior to Dantai Feng, it''s just that the progress you''ve made in the past six months is even more remarkable... I believe you will definitely beat him in the future."


    "But for now, you indeed fall short of him."


    Li Yuan nodded slightly; Dantai Feng''s strength was truly formidable.


    "The third and fourth rounds of match schedules are out, and you won''t be facing Dantai Feng prematurely," Li Yang said solemnly."That is to say, even if you two were to face each other, it would only be in the final match."


    "The upper and lower halves of the tournament?" Li Yuan mused.


    "Yes."


    Li Yang said with a smile, "So, my only requirement for you is to make it to the finals, ensuring a top-four finish."


    "Reaching the finals would be a victory."


    "You don''t need to bear any psychological burden."


    "If you stop at the top four, well, the rewards aren''t much different from those for the champion or runner-up, and you''ll still receive Heavenly Materials Treasures."


    ...


    Li Yuan saw Li Yang off and then returned alone to the underground Martial Arts Room.


    The lights came on, making the Martial Arts Room bright as day.


    Li Yuan stood in the center with his spear, silently pondering Li Yang''s words.


    In fact.


    Li Yang''s words could be summarized in one sentence: "It''s okay to strive for second ce."


    "Second ce?" Li Yuan pondered silently.


    Li Yang was not wrong.


    In fact, he had rified the situation to Li Yuan to avoid any major psychological burden on him.


    However.


    "Victory or defeat? Second ce?" Li Yuan shook his head, no longer dwelling on it, and continued to quietly refine his Spear Technique.


    Pursuing that profoundly mystical state.


    ...October 6th, the third round.


    There were no top-level masters among thepetitors, so Li Yuan didn''t go to watch; he just continued practicing on his own.


    That day, the other eight spots for the top 16 were decided.


    ...


    October 7th, the fourth round.


    Kunlun Martial University had clear skies.


    Today, the final champion of the freshman fight of the ten schools would be determined all the way from the top 16.


    ```

 Chapter 163: 138 The Day of the Final Battle (32,000 monthly ticket bonus)

    Inside the underground Martial Arts Room.


    At eight in the morning, Li Yuan had not yet entered the virtualwork and was video calling Lin Lanyue.


    "So early?" Li Yuan smiled. "You''re notpeting, so sses shouldn''t be canceled, right? No general education sses this morning?"


    In any Martial Arts University, there will be general education sses that teach various knowledge about history, humanities, the Star Realm''s alien races, science and technology weapons, and other areas.


    "Have you been practicing the Spear Technique so much that you''ve forgotten the time? It''s one in the afternoon over here," Lin Lanyue said with a smile, dressed in a white casual outfit today.


    "I forgot," Li Yuan said with augh, shaking his head.


    There is a time difference between Lantis Continent and Xia Country.


    "How about it? Are you confident about winning against Dantai Feng?" Lin Lanyue asked with a smile.


    "The videos you gave me were very helpful," Li Yuan nodded. "However, ording to my teacher''s ount of his strength... I have at most a thirty percent chance of winning."


    "Thirty percent?" Lin Lanyue''s eyes sparkled slightly. "A thirty percent chance is already quite high."


    "You should know, when we just started our senior year, you had only recently reached the Third Stage in Skill Realm, and he was already at the Fourth Level."


    "On this year''s Blue Star youth ranking, he has always been way ahead, the absolute number one."


    "In just one year''s time, your skill level has almost caught up with his, which is incredible," Lin Lanyue said.


    "Still, it''s a bit short," Li Yuan said with a smile.


    "Victory or defeat will ultimately be decided by the battle. No one willugh at you if you lose, and who knows, you might win? On the other hand, Dantai Feng is the one under tremendous pressure," Lin Lanyueughed. "Log on. The match is about to start."


    "All right."


    ...


    After ending the video call with Lin Lanyue, Li Yuan nced subconsciously at his Divine Pce panel.


    [Life Level: 13.9 (First Rank)]


    Fist Strength: 7629 kilograms


    Speed: 41.3 meters per second


    Spiritual Power: Level 23.0


    Spiritual Awakening Level: 25% (Current limit 25%, physical quality not strong enough to withstand Spiritual Guidance)


    Skill Realm: Spear Technique (Fourth Stage 83%), Movement Technique (Fourth Stage 73%), Fist Technique (Fourth Stage 83%)


    ...


    "Fourth Stage 83% for the Spear Technique."


    "In two days, my Spear Technique has improved by a full 3%," Li Yuan thought silently. "My mind control over my body has also be more refined, allowing me to stir up the slightest traces of subtle vigor."


    Such a rate of improvement in the Spear Technique was terrifying.


    "Ster Realm, after the battle with Kimura Tatsuo, I have gained some basic understanding. If I had more time, my Spear Technique would certainly be stronger, but, unfortunately, there''s no more time," Li Yuan pondered silently.


    "ording to my teacher, he is just a hair''s breadth away from grasping the Flowing Light Imagery; his skill level should be higher than mine."


    "Let''s battle."


    "As long as he hasn''t reached Subtlety with his mind, I still have a chance to hold on," Li Yuan''s eyes sparkled. "Hold on, and there''s a chance to win."


    He closed his eyes and stood still for a full minute.


    Topletely calm his spirit.


    Then, he directly logged into the virtualwork and entered the Starry Skies Fighting Network.


    ... Combat Space.


    Even though there were still twenty minutes before the start of the fourth round of the match, the Spectator tform was already swarming with people, hundreds of thousands gathering.


    "Swoosh!" Li Yuan appeared out of nowhere, and immediately realized he didn''t appear on the Spectator tform.


    Instead, he was in the ''waiting area'' very close to thebat ring.


    Single seats for each person.


    "Li Yuan!"


    "Li Yuan has arrived."


    "Li Yuan." Seconds after Li Yuan appeared, bursts of cheers erupted from the spectator seats behind him.


    If at the start of the second round, the students of various Martial Arts Universities in Xia Country basically didn''t know who Li Yuan was, then by the start of the fourth round, Li Yuan already had a significant reputation.


    Most students acknowledged that among Xia Country''s top sixteen fighters, Dantai Feng was the strongest, followed by Li Yuan, Yu Ming, Guan Ying, and a few others.


    "Big Brother! Take the championship."


    "Li Yuan, go for it."


    "First ce!" The students from Kunlun Martial University were the most excited, as their seating area was right behind Li Yuan, not too far away.


    With a nce, Li Yuan spotted many familiar faces, such as Qiu Jing, Gu Qianghan, and Dong Haifeng, already sitting among the crowd.


    "Li Yuan."


    "Finally, you''re here, Li Yuan," two voices sounded next to him.


    "Yang Hong, Wu Luo? Both of you made it into the top sixteen?" Li Yuan looked at the two acquaintances sitting not far away with some surprise.


    So, Kunlun Martial University has three people who''ve broken into the top sixteen this time? That''s a very high ratio.


    Yang Hong and Wu Luo were momentarily stunned.


    "You can''t be serious, Li Yuan," Wu Luo couldn''t help but say. "Are we really that forgettable? We''re in the top sixteen, after all."


    "My bad," Li Yuan exined with a smile. "From the end of the second round the day before yesterday until today, I''ve been practicing the Spear Technique. I really didn''t pay attention to who made it into the top sixteen in yesterday''s matches."


    Li Yuan truly didn''t know.


    The top sixteen? Is that strong?


    "Oh, I see," Wu Luo realized Li Yuan wasn''t targeting him andughed, "Then I''ll introduce you to the otherpetitors."


    "That one over there is Li Jiao from the East Sea Martial University," Wu Luo said with a smile. "She specializes in..."


    ...


    While Wu Luo, Li Yuan, and Yang Hong were chatting, the other top sixteen contestants appeared one after another.


    At the same time.


    In the Spectator Space, various areas saw the arrival of some very quiet and low-profile students.


    "Gong Mi, you''re here too?" A burly white youth with a full beard and striking blue eyesughed. He was quite handsome.


    "Salvatore, you''re here as well," a ck-d young manughed, his features very ordinary.


    Gong Mi!


    Born in a small country within ASEAN, but endowed with supreme talent, his skills were almost on par with Dantai Feng.


    The three of them were recognized as the three top-grade talents in Starfire University''s current ss.


    ...


    "Sister, look, Skarrett has arrived," Wu Dongdong pointed to an inconspicuous ck youth not far away.


    "Hmm."


    Lin Lanyue nodded and smiled, "Dantai Feng is participating in the Ten Schools Tournament for neers, and with the addition of Li Yuan, Garava, and a few other top-grade experts, it''s almost like a preview of the global Martial Artspetition next February. Naturally, many people are interested ining to watch."


    ...


    Higher up in the Spectator Space, hereys the gathering ce for the teachers.


    "Old iron, you actually came?"


    "You didn''te to the neers'' fights of the past few years, did you?"


    "This year''spetition is out of the ordinary, so I came to have a look."


    "That''s true, thepetition has a much higher value this year." As the finals day, the number of teachers from various schools who came to watch had far surpassed that of the previous two days.


    The number has exceeded four hundred people.


    It must be known that each teacher is at least a high-level Martial Artist, and many are even top-grade Martial Artists.


    Although many teachers are from different schools, they have excellent private rtionships, and it is rare for them to meet given the long distances in their daily lives.


    It can be said that today is a rare grand meeting that gathers so many powerful Martial Artists in one ce.


    ...


    Time psed.


    Perhaps due to the fermentation and publicity of the past two days.


    As thepetition time gradually approached, the number of spectators in the stands rapidly exceeded 600,000, gradually closing in on 700,000. This was already a new high for the number of people watching the Ten Schools Neers'' Tournament.


    After all, this was just an internalpetition, not open to the general public.


    Finally, the time came to 8:30.


    "After three days ofpetition, our Ten Schools Neers'' Tournament has finally reached the day of the final battle." The burly host appeared above the dueling stage, his voice excited, "Today, the number of spectators has created a new historical high of the past ten years, reaching an astonishing 640,000 people."


    "I believe that the sixteen Martial Arts geniuses from different schools will also definitely present everyone with a series of superbly brilliant genius battles today." The voice of the burly man echoed throughout the entire dueling space.


    As music began to y, the atmosphere on the scene also rose even more fervently.


    "Good!"


    "First to start is today''s ''Round of 16 to 8'' first match." The voice of the burly man vibrated, "The first one, from the Martial Arts University of the East Sea''s country ''Ohno Satoshi.'' "


    Swish!


    A young man from Sakura Country appeared on the stage holding twin des, 1.7 meters tall with an ordinary-looking face.


    "Ohno Satoshi!"


    "Ohno Satoshi." Nearly one hundred thousand cheering students from Sakura Country eximed excitedly.


    Ohno Satoshi was another top expert that emerged from Sakura Country after Kimura Tatsuo, with strong abilities, having swept through his opponents in the third round yesterday and entered the top sixteen.


    "The other one, the Martial Arts genius from Starfire University¡ªDantai! Feng!" The burly announcer''s voice grew even more stirring, almost excited.


    "Dantai Feng!"


    "Dantai Feng!"


    "Dantai Feng!" The entire Spectator tform immediately exploded with a tsunami of shouting, the sounds deafening, reverberating around the dueling stage.


    It was not only the several hundred thousand spectators from Xia Country shouting Dantai Feng''s name but many from other countries as well.


    Can''t help it!


    Strength represented everything.


    Dantai Feng''s sweeping moves with twin des through the cage fight in the second round and his decision to abstain showcased strength, confidence, andposure, easily attracting the worship of many students.


    Whoosh!


    Dantai Feng was also transported onto the stage, holding twin des in his hands, he gave Ohno Satoshi a sidelong nce and then closed his eyes, as if Ohno Satoshi didn''t matter to him at all.


    "Bastard." Ohno Satoshi cursed silently in his heart, "He doesn''t even bring a shield, he''s underestimating me too much."


    Those who had made it into the top sixteen were Martial Arts geniuses highly valued by their schools, and naturally, they would know about the strengths and intelligence of their opponents.


    ...Under the stage.


    "Such a show-off," Yang Hong couldn''t help saying, "Li Yuan, Wu Luo, Dantai Feng''s way of looking at people with a nted eye is kind of cool."


    "It is cool, but also rather annoying. I suggest not copying it," Li Yuanughed.


    He suddenly understood why Tian Dazhuang had a problem with Dantai Feng.


    Watching someone show off and y cool every day, and not being able to beat them.


    It would annoy anyone.


    ...


    On the stage, following the end of the final ten-second countdown, Dantai Feng and Ohno Satoshi instantly erupted into battle.


    Indeed instantly.


    Because!


    The moment the fight began, Ohno Satoshi charged at Dantai Feng, both wielding twin des.


    But just after a single exchange.


    Dantai Feng''s des whistled, and after only a few shes of the des, a dazzling arc of light suddenly shone and swept past Ohno Satoshi''s head.


    Death!


    Until defeating his opponent, Dantai Feng stood on the stage, still with a slightly lifted head, a cold look on his face, looking soposed.


    "This should be cool enough," Dantai Feng thought to himself.


    ...


    Seeing thebat scene, the entire Spectator tform fell silent for a moment. He lost just after an exchange? He was one of the top sixteen, after all.


    But the silencested only for a moment.


    "Dantai Feng!" The next second, the vast Spectator tform erupted with tsunami-like excited cheers.


    Only the tens of thousands of Sakura Country spectators looked at each other, not knowing what to say.


    In fact, they knew Ohno Satoshi was likely to lose, but who would''ve thought he would lose so miserably?


    ...


    "So strong!"


    "Such a fast de!" Theyman watches the excitement; the expert sees the subtleties.


    The faces of the ten or so contestants watching closely below the stage changed.


    ...


    "The second battle." The burly announcer''s eyes seemingly sparkled, eagerly saying, "Let us wee from Tianzhu Country, ''Garava''."


    "And."


    "From Xia Country''s Kunlun Martial Arts University, the Martial Arts genius¡ªLi! Yuan!"

 Chapter 164: 139: The Clash at the Summit

    Thepetitors who made it to the top sixteen were all exceptional choices, with the majority being extraordinary, and the likelihood of them bing high-rank Prime Warriors, or even top-grade Origin Martial Artists in the future, was extremely high.


    For example, if it weren''t for Li Yuan overshadowing them with his brilliance, Yang Hong and Wu Luo would have been capable of instigating a ''Battle of the Gemini Stars'' legend among the freshmen at Kunlun Martial University.


    But there was no doubt that among the top sixteen, there were those who were exceptionally dazzling, and Dantai Feng was in a league of his own in strength. This was confirmed in the first match from the top sixteen to the top eight.


    Li Yuan, Garava, Yu Ming, and Guan Ying, on the other hand, were recognized as the most powerful contenders for the final four.


    This was evident from the fact that all four of them had total points exceeding 90 in the second round.


    However, most of the spectators had not anticipated that, as early as in the round of sixteen, Li Yuan and Garava would face each other.


    "What''s going on?"


    "With their strength, they should at least encounter each other in the top four, right? Howe they meet in the first match of the fourth round? Are they targeting someone?"


    "The organizer is Xia Country."


    "Could it be they are targeting Garava?" The hundreds of thousands of spectators on the Spectator tform were suddenly abuzz with discussion, most of them had not paid attention to the match schedule in advance.


    Or rather, among the 136 elite students who entered the third round, even if they knew their own ''schedule,'' they wouldn''t leak it.


    ..."Garava!"


    "Defeat that Xia Country person."


    "Li Yuan!!" Waves of roaring cheers suddenly erupted from the vast Spectator tform, with both Xia Country and Tianzhu Country spectators vigorously cheering on their sides.


    "Garava is the strongest."


    "Li Yuan, beat the hell out of that loser."


    "Li Yuan!!" On the Spectator Screen, a massive amount ofments were being rapidly posted, and the support levels for both sides were nearly even for a while.


    There was no helping it; Tianzhu Country was the only one that couldpete with Xia Country in terms of the number of spectators.


    One side was close to three hundred thousand spectators, the other was over two hundred thousand, and the majority of the Spectator tform was upied by these two countries.


    Whatever the reason, the match between the two ratcheted up the atmosphere of thebat space to its peak.


    People like Yu Ming and Guan Ying were already watching the two on the stage with their eyes wide open.


    Even Dantai Feng, who seemed to be resting with his eyes closed, was actually peering through a slit in his eyelids, stealthily watching the match.


    Everyone knew,


    Li Yuan vs Garava would undoubtedly be a pinnacle duel in the freshman battles of the ten schools.


    ...


    While the atmosphere outside the ring was explosive, the two on the stage were both exceptionally calm.


    "Li Yuan, I didn''t expect to encounter you so soon."


    "You''re strong, but I''m certain I''ll win," said Garava, his dark skin making him look quite ordinary.


    He wore a smile on his face, but his eyes conveyed a strong sense of conviction.


    "Certain to win?"


    Li Yuan smiled and said, "That''s what I think as well, I certainly don''t want to miss the Heavenly Materials Treasures."


    By making it to the top sixteen, there was already a reward of twenty million Blue Star Coins.


    And ording to the schedule, as long as they could defeat one another, their next opponent in the top eight would be quite weak, almost certainly unable to stop them.


    Once they broke into the top four, they would be awarded Heavenly Materials Treasures.


    For martial path geniuses like them, this was undoubtedly an astonishing temptation.


    Both of them were filled with a desire for victory.


    They could both feel the other''s strong intent to battle, and neither said anything more.


    Then, the battle eruptedpletely!


    "Boom!" Garava charged fiercely, his speed instantly at its peak. In his darkbat armor, he was like a dark shadow, brutally pouncing towards Li Yuan.


    Hu!


    Li Yuan held his spear in both hands, legs apart, and his body slightly leaning forward, already in a defensive stance.


    "Hah!"


    Garava roared suddenly as he closed in, his long spear striking like a venomous snake, bursting forth like a vortex in the water, whistling as it thrust forward.


    The image of the spear changed unpredictably, mystifying and elusive, as if it had created dozens of afterimages, making it difficult to discern which one was the actual spear tip.


    Li Yuan waspletely enveloped.


    Just this move alone was enough to instantly kill any Fourth Rank opponent.


    Seeing this spectacle, many spectators from the Xia Country couldn''t help but cry out in amazement.


    Garava took the aggressive first attack, disying fierce momentum.


    "Whish! Whish, whish! sh!" Li Yuan''s footwork shifted, he retreated like lightning while his long spear danced in his hands, its tip tracing astonishing arcs of light around him, creating a huge sphere of spears topletely envelop himself.


    "ng! ng! ng!"


    The two long spears collided mid-air like lightning, countless images of the spears intertwining. The exchange was so fast that to many of the onlookers, it seemed as if five or six spears were shing.


    "Ster as round."


    "The spear tip draws a circle." Li Yuan was utmost calm, his spear striking repeatedly, seemingly flustered, fending off Garava''s onught.


    But in actuality, no matter if it was a straight thrust, parry, flick, cleave, or press, Li Yuan''s range of attack always stayed within an arc.


    Within this range, no matter how wildly Garava attacked or thrust fiercely, he could hardly advance an inch.


    "As I thought."


    "Just as I predicted, if I defend with all my might, this Garava can''t shake me in the slightest." Li Yuan was as nonchnt as a light breeze, his heart serene.


    He had already decided that he could probably win with an offensive approach against Garava.


    But that was not Li Yuan''s goal. His true target was Dantai Feng.


    Garava? In Li Yuan''s eyes, he was just another whetstone.


    If he couldn''t even defend against a Garava, how could he talk about defending against Dantai Feng''s de?


    "Bang! Bang~" Garava thrust and hacked furiously time after time. Hisbat style waspletely different from that of Kimura Tatsuo''s.


    He pursued a style of violent and fierce attacks, aiming to crush his opponents with absolute power and speed.


    In the past, when facing top warriors in his own school, this strategy had been invincible.


    But against Li Yuan, all his attacks were rendered ineffective and repelled.


    "They say that prolonged defense will lead to defeat."


    "How can he defend to such an extent?" Garava could hardly believe it, his heart gradually sinking.


    Attack! He had already attacked to the limit, but he still couldn''t touch Li Yuan.


    "Comfortable!" The more Li Yuan defended, the morefortable he felt.


    At this moment, amidst the shouts of hundreds of thousands of spectators in this unique environment, Li Yuan vaguely felt he was getting closer and closer to fully grasping that distinct rhythm.


    ...On the spectator tform, hundreds of thousands of students from various Martial Arts Universities had already been shaken by the duel between the two.


    Previously, whether it was Garava or Li Yuan, both of them had swept through the second round without anyone being able to withstand their two spears; now that they had encountered each other, the battle had escted to such an extent.


    One''s Spear Technique was wild and fierce, truly embodying the reputation of the spear as the king of the battlefield.


    The other had been defending throughout, like an immovable mountain, blocking the opponent''s relentless barrages one after another.


    "Garava!"


    "He''s forcing Li Yuan to defend, powerful!" The Tianzhu Country''s audience cheered excitedly.


    "Li Yuan!"


    "Li Yuan!"


    "In every battle, as long as Li Yuan can hold his defense, once he counterattacks, he will easily crush the enemy." The Xia Country spectators believed this firmly.


    ...


    "Garava is losing," a top grade Origin Martial Artist teacher on the high Spectator tform whispered, "Prolonged defense will lead to defeat. In a Spear Technique duel, the attacker usually has the absolute advantage, but he simply cannot shake Li Yuan''s defense."


    "Li Yuan''s skill level is clearly much higher." More teachersmented.


    "Ster as a circle."


    "Li Yuan''s Spear Technique has truly captured some of the essence of the Ster Spear Technique; this progress is frightening."


    "Genius!"


    "His Spear Technique defense gives me the illusion that it simply cannot be broken. ording to his file, he only reached the Fourth Stage Skill realm in March? That''s outrageous." These teachers were at least in the Subtle Technique realm, and many were at Fifth Stage Skill.


    How many Spear Techniques had they seen? Their standards were exceptionally high, and they quickly realized the actual situation on the tform.


    "Li Yuan''s spear."


    "Ster charm?" Li Yang, as Li Yuan''s teacher, found it somewhat incredible: "Has his Spear Technique improved greatly from before?"


    He had previously concluded that Li Yuan could not win because as of September 30, he had just finished teaching Li Yuan and felt that Li Yuan was far from entering Subtlety with his heart and soul.


    How much time had passed since then? Only a week!


    "He is a true fighting genius, the more he fights and feels pressure, the more it stimtes his potential," Dean Xu said in a soft voice. "Li Yang, you really found a treasure. Your student is an inconceivable genius of the Martial Path,"


    "He has grasped the true essence of the Ster Realm, give him time, and he will surely enter the realm of Subtlety with his heart and soul."


    "If before there was no hope of him winning against Dantai Feng, now... there''s a thirty percent chance," Dean Xu affirmed.


    "Thirty percent?" Li Yang nodded slightly.


    He was well aware that Dean Xu was a High Rank Fifth Stage master, very close to bing a Flying Heaven Warrior.


    His judgment was more precise than his own.


    "He''s about to win," Dean Xu suddenly said.


    Not far away.


    "Garava." The ck-robed elder, Ba Qiang, sighed inwardly as he watched the intense sh on the tform: "It''s a pity; he happened toe up against Li Yuan."


    As Garava''s teacher, and a top grade Origin Martial Artist, he could see the terror in Li Yuan.


    That immovable defense.


    The Long Spear like a circle, as steady as Mount Tai, was far too stable,pletely suppressing Garava.


    The switch between offense and Defense often came down to who was stronger and who was weaker.


    "He''s going to lose." The ck-robed elder Ba Qiang felt rather helpless within, thinking that if Garava encountered Yu Ming or Guan Ying, he would have had a chance to win.


    Only Li Yuan.


    "This Li Yuan, he even has a chance at victory against Dantai Feng," Ba Qiangmented internally.


    ...


    "Garava is going to lose." Some of thepetitors in the preparation area also realized this.


    "This Spear Technique?" Unbeknownst to himself, Dantai Feng had opened his eyes, his pupils gleaming: "The Ster Realm?"


    "Interesting!"


    "Kunlun Martial University has actually brought forth such a master? Finally, my time isn''t wasted."


    Dantai Feng was not concerned but rather excited about Li Yuan''s emergence.


    He was anticipating the battle with a strong adversary.


    ...


    On the tform, Garava became increasingly panicked and rmed as he fought because he realized that Li Yuan''s defense was bing more and moreposed.


    He was beginning to counterattack!


    No! To be precise, it wasn''t Li Yuan counterattacking, but an instinctive change within his Spear Momentum during the transition.


    The core of the Ster Spear Technique wasn''t rigid Defense, but defense as a form of attack.


    Yet, it was Li Yuan''s casual counter during a defense that made Garava increasingly disheveled.


    "I must win." Garava gritted his teeth; he continued to attack fiercely, hoping to find a sliver of life.


    But as time slipped by, his stamina began to decline.


    Being the attacker, his energy consumption was inevitably greater, and his spear speed had begun to slow unknowingly.


    Suddenly.


    "Pu!" As if through a tacit understanding or a subconscious action, after blocking another attack from Garava, Li Yuan''s Long Spear swiftly transitioned and abruptly thrust out with an explosive burst.


    From defense to offense!


    Naturally as if ordained by the heavens!


    This spear thrust, propelled by more vigor than any of Li Yuan''s previous attacks, had mobilized the subtlest strengths within his body.


    The situation changed in that instant.


    The speed of this spear thrust skyrocketed to a terrifying level.


    "Pu!"


    One spear cleaved through the vast sky, and in the next second, Garava''s figure had already turned ethereal.


    "Impressive." Garava opened his mouth as his figurepletely dissipated.


    One spear!


    Garava, defeated!


    "The Meaning of the Ster." Li Yuan, holding the Long Spear, stood quietly in ce and murmured to himself: "In Defense, unshakable, like the vast earth."


    "In attack, like the Ster Burst, an unstoppable force."


    Through the battle with Garava, Li Yuan''s understanding of the Meaning of the Ster had indeed taken another step forward.


    His eyes nced at a section of the Divine Pce panel:


    Skill Realm: Spear Technique (Fourth Stage 85%), movement technique (Fourth Stage 73%), Fist Technique (Fourth Stage 86%)


    ...Li Yuan had secured the second spot in the top eight.

 Chapter 165: 140: Breaking into the Finals (Seeking Monthly Tickets)

    Whoosh! Li Yuan returned to the waiting area below the ring, but what about Garava?


    He had been eliminated, so naturally, he couldn''t wait in the preparation zone.


    "Li Yuan, impressive!"


    "So awesome."


    "To think he defeated Garava with just one strike." Yang Hong and Wu Luo, sitting on both sides, were genuinely moved and full of admiration.


    They had always known the gap between themselves and Li Yuan was wide, which was evident during the entrancepetition.


    But it wasn''t until today, when they witnessed the fight between Li Yuan and Garava, that they realized just how colossal the gap had be.


    "Thank you." Li Yuan smiled lightly, his heart not filled with too much joy.


    It was just a victory over Garava, after all.


    Having had an epiphany from his battle with Kimura Tatsuo, and after concentrating on his training for two more days, Li Yuan hadn''t considered anyone besides Dantai Feng as his opponent.


    As Li Yuan had expected, Garava''s strength was formidable, but still unable to pose a real threat to him.


    "Li Yuan, Dantai Feng is watching you," Wu Luo suddenly said.


    "Oh?" Li Yuan couldn''t help but turn his head to look at Dantai Feng, sitting far away.


    Dantai Feng was wearing a self-perceived handsome smile.


    ...


    "Won."


    "He suddenly exploded with power, defeating Garava with a single strike; Li Yuan is too monstrous."


    "How fierce." Li Yuan was indifferent to the result of the match, but the entire Spectator tform was thoroughly aze with excitement, especially the several hundred thousand spectators from Xia Country, all brimming with immense pride.


    The first match was won by Dantai Feng, and the second by Li Yuan.


    In their eyes, both were victories for Xia Country.


    "Garava actually lost."


    "Despite having a great advantage, he carelessly lost. Garava is really useless."


    "Poor mentality." Over two hundred thousand student spectators from Tianzhu Country felt extremely ufortable.


    "The people of Tianzhu are idiots."


    "I always said that Lord Li Yuan is the strongest."


    "The champion will definitely be between Lord Li Yuan and Dantai Feng, and my money''s on Lord Li Yuan." Many spectators from Sakura Country were ironically singing praises of Li Yuan.


    ...


    In the midst of intense discussion and cheering, the matches for the top sixteen continued one after another.


    There was a constant emergence of victors.


    However, none of the matches were as fiercely intense as the fight between Li Yuan and Garava.


    After six more battles, the top eight were decided for the freshmanpetition of the ten schools¡ªDantai Feng, Li Yuan, Yu Ming, Guan Ying, Wu Luo, Vikram, Li Mingyue... and Kimura Tatsuo!


    Thest of the top eight was Kimura Tatsuo.


    After a fierce struggle against He Liancheng from Polestar Martial Arts University, he finally triumphed, albeit with difficulty.


    "What a pity."


    "It was so close."


    "He Liancheng also possessed intermediate level Fourth Rank skills, and his strength was extremely formidable."


    "If he had won, then Xia Country could have upied seven spots in the top eight." The several hundred thousand Xia Country spectators all felt somewhat regretful and displeased.


    But in reality, this was already highly remarkable, because, even with Kimura Tatsuo struggling into the top eight, six spots were upied by martial arts geniuses from Xia Country.


    "Li Yuan! Wu Luo."


    "Haha, in the top eight, our Kunlun Martial University has two spots."


    "Kyoto Martial University doesn''t have a single one." The freshmen from Kunlun Martial University were somewhat excited and crazy with joy.


    At this moment, under the atmosphere fostered by thepetition space, the sense of belonging towards the school and the country for the vast majority was far higher than usual.


    All spectators hoped that the martial arts prodigies from their own schools and countries would perform even better.


    Ten minutes of rest.


    The quarterfinals will continue.


    ...


    "Li Yuan, go for it! I have to stop at the top eight," Wu Luo said casually in the preparation area, "But, making it into the top eight and Yang Hong not making it at all."


    "Feels great."


    "It proves that I''m indeed the real Number Two among the freshmen at Kunlun Martial University," Wu Luo said seriously, hoping for Li Yuan''s acknowledgment.


    "Lack some confidence?" Li Yuan smiled, "Go all out, and who knows, maybe you''ll even flip Dantai Feng."


    That''s right!


    ording to the schedule, the first match of the quarterfinals was Wu Luo against Dantai Feng.


    "Bro, stop making fun of me," Wu Luo shook his head, "I know I''m not strong enough, but I have good judgment. Apart from you, none of us stands a chance against Dantai Feng. There''s only one possibility if we want to win."


    "What possibility?" Li Yuan was curious.


    "That he tries to act too cocky and lets us use both hands, both feet, plus a head," Wu Luo replied matter-of-factly.


    ...


    Ten minutester, the four matches of the quarterfinals officially began.


    In the first match, Dantai Feng, still using his dual des, faced Wu Luo. In terms of strength, Wu Luo was on par with ''Ohno Satoshi'', who Dantai Feng had defeated in the first round.


    But perhaps out of respect for hispatriot,


    Dantai Feng gave Wu Luo considerable face, shing with him for dozens of moves before finally killing him.


    ...In the second match, Yu Ming faced Li Mingyue in an internal battle for Xia Country, and Yu Ming ultimately secured the victory, iming a spot in the top four.


    ...The third match was Li Yuan against Kimura Tatsuo.


    That''s right, in the crucial match of the quarterfinals, Kimura Tatsuo was up against Li Yuan once more.


    "Lord Li Yuan."


    "Your strength is formidable and I respect it," Kimura Tatsuo was much calmer and more humble than during their previous encounter: "But please allow me to defend the dignity of a warrior, I will never surrender."


    "I also hope that you will go all out," Kimura Tatsuo said earnestly.


    He had no illusions of winning, and he was well aware that, whether facing Yu Ming or Guan Ying, his chances of victory were slim.


    "Alright," Li Yuan said sinctly.


    A minuteter.


    Li Yuan, who hadunched a series of six rapid and ferocious strikes, pierced Kimura Tatsuo''s throat with his spear tip.


    Kimura Tatsuo''s eyes were wide as his figure vanished in an instant, as if he wanted to say something.


    "You''re the one who asked me to go all out," Li Yuan shrugged.

 Chapter 166: 140: Breaking into the Finals (Seeking Monthly Tickets)_2

    This was the fastest quarter-final match.


    "Heavenly Materials Treasures, in hand," Li Yuan smiled, his basic goal for this freshman battle of the ten schools had been achieved.


    Next.


    It was time topletely rx and go all out for the final.


    ...Up to now, the first three of the top four had been decided: Dantai Feng, Yu Ming, and Li Yuan.


    Thest spot in the top four would be contested between Guan Ying and Vikram.


    But!!


    To the surprise of almost everyone, Guan Ying, the top genius from Starfire University and the female swordswoman who had demonstrated amazing strength in the second and fourth rounds,


    lost the most critical quarter-final match... to Vikram from Tianzhu Country!


    "Guan Ying lost?"


    "She''s the top genius of Starfire University, how could she lose?" The Spectator tform erupted in shock.


    Especially the viewers from Xia Country, who had been prepared for the ''best case scenario'' of all four top talents in the semi-finals being from Xia Country''s Martial Path.


    Unexpectedly, a dark horse emerged at thest moment.


    "Won!!"


    "Vikram!! Top Four!!" The Tianzhu Country viewers werepletely wild with excitement.


    Who could have imagined?


    After Tianzhu Country''s most promising contender, Garava, lost to Li Yuan, the underestimated Vikram miraculously turned the tables.


    Sessfully breaking into the top four.


    Making it to the top four was apletely different thing than the top eight.


    "Vikram, such strong Soft Sword Technique."


    "He uses twin swords too, but his sword technique is even more unpredictable."


    "Another high-rank Fourth Level," the three victorious contenders, Li Yuan, Yu Ming, and Dantai Feng, all focused their attention on Vikram, who had just fought hard to get into the top four.


    They could all see that Guan Ying had indeed been a bit careless, but Vikram''s strength was truly formidable, and he had been hiding his true power.


    When he finally unleashed it, he caught Guan Yingpletely off guard.


    "Won."


    "Garava, this time, I''ve surpassed you," Vikram was also extremely excited, having reached high-rank Fourth Level less than half a month ago.


    But he had not ventured into the Starry Skies Fighting Network, waiting instead for the opportunity to burst onto the scene in the ten schools'' freshman battle.


    Throughout thepetition, tens of thousands of viewers from Tianzhu Country had been following Garava, while Vikram, despite also making it to the top sixteen, received very little attention.


    But today, he had made it to the top four.


    This was the charm of Martial Path duels: victory and defeat. Until the veryst moment, one could never know who was stronger.


    "Made it into the top four."


    "My next opponent is, Dantai Feng," Vikram harbored a slight hope in his heart: "I''m high-rank Fourth Level, and he''s the same."


    "Although my teacher said I''m absolutely no match for him."


    "But, there''s always a glimmer of hope," Vikram''s initial goal was to make it into the top four.


    But now that he had really stormed into the finals of thepetition, a greater ambition began to sprout in his heart.


    ...


    "This Vikram can really hold back," the teachers from various countries in the higher level Spectator Space were all discussing.


    Without a doubt.


    The most eye-catching battle during the top eight was Vikram''s.


    "Damn it," the ck-robed elder ''Ba Qiang'' felt as miserable as if he had eaten shit.


    Because, he watched his arch-enemy, ''Niru,'' also a Martial Path professor from Tianzhu, receiving many congrattions.


    "Both from Xia Country, why can''t Guan Ying be as strong as Li Yuan?" the ck-robed elder Ba Qiang grumbled internally.


    ...


    The critical top four had been decided, and thepetition continued without any break.


    It immediately started the real semi-finals.


    "The two semi-finals will determine the two true finalists," the burly host was incredibly excited, "The first semi-final is between Li Yuan from Kunlun Martial University, known as the strongest defender of thispetition''s Martial Path talents¡ª"


    "He will face Yu Ming from Starfire University, known for his ferocious attacks!"


    Cheers filled the entire Spectator Space, plunging into the revelry of the Xia Country viewers.


    The viewers from other countries were rtively quiet, and some from countries like Sakura Country and ASEAN had even begun to leave.


    Because this was an internalpetition for Xia Country, as their ownpetitors had all been eliminated.


    On the stage.


    "Li Yuan, I reckon I''m no match for you," Yu Ming was very calm, speaking in a voice that only the two of them could hear: "I only hope for one thing."


    "What is it?" Li Yuan asked, perplexed.


    "After making it to the finals, beat that show-off Dantai Feng," Yu Ming said softly.


    Immediately after, without waiting for Li Yuan to react,


    Boom! Yu Ming had already lunged at Li Yuan, who, after a moment of surprise, waited with his spear.


    This battle.


    Li Yuan and Yu Ming fought fiercely for a long time, to be exact, this battle was purely a replica of Li Yuan''s fight against Garava.


    Li Yuan focused solely on defense, continuing to hone his Spear Technique.


    As for Yu Ming.


    He imed to be not as good as Li Yuan, but when it came to the real fight, he also went all out, not holding back in the slightest in his attacks, his offensive was even stronger than Garava''s, without falling short in any aspect.


    Ultimately, after more than ten minutes of intensebat, they provided the over 700,000 spectators with an exceptionally brilliant offensive and defensive battle.


    Li Yuan, won this battle.


    And just before the final burst of his spear.


    "Yu Ming, thank you," Li Yuan projected this voice, bringing the battle to an absolute end.


    The intense battle with Yu Ming allowed Li Yuan to gain deeper insight and brought him one step closer to a true breakthrough.


    "The finals." A glint of light shed through Li Yuan''s eyes as he vanished from the tform.


    ...


    "Senior brother won!"


    "He''s entered the finals." The students of Kunlun Martial Arts University were bing increasingly excited.


    "That Yu Ming is Starfire University''s top genius, and he was still defeated by senior brother."


    "Take down the championship."


    "Number one." Many students from Kunlun Martial University excitedly shouted out for the championship.


    Facing one strong opponent after another.


    Still, he swept away all his opponents, advancing into the final bout with his revealed formidable power.


    This not only inspired admiration among the freshmen of the Sixth Institute of Kunlun Martial University but also pride and respect from all the new students of Kunlun Martial University.


    ...


    "First defeating Garava, then Yu Ming, Li Yuan''s strength has been proven," Li Yang said with a smile, "I hope he can fight to his heart''s content without pressure in the final battle."


    "Hmm." Dean Xu nodded.


    Li Yuan''s performance had far exceeded their expectations.


    ...


    Soon, the second match of the semi-finals unfolded between Dantai Feng and Vikram.


    When Dantai Feng appeared on the tform.


    The weapon in his hands once again surprised many, including Li Yuan.


    Because Dantai Feng''s weapon was not switched to a saber and shield but was still a pair of swords!


    "Still using dual swords?" Vikram felt insulted.


    "Tianzhu man, I''ll teach you how to use dual swords," Dantai Feng said indifferently.


    Upon hearing this, Vikram became thoroughly enraged, "You Xia Country man, are too arrogant."


    Although he also used dual swords, they were the weapons he had used since childhood, and whenbined with his Soft Sword Technique, they maximized his power.


    Dantai Feng? As far as he knew, the strongest weapon configuration was always the saber and shield.


    "Arrogant?"


    "Vikram," Dantai Feng said with a slight smile, "do you know the difference between arrogance and confidence?"


    Vikram was stunned for a moment.


    "Strength," Dantai Feng murmured to himself, striking a dashing pose, "when my saber shes across your neck, no one will call me arrogant anymore."


    mes almost spewed from Vikram''s eyes.


    "You defeated my teammate."


    "Therefore, you still deserve my respect," Dantai Feng said lightly, "I will bring out my true strength to send you off."


    That moment.


    "Fuck!" Vikram couldn''t hold back any longer, brandishing his dual swords and charging with a whoosh.


    Swift as lightning.


    He lunged directly at Dantai Feng, hisbat sabers raised high, ready to strike his opponent in the next second.


    "Soft Sword Technique?"


    "Too slow," Dantai Feng said with a gentle shake of his head, his eyes slightly narrowed, at the very instant before their weapons could sh.


    Boom!


    Dantai Feng finally moved, his burst speed surpassing Vikram by a wide margin, his dual sabers slicing through the air like terrifying streaks of flowing light.


    "ng!" "ng!"


    Four terrifying streams of saber light intersected like lightning! Then blood sttered!


    Thud~ Vikram crashed heavily onto the ground, with blood on his neck, his body gradually dispersing.


    "Only you left, Li Yuan," Dantai Feng said with a smile, looking down at Li Yuan, whose expression was solemn.


    ...


    "Flowing Light Imagery!"


    "Subtlety of the mind!!" In the higher-level Spectator Space, the teachers were all abuzz with amazement, staring at the scene in shock.

 Chapter 167: 141 Li Yuan VS Dantai Feng (34,000 Monthly Tickets Plus)

    On the Spectator tform, the hundreds of thousands of spectators, limited by their vision, couldn''t clearly see the split-second burst from Dantai Feng just now.


    They could only feel that Dantai Feng was powerful, managing to y Vikram within ten blows.


    However, in the higher-level Spectator Space, the Prime Warrior teachers from various universities were able to analyze the mystery from Dantai Feng''s sudden outbreak.


    "In the virtual duel, physical quality is the same for everyone, and Vikram is also of the Fourth Level High Rank. It should stand to reason that even if Dantai Feng held an advantage, it wouldn''t be such an overwhelming victory."


    "There''s only one possibility! A mind refined to subtlety! He has tapped into the body''s subtle vigor to a great extent."


    "It gave him a burst speed and strengthparable to a Level 12 Martial Artist."


    "Mind refined to subtlety."


    "And his sword, terrifyingly fast, that kind of extreme radiance, is definitely Flowing Light Imagery." The teachers rapidly exchanged ideas and quickly came to a consensus.


    "Incredible!"


    "It''s only his first year, October."


    "Xia Country''s number one? No! The number one in the whole world." The teachers all sighed in amazement.


    A mind refined to subtlety, if observed in someone in their mid-twenties and in their fourth or fifth year, could indeed be called a ''Martial Path prodigy'', but there''s arge crowd of such individuals globally.


    But on a freshman who had just entered university a few months ago? That was extremely rare.


    In all Martial Arts Universities across the globe, among the freshmen, there probably was only this one case.


    Keep in mind, it''s only October now.


    It''s only been three months since the new students enrolled.


    "Just a freshman, his physical quality certainly isn''t high, and his spiritual power isn''t strong either," said the Dean of East Sea Martial University, unable to help himself, "Yet he can refine his mind to subtlety? Even if he can''t have a breakthrough in a short time, by the time he is a third-year and bes a Prime Warrior, he will definitely be able to step into Fifth Stage Skill."


    "Yes, the threshold of the Fifth Stage will definitely not stop him."


    "Truly a genius." Many teachers nodded, moved by the thought.


    To progress a skill from Fourth Level Perfection to the Fifth Stage is extremely difficult!


    Even in Starfire University, Starry Sky University, and ck Stone University, there are very few students at the Fifth Stage Skill.


    An ordinary Martial Arts University? It''s hard to find even one throughout the whole student body.


    But at this moment, nearly all the teachers believed that Dantai Feng would reach the Fifth Stage during his university years.


    Why? Foundations!


    Weak physical quality, insufficient spiritual power, insufficient experience, etc., all lead to much poorerprehension.


    Spiritual power in particr.


    Whether it''s a mind refined to subtlety or the higher level ''Fifth Stage Heaven and Man'', the requirement for spiritual power is very high.


    Normally speaking, if the spiritual power isn''t strong enough, it''s nearly impossible to break through to the Fifth Stage.


    Therefore, for a genius like Dantai Feng who has already refined his mind to subtlety, just ensuring normal cultivation until he bes a Prime Warrior, his foundation will be much stronger than it is now.


    With hisprehension, stepping into the Fifth Stage is almost a sure thing.


    "Li Yuan won''t win."


    "It''s not that Li Yuan isn''t strong enough, but that Dantai Feng is just too abnormal." Even the teachers who were originally somewhat optimistic about Li Yuan now almost unanimously believed that Dantai Feng would win.


    They couldn''t imagine how Dantai Feng could lose.


    "What should we do?" Dean Xu looked towards Li Yang, a trace of worry flickering in his eyes, "Should we inform Li Yuan?"


    "There''s no need."


    Li Yang gently shook his head, "Let it be a trial for him."


    "Ever since he entered the university, he has been advancing by leaps and bounds. Perhaps this is a good opportunity for him to be more vignt."


    "Hmm."


    Dean Xu calmed down, "There''s little difference between the champion and runner-up rewards, tempering his edge isn''t a bad thing."


    ...


    "Vikram was defeated in a single encounter?"


    "Dantai Feng has be this strong?" Gong Mi and the white youth ''Salvatore'' on the Spectator tform also changed their expressions.


    "To instantly y Vikram, I can''t do it," Salvatore''s gaze narrowed.


    In terms of strength, he was previously the implied number one among the new freshmen at Starfire University.


    But now, it seemed that Dantai Feng was the strongest!


    "Li Yuan, he''s really in trouble," Tian Dazhuang frowned, havinge to watch as well.


    It wasn''t just the three of them; many of the top talents from Starry Sky University and ck Stone University who hade to watch also had their expressions change.


    With the level and acumen of these top talents at Fourth Level High Rank,


    Even if they couldn''t immediately discern the subtleties, they could feel the terror exuding from Dantai Feng.


    ..."Sis, you''re saying he has already grasped the Flowing Light Imagery? His mind has been refined to subtlety?" Dongdong''s mouth was agape, in disbelief.


    She hadn''t seen it at all.


    "I can''t be entirely certain, but judging from the oue, Vikram would not be careless against Dantai Feng and still was instantly killed... There''s a ny percent chance," Lanyue gently shook her head.


    "Doesn''t that mean Li Yuan is bound to lose?" Dongdong couldn''t help saying.


    "Winning or losing isn''t important now," Lanyue said with a smile.


    Dongdong was stunned, not important to win or lose? Then what was important?


    "What''s important is to see how much Li Yuan can gain."


    "It''s just a virtual battle after all."


    ...


    Dantai Feng had already been transported off the stage.


    "A mind refined to subtlety?" But in Li Yuan''s mind, the de that had suddenly exploded forth just now was still echoing.


    Li Yuan, who had gone over the video sent by Lanyue dozens of times, clearly remembered the scene where the master exhibited the Flowing Light Imagery.


    The sword like flowing light!


    Brilliant as a river!


    It was strikingly simr to the de light that Dantai Feng had just disyed.


    The opponent''s strength, already terrifying to the extreme,


    Far surpassed what Li Yuan had anticipated before.


    "The likelihood of my winning¡­" Li Yuan suddenly showed a slight smile, "Good, then it will be a battle without any burden."


    Li Yuan''s mentality was excellent.


    If before he was beset with worries, now that he had recognized the reality, he became even moreposed.


    ...


    "Whates next."


    "Is the final match of this ''Ten Schools Freshman Battle'', which will determine the ultimate champion and runner-up," the burly announcer said with a rousing voice, "Their strength, if ced in any of the previous ten editions of the Ten Schools Freshman Battle, stands a great chance of iming the championship."


    "But today, only one of them is destined to stand on the stage."


    "Please wee¡ªDantai Feng! Li Yuan!"


    Whoosh! Whoosh!


    Dantai Feng and Li Yuan, having already selected their weapons, immediately followed from the preparation area into the ring, standing fifty meters apart and facing each other.


    The ten-second countdown began.


    "You''re using a sword and shield? Why not continue with dual swords?" Li Yuan looked at the weapons in Dantai Feng''s hands.


    One hand held a sword, the other a shield.


    It should be noted that all previous opponents had been directly taken down by Dantai Feng with dual swords.


    This was the first conversation between Li Yuan and Dantai Feng in the current new students''petition among the ten schools.


    The conversation could only be heard by the two of them.


    "The attack of dual swords is stronger, but the defense is much weaker," Dantai Feng said with a rare smile, "Your defense is strong, and I can see that you are very, very close to achieving subtlety."


    "Using dual swords is indeed cooler, but there''s a one percent chance I won''t break through your defense. Once I can''t break through, it bes troublesome..." Dantai Feng said lightly, "Showing off is only scary when you end up falling t on your face."


    "As the challenger, you lose, it''s not shameful."


    "If I lose, I lose face big time."


    "So I chose the sword and shield."


    "You don''t have the slightest chance of winning," Dantai Feng said with augh. "It might not be as cool, but at least I won''t lose face. When I show off, I only do so with absolute certainty."


    Li Yuan couldn''t help but smile wryly, but he had to admit, Dantai Feng had quite a character.


    He seemed to like the spotlight, but deep down was the word ''steady''.


    Too cautious.


    Despite his skills far surpassing his own, he still chose to take up a shield in the end.


    "Alright," Li Yuan said with a nod and a smile, "then let me see just how strong Xia Country''s number one of our generation really is."


    "Wrong!"


    Dantai Feng gently shook his head, lifting it slightly, "I am not the number one in Xia Country for this generation."


    "But¡ªthe number one in the world for this generation!"


    With that said.


    Dantai Feng adjusted his stance slightly and quietly watched Li Yuan.


    One second, two seconds... The countdown to battle had already ended.


    The spectator tform was boiling over, all the spectators were staring at the twopetitors on the stage, watching their ultimate showdown.


    "Why aren''t you attacking?" Dantai Feng finally couldn''t resist.


    "I''m waiting for you."


    Li Yuan also got into a defensive spear stance and shook his head, "If I actively attack you, wouldn''t that be seeking death?"


    Dantai Feng was stunned for a moment, he had met his match.


    In Dantai Feng''s view, whoever acted first would show weakness.


    But he only hesitated for a second.


    "If I keep waiting, others will think I''m scared of Li Yuan, which would do even greater damage to my image of a master." Dantai Feng finally made his move.


    Boom! His figure shot out tens of meters in an instant, like lightning, charging towards Li Yuan.


    "Kill!" Li Yuan gripped his long spear tightly, staring intently at Dantai Feng, and thrust his spear out vigorously.


    The decisive battle erupted.


    ...When they saw the fight finally break out.


    "Li Yuan!"


    "Dantai Feng!!"


    "Go for it!" Nearly 800,000 spectators on the spectator tform were utterly fired up, shouting excitedly, their voices shrill.


    Especially the several hundred thousand spectators from Xia Country, to them who won didn''t make much difference, what was important was that the duel was thrilling enough.


    ...


    "Whoosh! Whoosh!" Dantai Feng held the sword in one hand, with sharp and relentless de shes, striking at Li Yuan time and time again.


    "ng!"


    "Pong~ Pong~" Li Yuan maneuvered the shadow of his long spear with all his might, using his entire body''s vigor.


    While resisting the sword shes, he side-stepped and retreated quickly, not allowing Dantai Feng to get close.


    Normally, in a duel between spear and sword, the long spear would take the absolute advantage with the initiative to attack.


    A longer reach equates to greater strength.


    However, once the battle trulymenced, Li Yuan found that Dantai Feng''s sword light was exceptionally fast, so fast that it sent shivers down his spine.


    Most importantly, it seemed as if Dantai Feng anticipated each of Li Yuan''s moves, effortlessly blocking all of Li Yuan''s counterattacks.


    Li Yuan waspletely suppressed.


    "Subtlety, vigor as delicate as silk." Li Yuan was well aware that it wasn''t that Dantai Feng could truly predict the future.


    It was purely because his realm was higher, his speed and strength faster, that each of his strikes could preemptively counter.


    "ng~"


    After another collision of sword and spear, Li Yuan was forced to retreat once more.


    "I can''t hold him off! Indeed, I am not his opponent." Li Yuan hadpletely given up attacking, feeling the dread of the sword light like flowing light.


    A single sword was forcing him to defend with all his might.


    Even to the extent that from beginning to end, Dantai Feng had not yet made use of the shield in his left hand.


    "If Dantai Feng were using dual swords in this battle, I would probably have already lost," Li Yuan thought bitterly, sharply focusing on the terrifying sword lights slicing his way.


    Li Yuan understood that the oue of today''s battle was no longer of much significance, the opponent''s realm was far superior to his by a wide margin.


    If Dantai Feng had simply pursued victory over him, Li Yuan would already have been defeated in the exchanges of the past dozen moves.


    Then, let this be a trial bybat.


    Boom! Boom!


    Boom! The two exchanged blows like lightning, but for some reason, Dantai Feng continued to suppress Li Yuan without going all out.


    It was as if he was consciously holding back and honing Li Yuan.


    Gradually.


    Li Yuan, who had been mere steps away from a breakthrough inprehension, suddenly found his mind filled with images of two masters fighting in a video Lin Lanyue had shown him.


    "The spear tip arcs a halo, its shaft like a straight path."


    "Vast as the stars," Li Yuan waspletely immersed in the battle, enjoying the fight, and unknowingly, special changes began to appear in the spear technique he executed.


    "That''s it." Li Yuan, vaguely sensing an opportunity, finally grasped that indescribable state.


    At that moment, his mindpletely attuned to every corner of his body, he felt the slightest thread of vigor hidden within.


    "Boom!" Li Yuan felt the vigor throughout his body being fully excavated, countless subtle threads of force converging into one. His speed and strength continuously increased, surpassing his past limits.


    His power erupted stronger and stronger.


    The speed of his long spear grew faster and faster.


    "Subtlety! The spear as the stars." Li Yuan had a revtion. His spear technique underwent aplete transformation, disying the Starfire Five Forms with an entirely different charm.


    "ng!"


    "ng!" "ng!" Li Yuan, who was initially struggling to defend, gradually started to truly fend off Dantai Feng''s sword technique.


    "A breakthrough during battle? He''s actually breaking through?" Dantai Feng''s eyes sparkled with interest: "How intriguing!"

 Chapter 168: 142: The Battle of Subtlety, The Curtain Falls (36,000 Monthly Tickets Plus Update)

    ```


    Boom!


    Boom, boom!! The two shed like lightning.


    Li Yuan''s long spear vibrated continuously, its movements as rolling stars and dancing dragons and snakes, and had already blocked Dantai Feng''s long sword time and time again.


    Dantai Feng was still attacking with all his might.


    His speed and strength still surpassed Li Yuan''s, but he no longer had an overwhelming advantage.


    Time and time again, his sword attacks were rendered ineffective in front of Li Yuan''s wless defense.


    "Ster Realm."


    "The body like a star, the spear like a roaming dragon! This is the Ster Realm." Dantai Feng felt Li Yuan''s rapid transformation.


    Even as time passed and the exchange went on, relying solely on his sword, not to mention suppressing Li Yuan, Dantai Feng started to feel a trend where he was being pushed back by Li Yuan''s relentless defense and counter-attacks.


    "I thought I was a genius."


    "Never expected there to be someone even more talented than me among my peers." Various thoughts shed through Dantai Feng''s mind: "What a shy thing it is, to breakthrough in the midst of battle!"


    "Why haven''t I experienced it?"


    "What if, next time after I breakthrough in technique, I don''t reveal it right away but pretend to breakthrough during a fight? To put on a big show?"


    Dantai Feng was quiteposed; he still did not use the shield in his left hand.


    "Fight on!"


    "Fight on!" But Li Yuan was bing more and more courageous in battle; he hadpletely transformed.


    Win or lose? Li Yuan didn''t care; he just wanted to fight with all his might.


    Just then, under Dantai Feng''s extreme pressure, Li Yuan defended with all his might, and coupled with days of practicing andprehending the spear, he who was already on the brink of a breakthrough, finally had an epiphany.


    The most critical aspect was his spiritual power that had reached level 23, which, in terms of subtlety, gave him an enormous advantage.


    It allowed him to take the most crucial step in the midst of battle.


    "Break!"


    Li Yuan''s spear tumbled and suddenly exploded with attack after attack as swift as lightning, switching from defense to a fierce offense, forcing Dantai Feng to retreat step by step.


    Ster Spear Technique¡ªGxy Waterfall!


    The same move, propelled by Li Yuan''s subtlety and full vigor, now had a vastly different power.


    ¡­


    "Ster Realm! Subtlety!"


    "Did Li Yuan just breakthrough? In such a battle, under such tremendous pressure, he managed to breakthrough?"


    "Incredible."


    "So fast? Didn''t Li Yuan reach Bright Moon Stage just in August? And now he''s close to assaulting Fourth Stage Perfection?"


    "Dantai Feng is in danger."


    In the other Spectator Space, hundreds of watching teachers werepletely shaken, staring in shock at the fierce duel on the tform.


    Dantai Feng''s sudden surge was astonishing, but ultimately within their realm of eptance.


    After all, Dantai Feng has always been seen as a freakishly talented individual; he entered the Fourth Stage High Rank as early as May.


    It''s been some time.


    Sessfully attaining Subtlety surprised them, but they could still ept it.


    But Li Yuan? He just broke through in August!


    "This?"


    "Subtlety!" Li Yang and Dean Xu were just as shocked, even a bit dumbfounded.


    That''s right!


    In the previous battle, signs that Li Yuan might grasp the Ster Realm indeed emerged.


    But signs of understanding and trueprehension are as different as heaven and earth!


    The difference is immense.


    "Can Li Yuan win?" A glimmer of expectation suddenly arose in Li Yang''s heart.


    ¡­


    "Such intensebat."


    "Holy shit!"


    "Is Li Yuan gaining the upper hand now?"


    "The situation is about to reverse."


    "Is Dantai Feng going to lose?" The entire Spectator tform was in an uproar, everyone''s eyes wide as they watched the scene unfold.


    They couldn''t quite grasp the specifics of thebat skills, but they could understand the general situation.


    Li Yuan, who was originally at an absolute disadvantage, was gradually starting to dominate Dantai Feng.


    At this very moment.


    Most observers couldn''t help but think: Could it be that Dantai Feng was about to follow in the footsteps of Garava and Yu Ming?


    As the past battles had already shown.


    Li Yuan was best known for his defense and counter-attacks; he was definitely the strongest Defender among the new students of the ten schools.


    ¡­


    "Subtlety?"


    "A neer from Kunlun Martial University has also achieved Subtlety?" Students from Starfire University and Starry Sky University, all top global talents, were shocked and conflicted.


    They could all see that Li Yuan had made a breakthrough.


    Dantai Feng''s breakthrough was one thing; he was originally one of Starfire University''s top geniuses.


    Li Yuan?


    Before this, many martial arts prodigies from the three top martial schools didn''t even know who he was.


    ¡­


    Li Yuan''s explosive breakthrough amazed everyone watching, shaking all spectators.


    But the battle on the tform, this ''battle of subtlety,'' had already reached a fever pitch.


    The intensity of their fight.


    Finally.


    "ng!" When Li Yuan thrust his spear like lightning.


    The sh of the sword was half a beat too slow, failing to block the spear''s stab.


    "Thump~" The huge shield shifted horizontally, heavily mming onto the spear, causing it to deviate from its path.


    Boom!


    Li Yuan was sent flying back, increasing the distance between them, staring intently at Dantai Feng.


    Dantai Feng didn''t pursue his advantage, stopping as well.


    "Why did you help me?" Li Yuan suddenly asked, filled with confusion.


    A moment ago, without Dantai Feng''s extreme pressure, even if he was just a step away from a real breakthrough, he definitely wouldn''t have seeded.


    In a sense, Dantai Feng had helped him.


    ```


    "Weren''t you the one who helped Dazhuang?" Dantai Feng said with a grin, "I saw that you were on the verge of a breakthrough, so I thought I''d try to give you a hand. I didn''t expect you''d actually make it through."


    "Dazhuang? Tian Dazhuang?" Li Yuan looked puzzled, not immediately catching on.


    How did Dantai Feng know?


    "Dazhuang is one of my best friends at school; we often spar together," Dantai Feng said with a smile: "I know about the help you gave him."


    "You''re a good guy." Dantai Feng handed Li Yuan the metaphorical ''good guy card.''


    Li Yuan nodded slightly, understanding the reason.


    But he still gave Dantai Feng an odd look.


    Besides, Li Yuan recalled that a few days ago, Tian Dazhuang had mentioned sparring with Dantai Feng.


    "But I also said that if I brought a shield, you wouldn''t stand a chance," Dantai Feng said with a smile: "Li Yuan, forcing me to use my shield, you''re definitely the second best in the world this year."


    "Next, I won''t hold back."


    Without waiting for Li Yuan to say more.


    Boom! Dantai Feng erupted once again with a sudden surge in speed, darting towards Li Yuan like lightning, as a blurry sh of his sword fiercely cleaved through the air.


    This cut was vaguely faster than just before.


    "Pfft!"


    Li Yuan''s long spear whistled, attempting to withstand the attack of the sword.


    "Pom~"


    In Dantai Feng''s hand, the shield, like a heavy hammer, suddenly lifted, colliding with the spear tip, then swept horizontally, crossing paths with the spear tip, and forcefully knocking the spear shaft aside.


    Advancing on Li Yuan with the speed of lightning.


    "Boom!" As if anticipating this, Li Yuan fluidly retracted his spear, powering his legs to quickly retreat.


    "Bang~"


    "Pom! Pom!" The participants exchanged blows at lightning speed. Li Yuan, though doing his best to erupt in power and be cautious in defense, found himself totally overpowered by Dantai Feng''sbined sword and shield assault.


    The sword was like a stream of light, swift and fierce as electricity.


    The shield was like a heavy hammer, either smashing or defending.


    With the coordination of sword and shield, Dantai Feng''s strength more than doubled,pletely suppressing Li Yuan and forcing him to repeatedly retreat in a disheveled manner, unloading force.


    ...The entire Spectator tform had be somewhat quieter at this moment.


    A vast number of spectators held their breath watching this scene.


    Nobody had expected.


    That this final battle would reach such a state, after Li Yuan''s unprecedented disy of strength.


    Dantai Feng, employing the shield, with thebination of sword and shield, had once again suppressed Li Yuan.


    "Truly formidable."


    "Sword Technique! Shield Technique! Movement Technique! Dantai Feng has reached the Perfection Level of the Fourth Stage, and perhaps he''s nearing his limit," the teachers watched, filled with shock.


    "He''s very close to the Fifth Stage." These teachers all looked on with amazement.


    ...On the stage, Li Yuan struggled to defend and retreated time and time again.


    At this moment.


    Li Yuan realized that it wasn''t Dantai Feng''s Sword Technique that was truly strong, but his Shield Technique.


    In his hands, the shield seemed toe alive, adept in both offense and defense.


    Moreover, after a full explosion of strength, Dantai Feng''s movement technique was clearly much more sophisticated.


    Even with Li Yuan''sprehension of the Ster Realm and Subtlety of the mind, he waspletely unable to withstand it.


    Subtlety of the mind and improving Spear Technique and Movement Technique to above 90% of the Fourth Stage were two different concepts.


    They required ample time to continue practicing, and what Li Yuancked was time.


    Suddenly.


    "Whoosh!" Another fierce sh came, and Li Yuan raised his spear to defend.


    In the moment of defense.


    Dantai Feng''s left hand suddenly released the shield, throwing it like a cannonball, directly flying towards Li Yuan''s chest.


    At close range, the shield was extremely fast.


    So fast that Li Yuan had no time to react.


    "Pom~" Li Yuan felt a terrible force piercing through his armor and jolting his entire body, as he was sted backwards.


    Whew! Dantai Feng stepped forward in pursuit.


    Whew!


    The sinister gleam of his sword shed as it followed the shaft of Li Yuan''s spear, which he had barely managed to prop up. Dantai Feng pressed down hard with his sword, slicing past Li Yuan''s face and neck.


    Blood spattered.


    Li Yuan''s figure became translucent.


    "I''ve lost." There wasn''t a trace of disappointment in Li Yuan''s heart; instead, a slight smile emerged: "Subtlety of the mind, I''ve already gained a lot from this battle, and in terms of true strength, I''m certainly not his equal."


    In the end, Li Yuan was rather thankful to Dantai Feng.


    Whew!


    Li Yuan''s figurepletely vanished.


    "Truly a monster!"


    "I had to go all out and even risk losing my Flying Shield to defeat himpletely," Dantai Feng muttered to himself, "The reports said he was only at the Third Stage of his skillsst year?"


    "His progress is much faster than Gong Mi and the others, and faster than mine too."


    "Looks like my position as the world''s number one in our year won''tst long," Dantai Feng shook his head.


    ...


    "Dantai Feng!!"


    "Dantai Feng!" Tens of thousands of spectators on the Spectator tform were excitedly shouting his name.


    This battle, where both sides pushed themselves to the limit in a fiercely intense fight,


    In the end, Dantai Feng''s full eruptive force won him the victory.


    "Thrilling!" Dantai Feng, hearing the cheers from all around, felt a rush of exhration.


    He didn''t care whether Li Yuan would surpass him in the future; at least for today''s battle, he had won.

 Chapter 169: 143: Famous Worldwide after a Single Battle

    With Li Yuan''s defeat, he left the stage.


    Dantai Feng stood alone on the arena, receiving cheers of celebration from hundreds of thousands of spectators, their excitement and shouts filling the air.


    Dantai Feng was truly ecstatic.


    Since he had decided to participate in the Ten Schools'' Freshman War, he had been looking forward to this moment.


    Under normal circumstances, a genius like him wouldn''t have joined the Ten Schools'' Freshman War.


    What was special this time? It wasn''t because the higher-ups at Starfire University had any special considerations.


    It was merely Dantai Feng''s own application, his insistent demand.


    His goal wasn''t to hone himself but simply to enjoy the sensation of being the center of attention.


    Yes, the reason was that simple.


    "Damn it!"


    "That guy''s showing off again." Sitting in the Spectator tform, Tian Dazhuang watched the scene, grinding his teeth: "He won another 20 million and got Heavenly Materials Treasures too! No, I have to bleed him dry tonight."


    The way Tian Dazhuang thought about getting revenge.


    Was to make Dantai Feng treat him to a big meal.


    ...


    "Whoosh!" Li Yuan also returned to the Spectator tform, appearing among the Sixth Institute''s freshmen.


    "Senior Brother."


    "Li Yuan." An Nong, Gu Qianghan, Wu Luo, and the other freshmen, even Qiu Jing, Shi Xiao, and other upperssmen couldn''t help but look at Li Yuan, filled with regret.


    Right!


    For most of the Xia Country spectators, it didn''t matter whether Li Yuan or Dantai Feng won.


    However, naturally, the Kunlun Martial University students wished from their hearts that Li Yuan would win the championship.


    Moreover, in most people''s eyes, Li Yuan was just a little short of winning the final battle.


    "Haha, why are you all looking at me like that?" Li Yuanughed and said, "Victory and defeat are allmon in war, losing is not a disgrace."


    Li Yuan was veryposed.


    Victory or defeat? As a Martial Artist who aspired to reach the pinnacle, he was undoubtedly striving for the championship, striving to be number one!


    But he must also recognize that what''s important is the pursuit of being first, not the result.


    Those who seek for the highest, achieve something in between.


    Just like moving from the senior third year to the college entrance exams, Li Yuan asked himself and felt he had given his all; although his scores weren''t the top in the province or the city, he was satisfied.


    The same applied to this Ten Schools'' Freshman War, Li Yuan believed he had gained a lot, and the process had been thoroughly fulfilling.


    Not winning the championship?


    Then he would strive for it next time.


    "Congrattions to Junior Brother Li Yuan for reaching Subtlety." Suddenly, a deep and prating voice came from the higher part of the Spectator tform.


    Whoosh! Whoosh!


    Many people instinctively looked back to see a square-faced young man in a ck robe, sitting higher up on the Spectator tform, his face full of smiles.


    "Jin Huguo."


    "Senior Brother Jin."


    "Senior Brother Jin came to watch too? What did Senior Brother Jin just say, Subtlety? Has Li Yuan''s skill advanced to achieve Fourth Level Perfection?" The thousands of Kunlun Martial University students were all astir, shocked as they stared at Li Yuan, then looked toward Senior Brother Jin.


    "Senior Brother Jin." Li Yuan also smiled.


    Jin Huguo''s name was one he had been hearing since he entered the university.


    It resonated like thunder.


    Today was the first time the two men met, even if it was just a virtual meeting.


    "This battle was really wonderful," Jin Huguo said with a smile: "Let''s work hard together for the Global University Martial Path Contest in February next year."


    "Yes! Let''s work hard together." Li Yuan also smiled.


    As far as he knew, Jin Huguo had already achieved Subtlety in the first semester of his sophomore year.


    A year had passed, how strong Jin Huguo had be was unknown.


    But for now, Li Yuan was clear that he was no match for Jin Huguo.


    Whether it was in virtualbat or actualbat.


    ...


    "Congrattions to Dantai Feng for winning the championship."


    The muscr host''s high-spirited voice echoed in the expansive dueling space: "And congrattions to Li Yuan for winning the runner-up."


    "Thank you both for bringing us an incredibly exciting final battle in this year''s Ten Schools'' Freshman War, which is undoubtedly the most thrilling peak showdown since the Ten Schools'' Freshman War shifted to ''virtualbat'' in 2009."


    "Without a doubt."


    "I believe, for many years toe, the finals of future Ten Schools'' Freshman Wars will bepared to today''s battle."


    "I am even more convinced that both of them will shine in the uing Global University Martial Path Contest, and even in the Elite Martial Path Battles of humanity!"


    "I hereby announce...the 2043 Ten Schools'' Freshman War hase to an end."


    With that, the Ten Schools'' Freshman War concluded.


    Boom!


    The entire Spectator tform erupted in fervent cheering, with students from various countries and schools spontaneously giving apuse.


    Everyone had to admit that this year''s Ten Schools'' Elite Battle had indeed brought forth many martial arts prodigies.


    Especially the sh between Li Yuan and Dantai Feng, Li Yuan''s breakthrough during the fight, and Dantai Feng being pushed to reveal his full strength, could be called ssic.


    Eventually, Dantai Feng won the first ce, with Li Yuan taking second.


    ...


    In a higher-level Spectator Space.


    "The battle of Subtlety."


    "Unexpectedly, in a freshman fight, one could witness a battle where both participants reached Subtlety, it''s too rare."


    "In the history of the Ten Schools'' Freshman War virtual battles, this is the first time."


    "Even in the annual December ''Three Schools Freshman sh'' of Starfire, Starry Sky, and ck Stone, it often takes years before such a battle urs."


    "Freshmen achieving Subtlety? And suddenly, two of them appeared, it''s too rare." Many teachers discussed, all feeling astonished and emotional.


    Such talents are hard toe by on Blue Star, maybe one can emerge in a year.


    "Both of them have the talent to ascend to Flying Heaven stature."


    "Dantai Feng is stronger than we imagined, just one step away from entering the Fifth Stage, and might break through before February next year."


    "It''s hard to say."


    "From Subtlety to Unity of Heaven and Man, it''s extremely difficult to cross, but there is indeed hope."


    "In Xia Country, since Yu Jinghe, there might not be many who canpare with Dantai Feng."


    "Dantai Feng is strong, but Li Yuan is even more frightening."

 Chapter 170: 143: Famous Worldwide after a Single Battle_2

    "Looking at his data, in just over a year, he leaped from the initial stage of Third Rank all the way to the Perfection of Fourth Level, the speed of his progress is simply shocking."


    "Li Yuan''s rate of progress is exaggerating."


    "The future holds infinite possibilities. It''s hard to say how far they''ll go in the future; all we can do is wish them well."


    ...


    Less than half an hour after the duel ended,


    a special space within the virtualwork called ''Starry Sky University'' was where only the students of Starry Sky University could ess.


    Over 200 freshmen of Starry Sky Martial Arts University arrived in this conference room in their consciousness.


    Lin Lanyue and Wu Dongdong, they all came.


    "What did the teacher suddenly call us here for?"


    "I don''t know." Many freshmen from Starry Sky Martial University are still clueless, full of doubts.


    Although the news of the freshmen''s battle of the ten schools spread, most of the new students from the top three elite martial schools don''t pay much attention to it.


    In their view, what''s so interesting about a league of some ordinary Martial Arts Universities?


    It''s a waste of time.


    Soon, a huge light screen appeared in front of these students, showing the scene where Dantai Feng and Li Yuan were fighting.


    "What''s this?"


    Many students were puzzled at first but soon fell silent, and eventually, most of them, with their keen eyesight, could sense the terrifying strength both fighters were unleashing.


    Whoosh!


    The teacher of Starry Sky Martial Arts University finally appeared.


    "Some of you may have just watched this battle live, but most of you are probably seeing it for the first time," said the teacher with an icy voice, "One of them is named Dantai Feng, the top freshman of Starfire University."


    "The other is Li Yuan, a freshman from Xia Country Martial Arts University."


    "Both of them have reached the Subtlety of the mind!!" The teacher dered, word by word.


    Dead silence.


    Almost all the faces of the students of Starry Sky Martial University showed a look of shock.


    Subtlety of the mind?


    "Remember, do not think that by entering Starry Sky University, you can look down on others, never think that you are the chosen ones!!" The teacher''s voice was harsh, "None of you here can be confident in defeating Dantai Feng."


    "Who here is sure they can beat Li Yuan?"


    Silence.


    "Some students can only take pride in their school," said the teacher coldly, "but some students make the school proud of them."


    "If you still don''t wake up and put in the effort, your cohort of students is destined to be trampled under Dantai Feng''s feet."


    "Maybe even by Li Yuan of Kunlun Martial University."


    "That''s all I have to say, meeting adjourned!" The teacher disappeared instantly.


    In the conference room, over two hundred freshmen from Starry Sky Martial University looked at each other.


    "Subtlety of the mind?"


    "Li Yuan? A student of Kunlun Martial University is this strong?"


    "I''ve heard of him."


    "Indeed formidable, much stronger than me." The new students of Starry Sky Martial University felt challenged.


    Because this year, there are fewer than ten freshmen at Starry Sky Martial University who have reached the high ranks of Fourth Level.


    None of them have reached the Subtlety of the mind.


    ...


    A simr scene took ce in ck Stone University, Starfire University, and some other Martial Arts Universities.


    "Aside from Dantai Feng!"


    "Can any of you defeat Li Yuan? Yu Ming lost, Gong Mi, can you handle it if you go up?"


    ...


    "See that?"


    "Li Yuan is a student of Kunlun Martial University, but he can still defeat the top prodigy of Starfire Martial University."


    "If you''re not strong enough, then train. Don''t me the school. Even staying at Jiangbei Martial University, you still have the hope to be a Prime Warrior, or even a Flying Heaven Warrior."


    ...


    In an extremely short amount of time,


    Li Yuan''s name was truly remembered by arge number of freshmen in universities across the globe, as well as by older students in their second or third year.


    They all knew.


    Li Yuan, a freshman from Kunlun Martial University, had achieved the ''Subtlety of the Mind'' within months of enrollment and was now among the top three skills of freshmen globally.


    His fame spread far and wide after a single battle.


    ...


    All of this, Li Yuan was not too aware of, and he wouldn''t care even if he knew.


    "Spear Technique! Skill."


    "Ster Realm." Li Yuan exited the virtualwork, sitting in the cabin, still pondering the gains from hisst battle.


    "Ultimately, my realm is not enough."


    ```


    "His sword technique, shield technique, and movement technique are all nearly at the Fourth Level limit,prehensively suppressing me," Li Yuan summarized his experiences and lessons learned.


    "And movement technique."


    "If my movement technique were strong enough, I wouldn''t be in such a sorry state. I need to focus on training my movement technique to make up for this weakness," Li Yuan thought.


    Deciding whether one is first is meaningless.


    Summarizing experiences, reflecting, and striving to be stronger are what one should do.


    From junior high to high school, and then to the recruiting activities in Jiangbei, the college entrance exam, Li Yuan rarely took first ce.


    But he had always been progressing.


    Unknowingly, he had surpassed and left behind far each of his formerpetitors.


    Now, he stands among the top tier of new college freshmen worldwide.


    ...


    After some thought, Li Yuan went to the underground martial arts room, took out his long spear, and quietly began to practice.


    "Ster Illumination!"


    "Gxy Waterfall!"


    "Daybreak Piercing the Clouds!" Each technique of the Ster Spear Technique was executed by Li Yuan, manifesting great power and an enduring majesty, like the ceaseless motion of the stars in the heavens.


    This is the Ster Realm!


    Time passed.


    [Your Spear Technique realm has improved from Fourth Level 85% to Fourth Level 86%]


    [Your Spear Technique realm has improved from Fourth Level 86% to Fourth Level 88%]


    ...One after another, the Divine Pce panel notifications shed by.


    He practiced intensely for more than three hours.


    It wasn''t until after two in the afternoon that Li Yuan finally stopped, feeling that he had thoroughly thought through the insights gained from the battle.


    "Next, I''ll further practice and strive to reach 99% at the Fourth Level as soon as possible with my spear technique, movement technique, and fist technique," Li Yuan said to himself.


    The insights into the realm were there.


    What remained was the time-consuming effort of repeatedly practicing and contemting, topletely integrate these insights into his body.


    Suddenly.


    "Master, the school teacher ''Li Yang'' is waiting outside your vi," the voice of the smart home system unexpectedly resounded in the martial arts room.


    "Li Yang, why didn''t he just message me..." Li Yuan suddenly realized, "I left my smart wristband in the resting room."


    He had been so immersed in practicing spear technique, Li Yuan hadn''t thought about anything else.


    Quickly.


    Li Yuan hurried upstairs and opened the front door.


    "You''ve made a breakthrough and now you''re too proud to even reply to a teacher''s message?" Li Yang teased with a smile.


    Li Yuan looked embarrassed: "Teacher, I got so caught up with spear practice that I forgot."


    "Ha ha, I''m just teasing you. I guessed as much when you didn''t respond to my message," Li Yangughed, "After a breakthrough in battle, you must have a lot of insights; naturally, practicing is the most important thing, which is why I only came now."


    Li Yuan nodded slightly.


    "You did very well in today''spetition. Among this year''s freshmen, other than Dantai Feng, I suppose nobody else could beat you," Li Yang said with a smile.


    "Second in the world?" Li Yuan was somewhat taken aback.


    "What else?"


    "Do you think there are many freshmen who have reached Subtlety in their mentality?" Li Yang said with a smile.


    "No, I just thought there would be two or three," Li Yuan shrugged.


    "There might be some hiding their strength, but as far as anyone can see, it''s only you and Dantai Feng," Li Yangughed, "Reaching Subtlety isn''t that easy."


    "I didn''t reach Subtlety until after I became a Prime Warrior," Li Yang said with a hint of emotion, looking at Li Yuan, "I don''t even know how you''ve been training."


    Li Yuan couldn''t help but smile.


    "In any case, it''s a good thing," Li Yang said with a smile, "Come on, follow me."


    "Teacher, what for?" Li Yuan asked, puzzled.


    "To choose a treasure," Li Yang replied, raising an eyebrow, "You can pick a Heavenly Materials Treasure for reaching the top four, don''t you want it?"


    "Of course I want it," Li Yuan said immediately.


    How could he possibly not want it?


    ...


    Inside the Heilong Building, in the twelve-story dean''s office, to be exact, in that small and empty martial arts room.


    A light screen projection appeared.


    "Yang Xian, have you watched the video? What do you think?" asked the handsome young man in blue, smiling at the young woman on the screen.


    "Pretty good."


    "Li Yuan''s progress is much faster than I had expected," came a cold voice.


    "What do you think of my suggestion?" Dean Hai asked indifferently.


    "Fine."


    "Within a day, his Martial Hall contract will be upgraded to S-grade," the young woman said tly, "And the ten units of ''Ster Earth Marrow Crystal'' I promised will also be delivered."


    ```

 Chapter 171: 144: Fist Strength 15,000 Kilograms

    After hanging up with Lord Yang of the Province, Dean Hai sat in the Martial Arts Room, eyes closed in thought.


    Gradually,


    at Dean Hai''s body surface, a faint blue light began to wriggle, the glow containing strands of strange power, shrouding his entire person in a hazy brilliance.


    It was quite dazzling, as if a divine being had descended to the world.


    Before long.


    "Dean Hai, Li Yuan has arrived," Li Yang''s slightly respectful voice came from the door.


    "Let Li Yuane in," Dean Hai opened his eyes, and the blue radiance enveloping his body quickly retracted and dispersed, his whole presence returning to normal.


    There was a sound of light footsteps outside the door.


    Li Yuan walked into the small Martial Arts Room, greeting with due respect, "Dean Hai."


    Li Yuan had immense respect for Flying Heaven Warriors in his heart.


    "Come and sit down, don''t be restrained," Dean Hai said indifferently.


    "Yes," Li Yuan walked over and sat down as honestly asst time.


    Li Yang then closed the door.


    The room fell silent.


    "I watched your match with Dantai Feng," Dean Hai said with a gentle look and a hint of a smile, "Your performance was surprising, not only to President Li and Dean Xu, but even to me."


    "Your excellence exceeded our expectations."


    "You tter me," Li Yuan replied in session.


    "No ttery, I never exaggerate when I give praise," Dean Hai said with a light smile, "At just eighteen, your skills have reached Subtlety...At least in my more than ten years as head of the Sixth Institute, besides you, I haven''t seen another student from the school achieve this."


    Li Yuan was at a loss for words.


    "The better you perform, the more attention you will receive, so don''t be afraid to show your strength," Dean Hai said with a slight smile, "This time, in the ten-school freshman battle, you ranked second and qualified for a ''Heavenly Materials Treasures'' reward."


    "Although the top four all can receive a reward, the higher the ranking, the better the reward."


    "Now, let''s proceed with the selection."


    Dean Hai tapped on his smart ring, and a light curtain projection appeared.


    Following that.


    Whoosh~ In the Martial Arts Room, a multitude of lights converged, forming a huge light curtain over three meters in length and over two meters in height right in front of Li Yuan.


    There were numerous texts and patterns on it.


    "High Origin Treasures, Transformation Treasures, Body Cultivation Treasures, Origin Power Secret Treasures, Spiritual Treasures, Poison Treasures, Creature Hatchlings, Mineral Resources, Treasures of Unknown Effects..." Li Yuan nced over and immediately saw a multitude of treasure ssifications.


    It was exceedinglyplex.


    There were many terms that Li Yuan didn''t understand the meaning of.


    "The so-called Heavenly Materials Treasures are the rare wonders nurtured by the heavens and earth."


    "The nurturing of these treasuresrgely requires a ''High Origin Environment'', that is, an environment with a high concentration of Origin Power," Dean Hai exined, seemingly noticing Li Yuan''s confusion, "Our entire Seven Star Sea initially had no Origin Power... Hence, the Heavenly Materials Treasures originating from our Seven Star Sea are very rare."


    Li Yuan listened intently, these were secrets he had not known before.


    "Many Foreign Civilizations, the worlds they live in, have far higher concentrations of Origin Power than ours, so they give birth to many rare and precious treasures."


    "Even the continuous nurturing by Origin Power over many generations has allowed the beings of many Foreign Civilizations to naturally possess great strength, like the ck Dragon I mentioned to you before, and even stronger creatures. Essentially, it''s for this reason," Dean Hai exined patiently.


    Li Yuan suddenly understood.


    "There are even more special regions."


    "The Star Realm," Dean Hai continued, "As the special area where different civilizations'' spaces converge, it has allowed many Star Realms to nurture incredible treasures... This is also why a multitude of Foreign Civilizations want to wage wars with our human civilization in the various Star Realms."


    "Fundamentally, it is apetition for resources."


    "Like the multitude of ordinary Martial Artists, the Qi-blood potions, Origin Power Essence Pills, etc., they consume, the raw materials mostlye from some Star Realms we control," Dean Hai said indifferently.


    Li Yuan listened attentively.


    Some of the information he had heard of before, but much of it was new to him.


    "Also, the raw materials for things like the ''High Origin Spirit Spring'' you''ve consumed are simr, as well as some special metals, like the ''Origin Power Battle Garment'' that Prime Warriors rely on most," Dean Hai said, "All of these, essentially, are Heavenly Materials Treasures."


    "It''s just that many treasures have bemon and are not considered precious by the public. To be precise, the ones you''ve encountered, such as Origin Power Essence Pills, First Rank Qi-blood potions, Marrow Cleansing Elixirs, etc., they all fall under First Rank treasures."


    "Whereas, the High Origin Spirit Spring, Divine-Nurturing Spring belong to Second Rank treasures."


    "Third Rank treasures, which many people recognize as ''Heavenly Materials Treasures'', are very rare and mostly difficult to produce in stable quantities," Dean Hai said softly, "The Bai Marrow Nurturing Elixir that you''ve encountered is a Marrow Cleansing rarity, ranking as a Third Rank treasure."


    Li Yuan was enlightened.


    So, the Bai Marrow Nurturing Elixir was considered a Third Rank treasure, no wonder it was much more valuable than the High Origin Spirit Spring and the like.


    "Third Rank treasures are limited in quantity, and many are rarely seen even within our human civilization, possessing extremely special effects," Dean Hai said, "Among the Third Rank treasures, their value also varies greatly."


    "The most precious ones, like the Transformation Fruit, just one piece can enable an ordinary person to directly transform into a Prime Warrior," Dean Hai said, "Like the Divine Soul Nine Turns Fruit, it can make an ordinary person''s spiritual power directly transform to level 29."


    "If a Flying Heaven Warrior used them, they would also greatly benefit."


    Li Yuan was astonished.


    Transformation Fruit? What kind of insane thing is that, turning someone into a Prime Warrior just like that?


    And the Divine Soul Nine Turns Fruit is even more outrageous, spiritual power directly to level 29?


    After all his hard work and cultivation, his spiritual power had only reached level 23.


    To reach level 29, who knew how long it would take.


    "Don''t even think about it; these items are extinct, having only appeared a few times in history," Dean Hai said with a smile, "Their value is hundreds, thousands of times that of a single Bai Marrow Nurturing Elixir... They are not something you can exchange for with money."

 Chapter 172: 144: Fist Strength 15,000 Kilograms_2

    Li Yuan was at a loss for words, with nothing to say.


    Money is very important, but it serves as a measure for the value ofmon items.


    For some rare treasures, or those that can attract the topmost powerful individuals of human civilization... money carries little significance.


    What can be measured in terms of money, mostly pertains to treasures that can be continuously produced and have a stable supply.


    "This time, you can choose a Third Rank treasure," Dean Hai said, "but there is a cap on its value, the cheaper the selection, therger the quantity."


    "The more expensive, the lesser the quantity," Dean Hai pointed at the myriad of options on the screen.


    "I hope for guidance from the Dean," Li Yuan said politely.


    How could he choose the most correct among these treasures, when he had only heard of one or two by chance?


    "If you were to ask me, then it would be the Ster Earth Marrow Crystal," Dean Hai said indifferently.


    Li Yuan was taken aback.


    Wasn''t this the Heavenly Materials Treasure that Lord Yang of the Province had promised to him?


    "Heard of it?" Dean Hai smiled.


    "Yes," Li Yuan nodded, "The contract with the Martial Hall includes a use stating that if I reach the Fifth Level before the age of 20, the contract will be upgraded to S-rank, and such a treasure will be gifted to me."


    There was no need to hide such a secret from Dean Hai.


    "The Marrow Crystal is a rare treasure nurtured by the heavens and earth, with many wonderful uses, such as strengthening the body, nurturing the younger generation, erging the divine soul, recovering from injuries... Its uses are extremely broad," Dean Hai exined, "and its types are numerous as well."


    "Your practice of the ''Solid Rock Cultivation Technique'' is very much in line with this method, so the Ster Earth Marrow Crystal should be the most suitable for you,"


    "For a normal Martial Path genius, they possess High Rank Cultivation Methods, and choosing a Heavenly Materials Treasure that erges spiritual power is the best option."


    "But you do not need that."


    "On the contrary, your body is most in need of it for transformation and growth," Dean Hai said with a smile. "Of course, this is my suggestion, the actual choice is up to you."


    "I will follow the Dean''s advice," Li Yuan immediately said.


    Advice?


    When a leader gives a suggestion, it''s best to take it as an order, or else a suggestion bes just an opinion.


    Besides, Li Yuan also felt that what Dean Hai said made sense.


    "Alright."


    Dean Hai nodded slightly, "You''re ranked second this time, which allows you to exchange for eight units of Ster Earth Marrow Crystal."


    "This item cannot be kept at your residence for safety reasons; you should apply in advance each time you use it and utilize it in a specialized room within the Vermilion Bird Building." Dean Hai continued, "I will have it arranged."


    "Not safe?" Li Yuan was taken aback.


    "You could have several million or tens of millions of Blue Star Coins in your card without attracting envy," Dean Hai said calmly, "but these Heavenly Materials Treasures are physical items, easily sold for upwards of a hundred million Blue Star Coins... If given directly to you, should someone learn of it, there is no guarantee they won''t harbor ill intentions."


    "It''s bad enough if the treasure can''t be safeguarded, but your life might also be at risk."


    "Remember, never test the hearts of others."


    "Yes," Li Yuan felt a chill in his heart.


    That was true.


    If he were to lose a treasure worth over a hundred million Blue Star Coins... the key concern was his personal safety.


    "There''s one more thing,"


    "Today or tomorrow, the Starfire Martial Hall should contact you to upgrade the contract from A-rank to S-rank," Dean Hai spoke softly, "The promised Ster Earth Marrow Crystal, equivalent to ten units, will also be prepared for you."


    "As for the specifics, wait for someone from the Starfire Martial Hall to contact you."


    "S-rank contract with the Martial Hall?" Li Yuan was puzzled.


    He had received no news of this, how did the Dean know?


    "Any other questions?" Dean Hai asked, "If not, you may go."


    Questions?


    After pondering for a while.


    "Dean, if someone has suffered severe bodily harm, resulting in a shortened expected lifespan, is there a Third Rank treasure that can extend one''s life?" Li Yuan couldn''t help asking.


    "Your uncle?" Dean Hai asked with a faint smile.


    Li Yuan was astonished.


    "I have read through all your files," Dean Hai said calmly, "Yes, there are several kinds."


    Li Yuan''s eyes lit up.


    "The value is considerable, and your uncle has been stricken with me Erosive Bone Poison... While it seems that the High Origin Spirit Spring has cleared the toxins, it''s just a superficial fix...


    Too fragile for supplements, many rare treasures would actually cause side effects if used, potentially backfiring," Dean Hai continued, "One that works exceptionally well and is rtivelymon is the ''Dragon Spirit Heart Fruit''; it is the best at countering the me Erosive Bone Poison."


    "With it, your uncle canpletely recover, without any hidden dangers, and his expected lifespan could exceed 120 years."


    "Dragon Spirit Heart Fruit? An expected lifespan of over 120 years?" Li Yuan was thrilled.


    It was indeed true!


    Different strengths bring different perspectives.


    Uncle Wan knew nothing of these, only rumors, but as a Flying Heaven Warrior, Dean Hai could provide the perfect remedy.


    "This item."


    "If measured in terms of money, it is worth at least ten billion Blue Star Coins,"


    "And you''d still have to find the right opportunity to purchase it," Dean Hai spoke slowly, "after all, restoring vitality is not its primary purpose; many powerful Martial Artists need it."


    Ten billion Blue Star Coins? Li Yuan felt his heart sink.


    That''s really expensive!


    "Thank you, Dean, for the information," Li Yuan said; regardless, he was relieved to finally have some clues.


    "That''s right."


    "Your spiritual power has surpassed level 20, and you can choose a Spiritual Secret Manual, ''Spirit Concentration Technique,'' to start practicing," Dean Hai suddenly spoke up, "Wait until you be a Prime Warrior and your spiritual power exceeds level 25 before you practice more spiritual secret manuals."


    "Yes," Li Yuan nodded.


    ...


    After Li Yuan left, the door gently closed.


    "Dragon Spirit Heart Fruit?" Dean Hai muttered to himself before closing his eyes once again.


    He silently resumed his cultivation.


    With Dean Hai''s strength and wealth, procuring such treasures wasn''t difficult.


    However, he wouldn''t do so.


    Even if a Flying Heaven Warrior took a fancy to Li Yuan, none would make such an investment.


    A treasure worth over a billion Blue Star Coins, just to save an ordinary person? And not even for saving a life, but for extending it?


    This went beyond the conventional meaning of ''cultivation'' and ''investment support.''


    ...


    Soon after returning to his vi,


    Li Yuan received a notice from the school, as well as a bank transfer notification.


    "Eight units of Ster Earth Marrow Crystal to be stored in the ''school treasury''?" Li Yuan read through the document, "If I want to use them, I have to apply one day in advance each time?"


    "They will arrange a special room?" Li Yuan mused to himself.


    Li Yuan had to admit that Kunlun Martial University''s arrangements were very reasonable and the safest.


    As for the other bank transfer notification,


    it was the ''20 million'' Blue Star Coins reward from the Ten Schools Freshmenpetition.


    "It will keep me worry-free about money for the next several months," Li Yuan revealed a slight smile.


    Immediately,


    his eyes swept over the many messages from ssmates and friends on his smart bracelet.


    Most were inquiring or congratting him on his achievements in the Ten Schools Freshmenpetition.


    People like Tian Dazhuang and Li Tianyou had sent messages.


    After replying to each one,


    "I''ll continue my spear practice," Li Yuan put down the smart bracelet and silently resumed his spear technique practice.


    "Subtlety is a realm,"


    "As long as I continue to cultivate andprehend, my Spear Technique and Fist Technique will quickly break through the 90% bottleneck of the Fourth Level," Li Yuan thought to himself, "When the Fist Technique crosses into 90% of the Fourth Level, the evolution efficiency of my body will increase significantly."


    "Level 14?"


    "I should be able to reach it within a week," Li Yuan was filled with anticipation.


    Once he reached level 14, he would be able to perform Spiritual Guidance.


    ...


    He practiced continuously until after 8 o''clock at night, having consumed a High Origin Spirit Spring in the middle of his session.


    Li Yuan finally stopped, ncing at an entry on the Divine Pce panel out of the corner of his eye:


    Skill Realms: Spear Technique (Fourth Level 91%), Movement Technique (Fourth Level 84%), Fist Technique (Fourth Level 91%)


    Within a day''s time.


    He had finally achieved a real breakthrough.


    "Subtlety! Now, my skills can truly be said to have reached the Perfection of the Fourth Level, and if I were to face Dantai Feng now, it would be even harder for him to win against me," Li Yuan slightly closed his eyes, his spirit sensing throughout his body.


    The powerful spiritual power seemed to perfectly merge and unite with every muscle, flesh, and bone.


    Several deeply hidden injuries, minor flesh wounds from previous cultivation,


    were all crystal clear at that moment.


    If one didn''t reach ''Subtlety,'' these injuries would gradually umte, affecting bodily progress and even expected lifespan.


    But now, with a single thought from Li Yuan, all the minor hidden injuries began to heal.


    Over the next few days, Li Yuan''s body would be more vigorous and robust.


    One could say,


    that without any treasures, every Martial Artist who had achieved Subtlety could maintain their body''s functions at their peak for a long period.


    "Vigor!" Li Yuan arrived at the Fist Strength testing area, concentrating and calming his spirit.


    Suddenly, he threw a fierce punch.


    As he erupted, the countless minute strands of vigor throughout his muscles and flesh were instantly mobilized by the power of his spirit.


    Whoosh!


    His fist smashed fiercely onto the huge testing sandbag.


    "Thump!" A muffled explosion sounded.


    Instantly.


    The screen above the Fist Strength testing area clearly disyed: "15,224 kilograms (action qualified)."

 Chapter 173: 145 Starfire S-Class Contract

    ```


    "Fist strength burst, actually directly exceeded 15,000 kilograms?" Li Yuan''s eyes shone with a glint.


    ```


    ```


    That was already equivalent to a force burst of 15 tons.


    ```


    ```


    This, has far surpassed the baseline fist strength requirement for a level 15 martial artist.


    ```


    ```


    "However, the quality of this punching bag is good; even after being struck with a force exceeding 15 tons, it''s not even slightly damaged." Li Yuanughed.


    ```


    ```


    About this, he wasn''t surprised.


    ```


    ```


    After all, each vi''s basement was built with a special fist strength testing ground that could withstand the full-force impact of a level 19.9 martial artist.


    ```


    ```


    A level 19.9 martial artist, with a normal burst of a punch, could easily exceed 60,000 kilograms.


    ```


    ```


    One can only imagine how expensive this seemingly ordinary punching bag was.


    ```


    ```


    "Let''s try the burst speed."


    ```


    ```


    Li Yuan quickly activated the numerous instruments on the speed testing track and then positioned himself at the start of the runway.


    ```


    ```


    Deep breath.


    ```


    ```


    The vigor throughout his body circted, his mind perception reached subtlety, and countless fine streams of power were once again mobilized.


    ```


    ```


    "Boom!"


    ```


    ```


    Just like a vehicle bursting to its top speed in an instant, Li Yuan suddenly sprinted forward like a fleeting shadow, the forty-meter-long track passed in a mere sh.


    ```


    ```


    "Bang~" Li Yuan crashed heavily against the cushioned wall at the end of the track.


    ```


    ```


    "Beep~!"


    ```


    ```


    On the electronic screen beside the wall, Li Yuan''s burst speed numbers suddenly appeared¡ª "53 meters per second!"


    ```


    ```


    Another terrifying figure.


    ```


    ```


    "Is it really that fast?" Li Yuan''s pupils constricted slightly, and he couldn''t help feeling waves of joy in his heart.


    ```


    ```


    A level 15 martial artist''s standard fist strength is 12,000 kilograms, and the standard burst speed is 50 meters per second.


    ```


    ```


    A level 16 martial artist''s standard fist strength is 18,000 kilograms, and the standard burst speed is 60 meters per second.


    ```


    ```


    "Does that mean, once my mind reaches subtlety and mobilizes the numerous fine forces hidden within my muscles and bones, the speed and power I burst out with are already on par with a level 15.5 martial artist?" Li Yuan sighed to himself, "But ording to the Divine Pce panel, my life level is clearly only 13.9, and my fist strength is just over 7,000 kilograms."


    ```


    ```


    The power burst had increased by roughly twice the standard state.


    ```


    ```


    It was simply too exaggerated.


    ```


    ```


    At this moment, Li Yuan truly understood the real meaning of ''mind reaching subtlety.''


    ```


    ```


    What he had heard and seen in the past was nothingpared to actually experiencing it.


    ```


    ```


    "My fourth level high rank technique, when bursting out, surpasses the standard fist strength by forty percent." Li Yuan sighed to himself, "Once it reaches fourth level perfection, it could exceed by more than one hundred percent."


    ```


    ```


    "No wonder."


    ```


    ```


    "During my battle with Dantai Feng, he suppressed me with just a knife, and once he used his shield, I was utterly at a disadvantage." Li Yuan sighed inwardly.


    ```


    ```


    Just in terms of the burst of power and speed, Dantai Feng was way stronger than Li Yuan.


    ```


    ```


    "If the transition from third stage perfection to fourth level is a qualitative change."


    ```


    ```


    "Then from fourth level high rank to fourth level perfection is likewise a qualitative change." Li Yuan murmured to himself.


    ```


    ```


    Techniques of the first, second, and third stages are gradually integrating the body''s vigor, unleashing the body''s strength.


    ```


    ```


    From the third stage high rank, one begins to excavate deeper levels of bodily strength, and the manifestation is a burst of speed and power that is stronger than the standard fist strength at the same life level.


    ```


    ```


    The fourth stage brings even greater improvement.


    ```


    ```


    When it reaches fourth level perfection, it pushes the excavation of the body''s potential to its limit.


    ```


    ```


    "However, a sudden burst cannotst long, and the limit burst of power and speed brought by reaching the subtlety of the mind can''t be sustained for too long." Li Yuan thought to himself, "Otherwise, it would severely damage the body."


    ```


    ```


    This point.


    ```


    ```


    On the Spear Technique Manual, there''s a special mention: Reaching subtlety is never for long, and routine practice should mainly nurture the body.


    ```


    ```


    Whew!


    ```


    ```


    Li Yuan returned to the center of the Martial Arts Room, picked up his long spear again, and held it in one hand.


    ```


    ```


    "Whoosh whoosh whoosh!" The long spear danced like a great river, endless and uninterrupted.


    ```


    ```


    "The human body is just like a precise machine."


    ```


    ```


    Li Yuan thought to himself, "When a machine operates, there must always be a redundancy design to ensure that if one part gets damaged, the whole machine can continue to function."


    ```


    ```


    "The human body is the same."


    ```


    ```


    "The countless minute forces hidden in the muscles and bones may seem unused to the average person, but they are essentially redundancy, the potential of life, there to protect the body." Li Yuan was very clear about this, "Warriors who reach subtlety can mobilize all subtle forces to battle, which indeed makes them powerful."


    ```


    ```


    "But essentially, they are bursting with life potential, putting the body into overdrive and, if sustained for too long, could have lethal effects on various bodily functions and organs."


    ```


    ```


    It was like some news reports.


    ```


    ```


    An old man, in a moment of danger, suddenly lifted an object much heavier than normal, but died shortly afterwards.


    ```


    ```


    The underlying reason is that in that moment, the old man entered a special ''mind reaching subtlety'' state, bursting with hidden life potential.


    ```


    ```


    But with no control over this burst, excessive exertion can very easily lead to bodily copse and rapid demise.


    ```


    ```


    "Warriors who reach subtlety."


    ```


    ```


    "Firstly, they can control this power; secondly, they can continuously adjust and repair various hidden injuries." Li Yuan sighed to himself, "Thus, asionally bursting at full power won''t have too much of an impact."


    ```


    ```


    With Li Yuan''s current strength.


    ```


    ```


    "In a ''reaching subtlety'' state, my power and speed areparable to a level 15.5 martial artist. Coupled with the advantage of my skills, I should be able topete with a normal level 16.5-17 martial artist." Li Yuan made a rough judgment.


    ```


    ```


    ''So-called normal martial artists,'' from level 15 to 20, typically have techniques of intermediate or high rank of the third stage.


    ```


    ```


    And if not normal?


    ```


    ```


    For instance, Kunlun Martial University students who can cultivate to level 17 by their junior year generally possess fourth level techniques and are truly considered ''elite.''


    ```


    ```


    For the current Li Yuan to win against them would basically be daydreaming.


    ```


    ```


    ...


    ```


    ```


    Past nine o''clock, as the night grew deeper and Li Yuan was still pondering spear techniques, suddenly.


    ```


    ```


    "Beep~"


    ```


    ```


    "Master, Wan Qinghe requests a videomunication." The assistant AI suddenly spoke up, "Would you like to answer?"


    ```


    ```


    This startled Li Yuan from his practice.


    ```


    ```


    "Uncle Wan?" Li Yuan felt a moment of confusion before he remembered what Dean Hai had said during the day.


    ```


    Could it really havee?


    "Answer," said Li Yuan immediately.


    Drip~ Countless beams of light converged, instantly forming a light screen projection in the Martial Arts Room.


    In the light screen, an office scene emerged, featuring a robed elder and a middle-aged man in Tang attire.


    "Grandfather Fei, Lord Wan," Li Yuan greeted with a slight bow.


    He hadn''t forgotten Uncle Wan''s advice¡ªto address by official titles at work.


    It was better not to make Elder Fei feel that Li Yuan was closer to Uncle Wan than to him.


    Nevertheless, Li Yuan''s heart brimmed with gratitude towards Fei Qian and Wan Qinghe.


    No matter their original intentions.


    Judging by results, not by intentions, they had truly helped him considerably, and that was undeniable.


    "Haha, Li Yuan, long time no see," Fei Qian said, pleased with Li Yuan''s way of addressing him. "It seems that you''re still trainingte at night. We haven''t disturbed your practice, have we?"


    "No," Li Yuan said with a smile. "I was just about to rest."


    "Haha, good, we haven''t caused any trouble then."


    Fei Qianughed and said, "Your performance in the freshmen battle at the ten schools today was very good. Both Lord Wan and I know about it; even Lord Yang of the Province knows."


    "Grandfather Fei, my apologies," Li Yuan immediately smiled. "I should have reported to Lord Wan first."


    "Haha, what''s there to apologise for?"


    "I nned tomunicate with you tomorrow, but considering the importance, I decided to inform you straight away," Fei Qianughed and said. "Lord Yang of the Province has issued an order, in light of your excellent performance since entering university."


    "Your contract with the Martial Hall is hereby officially upgraded from A-level to S-level starting today," Fei Qian announced solemnly.


    S-level?


    Li Yuan''s eyes brightened slightly. Dean Hai indeed hadn''t deceived him; likely, he had worked things out with the upper echelons of Starfire Martial Hall.


    "Li Yuan, the contract has been sent to you," Wan Qinghe finally spoke up. "Have a look."


    Drip~


    The smart ring on Li Yuan''s wrist vibrated, and he promptly looked down to check. It was a document sent by Wan Qinghe.


    "Take a look first," said Fei Qian with a smile. "The S-level contract is slightly different from your previous A-level contract."


    "Yes." Involved in his own vital interests, Li Yuan no longer stood on ceremony.


    He tapped on his smart ring, and a small light screen popped up as he began to read carefully.


    The S-level contract wasrgely simr to the A-level contract, except the training resources provided annually by the Starfire Martial Hall had increased substantially.


    "Annually, 24 million in cash and 24 million Martial Hall Points?" Li Yuan was inwardly shocked.


    It was very generous;bined, these two amounts were equivalent to 48 million Blue Star Coins.


    You should know, a normal A-level Martial Hall contract only offers 6 million in cash and 6 million Martial Hall Points annually.


    That''s a fourfold increase!


    Besides the surge in the annual gift of training resources.


    This contract also came with many additional privileges.


    For instance, Li Yuan''s level within the Martial Hall was directly upgraded from L4 to L6.


    For example, within a certain range, he could mobilize the ''martial artist squad support'' of the Starfire Martial Hall.


    And so on, over ten additional rights and benefits, and these were just what was explicitly written.


    "An L6 member?" Li Yuan inwardly marveled. "Uncle Wan, as the Hall Master of the Starfire Guanshan Sub-Hall, is merely at L5 level, isn''t he?"


    As far as Li Yuan knew.


    In the Starfire Martial Hall, a Prime Warrior was at L4 level.


    L5 often belonged to Intermediate Prime Warriors, a very high status already.


    L6 was usually granted to High-Rank Prime Warriors who had made certain contributions.


    ...


    "Grandfather Fei."


    Li Yuan closed the light screen and looked up to ask, "I remember thest time I saw you, you mentioned that I could only be upgraded to S-level if I reached the Fifth Stage of my contract before turning 20."


    This question made both Fei Qian and Wan Qinghe unable to help butugh.


    "Li Yuan."


    Wan Qinghe took the initiative to speak, quite moved, "The difficulty for someone your age to reach Subtlety... is even more challenging than reaching the Perfection of a skill''s Fifth Stage before turning 20."


    "Lord Yang of the Province implied reaching Fifth Stage before the age of 20 because he never thought you could achieve Mind Perception this quickly," exined Wan Qinghe.


    "It seems, just as Teacher Li and Dean Hai said, my attaining Mind Perception in the freshman battle of the ten schools is truly an incredible performance," Li Yuan reflected in his heart. "Not only has the school''s focus on me greatly increased."


    "Starfire Martial Hall''s attention to me has also surged substantially."


    The stronger one''s abilities and the greater the potential, the more they are valued.


    "Li Yuan."


    "The terms on the contract are just the standard ones," said Fei Qian. "Besides these, there are two special items that need to be specifically exined to you."


    "First is the Ster Earth Marrow Crystal that Lord Yang of the Province promised. He said it would be sent to Kunlun Martial University... to be kept by the school, avable upon request."


    "Understood," Li Yuan nodded.


    "Secondly, we from the Starfire Martial Hall have enquired with the university and anticipate that you will participate in life-or-death adventures early next year," Fei Qian stated gravely. "Therefore, to ensure your safety, our Jiangbei headquarters have made a special request to the Xia Country headquarters for ''a specially made Origin Power Battle Suit'' for you."


    "An Origin Power Battle Suit?" Li Yuan asked, puzzled.


    "Li Yuan, the biggest difference between Second-Rank Martial Artists and ordinary martial artists is that First-Rank Warriors can only absorb Origin Power to strengthen their bodies, and they still consist of flesh and blood in essence."


    "While Second-Rank Martial Artists can utilize Origin Power," said Wan Qinghe. "Origin Power is incredibly miraculous."


    "The Origin Power Battle Suit can maximize the might of Origin Power."


    "Once wearing the battle suit, inbat, one can hold their ground against countless bullets and artillery, almost oblivious to thermal weaponry," Wan Qinghe exined.


    "But I don''t possess Origin Power," Li Yuan couldn''t help saying.


    "That''s why this is a specially made suit, costing ten times more than a Second-Rank Origin Power Battle Suit," Wan Qinghe said with a smile. "Its greatest advantage is that it allows First-Rank Martial Artists to use it, too."


    "With it, your defense will skyrocket, your vitality will surge, and when venturing into the Star Realm in the future, your risk of death will be significantly reduced."


    "This single Battle Garment alone is worth more than five hundred million Blue Star Coins."

 Chapter 174: 146 Level 14! Spiritual Guidance!

    Special Origin Power Battle Suit? Five hundred million Blue Star Coins? Li Yuan marveled in his heart.


    Actually, Li Yuan had some understanding of Origin Power Weapons, knowing that they were very expensive.


    While interacting with Gu Qianghan previously, thetter had mentioned it several times, and when attending general knowledge sses that touched on Second Rank Exotic Beasts, the teachers would asionally discuss it as well.


    But this was the first time Li Yuan had heard of such a special Origin Power Battle Suit.


    "Li Yuan, there are two things you need to know," Fei Qian said, "First, a special Origin Power Battle Suit can only y a significant role after reaching Fifteen Level."


    "So, once your body reaches Level 15 and your teacher informs the Martial Hall, the Martial Hall will secretly deliver it," Fei Qian said solemnly. "You must keep the matter of the special Origin Power Battle Suit a secret; after receiving it, you must not tell anyone."


    "The purpose of gifting the special Origin Power Battle Suit is to protect you... not to harm you."


    "I understand," Li Yuan nodded slightly.


    This was the same reasoning as Dean Hai not allowing him direct contact with the ''Ster Earth Marrow Crystal.''


    The innocent has no worries, the one who holds the jade invites trouble.


    Having a treasure worth hundreds of millions of Blue Star Coins on one''s person¡ªif word got out, it could lead to some desperate actions from others.


    That would be a clever scheme that backfires.


    "Second, when you be a Prime Warrior in the future, you will also return the special Origin Power Battle Suit to the Martial Hall," Fei Qian said with a smile. "You only have the right to use it."


    "After all, it''s a huge help to First Rank Martial Artists, but when you be a Prime Warrior, the difference between it and a normal Second Rank Origin Power Battle Suit is negligible."


    "Alright," Li Yuan smiled.


    He had been wondering why the Martial Hall was spending so much, but it turns out it was only the right to use the battle suit.


    But it was enough to demonstrate the value the Martial Hall ced on him.


    After all, if he were to die while adventuring outside, the battle suit would naturally be lost.


    When he became a Prime Warrior, spending 50 million Blue Star Coins to buy a normal Origin Power Battle Suit would be enough.


    ...


    Not long after hanging up themunication with Fei Qian, Li Yuan received another private message from Wan Qinghe.


    "Uncle Wan," Li Yuan said with a smile, having changed his form of address.


    "Congrattions on signing an S-level contract, from now on in the Martial Hall ranking, I''ll have to be one level lower than you," Wan Qinghe had previously been quite serious, all business.


    "No matter my level in the Martial Hall, you are still my Uncle Wan," Li Yuan said with a smile. "The help you have given me, I always keep in mind."


    "Haha, what I help you with is minor, it''s mainly due to your own efforts," Wan Qingheughed, feeling much relieved in his heart.


    Li Yuan wore a smile, understanding Wan Qinghe''s concerns.


    With his strength and talent bing increasingly apparent, his status within the Martial Hall had quietly surpassed Wan Qinghe''s.


    Wan Qingheughed and said, "Come to think of it, in Jiang City now, you must be the only Martial Path prodigy who has signed an S-level cultivation contract."


    "The only one?" Li Yuan was curious, as he really did not know this data.


    "Yes."


    "An S-level cultivation contract is not just about money; it also representsprehensive protection and many privileges¡ªthese are intangible benefits that your school contracts can''t match," Wan Qinghe said earnestly.


    Li Yuan nodded, feeling the uniqueness of the Martial Hall contract.


    The school''s contract focuses on cultivation, but it doesn''t offer any special privileges after leaving school.


    But at Level 6 in the Martial Hall, one can really mobilize arge number of Martial Hall''s intangible resources, besides money.


    "Not to mention the others."


    "Just having the privilege to directly appeal to the provincial Inspection Envoy is enough to make a Hall Master at the bottom like me apprehensive," Wan Qinghe remarked with a sigh. "You will graduallye to understand, Li Yuan."


    Li Yuan understood the implicit meaning behind his words and said with a smile, "Alright, Uncle Wan, if there''s ever anything you need from me, make sure to tell me, and I will definitely help with all my might."


    Out of the many additional privileges Li Yuan gained at Level 6, why did Uncle Wan specifically mention this seemingly inconspicuous one?


    Perhaps it was indeed unintentional.


    Or perhaps there was a deeper meaning.


    "Haha, then if there''s anything in the future, I won''t be polite," Wan Qingheughed. "You also concentrate on your training at school; I''ll look after things at home."


    "Although the Fish Spirit n has shown activity in Jiang Citytely, everything is under control, with no significant impact."


    "In areas like Starfire South Lake Neighborhood, the defenses are already high, and I will pay extra attention to it," Wan Qinghe said with augh.


    "The Fish Spirit n is active again?" A glint of light shed through Li Yuan''s eyes.


    "They''ve been active all along."


    "Once your privileges are increased, you''ll know if you check the Martial Hall''s database; the Fish Spirit Star Realm has been infiltrating Jiangbei Province constantly," Wan Qinghe stated seriously. "Jiang City is the provincial capital, a key defense point, so the danger isn''t too great."


    "But in many towns below, that''s where the casualties arerge."


    Li Yuan nodded slightly, having grown up in Jiangbei and knowing a thing or two about these matters without looking at any data.


    Every year, within Jiangbei Province...


    Just from casualties caused by the ripple effects of the Fish Spirit Star Realm Alien Race, the number adds up to at least several thousand and often as many as tens of thousands.


    "By the way,"


    "Muhua is performing well at school," Wan Qinghe mentioned casually, "I''ll observe and guide him more, and strive to sign him for a D-level cultivation contract when he''s in his junior or senior year."


    "Uncle, don''t force this," Li Yuan shook his head. "Be strict with him; if he doesn''t meet the standard, he absolutely cannot be given a cultivation contract."


    "Haha, don''t underestimate your brother," Wan Qingheughed.


    After a while,


    Themunication between the two ended.


    ...


    In Jiang City, inside the office of the Hall Master on the ninth floor of the Starfire Guanshan Branch Hall,


    "An S-level contract?" Wan Qinghe muttered to himself, his face growing increasingly joyful: "Li Yuan is growing up so fast."


    Unique in Jiang City?


    No, this is the only one in Jiangbei Province, and one can imagine how much Li Yuan will be valued.


    "Guqin," Wan Qinghe looked down at a document on the desk and muttered to himself, "Just wait."

 Chapter 175: 146 Level 14! Spiritual Guidance!_2

    "When Li Yuanes back, use hisint rights to give me a boost, that''ll be enough for you to handle."


    Gu Zheng is the Hall Master of another district''s Starfire Martial Hall in Jiang City.


    Wan Qinghe really did want Li Yuan''s help.


    However, he wouldn''t ask lightly, he had patience, and needed an excellent opportunity.


    Before that.


    What Wan Qinghe needed to do was to continually strengthen his ties with Li Yuan.


    ...


    A day after signing the contract with the Martial Hall, which was October 8th.


    In the evening, while Li Yuan was training in the underground martial arts room, he received two transfer notifications in 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 in the first year of the contract.


    Of course, taxes had to be deducted, and the total amounted to 32.64 million Blue Star Coins.


    "This time, the Martial Hall''s S-grade contract paid me quickly," Li Yuan said with a smile.


    He clicked on his smart bracelet to enter the wealth section and saw his financial status:


    Bank bnce: 96.51 million Blue Star Coins


    Martial Hall Points: 41.18 million


    ...


    "Points, they''ve topped me up with over 40 million all at once?" Li Yuan sighed to himself.


    As for the Martial Hall Cultivation Points? They too had increased by several tens of millions.


    If one only purchased cultivation resources within the Martial Hall, Martial Hall Points were as effective as Blue Star Coins.


    "With the contract update, my privileges within the Martial Hall have also been enhanced, not only has the treasury updated its purchase catalog with plenty of ''Heavenly Materials Treasures'', it seems the database has also been enriched quite a bit," Li Yuan quickly perused within the Starfire app.


    Having been upgraded from an A-grade contract''s L4 level to L6, it was aprehensive enhancement.


    "Tomorrow, Teacher Li Yang will supervise me using the ''Hundred Marrows Spirit Dry''." Li Yuan thought to himself.


    "In October, I''ll first buy 6 portions of High Origin Spirit Spring with points."


    Thus, together with the 4 portions of High Origin Spirit Spring that the school provided for free, that would be 10 portions.


    "That should be enough for October''s cultivation."


    ...


    On October 9th, under Li Yang''s supervision, Li Yuan used the ''Hundred Marrows Spirit Dry'' once again.


    He underwent yet another nightmare-like ordeal.


    However, although he still screamed in agony, his performance was significantly stronger than when he used it in September.


    This continuous transformation of his willpower left Li Yang increasingly astonished.


    ...


    As time went on day by day.


    The neerpetition among the ten schools had created some impact worldwide, and Li Yuan''s fame within Kunlun Martial University had topped the list, already surpassing Jin Huguo.


    However, as thepetition concluded, Li Yuan''s life gradually returned to normal.


    On October 10th, Li Yuan received a notice from the school.


    A total of 18 units of Ster Earth Marrow Crystals had arrived at the school''s ''treasury'' and were allocated under his name, ready for use at any time.


    Without hesitation.


    Li Yuan applied to use them.


    ...


    On the afternoon of October 11th.


    The main building of the Vermilion Bird Building, where underground lies Kunlun Martial University''s premier ''Pir of Spirit''.


    On the third floor above ground.


    Guided by a teacher, Li Yuan came to a very special chamber.


    "Li Yuan, the items have already been ced in the room," the teacher reminded, "The handover process is fully monitored, so you can be at ease."


    "They can only be used within the room, do not take them out, and you have ess to the cultivation room for one day."


    "Thank you, Teacher Zhu," Li Yuan said with a smile.


    He pushed the door and entered the room, noting the door was extremely thick, certainly over 30 centimeters, appearing to be made of alloy and very heavy.


    The defense must be astonishing.


    "This room is really small," Li Yuan nced around, noting the room was only about ten square meters.


    Apart from two air vents and a door, there were no other gaps.


    In the room, there was only a meditation cushion and a table.


    The most special features were the four walls, as well as the ceiling and floor, which seemed to be cast from alloy.


    Without a doubt, extremely sturdy.


    "Everything is for safety," Li Yuan entered the room and the door gently closed behind him.


    Approaching the table, therey a porcin tray on which rested an object the size of a baby''s fist, earthen yellow and translucent like jelly.


    At first nce, it appeared ordinary, but upon closer inspection, one could feel the strong vitality it emitted.


    "Is this the Ster Earth Marrow Crystal?" Li Yuan mused inwardly, noting that it looked quite simr to the sample shown in the ''instructional video'' he had seen that morning.


    He pondered for a while.


    "Go ahead and eat, a Third Rank treasure, this piece might be worth tens of millions of Blue Star Coins, maybe even a hundred million," Li Yuan murmured to himself.


    How expensive was the Ster Earth Marrow Crystal, exactly? Li Yuan did not know.


    Gulp~


    Li Yuan swiftly picked up the tray, opened his mouth, and swallowed the unit of Ster Earth Marrow Crystal whole.


    It melted upon entering his mouth.


    Swiftly, the Ster Earth Marrow Crystal had been swallowed into his stomach, and within just a few seconds, it seemed to react with his body, sending a surge of rich, strange power quickly spreading throughout his body.


    "Hm?" Li Yuan suddenly started.


    Sofortable!


    It had been a long, long time since Li Yuan had felt thisfortable.


    "Both are Third Rank treasures, so why was the Marrow Cleansing so painful, and this is sofortable? Why such a big difference?" Li Yuan muttered to himself.


    Time passed.


    Li Yuan could clearly feel the Ster Earth Marrow Crystal transforming into streams of strange power, continuously merging into his flesh, bones, blood, skin, and deep within his marrow.


    An endless surge of vitality was fusing into countless cells, causing the deepestyers of transformation within Li Yuan.


    "Activity, vitality." As an expert with Subtlety in mind, Li Yuan could perceive these special changes.


    Something like the Marrow Cleansing was for cleansing the marrow, in addition to tormenting people.


    The High Origin Spirit Spring, on the other hand, was for pushing the body''s evolution.


    But the Ster Earth Marrow Crystal, part of its function was to strengthen the body, but its core function was ''enhancing life potential,'' increasing the body''s foundation.


    In short, it was about raising the upper limit of the body''s growth talent.


    At this moment, Li Yuan felt incrediblyfortable and he reveled in the subtle transformations of his body.


    "No wonder Master Fei said that once I use the Ster Earth Marrow Crystal, it would greatly increase my sess rate in Law Creation," Li Yuan sat cross-legged, mentally sensing his whole body.


    The greatest difficulty in Law Creation was when guiding Origin Power incorrectly it would bacsh against the body, causing injury.


    In that moment, the body''s life potential was very important.


    Just like a 20-year-old and a 50-year-old, both may seem to have simr strength, speed, and other physical data.


    But if both suffered the same injury, who would recover faster?


    Being young means greater life potential, such is naturalw.


    This was also why Dean Hai repeatedly hoped that Li Yuan would be a Prime Warrior as soon as possible.


    And the Ster Earth Marrow Crystal could further enhance Li Yuan''s ''life potential.''


    "To be consumed once a month," Li Yuan silently pondered: "In total, it canst 18 months."


    "Together with the Marrow Cleansing and High Origin Spirit Spring, my cultivation speed will be even faster."


    ...


    After consumption, under the effect of that strange power, Li Yuan''s life potential was continuously improving.


    This enhancement was consolidating his foundation.


    In the future, as Li Yuan''s strength grew even stronger, its effects would gradually be apparent.


    But a trace of strangeness was also fortifying Li Yuan''s body, slowly advancing his physical quality.


    Finally, after over four hours,


    The effects of this unit of Ster Earth Marrow Crystal gradually faded, and Li Yuan ended this long ''enjoyment.''


    Suddenly.


    "[Your Life Level has risen from 13.9 to 14.0]"


    "[Your Fist Strength has increased from...]"


    "[Your Burst Speed has increased from...]"


    "[Your Life Level is now sufficient to amodate Spiritual Guidance]" Four consecutive Divine Pce notifications shed.


    Phew!


    Li Yuan''s eyes snapped open, a hint of light twinkling within.


    Finally, his Life Level had reached Level 14.


    Li Yuan could feel some special changes urring within the Mind Spirit Divine Pce.


    ...


    Once he confirmed the full effects of the Ster Earth Marrow Crystal had taken hold,


    Li Yuan quickly left the Vermilion Bird Building, took a flying vehicle, and returned to his vi.


    He went down to the Martial Arts Room.


    "Spiritual Guidance," Li Yuan immediately sat down cross-legged, and with a thought, his consciousness entered the inner world.


    ...In the inner world, the towering fouryered Divine Pce stood imposingly, and Li Yuan''s consciousness quickly entered.


    His consciousness condensed, and as he looked around, just as he expected, the white jade staircase that had disappeared twice before


    Had appeared once again.


    "Are you asking me to go upstairs?" Li Yuan felt guided to do so in the depths of his mind.

 Chapter 176: 147: Stars Align, The Formation of Cultivation Technique (38,000 Monthly Votes Bonus)

    Inside the Mind Spirit Divine Pce.


    "Climbing upstairs?" Li Yuan hesitated, and although he received such guidance, his consciousness still didn''t dare to move.


    Li Yuan hadn''t forgotten that the first time, it was his rash desire to climb upstairs.


    As a result, he was hit so hard that his consciousness nearly copsed.


    "Let''s first see if there''s any difference from the previous two times when Origin Power entered my body," Li Yuan thought.


    He attempted to draw upon the ''golden mist'' that might exist on the second floor.


    But this time, there was no response!


    "I can only try," Li Yuan''s consciousness stepped onto the white jade staircase.


    As expected.


    "Boom!!" It was as if a hammer of immense and terrifying power smashed down on his head, causing Li Yuan''s entire consciousness to thunder and explode.


    Even though he was prepared, Li Yuan still felt dazed; the oppressive impact was much stronger than the first time.


    It was as if the consciousness shock from the white jade staircase was tailored to Li Yuan''s spiritual power level¡ªthe stronger the spiritual power, the stronger the impact encountered.


    Fortunately.


    Li Yuan today had greatly surpassed his past self, not only in terms of much stronger spiritual power but also in significantly increased willpower, still barely maintaining his consciousness clear.


    "Continue." Li Yuan''s consciousness continued to climb toward the higher steps of the staircase.


    "Rumble~" The oppressive weight on his consciousness came like rolling stones, continuously impacting him.


    "Hold on," Li Yuan roared inside.


    He moved forward step by step with difficulty.


    The higher he went, the more difficult it became, causing his consciousness to feel intense pain, as if it were about to copse.


    However,pared to the torment and pain of the Hundred Marrow Spirit Dryness, this was just child''s y.


    After a good ten minutes.


    Phew!


    Even Li Yuan''s strong consciousness felt as if it was about topletely dissipate under these relentless impacts, held together solely by his powerful will, desperately resisting.


    Atst!


    Thump~ Li Yuan''s consciousness crossed the white jade staircase and truly arrived at a higher level of the Mind Spirit Divine Pce.


    Perhaps the second level.


    Phew!


    The moment he set foot in, the unprecedented oppression instantly disappeared without a trace.


    "If I hadn''t used the Visualization Method to refine my consciousness to be this powerful, I probably would have found it very difficult to ovee the barrier of this white jade staircase," Li Yuan realized.


    The Mind Spirit Divine Pce was indeed an inconceivable opportunity, whether it be the Visualization Method or the Divine Pce panel, both were extremely special.


    But without enough effort.


    Just relying on the Mind Spirit Divine Pce, the achievements would be much smaller, one might even be blocked at the first level.


    ...


    "What''s in the secondyer of the Mind Spirit Divine Pce?" Li Yuan looked around.


    This level had a simryout and structure to the first, with a Jade tform in the center of the great hall as well.


    Its appearance was simr to the Great Sun Jade tform on the first floor.


    But its exterior was interwoven with gold and ck.


    "Another Jade tform?" Li Yuan pondered, "Could it be that my consciousness is also required to coalesce on top of the tform?"


    He observed the surroundings for a long while.


    Li Yuan confirmed that this level had neither the staircase leading to the higher levels of the Mind Spirit Divine Pce nor any other objects.


    There was only the ck and gold inteced Jade tform in front of him.


    "It''s the only one," without other options, Li Yuan''s consciousness already coalesced above the tform.


    The next moment.


    "Boom!" Li Yuan''s consciousness surged into it like a tide, incapable of stopping the process.


    Swiftly, the scenery of the Mind Spirit Divine Pce around Li Yuan''s consciousness changed.


    He found himself in a boundless Dark Space.


    This Dark Space, he had visited twice before.


    No, to be precise.


    This mysterious space was no longer purely dark, as Li Yuan could vaguely see hundreds, even thousands, of stars shining dimly.


    Arge number of stars formed a strange trajectory, illuminating the Dark Space with a faint light.


    "Upon my second entry, I recorded these Ster Trajectories, which haven''t disappeared?" Li Yuan was puzzled, "What exactly is this Dark Space?"


    The third time he entered.


    The biggest difference from the previous two times was that Li Yuan''s consciousness remained absolutely clear.


    As time passed, Li Yuan''s consciousness was trapped in the Dark Space, unable to leave.


    Gradually.


    Hum~ In the Dark Space, at some point, streaks of purple light exuding a strange allure appeared, all emanating from the depths of the Dark Space.


    They swiftly floated toward Li Yuan''s consciousness.


    "What is this?" Li Yuan sensed from afar, feeling strange powers from these purple streams.


    Full of vitality and also full of temptation.


    Phew!


    Before Li Yuan could think further, the first stream of purple gas already darted toward his consciousness, merging into it directly.


    In an instant.


    "Huh?" Li Yuan''s consciousness observed that his vision of the entire ''Dark Space'' had changed.


    "What is that?"


    "Stars?" Li Yuan quickly ''saw'' them, this dark space seemed boundless, with no end in sight, but within this endless expanse, beneath the darkness, there seemed to exist countless stars.


    One after another, the stars were infinite, surely numbering in the billions and beyond.


    They emitted no light, which was why Li Yuan hadn''t been able to see them before.


    It was the purple mist from earlier that had granted Li Yuan a form of ''x-ray'' vision that transcended space.


    It allowed him to overlook and observe a vast portion of the dark space.


    "Dark Space."


    "Infinite stars." Li Yuan had an epiphany, and at the same time, he also noticed.


    Amongst these billions of stars, there seemed to be a very few that were not purely dark, their surfaces seemed to flicker with a bit of light.


    This light was extremely faint.


    Without the enhancement from the purple airflow, Li Yuan definitely wouldn''t have been able to ''see'' these faint lights, but now he could see them clearly.


    "Could these very few stars be exceptions?" Li Yuan pondered.


    He now recalled what Dean Hai had once said about the body being like the universe, filled with billions of dead stars.


    How simr it was to the scene before him.


    Could it be that the few luminous stars he observed were the ''Life Stars'' within his own body?


    What should he do then?


    Just at this moment.


    "Seek the subtle in the dust, unite the two into one, essence of Sun and Moon, start forging the Spiritual Foundation¡­" That vast and ancient voice he had heard many times before once again echoed within the dark space.


    Ethereal!


    The voice was so faint, but it seemed to contain a special magic power that influenced Li Yuan.


    "Seek out the subtle glow of stars, unite the Divine with the stars¡­" Li Yuan gradually came to understand.


    It seemed to be an action made subconsciously.


    Or perhaps it was an unnoticed guidance from that ancient voice.


    Whoosh! Li Yuan''s consciousness spread out instantly, as if fragmenting into countless parts.


    Swoosh! Swoosh! Swoosh!


    Thousands upon thousands of thoughts, in a single moment, crossed the vast dark space, sensing the deathly stillness and the subtle light of innumerable stars¡­ Each thought reached a star that emitted a faint light.


    The next moment, countless thoughts integrated into these stars, trying to imprint their own mark.


    "Boom!"


    "Boom!"


    The entire dark space suddenly shook, and the next moment, within the endless dark space, stars began to radiate light¡­ The number of illuminated stars, originally only in the thousands, began to climb rapidly.


    Three thousand, five thousand, nine thousand, twenty thousand¡­ The number surged uncontrobly.


    As many strands as Li Yuan''s consciousness had divided into, that many stars were illuminated.


    Gradually.


    If someone could observe the entire dark space, they would be shocked to find.


    Among the tens of thousands of illuminated stars, a significant number of them formed various trajectories, already linked to each other.


    Conveying a sense of ''perfection''.


    "Rumbling~" When arge number of stars on a single ster trajectory were fully illuminated, it seemed to initiate and trigger some special power.


    One could see tens of thousands of stars on the trajectory starting to move.


    Just like celestial bodies in motion!


    They truly ''came alive''.


    ...


    Inside the underground Martial Arts Room.


    "Hum~"


    Li Yuan, who was seated cross-legged, had his body''s most minuteyers, made of countless flesh and blood, gradually emitting fine rays of light.


    These rays of light were almost undetectable, invisible to the naked eye.


    But interconnected, they were like ''blood vessels'' from another dimension, already spanning various parts of Li Yuan''s body¡ªfrom his limbs and arms, abdomen, and even his brain


    forming aplete cycle.


    With the establishment of this cycle, akin to an ecosystem, autonomous evolution began immediately.


    Hum~ Hum~ Hum~


    Strange forces began flowing swiftly through those countless ''rays of light'' to the inner depths of Li Yuan''s body.


    It was Origin Power!!!


    Rustling~ These strange forces, coursing through the traces of light, gradually reached every deep part of Li Yuan''s body.


    This extremely pure Origin Power, containing not a trace of impurity, was quickly absorbed by the muscles and bones of Li Yuan''s body.


    Driving his body to begin its transformation.


    To enhance rapidly.


    Even as the Origin Power flowed, a small amount gradually blended into the path of light instead of beingpletely absorbed by Li Yuan.


    If a Flying Heaven Warrior were here, through their powerful spiritual sensing, they would surely make out.


    Li Yuan, seated cross-legged.


    Unwittingly, his body''s inner walls had arge number of Life Stars illuminated, forming the rudiments of a High Rank Cultivation Technique, which started to operate on its own!!


    This news, if spread, would definitely shock the entire human civilization.


    Because, only when one''s Physical Quality reached level 20, could the Life Stars be fully illuminated to form aplete ''Ster Trajectory'' and truly run an Origin Power Method.


    This has been an irond rule for hundreds of years.


    But today.


    This irond rule, waspletely shattered by Li Yuan!!

 Chapter 185: 154: Martial Artist Li Yuan

    ```


    "Boom!""Boom!"


    Li Yuan and the high-rank Fish Spirit n warrior fiercely shed, their speeds both extremely fast, like lightning, with terrifying airwaves striking in all directions. Nearby trees burst explosively.


    With the release of strength, the concrete ground cracked along their path, sending arge number of stones flying, the velocity of these stones astonishing. If they were to hit an ordinary person, it would result in death or serious injury.


    Luckily!


    Most ordinary people had already fled, and Li Yuan had consciously led the opponent to fight in the middle of the street, which, for the time being, had prevented a wider range of coteral damage.


    "This?"


    "Too terrifying."


    "Such a powerful Martial Artist, he''s so young." Those who escaped into the school, parents, and students alike, were shocked beyond fright, staring at the horrific battle erupting hundreds of meters away on the street.


    "Big brother he..." Li Qianqian and Li Muhua were watching intently.


    Although they were shocked by their elder brother''s strength, they were even more worried.


    "Quick."


    "Get inside, the school''s defense system has been activated, and we''ve called for help." Many teachers were continuously ushering students and staff to the deeper parts of the building.


    "Li Qianqian, Li Muhua, is that your elder brother?" A teacher ran up to them, her face anxious.


    "Yes." Li Qianqian nodded decisively.


    "Come upstairs, don''t stay here, it''s dangerous." The teacher spoke in a low voice, pulling them into the flow of people next to them, while two other teachers helped clear a path.


    ...Hum~Hum~Hum~


    Morebat drones had appeared in the sky, and while they were eliminating ordinary Fish Spirit n warriors, several drones were also circling Li Yuan at high speed.


    Trying to assist Li Yuan.


    Unfortunately, Li Yuan and the high-rank Fish Spirit n warrior werepletely locked in fiercebat. With each movement covering more than ten meters, they were too fast.


    And the Fish Spirit n warrior had much stronger physical quality, managing to unleash a strike with a saber that surpassed the force of Li Yuan''s refined state of "Subtlety", leaving him with no chance to escape.


    Therefore, the drones could only dare to hover around, forming a "firepower defense belt", preventing the high-rank Fish Spirit n warrior from fleeing, but they did not dare to open fire.


    These drones andbat robots all had aplete "intelligent judgment system".


    If ordinary people were being ughtered, they would fire decisively, even if this meant affecting a few people, all to prevent more from being killed.


    But now? Under their intelligent system''s judgement, Li Yuan had a hope of winning, and as a powerful Martial Artist, he was extremely important, thus they could not open fire.


    "Huff!"


    "Huff!" Li Yuan''s figure flickered unpredictably, as he exerted his full strength to apply the Dragon Movement Technique, trying to escape, but he was immediately followed by terrifying shes of saber light, shing at him like lightning.


    Forcing Li Yuan to avoid taking the hits directly.


    "There''s too big a gap in physical quality." Li Yuan''s eyes were ice-cold, he was at level 15.9.


    His Fist Strength wasn''t even 18,000 kilograms, and his "Subtlety" state''s burst was only 35,000 kilograms.


    The opponent? Likely a High Third Stage technique, not too bad, with their Fist Strength exceeding 50,000 kilograms in a burst.


    The key was their weapons.


    If Li Yuan had been using a Long Spear, he most likely would have won already... but the short saber he carried was an emergency backup.


    As for why he did not start with a Long Spear? The ordinary weapons in the school simply couldn''t withstand such a skirmish.


    Could a tens of thousands of kilograms instant force burst, shing weapons, be ordinary?


    "Kill!""Kill!"


    "With a physical quality not considered strong, probably at 17.5 level, a single Combat Saber has withstand my four Combat Sabers." The high-rank Fish Spirit n warrior was extremely anxious.


    "ng!"


    "ng ng ng!!" Saber light sttered everywhere, and the four shes of saber light from the high-rank Fish Spirit n warrior roared continuously, obviously, each strike was faster.


    Yet Li Yuan managed to block each one with a single saber.


    At this moment, thebat technique Li Yuan disyed was nothing short of perfect, even artistic.


    The high-rank Fish Spirit n warrior did not understand humannguage but was nearly as intelligent as humans, which didn''t impede him from recognizing the situation.


    "This human Martial Artist must be at least a High Fourth Level in technique."


    "Being so young, he is definitely one of the elite geniuses among humans." The Fish Spirit n high-rank warrior made a judgment, eyeing Li Yuan determinedly: "I must kill him."


    "Killing him is more useful than ughtering ten thousand ordinary humans."


    The high-rank Fish Spirit n warrior understood this well.


    Flee? He had been dyed here for too long.


    ording to the Mother Fish''s originalmand, once a warrior''s movements were exposed, they should engage in "raid warfare".


    Raid warfare, simr to guerri tactics, involved fleeing while ughtering ordinary people along the way, as opposed to head-on confrontations.


    Stationary warfare? Not to mention the ferociousness of human hot weapons.


    Simply any Prime Warrior could ughter hundreds or thousands of Fish Spirit n warriors.


    The difference between First Rank and Second Rank was not even a contest.


    The Fish Spirit Star Realm was a First Level Star Realm; only First Rank Fish Spirit n warriors could pass through the Star Realm portal. Wanting to reach Second Rank? They had to break through once inside Blue Star, which had an extremely low probability.


    Hence, in the frequent raids urring in Jiangbei Province, there were almost no Second Rank Fish Spirit n warriors.


    Fish Spirit n warriors at level 18 or 19 were already considered top-tier fighters.


    Suddenly.


    "An opening." The high-rank Fish Spirit n warrior''s eyes lit up as he changed the roar of his short de, furiously cleaving towards Li Yuan''s arm.


    If this sh were tond, by all means, it should sever Li Yuan''s arm.


    But!!


    To the high-rank Fish Spirit n warrior''s shock and anger, at the very moment his short de was about to collide with Li Yuan''s arm,


    Li Yuan''s short-sleeved shirt instantly solidified as if it were armor, and along with his skin surface, a subtle yellowish ''light film'' appeared.


    It took his sh.


    And Li Yuan''s arm, far from being chopped off, did not even suffer a fracture or bleed.


    ```

 Chapter 178: 149: The Transformation of Strength (Vote for Monthly Tickets)

    Deep into the night, in the basement of the vi, Li Yuan''s spirit was exceptionally good.


    Having read through the entire "Life Star Awakening Summary," Li Yuan continued to read the main text and numerous annotations of the seven high-rank cultivation methods.


    Many of the annotations were directly left by Dongfang Ji.


    "The human body is like the universe, with billions of stars within it, which are innately divided into Life Star Veins and Deathly Silent Star Veins."


    "Different races, beings from various space-time civilizations, have vastly different star meridian trajectories within their bodies."


    "The quantity and position of Life Stars vary greatly, which is why the ''Star Meridian Techniques'' collected from various races in foreign domains can only serve as references and cannot be used directly."


    "One must create their own method."


    "Although there are differences among individuals of the human race, the number and position of star meridians in the human body are generally the same... but the number of Life Stars and the number and location of Life Star Veins in each person''s body are different...


    Yet, there is amonality that causes the Life Star Veins of many people to be the same from birth," Li Yuan read through many annotations.


    He hade to understand the fundamental differences between the seven high-rank cultivation methods.


    The human body''s star meridians might number in the thousands or even tens of thousands, but the vast majority are ''Deathly Silent Star Veins.''


    Deathly Silent Star Veins cannot be cultivated.


    Only Life Star Veins!!


    "Creating one''s own method means awakening one''s Life Star Veins and absorbing Origin Power," Li Yuan realized. "And the seven high-rank cultivation methods derived by human civilization to this day are actually about findingmon Life Star Veins that many humans have, and then imprinting spiritual marks to fully awaken the Life Stars."


    However.


    Even if the star meridians in the human body are the same, individual differences are still huge, and to date, the seven high-rank cultivation methods can only match less than one-tenth of humans.


    ...


    "The number of Life Star Veins and the quantity of Life Stars determine the level of potential."


    "Some beings may have hundreds of Life Star Veins within their bodies, but if each Life Star Vein has fewer than 12,960 stars, they are doomed to be unable to cultivate Origin Power. Even if external forces make them Prime Warriors, they have no hope of creating their own techniques."


    "A small number of people may have only a few or even just a handful of Life Star Veins in their bodies, but each one contains more than 60,000 or even 90,000 Life Stars. ording to messages from civilizations beyond our realm, the legendary talent refers to a star meridian where all 129,600 stars are Life Stars."


    "Such talent is extremely rare and is known as the Perfect Star Vein."


    "If such a Perfect Life Star Vein were to be fully awakened, it would be equivalent to multiple partially awakened Life Star Veins..." When Li Yuan came across this annotation, he was shocked and began to understand the condition of his own body.


    And he made some estimations.


    "Perfect Star Vein?"


    "My perfect awakening in one night was aided by the ''Spiritual Guidance'' from the Mind Spirit Divine Pce," Li Yuan wondered. "But the fact that I have a Perfect Star Vein and so many Life Stars... is it the help of the Mind Spirit Divine Pce? Or my own innate talent?"


    Li Yuan was more inclined to believe it was his innate talent.


    Because, Li Yuan clearly remembered.


    In the Life Star space, those threads of purple mist were what helped him perceive the vast and endless ''Life Star space,'' quickly distinguishing between Life Stars and Deathly Silent Stars.


    Thus imprinting spiritual marks, awakening!


    Moreover.


    Li Yuan also remembered that during that brief moment of sensation and observation.


    The number of ''Life Stars'' he had imprinted were just a minority, and there were still a massive number of stars emitting faint light in the Life Star space, yet to be awakened.


    No choice, Li Yuan''s spiritual power was only so strong at the moment.


    To divide his thoughts so many times and awaken 129,600 Life Stars in one go was already his limit.


    "That is to say."


    "Without Spiritual Guidance, under normal circumstances, after bing a Prime Warrior and sensing the Life Star space, I might also be able to awaken some Life Star Veins," Li Yuan understood. "But it certainly wouldn''t be this fast, nor would it be possible to quickly awaken this star meridian to perfection."


    ...


    "Spiritual Guidance probably means fully tapping into my already high talent for Origin Power," Li Yuan mused to himself.


    This was very important.


    All things have spirit. In history, countless people with extraordinary talents never found a high-rank cultivation method that matched them, bing indistinguishable from ordinary people... just like a genius being abandoned alone in the wilderness, where the best oue would be bing a feral man.


    External environment is more important than talent.


    "Next, as my spiritual power further improves, I will be able to gradually attempt to awaken my Life Stars myself," Li Yuan was quite looking forward to it.


    The strength of spiritual power is closely rted to the number of Life Stars awakened.


    This is why martial artists ce great emphasis on spiritual power.


    ...


    "Having fully awakened this star meridian, I have begun to create my own cultivation technique," Li Yuan revealed a smile. "What should I name it?"


    "The seven high-rank cultivation methods are all based on the properties of Origin Power."


    As the star meridians operate, they absorb arge amount of external Origin Power. Most of it will be gradually absorbed by the body, but a significant portion will remain between the star meridians.


    This Origin Power.


    Can rapidly repair injuries throughout the body, creating a big surge in vitality.


    Can trigger and enhance weapons, making them sharper and more durable, and can generate the Origin Power Battle Suit... all with many wondrous effects.


    Given different talents, the Life Star Veins awakened and the resulting Origin Power will have their emphases.


    For example, a Human Race Prime Warriorpliant with the "zing me Burning Sky Sutra" would cultivate Fire Origin Power.


    As with the "Vast Ocean Infinite Water Sutra," it''s about cultivating Water Origin Power.


    And the "Hefty Earth Star Constetion Sutra" involves Earth Origin Power...


    "Now it seems that, in the video from Rob Sea, Yu Jinghe''s outbreak of power when killing enemies involved Metal Origin Power," Li Yuan thought to himself. "The outward release of Origin Power is indeed a match for Flying Heaven Warriors with the body of a Prime Warrior, an extraordinary talent."


    Over the centuries.


    The seven high-rank cultivation methods created by human civilization include two methods for cultivating Earth Origin Power, two for Water Origin Power, and one each for Fire, Metal, and Wood Origin Power.

 Chapter 179: 149: The Transformation of Strength (Vote for Monthly Tickets)_2

    ```


    "Metal, Wood, Water, Fire, Earth... these five Origin Powers are the mostmon,"


    "The vast majority of Prime Warriors createws sessfully, and the Origin Power they cultivate can be ssified into these five types."


    Everyone''s cultivated Origin Power is not exactly the same, it can only be said they are simr in a broad sense.


    "But there are a very few Prime Warriors, Flying Heaven Warriors, whose Origin Powers afterw creation, arepletely different from the five basic Origin Powers," Li Yuan looked down at his fingertips.


    Hiss~


    A faint pale yellow light streaked across Li Yuan''s fingertips, icy cool.


    Li Yuan could also feel it.


    If he were tounch an attack now, under the support of Origin Power, this one finger would be much more powerful than before.


    "The Life Star Vein awakened in my body revolves, and just from appearances, it seems to be Earth Origin Power,"


    "Butpared to the Earth Origin Power described in many records, there seems to be some differences," Li Yuan slightly frowned, "Just the color alone is much paler."


    Unusual.


    Normal Earth Origin Power is very dark in color, but the thread of Origin Power that Li Yuan cultivated was much lighter, almost transparent if one does not observe closely.


    "Enough."


    "Once I be a Prime Warrior and pretend to have seeded inw creation, I''ll try asking Dean Hai and the others," Li Yuan muttered to himself.


    Exposing it now would lead to many questions.


    But once he became a Prime Warrior, revealing some secrets wouldn''t be an issue, the upper echelons of human civilization would just ascribe it to having ''peerless talent''.


    After all, there have been many freaks of nature throughout history, Fang Hai, Dongfang Ji...


    Like an ordinary person growing to a height of two and a half or even three meters, people would just marvel at their gic mutation.


    But if he sprouted a pair of wings and could fly... He would definitely be invited for research.


    "As the Star Meridian revolves, I can manipte a small amount of Origin Power, which is naturally much lesspared to that of a Prime Warrior," Li Yuan gently closed his eyes, sensing the small amount of Origin Power in his body''s Star Meridian, "However, it is enough for me to fully activate an Origin Power Weapon, Origin Power Battle Suit at a critical moment."


    In a life-or-death situation, if the enemy considers Li Yuan as a ''First Rank life,'' and Li Yuan suddenly erupts with Origin Power, his strength would surge considerably.


    This is a trump card.


    It must not be exposed carelessly.


    "I shall name this newly-created Cultivation Technique ''All Heavens'' Stars''," Li Yuan thought of a name on a whim.


    Li Yuan believed that a perfectly awakened Life Star Vein could also be called ''All Heavens'' Stars''.


    What he needed to do was to awaken more Life Star Veins and Life Stars in the future.


    ...


    After creating the Origin Power Cultivation Technique ''All Heavens'' Stars,'' Li Yuan''s life of cultivation became tranquil.


    Time passed, day by day.


    He attended general knowledge sses, practiced Spear Technique, received guidance from Teacher Li Yang, underwentbat training, and consumed High Origin Spirit Spring.


    And every night.


    Aside from the routine practice of the Visualization Method, Li Yuan would hide in the basement, revolve the Star Meridian, and frantically absorb Origin Power... causing his Physical Quality to skyrocket.


    ..."Spiritual power is extremely important," Li Yuan ced great importance on the Visualization Method, "Whether it is improving skill in Spear Technique or awakening Life Star Veins, spiritual power is always the priority."


    "I still need to push my Willpower to its limits."


    ..."Spear Technique, Fist Technique, movement technique," Li Yuan trained with unrelenting rigor.


    "Right now, the most important thing is to improve all three to the threshold of Fourth Level 99%,"


    In terms of skill, Li Yuan was also steadily progressing.


    ...


    One day in mid-November.


    In arge Martial Arts Room of the Heilong Building,


    "ss dismissed," Li Yang announced, walking straight out of the ssroom.


    The twenty-four students in the ssroom all got up and started chatting as they headed out.


    Indeed.


    Compared to four months ago when Li Yuan started school, Li Yang''s ss had gained several ''Fourth Level elites,'' mostly upperssmen from the fourth and fifth years.


    This was normal, the longer one practiced, many students from Kunlun Martial University were stuck at Third Stage Perfection for years, and with time, they would break through.


    "Shi Xiao."


    "Are you free tonight? Our ''monthly leave'' is here; how about we go have fun in Fengjing for a day?" A tall young man chased after Shi Xiao and asked.


    Seeing this, the other students smiled and thought nothing of it.


    In this era, one could legally marry at 19, so while there were few married university students, there were many in rtionships... especially these elite students, who were well-off financially and knew their future as Martial Artists could be fraught with danger and death in battle, leading to very open-minded people.


    There were quite a few who had several boyfriends or girlfriends.


    "Ou Xie, I have ns tonight," Shi Xiao said indifferently, "Stop bothering me."


    "With who?" Ou Xie frowned.


    ```


    ```


    "Junior Brother Li Yuan, don''t you think so?" Shi Xiao suddenly looked at Li Yuan: "Yesterday I invited you to rx in Fengjing for a day, and you agreed."


    Li Yuan, who was discussing ''Subtlety of the Mind'' with Qiu Jing, was stunned. How had the conversation turned to him?


    Qiu Jing''s face also stiffened.


    "Senior Sister Shi Xiao..." Li Yuan was about to speak.


    "You agreed?" Shi Xiao revealed a smile, stepped forward, and intimately grabbed Li Yuan''s arm, attempting to pull him outside.


    At the same time, a faint voice reached Li Yuan''s ear: "Li Yuan, help me out of this situation."


    Li Yuan frowned.


    He didn''t move his feet, and Shi Xiao slightly exerted force but couldn''t seem to pull him.


    This scene caused surprise among the surrounding students.


    Shi Xiao, whose physical quality was beyond Level 17, actually couldn''t move Li Yuan? Was she not putting in enough effort?


    "Elder Brother Ou Xie."


    Li Yuan suddenly turned back and smiled, "I indeed promised Senior Sister Shi Xiao in advance to apany her to Fengjing for a day, but don''t misunderstand, there''s nothing between me and Senior Sister Shi Xiao. You can pursue her freely."


    Ou Xie''s face rxed slightly, and he managed a smile: "Okay."


    He didn''t wish to offend Li Yuan.


    Who didn''t know about Li Yuan''s terrifying talent? There was a very high chance he would be a Flying Heaven Warrior in the future.


    Shi Xiao''s smile turned rigid.


    Huff! Huff!


    All the students exited the Heilong Building and dispersed on various flying vehicles.


    "Senior Sister, I''ve helped you. It''s time to let go," Li Yuan whispered.


    "Okay."


    "Thank you, Junior Brother," Shi Xiao said with a smile, almost coquettishly: "But, Junior Brother Li Yuan, why can''t you see it through to the end? Why did you have to make it so clear with Ou Xie? He will start pestering me again in a few days."


    "That''s your problem, Senior Sister," Li Yuan smiled: "I am leaving now."


    Saying so, Li Yuan strode forward.


    "Senior Sister Qiu Jing, I am leaving now," Li Yuan greeted Qiu Jing.


    He leapt onto a flying vehicle and quickly departed.


    Shi Xiao''s smile faded, seemingly reluctant.


    "Senior Sister, it seems your method didn''t work. Junior Brother Li Yuan isn''t taking the bait." A mocking voice arose, Qiu Jing approached with an inexplicable smile of triumph on her face.


    "Mind your own business."


    Shi Xiao scoffed: "Little girl, do you really think your method of pretending to be cute and asking for advice on techniques is effective?"


    "At least it''s better than yours," Qiu Jing said indifferently: "The whole academy knows about Senior Sister''s reputation. Do you really expect Li Yuan to ept you?"


    Shi Xiao huffed coldly, a trace of chill shing in her eyes.


    With Li Yuan''s rise, many believed he had the potential to be a Flying Heaven Warrior in the future.


    There were quite a few female students in the school who wished to pursue him.


    But most could hardly even see him.


    Shi Xiao and Qiu Jing, as ''fellow senior sisters,'' often had sses together and were the closest to Li Yuan and most motivated to pursue him.


    "Fine."


    "Let''s see what you can do," Shi Xiao sneered.


    "Goodbye, Senior Sister," Qiu Jing smiled and quickly left on a flying vehicle.


    "Little vixen, pretending to be innocent in front of me," Shi Xiao watched Qiu Jing leave with venom.


    After a while, when everyone else had left.


    Ou Xie, who had just ''pursued'' Shi Xiao, came out and couldn''t help saying: "Senior Sister, about the matter you promised me?"


    "Your acting is too poor. Li Yuan isn''t fooled at all. We''ll talk about your request next time." Shi Xiao walked away, fuming.


    ...


    In the deep vi area belonging to the Sixth Institute, at the residence of Dean Hai.


    On the grass, Dean Hai was leisurely sunbathing.


    "Dean." Li Yang, who had just finished a ss, hopped off a flying vehicle and approached respectfully.


    "What is it?" Dean Hai asked, eyes closed, fanning himself.


    "Li Yuan''s physical quality has breached Level 15," Li Yang said: "His skills, movement technique, and Spear Technique have basically reached the limit of the Fourth Level."


    "The baseline to go to the Mingxu Star Realm has been met."


    "So soon?" Dean Hai opened his eyes, surprise flickering in them: "One level up in physical quality in a month?"


    "Does the Ster Earth Marrow Crystal harmonize with him that well?"


    ```

 Chapter 180: 150 Martial Path Celestial

    "Indeed, the Ster Earth Marrow Crystal is a fine Heavenly Material Treasure, but logically, the effect shouldn''t be this significant."


    Dean Hai expressed his doubts, "He''s not progressing from level 10 to level 11, but from level 14 to level 15."


    "Speaking purely in terms of physical quality, his Fist Strength has increased by over 4000 kilograms in a single month."


    "Has he left the school this month?" Dean Hai asked.


    Many thoughts shed through his mind.


    "No, since the end of the freshmen battle of the ten schools, Li Yuan has been cultivating within the school." Li Yang said, "He undergoesbat training daily and attends general knowledge sses, which can all be verified."


    Li Yang understood Dean Hai''s doubts¡ªhe was suspecting that Li Yuan might have had other serendipitous encounters.


    But in reality, there weren''t any.


    "Additionally, I check his physical quality every week." Li Yang added, "After using the Ster Earth Marrow Crystal, the rate of his progress has noticeably increased."


    "The rate of progress is very stable," Li Yang confirmed, "All documented."


    "Good." Dean Hai finally let go of thest thread of suspicion and smiled, "It seems the Ster Earth Marrow Crystal is indeed the right choice for him."


    "We, too, have underestimated his rate of progress," Dean Hai stated calmly.


    "President, you are wise," Li Yang said with augh, but thought to himself, we?


    It was obviously you who underestimated him.


    But then, Li Yang followed up with a question, "President, what should we do now?"


    "It''s still too dangerous to go to the Mingxu Star Realm now," Dean Hai spoke softly, "Let''s stick to the original n, one month."


    "There''s nearly two months left; his strength should be able to improve further, and his ability to protect himself will be stronger."


    "Besides, the school has a holiday in December, right?" Dean Hai inquired.


    "Yes," nodded Li Yang.


    Normal universities have winter and summer breaks, but Martial Arts University''s holiday schedule ispletely different.


    Every year inte June andte December, there will be a half-month break to allow students to go home, which is staggered with the usual university vacations.


    "Just let him go home before venturing out into the Star Realms," Dean Hai suggested.


    "Yes," Li Yang nodded, understanding what Dean Hai meant.


    Venturing into the Star Realms ispletely different from a Combat Assessment.


    Though Combat Assessments are dangerous, the death rate for each can be controlled at around one percent, or even lower; it is only the cumtive casualty rate that is high.


    Especially for a genius of Li Yuan''s caliber, the death rate is even lower.


    Most importantly, all ''idental factors'' can be eliminated.


    Venturing into the Star Realms? Although the school will also provide some protective measures, no matter the preparations, it is impossible to avoid idents, such as an unexpected encounter with a Second Rank Alien Race or Flying Heaven creature... Such urrences have happened in history.


    Sending Li Yuan home first, in some sense, is also a form of ''farewell.''


    Who knows, he might die out there this time.


    After all, Li Yuan is only 18 years old.


    "There are two more things," Dean Hai spoke faintly, "First, have Li Yuane see me tomorrow."


    "Second, inform Starfire Martial Hall that Li Yuan has reached level 15 and ask them to arrange for the delivery of the Origin Power Battle Suit as soon as possible."


    "Yes," Li Yang nodded.


    ...


    That evening.


    While watching the news, Li Yuan received amunication from Li Yang.


    "Dean Hai wants to see me tomorrow; he might give me guidance on my cultivation and venturing into the Star Realms?" Li Yuan spected upon reading the message from Li Yang, "I don''t even need to apply myself?"


    ording to Kunlun Martial University''s rules, before the senior year, regardless of the level of Physical Quality, one doesn''t need to venture into the Star Realms.


    Likewise, if one''s Physical Quality reaches level 15, they can enter the Star Realms after applying personally, whether they are a freshman, sophomore, or junior.


    He put down his smart wristband.


    "The Fish Spirit n," Li Yuan continued to watch the ''Star Realm Channel'' projected on the screen.


    "ording to statistics, the recent Star Realm attack that Jiang City encountered has resulted in at least 284 deaths..."


    "In Shi Zhou, over the past seven days, there have been attacks from the Fish Spirit Star Realm, resulting in at least 800 deaths..."


    "Following our station''s reporter''s visit, starting today, the military forces of Jiangbei Province, Starfire Martial Hall, and Starry Sky Martial Hall will conduct joint operations, using a dra strategy along the Xiang River..." one news story followed another in the projection.


    All were about Jiangbei Province and the Fish Spirit n.


    Ever since his conversation with Wan Qinghe, Li Yuan had been paying close attention to the news from Jiangbei Province, especially concerning Jiang City... Yesterday, various locations across Jiangbei Province suffered another round ofrge-scale attacks.


    Only today had the situation been mostly brought under control.


    "So many casualties," Li Yuan frowned slightly, "Is the Fish Spirit n really that hard to eradicate?"


    The Fish Spirit Star Realm, like a festering wound on Jiangbei Province''s body, not fatal but asionally inmmatory, causes panic and harm to the citizens of the entire Jiangbei Province.


    "However."


    "Uncle and auntie live in the Starfire South Lakemunity; the impact there is minimal," Li Yuan mused.


    ...


    The next day, November 17.


    At two in the afternoon, Li Yuan arrived at Dean Hai''s vi residence, apanied by Li Yang.


    This was Li Yuan''s first visit.


    The previous meetings with Dean Hai had always been held at the Heilong Building.


    However, just as he stepped off the flying vehicle, Li Yuan was slightly taken aback.


    Because, on the lush greenwn outside the vi, Dean Hai was leisurely lying on a recliner, dressed in casual clothes and wearing sunsses.


    Fishing.


    Arge parasol was raised high.


    Beside him, several attendants waited on hand and foot, with a table meticulously prepared with all kinds of exquisite food.


    In a word, exquisite!


    Combined with Dean Hai''s already young and handsome appearance, he gave off the air of a luxuriously wealthy young man.


    "Dean, Li Yuan is here," Li Yang stepped forward and said.


    "Mhm."


    "Li Yuan, Li Yang, sit down," Dean Hai said with a faint smile, gesturing to the two stools beside him.


    Li Yang and Li Yuan both sat down and turned their attention to Dean Hai.


    It was then that Dean Hai finally put down his fishing rod.


    "Li Yuan, do you like fishing?" Dean Hai asked with a smile.


    "I''ve fished before," Li Yuan replied honestly.


    Except for a bit taught by his uncle in June, Li Yuan really hadn''t learned to fish at any other time in his life.


    "Do you know what''s most important about fishing?" Dean Hai asked, looking at Li Yuan with a smile that wasn''t quite a smile.


    Li Yuan pondered for a moment, "Patience?"


    "No!"


    "It''s that the pond needs to have fish," Dean Haiughed. "If there are no fish, all your efforts are pointless. For example, some fishing grounds appear to have many fish, but the owner intentionally digs the center deeper, then uses heavy bait to attract all the fish there... In that case, you definitely can''t catch anything at the water''s edge."


    Li Yuan was speechless.


    "How do you feel about the ''Spirit Concentration Technique'' I asked you to practicest time?" Dean Hai changed the subject.


    "I''ve practiced it, and it feels so-so," Li Yuan said.


    He could be vague on other matters, but when it came to cultivation, which involved his personal interests, he had to answer seriously.


    "Hmm? It''s actually a spiritual secret manual for honing willpower, helping martial artists better withstand spiritual attacks," Dean Hai said. "The Star Realm is full of dangers, and you can hardly predict the methods of your enemies. Spiritual attacks are verymon."


    "However, your spiritual power is strong, so its effect on you is indeed limited, but still, practice it more when you have time; there''s always some effect."


    "Yes," Li Yuan nodded.


    "I hear from President Li that your Spear Technique has reached the Fourth Level''s limit?" Dean Hai said.


    "Almost," Li Yuan said with a smile.


    In reality, ording to the Divine Pce panel, Li Yuan''s Spear Technique and Fist Technique had both reached 99% of the Fourth Level.


    Only his movement technique was slightly behind at 96% of the Fourth Level, but he expected to reach the limit within at most half a month.


    "Reaching the limit of the Fourth Level, the mind enters subtlety, gaining control of every minute force within the body. The next step is the Unity of Fifth Stage," Dean Hai said with a smile.


    Li Yuan''s eyes lit up, and he listened intently.


    He understood that Dean Hai asked him here today to actually give him guidance in his skills.


    "The term ''Unity of Heaven and Man,'' in ancient times, was the mysterious pursuit of many martial arts masters, like the Golden Elixir path of Taoism or the Relics concept in Buddhism... It sounds very profound, but when you seek its essence, it alles down to ''nature''," Dean Hai said with a smile.


    Nature? Li Yuan thoughtfully reflected.


    "Human strength is limited. We draw in Origin Power to temper our bodies and train our techniques, making our strength and speed increasingly powerful... But even for Flying Heaven Warriors or those beyond the Flying Heaven Level."


    "They can sprint at speeds tens of times faster than the speed of sound, or even more."


    "Their bodies can enter outer space."


    "A single punch can shatter a mountain," Dean Hai remarked, "It seems very strong, but how does itpare to the vastness of nature itself?"


    "Just our Seven Star Sea alone, and the distance between us and Feixing is over a hundred million kilometers. Without traveling via Star Bridge or Star Realm...munication between us would be extremely difficult."


    "The operation of heaven and earth, the Starry Sky, we individuals seem strong, yet we are just slightly more robust ants in this endless cosmos... Unity of Heaven and Man is about using our weak ''spirit and mind'' to perceive the countless mysteries and operations of the world."


    "To grasp just a thread of the naturalws."


    "Like technology, weak life forms can control a variety of powerful weapons... Our warriors'' life evolution too is the same, striving to discover the mysteries andws of nature."


    "By borrowing the power of heaven and earth, we be stronger, both spiritually and physically," Dean Hai smiled. "Otherwise, just relying on cultivation methods, do you think in a short period of time, it would be possible to make a Flying Heaven Warrior''s body so formidable?"


    Li Yuan thoughtfully pondered.


    "These are to build a concept in your mind," Dean Hai said with a smile. "The best way to break through is still to follow the original path."


    "The original path?" Li Yuan asked, puzzled.


    "Naturalws are elusive," Dean Hai said with a smile. "Do you think I''m too extravagant?"


    "No, Dean, your contributions to human civilization are immense. This is nothing," Li Yuan shook his head.


    "That''s true," Dean Haiughed. "Over the years, I''ve paid hundreds of billions in taxes alone, not by engaging in domesticmerce or collecting rent... but by adventuring and battling in the Star Realm."


    "Impressive," Li Yuan sincerely expressed.


    Paying taxes alone amounted to over a hundred billion, so one could only imagine the actual gains.


    These treasures and wealth might technically belong to Dean Hai, but in a sense, they were also part of human civilization.


    "I seem to be enjoying myself."


    "Well, I am indeed enjoying," Dean Haiid back leisurely, saying with a smile, "But this is also a form of cultivation for me, refining the heart andprehendingw."


    Li Yuan was puzzled; this state of being was too far from his own.


    "Once you truly step into the Fifth Stage, you will gradually understand what I mean," Dean Hai said with a smile. "Next."


    "Study a Third Rank Spear Technique Manual called ''Meaning of the Ster'' from the Martial Path knowledgework," he instructed.


    "This manual is an extension of the ''Ster Spear Technique'' and will help you break through to the Fifth Stage," Dean Hai added.

 Chapter 181: 151: Return to Jiang City (Additional Chapter for 42,000 Monthly Votes)

    "Yes." Li Yuan noted down the name of the secret manual.


    "The second thing I called you for," Dean Hai said.


    "After the December break, at the beginning of January, we will arrange for you to venture into the Mingxu Star Realm."


    "What ce is that?" Li Yuan had never heard of this star realm.


    With his current ess in the Starfire Martial Hall, he had the right to know some information about most star realms.


    "This is a vast, yet undeveloped First Level Star Realm," President Li added from the side. "Currently, our human civilization is gradually expanding within the Mingxu Star Realm, engaging in small-scale battles with the native creatures of the star realm... But the level ofbat isn''t too high, which is most suitable for you."


    "After all, we couldn''t possibly assign you to guard a star realm," Li Yang said with a smile. "That would be pointless."


    "Okay." Li Yuan nodded.


    Having taken so many general knowledge courses and researched the data himself, he was clear on the differences between various star realms.


    Some star realms werepletely upied by the Human Race and were very safe; there might not be a single battle for years, and many martial artists hoped to be dispatched to these ces.


    Because they are safe!


    The rest of the star realms, like some that were in a state of war or sworn enemies... for instance, the Rob Sea, were very dangerous. Prime Warriors entering would be cannon fodder, and if he were to venture there, it would be easy to die in arge-scale battle.


    Unless one had the strength of a Flying Heaven Warrior, in that kind ofrge-scale battle, an individual would be extremely powerless.


    It sounds like the Mingxu Star Realm is more suited for me.


    "Your life-and-death trial in the Mingxu Star Realm will be overseen by the person in charge of the local Martial Hall, who will evaluate you in a series of tests," Dean Hai said with a smile. "If you perform exceedingly well,"


    "when you return to school, the school will prepare another generous gift for you!"


    "It should be the most important gift the school can prepare for you before you graduate."


    "It cannot be measured in money," Dean Hai said without revealing what it was. "At least, it''s not something I can provide."


    Li Yuan held his breath.


    A gift that even a Flying Heaven Warrior like Dean Hai couldn''t provide? What could it be?


    It didn''t seem like Heavenly Materials Treasures.


    "Considering the timeline, you have a month and a half until your life-and-death trial. Train well."


    "The trial doesn''t consider talent, only strength," Dean Hai said, looking at Li Yuan, unable to help but add: "Each bit of strength increases your chance of survival in the star realm."


    "I hope you wille back alive to see me."


    "Yes," Li Yuan nodded.


    ...


    After returning to the vi.


    Li Yuan immediately logged into the virtualwork and entered the Martial Path knowledge space.


    Quickly.


    He found the Third Rank skill secret manual "Meaning of the Ster."


    Second Rank secret manuals were as numerous as stars.


    But third-rank secret manuals were much rarer and seldom bore the same name.


    "It seems that ''Meaning of the Ster'' is not simply a Spear Technique manual, but a state of mind," Li Yuan quickly read through the manual''s introduction.


    Assured it was correct.


    Purchase!


    "Freshman ''Li Yuan,'' your free learning quota for Third Rank secret manuals has decreased by 1, with a remaining bnce of 2," the system voice sounded. "The skill secret manual you just purchased has been delivered to your personal space."


    ...


    In his personal space, Li Yuan listened intently to the intelligent teacher''s lecture.


    "You are learning Spear Technique."


    "Therefore, you can understand that ''Meaning of the Ster'' is an extension of the ultimate mystery of ''Ster Spear Technique,'' the ''Ster Realm.''"


    "It imitates the movement of stars in the outer skies."


    "It can be divided into four realms: Body Like the Stars, Stardust Subtlety, River of Gxies, and Stars Returning to Ruins," the intelligent teacher slowly exined. "If you have fully grasped the ''Ster Spear Technique,'' you should be able to quickly get the hang of the first realm, ''Body Like the Stars.''"


    "The key lies in the second realm, ''Stardust Subtlety.'' Once you understand the second realm, it means you''ve reached the threshold of Unity of Heaven and Man."


    Whoosh~


    With a wave of the intelligent teacher''s hand, the area under his and Li Yuan''s feet transformed into an endless starry sky scene.


    In the depths of space, there were dimly lit stars.


    "Watch me," the intelligent teacher said softly. In his hand, a long spear appeared from nowhere.


    "Whoosh!"


    With one thrust of the spear, his demeanor instantly changed. For a fleeting moment, Li Yuan felt an immense star rolling... an enigmatic sensation.


    However, Li Yuan also felt a certain sense of incongruity and illusion.


    "The virtualwork, after all, is not reality. For Fifth Stage skills, it can only simte 50% of their real effect."


    "For this Third Rank Spear Technique, it would be best if you could seek out a real Fifth Stage master for livebat to gain insights. That''s the fastest way to progress."


    ...


    On the afternoon of November 19th, inside Li Yuan''s vi.


    In the underground Martial Arts Room.


    "These past days, you''ve been practising ''Meaning of the Ster'' on the virtualwork, how do you feel about it?" Li Yang asked with a smile.


    "It''s somewhatcking," Li Yuan shook his head. "I haven''t truly grasped the basics yet."


    "That''s to be expected."


    "Intelligent teachers are more effective at instructing techniques below the Fourth Layer, especially for those who are good at learning," Li Yang said with a smile. "But once you reach the Fourth Layer, the effectiveness of intelligent teachers drops off."


    "Fifth Stage skills can only be simted to 50% of their effect."


    "And Sixth Stage skills are beyond simtion."


    "This is why virtual battles on the Combat Network, whether various assessments or the Starry Skies Fighting Network, can only demonstrate up to Fifth Stage Perfection skills," Li Yang exined with a smile. "Like your current Sun Eclipse Stage."


    "And Martial Saint Stage, generally one can reach it with Fifth Stage Perfect Skill."


    Li Yuan suddenly understood, this was something he hadn''t known before.


    But Li Yuan had long realized that the usefulness of the virtualwork for him was rapidly diminishing.


    In the Starry Skies Fighting Network, he had reached Sun Eclipse Stage, but every time he tried to match his rank... it took a long time.


    The number of experts who could reach these stages worldwide were sharply decreasing.


    Martial Arts Cultivation, after all, the virtualwork is only an auxiliary tool, the stronger one became, the more they needed to return to reality.


    "I have also pondered over ''Meaning of the Ster,'' but my path is ultimately somewhat different," Li Yang said. "I will try to emte it as much as possible during livebat with you."


    "During the fight, I''ll help you feel as much as possible. Ultimately, your own realization must break through that essential threshold."


    "Unity of Heaven and Man, understanding the natural world,es down to your own spiritual breakthrough and stepping past that crucial threshold," Li Yang said solemnly. "Many advanced Prime Warriors can be stuck at such a realm for decades; it''s quitemon."


    "Yes."


    ...


    So it was.


    From mid-November onwards, as Li Yuan''s skills reached the limit of Fourth Layer, his training schedule underwent another change.


    Besides daily cultivation, he no longer attended public ''Skill sses,'' and even his livebat training was modified.


    It was adapted to now involve livebat drills in rotation with two official teachers and President Li.


    Because regr Prime Warriors'' skills were too weak, livebat training offered little help to Li Yuan.


    Only those with sufficiently powerful skills could pressurize him and provide some enlightenment.


    asionally, Dean Xu would alsoe to give guidance to Li Yuan.


    Like this, Li Yuan waspletely immersed in his Martial Arts Cultivation, time flew by, and his overall strength was rapidly increasing.


    In the blink of an eye, it was already mid-December.


    During this time.


    A team from the Starfire Martial Hall arrived, very low-key and not many people knew about it.


    This team hade to deliver the "Origin Power Battle Suit," as well as a long spear and long knife tailor-made for Li Yuan''s height and build, and other auxiliary equipment for adventuring in the Star Realm.


    ...


    On the afternoon of December 14th, inside the underground Martial Arts Room of the vi.


    "Pfft!"


    "Whoosh!" Li Yuan suddenly thrust forward, spear after spear whistling out, as quick as lightning, the "Twelve Continuous Strikes" from the "Ster Spear Technique."


    With each rapid burst, a series of afterimages formed in mid-air.


    This was no longer Twelve Continuous Strikes, but Twenty-Four Continuous Strikes, Forty-Eight Continuous Strikes... it seemed endless.


    If there were experts who also practiced the "Ster Spear Technique," they would be shocked to find.


    In executing this move, Li Yuan''s spear momentum seemed boundless, wave after wave, with the might umting to an unbelievable degree when hundreds of consecutive thrusts were executed.


    "The spear rolls like stars! Control!" Li Yuan entered into subtlety, controlling the outburst of his bodily strength.


    "Weaken."


    "Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!" The originally wildly violent spear shadows gradually weakened and quickly stabilized.


    This was astonishing.


    It''s like a boxer, who when punching heavily, if they don''t follow throughpletely and instead stop abruptly mid-punch, the body would feel very ufortable.


    The Twelve Continuous Strikes from the Gxy Waterfall were the same, once the spear technique reached its peak, it was best toplete thest strike to feel invigorated in body and mind.


    "Capable of hardness, capable of softness."


    "Today, I can finally say I have thoroughlyprehended the firstyer of the ''Ster Realm,'' ''Body as the Stars,''" Li Yuan revealed a slight smile.


    This was not a major breakthrough.


    Having thoroughlyprehended the firstyer, the skill realm still counted as the perfection of the Fourth Stage.


    From subtlety of spirit to the Unity of Heaven and Man in Martial Path, it was not that easy to breakthrough.


    Even though Li Yuan''s progress was extremely fast.


    He could now only say he was continuously umting,ying a solid foundation forprehending the Second Layer "Subtlety of the Ster Dust."


    The so-called epiphany required deep enough umtion first.


    If one never seriously pondered, never thought deeply, and had no umtion, what could possibly be realized in a sh of insight?


    "Tomorrow, I will be able to return to Jiang City," Li Yuan thought of this and showed a slight smile.


    It had been almost half a year since he saw his uncle, aunt, and siblings, although they asionally video-called.


    But for a moment, Li Yuan still missed home a bit.


    Home, a ce that forever invokes nostalgia.


    "After a half-month holiday, I will head off to the Mingxu Star Realm," Li Yuan thought to himself.


    This had been the n all along.


    "With my current strength, I should have enough assurance to make my way through the First Level Star Realm," Li Yuan nced at the Divine Pce panel.


    ----


    [Life Level: 15.8 (First Rank)]


    Fist Strength: 16545 kilograms


    Speed: 57.2 meters/second


    Spiritual Power: 24.6 Level


    Willpower: 29 Level


    Spiritual Awakening Level: 25% (Current Limit 25%)


    Star Meridian: 10 Level


    Skill Realm: Spear Technique (Fourth Stage 99%), Movement Technique (Fourth Stage 99%), Fist Technique (Fourth Stage 99%)


    ...


    "After returning home, rx a bit, spend more time with my uncle and aunt," Li Yuan contemted, "but as long as I practice ''All Heavens'' Stars'' every day and run the Star Meridian, breaking through to the 16th level in physical quality is no problem."


    With just over 16 levels of physical quality,bined with the limit of Fourth Stage skill, and the Origin Power Battle Suit... Li Yuan dared to engage in life and death battles with Martial Artists of the 18th or even the 19th level.


    "Just in terms of strength."


    "I should be catching up with Instructor Xing now," Li Yuan suddenly smiled, "Butpared to Teacher Xu Bo, I should still fall short; after all, Teacher Xu Bo is at the Fifth Stage Perfect Skill."


    ...


    Late at night, Li Yuan was packing up the things for his return home.


    Such as the unit of ''Ster Earth Marrow Crystal'' and a unit of ''Hundred Marrows Spirit Restoratives'' specially given by Li Yang, in preparation for his cultivation in the Mingxu Star Realm in January.


    This way, he wouldn''t have to make a special trip back to school.


    With Li Yuan''s current strength, as long as he was cautious, he could guard such treasures.


    And things like the High Origin Spirit Spring, he could wait to purchase them when he returned to Jiang City.


    "Hmm."


    "There are also special local gifts I''ve prepared for my uncle, aunt, and siblings," Li Yuan revealed a slight smile.


    He had bought quite a few local specialties, but the gifts for family were the most thoughtfully chosen, all packed in his bag.


    People like Teacher Xu Bo, Wan Qinghe, and others had a share.


    Even for Lin Lanyue, Li Yuan had specially bought a present, although he was not sure whether she would return to Jiang City for the holiday.


    Li Yuan had already sent the gifts for these people to Jiang City the day before.


    "It''s four in the morning."


    "Practice some spear technique, continue until seven o''clock, then after breakfast, take a flying vehicle to the airport," Li Yuan said to himself.


    Cultivation had be ingrained in his bones.


    ...


    Under the night, as Li Yuan was tranquilly practicing his spear inside the vi.


    In the distant Jiangbei Province, deep underground within a hidden river, the river flowed on.


    Large-bodied Fish Spirit n warriors with green skin were crawling along the river in the darkness.


    Their racial talents allowed them to easily adapt to this environment.


    "Roar~"


    "Hurry up~ only three hundred kilometers left."


    "Target, Jiang City of the human race," the multitude of Fish Spirit n warriorsmunicated in their nativenguage.


    ...


    December 15th.


    At noon, Li Yuan, who took a ''supersonic flyer,'' appeared at Tianhe Airport of Jiang City.


    "Jiang City, I''m back." Li Yuan stepped off the flying vehicle and showed a smile.


    Not far away.


    "Li Yuan, wee home," Wan Qinghe was standing nearby to greet him.

 Chapter 182: 152 Fish Spirit Tide

    "Uncle Wan, howe you''re here?" Li Yuan was quite surprised.


    His itinerary had beenmunicated only to his family, and a few ssmates like An Nong and G¨³ Qi¨¢ngh¨¤n.


    Nobody else knew.


    "Haha, wasn''t I fishing by theke yesterday? I happened to bump into your uncle and we talked about you," Wan Qinghe said with a smile. "Only then did I learn that you would be returning today."


    "It just so happens that I needed to report to the City Martial Hall today. I finished my duties this morning, and thought why note pick you up," Wan Qinghe said with a smile.


    "That''s quite a coincidence," Li Yuan joined in with augh. "Well, it''s great. It means I can ride in Uncle Wan''s flight vehicle and get home quickly."


    Li Yuan did not call out the other person. A coincidence like this?


    Even if it truly was, Uncle Wan had no need to pick him up from the airport himself.


    It was over ten kilometers from the Martial Hall to the airport.


    "Alright, you have a short holiday, so the sooner you get home, the better. I''ll give you a lift," Wan Qinghe said with a chuckle. "Honestly, with your level, you could have reserved a flight vehicle from the Martial Hall yourself."


    "It didn''t ur to me," Li Yuan said with a chuckle.


    "Let''s go."


    The two passed through the inspection channel and headed toward the small flight vehicle parked hundreds of meters away.


    ...


    Aboard the flight vehicle.


    "The situation has deteriorated this much?" Li Yuan listened as Wan Qinghe described the situation in Jiangbei.


    This was a topic that Li Yuan had deliberately brought up.


    And it was something he wanted to understand.


    "Yes, the attacks this year are unusually frequent," Wan Qinghe said gravely, nodding his head. "Starting with that incident at the beginning of the year when you received the Young Hero award, the scale has been intensifying.


    August is the flood season¡­ ording to past patterns, after entering the dry season, the Fish Spirit Star Realm should have calmed down a bit, but this year, they have intensified their attacks instead."


    "Especially in thest month, it has been a virtual smoke-covered battlefield," Wan Qinghe continued with a sigh. "The attacks Jiang City faced were on a smaller scale. Shi Zhou and Yizhou were the ones that really suffered."


    Li Yuan nodded slightly, he had been following the news recently and was aware of the general situation.


    "This Fish Spirit n is humanoid, and presumably with high intelligence. Could they all be so fierce and fearless of death?" Li Yuan frowned.


    "From what has been hypothesized by the higher-ups, a new ''Fish Spirit Tide'' may be about to erupt," Wan Qinghe said with a light sigh.


    "Fish Spirit Tide?" Li Yuan was puzzled.


    He hadn''t heard of it.


    "This is a concept that the Martial Hall has only recently proposed."


    "As far as I know, warriors of the Fish Spirit n, like those you initially encountered, are akin to ''worker ants'' among ants, absolutely obeying themands of their leaders. If the leader orders them to die, they willply," Wan Qinghe exined.


    "Worker ants?" Li Yuan''s mind raced with numerous possibilities. This kind of civilization model had been encountered by human civilization among various ''Alien Civilizations'' before.


    "It seems they reproduce at a great pace... In the past decades, the Fish Spirit Star 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 the records, before everyrge-scale attack, the number of small-scale attacks would consistently rise."


    "Roughly every fifteen years?" Li Yuan said, though his mind was dwelling on much more.


    Fifteen years¡­ that was the very year his parents died¡­


    "Yes."


    "So, it''s spected that a new cycle of the Fish Spirit Tide is imminent," Wan Qinghe said. "But the Fish Spirit n''s main target for their attacks is not yet clear. From current indications, it''s guessed that it might be Shi Zhou, Yizhou."


    "After all, those areas are nearest to the entrance of the Fish Spirit Star Realm, and there has also been significant movement of Fish Spirit n warriors."


    "During the three historicalrge-scale attacks, they all urred within a thousand kilometers around the entrance of the Fish Spirit Star Realm."


    Li Yuan nodded slightly.


    The spection made sense.


    "That''s why the military and the two great Martial Halls have recently initiated extensive operations along Xiang River," Wan Qinghe said. "For example, some of Jiang City''s mechanized armies and Martial Artist defense troops have already been surreptitiously transferred to Shi Zhou and Yizhou."


    "What about the other directions in Jiangbei Province?" inquired Li Yuan hesitantly.


    "No way around it," Wan Qinghe shook his head. "No one can be sure if the Fish Spirit n willunch the Fish Spirit Tide, and if they do, where the main attacks will take ce."


    "We can only covertly focus on the critical defense areas. If there''s indeed arge-scale attack, we''ll concentrate our forces to provide support¡­ After all, the Fish Spirit Star Realm is not a primary concern."


    Li Yuan inwardly sighed.


    Indeed, within Xia Country''s borders there were numerous star realms, and the whole human civilization had even more.


    There were many star realms that posed a greater threat than the Fish Spirit Star Realm¡­ Human civilization had limited resources and had to focus on key defensive measures.


    Moreover, some star realms like ''Rob Sea'' had armies stationed year-round, engaging inrge-scale intense warfare with Alien Civilizations¡­ The resources expended annually were astronomical.


    Inparison, the Fish Spirit Star Realm indeed seemed less significant.


    "Don''t overthink it, Jiang City is still rtively safe," Wan Qinghe said with a smile. "You should go home today and spend time with your uncle and aunt. Come over to my ce for lunch tomorrow."


    "I''ve also made arrangements with Teacher Xu, and he''ll join us tomorrow; he lives not far from here," Wan Qinghe offered a reason that Li Yuan couldn''t refuse.


    "OK," Li Yuan said with a smile.


    Shortly thereafter.


    The flight vehicle returned to Nanhu Starfire Community, arriving at the edge of Li Yuan''s family vi.


    Li Yuan and Wan Qinghe disembarked from the flight vehicle.


    "Uncle Wan."


    "Wait a moment, I''ve brought you a gift. Take it with you," Li Yuan said with a smile. "The gift was sent here in advance. I intended to give it to you when I came to visit."


    At the vi''s entrance, Li Changzhou and Chen Hui, having received the notice, came out with smiles.


    "Uncle, Aunt." Li Yuan set his bag down.


    He then took a gift box from Li Changzhou and handed it back to Wan Qinghe. "Uncle Wan, I wasn''t sure what else to bring, so inside there''s amemorative set from Kunlun Martial University''s 150th anniversary reunion."


    "It''s a set I had the school teachers make up again," Li Yuan said with a smile. "Although the anniversary has passed, it''s still a good memento."


    Wan Qinghe was also a graduate of Kunlun Martial University.


    "Thank you very much," Wan Qinghe replied with a smile. He had missed the 150th anniversary of Kunlun Martial Universityst year and regretted it.


    Wan Qinghe had only mentioned it to Li Yuan once, and he hadn''t expected Li Yuan to take it to heart.


    He brought him a souvenir.


    "Alright, then I''ll be off," Wan Qinghe said with a smile, "Remember toe to my house tomorrow."


    "Okay."


    ...


    Wan Qinghe returned to his vi in the South Lake Starfire neighborhood.


    "Tie Ta." Wan Qinghe skillfully started a call,ughing, "Li Yuan has agreed toe for dinner, so stop declining. Just join us."


    "Li Yuan was just on the aircraft, incessantly talking about visiting you. Why don''t you, mentor and student, spend more time together?"


    After hanging up on Xu Bo''s call.


    Wan Qinghe thought for a moment, then sent a message to Song Yi, "Li Yuan has returned to Jiang City today."


    He turned off the smart wristband.


    "This Mr. Song, owes me another small favor now," Wan Qinghe revealed a slight smile.


    "Mr. Fei."


    "Your status is too high, it''s not easy to be close with Li Yuan''s family," Wan Qinghe muttered to himself, "My status and strength... are just about right."


    "Hey! In some respects, you should learn from me."


    ...


    After returning home and giving the gifts to his uncle and aunt.


    The family was in high spirits as they enjoyed the lunch Auntie Chen Hui had prepared early in the morning.


    "Uncle Wan goes fishing by theke often?" Li Yuan asked while eating, listening to his uncle talk about things at home.


    "Hmm." Li Changzhou nodded,ughing, "It''s hard to say whether Lord Wan likes fishing, but he certainly enjoys chatting."


    Li Yuan couldn''t help but smile.


    His uncle had no other hobbies except for fishing.


    "Uncle, it''s fine, talk about whatever you need to," Li Yuan said with a smile, "In the future, I will naturally help Uncle Wan whenever I can."


    "That''s how it should be; he has been kind to our family," Li Changzhou said.


    Gradually.


    Li Yuan started talking about some things in school, some of which he couldn''t disclose ording to the rules, but most of the content was still discussable¡­ however, Li Yuan didn''t mention that he would head to the Star Realm after the holidays.


    Good news should be shared with the elders early, to let them be happy for a longer period.


    For example, whening home, Li Yuan had told his uncle and aunt a week in advance.


    But bad or dangerous news is best sharedter, to spare them the worry.


    "Qian Qian and Muhua are boarding at school?" Li Yuan was puzzled.


    "Yes."


    "Directly affiliated junior high of the Martial Hall does that, apart from the weekends, only Wednesday nights they can return home," Chen Hui said with a smile, "They''ll be home tomorrow."


    "Then, I''ll pick them up tomorrow," Li Yuan said with a smile, "I''ll give them a surprise."


    It has been a long time since he saw his brother and sister.


    ...


    The first day back home, Li Yuan was especially joyful, chatting with his uncle and aunt for a long while.


    After dinner, a guest arrived at their home.


    "Hall Master Song?" Li Yuan greeted with a smile, "Please have a seat."


    "Li Yuan." Song Yi was brimming with a warm smile, rather elegant, bringing several gifts.


    After a bit of conversation.


    She had no other purpose for visiting, purely a courtesy call, and left after less than fifteen minutes.


    "These who can be a Hall Master, they all have sharp noses," Li Yuan inwardly sighed.


    Uncle Wan was like this, and so was Song Yi.


    His insight into Song Yi''s thoughts was clear, and he did not refuse the other''s kindness.


    "All I should do is make myself stronger," Li Yuan saw through the essence of it all.


    ...


    At nine o''clock at night, his uncle and aunt went to their respective beds.


    The underground Martial Arts Room was brightly lit.


    "It''s time to start a new day of cultivation," Li Yuan revealed a slight smile, "From now until seven in the morning, that''s ten hours."


    It''s the holiday for the other students as well.


    They socialize, catch up with family, and rest at night, greatly reducing their cultivation time, but for Li Yuan... Holiday?


    It merely changed his cultivation time from all day to half a day.


    Truly all day, half a day.


    "At least I can''t neglect the Visualization Method, the absorption of Origin Power," Li Yuan mused to himself.


    In skills, Li Yuan had reached the limit of Fourth Level; it''s difficult to break through even with repeated intense cultivation in the short term.


    There is a rhythm to exertion and rxation; a bit of easing up now might not be a bad thing.


    However, whether it''s the growth of spiritual power or Physical Quality, they both require steady, continuous effort.


    Not a single day should be wasted.


    "All Heavens'' Stars." Li Yuan sat cross-legged, closed his eyes for meditation, and with a thought began running the Life Star Vein inside his body, making countless Origin Powers surge in.


    As the Origin Power circted, surging throughout his body, passing through every part of his physique, it continuously transformed his tendons, bones, and flesh.


    ...


    December 16th, noon.


    Li Yuan went to Wan Qinghe''s home.


    In addition to Xu Bo, there was also a Vice Hall Master Left Hall Master from the Starfire Guan Mountain subdivision.


    Originally, it was she who represented Starfire Martial Hall at Li Yuan''s "Youth Hero Commendation" and became acquainted with Li Yuan.


    "Teacher, you joined the ''Patrol Squad''?" Li Yuan listened as Teacher Xu Bo recounted.

 Chapter 183: 153: Eruption! The Martial Artists Calling!

    The patrol team consists of martial artists who, in a sense, serve as militiamen and generally are not drafted for war.


    Only at critical moments, such as when armies or warrior teams from the Martial Hall cannot hold the line... would they be drafted.


    "Every martial artist is a member of the patrol reserve team," Xu Bo said with a smile. "Like you, I have heard from Lord Wan that your physical quality is probably at level 13 or even higher."


    "But since you''re still a student, you have not been listed in the reserve team," Xu Bo said with a smile.


    Li Yuan couldn''t help but smile, his achievements and actual strength were probably known to some extent at the level of Fei Qian from the Martial Hall.


    People like Wan Qinghe, the Left Hall Master, knew very little, and Xu Bo knew even less.


    Li Yuan had no intention of ''showing off'' his physical quality in front of the elders.


    "I used to be in the patrol reserve team as well. Now that the warrior teams in Jiang City have all gone to Shi Zhou, many reserve team martial artists have been temporarily drafted into the ''official 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," the Left Hall Master said with a smile. "If your teacher hadn''t been injured, his past strength would have been much stronger than mine, probably close to Lord Wan."


    "Back in the Star Realm, your teacher was quite famous," the Left Hall Master said with feeling.


    Li Yuan looked at Xu Bo in surprise.


    He knew that Xu Bo had once ventured into the Star Realm and retired due to injuries, but this was the first time he had learned so many details.


    "Let''s eat."


    "Let''s not talk about the past," Xu Bo said with a chuckle. "Teaching at the school now is also good. When you venture into the Star Realm in the future, you would be fighting in your teacher''s stead."


    "Yes," Li Yuan said with a smile. "Take good care of yourself, teacher. Guiding more students is also making a contribution."


    The midday banquet ended.


    Li Yuan went to the City Martial Hall to visit Fei Qian.


    ...


    At four o''clock in the afternoon, Li Yuan rushed to the Martial Hall-affiliated middle school, preparing to pick up his younger brother and sister.


    On the way, he also passed by ''Guan Mountain District No. 1 High School,'' his old alma mater.


    The two schools were very close to each other.


    Looking at the familiar school gate and the unfamiliar students... there was still half an hour before Li Qianqian and Li Muhua got out of school.


    But Li Yuan only nced at Guan Mountain District No. 1 High School from a distance without entering again.


    Li Yuan believed that the gatekeeper would recognize him and that entering for a stroll wouldn''t be difficult.


    However, there was no point any longer.


    "Returning to familiar ces is nothing more than carving a notch on the boat to find a sword lost at sea," Li Yuan sighed silently.


    Having gone through severalbat assessments and experiencing continuous transformation, he was about to embark on a life-and-death journey.


    Li Yuan could hardly possess the same mindset he had in high school; those days and ssmates were gone forever.


    ...


    Just after five o''clock in the afternoon, the Martial Hall-affiliated junior high school burst with students flooding out like a tide.


    Many parents gathered at the school gate, with Li Yuan among them, looking very young.


    Though he hadn''t informed his younger siblings in advance, with his eyesight... he couldn''t miss any person entering or leaving the school gate.


    Suddenly.


    "Qianqian and Muhua," Li Yuan saw the young boy and girl leaving the school from afar, and with a movement quick as a gust of wind, he covered more than ten meters to appear in front of them.


    It took both Li Qianqian and Li Muhua by surprise.


    Instinctively.


    In surprise, Li Muhua stepped forward and reached out to pull Li Qianqian back behind him.


    Then, the two recognized the person before them, and their eyes brightened: "Brother!!"


    "Big brother!" Both were quite excited.


    Li Qianqian even leapt directly onto Li Yuan, wrapping her arms around his neck, overwhelmed with emotion.


    "Get down, there are lots of people," Li Yuanughed, patting Li Qianqian''s hand.


    "You''re my brother, what''s there to fear?" Li Qianqian pouted.


    "Big brother, why didn''t you at least give us a heads-up," Li Muhuaughed, looking quite different from half a year ago.


    He had grown taller and much more robust.


    "I..." Li Yuan started to exin with a smile when suddenly, his smart ring vibrated intensely.


    "Huh?" Li Yuan instinctively looked.


    A map-like image appeared on the smart ring, with numerous shing red lights.


    "So many?" Li Yuan''s face changed.


    The alert that automatically popped up on the smart ring was from Xia Country''s intelligent defensework''s ''Star Realm Creature Early Warning System.''


    As an ''Entry Rank Martial Artist'' officially registered, any Entry Rank Star Realm Creature detected within a radius of ten kilometers would be reported to Li Yuan.


    Requesting his aid.


    "Just within a ten-kilometer radius, are there so many Entry Rank creatures?" Li Yuan''s heart trembled, scanning at least hundreds of red dots scattered across the entire map.


    "Brother? What''s wrong?" Li Qianqian and Li Muhua noticed the change in Li Yuan''s mood.


    Before Li Yuan could reply.


    "Rumble~" The ground under their feet suddenly shook slightly as if an earthquake had struck.


    "What''s going on?"


    "What''s happening?" Not just Li Yuan, Li Muhua, and others, but many students, parents, and teachers nearby all showed puzzled expressions.


    Unaware of what was happening.


    "This is bad," Li Yuan suddenly stared at the busy street not far away, and roared out: "This is bad, run, get into the school, there are Star Realm creatures."


    "What?" Li Qianqian and Li Muhua''s faces went pale.


    Whoosh!


    Li Yuan had already picked up his siblings and rushed into the school, heading straight to the side of the teaching building.


    The school''s interior had defense systems; even the floors were reinforced, making it rtively safe.


    "Hurry, there are Star Realm creatures, it''s an alert!!"


    "Attack! Arge-scale attack."


    "Hurry." Not only Li Yuan, but many parents who came to pick up their children and who were martial artists had also received the alert.


    Just then.


    "Boom!" A muffled explosion sounded suddenly, and many people saw.


    In the middle of the street, where cars used toe and go, the road suddenly copsed, sending mud and stones flying, creating a massive crater.

 Chapter 184: 153: Eruption! The Martial Artists Calling!_2

    The next second.


    "Aaang~~"


    "Ao! Ao!" Sharp and terrifying sounds howled from within the pit.


    Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh! Suddenly, humanoid creatures about two meters tall with four arms, emerald green skin, and long fish-like tails leaped out of the pit.


    They were covered in droplets of water and dirt, as if they had just wed their way out of the mud.


    The only thing more terrifying than their appearance was the sharpness of their four arm ws, like daggers, making one''s heart tremble.


    Fish Spirit n!!


    Arge number of Fish Spirit n members were surging out of the copsed pit like a tide.


    "It''s the Fish Spirit n."


    "Run quickly."


    "Aah!!" The mass of students and parents gathered at the school gates panicked instantly, with a surge of screams andmotion arising.


    Numerous faces turned deathly pale.


    So many Fish Spirit n members? Many had never seen such a scene before.


    However, most had gone through "emergency rescue training" since childhood, so the students and their parents immediately sprinted along the streets in both directions, fleeing for their lives.


    Or violently surged back into the school.


    These students and parents reacted quickly, but the fully Entry Rank ''Fish Spirit n Warriors'' were even faster.


    Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!


    The first dozens of Fish Spirit n members that leaped out of the pit had their eyes glowing with crimson light. The moment they burst from the cave, they turned into streaks of light, charging directly toward the crowd.


    Their order was simple¡ªughter!


    Kill all the humans they saw.


    "Boom! Boom!" Not far away in the sky, severalbat drones had appeared and were speeding over.


    Only.


    At this moment, simr pits had appeared all over Jiang City, and arge number of Fish Spirit n members were emerging from the rivers andkes... Reinforcements were doomed to not arrive promptly at every location.


    This was a disastrous attack!!


    "Pfft~"


    "Pfft~ Pfft!" In an instant, students and parents who were close to the cave were killed.


    Most humans were too weakpared to the Entry Rank Fish Spirit n Warriors.


    They had no power to resist.


    "What?"


    "They..." Li Qianqian and Li Muhua''s faces also turned ghostly pale; they were just middle school students, how could they have witnessed such a scene?


    "You two stay here and don''t move," a deep voice suddenly rang out beside their ears.


    Immediately following¡ª


    The countless students and parents fleeing in terror, and even ordinary people further away, saw it.


    "Boom¡ª!"


    In their line of sight, a ck figure appeared, his speed bursting to horrific levels instantly, covering fifty meters with nearly a single dash.


    In his hand appeared to be a short saber.


    "Whish! Whish! Whish!" Terrifying saber lights swooped through the sky, causing the air to roar with each pass. Several Fish Spirit n Warriors that had been charging toward the school gates were instantly cleaved apart.


    Some had their heads flying.


    Others were shed in half.


    And some were cut through the waist, blood spraying and the scent of blood drifting in the air.


    "Huff!" That ck figure, holding abat saber, once again charged toward another group of Fish Spirit n Warriors with a roar.


    "It''s a Martial Artist."


    "There''s a High Level Warrior." Amidst their terror, many people, while watching, showed expressions of relief and excitement.


    Martial Artists! Strong Martial Artists were the backbone of resisting the creatures of the Star Realm.


    "Brother?"


    "Big Brother?" Li Qianqian and Li Muhua watched the scene, holding their breath with shock and excitement.


    That ck figure.


    Who else could it be but their big brother, Li Yuan?


    "Quick. Kill them!"


    Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!


    School grounds, just a few seconds slower, saw over a dozen figures rush out, each holding a variety of weapons.


    They were the Martial Arts Teachers of the school.


    To be a Martial Arts Teacher, one must be at least a Level 12 Martial Artist, all possessing certain strength.


    Without any hesitation.


    These Martial Arts Teachers had already flown over the school walls, leaped over students and parents, and charged towards the Fish Spirit n warriors.


    However.


    On the entire street, the most terrifying human warrior was naturally Li Yuan, who without hesitation exhibited "Subtlety of the Mind," instantly reaching a burst speed of nearly 80 meters per second.


    With a lightning-like burst, in just a few seconds, he had consecutively killed over 20 Fish Spirit n warriors.


    "Always carrying a short de with me wasn''t a mistake after all," Li Yuan''s eyes were ice cold.


    He stepped over the body of a Fish Spirit n warrior.


    ughter?


    For Li Yuan, killing these Fish Spirit n members was like going through one virtual battle after another.


    Not the slightest bit of mercy or softness.


    After confirming the safety of his younger brother and sister, he erupted into action without dy.


    What is the purpose of practicing the Martial Path?


    To kill the enemy! To protect the country!


    This is the sacred duty of a warrior.


    However, these Fish Spirit n warriors were scattering in all directions, and Li Yuan could only block one.


    "Da da da da~" Tactical drones that rapidly provided support from the high sky had started urate pinpoint shooting, doing their utmost to kill some Fish Spirit n warriors at the end of the street.


    At the end of the street.


    Hisss~ Hisss~ Spider-like mini robots were also speeding toward the scene at speeds surpassing 30 meters per second.


    One could say the crisis here was rapidly being resolved.


    "Roar~"


    A deep sound suddenly arose from a copsed pit, followed by a Fish Spirit n warrior over three meters tall, leaping out of the cave like a small giant.


    Its four arms were holding four short des that looked rough but suited its stature.


    Gleams of purple lines on its teal skin, distinct from the other Fish Spirit n warriors.


    "It''s a high-level Fish Spirit n warrior."


    "It has purple lines."


    "At least Level 18. With so many purple lines, it''s likely Level 19," the faces of many Martial Arts Teachers fighting the Fish Spirit n warriors changed.


    At least Level 18!


    Such strength surpassed that of any Martial Arts Teacher present.


    Even for battle drones andbat robots, even if armed with thermal weapons, dealing with such a high-level creature from the Alien Race would be much more difficult.


    With such a level of power, their speed and reaction time were too fast, easily able to dodge a hail of bullets.


    "Boom!"


    This high-level Fish Spirit n warrior leaped tens of meters in a single bound, heading straight for the school''s gate... no, it was targeting Li Yuan, the strongest presence there.


    "Be careful."


    "Get back," many Martial Arts Teachers shouted in rm, and numerous students and parents were frightened.


    "Big brother," the hearts of Li Qianqian and Li Muhua were instantly gripped with fear.


    They weren''t foolish; they knew very well: their big brother had just started college not long ago, could he withstand such a strong Fish Spirit n warrior?


    But, beyond everyone''s expectations.


    Li Yuan, who had just killed another Fish Spirit n warrior, showed no hesitation or fear.


    "Boom!" He burst forth, leaping over ten meters, and met the high-level Fish Spirit n warrior like lightning.


    "Boom!"


    "ng~" "ng~" "Thump~!!" The battle was not the one-sided affair many had anticipated.


    Li Yuan burst out surprising speed and strength, engaging in a terrifying sh with the Fish Spirit n warrior.


    "Rumble~" The terrifying force of several tens of thousands of kilograms erupted from both parties, affecting the surrounding concrete ground, spraying stones and cracking the pavement.


    In fact, two Fish Spirit n warriors were directly killed by the coteral damage.


    "18.9 level, really formidable," Li Yuan stared intently at his opponent.


    Li Yuan had determined the Life Level of his opponent through Divine Pce Inquiry the moment the battle began.


    Level 18.9!


    Fist Strength close to fifty thousand kilograms! Burst Speed approaching 100 meters per second.


    If such a high-level Fish Spirit n warrior were left to ughter, it alone could cause the deaths of hundreds or even thousands of ordinary people.


    "You, must die," Li Yuan''s eyes were bloodshot as he erupted in full force, his saber shing continuously.

 Chapter 185: 154: Martial Artist Li Yuan

    ```


    "Boom!""Boom!"


    Li Yuan and the high-rank Fish Spirit n warrior fiercely shed, their speeds both extremely fast, like lightning, with terrifying airwaves striking in all directions. Nearby trees burst explosively.


    With the release of strength, the concrete ground cracked along their path, sending arge number of stones flying, the velocity of these stones astonishing. If they were to hit an ordinary person, it would result in death or serious injury.


    Luckily!


    Most ordinary people had already fled, and Li Yuan had consciously led the opponent to fight in the middle of the street, which, for the time being, had prevented a wider range of coteral damage.


    "This?"


    "Too terrifying."


    "Such a powerful Martial Artist, he''s so young." Those who escaped into the school, parents, and students alike, were shocked beyond fright, staring at the horrific battle erupting hundreds of meters away on the street.


    "Big brother he..." Li Qianqian and Li Muhua were watching intently.


    Although they were shocked by their elder brother''s strength, they were even more worried.


    "Quick."


    "Get inside, the school''s defense system has been activated, and we''ve called for help." Many teachers were continuously ushering students and staff to the deeper parts of the building.


    "Li Qianqian, Li Muhua, is that your elder brother?" A teacher ran up to them, her face anxious.


    "Yes." Li Qianqian nodded decisively.


    "Come upstairs, don''t stay here, it''s dangerous." The teacher spoke in a low voice, pulling them into the flow of people next to them, while two other teachers helped clear a path.


    ...Hum~Hum~Hum~


    Morebat drones had appeared in the sky, and while they were eliminating ordinary Fish Spirit n warriors, several drones were also circling Li Yuan at high speed.


    Trying to assist Li Yuan.


    Unfortunately, Li Yuan and the high-rank Fish Spirit n warrior werepletely locked in fiercebat. With each movement covering more than ten meters, they were too fast.


    And the Fish Spirit n warrior had much stronger physical quality, managing to unleash a strike with a saber that surpassed the force of Li Yuan''s refined state of "Subtlety", leaving him with no chance to escape.


    Therefore, the drones could only dare to hover around, forming a "firepower defense belt", preventing the high-rank Fish Spirit n warrior from fleeing, but they did not dare to open fire.


    These drones andbat robots all had aplete "intelligent judgment system".


    If ordinary people were being ughtered, they would fire decisively, even if this meant affecting a few people, all to prevent more from being killed.


    But now? Under their intelligent system''s judgement, Li Yuan had a hope of winning, and as a powerful Martial Artist, he was extremely important, thus they could not open fire.


    "Huff!"


    "Huff!" Li Yuan''s figure flickered unpredictably, as he exerted his full strength to apply the Dragon Movement Technique, trying to escape, but he was immediately followed by terrifying shes of saber light, shing at him like lightning.


    Forcing Li Yuan to avoid taking the hits directly.


    "There''s too big a gap in physical quality." Li Yuan''s eyes were ice-cold, he was at level 15.9.


    His Fist Strength wasn''t even 18,000 kilograms, and his "Subtlety" state''s burst was only 35,000 kilograms.


    The opponent? Likely a High Third Stage technique, not too bad, with their Fist Strength exceeding 50,000 kilograms in a burst.


    The key was their weapons.


    If Li Yuan had been using a Long Spear, he most likely would have won already... but the short saber he carried was an emergency backup.


    As for why he did not start with a Long Spear? The ordinary weapons in the school simply couldn''t withstand such a skirmish.


    Could a tens of thousands of kilograms instant force burst, shing weapons, be ordinary?


    "Kill!""Kill!"


    "With a physical quality not considered strong, probably at 17.5 level, a single Combat Saber has withstand my four Combat Sabers." The high-rank Fish Spirit n warrior was extremely anxious.


    "ng!"


    "ng ng ng!!" Saber light sttered everywhere, and the four shes of saber light from the high-rank Fish Spirit n warrior roared continuously, obviously, each strike was faster.


    Yet Li Yuan managed to block each one with a single saber.


    At this moment, thebat technique Li Yuan disyed was nothing short of perfect, even artistic.


    The high-rank Fish Spirit n warrior did not understand humannguage but was nearly as intelligent as humans, which didn''t impede him from recognizing the situation.


    "This human Martial Artist must be at least a High Fourth Level in technique."


    "Being so young, he is definitely one of the elite geniuses among humans." The Fish Spirit n high-rank warrior made a judgment, eyeing Li Yuan determinedly: "I must kill him."


    "Killing him is more useful than ughtering ten thousand ordinary humans."


    The high-rank Fish Spirit n warrior understood this well.


    Flee? He had been dyed here for too long.


    ording to the Mother Fish''s originalmand, once a warrior''s movements were exposed, they should engage in "raid warfare".


    Raid warfare, simr to guerri tactics, involved fleeing while ughtering ordinary people along the way, as opposed to head-on confrontations.


    Stationary warfare? Not to mention the ferociousness of human hot weapons.


    Simply any Prime Warrior could ughter hundreds or thousands of Fish Spirit n warriors.


    The difference between First Rank and Second Rank was not even a contest.


    The Fish Spirit Star Realm was a First Level Star Realm; only First Rank Fish Spirit n warriors could pass through the Star Realm portal. Wanting to reach Second Rank? They had to break through once inside Blue Star, which had an extremely low probability.


    Hence, in the frequent raids urring in Jiangbei Province, there were almost no Second Rank Fish Spirit n warriors.


    Fish Spirit n warriors at level 18 or 19 were already considered top-tier fighters.


    Suddenly.


    "An opening." The high-rank Fish Spirit n warrior''s eyes lit up as he changed the roar of his short de, furiously cleaving towards Li Yuan''s arm.


    If this sh were tond, by all means, it should sever Li Yuan''s arm.


    But!!


    To the high-rank Fish Spirit n warrior''s shock and anger, at the very moment his short de was about to collide with Li Yuan''s arm,


    Li Yuan''s short-sleeved shirt instantly solidified as if it were armor, and along with his skin surface, a subtle yellowish ''light film'' appeared.


    It took his sh.


    And Li Yuan''s arm, far from being chopped off, did not even suffer a fracture or bleed.


    ```

 Chapter 186: 154 Martial Artist Li Yuan_2

    His short de, it was as if he had struck a thick and immeasurably heavy steel te.


    "Origin Power Battle Suit!" The senior Fish Spirit n warrior hade to understand, heart filled with shock and rage, "How can he, a First Rank warrior, use an Origin Power Battle Suit?"


    He realized in an instant, it was a trap!


    But it was toote.


    "ng!"


    "ng!" Li Yuan took two lightning-fast blows head-on.


    The terrifying impact carried by the short de, though weakened by the Origin Power Battle Suit, still caused Li Yuan''s blood to roil within his body.


    However, it was within his capacity to endure.


    And of course, there was a reason he took such a risk.


    "Puchi!" Li Yuan''s short de had a faint yellow glow on its surface, hardly noticeable.


    Origin Power Enhancement!


    "Puchi~" The speed of the short de suddenly soared, ruthlessly striking the arm of the senior Fish Spirit n warrior. The de, with the power of Origin Energy, was incredibly sharp, directly severing the warrior''s tough arm.


    The de light shed!


    Puchi~


    The arm, which even ordinary bullets could hardly damage, was instantly severed and fell.


    Blood sttered.


    This seemingly unassuming short de was actually a Second Rank Origin Power Weapon; once augmented with Origin Power, its potency was far beyond that ofmon firearms!


    "Ao~"


    Heart-stabbing pain surged into the senior Fish Spirit n warrior''s heart, and he was both rmed and enraged.


    Roaring with a slew of words Li Yuan couldn''t understand.


    He didn''tprehend foreignnguages.


    "It seems that I''ll have to learn these Star Realmnguagester on," the thought suddenly shed through Li Yuan''s mind.


    Human civilization has surely studied thesenguages from the Foreign Civilization.


    "Aaaa~" The senior Fish Spirit n warrior, enduring the intense pain in his arm, swung his remaining three arms, fighting desperately to take Li Yuan down.


    "I can block all four arms; what''s three?" Li Yuan''s eyes were cold.


    Boom!


    Li Yuan did not use any more Origin Power, instead, his Star Meridians operated within his body. His cultivation of Origin Power was already scarce to begin with.


    After all, Li Yuan was not yet a true ''Prime Warrior.''


    Moreover, with many battle drones under surveince, Li Yuan was not willing to expose this secret.


    Severing one of the warrior''s arms was enough.


    "ng!" "Bang!" The two were still locked in fiercebat, but the senior Fish Spirit n warrior was doomed to fail.


    It took less than ten seconds.


    "Pur~" Li Yuan seized another weakness, another sh crossed the warrior''s arm.


    But without the Origin Power Enhancement, this cut only opened a huge gash, blood pouring profusely.


    "Aooo~~" The Fish Spirit n warrior roared.


    He finally recognized the reality that he could not kill Li Yuan; continuing the fight would only result in his being thoroughly in by Li Yuan.


    Suddenly,


    "Boom!" The senior Fish Spirit n warrior abruptly retreated, trying to break through toward the dense crowd in the distance.


    "Dadada~"


    Already positioned high in the sky, nearly tenbat drones, forming a ''crossfire,'' erupted instantly, raining down metal bullets.


    An all-epassing strike, leaving no room to dodge.


    "Boom~" One of the ''heavybat drones,'' decidedly fired an ''armor-piercing round.''


    "Pur~" "Pur~" "Pur~" Countless bullets showered onto the senior Fish Spirit n warrior''s body.


    "Bang~"


    With a violent explosion, the already injured senior Fish Spirit n warrior fell to the ground.


    He died with his eyes wide open!


    As a warrior near level 19, his mission had been to kill at least five hundred ordinary humans... yet he ended with zero kills.


    "Huff!"


    Li Yuan stood still, not pursuing; first, such a direct chase was unlikely to be sessful.


    Secondly, he had already noticed the manybat drones, knowing the warrior had no escape.


    "Not a Second Rank Prime Warrior."


    "If it were urban warfare it would be better," Li Yuan inwardly sighed, "Otherwise, in the open, even high-ranking warriors at level 18 or 19 would sumb to the onught of numerous firearms."


    In the end, carbon-based organisms have their limits.


    Even if they absorb Origin Power, driving Life Evolution, toughening bones and skin... but before bing Prime Warriors, there were still bounds.


    "If I were to face this situation and fully activate the Origin Power Battle Suit, relying on my movement technique, I should be able to withstand the impact and rush into the distant building," Li Yuan mused silently.


    With an Origin Power Battle Suit, the chances of survival were at least ten times higher.


    ...


    Whoosh!


    Abat drone flew down, its gun barrel pointing backwards.


    "Respected Martial Artist Li Yuan, thank you for your contribution to Jiang City. Your merits have been recorded. Once the crisis in Jiang City ispletely resolved, we will tally your contributions," an electronic voice transmitted from the drone.


    These drones could sense everyone''s smart wristbands and quickly match identities.


    "Good," Li Yuan nodded.


    This was standard procedure.


    "Martial Artist Li Yuan, you may go home to check on your situation, or you can join the ''Patrol Team'' nearby to participate in the city''s rescue," the drone''s electronic voice said, "The people of Jiang City thank you for your dedication."


    Having said that,


    Whoosh! While threebat drones remained above the pit to maintain vignce, the other drones quickly ascended and sped off toward other streets... Battles were erupting all over Jiang City.


    Hisss~hisss~hisss~ Several small spider robots, meanwhile, scurried and jumped into the pit, beginning data searches, inquiry... It was crucial to ascertain the movements of the Fish Spirit n.


    ...


    Whoosh! Li Yuan returned to the school entrance, where the Martial Artist teachers had also arrived.


    Their gazes towards Li Yuan had changed.


    As Martial Artists, they saw it clearly: one-on-one, Li Yuan had even forced a high-ranking Fish Spirit n warrior to flee for his life, eventually shot down by a drone.


    "Impressive!"


    "A true Martial Artist."


    "Well done." The many students and family members who had taken shelter in the school began to p and cheer, even though many were still anxious, but more were unable to suppress their apuse and cheers.


    "Brother!"


    "Big Brother." Li Qianqian and Li Muhua squeezed out from the crowd.


    "Brother, just now..." Li Qianqian said,ughing, but her eyes were still brimming with tears.


    Indeed, she had been worried sick.


    "It''s all right now, who am I, your brother," Li Yuan said, smiling as he wiped away the tears at his sister''s eyes, "Okay, let''s go home first."


    "Go home?" Li Qianqian and Li Muhua both looked puzzled.


    Boom!


    A small flying vehicle, the size of a car, descended rapidly from the sky not far away.


    "Teachers, I''m taking them first, everyone please stay safe," Li Yuan nodded toward the school teachers.


    Whoosh!


    Carrying Li Qianqian and Li Muhua, Li Yuan leaped seven or eight meters high, deftlynding on the flying vehicle.


    Immediately, the flying vehicle took off, quickly flying towards the Starfire South Lakemunity.


    "It''s one of our Starfire Martial Hall''s flying vehicles."


    "An autonomous flyer, his status in the Martial Hall must be very high," a parent recognized, as many of the students'' families here had connections with Starfire Martial Hall.


    "Who is he?" Many students and parents were curious.


    "It''s Li Yuan!"


    "Li Qianqian mentioned, her brother is Li Yuan, the one who was on the show this year, the one who was previously awarded the ''Youth Hero'' title," a student shouted.


    "I remember seeing his show earlier this year; they said he''s a Martial Path genius from our Jiang City, with a poor family background but has signed with our Starfire Martial Hall,"


    "Right, he''s that Martial Path genius."


    "He''s Li Yuan?"


    "It''s been less than a year, hasn''t it? And he''s already this formidable?" Many students, parents, and even teachers whispered among themselves, visibly excited.


    "Martial Artist!"


    "That''s what it means to be a Martial Artist."


    "One day, I want to be like Li Yuan," many students who had witnessed today''s events nted a seed in their minds without realizing it.


    The privileges and status of a Martial Artist.


    They were earned through such struggles, time and again.


    In the event of a war, one is destined to rush to the front line.


    ... Over sixty meters in the sky, Li Yuan kept observing the streets below.


    From time to time, he could see drones flying fast.


    asionally, there would be human corpses on the ground... along with arge number of Fish Spirit n warrior corpses.


    Clearly, the fight was ongoing, and the scale of this attack was unprecedented.


    Watching all this,


    Especially the many human bodies, Li Yuan felt quite heavy-hearted: "I need to get Qianqian and Muhua home quickly; Starfire South Lakemunity is the safest ce."


    "After getting the weapons, I''ll immediately join the Patrol Team to see where I can be of help."

 Chapter 187: 155: Embarking on This Path

    Jiang City was engulfed in the smoke of war, and the Guan Mountain District, with its manykes, was especially hard-hit.


    In just a few minutes, Li Yuan had brought Li Qianqian and Li Muhua to the South Lake Starfire neighbourhood.


    The entire neighbourhood, including the more distant South Lake Starry Sky neighbourhood, was exceptionally quiet.


    Because, over these two neighbourhoods, there were at least a hundredbat drones visible to the naked eye hovering in the sky, with many of them being heavy-duty drones¡­ And there were even more hidden forces.


    As Li Yuan knew, vis like his own were guarded by a drone and twobat robots all year round¡­ As one of the top residential areas in Jiang City, their defense capabilities were also top-notch.


    And that was just the protection from the Mechanical Legion, not to mention how many high-level martial artists and even prime warriors were at home in the neighbourhoods themselves.


    Therefore.


    As long as the manders" of the Fish Spirit n weren''t foolish, they wouldn''t attack these two neighbourhoods after years of probing.


    The aircraft below was automatically identified and summoned by Li Yuan through his L6-level authority in the Martial Hall.


    It descended rapidly onto the vi''swn.


    "Qian Qian, Muhua." Aunt Chen Hui, who had already received the news, rushed out of the room immediately.


    "Mom."


    Li Qianqian and Li Muhua also jumped down from the aircraft and rushed towards Chen Hui.


    Li Changzhou, who came out of the viter, was moreposed as a father. He said, "I told you, with Xiao Yuan here, nothing will happen to Qian Qian and the others."


    "Mom, do you know? Brother was so amazing just now, he killed so many Fish Spirit n warriors." Li Muhua couldn''t help but say, "Especially thest one who came out, my teacher said it was at least at level 18, and it was defeated by my brother."


    "Level 18?" Chen Hui looked at Li Yuan with concern.


    "An 18-level Fish Spirit n warrior?" Li Changzhou was equally shocked.


    Ordinary citizens might not be very strong, but thanks to the nation''s regr education, special training, and evacuation drills¡­ they were very clear about the strength of Star Realm creatures at each level.


    Level 18, ording to national propaganda, could only be harmed by a high-level warrior or arge amount of heavy weaponry inbination.


    Just like the high-level Fish Spirit n warrior Li Yuan had killed.


    If it hadn''t been entangled by Li Yuan and then trapped in the "firepower"id by numerousbat drones in an open space, it wouldn''t have been killed so easily.


    "Uncle, don''t listen to Muhua''s nonsense." Li Yuan said, "I just tied up the opponent. It was the drones that killed it in the end."


    "Still, that''s impressive, Xiao Yuan¡­ You''ve really grown up." Li Changzhou looked at Li Yuan with a touch of emotion.


    Li Yuan''s abilities had undergone such a transformation in just half a year since starting university?


    Li Changzhou,ing from Jiangbei Martial University, naturally knew what this meant.


    Of course, during the past six months, Li Yuan asionally shared his recent experiences with his uncle and aunt throughmunication, so they weren''t too surprised.


    Kunlun Martial University, in their minds, was a "top university."


    For a top genius from a top university to be powerful was quite normal, wasn''t it?


    "Uncle, aunt, you go into the house first. I''m going to the underground martial arts room," Li Yuan said.


    Whoosh!


    With a move, Li Yuan had already flown out dozens of meters, entering the underground martial arts room.


    ng~ The sealed weapon wall slowly descended, revealing all kinds of weapons, helmets, armor,bat boots, etc.


    They were all practical weapons.


    "I carry the Origin Power battle suit with me, but once it''s activated, it''s too conspicuous." Li Yuan thought for a moment.


    He quickly put on a full set of ''First Rank top grade'' battle armor, helmet, andbat boots.


    There were also extremely tough pants made of special materials, which even high-level warriors couldn''t tear.


    In the blink of an eye.


    Li Yuan was fully dressed, with only half of his face exposed.


    "This way."


    "With full armor coverage, even if I activate the Origin Power battle suit, it won''t be noticeable from the outside," Li Yuan thought to himself.


    The Origin Power battle suit was close-fitting, like nanomaterial, and activated by Origin Power.


    Normally, the armor would provide defense, and in critical moments, the battle suit would activate for double the defense. This meant that Li Yuan''s chances of survival had greatly increased.


    The only w was a slight decrease in flexibility when wearing twoyers of armor.


    "If the Fish Spirit n warriors have Fourth Level techniques, they certainly wouldn''t waste their lives as cannon fodder. The impact won''t be significant," Li Yuan considered.


    He had specifically checked the Starfire Martial Hall''s database for information about the ''Fish Spirit Star Realm''.


    He was aware of certain patterns.


    "Finally." Li Yuan''s gaze fell on the all-ck long spear.


    Made entirely of alloy.


    This was a weapon prepared for Li Yuan''s life or death struggles by Starfire Martial Hall.


    Priced at 18 million Blue Star Coins!


    The spearhead and sharp des were near indestructible; even regr steel would be easily pierced with little force, yet the metallic shaft was extremely flexible,parable to wooden poles.


    This was due to very special Heavenly Materials and Treasures minerals added to it, giving it a ''memory'' feature.


    Most importantly, it was a Prime Weapon, capable of being infused with Origin Power.


    Like amon long spear, it would explode with a bang as soon as Origin Power was infused.


    "ck Chen!" Li Yuan revealed a smile; this was the name he had given the long spear.


    The ck Chen Spear, weighing four hundred and twenty kilograms, was a weapon perfectly suited for Li Yuan''s current strength.


    Whoosh!


    Li Yuan grabbed the weapon, and the cold shaft seemed to inject a surge of passion into his heart.


    "ck Chen."


    "Today, I''ll let you taste blood," Li Yuan murmured to himself, a glint of killing intent shing through his eyes.


    Whoosh! With a move, Li Yuan had already drifted out of the basement and arrived on the ground floor.


    In the living room.


    The whole family was shocked by the fully armed Li Yuan, who looked like a warrior about to go into battle.


    "Xiaoyuan, what are you doing?" Chen Hui couldn''t help but ask.


    "Auntie, I am preparing to report to the city patrol team," Li Yuan replied.


    "You''re just a freshman, there''s no need for you to go," Chen Hui blurted out, clearly aware of the policy.


    Li Yuan was about to exin.


    "Go ahead," Li Changzhou suddenly spoke up, a smile on his face, "Be cautious and don''t be rash. Killing aliens is important, but the first priority is to protect yourself."


    "Okay," Li Yuan nodded slightly.


    "Hurry up, don''t worry about home, the entire Nanhu Starfire neighborhood is the safest," Li Changzhou instead urged.


    Chen Hui was about to speak but was stopped by Li Changzhou''s gaze.


    "Uncle and Auntie, I''ll be going then," Li Yuan said no more.


    Every second wasted,


    meant more casualties under the chaos of the Fish Spirit n invasion.


    Whoosh!


    Li Yuan dashed out of the room, leaped onto the hovering vehicle outside, and swiftly flew towards the distance.


    Inside the vi.


    "How could you..." Chen Hui started to say four words, but her voice grew weaker.


    Because Li Changzhou had already taken her hand, with only a smile.


    Chen Hui''s heart then understood most of it.


    "Ever since Xiaoyuan got into Kunlun Martial University and fully embarked on this path, this day was bound toe," said Li Changzhou softly, "We''re clear on that, aren''t we?"


    "I understand," Chen Hui''s eyes slightly reddened: "It''s just that it came too soon."


    "He''s still just a child, he''s barely turned 18 a few months ago," Chen Hui''s voice choked up.


    In her heart, Li Yuan had not grown up for long.


    Li Changzhou fell silent for a moment, then heaved a sigh, "But he is a Martial Artist now."


    Suddenly.


    "Mom and Dad, look quickly," Li Qianqian pointed to the distant screen, which was broadcasting news on the ''Star Realm Channel''.


    "The Fish Spirit Tide has suddenly erupted in Jiangbei Province, with Jiang City being one of the hardest hit areas," the host spoke in a deep voice, his words tinged with a sob, "So far, it is estimated that over 24,000 people have died... The number of Fish Spirit n warriors is conservatively estimated to exceed 10,000...


    The casualties are extremely heavy, but our soldiers, our Martial Artists,"


    "are also fighting hard."


    "Next, here are some of the few battle videos we''ve just received, all of which has just urred."


    Whoosh~


    The screen switched to show a young man in ck, moving against the flow of people to attack arge number of Fish Spirit n warriors, holding a short knife, one Fish Spirit after another falling to the ground...


    "ording to the information we received, this powerful Martial Artist is named Li Yuan, a freshman from Kunlun Martial University, and he is a genius among our Human Race," the host said excitedly, "Just by himself, he has killed at least 20 Fish Spirit n warriors, saving the lives of at least several hundred people..."


    "He!!"


    "Has managed to fight against 19th-rank Fish Spirit warriors and ultimately killed one with the help of the Mechanical Legion... Li Yuan! At only 18 years old, to have such strength, he truly can be called one of Xia Country''s top geniuses," said the host with fervor, "It is said that hees from a poor background and has received a lot of support.


    In his senior year of high school, he received the ''Young Hero''mendation."


    "Now, he is still a youth!"


    "But he is also a hero!"


    ...In front of the screen.


    "This?" Li Changzhou was shocked.


    "Xiaoyuan? Qianqian, that''s the battle your brother just experienced," Chen Hui said with a face full of fear, her heart trembling.


    "Yes," Li Qianqian nodded.


    ...Not just Li Changzhou''s family, at this moment, countless people across Xia Country were focusing on the ''Fish Spirit Tide'' crisis in Jiang City, a major disaster.


    And with the broadcast of the videos on the program, many people remembered the name Li Yuan.


    Of course.


    The program showed not only Li Yuan but also videos of many powerful warriors fighting...most were recent, some even live broadcasts of ongoing battles.


    ...


    Jiang City, Provincial Television Station.


    "The casualties are very heavy, and the fighting is still ongoing," the middle-aged man with sses said softly, "We, now we need heroes, we need to boost the morale of all the people."


    "To inspire the passion in many hearts."


    "Keep reporting," said the middle-aged man, "Call on more Martial Artists to stand up and fight."


    "Only by doing so can we clear this disaster more swiftly."


    "Especially for Martial Path geniuses like Li Yuan, we need to bring them to the fore prominently."


    "Remember."


    "We are not on the front lines, but this is another battlefield," the middle-aged man spoke solemnly.


    "Yes," the numerous staff replied nervously, also feeling a surge of passion in their hearts.


    Wanting to make some contribution.


    ...


    Whoosh!


    Unaware that he was featured in the television program, Li Yuan rode the flying vehicle and quickly arrived at a ''reporting point'' outside the Nanhu Starfire neighborhood.


    There were already many people there.


    "Someone else has arrived."


    "That makes ten, we''ve got enough people now," many people started shouting aloud.


    Whoosh! Li Yuan jumped down.


    "It''s Li Yuan."


    "Li Yuan." Many people recognized Li Yuan, showing surprise; most who came here were Starfire Martial Hall warriors. Many had seen Li Yuan and heard of this ''A-grade contract'' genius.


    "Good! Li Yuan."


    "You''ll be the captain of this temporary ten-man team," the guarding warrior said with a glimmer of enthusiasm in his eyes.

 Chapter 188: 156: Rescue Mission (44,000 Monthly Votes Bonus)

    "Team leader?" Li Yuan was taken aback.


    He hadn''t even spoken yet, how had he be the team leader?


    To think that on the Martial Hall''s registration information, he was only a 15th-level Martial Artist. With such strength, it wasn''t proper for him to be a team leader yet.


    "Hmm? Coach Fang?" Li Yuan''s eyes suddenly brightened as he saw a familiar face.


    The former sparring coach ''Fang Longhu,'' a gold-medal sparring partner.


    "Li Yuan."


    Fang Longhu smiled, "Don''t refuse, just ept it."


    "Li Yuan, we just saw yourbat video, it was indeed fierce, very strong."


    "Stronger than all of us." The other Martial Artists spoke one after another, their voices full of admiration.


    As they spoke,


    many pointed towards the light screen projection not far away, and started exining to Li Yuan.


    Disyed on it was the Star Realm channel, with manybat videos ying in rotation.


    "This soon?" Li Yuan realized the reason¡ªit was the battle that had erupted just now at the school gate.


    Had it already made it onto television?


    That fast?


    "Li Yuan,e be the team leader." The other Martial Artists mored, "Once we form the team, we can set off, don''t waste time."


    "Li Yuan, you can do it." Fang Longhu smiled.


    Strength? It only represents an individual.


    But to dare to fight against arge number of the Alien Race... that is what the Martial Artists truly admire.


    If Li Yuan didn''t have the video from earlier,


    then even if he demonstrated his strength now, the other Martial Artists would only be ''surprised'', but would not truly respect him from the bottom of their hearts.


    "Fine, I''ll do it." Li Yuan said solemnly, no longer refusing.


    Team leader? It was just a temporary team.


    The sooner they set off, the better.


    "Good, ten Martial Artists."


    "Thank you for joining the patrol team, the people of Jiang City will not forget you..." the reporting point''s staff repeated, "All your information has been entered, forming one team."


    "Remember, unless it''s a free patrol mission, you must follow orders and try toplete the tasks assigned by the smart system."


    "Be very careful, ande back alive," the staff member said sternly.


    "Come back alive."


    "Alive." Many Martial Artists spoke out in agreement.


    Facing life-or-deathbat, the hearts of the Martial Artists mostly harbored the simplest wish¡ªto survive.


    Perhaps these Martial Artists were not strong, but they each had a burning passion in their hearts, otherwise they would not be standing out now.


    Whoosh!


    A small flying vehicle descended,rge enough to seat about ten to twenty people.


    "Li Yuan, the flying vehicle has your information recorded, you can control it with voicemands." the staff member continued, "Go and carry out the mission immediately."


    "Okay," Li Yuan nodded, "Everyone, get in."


    Quickly,


    under Li Yuan''s leadership, the ten Martial Artists sat down swiftly, and the flying vehicle took off.


    "Mission: Rescue."


    "Target, Tanxi Residential Area, 4.3 kilometers away¡ªhurry." Li Yuan thought quickly, tapping two keys on the light screen in session, then immediately piloting the flying vehicle and rapidly heading towards Tanxi Residential Area.


    ...


    "Coach Fang, why have you also joined the battle?" Li Yuan asked with a smile.


    In Li Yuan''s memory, the other party was a gold-medal coach.


    But also very fond of money.


    "Hasn''t a super genius like you chosen to join the battle as well?" Fang Longhu smiled, "At such a time, can we still retreat?"


    "Li Yuan, you are formidable, but don''t underestimate us either," a man carrying a Combat Saber said with augh.


    Li Yuan replied with a smile, "How dare I underestimate my seniors."


    Li Yuan recognized two or three familiar faces among these people, but with a thought, he already knew their strengths.


    Most were around 15th-level, with the highest at 17.1 and the lowest at 14.2.


    Are they strong? Not strong!


    And looking at their faces, most of these Martial Artists were over 40 years old¡ªstill in their prime age, but the chances of bing a Prime Warrior in the future? It was very low.


    They were the ''veterans'' among the Martial Artists, many of whom had experienced life-or-death battles multiple times.


    "Team leader, do we have a n?" Fang Longhu asked with a smile.


    The other Martial Artists also smiled.


    "No n," Li Yuan answered with a light smile, "Find the Fish Spirit n and wipe them out."


    "The strongest, leave to me."


    ...


    In less than two minutes, they had rapidly approached Tanxi Residential Area.


    The flying vehicle descended swiftly.


    To the naked eye, severalbat drones were chasing the Fish Spirit n on the ground.


    But under the cover of trees and buildings,


    the chase wasn''t going well.


    This was a weakness of drones¡ªinplex environments, their advantages are greatly reduced... and in a city environment like this, heavy weapons cannot be used.


    Just with light weapons, it''s actually very difficult to kill Entry Rank members of the Fish Spirit n.


    Moreover, many from the Fish Spirit n had already rushed into the building''s corridors, attacking doors, walls, and windows like mad... Modern residential buildings are constructed with various strengthened steel materials and walls, which generally cannot be destroyed by ordinary Entry Rank Martial Artists.


    Even so, quite a few homes were breached, bodies of humans strewn about.


    "Get ready,"


    Li Yuan said gravely, "As matched automatically by the system, form groups of three for mutual coordination, and push forward along the left, center, and right corridors... Call for reinforcements from me immediately if you encounter danger."


    "Keep an eye on reminders from the Sky Net system."


    The 3331 tactic.


    It''s a key research topic from the general knowledge courses on how Martial Artists clear corridors of aliens.


    Advancing in three groups, their strength is often quite simr.


    In field battles, teams often move forward in an ''arrowhead'' formation, while in urban clearance battles, they mostly push forward in three lines.


    The strongest team leader stays in reserve at the center, ready to support the moment they encounter a strong enemy, to create an overwhelming advantage locally.


    "Alright."


    "Captain, rest assured." These martial artists were mostly very experienced and promptly leaped from a seven or eight-meter height, forming a formation of three and immediately charging into three units of a residential building.


    Inch by inch, annihtion! Thorough cleansing!


    "ording to SkyNet''s reminder, this building should all have Fish Spirit n warriors," Li Yuan nced at his smart wristband while remaining vignt of his surroundings.


    To prevent a sudden attack.


    "Contact! 0!" A voice suddenly rang out from the smart wristband.


    Contact means an enemy has been spotted.


    0 means it can be dealt with, with an expected zero casualties.


    "Boom!" A violent explosion suddenly erupted from one of the units, signaling themencement ofbat.


    Just two secondster.


    "Contact!! 23! 23! 23!" Li Yuan''s smart wristband suddenly transmitted an urgent voice.


    "Not good."


    Li Yuan, who had been on alert, identified the direction of the sound and instantly flew out of the aircraft, zipping into the second unit like lightning.


    23!


    2 represents the second team.


    3 signifies that a trio squad has encountered an unstoppable, horrifying danger, with the likelihood of total annihtion.


    ...Boom!


    Li Yuan burst forth with full speed, his figure lightning-fast as if he were a super cheetah, and in the blink of an eye, he had dashed up to the third floor.


    The thick scent of blood wafted through the air.


    "Boom!" "Bang!" The door to the room burst open, and an intense battle raged within.


    A particrly massive Fish Spirit n being was frantically swinging itsbat saber, overpowering Fang Longhu and his team of three who were struggling to hold their own.


    "17.6 level," Li Yuan assessed in an instant.


    The strength of this Fish Spirit n warrior was very formidable; the distant wall was spattered with a great deal of blood.


    On the floory mutted corpses.


    And from the mouth of the Fish Spirit n warrior, blood mixed with bits of flesh was dripping down.


    All was self-evident, no need for words.


    "Die."


    A strong intent to kill surged in Li Yuan''s heart as he glided forward, his foot stomping against the wall and with a swift motion, he was already past Fang Longhu and the others, his speed inconceivable.


    "Bang!" His long spear thrust out furiously.


    This thrust was exceedingly fast, stable, urate, and ruthless, so fast that the Fish Spirit n warrior could only instinctively raise its arm in a futile attempt to block the spear.


    A faint glow flitted across the spear''s tip.


    "Pfft!"


    The spear carried an incredible twisting force, as if erupting from a vortex.


    In an instant, the spear''s tip pierced through the interception of the Fish Spirit n warrior''s arm and then directly through its throat, embedding itself in the wall behind.


    The Fish Spirit n warrior was mmed against the wall, its feet off the ground.


    "Ahh~" The Fish Spirit n warrior opened its mouth but could not produce a sound.


    Blood flowed, and its eyes quickly dimmed.


    One thrust, dead!


    Whoosh!


    Li Yuan withdrew his spear and looked at the Fish Spirit n warrior, his gaze then sweeping over the messy room, his heart growing even more oppressive, a rage threatening to burst forth.


    "So strong."


    "So fast."


    "Li Yuan, oh no! Captain," Fang Longhu and the others were not too concerned with the scene.


    They had seen too much, most had witnessed even more gruesome scenes.


    What surprised them the most was the strength Li Yuan had unleashed.


    Powerfully astonishing, far more forceful than what had been shown in previous battle videos.


    "Continue the cleansing," Li Yuan ordered in a low voice and turned to leave the room.


    "Yes."


    Fang Longhu and the team were aware that although Li Yuan was strong, he was after all only 18 years old, and it might be his first time witnessing an Alien Race devouring humans... Such scenes had a significant impact on one''s psyche.


    ...


    Time marched on, and under Li Yuan''s leadership, their squad swiftly cleared the neighborhood of over 20 Fish Spirit n beings.


    Of course, other martial artist teams also arrived toplete the mission together.


    Click to report ''missionpleted''.


    Then, the intelligent system would swiftly assign a new mission, dispatching them to carry out a rescue.


    This is the power of technology.


    First, the intelligent system would determine the ''Alien threat level'' of each danger location based on an assessment from SkyNet.


    Then, using real-time tracking through SkyNet and considering each squad member''s Physical Quality, skills, andbat record, it would calcte the squad''s ''Combat Power Score.''


    This would allow the different squads to be appropriately allocated to various missions, striving for a match where middle horses faced middle horses.


    Minimizing casualties all the while and maximizing the effectiveness of all patrolling squads to the greatest extent.


    ...


    The night gradually fell.


    The team headed by Li Yuan had already carried out four missions, gradually moving away from the central metropolitan area towards the suburbs.


    Here, the defense systems were much weaker, and although there were fewer people than in the city center, the casualties were inversely greater.


    The more they fought.


    The more Li Yuan witnessed, his initial anger and oppression in his heart gradually turned to coldness.


    "Kill!"


    "Exterminate all these Aliens," Li Yuan''s heart grew colder as he led the team toplete their fifth mission.


    Click ''missionpleted''.


    After just a few minutes of rest.


    "Beep~" The new mission arrived.


    "Urgent mission, Nanhuang Elementary School has suddenly encountered an attack by Fish Spirit n warriors, proceed to rescue immediately, with at least three 17-level Fish Spirit n warriors, be careful! Exercise extreme caution!" the mission repeatedly warned.


    "Let''s go."


    Li Yuan led the team, piloting the aircraft, and soared into the sky, rushing toward the target location.


    Eight kilometers away from the mission site.


    Nearing Nanye Lake, thergestke under the jurisdiction of Jiang City.

 Chapter 189: 157 Second Rank!! No Turning Back!

    Therge-scale attack on Jiang City happened after five o''clock in the afternoon.


    At that time, it was the peak period for school dismissals and workday endings, with a convergence of people; it could be considered the best time tounch an attack.


    Therefore, when the attack erupted, ''defense ns'' were quickly activated everywhere, and many students and parents were directly taken into schools for shelter.


    Even elementary schools often had aplete defense system, with stationed battle drones,bat robots, and martial arts teachers... Three to five fighters from the Fish Spirit n could not wreak havoc.


    It was safer than ordinary residential areas.


    Nanhuan Elementary School was just an ordinary elementary school.


    ...The aircraft sped forward rapidly.


    This type of all-electric aircraft now had an astonishingly long endurance.


    "ording to the information transmitted by the system, there are over 600 students and parents in the school who have taken refuge in various shelters," Li Yuan said quickly. "More than 30 Fish Spirit n fighters have invaded the school and are encountering resistance from the school''s defense system."


    Fang Longhu and the other nine ''veteran warriors'' listened intently to Li Yuan''s words.


    If at first, they had merely acknowledged Li Yuan''s strength,


    then, after several hours and five missions, they hade to realize that Li Yuan''s strength was extraordinary; even 17th or 18th-rank Fish Spirit n high-level fighters would be swiftly in by him.


    The most crucial aspect was his decisiveness!


    His execution ofbat and ughter was no-nonsense; even when confronted with ''gruesome scenes'' he had evidently never experienced before, his spirit remained undisturbed.


    There was absolutely none of the panic and bewilderment typical of some novice warriors.


    Cool and steady to the point that it caused even these ''old soldiers'' to marvel.


    It was as though he was born for battle.


    "Also, another team of warriors, rated at 100 points, is already on an aircraft, a bit faster than us," Li Yuan said coolly. "They have a higher score than us, so cooperating with them should makepleting the mission rtively easy."


    "100 points?"


    "A perfect rating? That high?" Fang Longhu and the others couldn''t help but be slightly astonished.


    Decades of practice had already formed a convention:


    Ordinary people below Level 10 have no obligation to fight; survival is their priority.


    Warriors below Level 14 have weaker strength, so they typically defend nearby and are not encouraged to actively participate in rescue or offensive actions.


    Prime Warriors who reach Level 20 are powerful enough to single-handedly eradicaterge numbers of the Alien Race and often act alone.


    Warriors between Level 14 and Level 20 usually form small teams of ten, coborating in battle.


    The warrior teams are evaluated by the smart system, with scores ranging from 1 to 100 points.


    The scores are dynamic.


    A score of 100 indicates a top-tier team capable of dealing with a 19.9-rank Alien Race fighter.


    The team led by Li Yuan was initially rated at 25 points, which, after five consecutive missions, had been adjusted to 84 points.


    "Our team scoring over 80 points already counts as a first-ss team, mainly because we have a great master as a team leader," said the thin man nicknamed ''Fire-Skin,'' smiling. "In a real fight, the team leader alone could sweep the nine of us."


    "Yeah."


    "The team leader is formidable; even that Fish Spirit n high-level fighter with the purple markings was wiped out instantly."


    "Maybe by next year, the team leader could be a Prime Warrior."


    "Tsk tsk! Later on, I can also say I''ve been a soldier under the team leader," the group joked andughed.


    In reality, having seen so much and witnessed the death of many ordinary people, the impact on Jiang City was nothing short of severe.


    Not just Li Yuan, every veteran had rage in their hearts.


    But in the midst of such life-and-deathbat, the more dire the situation, the more they deliberately tried to keep the atmosphere rxed.


    ...


    Nanyang Lake.


    This ce was more than 30 kilometers away from the central downtown area, belonging to the suburbs.


    Here was also thergestke in Jiang City, spanning over 80 square kilometers, with an extremely developed water system and an average depth of more than five meters.


    Nanhuan Elementary School was less than two kilometers from the edge of Nanyang Lake.


    In the marsnd at the edge of theke, under the cover of darkness, nothing could be seen.


    Even when scanned with an "infrared camera," no living creature could be detected.


    But if one were to approach closely, they would be shocked to discover.


    Here, more than a dozen warriors of the Fish Spirit n were lying prostrate in the mud, each of them tall and no smaller than the one Li Yuan had killed.


    Especially the one leading them, whose body was even bigger, it had almostpletely turned purple and blended seamlessly into the night.


    Suddenly.


    "Awoooo~" In Nanhuan Elementary School nearly a kilometer away, a furious roar erupted, piercingly loud against the endless night sky.


    Without the slightest hesitation.


    "Roar~" The purple Fish Spirit n warrior let out a low growl and instantly transformed into a streak of light, dashing forward while the air boomed explosively around him, his burst speed definitely exceeding a hundred meters per second.


    Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh! The other Fish Spirit n warriors, who were originally lying prostrate, also charged out with howls.


    These Fish Spirit n warriors knew.


    The humans had taken the bait.


    ...


    Inside Nanhuan Elementary School, intense battles were breaking out everywhere, but the most eye-catching was outside one of the school buildings.


    "Woosh! Woosh! Woosh!"


    A particrly tall and burly man wielding a long spear was fighting fiercely with several Fish Spirit n warriors. His spear technique was continuous, bizarre, and viciously precise.


    Even though his strength and speed were clearly slower.


    But facing off against three, he still had the absolute upper hand.


    "They''re all above level 19? Didn''t they say level 17?" Xu Bo''s heart shed with a premonition of doom, "Why are there so many high-level Fish Spirit n warriors gathered here?"


    Fish Spirit n warriors over level 18 typically led squads of Fish Spirit warriors, and it was unusual for so many to congregate in one ce.


    They were easily targeted.


    Level 19? That was an absolute top leader.


    If not for their formidable strength, the three of them would have trouble holding off Xu Bo''s attacks.


    "It''s just a pity, the injuries are getting more severe." Xu Bo frowned, in the past, such level-19 alien creatures would fall to a single thrust of his spear.


    Now? Although his skills had be more refined, the power he could unleash was getting weaker without aggravating his wounds.


    Most importantly.


    Xu Bo could tell just by observing that, given the strength of the Fish Spirit n warriors besieging Nanhuan Elementary School, they should have been able to breach the school''s defense system by now.


    Yet they were deliberately dying until now.


    "Is it a trap? To lure the martial artist squad here?" A thought shed through Xu Bo''s mind, and with that thought, he immediately filed a report.


    Requesting support from Prime Warriors!!


    That''s right.


    Fish Spirit n warriors below level 18 usually warranted mobilizing a team of martial artists to annihte them.


    But once they surpassed level 18? Prime Warriors would be dispatched to eliminate them.


    Always attack from a higher position to minimize casualties to the greatest extent.


    After all,pared with the nearly mass-produced warriors of the Fish Spirit n, there were far fewer Human Warriors, who couldn''t afford such attrition. Each one was precious.


    "Five minutes to arrive?" Xu Bo nced at his smart ring and muttered to himself, "That''s really slow!"


    "Just drag it out."


    While he wasn''t afraid of these three 19th-level high-ranking fighters from the Fish Spirit n, Xu Bo wasn''t interested in fighting them to the death.


    Wouldn''t it be foolish not to call for support when it was avable?


    But then suddenly.


    "Hmm?" Xu Bo''s ''25th-level'' spiritual power suddenly tremored, sensing an ominous sign.


    Whoosh!


    He saw the school wall hundreds of meters away shatter violently, followed by a streak of pale blue light shing past, creating a thunderous explosion in the air.


    "Origin Power!! It''s Second Rank! Run!" Xu Bo''s face changed drastically, and he bellowed instantly.


    His voice carried far, and through the smart ring, the other nine warriors in the squad received the voice transmission.


    But¡ªit was toote!


    "Tear~"


    The Second Level Fish Spirit n fighter that suddenly burst in, empowered with Origin Power, was terrifyingly strong; with a single sh, it lunged at a Human Warrior, its massive body resembling a pale blue giant ball in the night.


    "Boom~"


    This Human Warrior, caught off guard, swung his saber in defense, only to be sent flying and crashing severely into the sturdy wall of a building.


    The solid wall instantly cracked and caved in, forming arge crater.


    And the Human Warrior fell heavily to the ground, mouth overflowing with blood, motionless.


    He was beyond saving.


    A Second Rank warrior of the Fish Spirit n, with at least eighty thousand kilograms of Burst Speed and armed with at least Fourth Level Spear Technique... Their might was enough to crush any Martial Artist below the 18th level.


    "Xiao Guang!" Xu Bo''s eyes immediately reddened¡ªit was one of his juniors, whom he had known for many years.


    Boom!


    The Second Rank Fish Spirit n fighter shed and lunged at another Human Warrior.


    With its strength, it could easily sweep all the Human Warriors present except for Xu Bo.


    A matter of life and death!


    "Boom!" Xu Bo hesitated no more; ayer of pitch-ck battle garment materialized over his body, wrapping himpletely in just 0.1 seconds.


    Origin Power Battle Suit!


    At the same time, if one observed closely, a faintyer of fiery red could be seen on the surface of his battle garment, as if he were d in mes.


    "Die!"


    Xu Bo roared furiously, his long spear increasing drastically in speed, carrying an incredible force as it streaked past the bodies of the three 19th-level Fish Spirit n warriors.


    "Boom~" "Boom~"


    Two Fish Spirit n warriors were instantly flung away, while the head of another flew off.


    One spear!


    One dead, two severely injured.


    "Boom!" Xu Bo turned into a ze of fiery light, his foot stomping on the concrete floor, causing it to crack open, and his body had already rushed dozens of meters.


    He charged at the Second Rank Fish Spirit n fighter.


    "Puff!"


    The Second Level Fish Spirit n warrior who had just killed another Human Warrior showed a trace of fear in its eyes: "Prime Warrior?"


    It knew well that Human Prime Warriors, with their weapons and battle garments, were far stronger than their Fish Spirit n counterparts of the same rank.


    It had thought that there were no Prime Warriors here.


    "Ao~"


    This tall Second Level Fish Spirit n fighter surged forward, swinging its Combat Saber.


    Standing nearly three and a half meters tall.


    So, even the length of its Combat Saber exceeded one and a half meters¡ªwith two sabers in hand, it was not at a significant disadvantagepared to the Human Warriors'' Long Spears.


    "ng!" "Boom!" A fierce battle erupted between the two, with collisions along the wall; the sturdy wall, known to withstand High Level Warrior attacks, began to crumble.


    The entire building was on the verge of copse.


    "You''re not a Prime Warrior! Your speed and strength are quite ordinary, it''s only your Origin Power that you have," the Second Level Fish Spirit n warrior finally realized.


    "I''ll kill you!!"


    ...


    In the sky, the team led by Li Yuan was rapidly closing in.


    Suddenly, their smart rings began to vibrate madly, followed by a voice transmission.


    "Warning! Warning!"


    "A 20th-level Alien Species has appeared at Nanhuan Elementary School!"


    "To repeat, a Second Rank Alien Species!"


    "Do not approach without sufficient strength! Do not approach," the smart ring continued to transmit the urgent voice.


    "What?"


    "Second Rank Alien Species." The faces of Fang Longhu and the others changed; the strength of a Second Rank Alien Race waspletely dominant over the First Rank.


    "Martial Arts Teacher?" Li Yuan recognized the voice, but his expression changed: "It''s your squad in Nanhuan District?"


    "Where''s my teacher?"


    "Li Yuan?" The Martial Arts Teacher in the smart ring also recognized Li Yuan''s voice: "Have you arrived? Xu Bo is fighting a Second Rank Alien."


    "Don''t youe here!"


    But without any hesitation.


    Whoosh! The aircraft plummeted sharply.


    "Stay here, don''t get close," Li Yuan growled, as he leapt from the aircraft.


    "Captain."


    "Captain." Fang Longhu and the others were shocked, but they couldn''t stop Li Yuan.


    From a height of over 20 meters


    Boom! Like lightning, Li Yuannded on the ground, rolled up to his feet, and dashed forward with the speed of lightning.


    His speed had soared to over 70 meters per second.


    "A 20th-level Alien Species?"


    "Teacher! You must hold on! You must!" Li Yuan was desperate.


    With perfect Subtlety, he released all his power.


    In just five or six seconds.


    "Rumble~" From Nanhuan Elementary School not far away, the sounds of intensebat continued to echo.

 Chapter 190: 158: Master and Disciple! Kill for Spiritual Nature Nutrient

    "We''re here." Like lightning, Li Yuan''s form suddenly slowed down, his mind bing extremely calm as he strained to listen for any movement within the walls.


    Whoosh!


    "The sprint over here had some effect." Li Yuan took a deep breath as the vigor within him flowed, and countless subtle strands of strength rxed slightly, readying for the next burst of energy.


    Li Yuan did not rush forward impulsively but rather strove to adjust his state.


    Fast cannot be sustained.


    Like high-level martial artists of the 19th rank, they can sprint at 100 meters per second, but it''s not sustainable... Li Yuan''s explosion of speed under a state of subtlety was even more so.


    Just like normal people, they can sprint at a full strength often reaching 10 meters per second, but can they run 1000 meters in just 100 seconds?


    The opponent is a second-rank warrior from the Fish Spirit n, and if Li Yuan were to face it alone, he would stand no chance of winning whatsoever.


    Whoosh!


    Without a sound, Li Yuan''s specially-made Origin Power battle suit was activated.


    Without infusing Origin Power, the battle suit''s defense would be significantly reduced.


    But likewise, without the boost of Origin Power, the battle suit under the surface armor wasn''t conspicuous, allowing Li Yuan to easily blend into the darkness.


    With a light leap, Li Yuan jumped onto the school wall, four to five meters high, and squatted on top of it.


    Looking down.


    Li Yuan had a clear view of the situation; he saw on the school yground, over three hundred meters away.


    Two figures were fighting fiercely: one enveloped in terrifying blue light and the other resembling a me warrior, wielding a long spear.


    The two were engaged in intensebat.


    The site of the battle was, urately speaking, near one side of a teaching building.


    At this moment, that building was half-copsed, and distressing cries could be faintly heard.


    Clearly, they were affected by the aftereffects of the battle between the two powerhouses.


    At the same time.


    Li Yuan''s peripheral vision swept over and could discern many more figures in the midst of fierce fighting on the yground and between the buildings.


    All were human warriors and warriors from the Fish Spirit n.


    With just one look, Li Yuan determined that the human warriors were decidedly at a disadvantage.


    "[Target creature, Life Level 19.9]"


    "[Target creature, Life Level 20.1, second-rank being, lightly wounded, currently estimated at 19.9, killing may yield Spiritual Nature nourishment]" In the instant Li Yuan assessed the situation of the entire Nanhuang Elementary School, his thoughts shifted, and he had already obtained the basic information of the two strong opponents in battle.


    "[Target creature, Life Level 19.1]"


    "[Target creature, Life Level 18.1]"


    "[Target...]" Li Yuan''s inquiry shed like lightning over the other Fish Spirit n warriors his eyes could see.


    The single result from the second-rank Fish Spirit n warrior immediately caught Li Yuan''s attention.


    Could yield Spiritual Nature nourishment?


    "My Spiritual Awakening Level has already reached its limit; killing numerous warriors from the Fish Spirit n duringbat missions has provided no enhancement." Many thoughts shed through Li Yuan''s mind: "Why would the Divine Pce panel suggest that killing that second-rank Fish Spirit n warrior could yield Spiritual Nature nourishment?"


    Even though I''ve reached the limit.


    Previously, my Spiritual Awakening limit increased from 20% to 25% because my spiritual power broke through to level 20.


    "There was no reminder for the neenth-rank alien warriors."


    "Could it be because this one is a second-rank alien?" A thought crossed Li Yuan''s mind.


    He had never killed a second-rank alien before.


    However.


    The situation was urgent, leaving no time for Li Yuan to ponder. In less than 0.5 seconds from the moment he leaped to the top of the school wall to when he fully assessed the situation, he was already leaping down.


    He dashed like lightning towards one of the human warriors already in a desperate situation.


    ...


    Next to the teaching building.


    "Kill! Kill!" The second-rank Fish Spirit n warrior roared as his four arms tightly gripped twobat sabers, relentlessly plunging towards Xu Bo like lightning.


    "Boom~"


    The ground cracked again and again, rocks flying in all directions, and their casual strikes on the nearby teaching building would shatter it, kicking up countless broken stones.


    Fortunately.


    These buildings had been fortifiedyer byyer, and the construction technology was very advanced; they wouldn''t easily copse. Only after such a long battle did the entire building notpletely fall.


    Whoosh! Whoosh!


    Xu Bo stimted his Star Meridians, drawing forth an explosive burst of Origin Power. His form was graceful and unrestrained, impersonating gusts of wind as he dodged the second-rank Fish Spirit n warrior''s attacks again and again, subtly seizing control of the fight.


    His spear in hand was overpoweringly domineering, with each thrust urately striking the body of the second-rank Fish Spirit n warrior, inflicting injury after injury.


    "This second-rank Fish Spirit n warrior must have just broken through."


    "The Fish Spirit Star Realm is only a First Level Star Realm, where only first-rank powerhouses cane and go." As Xu Bo fought for his life, his mind was extraordinarily calm: "His skills are immature, he must have achieved ''Unity'' of body and mind not long ago."


    "But even if he has just broken through, he is still second-rank!!"


    "In terms of force and speed, in terms of Origin Power, I am now fully behind second-rank and weaker than him unless I can fully activate three Star Meridians; otherwise, I can''t keep up," Xu Bo thought coldly: "Only skill remains."


    "My movement technique, my Spear Technique, are both close to the High Rank of the Fourth Level, which is why I can hold my own and entangle with him."


    "However,"


    "Even without an Origin Power battle suit, his skin is naturally tough, and his defenses have skyrocketed with Origin Power enveloping his body... It''s hard for me to inflict a fatal injury." Xu Bo was well aware of the situation.


    If the battle continues like this.


    There is a chance for Xu Bo to win.


    But the key issue is, with Xu Bo''s injuries, he can''t hold on for long, and his strength will keep declining.


    Once defeated, the other human warriors will be swiftly swept away, and the students and parents in the few teaching buildings of the school will be brutally ughtered.


    In this half-copsed teaching building, many were already buried, crying out in distress, causing Xu Bo''s heart to bleed.


    But there was no choice!


    Xu Bo tried to lure the second-rank Fish Spirit n warrior away.


    But the second-rank Fish Spirit n warrior was not fooled at all, he kept ferociously attacking the teaching building, forcing Xu Bo to stay and fight, doing his best to protect the structure from further damage.


    "Old Xing and the others..."


    "Let''s hope we can hold out until support arrives," Xu Bo had already noticed that inside the Nanhuang Elementary School, there were still arge number of high-level Fish Spirit n warriors.


    Thank goodness!


    The team he led was overall quite strong, with the lowest being a 17th Level Martial Artist, which was definitely "elite," and that''s why they had been able to hold out until now.


    Suddenly.


    "Whoosh!"


    Hundreds of meters away, a streak of light shed past, followed by a Fish Spirit n fighter over 18th Level who fell to the ground after just two exchanges.


    "Hmm?"


    "Is that reinforcements? What quick speed, what sharp spear technique," Xu Bo saw a glimpse out of the corner of his eye, but it was too dark to make out clearly.


    He hadn''t seen the person''s face.


    Xu Bo just subconsciously felt that the fleeting figure of the human warrior seemed somewhat familiar.


    On the other hand.


    Xu Bo, in the midst of fierce battle, also didn''t have the spare energy to pay attention to other directions.


    Holding off this Second Rank Alien Race was the greatest protection he could offer to the other human warriors.


    ...


    "Bang!" "Boom!"


    Beside the copsing broken school wall, Li Yuan, who had erupted with full strength, moved like lightning, crossing over the struggling human warrior, and his long spear suddenly burst forth with an incredibly sharp thrust.


    Ferociously attacking the 19.1 Level Fish Spirit n fighter in front of him.


    The spear shadows were continuous.


    The weapons of both sides shed like lightning, sending sparks flying everywhere.


    Then, a sh of spear light suddenly erupted, piercing through the opponent''s neck, causing blood to stter.


    The long spear quickly retracted, and the muscr neck of the Fish Spirit n fighter was almost severed in half.


    He fell to the ground with a thunderous crash!


    The 19th Level Fish Spirit n warrior was dead.


    "In terms of strength, you are not inferior to the Fish Spirit n fighter at the school, you are even much stronger," Li Yuan nced and then leaped to kill the next high-ranking Fish Spirit n warrior.


    Compared to the time at the school gate.


    Li Yuan, wielding a long spear and bursting forth with full power, was several times more powerful than when he only had a short knife, and his killing power was extremely frightening.


    A 19th Level Fish Spirit n warrior? Truly no match for him.


    "Instructor Xing, go help the others," Li Yuan''s calm voice drifted over.


    Instructor Xing, who had just been rescued and was still gasping for breath without even having the chance to express his gratitude, suddenly heard that familiar voice and his heart jolted: "Li Yuan?"


    He could hardly believe it.


    In his recollection, Li Yuan, who had just graduated from high school less than half a year ago and should have be a Martial Artist not long ago, was actually capable of killing a 19th Level Fish Spirit n warrior with a flip of his hand?


    The change was so significant that Instructor Xing took a moment to process.


    Whoosh!


    Li Yuan had already charged tens of meters ahead, impaling another high-level Fish Spirit n warrior with his spear and tossing them into the air.


    "He''s truly amazing," Instructor Xing sighed inwardly, and immediately leapt out to assist the other warriors in the team.


    Subconsciously.


    "Instructor Xu," Instructor Xing nced at Xu Bo who was in fiercebat with a Second Rank Alien Race.


    "You must hold on."


    If he wanted to survive, Instructor Xing''s best option would be to immediately retreat from Nanhuang Elementary School and escape into theplicated streets in the distance... but he didn''t do that.


    Not just him.


    Many of the human warriors saved by Li Yuan took only one or two seconds to catch their breath before charging at the other Fish Spirit n fighters.


    Everyone knew deep down.


    There was no retreat; they could only fight to their utmost. Only then was there hope for everyone to survive today.


    ...


    "Spurt!" Another spear thrust pierced through the body of a high-level Fish Spirit n warrior.


    "28 seconds."


    "I''ve killed five high-level Fish Spirit n warriors," Li Yuan scanned the area.


    The fierce battle was still ongoing, but the situation for arge number of human warriors had greatly improved.


    At that moment.


    Boom! Boom! Boom! A small aircraft rapidly descended, followed by several figures flying down.


    "Kill!" "Kill!"


    Roars erupted one after another; it was Fang Longhu and the others who, after some hesitation, finally decided to take the risk and join the battle.


    "There''s reinforcements."


    "Other warrior squads have arrived." The still-living human warriors grew more excited; they saw the hope of victory, and the hope of surviving.


    ...


    Meanwhile.


    Boom!


    Li Yuan''s body was like an arrow released from the bowstring, dashing dozens of meters in a swoop, rushing toward Xu Bo who was still in fierce battle with a Second Rank Fish Spirit n warrior.


    After several leaps and movements, he was already close.


    "Boom!" Li Yuan, gripping the spear with both hands, suddenly leapt forth with a straight thrust, as the terrifying force within him fully erupted, fully channeling into the long spear.


    At the tip of the spear, a faint yellow light flowed unnoticed.


    You should know.


    Under the subtle state of mind, Li Yuan''s fist strength had reached 35,000 kilograms, and now with Origin Power enhancing it, plus the charge... the power of this spear was definitely tremendous.


    "Whoosh!"


    A straight thrust aimed at the chest of the Second Rank Fish Spirit n warrior!

 Chapter 191: 159: Join Forces! Kill! (46,000 monthly ticket plus update)

    As a martial artist with the Spear Technique at the fourth level peak, Li Yuan''s grasp of the battlefield situation was exquisitely precise.


    This spear thrust, full of fury, came just when the second-rank Fish Spirit n warrior and Xu Bo were exhausted after intensebat.


    Hu!


    Xu Bo seemed to have sensed iting, his body shifted, blocking the second-rank Fish Spirit n warrior''s line of sight for a moment, and then he drifted horizontally past.


    Li Yuan''s spear tip narrowly missed Xu Bo''s body, thrusting straight at him, looking perilously close.


    Fierce! Wild!


    "Hm?" The second-rank Fish Spirit n warrior''s face changed drastically as he swept a saber to repel Xu Bo and hacked down angrily, attempting to block Li Yuan''s thrust.


    In the end, as a second-rank powerhouse, his strength and speed were far superior to Li Yuan, his pure reaction speed was unbelievably fast.


    "Boom!"


    Saber light grazed the spear shaft, colliding in a rush, the terrifying force momentarily deflecting Li Yuan''s long spear, slicing past the second-rank Fish Spirit n warrior''s arm, instantly leaving a visibleceration.


    "Such resilient skin," Li Yuan immediately sensed the toughness of his opponent''s body.


    Definitely more sturdy than steel.


    Simr damage had been inflicted on the second-rank Fish Spirit n warrior by Xu Bo many times, only Li Yuan''s blow was the more severe.


    "Ahh~" The second-rank Fish Spirit n warrior roared, hisbat saber swooping down furiously.


    Hu!


    Li Yuan slipped away, ghost-like, evading the terrifying blow, and, seizing the opportunity, he charged past the second-rank Fish Spirit n warrior with his long spear whistling around in return.


    He thrust back furiously.


    Turnabout Spear!!


    Too fast, Li Yuan''s thrust far exceeded the second-rank Fish Spirit n warrior''s expectations, it couldn''t dodge in time.


    "Puchi~"


    The spear tip stabbed into its body like lightning, piercing nearly ten centimeters deep before it was stopped by the tough, terrifying muscles, exhausting all the spear''s momentum.


    At the same time, the terrifying impact contained within the spear also made the second-rank Fish Spirit n warrior stagger.


    "Scram!" The second-rank Fish Spirit n warrior bellowed.


    Spitting out anguage Li Yuan couldn''t understand.


    In the next instant, the second-rank Fish Spirit n warrior, having sustained heavy damage, spun around and swung its saber at Li Yuan.


    Hu! Li Yuan had just mustered the strength to pull his long spear out from the opponent''s muscr body when he saw the furious swinging. In his urgency, he had no choice but to use his spear to block.


    In terms of Spear Technique, the second-rank Fish Spirit n warrior was far inferior to Li Yuan, the gap was enormous.


    But the most sophisticated techniques ultimately have a limit to enhancement, all needing strength and speed as the foundation for battle.


    Without a doubt, the second-rank Fish Spirit n warrior''s strength and speed were enough to bridge this gap, allowing it topletely suppress Li Yuan.


    "Bang~"


    The giant sabernded on Li Yuan''s spear shaft, the terrifying force causing the spear to bend instantly, followed by the shaft striking Li Yuan''s chest directly.


    Hu!


    Li Yuan was sent flying out like a shooting star, crashing into the distant woods, the terrifying force passing through his Origin Power Battle Suit, impacting his entire body, his blood and qi uncontrobly churning.


    "Boom."


    The second-rank Fish Spirit n warrior moved swiftly, locking down the injuries on its muscles, ready to pounce at Li Yuan, intending to finish him offpletely.


    It realized that this neer human martial artist, though proficient with the Spear Technique, was much weaker in strength and speed.


    And certainly, much weaker in vitality.


    "Shoo!"


    "Shoo!" A barrage of spear shadows already came whistling over, forcing the Second Rank Fish Spirit n warriors to halt their advance.


    It was Xu Bo, who had been attacking continuously, yet his grasp of timing was far behind Li Yuan''s due to the limitations of his skills.


    "Li Yuan! It''s Li Yuan!" Xu Bo''s heart was filled with unparalleled anxiety at this moment, "How is he doing?"


    In the brief exchange just now, he recognized that the powerful human martial artist who came to the rescue was his most aplished student over the years, ''Li Yuan''.


    And the furious strike from the Second Rank Fish Spirit n warrior had him particrly worried.


    A wrathful blow from a Second Rank powerhouse was enough to directly shake a martial artist below level 18 to death.


    But.


    Xu Bo had no time to inquire into Li Yuan''s wounds, he could only fight with all his might against the Second Rank Fish Spirit n warrior, to buy Li Yuan time to recover.


    Suddenly.


    "Boom!" Like a furious gust sweeping past, the surrounding air burst noisily.


    Whoosh!


    A ck figure dashed out from the darkness like lightning, a streak of light piercing the dark night sky, aiming straight for the head of the Second Rank Fish Spirit n warrior.


    It was Li Yuan''s spear!


    "Bang~" The Second Rank Fish Spirit n warrior seemed to have anticipated it, spinning around with a furious chop, and with a massive thundering bang, Li Yuan''s long spear shed in an instant.


    The terrifying power tore through the sports field, splitting the ground, and sending numerous fragments of stone flying.


    But.


    The stones had no impact on the three individuals engaged in battle.


    "Roar~" The Second Rank Fish Spirit n warrior stared at Li Yuan in shock and anger, finding it inconceivable. Didn''t its enraged sh have any effect on this frail human martial artist?


    "Li Yuan?" Xu Bo was also surprised and delighted, "What just happened?"


    Xu Bo was equally astonished in his heart.


    "Teacher, I''m fine, not going to die," Li Yuan responded, with a faint trace of blood seeping from the corner of his mouth.


    In reality, with the subtlety of his soul, Li Yuan had scrutinized every part of his body¡ªnerves, bones, flesh¡ªand had already sustained minor injuries from the direct sh just now, especially in the directly hit chest area where numerous capiries had burst and the muscles were slightly torn.


    Luckily!


    His Origin Power Battle Suit, infused with Origin Power, significantly increased Li Yuan''s defense, allowing him to barely withstand the attack.


    Further, with his exquisite skill, Li Yuan managed to adjust his posture midair as he was sent flying,nding in such a manner as to unload the force, thereby minimizing the damage.


    Otherwise, with that one hit, Li Yuan would have been severely injured or even dead.


    "Kill."


    "Kill!" Li Yuan and Xu Bo moved together. After the exchange just now and observing each other''s strength, they instinctively made their move in perfect understanding.


    Whoosh!


    Xu Bo attacked head-on, his long spear jabbing furiously, fast as lightning.


    "Roar~" The Second Rank Fish Spirit n warrior roared and swung its dual swords furiously in a chopping motion.


    At the same time.


    Li Yuan shifted positions and charged from the other side, his long spear transforming into countless spear shadows.


    The Ster Spear Technique''s ''Gxy Waterfall''!


    One thrust followed by another, continuous and relentless, the spear momentum formidable.


    "This spear technique." The Second Rank Fish Spirit n warrior gritted its teeth, forced to divide its attention to fend off Li Yuan''s attacks while trying to repeat its previous move and send Li Yuan flying once again.


    ```


    However.


    After the first round of engagement, Li Yuan knew he couldn''t withstand a direct attack from a Second Rank warrior, so his long spear would retract immediately upon contact with that ferociousbat saber.


    He wouldn''t directly engage at all.


    "My role is to assist, to tie down a part of the Second Rank Fish Spirit n warrior''s attention, giving Teacher an opportunity," thought Li Yuan, remarkably calm in his heart, but with a battle spirit soaring to the skies.


    "Kill!"


    "Kill! Kill! We must kill it before my Origin Power ispletely drained," he thought desperately.


    "Otherwise, if I die, Li Yuan alone will definitely not be able to hold it off," Xu Bo was equally frantic, a terrifying battle spirit burning in his eyes, "This battle is probably myst one in this life."


    "We must kill it! We must!" Xu Bo had fallen into an extremely special state.


    If previously he was just trying to buy time, Li Yuan''s arrival truly gave him hope of killing the Second Rank Fish Spirit n warrior.


    Moreover.


    The sight of Li Yuan being sent flying by a sh had also terrified him, followed byplete madness.


    At this moment.


    Both Xu Bo and Li Yuan were attacking with all their might, the shadow of their spears whistling as they struck from two directions.


    The pressure on the Second Rank Fish Spirit n warrior skyrocketed like never before, its head, eyes, neck, chest, groin, and legs were all under attack.


    At this instant, therge size of the Second Rank Fish Spirit n warrior had be a disadvantage.


    ng! ng! ng! ng! The collision of the three fighters'' weapons sent shockwaves shooting in all directions, intensifying the battle to its peak.


    ...


    "Too strong?"


    "Are both Li Yuan and Xu Bo this strong?" Instructor Xing, watching from a distance, was dumbstruck, "I heard from the Hall Master before that Xu Bo at his peak wasn''t much weaker than him, but I didn''t expect it to be true. After being injured for so many years, he could still be so powerful?"


    "And Li Yuan, to be able to get involved in a battle of this level? He could probably defeat me in just a few exchanges," Instructor Xing thought, deeply shocked.


    ..."Captain."


    "Li Yuan?" Fang Longhu and the others were also immensely shocked; they knew Li Yuan was strong, but they didn''t expect him to be formidable to this extent.


    To be able to get involved in a Prime Warrior-level battle?


    How old was he?


    18 years old!


    "A genius," Fang Longhu felt the most shocked, "A year ago, I could suppress him with just 10% of my strength."


    "Now? He could defeat me in one move."


    ...On the school sports field, three figures were fighting fiercely, reaching a fever pitch.


    "AOAOAO!!" The Second Rank Fish Spirit n warrior roared, as within an extremely short amount of time, more than a dozen new wounds had been added to its body.


    While each wound wasn''t significant on its own.


    The umtion of these wounds, along with the previous injuries, had already caused it a tremendous amount of damage.


    The most impactful was the stab from Li Yuan earlier into its waist, greatly affecting the warrior''s ability to exert force with its sword technique.


    The waist is the critical hub for the flow of vigor in the limbs.


    The Second Rank Fish Spirit n warrior realized that it had no chance of winning against these two human martial artists teaming up.


    And, since it had revealed itself and started fighting, more than two minutes had passed.


    So much time had gone by.


    "Other human Prime Warriors must be arriving soon," thought the Second Rank Fish Spirit n warrior.


    ```


    It did not want to fight to the death.


    Under themand of the matriarch, after entering the human world, once they were able to break through from First to Second Rank, they were to avoid fighting to the death as much as possible, in order to y a bigger role.


    "Roar~"


    The Second Rank Fish Spirit n warrior roared, hisbat saber furiously cleaving down, instantly forcing Li Yuan to retreat.


    Boom!


    It then burst forth in a sprint, rushing toward the direction of Nan Ye Lake.


    Theke would be its home ground, and once it entered the waters, shaking off the pursuit of the human martial artists would be much easier.


    "It''s trying to escape."


    "Li Yuan, keep it here, we absolutely cannot let it escape, this is a major disaster." Xu Bo shouted angrily and also dashed out like lightning, charging at the Second Rank Fish Spirit n warrior.


    Boom!


    At this moment, Xu Bo could no longer hold back, activating the cirction of his Star Meridian as if burning his life potential, significantly boosting his speed.


    With continuous stabs, Xu Bo and the Second Rank Fish Spirit n warrior embarked on an extremely terrifying head-on confrontation, not giving an inch, directly blocking its path.


    "Whoosh!"


    "Whoosh!" "Whoosh!" Li Yuan also remained incredibly calm, catching up like lightning, vigorously attacking the Second Rank Fish Spirit n warrior.


    Straight thrust! Furious cleave! Throwing stab! Li Yuan brought his mastery of Spear Technique to the peak.


    He manifested a sky filled with spear shadows.


    "ng! ng ng ng!" The most critical outburst came from Xu Bo, whose spear was so fast at that moment that the Second Rank Fish Spirit n warrior became somewhat dazed by the hits.


    It was nowpletely at a disadvantage.


    "This isn''t right."


    "This one using Fire Origin Power, he is a true Prime Warrior!! But why didn''t he burst forth earlier? If he had done so earlier, I would probably have been killed by now." The Second Rank Fish Spirit n warrior could hardly believe it.


    It really wanted to flee, but faced with the extremely ferocious Xu Bo and Li Yuan, who was assisting attacked on the side.


    It simply couldn''t break free.


    "Bang~"


    After another lightning-fast exchange, Xu Bo suddenly closed the distance, raising his long spear high and furiously shing down, forcing the Second Rank Fish Spirit n warrior to meet the attack with dual sabers. Then, under the impact of terrifying power, its massive body had to stagger backward.


    "Whoosh whoosh whoosh!" Li Yuan''s long spear whistled through the air, his Spear Technique continuous like a rolling gxy, growing more and more terrifying in power and leaving more wounds on its body.


    Many of those wounds were shocking, making its injuries even more severe.


    "Heavier!"


    "Faster! More fierce!" Li Yuan''s eyes were fixed on the Second Rank Fish Spirit n warrior, exerting his utmost to perform the Ster Spear Technique.


    This life-and-death battle made him vaguely gain more insight into the Spear Technique.


    Time and time again, they shed.


    The Second Rank Fish Spirit n warrior kept retreating, it hadpletely panicked, feeling death drawing closer.


    Suddenly.


    "Puchi~" Xu Bo''s long spear thrust out like lightning, piercing through the gap between the dualbat sabers, sinking deeply into its chest, prating the muscle as copious amounts of blood sttered everywhere.


    "Whoosh!"


    Another pale yellow spear light shed by, shing across the neck of the Second Rank Fish Spirit n warrior, causing a gush of blood to surge forth.


    Thump!


    The Second Rank Fish Spirit n warrior stumbled backward, feeling its vitality rapidly fading, its life swiftly drawing to an end.

 Chapter 192: 160 Breaking the Shackles of the Divine Palace

    In an all-out effort, sparing no expense, Xu Bounched into full force.


    Together with Li Yuan, they finally inflicted a fatal injury on the Second Rank Fish Spirit n warrior.


    "Boom~" "ng."


    Two hugebat sabers fell to the ground as the Fish Spirit n warrior staggered backward, hands desperately clutching at its throat trying to stem the flow of blood.


    But to no avail.


    Its eyes, fixed upon the two powerful human Martial Artists before it, were filled with unwillingness.


    It was born in the Fish Spirit Star Realm, and after experiencing many tortures following its birth from its mother fish, it fought and ughtered its brethren, eventually struggling to reach the Entry Rank.


    In the Fish Spirit n, only by reaching Entry Rank can one survive.


    Only by reaching Entry Rank can one be called ''warrior'', or else if one couldn''t reach it within ten years of birth, they would be fodder for their own kind.


    Yet Entry Rank was just the beginning.


    The wars within the Star Realm honed its abilities time and again, gradually improving its strength until it became a High Level Warrior, one step away from bing a Second Rank powerhouse.


    Finally! It was chosen, sent to the human world to wage war¡ªa mission with a slim chance of survival, but they had no choice and could only hope to win the war in the end.


    After entering the human world and making its way through underground caverns, it slowly approached the ''Core City'' of the human world. Under the pressure of death, it broke through its life constraints, achieving a Unity of body and mind and directly breaking through to be a Second Rank powerhouse.


    Second Rank, for a Fish Spirit n warrior, is extremely difficult.


    Themander was overjoyed upon learning this and immediately decided to use it as the core of a ''Killing Formation'', prepared to ambush a team of human warriors.


    Once they seeded.


    The second time, they ran into two elite human teams.


    "Ahh~" The Second Rank Fish Spirit n warrior let out thest sound of its life and then its massive body copsed backward, falling silent forever.


    No mental control.


    Immediately, copious amounts of blood started flowing from its numerous wounds.


    Death.


    ..."[You have in a Second Rank life form, breaking the Divine Pce''s constraints; your Spiritual Awakening limit is increased to 30%.]"


    "[You have in a Second Rank life form, acquiring Spiritual Nature nourishment; your Spiritual Awakening Level reached 25.1%.]" Two Divine Pce notifications shed across Li Yuan''s field of vision in quick session.


    It startled him.


    Breaking the Divine Pce''s constraints? To break through the 25% limit of Spiritual Awakening, it turns out one must y a Second Rank being.


    Divine Pce constraints? Is it referring to the 25% Spiritual Guidance constraints?


    In an instant, Li Yuan thought.


    Initially, the Divine Pce panel did not show Spiritual Awakening, only indicating that he harbored a high-order Spiritual Nature within him.


    It was before the January examination that, after he killed a First Rank Fish Spirit n warrior, the Spiritual Awakening appeared on the Divine Pce panel.


    "Could it be that the Spiritual Awakening limits of 0%, 25%, and even the subsequent 50%, are all ''Divine Pce constraints'', simr to the major breakthroughs of life levels like First Rank, Second Rank? Does one need to y higher-rank Alien Race creatures to break them?" Many thoughts shed through Li Yuan''s mind.


    "And the increase of the Spiritual Awakening limit from 10% to 20%, from 20% to 25%, is that like the transition from Level 13 to Level 14 without any fundamental difference, where you can keep raising the limit as long as your spiritual power keeps increasing?" Li Yuan mused covertly.


    Without any other precedents to follow.


    Li Yuan could only explore and summarize experiences on his own... but if he continued with this reasoning.


    "In the future, to break the 50% limit of my Spiritual Awakening, will I need to y a Third Rank Alien Race creature?" Li Yuan murmured to himself.


    A Third Rank Alien Race, that would beparable to a Flying Heaven Warrior.


    Are they that easy to kill?


    ...The thoughts may seem slow, but in a mere few seconds, Li Yuan''s sharp mind had considered multiple possibilities.


    As he pondered, Li Yuan intended to approach the corpse of the Second Rank Fish Spirit n warrior.


    "Stop, don''t get close," Xu Bo said deeply, still standing in his original spot.


    "Teacher." Li Yuan looked at Xu Bo.


    "It looks dead, and by the Fish Spirit n''s anatomy, it should be dead." Xu Bo''s battle garment slowly retracted from his skin, revealing his slightly pale face: "But remember, never be careless. Be cautious that the enemy might be feigning death, waiting for you toe close before suddenly striking back."


    "Unless you cut off its head, crush its heart, andpletely tear apart its limbs, you must always keep a vignt heart," Xu Bo said: "In your future adventures in the Star Realm, always be so."


    Li Yuan was stunned for a moment, then obediently nodded: "Thank you for the reminder, Teacher."


    He himself had the Divine Pce panel that could inquire whether this Fish Spirit n warrior was dead or alive.


    But what his teacher said wasn''t wrong.


    Walking the line between life and death, one cannot afford a single bit of negligence, this was the experience paid for with the blood of countless Martial Artist predecessors.


    "Go take care of the other Fish Spirit n warriors," Xu Bo said deeply: "I''ll keep watch over this one."


    "The Prime Warrior should be arriving shortly."


    "Yes."


    Whoosh!


    Li Yuan could tell that his teacher was not in great condition. With a swift movement, he darted towards the terrified, fleeing Fish Spirit n warriors.


    ...


    "Ahh~"


    "Roar!" In fact, when that Second Rank Fish Spirit n warrior was trying to flee for its life, the other Fish Spirit n warriors who were still alive were already panicked and attempting to escape.


    If their powerful ''Second Rank leader'' was no match, what chance did they have?


    However, Instructor Xing and Fang Longhu, with their two squads of more than a dozen warriors, have been fiercely blocking these Fish Spirit n warriors, dying their steps.


    Therefore, when Li Yuan arrived, with a swoosh of his long spear, one after another, Fish Spirit n warriors began to fall to the ground.


    Suddenly.


    In the dark night sky, a flying craft rapidly approached.


    Bang!


    A figure ejected from the flying craft and plummeted from the sky; Li Yuan could not help but look up to see a blurry human figure, shrouded in a faint earthy yellow glow, as fast as lightning, whooshing through the tens of meters of the air.


    It crashed down directly on top of several Fish Spirit n warriors who were attempting to escape.


    "Boom! Boom! Boom!"


    With several consecutive lightning-fast collisions, the bodies of the four Fish Spirit n warriors exploded violently, sending blood and limbs flying in all directions.


    The assault was brutally aggressive.


    Li Yuan watched intently.


    The Prime Warrior whounched the surprise attack burst forth with a speed that easily surpassed a hundred meters per second in an instant.


    Moreover, the weapon he used was a pair of hammers!


    The tworge hammers were covered with numerous spikes, making them look incredibly ferocious.


    "Boom~" "Bang~" "Bang~"


    One after another, the Fish Spirit n warriors fell to the ground, swept away in the blink of an eye.


    "Pfft~"


    Li Yuan also killed thest Fish Spirit n member, and with that, the crisis at Nanhuang Elementary School was resolved.


    The yground quieted down as many Martial Artists gathered, each of them gasping for breath.


    The recent intense battles had greatly drained everyone''s physical strength.


    "Phew!"


    The Prime Warrior moved and in a sh appeared in front of Li Yuan, his Origin Power Battle Suit retracting to reveal his true face.


    Only then did Li Yuan see clearly that the other party was about as tall as himself, with an equally young face, but with a particrly resolute look in his eyes.


    "Senior." Li Yuan bowed slightly.


    His own strength in terms of attack could only be said to be on par with a High Level Warrior above level 19.5, capable of posing a certain threat to Prime Warriors.


    But topare to a real Prime Warrior? He was still falling far short.


    Any Entry Rank Prime Warrior could easily defeat him.


    "No need to call me senior," the young Prime Warrior holding the War Hammer said with a smile, "I know you, Li Yuan. Just call me by my name ''Gao Hao''."


    "Gao Hao?" A trace of confusion flickered through Li Yuan''s eyes.


    He had not heard of him before.


    "Officer Gao Hao," Instructor Xing ran over from not far away, bowing slightly, "Thank you. I am a Martial Path Instructor from the Guanshan branch hall."


    "Instructor Xing, I know you too," Gao Hao said with a smile, "Last time we had a meal together, Lord Wan brought you along."


    "Hmm." Instructor Xing nodded continuously, then introduced, "Li Yuan, Officer Gao Hao is also a member of our Starfire Martial Hall, a student of Starfire University, an A-level signee. He''s now a senior and has be a Prime Warrior."


    Li Yuan instantly understood the other''s identity.


    A Martial Path genius just like himself.


    A student of Starfire University? As long as one normally cultivates to their senior years, ny-nine percent would be Prime Warriors.


    And ording to the rules of Starfire Martial Hall, Prime Warriors, if not holding a position, are all called ''officers.''


    Flying Heaven Warriors, among the Martial Artistmunity, are all referred to as ''masters.''


    "Officer Gao Hao," Li Yuan immediately corrected himself.


    "Haha, I''ve seen your fighting in the freshmen battle of the ten schools. Now in terms of skill alone, you''re probably not inferior to me," Gao Haoughed, "And in terms of strength... you''ve just started your freshman year and you''re already approaching the strength of a Prime Warrior. Tsk tsk, truly terrifying."


    "If you don''t be a Flying Heaven in the future, I would find it abnormal," Gao Haoughed again, full of praise for Li Yuan.


    Meanwhile, Fang Longhu and over a dozen other human Martial Artists gathered around, their gazes towards Li Yuan had changed.


    During the recent chaotic battle,


    they all realized how powerful Li Yuan was, far surpassing these veteran soldiers.


    ...


    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 approached the corpse of the Second Rank Fish Spirit n member.


    Xu Bo had been silently guarding it this whole time.


    He did note over during the exchange of everyone else.


    "Officer Xu Bo, impressive," Gao Hao strode forward with a smile, "To be able to kill a Second Rank member of the Alien Race, truly a de that hasn''t dulled..."


    Clearly, he knew of Xu Bo.


    Suddenly,


    "Teacher," a cry of rm rang out.


    Li Yuan leaped to Xu Bo''s side in an instant, supporting him with one hand, his face full of shock and concern, "Teacher? What''s wrong with you?"


    At this moment Xu Bo''splexion was extremely pale, devoid of any color, his face distorted with pain,rge drops of sweat breaking out on his forehead, yet he was still standing erect.


    It seemed as though he was enduring immense pain.


    "Officer Xu Bo, what''s happened to you?" Gao Hao appeared quite shocked as he looked at Li Yuan.


    After a moment,


    Xu Bo''s face showed a few less traces of pain, forcing a smile, "Don''t worry."


    "I won''t die in a day or two."


    "It''s just that I forcefully ran my Star Meridian for too long, and my body can''t take it, after all, it''s been several years since I''ve truly operated Origin Power," Xu Bo exined soberly, "Poison has invaded not only my nerves in my body but has also seeped into every part of my Star Meridian.


    I didn''t feel it during my desperate outburst earlier, but now that the battle is over, I can''t bear it anymore."


    "Toxins permeating every part of your Star Meridian?" Li Yuan''s expression changed slightly.


    What kind of toxin was this?


    Previously, he only knew his teacher had old injuries, never imagining it was poisoning.


    "A toxin that''s seeped into the Star Meridian? Peni Blood Spirit Poison?" Gao Hao said in shock, "Officer Xu Bo, I''ll call for a medical flyer right away."


    Gao Hao obviously thought of the cause.


    Peni Blood Spirit Poison? Li Yuan had never heard of it.


    "It''s a very special toxin from the Peni Star Realm, a poison that is nearly incurable," Gao Hao quickly exined.


    Li Yuan was taken aback, nearly incurable?


    "Officer Gao Hao, there''s no need to call for a medical flyer, I''m beyond saving,"


    "Now is a crucial time, let''s not waste medical resources," Xu Bo shook his head indifferently, declining Gao Hao''s kind offer.


    "I''ve been prepared to face this day."


    "It''s juste a year or two earlier than I expected."

 Chapter 193: 161 The Best Destination for Martial Artists

    "Advance the timeline by one or two years earlier than expected?" Li Yuan''s heart shuddered. He had previously thought that Teacher Xu Bo was only injured and had suffered a decline in strength.


    He hadn''t expected it to be this serious.


    So, the teacher only had one or two years of life expectancy left? Logically, for a Prime Warrior, living past a hundred and fifty was quite easy.


    Li Yuan knew very well that given his teacher''s character, when things had reached such a state, he was highly unlikely to speak falsely.


    "Senior Xu Bo, won''t you try?" Gao Hao couldn''t help but say, "The medical flyer will arrive very quickly."


    He was a Martial Path genius from Jiang City.


    Although he had not been taught by Xu Bo, as a member of Starfire Martial Hall, he had also heard of Xu Bo''s deeds.


    "No need."


    "Steward Gao Hao, the crisis at Nanhuang Elementary School has been resolved. Go and carry out the next mission. Don''t worry about me," Xu Bo said firmly shaking his head, "The sooner the Fish Spirit Tide is cleared, the fewer casualties there will be."


    "Okay, Senior, take care." Gao Hao''s eyes dimmed slightly, and he stopped trying to persuade Xu Bo, bowing his hands in respect.


    Hum~


    A flyernded, and with a light leap, Gao Hao propelled himself over ten meters high onto the vehicle; then it sped away, vanishing into the night sky.


    Time was pressing.


    As a Prime Warrior, he was an extremely importantbat force and could y a significant role.


    "Teacher." Li Yuan looked at Xu Bo.


    "How are you feeling?" Xu Bo asked Li Yuan, taking the initiative to ask, "Is there any major problem?"


    "No." Li Yuan shook his head.


    "Then take the uninjured from yours and my teams, form a new team, and have you lead them to carry out the next mission. Don''t stay here," Xu Bo said, his face pale butposed, "A team led by you can still make a significant impact."


    "I can''t," Li Yuan shook his head, "Teacher, I have to take you back."


    "Obey the order."


    Xu Bo''s eyes suddenly became sharp: "How can you not even listen to your teacher''s words? What can you do by staying here? Can you heal me?"


    Li Yuan opened his mouth, his eyes reddening slightly, but he was unable to speak.


    In his heart, it felt as if a giant stone was weighing down ruthlessly, and a faint grief began to spread deep inside.


    "Don''t worry."


    "I won''t die right away." Xu Bo''s voice became gentle again, "You''ve be a Martial Artist, been to university for half a year, and should have gone through severalbat assessments. Can''t you distinguish between what''s urgent and what''s not?"


    "Right now, the most pressing matter is to deal with the Fish Spirit Tide."


    "This is the worst disaster Jiangbei Province has seen in over a decade and the worst Jiang City has seen in a hundred years," Xu Bo said, looking at Li Yuan, "You now have the ability, so go and y your part."


    "Go!" Xu Bo said emphatically, "Don''t make me reprimand you again."


    "Yes," Li Yuan gritted his teeth.


    ...A few minutester.


    From the two teams of surviving Martial Artists, 16 people were reorganized to form a new team of 10 members.


    Li Yuan led them, piloting a flyer, and ording to the intelligent system''s assignments, theymenced their next mission.


    They quickly disappeared into the night sky.


    The remaining six, either due to weaker strength or injuries, stayed behind to continue participating in the school''s rescue.


    "He''s gone."


    As he watched Li Yuan''s team leave, Xu Bo struggled to stand and made his way towards the semi-copsed teaching building. Listening to the cries for helping from beneath the rubble of the teaching building, his heart ached.


    "It''s my fault."


    "If I could have lured that Fish Spirit n away, the battle wouldn''t have spread and caused the building to copse," Xu Bo said through clenched teeth, enduring the pain in his body as he began to join the rescue.


    To die? From the day he knew his condition was incurable, he had been prepared.


    ...


    In the ck night, within the marsnd.


    The Fish Spirit n, which had been hiding here, was frantically fleeing.


    Hum~ Hum~ Hum~ Numerousbat drones from all directions converged in the sky, relentlessly driving them on.


    "Dada dada!" Metallic bullets streaked across the night sky, wildly strafing down, and one after another, Fish Spirit n warriors fell to the ground, their cries filling the wilderness.


    "Boom!"


    In the open fields on the outskirts, the heavy drones were finally unreserved. Using radar, thermal imaging, and other technologies, they continuously dropped bombs.


    The noise was ear-splitting; the sound, thunderous!


    In the distance, there were also many human groups around the 10th level, along withbat robots, holding various thermal weapons, continually advancing from the ground and ughtering everything in their path.


    On such a frontal confrontation battlefield, not to mention thousands of Entry Rank Fish Spirit n warriors.


    As long as there was no Second Rank power.


    Even if there were tens of thousands or even tens of thousands of Fish Spirit n, facing the encirclement of a massive Mechanical Legion, they would bepletely wiped out.


    ...


    More than forty kilometers from the center of Jiang City, amidst the ruins of a street.


    "Kill!"


    "Advance on three lines! Annihte," Li Yuan ordered coldly.


    In such street ruins, where a considerable number of civilians were still alive, heavy weapons could not be used.


    Only here could the First Rank Martial Artists y a role.


    "Ao~"


    A Fish Spirit n warrior hidden in the ruins suddenly burst forth, a dazzling sh of knife light cutting through the darkness.


    "ng!"


    The Long Spear swung, blocking the terrifying knife strike.


    "Boom!" Li Yuan''s figure, like lightning, rushed forward with a fierce sprint, colliding directly with the body of the 18th level Fish Spirit n senior warrior.


    It caused its huge body to crash and fly backward.


    "Pff~"


    A shadow of a spear streaked across the Vast Sky, piercing the gigantic body in an instant; the image froze midair.


    Blood flowed.


    The Long Spear moved too fast.


    "Pcht~ Bang!" Li Yuan suddenly retracted the spear, its tip pointed downward, as blood ran down its shaft.


    The 18th level Fish Spirit n''s bodynded heavily on the ground, its body still trembling.


    "Whoosh! Whoosh!" With two more thrusts of the spear, the Fish Spirit n''s head and four arms were sliced off, its body torn to pieces.

 Chapter 194: 161 The Best Destination for Martial Artists_2

    There was no sound.


    Li Yuan always listened to Teacher Xu''s advice.


    "[You have consecutively killed Entry Rank creatures, obtained Spiritual Nature nourishment, Spiritual Awakening Level reached 25.2%]." A Divine Pce prompt shed across Li Yuan''s vision.


    It made Li Yuan subconsciously stunned for a moment.


    "I killed six or seven First Rank Fish Spirit n members before without any reaction; I thought I couldn''t increase the Spiritual Awakening Level unless I killed Second Rank ones," Li Yuan muttered to himself, "Turns out, a single First Rank Alien Race is not enough to increase the percentage by 0.1%."


    Li Yuan could imagine that as time went on, when his Spiritual Awakening Level reached 40%, 50%, to increase even a little bit of his Spiritual Nature, he would probably need to kill arge number of Alien Race members.


    "Then let''s kill," he said.


    "No matter how many Alien Race members there are, kill them all," Li Yuan''s eyes were cold, his heart surging with the desire to kill.


    Originally, breaking through the Divine Pce''s shackles to further increase the Spiritual Awakening Level should have been great news.


    But right now, Li Yuan''s heart couldn''t feel any joy at all.


    At this moment, all he wanted to do was to carry out more missions, kill more of the Fish Spirit n.


    ...


    For the entire Jiang City, it was an unbearably long night.


    It was a catastrophe that hadn''t urred in over a hundred years.


    In the past, although the Fish Spirit Star Realm hadunched several attacks, most were minor, and the only three significant ones targeted the Shi Zhou and Yizhou regions near the Star Realm entrance.


    Jiang City? It had never suffered an attack of such a massive scale before.


    Thus, at the initial outbreak of the Fish Spirit Tide, it caused incredible damage to the entire Jiang City, with heavy casualties and losses.


    However,


    the perfect city patrol defense system, Sky Net, Mechanical Legion, along with arge number of Martial Artists, made Jiang City''s war machine erupt quickly.


    Plus, the neighbouring counties, cities, and states were providing full support from the first moment.


    When the morning sun shone on the earth once again,


    this unprecedented scale of ''Fish Spirit Tide'' had mostly been wiped out.


    Apart from a few Fish Spirit n warriors who escaped intokes, rivers, or fled along underground caves... the majority of the invading Fish Spirit n had been ughtered.


    However, Human Warriors continued to pursue and kill them in flying vehicles.


    Countless Mechanical Warriors were also relentlessly tracking and attacking.


    ...


    "ording to preliminary statistics,"


    "After a night of hard fighting, Jiang City has regained its peace, and the Star Realm Creatures attack has mostly been cleared," the host on the Star Realm channel said with a heavy voice, "Preliminary estimates show that the number of deaths in Jiang City exceeds 110,000, with more than 120,000 injured, and economic losses are huge...


    A rough count shows that more than 60,000 Entry Rank Star Realm Creatures have been killed... This has been a painful lesson."


    "This was a targeted attack exploiting the vulnerabilities in our country''s ''City Defense System''."


    "Reports have been submitted to the Seven Star Alliance, and adjustments and redeployments will be made to many city defense systems."


    ...


    At 11 AM on December 18th,


    Li Yuan''s squad no longer received tasks assigned by the smart system.


    "The war mission is basically over."


    "Martial Artist Li Yuan, yourbat video will be synchronized and uploaded with the monitoring smart bracelet... once the defense of Jiang City ispletely concluded, a unifiedmendation will take ce," Li Yuan received a reminder.


    "I received it too,"


    "There''s a reminder to go home and rest first, and wait for further orders," Instructor Xing, Fang Longhu, and the others spoke one after another, all looking towards Li Yuan.


    After this night of fighting,


    their trust in Li Yuan had reached an immeasurable level.


    "Alright."


    "Return," Li Yuan, his eyes bloodshot, gave themand.


    Whoosh!


    The flying vehicle quickly flew towards the Starfire South Lake residential area.


    Ordinary rescue tasks? They were swiftly mobilized across society.


    ...


    The Starfire South Lake residential area, as tranquil as ever, seemed untouched by war''s inferno.


    Back home,


    Li Yuan gave his family a few instructions,


    then reentered the underground Martial Arts Room and ate a serving of High Origin Spirit Spring.


    Next, he silently practiced the "Observing the Great Sun Starry Sky Scripture" "All Heavens'' Stars."


    Fighting nonstop in this battle and being injured by a Second Rank Alien Race had exhausted him to the limit.


    He practiced continuously for over five hours,


    until five in the afternoon.


    Li Yuan then slowly opened his eyes, his body''s fatiguepletely dissipated.


    His internal injuries were also mostly healed, and he felt even more energetic.


    "Origin Power has a healing effect," Li Yuan muttered to himself, "coupled with the Visualization Method, as long as the injury is not fatal, one would recover quickly."


    Li Yuan''s peripheral vision unconsciously nced at the Divine Pce panel.


    ¡ª¡ª


    [Life Level: 15.9 (First Rank)]


    Fist Strength: 17,345 kilograms


    Speed: 59.2 meters/second


    Spiritual Power: 24.8


    Willpower: 29


    Spiritual Awakening Level: 25.4% (current limit 30%)


    Star Meridian: Level 10


    Skill Realm: Spear Technique (Fourth Level 99%), Movement Technique (Fourth Level 99%), Fist Technique (Fourth Level 99%)


    ...


    Judging solely from the data on the Divine Pce panel, other than the Spiritual Awakening Level, the changes in other areas were minimal.


    However, in reality...


    The bloodshed experienced this night, everything that had happened, the streets like ruins, the ordinary people who died, the weak and old wailing in copsing buildings, Teacher Xu... the impact on Li Yuan''s soul was unprecedented.


    This was something that ten Combat Assessments could notpare to.


    "The duty of a Martial Artist."


    "Kill the enemy, protect the country." Li Yuan whispered to himself, understanding these words on a deeper level than before.


    This was something that hundreds of ''General History sses'' could never match.


    ...


    At six o''clock in the afternoon.


    Li Yuan arrived on the ninth floor of the first hospital in Guan Mountain District and headed straight for the VIP ward.


    Li Yuan had inquired many people, including Principal Tan, and confirmed that Xu Bo had been brought here.


    Being a Prime Warrior and having earned many merits... Xu Bo was reluctant, but still, he was forcibly taken here.


    "Uncle Wan," Li Yuan saw Wan Qinghe and another unfamiliar woman in ck standing at the door.


    "Li Yuan? You''re here?" Wan Qinghe saw Li Yuan.


    "You are Li Yuan?" The woman in ck stared at Li Yuan, her gaze quite friendly.


    "Uncle Wan," Li Yuan nodded and looked at the woman in ck, "Senior, who are you?"


    Through inquiry via the Divine Pce, Li Yuan confirmed that the woman in ck was a 24th-Level Prime Warrior.


    "She used to be a teammate of your Teacher Xu," Hall Master Wan said softly, "Li Yuan, we''ll talkter. You go in first; your teacher... doesn''t have much time left."


    Li Yuan''s heart trembled, and his eyes slightly reddened.


    Stepping past the two Prime Warriors, he entered the ward, where many people were also present.


    They all turned to look at Li Yuan.


    "It''s Li Yuan, Teacher Xu''s student."


    "Li Yuan hase." The majority of these people had average strength. Among them was a young man who bore some resemnce to Xu Bo.


    Li Yuan instantly understood; these people were probably Teacher Xu''s family members.


    "Li Yuan." On the hospital bed, Xu Bo''s face was extremely pale.


    Compared to the manst night who, even fighting a Second-Rank Alien Race, looked like a war god in all his tall and brawny glory.


    It was a world of difference.


    "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 dwindling constantly.


    "Teacher, is there really no cure for your illness? Aren''t there any Heavenly Materials Treasures that could work?" Li Yuan''s heart trembled slightly, still holding a glimmer of hope.


    However, Gao Hao was knowledgeable and powerful, and he had said it was almost unsolvable, which likely meant it was true.


    Moreover, Li Yuan had inquired many people sincest night.


    The answers were either ''unsolvable.''


    Or unachievable.


    "Stop thinking about it. I have many friends, and even Flying Heaven Warriors havee to help me," Xu Bo said weakly from his bed, "It''s a miracle I''ve been able to hold on for a few years."


    "I know what you are thinking, but how can everything in this world go as one wishes?"


    "Even Dongfang Ji couldn''t do it."


    "Last night, being able to join forces with you, my student, to kill a Second-Rank Alien Race, was satisfying enough." Xu Bo looked at Li Yuan, his pale face beaming with a radiant smile, "At least it proves that to the end, I, Xu Bo, have died a glorious and heroic death! That''s the best oue for a Martial Artist."


    "You, too, have proved that I, Xu Bo, did well as a Martial Artist and passed as a teacher."


    "I had hoped I could wait to see you win the championship at the Global Collegiate Martial Path Competition, but it looks like I won''t be able to wait."


    Li Yuan''s eyes werepletely red as he bit down on his teeth, trying hard to restrain tears from falling.


    "Xu Ling,e here, meet your senior brother Li." Xu Bo suddenly said in a low voice, reprimanding.

 Chapter 195: 162: Mind Change (Extra for 48,000 monthly votes)

    ```


    Li Yuan couldn''t help but turn his head to look over; the youth who bore a striking resemnce to Xu Bo also knelt down.


    His eyes were slightly red as he looked at his own father, then turned to Li Yuan, preparing to bow: "Senior Brother."


    He often heard his father mention this ''Senior Brother Li Yuan'', the most outstanding disciple his father had taught over the years.


    "Hmm, get up," Li Yuan said softly, helping the youth to his feet.


    "Teacher, whatever you wish to say, just speak," Li Yuan said, holding back his tears as he looked at Xu Bo.


    "Good."


    "I''m going to die, and there''s no need for secrecy anymore. I hope you won''t hold this against me," Xu Bo said, squeezing out a slight smile: "Xu Ling is my son; his mother died at the hands of an alien race, and I''ve always felt I owed it to him."


    "In the future, if he encounters any trouble, if there''s any way you can help him, please help him out," Xu Bo pleaded with a glint of hope in his eyes.


    Perhaps, he had once been a man of unyielding integrity.


    He had been the mighty ''Tie Ta'', renowned across the Star Realm.


    But at this moment, he was just a ''father'' who hoped to pave a smoother path for his child and leave behind some goodwill in the final chapter of his own life.


    "Teacher, you have so many friends and rtives; they will all help Xu Ling," Li Yuan said, his heart aching as he spoke: "But rest assured, from now on, I''ll treat Xu Ling like a younger brother and will definitely help him whenever I can."


    "Good," Xu Bo rxed with this assurance.


    He had asked many people, but in his heart, Li Yuan was the most significant one, the one with the most promise of bing a Flying Heaven Warrior in the future.


    "Li Yuan."


    "In the past, I too aspired to be a Flying Heaven Warrior, to wield my spear to fame in the Xia Country and even exterminate the alien races of the Star Realm," Xu Bo said softly to Li Yuan: "Regrettably, I can no longer achieve that."


    "So, after my injury, in thest years of my life, I returned to Jiang City to teach, to exert thest of my strength."


    "You are the finest student I''ve ever had," Xu Bo looked at Li Yuan, with a trace of expectation in his eyes: "I hope you can carry on with my blessing."


    "Be a Flying Heaven Warrior."


    "And even surpass the Flying Heaven level, to truly be the pinnacle existence of our human civilization," Xu Bo said with a smile.


    "Teacher, I will try my best," Li Yuan nodded, still trying his hardest to keep the tears from falling.


    Xu Bo became Li Yuan''s Martial Arts Teacher when he was in the eleventh grade.


    In terms of time spent together, it wasn''t long.


    But Xu Bo was the first person who genuinely sought nothing in return while wholeheartedly helping Li Yuan, whether it was guidance in cultivation or in life, or when he joined the Starfire Martial Hall... Xu Bo always supported Li Yuan with all his might.


    Today would be thest time they would see each other.


    ...


    Li Yuan didn''t stay in the hospital room too long.


    He was, after all, just Xu Bo''s ''student'', barely considered a direct disciple.


    In these final moments of life, Xu Bo surely wished for his rtives to be by his side.


    "Uncle Wan," Li Yuan walked out of the hospital room.


    The woman in ck had already left.


    "I''d been meaning to tell you about Xu Bo''s situation, but your teacher didn''t want to," Wan Qinghe said: "You''re young and haven''t seen much of this."


    "I don''t want tofort you with titudes because anyone would find this difficult," Wan Qinghe looked at Li Yuan and sighed: "Your teacher is a good man, and it pains me to see him like this."


    "I just want to let you know."


    "This is the path of a martial artist. From university onward, there will be many ssmates who die; more friends, acquaintances, and elders will perish in the Star Realm, and many won''t even leave behind a body or ce of death to be found... We can only face it; we must face it," Wan Qinghe told Li Yuan.


    "What we can do is make ourselves stronger and more powerful," Wan Qinghe looked at Li Yuan.


    Today, his words were particrly direct, without much concealment.


    "I understand," Li Yuan nodded softly.


    Before long.


    Wan Qinghe left as well; as Hall Master of the Starfire Guan Mountain District, he had many duties at such a time.


    It was rare for him to find the time to visit Xu Bo.


    But Li Yuan didn''t leave; he waited silently outside the hospital room.


    Time passed, and more people came to visit.


    By eight in the evening, a figure Li Yuan didn''t expect to see appeared in the hallway.


    "Lanyue?" Li Yuan was surprised to see the arrival.


    "Are you that surprised to see me?" Lin Lanyue looked at Li Yuan; it had been a long time since theyst saw each other in real life.


    "Didn''t you say you weren''ting back to Jiang City for the holidays?" Li Yuan asked, as he and Lin Lanyue oftenmunicated online.


    Until now, Lin Lanyue had been in the Lantis Continent and hadn''t returned from Starry Sky University.


    "You told me about Teacher Xu''s situation; he is also my Martial Arts Teacher. Shouldn''t Ie back to see him?" Lin Lanyue looked at Li Yuan.


    In high school, Xu Bo was also the Martial Arts Teacher for three different sses.


    "Do you have...?" Li Yuan''s heart flickered with a glimmer of hope.


    Last night, while on a mission, Li Yuan had asked Lin Lanyue, hoping to find a solution.


    "No," Lin Lanyue shook her head.


    Thest glimmer of hope in Li Yuan''s heart extinguished.


    "To save Teacher Xu, the poison must be eliminated, but the engulfing Star Meridian poison has prated deep into his star meridians, making it very difficult," Lin Lanyue sighed softly: "I asked my father, and perhaps a being beyond the Flying Heaven level could do it."


    ```


    "But at least, my father couldn''t do it."


    Li Yuan''s gaze darkened, this was within his expectations.


    Just like Xu Bo himself said, he had a widework and even several Flying Heaven Warriors had tried to help.


    If it was possible to save him, it would have been done by now.


    "Alright, I''ll go see Teacher." Lin Lanyue said, and entered the ward.


    She soon came out of the ward.


    The two sat quietly on the chairs outside the ward, silently waiting.


    "I heard from my second brother that you performed very well during the Fish Spirit Tide in Jiang City," Lin Lanyue looked at Li Yuan. "You''ll probably be acknowledged as a key figure."


    "Key acknowledgement?" Li Yuan nodded slightly.


    With Lin Lanyue''s significant family background, it wasn''t hard for her to know such news in advance.


    However, Li Yuan didn''t feel much joy in his heart; he would rather not have this so-called recognition.


    Lin Lanyue looked at Li Yuan and said no more.


    Although she was also a student of Xu Bo, her emotions weren''t as deep, and she couldn''t feel the same as Li Yuan.


    ...


    In the early hours of around four in the morning, Xu Bo passed away peacefully in the ward, surrounded by numerous family members, friends, and students.


    He was only 48 years old.


    ...


    Two dayster, Xu Bo''s memorial service was held in the auditorium of Guan Mountain District.


    As one of only two Prime Warriors who fell in the battle of the ''Fish Spirit Tide'' in Jiang City.


    Indeed, both Starfire Martial Hall and the nation officially recognized Xu Bo as ''fallen in battle'' and, in light of his significant contributions to humanity and Xia Country throughout his life, posthumously awarded him a First Rank Metal Quality Medal.


    His memorial service was undoubtedly grand.


    Lin Lanyue stayed in Jiang City for several days, apanying Li Yuan to Xu Bo''s memorial service.


    Then she quickly left and returned to the Lantis Continent.


    ...


    After attending Teacher Xu''s memorial service and having a private conversation with Xu Ling,


    Li Yuan returned home.


    The various buildings and streets in Jiang City damaged by the Fish Spirit Tide were being rapidly repaired.


    However, the immense casualties, and the pain in the hearts of the tens of millions of people in Jiang City, couldn''t be erased in a moment''s time.


    It would take a very long time.


    As time passed, during the remaining days of his holiday, besides his daily routine of intense training, Li Yuan spent time apanying his uncle and aunt.


    Following Teacher Xu''s incident, Li Yuan became even more aware that time often never returns once it has passed.


    So many things.


    If not done in the moment, it''s easy to be left with regret that can''tter bepensated for.


    For Li Yuan, he no longer had the chance to repay Teacher Xu''s ''teachings and kindness.''


    The departed had moved on.


    Therefore, for the days he could apany his uncle and aunt, Li Yuan treasured them all the more.


    ...On December 25th, Jiangbei Province announced that the ''Jiang City Fish Spirit Attack'' was over, but the counterattacks and reprisals against the Fish Spirit Star Realm would continue.


    ...


    On December 27th, a citywidemendation meeting was held in Jiang City, recognizing civilians and warriors who had made outstanding contributions during the Fish Spirit Tide.


    Li Yuan was set up as a ''role model for young warriors'', and atst, he was awarded the ''First Rank Silver Quality Medal.''


    Coupled with previous deeds, his fame within Jiangbei Province continued to rise.


    But.


    All of this Li Yuan never took to heart, even the ''dinner banquet'' following the award ceremony. He did not attend.


    Instead, he went straight back home.


    On the vi''s rooftop, the stars filled the sky, and the entire neighborhood was exceptionally quiet.


    "In two days, I will depart for the Mingxu Star Realm," Li Yuan sat quietly thinking.


    Downstairs.


    Since the meeting was not broadcast live, his uncle, aunt, younger brother, and sister were watching the projected video, viewing the edited broadcast of the award ceremony.


    Li Yuan just sat quietly on the rooftop, listening to his family''s discussion.


    Looking at the calmke in the distance.


    Looking at the vis around him, Li Yuan felt an extraordinary peace in his heart; he found this moment particrly beautiful.


    It was as if the recent warfare had all been a mere illusion.


    "If every day for everyone in the country could be like this, how wonderful that would be," Li Yuan silently wished.


    He quietly observed everything.


    Gradually, Li Yuan felt an increasing calmness in his heart, experiencing a subtle change.

 Chapter 206: 171: Human Race? Alien Race! Kill!

    Within a 1000 kilometer radius of the war base, the signal was quite decent.


    If the base wished, it could contact human martial artists in the area at any time, even roughly locate them using intelligent ring-tablets, though it could be difficult to contact them directly beyond 1000 kilometers.


    By using the positioning system, if human martial artists came within 3 kilometers of each other within the 1000 kilometers, they would usually receive an induction to prevent friendly fire.


    Not detecting anything?


    There were three possible exnations: one was that the martial artists didn''t want to reveal their whereabouts and had turned off their intelligent ring-tablets'' positioning.


    Another was that the intelligent ring-tablets were lost or broken.


    And thest possibility was¡ªthe others weren''t human martial artists, but aliens.


    Still, this area was only 600 kilometers from the Human Race''s war base and was rather within their sphere of influence.


    Would a strong member of the Tianliang Civilizatione all the way here to kill?


    "Just judging by the attire, they resemble our human martial artists." Li Yuan narrowed his eyes slightly and moved his body like a gust of wind, vanishing into the slightly dim forest.


    With Li Yuan''s current skills, although he hadn''t deliberately practiced the art of assassination, after achieving Unity of Heaven and Man, his stealth ability was not at all inferior to that of some formidable assassins.


    After all, what is stealth? It is essentially merging with the environment, so that others cannot detect you.


    And a warrior of Unity of Heaven and Man seeks precisely that¡ªto be one with the universe.


    Understanding one art enlightens a hundred others.


    A warrior of Unity of Heaven and Man could rapidly master various skills and techniques that ordinary people would have to train for a long time.


    ...


    Li Yuan projected his senses outward, his perception astonishing.


    He noticed early on the three faint purple figures shuttling through the forest.


    But these three faint purple figures did not detect Li Yuan''s presence at all.


    "Number two, number three, keep a close eye on our surroundings, stay alert, we''ve entered the activity range of the Seven Star Civilization, we might encounter human martial artists at any time," said the tall, thin man with unkempt hair, while scanning the surroundings attentively.


    His face bore some resemnce to the people of Xia Country, only his skin was a bit darker, and his pronunciation was peculiar, speaking anguagepletely different from that of the Human Race.


    "Hmm."


    "We''re disguised so well that even if they see us from a distance, they might not recognize us."


    "We''re just in charge of the alert exploration, the capture and pursuit is for the captain and the others. Judging by the time, the captain should have caught them by now." The other two purple-cloaked figures, carrying weapons, responded in low voices.


    The three of them formed a loosebat formation, continually surveying their surroundings with sharp eyes, as if searching for something.


    Suddenly.


    "Who''s there!" The leader in purple robes shouted suddenly, sensing something, this time using the rather awkward Xia Countrynguage.


    The other two purple robes were startled as they had not sensed anything yet.


    "Whoosh!" Without a sound.


    About fifty meters to the side of the three, a figure d in ck suddenly appeared from the dense forest, a young man holding a ck long spear, with an innocent smile on his face.


    "Sirs, it''s me, so d to have finally found some living people." The young man in ck waved his long spear excitedly and shouted loudly.


    This voice echoed in the forest, very conspicuous, a perfect match for the young man''s smiling face.


    The three purple-cloaked figures exchanged nces.


    "It''s a human martial artist, quite young, probably just resting there earlier," whispered the leader in the tall purple cloak, "perception of life force suggests around level 17; we''ll observe if there''s anyone else first, and capture him for questioning as soon as he gets close."


    Level 17?


    This made the other two purple-cloaked figures rx their guard subconsciously, for they were both level 18 warriors, and their captain was approaching level 19.


    The disparity in physical quality by one level meant an astounding difference in strength.


    "Young brother, which team are you from?" The man in the tall purple cloak showed a slight smile, leading the others to greet him proactively.


    "I''m from the Suzuki squad." The young man in ck responded cheerily, "It''s my first time here, and I got separated from them. Which martial artists'' team are you seniors from?"


    "Oh?"


    "Suzuki squad? I''ve heard of it," the tall man in the purple cloak answered Li Yuan while keeping up appearances.


    The distance of several dozen meters between them closed quickly, and within a few seconds, both sides approached within twenty meters of each other.


    In the next instant.


    Whoosh! Whoosh! The two figures beside the tall purple-cloaked figure burst forth simultaneously, their speed skyrocketing in a moment, attacking the young man in ck from the left and the right.


    "With Wei Lao and Zhen Hong''s strength, they should be able to capture him with three or two moves when working together." The tall man in the purple cloak thought as much.


    However, contrary to his expectations.


    The young man in ck didn''t panic or get bewildered as he had imagined; instead, he burst out almost simultaneously, faster and more ferocious.


    "Not good, he''s been hiding his strength," the face of the tall purple-cloaked figure changed, and he immediately exploded into action, drawing hisbat saber in a sh, attempting to rescue his twopanions.


    But it was toote.


    Boom! Boom! Boom! Three figures collided like lightning in mid-air.


    "Whoosh!"


    The long spear whistled, emitting a terrifying shriek as it thrust straight at the two figures in purple robes.


    Too fast.


    The power and speed unleashed by Li Yuan in an instant left all three purple-cloaked people shocked and terrified.


    "Be careful," the tall purple-cloaked figure instinctively let out in his native tongue.


    Thud~thud! Thud!


    Figures crossed, spears crossed, and right afterward a torrent of blood sprayed out.


    A massive bloody hole appeared instantly in the necks of the two purple-cloaked figures.


    Their weapons nged to the ground, and their bodies crashed into the grasnd.


    Until death.


    The eyes of the two purple-cloaked figures bore an expression of disbelief. How could a young man supposedly at level 17 be so formidable all of a sudden?


    "Boom!"


    Li Yuan, having killed two with one strike, did not pause for an instant and collided with the tall purple-cloaked figure like lightning.


    "Die!" the tall purple-cloaked figure roared, moving like a ghost, wielding a weapon resembling a hugebat saber.


    As the strongest among the three, he was also stunned by Li Yuan''s explosive attack.


    But in such a close-quarters burst, it was already toote for him to retreat. With no other choice but to fight, he prepared to confront Li Yuan.


    "Facing a long weapon with a short one, just need to seize a sliver of chance to get in close, and there''s a chance to win."


    "Moreover, this Seven Stars individual''s Life Level isn''t as strong as mine. If I can just block one wave, I''ll be able to escape."


    Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!


    Li Yuan''s long spear came whistling in his hand, instantly creating dozens of phantoms. The spear tip howled as if countless glimmers enveloped him.


    It was one of the five deadly moves of Ster Spear Technique, the ''Ster Illumination.''


    This was a defensive move, but if the realm was high enough, it could also be used as a ughter move.


    ng! ng! ng! Countless spear shadows howled. Although Li Yuan''s physical quality was much weaker, his spear was much faster than the slender figure in the purple robe, urate and extremely ruthless.


    One spear thrust followed another.


    Hepletely took the initiative.


    Each thrust sent a chill down the slender figure''s spine, as if walking along the edge of death, he didn''t have time to think and could only wield hisbat saber to block with all his might.


    Nine collisions in a row.


    Under the terrifying force, the surrounding mud and stones sted and flew everywhere.


    "Rise." Li Yuan bellowed, his long spear danced in his hand, and he suddenly swung it down heavily onto the slender figure''s arms.


    After this collision, the figure in the purple robe could no longer resist. The terrifying impact sent him flying uncontrobly into the air.


    Strength starts from the root.


    As a first and second rank warrior who couldn''t yet fly, one wouldn''t let oneself be air-borne lightly in the heat of closebat.


    Spurt!


    "Thud!" Seizing the opportunity, Li Yuan followed with a straight thrust. His long spear howled, and immediately, a blood hole appeared on each of the slender figure''s shoulders.


    The arms were almost torn apart.


    "Bang~" The slender figure in purple smashed heavily against a nearby mountainside, kicking up countless fragments. The intense pain in both arms made it impossible for him to hold onto hisbat saber any longer.


    "ng~" "ng~" Thebat saber fell to the ground.


    The slender figure alsonded from the mountainside and barely stood up,pletely bereft of fighting ability.


    Boom! A ck figure shed in.


    "Swoosh!" Another spear shadow shed past.


    Crack~ The sound of two knee bones shattering rang out.


    The knees of the purple-robed slender figure burst open, instantly turning bloodied and blurry, he could no longer endure and, with his face to the ground, crashed down to his knees.


    Both arms and knees were disabled, and he lost the ability to move.


    "Bang~" Another kick sent the slender figure in the purple robe flying several meters,nding heavily.


    Hey on his back, bloodied and battered, and moving became difficult after being struck repeatedly.


    However, given his strong vitality, nonsfatal injuries to the heart and head meant he wouldn''t die in a short time.


    Whew!


    Li Yuan stood five meters away and did not approach, just stared coldly at the slender figure.


    Better safe than sorry, even with an overwhelming advantage, one must remain cautious.


    Indeed.


    If it wasn''t for wanting to capture a live one for interrogation, Li Yuan could have killed him within five moves with his strength.


    "Tianliang n''s, you understand the humannguage." Li Yuan spoke indifferently, "I ask, you answer, I promise to give you a quick death. Otherwise, you will definitely regret it."


    "Regret?" The figure on the ground sneered, "Seven Stars human, don''t expect to pry anything useful from my mouth. Don''t underestimate the willpower of the Tianliang n, you''d better kill me quickly."


    "Otherwise, once our people arrive, you''re certainly dead," the figure in the purple robe said venomously, his life force draining, he felt himself slipping away.


    Moving toward death.


    "Your people?" Li Yuan smiled lightly, "So, you have quite a few peopleing?"


    "Hmph." The figure in the purple robe snorted and spoke no more.


    "One must drink punishment for refusing a toast." Li Yuan shook his head lightly, and now he took out a tan pill.


    Buzz~


    Enveloped in a ck battle garment, Li Yuan swiftly moved in front of the figure and forced the pill into his mouth, making him swallow it by force.


    "Origin Power Battle Suit?" The figure in the purple robe was shocked, then sneered, "No matter what the drug, don''t expect to... Ahh!"


    His body started to tremble violently.


    "A special interrogation drug."


    "One costs ten thousand Blue Star Coins." Li Yuan muttered to himself, "Almost as painful as one-tenth of the Hundred Marrow Spirit Decay... Let''s see if your bones are tough enough."


    Li Yuan had prepared 20 of these pills, specifically for the Alien Race.


    Being able to train to a High Level Warrior, ordinary pains, like severed hands and feet, they could withstand quite easily.


    Special methods were required.


    Just dozens of secondster.


    "I''ll talk."


    "I''ll tell you everything." The figure in the purple robe could no longer endure it, wailing in agony.


    ...


    Soon, Li Yuan obtained the intelligence he wanted from the purple-robed figure.


    Without hesitation.


    Li Yuan dialed the basemunication and quickly reported his situation.


    "Xu An, you did very well," came the voice over thems.


    "This is information we did not know."


    "However, Observation Point 19 has alreadye under heavy attack from the Tianliang strong beings. ording to the rescue request from the observation point, there should be no second rank fighters." The voice on themunication sounded heavy, "We''ve dispatched support squads by flyer to Observation Point 19... but flying is very risky and may not arrive in time."


    "The nearest ones."


    "Two warrior squads are already on the way to rescue, and we hope you can also go to support," the voice continued.


    "Okay, I''ll set out immediately," Li Yuan said somberly. Observation Point 19 was already under siege?


    "What about this Tianliang?" Li Yuan asked.


    "Execute him on the spot!"

 Chapter 207: 172: Demon Blood Spirit Crystal (Seeking Monthly Pass)

    After ending the call.


    Li Yuan didn''t waste any words. He stood up, waved his long spear, and struck down the purple-robed figure lying on the ground, already nearly unconscious.


    The head was split in two, dead beyond any doubt.


    "[You have consecutively killed Entry Rank creatures and obtained Spiritual Nature nourishment, bringing your Spiritual Awakening Level to 29%]", the Divine Pce panel showed a prompt.


    In fact, why was Li Yuan so certain these trio were from an Alien Race, and not Seven Stars humans?


    It wasn''t because he understood their conversation, nor did he detect too many clues.


    It was simply because the inquiry from the Divine Pce reminded him that killing them would yield ''Spiritual Nature nourishment''.


    This kind of prompt only appeared for Alien races.


    "No matter how good their disguise, they can''t escape the inquiry of the Mind Spirit Divine Pce." Li Yuan nced over the corpses with a sharp gaze.


    In fact, had Li Yuan not killed the Tianliang individual, with their injuries, their death was all but certain if things persisted.


    Moreover, in The Wilderness'' jungle, losing the ability to move was akin to awaiting death, you never know when some beast-like Alien Race would be attracted by the scent of blood.


    "Pursuing a human? Why?" Li Yuan muttered to himself, pondering the intelligence he had just obtained.


    The content of the intelligence was not plentiful, mainly two points.


    First, those killed by Li Yuan were merely ''First Rank warriors'' among the Tianliang n, sent to the Mingxu Star Realm by orders, which was essentially simr to the military martial artists of the Human Race civilization.


    Second, as arge squad, they were ordered to pursue a human warrior¡ªa chase that spanned hundreds of kilometers.


    Who exactly was this human warrior? Why were they being tracked? They had no knowledge of this, at least not these three warriors.


    "Arge squad of the Tianliang Civilization, with at least over 50 Tianliang warriors," Li Yuan thought to himself, "there must be more than one Level 19 warrior.">


    The Seven Stars Human Race civilization and the Tianliang Civilization had not only encountered each other in the Mingxu Star Realm but also through other Star Realms. Although they didn''t wage war as insanely as the Alien Civilizations behind Rob Sea, they had always been at odds with each other.


    Over the years, both civilizations actually had a good understanding of each other, with a certain grasp of thenguage, culture, technology, history, and many other aspects.


    This was why, once Li Yuan''s Divine Pce inquiry confirmed the others were ''Alien Races,'' he did not hesitate to take action and execute a ughter.


    There was no need to question why.


    ording to the ''code of conduct'' given by the base, any strong beings from the tworge Alien Civilizations encountered within 1,000 kilometers of the base could be attacked directly.


    ng~


    Li Yuan quickly searched the three bodies but found not many valuable items.


    Weapons? Combat Armor? They were only First Rank mid-grade weapons, not very valuable, and Li Yuan had no ce to put them anyway.


    There was even less of other things, mostly just food.


    "Hmm, a Life Detector? First Rank." Li Yuan grinned as he found something truly valuable on the strongest Tianliang being.


    He took it off.


    This was a technological product of the Tianliang race.


    It was somewhat simr to the ''Life Vitality Detector'' of the Seven Stars Human Race Civilization but of better quality and truly miniaturized, capable of being carried around.


    Li Yuan had the Divine Pce inquiry, which was more urate, and he didn''t need this device.


    Even though this palm-sized Life Detector appeared to be only First Rank and could only detect up to Level 20 Life.


    However, once Li Yuan handed it over to the base, he could sell it for several million Blue Star Coins.


    "Perhaps, the Life Vitality Detector used by our Seven Stars Human Race civilization was initially inspired by this device," Li Yuan thought to himself.


    In some ways, war continuously promotes the development of technology.


    It forces a civilization to grow stronger, to prevent the entire civilization from extinction.


    For hundreds of years, through collisions and exchanges with a myriad of Star Realms and a multitude of Alien Civilizations, the Seven Stars Human Race civilization has made leaps in both technology and the cultivation civilization.


    "Beast-kind civilizations tend to be weak in terms of technology."


    "But many humanoid civilizations possess very powerful technologies, many of which are much stronger than those of the human race," Li Yuan sighed inwardly.


    This information may not be clear to ordinary people, but it was no secret to Prime Warriors.


    Li Yuan had perused a considerable amount of data from Starfire Martial Hall and was very aware of this fact.


    Because of this.


    The entire Seven Stars Human Race civilization was filled with a sense of crisis, striving to develop martial arts and technology to be even stronger.


    Though it might seem slow, Li Yuan had taken only tens of seconds to search the bodies, casually putting the Life Detector into his close-fitting backpack.


    "Observation Point 19?"


    "Let''s go." Li Yuan briefly discerned the direction, then set up ''directional guidance'' on his smart wristband.


    A straight-line distance of 40 kilometers!


    "With full-speed assault, I should be able to arrive within 20 minutes. I hope they can hold on," Li Yuan sighed inwardly. His figure moved, his speed soared to over 50 meters/second, turning into a streak of light that shot out, rushing towards Observation Point 19.


    Arge squad of Tianliang warriors?


    To breach an observation point wouldn''t be difficult, even without carrying technological weapons.


    "Just 1% shy of reaching a 30% level of Spiritual Awakening," Li Yuan''s eyes shed with a fierce light.


    I''ll use you as my experiment.


    ...


    Within the Mingxu Star Realm, the Seven Stars Human Race civilization, aside from forward operating bases, was divided into Observation Points and Information Points.


    Information Points, for example, included regions highly suitable for the cultivation of various precious medicinal herbs or mining areas for ore veins.


    Observation Points, often located at the farthest boundaries of activity, served the purpose of surveying and monitoring tens of kilometers around to serve as early warnings.


    They also provided temporary rest areas for the many martial artists training in the outermost zones.


    Observation Point 19.


    It was one situated on the outskirts, far from the war base, a hidden Observation Point inside a mountain. The belly of the mountain was mostly hollowed out. From the outside, it looked unremarkable, not much different from amon small hill, but the interior wasplex and intricate.


    For the past several decades, it had been safe.


    But today, Observation Point 19 faced a catastrophe.


    The outermost defenses of the Observation Point had been breached.


    "Dada dada!"


    Ferocious fire spat out as more than ten metal bullets sealed off a passage over ten meters wide,pletely suppressing the several dozen Tianliang warriors outside.


    In such a confined space.


    Even for a Level 19 powerhouse, it would be extremely dangerous to forcefully charge against the flow of metal bullets through the passage.


    "What assholes."


    As the corridor outside echoed with their discontent, a monster-like brute towered over the rest. Standing well over two and a half meters tall, d in ckbat armor, his eyes seemed to spit fire.


    The surrounding Tianliang n warriors remained silent.


    "Captain Logan, what should we do?" Another squat, plump man asked in a deep voice. "We all know that these Seven Stars Human Race observers might have other passages. If we dy, they might escape."


    "Most importantly, we''re very close to the Seven Stars Human Race base. They''re definitely calling for backup. Once the Prime Warriors arrive, we''re all dead."


    "Failing to bring back the mission target will also mean big trouble for us." The squat, plump man said as he looked at the other, "Lord Xue Shu will not let us off easily."


    Clearly.


    Among the forty-plus Tianliang n warriors present, these two stood at the highest rank.


    "Mo Long, you don''t need to remind me," the burly Logan said with an icy voice. "I know the consequences of failing a mission better than you do."


    "Stop hesitating, let''s go all out and pave the way."


    "Mm."


    The two powerful Tianliang n leaders hesitated no more. They each took out a small vial from their bosoms and gently opened it to reveal a blood-red elixir inside.


    They swallowed it down without a second thought.


    The sight of the blood-red elixir sparked a flicker of envy in the eyes of the surrounding Tianliang n warriors.


    Boom! The skin of both the hulking Logan and the squat brute seemed to turn fiery red. Even veins of crimson energy could be seen coursing across their skin.


    It was a special Heavenly Materials Treasure of the Tianliang n called the ''Demon Blood Spirit Crystal.'' Once consumed, it would significantly increase their strength and speed for a short period and even bestow them with a hint of special Origin Power.


    The effect was insignificant to Prime Warriors, but to those of the First Rank of life, it was a substantial boost in strength with virtually no side effects. Instead, after the effect wore off, it would slightly improve their overall physical quality.


    Such a medicine was precious, something ordinary First Rank fighters couldn''t possibly obtain.


    This time, however, the mission was special.


    Both captains, whose Life Levels exceeded rank 19, were each given one so that they could use it at a critical moment.


    ng! With a shattering sound, the bulging armors of the formidable Logan and Mo Long now fully encased their bodies.


    "We charge, and you follow."


    "Kill!" Logan roared lowly.


    Boom! Bang! Both warriors, one wielding abat saber and the other a gigantic battle axe, charged into the corridor side by side in a blur.


    "ng! ng! ng!"


    "ng!" Countless metal bullets rained furiously on them, drastically reducing their speed with their formidable impact, but those numerous bullets were immediately blocked by the swirling crimson energy mingling with their armor.


    ...Inside Observation Point No.19, dozens of Human Warriors each held weapons with eyes narrowed in high tension, scrutinizing the corridor.


    The ranged weapons were directly operated by the observation point''s intelligent system.


    "Captain." Shi Xiao gripped herbat saber, her eyes ice cold, fixated on the corridor.


    "Rx." Standing beside her, Captain Wu Qiong, appearing to be in her thirties with the mature air of a woman, whispered, "Your strength is second only to mine in the squad, but your experience is stillcking."


    "This is a fight for life and death."


    "First, we need to remain calm," Wu Qiong uttered softly, as a warrior who had battled for years in the Mingxu Star Realm.


    Her Life Level stood at 19.6, and her experience was very rich.


    "Understood," Shi Xiao nodded in agreement.


    "Don''t worry, Captain Wu Qiong," she reassured.


    "With our stored ammunition, holding them back for over half an hour isn''t hard," the observer post''s officer added in a low voice.


    "Just a while ago, you said our external defense systems could hold for at least twenty minutes, but what happened?" Wu Qiong nced at him coldly. "Three of my team members are dead."


    The officer fell silent at that.


    He too hadn''t anticipated that this attacking force of Tianliang n warriors would be so fierce, each one surpassing level 18, undoubtedly an elite squad.


    Suddenly.


    "Damn, they''ve breached." Wu Qiong''s eyes shed coldly as she roared sharply, "Prepare for battle! Kill!"


    Bang! Boom!


    As thunderous noises resonated, the two fearsome Tianliang n leaders, bracing against the metal barrage, darted through the corridor like lightning, swiftly destroying a multitude of the ranged weapon emitters.


    The dozens of Tianliang n warriors who followed surged in like a tidal wave.


    "Kill!"


    "Engage!" With no way to retreat, over twenty Human Warriors charged into battle with howls of determination.


    "Scum."


    "You can''t escape," the formidable Logan growled, spotting his target and dashing forward like lightning.


    "Your opponent is me." Wu Qiong swung her long spear, positioning herself before him.


    "Out of my way!"


    ...


    After spending about 23 minutes at full sprint, Li Yuan, guided by the map on his smart ring, finally arrived at the outskirts of the 19th observation point, located in the wooded hills.


    Just a brief survey of his surroundings caused his expression to darken.


    "Bodies?" With a nce, Li Yuan noticed arge number of corpses around the perimeter.


    Many appeared to be from the Human Race, some wearing purple robes.


    This portion was clearly that of the Tianliang n warriors.


    There were also many other corpses, evidently belonging to the Seven Stars Human Race side.


    "So many dead?" A hint of murderous intent crossed Li Yuan''s mind.


    "Has the observation post fallen?" Doubt flickered through Li Yuan''s thoughts, soon followed by a slight movement of his ears. "Sounds of battle?"


    "Some are still alive."


    Whoosh! Li Yuan''s figure shot like lightning, rushing straight into the broad corridor thaty revealed before him.

 Chapter 198: 164 Principal Fang Hai

    The Starry Skies Fighting Network, that mysterious ''Observation Space''.


    Two observers from Xia Country gazed at the data in their hands in shock, exchanging nces with eyes full of disbelief.


    "18 years old? Li Yuan? He''s the one we observedst time, isn''t he?" the observer in the ck robe couldn''t help saying.


    "Yes," the observer in the white robe shrugged, "In the entire Xia Country, the only one who reached the Sun Eclipse Stage at 18, besides him, is Dantai Feng. But only Li Yuan uses the Spear Technique, and we have observed him several times before... A breakthrough in strength always has some traces, it''s certainly him, there can''t suddenly be a second peerless genius like this."


    The observer in the white robe had already started referring to Li Yuan as a ''peerless genius''.


    "18 years old, Unity of Heaven and Man?" the observer in the ck robe said, his voice filled with astonishment, "How did he do it?"


    "Damn it, why didn''t we pay attention to hisbat video just now?" said the observer in the ck robe.


    "Hmm, he''s not undergoing rank matching anymore, we can''t see the scenes in his personal space," said the observer in the white robe, "Let''s check hisbat rey."


    He reached out and touched the light screen.


    "ng~" A prohibiting sound echoed in the Observation Space.


    "Respected observers, this user has been designated as an ''SSS level user'', you do not have observation privileges." the system prompt sounded: "To observe, please apply for permissions."


    "What?"


    "SSS level user?" Both observers were shocked. As special emissaries of Xia Country to the Starry Skies Fighting Network, their privileges were extremely high.


    Normally, they would be allowed to watch even Transcendent Stage battles.


    "When did he be an SSS user?" the observer in the white robe couldn''t help asking, "We were still able to watch his reys a while ago."


    "18 seconds ago, personally ordered by a Star Master of the Seven Star Alliance," the system''s voice sounded again.


    The two observers were already too shocked for words.


    Star Master?


    One who attained such an honor in the Alliance, was at least a pinnacle existence in the Flying Heaven Level, or perhaps... it was a presence that could be considered high-ranking even when considering all of human civilization.


    Suddenly.


    "Beep~" A sound abruptly rose in the Observation Space, followed by a huge light screen emerging in front of the two, with an elderly man in a ck robe appearing on it.


    "Director," the two observers became solemn, bowing slightly in salute.


    "Regarding Li Yuan, you do not need to observe any further," the voice of the elderly man in the ck robe was gentle, "All the data you have inquired about him before, seal it all, leaking information is strictly forbidden."


    "Yes," the two observers replied respectfully.


    ...


    Almost at the same time.


    Inside the colossal, spaceship-like floating city of the ''Blue Star Headquarters'' of the Starry Sky Martial Hall.


    The dawn of heaven and earth remained unchanged.


    Within an exceptionallyrge office.


    "Yao Man," the man shrouded in a ck robe on the light screen spoke indifferently, "Seal all the data about Li Yuan, and cease any further inquiries."


    "What? No more inquiries?" Yao Man, the beautiful woman in a Tang suit, was taken aback.


    Yao Man ranked very high within the hierarchy of the Starry Sky Martial Hall. Although not a Flying Heaven Warrior herself, her power and influence were by no means less than that of an average Flying Heaven Warrior.


    She was in charge of many affairs of the Starry Sky Martial Hall in Xia Country.


    "This is a request from Xia Country," the middle-aged man in the light screen projection said indifferently, "Li Yuan has been signed by the Starfire Martial Hall. If it is confirmed that he has entered the Fifth Stage of Unity of Heaven and Man, following Yu Jinghe, he will be another peerless genius to cross into the Fifth Stage before 19...


    It''s normal for Xia Country to ce great importance on him."


    "You must understand thatpared to us, Xia Country puts more trust in Starfire Martial Hall."


    "But can Li Yuan''s strength really be hidden? At most, during the global university Martial Path contest, won''t he be exposed?" Yao Man''s voice betrayed a hint of dissatisfaction, "At most we''re just gathering some data, we''re not going to harm him."


    "A Star Master in the Alliance has already issued an order. This is not a discussion with you, but amand," the middle-aged man in the projection said directly.


    Yao Man fell silent immediately.


    Star Master?


    In the Seven Star Alliance, how many Star Masters does Xia Country have in total?


    "Yes, I will execute it immediately," Yao Man replied seriously, no longer defending her point.


    "Alright, no matter how the Starfire Martial Hall and Xia Country cultivate him," the middle-aged man spoke indifferently," ultimately, he is a genius of our human civilization. We will simply observe."


    Yao Man nodded in agreement.


    Starry Sky Martial Hall, Starfire Martial Hall, ck Stone Martial Hall, the three Martial Halls subtly ruled over the Seven Star Alliance, their positions overtopping the nations of the Seven Stars... There waspetition among them, but all with boundaries.


    Perhaps, individual powerhouses had life and death enmity with one another, but the three Martial Halls would never erupt in direct conflict.


    ...


    At Kunlun Martial University, nestled deep within the vi area belonging to the Sixth Institute.


    Beside the secludedke.


    Dean Hai, with an exotically handsome appearance, was wearing a practice outfit and wordlessly practicing Fist Technique against the morning glow.


    The early winter wind was chilly, yet it didn''t affect Dean Hai in the least.


    Move by move.


    Gradually.


    Streaks of blue radiance began to gather around him, flowing like water and containing the essence of profound truths.


    If Li Yuan were here, he would be shaken to the core, as he was only capable of the initial integration of spirit with heaven and earth.


    But Dean Hai, his entire being seemed to merge with heaven and earth, not just spiritually.


    But also physically.


    As he exercised the Fist Technique, he became a stunning tableau, constantly drawing upon the mysterious forces between heaven and earth, all naturally urring.


    This state of being had truly stepped into the world of the ''Dao'', gaining a glimpse into the subtleties of the universe.


    For a long time!


    Whoosh!


    As Dean Hai finished his forms, water was generated from thin air, flowing out before transforming into countless droplets flying in all directions, showering the surrounding grass.


    "Old Hai, your Fist Technique has improved again," a gentle and unexpected voice sounded.


    Shattered the tranquility here.


    "Hmm?" Dean Hai, who had been rather rxed, suddenly turned around with a shocked expression toward the far end of theke.


    A figure in a ck robe was standing above theke, suspended in the air.


    But it should be noted that with Dean Hai''s consciousness fully extended, he should have perceived everything within several kilometers, including all Prime Warriors and above. None should have escaped his inquiry.


    However.


    Before the figure in the ck robe spoke, he indeed was not within Dean Hai''s perception.


    Whoosh!


    The figure in the ck robe took a step forward, almost teleporting, crossing hundreds of meters to stand before Dean Hai, smiling at him.


    The man, who looked to be about thirty years old, had a handsome face, sharply chiseled as if carved by knife and ax, but his eyes were deep and unfathomable, like a vast ocean, making it impossible to guess his thoughts.


    Most importantly.


    Standing there casually, hepletely merged with the surroundings, by that merit alone, he far surpassed Dean Hai.


    "Old Fang," Dean Hai revealed a hint of a smile, "why didn''t you notify me before you came to my ce?"


    "Kunlun Martial University is my home. Do I need to notify you when I walk around in my own home?" the young man in the ck robe said indifferently.


    The young man in the ck robe''s identity was bing apparent.


    "When an official is one level above, they crush the rest. You call the shots," Dean Hai spread his hands,pletely giving up.


    Whoosh!


    Dean Hai waved his hand and two stools from a distant vi courtyardnded on the grasnd: "Old Fang, have a seat."


    A fruit tternded as well.


    The young man in the ck robe smiled faintly and said no more, sitting down.


    After both were seated.


    "So, what brings you here?" Dean Hai asked, while grabbing an apple to eat.


    He and the young man in the ck robe were very close, and even shared life-and-death experiences, not minding such formalities.


    The more powerful they are, the more they follow their heart''s desires.


    "It''s about Li Yuan," the young man in the ck robe said calmly.


    "Li Yuan?" Dean Hai frowned. "Didn''t I already discuss with youst time, as long as hisbat assessment score exceeded 80, you would help him secure a spot in Feixing?"


    "What, you agreed at the time, and now you''re saying it''s not possible?" Dean Hai was slightly dissatisfied. "He is my student, but also your student."


    "Could you let me finish?" the young man in the ck robe gave him a nce.


    "Go ahead," Dean Hai shrugged and took a big bite of his apple.


    "I just got a message, he is suspected of having entered the Unity of Heaven and Man level," the young man in the ck robe stated calmly.


    "What?" Dean Hai was stunned.


    He doubted he had heard correctly.


    "Do you need me to repeat it?" The young man in the ck robe nced at Dean Hai.


    "No, I just need a moment," Dean Hai hurriedly shook his head, the shock in his heart indescribable.


    Li Yuan, Fifth Stage Unity of Heaven and Man?


    "You''re talking about my student Li Yuan, right?" Dean Hai suddenly said. "He just reached Subtlety at the beginning of October, right?"


    "That''s him," the young man in the ck robe was still indifferent.


    "Now, at the end of December, you''re telling me he has reached Unity of Heaven and Man?" Dean Hai looked at the young man in the ck robe.


    "It hasn''t beenpletely confirmed yet," the young man in the ck robe said calmly. "I came to see you so that you would arrange for someone to go to Jiang City to verify it personally."


    "If it is confirmed that he has indeed reached Unity of Heaven and Man, he will directly receive a Feixing quota," the young man in the ck robe said softly. "If it is confirmed that he hasn''t made the breakthrough, then we''ll follow the original n."


    "Alright," Dean Hai calmed down as well.


    He had been shocked for a moment, but in history, there had been 18-year-olds at the Fifth Stage Unity of Heaven and Man.


    "If it''s confirmed he has entered the Fifth Stage, do you still arrange for him to struggle for survival in Star Realm?" Dean Hai asked. "The rate of falling there is quite high."


    "Go," the young man in the ck robe nced at Dean Hai. "Aren''t you always telling those juniors like Li Yang that I was overprotected and hardly faced any trials and tribtions, which is why I never made a breakthrough?"


    "Damn it," Dean Hai widened his eyes. "You eavesdropped on me? Have you no shame?"


    The young man in the ck robe revealed a hint of a smile as if to say, I eavesdropped on you, what can you do about it?


    Whoosh!


    The young man in the ck robe stood up.


    "You won''t stay a bit longer? Have an apple, it''s clean," Dean Hai stood up and said.


    "I don''t like eating apples," the young man in the ck robe took a step, vanishing at the end of theke.


    In mid-air, only onest faint voice echoed: "If I hear you bad-mouthing me again, I''ll sit you under my butt and let out a stink for you."


    Dean Hai watched as the other left.


    For a long while.


    Until the figure in the ck robepletely disappeared from sight.


    "Damn Fang Hai, threatening me, think you''re so great because you''re a dean?" Dean Hai muttered under his breath.


    "I am a dean, that''s why I am great," a familiar voice suddenly rang out.


    "Scram!"


    Dean Hai red. "You''re eavesdropping even on my mumbling? What kind of habit is that!"


    Boom!


    Dean Hai shed into the vi, and the doors mmed shut.


    ...


    An hourter, arge aircraft took off from Kunlun Martial University and headed directly for Jiang City.

 Chapter 199: 165: Transcendent Stage! Number One in the World!

    Aboard the aircraft.


    "Li Yang, what exactly is going on? Why does Dean Hai want us to immediately depart for Jiang City to see Li Yuan?" Dean Xu frowned.


    She originally had other important matters to attend to but was suddenly called in.


    Critical.


    Dean Hai had only discussed it with Li Yang and then instructed her to follow Li Yang''s orders.


    But what specifically it was about, she didn''t know, and naturally, she wasn''t too pleased about it.


    "Good news."


    "But we''ll have to meet Li Yuan and confirm it before we discuss further," Li Yang said with a mysterious smile. "Don''t rush; we''ll be there in a few hours."


    Li Yang, however, was already quite excited inside.


    He couldn''t forget the scene when Dean Hai talked to him about this matter not long ago.


    "Li Yuan is suspected to have achieved Unity of Heaven and Man," Dean Hai had said very calmly at the time as if everything was under control. "Go to Jiang City with Dean Xu to verify its authenticity."


    Unity of Heaven and Man.


    When Li Yang first heard this news, his shock was indescribable, and he even doubted if he had heard wrong.


    Heavens!


    Li Yang, who had cultivated for decades, had struggled to step into the Fifth Stage, was already being extolled by countless people.


    What about Li Yuan? How old was he?


    "If it''s true, to progress from just entering the Third Stage to stepping into the Fifth Stage in a year and a half?" Li Yang muttered to himself: "This rate of improvement is too exaggerated, even more so than Fang Hai back in the day."


    "However."


    "This is my student, my disciple." Li Yang''s eyes shone brightly.


    ...


    Li Yuan had no idea that his ''virtual duel'' on the Starry Skies Fighting Network, where that sudden burst from a spear caused a tremendous shock.


    After all, it wasn''t a Transcendent Stage promotion match, and he ultimately lost the battle.


    Li Yuan had already exited the virtualwork and returned to the underground Martial Arts Room.


    Grasping the ck Chen Spear.


    "The long spear is like a dragon." Li Yuan held the long spear tightly, silently feeling the flow of vigor within the spear shaft, with absolute subtlety, and without a hint of concealment.


    It can be said.


    Li Yuan now truly became one with the long spear in his hand, far surpassing the so-called ''Unity of man and weapon.''


    "The virtualwork can only simte Fifth Stage Skills to 50%, and it can''t reach 100%," Li Yuan''s eyes were bright: "To truly practice the spear, it must be done in reality."


    The real world is the foundation.


    The power of the real world is vast and limitless, while the virtualwork is just a simtion.


    "Whoosh!"


    Li Yuan moved his long spear, and his Spear Technique and Spear Momentum hadpletely changed. The spear tip shone with dazzling lights, like the shifting light of stars.


    Somewhere in between, it was as if the starlight intertwined, rolling and surging, beautiful and splendid.


    At this moment.


    Li Yuan truly felt a sliver of the True Intent of the ''Meaning of the Ster, Second Layer: Dust of Stars.'' He immersed his whole being into the Spear Technique, disying it to his heart''s content.


    Amidst the changing shadows of the spear.


    Li Yuan could faintly sense an odd Mystery of the universe that he had captured, which was a trace of the essence and wonder of its operation.


    The Spear Technique followed this trace of wonder, making the power contained within the long spear more formidable, making its speed even faster.


    An all-around enhancement.


    Every spear thrust! When exploding it was like stars shattering, overwhelmingly unstoppable.


    Every spear thrust! When retracting it was like the vast earth, solid and indestructible.


    This is the Second Layer of the ''Meaning of the Ster'' ¡ª Dust of Stars.


    Both offensive and defensive, both towering and minuscule.


    "Unity of Heaven and Man! The Meaning of the Ster!" Li Yuan understood even more the true essence of Unity of Heaven and Man.


    Before the Fifth Stage Skill, Martial Artists focus on digging out body power, making the body burst faster and fiercer.


    From the Fifth Stage onward, one maximizes the potential of the body, striving to make every move conform to the trace of essence in the operation of the universe.


    Like two people of equal Physical Quality, but the one with superior skills would naturally be much stronger.


    And the Fifth Stage Skill is about making one''s spirit and body strive to conform to the universe.


    Man in the universe.


    The Mystery of the universe is the great path.


    "Without ''The Meaning of the Ster'', without the guidance and teaching of Teacher Li Yang, Dean Xu, I could not have taken this step so quickly," Li Yuan practiced more smoothly as he went on.


    Toprehend, one must do it oneself.


    But with the experience of predecessors and standing on the shoulders of giants, one can proceed faster and more steadily.


    "Compared to half a month ago."


    "My speed and strength have improved a lot, and my Spear Technique and movement technique have transformed." Li Yuan thought to himself, "If I run into that Second Rank Fish Spirit n member again, I could fend it off by myself."


    Of course.


    Li Yuan was not so arrogant to think he could now defeat a Second Rank powerhouse... That Second Rank Fish Spirit n member had just broken through and did not have an Origin Power Battle Suit or Origin Power Weapon, so it was considered the weakest type of Second Rank Alien Race.


    After cultivating for a long time.


    "[Your Spear Technique realm has progressed from 1% at the Fifth Stage to 2% at the Fifth Stage]" A prompt from the Divine Pce suddenly shed by.


    Li Yuan hardly paid attention, still wholly absorbed in his cultivation.


    Another hour passed before Li Yuan stopped, feeling an iparable sense of ease throughout his body.


    "When practicing the spear, I unintentionally entered the state of Unity of Heaven and Man, nourishing the soul with the force of heaven and earth, cleansing the body with Origin Power." Li Yuan immediately understood what was happening and silently marveled, "It made me feel no fatigue at all."


    "It''s said that once Unity of Heaven and Man is achieved, there is hardly a need for sleep or rest... It seems to be true."


    For Martial Artists who have achieved Unity of Heaven and Man.


    When they enter the state during daily practice, it''s a form of rest.


    Suddenly.


    Li Yuan abruptly turned his head and saw the figure standing at the stairs.


    "Muhua, when did you get here?" Li Yuanughed.


    "I''ve been here for a while," Li Muhua''s eyes shone brightly. "Bro, the spear technique you just used was so beautiful, I''ve never seen such a beautiful spear technique before."


    "Compared to your technique, our teacher''s is just trash."


    Li Yuan couldn''t help butugh. The Martial Arts Teachers in middle school mostly had skills around the Third Stage level.


    How could theypare to him?


    "Don''t set your sights too high; there''s no set pattern to spear techniques, and mine don''t have fixed forms anymore. You can''t learn them," Li Yuan smiled. "First, work hard on mastering the Solid Rock Fist Technique, then get the basics of the Spear Technique right."


    "When your level is sufficient, I''ll arrange for a good teacher to instruct you specifically," Li Yuan said.


    "Okay, bro, I''ll definitely work hard," Li Muhua nodded earnestly, full of fighting spirit.


    "Brother."


    "This is the breakfast milk Mom asked me to bring you, I''ve put it here," Li Muhua said with a cheeky smile. "I won''t disturb your training."


    He put down the milk and quickly went upstairs.


    "Milk." Li Yuan smiled slightly, picking up the cup and drinking it in one gulp.


    It was tasteless.


    But it warmed Li Yuan''s heart.


    "Muhua''s martial path talent is indeed much higher than Qian Qian''s," Li Yuan thought to himself. "And his perseverance is extremely strong too."


    The older they got, the more differences appeared between his brother and sister.


    Perhaps because Li Qianqian hadn''t awakened her Martial Spirit, she preferred studying culture sses.


    Whereas Li Muhua had extraordinary talent and was extremely diligent in his training.


    Due to their different experiences, Li Muhuacked the ''madness'' of Li Yuan''s training days, but he had more steadiness andposure, with strong opinions and ns of his own.


    Li Yuan was more than happy to see this.


    "People be strong inside because of hardship, but hardship shouldn''t be glorified," Li Yuan mused to himself. "My frantic training back in the day was so that Qian Qian and Muhua could have more choices during their growth, and could face everything more calmly."


    "Whatever choices they make in the future, as long as they are positive, I''ll let them be,"


    "They have me as an older brother to fall back on," Li Yuan didn''t insist on his siblings achieving great things.


    ...


    He logged back onto the Starry Skies Fighting Network.


    "Master, you were so quick this time," the intelligent girl, resembling a sprite, eximed excitedly.


    Li Yuan ignored her and clicked on the segment match screen:


    Segment Match: Sun Eclipse Stage.


    Points: 982 (1,000 points to participate in the promotion match)


    Segment Win Rate: 75%


    ...


    "With my spear technique basically solidified, and both my movement technique and spear technique at the Fifth Stage, I should be able to try for the Transcendent Stage now," Li Yuan thought calmly, yet with a hint of anticipation.


    Among the nine ranks of the Starry Skies Fighting Network, Bronze, Silver, and Gold usually consisted of ordinary people and First Rank Martial Artists.


    Fallen Star, Bright Moon, Sun Eclipse, were mostly Second Rank warriors, all considered masters.


    And reaching the Transcendent Stage requires Fifth Stage skills; looking around the world, those who achieved this rank were very few and far between, either outstanding geniuses or top grade Origin Martial Artists renowned in their own right.


    "Two segment matches."


    "Then it''s the promotion match," Li Yuan clicked to start the segment matching.


    ...


    This time, the matching process was exceptionally long, but Li Yuan was quite patient.


    Twelve minutester, the two segment matches were over.


    Li Yuan easily won. Theprehensive breakthrough of his spear technique and movement technique allowed him to dominate other Sun Eclipse Stage masters, practically crushing them.


    "Participate in the Transcendent promotion match," Li Yuan dered standing on the tform.


    ...


    Boom!


    Li Yuan''s consciousness vibrated slightly, followed by a change in the environment around him, and he found himself in a vast wastnd.


    "20-level Physical Quality? Origin Martial Artist?" Li Yuan immediately sensed the changes in his body.


    A never-before-felt strength of the flesh and the strands of pure Origin Power he could mobilize within his body.


    His entire body was covered by an Origin Power Battle Body, and he held an Origin Power Weapon in hand.


    This was the standard gear for human Origin Martial Artists.


    "Hiss~"


    "Hiss~" "Hiss~" The opponents he was to confront finally appeared, huge snakes with a pair of blood-colored wings growing on their bodies, surfaced on the wastnd.


    All nearly twenty meters in length, with their heads held high about four or five meters into the air, flicking their tongues, every one of them was a massive creature.


    "Blood Winged Snake n? All Second Rank?" Li Yuan was slightly surprised to see the small amount of ck scales on the bodies of theserge snakes.


    In the past.


    During abat assessment at Kunlun Martial University, he had killed a Blood Winged Snake n member, but that one was only at level 14.


    Whenpared to the Second Rank Blood Winged Snake n, there was naturally a world of difference.


    "Haha, then let''s battle," Li Yuan suddenlyughed out loud, stimting the Origin Power within his body.


    Boom!


    Like lightning, he sped forth, pouring Origin Power into his Long Spear, making its edge limitless.


    "Whoosh!" "Whoosh!" "Whoosh!"


    The giant Blood Winged Snakes also charged towards Li Yuan, hissing as they went.


    ...


    The battle was fierce between Li Yuan and the dozen or so Blood Winged Snakes.


    His spear technique was sharp, every strike causing damage to the Blood Winged Snakes.


    But these snakes were also no easy foes, and purely in terms of physical quality, they were all superior to Li Yuan, with a clear numerical advantage.


    Often, just as Li Yuan seriously wounded one, he would be forced to retreat by the attacks of other Blood Winged Snakes.


    Finally, after more than 20 minutes of gruelingbat, just before his Origin Power ran out, Li Yuan managed to kill all the Blood Winged Snakes, thanks to his advantage in movement technique.


    "Congrattions, Guardian ¡¤ Prime, you have passed the Transcendent promotion match. You''ve reached the Transcendent Stage," a system notification sounded in Li Yuan''s ears.


    Before Li Yuan could contemte further.


    Whoosh!


    The surroundings changed, and his blood-stained Origin Power Battle Garment and weapon all disappeared. Li Yuan found himself in a bright space.


    "What is this?" Li Yuan was taken aback.


    In front of him stood a woman in white.


    "Congrattions, Li Yuan, for bing the first student among this year''s Blue Star freshmen to break through to the Transcendent Stage," the woman in white smiled and said.


    "The first?" Li Yuan revealed a slight smile. "Does that mean I''m the first in the world?"


    "Yeah."


    "You could say you''re the first of this cohort," the woman in white emphasized.


    "That''s enough," Li Yuan''s smile grew even brighter. "Dantai Feng, I''ve surpassed you."


    "Next time, it''ll be my turn to fulfill the promise to Big Zhuang and show off in front of you."

 Chapter 200: 166: The Arrival of the Aircraft (52,000 monthly votes bonus )

    Back then, at the freshman battle of the ten schools, Li Yuan wasn''t anxious about his defeat to Dantai Feng; he calmly epted his loss.


    However, epting defeat did not mean admitting defeat.


    Li Yuan too was unwilling to concede defeat in his heart and firmly believed that he would surpass the other in the future.


    Now, he had done it.


    "But to truly decide who is superior, we still have to wait for the virtual battle of the global university Martial Pathpetition at the end of February," Li Yuan thought to himself, his heart filled with anticipation.


    As he was pondering,


    "Li Yuan, in light of your achievements, the Seven Star Alliance will reward you with ''50 million'' Blue Star Coins," the woman in white said with a smile: "This is the highest and final reward from the Starry Skies Fighting Network."


    "50 million Blue Star Coins?" Li Yuan was slightly surprised.


    Quite a lot.


    "Does everyone who reaches the Transcendent Stage get them?" Li Yuan couldn''t help asking.


    "If you reach the Transcendent Stage before the age of 20, you are awarded 50 million Blue Star Coins," the woman in white said: "If you reach it after the age of 20, the reward is 20 million Blue Star Coins."


    "Those who can reach the Transcendent Stage are all hopeful to be top-grade Origin Martial Artists in reality and will be an importantbat force for human civilization," the woman in white exined: "It''s destined that they won''tck this money."


    "This sum of money is more of an honorific encouragement," said the woman in white with a smile.


    Li Yuan nodded slightly, muttering in his heart.


    Lacking? He was really in need of money.


    "Right." Li Yuan suddenly spoke up: "I have a question to ask."


    "Go ahead," the woman in white said.


    "In the entire Seven Star Alliance, are there other freshmen from the Seven Greats who also possess Fifth Stage Skills?" Li Yuan asked curiously.


    "The entire Alliance?" The woman in white showed a mysterious smile: "That''s confidential, and in principle, I shouldn''t disclose it to you."


    "But I can tell you this."


    "Yes!"


    ...


    After ending his conversation with the woman in white, Li Yuan left the Starry Skies Fighting Network and returned to his ''personal space'' in the virtualwork.


    "Blue Star''s number one?"


    "I didn''t expect that, among the Seven Star Alliance''s freshmen, aside from myself, there are others with Fifth Stage Skills," Li Yuan reflected to himself, not feeling too surprised.


    Fang Hai had Fifth Stage Skills at 16 years old, let alone at 18 or 19 years old.


    But Li Yuan would not underestimate himself.


    Out of the Seven Greats of the Seven Star Alliance, Blue Star was not the strongest, but it was also not the weakest.


    Even among others'' freshmen, those with Fifth Stage Skills would not be numerous.


    "One step at a time."


    "Now, when I look at the younger generation of the entire human civilization, I should count myself among the first tier," Li Yuan thought with anticipation: "As long as I continue to move forward and surpass myself."


    "Sooner orter, I will surpass all my rivals and be the number one talent of human civilization."


    Lost in thought.


    Suddenly.


    Li Yuan received a notification that his bank ount had been credited with 50 million Blue Star Coins.


    "That was quick."


    "It''s no wonder it''s a direct reward from the Seven Star Alliance," Li Yuan muttered to himself: "Legend has it that the Seven Star Alliance is jointly led by the three great Martial Halls, and Feixing and many other Star Realms are directly managed by the Alliance, possessing endless wealth."


    Why the Seven Star Alliance could suppress various countries.


    It''s because in the military, economy, martial strength, and all other aspects, they far surpass any single country, and naturally, they can unite the strength of the entire human civilization.


    "My wealth." Li Yuan tapped the light screen, starting to check his wealth column:


    Bank bnce: 145.61 million Blue Star Coins


    Martial Hall Points: 22.18 million


    Heavenly Materials Treasures: 15 units of Hundred Marrow Spiritual Dry, 15 units of Ster Earth Marrow Crystal


    ...


    "From October until now, what I have mainly consumed are Martial Hall Points, having bought arge number of High Origin Spirit Springs," Li Yuan thought to himself: "Used for cultivation."


    In fact, after Li Yuan awakened the Star Meridian and was able to practice the "All Heavens'' Stars," using the High Origin Spirit Spring for cultivation, the effect on enhancing his Physical Quality was very weak.


    The improvement was less than ten percent.


    Now, having achieved Unity of Heaven and Man, the use of High Origin Spirit Springbined with the Hundred Marrow Spiritual Dry will further decrease.


    However, after much deliberation, Li Yuan still decided to continue as usual, mainly because he didn''t want to expose the secret that he had awakened the ''Star Meridian'' at the First Rank.


    "No rush."


    "Now that I have achieved Unity of Heaven and Man, inbination with ''All Heavens'' Stars,'' by the end of my freshman year, I''m certain to be a Prime Warrior," Li Yuan thought to himself: "I''m about to head to the Mingxu Star Realm, to venture through life and death challenges, striving to increase my Spiritual Awakening Level to 30%."


    Once his Spiritual Awakening Level reached 30%.


    Based on previous precedents, there should be another infusion of Origin Power.


    If Origin Power infused him again, Li Yuan''s Physical Quality and spiritual power would both surge by arge margin, and bing a Prime Warrior would really not be far off.


    "The Mingxu Star Realm, I wonder what will be in store," a light shed in Li Yuan''s eyes.


    ...


    Starfire University, a student vi.


    Outside on the grass, the sun rose.


    "Stream of Light."


    "ording to the teacher, if I want to step into the Unity of Heaven and Man realm, I need toprehend the Second Layer meaning of ''Instant Stream of Light,''" Dantai Feng stood on the grass, silently pondering.


    "But how should Iprehend it?"


    "Unity of Heaven and Man, merging with the heavens and earth, how easy can it be?" Dantai Feng shook his head in distress.


    He had been stuck at the Subtlety of the mind for some time but had not yet made a breakthrough.


    Starfire University certainly valued him.


    The conditions for his cultivation were no less favorable than for Li Yuan, even better in some respects.


    But just because the external environment is favorable, it only means that there''s a greater chance of a breakthrough, not that it''s guaranteed.


    Suddenly.


    Ding~ Dantai Feng''s smart ring trembled violently, indicating that there was an important message, and he instinctively looked down.


    "Star Mastermand, confidential message, for now, only you may know: Li Yuan, on the Starry Skies Combat Network, has just broken through to the Transcendent Stage, and it is confirmed that he has achieved Unity of Heaven and Man." Dantai Feng stared at the message, and his whole person fell into a stupor.


    Unity of Heaven and Man?


    Li Yuan?


    He remembered that powerful opponent from the battle of the ten schools'' freshmen, who had a breakthrough during the fight.


    For a long while.


    "Damn impressive." Dantai Feng was somewhat dazed, muttering to himself, "This guy, I had guessed he might break through before me, but he actually surpassed me so quickly."


    "Damn it!!"


    "I haven''t even warmed up the seat of the world''s number one, and now I can''t show off in front of him." Dantai Feng muttered, then suddenly cracked a smile, "Heh, at least I wonst time."


    He directly shut off his smart wrist device.


    He continued to ponder over his sword technique.


    To say that Dantai Feng''s mind waspletely undisturbed would of course be false, but he was a man with an extremely broad mind and didn''t mind being surpassed by others too much.


    He enjoyed showing off in front of others.


    But he was more focused on bing strong himself.


    ...


    Boom!


    A massive flying vehicle slowly touched down at Jiang City''s ''Tianhe Airport''.


    Sitting on his seat, Li Yang was about to get up and disembark when suddenly his smart wrist device trembled.


    Without thinking, he looked down and was immediately stunned.


    "What''s the matter?" Dean Xu stood up, looking toward Li Yang.


    "What we came here for, I can tell you now." Li Yang raised his head, his face already full of smiles, "Li Yuan just entered the Transcendent Stage, and it''s confirmed, he''s stepped into the Unity of Heaven and Man."


    "Fifth Stage, Unity of Heaven and Man?" Dean Xu''s pupils shrank slightly, incredulous.


    She immediately understood the purpose of her and Li Yang''s visit to Jiang City.


    "Let''s go."


    "Since we''re already here, let''s take a look at the first genius of our Kunlun Martial University in the past fifty years." Li Yang said with a smile, walking out of the flying vehicle.


    ...


    Around noon.


    Just after the family of Li Yuan finished eating, Li Yuan was about to apany his uncle to go fishing.


    Suddenly, outside the vi, a flying vehicle rapidly descended from the sky.


    Still over thirty meters off the ground.


    Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh! Three figures directly flew down from the flying vehicle, gentlynding on the grass outside the vi.


    This scene.


    Made Li Changzhou and his aunt Chen Hui all startle, jumping down directly from over thirty meters?


    Unscathed, what kind of strength was this?


    "Teacher, Dean Xu, Hall Master Fei?" Li Yuan looked at the three unexpected visitors, his heart shocked.


    He instantly guessed that it probably had something to do with him reaching the Transcendent Stage on the Starry Skies Fighting Network.


    However.


    It was one thing for Hall Master Fei toe, but why would President Li and Dean Xue so quickly?


    "Hall Master Fei?" Li Changzhou and Chen Hui didn''t recognize Li Yang and the others, but they recognized Hall Master Fei.


    And judging by the order of arrival of the three visitors.


    As the Hall Master of Jiang City, ''Fei Qian''s'' status seemed to be somewhat lower?


    "Li Yuan." Li Yang strode forward.


    "Teacher, Dean Xu, Grandpa Fei." Li Yuan stepped forward and bowed slightly in greeting.


    "Haha, Li Yuan, don''t worry about me, today the main visitors are President Li and the others, I''m just apanying them." Fei Qian said with a chuckle.


    In terms of authority, he seemed to be higher than Li Yang and the others as the Hall Master of the provincial capital.


    But at their level of strength, personal power was valued more than worldly authority.


    Both Li Yang and Dean Xu were far more powerful than Fei Qian.


    "Li Yuan, find a quiet ce, and we''ll talk slowly." Li Yang said with a smile.


    "Okay." Li Yuan nodded, "This way, please, Teacher."


    "You two must be Li Yuan''s uncle and aunt." Dean Xu smiled at Li Changzhou and Chen Hui, "You''ve raised a fine child."


    "Greetings to our senior." Li Changzhou and Chen Hui were both pleasantly surprised, realizing that the visitors held extremely high status.


    In ordinary days, with their status, they would hardly have a chance to see these figures.


    Now, they were speaking with such pleasantness, no doubt because of Li Yuan.


    ...


    Li Yuan led Li Yang to the underground Martial Arts Room.


    "Activate the soundproofing." Li Yang directly said.


    "Yes, Teacher." Li Yuan nodded, a chill in his heart, is this much precaution necessary?


    Immediately, Li Yuan activated the soundproofing of the Martial Arts Room to avoid outside snooping.


    "We are aware of the Fish Spirit Tide incident in Jiang City, and you performed very well this time." Li Yang said, "This time your Unity of Heaven and Man has caused shock among the entire school''s upper echelons."


    "It''s said to have rmed the President, who specifically ordered to seal many of your records."


    "The President?" Li Yuan''s heart shed with curiosity, "Teacher, who is the President?"


    "The President?"


    "I only know hisst name is Fang, but who he really is, I''m not sure." Li Yang shook his head, "Perhaps only the deans of the eight major colleges know."


    Li Yuan nodded slightly, this mysterious?


    Surely Li Yang, as a vice dean, would be considered part of the upper echelons of the school, yet he didn''t even know the President''s name?


    "The President is a legendary figure, rumored to be a ''Star Master'' from the Seven Star Alliance." Li Yang said with a smile, "Maybe in the future, you''ll have a chance to meet the President."


    "Star Master?" Li Yuan puzzled.


    "Only those who have surpassed the Flying Heaven level, or those nearly invincible among the Flying Heaven level, can serve as the Alliance Star Master." Li Yang briefly exined.


    Which let Li Yuan know how fearsome a being the President was.


    "Alright, that''s not important."


    "There''s no need to test your strength this time." Li Yang flipped his hand, presenting a box, "The main purpose ofing here is to follow Dean Hai''s orders, to bring you a life-saving treasure before you go to the Ruins Star Realm."

 Chapter 201: 167: Geniuses Gather Like Clouds (54,000 Monthly Votes Plus Update)

    "A life-saving item?" Li Yuan looked at the box in President Li''s hand.


    At first nce, it looked no different from an ordinary wooden box.


    ng~ Li Yang opened the wooden box.


    Immediately, a strange fragrance wafted from the box, and a crystal clear, purple elixir appeared in front of Li Yuan.


    It was very small, only the size of a pinky finger, but the strange fragrance alone involuntarily stirred up the desire to swallow it.


    "Teacher, what is this?" Li Yuan couldn''t help but swallow his saliva.


    "Its official name is ''Prime Purple Life-Prolonging Elixir,'' implying that with it, it''s as if you have an extra life," Li Yang said as he looked at the elixir in the box, with a hint of emotion, "However, we Prime Warriors are used to calling it ''Life-Saving Pill.''"


    "Its efficacy is very simple."


    "Once you are gravely injured, even if your organs are shattered, as long as you consume it within a very short time, you''ll quickly recover," Li Yang said softly, "Of course, the head is a fatal weakness and cannot be harmed."


    "Aside from the head, everything else can be recovered, including the heart."


    "Even heart damage can be healed?" Li Yuan listened in amazement, looking at the purple elixir.


    What kind of medicine was this?


    "It has three ws," Li Yang said, "The first is that its medicinal power is limited, it''s not much use to a Flying Heaven Warrior, and only works on those below that level."


    Li Yuan listened on.


    This was not surprising; if it were effective for Flying Heaven Warriors, it would definitely be a true divine elixir.


    "The second is scarcity; it''s extremely rare, many Prime Warriors may have never even heard of it," Li Yang looked at Li Yuan, "I''m not very clear on the method of its production, but it''s not for sale, and you''d have a hard time finding it through normal purchasing channels."


    Li Yuan nodded in agreement, indeed, his ess to information in the Starfire Martial Hall was not bad.


    But he had never heard of it.


    "The third, it heals injuries but cannot detoxify," Li Yang said seriously, "So, if you encounter some of the Alien Races with deadly poisons, you must be careful."


    "The Star Realm is vast, with manymon poisons, and it''s easy to fall victim if one is not careful."


    "Understood." Li Yuan nodded, Poison?


    Teacher Xu Bo, he died because of the poisons in the Star Realm.


    Uncle Li Changzhou, too, almost died from the poisons of the Star Realm... In fact, every year arge number of ordinary people and Martial Artists die from poisoning in the Star Realm.


    It can''t be helped, with so many realms and contact with various Foreign Civilizations, there are myriad poisons, impossible to fully guard against.


    "Put it away," Li Yang said, "Remember, its fragrance is very special, easily detectable by the keen Perception Ability of a Prime Warrior, so it''s best to hide it in the ''Origin Power Battle Suit'' Inner Layer, to bepletely sealed off."


    "When you need to use it, just bring it out from the Battle Garment with a thought," Li Yang exined the method of use to Li Yuan.


    "Yes." Li Yuan nodded, reaching into the box to take out the Prime Purple Life-Prolonging Elixir.


    Hum~


    A streak of ck light seeped from Li Yuan''s palm, rolling up the Prime Purple Life-Prolonging Elixir like liquid, as it disappeared from sight.


    The fragrance that lingered in the air around rapidly dissipated.


    "Good," Li Yang nodded, "That''s the first matter, the second is about your advancement in skill to the Fifth Stage."


    "You too."


    "Last time, when your skill reached the High Rank of the Fourth Level, you didn''t inform me, your teacher, immediately, and this time is the same," Li Yang said with a hint of helplessness, "Do you look down on me, your teacher, that much? I always have to hear it from someone else."


    "Teacher, I''m sorry," Li Yuan immediately admitted his fault.


    But Li Yuan also felt helpless in his heart; each time he had just broken through.


    "Your quick advancement is not only beyond my expectations but probably exceeds everyone else''s predictions for you," Li Yang said with augh, "Just the speed of your progress from the Fourth to the Fifth Stage is a bit faster than Fang Hai''s was."


    "A bit faster?" Li Yuan paused.


    The time it took from his Fourth to Fifth Stage was less than half of Fang Hai''s.


    "You think I''m wrong?" Li Yang said with a smile, "Yes, in terms of time, you''re much faster, but you have to understand one thing, your Physical Quality has surpassed level 15, and your spiritual power has long beenparable to that of a Prime Warrior."


    "When Fang Hai broke through to the Fifth Stage, he was only 16 years old, and his Physical Quality was only level 8." Li Yang said with emotion, "He was not a talent with spiritual power."


    "Level 8?" Li Yuan understood Li Yang''s point.


    Comprehension, spiritual power, and temperament allplement each other.


    Temperament is the most difficult to understand, so let''s not talk about that for now.


    Comprehension is the most mysterious, rted to a person''s soul essence, postnatal experiences, and many other aspects.


    But spiritual power can be quantified.


    An increase in spiritual power speeds up a person''s thought process, calction ability, and Perception Ability, among others.


    Simply put, in Martial Arts Cultivation, spiritual power is a ''magnifier'' for a person''s talent forprehension; it''s fundamental.


    If a person''s Physical Quality and spiritual power are both only at level 5, then, no matter how high his talent forprehension might be, his skill cannot possibly reach the Fifth Stage.


    It''s like a great chef who can''t cook a feast without ingredients.


    Conversely, even if a person has lowprehension, but has a spiritual power of level 29, with gradual practice, advancing to the Fourth Stage wouldn''t be too difficult.


    Fang Hai, with a Physical Quality of level 8, must have had just average spiritual power, yet his skill reached the Fifth Stage.


    The height of hisprehension can be seen.


    That''s why he caused such a sensation back then.


    "Of course, your spiritual power is also your talent," Li Yang said with a smile, "Taking everything into ount, the current you is already very close to Fang Hai back in the day."


    "Xia Country has listed you as a genius of the same level as Yu Jinghe."


    "Below the ranks of the Flying Heaven Warriors, you two are the most highly regarded by the upper echelons of Xia Country," Li Yang said with emotion.

 Chapter 202: 167: Geniuses Gather Like Clouds (54,000 Monthly Votes Plus Update)_2

    Li Yuan nodded slightly, which was already a high degree of recognition.


    "Yu Jinghe already possesses the strength of a Flying Heaven Warrior, enough to defend himself, and no one is targeting him," Li Yang said, "But you, although your strength is close to that of a Prime Warrior, it is still far from sufficient... You must know that within our human civilization, there are spies from alien races."


    "Alien spies?" Li Yuan''s heart tightened.


    He had heard teachers mention it in general education sses at school, but he had never seen one.


    "These alien spies, one type is from alien races that have infiltrated us, after all, some foreign civilizations look very simr to humans in appearance, and some are even human," Li Yang said, "The other type is human traitors bought by alien races... due to the full surveince of the virtualwork, they rarely expose themselves, mostly just gathering information."


    "Some alien spies have not yet dered war on our human civilization and will not target you."


    "But a minority of alien races, wishing to destroy us quickly, such as the ''Alien Civilization'' behind the Rob Sea Star Realm, if their higher-ups learn of your talent, they would likely attempt an assassination at all costs," Li Yang said solemnly, "Previously, your value was at most equivalent to a top-grade Prime Warrior."


    "Therefore, even if they became aware of your existence, they would not target you easily, and the Starfire South Lakemunity where you live is considered safe."


    "But now, your status is barelyparable to that of a Flying Heaven Warrior," Li Yang remarked.


    A Flying Heaven Warrior? Li Yuan was surprised.


    This evaluation was astonishingly high.


    A genius is just a genius, while a Flying Heaven Warrior is a true powerhouse.


    It looks like his skill breakthrough to the Fifth Stage did indeed shake the higher-ups of Xia Country and the Starfire Martial Hall.


    "Currently, the only ones who know about your advancement to the Fifth Stage Skill within the school are just me, Dean Xu, Dean Hai, and the principal," Li Yang said, "Then there are a few high-level individuals in Starfire Martial Hall and Starry Sky Martial Hall who are aware, but your information has been archived."


    "Hmm, Dantai Feng might be informed as a way to motivate him," Li Yang said, "After all, he is also highly regarded by the higher-ups of Xia Country."


    "But people like Fei Qian, like other teachers from different departments of the school, do not know, so keep it to yourself for now."


    "Understood," Li Yuan nodded.


    All this must be to prevent a surprise attack from alien spies.


    "Teacher, until when should I keep this hidden?" Li Yuan couldn''t help asking.


    "Not too long, just until the end of February," Li Yang said with a smile, "During the global university Martial Path tournament, it won''t matter if the information is exposed."


    "By then, staying within the school, you''ll be absolutely safe."


    "And with the pace of your cultivation, you will soon be a Prime Warrior," Li Yang said, "Once you''ve be a Prime Warrior,bined with your skills, your strength will increase significantly, making it difficult for alien races to assassinate you."


    "After all, it''s unlikely they would actually dispatch a Flying Heaven Level to assassinate you, the cost is too great."


    "Blue Star is after all a territory of our human civilization, and it is extremely difficult for alien races to conceal a Flying Heaven Level existence here, they will not expose themselves unless it is absolutely necessary," Li Yang said confidently.


    Li Yuan listened silently.


    From the teacher''s words, there were actually hidden Flying Heaven Level spies within human civilization?


    The mere thought was chilling.


    "With your level of skill, by the time of the global university Martial Path tournament in February, with a bit of luck, you might even make it into the top ten," Li Yang said with a smile.


    "Luck is needed to reach the top ten?" Li Yuan reflected on his teacher''s words.


    "What? Don''t agree?"


    Li Yang couldn''t helpughing: "If it were just about the global freshman battles, you would undoubtedly be the undisputed first, with even Dantai Feng no longer being your match."


    "But the virtual battle of the global university Martial Path tournament is open for all students from the first, second, and third years."


    "The students from the world''s three top martial arts schools may not have skills equal to yours."


    "But those sophomores and juniors who''ve been practicing for several more years, many are already Prime Warriors...


    The substantial foundation improvement gives them a much higher probability of entering the Fifth Stage," Li Yang said seriously, "At least, I know that in the third-year students of the top three martial arts schools, there are Martial Path geniuses with Fifth Stage Skill, and there''s more than one of them."


    "There''s also the possibility of second-year students having reached the Fifth Stage Skill."


    "All in all, there are usually more than a dozen of them."


    "Besides the three top martial arts schools, those regional Martial Arts Universities, although generally less talented,pensate with their vast numbers, asionally producing outstanding geniuses as well," Li Yang said, "Even in our Kunlun Martial University, there is another Fifth Stage genius apart from you."


    "Senior Brother Jin?" Li Yuan realized who it was.


    "Yes, he broke through after the ten-school freshmanpetition," Li Yang nodded, "It took him more than two years to advance from Fourth Stage Skill to Fifth Stage Skill."


    "So."


    "In the global university Martial Path tournament''s virtualbat, there are usually around twenty students with Fifth Stage Skill, sometimes more, sometimes fewer."


    Li Yuan pondered with a thoughtful look.


    Guys like Guan Ying, Yu Ming, Garava, and others from his batch... in two years, when they be juniors, might very well be able to reach the Fifth Stage Skill.


    Dantai Feng? He had an extremely high chance to break through within the next one or two years.


    Time indeed possessed an astonishing magic power.


    "This bigpetition should be divided by age," Li Yuan couldn''t help butment, "otherwise, it''s too unfair for freshmen."


    "Have you ever considered that this arrangement might be deliberate?" Li Yang smiled, "The whole point is to let each batch of so-called top talents face some hardship to temper their character."


    "Secondly, it''s also because the rewards of the global Martial Arts Universitypetition are excellent... With just so many spots avable, that''s why theybine everyone to hold the event," added Li Yang.


    Li Yuan suddenly understood.


    "No matter about other people, if Dantai Feng can break through, then he might still have some hope," Li Yang said, "What''s important for you is to focus on yourself."


    "My expectation for you is to break into the top ten of the virtual battle."


    "There are two more months, which is plenty of time for you to make substantial progress," Li Yang smiled, "If you can break into the top ten, the rewards will exceed your expectations."


    "Yes," Li Yuan nodded.


    Top ten?


    His main rivals were those Martial Path talents from global universities who had managed to break through to the Fifth Stage Skill.


    "Finally, regarding the Mingxu Star Realm."


    "The day after tomorrow, you''ll set off," said Li Yang, "The school has already arranged it; you should enter through gate number three."


    "You will spend a month in the life-and-death struggle."


    "A monthter, return to the school as quickly as you can," Li Yang instructed, "During the struggle for survival, the school has already forged a new identity for you, and you just need to slightly disguise your appearance... so, if ites to a critical moment, unleashing the Fifth Stage Skill is also fine."


    "I understand," Li Yuan nodded.


    Although he had gained some fame, it was mainly within Jiang City or at most within Jiangbei Province, and very few could recognize him immediately.


    Just like Li Yuan himself, who wouldn''t particrly pay attention to the appearances of those battle heroes.


    ...


    Before long, Li Yang and Dean Xu left.


    Li Yuan''s life returned to tranquility once more, and he spent thest two days with even more patience apanying his uncle and aunt.


    Two dayster.


    January 1st, 2044, Seven Stars calendar.


    Fully armed, Li Yuan bid farewell to his family.


    "Uncle, auntie, I''m going to Feixing for special training this time, and I won''t be able to contact Blue Star for a month," Li Yuan said with a smile, "When I return from Feixing, I''ll contact you again."


    That was the excuse Li Yuan had concocted.


    He didn''t want to cause his uncle and aunt concern.


    "A month with no contact? Isn''t that a bit long? Won''t it be dangerous?" Chen Hui''s face showed a trace of worry.


    "Go ahead, going to Feixing must be a rare opportunity, it''s a holynd for the cultivation of the entire human civilization," Li Changzhou said with a smile, "Don''t worry about home."


    ...


    Using the false identity ''Xu An'', Li Yuan rode on a specialized flying vehicle via the Starfire Martial Hall''s channel.


    He headed for the Mingxu Star Realm.


    "The Mingxu Star Realm has as many as four stable entrances and exits, and asionally some unstable ones appear," Li Yuan read the information in his hand and was secretly shocked, "It''s actually simr to the Fish Spirit Star Realm."


    The Fish Spirit Star Realm had entrances and exits spanning hundreds of miles, which were unstable and often appeared deep underground, unpredictable and hard to defend against.


    Half a dayter.


    Li Yuan arrived at ''Mingxu Star Realm Gate Number Three,'' located in Jiangnan Province.


    ¡ª¡ª


    PS: Brothers, I''ve been working hard to update! Begging for a monthly pass! Hold the ranks steady!!

 Chapter 203: 168: Mingxu Star Realm

    Jiangnan Province is the wealthiest province in Xia Country, and one of the wealthiest areas on Blue Star, flourishing beyondpare.


    However, that all pertains to the big cities, which have nothing to do with the third entrance of Mingxu Star Realm.


    The third entrance was built in the suburbs, with tens of kilometers around it designated as a military restricted area.


    Under normal circumstances, civil aircraft are not allowed to enter this area, as they could be shot down by an electromaic tower at any moment.


    Whoosh!


    It is drizzling from the sky today, yet a small aircraft is rapidly approaching that hundred-meter-tall War Fortress.


    "Martial Artist Xu An, Martial Artist Yang Zhu, we are almost at the third Mingxu Fortress," spoke a burly apanying 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; though nowhere near asrge as ''Kunlun Fortress,'' it was like an erged stadium, resembling a gigantic beast sprawled across the vastnd.


    With Li Yuan''s current level of ess, he also roughly knew that if the entrance to the Star Realm weren''t fixed, it would be another matter.


    For those stable entrances to the Star Realms, human civilization almost always built War Fortresses as a precaution.


    "By passing through the War Fortress, we can enter Mingxu Star Realm," whispered a lean middle-aged Martial Artist beside him: "Of the four major entrances to Mingxu Star Realm, two are in our Xia Country, and the other two are in Africa Continent, which have little to do with us."


    Li Yuan nced at the lean middle-aged Martial Artist, who was also preparing to enter Mingxu Star Realm¡ªStarfire Martial Hall Martial Artist named Yang Zhu.


    Physical Quality 18.4.


    Yang Zhu''s eyes revealed years of vicissitudes, and although he looked to be in his thirties or forties, he seemed to have gone through many experiences.


    Rumble~


    The aircraft slowly descended and hovered about ten meters above the ground.


    "This is as far as we go," the female pilot said with a smile. "Inside the War Fortress, there will be military personnel to guide you."


    "Thank you," they said.


    Li Yuan smiled, grabbed the long rectangr weapon case set aside, and leaped down.


    A mere ten meters or so.


    With Li Yuan''s current skill and physical quality, even if he jumped from a height of thirty or forty meters, as long as he used the Unloading Force technique a little, he wouldn''t suffer the slightest injury.


    Yang Zhu, with hisbat saber and shield on his back, also silently jumped down.


    Rumble~


    The aircraft rapidly ascended, heading toward the district shrouded in the misty rain at the edge of the horizon.


    "Chief, who are those two that we had to personally deliver?" the female pilot couldn''t help asking. "Do they have some kind of background?"


    "I''m not sure," the bearded apanying Martial Artist shook his head. "It should be that Xu An fellow; he is an L6-level Martial Hall member."


    "L6-level? That''s usually for high-level Prime Warriors, right? So formidable? Could he be the illegitimate son of a Flying Heaven Warrior?" the female pilot was astonished.


    "Don''t ask too much, there are things you can''t handle," the bearded burly man said. "Just focus on flying your aircraft."


    ...


    Carrying their weapon cases, LI Yuan and Yang Zhu, following the path indicated by two soldiers, entered a waiting hall.


    "Martial Artists."


    "The trains to the Star Realm carry ten people per trip," said the soldier with a smile. "Thest one just left, so you''ll have to wait a bit."


    "We''ll set off as soon as we gather ten people."


    "Over here, we have all kinds of free snacks and drinks prepared; please help yourselves, both of you," the soldier said with a smile.


    "Sure."


    "Hmm." Li Yuan and Yang Zhu, one of them had already surveyed all sorts of data and regtions, the other clearly a ''Starfield Veteran,'' didn''t ask further.


    They waited quietly.


    "Xu An, want some alcohol?" Yang Zhu looked at Xu An.


    "No need." Li Yuan replied indifferently.


    Yang Zhu nodded, took 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 refusal.


    "Are you a student at Martial Arts University?" Yang Zhu sat down and looked at Li Yuan.


    "Does it seem so?" Li Yuan smiled lightly; his facial features had been subtly adjusted.


    Modern means of doing so were plentiful.


    Besides, being not so famous, it was unlikely for many to recognize him.


    "It''s not about the resemnce, but your youth."


    Yang Zhu smiled and said, "Entering Star Realm for adventure requires at least level 15, most wouldn''t be so young... Also, today is January 1st, and as per tradition, many elite students from Martial Arts University will start heading to various Star Realms for life and death trials after their vacation ends."


    "So, I deduced that you are from Martial Arts University."


    Li Yuan was momentarily speechless, realizing his cover was blown in such a way.


    Never underestimate anyone''s power of observation.


    "But with the way you move, always ready forbat at a moment''s notice, you must have been through quite a few life-and-death battles," Yang Zhu said with a smile. "You must be an upperssman in your fourth or fifth year."


    "Yang Big Brother is really urate," Li Yuan chuckled.


    Alwaysbat-ready? When skill reaches a high enough level, one can enter this state whenever willing.


    But the insight Yang Zhu possessed spoke volumes in itself.


    "Mingxu Star Realm has been unstabletely; are you here for a guard mission orbat mission?" Li Yuan took the initiative to ask.


    The best way to avoid further questions is to ask in return.


    "Probably abat mission," Yang Zhu smiled. "Guard missions are less interesting, what about you?"


    "I''ll follow orders," Li Yuan kept it vague.


    Suddenly,


    "Hmm? A female Martial Artist arrived, young and attractive," Yang Zhu''s eyes lit up.


    "Oh?" Li Yuan also saw the neer, his eyes brightening.


    "Yang Big Brother."


    "Do you believe that I can add her on V-Chat right now?" Li Yuan grinned.


    "You? Don''t believe it," Yang Zhu shook his head with a smile.


    "Watch me," Li Yuan said with a smile and directly got up to approach the female Martial Artist who had justpleted her identity verification.


    Upon turning her head and seeing Li Yuan, the female Martial Artist''s eyes lit up instantly.


    She recognized Li Yuan.


    "Hello, my name is Xu An; can I add you on V-Chat?" Li Yuan smiled.


    The female Martial Artist was initially startled, but upon noticing ''Yang Zhu'' in the distance, she quickly understood and chuckled, "Hello, I''m Shi Xiao."


    ...


    The sudden appearance of Senior Shi Xiao waspletely beyond Li Yuan''s expectations, and to prevent her from calling out his real name,


    He took it upon himself to ''hit on'' her.


    Shi Xiao was very clever, reacting within a second to realize Li Yuan was hiding his true identity.


    "Xu Brother, impressive," Yang Zhu said with a smile, "This world really does judge by appearance."


    Li Yuan smiled without replying.


    As time passed, more and more warriors began to gather in the waiting hall.


    But suddenly.


    "ng~" The metal entrance to the hallway opened, and two medical carts were quickly pushed out, with two men covered in blood lying on them.


    One of the men had both arms broken, the flesh a bloody blur.


    From their attire, they were most likely warriors.


    "Hurry."


    "Excuse us, make way!" Several medical personnel shouted, pushing the carts as they rushed toward the exterior of the war fortress.


    Li Yuan, Shi Xiao, and the others instinctively looked through the window to the outside.


    Outside the war fortress, a small aircraft was slowly descending.


    This scene.


    Caused the previously talkative nine warriors in the waiting hall to fall silent, a shadow falling over their hearts.


    The death rate for those venturing into the Star Realm was astonishingly high.


    "It seems that the situation in Mingxu Star Realm is not optimistic," Yang Zhu sighed softly, "There''s a high probability that direct conflicts have erupted with local forces."


    Li Yuan and Shi Xiao exchanged nces.


    A conflict?


    Why had theye to the Mingxu Star Realm if not to engage in life-and-death battles?


    "They''re here."


    "We''ve gathered ten warriors, set out! Set out!" the guard soldier shouted loudly.


    ...


    "ng~" The train slowly started, with the ten warriors dispersed and sitting in different parts of the carriage.


    Li Yuan and Shi Xiao, as schoolmates from the same academy and both under Li Yang, naturally trusted each other more.


    It went without saying that they sat next to each other.


    Hum~ Screens projected light appeared simultaneously on the front, back, and two side walls of the carriage.


    In the projection, the figure of a burly officer appeared, his expression stern.


    "Respected warriors, first of all, thank you for volunteering to enter the Star Realm and contributing to human civilization," the burly officer spoke solemnly, "We are about to reach the First Level Star Realm ''Mingxu Star Realm.''


    "Mingxu Star Realm is vast. Thergest known diameter of our explored range has already exceeded 60,000 kilometers... and that''s still far from the limit of the Mingxu Star Realm."


    "In the Star Realm, apart from our human civilization, there are two known foreign civilizations that can enter through the passage, namely ''Tianliang Civilization'' and ''Lin Mo Civilization.''


    "Tianliang Civilization is a humanoid civilization. They look extremely simr to humans, but their gic sequencing is quite different. There are also fundamental differences in their aura... As they look simr, one must be vignt against Tianliang Civilization impostors within the Star Realm."


    "Lin Mo Civilization, on the other hand, is a beast-like civilization..."


    "The most powerful force within the Mingxu Star Realm are the ''local forces'' of the Star Realm. Although the origin of a First Level Star Realm is not very strong, due to the vast territory, they stillpete and fight against each other, nurturing quite a few Flying Heaven Level beings. Each one of them is a ruler of the Mingxu Star Realm and must not be provoked."


    "Throughout the Mingxu Star Realm, there are also many Second Rank creatures lurking. They upy many territories rich in life force, spiritual soil veins, Heavenly Materials Treasures... these are the true opponents our human civilization hase to battle."


    "Remember."


    "To enter and exit a First Level Star Realm, one must be below the Life Level of 20. Practice moderation in your cultivation within the Star Realm... Once your Life Level reaches 20 and you be a Prime Warrior, you will have to stay in the Mingxu Star Realm forever."


    "Next, are the details about Base Three..." the burly officer continued to introduce many aspects of the Mingxu Star Realm.


    All the warriors listened quietly.


    Even though Li Yuan already knew much of this information, he didn''t mind listening to it again.


    Suddenly, boom~


    An invisible pressure instantly enveloped all the warriors in the carriage, almost all of them changing color, and Shi Xiao was no exception.


    "The portal between two realms," Li Yuan clearly understood this to be the collision of space between the Star Realm and the Blue Star, creating an extremely special oppressive force.


    It was this unique force that prevented Second Rank lives from crossing the barrier.


    However, this force''s oppression meant nothing to Li Yuan, who had reached the Fifth Stage in his skills.


    With his skill and spiritual power, he easily resisted it.


    ...


    The strange oppression came quickly and left just as fast, and many in the carriage gradually returned to normal.


    Li... Xu An, you didn''t feel it at all?" Shi Xiao couldn''t help but ask.


    "I can endure," replied Li Yuan with a smile.


    Shortly after, the carriage slowly came to a halt and the doors opened, allowing the sunlight to pour in directly.


    "We''ve arrived."


    "Mingxu Star Realm." The group of people walked out of the carriage onto the metal za outside.


    There were quite a few soldiers around the za, and everyone immediately saw the huge war fortress a few hundred meters tall not far away.


    And far in the distance, at the end of the horizon, there was a mountain range stretching across the edge of the world like a curtain in the sky.


    "Is that Ming Mountain?" Li Yuan couldn''t help but ask.


    "Yes."


    Standing beside Li Yuan, Yang Zhu also saw the mountain at the end of the world and said softly, "ording to the information, it should be more than 20,000 kilometers away from us... Its height must exceed 1,000 kilometers. It''s the highest mountain in the Mingxu Star Realm. Legends say more than one Flying Heaven beast inhabits it...


    The Star Realm is full of mysteries, anything can happen, anything can be born, such a mountain should not exist on the Blue Star."


    Many veteran warriors were not there for the first time and were quite indifferent, but Li Yuan and Shi Xiao were somewhat amazed.


    This was a natural wonder not seen on the Blue Star.


    "Xu An, Shi Xiao."


    A warrior officer approached them from not far away and spoke solemnly, "The two of you, please follow me."


    The other warriors looked over, curious about the situation.


    Li Yuan and Shi Xiao exchanged a nce and obediently followed the officer into the war fortress nearby.


    Taking the elevator.


    Eventually, the two followed the warrior officer into arge office.


    A blue-robed elder was standing in front of a massive map projection, deep in thought.


    The map projection showed continuous mountain ranges, giant rivers, and many huge red dots marked on it...


    "Commander, the people have been brought here," the warrior officer said quietly.


    "Oh? You can leave now," the blue-robed elder seemed to have just noticed them, turning his head to look at Li Yuan and Shi Xiao. After the guiding officer left, he then revealed a smile, "Li Yuan, Shi Xiao, hello."


    "Senior, hello," Li Yuan and Shi Xiao said in unison.


    Li Yuan''s heart was filled with shock.


    Because, in his Divine Pce''s investigation, the elder''s Life Level was 24.


    A Prime Warrior!


    But since Mingxu Star Realm was a First Level Star Realm, shouldn''t bing a Prime Warrior mean one could no longer return to the Blue Star?

 Chapter 204: 169: Thirty Years in One Town

    "You applied for the trial adventure here, so your school has sent me your information," the elder in blue smiled.


    Li Yuan and Shi Xiao suddenly understood.


    This was normal.


    "My surname is Liu, and my name is Liu Jing. I am the chief officer of the third base," the elder in blue said, "As elite students from Kunlun Martial University, you are different from ordinary martial artists whoe here for adventure. We will ce more importance on you."


    "Senior Liu," Li Yuan and Shi Xiao immediately changed their address.


    As the chief officer of a war base in the Star Realm, the authority of the elder in blue was absolutely astonishing.


    And the independence of a war base here was certain to be extremely high.


    In a ce where life and death were battled out on someone else''s territory, it was natural to show respect.


    Moreover, Li Yuan had vaguely guessed the reason for the other party being a ''Prime Warrior'' and couldn''t help but feel a hint of admiration in his heart.


    "Since this is your first time here, there are some things I need to make clear to you in advance," the elder in blue said, "Firstly, our human civilization has four main outpost bases in the Mingxu Star Realm, with both the first and the second being thousands of kilometers away from us, too far to rely on."


    "Are the first and second entry point bases in the Africa Continent?" Li Yuan couldn''t help but ask.


    The four entry points into the Mingxu Star Realm.


    Two in the Africa Continent and two in Xia Country.


    "Correct," Liu Jing nodded, "Our third and fourth bases are rtively close to each other, but they are still over two thousand kilometers apart... Usually, contact between them is made through the Blue Star."


    Li Yuan and Shi Xiao were stunned.


    Two thousand kilometers, in the perilous and exotic-beast-filled Mingxu Star Realm, was very distant indeed.


    "So, if our third base wants to survive, we essentially have to rely on ourselves," the elder in blue, Liu Jing, said looking at them. "The base''s main tasks are, first, to constantly kill the Entry Rank alien species nearby, continually expanding our living space. This is thebat mission."


    "Second is the search for various resources, such as Heavenly Materials Treasures, veins of minerals, and suitable Earth of Spiritual Nature. This is the resource exploration task."


    "Third is the defense mission. Over decades, the region within three hundred kilometers of the base has be our territory. We have opened up many resource spots, but we still suffer asional attacks from the alien species, so we need warriors to guard," the elder in blue continued, looking at them. "Which mission do you want to participate in?"


    Ordinary martial artists wouldn''t have a choice.


    "Combat mission," Li Yuan and Shi Xiao said in unison.


    "Alright."


    Liu Jing smiled faintly, "I''ll arrange for you two to join a squad of martial artists, to find you a team that''s strong enough."


    "With more people in a team working together, the chances of survival will be much greater."


    "Alright," Shi Xiao nodded. It wasn''t her first adventure in the Star Realm.


    She had some experience.


    "Senior Liu, can I venture alone?" Li Yuan suddenly asked. "I remember you can apply to form a team on your own."


    Before Liu Jing could reply, Shi Xiao eximed, "Are you crazy, Li Yuan? Is this your first time venturing into the Star Realm? How high can your Physical Quality be?"


    In her memory, Li Yuan''s true strength shouldn''t even match her own.


    And without experience.


    "Forming a team on your own? ording to the rules, only Eighteenth Rank martial artists are allowed to venture alone," the elder in blue, Liu Jing, said, eyes narrowing slightly and smiling, "Your information indicates that your power isparable to a Neenth Rank martial artist, so you do qualify."


    "Comparable to a Neenth Rank martial artist?" Shi Xiao was shocked.


    "It seems this young girl is still in the dark," Liu Jing chuckled, "Li Yuan, you performed well in the Fish Spirit Tide in Jiang City and even received a First Rank Silver Quality Medal. That''s really quite impressive."


    "A First Rank Silver Quality Medal?" Shi Xiao''s mouth formed an ''O'' shape.


    She wasn''t naive; she knew full well how difficult it was to receive such a medal.


    She was aware of the Fish Spirit Tide that had erupted in Jiang City.


    But she was not aware of Li Yuan''s deeds, as she wouldn''t go out of her way to pay attention to themendation ceremonies.


    "Li Yuan, you''re quite strong, but strength and experience are two different things. Are you sure you don''t want an older person to guide you?" Liu Jing asked.


    "No need," Li Yuan shook his head.


    Considering his strength, he was almost a Prime Warrior... A normal squad of martial artists would only hold him back.


    Besides, if he wanted to quickly increase his Spiritual Awakening Level, he had to kill arge number of alien species, and it would be better to be alone.


    "Alright, the path is yours to choose, and I won''t force you. You can venture on your own," Liu Jing said. "Shi Xiao, what about you? Do you also want to venture alone?"


    "No." Shi Xiao shook her head quickly. "Please arrange a squad of martial artists for me, senior."


    With Physical Quality surpassing the Seventeenth Rank, and Fourth Level technique prowess, Shi Xiao''s frontalbat strength was also approaching that of a Neenth Rank martial artist.


    However, she didn''t possess Li Yuan''s confidence.


    "Very well, you''ll receive information soon," Liu Jing said. "Before you go and fight for life and death with the alien species, remember three things. First, be sure to avoid Second Rank alien species."


    "Second, do not readily use thermal weapons."


    "Third, within a thousand kilometers of the war base, if you call for help, we can know immediately. Beyond a thousand kilometers... the signal bes very bad."


    "Understood," Li Yuan and Shi Xiao said solemnly.


    They both roughly knew the reasons for these warnings from Liu Jing. In the Mingxu Star Realm, human civilization was merely a small force... They were all about low-profile development and cautious advancement.


    Each war base operated only a few hundred kilometers around it.


    Indeed, thermal weapons can cause massive casualties among the alien species.


    Even Second Rank exotic beasts would fall victim to an onught of thermal weapons.


    But who are the real overlords of the entire Mingxu Star Realm? Not those Second Rank exotic beasts, but the Flying Heaven Level beings!


    If the Flying Heaven Level entities harbored hostility, it could spell disaster for the human civilization''s outpost bases.


    Simr incidents have beenmonce in the history of human exploration of the many star realms.


    "Commander," the door opened, and the officer from before walked in.


    "Arrange for Wu Qiong and their squad to take in Shi Xiao," Liu Jing instructed. "She''s been moring for a strong member, so I''ll give her one."


    "Yes," the officer nodded. "Martial Artist Shi Xiao, follow me."


    "Xu An, keep in touch with me, okay?" Shi Xiao winked. She guessed that Li Yuan had his own cultivation ns and did not insist on staying with him.


    "Okay," Li Yuan nodded with a smile.


    ...


    The two people left, and the door was closed again.


    Only Li Yuan and Liu Jing remained inside the door.


    "Don''t worry, your detailed information is known only to me," Liu Jing said with a slight smile. "How is your teacher Li Yang?"


    "Do you know Teacher Li?" Li Yuan asked in surprise.


    "We were students of the same year at Kunlun Martial University. Back then, we had a rather good rtionship," Liu Jing said with a smile. "It''s just a pity that it''s been more than thirty years since west met."


    Li Yuan sighed inwardly. More than thirty years?


    The more he saw, the more Li Yuan could feel the influence of Kunlun Martial University on Xia Country. Everywhere he looked, many of the Prime Warriors in Xia Country hade out of Kunlun Martial University.


    "As per your teacher''s instructions."


    "I''m going to score your life-and-death adventure," Liu Jing said with a smile. "So, during your solo adventure, if you kill an Alien Race, you must take an emblematic item from their bodies as proof. Do you understand?"


    "Yes," Li Yuan nodded.


    The Mingxu Star Realm was not like the Combat Assessment, without the omnidirectional surveince.


    Everything had to be done on one''s own.


    "Shi Xiao joined a team of Martial Artists; she has teammates to help her, so there is no need for me to say more. Since you are venturing on your own, I will give you a few more pieces of advice," Liu Jing said.


    "During your adventure, in addition to being wary of those Exotic Beasts, you need to be cautious of two situations," Liu Jing said seriously. "First are the lifeforms of the Tianliang Civilization. They look simr to us humans, and their activity areas are adjacent to our Base Three."


    "ording to the Inquiry, one of their star realm''s entrances and exits is less than two thousand kilometers away from us."


    "That close?" Li Yuan expressed his surprise.


    Less than two thousand kilometers meant that it was indeed possible for the strong from both sides to encounter each other during exploration and adventure.


    "Yes, very close," Liu Jing said. "Besides that, pay attention to other human Martial Artists."


    "Other human Martial Artists?" Li Yuan''s pupils shrank.


    Internal conflict?


    "People have selfish desires. If two teams of Martial Artists discover an astonishingly valuable Heavenly Materials Treasure at the same time, how should it be divided?" Liu Jing said indifferently.


    Li Yuan fell silent.


    "If one side gives in, it''s fine, but if both sides want it, there''s bound to be conflict," Liu Jing said. "On Blue Star, within the War Fortress, there are legal systems in ce that forbid internal strife."


    "But faced with the temptation of treasures, do not test human nature."


    "Beyond 300 kilometers from the War Fortress... if human Martial Artists kill each other, we will not intervene."


    "So, against other human Martial Artists, you must keep your guard up," Liu Jing said.


    "Thank you for the reminder, senior," Li Yuan said.


    Liu Jing was so thoroughly transparent in his advice; it was no doubt genuine care.


    "Go."


    ...


    He watched Li Yuan leave.


    "I am slowly getting older," Liu Jing thought to himself with a sigh. "It''s been more than thirty years."


    As a Prime Warrior, he could live much longer, but his heart was already weary.


    Wishing to return to his hometown but unable to do so.


    This life would continue indefinitely.


    ...


    After leaving Liu Jing''s office.


    Another Martial Artist officer came to receive Li Yuan.


    His main role was to introduce Li Yuan to the environment within a 500-kilometer radius of the War Fortress, such as where Second Rank Alien Races were and where arge number of Alien Races congregated.


    The resource points (crops, minerals) of human civilization, the precise locations of observation points.


    Even the main activities of other Martial Artist teams were detailed.


    These were all things that wouldn''t be written in the Starfire Martial Hall''s databank.


    With Li Yuan''s current spiritual power, although he could not yet remember everything he saw, he was able to quickly jot down the gist.


    Finally.


    "How many years has Senior Liu been here?" Li Yuan asked a question that was on his mind.


    "The chief?" The Martial Artist officer was startled momentarily and then smiled. "It''s said to be more than thirty years."


    "He is the firstmanding officer of Base Three, having volunteered to stay here. It''s said he used to be a 25th Level Prime Warrior, butter his strength suffered a lot due to an injury."


    "Several other Prime Warriors inside the base are also volunteers who chose to remain here."


    "Only with Prime Warriors, and with the War Fortress as the final defense, can our human civilization barely stand firm in the Mingxu Star Realm," the Martialist sighed. "It is the reason why many Alien Race forces around us default to recognizing the several hundred kilometers as our sphere of influence."


    "However."


    "Unlike us First Rank Martial Artists who still have holidays and rotations, and can eventually return to our country... the Prime Warriors will have to stay here for the rest of their lives."


    Li Yuan nodded slightly, feeling an unspoken empathy in his heart.


    Within human civilization, there were always those who made quiet sacrifices.


    ...


    There was no night in the Mingxu Star Realm, as the sky was always interwoven with two suns.


    Therefore, on the day he arrived at the Mingxu Star Realm.


    At six in the evening by Blue Star''s time, after getting everything ready, Li Yuan left Base Three on his own.


    He embarked on his first Star Realm adventure.

 Chapter 205: 170: Going Solo (56,000 Monthly Tickets Plus Update)

    Boom~


    Riding in a low-altitude flying vehicle, Li Yuan quickly left the war fortress 100 kilometers away, crossing over mountain ranges and rivers.


    Within a hundred kilometers of the war fortress, there were still traces of human activity.


    Beyond a hundred kilometers, the roads gradually disappeared, the trees became taller, and the mountain ranges undted, slowly turning into a primitive forest.


    "Martial Artist Xu An, we can only take you this far," the pilot said with a smile. "If we go any further, we might encounter flying alien races."


    "Okay, thank you," Li Yuan nodded and smiled in response.


    In the Mingxu Star Realm, indigenous alien races capable of cultivating and absorbing Origin Power were mostly beastly, with a few humanoid, each race being strange and varied... Precisely for this reason, they fought fiercely with one another, so as not to deal with human civilization.


    Second Rank alien races, their wisdom was mostly on par with humans.


    In the eyes of most indigenous alien races, the several hundred kilometers surrounding the human civilization''s outpost were territories upied by another distinctive species.


    Therefore, unless they wanted to provoke a war, other Second Rank alien races would not easily invade the ''hundred kilometer'' range of the outpost.


    As for First Rank alien races?


    They were not that intelligent, but after decades of being ughtered and cleared out, they too knew that these areas were dominated by an extremely powerful force not to be trifled with.


    "Huh!"


    Holding a long spear in his hand, carrying abat saber on his back, and wearing a full set of battle garment andbat armor, Li Yuan descended from the tens of meters high in the sky andnded on the ground.


    The jungle was not too dense.


    He watched as the flying vehicle quickly departed.


    "From now on, I''ll have to rely on walking," Li Yuan muttered to himself. "Based on previous experience, if I want to quickly increase my Spiritual Awakening Level..."


    "Then, the stronger the alien race I kill, the more Spiritual Nature nourishment I get."


    "I''d better leave the war base 300 kilometers behind as soon as possible."


    Within 100 kilometers of the base, alien races were almost extinct; within 300 kilometers of the base, alien races of Entry Rank were rare, having been ughtered and cleared out repeatedly by Martial Artist squads.


    Underneath the orbit of two suns, the earth did not seem scorchingly hot.


    "200 kilometers, I should be able to reach it within 3 hours," Li Yuan moved and covered dozens of meters with each step.


    Ten-meter-high cliffs? Ten-meter-wide rivers were merely a light leap away for him.


    Maintaining a travel speed of twenty to thirty meters per second was no more than a walk in the park for Li Yuan now.


    "Unity of Heaven and Man."


    As Li Yuan traveled, he also pondered and grasped the mystery of Unity of Heaven and Man.


    Perceiving the natural way of the world.


    Practicing with a spear, standing, sitting, lying down, walking... all could be used to gain insight.


    After traveling more than ten kilometers.


    Suddenly, within a pile of dpidated dry grass, several shadows shed abruptly, and the air exploded with a bang, rushing towards Li Yuan, who was on the move.


    "Swoosh!"


    These shadows were fast, but Li Yuan''s spear in hand was faster, with just one thrust sweeping the vast sky.


    "Pfft!" "Plop!" "Plop!" Drops of blood spattered as the bodies of six snake-like alien creatures were torn apart and fell to the ground.


    "Blood Winged Snake n?" Li Yuan nced over.


    These six alien creatures, though simr in appearance to the Blood Winged Snake n, had smaller and shorter wings that were only good for gliding.


    "Life Level not even reaching the Tenth Level, and they dare attack me?" Li Yuan shook his head.


    He didn''t bother to cut off any parts from their bodies, as it was pointless.


    The roads of Mingxu Star Realm were more difficult to traverse than Li Yuan had anticipated; those high mountains appeared to be just one or two kilometers away in a straight line, but crossing them was extremely time-consuming.


    Some canyons andrge rivers were also difficult to cross.


    However, with Li Yuan''s strength, after nearly four hours, he still stepped out of the range of human civilization''s activities and truly entered The Wilderness.


    And this journey also made Li Yuan understand the true meaning of ''High Origin Environment.''


    On this 200-kilometer journey, more than 100 members of the Alien Race died at Li Yuan''s hands.


    Most were Unranked.


    Most had taken the initiative to ambush Li Yuan.


    "Rich in Origin Power, these Star Realm Creatures don''t need to eat much to be affected by the Origin Power, allowing them to grow and reproduce extremely rapidly," Li Yuan mused to himself.


    He had read quite a few records.


    Compared to many Star Realm beings, humans have a much slower growth and reproduction rate.


    The greatest advantage of human Martial Artists lies in their Comprehension.


    "Star Realm Creatures might reach Entry Rank as adults, but often tens or even hundreds of thousands of them struggle to produce even a single Second Rank powerhouse," Li Yuan thought to himself. "Among human Martial Artists, it usually takes only a few hundred First Rank warriors to produce a Second Rank powerhouse."


    Humans,cking powerful bloodline support, yet possess an astonishingly strong level of Comprehension.


    At least,


    Among the many Foreign Civilizations that human civilization hase into contact with, almost none surpass humans in Comprehension.


    ...


    Walking through The Wilderness.


    "Hm?" Li Yuan narrowed his eyes and suddenly stopped. His powerful spiritual power, paired with his body, had faintly sensed that hundreds of meters away, arge group of formidable Alien Race lives was gathering.


    "Finally."


    "I''ve encountered some interesting opponents," Li Yuan revealed a slight smile.


    Boom!


    With a leap, the rocks beneath Li Yuan''s feet shattered. He stomped on arge tree next to him, using it to jump even higher, and as he did so, the tree copsed with a roar.


    The battle erupted!


    ...


    "Roar!" "Howl!" "Howl!" Arge group of beings, like jackals and wolves from the Alien Race, roared as they turned into streaks of light charging at Li Yuan.


    They were all Entry Rank creatures.


    As the dominant n in this area, facing Li Yuan, an Alien Race life form that challenged them, they naturally would not shrink back.


    "Kill!"


    Li Yuan wielded his Long Spear in his hand. The spear shadows shifted, resembling a rolling star, vast and magnificent, with impressive might.


    Spurt! Spurt! Spurt! Blood sttered as one Alien Race being after another fell to the ground, their bodies mming into boulders due to inertia,


    or crashing into the ground, or colliding withrge trees.


    "No good."


    "These Alien Race creatures are still too weak, mostly only levels 12 or 13, with few even at level 14," Li Yuan shook his head slightly: "I don''t even need to use Origin Power to easily crush them."


    "There''s no tempering effect."


    Whoosh!


    Li Yuan''s figure changed immediately, instantly suppressing his strength and speed to the standard of level 11.


    Immediately,


    Li Yuan felt the pressure, as if any one of those Alien Race beings could attack him at any moment.


    "The spear flows like stars," Li Yuan fully immersed himself in his Spear Technique, battling with these Aliens.


    For Li Yuan, venturing in the Star Realm was partly to raise his Spiritual Awakening Level.


    The most important thing,


    was to engage in life-and-death battles with numerous alien races, tempering the spirit and exercising courage in the midst of survival...prehending the mysteries of nature in The Wilderness.


    Eventually,


    after Li Yuan killed over sixty wolf-like alien creatures, the other dozens finally couldn''t hold on any longer and fled amidst howls.


    Li Yuan didn''t pursue them deliberately.


    "So many kills."


    "The level of Spiritual Awakening hasn''t increased even 0.1%?" Li Yuan nced at the Divine Pce panel and muttered to himself, "Or are these aliens too weak to obtain spiritual nourishment from their bodies?"


    After a quick calction, Li Yuan understood that raising the Spiritual Awakening Level from 25.4% to 30% was going to be a long and arduous process.


    He didn''t bother to cut up the bodies of these aliens.


    Just by uploading thebat video, Li Yuan continued on his way.


    The so-called ''proof of kill materials'' was something to worry about after leaving the War Fortress by 1000 kilometers.


    Before that, as long as Li Yuan didn''t care, he could choose to uploadbat videos.


    To reduce the burden.


    ...


    "Too slow! Speed it up," Li Yuan roared, battling fiercely with many feathered, humanoid life forms before him.


    These humanoids had extraordinarily strong limbs that were as sharp as weapons.


    Facing the long spear in Li Yuan''s hands,


    these humanoid life forms fell one after another, their blood spilling onto the ground.


    "[You have sessively in Entry Rank creatures and obtained spiritual nourishment, with your Spiritual Awakening Level reaching 25.8%]" a sh of prompt from the Divine Pce appeared.


    ...


    Time passed, day by day.


    Li Yuan was constantly fighting his way through The Wilderness.


    He gradually adapted to this environment.


    Hungry? He ate some beast flesh, then cultivated the ''All Heavens'' Stars'' scripture, nourishing his body with Origin Power, basically not needing to eat much.


    Thirsty? He drank directly from the mountain springs.


    Tired? Then he would cultivate the ''Great Sun Starry Sky Scripture'', which not only strengthened his spiritual power but also eliminated fatigue.


    Li Yuan didn''t need to return to a fixed observation post or camp to rest.


    The rest of his time,


    he was either battling with alien life forms or on the move seeking them.


    Or asionally, when he gained insights from observing the world, he would stop to quietly practice his spear technique, then continue on with his journey and battle.


    Such a training efficiency was nothing short of astonishing.


    With the alien life forms he slew growing more numerous and more powerful, including creatures of the 17th and 18th levels,


    Li Yuan''s level of Spiritual Awakening, albeit hard to raise, was skyrocketing thanks to the mass ughter of aliens.


    A quantitative change led to a qualitative change, from the initial 25.4% gradually breaking through to 26%, 26.5%...


    Li Yuan''s Spear Technique and Physical Quality were continuously improving as if there were no bottlenecks.


    ...


    In the Mingxu Star Realm, on the ninth floor of the main office at Outpost Base Number Three,


    "Commander."


    "In these past ten days, apart from that Martial Artist who died in battle, the majority of the teams that are registered at the base and went out to brave the wilderness have records of resting at the observation points," a tall and thin Martial Officer reported solemnly, "But Xu An has no such record. Over these ten days, it''s as if he vanished into thin air."


    "No record of him? He didn''t return to an observation post?" Liu Jing inquired.


    "No records," the tall and thin Martial Officer replied. "We can only rely on the positioning from the smart wristband to confirm he''s continually on the move; he should still be alive."


    "Okay, I understand. You may leave," Liu Jing said, without any further directive.


    Once the room was left to himself,


    "Beep~"


    Liu Jing clicked to project, and rapidly a series of videos appeared, all showing first-person scenes of Li Yuan inbat with numerous aliens.


    They were all uploaded here to Liu Jing.


    "Truly insane."


    "In ten days, the kill count is higher than a normal squad," Liu Jing felt deeply inside, "Looking at theprehensive information records, is it really non-stop fighting?"


    "Hmm, enough to merit a perfect score for surviving through peril."


    As for an eighteen-year-old youth, Liu Jing felt there was no need to be overly critical.


    Too much is as bad as not enough.


    ...


    January 13, 2044.


    Atop a nondescript mountain peak about 600 kilometers from Outpost Base Number Three,


    on a huge rock,


    Li Yuan was standing there, gripping the long spear in his hand, its tip pointing ahead as though perceiving something.


    Gradually,


    Li Yuan no longer seemed so out of ce, but rather blended vaguely with the surrounding scenery, a very mystical sight.


    "Swoosh!" The long spear thrust forward swiftly in a circle like lightning, then instantly retracted.


    Li Yuan slowly opened his eyes, his peripheral vision couldn''t help but nce at the Divine Pce panel:


    [Life Level: 16.8 (First Rank)]


    Fist Strength: 24,400 kilograms


    Speed: 70.2 meters/second


    Spiritual Power: level 26.9


    Willpower: level 30


    Spiritual Awakening Level: 28.9% (Current limit 30%)


    Star Meridian: level 10


    Skill Realm: Spear Technique (Fifth Stage 5%), Movement Technique (Fifth Stage 6%), Fist Technique (Perfection)


    ...


    "I feel my progress is fast enough,"


    "But advancing in Fifth Stage Spear Technique is still significantly slower than when it was at the Fourth Level," Li Yuan thought to himself, "With 1.1% to go in Spiritual Awakening Level, keep up the effort."


    Whoosh!


    Li Yuan leapt lightly and dashed down the mountain like a monkey, searching for other alien life forms.


    Momentster,


    His spiritual power extended outward, sensing his surroundings. Suddenly, he stopped and turned his head toward a forest not far away.


    Swish! Swish! Swish!


    In the distance among the trees, three figures dressed in light purple robes, each wielding weapons, were rapidly jumping towards him.


    "Human Martial Artists?" a flicker of confusion passed through Li Yuan''s mind, "Something''s off, why didn''t my smart wristband alert me to the approach of Martial Artists?"

 Chapter 206: 171: Human Race? Alien Race! Kill!

    Within a 1000 kilometer radius of the war base, the signal was quite decent.


    If the base wished, it could contact human martial artists in the area at any time, even roughly locate them using intelligent ring-tablets, though it could be difficult to contact them directly beyond 1000 kilometers.


    By using the positioning system, if human martial artists came within 3 kilometers of each other within the 1000 kilometers, they would usually receive an induction to prevent friendly fire.


    Not detecting anything?


    There were three possible exnations: one was that the martial artists didn''t want to reveal their whereabouts and had turned off their intelligent ring-tablets'' positioning.


    Another was that the intelligent ring-tablets were lost or broken.


    And thest possibility was¡ªthe others weren''t human martial artists, but aliens.


    Still, this area was only 600 kilometers from the Human Race''s war base and was rather within their sphere of influence.


    Would a strong member of the Tianliang Civilizatione all the way here to kill?


    "Just judging by the attire, they resemble our human martial artists." Li Yuan narrowed his eyes slightly and moved his body like a gust of wind, vanishing into the slightly dim forest.


    With Li Yuan''s current skills, although he hadn''t deliberately practiced the art of assassination, after achieving Unity of Heaven and Man, his stealth ability was not at all inferior to that of some formidable assassins.


    After all, what is stealth? It is essentially merging with the environment, so that others cannot detect you.


    And a warrior of Unity of Heaven and Man seeks precisely that¡ªto be one with the universe.


    Understanding one art enlightens a hundred others.


    A warrior of Unity of Heaven and Man could rapidly master various skills and techniques that ordinary people would have to train for a long time.


    ...


    Li Yuan projected his senses outward, his perception astonishing.


    He noticed early on the three faint purple figures shuttling through the forest.


    But these three faint purple figures did not detect Li Yuan''s presence at all.


    "Number two, number three, keep a close eye on our surroundings, stay alert, we''ve entered the activity range of the Seven Star Civilization, we might encounter human martial artists at any time," said the tall, thin man with unkempt hair, while scanning the surroundings attentively.


    His face bore some resemnce to the people of Xia Country, only his skin was a bit darker, and his pronunciation was peculiar, speaking anguagepletely different from that of the Human Race.


    "Hmm."


    "We''re disguised so well that even if they see us from a distance, they might not recognize us."


    "We''re just in charge of the alert exploration, the capture and pursuit is for the captain and the others. Judging by the time, the captain should have caught them by now." The other two purple-cloaked figures, carrying weapons, responded in low voices.


    The three of them formed a loosebat formation, continually surveying their surroundings with sharp eyes, as if searching for something.


    Suddenly.


    "Who''s there!" The leader in purple robes shouted suddenly, sensing something, this time using the rather awkward Xia Countrynguage.


    The other two purple robes were startled as they had not sensed anything yet.


    "Whoosh!" Without a sound.


    About fifty meters to the side of the three, a figure d in ck suddenly appeared from the dense forest, a young man holding a ck long spear, with an innocent smile on his face.


    "Sirs, it''s me, so d to have finally found some living people." The young man in ck waved his long spear excitedly and shouted loudly.


    This voice echoed in the forest, very conspicuous, a perfect match for the young man''s smiling face.


    The three purple-cloaked figures exchanged nces.


    "It''s a human martial artist, quite young, probably just resting there earlier," whispered the leader in the tall purple cloak, "perception of life force suggests around level 17; we''ll observe if there''s anyone else first, and capture him for questioning as soon as he gets close."


    Level 17?


    This made the other two purple-cloaked figures rx their guard subconsciously, for they were both level 18 warriors, and their captain was approaching level 19.


    The disparity in physical quality by one level meant an astounding difference in strength.


    "Young brother, which team are you from?" The man in the tall purple cloak showed a slight smile, leading the others to greet him proactively.


    "I''m from the Suzuki squad." The young man in ck responded cheerily, "It''s my first time here, and I got separated from them. Which martial artists'' team are you seniors from?"


    "Oh?"


    "Suzuki squad? I''ve heard of it," the tall man in the purple cloak answered Li Yuan while keeping up appearances.


    The distance of several dozen meters between them closed quickly, and within a few seconds, both sides approached within twenty meters of each other.


    In the next instant.


    Whoosh! Whoosh! The two figures beside the tall purple-cloaked figure burst forth simultaneously, their speed skyrocketing in a moment, attacking the young man in ck from the left and the right.


    "With Wei Lao and Zhen Hong''s strength, they should be able to capture him with three or two moves when working together." The tall man in the purple cloak thought as much.


    However, contrary to his expectations.


    The young man in ck didn''t panic or get bewildered as he had imagined; instead, he burst out almost simultaneously, faster and more ferocious.


    "Not good, he''s been hiding his strength," the face of the tall purple-cloaked figure changed, and he immediately exploded into action, drawing hisbat saber in a sh, attempting to rescue his twopanions.


    But it was toote.


    Boom! Boom! Boom! Three figures collided like lightning in mid-air.


    "Whoosh!"


    The long spear whistled, emitting a terrifying shriek as it thrust straight at the two figures in purple robes.


    Too fast.


    The power and speed unleashed by Li Yuan in an instant left all three purple-cloaked people shocked and terrified.


    "Be careful," the tall purple-cloaked figure instinctively let out in his native tongue.


    Thud~thud! Thud!


    Figures crossed, spears crossed, and right afterward a torrent of blood sprayed out.


    A massive bloody hole appeared instantly in the necks of the two purple-cloaked figures.


    Their weapons nged to the ground, and their bodies crashed into the grasnd.


    Until death.


    The eyes of the two purple-cloaked figures bore an expression of disbelief. How could a young man supposedly at level 17 be so formidable all of a sudden?


    "Boom!"


    Li Yuan, having killed two with one strike, did not pause for an instant and collided with the tall purple-cloaked figure like lightning.


    "Die!" the tall purple-cloaked figure roared, moving like a ghost, wielding a weapon resembling a hugebat saber.


    As the strongest among the three, he was also stunned by Li Yuan''s explosive attack.


    But in such a close-quarters burst, it was already toote for him to retreat. With no other choice but to fight, he prepared to confront Li Yuan.


    "Facing a long weapon with a short one, just need to seize a sliver of chance to get in close, and there''s a chance to win."


    "Moreover, this Seven Stars individual''s Life Level isn''t as strong as mine. If I can just block one wave, I''ll be able to escape."


    Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!


    Li Yuan''s long spear came whistling in his hand, instantly creating dozens of phantoms. The spear tip howled as if countless glimmers enveloped him.


    It was one of the five deadly moves of Ster Spear Technique, the ''Ster Illumination.''


    This was a defensive move, but if the realm was high enough, it could also be used as a ughter move.


    ng! ng! ng! Countless spear shadows howled. Although Li Yuan''s physical quality was much weaker, his spear was much faster than the slender figure in the purple robe, urate and extremely ruthless.


    One spear thrust followed another.


    Hepletely took the initiative.


    Each thrust sent a chill down the slender figure''s spine, as if walking along the edge of death, he didn''t have time to think and could only wield hisbat saber to block with all his might.


    Nine collisions in a row.


    Under the terrifying force, the surrounding mud and stones sted and flew everywhere.


    "Rise." Li Yuan bellowed, his long spear danced in his hand, and he suddenly swung it down heavily onto the slender figure''s arms.


    After this collision, the figure in the purple robe could no longer resist. The terrifying impact sent him flying uncontrobly into the air.


    Strength starts from the root.


    As a first and second rank warrior who couldn''t yet fly, one wouldn''t let oneself be air-borne lightly in the heat of closebat.


    Spurt!


    "Thud!" Seizing the opportunity, Li Yuan followed with a straight thrust. His long spear howled, and immediately, a blood hole appeared on each of the slender figure''s shoulders.


    The arms were almost torn apart.


    "Bang~" The slender figure in purple smashed heavily against a nearby mountainside, kicking up countless fragments. The intense pain in both arms made it impossible for him to hold onto hisbat saber any longer.


    "ng~" "ng~" Thebat saber fell to the ground.


    The slender figure alsonded from the mountainside and barely stood up,pletely bereft of fighting ability.


    Boom! A ck figure shed in.


    "Swoosh!" Another spear shadow shed past.


    Crack~ The sound of two knee bones shattering rang out.


    The knees of the purple-robed slender figure burst open, instantly turning bloodied and blurry, he could no longer endure and, with his face to the ground, crashed down to his knees.


    Both arms and knees were disabled, and he lost the ability to move.


    "Bang~" Another kick sent the slender figure in the purple robe flying several meters,nding heavily.


    Hey on his back, bloodied and battered, and moving became difficult after being struck repeatedly.


    However, given his strong vitality, nonsfatal injuries to the heart and head meant he wouldn''t die in a short time.


    Whew!


    Li Yuan stood five meters away and did not approach, just stared coldly at the slender figure.


    Better safe than sorry, even with an overwhelming advantage, one must remain cautious.


    Indeed.


    If it wasn''t for wanting to capture a live one for interrogation, Li Yuan could have killed him within five moves with his strength.


    "Tianliang n''s, you understand the humannguage." Li Yuan spoke indifferently, "I ask, you answer, I promise to give you a quick death. Otherwise, you will definitely regret it."


    "Regret?" The figure on the ground sneered, "Seven Stars human, don''t expect to pry anything useful from my mouth. Don''t underestimate the willpower of the Tianliang n, you''d better kill me quickly."


    "Otherwise, once our people arrive, you''re certainly dead," the figure in the purple robe said venomously, his life force draining, he felt himself slipping away.


    Moving toward death.


    "Your people?" Li Yuan smiled lightly, "So, you have quite a few peopleing?"


    "Hmph." The figure in the purple robe snorted and spoke no more.


    "One must drink punishment for refusing a toast." Li Yuan shook his head lightly, and now he took out a tan pill.


    Buzz~


    Enveloped in a ck battle garment, Li Yuan swiftly moved in front of the figure and forced the pill into his mouth, making him swallow it by force.


    "Origin Power Battle Suit?" The figure in the purple robe was shocked, then sneered, "No matter what the drug, don''t expect to... Ahh!"


    His body started to tremble violently.


    "A special interrogation drug."


    "One costs ten thousand Blue Star Coins." Li Yuan muttered to himself, "Almost as painful as one-tenth of the Hundred Marrow Spirit Decay... Let''s see if your bones are tough enough."


    Li Yuan had prepared 20 of these pills, specifically for the Alien Race.


    Being able to train to a High Level Warrior, ordinary pains, like severed hands and feet, they could withstand quite easily.


    Special methods were required.


    Just dozens of secondster.


    "I''ll talk."


    "I''ll tell you everything." The figure in the purple robe could no longer endure it, wailing in agony.


    ...


    Soon, Li Yuan obtained the intelligence he wanted from the purple-robed figure.


    Without hesitation.


    Li Yuan dialed the basemunication and quickly reported his situation.


    "Xu An, you did very well," came the voice over thems.


    "This is information we did not know."


    "However, Observation Point 19 has alreadye under heavy attack from the Tianliang strong beings. ording to the rescue request from the observation point, there should be no second rank fighters." The voice on themunication sounded heavy, "We''ve dispatched support squads by flyer to Observation Point 19... but flying is very risky and may not arrive in time."


    "The nearest ones."


    "Two warrior squads are already on the way to rescue, and we hope you can also go to support," the voice continued.


    "Okay, I''ll set out immediately," Li Yuan said somberly. Observation Point 19 was already under siege?


    "What about this Tianliang?" Li Yuan asked.


    "Execute him on the spot!"

 Chapter 207: 172: Demon Blood Spirit Crystal (Seeking Monthly Pass)

    After ending the call.


    Li Yuan didn''t waste any words. He stood up, waved his long spear, and struck down the purple-robed figure lying on the ground, already nearly unconscious.


    The head was split in two, dead beyond any doubt.


    "[You have consecutively killed Entry Rank creatures and obtained Spiritual Nature nourishment, bringing your Spiritual Awakening Level to 29%]", the Divine Pce panel showed a prompt.


    In fact, why was Li Yuan so certain these trio were from an Alien Race, and not Seven Stars humans?


    It wasn''t because he understood their conversation, nor did he detect too many clues.


    It was simply because the inquiry from the Divine Pce reminded him that killing them would yield ''Spiritual Nature nourishment''.


    This kind of prompt only appeared for Alien races.


    "No matter how good their disguise, they can''t escape the inquiry of the Mind Spirit Divine Pce." Li Yuan nced over the corpses with a sharp gaze.


    In fact, had Li Yuan not killed the Tianliang individual, with their injuries, their death was all but certain if things persisted.


    Moreover, in The Wilderness'' jungle, losing the ability to move was akin to awaiting death, you never know when some beast-like Alien Race would be attracted by the scent of blood.


    "Pursuing a human? Why?" Li Yuan muttered to himself, pondering the intelligence he had just obtained.


    The content of the intelligence was not plentiful, mainly two points.


    First, those killed by Li Yuan were merely ''First Rank warriors'' among the Tianliang n, sent to the Mingxu Star Realm by orders, which was essentially simr to the military martial artists of the Human Race civilization.


    Second, as arge squad, they were ordered to pursue a human warrior¡ªa chase that spanned hundreds of kilometers.


    Who exactly was this human warrior? Why were they being tracked? They had no knowledge of this, at least not these three warriors.


    "Arge squad of the Tianliang Civilization, with at least over 50 Tianliang warriors," Li Yuan thought to himself, "there must be more than one Level 19 warrior.">


    The Seven Stars Human Race civilization and the Tianliang Civilization had not only encountered each other in the Mingxu Star Realm but also through other Star Realms. Although they didn''t wage war as insanely as the Alien Civilizations behind Rob Sea, they had always been at odds with each other.


    Over the years, both civilizations actually had a good understanding of each other, with a certain grasp of thenguage, culture, technology, history, and many other aspects.


    This was why, once Li Yuan''s Divine Pce inquiry confirmed the others were ''Alien Races,'' he did not hesitate to take action and execute a ughter.


    There was no need to question why.


    ording to the ''code of conduct'' given by the base, any strong beings from the tworge Alien Civilizations encountered within 1,000 kilometers of the base could be attacked directly.


    ng~


    Li Yuan quickly searched the three bodies but found not many valuable items.


    Weapons? Combat Armor? They were only First Rank mid-grade weapons, not very valuable, and Li Yuan had no ce to put them anyway.


    There was even less of other things, mostly just food.


    "Hmm, a Life Detector? First Rank." Li Yuan grinned as he found something truly valuable on the strongest Tianliang being.


    He took it off.


    This was a technological product of the Tianliang race.


    It was somewhat simr to the ''Life Vitality Detector'' of the Seven Stars Human Race Civilization but of better quality and truly miniaturized, capable of being carried around.


    Li Yuan had the Divine Pce inquiry, which was more urate, and he didn''t need this device.


    Even though this palm-sized Life Detector appeared to be only First Rank and could only detect up to Level 20 Life.


    However, once Li Yuan handed it over to the base, he could sell it for several million Blue Star Coins.


    "Perhaps, the Life Vitality Detector used by our Seven Stars Human Race civilization was initially inspired by this device," Li Yuan thought to himself.


    In some ways, war continuously promotes the development of technology.


    It forces a civilization to grow stronger, to prevent the entire civilization from extinction.


    For hundreds of years, through collisions and exchanges with a myriad of Star Realms and a multitude of Alien Civilizations, the Seven Stars Human Race civilization has made leaps in both technology and the cultivation civilization.


    "Beast-kind civilizations tend to be weak in terms of technology."


    "But many humanoid civilizations possess very powerful technologies, many of which are much stronger than those of the human race," Li Yuan sighed inwardly.


    This information may not be clear to ordinary people, but it was no secret to Prime Warriors.


    Li Yuan had perused a considerable amount of data from Starfire Martial Hall and was very aware of this fact.


    Because of this.


    The entire Seven Stars Human Race civilization was filled with a sense of crisis, striving to develop martial arts and technology to be even stronger.


    Though it might seem slow, Li Yuan had taken only tens of seconds to search the bodies, casually putting the Life Detector into his close-fitting backpack.


    "Observation Point 19?"


    "Let''s go." Li Yuan briefly discerned the direction, then set up ''directional guidance'' on his smart wristband.


    A straight-line distance of 40 kilometers!


    "With full-speed assault, I should be able to arrive within 20 minutes. I hope they can hold on," Li Yuan sighed inwardly. His figure moved, his speed soared to over 50 meters/second, turning into a streak of light that shot out, rushing towards Observation Point 19.


    Arge squad of Tianliang warriors?


    To breach an observation point wouldn''t be difficult, even without carrying technological weapons.


    "Just 1% shy of reaching a 30% level of Spiritual Awakening," Li Yuan''s eyes shed with a fierce light.


    I''ll use you as my experiment.


    ...


    Within the Mingxu Star Realm, the Seven Stars Human Race civilization, aside from forward operating bases, was divided into Observation Points and Information Points.


    Information Points, for example, included regions highly suitable for the cultivation of various precious medicinal herbs or mining areas for ore veins.


    Observation Points, often located at the farthest boundaries of activity, served the purpose of surveying and monitoring tens of kilometers around to serve as early warnings.


    They also provided temporary rest areas for the many martial artists training in the outermost zones.


    Observation Point 19.


    It was one situated on the outskirts, far from the war base, a hidden Observation Point inside a mountain. The belly of the mountain was mostly hollowed out. From the outside, it looked unremarkable, not much different from amon small hill, but the interior wasplex and intricate.


    For the past several decades, it had been safe.


    But today, Observation Point 19 faced a catastrophe.


    The outermost defenses of the Observation Point had been breached.


    "Dada dada!"


    Ferocious fire spat out as more than ten metal bullets sealed off a passage over ten meters wide,pletely suppressing the several dozen Tianliang warriors outside.


    In such a confined space.


    Even for a Level 19 powerhouse, it would be extremely dangerous to forcefully charge against the flow of metal bullets through the passage.


    "What assholes."


    As the corridor outside echoed with their discontent, a monster-like brute towered over the rest. Standing well over two and a half meters tall, d in ckbat armor, his eyes seemed to spit fire.


    The surrounding Tianliang n warriors remained silent.


    "Captain Logan, what should we do?" Another squat, plump man asked in a deep voice. "We all know that these Seven Stars Human Race observers might have other passages. If we dy, they might escape."


    "Most importantly, we''re very close to the Seven Stars Human Race base. They''re definitely calling for backup. Once the Prime Warriors arrive, we''re all dead."


    "Failing to bring back the mission target will also mean big trouble for us." The squat, plump man said as he looked at the other, "Lord Xue Shu will not let us off easily."


    Clearly.


    Among the forty-plus Tianliang n warriors present, these two stood at the highest rank.


    "Mo Long, you don''t need to remind me," the burly Logan said with an icy voice. "I know the consequences of failing a mission better than you do."


    "Stop hesitating, let''s go all out and pave the way."


    "Mm."


    The two powerful Tianliang n leaders hesitated no more. They each took out a small vial from their bosoms and gently opened it to reveal a blood-red elixir inside.


    They swallowed it down without a second thought.


    The sight of the blood-red elixir sparked a flicker of envy in the eyes of the surrounding Tianliang n warriors.


    Boom! The skin of both the hulking Logan and the squat brute seemed to turn fiery red. Even veins of crimson energy could be seen coursing across their skin.


    It was a special Heavenly Materials Treasure of the Tianliang n called the ''Demon Blood Spirit Crystal.'' Once consumed, it would significantly increase their strength and speed for a short period and even bestow them with a hint of special Origin Power.


    The effect was insignificant to Prime Warriors, but to those of the First Rank of life, it was a substantial boost in strength with virtually no side effects. Instead, after the effect wore off, it would slightly improve their overall physical quality.


    Such a medicine was precious, something ordinary First Rank fighters couldn''t possibly obtain.


    This time, however, the mission was special.


    Both captains, whose Life Levels exceeded rank 19, were each given one so that they could use it at a critical moment.


    ng! With a shattering sound, the bulging armors of the formidable Logan and Mo Long now fully encased their bodies.


    "We charge, and you follow."


    "Kill!" Logan roared lowly.


    Boom! Bang! Both warriors, one wielding abat saber and the other a gigantic battle axe, charged into the corridor side by side in a blur.


    "ng! ng! ng!"


    "ng!" Countless metal bullets rained furiously on them, drastically reducing their speed with their formidable impact, but those numerous bullets were immediately blocked by the swirling crimson energy mingling with their armor.


    ...Inside Observation Point No.19, dozens of Human Warriors each held weapons with eyes narrowed in high tension, scrutinizing the corridor.


    The ranged weapons were directly operated by the observation point''s intelligent system.


    "Captain." Shi Xiao gripped herbat saber, her eyes ice cold, fixated on the corridor.


    "Rx." Standing beside her, Captain Wu Qiong, appearing to be in her thirties with the mature air of a woman, whispered, "Your strength is second only to mine in the squad, but your experience is stillcking."


    "This is a fight for life and death."


    "First, we need to remain calm," Wu Qiong uttered softly, as a warrior who had battled for years in the Mingxu Star Realm.


    Her Life Level stood at 19.6, and her experience was very rich.


    "Understood," Shi Xiao nodded in agreement.


    "Don''t worry, Captain Wu Qiong," she reassured.


    "With our stored ammunition, holding them back for over half an hour isn''t hard," the observer post''s officer added in a low voice.


    "Just a while ago, you said our external defense systems could hold for at least twenty minutes, but what happened?" Wu Qiong nced at him coldly. "Three of my team members are dead."


    The officer fell silent at that.


    He too hadn''t anticipated that this attacking force of Tianliang n warriors would be so fierce, each one surpassing level 18, undoubtedly an elite squad.


    Suddenly.


    "Damn, they''ve breached." Wu Qiong''s eyes shed coldly as she roared sharply, "Prepare for battle! Kill!"


    Bang! Boom!


    As thunderous noises resonated, the two fearsome Tianliang n leaders, bracing against the metal barrage, darted through the corridor like lightning, swiftly destroying a multitude of the ranged weapon emitters.


    The dozens of Tianliang n warriors who followed surged in like a tidal wave.


    "Kill!"


    "Engage!" With no way to retreat, over twenty Human Warriors charged into battle with howls of determination.


    "Scum."


    "You can''t escape," the formidable Logan growled, spotting his target and dashing forward like lightning.


    "Your opponent is me." Wu Qiong swung her long spear, positioning herself before him.


    "Out of my way!"


    ...


    After spending about 23 minutes at full sprint, Li Yuan, guided by the map on his smart ring, finally arrived at the outskirts of the 19th observation point, located in the wooded hills.


    Just a brief survey of his surroundings caused his expression to darken.


    "Bodies?" With a nce, Li Yuan noticed arge number of corpses around the perimeter.


    Many appeared to be from the Human Race, some wearing purple robes.


    This portion was clearly that of the Tianliang n warriors.


    There were also many other corpses, evidently belonging to the Seven Stars Human Race side.


    "So many dead?" A hint of murderous intent crossed Li Yuan''s mind.


    "Has the observation post fallen?" Doubt flickered through Li Yuan''s thoughts, soon followed by a slight movement of his ears. "Sounds of battle?"


    "Some are still alive."


    Whoosh! Li Yuan''s figure shot like lightning, rushing straight into the broad corridor thaty revealed before him.

 Chapter 208: 173: Li Yuan! Full Force Explosion! (Vote for Monthly Ticket)

    Frontline Base Three, Level Six.


    In the vast conference hall, countless beams of light converged, forming two giant screen projections.


    One was a holographic projection of the map.


    Above it, aside from the undting mountain ranges and rivers, a multitude of red dots were in motion, with some disappearing from time to time.


    The other was a live feed projection.


    What it showed was the brutal ughter currently unfolding at Observation Point 19.


    The ling spear-wielding Wu Qiong, with an exceptional bearing, was locked in fiercebat with the burly, unshapely ''Logan,'' and she was beingpletely overpowered.


    On the other side, the young Shi Xiao, also wielding twin des, was teaming up with another 19th level Martial Artist to jointly restrain the hulking ''Mo Long.''


    The other human warriors were simrly struggling to fend off the attacks from the Tianliang n warriors.


    However, with the topbat strength and overall numbers both at a disadvantage, the deaths of Wu Qiong and Shi Xiao seemed only a matter of time.


    In front of the screens, three figures furrowed their brows.


    They were the chief officers of Frontline Base Three and were all Prime Warriors.


    "How far is the reinforcement squad?" The only woman in purple among the three asked sharply.


    "Based on their current speed, it should take another 20 minutes to arrive," replied the blue-clothed elder Liu Jing. "They''ve just encountered arge group of flying alien species... losing a flyer, some had to proceed to the rescue on foot."


    "Within 100 kilometers of Observation Point 19, there are only three warrior squads. Wu Qiong''s squad was the only one that could arrive swiftly... but her squad alone isn''t enough to hold on," Liu Jing continued, "The other squad will take at least another 15 minutes to arrive."


    It was he who always took charge of the overall situation, and it was he who had arranged the rescue mission for Observation Point 19 this time.


    He paused.


    Liu Jing sighed, "The crux is that the strength of this Tianliang n''s fighting force is too formidable; the two leaders have even used ''Demon Blood Spirit Crystals.'' Wu Qiong is among the strongest of High Level Warriors, yet in a one-on-one battle, she''spletely at a disadvantage."


    "Even if the other squad arrives, I''m afraid they''re no match," Liu Jing assessed calmly.


    The conference room fell silent.


    The overall power of the Tianliang n in the Mingxu Star Realm was far greater than that of human civilization, and they could mobilize a stronger force than humans.


    "I should have been allowed to go just now," the other young man in white frowned. "If I had been there, the support squad wouldn''t have been dyed and would be nearly there by now."


    "No, it''s not possible."


    "Han Chong, I know what you''re thinking," Liu Jing addressed the white-clothed young man, "but you must understand, today is just a minor conflict; we three can''t take action thoughtlessly."


    "Without a major event, we cannot leave the outpost."


    "Except in a situation of extreme crisis, we can''t leave within 300 kilometers of the base; that''s the rule."


    "Viting it once might seem to have a benefit, but in the long run, it could bring disaster," Liu Jing spoke softly. "Once it attracts a Flying Heaven level native life-form, it won''t just be these few Martial Artists dying, it could lead to the annihtion of our entire outpost."


    "Understood, Elder Liu," the white-clothed young man said, his voice subdued. He, of course, knew the rules.


    But watching as human warriors were killed, his heart couldn''t help but struggle.


    "Sometimes, some casualties are inevitable," Liu Jing sighed lightly.


    What human civilization established in the Mingxu Star Realm were only ''frontline bases.''


    What is a frontline? Essentially a watchpost, meant for observation, information gathering, and minimal resource collection.


    Not an ''advance base,'' or a ''garrison base.''


    Therefore, whether it is Xia Country or the Seven Star Alliance, the resources invested in the Mingxu Star Realm were actually quite limited.


    In reality, the main theme of the Mingxu Star Realm was the fierce battle among several horrific Flying Heaven level beings leading their respective ns; mostly, they hunkered down in ''Ming Mountain'' at the world''s center and rarely paid any attention to the peripheries.


    For the Seven Star human civilization''s outposts to survive in the long term, they must keep a low profile, avoid drawing the attention of Flying Heaven level beings native to the Mingxu Star Realm as much as possible.


    Refraining Prime Warriors from taking action is for this very reason.


    Prime Warriors taking action freely, if done too frequently, would inevitably attract the attention of powerful Second Rank alien species.


    Once a battle breaks out, should the situation be dire,


    The fearsome thermal weaponry capable of extinguishing top-ranked Second Rank alien species at the outpost would most likely draw out Flying Heaven level native life-forms.


    It would be a disaster.


    "Hm?" Liu Jing''s eyes suddenly brightened, "No, perhaps there''s a turning point."


    "Xu An has arrived," Liu Jing announced.


    "Xu An?"


    "Who is Xu An?" Both the white-clothed young man Han Chong and the woman in purple showed puzzled expressions.


    They rarely handled specific affairs and were not up-to-speed with Li Yuan''s matters.


    "You will know soon enough," There was a hint of expectation in Liu Jing''s eyes.


    ...


    Observation Point 19.


    Whoosh! The moment Li Yuan rushed into the corridor, he saw several human corpses, their attire indicating they were ''ordinary people'' stationed at the observation point.


    This scene involuntarily reminded Li Yuan of the Fish Spirit Tide in Jiang City.


    Back then, he had seen arge number of simr corpses.


    At this moment, Li Yuan''s killing intent grew stronger.


    At the end of the corridor were three purple-robed figures brandishing des, who had been casually conversing, seemingly assigned to perimeter watch.


    "A Seven Stars human Martial Artist hase," The three purple-robed figures immediately noticed Li Yuan, first tense, but then revealing contempt.


    "Only 17th level."


    "The Life Detector shows he''s only 17th level," one of the purple-robed figures said indifferently, "Kill him."


    "Don''t waste time."


    Without hesitation,


    The other two purple-robed figures flipped their hands to produce throwing darts, and with a fierce motion, they hurled the darts toward Li Yuan with a whoosh.


    Whoosh whoosh whoosh!


    The speed of these darts was astonishing, instantly reaching supersonic speeds, and they were also extremely heavy. In terms of impact force alone, they far exceeded that of some bullets.

 Chapter 209: 173: Li Yuan! Full Force Explosion! (Vote for Monthly Ticket)_2

    ```


    Being able to practice throwing darts to such an extent is also rare.


    Had it really been an ordinary Level 17 Martial Artist facing these suddenly erupting darts, they would certainly have been thrown into confusion, or even directly killed.


    At the very least, they would have been forced to retreat.


    "Hidden weapons?" Li Yuan''s eyes were ice-cold, and in an instant, his body moved, not retreating but advancing, transforming into a residual shadow as he charged toward his opponent.


    Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!


    Li Yuan''s figure seemed to blur, appearing to move in a straight line, but in reality, he was performing extremely small, lightning-fast movements... Such movement was extremely difficult at super-high speeds.


    In a single encounter.


    Li Yuan had easily dodged more than ten whistling darts,pletely crossing the corridor that was over fifty meters long.


    This was the Fifth Stage Skill "Unity of Heaven and Man".


    Feeling the heaven and earth spiritually, it allowed Li Yuan''s Perception Ability to far exceed that of an ordinary First Rank strongman, easily able to anticipate each and every dart''s trajectory.


    "Bang~" "Boom!" "Boom!" Those supersonic heavy darts, missing Li Yuan, then crashed into the walls on both sides of the corridor, burying deep into the metal walls.


    "Not good."


    "Level 19? Such fast speed."


    "The Life Detector is wrong."


    "And his skill is very strong, his movement technique is powerful." The faces of the three Tianliang n warriors changed instantly.


    All of them were elite warriors surpassing Level 18, each with Third Stage skills.


    Although Li Yuan''s movements were fast, with their eyesight, they could still barely make out his figure.


    They could naturally sense Li Yuan''s terrifying strength.


    "Escape."


    "Quick, go."


    "Meet up with the captain." The three Tianliang n warriors didn''t hesitate and turned to flee, each moving extremely fast.


    Confrontation? From the speed and movement technique that Li Yuan burst forth with, they judged that they were undoubtedly bound to lose.


    Leave it to the two captains instead.


    Boom! Boom! Boom! Li Yuan and the three Tianliang n warriors chased and fled, both bursting forth with extreme speed.


    In just a few seconds.


    The two sides had passed through several corridors and tworge halls, each one severely damaged, and some even partially copsed, obviously having experienced fierce fighting.


    There were also quite a few human corpses, as well as a few Tianliang n warrior bodies.


    Swish! Swish! The three Tianliang n warriors retreated quickly.


    But Li Yuan was even faster in pursuit.


    In the state of Subtlety, Li Yuan, whose Life Level was originally 16.8, burst forth with speed and strength that couldpletely rival a Level 19 martial artist.


    After nearly ten seconds of lightning-fast chasing and fleeing.


    The originally faint sounds ofbat had be extremely shrill and loud, along with roars and bellows from the deepest part of the observation point.


    Li Yuan, atst, caught up with the three fleeing Tianliang n warriors.


    "Kill!"


    "Kill." Two of the Tianliang n warriors also decisively realized they couldn''t escape, abruptly stamped their feet on the metal wall, turned around, and charged at Li Yuan explosively.


    They grasped the timing extremely precisely.


    It was like a Turnabout Spear technique, attempting to take down Li Yuan.


    "Whoosh!" "Whoosh!"


    Two spear shadows streaked across the Vast Sky, like two bolts of lightning.


    Thud! Thud! The two Tianliang n warriors only felt a sh of cold light in front of their eyes, and Li Yuan had already swept past them, their necks stung as the spear''s tip pierced through, leaving massive bloody holes, with blood sttering.


    Their bodies fell heavily to the ground.


    "This..."


    "I..." The two Tianliang n warriors could not believe it, unable to ept that they had died just like that.


    "What?" The remaining living Tianliang n warrior was already stunned.


    Just one spear! And it killed two elite warriors?


    Was the gap in strength really thatrge?


    But what he didn''t know was that the speed and strength that Li Yuan had burst forth with were already arge cut above, and if he couldn''t finish them off in a single encounter, that would have been abnormal.


    When the gap in strength and speed between opponents is huge, there isn''t much room for skill to y a role... However, when the foundation is close or even superior, the side with superior skill truly reveals its terrifying aspect.


    ```


    At 18 years old, Li Yuan''s skills reached the "Unity of Heaven and Man," a feat that could leave a mark in the entire history of the Seven Stars human civilization.


    One can imagine how rare it is.


    At least within the First Rank of life, those who possess Fourth Level skills are very few, let alone Fifth Stage skills.


    "Kill!"


    Li Yuan''s speed hardly faltered, as he chased down thest remaining Tianliang n warrior with a whoosh.


    ...Within the vast hall.


    Dozens of Tianliang n powerhouses hadpletely suppressed the human warriors, with one after another of thetter falling dead.


    The battle was utterly one-sided.


    "Kill! Kill them!" Wu Qiong, gripping his long spear and with a determined look in his eyes, was still desperately fighting the burly strongman Logan, looking for an opportunity to kill him.


    "ng!"


    "ng!" Shi Xiao, dual des in hand, was still desperately fighting, but her heart was filled with despair.


    The old ghost is dead, Manzai is dead, Yu Hai is dead... Of the nine warriors she had recently met in her squad, six had already been killed in battle, a heavy loss.


    The key was, Shi Xiao saw not a single glimmer of hope for victory, not even a chance to run.


    Almost all of the human warriors were in despair, simply making theirst struggle and resistance.


    If they were going to die, they were determined to take someone with them.


    Suddenly.


    Boom! A purple figure was suddenly sted into the entrance passage and crashed heavily against a pir, before falling to the ground, drenched in blood with more bleeding from the neck, evidently not going to survive.


    "Huh?"


    "What''s going on?" Many of the Tianliang n warriors reacted instantly, their attention drawn to the dark passage instinctively.


    Whoosh!


    And while the corpse was attracting attention, a shadowy figure merged into the hall under cover of darkness, directly pouncing to attack.


    "Ptui!"


    "Ptui!" A number of terrifying spear shadows blossomed. Several Tianliang n warriors had yet to detect the danger when they felt a chill in their throats, followed by painful stabs. They instinctively covered their throats but couldn''t utter a sound.


    They fell one by one.


    "Not good."


    "An assassin! It''s an enemy." Many Tianliang n warriors, as if waking from a dream, finally noticed Li Yuan''s presence, many ring at him angrily.


    "Reinforcements?"


    "Just one person?" The human warriors still alive in the hall first felt a surge of spirit, followed by a flicker of disappointment in their hearts.


    Only one person came?


    "Li Yuan?" Shi Xiao, who had already given up hope, lit up when she recognized Li Yuan''s figure.


    Immediately after, Shi Xiao''s heart tightened and she quickly said, "Xu An, get out of here! Leave immediately."


    Shi Xiao truly liked Li Yuan and naturally did not want to see him die with her.


    "Senior sister." Li Yuan also saw Shi Xiao, feeling a wave of relief in his heart.


    Fortunately, he had arrived in time.


    For Senior Sister Shi Xiao, Li Yuan couldn''t say he felt any romantic affection, but since she had been good to him, he naturally did not want anything bad to happen to her.


    Boom!


    The moment Li Yuan rushed into the hall and grasped the entire situation, he burst forth with full power, charging at the short and stocky strongman Mo Long.


    "Kill."


    "Kill him!" The other Tianliang n warriors roared furiously, brandishing their weapons, attempting to block Li Yuan''s path.


    "Ptui! Ptui!"


    Like a swirling tornado, with spear shadows flickering continuously, Li Yuan, erupting with his full power, instantly killed three Tianliang n warriors, merciless to the extreme.


    "Boy, prepare to die." A muffled growl emanated through the air.


    Boom!


    The short and stocky strongman who had been suppressing Shi Xiao and trying to kill her suddenly stopped his battle axe and, with a movement, charged towards Li Yuan, fast as lightning.


    Whoosh whoosh whoosh! The axe''s light crisscrossed through the air, with the axe head and long spear shing. Li Yuan managed to fully withstand the attacks of the short and stocky Mo Long.


    "Haha, exhrating."


    "You seem stronger than the Alien Race opponents I''ve killed before," a glint passed through Li Yuan''s eyes: "If I can kill him, I wonder how much my Spiritual Awakening Level will increase."

 Chapter 210: 174: Battle of Life and Death (Additional for nuanyang1314 the Gold League patron)

    The moment Li Yuan entered the depths of observation point number 19, he had already utilized his Divine Pce Perception and instantly locked onto several of the strongest Tianliang n warriors.


    Upon preliminary assessment, there were eight Tianliang n warriors exceeding level 19.


    Among them, two were as high as level 19.9!


    It''s important to note that the standard Fist Strength for level 19 is only 50,000 kilograms, but for level 19.9, it reaches 70,000 kilograms, and the difference in strength and speed is truly astonishing.


    Moreover, the higher the Life Level of the alien race being killed, the more Spiritual Nature nourishment one would receive; this was an irond rule.


    In the past ten days or so, although Li Yuan''s Spiritual Awakening Level had increased by 4%, it was a gradual umtion, and the strongest alien race he had killed was less than level 19.


    The stocky dwarf brandishing two huge battle axes before him was one of the two major level 19.9 masters of the Tianliang n.


    Boom! Boom!


    Mo Long, the stout dwarf, instantly increased the distance from Li Yuan.


    "Despite being far weaker in physical strength, you can easily block my attacks," Mo Long, the stout dwarf, said in a strange voice, speaking in ''Xia Countrynguage,'' eyes fixed on Li Yuan, "Life detection equipment pegged you at level 17, one device might malfunction, but it''s impossible for all devices to be wrong. Could you be a peerless genius with Subtle Spirit?"


    The words of Mo Long, the stout dwarf, echoed in the vast hall, immediately causing a stir among the many Tianliang n warriors and human Martial Artists.


    Their gazes couldn''t help but flicker towards Li Yuan, feeling a sense of shock in their hearts.


    Subtle Spirit? Fourth Level Perfection?


    This technique was legendary to them, most had only heard of it, and almost never seen it.


    "Subtle Spirit?"


    "Go ask King Yama in death," Li Yuan said coldly, not bothering with idle chit-chat, his body suddenly erupted with power, the air exploding with a bang, turning him into a blurred figure as he charged towards his opponent with a howl.


    The situation on the ground left no room for Li Yuan to waste words; quickly killing his opponent was the right course of action.


    "Ask King Yama?" Mo Long, the stout dwarf, was stunned; although he had learned some Seven Stars humannguage from Xia Country, he didn''t quite understand some mythological references.


    But that didn''t stop him from grasping the meaning of Li Yuan''s words.


    "Even with Subtle Spirit, you''re going to die," Mo Long, the stout dwarf, sneered fiercely and with a shift of his body, lunged forward to kill Li Yuan.


    A few tens of meters was all the distance between them, and in just a fraction of a second, they met.


    "Whoosh!" Li Yuan''s gaze was sharp as a de, and with a flick of his ck Chen Spear, countless spear shadows appeared, their tips cold and menacing,pletely enveloping Mo Long, the stout dwarf.


    The spear shadows were eerie and chilling to the bone.


    "So fast." Mo Long inwardly flinched, somewhat caught off guard, his axes in hand like two great shields, attempting to block the barrage of spear shadows.


    "ng! ng! ng!" A series of shing sounds rang out, the terrifying force behind each blow traveling down to Mo Long''s legs, causing him to stagger backward, his stout, powerful thighs tranting the force to the ground, cracking it and sending rubble flying.


    The flying debris had no effect on either Li Yuan or Mo Long.


    "Whoosh!"


    One of the spear thrusts grazed past Mo Long''s side, and although it missed, the terrifying force behind it punched arge hole in the metal wall pir beside him, as if it had been sted open by an armor-piercing shell.


    "Die!" Mo Long tried to sweep away the spear with an axe, aiming to get close to Li Yuan.


    The axe, less nimble than a sword, but more terrifying in its explosive power when struck with fury.


    If he got within range.


    Mo Long was confident he could cleave Li Yuan in half with a single blow.


    "Out of my way." Li Yuan shouted angrily, and as one thrust missed, he instantly engaged his core muscles, drawing a deep gouge in the metal pir with the tip of his spear, then abruptly shot out with an explosive release.


    He swept it across mercilessly.


    "Bang!"


    Changing moves too quickly, this sweeping strike with the long spear forced Mo Long to once again use his axe like a shield to block, apanied by a dull thud, Mo Long involuntarily staggered backward. Check back at m-v le-mpyr for more


    "Huff!" Following the sweeping strike and the astonishing rebounding force, Li Yuan spun around and thrust his long spear forward with rage, a sh of cold light aiming straight for his opponent''s face.


    "How is this possible, could he truly have Subtle Spirit? His spear momentum is too perfect," Mo Long thought with shock and anger, knowing he was much faster and more powerful than Li Yuan in terms of maximum burst.


    In life-and-deathbat, moves and bursts don''t often allow enough time to build up power, making it difficult to reach the limit.


    The power one can unleash is the true measure of strength.


    Facing Li Yuan''s continuous bursts, Mo Long''s reflexive swing of his battle axe was still a beat too slow to block this thrust.


    "Hiss~" The long spear directly stabbed towards Mo Long''s face, but immediately red light streamed from Mo Long''s arms and chest to his face, forming a pale red mask that generated a tremendous resisting force.


    Causing Li Yuan''s long spear to feel as if it had struck a super hard alloy steel te.


    "Origin Power?" Li Yuan''s expression shifted slightly, recognizing the force all too well.


    It was clearly Origin Power.


    But the Life Level of his opponent was clearly only 19.9, how could he also wield Origin Power?


    "ng!" The mighty axe roared, parrying Li Yuan''s long spear and unleashing a terrifying force that made Li Yuan retreat.


    "Dammit."


    "He''s definitely Subtle Spirit! Absolutely a monstrous genius among the Seven Stars humans," Mo Long roared internally, convinced of Li Yuan''s supreme skill.


    Just now, had it not been for the protection of a little Origin Power carried by the Demon Blood Spirit Crystal, Li Yuan''sst thrust would have been enough to kill him.


    In a sh between powerhouses, life and death are separated by a fine line.


    "You really are strong, under normal circumstances, I would certainly have died by your hand, but today, you''re the one who''s going to die," Mo Long stared at Li Yuan and said, "Young Seven Stars human genius."


    "Logan, aren''t youing?"


    Boom! Mo Long moved again, brandishing his twin axes as he charged towards Li Yuan once more.

 Chapter 211: 174 Battle of Life and Death (Extra for Nuan Yang 1314, the Golden Alliance Patron)_2

    "Here ites." The dull voice arose as the massive Tianliang n Captain ''Logan'', wielding abat saber, swiped Wu Qiong aside and leaped into the fray.


    The recent exchange of blows had been observed by Logan with a sense of awe.


    Mo Long, even with the aid of the Demon Blood Spirit Crystal, was still not a match for a Seventeen-rank Seven Stars human?


    What a Seven Stars human talent.


    On the battlefield, Wu Qiong bit down hard and furiously tried to stop Logan but was instantly thwarted by other Tianliang n warriors blocking the path.


    "Xu An!"


    "His name is Xu An? Such formidable strength! But can he win in a two-against-one?" Other martial artists were both shocked by Li Yuan''s terrifying power and filled with worry.


    Even if Logan and Mo Long were to deal with Li Yuan, the remaining Tianliang n warriors were more than enough to suppress them.


    Moreover.


    Everyone had witnessed Li Yuan''s fight with Mo Long; except for Wu Qiong, if anyone else rushed in, it might just backfire.


    "Li Yuan." Shi Xiao was worried inside, but refrained from rashly intervening, still trying her best to fight the other Tianliang n warriors.


    At that moment.


    Boom! Boom! Li Yuan was already locked inbat with Mo Long and Logan, the two Tianliang n captains.


    "Pang~" "ng! ng!"


    Long spear,bat saber, and battle axe collided time after time, forcing Li Yuan to change tactics or even retreat with each exchange.


    "Kill! Kill! Kill!" Mo Long roared wildly, brandishing his twin axes,pletely insane with the power of the Demon Blood Spirit Crystal for protection, he utterly disregarded defense, attacking full-force.


    "Huh!" Logan''s eyes were cold, and without a word, hisbat saber was extremely swift and fierce.


    Both of them, in terms of technique, had achieved Perfection in the Third Stage, far from Li Yuan''s level.


    However, the outburst from the Demon Blood Spirit Crystal made their strength and speed approach that of a Prime Warrior.


    Read thetest fiction on M-VL-em|p,yr


    At the moment, it was an all-out attack with no defense.


    For a while, they actually had Li Yuanpletely suppressed.


    "Ster Illumination." Li Yuan''s eyes were battle-hardened, his long spear flowing continuously, the spear tip drawing countless stars,pletely enveloping himself, followed by a total outburst.


    Each thrust was swift as lightning.


    Each thrust was naturally perfect, one faster than thest, holding off the mad onught from both powerful adversaries, like a beautiful painting that made people exim in awe.


    "What?"


    "His spear, flowing endlessly, can actually withstand a joint attack from the two of us?" Mo Long and Logan were also stunned.


    Was the subtlety of the spirit really that formidable?


    "Xu An!"


    "So terrifying."


    "Such spear technique." Both the human martial artists, like Wu Qiong, and the many Tianliang n warriors were astounded.


    Someone like Wu Qiong always considered herself to be among the top of the First Rank Warriors.


    But now? She saw a First Rank Warrior with much weaker physical quality but whose strength far surpassed her own.


    "If it were me against two, I''d probably have been injured or even dead by now." Wu Qiong held her breath, her heart stirring: "Maybe, I can survive today."


    "Li Yuan."


    "Li Yuan''s strength, has actually reached such a level?" Shi Xiao was most shocked, for she alone knew Li Yuan''s true details.


    Only half a year into the big leagues!


    ... "This spear technique?"


    "Subtlety of the spirit?"


    "Too perfect." In an outpost base hundreds of kilometers away, three of the base''s senior officers were astonished, for the level of such spear technique was far beyond their reach.


    "Li Yuan? No wonder he hid his real information." Liu Jing''s eyes held a faint glimmer.


    ...


    The so-called Unity of Heaven and Man is the spear technique unintentionally blending with the environment, resulting in an even faster and more ferocious burst of power.


    Therefore, unless the observer is of extremely high caliber, it is very difficult to discern from the exterior.


    If Li Yuan truly only possessed the Subtlety of the spirit in technique, under the full-force assault of two near-Prime Warriors, he might have already been killed.


    Hiss~ Hiss! It seemed defensive, but Li Yuan also sought opportunities to counterattack, only each attack was blocked by that blood-red glowing light.


    "Demon Blood Spirit Crystal."


    "It must be the special Tianliang n treasure ''Demon Blood Spirit Crystal'' mentioned in the documents," Li Yuan''s eyes were cold: "Once used, not only does it greatly enhance speed and strength, but that trace of Origin Power also forms a protectiveyer simr to an Origin Power Battle Suit."


    "However, this power is not infinite."


    "Hold on."


    "Until their power from the Demon Blood Spirit Crystal is drained." Li Yuan had already made a decision in his heart.


    "Kill! Kill! Kill!" Mo Long and Logan had gonepletely mad, feeling that mysterious power inside them being rapidly consumed.


    Even more crazed.


    Colliding with each strike.


    Even if Li Yuan could defend perfectly, the terrifying impact still put a great strain on his body.


    Under the state of subtlety, the countless minute forces within his body, without any ''redundancy,'' were like a string pulled to its limit, while their power exploded to its maximum, they were also prone to snapping.


    In less than a minute of fighting, Li Yuan felt the changes in his body; this pace would definitely lead to injury.


    Whoosh!


    With another fierce sh from Logan, Li Yuan no longer took it head-on but retreated like lightning.


    He seemed extremely ragged.


    Boom! Thebat saber furiously struck the ground, instantly tearing a metallic crack over three meters long.


    "He can''t hold on much longer."


    "Kill." Logan and Mo Long saw a glimmer of opportunity and chased after Li Yuan.


    "How?"


    "Can''t withstand it anymore?" Wu Qiong, Shi Xiao, and others were extremely worried and anxious.


    But the next moment.


    All those present, whether human martial artists or Tianliang n warriors, even Liu Jing and the young man in white Han Chong at the outpost base, witnessed a scene that stunned them.


    ...


    "Really didn''t want to burst forth under everyone''s eyes."

 Chapter 212: 174: Battle of Life and Death (Additional for nuanyang1314 the Gold League patron)_3

    ```


    "There''s no choice left," Li Yuan''s gaze was ice-cold as his mind stirred, thoroughly activating the Star Meridians inside his body. A small amount of Origin Power flowing within the Star Meridians surged into his Origin Power Battle Suit.


    ```


    ```


    Hum~ Without a sound, a seemingly thinyer of ck battle garment had enveloped Li Yuanpletely, arms, face, all fully covered.


    ```


    ```


    Even the eyes, nostrils were faintly encased.


    ```


    ```


    Hiss~ Traces of barely detectable Origin Power also permeated into the ck Chen Spear.


    ```


    ```


    As an Origin Power Weapon, it could only unleash its true might when infused with Origin Power.


    ```


    ```


    In an instant, Li Yuan''s whole aura changed drastically, like a ck-armored War God, with an awe-inspiring presence.


    ```


    ```


    "What''s this?"


    ```


    ```


    "Origin Power Battle Suit?" Many human Martial Artists showed a look of shock and doubt in their eyes.


    ```


    ```


    ... Boom! Boom!


    ```


    ```


    Mo Long and Logan also noticed Li Yuan''s instant transformation, but they had no choice but to give it their all, hoping to kill Li Yuan.


    ```


    ```


    Boom! Li Yuan, having fully activated his Origin Power Battle Suit, did not hesitate to explode forth.


    ```


    ```


    "Whoosh!"


    ```


    ```


    His spear was like a shooting star, blocking the fierce sh from Logan''s axe, but the terrifying impact force that passed through the weapon seemed to have no effect on Li Yuan at all.


    ```


    ```


    Swoosh! Swoosh! Swoosh! In the instant of colliding with sword and axe, Li Yuan had already twisted his body, swung his long spear, and burst forth at an even faster speed, furiously thrusting towards Logan.


    ```


    ```


    "So fast," Logan''s heart trembled, "How can he be so fast? Could such shing and fighting have no effect on him?"


    ```


    ```


    In a regr life-and-death struggle, the stronger one needs to unload force, unable to continuously unleash deadly moves.


    ```


    ```


    But how could he know that with the Origin Power Battle Suit, Li Yuan could easily unload more than ny percent of the impact force.


    ```


    ```


    The battle suit''s defense has a limit.


    ```


    ```


    But at least, attacks from a Prime Warrior are far from reaching its limits.


    ```


    ```


    "ng!"


    ```


    ```


    A battle axe swung down fiercely, deflecting Li Yuan''s spear thrust downwards.


    ```


    ```


    "I want to see how many spears you can block," Li Yuan''s eyes were ice-cold, his murderous intent piercing.


    ```


    ```


    Boom!


    ```


    ```


    With the Origin Power Battle Suit protecting him, Li Yuan finally stopped worrying about defense and focused solely on attack¡ªstabbing, sweeping, shing,shing... one move after another in quick session.


    ```


    ```


    One against two.


    ```


    ```


    Li Yuan, exploding with his full strength, quickly gained the upper hand.


    ```


    ```


    Each of his moves didn''t seem that fast, but the relentless session of strikes gave no pause, and the repeated shes with the two experts seemed to have no effect on his body.


    ```


    ```


    In the blink of an eye, Logan and Mo Long were at aplete disadvantage.


    ```


    ```


    "Our attacks, they have no effect on him," Mo Long and Logan grew increasingly panicked as they fought.


    ```


    ```


    This scene also stunned everyone around, as Li Yuan''s sudden burst of strength was terrifying. Perhaps his strength and speed hadn''t changed, but his overall power definitely increased more than twofold.


    ```


    ```


    However, even if Li Yuan''s strikes asionallynded on them, the protection of that blood-red glow made it difficult to inflict a fatal injury.


    ```


    ```


    Suddenly.


    ```


    ```


    Mo Long''s life force rapidly declined, the thin strands of blood-red light flowing over his bodypletely dissipated.


    ```


    ```


    Hisplexion changed.


    ```


    ```


    The power of the Demon Spirit Blood Crystal waspletely exhausted.


    ```


    ```


    "Die!"


    ```


    ```


    How could Li Yuan miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity? His long spear, like a dragon, flicked away Logan''sbat saber that tried to block him.


    ```


    ```


    Whoosh!


    ```


    ```


    Li Yuan''s Spear Momentum suddenly exploded, a dazzling streak of light swept by, directly breaching the defense of the two battle axes, the spear tip carrying astonishing twisting power.


    ```


    ```


    Pfft!


    ```


    ```


    The spear tip punctured through thestyer of soft armor protection, stabbing straight into Mo Long''s throat, with the terrible power contained in the spearhead erupting, causing his neck to burst open.


    ```


    ```


    The head flew off.


    ```


    ```


    Mo Long, the captain of the Tianliang n, dead!


    ```


    ```


    Poom~ The headless, short and stout body fell with a thud, and the two battle axes fell from his hands, heavily hitting the ground.


    ```


    ```


    "And now for you," Li Yuan''s gaze shifted, looking towards the burly man Logan, who was now overwhelmed with shock and rage, even a hint of fear visible in his eyes.


    ```


    ```


    Boom!


    ```


    ```


    Logan''s figure retreated explosively, then turned, like a ck lightning bolt heading towards the entrance of the hall.


    ```


    ```


    He actually ran away.


    ```


    ```


    "Too horrifying, he actually has an Origin Power Battle Suit that could be used at the First Rank, definitely a monstrous genius highly valued by the higher echelons of the Seven Stars human race," Logan thought, filled with terror.


    ```


    ```


    Just now, even fighting together they couldn''t defeat Li Yuan, and even Mo Long had died.


    ```


    ```


    Alone, how could he fight?


    ```


    ```


    "Whoosh!" A Flying Axe streaked across the Vast Sky, furiously chopping towards Logan as he fled desperately for his life.


    ```

 Chapter 213: 175: Clue to the Treasure (Extra 1)

    This Flying Axe was kicked into action by Li Yuan, having belonged to Mo Long who left it behind.


    "Boom~"


    Logan, after all, was a master at his craft, with an astonishingbat awareness. He swung his saber in a backhand stroke, managing to block the Flying Axe. The terrifying force of the impact instead helped him to escape even faster, using the momentum to his advantage.


    "These Tianliang n warriors, they really are decisive," Li Yuan remarked with a slight frown, opting not to pursue.


    The opponent fled too quickly.


    Logan had started to flee even before Mo Long waspletely dead.


    As a Level 19.9 powerhouse, bolstered by the strength contained within the Demon Blood Spirit Crystal that hadn''t yet run out, if he truly wished to flee, Li Yuan would not be able to catch up.


    This was due to the difference in physical quality; after all, Li Yuan''s Life Level was only at 16.8.


    Furthermore.


    If Li Yuan were to chase after Logan, the other human martial artists inside the great hall would be in trouble, given that there were still nearly 40 Tianliang n warriors present.


    "Run quickly."


    "Mo Long is dead, even Captain Logan has fled."


    "That damn Logan, he fled for his life without even warning us first," other enraged and shocked Tianliang n powerhouses said, each seeking to save themselves.


    Even though these Tianliang n warriors were still suppressing the other human martial artists.


    But with the near-Prime Warrior strength that Li Yuan had disyed, he could probably sweep through all of them on his own.


    "Thinking of escaping now? Toote!" Li Yuan''s eyes were cold as ice, and with a swift movement, he pounced toward the Tianliang n powerhouses attempting to flee towards the hall''s passageway.


    Not having killed Logan, he had already lost a substantial amount of Spiritual Nature nourishment¡ªhow could he let the other Tianliang n warriors get away?


    "Hold them back."


    "Don''t let these bastards escape."


    "Kill!" Wu Qiong, Shi Xiao, and other human martial artists were heartened upon seeing this. They fought ferociously against the numerous Tianliang n warriors, preventing them from escaping.


    "Pfft!" "Pfft!" "Pfftch!"


    Having already revealed his Origin Power Battle Suit, Li Yuan no longer held back and erupted with full strength.


    A Level 18 Tianliang n warrior? One spear thrust!


    A Level 19 needed two or three thrusts.


    These Tianliang n warriors were exceptionally strong, each capable of matching a High Level Warrior.


    But before a fully unleashed Li Yuan, they were no match at all.


    Like a terrifying whirlwind, Li Yuan killed over thirty Tianliang n warriors in an extremely short time, and one after another, the Tianliang n warriors fell.


    Blood was everywhere, the scene was aplete mess.


    Li Yuan was killing frically.


    At the same time.


    "[You have continuously killed Entry Rank creatures; Spiritual Nature nourishment obtained, Spiritual Awakening Level reached 29.2%]"


    "[You¡­ Spiritual Awakening Level reached 29.3%]" The Divine Pce panel kept shing notifications.


    ¡­


    A few minutester.


    The great hall gradually quieted down, save for two Tianliang n warriors whom Li Yuan had deliberately crippled, the rest had been wiped out.


    The hall was nowpletely shrouded in the stench of blood.


    However, the human martial artists who had survived didn''t care about that at this moment.


    All were sitting on the ground, strewn with rubble and blood, panting for breath.


    Such intense life-and-death battles severely drain both the spirit and physical strength.


    In their rest.


    These human martial artists couldn''t help but look towards the ck-clothed figure standing in the center of the great hall, their eyes filled with unusual respect and reverence.


    "Xu An?"


    "Too powerful."


    "If we''re able to survive this time, we have to thank this warrior Xu An."


    "With such formidable skills, he''s probably going to be a Prime Warrior before long." Many human martial artists whispered among themselves.


    In this battle, Li Yuan had showcased incredibly formidable strength.


    He practically swept through the entire Tianliang n''s squad by himself, including two great experts.


    Hisbat power was almost on par with some newly advanced Prime Warriors.


    Such a terrifyingly powerful First Rank martial artist was something most of the human martial artists present had never seen before.


    Time passed.


    Most martial artists felt gratitude towards Li Yuan and, after a brief rest, they got up to clean the battlefield, taking care of the bodies of the fallen human martial artists.


    They also piled up arge number of Tianliang n warrior corpses, meanwhile disassembling their belongings.


    The atmosphere was still quite oppressive.


    Since Li Yuan had arrived only in thest stage, and the most devastating casualties at the Observation Point No. 19 urred when it was ambushed by the Tianliang n.


    The casualties were extremely heavy.


    Hu! Hu!


    Wu Qiong, Shi Xiao, and the person in charge of the observation point all approached Li Yuan.


    Li Yuan had put away his Origin Power Battle Suit and revealed his face again.


    "Warrior Xu An, thank you for your lifesaving grace. If it weren''t for you rushing over, we would have probably all perished," said Wu Qiong with a very humble attitude and extreme politeness.


    In the past, she was very proud when facing other First Rank martial artists.


    But facing Li Yuan, she couldn''t muster that pride.


    "No need,ing to the rescue was my responsibility, it''s a pity I arrivedte, otherwise the loss wouldn''t be this big," Li Yuan shook his head, feeling somewhat guilty.


    If he''d arrived ten minutes earlier, at least dozens of lives could have been saved.


    "Coming so swiftly is already verymendable," Wu Qiong shook her head, "Our squad was able to arrive immediately because we happened to be preparing to rest at Observation Point No. 19."


    "Besides our squad and you, the other squads and reinforcements from the base have yet to arrive," Wu Qiong said.


    Li Yuan nodded slightly.


    In this almost wild Star Realm, these observation points situated on the edge of the frontiers of outpost territories were extremely dangerous to begin with.


    Moreover, the precise attack of the Tianliang n on this ce showed that the Tianliang n had probably scouted the area long ago.


    "Shi Xiao, are you alright?" Li Yuan looked at Shi Xiao, who had disheveled hair and sweat on her forehead,pletelycking the elegance and calm she had at the school.


    "I''m fine, just some minor injuries," Shi Xiao shook her head, "A bit of rest should be enough."


    "You know each other?" Wu Qiong said in surprise.


    "Yes, Captain, I didn''t tell you before," Shi Xiao smiled, "Xu An and I are good friends."


    "Oh? Good friends?" Wu Qiong showed a knowing smile, "No wonder Xu An first rescued you as soon as he arrived."


    "We really are just friends," Shi Xiao exined.


    "Okay, you two chat," Wu Qiong smiled, "Warrior Xu An, I and the person in charge will go interrogate those two Tianliang n members first. In a short while, the reinforcements from the base should arrive."


    "Hmm," Li Yuan nodded, his gaze sweeping over the situation inside the hall, "I''ll first go to the observation point on alert. One managed to escape, so we still need to be cautious about whether the Tianliang n has any follow-up reinforcements."


    "Alright, then we''ll leave that to you," Wu Qiong naturally agreed.


    Sigh!


    Li Yuan held the long spear in his hand and walked toward the outside of the hall, followed by Shi Xiao, who took the initiative to stay close behind him.


    Shi Xiao stared at Li Yuan walking in front of her.


    For no apparent reason, Shi Xiao felt a surge of excitement in her heart. Although she was actually more than two years older than Li Yuan, at this moment, she experienced an inexplicable sense of security.


    "Li Yuan," Shi Xiao silently recited in her mind.


    Not long ago, in the midst of that frenzied battle, she had nearly been killed by the Tianliang n warrior ''Mo Long'' wielding dual axes.


    At that time, she had feltplete despair in her heart.


    At the critical moment,


    it was Li Yuan who arrived in time to save her, and it was he who, with his own strength, turned the tide of the battle, sweeping through the entire Tianliang n team and bringing an impact to her heart beyond imagination.


    Moreover, she had had a favorable impression of Li Yuan even before.


    Sigh! Sigh!


    The two of them turned through several corridors and halls, walked out of the tunnel through the mountain, and arrived at the outskirts of the observation point.


    The area was very quiet; if not for the corpses left behind from the previous fights, one would never have known that a fierce battle had just unfolded.


    "Xu An, thank you," Shi Xiao said sincerely.


    "Senior Sister, there''s no one else around here, no need to be so polite," Li Yuan said. "How are you feeling? You''re sure you''re not injured, right?"


    "No," Shi Xiao shook her head, sighing, "It''s just that in our martial artist squad, the group of older brothers and sisters I just got to know¡­ in the blink of an eye, more than half of them are dead."


    Li Yuan remained silent.


    At school, Senior Sister Shi Xiao seemed brash and acted somewhat domineering.


    But after all, she was only 21 years old. A fierce battle like today, with its drastic ups and downs, was probably a rare experience for her.


    "Venturing through the Star Realm, there are always casualties," Li Yuan spoke in a low voice, his gaze drifting towards the distant forests. "What we can do is to strive to make ourselves stronger."


    "Strive to survive," Li Yuan said, looking at Senior Sister Shi Xiao.


    "Yes, survive," Shi Xiao replied, looking at Li Yuan and revealing a hint of a smile.


    ...


    In the woods.


    Whoosh! Logan, with thebat saber slung on his back, dared not pause for a second.


    He fled at an astonishing speed.


    asionally, he would follow along rivers, trying his best to wash away any scent that might linger on him or intentionally cross some cliffs.


    "The Seven Stars human race will definitely send flying vehicles for support, and they mighte to track me down," he thought.


    "I can''t stop."


    "Once I''m caught up with, just that Seven Stars human genius alone would be enough to kill me," Logan thought anxiously, his mind racing: "I need to avoid the main routes and take a detour."


    At the same time,


    he was filled with anxiety and vexation: "Not only did I fail toplete the mission, but my whole squad has been wiped out, even Mo Long is dead... now it''s just me left to go back alive."


    Only himself left after the entire subordinate force was wiped out?


    He couldn''t even imagine how Lord Xue Shu would punish him upon his return.


    But he dared not flee.


    This was the Mingxu Star Realm. Escaping alone and evading the Tianliang n''s high level punishment might be easy, but then what?


    "As long as I survive, as long as I don''t die,"


    "there''s still hope," Logan gritted his teeth, a tinge of resentment shing in his eyes: "And it''s all your fault, you Seven Stars human genius. Wouldn''t it be nice if you hadn''te?"


    "I hope you get the information ande here in time,"


    "at which point Lord Xue Shu is sure to y him," Logan thought secretly. |em|p,yr


    At this point, it was highly probable that the information was leaked, and he could only pray for the best oue.


    Whoosh!


    Logan continued onwards.


    ...


    Time passed.


    Another martial artist squad arrived for support at observation post number 19.


    Then, the ''base rescue team'' consisting of three flying vehicles finally reached the area.


    After initially understanding the situation, they began to help clean up the battlefield, clear the corpses, sweep up the rubbish at the observation post, and rebuild the heavy firepower defense system, among other things...


    However, these newly arrived human martial artists, drivers, technicians, and others all looked at Li Yuan with apletely different gaze.


    They had all heard from the surviving warriors about just how appalling the strength of ''Xu An the Warrior'' in front of them was.


    When the time reached the evening of January 13th on Blue Star,


    observation post number 19 had started to resume operation.


    The sky still held the sun hanging above, for the Mingxu Star Realm did not distinguish between day and night, it was always daytime.


    "Warrior Xu An."


    "Senior Liu Jing is requesting to speak with you, regarding clues about Heavenly Materials Treasures," the person in charge of the observation point ran up to Li Yuan with great respect.


    "Clues about Heavenly Materials Treasures? Great, let''s go meet Senior Liu Jing," Li Yuan''s eyes sparkled.


    Martial artists roaming the Star Realm, if they wanted to seize a huge fortune, usually had two ways to do so.


    The first was to explore and discover spiritnds orrge veins with avable resources.


    The second was to acquire some Heavenly Materials Treasures, many of which were highly valuable.


    During more than ten days in the Mingxu Star Realm previously, Li Yuan had been constantly dueling with strong warriors from alien races, honing himself.


    Treasure? He hadn''t found a single one.


    Heavenly Materials Treasures were not so easy toe by, but now, there was a clue.


    "If it''s enough to provoke the Tianliang n to send arge squad to kill, and even toy siege to an observation point," Li Yuan thought, "then the value of this treasure must be extremely high."


    Heavenly Materials Treasures, though generally referred to as Third Rank treasures, also have their distinctions.


    High-value ones like the Ster Earth Marrow Crystal,


    and low-value ones like the Hundred Marrow Spirit Desation.


    Sigh!


    Li Yuan followed the person in charge of the observation point and walked through the interior, which had been initially cleared up and was no longer a mess, reaching a conference room inside.


    In the projected hologram, the image of the old man in blue, Liu Jing, was disyed.


    "Senior Liu," Li Yuan bowed slightly.


    "Xu An, thank you for this time. We will record your contribution, report it," Liu Jing said with a smile: "Once the Combat Assessment is over, there will be a series of corresponding rewards."


    "Hmm, okay," Li Yuan nodded slightly. The whole human civilization had a very well-established system of merit.


    "Another matter."


    "That is, through the interrogation of the Tianliang n captives and questioning of our martial artist who fled back here," Liu Jing said seriously: "We can almost confirm that about 300 kilometers from observation point number 19,"


    "in the area we''ve marked as Flying Serpent Valley, Heavenly Materials Treasures have likely emerged."


    "The specific type, number, value, and whether it''s mature enough to be utilized are all unclear right now."


    "Whether you''re willing to take the risk is for you to decide," Liu Jing said.

 Chapter 214: 176: Spiritual Awakening Level 30%

    ```


    "300 kilometers from Observation Point 19? That far?" Li Yuan''s eyes narrowed slightly, "Senior Liu, how far is it from Outpost Base 3?"


    Observation Point 19 was already over 650 kilometers from the Outpost Base.


    "Over 900 kilometers," Liu Jing stated directly.


    Li Yuan fell into thought; 900 kilometers was neither far nor near.


    "I must remind you that the area around Flying Serpent Valley is dominated by a very powerful group known as ''Flying Serpent,''" Liu Jing said. "Although we haven''t detected any Second Rank Alien Race members, there are arge number of powerful aliens above level 18, and the signal transmission is very bad in that area due to its special environment."


    Listening carefully, Li Yuan spoke, "Senior Liu Jing, I need more detailed information about Flying Serpent Valley and everything about the interrogations you''ve conducted."


    "No problem," Liu Jing nodded.


    Time passed.


    With Liu Jing''s narrative, supplemented with some text and video materials, Li Yuanpletely understood the situation.


    The Tianliang n''s attack on Observation Point 19 was not a nned invasion, but was instead caused by an exploration team led by someone named ''Wang Zhou.''


    The exploration team usually surveyed hydrology and geography to find suitable locations for resource development for Martial Artists.


    The team Wang Zhou led had discovered a special area near Flying Serpent Valley. Before they could confirm what it was, they encountered warriors from the Tianliang n.


    After killing one Tianliang n warrior, the five-member team decisively retreated but were immediately pursued and attacked.


    In the end, only Wang Zhou managed to escape, and during the intense battle, his smart ring was damaged.


    Because of this, he was unable to report back immediately.


    Eventually, he reached Observation Point 19, thinking he was safe, but then the entire Observation Point came under attack... until Li Yuan arrived.


    "The smart ring was damaged?" Li Yuan nodded slightly, not finding it strange as such incidents weremon.


    "Li Yuan."


    "ording to the intelligence brought by Wang Zhou, there are suspected Heavenly Materials Treasures in Flying Serpent Valley," Liu Jing said solemnly projecting his image. "And from the questioning of the two captives, there were simr testimonies regarding the exploration of ''treasures,'' but they could not bepletely confirmed."


    "Understood," Li Yuan nodded.


    "Additionally, we have confirmed from the mouths of the two captives that there were over 200 Tianliang n warriors gathered this time," Liu Jing said. "The strongest among them, named Xue Shu, is a Core Disciple from one of the three major sacred ces of the Tianliang n."


    "200 warriors?" Li Yuan''s heart grew cold, realizing that if they were all as powerful as the ones he had just encountered, it was indeed a very strong force.


    "Senior, what is a Core Disciple of the sacrednd?" Li Yuan asked, puzzled.


    "The three major sacrednds of the Tianliang n are somewhat akin to our human civilization''s Starfire Martial Hall and Starry Sky Martial Hall, and Core Disciples are the elite of the younger generation in these sacrednds," Liu Jing exined earnestly. "Somewhat like the students of the Starry Sky Martial Hall, they are few in number, but highly skilled with many life-preserving tactics."


    "So they''re not up to Level 20?" Li Yuan inquired.


    "Smart," Liu Jing smiled.


    Li Yuan nodded to himself.


    It looked like these Core Disciples of the sacrednds were equivalent to the young geniuses of the Tianliang n, like himself.


    But their Life Level most likely would not reach Level 20.


    After all, once the Life Level reached 20, passage through the Star Realm''s gateways became impossible.


    Any civilization would hardly be willing to leave such elites confined to one Star Realm forever.


    Just how skilled they were remained to be seen.


    "Li Yuan."


    "Over 900 kilometers is too far," Liu Jing said. "We, as Prime Warriors, cannotmit to an action for a treasure so uncertain... And if we were to send ordinary Martial Artists, the entire Outpost Base 3 only has a few hundred free Martial Artists in total."


    "In terms of strength, our Seven Stars human civilization is indeed not as strong as Tianliang Civilization in the Mingxu Star Realm," Liu Jing admitted.


    Li Yuan nodded slightly.


    It wasn''t that the Seven Stars human civilization was weaker than the Tianliang Civilization.


    It was just that each civilization had different focuses and human civilization did not ce much importance on the Ruins Star Realm, coupled with various regtions and constraints.


    As the basemander, Liu Jing and his peers naturally had limited forces they could mobilize.


    "The other two main officers and I have been watching your battle all along," Liu Jing said. "Your strength is worth hundreds of ordinary Martial Artists... If you go alone, the target is smaller, and there is a chance of sess."


    "But it is extremely dangerous," he added.


    "So, the decision is yours," Liu Jing said. "To go may yield great rewards, but is also fraught with danger, lots of Flying Serpents and hidden Tianliang n powerhouses."


    "There''s even a possibility of encountering a Second Rank Alien Race," Liu Jing did not deny.


    Li Yuan silently pondered.


    Liu Jing said no more; if the three great Prime Warriors dared not move, then the strongestbatant at Outpost Base 3 was Li Yuan.


    Given Li Yuan''s Level 6 ranking in the Starfire Martial Hall, Liu Jing couldn''tmand him forcefully.


    After a while,


    "I''ll go take a look," Li Yuan suddenly opened his eyes, revealing a trace of a smile. "I''ll see if there''s a chance, and if I don''t find it, I will return."


    "Good," Liu Jing nodded. "Wang Zhou''s smart ring, though unable to connect to thework due to damage, still stored some videos and navigation records... I''ll transfer them to you."


    "Good."


    ...


    Back at Outpost Base 3, Liu Jing ended hismunication with Li Yuan, pondered for a moment, and then used a secure line to contact Li Yang.


    The line connected quickly.


    "Li Yang, Li Yuan has made his decision and is embarking on the exploration," Liu Jing reported directly.


    "Good, I understand," Li Yang''s deep voice came through themunication. "Please, the secret protection n is to be activated only as ast resort."


    "Yes."


    ...


    Li Yuan didn''t hurry to set out; considering the back-to-back intense battles, he was vastly tired and exhausted.


    ```

 Chapter 215 : 176: Spiritual Awakening Level 30%_2

    Therefore,


    Li Yuan stayed in the initially cleared ''Observation Point 19,'' finding a quiet ''resting room.''


    Upon closing the door, there were no surveince devices inside the resting room.


    "Let''s begin." Li Yuan gently closed his eyes and silently cultivated the "Observing the Great Sun Starry Sky Scripture."


    "Observing the Great Sun Starry Sky Scripture" "All Heavens'' Stars", was something Li Yuan had to practice every day.


    Even when he was in The Wilderness for over ten days, he would find a safe cave to cultivate in.


    Of course, the most important reason was that Li Yuan''s spiritual power was now strong enough.


    It allowed him to focus on his cultivation, while also keeping a vignt watch over his surroundings.


    Time passed by.


    Before he knew it, four hours had passed, and Li Yuan slowly opened his eyes, feeling full of spiritual power and free of fatigue, as if there was an inexhaustible strength within his body.


    "The two methodsplementing each other are indeed formidable," Li Yuan thought to himself, flexing his arms slightly.


    All the minor injuries he had sustained during the fierce battle with the two experts were now fully repaired.


    He stood up.


    "It''s time to get ready to go," said Li Yuan as he left the resting room and found the person in charge of the observation point.


    He replenished some food and drinking water, all of which he put in his backpack, taking up only a small portion of the space.


    At this time, Shi Xiao and Wu Qiong received the news and had already rushed over.


    "You''re really going?" Shi Xiao''s eyes were full of worry as she couldn''t help but say, "I''ve checked the information, that area is very dangerous, and now there''s a Tianliang n team there too."


    "It''s still not beyond 1000 kilometers from the outpost base," Li Yuan said with a smile, "What we consider dangerous, maybe the Tianliang n are also trembling with fear, worrying that our Prime Warriors mighte to kill them."


    "Don''t worry," he reassured.


    "As long as I don''t encounter a Second Rank Alien Race, there aren''t many who can injure me," Li Yuan said with a smile.


    "Alright," said Shi Xiao, staring at Li Yuan and then suddenly said through gritted teeth, "I''ll wait for you here at Observation Point 19."


    Li Yuan was taken aback, nced at Sister Shi Xiao''s face, and then said with a smile, "Alright, I will definitely be back within ten days."


    Having said that,


    Li Yuan deliberately avoided looking into Sister Shi Xiao''s eyes, gripped the ck Chen Spear, and strode outwards from the observation point.


    Shi Xiao subconsciously followed him out, apanying him all the way to the perimeter of the observation point.


    "Sister, go back," Li Yuan waved his hand, his figure moved, and he swiftly disappeared into the vast Wilderness.


    On the hilltop,


    "You muste back alive," Shi Xiao murmured to herself, and before she knew it, Wu Qiong appeared by her side.


    "Don''t worry, with Xu An''s strength, he''ll definitelye back alive," Wu Qiong said softly.


    Shi Xiao nodded slightly, and then suddenly said, "Captain, am I too weak? If my strength were stronger, I could''ve apanied him there."


    "Weak?" Wu Qiong was initially stunned, then smiled and said, "You are so young yet so strong, and you have Fourth Level skills... you will definitely be an extremely powerful Prime Warrior in the future."


    "You are already very outstanding," she reassured.


    "It''s just that, Xu An is too exceptional," Wu Qiong sighed softly.


    Wu Qiong didn''t say some things out loud, but with her vast experience? She could already roughly guess their identities from the rtionship between Shi Xiao and Li Yuan.


    They must at least be core students from one of the top five prestigious schools.


    Perhaps students from one of the top three elite martial schools.


    ...


    Stepping into The Wilderness once again,


    Li Yuan didn''t follow the map''s guidance to head directly towards ''Flying Serpent Valley.''


    "Heavenly Materials Treasures."


    "If I want to treat my uncle quickly, I will have to take some risks," Li Yuan understood very clearly in his heart: "It''s going to cost at least a billion Blue Star Coins."


    "With my strength, even considering national merit rewards and finding resource points normally, umting a billion Blue Star Coins would probably take several years of life and death struggles," Li Yuan mused to himself.


    Money, not so easy to earn.


    Navigating the Star Realm, a slight misstep could lead to death.


    But Heavenly Materials Treasures, they are a shortcut... With good luck, a single treasure could be worth billions of Blue Star Coins.


    Such incidents are not rare within the Seven Stars human civilization; asionally, one might hear news of Prime Warriors or even First Rank Martial Artists striking it rich overnight.


    This was the main reason Li Yuan was willing to take risks.


    Secondly, the dangers of Flying Serpent Valley were overall within Li Yuan''s tolerance range.


    "Riches are sought amidst danger, but can also be lost there, a one in ten chance of gaining, nine in ten chance of losing," Li Yuan recited silently in his heart.


    These were the words of caution from his uncle, Li Changzhou, before Li ventured to seek his fortune in the life-or-death Star Realm.


    One may take risks.


    But don''t risk for the sake of risking, and certainly don''t gamble on those one-in-ten or even lower odds benefits.


    Too dangerous means pushing oneself towards death.


    "With my current strength, as long as I don''t encounter a Second Rank Alien Race, I should basically be able to protect myself," Li Yuan thought to himself, "But ording to the current signs, the likelihood of a Second Rank Alien Race appearing in the Flying Serpent Valley exceeds 20%."


    "It could be due to the Tianliang n''s Prime Warriors or maybe a Second Rank native life form born in the Flying Serpent Valley."


    A 20% chance was already very high.


    "Moreover, the known Tianliang n blood guard is stronger than those two team leaders," Li Yuan thought to himself, "He might be a match for me."


    And there were arge number of Tianliang n warriors.


    It could be said that with Li Yuan''s current strength, venturing in was actually dangerous.


    "What I need to do is to be able to survive in front of an Initial Rank Second Rank Alien Race," Li Yuan''s eyes shimmered with a hint of light, "Even to the point of being able to counter-kill."


    Li Yuan''s gaze fell on a disy of information on the Divine Pce panel:


    Spiritual Awakening Level 29.7% (Current Limit 30%)


    ..."As long as my Spiritual Awakening Level rapidly reaches 30%, followed by another Origin Power infusion, my Physical Quality will definitely surge immensely," Li Yuan thought to himself.


    An explosive increase in Life Level would naturally result in a significant improvement in strength and speed, and Li Yuan''s capabilities would skyrocket.


    The only worry.


    Was that Life Level shouldn''t increase too much at once, exceeding Level 20, or it would be unjustified.


    "The previous two times, one resulted in an increase of about 0.7 levels, the other an increase of about 1.4 levels," Li Yuan thought to himself, "The third time should not exceed 2 levels."


    Even if his Physical Quality truly increased several-folds, resulting in a 3 level rise, Li Yuan wouldn''t reach Level 20.


    So, Li Yuan wasn''t very worried.


    Whoosh!


    With a swift movement, Li Yuan stepped into The Wilderness. His spiritual power, now back at its peak, was fully extended outward, fiercely sensing the presence of alien life forms.


    ..."Puff!" "Puff!" Spear Technique red, one after another, the beast-like creatures resembling ''wild boars'' from the Alien Race fell continuously under Li Yuan''s spear.


    "[You have consecutively killed Entry Rank creatures, obtaining Spiritual Nourishment, Spiritual Awakening Level reaching 29.8%]"


    ...


    And so, within the big picture, Li Yuan headed towards ''Flying Serpent Valley'' across The Wilderness.


    Meanwhile, he kept on ughtering, continuously seizing Spiritual Nourishment.


    Finally.


    Six hourster, by arge river approximately 100 kilometers from the outer area of Flying Serpent Valley,


    After killing more than a dozen Feather Serpents with Life Levels over 15,


    "[You have consecutively killed Entry Rank creatures, obtaining Spiritual Nourishment, Spiritual Awakening Level reaching 30%]"


    "[Spiritual Awakening Level reaching 30%, initiating the third Origin Power infusion]" Two consecutive Divine Pce prompts shed by.


    "It''s enough," Li Yuan''s eyes brightened, and then he felt the strange changes urring on the secondyer of the Mind Spirit Divine Pce.


    "Activate Star Meridian," With a thought, Li Yuan controlled the Mind Spirit Divine Pce, also making sure to control the Origin Power infusion.


    He dashed towards the distance.


    A kilometer away, there was a cliffside cave that Li Yuan had preliminarily inquired into as rtively safe.

 Chapter 216 : 177: Sudden Increase in Strength

    Hurrying along the river path, covering a kilometer of distance.


    Li Yuan quickly arrived at the base of a tall mountain.


    The massive cliff face looked as though it had been cleaved by abat saber, with hardly any vegetation growing on it.


    About forty to fifty meters above the ground, a faint cave entrance could be seen.


    This was the "natural retreat sanctuary" that Li Yuan had discovered not long ago.


    Whoosh! With a light leap, Li Yuan rapidly scaled the cliff face, his feet tapping off protruding stones like a nimble monkey, and soon he sprang into the cave.


    The entrance of the cave was notrge, about two to three meters high and four to five meters wide, but the interior was quite spacious, extending dozens of meters deep and, aside from some dust and debris, was rtively clean.


    "This is the ce," Li Yuan scanned his surroundings, extending his spiritual power to its full capacity to confirm there were no other lifeforms.


    He moved to a deeper part of the cave and sat down cross-legged.


    "Origin Power infusion," Li Yuan''s mind quickly calmed, striving to enter the state of "Unity of Heaven and Man" while also letting go of his suppression of the Mind Spirit Divine Pce.


    The next moment.


    Boom! The Star Meridian began to involuntarily circte, as an endless surge of Origin Power wildly poured into Li Yuan''s body.


    Turbulent and billowing.


    The purity and ferocity of the Origin Power were at least ten times stronger than the second time, cing an astonishing pressure on the Perfected Star Meridian within Li Yuan''s body.


    "Such pure Origin Power?" Li Yuan held his breath, slightly shocked in his heart.


    Fortunately, Li Yuan''s spiritual power was also much stronger than thest time he had undergone an Origin Power infusion, or else it would have been difficult to control in such a short time.


    "Life Evolution."


    "Body," with a thought from Li Yuan, he could feel within the secondyer of the Mind Spirit Divine Pce, strands of golden mist forming out of thin air.


    This mist drifted down the stairs, pouring into the ground of the firstyer of the Mind Spirit Divine Pce... in reality, it was infusing into the limbs and bones of Li Yuan''s body.


    "This golden mist must be a strange power," Li Yuan thought to himself, "Without its integration into my body, I wouldn''t be able to digest such a vast influx of Origin Power in such a short time."


    Now that Li Yuan had be a level L6 member of the Starfire Martial Hall, with increased ess to the database.


    He had also looked through many records on treasures that improve the Physical Quality of one''s body and the spiritual world.


    Although he found no information about the Mind Spirit Divine Pce.


    He had many spections based on a trove of records.


    "Normally, guiding Origin Power throughout the body, the muscles, bones, and flesh cannot quickly ingest and absorb it," Li Yuan silently reflected.


    It''s like eating, you can''t eat more when you''re full.


    Like Li Yuan practicing "All Heavens'' Stars," or other Martial Artists practicing Cultivation Methods, there is a limit each day to how much one''s Physical Quality can be enhanced... Improving the Skill Realm and tapping into the body''s potential, in a sense, is like increasing one''s capacity to eat.


    But there are always limits.


    And some Heavenly Materials Treasures that can enhance Physical Quality in an extremely short time essentially transform the body fundamentally.


    Therefore, they are extremely precious and exorbitantly expensive.


    Without question, the core of the "Origin Power infusion" brought about by the Mind Spirit Divine Pce is not the guidance of Origin Power, but that this mysterious "golden mist" can digest such an enormous amount of Origin Power.


    Boom!


    Li Yuan''s entire body¡ªmuscles, blood, bones, membranes, internal organs¡ªbegan an all-epassing evolution and enhancement.


    "[Your Life Level has been raised from 16.8 to 16.9.]"


    "[Your strength has been raised from¡­]" Series of prompts swiftly shed across the Divine Pce interface.


    This Transformation saw Origin Power merge into every part of Li Yuan''s body, inducing dramatic changes and continuous Transformation.


    This physical Evolution represented aplete reorganization of the body, bringing about pain, yet Li Yuan''s spiritual power easily withstood it.


    Moreover.


    Most of Li Yuan''s attention wasn''t focused on the bodily Transformation; his main consciousness had already entered the Mind Spirit Divine Pce, with his spiritual form reaching the secondyer.


    Hum~ Hum~


    Inside the vast pce, Li Yuan sensed the golden mist that kept forming in the void.


    "Initially, I thought these mists were inherent to the Mind Spirit Divine Pce, always present in the secondyer," Li Yuan mused, "But now, it seems that''s not entirely the case."


    "Could it be that the golden mist is some ''Life Soul Substance'' that the Mind Spirit Divine Pce mysteriously captures after I kill those of the Alien Race?" A notion suddenly flickered through Li Yuan''s mind.


    Thinking it over, he found the idea very usible.


    This could perfectly exin why the effect of the Origin Power infusion jumped leaps and bounds with each attempt¡ªfrom the first to the third¡ªbecause the Alien Race members Li Yuan killed became increasingly stronger and more numerous.


    "But why can it only be after killing members of an Alien Race?" Li Yuan also puzzled, "And why isn''t there a prompt for nourishing Spiritual Nature when I inquire into human Martial Artists?"


    At least, Li Yuan was still unclear about the criteria the Mind Spirit Divine Pce used.


    "Let''s begin," with a thought from Li Yuan''s spiritual form, a portion of the copious mist immediately separated.


    It descended upon Li Yuan''s spiritual form.


    Boom!


    Instantly, just like the first two experiences, Li Yuan''s consciousness grew dim and fuzzy, the surrounding spiritual world turned into an endless Dark Space.


    "Life Star space," with Li Yuan''s enhanced spiritual power, his consciousness remained clear.


    Within the vast and expansive Life Star space, a trail of starlight flickered in the endless darkness.


    This was the "Star Meridian," awakened by Li Yuan, with over a hundred thousand Life Stars illuminating, providing some light to the Life Star space.


    Hum~


    Strands of starlight appeared, shining from the depths of the dark Starry Sky, subtly nourishing Li Yuan''s spiritual consciousness.


    "[Your soul has been nourished, spiritual power increased from 27.0 to 27.1.]"


    Li Yuan''s spiritual power also began to undergo a Transformation and enhancement.

 Chapter 217 : 177: Sudden Increase in Strength_2

    ...


    As Li Yuan''s Origin Power entered his body and his strength continually transformed,


    In Blue Star Xia Country, at Kunlun Martial University, the time was already the morning of January 14th.


    Deep within the viplex that belonged to the Sixth Institute,


    "Dean Hai, as per your instructions, I have arranged for Li Yuan to face as many life-and-death trials as possible," Li Yang said with a slight bow.


    He had just reported Li Yuan''s situation in the Mingxu Star Realm to Dean Hai.


    "Hmm."


    "A treasure of extremely high value, possibly a Heavenly Materials Treasure, would be enough to attract his interest," Dean Hai said indifferently, "Li Yuan ces great importance on his family. He wants to heal his uncle''s body as soon as possible and is unlikely to give up this opportunity easily."


    "Dean,"


    Unable to contain himself, Li Yang said, "Could this be too much too soon? Normal trials of life and death are already tests, there''s no need for him to take this risk."


    "What risk? Worried that he might encounter a Second Rank Alien Race?" Dean Hai asked indifferently.


    "Li Yuan is strong, but if he encounters a Second Rank Alien Race, even with covert protection, it would be extremely dangerous," Li Yang shook his head and said, "Wandering the Star Realm, death often hangs by a thread, and protection has its limits; aid might not arrive in time during critical moments."


    He had been training Li Yuan, and sometimes he was reckless, but in actuality, he was quite rational.


    He wouldn''t truly take major risks.


    "The path, is one he chooses for himself."


    "Having educated him for over a decade, teaching him all sorts of knowledge about the Star Realm, providing him with an Origin Power Battle Suit, items to save his life... and also informing him of the potential dangers, whether he goes or not, is also his own choice," Dean Hai stated calmly, "Good or bad, the oue is his to bear.


    Making decisions and facing the consequences they bring, is also a form of spiritual tempering."


    "But what if something goes wrong?" Li Yang hesitated to say.


    "If his decisions exceed his capacity to endure, then it shows that despite a series of trainings, he hasn''t really grown," Dean Hai said indifferently, "If he can''t withstand the trials, and he dies, then he dies."


    Li Yang looked at Dean Hai in shock.


    He dies, just like that?


    That''s almost certainly a superhuman talent destined to reach the Flying Heaven Level.


    "This kind of training process is not just my decision, but the consensus of the higher echelons of human civilization," Dean Hai spoke softly, "Because his potential is enough, the tempering will be even harsher."


    "You have to understand,"


    "For a genius like him, the highest authorities don''t just hope he achieves the Flying Heaven Level, as that level doesn''t determine the survival of human civilization... But instead, they hope he can surpass the Flying Heaven Level," Dean Hai said slowly.


    "Surpass the Flying Heaven Level?" Li Yang gasped.


    Such beings, each one is a true member of the highest echelon of human civilization.


    "Just like the ancient emperors, many were very bright when young," Dean Hai stated calmly, "But born in the deep pce, raised by the hands of women... most turned out to be mediocre, even bing muddle-headed."


    "Why? It''s because their environment was toofortable!! Those who have achieved greatness have all suffered countless hardships, which then transformed their mindset and willpower, finally achieving sess."


    "Innate talent is just for a moment."


    "Postnatal refinement is what''s crucially important."


    "With Li Yuan''s talent, following the regr process he could indeed reach the Flying Heaven Level, but what next? To try and temper him at that time?"


    "Raising a child, if you don''t temper their nature and educate them properly at the age of a few or in their teens, would you wait to do it at the age of thirty?" Dean Hai shook his head.


    "To the highest authorities, if someone has a truly ordinary talent, they are not so concerned."


    "But for an unparalleled genius like Li Yuan, during the training process, if nine out of ten die in the tempering,"


    "As long as one is tempered and bes a being that surpasses the Flying Heaven Level, the deaths of the other nine are worthwhile, a sess," Dean Hai asserted seriously, "Besides, everything is guided in secrecy, for such unparalleled geniuses, there is no forced coercion."


    "Like this time, if he chooses not to venture forth and prefers stability, nobody would force him."


    "Understood," Li Yang nodded.


    He got the message from Dean Hai.


    For unparalleled geniuses, human civilization''s resources for training are top level, and they try their best with various methods of protection... but they also guide them to face many dangerous tests.


    Only those who survive and make it through,


    Are more likely to achieve great sess.


    Compared to the birth of a hundred Flying Heaven Warriors, the higher echelons of human civilization would prefer the emergence of one that surpasses the Flying Heaven Level.


    ...


    In the Mingxu Star Realm,


    About 900 kilometers from Outpost Base Number Three, lies ''Flying Serpent Valley,'' which, despite its name, is actually a huge, elongated canyon shrouded in mist all year round.


    And about ten kilometers from this canyon, in a secluded valley, arge contingent of Tianliang n warriors was encamped.


    At this moment, the entire camp was eerily silent, all Tianliang n warriors looking toward the distance with a mixture of fear.


    "Pang~"


    Apanied by the whistling of a long whip, it struck heavily on the kneeling, burly figure.


    "Useless! Useless!"


    "How could you fail such a simple mission, and not only that, all yourrades are dead? Only you returned alive?"


    "Why didn''t you die out there?" a bizarre-looking young man dressed in a blood-colored robe said coldly, anger zing in his eyes.


    All Tianliang n warriors dared not make a sound.


    Within the Tianliang n, the hierarchy was extremely strict. As a Sacred Land Core Disciple, Xue Shu could almost decide life and death for these ordinary warriors.


    Crack~ Another whip struck the burly man ''Logan'', who was kneeling on the ground, with vicious force.


    It left a terrifyingly visible bloody mark.


    Logan''s body was already drenched in blood.


    "Lord Xue Shu, I indeed have erred," Logan said, head bowed, his teeth gritted. "But I risked my life to make it back, not out of a fear of death, but to bring you a message, lest you be taken by surprise in an attack."


    "So, I should be thanking you?" the young man in the blood-red robe asked, anger turning into a mockingugh.


    "I wouldn''t dare," Logan said, head still lowered, struggling through the pain as he continued. "There was indeed a reason for my failure this time... I was ultimately defeated by a Seven Stars human genius."


    He recounted the whole process.


    "A special Origin Power Battle Suit? Seventeen Rank Skill Realm at Fourth Level Perfection? Truly a First Rank genius of the Seven Stars human civilization," the young man in the blood-red robe said, a cold light shing in his eyes. "You''ve at least brought back some good news."


    "Unfortunate," he said.


    "He remains within the sphere of the Seven Stars humans; I couldn''t possibly risk hunting him down," the young man in the blood-red robe said, his gaze icy. "Prepare to retreat."


    "Prepare to abandon the n for Flying Serpent Valley."


    "Retreat?" the burly man Logan eximed in shock.


    "What else to do if we don''t retreat?" the young man in the blood-red robe nced at him, his voice cold. "You lot of trash not only failed to intercept those Seven Stars human Martial Artists, but you''ve also exposed so much."


    "The Seven Stars humans are not fools; they will likely guess that there are treasures in the Flying Serpent Valley area, and perhaps Prime Warriors wille," the young man in the blood-red robe said coldly. "Do you want to go to war with Prime Warriors?"


    The burly man Logan dared not speak.


    Going to war with Prime Warriors? Once they arrive, aside from Lord Xue Shu, I fear no one could withstand three moves.


    "Logan."


    "I''m giving you a chance to redeem your failure by making merit. Take your remaining subordinates and stay in Flying Serpent Valley to keep watch," the young man in the blood-red robe said indifferently.


    "Three days'' time!"


    "If there''s still no trace of the Seven Stars humans, I will naturally lead the troops back here and continue with the n."


    Logan was taken aback.


    If the Seven Stars humans'' main force arrives, would he not be facing certain death?


    But he dared not refuse as the current predicament was indeed due to the failure of his mission.


    Before long.


    The young man in the blood-red robe quickly left with the majority of the Tianliang n warriors.


    Logan and a dozen or so warriors were left behind.


    "I hope the Seven Stars human leadership is unwilling to take risks," Logan could only silently pray.


    ...


    About 100 kilometers from Flying Serpent Valley, time ticked away by the second.


    After nearly eight hours, Li Yuan''s consciousnesspletely recovered.


    "This time, the infusion of Origin Power seems to have ended faster than before," Li Yuan slowly opened his eyes.


    His eyes were filled with tranquility.


    "The third infusion of Origin Power has actually increased my Physical Quality so much," Li Yuan felt the terrifying power contained within his body without moving.


    It was much stronger than before.


    "My Physical Quality," Li Yuan nced at the Divine Pce panel.


    ¡ª¡ª


    [Life Level: 19.0 Rank (First Rank)]


    Fist Strength: 50,200 kilograms


    Speed: 100.8 meters/second


    Spiritual Power: 28.4 Rank


    Willpower: 30 Rank


    Spiritual Awakening Level: 30% (Current Maximum 30%)


    Star Meridian: 10 Rank


    Skill Realm: Spear Technique (Fifth Stage 6%), Movement Technique (Fifth Stage 7%), Fist Technique (Perfection)


    ...


    In just half a day, Li Yuan''s Life Level had leapt from 16.8 to 19 Rank!!


    His Fist Strength had approximately doubled.


    "Now," Li Yuan slowly stood up, clenched his fists, feeling the surging power within him, "I should have the strength to match a novice Prime Warrior."


    The Tianliang n warrior he had previously escaped from?


    If he encountered him again, Li Yuan had a feeling, at full force, he could kill him with a single spear thrust.

 Chapter 218 : 178: Infiltration! The Flying Serpents Nest (Extra 2)

    Li Yuan understood that the feeling of increased power was an illusion due to his recent transformation.


    "One spear thrust? That might be difficult, two thrusts then," Li Yuan muttered to himself, "If he uses the Demon Blood Spirit Crystal again, he should be able to finish it within ten thrusts."


    The power and speed increases, as well as the defense enhancements, brought by the Demon Blood Spirit Crystal had their limits.


    "Regardless."


    "Facing an Initial Rank Prime Warrior, even a 22nd level one, I should have a fighting chance after activating my Origin Power Battle Suit," Li Yuan thought to himself.


    If it were a 20th level Prime Warrior? Li Yuan was fairly confident of being able to defeat or even kill them.


    Because Li Yuan''s Fist Strength now exceeded 50,000 kilograms and could surge beyond 90,000 kilograms under the Subtlety of the heart, which wasn''t much different from an ordinary 20th level Prime Warrior''s burst.


    If the strength wasparable and the skills were considerably superior, then even with a weaker Origin Power, there was a great chance of winning.


    However, if the opponent reached the 23rd level? Then the chance of winning was slim, for a 23rd level Mid Rank Prime Warrior''s basic Fist Strength was 240,000 kilograms!!


    If facing a Prime Warrior above the 26th level? Li Yuan would be killed in a single move.


    "Our Seven Stars Human Race Prime Warriors each possess an Origin Power Battle Suit, making our vitality ten times stronger," Li Yuan thought to himself, "But that''s not the case with the native lifeforms of the Mingxu Star Realm."


    This was the advantage of Prime Warriors.


    In reality, among the many Foreign Civilizations the Seven Stars Human Civilization hade into contact with, most were unable to mass-produce ''Origin Power Battle Suits,'' especially beast civilizations, which are generally weak in technology, almost primitive.


    Even the Tianliang Civilization''s research on Origin Power Battle Suits and Origin Power Weapons was inferior to that of the Seven Stars Human Civilization.


    This was also one of the reasons Li Yuan dared to enter the Flying Serpent Valley.


    "Flying Serpent Valley has long been under the surveince of Outpost Station Three, with no definite traces of Second Rank Alien Race beings for so long," Li Yuan silently pondered, "Hence, the probability of a Second Rank Alien Race being born is very low, and even if one truly emerged, the chance of surpassing level 22 wouldn''t exceed 1%, otherwise the Flying Serpent poption''s domain wouldn''t be confined to this area."


    ording to the research of the Seven Stars Human Civilization, many of the native lives born in the Star Realms possess extremely strong bloodlines, naturally bing First Rank Life or even Second Rank Life.


    But bloodlines are also shackles, extremely hard to break through.


    "Compared to the Flying Serpent race, what I really need to worry about is the Tianliang Civilization," Li Yuan thought to himself, "However, ording to the information provided by the captives, aside from that Xue Shu, there don''t seem to be any Second Rank powerhouses apanying them."


    "They''re probably not lying."


    The reason was simple.


    If there were Second Rank powerhouses among the Tianliang n that hade, they could have easily swept through the Flying Serpent Valley.


    In pursuit of Wang Zhou, they wouldn''t have let him and his group escape either.


    On the other hand.


    "It''s not out of the question that everything I know is a lie, a Killing Formation set up by the Tianliang n with the purpose of luring us Human Race Martial Artists away from the outpost," Li Yuan narrowed his eyes and mused, "I must be careful."


    "One must struggle for treasures, indeed, but it''s also about honing oneself. Yet one must not recklessly take risks."


    After thinking everything through.


    Li Yuan opened his backpack, drank some water, ate something, and continued to review his previously conceived n... After confirming it was foolproof, he shouldered his pack, leaped down, and like an agile monkey, quickly stealthed into the vast forest.


    Heading towards Flying Serpent Valley.


    Before long.


    Hum!


    A figure in blue-green robes gradually materialized, almost blending in with the surrounding environment, making no sound whatsoever.


    "How has his strength increased so much in less than ten hours?"


    "Such strong Stealth ability."


    "Is this the Unity of Heaven and Man? Indeed extraordinary. If it weren''t for my special Battle Garment that conceals my presence, I''d probably be discovered by him," the mysterious figure whispered to himself, "Thankfully, the smart wristband is constantly tracking... Otherwise, I''d definitely lose him."


    Even so, he did not dare to follow too closely, lest he be detected.


    Whoosh!


    Soundlessly, the mysterious figure moved, and a beast nearby, busy nibbling the ground, did not notice a thing.


    ...


    It was only about 100 kilometers from the secluded clifftop to the perimeter of Flying Serpent Valley.


    If Li Yuan sprinted at full speed, he could get there in an hour, but he was as discreet as possible, not very fast, and actually on the slower side.


    The closer he got, the slower he went.


    His strong spiritual power, and the art of Unity of Heaven and Man endowed him with such sensitivity that he could sense nearly everything within a hundred meters.


    After crossing another ridge.


    Li Yuan nced at his smart wristband, following the map guidance, he had entered the ''Flying Serpent Valley'' area.


    Suddenly.


    Li Yuan stopped, his body slightly squatting, eyes narrowing as he stared at something a hundred meters away.


    Hiss hiss~


    On the craggy rocks, festooned with arge number of vines, rested several serpentine creatures as thick as a man''s waist and over twenty meters long.


    These creatures were pitch ck with only their huge, blood-red eyes standing out, resembling the snakes on Blue Star, but with a pair of long ws growing on their belly and a set of folded wings on their back.


    This was the ''ck Feathered Flying Serpent.''


    Rustle rustle~ One of the ck Feathered Flying Serpents suddenly raised its head, its massive body arching slightly as it unfurled its wings, which were so wide they blocked out the sun, spanning over twenty meters.


    "First Rank Flying Serpents can only glide, they can hardly take off directly," the details of ck Feathered Flying Serpents appeared in Li Yuan''s mind.


    Their wings were notrge enough to support their massive bodies taking off directly.


    However, once transformed into a Second Rank Flying Serpent with the support of Origin Power, flying would be effortless for them.


    Flying!


    It was an ability that many ns'' Second Rank powerhouses envied.


    Even among the top-grade Origin Martial Artists of the Human Civilization, the vast majority were incapable of true flight, at most managing short-term levitation.

 Chapter 219 : 178: Infiltration! The Flying Serpents Nest (Extra 2)_2

    ```


    "From their size and appearance, these ck Feathered Flying Snakes should be around level 18," Li Yuan discerned from afar, using the Divine Pce Inquiry to confirm this fact.


    ```


    ```


    If they were Second Rank Flying Serpents, besides being over thirty meters long and significantlyrger, there would also be a more prominent horn on their heads, resembling a dragon.


    ```


    ```


    "ying these few Flying Snakes wouldn''t be hard."


    ```


    ```


    "But it would easily rm the others. Based on the intelligence, there are tens of thousands of Flying Snakes living in the Flying Serpent Valley, with at least a thousand above level 18," Li Yuan said as he slowly retreated, disappearing into the mountain forest.


    ```


    ```


    He changed directions and continued deeper into the Flying Serpent Valley.


    ```


    ```


    ying Flying Snakes? That wasn''t the goal.


    ```


    ```


    What Li Yuan sought was the precise location of the ''Heavenly Materials Treasures'' mentioned by the captives and Wang Zhou, before making his next move.


    ```


    ```


    Time passed.


    ```


    ```


    On the road, Li Yuan asionally encountered Flying Snakes.


    ```


    ```


    Gradually, Li Yuan noticed that most were ordinary Flying Snakes around level 15, and those exceeding level 18 were rare.


    ```


    ```


    But the density of the Flying Snakes made his scalp tingle. There were simply too many.


    ```


    ```


    "If it weren''t for the special environment of the Star Realm, with these Flying Snakes'' powerful bloodlines naturally able to absorb a small amount of Origin Power, their numbers wouldn''t be so vast," Li Yuan said, shaking his head slightly.


    ```


    ```


    Just the source of food alone wouldn''t solve the issue.


    ```


    ```


    Fortunately.


    ```


    ```


    Li Yuan''s Stealth skills had reached an ''abnormal'' level, such that even Second Rank Prime Warriors might not be able to detect him, allowing him rapidly to approach the very heart of the Flying Serpent Valley.


    ```


    ```


    Had it been another level 19 Martial Artist, they would have long since shed with some of the Flying Snakes.


    ```


    ```


    "Flying Serpent Valley," Li Yuan ventured through the jungle to the edge of a vast canyon on one side.


    ```


    ```


    The towering mountains on both sides made it hard for sunlight to directly prate the canyon, shrouding it in dense mist,pletely obscuring the bottom of the gorge.


    ```


    ```


    "ording to the intelligence inquiry, Flying Serpent Valley stretches for twenty kilometers, with a maximum width of 814 meters, the narrowest point about 300 meters, and an average depth well over 1800 meters," Li Yuan thought to himself.


    ```


    ```


    Such a deep gorge is extremely rare on Blue Star, truly qualifying as a rift in the earth.


    ```


    ```


    However.


    ```


    ```


    When Li Yuan looked up and saw the ''Ming Mountain'' at the horizon''s end, resembling a pir holding up the heavens, he felt reassured.


    ```


    ```


    Just like what Yang Zhu had said before: "The Star Realm is mysterious, anything is possible. All we can do is to ept it."


    ```


    ```


    "Flying Snakes," Li Yuan caught a glimpse of dozens of Flying Snakes gliding out from the opposite mountain, swiftly disappearing into the mist.


    ```


    ```


    Just with Li Yuan''s naked eye, there were already numerous traces of Flying Snakes on the canyon''s side walls.


    ```


    ```


    "Perhaps."


    ```


    ```


    "Detonating a nuclear bomb here might solve most of Flying Serpent Valley''s problems," Li Yuan muttered to himself.


    ```


    ```


    But Li Yuan was just musing.


    ```


    ```


    The terrifying power of a nuclear explosion would likely attract the attention of a Flying Heaven Level existence.


    ```


    ```


    Flying Heaven Level beings are extremely sensitive torge-scale energy fluctuations in the vast expanse of the world.


    ```


    ```


    "In the depths of the gorge, shrouded by mist, lies the true nest of the Flying Snakes," Li Yuan thought to himself: "No rush, I''ll first look for the Tianliang n."


    ```


    ```


    Without finding the Tianliang n, Li Yuan was not willing to risk venturing in.


    ```


    ```


    Hum~


    ```


    ```


    Soundlessly, Li Yuan moved away from the gorge, starting to search gradually along the mountain sides for traces of the Tianliang n.


    ```


    ```


    Li Yuan believed.


    ```


    ```


    If the captives were right in saying they had over 200 Tianliang n warriors, then... they couldn''t possibly leave no trace.


    ```


    ```


    ...Scouring a dark canyon stretching over twenty kilometers, searching the mountain ranges on both sides for ten kilometers; such a vast range, if left to an ordinary human to explore, would likely take months to finish.


    ```


    ```


    But with Li Yuan''s strength.


    ```


    ```


    Just eight hourster.


    ```


    ```


    "The Tianliang n''s camp," Li Yuany hidden in the mountain woods, staring down at therge encampment in a secluded valley below, along with two Tianliang n warriors.


    ```


    ```


    This campsite, if not looked for carefully from a distance, was very hard to notice.


    ```


    ```


    And it was quite a distance from the Flying Snakes'' regr activity area, which is why it had remained safe.


    ```


    ```


    The fact that he found it in such a short time was not only due to his remarkably efficient reconnaissance but also due to a stroke of luck.


    ```


    ```


    "Such arge camp, by the number of people, should indeed exceed 200," Li Yuan pondered.


    ```


    ```


    "Only, why are there so few around? Could it be that the Tianliang n has already started to act?" Li Yuan wondered.


    ```


    ```


    With just the few warriors in the camp, Li Yuan could easily take them out.


    ```


    ```


    But he didn''t make a move.


    ```


    ```


    The enemy is in the light, I am in the shadow, this was Li Yuan''s biggest advantage.


    ```


    ```


    "Wait," Li Yuan had patience.


    ```


    ```


    ...This waitingsted a full six hours, as there was no concept of ''night'' in the Mingxu Star Realm.


    ```


    ```


    "Hm? Is that him?" Li Yuan''s eyes brightened as he saw a familiar figure appear in his line of sight.


    ```


    ```


    A tall and burly man with abat saber on his back was scolding a few ordinary soldiers.


    ```


    ```


    The robust man was none other than ''Logan,'' one of the two captains of the Tianliang n who had slipped away from Li Yuan.


    ```


    ```


    "Yet, adding them up, there''s still only a dozen or so people in the camp," Li Yuan frowned: "It''s not possible that so many Tianliang n warriors are dead, right?"


    ```


    ```


    "And then there''s this."


    ```


    ```


    "None of the ''Divine Pce Disciples Blood Guards'' mentioned prominently in the intelligence reports match the profiles."


    ```


    ...After observing for a while, Li Yuan gradually realized that these Tianliang n warriors seemed to take turns leaving their base.


    They kept heading towards the direction of Flying Serpent Valley to explore.


    "Could it be that the main forces of the Tianliang n have withdrawn?" A thought emerged in Li Yuan''s mind.


    ...


    Three hourster, three Tianliang n warriors started out from their base, cursing under their breath.


    "Dammit, they actually left us here to die."


    "Who''s to me?"


    "We can only me our captain foring back alive by himself, even Captain Mo Long is dead."


    "Be thankful. If we had joined the chase mission earlier, we''d probably all be dead at the hands of the Seven Stars Human Race by now." The three warriors discussed this among themselves in a low voice in ''Tianliangnguage'', all quite dissatisfied.


    "What''s the point of this exploration? We don''t dare to enter the core area of Flying Serpent Valley."


    "It''s useless, just for show."


    "Let''s just wander around the outskirts of Flying Serpent Valley and head back."


    "So much time has passed and we''ve seen no trace of the Seven Stars Humans, they probably didn''te." The three warriors continued chatting in low voices, all the while remaining alert to their surroundings.


    As elite fighters of the Tianliang n, though discontented, theirbat readiness was still extremely high.


    Without a sound.


    "Pft~" From what appeared to be a harmless bush nearby, suddenly shed a ck saber light, and two Tianliang n warriors had no chance to react as their heads flew up instantly.


    Blood sttered.


    "No good." The warrior at the forefront immediately turned back, filled with shock and rage, instinctively trying to press his ''Communication Device'' for help.


    Click~ His hands were fast, but the sh of the saber light was faster.


    Thud!


    The light of the saber whizzed past, instantly severing the tall and thin Tianliang warrior''s arm, blood sttered, and the Communication Device on his wrist naturally fell as well.


    Poom~


    Then came a kick fast as lightning, directly sending the Tianliang warrior flying backward, spitting out a mouthful of blood.


    The gap in strength was too great.


    The three 18-level Tianliang n warriors, in the presence of the Li Yuan of now, were like babies facing a strong man.


    Boom! With another swift movement.


    Li Yuan instantly rushed to their front, stepping on the arm of the warrior that wasn''t injured,


    Crack~ the sound of bones breaking.


    "Aaah~" The Tianliang n warrior let out a low moan of pain, his eyes almost spitting fire, ring daggers at Li Yuan.


    "The emblem on your chest indicates you''re a ''squad leader'', I know you can speak the Seven Stars Humannguage." Li Yuan said with an icy voice, "I ask, you answer, I''ll give you a swift end."


    "Dream on." The Tianliang n warrior roared.


    A pill was directly forced into his mouth, and within mere seconds, his eyes bulged out roundly.


    It was too painful, much more than ten times the pain of the severed arm.


    ...


    Not long after, two more pills were forced into his mouth.


    ...


    Just as Li Yuan was about to stuff three pills into his mouth simultaneously, the stubborn Tianliang n warrior finally gave up, willing to say anything.


    After quickly ascertaining the relevant intelligence.


    Thud!


    With a sh of the saber, Li Yuan granted him a swift end, the head falling to the ground.


    The body thudded down heavily.


    "Willpower quite strong, probably on par with many Prime Warriors." Li Yuan muttered to himself, "I thought I would need to use a Marrow Spirit Desant pill."


    Li Yuan had gotten the information he wanted.


    Could it possibly be false intel?


    While interrogating, Li Yuan''s powerful spiritual power was constantly sensing his heart rate, pulse, spiritual fluctuations, eye expressions... The likelihood of falsity was very low.


    "Xue Shu, if there''s no trace of our Seven Stars Human Race, will you return within three days?"


    "Counting the time, today is the end of the first day."


    "That means, they won''t be back for another two days?" Li Yuan thought to himself, "First, head to the central gorge to verify whether the location of the Heavenly Materials Treasures is real."


    Whoosh!


    Li Yuan''s figure moved, vanishing into the jungle.


    Soon, dozens of Flying Serpents were lured over by Li Yuan on purpose, quickly devastating the scene of the earlier ughter... Li Yuan then killed two more Flying Serpents.


    Creating the illusion that the three Tianliang n warriors had encountered an attack by a group of Flying Serpents.


    Having arranged everything.


    Only then did Li Yuan shake off the pursuit of the group of Flying Serpents, cleanse any scent from himself, and swiftly headed towards the center of the gorge, the core area shrouded in innumerable mists.


    "Let''s see what kind of treasure it is, to wield such an immense allure."

 Chapter 220 : 179: Soul-Nurturing Ancient Spirit Wood

    ```


    The Flying Serpents, beyond living within the core area of the Flying Serpent Valley,


    also inhabited over ten kilometers on both sides of the canyon range, which are considered the peripheral zones of the valley. This is also why Li Yuan initially encountered arge number of Flying Serpents when he was more than ten kilometers away from the canyon.


    This was also the reason why the Tianliang n settled over ten kilometers away from the canyon.


    The key lies in the depth of the canyon!


    Just considering the Seven Stars human civilization''s exploration, the average depth reached over 1800 meters, and the canyon connected countless caves within the mountains on both sides, forming an immense three-dimensional space.


    Just like some of the human supercities that cover tens of kilometers, they can amodate millions or even tens of millions of people.


    The living space of the entire Flying Serpent n in the valley, if spread out on the in, would be enough to match an area of thousands of kilometers.


    Phew!


    Li Yuan did his utmost to conceal his own aura, and with powerful spiritual induction, he easily traversed over ten kilometers of the peripheral area and once again arrived at the edge of the canyon.


    "Mist." Li Yuan looked down and saw dense fog below; he couldn''t even see the bottom of the canyon, in fact his vision didn''t extend hundreds of meters.


    Unfathomable.


    "Following the instructions given by that squad leader."


    "Xue Shu, for some reason, had early on determined that there were treasures in the canyon, and even personally ventured into the canyon for inquiry," Li Yuan thought to himself. "After returning from the bottom of the canyon, he refused to leave, constantly preparing and plotting something."


    "And gathering more Tianliang n warriors."


    "This point, on the other hand, is simr to the information provided by Wang Zhou. They too had reached the edge of the canyon and felt something special deep within it, but did not dare to venture further," Li Yuan pondered in silence.


    "Arge amount of data provided by the frontline base shows that the fog in this area during the regr exploration of Flying Serpent Valley ten years ago wasn''t as thick, and there weren''t as many Level 18 and Level 19 advanced Flying Serpents in the n."


    After a day of exploration.


    Li Yuan had noticed the abnormalities of the Flying Serpent Valley.


    Although most of the Flying Serpents were ordinary, there were far more advanced Flying Serpents than he had expected.


    "Wang Zhou and his group are weak, only daring to risk reaching the edge of the canyon for reconnaissance," Li Yuan, lying on the cliff said, "But since Xue Shu was able to return safely... I should be able to do the same."


    After several interrogations andprehensive information, Li Yuan was able to confirm one thing¡ªthe Tianliang n''s Xue Shu was not Second Rank.


    As long as it''s not a Second Rank strong being, within the First Rank, Li Yuan was confident there weren''t many who could match him.


    If Xue Shu''s strength was truly unrivaled, he would have had no need to bring arge number of Tianliang n fighters with him.


    Whirr~ Silently,


    a thin ck battle garment appeared on Li Yuan''s body, he had fully activated the Origin Power Battle Suit, and the surface of the suit even changed color slightly to light green, blending better into the surrounding environment.


    The battle garment worth five hundred million Blue Star Coins was extremelyprehensive in function.


    In Li Yuan''s hand appeared abat saber, which he gripped in reverse without revealing its sharp edge.


    As for the long spear and backpack? They were ced in a hidden spot not far away on the cliffside.


    It was necessary.


    This time, Li Yuan only intended to reconnoiter, so carrying a backpack and a long spear, which would make him a bigger target and more likely to be exposed, was not an option.


    Phew!


    Li Yuan moved, starting to descend deeper into the canyon along the cliff face, and with his physical quality and skill level, even the slightest protrusion on the canyon cliff allowed him to move as if on t ground.


    Moreover, the cliff was covered in countless moss and trees, providing natural cover.


    Descending continuously.


    Gradually, Li Yuan was enveloped by the mist in the canyon, and the visibility dropped sharply... Now he could only see a few tens of meters ahead.


    "This fog, though it blocks my line of sight, can also provide me with concealment," Li Yuan observed the swirling mist around him.


    Suddenly, Li Yuan stopped in his tracks, merging with the environment.


    Hiss~ A Flying Serpent over ten meters long, with wings spread, swiftly passed over Li Yuan''s head and disappeared into the fog.


    Less than two hundred meters deep, this was already the sixth Flying Serpent Li Yuan had encountered.


    However, none of the Flying Serpents encountered along the way had noticed him.


    Li Yuan''s perception of these Flying Serpents relied on his strong spiritual induction, rather than purely ''eyes,'' hence he could sense the presence of Flying Serpents in advance.


    He continued to descend.


    "Hm? What''s that?" Li Yuan suddenly paused, his gaze sharp. He spotted on the cliff tens of meters away, among the ck-green vines, a massive Flying Serpent nearly twenty meters long resting with its head down, apparently asleep.


    Without spiritual induction, Li Yuan''s naked eye would have hardly noticed its presence.


    "Level 18 Flying Serpent," Li Yuan gauged the strength of the creature through his Divine Pce.


    But that wasn''t the point.


    The key was the blood-red nt growing on the cliff beside the Flying Serpent, about half a meter tall with blood-red branches and leaves, brimming with vitality and quite conspicuous.


    "Blood Origin Spirit Ganoderma! Six-leaf! It''s actually this kind of spiritual medicine," Li Yuan''s eyes lit up.


    In the general knowledge sses, teachers not only talked about history, astronomy, geography, Star Realm creatures, and Alien Civilization but also taught how to identify a plethora of ''Heavenly Materials Treasures.''


    After all, one of the main objectives for Martial Artists venturing into the Star Realm was to seek treasures.


    If one couldn''t even recognize treasures right beside them,


    That would be a joke.


    And in the data library of Martial Hall, Li Yuan had also noted down a lot of information aboutmon treasures.


    "Origin Power, it''s emitting an aura of Origin Power, no doubt about it," Li Yuan quickly confirmed.


    Blood Origin Spirit Ganoderma is a generic name, found in many Star Realms, with everything from three leaves up to nine leaves¡ªthe more leaves, the higher the quality.


    It is one of the main materials used in making a series of auxiliary cultivation medications.


    For example, the First Rank Hematopoietic Medicament, Second Rank Hematopoietic Medicament, and even the High Origin Spirit Spring all require it.


    ```


    "Six leaves are enough to make a Second Rank qi and blood potion, a single nt is worth tens of thousands of Blue Star Coins," Li Yuan thought, "The key question is, are there only a few of these nts here, or are there many inside Flying Serpent Valley?"


    This was very important.


    If there were only a few, it wouldn''t mean much, but if there were many inside Flying Serpent Valley, it would indicate that this ce was very suitable for cultivating the Blood-Activating Origin Lingzhi mushrooms, and that would bepletely different...


    If the Seven Stars human civilization upied this ce and could use technological methods, they couldpletely cultivate and nt them inrge quantities.


    The conditions for therge-scale birth of Blood-Activating Origin Lingzhi are harsh, requiring a high concentration of Origin Power, ley lines, and many other factors.


    "Continue." Li Yuan did not attack the Flying Serpent; he wasn''t after a few tens or hundreds of thousands of Blue Star Coins.


    He continued to dive deeper.


    As he went further in, the fog became thicker, and Li Yuan also found that the width of the canyon was increasing, seemingly bing more expansive the further back he went... This was a vastnd canyon world, where the light was getting weaker and darker.


    "Buzz!"


    "Roar~"


    "Hiss!" The number of Flying Serpents was also increasing, their massive bodies asionally slicing through the mist,ing in and out of caves in the mountain walls... Li Yuan dared not approach those Flying Serpent Caves.


    He continued to delve deeper, and as the fog began to disperse, his vision gradually became clearer.


    At this moment, Li Yuan was truly deep inside the Flying Serpents''ir, and if he were exposed, he would likely attract an attack from hundreds, maybe thousands of Flying Serpents.


    This was the world of the Flying Serpent n.


    It also made Li Yuan all the more cautious.


    "Hmm? Blood-Activating Origin Lingzhi?" As his vision cleared, Li Yuan nced around and noticed several Blood-Activating Origin Lingzhi not far away.


    However, a massive Flying Serpent still guarded them.


    No! There wasn''t just one nt.


    Li Yuan looked again and was shocked to find that within his line of sight alone, on the hundred-meter stretch of the mountain wall, several Blood-Activating Origin Lingzhi were growing.


    Altogether, at least more than ten nts.


    This was astonishing.


    With a bit of extraption, Li Yuan could imagine how many Blood-Activating Origin Lingzhi must be growing on the mountain walls on both sides of the entire Flying Serpent Valley.


    "Could it be that Flying Serpent Valley has be suitable for the growth of Blood-Activating Origin Lingzhi?" Li Yuan was shocked, "Why was there never any mention of this in the previous reports?"


    But Li Yuan did not delve into it, the environment of Star Realm was unpredictable and hard to measure.


    "If Flying Serpent Valley really is suited forrge-scale nting."


    "Just this ce alone might be worth hundreds of billion or even thousands of billion Blue Star Coins, enough for human civilization to invest arge amount of resources," Li Yuan''s heart heated up.


    This ce was only about 900 kilometers from Outpost Base Number Three.


    If the Seven Stars human civilization was willing to pay the price, establishing a new war base to guard and develop a resource point here would not be difficult.


    Starting wars and investing resources, the goal is always the same¡ªto acquire greater resources.


    In the past, the Seven Stars human civilization did not invest significant resources in the Mingxu Star Realm simply because the risk and the returns were not proportional.


    But!


    If Flying Serpent Valley really was suitable for cultivating Blood-Activating Origin Lingzhi, then getting the Seven Stars human civilization to invest a significant amount of effort was not a dream.


    "Outpost bases have explored Flying Serpent Valley more than once, and there was no record of this information."


    "It must be a change from thest ten years."


    "No wonder the number of high-level Flying Serpents in the valley has increased, it''s probably the result of them continuously consuming Blood-Activating Origin Lingzhi," Li Yuan concluded.


    Humans use anciry cultivation treasures to grow faster.


    The beast Alien Race is no different.


    "Such a big change in Flying Serpent Valley must have a reason," Li Yuan thought to himself, bing even more cautious as he continued to dive deeper.


    Time passed.


    Li Yuan had delved more than 1500 meters into the canyon.


    The bottom of the canyon was extremely dark, with light nearly unable to prate through the thick fog. Numerous vines intertwined on the mountain walls, where many Blood-Activating Origin Lingzhi grew.


    Li Yuan dared not descend any further.


    Because the number of Flying Serpent Caves on both sides of the mountain walls was increasing. Flying Serpents were passing by from time to time, and there were too many of them. Even with Li Yuan''s stealth abilities, he could not guarantee his safety amid so many Flying Serpents.


    Moreover.


    There was no need for Li Yuan to explore further down, because with the fog dissipating for the most part, he could already see the bottom of the canyon.


    At the bottom of the canyon, among the moss and vines, dense ''Blood-Activating Origin Lingzhi'' were growing. Li Yuan could see hundreds of them within his line of sight.


    And these Blood-Activating Origin Lingzhi, they extended along both sides of the canyon, only bing more sparse towards the outer edges.


    "So many Blood-Activating Origin Lingzhi?" Li Yuan was shocked in his heart, but then he stood thunderstruck, frozen in ce.


    In the midst of this sea of Blood-Activating Origin Lingzhi at the canyon bottom, there grew a strange tree about ten meters high.


    Its trunk was thick, its branches lush and green, as if each leaf contained the force of life, emitting a rich Origin Power aroma.


    But what really drew the eye were the three fruits at the top of the tree.


    Each fruit was plump and round, its surface shimmering with mottled light, in deep blue colors with asional shes of silvery white, seeming to release a mysterious fluctuation, emitting a soft glow that tempted one''s soul.


    Just a fleeting nce and Li Yuan couldn''t help but feel a desire to swallow them whole.


    "What is this?"


    "Soul-Nurturing Ancient Spirit Wood? And the soon-to-be ripe Soul-Nurturing Ancient Spirit Fruit?" Li Yuan''s eyes shimmered with a glint.


    It was the Third Rank soul-type Heavenly Materials Treasures mentioned in the database, ranked just below the Immortal Soul Nine-Revolution Fruit and alongside the Soul-Nurturing Nine-Leaf Grass and the Sweet Spirit Core Crystal.


    They had astounding benefits for soul growth!!

 Chapter 221 : 180: Fourth Rank Treasure? Second Rank Flying Serpent!

    From hundreds of meters away, he gazed at the Soul-Nurturing Ancient Spirit Wood at the bottom of the gorge.


    Li Yuan''s heart thumped with excitement, "All three fruits are already showing a silvery sheen, which clearly indicates they are entering the mature phase, and they should not be far from full maturity... And ording to the data, a normal Soul-Nurturing Ancient Spirit Wood only grows three to six meters tall, so why is this one ten meters tall?"


    A Soul-Nurturing Ancient Spirit Wood that grows three to six meters tall bears ''fruit'' that is Third Rank treasures, invaluable.


    If it''s ten meters tall, what rank of treasure would that be? Logically, it would only be more precious.


    Could it be Fourth Rank?


    "Judging from its appearance, the fruits have begun to mature and can definitely be harvested, though their effect might be slightly inferior," Li Yuan''s eyes were fixed on those three fruits.


    ording to the records, a Soul-Nurturing Ancient Spirit Wood might only bear fruit two to three times in its life, each time yielding only 2-4 fruits, and how it grows has always been a mystery.


    This was a Heavenly Material Treasure that could not be mass-produced.


    How much was a Soul-Nurturing Ancient Spirit Fruit worth? Li Yuan didn''t know, because treasures of this caliber were too scarce and rare in the Seven Stars human civilization.


    Most were traded or consumed in private.


    Even if they were put on sale, they typically appeared only at high-end auctions, where the price varied each time.


    For Third Rank treasures of the same level, like the Soul-Nurturing Nine-Leaf Grass, based on the information Li Yuan found, one nt exceeded 2 billion Blue Star Coins at a recent auction organized by Xia Country.


    How much were three Soul-Nurturing Ancient Spirit Fruits worth? At least several tens of billions of Blue Star Coins.


    It was absolutely a huge fortune!!


    "I must seize them."


    "Definitely." Li Yuan''s heart pounded with various thoughts surfacing in his mind.


    "Whether it''s for what my uncle needs."


    "Or for my normal cultivation in the future, I need a huge amount of resources," Li Yuan thought to himself, "To a great extent, I can only rely on myself."


    The resources of the entire Seven Stars human civilization were limited.


    Even for the unparalleled geniuses, there was a limit to the support they could receive.


    The ''Ster Earth Marrow Crystal'' provided by Kunlun Martial University, the S-grade contract offered by the Martial Hall, along with some Heavenly Materials Treasures, were essentially top-level support.


    All added up, until Li Yuan graduated from university, the total value would hardly exceed one hundred billion Blue Star Coins.


    There was a vague line to this.


    In Jiang City after the Fish Spirit Tide, Li Yuan had exchanged information with Wan Qinghe, Fei Qian, and others and roughly understood this point.


    Some more precious treasures?


    Aside from a few regenerable special resources.


    Most of the extraordinary treasures, the top powerhouses of the Seven Stars human civilization didn''t have enough for themselves, so how could they easily gift them to young geniuses?


    Want more? If your strength is sufficient, go out and fight for it yourself.


    What the Seven Stars human civilization desires are strong Martial Artists, geniuses who can gradually contribute to the entire civilization after bing Prime Warriors.


    Not those who still only wish to take from within the civilization after bing high-level Prime Warriors or even Flying Heaven Warriors.


    Of course, if a super powerful individual is willing to spend the wealth they''ve earned through their own hardships, even if it costs hundreds of billions or trillions to provide for their children, no one can interfere.


    But the resources directly granted by the entire civilization?


    No matter how talented, what one can receive is ultimately limited.


    ... "The Soul-Nurturing Ancient Spirit Wood is fine, but with two Second Rank Flying Serpents around, how can I snatch it?" Li Yuan''s gaze fell on the ground about a hundred meters away from the Soul-Nurturing Ancient Spirit Wood.


    On either side.


    Two massive flying serpents were sprawling there, both exceeding thirty meters in length.


    Their ws, wings, and scaly bodies all had obvious differences from those of ordinary flying serpents.


    From their appearances alone, it was clear that they were far more formidable than other flying serpents.


    Most importantly, there were slightly protruding horns on their foreheads.


    These were the marks of Second Rank flying serpents.


    "[Target creature, Life Level approximately 21.3, Second Rank Life, killing yields Spiritual Nature nutrients]"


    "[Target creature, Life Level approximately 21.8...]" Li Yuan, using Divine Pce Inquiry, basically confirmed the strength of the two Second Rank flying serpents.


    Both were Second Rank, and neither was the kind that had just broken through.


    "It''s possible that they have consumed Soul-Nurturing Ancient Spirit Fruit before, undergoing a Transformation, that allowed their minds and bodies to achieve Unity and breakthrough," Li Yuan thought quietly.


    Due to intelligence issues, beasts receive very few inheritances, and the intelligence of First Rank beasts is generally not high.


    Therefore, if the bloodline isn''t strong enough, it is tens to hundreds of times harder for a First Rank beast to break through to the Second Rankpared to humans.


    "Two 21st level Second Rank flying serpents, if I were to take on two at once, I''m fairly confident I could win if a great battle truly erupted," Li Yuan''s eyes slightly squinted: "The key issue is that once a great battle breaks out, there are thousands upon thousands of flying serpents here."


    Li Yuan didn''t care about a single First Rank flying serpent; he could kill one with a spear thrust.


    But at a certain number,bined with two terrifyingly powerful Second Rank flying serpents, it would be different.


    Li Yuan''s chances of winning were close to zero.


    Moreover, the region Li Yuan had explored so far was only a small part of Flying Serpent Valley. In the densely packed caves of Flying Serpent Valley, whether there were more and stronger Second Rank flying serpents was hard to predict.


    "If I openly snatch now, not only would I fail to grab it, but I''d also likely lose my life," Li Yuan pondered silently: "Without my long spear in hand, I can only exert less than fifty percent of my strength."


    "First, I''ll go back and think of a solution."


    Li Yuan slowly moved upward along the vines and rocks, not daring to make a sound.


    Hundreds of meters away were the two Second Rank flying serpents.


    If discovered... Second Rank flying serpents could fly, by then, escaping would be impossible.


    ... Time psed.


    Li Yuan did not return the way he came but continued his exploration along the cliff to both sides, wanting to confirm if there were other Second Rank members of the flying serpent tribe within the valley.


    This was crucial.


    Only after more than six hours did Li Yuan avoid many dangers and, with both relief and fear, return to the starting point above the canyon... The sun still hung high in the sky.


    "Serpents prefer the shade, whether in Blue Star or the Star Realm, this is the case, no wonder most flying serpents like to hide at the bottom of the valley," Li Yuan muttered to himself.


    He returned to the concealed spot on the cliffside where his backpack and long spear were stored.


    He checked the ''alert clues'' he left nearby, confirming that no one or Alien Race had passed by during that time.


    He hid inside a small cave.


    "''All Heavens'' Stars,'' Origin Power activation," Li Yuan closed his eyes and silently channeled his Star Meridian, drawing an endless stream of Origin Power into his body.


    He was recuperating from the fatigue of his body.


    Such a prolonged exploration and the use of spiritual power for sensing, even for Li Yuan, constituted a great expenditure.


    "Firstly, I explored about 8 kilometers of the cliff on one side of the valley floor, and other than the two Second Rank flying serpents in the center of the valley floor, there were no traces of other Second Rank flying serpents," Li Yuan thought, summarizing the results of his exploration.


    "Second, the life-nourishing Spirit Mushrooms are mainly concentrated in the central part of the valley, and their numbers dwindle the closer one gets to the sides of the valley... the Soul-Nurturing Ancient Spirit Wood also grows in the center...


    the higher-level Flying Serpents, including the Second Rank Flying Serpents, are all concentrated in the middle of the valley." Li Yuan seemed to be thinking, "Is it all just a coincidence?"


    Based on the information he had, Li Yuan felt that there might have been some special changes urring in the central area of the Flying Serpent Valley.


    "This kind of all-epassing diagnosis isn''t my forte; it requires experts to calcte through various data." Li Yuan said to himself, "My goal is to seize the Soul-Nurturing Ancient Spirit Fruit."


    That was what Li Yuan sought after.


    However, how could he snatch it from two Second Rank Flying Serpents, not to mention the thousands of First Rank Flying Serpents...?


    "At thetest, in two days, the blood guards from the Tianliang n will return with reinforcements." Li Yuan pondered.


    If he wanted to prevent the blood guards froming back, he would have to kill all the Tianliang n warriors that remained, which could possibly scare them off from taking the risk of returning.


    Still, it did not solve the key problem¡ªhow to snatch the treasure.


    ...After a long contemtion.


    "Three paths," Li Yuan hadpletely made up his mind, "First, I go for it myself, recklessly charging in, with the sess rate close to 0, and the death rate close to a hundred percent."


    "Second, wait for the blood guards to bring back the Tianliang n warriors, let them fight with the Flying Serpent tribe... There''s a chance to y the fisherman, but it''s also possible to end up with nothing and equally dangerous."


    "Third, report the situation here to the outpost base and request reinforcements, that way, my gains might be less, but it''s safer and more reliable." Li Yuan thought to himself.


    Without hesitation anymore.


    Li Yuan took out his smart ring and tried to contact the outpost base, only to discover... the call wouldn''t go through.


    The signal was too poor.


    "Damn," Li Yuan cursed under his breath and got to his feet, gripping his long spear and flying out of the cave.


    As soon as he emerged, Li Yuan stopped abruptly.


    Because, about a hundred meters away, two powerful Flying Serpents, each over twenty meters in length, were raising their massive heads and looking around. One of them happened to see Li Yuan.


    "Roar~" This one, exceeding level 18, immediately let out a terrifying and piercing roar. The prative power of its voice was astonishing, instantly echoing throughout several kilometers around.


    In an instant.


    "Roar~"


    "Howl!" In the dense forest, the roars of the Flying Serpents rose and fell in rapid session.


    Even the sound traveled into the fog of the valley, causing a series of roars to echo through the mist.


    "Damn," Li Yuan gritted his teeth, realizing that by sheer bad luck, the two Flying Serpents were outside his sensory range.


    And just as he emerged from the cave, they were fixated on this very spot.


    Whiz! Whiz! Whiz!


    Several Flying Serpents pped their wings, their speed instantly soared, and they rushed toward Li Yuan with a howl, as if filled with endless fury.


    Boom!


    Li Yuan didn''t care about remaining hidden anymore. He exerted force with his legs, and his speed soared to a terrifying degree, quickly surpassing 70 meters per second, and breaking through 100 meters per second after two seconds.


    "Rumble~" Under the burst of terrifying speed, the air vibrated violently, creating a series of noises, and along the path, small trees fell to the ground with a crash.


    Countless pebbles flew chaotically.


    ...Li Yuan, at full speed, vanished in a few shes, shaking off several Flying Serpents.


    But immediately after, his path was blocked by even more Flying Serpents in front. One by one, the Flying Serpents moved their massive bodies, lunging over to attack.


    "Die."


    Li Yuan burst forth without hesitation, his spear leaving a trail of continuous images, and spears of light suddenly erupted.


    St~ St~


    Li Yuan''s spearhead was small, but when he struck these Flying Serpents, his spear moved at several times the speed of sound... just like bullets hitting a human body.


    With one thrust, if it pierced the head of a Flying Serpent, the head would explode.


    If it stabbed into their bodies, it would leave a huge wound, or even sever them at the waist.


    Not one Flying Serpent could block Li Yuan''s path as he fled for his life.


    ...


    After killing dozens of Flying Serpents of varying strength.


    Li Yuan fled frantically, only stopping after covering over ten kilometers through the forest and feeling no more Flying Serpents continued the chase, slowing his pace.


    Only after escaping another five or six kilometers did hee to aplete halt, sitting on a huge rock and silently regting his body''s energy.


    "Lucky there were no Second Rank Flying Serpents, otherwise it would have been really troublesome." Li Yuan muttered.


    He looked at his arm, which now had one bar of signal, and dialed themunication line on his smart ring again.


    This time, after waiting nearly twenty seconds.


    "Beep~" Li Yuan finally got through.


    It wasn''t a video call, just a voicemunication.


    "Li Yuan, what''s the matter?" The voice of Liu Jing came through themunication, not loud, and somewhat deep.


    "Senior, I''ve basically figured out the situation in the Flying Serpent Valley and now I''m hoping to get support from the base." Li Yuan said earnestly.


    This was the choice Li Yuan had made.


    If he waited for Xue Shu and the Tianliang n warriors to fight the Flying Serpent tribe, it might work, but the chances were greater it wouldn''t, and it was extremely dangerous.


    "Fortune favors the bold, but also at the risk of losing everything," Li Yuan recited in his heart.


    Instead of taking an overly risky n, it''s better to be prudent.


    Even if the gain is a lot less, the advantage is safety and stability¡ªalive, one has everything.


    "Oh? What''s the situation?" Liu Jing''s voice seemed to carry a hint of surprise.


    "After I arrived at Flying Serpent Valley..." Li Yuan quickly reported all the intelligence he had gathered.


    And sent some of the exploration footage.


    There was nothing to hide.


    Since he had decided to ask for reinforcements, informing them of everything he knew so as not to lead the outpost base to misjudge was the right choice to make.


    "Two Second Rank Flying Serpents? Nearly mature Soul-Nurturing Ancient Spirit Fruits?" Liu Jing''s voice carried a tint of surprise, seemingly quite shocked, "There are such treasures in the Flying Serpent Valley?"


    "Correct, absolutely certain," Li Yuan affirmed.


    There was a long silence on the other end of themunication.


    "Li Yuan, I will rush over as quickly as I can," Liu Jing''s voice sounded again, "Before I get there, do not startle anything or go up against the Tianliang n''s people, understand?"


    "Understood."

 Chapter 222 : 181 Liu Jings Decision (Add more 3)

    ```


    After hanging up themunication,


    "Liu Jing is personallying? It seems that this ten-meter-tall Soul-Nurturing Ancient Spirit Wood is indeed precious enough to make an exception for them," Li Yuan thought to himself.


    Li Yuan was aware that the outpost base had its own operating rules and convincing a First Rank Martial Artist with Fourth Level skills to willingly stay forever in a Star Realm nearly as deste as The Wilderness was very difficult.


    Moreover, the number of Prime Warriors in the Human Race civilization of the Seven Stars was limited, and there were many directions in which to allocate resources.


    Treasures and materials are resources.


    Powerful beings like Prime Warriors and Flying Heaven Warriors are also a resource.


    Therefore, at a ce like Outpost Base No. 3, the number of Prime Warriors was limited and they would not take action unless absolutely necessary.


    Otherwise, if they were to die outside, causing a loss of high-endbat power, it could easily trigger a chain reaction that could lead to the entire base''s destruction.


    "Within 1000 kilometers of the outpost base is a line drawn by the upper echelons of Xia Country for the base," Li Yuan mused, "Within this 1000 kilometer range, Prime Warriors can intervene in some special situations."


    For example, when establishing a high-value resource point.


    Or for¡ªHeavenly Materials Treasures worth over a billion.


    Or when targeting a high-value treasure.


    "It''s 900 kilometers from the base," Li Yuan pondered, "If not using a flying vehicle and going at full speed, a Prime Warrior should be able to arrive within five hours."


    900 kilometers across mountains and 900 kilometers over in are two different concepts.


    "I wonder if Liu Jing ising alone or if there will be multiple Prime Warriors? Or is he bringing other First Rank Martial Artists, or even some heavy weaponry?" Li Yuan wondered to himself.


    Li Yuan did not wish to think further.


    He stood up and moved even further away, finding a more concealed cave.


    He began to cultivate in peace.


    He still hadn''t practiced today''s "All Heavens'' Stars" "Great Sun Starry Sky Scripture."


    Moreover, his previous cultivation was only enough to slightly alleviate physical fatigue.


    "Five or six hours."


    "Before Liu Jing arrives, I''ll try to restore my strength to its peak to avoid making mistakes in a great battle," Li Yuan closed his eyes and meditated, focusing on his cultivation.


    Of course, most of Li Yuan''s spiritual power still stayed alert to the outside, wary of a potential surprise attack.


    ...


    In the small cave where Li Yuan was cultivating, about two kilometers away, in a quiet and dense forest,


    "That was close."


    "He almost detected me," the figure dressed in a blue-green Battle Garment looked at the disconnected smart ring watch and shook his head slightly, "This kid is really something."


    With a swish, the Battle Garment receded, revealing an age-worn face¡ªit was indeed Liu Jing.


    The one who had been secretly following and protecting Li Yuan was Liu Jing himself.


    Shortly after Li Yuan left Observation Point No. 19, Liu Jing started out from the war base immediately ording to the n, catching up with Li Yuan while he was in secluded cultivation on the cliff.


    Because of this,


    when Li Yuan called Liu Jing, it took nearly 20 seconds for Liu Jing to connect.


    Because he had to move away a bit to avoid detection by Li Yuan.


    Secret protection.


    But one must never let the protected feel this protection, so that they don''t develop a psychological dependence, thus achieving the greatest possible honing and protection.


    "Unexpected."


    "There are such rare and precious treasures hidden in Flying Serpent Valley?" Liu Jing murmured to himself, shaking his head slightly: "I didn''t dare to dive deeper earlier and failed to notice."


    Liu Jing had to admit that even with the enhancement of a special Battle Garment, when it came to Stealth, he was no match for Li Yuan.


    Just now, when Li Yuan explored deeper, Liu Jing only dared to descend about 800 meters into the canyon before he stopped daring to go further.


    Continue ahead? He would likely have been discovered by the Flying Serpents.


    No other way.


    Whether it was spiritual power or skills, Li Yuan far surpassed him, and Li Yuan''s Battle Garment had extremely strong support functions as well.


    "Yet, besides the treasure, there are also two Second Rank Flying Serpents?" A glint of cold light shed in Liu Jing''s eyes.


    Compared to the Soul-Nurturing Ancient Spirit Wood, Liu Jing was more concerned about the presence of Second Rank Alien Race beings.


    He could fully foresee.


    If he did not intervene, the ck Feather Flying Serpent Race would definitely expand wildly from Flying Serpent Valley in all directions sooner orter...inevitably leading to a fierce conflict with Outpost Base No. 3.


    This was the experience he had gained from fighting numerous wars against many Alien Races during more than thirty years stationed in the Mingxu Star Realm.


    That was also the reason for delineating a 1000-kilometer range of influence for the base.


    Only if there were no Second Rank Alien Races within this range could they continue to avoid conflict with more distant and more powerful Alien Civilizations.


    They could keep a low profile.


    If a Second Rank Alien Race arose within the range of influence? Then they would strike down the newly emerged threat as soon as possible!


    "However, facing the temptation of a treasure worth tens of billions, Li Yuan actually resisted the internal lure, taking no risks and staying cautious. That''s quite rare," Liu Jing thought to himself, "His strength is also rmingly great."


    "The data shows that he''s only at level 16.5, but judging from his progress through battle, he''s probably close to level 19 now...truly mysterious," Liu Jing shook his head slightly.


    Regarding Li Yuan''s specialty, he would report it, but he would not proactively ask Li Yuan, nor was he inclined to delve deeper.


    No other reason!


    It was pointless.


    Having been stationed in the Mingxu Star Realm for thirty years, his cultivation had already reached a bottleneck... Liu Jing was quite indifferent to many things.


    In Liu Jing''s view,


    as long as Li Yuan did not betray the Human Race, what did it matter if he had some secrets or fortunate encounters? How was it his concern?


    After some thought,


    Humm~


    Liu Jing activated his smart ring watch and dialed anothermunication, connecting quickly.


    "Old Liu," a cold female voice answered.


    "I''m now in Flying Serpent Valley..." Liu Jing quickly recounted the situation, only omitting the Soul-Nurturing Ancient Spirit Wood: "This ce is extremely valuable, perhaps worthy of establishing another outpost base."


    "Or even a ''breeding area,''" Liu Jing said.


    "A breeding area?" The woman''s voice carried a hint of surprise.


    The Human Civilization in numerous Star Realms and a vast number of Foreign Civilizations were also upying many Star Realms... Their presence in most Star Realms was solely for warfare.

 Chapter 223 : 181 Liu Jings Decision (Add more 3)_2

    But they would also choose some appropriate Star Realms to send in arge number of ordinary people for reproduction¡­ This is known as the breeding area.


    However, establishing a stable breeding area is extremely difficult.


    "This is just a hypothesis," Liu Jing said with a slight smile, "after all, don''t we in the Evesting Mingxu Star Realm wish to see more Prime Warriors, or even Flying Heaven Warriors? Only by bing a breeding area can our outpost be like a regr city, or even ultimately our second homnd."


    "My lifelong wish is to see our Seven Stars human civilization truly gain a foothold in the Mingxu Star Realm, instead of being ready to evacuate at any moment as we are now," Liu Jing dered.


    The woman fell silent.


    Indeed!


    The four major outposts of the Seven Stars human civilization are all ready to be evacuated at any time.


    But while others can retreat, where can the few Prime Warriors go? Nowhere.


    "What do you want me to do?" the woman asked.


    "Bring over the exploration teams, the First Warrior Squadron, the environmental data team, the First Mechanical Squad, the Second Mechanical Squad¡­ All of them," Liu Jing said in one breath, "I want to establish a vanguard camp here and produce an ''investigation report'' as quickly as possible."


    "All of them?"


    "Once lost outside, the alliance won''t replenish our forces in a short time," the woman was shocked again, "Are you so confident? Can you get Han Chong to agree?"


    "That''s why I just need your agreement, two against one," Liu Jing smiled, "Whether he opposes or not, it doesn''t matter much."


    The woman had nothing to say.


    "I''m old, and I can''t fight many battles," Liu Jing said indifferently, "This time we must contend with the Tianliang n, 900 kilometers from our base, and only 1400 kilometers from theirs¡­ The sooner the better, to let the higher-ups make up their minds early and start allocating resources here as soon as possible."


    "One day earlier we establish aplete base defense system here, and the Tianliang n will be helpless," Liu Jing said.


    He had long had this idea.


    After pondering for a while.


    "Good." Through themunication device, the woman finally agreed, "I will devise a n as quickly as possible¡­ but with such arge team and many researchers having weaker strength, they all want to arrive without fail. Even with mechanical teams paving the way¡­ It is estimated to take three days to arrive."


    A distance of 900 kilometers.


    Many members of the alien race obstruct the way, and it''s very difficult for an outpost to remotely transport so many people.


    "Good," Liu Jing knew that three days was already extremely fast.


    A single Prime Warrior''s action and the movement of nearly a thousand people are two different concepts.


    He ended the call.


    "Li Yuan is here; with his strength, he should be safe for the time being."


    "Let''s firstpletely eliminate the people in that Tianliang n outpost," Liu Jing frowned slightly, "Li Yuan started killing and asking questions just now, and made such a bigmotion that echoed through half of the Flying Serpent Valley. As long as the Tianliang n isn''t stupid, they must have already noticed."


    Having already startled the snake in the grass, there''s no need for restraint anymore.


    Thunderous deterrence is the best strategy.


    However, Liu Jing knew that once he cleared out the opposition, the Tianliang n might be too frightened toe back, or they might send their own Prime Warriors to contest.


    "We can only take a gamble."


    Whoosh!


    Liu Jing''s figure moved, his Battle Garment appeared, enveloping his entire body, and he quickly disappeared into the woods.


    He made his way stealthily towards the Tianliang n outpost.


    ...


    More than ten minutester.


    "No one left?" Liu Jing looked down at the deserted Tianliang n outpost below and couldn''t help but shake his head, "They are smart, retreating so quickly."


    ...


    More than ten kilometers away from the outpost.


    A burly man named ''Logan'' was leading the less than ten remaining Tianliang n warriors in a frantic escape.


    "Captain, do we need to evacuate in such a hurry?" A Tianliang n warrior couldn''t help but say, "Even if the Seven Stars human race''s Prime Warriors arrive, there''s no need to rush like this."


    They had just been woken up from their sleep by Logan.


    "Captain, what about Carson and the others? They haven''t returned yet," another Tianliang n warrior couldn''t help asking.


    They took turns going out for inquiry.


    Therefore, when they retreated to escape with their lives, the three who went to inquire in the Flying Serpent Valley were not able to evacuate in time.


    "Idiots."


    "If the Seven Stars human race has arrived, they must be confident in taking the Flying Serpent Valley. Lord Xue Shu himself has already fled. If they discover us, do you think we can withstand them?" Logan said coldly.


    The group of Tianliang n warriors fell silent.


    """


    "I even suspect that the three previously presumed to be attacked by the Flying Serpent were killed by the experts of the Seven Stars human race," Logan shook his head and said, "As for Carson and his twopanions? They''ve been messaged. It''s up to their own skill to escape death now."


    "We should withdraw ourselves."


    The many Tianliang n warriors dared not utter a sound.


    The direct abandonment of the three made them all feel a chill.


    "Additionally, report this news to Lord Xue Shu, telling him that we risked espionage and discovered traces of arge group of Seven Stars human race warriors, including a suspected Second Rank expert, remember it''s suspected, unconfirmed... This is the truth, have you all got it?" Logan''s icy gaze swept over his subordinates, "I hope everyone can share in this merit."


    The many Tianliang n warriors looked at each other and said in unison, "Yes."


    ...


    About 300 kilometers away from Flying Serpent Valley, in an inconspicuous gorge, arge number of Tianliang n warriors were stationed.


    "Second Rank experts from the Seven Stars human race are here?"


    "The Seven Stars human civilization must have discovered the secret of Flying Serpent Valley," A bizarrely dressed young man named ''Xue Shu'' looked at the message from Logan with cold eyes, "There''s no peaceful way out."


    He had also discovered the Soul-Nurturing Ancient Spirit Wood.


    But it was through analysis of some signs, rather than a direct inquiry into the bottom like Li Yuan, so he was unaware of the existence of a Second Rank Flying Serpent.


    Therefore, Xue Shu had been intending to monopolize the treasure and had been making preparations.


    He had not informed the Tianliang n''s higher-ups in the Mingxu Star Realm previously.


    "By myself, I''m destined not to get it," Xue Shu shook his head slightly and immediately switched on themunication device.


    1100 kilometers from the main base,munication was already possible.


    ...


    About 1400 kilometers away from Flying Serpent Valley, there was a small city with a sci-fi feel to it, which, like the ''outpost base'' of the Seven Stars human civilization, was also hidden withinrge mountain ranges, surrounded by jungle.


    It would not be easily detected.


    Here was the main Tianliang n stronghold in the Mingxu Star Realm, where arge number of cultivators gathered.


    Inside the stronghold, in a small meeting room, several figures d in white gathered, each emitting an extraordinary aura.


    They all surrounded arge holographic projection.


    "The current situation is as follows."


    A figure in casual attire slowly said, "Xue Shu is a core disciple of the Divine Pce and would not tell lies. The Soul-Nurturing Ancient Spirit Wood is not that important in itself."


    "The key is therge quantity of live blood-source Lingzhi mushrooms. If they could mature and be mass-produced, this would definitely be a treasure trove."


    "I even suspect that there are other secrets at the bottom of Flying Serpent Valley, worth our paying any price," the casually dressed figure continued, "My decision is to fight for it with all our might. Do you agree?"


    "Agree!"


    "Agree!"


    "Abstain."


    "Good, six votes in favor, one abstention," the casually dressed figure said, "Execute immediately."


    "Right now, we''ve lost the initiative."


    "The mechanical troops can only be dispatched as backup; we must first mobilize an elite team... Delgado, Mo Li, the two of you will head there at full speed, join Xue Shu and his team and do your best to obstruct the actions of the Seven Stars human race team."


    "Our subsequent forces will arrive as quickly as possible."


    ...


    Time ticked away second by second.


    On the outskirts of Flying Serpent Valley, Li Yuan was quietly cultivating.


    After more than two hours of practicing the "Observing the Great Sun Starry Sky Scripture," he continued his training with the "All Heavens'' Stars," guiding Origin Power into his body, propelling his Physical Quality to further improvement.


    "[Your Life Level has risen from 19.0 to 19.1]"


    "[Your strength, from...]" The Divine Pce panel shed with several prompts in session.


    Sigh!


    Li Yuan noticed this: "The great battle is near, and my strength has increased slightly, which is good."


    The infusion of Origin Power into the body was not always avable; most of the time, he still had to rely on step by step cultivation.


    Another hour went by.


    "Hm?" Li Yuan''s spirit perceived something, sensing a powerful presence getting within a hundred meters, causing the hairs on his body to stand on end and his mind to instantly go on high alert.


    Subconsciously.


    Li Yuan already had a firm grip on the long spear before him, with Star Meridian Origin Power flowing in his body, ready to explode at any moment.


    "Li Yuan," a deep voice sounded.

 Chapter 224 : 182 The Battle Begins

    "Senior Liu Jing," Li Yuan said with a flicker of joy in his heart as he heard the familiar voice and instantly emerged from the dark cave.


    Standing dozens of meters away was the blue-d elder, none other than Liu Jing himself.


    Subconsciously, Li Yuan used the Divine Pce Inquiry to confirm that there was no mistake, a 24.2 level Prime Warrior.


    He didn''t receive a Spiritual Nature warning; it was a person of the Seven Star Human Race.


    This was a point mentioned by a teacher in a general knowledge ss: when adventuring in the Star Realm, always stay vignt, never let sess and joy cloud your mind.


    "You''ve hidden yourself quite well; if I hadn''t located you using my smart ring, I might have had trouble finding you," Liu Jing said with a chuckle.


    Li Yuan couldn''t help but smile, "Senior, how did you get here so quickly?"


    From the time he had reported in to now, it hadn''t even been five hours.


    "After receiving the message, I discussed it with two othermanding officers and then set out immediately, making my way here as fast as I could," Liu Jing said gravely. "Also, I''ve already checked out the Tianliang n dwelling you mentioned, ording to the information on your map... It''s already deserted."


    "Deserted?" Li Yuan expressed his surprise.


    "I observed the surroundings just now and found many Flying Serpent corpses around the outskirts of Flying Serpent Valley; they must be from the battle you left behind," Liu Jing said. "I guess themotion must have scared them off, causing them to retreat quickly."


    "Senior, you''re wise," Li Yuan said with a smile.


    "Alright, stop ttering me," Liu Jing said with a smile. "I''ve already done a preliminary survey of Flying Serpent Valley and can initially confirm the uracy of your information. There''s a substantial growth of Blood-Nurturing Source Lingzhi on the canyon walls... I''ve sent a message back,manding the main force from the base toe here; they should arrive within three days."


    "Senior, that''s impressive," Li Yuan said, genuinely amazed and increasingly respectful. "In such a short time, senior has aplished so much; I am full of admiration."


    In less than five hours, to havee from the base and then to investigate and explore the surroundings.


    Such dedication!


    "It''s all part of my duties; as amanding officer, I naturally cannot ck off," Liu Jing replied, unfazed.


    But in fact, Liu Jing had been resting not far away all these hours, adjusting his state of well-being.


    Feeling that his body had returned to peak condition, he immediately sought Li Yuan out.


    "Senior, what should we do next?" Li Yuan asked.


    "Based on the information you provided, if Flying Serpent Valley is indeed suitable for therge-scale growth of ''Blood-Nurturing Source Lingzhi,'' then it would be worth it for our Xia Country to invest significant resources," Liu Jing said. "Spending hundreds of billions of Blue Star Coins, or even more, on building a war base here would be worth it."


    Li Yuan nodded in agreement.


    Indeed, Blood-Nurturing Source Lingzhi might not be highly valuable individually, but what if you could produce tens or even hundreds of thousands of them each year?


    In a way, its value exceeds that of the Soul-Nurturing Ancient Spirit Wood.


    Because the Soul-Nurturing Ancient Spirit Wood can only help a few Martial Artists.


    However, a continuous supply of Blood-Nurturing Source Lingzhi could enable thousands of Martial Artists to grow faster.


    "Of course, I''m no expert; we''ll have to wait for those scientists toe over for testing," Liu Jing said.


    Li Yuan nodded slightly; professional matters should be left to the professionals.


    "In our next moves, there are some things we need to be aware of," Liu Jing said. "First is the strength of the Tianliang n."


    "Didn''t they already withdraw?" Li Yuan asked, puzzled.


    "Didn''t you say that Xue Shu had explored the Flying Serpent Valley?" Liu Jing said seriously. "We must consider the worst-case scenario in encounters with enemies, assuming that Xue Shu discovered the Soul-Nurturing Ancient Spirit Wood too... He perhaps wanted to swallow the Soul-Nurturing Ancient Spirit Fruit alone, which is why he hasn''t reported it to the high levels of the Tianliang n yet."


    "Of course, there are many contradictions. Even if he is a 19-level genius, it would be difficult for him to defeat two Second Rank Flying Serpents," Liu Jing added.


    Li Yuan couldn''t help but nod, this was indeed a puzzling point.


    However, neither Liu Jing nor Li Yuan knew that Xue Shu,cking Li Yuan''s stealth ability, waspletely unaware of the Second Rank Flying Serpents at the bottom of Flying Serpent Valley.


    "Regardless."


    "He has been scared off by you for now, and assuming he reports to the high echelons of the Tianliang n, will theye to contend?" Liu Jing looked at Li Yuan.


    "Flying Serpent Valley is much closer to our Seven Stars Human Race''s forward outpost base." Li Yuan hesitated a bit.


    "But the Tianliang n has stronger strength and remote deployment capabilities," Liu Jing sighed. "Otherwise, how would they dare to strike at Observation Point 19?"


    Li Yuan''s heart grew cold.


    Indeed, the Tianliang n''s forces in Mingxu Star Realm were more formidable.


    "But as you''ve said, the proximity is our advantage." Liu Jing smiled. "Even if the Prime Warriors of the Tianliang n want to rush over, it will still take some time."


    "What we need to do is use this time to snatch the three Soul-Nurturing Ancient Spirit Fruits."


    "Although Flying Serpent Valley is highly valuable, that is in respect to an entire country, an entire civilization," Liu Jing solemnly said. "If we achieve a great feat, should we manage to establish a ntation base in the future, as the first discoverers, we will receive a share of the profits for the next 20 years...


    but in the short term, the profits are far less than those from the Soul-Nurturing Ancient Spirit Fruits."


    "Understood." Li Yuan nodded.


    Flying Serpent Valley was highly valuable, but it would require Xia Country and even the Seven Star Alliance to invest significant resources for it to be effective.


    For powerful Martial Artists? The usefulness was minimal.


    Whereas the three Soul-Nurturing Ancient Spirit Fruits could directly tens of billions of Blue Star Coins.


    "After the grab, ording to Alliance rules, you, as the finder, will get 20%, and the remaining 80% will be divided ording to our contribution," Liu Jing smiled. "No objections, right?"


    "No objections," Li Yuan shook his head.


    If he had gone alone, he wouldn''t have been able to get even 1%, but now he was guaranteed at least one Soul-Nurturing Ancient Spirit Fruit, so naturally, he had no objections.


    "You didn''t discuss this with the other twomanders?" Li Yuan couldn''t help asking.


    "No need to say anything, they can''te. There are only three Prime Warriors at the base; we can''t all leave," Liu Jing said indifferently. "We also don''t have the time to wait for other First Rank Martial Artists, who wouldn''t be much help anyway."


    "Alright, I''ll follow the senior''s arrangements," Li Yuan nodded.


    With other Prime Warriors whom he had only met a few times, Li Yuan would be very cautious, but he held a good deal of respect for Liu Jing,


    In the face of a Prime Warrior who had willingly defended a part of the country for thirty years, Li Yuan believed that the other party was not likely to betray him over a few Soul-Nurturing Ancient Spirit Fruits.


    Of course, Li Yuan also remembered his teacher''s words: even with trust in others, one must keep a reserve. Li Yuan had his own measures secretly in ce, for one must never be without the caution against others.


    In the Star Realm, Martial Artists killing each other was not anyone''s concern.


    "My n is quite simple," Liu Jing said. "You will voluntarily descend into Flying Serpent Valley."


    "The deeper the better."


    "Your stealth ability is stronger than mine, you''re responsible for sneaking as close as possible to the Soul-Nurturing Ancient Spirit Wood," Liu Jing looked at Li Yuan. "Then I will make a move from high above the canyon, drawing the two Second Rank Flying Serpents and other serpents towards me... You are responsible for taking the opportunity to seize the Soul-Nurturing Ancient Spirit Fruits."


    "After the grab, if you haven''t been discovered, then escape stealthily on your own."


    "Once you''ve sessfully escaped, signal me, and I''ll find a way to leave."


    "If you''re discovered after the heist, in the short term, with your strength, ordinary First Rank Flying Serpents should pose little threat to you."


    "Then immediately flee my way, and I''ll lead you out," Liu Jing said.


    "What about you, senior?" Li Yuan hesitated.


    ```


    The n sounds simple.


    But the biggest premise is that Liu Jing must be able to withstand the siege of two Second Rank Flying Serpents and tens of thousands of First Rank ones.


    "Haha, looking down on me?" Liu Jingughed, "Although I cannot kill tens of thousands of Flying Serpents alone, it''s very easy for me to just dy them a bit before helping you escape."


    Li Yuan nodded slightly, feeling relieved.


    As a 24th Level Prime Warrior and having held a position of power for decades, Senior Liu''s considerations were surely moreprehensive than his own.


    "In fact, if we weren''t pressed for time and worried about the Second Rank Flying Serpents directly destroying the Soul-Nurturing Ancient Spirit Fruit..."


    "We could''ve waited for the arrival of the mechanical troops and used heavy weaponry to ughter the Flying Serpent swarm on arge scale," Liu Jing said, "The Flying Serpent swarm is weak, not worth mentioning."


    Li Yuan was speechless.


    The Flying Serpent swarm is weak? That''s only rtive to the war machine of Xia Country.


    Soon.


    Li Yuan and Liu Jing discussed some details, checking time, location, escape routes, and emergency ns one by one.


    They set off immediately.


    ...


    Two suns hung high in the sky, bathing thend in light and making the dense, rolling fog within the Flying Serpent Valley seem to dissipate considerably.


    d in their Battle Garments, Li Yuan and Liu Jing had stealthily reached the edge of the canyon.


    Looking down from here, they could already spot numerous traces of Flying Serpents in the gorge.


    "Let''s begin," Liu Jing said in a low voice.


    "Okay," Li Yuan nodded slightly, with his Battle Garment cloaked in ck and green to blend in with the environment as much as possible.


    He gripped his Long Spear.


    Whoosh! With a move, Li Yuan slid down along the vines towards the Flying Serpent Valley.


    This was his second infiltration, following a familiar route; it could be said he knew the road well, and his speed was much faster thanst time.


    In just two minutes, Li Yuan had descended over 300 meters,pletely disappearing into the mist.


    "This young fellow really is formidable, his Stealth abilities... Unity of Heaven and Man," Liu Jing looked down, secretly impressed, as even with his keen sight, he could no longer see Li Yuan''s position.


    Of course, the deeper he went, the slower he moved.


    15 minutester, the Flying Serpent Valley remained as calm as ever, with only the asional roars of Flying Serpents.


    "Hasn''t he reached the designated position yet?" Liu Jing was slightly worried in his heart.


    Suddenly.


    Hum~ A slight vibration on the smart band on Liu Jing''s arm showed a number¡ª0!


    0, means all is safe, everything is going as nned.


    1, means encountered difficulties, please wait.


    2, means request for support.


    Liu Jing''s thoughts moved and he sent back a "0" through the shing light screen, then the Battle Garment wrapped around the smart band, turning himpletely ck.


    Only his eyes faintly shone through.


    Swish! He drew his Combat Saber from his back and, holding a shield in the other hand, Liu Jing felt a surge of heated blood boiling inside him.


    "Haha, it''s been a while since I''ve experienced such a big battle," Liu Jing murmured to himself.


    Without concealing himself, Liu Jing stood up.


    Whoosh!


    Liu Jing leaped from the kilometer-high cliff, turning into a terrifying streak of light plunging downwards, with gravity and his own strength increasing his speed to nearly 200 meters per second in an instant.


    Boom! The terrifying speed caused the air to explode with a roar that spread in all directions.


    The sound made many Flying Serpents on the cliffside instinctively look up above.


    "Boom!"


    Like a meteor collision, two massive Flying Serpents about 300 meters below on the cliffside were instantly split in half by Liu Jing''s descending Combat Saber.


    Blood sttered everywhere, and with Liu Jing continuing to fall down the cliff, the horrific impact caused countless rocks to shatter and shoot out in all directions.


    "Kill!" Liu Jing''s eyes were ice-cold, with a powerful push from his legs, he shed nearly a hundred meters across the cliffside in a blur.


    "Puchi~" Another Level 18 Flying Serpent was killed midair, its massive body ripped into pieces.


    Flesh and blood fell everywhere.


    "Roar!"


    "Roar!" Finally, across the entire Flying Serpent Valley, the ear-splitting roars of hundreds, maybe thousands of Flying Serpents echoed, as if facing a mortal enemy.


    The sound spread rapidly, reaching the cliffs on both sides of the Flying Serpent Valley and even deeper within it.


    At this moment.


    Tens of thousands of Flying Serpents realized¡ªSecond Rank! A Second Rank Alien had arrived!!


    Within seconds.


    Boom! Boom! Boom! Flying Serpents burst through the fog, shrieking as their wings shed, rushing out.


    Almost at the same time.


    On the cliffs on both sides, even more Flying Serpents swiftly emerged, spreading their wings, with sharp eyes quickly targeting Liu Jing waiting on the cliffside.


    Swoosh! Swoosh! The Flying Serpents diving down from above were even faster, each one charging toward Liu Jing.


    "Haha, bring it on," Liu Jing revealed a cold smile.


    Boom! His body seemed to be engulfed in a zing fire, as if he were a War God!!


    ...


    At the bottom of the canyon, about 1200 meters down.


    A nondescript ck and green figure was lurking in the vines.


    "It''s started," Li Yuan held his breath, as Flying Serpents from the caves around him dashed out frenziedly.


    They filled the sky.


    The horrendous number of the entire Flying Serpent swarm burst forth at this moment.


    ```

 Chapter 225 : 183: Forcible Entry! Kill! Kill!

    Boom! Boom! Countless flying serpents burst out from the cave, fiercely wing their way up the mountain wall with the aid of their wings and talons amid roaring sounds, all at astonishing speeds.


    The flying serpent swarm, despite the lower intelligence of the First Rank flying serpentspared to ordinary humans, had their ownnguage forplexmunication within the group.


    In a sense, this was a ratherplete flying serpent kingdom.


    This scene made Li Yuan hold his breath.


    During his first exploration, Li Yuan had pondered what scene would unfold if they were forcefully taken... Now, it seemed the level of danger was multiple times that of his prediction.


    Keep in mind that even though these flying serpents were only at level 15, each charge could exert tens of thousands of kilograms of force.


    Those at levels 18, 19, were even capable of unleashing tens of thousands of kilograms of force. With tens of thousands of flying serpents bursting forth, and Liu Jing remaining on the cliff face, his ability to dodge was greatly reduced.


    Right! With a single move, Liu Jing could kill a flying serpent.


    But just as a tiger dealing with ordinary humans, it would certainly be one strike per person.


    If thousands of ordinary humans were to attack a tiger without fear of death, even if unarmed, they would eventually beat the tiger to death.


    The disparity between Liu Jing and an ordinary flying serpent was even greater than that between a tiger and an ordinary human.


    But there were simply too many flying serpents.


    "Wait a moment! The Second Rank flying serpents are still below." Li Yuan remained prostrate in his original spot.


    Because he was holding a long spear, he was a bigger target and easier to reveal.


    This moment allowed no mistakes.


    ording to the n with senior Liu Jing, unless the two Second Rank flying serpents moved, he could not descend to the bottom of the canyon.


    Boom! Boom! In the narrow Flying Serpent Valley resembling a gorge, the sounds of explosions echoed continuously.


    Following that.


    Crash! Boom! Like falling objects from the sky, massive flying serpents, with their heads severed, bodies torn in half, or frames sted open, tumbled down.


    Their bodies hit the protruding boulders with a ''thud,'' instantly bing a bloody mess, and then continued to roll downward.


    Countless fragments of rock also began to fall, turning the air above the Flying Serpent Valley into a blood rain for a while.


    ...


    About 1500 meters above the canyon''s bottom on the mountainside.


    This was a slope, also the battlefield specifically chosen by Liu Jing, where protruding stones on the slope were better suited for him to exert force and dodge.


    "Roar!"


    "Growl~" As many flying serpents attacked frenziedly, Liu Jing activated his battle garment and, like a ck lightning, easily dodged the flying serpents.


    Even when he asionally couldn''t dodge, his robust physical quality allowed him to endure easily.


    Conversely, many of the flying serpents, although seeminglyrge in size, would inevitably die if struck by Liu Jing''s sword.


    Even those that collided with Liu Jing''s body were dealt heavy blows.


    This is what it means to be a Prime Warrior!


    Under normal circumstances, it''s easy for a regr Prime Warrior to sweep away hundreds or thousands of First Rank creatures.


    Numerous bodies of the flying serpents continued to tumble down.


    ...


    At the canyon''s bottom, beside the approximately ten-meter tall Soul-Nurturing Ancient Spirit Wood, two massive flying serpents slowly raised their heads.


    They had been awakened earlier but were reluctant to leave the Soul-Nurturing Ancient Spirit Wood.


    Two Second Rank flying serpents.


    "Huff¡ªhuff¡ª" Compared to other flying serpents, these were the true behemoths, their bodies stretching nearly forty meters from head to long tail.


    Their midsection was especially thick, with talons like metal cast, gleaming and extremely sharp.


    Most noticeable were their heads, with slightly raised horns as if proiming their royal status.


    Flying serpents?


    No!


    As they propped up their massive bodies on their talons, standing ten meters high with wings spread wide and eclipsing the sky, they seemed more like two fearsome dragons than mere serpents!


    "Thump~" One of the Second Rank flying serpents beat its wings fiercely, instantly stirring up a terrifying gust and deflecting a flying serpent''s corpse that was falling from the sky to one side, avoiding hitting the Soul-Nurturing Ancient Spirit Wood.


    "Roar~"


    "Roar~" The two Second Rank flying serpents let out a series of low roars, and from the cascading roars of the flying serpents above, they roughly understood the situation¡ªThe enemy was too powerful, and the First Rank flying serpents suffered heavy casualties.


    "Growl~" Apanied by a strange roar from one of the Second Rank flying serpents,


    Quickly.


    Boom! Boom!


    Dozens ofrge flying serpents over 20 meters in length darted out from the caves at the bottom of the canyon. They quickly began to crawl on the ground, prostrating themselves in front of the two gigantic Second Rank flying serpents, as if showing submission.


    Boom! Boom!


    The two Second Rank flying serpents'' bodies shone with blue gleams, and then they shot upward at high speed, their velocity astonishingly quick.


    Flying!


    The Second Rank flying serpents, assisted by Origin Power, flew at an incredible rate, causing shock waves to spread in all directions.


    "Rumble~" The explosion of the two Second Rank flying serpents created a whirlwind that sted in all directions, passing over where Li Yuan was hiding.


    Li Yuan clung to the cliff face,pressing his aura to its utmost, blending into the surrounding vines as if bing one with them.


    He knew the critical moment had arrived.


    If he were to be noticed by the Second Rank flying serpents, all would be lost.


    Boom! Boom!


    The two Second Rank flying serpents did not detect Li Yuan as they swiftly swept past and disappeared into the thick fog.


    "First step, sess." Li Yuan felt a surge of excitement, and with a flicker of thought, he sent a message to Liu Jing through his smart ring¡ª0!


    0, indicating safety, proceed as nned.


    "Huuff!"


    Li Yuan''s body slowly moved, continuing to feel his way towards the bottom of the canyon, where the entire flying serpent swarm was now focused on the great battle raging above.

 Chapter 226 : 183: Forcible Entry! Kill! Kill! _2

    Who could have imagined.


    A First Rank human martial artist, who seemed utterly insignificant in their eyes,


    was steadily approaching the core territory of their n.


    Yet there were still arge number of Flying Serpents rushing out of the passage, and therefore, to avoid detection, Li Yuan''s descent speed remained very slow.


    ...


    "Huff!" "Huff!" Two enormous Second Rank Flying Serpents, their flying speed was incredibly astonishing, rapidly exceeding 200 meters per second.


    They burst through theyers of fog and soared into the sky.


    "Roar!"


    "Roar~" The two Second Rank Flying Serpents let out earth-shattering roars, their elongated pupils fixed on Liu Jing on the cliff, swiftly ughtering one Flying Serpent after another.


    At this moment, tens of thousands of Flying Serpents had surrounded Liu Jing atop the cliff.


    All gazing at Liu Jing.


    With the serpents closing in, the heavens and earth seemed to turn into a dense mass of ck.


    Ordinary people upon seeing this, would likely feel dizzy and chilled to the bone.


    "Finally here." Liu Jing revealed a smile, regarding the myriad serpents as nothing, solely focusing on the two Second Rank Flying Serpents breaking through the clouds.


    Prime Warriors cannot fly.


    And now, being on the cliff, Liu Jing would certainly not take the initiative to attack the two Second Rank Flying Serpents.


    Once airborne, without anything to push against, trouble would ensue.


    For Liu Jing, battling and ughtering these Flying Serpents wasn''t the goal; dying until Li Yuan safely acquired the "Soul-Nurturing Ancient Spirit Fruit" was.


    "Boom!"


    "Boom!" The two Second Rank Flying Serpents could no longer contain themselves, their wings trembling, their massive bodies abruptly sprinted forward, streaking towards Liu Jing.


    ws whooshing.


    "Come." Liu Jing, holding his Combat Saber, stared intently.


    He didn''t have a Divine Pce control panel.


    But hisbat experience was extremely rich; just from the two Flying Serpents'' body sizes and velocity, among many other aspects, he could approximately deduce that these two Second Rank Flying Serpents were around level 22.


    At least 2 levels lower than him!


    However, in a battle between Second Rank powerhouses, due to the presence of Origin Power, each one had a much stronger life force. Even with a two-level difference, it was not an impossible fight.


    Moreover, the ability of Second Rank Flying Serpents to fly was an absolute advantage.


    "Boom!"


    "Boom!" The hundreds and thousands of First Rank Flying Serpents, also under themand of their two leaders, once again crazily rushed towards Liu Jing, attempting to limit his ability to exert his full strength.


    ...


    At the bottom of the valley, the bodies of Flying Serpents continued to fall, raining blood.


    But it was visible to the naked eye.


    The number of Flying Serpents that originally spread across all parts of the valley floor was rapidly dwindling.


    Clearly, arge number of the higher-ranking Flying Serpents had already charged toward where Liu Jing was fighting.


    The distraction n was incredibly sessful and created an opportunity for Li Yuan.


    "Fast!"


    "I must be quick! Liu Jing''s abilities are astonishing, but the cliffside is not a space suitable for his battle. Engaging head-on like this, the consumption of physical strength and Origin Power are tremendous," Li Yuan thought anxiously, elerating his descent while ensuring he remained concealed.


    He knew that Liu Jing was gambling with his life.


    In fact, if not for the worry that the Soul-Nurturing Ancient Spirit Fruit would be destroyed in the battle, Liu Jing, with his abilities, could have entirely prated into the depths of Flying Serpent Valley alone... but it would have been even more dangerous.


    Atst.


    Li Yuan descended once again until he was about 300 meters above the valley floor, where the fog hadpletely dissipated.


    He could now clearly see the situation at the bottom of the valley, and this sight left him utterly stunned.


    Because!!


    The two Second Rank Flying Serpents were gone.


    But around that one Soul-Nurturing Ancient Spirit Wood, massive Flying Serpents were coiled.


    Their bodies were particrly immense, each at least 20 meters in length.


    Each massive serpent head was raised high, watching the surroundings vigntly; their bodies encircled the Soul-Nurturing Ancient Spirit Wood within a hundred meters, encasing itpletely.


    Without leaving the slightest gap.


    "Level 19.6! Level 19.2! Level 19.4..." Li Yuan quickly deployed the Divine Pce Inquiry.


    This inquiry gave him quite the shock; the Flying Serpents guarding the valley floor all surpassed level 19, the highest even reaching level 19.9.


    They were just one step away from Second Rank.


    At a nce,


    there were more than 50 level 19 Flying Serpents, a truly terrifying guardian force, definitely second only to the two Serpent Kings within the Flying Serpent Valley.


    Facing such arge group of powerful Flying Serpents,


    without the strength of a Prime Warrior to break through, death was almost certain!!


    "What to do?" Li Yuan rapidly pondered in his mind: "With my abilities, it wouldn''t be hard to get past these Flying Serpents... but the key is how to leave?"


    These Flying Serpents were too dense; there was no more room for Li Yuan to move forward.


    He would definitely be discovered.


    After hesitating for merely a second,


    "4." Li Yuan activated his smart ring, sending four consecutive messages to Liu Jing.


    Four messages, four vibrations.


    Four vibrations meant he could no longer sneak in directly; a forceful intrusion was the only option, but there was still hope for sess.


    Just two secondster.


    "Buzz~" Li Yuan''s smart ring vibrated, disying a message of garbled text.


    It was from Liu Jing.


    One vibration signified¡ªit was time to go all out.


    "Then let''s go for it."


    "If Senior Liu Jing is confident, then let''s take the risk." Li Yuan''s eyes turned icy cold.


    The current situation was much better than before; at least there were no Second Rank Flying Serpents blocking his path.


    Going after the treasure?


    Sometimes one had to risk everything. Nothing worthwhile ever came easy in this world.


    "Boom, boom, boom~"


    In the dark chasm above, from the area shrouded in mist, came the deafening roars of Flying Serpents, with some still plummeting to the ground.


    Among them, a few particrly sharp roars easily prated the thousand-meter chasm.


    Resonating within the gorge.


    Without a doubt, those were the howls of Second Rank Flying Serpents.


    "Can''t dy any longer, with two Second Rank Flying Serpents leading so many others, Senior Liu Jing will only be more strained." Li Yuan clenched his teeth.


    With a shift in posture and aided by the darkness, he continued to probe towards the bottom of the gorge.


    The deeper he went, the darker it became.


    Given Li Yuan''s height and sticking close to the mountain wall...it was nearly impossible for the Flying Serpents to spot him.


    Whoosh!


    Silent and stealthy, Li Yuan finally found his way to the base of the chasm. It was damp and muddy, much like a swamp... but Li Yuan, covered entirely in his Battle Garment, hardly cared about such nuisances.


    "200 meters," Li Yuan whispered, lying prone in the grass, gazing at the massive Flying Serpents in the distance.


    The grass, submerged in mud and water, mostly trampled and disheveled, but it provided Li Yuan ample cover.


    The stench here was unbearable, with thousands of Flying Serpents gathered and the air hardly circting...the smell could only be imagined.


    Fortunately, the Battle Garment came with an air filter, which to some extent made it less suffocating for Li Yuan.


    "Closer."


    "The closer, the better," Li Yuan thought to himself, "It would be best to get within dozens of meters, then a sudden sprint would catch these Flying Serpents off guard."


    Li Yuan held his breath, inching closer and closer.


    In the sky above, the bodies of fallen Flying Serpents asionally plummeted, drawing the attention of many of the guarding serpents.


    Which was fortunate.


    Li Yuan and Liu Jing had roughly estimated the location of the Soul-Nurturing Ancient Spirit Wood, so the battlefield Liu Jing chose was not directly overhead, but about 200 meters away horizontally.


    Hence, the falling Flying Serpents were unlikely to hit the Soul-Nurturing Ancient Spirit Wood.


    "50 meters," Li Yuan paused again, as he dared not move further.


    In such an open space, with so many Flying Serpents present, their perception was not to be underestimated.


    Moving closer would certainly alert them.


    "Huff!"


    Li Yuan took a deep breath, his eyes firmly fixed on the ''Soul-Nurturing Ancient Spirit Wood'' behind the rows of Flying Serpent bodies, eyeing the three silver-lit fruits on it.


    Subtlety of the soul! Countless fine strands of Vigor moved.


    Origin Power circted! The Battle Garment activated.


    The next instant.


    "Boom!" Li Yuan''s legs exploded with power, propelling him like a bullet from a gun, his speed reaching a terrifying level, soaring over 100 meters per second in just one second.


    Just one second.


    In that time, Li Yuan could charge through 50 meters, breaking through the defense ring the Flying Serpents had formed.


    But these Flying Serpents, surpassing the 19th level, also had incredibly fast reaction times.


    In just a fraction of a second, as Li Yuan shot out thirty meters, the nearby serpents were already aware of his presence.


    Instinctively.


    "Ang!"


    "Roar~" Several massive Flying Serpents leapt forward with a roar, attempting to intercept the human shadow blitzing towards them like lightning.


    "Die!" Li Yuan''s eyes were fiercely sharp as his speed burst to its limit.


    Boom! He dodged the attacking ws of two Flying Serpents with the quickness of lightning.


    His Long Spear was already thrusting forward furiously.


    "Poom~"


    With a thrust of his spear, moving several times the speed of sound and unleashing a terrifying force of nearly a hundred thousand kilograms, its might far more ferocious than a cannonball, he tore a massive wound across the waist of another Flying Serpent.


    Blood spurted everywhere.


    Rip! Fully activating his Battle Garment, Li Yuan grazed past the serpent''s ripped-open wound, barreling his huge body to one side.


    And finally, he broke through their defense.


    Discover more stories at m v l e mpyr


    At this moment, the Soul-Nurturing Ancient Spirit Wood stood only a hundred meters away from Li Yuan.


    "Roar~"


    "Ang!" Then, the Flying Serpents guarding the Soul-Nurturing Ancient Spirit Wood started to howl madly.


    Wave after wave of frenzied, piercing roars echoed throughout the entire chasm.

 Chapter 227: Chapter 184: Accomplishment Complete

    Li Yuanunched a surprise attack about 50 meters away from the Flying Serpent''s alert circle, but the serpent circle surrounded the Soul-Nurturing Ancient Spirit Wood by about a hundred meters.


    Hence, amidst Li Yuan''s furious burst, in just one second he avoided the attacks from several Flying Serpents and even killed one directly, leaving him less than a hundred meters from the ancient tree.


    At this moment, the area that had been rtively quiet, with many craning their necks to watch the great battle above the canyon involving Level 19 Flying Serpents, erupted intoplete frenzy.


    "Ao~"


    "Ao~" The dozens of Flying Serpents on alert around them let out roaring cries that crazily spread in all directions.


    Their narrow, sanguine eyes were now fixed deadly on Li Yuan, wishing they could tear him apart and devour him alive without a moment''s hesitation.


    Bang! Bang! Bang! These Level 19 Flying Serpents, while roaring, were already charging toward Li Yuan with their massive bodies, trying to stop him.


    The spirit tree!


    This was not only the guardian task given to them by their three leaders but also their own deep longing.


    These Level 19 Flying Serpents were close to bing Second Rank; they all understood that to break through the constraints of their bloodline and be Second Rank Flying Serpents, they must get permission from the three leaders to eat the strange fruit from the spirit wood.


    This exceptional spirit tree was the ''treasure'' of the entire Flying Serpent tribe.


    It must not be lost.


    And the short-statured alien in front of them was here to steal it.


    No! Not steal!


    It was outright robbery!


    Oddly, the powerful serpents opposite the ancient tree didn''t rush in a straight line but circled around the Soul-Nurturing Ancient Spirit Wood, maintaining at least a seventy-meter distance as if wary of something.


    "Are you panicking?" Li Yuan''s figure was like lightning.


    The instant he broke through the defense perimeter, without any pause, his speed soared to a terrifying level, charging directly toward the Soul-Nurturing Ancient Spirit Wood.


    Li Yuan didn''t dare to linger.


    "Thirteen seconds!!"


    "It takes at least five seconds for sound to travel from the bottom of the canyon to the top," Li Yuan''s eyes were fixed on the three fruits on the Soul-Nurturing Ancient Spirit Wood: "And it''s estimated to take about eight seconds for the two Second Rank Flying Serpents to return to the bottom of the valley."


    "I have about 13 seconds to snatch the Soul-Nurturing Ancient Spirit Fruit and then make my escape," Li Yuan thought rapidly, pondering in his mind.


    Thirteen seconds were the line between life and death.


    "Swish!"


    Li Yuan''s burst of speed was astonishing, even though his velocity had greatly reduced after the collision with one of the Flying Serpents.


    But after a slight adjustment and applying Vigor with Subtlety, his speed once again soared to over a hundred meters per second.


    Faster than all the Flying Serpents present, he could evenpare with a Level 20 Prime Warrior.


    Whether it was treasure stealing or a battle for life and death.


    Victory or defeat sometimes hinged on a split second.


    In half a second, Li Yuan had once again covered 40 meters, and the Soul-Nurturing Ancient Spirit Wood was now within sight.


    Just then.


    "Bang~" As Li Yuan entered the vicinity of about 50 meters around the Soul-Nurturing Ancient Spirit Wood, without warning or any sign, his head felt as if it had been struck by a heavy hammer.


    He was momentarily stunned, his legs went soft involuntarily, and he almost stumbled to the ground.


    His movement speed also sharply decreased.


    This was Spiritual Pressure!


    "Damn!" Li Yuan was shocked inside; this was something neither he nor Liu Jing had anticipated.


    This Soul-Nurturing Ancient Spirit Wood had been releasing a terrifying ''Spiritual Pressure'' within a certain range all along.


    Facing such Spiritual Pressure, even someone with spiritual power as strong as Li Yuan felt as if they had been struck by thunder.


    One could imagine the strength of this pressure.


    "Ao!"


    "Ao~" The dozens of surrounding Flying Serpents, circling roughly sixty meters from the Soul-Nurturing Ancient Spirit Wood, saw that Li Yuan had entered the fifty-meter zone, their eyes filled with wariness, not daring to approach any closer.


    Why did they circle a hundred meters around the Soul-Nurturing Ancient Spirit Wood?


    It was because they had suffered for it before.


    Even in their memory, when the Soul-Nurturing Ancient Spirit Wood was first born, some of the weaker Flying Serpents that carelessly approached too close were literally shaken to death, their consciousness shattered.


    Their bodies showed no wounds, yet they died.


    Rare Heavenly Materials Treasures are powerful, but the rarer they are, the more dangerous they tend to be.


    "These Flying Serpents don''t dare to approach anymore?" Li Yuan noticed this.


    His spiritual power was ultimately strong, he had recovered his rity, and endured the force of the spiritual pressure.


    He continued to walk towards the Soul-Nurturing Ancient Spirit Wood.


    But most of Li Yuan''s energy had to be used to fend off the Spiritual Pressure, and his speed unconsciously slowed down.


    "Spiritual Pressure?"


    "A ten-meter-tall Soul-Nurturing Ancient Spirit Wood really is no ordinary entity," Li Yuan''s eyes revealed shock and joy: "Previously, our Seven Stars human civilization had never recorded a ''Soul-Nurturing Ancient Spirit Wood'' being so special."


    "Could it be a Fourth Rank treasure?"


    On his first descent into Flying Serpent Valley, Li Yuan had suspected it to be a Fourth Rank treasure, but it was more of aforting thought than true belief.


    Now? Li Yuan felt it might indeed be a Fourth Rank treasure.


    At the very least, judging from the current signs, its effects should far exceed the ordinary Soul-Nurturing Ancient Spirit Fruit.


    "Strange, with my near Level 29 spiritual power and Level 30 willpower, I''m still finding it difficult; how did the Flying Serpents approach the Soul-Nurturing Ancient Spirit Wood before?" Li Yuan gritted his teeth as he endured and kept approaching.


    Logically, Flying Serpents that hadn''t broken through should only be at Life Level 19, their spiritual power and willpower couldn''t be too strong. Read exclusive chapters at m v l e m p y r


    There were only two possibilities.


    First, this was the Soul-Nurturing Ancient Spirit Wood''s first fruit-bearing.


    Second, once the Soul-Nurturing Ancient Spirit Fruits truly matured, this terrifying Spiritual Pressure would dissipate, or at least, its power would diminish greatly.


    "These Flying Serpents can only watch me steal the treasure," Li Yuan''s mind was racing, but his body didn''t dare to rx even slightly.


    At this moment, every second was critical.


    Seconds ticked by.


    The hissing roars of the Flying Serpents echoed continuously.


    Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!


    More Flying Serpents, sensing the disturbance, swiftly swooped down from the caves on either side of the cliff.


    The number of Flying Serpents gathered at the bottom of the canyon surged, yet none dared to approach the Soul-Nurturing Ancient Spirit Wood.


    Moreover, most of the Flying Serpents still in the caves were only about Level 15, with fairly ordinary strength.


    "Ao!"


    "Ao~" The dozens of Level 19 Flying Serpents at the very front were anxiously hissing, conveying their resolve but still not daring toe close.


    In their subconscious, the spiritual pressure was too tormenting, and the overpowering presence was so strong that even their three leaders would find it difficult to break through directly.


    Let alone them.


    ...


    Above the canyon, on the cliff, thousands of Flying Serpents were frantically attacking Liu Jing.


    Especially the two Second Rank Flying Serpents, fully unleashing their power, their bodies enshrouded in a hazy blue glow like azure dragons, appeared even more terrifying.


    "Roar!" The two Second Rank Flying Serpents roared as they pped their wings time after time, swinging their ws, and asionally opened their gaping maws wide, trying to rip Liu Jing to shreds or even swallow him whole.


    The explosive power of the Second Rank Flying Serpents was iparable to that of the First Rank.


    Huge rocks shattered thunderously as if they were simply tofu.


    Boom! Boom! Countless pieces of rubble fell.


    "Swoosh!" "Swoosh! Swoosh!" Luminous des rose above the cliff, mes flowing on the des, indicating terrifying lethality.


    "Pfft!" Liu Jing''s eyes were ice-cold as he swung his saber swiftly.


    And down plunged the corpse of a First Rank Flying Serpent.


    Whoosh! Whoosh! Liu Jing''s Combat Saber was as ferocious as fire, and his movements as swift as the wind. He avoided the pounce of the two Second Rank Flying Serpents time after time.


    "Second Rank Flying Serpents are truly troublesome. Although they are far weaker than me, the Origin Power protecting their bodies,bined with their massive size, means I can''t directly kill them for the moment," Liu Jing frowned.


    When it came to skills, the speed of his explosive power, or the robustness of his Origin Power, Liu Jing greatly surpassed both Second Rank Flying Serpents.


    He tormented them time and again.


    But due to their Origin Power shield and therge body size of the Flying Serpents, even after being attacked and injured by Liu Jing repeatedly, they were able to hold on.


    The most crucial point was.


    The Second Rank Flying Serpents could fly and might escape into the sky if they were not careful... and Liu Jing did not want to ascend onto their bodies.


    To do so might allow him to quickly kill them, but the risk was also great, and he could likely be severely injured himself.


    "If this goes on, my Origin Power will bepletely exhausted," Liu Jing''s eyes narrowed slightly.


    Fighting in ce, whether dodging or attacking, he couldn''t afford to spare his Origin Power. One misstep could cause severe injury, naturally leading to high consumption.


    "Where is Li Yuan? So much time has passed, has he not seeded yet?" Liu Jing wondered, "Could something have gone wrong?"


    He was concerned for Li Yuan''s safety.


    Suddenly.


    "Roar~" "Roar~" A series of sharp and piercing roars erupted from the valley below, resonating through the Vast Sky.


    In an instant.


    The two Second Rank Flying Serpents immediately stopped their attacks on Liu Jing, their eyes filled with bloodlust.


    They were highly intelligent, rivaling ordinary humans, and immediately realized that they had been lured away by a feint.


    Their home had been stolen.


    "Ao~"


    "Ao~" The two Second Rank Flying Serpents roared with endless fury in their voices, their dragon-like tails swinging to adjust their massive bodies as they dove toward the depths of the clouds in Flying Serpent Valley.


    This roar was also amand.


    "Ao~"


    "Ao~" The thousands of Flying Serpents trying to attack Liu Jing from various directions along the cliffside also began hissing.


    Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!


    Hundreds upon hundreds of Flying Serpents spread their wings and dived toward the fog below, and for a moment, the sky looked as though it was raining dumplings.


    But what fell was not dumplings¡ªit was Flying Serpents!


    "Did he make his move?" Liu Jing instantly understood.


    Li Yuan must have acted, maybe even already seized the Soul-Nurturing Ancient Spirit Fruit... Otherwise, these Flying Serpents would not be so frantic,pletely ignoring their own safety.


    Boom!


    Liu Jing, just half a beat behind, leaned forward slightly, and as he tilted downward, his legs exploded with power, and like a meteor, he dashed towards the bottom of the canyon.


    Boom! Boom! Liu Jing''s speed was so fierce that he even seemed a bit faster than the two Flying Serpents.


    "Hold on."


    "Li Yuan, you must hold on," Liu Jing focused intently, silently urging in his heart.


    The entire n''s first phase was for Liu Jing to withstand the attack of so many Flying Serpents.


    The second phase''s key was for Li Yuan to withstand the siege of arge number of Flying Serpents.


    ...


    At the bottom of the canyon, the spiritual pressure from the Soul-Nurturing Ancient Spirit Wood was astounding.


    But relying on his own nearly Flying Heaven Warrior-level spiritual power, Li Yuan braved this terrifying pressure and, taking about five seconds, covered sixty meters, and reached the Soul-Nurturing Ancient Spirit Wood.


    Without a moment''s pause.


    Puff! Puff! Puff!


    In a sh, Li Yuan''s figure shot up, his arms exerting force as he climbed the tree, and swiftly plucked the three yet-to-ripen ''Soul-Nurturing Ancient Spirit Fruit,'' tucking them into his Battle Garment.


    Sess was in hand.


    "Time to escape for my life," Li Yuan nced around, immediately realizing how dire his situation was.

 Chapter 228: Chapter 185 Madness! Contending Against Second Rank!

    Upon his initial inquiry, Li Yuan discovered that the three Soul-Nurturing Ancient Spirit Fruits had not yet fully matured.


    But their surfaces shimmered with silver light, which ording to the Martial Hall''s database, indicated they were entering maturity and would normally be 80 to 90 percent effective.


    Waiting for a Heavenly Materials Treasure to fully mature? Too difficult.


    Many growing Heavenly Materials Treasures, once discovered, are often guarded, and once they mature, they are mostly used right away.


    Even some powerful beings, upon finding many unripe spiritual fruits of Heavenly Materials Treasures, would not hesitate to consume them directly.


    Because, during the growth of Heavenly Materials Treasures, many unusual phenomena often ur, easily attracting the covetous eyes of formidable beings.


    To consume them directly was the best choice. Experience the best from m|v|l|e|mp|y|r


    Once in the stomach, all is safe.


    Like the Flying Serpent n, for one, they found it very difficult to withstand the Spiritual Pressure of the Soul-Nurturing Ancient Spirit Wood, and secondly, they believed in their own n''s strength to guard the Soul-Nurturing Ancient Spirit Wood.


    That''s why they were in no hurry and patiently waited for it to fully mature.


    But as it turned out, they could guard it temporarily, but not forever.


    "So many Flying Serpents." Li Yuan noticed an rminglyrge number of them all around.


    Suddenly.


    "Hiss hiss hiss~"


    As soon as the three Soul-Nurturing Ancient Spirit Fruits were picked, this ten-meter-tall Soul-Nurturing Ancient Spirit Wood beside Li Yuan began to "copse" and "contract" all of a sudden, dissolving into the ground like a liquid at lightning speed.


    "Huh? This Soul-Nurturing Ancient Spirit Wood?" Li Yuan was astounded by this scene.


    This was an event not mentioned in the databanks of the Seven Stars human civilization; after all, avable cases were limited.


    "Not good." Li Yuan''s expression changed.


    Because!


    The instant the Soul-Nurturing Ancient Spirit Wood began to copse, Li Yuan felt the horrific spiritual pressure that had enveloped the area for tens of meters disappear without a trace.


    With no Spiritual Pressure, all the Flying Serpents at the bottom of the gorge would be unrestrained!


    At the same time.


    "Buzz~" Li Yuan''s smart ring was trembling madly¡ªit was a message from Liu Jing.


    Although there was no signal within Flying Serpent Valley.


    But with close proximity, as long as it was not blocked byrge mountains or specially interfered with, messaging each other was possible.


    And the continuous mad vibrations of the smart ring meant one thing¡ªthe situation was urgent! Second Rank Flying Serpents were returning!


    This was the final phase of the n.


    It seems slow to describe.


    But in actuality, the moment the Soul-Nurturing Ancient Spirit Wood copsed and the pressure dissipated, Li Yuan moved, holding the long spear and whooshing into the distance.


    His speed soared.


    "I must meet up with Senior Liu quickly," shed through Li Yuan''s mind.


    With his move,


    Thousands of Flying Serpents that had gathered from all directions also began to roar and surge into action.


    From the moment Li Yuan appeared to the seizing of the Soul-Nurturing Ancient Spirit Fruit, a mere eight seconds passed, and already enough Flying Serpents had assembled.


    "Roar roar roar~" A sky-covering swarm of Flying Serpents roared and madly lunged toward Li Yuan.


    These Flying Serpents were at least at Life Level 15.


    Many who had stood on high cliffs also spread their wings at this moment, diving toward Li Yuan, almost obscuring the sky likeyers ofs enveloping him from above.


    From all directions!


    Above and below!


    Groups of Flying Serpents, like torrents of ck water, rushed crazily towards Li Yuan, wanting to tear him to shreds.


    One could say.


    Against such a sky-covering swarm of Flying Serpents, even a freshly advanced Prime Warrior would find it difficult to get through.


    "Kill!" The eyes of Li Yuan were fierce as he infused Origin Power, fully activating his Origin Power Battle Suit.


    The situation before him was one he had anticipated long ago.


    Since that was the case, and yet he dared toe,


    It meant Li Yuan had great confidence in his own strength.


    Boom! Li Yuan''s figure, like lightning, spear in hand, charged directly into the flood-like swarm of Flying Serpents.


    Whoosh!


    His figure, like a gust of wind, was ethereal and unpredictable as he narrowly dodged a Flying Serpent''s attack.


    "Thud!" His long spear swept through, leaving behind a trail of afterimages, and blood sprayed.


    The heads of two Flying Serpents were pierced through, their massive bodies continuing to charge forward by inertia.


    "Bang~" The corpses of the two Flying Serpents hit several others that were falling down, creating a scene reminiscent of a car crash.


    Thump~ Li Yuan stepped ferociously onto the body of a Flying Serpent, dodged a massive bite, and like a nimble elf, stepped on the creature''s head, kicking it so explosively that it burst apart before he used the momentum to spring upwards.


    He darted past the multitude of Flying Serpents like a bolt of lightning.


    Thud! Thud! Thud! Spear Light shed and blood mists rose!


    One after another, Flying Serpents fell.


    This scene, if seen by other First Rank Martial Artists, would be utterly astonishing and dumbfounding.


    Too formidable.


    In terms of speed, Li Yuan in a state of Subtlety could barely rival a 20th Level Martial Artist.


    But among these Flying Serpents, there were almost some on the verge of 20th Level, the pinnacle of First Rank.


    Concerning power bursts, Li Yuan''s peak was over 90,000 kilograms,parable to a 20th Level Martial Artist.


    Li Yuan''s explosive speed and power were stronger than any Flying Serpent present,


    But there was no fundamental difference.


    In this overwhelming besiegement, another 19th Level Martial Artist, even equipped with an Origin Power Battle Garment, could only withstand a bit longer at most.


    Yet Li Yuan could repeatedly seize the ''moment'' in time.


    Always dancing on the edge of a knife, never getting injured.


    Around him, the sky-filled roars and lunges of the Flying Serpents seemed to be under his control.


    This was Unity of Heaven and Man.


    In a state of attuning with heaven and earth,


    Li Yuan''s perception of his own Vigor, the environment, the prediction of enemy moves, and the application of his own techniques reached an unbelievably advanced level.


    Byparison,


    The skills of these Flying Serpents are really too rough, generally only at the Second Rank level, with very few reaching the Third Rank.


    asionally.


    Even when faced with an insurmountable swarm of Flying Serpents blocking the way, Li Yuan would charge through decisively, seeking the weakest point and breaking through the obstacles ahead.


    "Boom boom boom~"


    Upon collision with the Flying Serpents, the terrifying impact force came crashing continuously, but Li Yuan could still easily fend it off with his Origin Power Battle Suit.


    Without the realm of Unity of Heaven and Man, the Origin Power Battle Suit would be useless to Li Yuan.


    Without the Battle Suit, Li Yuan would not have the slightest margin for error.


    But with the twobined, Li Yuan''s overall strength was elevated to an incredibly terrifying level.


    Just four seconds.


    "Bang~"


    "Pfft!" "Pfft!" Like a whirlwind, the terrifying lethality of Li Yuan''s long spear killed more than forty Flying Serpents, breaking out of the most central and dangerous encirclement.


    "Broke out."


    "Kill." Li Yuan''s eyes were bright and spirited, his heart filled with a soaring battle spirit.


    Thosest four seconds.


    Were terrifying and had given Li Yuan a huge shock to his spirit.


    The thrill of skirting the line between life and death made his blood surge even more fervently in his heart.


    That''s right! Extremely dangerous.


    But it is in danger that the most primal force for evolution in life is stimted.


    It''s only through life and death tribtions that great achievements are made.


    Boom!


    Li Yuan''s figure was like lightning, grasping vines with one hand and leaping up the cliff face like a monkey, his speed astoundingly quick.


    A single movement and he had leaped tens of meters.


    Charge!


    "Roar~" "Aaah~" Arge number of Flying Serpents were diving down from higher up, each one incredibly ferocious.


    Whoosh! Whoosh!


    Below, a massive swarm of Flying Serpents like a torrential flood, using wings and ws, kept leaping up, trying to y Li Yuan.


    Still a pincer attack.


    "Haha, die." Li Yuan felt an immense thrill in his heart, his mind operating at its limit, unconsciously, he hadpletely merged with the environment.


    He had but one thought¡ªkill! Carve out a path of blood.


    "Bang~" With a body collision, Li Yuan''s speed soared even faster.


    Pfft!


    The long spear thrust out, directly killing two Flying Serpents; their huge bodies fell, causing a group of Flying Serpents below to slow down significantly, and even following them down into the gorge.


    Whoosh!


    Like a gust of wind, he dodged the frontal assaults of Flying Serpents from both sides, leaping into the air as the two Flying Serpents collided with each other.


    In the blink of an eye.


    Li Yuan had already climbed over a hundred meters up the cliff, initially out of danger.


    "Aaah~"


    A terrifying roar echoed down from the dark mists above.


    Boom! A horrifying gale swept across the cliff sides, a humongous Flying Serpent broke through the clouds, its eyes revealing a crazed intent to kill, swooping down with a howl.


    It''s a Second Rank Flying Serpent!!


    A Flying Serpent of the 21.3rd Level of Life!


    "Here ites." Li Yuan held his long spear and stared upwards at the massive creature diving down rapidly.


    His whole body gathered power, the tip of his spear raised high.


    "Die!" The Second Rank Flying Serpent red at Li Yuan, aware that the treasure was on him. Its two front ws, like burning blue mes and taller than a person, reached out.


    "Give it to me! Break!" Li Yuan moved, dodging the terrifying ws, then with a powerful thrust of his legs, the long spear burst forth, a streak of light shing along its tip.


    Spear Light erupted!


    He unleashed the fastest thrust of the Ster Spear Technique¡ªDawn Pierces the Clouds.


    "Woosh!"


    This thrust instantly passed over an existing wound on the body of the Second Rank Flying Serpent.


    Even as Origin Power tried desperately to fend off the pration of the spear tip.


    Still, the strength of Li Yuan''s thrust was so powerful that it erged the wound even further.


    "Boom boom boom~"


    The massive body of the Second Rank Flying Serpent collided with the mountain wall; the collision was like a sky crumbling and earth shattering explosion, with countless shattered rocks flying.


    Whoosh!


    A streak of ck light passed by, and Li Yuan, dressed in his Origin Power Battle Suit, had darted out from under one of its wings, shooting up towards the sky, swiftly fleeing upwards.


    "Aaaah~~" The Second Rank Flying Serpent let out an angry roar; in the brief exchange, it had not gained any advantage.


    In fact, it was at a slight disadvantage.


    Because Li Yuan had injured it, while its attacks could not even touch him.


    Whoosh!


    The Second Rank Flying Serpent flipped and vibrated its wings, smacking them against the cliff face, once again stirring up numerous shattered stones, lightning-fast pursuing Li Yuan.


    In terms of speed alone, Li Yuan of course could not keep up with it.


    "Roar~" The giant wings swept past, their edges sharp asbat sabers, while its ws also suddenly wed out.


    Obviously.


    The Second Rank Flying Serpent had also gone mad.


    "Scram!" Li Yuan disposed of a First Rank Flying Serpent with a single spear thrust, and seeing the Second Rank Flying Serpent attacking, his eyes red back at it.


    Whoosh whoosh~Boom! Boom!


    Man and beast, chasing and fleeing on the cliff face, engaged in an intensely fierce battle.


    This Second Rank Flying Serpent held absolute advantages in terms of strength, speed, and Origin Power among many other aspects.


    But Li Yuan''s movement technique was formidable, easily dodging the fatal moves time and again, even more effortlessly than Liu Jing.


    And his spear, too, was incredibly sharp, inflicting damage on the Second Rank Flying Serpent over and over.

 Chapter 229: Chapter 186: The Flying Serpent King? Liu Jing of the Burning Star! (Add more 4)

    Li Yuan and the Second-Rank Flying Serpent''s fierce battle also caused arge number of First-Rank Flying Serpents to dare not approach, only daring to watch the battle from afar.


    Several seconds after Li Yuan''s battle with the Second-Rank Flying Serpent. Find more to read at m_v l|-NovelFire


    "Boom!"


    Mist churned above.


    Then, a massive Flying Serpent, over forty meters long, fell powerlessly downward, its huge body tumbling freely.


    It was covered in blood, its waist and abdomen ripped open by a ghastly, terrifying wound, and numerous organs tumbled down with it.


    It was obviously not going to survive.


    Atop its body was a nearly two-meter tall me figure.


    Clinging to the Flying Serpent''s feathered wings with one hand and holding a Combat Saber in the other, the figure plummeted at high speed.


    It was none other than Liu Jing.


    "Senior Liu!" Li Yuan''s face showed delight, his heart even more shaken.


    The opponent was surrounded by numerous Flying Serpents, yet managed to kill a Second-Rank in such a short time?


    Such formidable strength.


    But before Li Yuan could rejoice,


    "Escape!" Liu Jing erupted in a thunderous roar, seeming utterly desperate.


    Immediately following, he forcefully kicked off the corpse beneath him, propelling himself back to the cliffside.


    Boom!


    Liu Jing mmed against the cliffside, tumbling down over ten meters with the inertia.


    Then, like a streak of light, he stamped against the cliff, using it to leap forward, dashing towards Li Yuan who was battling another Second-Rank Flying Serpent.


    "Escape?" Li Yuan first froze for a moment, then, realizing something, looked up sharply. His pupils constricted instantly.


    Whoosh!


    An evenrger Flying Serpent had just broken through the mist, diving down with its wings spread wide, casting a shadow as if to block out the sun. Its eyes were filled with deadly intent.


    It was a Second-Rank Flying Serpent!


    "[Target creature, Life Level is 25.1]" Li Yuan''splexion changed slightly.


    25.1!!


    Flying Serpent Valley was not home to just two low-level Second-Rank Serpents.


    There was also a Flying Serpent King, close to the high rank of Second-Rank, concealed within!


    Thispletely exceeded Li Yuan''s expectations and went beyond the original n he had with Liu Jing.


    Boom!


    The Flying Serpent King swooped in, its terrifying Physical Qualitybined with Origin Power and the dive gave it an unbelievable speed.


    As it nosedived, the passage of its wings brought forth fearsome shockwaves that caused the cliffs to explode violently.


    Too fast.


    This moment, the diving speed of the Flying Serpent King nearly reached the speed of sound.


    Whoosh~


    The other Second-Rank Flying Serpent desperately pped its wings, trying to shake off Li Yuan, creating space for the Flying Serpent King to attack.


    "Want to leave!" Madness filled Li Yuan''s eyes as he doggedly entangled with it.


    At this moment,


    All Li Yuan could think of was his only chance of survival: to stay entangled with this Second-Rank Flying Serpent so the Flying Serpent King couldn''t fully attack him.


    If he faced it alone? It was undoubtedly a death sentence!


    A difference of six levels in Life Level, along with the huge disparity in Physical Quality, would obliterate any skill difference.


    It would be an instant kill.


    "Roar~" The Flying Serpent King made its ultimate dive, letting out an angry roar. As Li Yuan had anticipated, it was wary of harming the other Second-Rank Flying Serpent and did not dare to attack full-force.


    Thwack! A lethal w swung down, narrowly avoided by Li Yuan in a close shave.


    "Boom!" The other Second-Rank Flying Serpent suddenly rolled in disregard of its wounds, its wing striking Li Yuan with terrible force, flinging him away instantly.


    Li Yuan mmed hard against the cliff wall.


    "Roar~"


    The Flying Serpent King let out an infuriated roar. Its treasures were stolen, its kin in, and having been previously in slumber, it was now enraged to the extreme, vowing to exterminate these invaders.


    Swish!


    Its wings cut through fiercely, like a giant Combat Saber sweeping everything before it, slicing through numerous rocks as if they were tofu, and shing towards Li Yuan with lightning speed.


    The angry strike was too fast.


    So fast that Li Yuan couldn''t react in time.


    "Boom!"


    A ming figure, moving as smoothly on the cliff as if it were t ground, burst upward in a Flying Heaven motion, brushing past Li Yuan.


    Like a supreme War God, it met the furious downward swipe of the wing head-on.


    Apanied by the me figure''s soaring charge,


    "Quick, escape." A roar almost simultaneously echoed in Li Yuan''s ears.


    It was Liu Jing!


    In this critical moment, Liu Jing finally rushed up from below,pletely frenzied.


    "Kill!" Liu Jing fixed his gaze on the descending giant wing, swinging his Combat Saber resolutely.


    "Whoosh!"


    A ze of saber light shone brilliantly, shing from bottom to top, directly meeting the descending massive snake wing.


    "Boom~"


    The collision of the two Second-Rank powerhouses erupted with a terrifying noise, and the shockwaves spread wildly in all directions.


    The staggering impact, transmitted through the saber and the Battle Garment, caused Liu Jing to involuntarily fall, with rocks tumbling around him.


    He swung his saber in counter.


    "ng~" The Combat Saber stabbed into the cliffside lightning-fast, immediately creating a visible terrifying crack.


    He slid tens of meters before finally stopping.


    Meanwhile, the massive Flying Serpent King also suffered, as it shook its wings to gain altitude. One of its wings bore a deep wound revealing bone.


    But with Origin Power circting, it locked down its muscles, preventing much blood from spilling.


    "Whoosh!"


    The 21.3 level Second-Rank Flying Serpent that had been battling with Li Yuan watched intently from hundreds of meters away on the other side of the gorge, eyeing Li Yuan and Liu Jing with eyes full of malice.


    After the previous battle, even the more powerful Second-Rank Flying Serpent had been killed by Liu Jing.


    It knew it was no match for Liu Jing.


    Even Li Yuan seemed slightly stronger.


    However, with the strength of this Second-Rank Flying Serpent, Li Yuan and Liu Jing had to remain on guard.


    "We must leave, my Origin Power is running low," Liu Jing growled urgently: "I can''t hold out much longer."


    "If you don''t escape Flying Serpent Valley before I die, then soon no one will be able to escape."


    Li Yuan''s face changed.


    Origin Power nearly depleted?


    Second Rank warriors may have formidable physical quality.


    But the core of their powerful vitality is still Origin Power.


    Without Origin Power, it''s more than ten times easier for a First Rank to pile up and kill a Second Rank warrior.


    "Senior, I..." Li Yuan gritted his teeth.


    "Stop the nonsense, get moving, don''t let me die in vain," Liu Jing''s voice was icy cold, "It was my n that failed, now I''m giving you a chance to escape."


    Liu Jing''s face was covered by his battle garment, preventing Li Yuan from seeing his expression.


    If he could have seen it,


    Li Yuan would definitely have noticed the terrifying determination and madness in Liu Jing''s eyes at that moment.


    No more hesitation.


    "Whoosh!" With a sh, Li Yuan quickly retreated into the distance.


    "Roar~"


    The Flying Serpent King, with a body length close to 50 meters and wings that darkened the sky, let out an enraged roar upon seeing this and then, with a thunderous boom, abruptly dived towards Li Yuan.


    Liu Jing?


    No! Its target was Li Yuan; it had to take back the Soul-Nurturing Ancient Spirit Fruit first.


    Boom! The Flying Serpent King''s speed soared, and the air burst loudly.


    "Kill Li Yuan?"


    "Not without getting past me first," a hint of resoluteness shed in Liu Jing''s eyes.


    The past dozen seconds.


    Liu Jing was originally pursuing two Second Rank Flying Serpents when suddenly the Flying Serpent King emerged, giving him a big scare.


    Without hesitation, he desperately tried to kill the stronger of the two Second Rank Flying Serpents.


    Then the Flying Serpent King made its move.


    In the current situation, Liu Jing had already figured it out, escape together? His Origin Power wasn''t enough to sustain continuedbat, certain death without a doubt!


    Escape alone? Li Yuan would be killed in one strike by the Flying Serpent King, and then it would still pursue him, leading to an inevitable battle.


    If that''s the case.


    "Then let''s fight! Fight! A Level 25 Flying Serpent King? So covert and unrevealed, it deserves to die," Liu Jing roared inwardly.


    At that moment, without any hesitation, he directly executed his most powerful Origin Power Secret Technique¡ªBurning Stars.


    Burning his Star Meridians! Burning his Life Star! Activating all the Origin Power potential contained within his body.


    Boom!


    Liu Jing''s body mes burned even hotter, his legs powered up, creating afterimages as he raced along the mountain wall towards Li Yuan.


    Whoosh! The Flying Serpent King''s wings vibrated, trying to dodge.


    "Dodge your mother!!" Liu Jing roared, his legs fiercely trampling the solid rocks.


    Boom!


    He shot out like a cannonball, his speed soaring, darting through the sky like lightning, precisely aiming at the Flying Serpent King diving towards Li Yuan.


    Too fast.


    The Flying Serpent Valley was too narrow for the Flying Serpent King and Liu Jing.


    The two were only a hundred meters apart.


    "Bang~" Liu Jing''s entire body instantly collided with the massive body of the Flying Serpent King, the terrible impact causing the Flying Serpent King to involuntarily start tumbling.


    "Kill!"


    Threads of fiery saber light blossomedyer uponyer, Liu Jingpletely unleashed his power, executing the "Burning Stars" secret technique, leaving him no way out.


    Only a desperate struggle could bring victory.


    "Roar~ Shout!!" The Flying Serpent King roared furiously, the repeated injuries driving itpletely mad, its huge slender eyes fixated on Liu Jing.


    In an instant,


    The Flying Serpent King made up its mind¡ª to kill this human.


    Li Yuan? He had already been removed from its priority list of targets.


    "Roar~"


    The Flying Serpent King let out an enraged roar, its massive body tumbling as wings, ws, and gaping maw...all became weapons in its frenzied attack on Liu Jing.


    Whoosh! Whoosh! Liu Jing, with astonishing speed, rapidly moved across its colossal body, desperately dodging its attacks, avoiding being thrown off.


    "Rumble~"


    At that moment, a stream of me and a beam of blue light furiously shed and battled each other, relentlessly chasing each other.


    Gradually falling deeper into the canyon, the terrifying aftermath of their confrontation caused many weaker Flying Serpents along their path to die.


    ...


    Seeing the terrifyingly strong Flying Serpent King entangled,


    Whoosh! Li Yuan bit his lip, understood it wasn''t the time for sentimentality, seized the opportunity, his figure flickered and rapidly escaped higher up the canyon.


    Thud! Thud! The long spear shot out, striking and killing several Flying Serpents blocking the way, causing them to plummet into the depths of the canyon.


    "Roar~"


    A fearsome piercing scream echoed through Flying Serpent Valley.


    Li Yuan nced up slightly to see a huge Flying Serpent breaking through the clouds and swiftly diving towards him.


    It was that 21.3 Level Second Rank Flying Serpent.


    It had been ordered by the Flying Serpent King to pursue and kill Li Yuan.


    Roar~ Roar~


    Arge number of Level 18 and above Flying Serpents, also following themands of the Flying Serpent King, were crazily converging on Li Yuan from all directions.


    "Again?" Li Yuan''s eyes were cold as ice as he fended off the attacks from the Second Rank Flying Serpent while desperately fleeing.


    Speeding along the mountain wall toward the top of the ravine like lightning.


    Prime Warriors, with their robust Origin Power, don''t demand much from the terrain once they start fighting for their lives.


    But ultimately, Li Yuan was still not up to par; his strength was greatly limited on the mountain wall.


    Rumble~ The battle was intense.


    However,


    If it had started at the bottom of the valley, two Second Rank Flying Serpents leading arge group of First Rank could have had a chance to besiege and kill Li Yuan.


    Now there was only one left, in addition to the higher-ranked Flying Serpents scattered from being killed?


    Thinking of stopping Li Yuan was nothing short of a fool''s dream.


    Boom!


    Li Yuan had already rushed into the clouds, his ascent rate increasing ever faster, and the Second Rank Flying Serpent waspletely unable to handle Li Yuan... even sustaining continuous injuries from Li Yuan''s attacks.


    The Second Rank Flying Serpent, which was already severely injured by Liu Jing, now had even more grievous wounds.


    Dozens of secondster, Li Yuan had burst through the clouds, less than five hundred meters from the cliff top.


    Suddenly,


    "Roar~" A dismal scream tore through the vast sky, traveling up from the bottom of Flying Serpent Valley, the sound thunderous, as if it contained endless rage and reluctance.

 Chapter 230: Chapter 187 Shut Up, You Wont Die (Extra 5)

    ```


    This roar echoed through heaven and earth.


    "The Flying Serpent King''s roar?" Li Yuan''splexion slightly changed.


    He couldn''t understand thenguage of the Flying Serpent n and was unclear about what was happening at the bottom of the valley.


    But Li Yuan faintly sensed that the Flying Serpent King seemed to have suffered a heavy injury.


    Could it be that Senior Liu Jing had won?


    As Li Yuan was filled with amazement and doubts,


    "Ao! Ang!!" A Second Rank Flying Serpent that had been leading arge group of Flying Serpents in a frenzied attack on Li Yuan.


    The moment it heard the roar, its eyes instantly turned blood-red.


    "Boom!" The Second Rank Flying Serpent suddenly turned, no longer caring about attacking Li Yuan, and with a p of its wings and its head pointing downward, it was about to dive toward the bottom of the valley.


    And it also felt that the hope of killing Li Yuan was bing even more distant.


    At this moment, it was as if something at the bottom of the Flying Serpent Valley was more valuable than the three Soul-Nurturing Ancient Spirit Fruits on Li Yuan''s body.


    However,


    Just as the Second Rank Flying Serpent decided to retreat not even 0.3 seconds ago and had just descended over twenty meters,


    Boom! A figure abruptly charged out from the nting slope of a distant mountain side.


    Falling rapidly, like a meteor, it alreadynded fiercely on the body of the Second Rank Flying Serpent.


    It was Li Yuan.


    In this split-second, Li Yuan immediately made a decision ¡ª to return to the bottom of the valley!


    "Senior Liu is powerful, and in battle with the Flying Serpent King, he might have won!"


    "Let''s take a gamble," a trace of madness shed through Li Yuan''s eyes.


    If he fled now, Li Yuan would have a great chance of saving his life, and he could also obtain three Soul-Nurturing Ancient Spirit Fruits.


    But Li Yuan hesitated in his heart.


    "Let''s fight!" The instant Li Yuan made his decision,


    He almost replicated Senior Liu Jing''s action, only the target was now the Second Rank Flying Serpent, whose strength was far inferior to that of the Flying Serpent King.


    Boom!


    After mming fiercely into the body of the Second Rank Flying Serpent,


    Li Yuan''s long spear in his hand erupted instantly, thrusting straight at the waist of the Second Rank Flying Serpent.


    With this sudden explosive thrust, the strength was so great it pierced right through the Second Rank Flying Serpent''s Origin Power defense.


    The spear tip struck the surface of the skin; in an instant, it tore open a huge wound.


    Blood sttered.


    ¡­


    At the bottom of the Flying Serpent Valley, a tragic battle was gradually nearing its end.


    "Pu-chi~" "Pu!"


    The previously majestic Flying Serpent King, now, had be exceedingly miserable.


    One of its gigantic wings waspletely torn off by Liu Jing''sbat saber, and its enormous body was covered in countless wounds inflicted bybat sabers.


    But it was still struggling to battle with Liu Jing, constantly swinging its ws, trying to force Liu Jing back.


    "Die."


    Liu Jing''s eyes were blood-red, already utterly frenzied, his figure flickered like lightning, over and over he swung hisbat saber getting closer, attacking the same wound on the body of the Flying Serpent King.


    Pu! Pu-chi! Pu! Flesh and blood flew in all directions.


    Having lost a wing, the impact on the Flying Serpent King was immense.


    The strength it could exert had suddenly dropped by arge margin.


    Most crucially, in terms ofbat skills, Liu Jing waspletely superior to it.


    Strength, speed? In Liu Jing''s Burning Star state, going all out, the difference between them could almost be neglected.


    The key was that Liu Jing also had the Origin Power Battle Suit, which couldpletely withstand its many attacks.


    "Die!" the Flying Serpent King roared, constantly bellowing out in its own racialnguage.


    Its formidable spiritual power allowed it to sense that Liu Jing''s life force was rapidly fading.


    He was on hisst legs.


    Just to hold on a bit longer, the Flying Serpent King believed it could live to the end.


    Having lost a wing?


    As long as it was alive, there was still hope.


    "Boom!" Liu Jing suddenly surged forward, once again rushing towards the side where the wing had been torn, attempting to attack thatrgest wound.


    This wound was nearest to the heart of the Flying Serpent King.


    "Roar!" The Flying Serpent King growled lowly, its long tail swung fiercely, its massive body retreated explosively, and another wing swept toward Liu Jing.


    Trying to block Liu Jing.


    In that instant,


    Boom! Liu Jing''s figure moved in an instant, using an extremely tricky movement technique, he suddenly leaped towards another huge wound on the waist of the Flying Serpent King.


    "Peng~"


    Blood sttered, this time it was not thebat saber slicing through the wound, but Liu Jing himself crashing into this huge wound.


    "What?" The Flying Serpent King was startled and enraged, it immediately set in motion a thought, its massive body rolling, powerful Vigor surging wildly within, wave after wave of Origin Power also rushing, trying to grind into pieces Liu Jing, who was rampaging inside its body.


    "Looking for death!!"


    The Flying Serpent King gritted its teeth, Origin Power operating within its body, its might was even more terrifying.


    "Starburst."


    As Liu Jing entered the body of the Flying Serpent King, a trace of madness passed through his eyes.


    Whosh! Whosh!


    His arms turned into two balls of fire in an instant, burning wildly, their might erupting to the utmost.


    "Heart." Liu Jing charged forth.


    "Ahh ahh ahh~" The Flying Serpent King let out a frenzied roar, its massive body rolling wildly.


    It only felt waves of heart-piercing pain erupting within its body.


    ¡­


    Rumble~ The massive body of the Flying Serpent King tumbled wildly, its dreadful tail smashed against the mountain walls as if an earthquake was urring, causing countless rocks to roll down.


    Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!


    The Flying Serpents, each and every one of them, were retreating in utter terror, looking on from a distance at this scene.


    Although the wisdom of most First Rank Flying Serpents was not high,


    At this moment, most of them understood that their king was suffering unparalleled agony.


    Suddenly,


    "Rumble~" within the rolling mist,


    ```


    ```


    A massive Flying Serpent broke through the fog, rolling as it plummeted, colliding with the cliffside, its wings still struggling, before crashing down.


    Just as it was about to smash heavily into the ground.


    Whoosh!


    A ck streak of light suddenly shot out from the body of the Flying Serpent, followed by the heavy thud of its body mming into the muddy earth, shaking the ground violently, sending up a ssh of water, grass, and dirt.


    Boom¡ªLi Yuan, holding a long spear,nded heavily on the ground.


    The Second Rank Flying Serpent behind him was still struggling, but it was futile¡­ A shocking, gaping hole was in its head.


    It was doomed.


    "The King of the Flying Serpents," Li Yuan stared intently at the King of the Flying Serpents several hundred meters away, rolling in agony.


    From the state of the creature and the wounds tearing open and bleeding at its waist.


    Li Yuan instantly deduced¡ªElder Liu Jing had prated the King of the Flying Serpents'' body.


    This made Li Yuan gasp in shock.


    It was utterly insane.


    All of a sudden.


    "Pop¡ª" A barely perceptible st sounded, and the King of the Flying Serpents'' eyes bulged out round in an instant.


    It felt its heart¡ªexplode!


    If it were a Flying Heaven Warrior, it might survive a shattered heart, but for First Rank and Second Rank warriors¡­ without extremely special treasures, a shattered heart meant certain death.


    "Roar¡ª" The King of the Flying Serpents felt its life force rapidly draining away, rushing towards death.


    It was filled with unwillingness.


    As the ruler of the Flying Serpent Valley, it had been concealing itself in deep cultivation, hiding in the depths of the valley, and never showing itself for fear of being discovered by other n''s powerhouses.


    As a Flying Serpent from Ming Mountain, it also longed to be a ''Flying Heaven Warrior,'' to return to Ming Mountain, to return home.


    But now, all that was destined toe to nothing.


    "This?" Li Yuan narrowed his eyes slightly.


    His powerful spiritual power could feel the life force of the King of the Flying Serpents rapidly fading.


    "Huff!"


    The King of the Flying Serpents, which had been rolling in pain and madness, abruptly stopped.


    Its head turned, and a pair of snake eyes stared dead at Li Yuan hundreds of meters away.


    "Hmm?" Li Yuan was inwardly startled and immediately sensed the terrifying intentions of the King of the Flying Serpents.


    Boom! Li Yuan immediately retreated hastily.


    Whoosh!


    Li Yuan retreated, but the King of the Flying Serpents charged even faster, its eyes locked on Li Yuan, letting out onest roar in its life, exerting the veryst bit of its strength.


    It charged at Li Yuan like lightning.


    It was too fast, the huge difference in life levels allowed the King to catch up to Li Yuan only a hundred meters into his retreat.


    "Pop¡ª"


    A terrifying force hit Li Yuan, flinging him backward in an instant.


    He flew out for over a hundred meters.


    Li Yuan finally tumbled and crashed onto the muddy grasnd, several Blood-Activating Origin Spirit Elixirs broken and scattered from the impact.


    Huff!


    Li Yuan rolled over and half-knelt on the ground, unable to help spitting out a few mouthfuls of fresh blood, feeling as if his entire body was about to explode.


    The impact of the collision was terrifying.


    Li Yuan believed that the King of the Flying Serpents was indeed at the end of its tether, but even so, the power of this furious blow was astonishing.


    Even though the Origin Power Battle Suit had absorbed most of the impact force, it still caused him a heavy injury with just the shock to his body.


    Hum¡ªAs the Origin Power circted, Li Yuan felt much better.


    "The King of the Flying Serpents," Li Yuan looked over.


    He saw the King of the Flying Serpents that had unleashed thest strike of its life, its gazepletely dimmed, finally losing its life.


    Thus.


    Within the Flying Serpent Valley, all three of the Second Rank leaders of the Flying Serpent n were dead.


    "Roar¡ª"


    "Growl¡ª" On both sides of the ravine and even on the mountain walls, numerous Flying Serpents were still growling and roaring at Li Yuan.


    But fear was filling their eyes.


    The First Rank Flying Serpents had been fighting so fiercely without fear of death because their leaders were overseeing the battle.


    Now that the three mighty leaders were all dead, how could they possibly win?


    However.


    Without any Second Rank Life, Li Yuan didn''t much care about these First Rank Flying Serpents.


    "[TARGET LIFE HAS EXPIRED]" Li Yuan worried that the other might be feigning death, and finally used the Divine Pce Inquiry.


    Confirmed without error.


    No more hesitation.


    Whoosh! Like a bolt of lightning, Li Yuan''s figure dashed out, hurtling over a hundred meters.


    He raced toward the collision-stricken body of the King of the Flying Serpents by the mountainside, heading straight for therge wound.


    Boom!


    Li Yuan''s eyes were slightly red as he charged into the gaping hole filled with bloody flesh.


    "Elder Liu." Your next read is at m v|l-e-NovelFire


    "You must survive! You must!" Li Yuan roared in his heart, filled with an obsessive determination.


    Li Yuan had risked his life to return to the bottom of the Flying Serpent Valley, all to rescue the other.


    Secondster.


    Squish¡ªPop!


    An injured Li Yuan struggled to drag out a half-destroyed, blood-stained ''corpse'' from the wound of the King of the Flying Serpents'' body.


    Huff!


    He leaned the body against a rtively clean boulder.


    "Elder Liu," Li Yuan growled, wiping the filthy blood from the other''s head.


    "Cough¡ª"


    "Cough, cough!!" Liu Jing, whose Origin Power was already drained and couldn''t even sustain his Battle Garment, retained a sliver of consciousness: "Li Yuan, why have youe back? I am dying."


    "Shut up, you''re not dying." Li Yuan''s eyes were slightly red as he roared back.


    Huff!


    Suddenly, a purple Elixir appeared in Li Yuan''s hand, emitting an odd fragrance. He pinched Liu Jing''s chin and directly ced it into his mouth.


    ```


    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and


    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

 Chapter 231: Chapter 188: Escape to Survival

    Li Yuan pulled out what Li Yang had given him as a life-saving treasure before, the "Origin Purple Life-Extending Pill."


    Below a Flying Heaven Warrior, anyone who took it would survive as long as their head did not suffer a fatal injury, and they would recover from all their wounds.


    "This... argh..." Liu Jing was extremely weak, his mouth slightly open as if he wanted to speak.


    He guessed that Li Yuan had taken out something to save lives and wanted to stop him.


    However, his Origin Power waspletely exhausted. He had just fought desperately to kill the king of the Flying Serpents, used a life-risking secret technique, and lost both arms and a leg. In addition, he was at very close range to the surging Origin Power impact of the Flying Serpent King.


    It could be said that it was only good luck that he hadn''t died on the spot.


    He could only let Li Yuan do as he pleased.


    "Gulp~" Liu Jing swallowed the Origin Purple Life-Extending Pill, and Li Yuan let go of his mouth, still looking at Liu Jing with some concern.


    Although Li Yang had boasted about it, Li Yuan still had a trace of doubt in his heart, given how severely injured Liu Jing was.


    But just a few secondster.


    "Hm?" A trace of surprise shed through Li Yuan''s heart.


    "Ah~" Liu Jing''s body suddenly shook violently, emitting a low roar, his face showing a hint of pain.


    It seemed he was enduring great pain.


    But his low roar made Li Yuan''s eyes light up.


    His voice was much stronger than one would expect from a dying man¡ªthe Origin Purple Life-Extending Pill seemed to have pulled Liu Jing back from the brink of death.


    "Sss~" Intense pain swept through Liu Jing''s entire body.


    Even his strong willpower was nearly at its limit, and he couldn''t help but let out low roars of pain.


    That terrible pain made the veins on Liu Jing''s face bulge violently.


    It hurt too much.


    "Good, very good! Truly great!" Li Yuan''s face, however, revealed a trace of joy.


    He had won the bet; Liu Jing was saved!


    In Li Yuan''s perception, Liu Jing''s life force was rapidly recovering, climbing from previously less than level 10 in Life Level, it was now continuously rising.


    Level 13, 13.5, 14, 14.4...


    And even.


    Li Yuan watched as Liu Jing''s limbs, which had been destroyed, were crazily regrowing at a speed visible to the naked eye¡ªflesh, bones, sinews... everything extending.


    As his maimed limbs grew, the polluted blood that had been contained within Liu Jing''s body was also being forced out by the medicine''s effect.


    "Growth this fast?" Li Yuan was inwardly astonished.


    He finally understood why Li Yang valued the ''Origin Purple Life-Extending Pill'' so much, calling it ''priceless'' and an object of pursuit among Prime Warriors.


    The effect was indeed exaggerated.


    Raising the dead was definitely not possible, but regrowing flesh over bone was in no way an exaggeration.


    "Ahhhh~" Liu Jing''s eyes bulged.


    His face had regained a healthyplexion, and he couldn''t help but burst into a series of low roars.


    He indeed felt his life force crazily recovering.


    However, the pain of limbs regrowing in an extremely short time was truly unbearable for ordinary people.


    It was so painful that Liu Jing almost felt like dying.


    "Sss~" His bones kept growing.


    As if they were grinding against his flesh.


    "Ah!" After a sudden roar, Liu Jing could no longer bear it andpletely passed out.


    Sss~ Only Liu Jing''s body kept trembling.


    "Passed out? It seems Senior Liu''s willpower isn''t as strong as I imagined. Is it that painful?" Li Yuan muttered, "It''s better that he''s passed out."


    Being unconscious, sometimes, was a form of self-protection.


    Whew!


    Li Yuan grabbed Liu Jing and slung him onto his back.


    "Hum~" The ck Battle Garment that originally covered only the skin''s surface flowed like liquid, instantly securing Liu Jing''s body onto Li Yuan with rope-like strands.


    Li Yuan gave a shake; it was very stable.


    "Time to go." Li Yuan surveyed his surroundings, which still remained dangerous.


    So much time had passed, and more and more Flying Serpents had been gathering from all directions.


    Although there was no Second Rank Flying Serpent leading them, and the continuous fierce battles had inflicted heavy casualties on them, most of the Flying Serpents were now full of timidity and fear.


    But don''t forget.


    Many powerful Flying Serpents, especially those at level 19, still remembered that Li Yuan had taken away the three Soul-Nurturing Ancient Spirit Fruits.


    In the eyes of these Flying Serpents, the Soul-Nurturing Ancient Spirit Fruits represented their hope of breaking through to Second Rank.


    "What a pity."


    "Alone and having to carry Senior Liu." Li Yuan nced at the huge corpse of the Flying Serpent King.


    Such a Second Rank Alien Race creature was valuable all over¡ªblood, flesh, skin, bones... could all be sold for extremely high prices.


    If the entire corpse could be safely brought back to Xia Country, Li Yuan estimated that it could sell for at least two to three hundred million Blue Star Coins.


    Unfortunately, there was no way for Li Yuan alone to move such a colossal corpse from the deep valley.


    With that thought.


    Whoosh!


    With a slight exertion of his legs, Li Yuan, carrying Liu Jing, leaped onto the head of the Flying Serpent King''s corpse.


    The short knifended in his hand.


    "Sss~" Li Yuan followed an existing wound on the giant''s head and forcefully cut down.


    But he only left shallow blood marks.


    "Damn! It''s this hard?" Li Yuan''s eyes widened. Though he had anticipated the skin of a level 25 Flying Serpent King to be incredibly tough, he didn''t expect it to be this strong.


    A force of a hundred thousand pounds had been unleashed.


    At that moment, Li Yuan realized how fortunate he was to have survived the Flying Serpent King''s final blow.


    The gap between Level 19 and Level 25 is simply too vast.


    "Buzz~" With a thought from Li Yuan, Origin Power surged into the dagger, a faint yellow streamer swept across the de, and he shed down fiercely once again.


    "Rip~" This time, he finally managed to make a cut. The de, infused with Origin Power, forcefully carved around the sharp horn on the head of the Flying Serpent King and ultimately plunged deep into the flesh.


    Merely ten or so seconds.


    A sharp horn, approximately thirty centimeters high and with its flesh blurred, appeared in front of Li Yuan.


    "Second Rank Flying Serpents can barely be considered as lesser dragons or lesser flood dragons," Li Yuan mused silently. "Their snake horns are a sign of evolution and are worth at least tens of millions of Blue Star Coins."


    Extremely rare.


    It was also the most valuable part of the Flying Serpent King''s body, second only to the pair of sharp ws of the Flying Serpent King.


    Whoosh!


    Li Yuan ced the huge horn at his waist, and the battle suit extended several ck threads again, firmly wrapping it against his body.


    The Origin Power Battle Suit was active and could freely change its shape, forming packs, extending in length, and so on.


    But there was one thing.


    The farther it extended outward, the more its most important ''defense'' capability would decline, so the user had to gauge it carefully.


    "What a pity," Li Yuan nced at the pair of ws, each of which was taller than a person.


    Incredibly sharp!


    Just this pair of ws would be worth tens of millions of Blue Star Coins, but unfortunately, they were too big, and there was no way Li Yuan could take them with him.


    "This is enough."


    "Being too greedy can choke you; it''s best to stop while you''re ahead," a teaching of his uncle surfaced in Li Yuan''s mind ¨C seek fortune amidst danger but also risk losing it all.


    If it was purely for wealth, there was no need to be overly frantic.


    "Let''s go!"


    After storing away the dagger, Li Yuan''s figure moved, gripping the long spear as he darted towards the distance with astonishing speed.


    Seeing Li Yuan truly attempting to escape,


    "Roar~"


    "Roar~" The Flying Serpents above Level 19 could no longer restrain themselves and rushed over with fierce roars.


    They also tried tomand other Flying Serpents to intercept Li Yuan.


    Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh! Not only did many Flying Serpents on the ground lunge over, but from the cliff sides, several others also swooped down with outstretched wings from high above, aiming at Li Yuan as he ascended swiftly.


    "Pfft!"


    "Swoosh!" "Swoosh!" Terrifying spear shadows swept across the vast sky, and the bodies of the Flying Serpents charging at Li Yuan were either torn apart or their heads were pierced. Their massive bodies fell towards the ground one after another.


    Not one was a match for him.


    Previously, even the 21.3 Level Flying Serpent leader, leading a substantial number of First Rank Flying Serpents in attack, was rapidly killed by Li Yuan in a desperate fight.


    Let alone these ordinary Flying Serpents of mere Level 16 or 17.


    In fact.


    During the initial inquiry, had it not been for the discovery of two Second Rank Flying Serpents, Li Yuan might have directly taken action.


    First Rank? Now there were hardly any that Li Yuan took seriously.


    Whoosh!


    Ascending along the cliff at high speed, the Flying Serpents daring to intercept became fewer and fewer. Soon after, Li Yuan had flipped over the cliff and swiftly disappeared into the vast forests.


    Inside Flying Serpent Valley, only a scene of devastation remained along with bodies, as the mournful wails of the Flying Serpents echoed continuously.


    ...


    With Liu Jing on his back, Li Yuan quickly escaped from the confines of Flying Serpent Valley, not daring to dy for even a moment.


    "So much time has passed."


    "If the high-level members of the Tianliang n really make a move and send a Prime Warrior here, they could be very close to Flying Serpent Valley by now," Li Yuan had firmly decided that it was best to quickly flee far away first.


    Li Yuan did not believe he could stand against the Tianliang n''s army alone.


    Escaping was the right path.


    ...


    Guided by the map.


    In less than twenty minutes, Li Yuan had escaped more than 30 kilometers, and the signal from his smart ring hadpletely recovered.


    "I should first report the situation to base, to prevent any misjudgments by other senior members," Li Yuan instinctively looked back at Liu Jing, who was still unconscious.


    Liu Jing''s limbs had fully regrown, and his breathing had be long and steady.


    His life force was growing stronger.


    "My encounter with Senior Liu Jing..." Li Yuan organized his words and reported the rough situation at Flying Serpent Valley, mainly about how he and Liu Jing battled three Second Rank Flying Serpents and ultimately killed them all, as well as the process of Liu Jing''s severe injury.


    He only concealed the matter of the three Soul-Nurturing Ancient Spirit Fruits.


    If Flying Serpent Valley was suitable for establishing a war base, it should be up to the country to develop it.


    But as for the three Soul-Nurturing Ancient Spirit Fruits, from beginning to end, they were a spoil of war seized by him and Senior Liu Jing. Li Yuan did not intend to share them with anyone else.


    Li Yuan wanted to avoid unnecessary troubles and covetous eyes.


    After taking care of all this,


    Whoosh!


    Li Yuan turned into a streak of light, continuing his journey toward Outpost Base Number Three.


    At this moment, in Li Yuan''s heart, the farther from Flying Serpent Valley, the safer it was.


    ...


    About two hours after the fierce battle between Li Yuan and Liu Jing in Flying Serpent Valley,


    Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!


    Three figures moved extremely fast, each surpassing eighty meters per second, easily dodged the Flying Serpents, and arrived above the canyon of Flying Serpent Valley.


    "Xue Shu, is this the ''Flying Serpent Valley'' you spoke of? Where is the Seven Stars human Prime Warrior you mentioned in your transmission?" a burly man with ck skin asked in a deep voice, peering down at the foggy canyon.


    In the valley, the roars of the Flying Serpents could still be heard sporadically.

 Chapter 232: Chapter 189 Liu Jing Awakens, Breakthrough (Requesting Monthly Votes)

    "I just explored the surroundings, and there are quite a few Flying Serpent corpses, but I haven''t discovered any traces of the Seven Stars humans so far," another tall, thin man dressed in a battle suit said quietly.


    "Delgado, Mo Li, do you really suspect that I am lying?" A trace of anger flit through the eyes of the demonically enchanting youth ''Xue Shu'' in the blood-red robe.


    The burly man and Mo Li exchanged nces but said nothing.


    In terms of strength, as Second Rank warriors, they naturally had the upper hand over Xue Shu.


    But the other party was a core disciple of the Holy Land and held a higher sequence level within the Tianliang n than they did.


    "It shouldn''t be, how could there be none..." Xue Shu, the demonically enchanting youth in a blood-red robe, surveyed the canyon below and after scanning it twice, his expression suddenly changed, "This is bad, we''re toote."


    "Look over there," Xue Shu pointed to a cliff about a kilometer away, "There are many Flying Serpent corpses."


    "What?"


    "Flying Serpent corpses?" The burly man and the tall, thin young man immediately looked over.


    On that gentle slope of a cliff,


    It''s just that they were right above this particr part of the cliff.


    Plus, with therge number of Flying Serpent corpses, the blood, and the vines being simr in color, they hadn''t noticed them at first nce.


    "Not just one ce, look there, there are also signs of battle," Xue Shu said.


    "And there as well." With careful observation, the three Tianliang n experts discovered even more traces.


    It was enough to deduce


    that a brutal battle had erupted inside Flying Serpent Valley not long before.


    "Such a fierce battle, it must have been Second Rankbatants. Are we toote?" Delgado, the burly man, frowned, "Xue Shu, did you say there are Soul-Nurturing Ancient Spirit Fruits at the bottom of the valley?"


    "There''s a ny percent chance," Xue Shu nodded heavily, as he had his own method of judgment.


    "Then let''s go," Delgado said quietly, "to find out the truth."


    "All of us?" Mo Li, the tall, thin young man, frowned, "Could there be an ambush?"


    "You can choose not to go, I don''t mind. And if the Soul-Nurturing Ancient Spirit Fruits are still there, don''t be upset if I hide one or two for myself," Delgado said indifferently.


    With that,


    whoosh! Delgado''s figure moved, and he quickly sped towards the bottom of Flying Serpent Valley along the cliff.


    "Let''s go," Mo Li shrugged and immediately rushed downward.


    "These two guys." Xue Shu gritted his teeth. His strength was the weakest, and naturally, he was reluctant to delve into the peril-filled Flying Serpent Valley... but he was also extremely eager for the Soul-Nurturing Ancient Spirit Fruits.


    "Let''s give it a try."


    "If I really run into danger, Delgado and the others won''t harm me," Xue Shu thought to himself, "Moreover, it seems that not all of the Flying Serpent tribe died, and there''s no sign of the Seven Stars human warriors."


    "Most likely, the Seven Stars human martial artists have left," Xue Shu still harbored some hope in his heart.


    Whoosh! Xue Shu also followed closely, continuously descending the cliff.


    Without any attempt to conceal their presence, the three great powerhouses of the Tianliang n charged violently along their way, easily ughtering any Flying Serpents that dared to block their path.


    Finally, these Flying Serpents scattered one after another, mistaking these humans as being from ''the same group'' since they looked quite simr.


    A few minutester.


    The three great warriors of the Tianliang n fought their way to the bottom of the valley, and when they saw therge number of Flying Serpent corpses, especially those of the three Second Rank Flying Serpents, they all fellpletely silent.


    "All dead?"


    "Three Second Rank Flying Serpents, all killed?"


    "This Flying Serpent, judging from its size, was at least 24 years old, right? It has been killed too?" Delgado and Mo Li''s expressions shifted slightly, a sense of crisis beginning to rise in their hearts.


    Both of them, one at Sequence Level 24, the other just at 23.


    Whoosh! Whoosh!


    The three Tianliang n warriors dispersed, inquiring in all directions.


    They soon regathered.


    "There are traces of the Soul-Nurturing Ancient Spirit Fruit, but no Soul-Nurturing Ancient Spirit Wood was found, so it is unclear whether it was recently harvested or consumed by the Second Rank Flying Serpents earlier," Mo Li said in a low voice, holding a palm-sized special instrument in his hand.


    "The Soul-Nurturing Ancient Spirit Fruit is gone?" Xue Shu''s face became extremely ugly.


    He had been nning for a long time for the Soul-Nurturing Ancient Spirit Fruit.


    "Also, I''ve done a preliminary check, and there is likely an ''Origin Crystal vein'' beneath this gorge," continued Mo Li.


    "What?"


    "An Origin Crystal vein?" Delgado and Xue Shu''s expressions changed dramatically¡ª they were all too aware of the value of Origin Crystals.


    Origin Crystals, high-energy Origin Power crystals, had a multitude of uses, especially as the driving core in various Origin Power Weapons researched by the technological civilization.


    The core of the Origin Crystal was often referred to as ''Marrow Crystal,'' with an even more exorbitantly high value.


    "Based on my preliminary calctions, it''s just a small vein," Mo Li continued. "Of course, precise testing would require specialized instruments and personnel."


    Delgado and Xue Shu''s expressions rxed slightly¡ªa small vein? That wasn''t as exaggerated.


    "No wonder there are so many Blood Nourishing Source Ganoderma thriving here; there''s actually an Origin Crystal vein underground," murmured Delgado, a gleam in his eyes: "We must seize this ce, and once we sessfully establish a base and begin excavating...


    even if it''s just a small Origin Crystal vein, we, as discoverers and initial developers, can easily share tens of billions, or even more, of ''Tianliang Currency''."


    Mo Li and Xue Shu couldn''t help nodding, a trace of longing in their eyes.


    Tens of billions of Tianliang Currency? That was a huge fortune for any Second Rank stronghold.


    "The biggest trouble is the Seven Stars Human Civilization," said Mo Li softly. "Someone capable of taking down three Second Rank Flying Serpents and leaving safely without using any kind of thermal weapons... The strength of the Seven Stars human warriors must be very formidable, I think certainly stronger than us."


    "Now, I''m also not sure if they''ve discovered the ''Origin Crystal vein''."


    "My suggestion is to retreat first," Mo Li said. "Report back to the base and call in more resources and warriors from our civilization, then decisively secure this ce."


    "No," Delgado firmly rejected, shaking his head. "We can''t gamble that the Seven Stars Human Civilization are fools. If we give them time to establish a defensive system... our chances of mounting a counterattackter would be ten times harder, with casualties beyond prediction."


    "You should know, Flying Serpent Valley is closer to their forward base than to ours."


    "So what do we do?" asked Mo Li.


    "We stay here, on covert alert," Delgado solemnly said. "Indeed, the warriors of the Seven Stars Human Civilization are strong, but they should only have a limited advantage in strength over us... Otherwise, they wouldn''t have retreated immediately after killing all the Second Rank Flying Serpents.


    I even suspect that their main forces have suffered heavy losses, or even that a Prime Warrior has died, and the bodies were simply taken away."


    Mo Li and Xue Shu could not help nodding¡ªDelgado''s analysis made sense.


    "Then let''s stay on covert alert."


    "Xue Shu, you and I will team up, and Delgado will operate solo; we will each monitor a section of the mountain range," said Mo Li.


    "Then, order your people toe as quickly as possible."


    "At the same time, I will write the report as soon as possible, notify the base, and request the higher-ups of civilization to increase support," Mo Li said. "Our mission is... once the strong of the Seven Star Human Civilization return, we must hold them off."


    Delgado and Xue Shu both nodded in agreement.


    "Let''s go, let''s head up first."


    ...


    Seven Star Human Civilization, Outpost Base Number Three, inside that huge conference room.


    "Killed three Second Rank Flying Serpents?"


    "One of them a Level 25 Flying Serpent?"


    "Liu Jing severely injured and unconscious?" The woman in purple and Han Chong were both shocked staring at the intelligence transmitted by Li Yuan.


    Far beyond their expectations.


    "An Alien Race of Level 25 emerged within our territory and we had no clue whatsoever before," Han Chong said with a hint of anger in his voice. "What were the inquiry teams doing?"


    The outpost base needed to inquire about the surrounding area of 1000 kilometers all year round.


    "If the Second Rank Alien Race had their minds set on hiding, how could those First Rank Martial Artists uncover them?" The woman in purple shook her head, "This time, if it weren''t for Xu An and Liu Jing venturing deep into Flying Serpent Valley, we might have never driven out this strong Flying Serpent."


    "What do we do now?" Han Chong frowned.


    "Let''s stick to the original n, the forward units that have already departed should continue moving," the woman in purple whispered. "I''ve already locked onto Xu An''s location, and I will now lead the forward troops with medicine to find Xu An immediately."


    "You''re going?" Han Chong was surprised. "Doesn''t that mean the base will be left with only me as a Prime Warrior?"


    "The key issue is that Liu Jing is already seriously injured, what do we fight with?" Han Chong frowned.


    He was already thinking about giving up on Flying Serpent Valley, abandoning the n.


    "It''s not about what we want to fight for, but what we must," the woman in purple''s eyes shed a cold light. "Compared to Liu Jing, I''m more worried about Flying Serpent Valley right now."


    "What''s wrong with Flying Serpent Valley?" Han Chong was startled.


    "If it can cultivate the Blood-Nourishing Source Spiritual Fungi inrge quantities and even give birth to so many Second Rank Flying Serpents in such a short time... I don''t believe there''s no secret in Flying Serpent Valley," the woman in purple said gravely.


    "If the Tianliang n upies this ce, sets up a base, and they are only 900 kilometers away from our outpost base, do you think we can still coexist peacefully?"


    "War is inevitable sooner orter, might as well fight now."


    "At the very least, we can''t let them establish a stable defense system," the woman in purple said.


    "What about me? What do I do?" Han Chong couldn''t help asking.


    "Contact our superiors, request support," the woman in purple said earnestly. "If necessary, ask Outpost Base Number Four to support us."


    "Outpost Base Number Four?" Han Chong was surprised.


    Xia Country, within the Mingxu Star Realm, has both Outpost Base Number Three and Number Four, but due to their vast distance, there is not muchmunication between the two bases under normal circumstances.


    Before long.


    The woman in purple took a group of martial artists and flew in the direction of Li Yuan''s smart wristband location on a flying vehicle.


    ...


    In just over an hour, Li Yuan carrying Liu Jing had already fled for hundreds of kilometers.


    Whoosh! Li Yuan moved agilely, jumping over a river and rushing through the savage forest at high speed.


    Suddenly.


    "Li Yuan, put me down," a vigorous voice came from behind Li Yuan.


    It was as if he had just woken up.


    "Senior Liu?" Li Yuan felt a surge of joy in his heart, his mind stirred.


    Hissss~ Hissss~ The Origin Power Battle Garment retracted, and Liu Jing, who was originally lying on Li Yuan''s back, immediately fell down, standing firmly on the grasnd.


    "Senior, are you alright?" Li Yuan turned around, his eyes lit up, noticing that Liu Jing''s aura had fully recovered.


    Aside from his tattered clothing, the previously severely damaged arms, legs, and so on were all in perfect condition, showing no signs of the past injuries.


    He even seemed better than before the great battle.


    Subconsciously, Li Yuan used the Divine Pce Inquiry.


    "[Target creature, Life Level at 25.6 Rank]" Li Yuan was taken aback.


    Rank 25.6? How had he be so much stronger than before the injury?


    "Not only am I better,"


    "Your Spirit Medicine not only treated me, it even healed some of the chronic injuries I had for years, restoring my strength to its peak," Liu Jing said with a hint of a smile.


    "Restored to the peak?" Li Yuan''s pupils shrank, and he instantly remembered the first time he saw Liu Jing.


    The apanying military officer had said that Liu Jing had declined in strength due to injuries.


    "That''s great," Li Yuan showed a smile.


    It was worth the price.


    "I''m just sorry to you," Liu Jing sighed. "Such a miraculous elixir is surely an invaluable treasure, probably a ''life-saving trump card'' your teacher prepared for you, and I guess you only have this one piece."


    Although Liu Jing always stationed in the Star Realm, with rtively limited information,


    his insights were not shallow. He could imagine the value of the medicine¡ªten billion? Fifty billion?


    Perhaps even a hundred billion Blue Star Coins.


    "Senior, you covered my retreat, and that was why you fought desperately against the Flying Serpent King. Otherwise, you could have escaped with your strength," Li Yuan said solemnly.


    The Origin Purple Longevity Pill was precious, but treasures only have value when used.


    Li Yuan did not regret it.


    "As nned, you were responsible for seizing the treasure, and I was responsible for the aftermath. You admirablypleted the task you were responsible for. It''s myck of foresight that led to this oue," Liu Jing shook his head. "Since I caused the mistake, I naturally had to make a full effort to rectify it, covering the retreat was the right thing to do."


    "How about this."


    "I can''t make up for such a rare and precious elixir," Liu Jing looked at Li Yuan. "You take all three Soul-Nurturing Ancient Spirit Fruits."


    "In addition, when we return, I will transfer twenty billion Blue Star Coins to you. After all, I am just an intermediate-level Prime Warrior. Even though I earn more than the average Prime Warrior by stationing in the Star Realm, it is still limited... don''t think it''s too little," Liu Jing said.


    "That won''t do," Li Yuan shook his head. "Then wouldn''t Senior havebored for nothing?"


    "Not for nothing, on the contrary, there have been great gains," Liu Jing''s eyes were bright, his smile conveying his mood. "This battle in Flying Serpent Valley, through life-and-death struggle, my technique broke through, reaching subtlety."


    "For me, that is worth more than a hundred billion Blue Star Coins," Li Yuan said.

 Chapter 236: Chapter 193: Law Creation Again

    The Mingxu Star Realm is a First Level Star Realm, and once one''s life level reaches level 20, they can no longer pass through the Star Realm''s entrance and exit.


    Based on Li Yuan''s third time experiencing Origin Power entering his body,


    "Once I raise my Spiritual Awakening Level to 40% and initiate the fourth instance of Origin Power entering my body, I fear my life level will reach 21 or even higher," Li Yuan thought to himself, "Then, I can only spend my whole life in the Mingxu Star Realm."


    Other First Rank Martial Artists, once they reach 19.9, may be due to their techniques or insufficient spiritual power, find it difficult to break through to level 20.


    But Li Yuan? His spiritual power and techniques were more than sufficient a long time ago, and once his life level reaches the First Order Limit, he would rapidly break through.


    Spend a whole lifetime in the Mingxu Star Realm? That was not what Li Yuan wished for.


    This was also why Li Yuan greatly admired Liu Jing, for one must have great determination and willpower to willingly stay in such a wilderness.


    Moreover,


    Li Yuan subconsciously believed that he had greater achievements to aplish in the future and could y a more significant role for the Seven Star Alliance.


    "In the future, if the entrance to the Mingxu Star Realm expands and it bes a Second Level Star Realm, perhaps it could allow Senior Brother Liu Jing and the others to return home," a thought suddenly passed through Li Yuan''s mind.


    The level of a Star Realm is not static; expansion from a First Level Star Realm to a Second Level Star Realm is quitemon.


    Just like the Rob Sea Star Realm within the Xia Country territory, which has been in constant warfare.


    Li Yuan knew that the entrance area of the Rob Sea Star Realm was bing increasingly unstable, showing a tendency to be the second Third Level Star Realm on Blue Star. And this was why Xia Country had been stationing a heavy military presence there year-round.


    "Although I don''t dare to increase it to 40%, in theing period, I should seek opportunities to kill more members of the Alien Race and strive to raise my Spiritual Awakening Level to around 37%," Li Yuan thought to himself.


    Not increasing it to 39% was because he needed to leave some leeway.


    To avoid any unexpected idents.


    "Moreover,"


    "With a thought, my mind can merge with heaven and earth, drawing in the forces of the world to nourish my body, which will greatly increase the efficiency of my cultivation of the ''All Heavens'' Stars,''. Even without Origin Power entering my body, a single month at the shortest or two at the longest, would be enough to raise my Physical Quality to 19.9," Li Yuan''s eyes shimmered brightly.


    It sounded as though the speed of improvement was simr to before.


    But one must know that the standard difference in Fist Strength from 15.0 to 16.0 is 6,000 kilograms.


    From 19.0 to 19.9, however, the standard difference in Fist Strength is 20,000 kilograms.


    As one advances in their Life Level, the difference increasingly bes exponential.


    ..."For a genius like Senior Brother Jin, with the best external conditions for cultivation, it still took until his junior year to be a Prime Warrior. This is the reason why," Li Yuan gently closed his eyes, "For others, cultivation is like climbing uphill, the further you go, the slower you get."


    "But for me, it''s like descending downhill, getting faster and faster."


    Hum~ With a single thought,


    Li Yuan''s immensely powerful spiritual power sensed his entire body, cing itself in a vast and boundless space, where within the endless starry sky, there were a few points of light.


    That was¡ªLife Star space.


    "With Spiritual Guidance, I awakened the first Perfect Star Vein," Li Yuan''s spirit spread out, his heartpletely calm, sensing the vast and infinite Life Star space, "But to be a Flying Heaven level, at least three Star Meridians must be awakened."


    "With spiritual power at level 30, the upper limit for Spiritual Awakening Level can increase to 40%. To raise that limit to 50%, how high must my spiritual power be?"


    "The second Spiritual Guidance is far off, and at least for the short term, it''s not achievable." Li Yuan was clear about this point.


    "I must create my ownw."


    Hum~


    Li Yuan''s spiritual power turned into countless thoughts, passing through one spiritual imprint after another, quickly sensing an already perfectly awakened Star Meridian.


    Following that,


    "Let''s continue," Li Yuan''s spiritual thoughts ventured through the vast and dark Life Star space, continuing to search for the stars hidden in darkness... not a search without pattern or method.


    Li Yuan had read over the seven High Rank Cultivation Methods and also referenced a great deal of pioneering methods from his predecessors.


    There are many tricks to findingmon Life Stars, and there are subtle connections between many Life Stars.


    "Awakening the first Star Meridian is the hardest,"


    "Many predecessors who createdws in the history of our Seven Stars human civilization fell at the first step," Li Yuan silently reflected, "But once one Star Meridian is awakened, the difficulty drastically decreases."


    The previous Spiritual Guidance indeed greatly helped Li Yuan.


    Hum~ Hum~


    HIs spiritual thoughts enveloped the vast starry sky, ignoring spatial distances, gradually sensing the existence of each dark star.


    "This one is a Life Star."


    "This one should be."


    "This one is a dead star."


    "This one could be," Li Yuan''s spiritual thoughts wildly dispersed.


    With the experience of his predecessors, the guidance of the first Perfect Star Vein, and help that surpassed the past by tens of times, Li Yuan easily noticed the presence of Life Stars within the Life Star space.


    Much easier than normal Law Creators by more than a hundred times.


    As time psed, Li Yuan kept imprinting spiritual marks on one Life Star after another.


    This was the consequence of a strong foundation.


    Advanced techniques, strong spiritual power, and perception in the Life Star space hundreds to thousands of times stronger... the probability of sessfully creatingws was almost a sure thing.


    Of course,


    Not all Life Stars are ''active'', many seeming nearly indistinguishable from the dead stars on the surface... Li Yuan cautiously chose to give up on those.


    But suddenly,


    "Hmph~" Li Yuan''s spirit violently shook, followed by the sensation of one strand of his spiritual thoughts being destroyed.


    This in turn caused his body to tremble faintly.


    A sensing mistake.


    "That star was actually a Dead Star?" Li Yuan felt helplessly more cautious.


    asionally sensing wrong was not a major loss for someone with Li Yuan''s immense spiritual power.


    After a short rest, he could recover.


    But continuous mistakes? That would mean a halt to the process.


    "If there was Spiritual Guidance, my rity and range of perception would be even stronger by more than a thousand times," Li Yuan thought to himself, "Countless unawakened Life Stars would be within my perception, without a single error."


    The stronger he became, the more Li Yuan felt the immense power and terror of the Mind Spirit Divine Pce.


    Such abilities were simply unfathomable.


    ...


    A full hourter.


    "This time, I actually lit up over 7000 life stars directly," Li Yuan revealed a hint of a smile, "Before, after cultivating many times, I only awakened a little over a thousand life stars."


    Spiritual power reaching the Flying Heaven level indeed represents a fundamental change.


    Now, the vast and boundless space of life stars seemed brighter than not long ago, with more stars radiating light amidst the dark starry sky.


    However, these newly awakened life stars were mostly chaotic and had not yet formed new star meridians.


    "To awaken so many, yet also fail six times."


    "My spirit is slightly damaged, and I can''t continue to awaken life stars for now," Li Yuan had already stopped, "At this rate, given a bit more time, there''s hope to awaken the second star meridian."


    On one star meridian, awakening more than 12,960 life stars can begin to form the outline of a star meridian.


    In some sense, this was Li Yuan''s first step in creatingws by himself.


    Mind Spirit Divine Pce? One can rely on it, but must never be dependent on it.


    "I must, with all my might, make myself stronger, actively be stronger," Li Yuan thought to himself, "Then, at some critical moments, I''ll be able to withstand some of the Mind Spirit Divine Pce''s potential tests, and thereby receive even more benefits."


    If it weren''t for Li Yuan''s willpower having transformed to level 30 before, he absolutely wouldn''t have withstood the abnormal outburst of the Great Sun Jade tform.


    "The Great Sun Jade tform."


    "The Mind Spirit Divine Pce still hides many secrets," Li Yuan thought, and his spiritual consciousness left the space of the life stars.


    ...


    Inside the cave.


    Li Yuan opened his eyes and didn''t notice Liu Jing''s trace: "It seems that the earlier spiritual oppression has rmed Senior Liu... He''s nearby."


    Projecting his divine sense, although it could only sense within a thirty meters radius, he could vaguely perceive up to several hundred meters away.


    There was someone with a life force quite strong and a soul breath quite familiar.


    It was Liu Jing.


    "Under the guidance of divine sense, in front of a Flying Heaven Warrior, an ordinary person trying to disguise themselves as someone else is difficult," Li Yuan silently marveled.


    Reaching the Flying Heaven level, one does not simply look at a person''s outer appearance and physique anymore.


    One will sense the soul''s breath as well.


    Physique and appearance are easy to disguise, change of clothes, a haircut, pretending to be disabled... all can create great changes.


    But how does one disguise a person''s soul''s breath? At least for First Rank and Second Rank lives, it''s quite difficult.


    Furthermore, regarding the exposure of ''Flying Heaven level spiritual power'' in front of Liu Jing, Li Yuan wasn''t too worried deep down.


    It would have been exposed sooner orter, besides, the other party was trustworthy.


    "Senior Liu has not summoned me, which means the support team from the outpost base has not yet arrived," Li Yuan closed his eyes, "There''s no rush."


    "I''ll try practicing the spiritual secret technique ''Soul Shock'' first."


    During his time at Kunlun Martial University, Li Yuan learned two major spiritual secret techniques, ''Soul Shock'' and ''Spirit Concentration Technique''."


    Both were Second Level spiritual secret techniques; the former was for carrying out spiritual attacks, and thetter was for concentrating the spirit to make it more resilient.


    However, the effects were minimal.


    "Previously my spiritual power was only at level 20 or so, even if I cultivated ''Soul Shock'' to perfection, the effects were not significant and it also took a lot of time, so I didn''t delve too deep into practicing it," Li Yuan thought to himself, "Now with Flying Heaven level spiritual power, I''ll give it another try."


    "Let''s see what level I can cultivate it to in a short period of time."


    "The first step, thoughts like a river, continuous and unending," Li Yuan followed the guidance of the ''Soul Shock'' technique, letting his spiritual thoughts gradually change.


    Very easy.


    Just a few secondster.


    "Is that it?" Li Yuan was stunned, then chuckled, "Makes sense, the spiritual power of a Prime Warrior is not sufficient in quality, it''s very hard to be nimble like silk, difficult to control."


    "But with Flying Heaven level spiritual power, it can easily be split, like multitasking with one mind on three tasks or even ten tasks... all with ease."


    Practicing Second Level spiritual secret technique with Third Rank spiritual power?


    It''s like an impressive middle school student doing a primary schooler''s math problems, even if temporarily stumped, but with a little learning of the problem-solving methods, they rapidly break through.


    This is the difference in foundation.


    "The second step..." Li Yuan continued to practice.


    ...


    As time passed, about three hours after Li Yuan practiced the ''Soul Shock'' secret technique.


    "Hmm?" Li Yuan suddenly opened his eyes.


    The next second.


    Whoosh! A figure d in blue darted into the cave.


    "Senior Liu," Li Yuan greeted with a smile.


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    "Do you still need to continue cultivating? Another Prime Warrior from the base is about to arrive," Liu Jing asked.


    "It''s not necessary," Li Yuan smiled, "If senior has any ns, you can implement them, I''m ready to join the battle at any time."


    Continue to cultivate?


    In the past two hours, Li Yuan had directly brought the ''Soul Shock'' spiritual secret technique to the Perfection Level.


    He had also practiced the ''Observing the Great Sun Starry Sky Scripture'' for another hour,pletely eliminating any fatigue.


    One could say that Li Yuan''s overall strength had reached a new peak.


    In the short term, there could be no further improvement.


    "That''s good," Liu Jing nodded slightly, and couldn''t help but ask, "Li Yuan, has your spiritual power really reached Flying Heaven level?"


    He was indeed curious.


    "Senior should have felt it before," Li Yuan responded with a smile.


    "Impressive," Liu Jing was still shocked internally, and then said, "But I suggest you return to Xia Country."


    "There''s no need for you to participate in the uing war with the Tianliang n."

 Chapter 240: Chapter 195 Sweep Them All (Additional 8, Asking for Monthly Tickets)

    "What?"


    "A single spear thrust killed Xue Shu?"


    "Isn''t that Seven Star human martial artist only at level 19?" Both Delgado and Mo Li, who were still engaged in fiercebat hundreds of meters away, were shocked.


    They were both well aware of Xue Shu''s strength, who, in theory, should have been able to hold out for a while against level 20 or 21 opponents.


    Yet, when faced with an opponent of the same level, he was killed in a single encounter?


    No! To be precise, it was an instant kill.


    This meant that the gap in strength between the two was unimaginably wide.


    "Could it be that the level 19 Seven Star human martial artist is one of the top super geniuses in the Seven Star Civilization?"


    "Xue Shu is dead."


    "We''re in trouble." Delgado and Mo Li were extremely agitated, not because they thought Li Yuan could threaten them,


    but because Xue Shu was dead.


    At level 19, capable of subtle invocation of the mind, he wasn''t the core disciple among the three sacred ces of the Tianliang n, but he was still considered a powerful talent, and it would have been almost effortless for him to be a top-grade Origin Martial Artist in the future.


    But now he was dead.


    And under their protection?


    It could be said that even if the two of them survived and returned, they would still be ''punished'' by the upper echelons of the Tianliang n.


    This was also the reason why they had Xue Shu escape at the first opportunity once the battle began.


    ... "Xu An, is he that powerful?" Miao Wei was just as shocked as Delgado and Mo Li.


    She knew about Xue Shu''s general information and guessed that the fleeing blood-robed figure must be the disciple from the Tianliang n''s sacred ce.


    As a result, he was killed by Li Yuan in one move.


    "How did he do it?" An idea shed through Miao Wei''s mind as she suddenly remembered what Liu Jing had said on their way to the Flying Serpent Valley, "In certain respects, Xu An is no inferior to you."


    At the time she didn''t quite believe it, but now she waspletely convinced.


    "Spiritual Shock, right?" Liu Jing was the mostposed of them all; he was just suppressing Delgado, not yet using his true strength.


    He was the least surprised by Li Yuan''s one-hit kill of Xue Shu.


    ...


    "His technique is not bad; although he''s only at level 19.3, the power and speed he unleashed were close to a level 20 martial artist, and he must have reached Subtlety." Li Yuan retracted his spear, ncing at the corpse.


    Following the teachings of his teacher Xu Bo, he directly dismembered it.


    "Too bad his spiritual power is quite ordinary, probably only at level 20 or 21."


    "If you had an Origin Power Battle Suit, maybe you could have taken a few more hits," Li Yuan thought to himself.


    With an Origin Power Battle Suit, vitality was increased tenfold.


    No battle suit?


    If Li Yuan did not use Spiritual Shock, in a normal fight, Xue Shu could at least withstand dozens of moves; after all, their strength and speed wereparable.


    However, when Xue Shu was immediately subdued by the "Soul Shock" secret technique from Li Yuan and without a battle suit to protect his body, life and death were decided in an instant.


    After all, even Liu Jing, whose spiritual power wasparable to a top-grade Origin Martial Artist, would be briefly stunned by Li Yuan''s Spiritual Shock.


    What more to say of Xue Shu?


    It may sound slow, but in reality, Li Yuan didn''t even have time to search the body; the very next second after tearing apart Xue Shu''s corpse.


    Boom!


    ```


    Li Yuan had suddenly turned around and surged back with force towards the four great Prime Warriors who were still engaged in fiercebat.


    ording to the n Li Yuan and Liu Jing had made early on, Liu Jing would onlyunch a full offensive to try to kill all the enemies when Li Yuan used the Spiritual Secret Technique "Soul Shock" at close range.


    But what happened next was beyond Li Yuan''s expectation.


    As he charged towards the main battlefield, Delgado and Mo Li also suddenly exerted their strength, attempting to shake off Liu Jing and Miao Wei to charge at him with all their might.


    "Trying to kill me?" Li Yuan instantly understood the intentions of the opponents and instead of retreating, he advanced.


    He still charged head-on towards them.


    ..."Stay put!" Liu Jing burst out shouting.


    Seeing Delgado trying to charge at Li Yuan, he was also shocked and his Subtlety of the mind fully erupted, the light of his saber flowing continuously, with both speed and strength surging in an instant.


    He blocked Delgado, who was trying to flee.


    "ng!" "ng!" A session of collisions.


    "Boom~" A terrifying saber light swept across the Vast Sky,nding on Delgado''s body, directly sending him flying backward.


    Delgado crashed heavily onto a huge rock, which exploded into pieces, and shards of stone scattered in all directions.


    Flying out more than ten meters, he then struck and copsed arge tree before finallying to a halt.


    Spurt~ A mouthful of fresh blood spewed out from his mouth.


    "Your power? How could it be this strong? Have you reached Subtlety?" Delgado looked up, staring at Liu Jing with immense shock in his heart.


    Just moments ago, he was only slightly at a disadvantage, but now he was beingpletely overpowered by Liu Jing''s outburst.


    He truly felt the danger.


    "Die." Liu Jing couldn''t be bothered to answer, and the moment he sent Delgado flying with a sh, he exerted his strength once more, pouncing like a fierce tiger with an incredibly fierce Swordsmanship.


    Having erupted, he would not hold back any longer.


    Just now, Liu Jing also became worried that Delgado might threaten Li Yuan, which is why he burst out directly


    In fact, if Delgado had not been protected by an Origin Power Battle Suit, he probably would have been near death from that single sh.


    This was the function of the Battle Garment, enveloping the entire body and greatly reducing the impact of any attack.


    "Kill!" Delgado gritted his teeth, suddenly gripping the Combat Saber in his hand to rush out, trying his best to resist Liu Jing''s onught.


    ...Mo Li''s strength was not inferior to Miao Wei''s, especially when it came to Physical Quality which was even slightly stronger.


    Whoosh! With a sh, Mo Li shook off Miao Wei and charged towards Li Yuan like lightning.


    "Being able to kill Xue Shu in one move, he must be an extremely rare genius in the Seven Star Human Civilization." Mo Li fixed his gaze on Li Yuan, his eyes filled with a bloodthirsty killing intent: "As long as I kill you, I will be able to atone for my sins."


    "And then I shall escape immediately."


    "I refuse to believe that you, a Level 19 Seven Stars human Martial Artist, can be that strong." Mo Li bit his teeth, knowing well that one who could instantly kill Xue Shu¡ª


    The Seven Stars human genius before him would definitely be tough to handle.


    But no matter how tough, with a 4-level difference in Life Level and several times the disparity in strength, how could he possibly resist?


    "Xu An, be careful." Miao Wei shouted furiously, extremely anxious in her heart; her speed was also extremely fast, but being thrown off just now, she was half a beat behind Mo Li.


    What worried Miao Wei even more was that Li Yuan still showed no sign of dodging as he charged straight forward.


    Suddenly.


    "Be ready." An icy voice exploded in Miao Wei''s mind, causing her to space out for an instant.


    Telepathy!


    Flying Heaven Level spiritual power, incredibly potent, had given birth to a wisp of Divine Sense that could perceive everything in all directions... at close range, it was possible to have a spiritual exchange with a strong opponent.


    ```


    However, now only Li Yuan was telepathicallymunicating with Miao Wei, who could not respond.


    Like some top-grade origin martial artists, they too couldmunicate telepathically.


    The advantage of telepathicmunication, first is secrecy, and second is that it disregards spatial distance, allowing for timely exchange and reminders.


    After all, when top-grade origin martial artists burst out in extremebat, their movement speeds are almost the speed of sound, and a very few even surpass the speed of sound... verbalmunication just isn''t possible.


    Boom! Boom!


    The speed of both Li Yuan and Mo Li was terrifying, with terrifying force erupting from their legs, stirring up countless fragments of rocks and soil along their path... none of which affected them.


    At a distance of 700 meters, they were about to collide head-on in less than three seconds.


    "Kill!" Mo Li swung his long spear, the spear light shing as he thrust it fiercely.


    This thrust was filled with rage, unleashing a terrifying force of over 300,000 kilograms.


    A 24th-level Origin Martial Artist has a standard fist strength of 300,000 kilograms.


    "Soul Shock!" Li Yuan''s eyes were intimidating, a powerful spiritual fluctuation erupted directly, rolling and crushing everything in its path.


    Mo Li was fast, but Li Yuan''s spiritual attack was even faster, striking before Mo Li could react.


    Boom! Mo Li felt as though his head was struck by a heavy hammer, his consciousness roaring and exploding, almost losing grip on hisbat saber.


    Following closely.


    "Peng~" A powerful force instantly stabbed at his throat, the terrible shock passing through his fighting spirit and sending his body tumbling backwards.


    The drilling pain instantly sobered Mo Li, who tumbled through the air, his eyes filled with horror.


    He had already crossed paths with Li Yuan.


    "What kind of move is this? A spiritual shock?" Mo Li was shocked, "How did he, a first-rank martial artist, achieve this?"


    Whoosh~


    Mo Linded heavily on the ground, feeling unbearable pain in his throat, a wave of fright washing over him.


    Had it not been for the protection of the Origin Power Battle Suit, his throat would have certainly been pierced by that strike.


    It would have been an instant kill.


    Before Mo Li could think clearly, he felt another terrifying spiritual shock wave crash down on him, his mind bing muddled once again.


    "Kill!" Miao Wei had finally arrived, attacking like lightning.


    Just now, she watched as Li Yuan and Mo Li crossed paths.


    Immediately after, Mo Li was blown away by Li Yuan''s spear attack.


    Miao Wei was shocked by the terrifying methods Li Yuan had unleashed, but she knew that now was not the time to inquire about it.


    Swish! Swish! Swish!


    Sword light flowed like water, pouring crazily onto Mo Li''s body, her swordsmanship far more potent than Li Yuan''s spear technique.


    "Puff!"


    "Pfft!" "Puff!" In the exchange, at least four sword lights shed across Mo Li''s throat.


    That was also where Li Yuan had previously aimed his long spear.


    The first sword stroke was still blocked by Mo Li''s Origin Power Battle Suit, but the second stroke nearly cut through it.


    "Whoosh!" Mo Li had just regained consciousness, feeling excruciating pain in his throat, and was just about to retreat swiftly.


    Thest two streaks of sword light shed by like lightning once again.


    "Puff!"


    No matter how tough the Origin Power Battle Suit was, it couldn''t withstand four consecutive attacks on the same spot by a martial artist of the same rank in an extremely short period of time. At that moment, the suit waspletely ripped open.


    The final stroke of the sword light directly grazed Mo Li''s neck, and blood gushed like a fountain.


    "This?"


    "Me?" Mo Li''s eyes widened as he instinctively covered his throat, but he couldn''t stop the bleeding and could hardly make a sound.


    Even second-rank fighters with vigorous life forces would die if their hearts shattered or their throats were slit without any other life-saving means.


    "Kill!"


    Havingnded a sessful blow, Miao Wei''s sword light struck like lightning, repeatedly and relentlessly attacking.


    She offered no chance for Mo Li to survive.


    "Peng~"


    With the final stroke of sword light, Mo Li''s head was sent flying, one of his arms also severed.


    The Tianliang n''s second-rank fighter, Mo Li, dead.


    ...


    Whoosh!


    After crossing paths with Mo Li and creating an opportunity for Miao Wei, Li Yuan had already fled far away.


    Seeing that his spear hadn''t truly harmed Mo Li, Li Yuan immediately realized that his own strength was too weak, greatlycking when it came to frontalbat.


    Reliance purely on spiritual attacks would hardly defeat those ''intermediate origin warriors'' d in Origin Power Battle Suits.


    In the shes of Origin Warriors, he served as support.


    In just two seconds, Li Yuan had rushed close to Delgado and Liu Jing, who were fiercely fighting.


    Both powerful fighters were usingbat sabers with extreme ferocity.


    At full force, Liu Jingpletely overpowered Delgado. Each collision resulted in a terrifying sonic boom, causing massive rocks along their path to shatter and trees to tumble.


    The fight was brutally intense.


    However, as the Tianliang n''s strongest dispatched fighter, Delgado also possessed remarkable strength, enduring against the powerful Liu Jing.


    Suddenly.


    "Boom!" A terrifying wave of spiritual pressure hit, causing Delgado''s mind to reel. He had practiced some spiritual concentration secret techniques and instinctively tried to fend off the attack.


    But he had no chance, like a small dam trying to hold back a flooding river.


    "Hmm?" Confusion appeared in Delgado''s eyes, and the speed of hisbat saber greatly reduced.


    "Die!" As a fighter specialized in subtlety, Liu Jing was always ready.


    sh! A dazzling sh of the saber swiftly passed over Delgado''s neck, decapitating him.


    Delgado, dead!


    In the continuous exchanges, Liu Jing had already seriously wounded Delgado several times, and seizing the opportunity, he delivered the fatal blow.


    With this.


    The three strongest members of the Tianliang n''s vanguard team were all dead.


    Whoosh!


    Just as Miao Wei rushed over, she witnessed the scene unfolding before her, her eyes filled with shock.


    "They''ve all been killed." Liu Jing grinned, his saber still dripping with blood, "Let''s check their bodies first."


    "Collect anything valuable."

 Chapter 241: Chapter 196: Harvest! The Shocked Tianliang Clan! (Extra 9)

    "Alright."


    "Everyone, check carefully." Li Yuan and Miao Wei both nodded in agreement.


    They immediately split up and sprinted toward the distant bodies of Xue Shu and Mo Li.


    During the fierce battle just now, after they finished off their opponents, they all went to provide support immediately, without any time to search for war spoils.


    Whoosh!


    Li Yuan ran up to the torn body of a Xue Shu, quickly and meticulously inspecting it.


    He then discovered that aside from weapons, armor, and life detectors, there wasn''t much left.


    "Hmm?" Li Yuan suddenly paused, opening the sealedpartment in the corpse''s inner armor.


    A strange, refreshing fragrance wafted out.


    Surprise shed through Li Yuan''s eyes.


    Because in thatpartment were several elixirs, which Li Yuan could not identify... But given how secretly they were ced, they were likely extremely precious.


    Beyond that, Li Yuan didn''t find anything else of value.


    Gathering all the items together.


    Whoosh! Li Yuan quickly returned to where Liu Jing was, who had already mostly stripped down the items from Delgado''s body.


    Miao Wei had also returned with the items left by Mo Li.


    The three of them ced the spoils of war in the center, piling up into a heap.


    "I''ll check to see." Liu Jing quickly began inspecting them, and when he checked the several elixirs scavenged by Li Yuan, he revealed a smile, "These should be life-saving elixirs, but the Tianliang n''s elixir forms are slightly different from ours, its effects must be checked before we can know its value."


    "Two Origin Power Battle Suits, both with slight damage, can be used after repairs."


    "These weapons are also quite good, worth quite a bit of money, plus these misceneous items... total value." Liu Jing pondered briefly before saying, "Except for the elixirs."


    "If the other items are sold back to the Alliance''s procurement department, they should be worth 1.5 billion Blue Star Coins."


    Li Yuan and Miao Wei nodded slightly, 1.5 billion Blue Star Coins?


    It sounds like a lot, but it''s worth remembering that this was the result of them wiping out three powerful members of the Tianliang n.


    Normally, Prime Warriors do not willingly engage in battle with warriors of the same rank, as it''s extremely dangerous.


    High rewardse with high risks.


    Many Prime Warriors may never experience such a brutal battle in their lifetimes... and if one experiences it too often without sufficient strength, they are bound to die in a life-and-death fight sooner orter.


    "Regarding these spoils, once everything is sold, we''ll divide them equally among the three of us, no problem." Liu Jing smiled as he looked at the two.


    "No problem."


    "Good." Li Yuan and Miao Wei both nodded in agreement, and if anyone was at a disadvantage, it was Liu Jing.


    "Alright, let''s leave the stuff here and mark it," Liu Jing said, "then we''ll continue to scout both sides of Flying Serpent Valley."


    "Just now on our way here, we encountered quite a few Tianliang n First Rank warriors... but we refrained from acting against those First Rank warriors because we were focused on a surprise attack against the Tianliang n Prime Warriors."


    "Now, let''s exterminate them first." Liu Jing shared his thoughts.


    "Alright."


    "Let''s move."


    The three formidable fighters once again set into motion, very tacitly forming two teams¡ªone with Liu Jing alone, the other with Li Yuan and Miao Wei.


    About one kilometer apart, they spread out to sweep and inspect the area.


    ...


    "Pfft!"


    The spear light shed by, and a frantically fleeing Tianliang n warrior fell without any chance to fight back.


    "Spiritual Awakening Level at 30.1%?" Li Yuan nced at the Divine Pce panel, "That''s really slow."


    Whoosh! Li Yuan continued forward.


    With his spiritual power extended outward, his perception ability had reached an unfathomable level, and some Tianliang n warriors who were trying to hide could not escape their inquiry.


    Even along the way, when Li Yuan asionally encountered Flying Serpents, he ughtered them just the same.


    As nned.


    If they were to establish a new base in the vicinity of Flying Serpent Valley, the entire Flying Serpent poption would either bepletely destroyed or at least all driven away.


    Alien races, with hearts inevitably different from our own.


    When ites to the struggle for living space.


    For the future of the entire civilization, having experienced the ''Fish Spirit Tide'' in Jiang City, Li Yuan would show no mercy to alien races.


    ...


    An hourter.


    Li Yuan, Liu Jing, and Miao Wei had collectively purged the entire area around Flying Serpent Valley, with over 150 Tianliang n warriors killed by them, not counting the Flying Serpents.


    Perhaps a few Tianliang n warriors survived, but they most certainly fled in panic.


    The three regrouped at the original battlefield.


    "Xu An, you should take these spoils of war and return to the forward outpost first." Liu Jing looked at Li Yuan.


    "Senior, I should go back?" Li Yuan was taken aback.


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    "With the vicinity of Flying Serpent Valleyrgely cleared, and the Tianliang n''s advance forcepletely wiped out, as long as the Tianliang n''s highmand isn''t foolish, they will suspend actions for now. Arge-scale battle won''t erupt again for a considerable time." Liu Jing smiled faintly, "With our Mechanical Legion about to arrive... we already have an absolute advantage."


    "Your continued presence here is unlikely to be of much use to you, it would be better for you to return to the forward outpost first."


    "First, to bring the spoils of war back."


    "Second, to have a good rest." Liu Jing smiled, "Afterward, if we really need support here, how about youe back then?"


    Li Yuan pondered for a moment and nodded, "Okay."


    Li Yuan didn''t refuse any further, his spiritual power had just made a breakthrough, and he indeed needed to meditate quietly for a few days.


    "Xu An, be careful on the way back." Miao Wei smiled. After the recent battle, her opinion of Li Yuan hadpletely changed.


    A few minutester.


    Li Yuan packed arge amount of spoils of war into his backpack, stuffed to the brim, and quickly disappeared into the forest.


    Not until Li Yuan hadpletely vanished from sight.


    "Elder Liu," Miao Wei spoke softly, "You''re worried about Xu An getting involved in the uing war, aren''t you?"


    "Yes." Liu Jing nodded slightly, "You just checked the device left by the Tianliang n''s Prime Warrior, and you must have discovered the secret at the bottom of Flying Serpent Valley."


    "A small Origin Crystal vein." Miao Wei said solemnly.


    "As of now, the Tianliang n has suffered heavy losses, but they won''t easily give up, enticed by an Origin Crystal vein," Liu Jing said indifferently, "They will definitely reorganize their forces toe back, even summoning more powerhouses from their homnd civilization."


    "Soon, a great battle will erupt in Flying Serpent Valley," Liu Jing said.


    Miao Wei nodded slightly.


    They were both aware of the value of an Origin Crystal vein; even a small one had an astonishing total worth.


    Not to mention the loss of just two Prime Warriors; even if twenty or thirty died, the Tianliang n would probably not give up the fight.


    "You must have sensed Xu An''s talent and strength," Liu Jing said, "Continuing to stay here during the uing battle would be extremely dangerous... sending him back is the best choice."


    Miao Wei listened, ustomed to following Liu Jing''s arrangements.


    "Right."


    "In the report to the base, list Xu An as the first discoverer of the ''Origin Crystal vein'', with you and me as the second discoverers," Liu Jing said.


    "To list him as the first?" Miao Wei was surprised and couldn''t help asking, "Why?"


    "Isn''t saving my life enough reason?" Liu Jing nced at her, "If you''re unwilling, I don''t mind removing you from the list of discoverers."


    "Understood. My report will list him as the first discoverer." Miao Wei gave in.


    As the discoverer of this small Origin Crystal vein, if a war base was sessfully established in the future, a substantial reward would be given at least ten billion Blue Star Coins... she certainly did not wish to be kicked out.


    Essentially, Liu Jing was transferring his own interest to Li Yuan.


    "Elder Liu, why didn''t you tell Xu An the truth just now?" Miao Wei couldn''t help asking.


    "Foolish," Liu Jing shook his head, "With his intelligence, if he knew the truth, he would certainly guess that the Tianliang n would not let things go... He would most likely not leave."


    Miao Wei suddenly understood.


    "Alright, quickly finish the report and send it to me," Liu Jing said, "I am going to wait for the subsequent forces to arrive."


    "Yes, Elder Liu."


    ...


    While Li Yuan rushed to Outpost Base Three, and Liu Jing and Miao Wei prepared to establish a preliminary war defense system,


    Thousands of kilometers away from Flying Serpent Valley,


    Within a rather dreamy city, the upper echelon of the Tianliang n was holding an emergency meeting.


    In the vast conference room, several holograms were projected, disying the battle scenes between Li Yuan, Liu Jing, and their group against Xue Shu and Mo Li''s group in Flying Serpent Valley.


    The five Second Rank powerhouses of the Tianliang n all watched the hologram in dead silence.


    After a long while,


    "You''ve all seen it, Delgado, Mo Li, Xue Shu¡ªall died in battle," said the figure in casual clothes, his voice slightly hoarse, "These videos are thest segment of imagery transmitted by their own devices after the three of them died."


    The technology of the Tianliang n was very advanced in some aspects.


    Their personal devices recorded many things; normally, the owner decided whether to upload these images.


    But once the owner died, the device would transmit thest segment of video back to the base.


    Originally, there was no signal around Flying Serpent Valley.


    However, in thesest few days, while seeking Flying Serpent Valley, the Tianliang n had built temporary signal ry stations en route, allowing the videos to be sent back.


    "Liu Jing of the Seven Stars human civilization has greatly improved in strength since the past, his injuries have fully recovered, and he is suspected to have reached Subtlety." The figure in casual clothes said slowly, "Any one of us, in a one-on-one fight, would probably be no match for him."


    Silence ensued.


    Subtlety?


    The Tianliang n might have more Prime Warriors, but they were just Second Rank beginners or intermediates.


    Any one of them facing Liu Jing would be at a disadvantage, or even face death.


    "Liu Jing''s breakthrough is just one aspect."


    "The key lies in this human," the figure in casual clothes said, pointing at the young man highlighted on the hologram, which was Li Yuan.


    "ording to the video, with multiple life detectors'' inquiry, he''s just level 19, which should be urate."


    "Yet his extreme running speed has exceeded 130 meters per second."


    "And how did he manage to kill Xue Shu with one move?" the figure in casual clothes said solemnly, "I suspect he is a ''SSS-grade genius'' that the Seven Stars human civilization has kept hidden."


    "It must be reported upward."


    "Find out who he is."

 Chapter 242: Chapter 197: 1.088 Billion Blue Star Coins! Spear Technique Growth

    "What? An SSS-level genius?"


    "Isn''t that a bit exaggerated?"


    "Such geniuses, within the entire Seven Star human civilization, might not even appear once a year." The meeting room erupted with discussions, with two Prime Warriors not quite convinced.


    In their minds, an SSS-level genius from the Seven Star human civilization, and a ''Saint Heir'' from the Tianliang n, held almost equal status.


    "Quiet."


    The figure in casual clothes frowned and said, "Ladies and gentlemen, I know there are many thoughts in your minds."


    "All we need to do is to report upward, the rest is out of our hands."


    "Moreover, to be honest, we know very little about this Seven Star human genius--his name, experiences, specific strength and so on, are all unknown...


    We can''t even confirm his appearance urately, the only thing certain is that he uses a Long Spear, and his Spear Technique is suspected to have reached Unity of Heaven and Man." The figure in casual clothes said, "And with such strength, he definitely won''t stay long in Mingxu Star Realm. Our outpost here is incapable of dealing with him."


    The other Prime Warriors couldn''t help but nod in agreement.


    Not to mention anything else.


    Just seeing him easily dodge Mo Li in a duel had already made several Prime Warriors'' scalps tingle.


    "However, from his appearance and the fact that he came to Mingxu Star Realm... we can deduce with high probability that hees from the ''Xia Country'' of the Seven Star human civilization," the figure in casual clothes said. "So, in the future when he bes a Prime Warrior, or even reaches the Flying Heaven Realm, the probability that he heads to ''Wanhan Star Realm'' is very high."


    "Making the civilization''s higher-ups prepare early can''t be wrong."


    "Besides, if we can truly find out who he is, we might be able to initiate an ''assassination'' n ahead of time within the Seven Star human civilization," the figure in casual clothes said.


    "Makes sense."


    "Hayden is right."


    "We can''t kill him, but if he could be killed in the ''Wanhan Star Realm'' in the future, then we, as the ones who first reported it, would also be credited."


    "Sign it, and let''s report it." The Prime Warriors werepletely convinced by the figure in casual clothes.


    Wanhan Star Realm.


    It''s the only Third Level Star Realm of Blue Star, and it''s also the main battlefield for intense confrontations between the Seven Stars human civilization and Tianliang Civilization... gathering many strong figures from both civilizations.


    Even dispatching strong figures to infiltrate each other''s civilizations.


    Due to the numerous battles, both civilizations have a profound understanding of each other.


    Mingxu Star Realm? For both civilizations, it''s merely an insignificant ce, with little resources and power invested... However, now that a source crystal vein has been discovered, naturally it incites both sides to invest more resources in the contest.


    ...


    Six hourster, Li Yuan, carrying arge amount of battle spoils, returned to the long-missed No. 3 outpost base.


    In the za in front of the base.


    "Xu An, my brother, wee back." A young man in a white robe greeted with a smile on his face, as if he had been waiting for a long time, he approached proactively.


    "Han Chong, senior?" Li Yuan smiled, already guessing who it was and performed a Divine Pce Inquiry.


    "[Target organism, Life Level 22.5]"


    Han Chong, ranking third among the three military officials of the No. 3 outpost base, a junior Prime Warrior, not bad in terms of strength.


    "Stop calling me senior, I''m not that much older than you... just by a decade or so."


    "Haha, this is our first meeting. Liu Jing and Miao Wei have called me several times, they spoke very highly of you." Han Chong was extremely enthusiastic, "Come on, I''ve already set up a feast in the base to celebrate your return."


    Han Chong was somewhat calcting.


    But he was also very careful, gleaning from the little information revealed by Liu Jing and Miao Wei, he had guessed that this young man named ''Xu An'' had an enormous background.


    "Senior Han, let''s deal with formalities first." Li Yuan pointed to hisrge backpack and the bloodstains on his body.


    "My fault, my fault." Han Chong pped his own head,ughing, "Alright, brother Xu An, let''s go to the appraisal room first, I''ve already asked the recovery department''s appraisal expert toe... the pricing will definitely be fair."


    Li Yuan nodded slightly, how could it not be fair?


    The spoils of war included not just his share, but also that of Liu Jing, and Miao Wei.


    "This way, please." Han Chong said with a smile.


    ...


    In the appraisal room.


    Several appraisers were busy with various instruments, checking each piece of battle spoils Li Yuan had brought.


    "Two Origin Power Battle Suits, both damaged, with a total value of about 82 million Blue Star Coins."


    "This Combat Saber..."


    "This Long Spear, is a special alloy weapon, using a small amount of Third Rank metal that we don''t have on Blue Star..." the eldest appraiser continued to give Li Yuan quotes.


    "The final total price." The elderly appraiser looked up at Li Yuan, "Warrior Xu An, in total 160 million Blue Star Coins, what do you say?"


    "That''s eptable." Li Yuan nodded his head.


    The price was much higher than Liu Jing''s estimate, and he was very satisfied.


    "What about the four elixirs?" asked Li Yuan.


    "Upon preliminary appraisal, they seem to be a kind of healing elixir from the Tianliang n, Second Rank, not very high in value, but they are very special, and our Union has always been researching their form," the elderly appraiser said gravely, "So, I can offer 80 million Blue Star Coins for the four elixirs."


    Li Yuan immediately understood.


    If only considering the value of the elixirs themselves, these four might not be so highly priced...but because of their research value, the significance waspletely different.


    "All right, that''s fine." Li Yuan nodded in agreement, 80 million Blue Star Coins was quite a sum.


    "For this separate Second Rank Flying Serpent horn, our appraisal is 30 million Blue Star Coins," the elderly appraiser pointed to the horn set aside on its own.


    "No problem." Li Yuan showed a smile.


    The elixirs, Origin Power Battle Suits, and other spoils of war were shared between himself, Liu Jing, and Miao Wei.


    But the Flying Serpent horn was his alone.

 Chapter 243: Chapter 197: 1.088 Billion Blue Star Coins! Spear Technique Growth_2

    Ultimately, Li Yuan''s spoils of war from the Flying Serpent Valley were all packed and taken away by these appraisers. Soon after, they would be sent back to Blue Star through the entrance and exit of the Star Realm, then reprocessed and sold... At the same time, Li Yuan also received 216 million Blue Star Coins.


    Taxes had to be paid.


    Within the Seven Star Alliance, it is stipted that all harvests and trades from the Star Realm are subject to a 20% tax... Therefore, for this transaction worth a total of 270 million Blue Star Coins, a tax of 54 million Blue Star Coins had to be paid.


    To this, Li Yuan had no objections.


    The more he learned, the more he understood that the strength of an entire civilization depends on the contributions of each individual... The stronger the individual, the greater their contribution must be in order to make the civilization ever stronger.


    Moreover, as far as Li Yuan knew, powerful martial artists who wanted to learn powerful secret techniques from the Martial Hall or wanted certain privileges from the Alliance... all of these had a "Merit Points" check involved.


    This was an invisible standard.


    Paying taxes was one way to increase Merit Points.


    The more taxes paid, the greater the contribution to the entire civilization, which was essentially like earning merits.


    For a Flying Heaven Warrior, if the amount of taxes paid was ''0''... their Merit Points would generally not amount to much, and naturally, they wouldn''t be given much attention.


    What''s the significance to the entire civilization if a person, regardless of their strength, can''t make any contribution?


    Once the money was deposited in his ount.


    Li Yuan immediately called Liu Jing, "Senior Liu Jing, the spoils have been sold, and in the end, we can each share 64 million."


    "No problem," Liu Jing replied with a smile, "transfer the money to Miao Wei. There''s no need to transfer my share to me. I mentionedst time that I wanted topensate you with one billion Blue Star Coins... There''s still 936 million Blue Star Coins that I will transfer to you soon."


    "Okay, I''m a bit busy over here; I''m hanging up." After saying that, Liu Jing cut off themunication.


    Li Yuan was stunned for a moment, then smiled helplessly and quickly transferred the other 64 million Blue Star Coins to Miao Wei''s ount.


    Before returning to the base, the three of them had already confirmed each other''s bank ounts, and then Li Yuan turned off the light screen of his smart ring.


    Li Yuan made a quick calction in his mind.


    "All in all,"


    "In this foray into the Flying Serpent Valley, I lost one ''Origin Purple Longevity Pill''," Li Yuan contemted silently, "but I gained a total of 1.088 billion Blue Star Coins, and two Soul-Nurturing Ancient Spirit Fruits."


    "Consuming one Soul-Nurturing Ancient Spirit Fruit helped my spiritual power break through to level 30, greatly increasing my strength, which is the biggest gain," he thought.


    "As for the remaining Soul-Nurturing Ancient Spirit Fruit, ording to the advice of Senior Liu Jing, it would be best to seek out Teacher Li Yang upon returning to school for help selling it, as he has channels that could help fetch a high price," Li Yuan mused inwardly.


    Indeed, Li Yuan had already decided to sell thest Soul-Nurturing Ancient Spirit Fruit upon his return to Blue Star.


    "The effect of consuming the second fruit would be much less beneficial and not worth the loss," Li Yuan thought to himself, "It would be better to exchange it for cash and then buy other suitable Heavenly Materials Treasures."


    "I am about to be a Prime Warrior, and I will need to acquire life-saving items and practice Origin Power Secret Technique and Body Secret Technique, all of which require a great deal of valuable items and a substantial amount of wealth," Li Yuan was very clear on this point.


    Upon bing a Prime Warrior, many cultivation resources will have to be fought for by oneself.


    This is also why the major Martial Path academies allow Prime Warriors to ''apply for graduation.''


    For after bing a Prime Warrior, the schools find it difficult to provide cultivation resources on arge scale and without charge.


    One must rely on their own efforts to struggle and venture out.


    "Struggling in the Star Realm and earning wealth by oneself feels exhrating," Li Yuan revealed a hint of a smile, "and also more free."


    "After returning to the country, I still need to buy a ''Dragon Spirit Heart Fruit'' for my uncle," Li Yuan always remembered this matter.


    The Dragon Spirit Heart Fruit is a Heavenly Material Treasure that Dean Hai had mentioned.


    The value of the Dragon Spirit Heart Fruit is extremely high, capable of restoring my uncle''s body back to its peak condition, with a normal price ranging between 10 to 20 billion Blue Star Coins.


    ...


    Having settled the spoils of war clearly,


    Li Yuan first went to the base''s rest room to have a thoroughly enjoyable shower.


    He then proceeded to attend the ''banquet'' prepared by Han Chong; he still had to give Han Chong this bit of face.


    Shortly after the banquet concluded,


    "Your ount... has received 936 million Blue Star Coins," Li Yuan read the notification of the transfer from Liu Jing.


    With this, Li Yuan''s wealth skyrocketed, exceeding 1.2 billion Blue Star Coins.


    ...


    After the banquet, Han Chong, as the only remaining Prime Warrior at the outpost base, still had various duties to attend to.


    Li Yuan, on the other hand, returned to the residence arranged by Han Chong.


    A huge Martial Arts Room, a rest room, a physical therapy room... Everything was well-provided for.


    Standing inside the Martial Arts Room, Li Yuan felt a bit dazed as if he had returned to Kunlun Martial University again.


    "Comfortable and at ease," Li Yuan revealed a trace of a smile.


    Adventuring in The Wilderness, even while resting, one must always remain vignt, with the mind constantly on edge. Only by returning to the safety of the outpost base could one rx considerably.


    "Following the orders of Teacher Li and Dean Hai."


    "The journey through the Star Realm willst a month, and there are still more than ten days left," Li Yuan pondered silently, "First, I will meditate at the base for a few days topletely calm my mind."


    "Then, I''ll go out and kill some creatures from the Alien Race to umte some Spiritual Awakening Level, and then I should be able to return to Xia Country."


    ...


    Days passed by, one after another.


    Li Yuan stayed at the base to meditate, and although he focused on his cultivation, he could still sense the restless atmosphere of the entire base.


    Even on the third day after he returned to the base,


    he saw a massive number of Mechanical Legions emerge from the most central ''Star Realm Passage'' of the outpost base and continuously march into The Wilderness.


    There were also arge number of transport vehicles.


    At the same time, many factories began to be constructed beside the base... Without a doubt, the Alliance was pouring a vast amount of resources into the Mingxu Star Realm.


    "It looks like there''s going to be some major action. Is Flying Serpent Valley really that valuable?" Li Yuan thought to himself.


    Immediately, Li Yuan stopped pondering and returned to his room.


    Inside the Martial Arts Room.


    "Spear Technique," "Meaning of the Ster,"


    "Second Layer, Star Dust." Li Yuan silently felt it in his heart as his Long Spear danced in his hands, almost as if it hade to life.


    "Pff!" "Boom!" The Long Spear morphed, sweeping grandly, a series of thrusts linking together.


    Each thrust seemed like stars bursting, faintly shimmering with countless twinkling starlights.


    "Flying Heaven Level spiritual power."


    "Allows me to unite with heaven and earth at any time, in any action," Li Yuan recited silently in his heart, "The more Iprehend the universe, the more I can feel the vastness of its natural power."


    "Compared to the cosmos, an individual''s power is truly insignificant. Even at the Flying Heaven Level, whenpared to the starry sky measured in light years... it''s like dust."


    "This is the Mystery of Star Dust."


    "Yet life is brilliant, the most miraculous creation that evolves from the universe." A glint shone in Li Yuan''s eyes, "A single star may seem like dust in the cosmos, but what about when billions of starse together?"


    "Then, the universe itself is a sea of stars."


    ...


    His experiences in the Mingxu Star Realm, the life-and-death struggles within the Flying Serpent Valley, had already given Li Yuan much to reflect upon.


    Now, with the essential Transformation of his spiritual power,


    his foundation had leaped up more than several-fold. In a state of calm spear practice, his heart grew more tranquil, and countless insights emerged like bamboo shoots after rain.


    When the date reached January 26th, nearly ten days after Li Yuan had returned to the outpost base,


    Inside the base''s Martial Arts Room.


    "Whoosh!" "Whoosh!" "Whoosh!" Streaks of Spear Light blossomed as Li Yuan wielded his spear effortlessly, striking with force and precision.


    Although his Physical Quality was clearly not yet Second Rank, the mystery and ferocity of his spear technique would surely make any Prime Warrior watching tremble in awe.


    "Boom!"


    When the final spear thrust exploded, the Spear Light cut across the Vast Sky like a dazzling gxy, blinding and mesmerizing.


    "Finally, there''s a hint of ''Gctic Convergence''," Li Yuan revealed a slight smile and subconsciously looked toward the Divine Pce panel.


    ----


    [Life Level: 19.4 (First Rank)]


    Fist Strength: 58,600 kilograms


    Speed: 106.6 meters per second


    Spiritual Power: Level 30.1


    Willpower: Level 31


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    Spiritual Awakening Level: 30.3% (Current limit 40%)


    Star Meridian: Level 10


    Skill Realm: Spear Technique (Fifth Stage 21%), Movement Technique (Fifth Stage 22%), Fist Technique (Perfection)


    ...


    "There are still a few days left, it''s time to go out and hunt some more creatures from the Alien Race."


    "Then, I can return to my country," Li Yuan''s state of mind was clear: "The virtual battles of the global college Martial Pathpetition are approaching, and my Spear Technique can still improve."


    "First year, second year, third year, all can participate in the battle?"


    "I want to see how far I can go this time, top twenty? Top ten?"

 Chapter 244: Chapter 198: The Grandeur of Dean Hai

    Before arriving at the Mingxu Star Realm, Li Yuan had exchanged information with Li Yang and knew the general situation of the global college Martial Pathpetition''s virtual battles.


    Normally, the number of students who could achieve the Fifth Stage Skill ranged from a few as ten to nearly thirty, varying each year with an uncertain headcount.


    That''s why, at the time, Li Yang said that since Li Yuan had just broken through, making it into the top twenty would be considered a sess.


    Back then, Li Yuan also agreed with Li Yang''s words.


    Now?


    "Looking around the world, students from freshman to junior year might have a batch with Fifth Stage Skills," Li Yuan''s eyes shimmered with a hint of light, "but transformed to the Flying Heaven Level in spiritual power? There is probably no second one."


    Li Yuan was very clear, going from the Second Rank to the Third Rank was an essential transformation at the Life Level, and to break through with external treasures alone? There was a chance, but it was extremely difficult.


    Normally, even when the Top Grade Origin Martial Artists consumed the ''Soul-Nurturing Ancient Spirit Fruit,'' the chance for their spiritual power to transform to the Flying Heaven Level was very low.


    Li Yuan made it.


    First, this particr Soul-Nurturing Ancient Spirit Fruit took his spiritual power straight from level 28.4 to 29.9.


    Next was the anomaly in the Mind Spirit Divine Pce, and finally, it was Li Yuan''s strong willpower that endured the anomaly.


    Plus a bit of luck.


    Only then did the transformation and breakthrough ur.


    "Always perfectly in tune with heaven and earth, my spiritual power is now a hundred times stronger than before, which has made my Spear Technique progress very quickly. The only thing I''mcking is time," Li Yuan thought to himself, "ording to the previous schedule I found, the final battle of the virtual fights will be at the end of February."


    "About one more month left."


    "Perhaps, I can advance my Spear Technique into the Intermediate Rank of the Fifth Stage," Li Yuan''s eyes gleamed with anticipation.


    Spear Technique at the Intermediate Rank of the Fifth Stage, aspared to the Initial Rank, the overall power would be significantly greater.


    "Everything is going as nned."


    "There are four more days before leaving, before going, I might as well umte a bit more Spiritual Nature nutrients." Li Yuan nced at the Divine Pce panel.


    The level of Spiritual Awakening was 30.3%, still far from the upper limit of 40%.


    "Where to go?"


    Li Yuan clicked on his smart ring to check the positions within the Mingxu Star Realm, mainly those near Base Three.


    "Right here."


    "Demonic Insect Lair, about 700 kilometers away from the third outpost base," said Li Yuan, confirming the position, "Home to a bloodthirsty n of demonic insects in great numbers, posing a significant threat to the third outpost base, and there''s even suspicion of a Second Rank demonic insect being hidden there." Discover hidden content at m,v l''e-NovelBin


    "In the past, the third outpost base had also made several attempts to eradicate them but the environment of the Demonic Insect Lair isplex, with numerous nests, and without sending arge Mechanical Legion to raid it, extermination is difficult," Li Yuan reviewed the extensive information about the Demonic Insect Lair, "Also, it''s a fair distance from the outpost base."


    "Therefore, they gave up on clearing them out and only left a Number 14 observation post on the periphery."


    Li Yuan showed a slight smile.


    Aplexir environment? His powerful spiritual power and astonishing Perception Ability made him the least afraid ofplex environments.


    Arge number? He desired nothing more than a multitude.


    "Before leaving,"


    "I''ll try to resolve as many troubles for the outpost base as possible, killing off as many demonic insects as I can," Li Yuan pondered, "After all, who knows how long it''ll be before I can return once I leave."


    After this return, he would surely rapidly break through to be a Martial Artist, and unless the Mingxu Star Realm''s gateway expanded to the ''Second Level Star Realm,'' he would never be able to return.


    One hourter.


    Fully armed, Li Yuan left the third outpost base and headed to the Demonic Insect Lair alone.


    ...


    As Li Yuan headed to the Demonic Insect Lair for his final trial before leaving the Star Realm,


    In Xia Country, at Kunlun Martial University, it was daytime, with chilling winds and thend covered in snow.


    Within the depths of the Sixth Institute''s vi district, amidst the ice and snow,


    Whoosh!


    Braving the snow, Li Yang transformed into a streak of light, flitting between the vis, spotting Dean Hai fishing by theke from afar.


    A windbreak, thick overcoat, a little furnace... plus a few attendants providing service.


    "That old Hai really knows how to live it up," Li Yang couldn''t help but grumble to himself.


    Whoosh!


    Li Yangnded softly on the snowy ground and walked towards Dean Hai, respect evident in his voice, "Dean Hai."


    "You''ve arrived?" Dean Hai didn''t even lift his eyes, replying indifferently, "You said you had an important report about Li Yuan? What''s it about? I remember his trial in the Star Realm is almost over, isn''t it?"


    "Yes."


    Li Yang said earnestly, "It''s almost over. ording to the n, he should be returning from the Mingxu Star Realm within five days. You must have heard about the discovery of the ''Origin Crystal Vein'' in the Mingxu Star Realm."


    "Um..." Dean Hai''s eyes flickered with confusion, but he kept a straight face, "I know."


    "Good, then I''ll make it short," Li Yang said, "Li Yuan is the first discoverer of this vein, the main official of Mingxu Star Realm is my schoolmate. He was preupied with the big battle against the Tianliang n base and didn''t have the chance to report... only today has Li Yuan''s trial score, process, and evaluation been sent back."


    "Oh? What evaluation?" Dean Hai asked.


    "150 points," Li Yang said with gravity.


    "150?" Finally, Dean Hai turned his head, a sh of surprise in his eyes.


    Normally, scoring 80 points in a life-and-death trial was considered good.


    150 points? That meant all the hidden scores were also full marks, indicating a performance beyond exemry.


    Normally, the evaluating officer would not give such full praise.


    "Just as Li Yuan arrived..." Li Yang immediately started to ry in detail Li Yuan''s entire journey in the Mingxu Star Realm.


    When Dean Hai initially listened, he was quite nonchnt, but when he heard Li Yuan reached level 19,


    He paused, turning with doubt and asking, "Are you sure? Level 19? Wasn''t he just at 16.5? Even with a month gone by, he should be at most level 17."


    "It''s level 19, no mistake," Li Yang nodded firmly, "But that''s not the main point."


    "That''s not the main point?" Dean Hai restrained himself, listening patiently.

 Chapter 245: Chapter 198: The Grandeur of Dean Hai_2

    When Dean Hai heard that Li Yuan and Liu Jing had teamed up to battle the three Second Rank elites from Flying Serpent Valley for the Soul-Nurturing Ancient Spirit Fruit, a trace of shock had already crept into his heart.


    A freshman, achieving this much?


    He was just supposed to be on a life-or-death adventure, so how did it sound like he had also be a topbat power at the outpost base?


    And then, when Li Yang reported "Li Yuan''s spiritual power has broken through to the Flying Heaven level."


    Dean Hai waspletely astonished, "This Liu Jing isn''t writing nonsense, is he? Li Yuan''s spiritual power has reached the Flying Heaven level? He ate a Soul-Nurturing Ancient Spirit Fruit and reached the Flying Heaven level?"


    "Dean, at first I thought Liu Jing was drunk," Li Yang also said with a wry smile, "But I asked repeatedly, it''s true... Li Yuan''s Spiritual Shock, even the spiritual power of a top-grade Prime Warrior like Liu Jing couldn''t withstand it, they would be briefly stunned."


    Dean Hai was astounded in his heart, that strong?


    Later, when he heard that Li Yuan and Liu Jing had battled the three great masters from the Tianliang n, Dean Hai even felt a bit numb.


    If the spiritual power had reached the Flying Heaven level, this sort of performance wasn''t so surprising anymore.


    "Dean, what should we do?" Li Yang asked at the right moment.


    "There''s no need to do anything," Dean Hai had regained hisposure, "It''s just Flying Heaven level spiritual power, what''s so rare about it? Every Flying Heaven Warrior has it."


    Li Yang was stunned for a moment.


    "Alright," Dean Hai shook his head, "After all, you''re the vice dean, is there any need to be so panicked?"


    Li Yang felt even more speechless inside, but still nodded obediently, "Yes."


    "You go to Jiangnan Province and bring Li Yuan back," Dean Hai suddenly said.


    "Me go to pick him up again?" Li Yang was taken aback.


    So he''s be an errand boy?


    "After you get there, first verify whether the report is true, and second, make sure you bring Li Yuan back to school safely," Dean Hai nced at Li Yang, "If anything happens to Li Yuan, you can stop being the vice dean."


    "Understood," Li Yang said gravely, fully understanding Dean Hai''s intentions now.


    Li Yuan was too important.


    If the report is real? Such talent, in the entire history of Kunlun Martial University, could be considered top-tier.


    "Go on, don''t bother me with my fishing," Dean Hai waved his hand and continued to lie in his chair, his gaze fixed on theke surface, looking very much the part of a high-level expert.


    "Yes."


    "I''ll go prepare right away, setting off for Jiangnan Province the day after tomorrow." Li Yang nodded respectfully and quickly left.


    Some time passed.


    Several attendants were preparing fruits by the side.


    "Is he far enough away?" Dean Hai asked lightly.


    The attendants were taken aback, but it was one of the experienced attendants who quickly replied, "Dean, Vice Dean Li has long been far away." Stay connected through m-v l|e''-NovelBin


    "Damn, how can it be this monstrous, spiritual power already at the Flying Heaven level?" Dean Hai suddenly jumped up, muttering to himself.


    He flung the fishing rod in his hand and his figure swiftly shot into a distant vi room.


    Leaving several attendants looking at each other bewildered.


    They were new.


    In their minds, a Flying Heaven Warrior should be detached from worldly affairs, truly having the demeanor of a high-level expert.


    "You''ll get used to it," the only old attendant said with a smile, cleaving a fruit in half with a decisive chop.


    "These Flying Heaven Warriors."


    "They are people too!"


    ...


    Inside the vi, on therge sofa.


    "So, that''s the situation with Li Yuan."


    Dean Hai spoke into themunicator, "Flying Heaven level spiritual power, eh? And to think he is so young, with a 19th level Physical Quality... Old Fang, you have to take good care of him."


    "I have been dean for decades, this is the best seedling."


    "It could also be called the best seedling for your twenty years as a headmaster," Dean Hai prattled on, "If you don''t cultivate him well, I won''t be pleased."


    "Understood," a faint voice came through themunicator, "Wait for Li Yang to fully verify it, then let me know, and I will reconsider it, I''m busy now."


    Beep¡ªthemunication was cut off.


    "You¡ª" Dean Hai, who was about to continue speaking, paused for several seconds and suddenly burst out, "Damn, acting more aloof than me."


    ...


    Two dayster, Li Yang boarded arge flying transport heading towards Jiangnan Province.


    ...


    January 29.


    In the Mingxu Star Realm, the outer sky was like daylight, but within the Demonic Insect Lair, it was dim, even dark.


    Deep within the crevice that stretched for more than ten miles.


    About 800 meters from the surface, nearly no sunlight prated, incredibly damp.


    On both sides of the crack, therey hundreds of demonic insect corpses, each one killed by a blow to the head.


    An utterly brutal scene.


    "You''ve finallye out."


    "I didn''t expect there to really be a Second Rank demon insect here," the figure shrouded in pitch-ck battle garments, holding a long spear, said indifferently, "My trip here wasn''t in vain."


    "Tch"


    "Tch~" A hundred meters away, a giant figure resembling an erged mantisy prone, its height over two meters, much taller than an ordinary person.


    Its body length exceeded five meters.


    Most striking were its four de-like terrifying front ws, which had ughtered countless creatures.


    "Roar~" The Second Rank demon insect''s eyes were fixed on the figure with the spear, filled with countless fires of rage ready to pour out.


    It truly did not want toe out; for the past two days, it had been secretly directing insects to besiege this outsider.


    But!


    The opponent was too powerful, seemingly able to predict every move, rendering any ambush ineffective, as one First Rank demon insect after another fell.


    The casualties were heavy.


    In just a few days, over a thousand demon insects had died at the hands of the opponent.


    Most importantly, in this impossiblyplexir, the opponent was able to easily find safe and correct passages... and now had approached the final hive.


    It had no choice; the Second Rank demon insect had toe out.


    If it allowed the ughter to continue, the hive might well be destroyed.


    "Roar~"


    With a low growl, the Second Rank demon insect violently pped its wings, its hind limbs powering up, its colossal body transforming into a streak of light as it pounced towards Li Yuan.


    Four ws, like four terrifying des, swept continuously toward him.


    "That''s more like it," Li Yuan''s eyes lit up, as his vigor circted throughout his body.


    Aplete explosion of force.


    "ng!" "ng! ng!" Time and again, with lightning-like collisions, Li Yuan''s long spear flowed majestically, immovable as the stars, easily blocking the Second Rank demon insect''s repeated attacks.


    In terms of strength and speed, Li Yuan was far weaker than his opponent.


    In terms of the number of weapons, he was also at a disadvantage.


    But with his strong skills and movement techniques, Li Yuan managed to block the Second Rank demon insect''s mad attacks, again and again.


    "Exhrating!"


    "Faster! Steadier! Heavier!" Li Yuan''s eyes seemed ame with passion, his fighting spirit soaring to the skies.


    This Second Rank demon insect had a physical quality as high as level 22.2.


    Just in terms of the degree of threat, it was even greater than the Second Rank Flying Serpent that Li Yuan had previously killed.


    Butpared to half a month ago, Li Yuan''s strength had also grown much stronger.


    Rapidly, the two sides fought for hundreds of rounds, with extreme intensity.


    "Enough."


    "Four sharp ws, like four continuousbat sabers, presented an oppressive sensation. Truly born for battle," Li Yuan''s eyes shone: "If this fight dragged on, I might not necessarily win."


    "Too bad."


    Boom! Li Yuan''s eyes condensed with depth, a vast surge of energy suddenly burst forth.


    Like a river rushing, it violently struck the consciousness of the Second Rank demon insect.


    The secret spiritual technique "Soul Shock" hit it hard, stupefying it.


    "Whoosh!"


    Li Yuan''s spear suddenly erupted, executing the second form of the Ster Spear Technique¡ªthe Twelve Continuous Strikes of the Gxy Waterfall.


    Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!


    One spear following another, the tide-like assault suddenly broke through the spaces between the creature''s ws and hammered down onto the Second Rank demon insect''s head... Curved yellow strands of Origin Power circted, disying incredible toughness.


    By the time Li Yuan thrust his sixth spear,


    The Second Rank demon insect finally regained consciousness, a hint of terror shing in its eyes, feeling waves of severe pain sweeping through its body, just as it tried to retreat explosively.


    "Puchi!"


    The long spear, like a meteor, plunged relentlessly in, blood sttering.


    No matter how tough the Origin Power was, it could not match the Origin Power Battle Suit, nor could it withstand six consecutive spear thrusts by Li Yuan at the same point.


    Hush! The spear pierced through and was immediately withdrawn.


    Li Yuan, holding his spear, swiftly backed away, watching the Second Rank demon insect warily to guard against a dying counterattack.


    "[You have killed a Second Rank creature, obtained spiritual nutrients, and your Spiritual Awakening Level has increased to 37.3%]" a Divine Pce reminder shed past.


    ...


    An hourter.


    Li Yuan, who had ransacked the Demonic Insect Lair''s ''hive'' thoroughly,


    climbed out of their''s crack with arge backpack, his face covered in dust.


    "Time to head home," Li Yuan''s eyes were bright as he strode towards the number three outpost base.

 Chapter 246: Chapter 199: Return to Xia Country (Extra 10)

    Outpost Base Three, Sixth Floor, Appraisal Room.


    "Tsk, tsk."


    "Bloodthirsty matriarch''srval eggs? Truly a treasure, a treasure," the elderly appraiser said excitedly as he gazed at the several basketball-sized insect eggs in front of him.


    The other younger appraisers were also quite surprised; they rarely saw their master this excited.


    "Master, we''ve collected some of these eggs before, haven''t we?" a young appraiser couldn''t help but ask.


    "What do you know?"


    "The ones we''ve collected before were from unranked matriarchs, of very average value, and thervae they breed aren''t worth much," the elderly appraiser shook his head. "But this egg here is of the first rank, with an extraordinarily astonishing value."


    "If cultivated with care, it could continuously give birth to incredibly powerful demonic insects."


    Li Yuan watched this scene indifferently, yet he was quite astonished in his heart.


    He had indeed prated into the enemy''s nest.


    He had killed several matriarchs.


    And in the end, he found this yet-to-be-fully-hatched egg, though Li Yuan hadn''t harbored much hope for it.


    Now it seemed, was this thing exceptionally valuable?


    "Warrior Xu An, we have had dealings before." The elderly appraiser looked at Li Yuan. "This egg is very valuable. I am willing to offer three hundred million Blue Star Coins to purchase it, and that''s a very generous price."


    "Wait a moment," Li Yuan said indifferently, bending his head to check his intelligent wristband and began searching in the database.


    After a while, Li Yuan looked up again and showed a smile, "Alright, three hundred million Blue Star Coins it is."


    "These four ws from a second rank demonic insect and these small trinkets... let''s call it twenty million Blue Star Coins in total," the elderly appraiser continued. "That brings it to a total of three hundred and twenty million Blue Star Coins for you."


    "Good," Li Yuan nodded, already quite satisfied in his heart.


    Initially, his aim was to umte some spiritual nourishment and perhaps earn ten to twenty million. He hadn''t expected to strike it big all of a sudden.


    In the end,


    After deducting sixty-four million in taxes, Li Yuan''s bank ount received another two hundred and fifty-six million Blue Star Coins.


    Of course, Li Yuan understood that such precious first-rank matriarch eggs were hard toe by, as was that second-rank demonic insect.


    It seemed he earned a lot this time.


    But that was because he had been adventuring within a thousand kilometers around the base. If he had gone beyond a thousand kilometers... it would be very easy to encounter various idents, such asing across a level 29 alien?


    Or even a Flying Heaven Level alien?


    Living on the edge, teetering on the brink of life and death, brought high risks apanied by high rewards.


    ...


    "Xu An sold a first-rank matriarch egg and some materials from a second-rank demonic insect?" As the person in charge of the base, Han Chong soon heard the news and was somewhat shocked. "A neenth level first-rank martial artist actually managed to annihte the Demonic Insect Lair by himself?"


    "How formidable?"


    The intelligence on the Demonic Insect Lair was clear. Before this, both Han Chong and Miao Wei had attempted to eliminate it but failed.


    "Truly monstrous," Han Chong mutely said, as Li Yuan''s image in his heart grew increasingly mysterious.


    ...


    In the break room, Li Yuan had just finished taking a shower, feeling refreshingly pain-free, and was in the middle of amunication.


    "Senior Liu," Li Yuan smiled as he looked at the projected image of Liu Jing in the light screen.


    Considering the background of the projection.


    So many days had passed, and it seemed that the Seven Stars human civilization had already established a small base in Flying Serpent Valley.


    "Ready to leave?" Liu Jing asked with a smile.


    "Yes," Li Yuan nodded. "I am nning to leave today, so I thought I should drop you a message before departing. It''s a shame I cannot say goodbye in person."


    Li Yuan had tremendous respect and trust for Liu Jing.


    Today they part, and they might not meet again in this life.


    "Haha, that doesn''t sound like the Li Yuan I know," Liu Jingughed. "You were so resolute and decisive in your battle with the Flying Serpent and even when fighting the strong members of the Tianliang n. Howe you''ve be sentimental now?"


    "That was towards alien races," Li Yuanughed.


    "Don''t worry, I should be the one thanking you," Liu Jing said earnestly. "Without you, we probably still wouldn''t have discovered Flying Serpent Valley. Also, I just heard... you helped eliminate the Demonic Insect Lair too."


    "It was a minor matter," Li Yuan said with a smile.


    "With your Flying Heaven Level spiritual power, you could resolve it so effortlessly. If it were any other Prime Warrior, even I would have trouble doing it. Don''t be modest," Liu Jingughed. "You''ve relieved Outpost Base Three of a major headache."


    "These actions will certainly count towards your achievements. Once you return, I will make a detailed report of your contributions to the Mingxu Star Realm and submit it to the alliance," Liu Jing said solemnly. "It should help to elevate your rank of merit."


    "Thank you, senior," Li Yuan said, quite grateful.


    He already had a First Rank Silver Quality Medal of Merit. If he were to be promoted further, that would lead to a Metal Quality Merit... Moving from Silver Quality to Metal Quality is extremely difficult.


    Most ordinary Prime Warriors, if not adventuring in life and death situations for years or having made significant contributions to the alliance, wouldn''t possess a Metal Quality Medal of Merit.


    Thus, one can imagine the magnitude of Li Yuan''s aplishments in the Mingxu Star Realm over this month.


    If he were to be upgraded to Metal Quality Merit,


    Even if it is just Third ss, that woulde with many privileges.


    "It''s only right to award a medal for service to the entire civilization," Liu Jing said with a smile. "By the way, there''s one more thing, I haven''t told you yet. We just discovered a small spiritual crystal vein at the bottom of Flying Serpent Valley... and I''ve listed you as the primary discoverer."


    "A small spiritual crystal vein? The primary discoverer?" Li Yuan, with his extensive knowledge, instantly realized the significance. "Senior, you''re too..."


    "Don''t refuse."


    "It''s what you deserve," Liu Jing said with a firm look in his eyes. "Besides, the report has already gone up and has been approved. You''re toote to decline."


    "Alright then," Li Yuan said, slightly helpless.


    "Yes, but this spiritual crystal vein, the Tianliang n probably knows about it too... The war will continue for a while, until we fully upy it and start mining," Liu Jing said. "At that time, the alliance will conduct a thorough appraisal of the vein''s value before administering rewards."


    "As the primary discoverer, I estimate the reward won''t be small. I conservatively guess it''s around one billion Blue Star Coins, but you''ll need to be patient for a while."


    "Understood," Li Yuan nodded. He wasn''t in immediate need of money for the time being.


    "That''s all for now, you should start your journey early," Liu Jing said with a smile. "I hope one day in the future, I''ll hear news of your sess in reaching Flying Heaven Level or even surpassing it."


    "I''ll take your good words, senior," Li Yuanughed. "If you ever need my help in the Mingxu Star Realm in the future, please let me know, and I''ll do my best."


    This was a promise from Li Yuan.


    In the future, if Li Yuan were to grow into a high-ranking figure within Xia Country or even the entire human civilization, the value of this promise would be immeasurable.


    "Okay."


    ...


    After hanging up themunication with Liu Jing.


    Neither Li Yuan nor Liu Jing implicitly said ''goodbye.''


    ''Goodbye'' would mean that Mingxu Star Realm had been upgraded to a ''Second Level Star Realm,'' and that might not necessarily be a good thing for the whole Xia Country or human civilization.


    "Let''s go." Li Yuan stood by the window, taking onest look at the mountains outside and the two suns in the sky.


    He turned and walked out of the room.


    ...


    "Sister." Li Yuan arrived at the underground train station deep within the base and saw the slim figure of ''Shi Xiao'' waiting in the distance.


    "It''s time to return to school," Shi Xiao said with a smile, her eyes sparkling and a faint killing intent surrounding her.


    Her walking brought a faint breeze.


    A month of life-and-death experiences might not have helped her as much as Li Yuan, but it was still considerable tempering.


    This was the normal path for Martial Path elites; passing through repeatedbat assessments before level 15, then starting life-and-death adventures after... by the time they became level 20 Prime Warriors, after many trials, they would be capable of standing on their own.


    ng~


    The train started, and Li Yuan and Shi Xiao embarked on the road home.


    ...


    As Li Yuan set out on his return journey, in a civilization area of space-timepletely different from the Seven Star Sea,


    a lush and huge star shone with beauty.


    This was the heart of Tianliang Civilization¡ªTianliang Star.


    The was extremely beautiful, with numerous cities and highly advanced technology, inhabited by hundreds of billions.


    Today.


    Inside ''Administrative City No. 9'' on Tianliang Star, within a skyscraper soaring a kilometer high.


    On the 89th floor, in arge conference room, three powerful beings emanating an astonishing presence sat at the head of the room, listening to reports from a group below.


    "Regarding Mingxu Star Realm, we agree to the outpost base''s application to double the existing support," a woman in purple spoke indifferently.


    "Additionally, immediately dispatch 15 Martial Artists on the verge of breaking through level 19... send them into Mingxu Star Realm. We must seize this vein of prime crystal."


    "Do not fear wasting effort."


    "The Ming Mountain in Mingxu Star Realm holds great secrets. However, limited by our power, we can only wait."


    "If one of these Prime Warriors manages to be a Flying Heaven Warrior, they can venture into Ming Mountain to uncover its mysteries. If sessful, it will bring great benefits to our Tianliang Civilization," the woman in purple continued.


    "Agreed."


    "Proceed with this n," the other two powerful beings concurred.


    Sending a group of Prime Warriors was but a minor affair.


    What were a dozen Prime Warriors to an entire civilization?


    "Furthermore,"


    "For the SSS-grade talent requesting an Inquiry into Mingxu Star Realm, pass the information through Wanhan Star Realm to the organization lurking within the Seven Stars human civilization, and have them carry out the investigation," the woman in purple spoke lightly. "Once the identity is confirmed, begin organizing the assassination."


    "Also, pass this message to the ''Cloud Beast Civilization.''"


    "The Cloud Beast Civilization has always been at war with the ''Xia Country'' of the Seven Stars human civilization in the Rob Sea Star Realm. If this mysterious talent truly hails from Xia Country... the Cloud Beast Civilization will be interested."


    "Let''s wait."


    "Such Martial Path talents are likely to venture into Rob Sea Star Realm, Wanhan Star Realm, in the future."


    ...


    Li Yuan was unaware of the actions Tianliang Civilization hadunched against him.


    Even if he had known, he wouldn''t have cared.


    Assassination? How many geniuses in the history of the Seven Stars human civilization had grown up safely?


    Time passed.


    An hour after departing from Base Three, Li Yuan and Shi Xiao crossed the Star Realm portal and returned to the long-missed Xia Country.


    Stepping out of the war base''s gateway,


    the winter sun''s warmth fell on them,forting Li Yuan.


    "Upon leaving, there was a light drizzle," Li Yuanmented with a smile. "But now that we''ve returned, it''s a clear and sunny day."


    "Yes," Shi Xiao replied, a smile on her face. "The feeling ofing home is wonderful."


    Li Yuan felt an earnest sense offort and rxation as he stepped onto the soil of Xia Country once more¡ªIllusion or not, it was something he could never have in Mingxu Star Realm.


    ''Li Jing and the others,'' Li Yuan thought respectfully, admiring those Prime Warriors who were willing to sacrifice.


    Suddenly,


    "Li Yuan, Shi Xiao," a deep voice suddenly rose from nearby. Stay connected with m-v l|e''-NovelBin


    Both turned, surprise shing in their eyes.


    "Teacher?"


    "Teacher Li Yang," both Li Yuan and Shi Xiao couldn''t help but smile as the one approaching was their shared instructor, ''Li Yang.''


    "Surprised to see me?" Li Yang said with a smile. "Shi Xiao, wait here for a moment; I need to speak privately with Li Yuan."


    "Yes," Shi Xiao nodded, guessing that Li Yang hade for Li Yuan.


    "Li Yuan,e with me." Li Yang headed towards a nearby conference room.


    Li Yuan nodded, about to follow when he suddenly paused.


    Because,


    as his gaze swept over a figure descending from a flying vehicle not far away, he instinctively used his Divine Pce Inquiry.


    "[Target individual, Life Level 19.4, elimination yields Spiritual Nature nourishment]"

 Chapter 247: Chapter 200 Martial God Inheritance

    "Killing can provide spiritual nourishment?" Li Yuan was first stunned, suspecting he had read it wrong.


    Without hesitation, Li Yuan once again performed the Divine Pce Inquiry, and the disy was still correct.


    Alien Race! These two words shed through Li Yuan''s mind instantly.


    Li Yuan had thought about this issue, that only by killing members of the Alien Race could one obtain spiritual nourishment.


    Then, could he use Divine Pce Inquiry to identify members of the Alien Race lurking inside civilization?


    Li Yuan had only heard of spies from the Alien Race.


    Since his spiritual power broke through level 20, the burden of performing Divine Pce Inquiry had lessened a lot, and he had formed the habit of using it on any significant individuals he met.


    It was a pity that he had never encountered an Alien Race spy all this while.


    Once his spiritual power broke through level 30, performing Divine Pce Inquiry hundreds of times a day was not much of an issue, so he became even more ustomed to it.


    Unexpectedly,


    right after he returned from the Mingxu Star Realm and hadn''tpletely left the war base, he encountered one!


    But looking at the man who jumped down from the flying vehicle, his attire, appearance, etc., there was no difference between him and the group of people around.


    "Is he really an Alien Race spy?" A hint of doubt crossed Li Yuan''s mind, as he could not tell from the appearance alone.


    The most crucial point was that Divine Pce Inquiry had always followed the rule that "killing the Alien Race could obtain spiritual nourishment"... but it was not a hundred percent confirmation.


    "What''s wrong?" Li Yang, who was walking ahead, noticed Li Yuan''s abnormality.


    "Junior Brother, whom are you looking at?" Shi Xiao also sensed something.


    "No." Li Yuan shook his head indifferently and looked into the distance, "I just feel that the man in the leather jacket has a strange spiritual aura... it makes me feel ufortable."


    "Strange?" Shi Xiao was puzzled.


    "Ufortable?" Li Yang was shocked. He knew that Li Yuan''s spiritual power was most likely at the Flying Heaven Level, and his perception ability was terrifying.


    The things that Flying Heaven Level spiritual power could perceive were not to be understood bymon sense.


    "How ufortable?" Li Yang asked.


    "Teacher, you should know that I have fought with many strong members of the Tianliang n in the Star Realm." Li Yuan spoke readily, "This person... just gives me a feeling of being somewhat simr."


    "Tianliang n?" A hint of murderous intent flitted across Li Yang''s eyes, as he had a deep understanding of this Alien Civilization.


    "Teacher, it''s just a feeling of difort, I can''t confirm anything," Li Yuan shook his head, "You should know, my perception is very acute."


    This was the excuse Li Yuan had thought out.


    First, he couldn''t expose the Mind Spirit Divine Pce, and second, Divine Pce Inquiry alone couldn''t confirm the person''s identity as a spy, let alone serve as evidence.


    What reason then? Intuition!


    As a Martial Path genius with Flying Heaven Level spiritual power, Li Yuan''s intuition was evidence in itself.


    "Okay, I understand," Li Yang nodded gravely, "I will have him closely watched right away, wait for me."


    Saying this, Li Yang had already beckoned over and promptly summoned several Martial Artist officers.


    Li Yang quickly exined the reason.


    Naturally, Li Yang used other reasons, as he didn''t want to involve Li Yuan.


    "Understood, President Li."


    This Martial Artist officer wearing the rank of ''Major'' said solemnly, "I have just reviewed the data; that person is a warriro from the Starry Sky Martial Hall, who had recently applied to enter the Mingxu Star Realm... We will closely monitor him."


    The reason given by Li Yang was far-fetched, considering Li Yang didn''t even recognize the person.


    But as a Top Grade Origin Martial Artist and a Vice President of Kunlun Martial University.


    When Li Yang suspected a First Rank Martial Artist was a spy of the Alien Race.


    That was the greatest reason and evidence.


    "What about the others? Have a look." Li Yuan was nonchnt, not interrupting the conversation, but continuously performing Divine Pce Inquiry, checking the other people he saw.


    Everyone appeared normal to his eye, only that man in the leather jacket showed an anomaly.


    Soon, the group of Martial Artist officers scattered as if nothing had happened.


    "Li Yuan, let''s go," Li Yang whispered, "The military will start close surveince on him from today, examining his many connections, past experiences, previousworkmunications, etc... If he is indeed an Alien Race spy, he will sooner orter show some telltale signs, and we may even be able to root out a whole bunch of people by following the trail."


    "Understood." Li Yuan nodded slightly.


    Encountering such an Alien Race spy, it was not best to apprehend them immediately.


    Instead, it was better to rify the entire spywork behind him and then aim to catch them all at once.


    As for proactively checking more people?


    "Not to mention that I can''t expose the Mind Spirit Divine Pce."


    "Even if I did and the alliance''s high ranks believed that checking hundreds a day wouldn''t affect me, but what about thousands? Tens of thousands?" Li Yuan secretly sighed, "If I were to inspect day and night, I could perhaps check up to a few million people in a year."


    How many people are in the whole Seven Star Alliance? Almost two hundred billion!!


    Li Yuan couldn''tplete the check in ten lifetimes.


    Furthermore, as far as Li Yuan knew, the vast majority of spies were ''traitors'' who sold out their civilization for their own benefit¡ªtraitors that Divine Pce Inquiry could not detect.


    The actual members of the Alien Race who had infiltrated and were living within human civilization were still very few.


    "Better to focus on cultivation."


    "If I truly want to performprehensive screening, wait until my spiritual power surpasses the Flying Heaven Level, when the efficiency would be at least a hundred times higher," Li Yuan thought to himself. "From now on, whoever I meet, I''ll just take a casual look."


    The small number of Alien Race spies infiltrating the realm couldn''t affect the entire civilization.


    But if a being surpassing the Flying Heaven Level were to emerge, it would be of greater importance to the entire Seven Star human civilization.


    Continue your adventure with m|v-l''e -NovelBin


    "To help the entire civilization, I must first protect myself," Li Yuan mused, "With my reputation growing bigger, who knows, I might even provoke assassination attempts by the Alien Race."


    "From now on, I will perform Divine Pce Inquiry on every person who gets close to me, to prevent any unforeseen incidents," Li Yuan was very cautious.

 Chapter 248: Chapter 200 Martial God Inheritance_2

    In life-and-death trials, engaging in dangerous activities is unavoidable.


    But in everyday life, it''s essential to evade any avoidable danger.


    ...Following Li Yang into the conference room, the door slowly closed behind them.


    "Li Yuan," Li Yang''s voice suddenly resonated in Li Yuan''s mind, as though whispering in his ear.


    "Telepathic Communication?" A glint shed in Li Yuan''s eyes as he telepathically responded, "Teacher."


    With Flying Heaven Level spiritual power, Telepathic Communication is an instinct, no learning required.


    However, Top Grade Origin Martial Artists must learn corresponding Spiritual Secret Techniques to barely manage it.


    "It seems Liu Jing''s report wasn''t wrong; your spiritual power has indeed be extremely strong," Li Yang conveyed with a hint of emotion, "This is a military base, not a school. Be cautious, and let''smunicate via telepathy."


    "Understood," Li Yuan nodded in response.


    Quickly, Li Yang briefed Li Yuan on the gist of Liu Jing''s report.


    "150 points?" Li Yuan was surprised to hear this total score.


    He understood the significance of this score.


    It could be said, this rating was Liu Jing staking his own ''reputation.''


    "You have Flying Heaven Level spiritual power, and I need to confirm it; merely one telepathic message isn''t enough," Li Yang looked at Li Yuan and said, "Liu Jing mentioned, your Spiritual Attacks are very strong... Try to use one on me."


    "Be careful, Teacher," Li Yuan said without holding back, his eyes narrowing and bing exceptionally cold.


    Boom! A powerful Spiritual Shock surged toward Li Yang like a torrent.


    But immediately afterward, the confident Li Yuan felt as though he had encountered a solid dam; despite the frenzied battering, he couldn''tpletely shake it.


    "Teacher, can you withstand it?" Li Yuan''s voice carried a trace of surprise.


    "Impressive, it is indeed Flying Heaven Level spiritual power," Li Yang was inwardly shocked but smiled, "Are you surprised that I didn''t lose my sensespletely?"


    Li Yuan couldn''t help but nod.


    "In terms of quality and quantity, spiritual power of Top Grade Origin Martial Artists indeed pales inparison to Flying Heaven Level," Li Yang spoke with a smile, "But if we''re willing to spend a great deal of time cultivating some Spiritual Secret Techniques, condensing our Spiritual Will, and merging with the heavens and earth over a long period...


    then, when we''re hit by a Spiritual Shock, even if our strength is affected, maintaining lucidity is not difficult."


    "Unless your Spiritual Shock is stronger."


    Li Yuan suddenly understood.


    Spiritual Shock, after all, invades the opponent''s inner world, their home field.


    Although Liu Jing''s spiritual power had reached the level of a Top Grade Origin Martial Artist, his skills, willpower, and Spiritual Secret Techniques were somewhatcking inparison to other Top Grade Origin Martial Artists.


    Li Yuan wasn''t too concerned in his heart.


    Facing a formidable expert like Teacher Li Yang, even if the Spiritual Shock were sessful, it would at best distract the opponent momentarily.


    In a fight to the death, Top Grade Origin Martial Artists could still easily kill him.


    A Spiritual Attack, after all, is supplementary.


    "At eighteen and a half, with Flying Heaven Level spiritual power, 19th Rank Physical Quality, and Fifth Stage Skill, your growth rate truly exceeds my imagination," Li Yang said as he gazed at Li Yuan, his delighted eyes also carrying a hint ofplexity.


    Half a year ago, when Li Yang first saw Li Yuan in Jiang City, he was just a high school senior with decent talent.


    In the blink of an eye.


    Li Yuan had surpassed him in spiritual power and was gradually closing in on him in terms of skill... Physical quality? Rapid progress, bing a Prime Warrior is imminent, soon to catch up.


    As for Law Creation?


    In Li Yang''s view, for someone like Li Yuan, creating Laws was a trivial matter.


    "The stronger I be, doesn''t that prove the excellence of your teaching, Teacher?" Li Yuan said with a smile.


    "Haha, indeed," Li Yangughed.


    He had taught many students over the years.


    But in terms of overall performance, the most prodigious, indeed, had to be Li Yuan, with just over half a year of schooling.


    "My mission this time ining to get you is twofold: first, by Dean Hai''smand, to examine whether your spiritual power is at the Flying Heaven Level," Li Yang began, "The second is to protect you. Given the potential you''ve now shown, which is faintly above that of Yu Jinghe...


    if the Alien Race learns of this, they will certainly organize an assassination, and your strength is still too weak."


    "Understood," Li Yuan nodded.


    The arrangements of the Alliance''s upper echelons are quite thorough.


    "Thirdly, it''s about the ''Virtual Battle'' in the uing worldwide Martial Arts Universitypetition," Li Yang said with a smile, "Previously, I had the highest expectation that you might make it into the top twenty. Now, it seems that might not be the limit. Flying Heaven Level spiritual power will cause the advancement of your Spear Technique and movement technique to skyrocket...


    I can no longer guess how far you''ll go."


    "It''s a pity that Virtual Battles don''t allow the use of spiritual power; otherwise, one Spiritual Shock from you would assure first ce," Li Yang said with a hint of regret.


    Li Yuan was listening.


    "But do your best to push," Li Yang said solemnly, "and strive to break into the top five or even the top three, topete for the best Feixing slots."


    "Historically, the top three in the virtual battle will be given Feixing slots, and then some more outstanding students will be selected from the top hundred."


    "Feixing slots?" A flicker of confusion passed through Li Yuan''s eyes.


    What is this?


    I''ve never heard of that!


    "It seems you''ve never heard of it," Li Yang said with a smile, "Feixing slot is our colloquial term, its full name is ''Seven Stars Martial God Inheritance Slot'', led by the Seven Stars Alliance. Legend has it that it''s an inheritance created collectively by Dongfang Ji, Lant, and other beings transcending the Flying Heaven level..."


    "It is the most powerful martial path inheritance within our Seven Stars human civilization."


    "Because the location is on the distant Feixing, we colloquially call it the Feixing slot."


    Li Yuan held his breath, for just the name alone conveyed the incredible strength of this martial path inheritance.


    It is definitely the civilization''s most top-grade inheritance.


    "Each year, only the most elite batch of geniuses from the Seven Greats are qualified to receive Feixing slots," Li Yang said with a smile, "Our Blue Star produces about ten of them every year."


    "Aside from the Global University Martial Arts Competition where people are selected, there is also the selection from the Human Martial Arts Elite Battle... For 25 to 30-year-old graduates, asionally one or two geniuses with long preparedness and sudden sess will emerge, and adding them all up, there are about over a dozen."


    "In any case, as long as you are under 30 and yet to reach the Flying Heaven level, there is hope to be selected," Li Yang said.


    Li Yuan was listening.


    Perhaps, to the high echelons of the Alliance, anyone under 30 is still considered youthful, with room for cultivation.


    "All in all, less than a hundred slots are avable for the entire civilization each year."


    "Ten? A hundred?" Li Yuan pondered internally, indeed quite few.


    Coming down to it, Xia Country probably only has one or two slots every year.


    "Of course, you will definitely get one, so there''s no need to worry about that," Li Yang said with a smile.


    "Definitely?" Li Yuan was startled.


    Isn''t there a selection process?


    "Originally, Dean Hai nned to rmend you in your sophomore year," Li Yang said with a smile, "but now that your spiritual power has reached the Flying Heaven level... you''re certainly in."


    "Looking at the entire civilization, a First Rank spiritual power that''s reached the Flying Heaven level; I don''t know if there''s been a second case in history," Li Yang shrugged, "At least, I haven''t heard of it."


    Li Yuan was at a loss for words.


    "But you should understand, there are still subtle differences among Feixing slots."


    "The better you perform, the more benefits you''ll receive once you arrive on Feixing," Li Yang stated seriously, "The Global University Martial Arts Competition virtual battle is your stage; you must seize the opportunity."


    "Understood," Li Yuan nodded emphatically.


    Only about ten slots each year globally? And that''s after screening all the geniuses under the age of 30?


    You should know that just the three top-tier martial schools on Blue Star together enroll 1000 students each year.


    From the ages of 18 to 30, over more than a decade, that''s tens of thousands of students¡ªeach one a genius.


    And then there are the many regr Martial Arts Universities.


    "Getting into one of the top three martial schools is only considered a martial path genius in the conventional sense," Li Yangmented, "But if one gets a Feixing slot and goes to Feixing... that''s a super genius among geniuses."


    "Anyone who qualifies to go there, in the end, more than sixty percent be Flying Heaven Warriors," Li Yang said solemnly.


    "And the other thirty percent?" Li Yuan couldn''t help asking.


    "Most of them die during various life-and-death trials."


    ...


    Li Yang then shared quite a bit more about the "Feixing slot."


    "I''ve never been there myself, and a lot of it is hearsay, just listen and take it as reference," Li Yang said with augh, "Anyway, work hard."


    "Maybe then, you might even meet Senior Dongfang Ji."


    Li Yuan''s eyes brightened.


    Dongfang Ji? That was his idol since childhood.


    "Right," Li Yang suddenly changed the subject, "Li Yuan, you still have one Soul-Nurturing Ancient Spirit Fruit in your possession, don''t you?"


    "Would you be willing to sell it to me, your teacher?"

 Chapter 249: Chapter 201 Chapter 201 Principal Fang and Star Lord Bai Shan

    "Teacher needs the Soul-Nurturing Ancient Spirit Fruit?" Li Yuan couldn''t help but be stunned.


    Li Yang knew that he had the Soul-Nurturing Ancient Spirit Fruit. Li Yuan was not surprised, as the report transmitted by Liu Jing would definitely have detailed exnations.


    It''s just that, in Li Yuan''s imagination,


    treasures like the ''Soul-Nurturing Ancient Spirit Fruit'' should not be unique and irreceable in their effects, there were several Third Rank treasures with simr effects.


    In other words,


    any treasure that could be measured in money, no matter how expensive, was not that rare in value and scarcity.


    The real rare and precious treasures, let alone billions of Blue Star Coins, even trillions of Blue Star Coins couldn''t buy them.


    "I do," Li Yang said with a smile, "I know what you''re thinking, kid. You''re right, there are many Third Rank treasures with effects simr to those of the Soul-Nurturing Ancient Spirit Fruit, such as the Sweet Spirit Core Crystal, the Soul-Nurturing Nine-Leaf Grass... I''ve used many of these Third Rank treasures, with some having been used up more than once."


    "But these Heavenly Materials Treasures all share one thing inmon: the first time you use them, the effect is astonishing, the second time the effect diminishes sharply... The effect of the Soul-Nurturing Ancient Spirit Fruit is not unique, but it''s rtively rare, and I hadn''t managed to purchase it before," Li Yang said with a smile.


    Li Yuan looked at Li Yang in astonishment.


    Such a big spender!


    These Heavenly Materials Treasures are usually extremely valuable... Just how much wealth had Teacher Li Yang spent on them?


    "Teacher, what about your spiritual power?" Li Yuan couldn''t help but ask.


    "It''s at the limit of level 29," Li Yang said with some helplessness as he saw through Li Yuan''s thoughts, "Every time I take a Heavenly Material Treasure, my spiritual power slightly increases, but my Flying Heaven Level spiritual power, feels within reach yet I can never quite break through the bottleneck."


    "It''s not like you, who have such an incredible natural talent for spiritual power," Li Yang said, a trace of envy visible in his eyes.


    Li Yuan silently sighed. Without bing a Flying Heaven Warrior, it was indeed difficult to make a breakthrough to Flying Heaven Level spiritual power.


    "If there were a Soul Essence Nine Revolutions Fruit, a level 29 Origin Warrior who used it would definitely achieve Flying Heaven Level spirit," Li Yang said shaking his head slightly, "It''s a pity, such treasures are greatly beneficial even for those at Flying Heaven Level, and would never be put up for auction or mademon knowledge."


    Li Yuan nodded slightly.


    Just like Wan Qinghe, who had no idea about the channels for these Third Rank treasures.


    Simrly, Li Yang also had no channels to obtain some of the rare and precious treasures.


    Ordinary Origin Warriors, Top Grade Origin Martial Artists, Flying Heaven Warriors... they all had their invisible barriers.


    The Soul Essence Nine Revolutions Fruit, being a Fourth Rank treasure, might not be as rare as the public data suggests.


    It''s just that the rank of the Origin Warrior was not high enough, so many could not ess them.


    "This Soul-Nurturing Ancient Spirit Fruit is not very useful to me, and it''s hard to preserve for a long period. It might as well be exchanged for some money," Li Yuan said with a smile, "I originally wanted to ask teacher to help me sell it, but since you need it, I will give it to you."


    As he said it,


    Whoosh! Li Yuan flipped his palm, and a blue-purple fruit with a silvery sheen on its surface appeared in his hand, looking quite beautiful.


    Li Yang, although he didn''t hold the same ce in Li Yuan''s heart as Xu Bo,


    had wholeheartedly taught him, and Li Yuan was indeed grateful.


    "Give it to me?" Li Yang was stunned for a moment but felt quite happy inside.


    With Li Yuan''s current talent and strength, there really was no need to please him so much anymore.


    The willingness to give must be from the heart.


    But who was Li Yang? A Top Grade Origin Martial Artist, and also a deputy dean of Kunlun Martial University, in terms of strength, he was among the very forefront of Top Grade Origin Martial Artists... how could he ept such a precious treasure from his student for nothing?


    "I appreciate your sentiment, but you obtained this treasure at the risk of your life. How could I take it for free?" Li Yang said with a smile, "It''s also because I know you''ve used one before and, with your spiritual power having transformed to Flying Heaven Level, that I know it''s no use to you, so I asked you for it."


    "If you had only one, I wouldn''t have even asked you," Li Yang continued with a smile, "How about this, tell me any Heavenly Material Treasure you want, and I''ll get it for you."


    "Also, rest assured, while in terms of wealth I might not match up to a Flying Heaven Warrior, there aren''t many among the Origin Warriors who surpass me," Li Yang said with a smile, "In terms of mywork, I''m barely among the top tier."


    Li Yuan was speechless; he believed Li Yang on that point.


    "Since teacher put it that way, then I won''t be polite," Li Yuan said, "I want a ''Dragon Heart Spirit Fruit'' that can restore my uncle''s health, along with a treasure or treatment n for my aunt to maintain her health."


    "Furthermore, I''d like to spend some money to properly cultivate my younger brother and sister," Li Yuan said.


    This had been his n all along.


    Until his trip to the Mingxu Star Realm, his fortune wasn''t small, but just for his own cultivation, it might not have been enough... Now, for the time being, it was sufficient.


    "All for your family?" Li Yang''s look towards Li Yuan became even more approving.


    Continue reading at m|v-l''e -NovelBin


    He didn''t see it as wasteful at all.


    A person who has affection for their family, naturally, will also have affection for their entire nation or even civilization... It''s the bonds of emotion that sustain a civilization.


    If a person doesn''t even care about their own family, it''s quite terrifying.


    "Let me think,"


    "Dragon Heart Spirit Fruit, I''ll ask some friends first, I should be able to buy it," Li Yang said, "As for your aunt, it''s best to use some ''Exquisite Spiritual Liquid'' made from Third Rank treasures... It''s not too expensive, the whole treatment would probably cost about two billion, enough to transform your aunt''s Physical Quality to level 8 or 9, living to 120 years old is not a problem."


    Li Yuan''s eyes brightened, it sounded promising.


    "As for your younger brother and sister," Li Yang said with a smile, "If their Physical Quality is high enough to exceed level 12, it''s best to use Third Rank treasures like the Ster Earth Marrow Crystal."


    "If the Physical Quality is not enough, then start with High Origin Spirit Spring, Second Rank Spirit Nourishing Potions... Actually, it''s pretty much the same as what you went through initially," Li Yang said.


    "Understood, thank you, teacher," Li Yuan nodded.

 Chapter 250: Chapter 201 Principal Fang and Star Lord Bai Shan _2

    The difference was that I had enough talent initially, so the Martial Hall and the country cultivated me for free.


    Whereas my brother and sister showed insufficient talent and had to spend their own money.


    "For my brother and sister''s situation, I''ll handle it through the Martial Hall," Li Yuan said with a smile. "But for my uncle and aunt''s matter, I''m relying on the teacher."


    "No problem, I''ll send two teams to Jiang City to get your uncle and aunt a thorough check-up first," Li Yang said with a smile.


    Such a task was very simple for him.


    "Teacher, you should use this Soul-Nurturing Ancient Spirit Fruit as soon as possible," Li Yuan said as he handed over the fruit, smiling. "Why not consume it here?"


    "The longer we dy, the less effective it will be."


    "This Soul-Nurturing Ancient Spirit Fruit has already been picked for more than ten days," Li Yuan said.


    ...


    Eventually, under Li Yuan''s earnest persuasion,


    Li Yang epted Li Yuan''s suggestion¡ªto consume it on the spot.


    For treasures like this, once you decide to use them, it''s best to ''get it down for peace of mind.''


    Hu!


    Li Yang went to a nearby rest room in the base, while Li Yuan sat in the meeting room with closed eyes, resting and recuperating.


    "Li Yuan." Shi Xiao approached the door.


    "What''s up?" Li Yuan opened his eyes and smiled.


    "Teacher Li said he''s going into closed cultivation and asked us to wait for four or five hours," Shi Xiao said with a smile. "Why don''t we go out and stroll around the city? It''s not far from Golden Dragon City, and it will take only twenty minutes by flying vehicle."


    "It''s been a long time since I strolled around the city."


    "I''ll pass, sister. Why don''t you go and wander around by yourself?" Li Yuan said with a smile. "Later, when we take the flying vehicle, I won''t be able to cultivate."


    "I''m also getting ready to cultivate," he added.


    Soon after.


    Li Yuan, carrying his weapon case and backpack, went to a rest room, leaving behind a bewildered Shi Xiao.


    "What, is everyone a cultivation maniac?" Shi Xiao muttered, then sighed in secret, "Perhaps, this is the reason for Li Yuan''s rapid advancement in strength."


    Shi Xiao did not go out to the city.


    Strolling around alone? She wasn''t into that.


    ...


    Inside this rest room,


    "First, practice the ''Observing the Great Sun Starry Sky Scripture,''" Li Yuan said as he sat cross-legged and gently closed his eyes.


    Practicing the "Observing the Great Sun Starry Sky Scripture" and "All Heavens'' Stars" was an essential daily lesson for Li Yuan.


    After his exchange with Li Yang just now, Li Yuan became more aware of the terrifying aspects of the Visualization Method.


    The growth of spiritual power is extremely difficult.


    "Without the Mind Spirit Divine Pce, my spiritual power would never have improved this fast, let alone shattered the shackles from Second Rank to Third Rank so soon," Li Yuan thought to himself.


    Hum~


    With a thought, his consciousness descended into the Mind Spirit Divine Pce, and immediately, he felt the presence of the Great Sun Jade tform.


    ...It was a vast, boundless expanse of stars and space, with a great sun illuminating the endless night sky.


    Hu! As if appearing out of thin air, Li Yuan''s consciousness felt the presence of the sun.


    "It expanded again?" Li Yuan frowned, feeling the great sun in front of him, much more terrifying than before the abnormality.


    Thest time there was an abnormality, his spiritual power broke through to the Flying Heaven Level, and only then could Li Yuan suppress the rebellious Great Sun''s pride.


    But soon after, Li Yuan realized he hadn''t solved the fundamental problem.


    As long as his consciousness left the Great Sun Jade tform, with the passage of time, the sun within the tform would gradually expand and rebel.


    He had to suppress it every once in a while.


    If he ignored it, before long, the light from the great sun would burst out of the Jade tform and affect the entire spiritual world.


    "Suppress."


    "It''s also cultivation," Li Yuan thought, as he rotated the "Observing the Great Sun Starry Sky Scripture" in his mind, and immediately his consciousness dispersed, sensing the vast and boundless Great Sun starry sky... Hot! Painful!


    Endless pain swept over Li Yuan''s consciousness at once.


    "Hold on."


    "To undergo three thousand cmities is to temper, to sharpen my spirit and will," Li Yuan gritted his teeth enduring, striving to calm his heart.


    This level of pain was no less than when the spirit dried up in agony. In some respects, it was even more intense.


    Because the spirit-drying agony onlysted a moment, whereas suppressing the Great Sun stars was Li Yuan''s daily necessary lesson,sting at least an hour each day.


    Fortunately.


    Li Yuan''s spiritual power and willpower were now much stronger than before, and there wasn''t even a trace of pain on his face.


    In fact, Li Yuan only needed to suppress the Great Sun for half an hour every two or three days to prevent its upheaval from affecting the Mind Spirit Divine Pce.


    However, even though he suppressed the proud sun to the extreme every time, Li Yuan still continued to endure this grinding voluntarily.


    "Although painful, it can make my willpower increasingly strong."


    "If I don''t actively strive to cultivate, then, when the next crisis, hidden within the Mind Spirit Divine Pce, erupts... I might not be able to withstand it," thought Li Yuan, also feeling a sense of crisis deep in his heart.


    What would happen if he couldn''t withstand it? No one could predict!


    Li Yuan knew too little about the Mind Spirit Divine Pce.


    "All I can do is try to make myself stronger," Li Yuan silently vowed: "Strive with all my might to be stronger."


    Whoosh~


    Whoosh~ Apanied by waves of pain sweeping through, the Visualization Method operated, and strands of starlight shone down, nourishing Li Yuan''s spiritual power.


    Half an hourter.


    "[Your spiritual power has increased from level 30.1 to level 30.2]" a Divine Pce prompt suddenly shed by.


    Ever since his spiritual power transformed to the Flying Heaven Level, leveling up had be much slower.


    Li Yuan was still in quiet cultivation.


    ...


    While Li Yang and Li Yuan were sessively in seclusion at this military base and not hurriedly returning to Kunlun Martial University.


    Kunlun Martial University, Vermilion Bird Tower.


    Right above.


    In the thousand-meter-high sky, arge flying saucer-shaped aircraft hovered, over thirty meters in height and more than a hundred meters in diameter.


    The entire aircraft was capable ofplete optical invisibility.


    Throughout Kunlun Martial University, aside from the eight Flying Heaven Level deans and the two vice-chancellors, nobody else... including the ordinary teachers and associate deans, was aware of this aircraft''s existence.


    And it was precisely the personal vehicle and ''office'' of the president of Kunlun Martial University.


    As a result, the president was extremely mysterious in the eyes of many teachers and students.


    He didn''t even have an office.


    Inside the aircraft, the Quiet Cultivation Room, filled with a sci-fi vibe, was entirely built of metal.


    A ck-robed youth was sitting in meditation with his eyes closed.


    He was two meters above the ground, with an intangible force spreading out from him. Streams of water were born out of nowhere, circting around him. The surface of the water shimmered with strands of blue light, making his whole presence as vast as the ocean.


    Suddenly.


    "Master, Star Lord Bai Shan is calling for you," the voice of the assistant AI sounded.


    The ck-robed youth slowly opened his eyes and said tly, "Answer."


    Drip~


    Numerous rays of light shot out, forming a massive holographic projection in front of the ck-robed youth.


    Within the projection appeared an old man dressed in white casual clothes.


    "Elder Bai," the ck-robed youth said with a faint smile.


    "Fang Hai, it''s been a while since I''ve seen you. Are you cultivating again?" the old man in white casual clothesughed: "I was ying with my great-grandson just now and didn''t see your call, sorry about that."


    "It doesn''t matter, elder. That your family is harmonious is a fortunate thing," Fang Hai replied with a faint smile.


    He was well aware of the standing of this elder in white casual clothes, the first person in Xia Country''s history to surpass the Flying Heaven Level.


    Even today, he remained one of Xia Country''s Seas Calming Divine Needles.


    Both his mentor, Dongfang Ji, and he himself had received guidance from this man.


    Among the many Star Masters of the Seven Star Alliance, Bai Shan''s status was extremely high.


    "I''ve seen the message you just sent me," Star Lord Bai Shan said with a smile: "This young fellow named Li Yuan is indeed worthy of cultivation... Let''s assign him the Second ss position in this year''s Xia Country''s Martial God Inheritance."


    "As for First ss... that''s going to depend on your mentor''s attitude. It''s better for you to speak to him than for me," Star Lord Bai Shan said with a chuckle.


    The Martial God Inheritance positions were also graded, from the highest Special Rank down to the most ordinary Third ss, and the difference was substantial.


    For example, the top three of the global collegiate Martial Pathpetition only received Third ss positions.


    Is a Second ss or First ss position sought? It doesn''t just depend on present strength, but the top brass has to judge potential as well.


    Xia Country, as Blue Star''s most powerful nation and the homnd of Dongfang Ji, has very high authority... every year, it can directly nominate a Second ss position.


    That is one of the two exclusive privilege positions only given by the Seven Star Alliance.


    "Ask my teacher?" Fang Hai shook his head: "Elder Bai, you know my teacher''s temperament. He values Xia Country, but he never favors any one person from Xia Country... He treats all people of the Seven Stars equally."


    "For now, a Second ss position is already very good."

 Chapter 251: Chapter 202 - Li Yangs Breakthrough! The True Value of the Spirit Fruit (Extra 11)

    "Teacher always values realbat performance over theoretical talent,"


    Fang Hai said slowly, "In history, there has never been a First Rank ce for a First Stage."


    "Like Teacher, who rarely gifts precious artifacts directly to his disciples, instead letting us strive and fight to earn them."


    "Of his nine children, six died in various life-and-death experiences¡­ Li Yuan is still naive, and it''s hard to say what the future holds," Fang Hai shook his head and said, "Even if I go and speak with Teacher, it won''t be of much use."


    "The Second ss Martial God Inheritance spot is the limit of what we can do to help Li Yuan."


    "Where he goes from here will depend on his own performance," Fang Hai said slowly, "If he can soar to new heights in the virtual battles at the global university Martial Path conference and remains exceptional in the Prime Warrior stage, he will naturally secure a First Rank spot, or even a Special Rank spot."


    "Back then, I also started with a Third ss spot and rose step by step in the Martial God Inheritance until I received Teacher''s approval and became Teacher''s disciple," Fang Hai said.


    "Fair enough," the Star Master Bai Shan smiled and said, "You are Li Yuan''s principal, you decide."


    "However,"


    "Have you not broken through yet?" Star Master Bai Shan looked at the light circting around Fang Hai and couldn''t help saying, "Why the insistence? The Wanhan Star Realm is unpredictable, and no one knows when that thing will appear. Dying isn''t a solution¡­ Do you trust your Teacher''s judgment that much?"


    "If you broke through earlier, the foundation would transform, and your progress would be much faster than it is now," Star Master Bai Shan said.


    "I believe in Teacher," Fang Hai said with a smile, "Teacher''s judgment has never been wrong."


    "Your Teacher is indeed more formidable than I am," Star Master Bai Shan shook his head, knowing Fang Hai''s personality; this wasn''t the first time he had tried to persuade him, "Alright then, I will issue the official documents regarding Li Yuan shortly."


    "That''s settled then, I''m hanging up now."


    The projection screen faded, and the interior of the aircraft fell silent.


    "Flying Heaven Level soul? Li Yuan?"


    "I hope he does not waste this Second ss ce."


    "Martial God Inheritance?" Fang Hai closed his eyes and muttered to himself, "If I want to enter the Third Area, if I want to catch up with Teacher, I must take this step¡­ The path of the mysterious heavens."


    "It''s really tough to walk."


    ...


    About the ''Second ss slot'' for the Martial God Inheritance he received directly,


    Li Yuan, far away in Jiangnan Province, was unaware.


    He had finished his Visualization Method practice and was instead continuing to cultivate "All Heavens'' Stars."


    A vast amount of Origin Power surged into his body, fusing into his form continuously as his Star Meridians operated.


    Making his physique increasingly powerful.


    "Flying Heaven Level soul, it has made my cultivation of ''All Heavens'' Stars'' much more efficient," Li Yuan anticipated within his heart, "When I awaken the second Star Meridian, it should be even faster."


    Every few days, Li Yuan would attempt to ignite more Life Stars within his Life Star space.


    Little by little, it adds up.


    As more Life Stars awaken, Li Yuan vaguely feels that the day to awaken his second Star Meridian... should not be far off.


    Suddenly.


    Boom! A powerful spiritual fluctuation burst forth suddenly, sweeping out in all directions.


    "Hmm?" Li Yuan abruptly awoke from meditation as his powerful spiritual power always sensing in all directions immediately felt this spiritual fluctuation.


    The aura was very familiar.


    The spiritual fluctuation was strong butcked any sort of aggression, disappearing as quickly as it appeared. Discover exclusive tales on m,v l''e-NovelBin


    "Is it Teacher?" A flicker of surprise crossed Li Yuan''s eyes, "It was Teacher Li Yang''s aura."


    "Could it be, Teacher has broken through?" Li Yuan spected.


    ...


    An hourter, Li Yuan was still meditating quietly, patiently waiting.


    "Li Yuan." A voice rang out in Li Yuan''s mind.


    Telepathic Communication.


    "Teacher, has your spiritual power broken through?" Li Yuan immediately responded, the two weremunicating from across rooms.


    "Haha, yes," Li Yang''s voice carried sheer joy, "It has broken through, finally after decades of pouring most of my wealth into this¡­ but the most important thing was your Soul-Nurturing Ancient Spirit Fruit, it''s really not ordinary."


    "We''ll talk when we meet, I''ming out soon."


    Shortly after, Li Yang, who had finished his cultivation, came to the Martial Arts Room where Li Yuan was.


    "Teacher," Li Yuan stood to greet him, already sensing the faint but powerful spiritual fluctuations emanating from Li Yang.


    This was because Li Yang had just broken through and could not yet perfectly control this spiritual power.


    "Congrattions, Teacher, I''m very happy for you," Li Yuan said with a smile.


    "Thank you," Li Yang''s smile was irrepressible as a breakthrough in spiritual power to the Flying Heaven Level was indeed a joyous asion for him.


    For him, with the soul''s transformation, the hope of achieving Fifth Stage Perfection or even Sixth Stage would increase tenfold.


    A Flying Heaven Warrior? No longer just a wishful thinking.


    "If I be a Flying Heaven Warrior in the future, Li Yuan, your contribution will be the greatest," Li Yang couldn''t hold back from saying.


    "Teacher, it''s because you have umted enough depth," Li Yuan said, shaking his head repeatedly, "Your spiritual power was already at the Second Order Limit, just one Soul-Nurturing Ancient Spirit Fruit is all."


    "Even if you hadn''t received it from me today, you could have obtained it from somewhere else next time," Li Yuan said.


    He didn''t consider it his own merit.


    "No!"


    "This Soul-Nurturing Ancient Spirit Fruit you gave is very special," Li Yang''s eyes held a gleam, "Even though it may notpare to a Fourth Rank treasure, it is definitely top-notch among Third Rank treasures."


    "It contains some divine aspect... together with some luck, I broke through," Li Yang was very happy.


    Listening, Li Yuan couldn''t help but recall the scene when he seized the three Soul-Nurturing Ancient Spirit Fruits.


    The three Soul-Nurturing Ancient Spirit Fruits I obtained are indeed very special.


    "The value of your Soul-Nurturing Ancient Spirit Fruit is extremely high," Li Yang said, looking at Li Yuan. "Initially, I nned topensate you with some more Blue Star Coins, but now it seems, justpensating with Blue Star Coins is not very meaningful."


    "In addition to our previous agreement for your uncle and aunt, I will give you another treasure," Li Yang said with a smile.


    Whoosh!


    With a flip of his hand, Li Yang produced a purple elixir in his palm, emitting a faint and strange fragrance.


    "Origin Purple Longevity Pill?" Li Yuan instantly recognized the elixir, a hint of astonishment shing in his eyes.


    "That''s right."


    "Liu Jing told me that you probably used this pill for him," Li Yang said with a smile. "This one will continue to serve as a life-saving treasure for you, which is quite appropriate."


    "Teacher, didn''t you say it was very precious?" Li Yuan couldn''t help but ask.


    "Indeed, it is precious," Li Yang nodded. "Normally, if Martial Artists could be Top Grade Origin Martial Artists... the Seven Star Alliance would sell it to us for an ultra-low price of ''one billion Blue Star Coins''."


    "But that''s only a one-time opportunity."


    "After that, if Top Grade Origin Martial Artists want to buy more, they have to pay 50 billion Blue Star Coins and can purchase up to five times in their lifetime," Li Yang said with a smile. "Do you understand what I''m saying?"


    "Can it be regenerated?" Li Yuan pondered thoughtfully.


    "Yes, the Origin Purple Longevity Pill indeed has a stable output but is also extremely precious," Li Yang said. "To buy a chance at life for 50 billion Blue Star Coins... we Top Grade Origin Martial Artists are still willing."


    "As for ordinary Martial Artists, most don''t have the money to buy it, so the majority is unaware."


    Li Yuan nodded slightly.


    Between beginning and intermediate Martial Artists, the strength disparity isn''t too great and can be somewhatpensated by numbers.


    But from advanced Martial Artists to Top Grade Origin Martial Artists... it''splete domination, not even on the same level.


    Top Grade Origin Martial Artists absolutely dominate in terms of physical quality, Origin Power, and spiritual power.


    The key lies in their skills!


    Facing a Fifth Stage Skill with a Fourth Stage Skill results in total domination.


    "50 billion Blue Star Coins is too expensive," Li Yuan said, shaking his head.


    By this calction, adding the previously agreed sum, Teacher Li Yang has spent over 60 billion Blue Star Coins to purchase this Soul-Nurturing Ancient Spirit Fruit.


    Li Yuan believed in the other party''s astonishing wealth.


    But by Li Yuan''s estimate, it probably wouldn''t exceed twenty billion at most.


    "Take it, it''s not expensive," Li Yang said with a smile. "For me, achieving a breakthrough in spiritual power is something billions of Blue Star Coins can''t buy... now that I can breakthrough, my hope of ascending to Flying Heaven is within reach."


    "To be a Flying Heaven level, an Origin Purple Longevity Pill is trivial," Li Yang said. "If you don''t take it, it would weigh on my conscience, which is not conducive to my cultivation in the future."


    Since Li Yang put it this way, Li Yuan felt it would be rude to refuse any longer and epted the Origin Purple Longevity Pill.


    In fact.


    Having experienced the effects of the Origin Purple Longevity Pill, Li Yuan also understood he indeed needed it.


    It could truly be life-saving at a critical moment.


    ...


    Soon after, Li Yang took Li Yuan and Shi Xiao onto arge flying vehicle returning to Kunlun Martial University.


    Since it was a chartered flight, and Li Yang wanted to have a private conversation with Li Yuan, he arranged for Shi Xiao to sit alone on the other side of the cabin.


    It was very quiet inside.


    "I figure at most by your junior year you''ll have to graduate," Li Yang, sitting in his seat, suddenly said with a smile. "Perhaps even by your sophomore year."


    "Ah?" Li Yuan was stunned.


    That soon?


    "What do you think the school can still help you with?" Li Yang asked with a smile.


    Li Yuan fell silent.


    "You should be able to feel that this time seeing me, I''m not treating you as an ordinary student," Li Yang said with emotion. "Like a normal elite student, for example, Shi Xiao... after one life-and-death adventure, she would probably earn a few million Blue Star Coins."


    "So, the various rewards from the school are still very important to her."


    "But what about you?" Li Yang asked, looking at Li Yuan with a half-smile. "Your strength is alreadyparable to that of an ordinary Martial Artist."


    "Your earning capacity, thanks to your powerful spiritual power, is in some respectsparable to that of advanced Martial Artists," Li Yang said.


    Li Yuan was speechless.


    Indeed, the wealth he had obtained from this trip to the Mingxu Star Realm... made the school''s training n and the Martial Hall''s contract lose their significance to some extent.


    A few million cash bonus? Not important anymore.


    Now, his assets under his name were nearly 15 billion Blue Star Coins; even Wan Qinghe might not have such a fortune.


    "Normally speaking."


    "The most valuable treasure that the school could give you would be Heavenly Materials Treasures like Ster Earth Marrow Crystal," Li Yang said with a smile. "One unit of Ster Earth Marrow Crystal is worth approximately two billion Blue Star Coins."


    "That''s the limit, more precious treasures are not something the school can offer."


    "Even in Starfire Martial University, Starry Sky Martial University, and others, their top students work hard in their cultivation, mostly for the sake of securing a Feixing slot," Li Yang said with emotion. "But you are different."


    "Your growth rate in this little over a month has been faster than what Dean Hai and I anticipated for an entire year."


    "At your current rate of growth, it won''t be long before you be a Martial Artist and then head to Feixing to receive the inheritance... When you return from the inheritance at Feixing, it''s estimated you''ll go to various Star Realms for life-and-death adventures," Li Yang said, looking at Li Yuan. "Kunlun Martial University won''t be able to hold you for much longer."


    "Cherish yourst school days," Li Yang advised.


    A few hourster.


    The flying vehicle slowlynded at the auxiliary airfield of Kunlun Martial University.

 Chapter 252: Chapter 203 Requirements for a First Rank Legacy

    The three of them came out of the airport, the ground covered with snow, and at the end of January, the winter in the northwest was extremely cold.


    "Shi Xiao, you go back first. Li Yuan and I are going to see the Dean," Li Yang said with a smile, "You also performed very well on this life-and-death adventure. Now that you''re back at school, take a few days to rx."


    "Yes, teacher," Shi Xiao nodded obediently.


    Meet the Dean? In her recollection, not many students at the academy had the chance to see the Dean alone.


    But she wasn''t surprised in her heart, as she had already sensed Li Yang''s special treatment of Li Yuan on the way back.


    It was nothing like how a student was usually treated.


    "Junior Brother, see youter." Shi Xiao quickly left, leaving Li Yuan and Li Yang standing there.


    "The Dean wants to see me?" Li Yuan couldn''t help asking.


    "With such a big deal concerning you, I find it a bit strange that the President can hold back from seeing you," Li Yang said with a smile, "The Dean has been waiting for you since early morning, follow me."


    "Yes." Li Yuan pondered thoughtfully, realizing the impact he had caused was far greater than he had imagined.


    ...


    They rode a small flying vehicle, traveling through the campus.


    Li Yuan felt an inexplicable sense of tranquility and peace in his heart.


    "Sophomore year, or at thetest junior year, I will have to leave school?" Li Yuan mused to himself, Li Yang''s words still echoing in his mind.


    In truth, ever since his skill broke through to the Fifth Stage of Unity of Heaven and Man, Li Yuan had been preparing to graduate early.


    Most elite students, even his fellow schoolmate Yan He, who was already a Prime Warrior, could still obtain cultivation resources beyond their capabilities from the school.


    This was the reason why a few Prime Warrior students were still willing to stay at the academy.


    What about himself? Indeed, there was not much point in staying at school for a long time.


    "With the current rate of improvement of my physical quality, I estimate that by the end of my sophomore year, I could reach Level 25, or even the threshold of a high-level Prime Warrior," Li Yuan thought.


    It''s difficult for Prime Warriors to advance in rank, mainly because of therge span in physical quality at each level, but difficulty is rtive. With higher skill realms and the awakening of the second Star Meridian... Li Yuan''s rate of physical quality improvement would only be more terrifying.


    "College career?" Li Yuan''s gaze swept across the campus.


    In fact, for most of his time at school, Li Yuan was in concealed cultivation, with little interaction with other students.


    But the mindset and atmosphere of campus life were iparable to life-and-death adventures in the Star Realm.


    ... Bracing against the wind and snow.


    Soon after, Li Yang and Li Yuan arrived next to Dean Hai''s vi.


    From a distance, Dean Hai was seen fishing in the midst of the wind and snow, surrounded by a group of attendants.


    "What''s Dean Hai doing?" Li Yuan was taken aback.


    "Don''t ask. If you ask, he''ll say he''s not fishing for fish in theke, but for the fish in his heart," Li Yang''s voice arose in Li Yuan''s mind, "Don''t give him the chance to educate you."


    Li Yuan was speechless.


    Whoosh! Whoosh! The two approached quickly.


    "Dean, we''re back. Why are you fishing in this freezing weather?" Li Yang approached and respectfully said.


    Li Yuan was stunned for a moment, wasn''t it agreed not to ask?


    "You''re back?" Dean Hai''s figure shifted slightly, his gaze serene, and he said lightly, "What do you know? Fish in theke are easy to catch, fish in the heart are hard to catch. Once you have a breakthrough in your spirit and mind, naturally... Huh!"


    Dean Hai suddenly turned his head to stare at Li Yang, his eyes showing a hint of shock, "Your spiritual power has broken through?"


    "Yes," Li Yang replied with a simple smile, "Dean, I bought a portion of the Soul-Nurturing Ancient Spirit Fruit from Li Yuan, and with some luck, I made the breakthrough."


    "It''s all thanks to the Dean''s previous suggestion," Li Yang said with a smile.


    "My suggestion?" Dean Hai was briefly startled, then quickly shifted to a natural smile, "Haha, I just mentioned it, it''s your own ability."


    "This is good news," Dean Hai said with a smile, "A premature breakthrough in spiritual power is a great thing, this increases your chances of advancing to the Flying Heaven Level."


    "It''s all thanks to the continuous guidance of the Dean," Li Yang said with a smile.


    "You''ve been eyeing my position as the official Dean for quite some time now, haven''t you?" Dean Hai suddenly said with a smile.


    Li Yang was caught off guard, shaking his head quickly, "No, Dean, I never had such thoughts. Not to mention I haven''t yet be a Flying Heaven Warrior, even if I do reach the Flying Heaven Level, I would still be under the Dean''smand."


    "Never mind, once you truly break through to the Flying Heaven Level, I''ll hand over my position to you," Dean Hai said leisurely, "I''ve sat here for decades, and I''m a bit tired of it."


    Before Li Yang could speak again.


    "Li Yuan," Dean Hai looked towards Li Yuan.


    "Dean," Li Yuan said respectfully.


    "All of you, go down," Dean Hai suddenly said to the several attendants at his side.


    "Yes," the attendants put down their work and left.


    "Take a seat," Dean Hai gestured, and two stools on his left flew directly to his right.


    Right next to Li Yuan and Li Yang.


    This disy made both Li Yuan and Li Yang inwardly marvel; this was the power of a Sixth Stage Skill Realm.


    Able to truly harness the forces of heaven and earth.


    Materialization!


    Both of them sat down, quite respectfully.


    "Li Yuan, your performance this time was very good. Not only did you transform yourself, but you also made great contributions to the country. The chief officer of the Mingxu Star Realm outpost, Liu Jing, has praised you," Dean Hai said with a smile, "Now you''ve also helped your teacher make a breakthrough."


    "It''s what I should do," Li Yuan said respectfully.


    "Yes, the Martial God Inheritance quota. Li Yang must have told you about it," Dean Hai said.


    "He mentioned a bit," Li Yuan nodded.


    "Just now, President Fang has told me that you''ve been approved by Star Lord Bai Shan and have secured the only Second ss inheritance quota that Xia Country has this year," Dean Hai said.


    "Star Lord Bai Shan?" Li Yuan held his breath.


    Star Lord, he had heard from Li Yang, represented the highest echelon of the Seven Star Alliance, but as for who exactly they were, he didn''t know much.


    The difference in status was too great.


    But Bai Shan?


    That name was like a thunderp; every Xia Country citizen would recognize it as the key figure who precipitated Xia Country''s rise to be the number one power in Blue Star... In the hearts of countless citizens, his status was perhaps even above Dongfang Ji.

 Chapter 253 : 203 Requirements for a First Rank Legacy_2

    ```


    He was the true pir of the sky in Xia Country.


    However, in recent decades, there had been little news of him.


    "Second ss quota? Are there ranks above this for the Martial God Inheritance quota?" Li Yang couldn''t help but ask out of curiosity, "Could there possibly be someone among our peers in the alliance whose talent exceeds that of Li Yuan?"


    "There are some things I shouldn''t say by principle, and you, Li Yang, aren''t qualified to know," Dean Hai said indifferently, "But now that your spiritual power has undergone transformation, I might as well share that the Martial God Inheritance quotas range from the highest, which is Special Rank, to the lowest, which is Third ss."


    Li Yuan listened attentively.


    "Under normal circumstances, the elites selected from the uing global collegiate Martial Path virtual and actualbatpetitions who are making their first trip to Feixing, would typically only obtain a Third ss quota," Dean Hai exined.


    "Then why am I Second ss?" Li Yuan couldn''t help asking.


    "Xia Country is the homnd of the Senior Dongfang Ji, and we hold certain privileges," Dean Hai exined bluntly, "Each year, we can directly select one candidate for the quota. This privilege is unique to the homnds of Senior Dongfang Ji and Senior Lant."


    Li Yuan suddenly understood; so that was how it worked.


    Lant was the first in the whole Seven Stars human civilization to exceed the Flying Heaven Level and was historically critical in saving human civilization.


    Dongfang Ji is the undisputedly strongest in our current civilization.


    It was only natural for these two individuals'' home countries to have such privileges.


    "Had it not been for you, we might have chosen Dantai Feng this year," Dean Hai continued.


    Li Yuan couldn''t help but smile. Had he taken Dantai Feng''s quota?


    "With Li Yuan''s talent, couldn''t he have directly applied for a First ss?" Li Yang asked, curious.


    Li Yuan couldn''t help but nce at his own teacher.


    Is it okay to ask so directly?


    "Li Yuan, do you think your talent is high?" Dean Hai asked with a smile.


    "I wouldn''t dare to assume so," Li Yuan quickly shook his head.


    "Your talent is indeed very high, and your performance over the past year has been nothing short of perfect," Dean Hai said with a smile, "Looking across the entire history of humanity, you would be ced in the top tier at your age,parable to Fang Hai back in his day. That''s why you were directly granted a Second ss quota."


    Li Yuan didn''t know how to respond for a moment.


    "Your talent is high, but never think that you are the only one who is unique," Dean Hai said with a smile, "In history, at the First Rank, there have been others besides you who possessed Flying Heaven level spiritual power... In fact, as far as I know, someone like Senior Dongfang Ji has the power to elevate the spiritual power of any First Rank martial artist to the Flying Heaven level."


    "That strong?" Li Yuan was inwardly shocked.


    It was outrageously powerful.


    "Yet having strong spiritual power alone is not very meaningful," Dean Hai exined with a smile: "Even among Flying Heaven warriors, who all have Flying Heaven level souls, many still struggle to break through to the Sixth Stage Skill."


    "An ordinary First Rank martial artist, even with a Flying Heaven level soul, would probably only be able to sustain his status as a top grade Origin Martial Artist."


    "Spiritual power is an amplifier of Comprehension."


    Li Yuan listened carefully.


    "Like you, the reason your skills have improved so rapidly isn''t solely due to spiritual power, but it isn''t the decisive factor," Dean Hai rified, "Even if your spiritual power were average, with your Comprehension, after many trials, you would also gradually shine, and I believe that reaching the Flying Heaven level wouldn''t be difficult for you, and even surpassing it is within the realm of possibility."


    "It''s just that the growth rate would be much slower than it is now," Dean Hai added with a smile.


    Li Yuan inwardly sighed.


    Such high praise from the Dean.


    "You''re performing well, but you are still too weak and immature," he said.


    "A First ss quota... will depend on your performance from now on and after your arrival on Feixing," Dean Hai continued, "In fact, for you right now, the difference between Special Rank, First ss, and Second ss isn''t significant."


    "Once you trulye into contact with the Martial God Inheritance quota, you will naturally understand."


    "Although it''s not explicitly stated¡ª"


    "But as a convention, the First ss inheritance quota is granted only to the most top-notch among the countless Prime Warriors of our entire civilization, and there''s an unwritten rule," Dean Hai said with a faint smile, "which is to y a Flying Heaven level Alien Race being as a Prime Warrior."


    "A Prime Warrior, ying a Flying Heaven Alien Race?" Li Yuan''s pupils narrowed; was it really that formidable?


    First ss was that powerful.


    What about Special Rank?


    "In the entire Xia Country, only Yu Jinghe has managed to do this," Dean Hai revealed: "That''s why he is called the leading talent of Xia Country''s current generation."


    "Belonging to the younger generation, beneath the Flying Heaven," he added.


    "Flying Heaven warriors, on the other hand, are the real backbone powerhouses of our civilization," Dean Hai asserted.


    "I understand," Li Yuan said, internally shaken.


    To y a Flying Heaven Alien Race as a Prime Warrior.


    So, this was the standard for a First ss Martial God Inheritance quota.


    Listening to Dean Hai, did it seem like there were quite a few unmatched talents throughout our entire civilization?


    "Combat prowess is one of the criteria, but there are many other considerations, such as potential, age, temperament, and many more," Dean Hai continued, "For exceptional talents like you, there is always a lot of behind-the-scenes assessment going on."


    "Hmm," Li Yuan listened quietly; this was something he had started to realize.


    "The next test you will face is the global collegiate Martial Path virtualbat," Dean Hai said with a smile, "At your age, the difference in strength can be significant in just one year."


    ```


    "You are very young, so if you don''t get first ce, no one will me you."


    "But as a ''Second ss Martial God Inheritance'' nominee in advance, if your performance is too poor, it will disappoint many high-ups in the alliance," Dean Hai looked at Li Yuan.


    Li Yuan suddenly felt the pressure.


    Disappointment?


    Being named in advance represents both honor and expectation but equally means bearing a heavy burden.


    "The goal I''m setting for you is to break into the top ten worldwide, aiming for the top five," Dean Hai said with a smile. "As for higher, that would be too much to ask of you, so I won''t put too much pressure on you."


    Top ten? Top five? Li Yuan silently pondered.


    "What, you seem a little unconvinced?" Dean Hai said with augh.


    "No," Li Yuan couldn''t help butugh.


    "Having fighting spirit is good. If you can climb even higher, I would be happy to see it," Dean Hai said with a smile. "Before the virtual battle begins, the school will give you all the data we''ve collected on Fifth Stage experts."


    "But you also know."


    "A lot of people''s information is confidential," Dean Hai said with a smile. "Just like your breakthrough to the Fifth Stage, most people are unaware."


    "There are many exceptional students who may have undergone amazing transformations after a year."


    Li Yuan nodded in agreement; everyone''s experiences and encounters differ.


    He had the Mind Spirit Divine Pce, but others might also have formidable methods at their disposal.


    He couldn''t underestimate anyone.


    "Go," Dean Hai said with a smile. "The global preliminaries will start on February 8th."


    "There''s still some time left. Work hard, and you can still improve a lot."


    Before long.


    Dean Hai watched Li Yuan and Li Yang walk away into the distance.


    "Second ss? I thought he could be an exception and get First ss," Dean Hai muttered to himself. "Old Fang really isn''t helping."


    "To not even have this bit of face in front of his own teacher."


    ...


    Li Yang apanied Li Yuan back to his vi.


    On the way.


    "ording to the data we''ve gathered within the school," Li Yang said with a smile, "only you and Jin Huguo have reached Fifth Stage Skill, so all hopes are pinned on you two."


    "Me and Senior Brother Jin?" Li Yuan nodded slightly. Jin Huguo had broken into the top hundred worldwide in his sophomore yearst year.


    This year would be Jin Huguo''sst chance topete in the Global College Martial Path Competition, and he was sure to make a fierce push.


    "Don''t let the pressure get to you," Li Yang said. "The ''real battle'' of the Global College Martial Path Competition isn''t until June, and it won''t be until July that everyone heads to Feixing... With your rate of improvement, even if you''re not as strong as the top few right now, once you reach Feixing, you''ll have a chance to surpass them."


    "Yes, teacher," Li Yuan said.


    Whew!


    Li Yang quickly departed, and Li Yuan stood in front of his dwelling, pondering silently.


    "Top ten? Top five?"


    "Not as strong as the top few?" Li Yuan muttered to himself, his eyes shing with a hint of light: "It seems that both Dean Hai and Teacher Li don''t believe I can push for the top three, let alone first."


    But Li Yuan harbored his own ambitions.


    ng~


    He opened the door and entered his vi.


    ...


    When Li Yuan returned to Kunlun Martial University, at Starfire University located outside of Xia Country''s capital city.


    Within a vastplex of vis for third-year students, inside one of the unassuming vis.


    In the underground Martial Arts Room.


    "Swoosh!"


    A cold female in a purple practice uniform was silently practicing her swordsmanship. The sword light was elegant, almost merging with the surrounding environment.


    Suddenly.


    "Master, Dean Yu is calling," the assistant A.I. announced.


    "Answer," the woman in the purple practice uniform sheathed her sword and said in a low voice.


    Whew~ A multitude of lights converged, forming arge screen projection that disyed a middle-aged man in a suit.


    "Dean Yu," the woman in the purple practice uniform bowed slightly.


    "Yin Man, I have something to inform you," said the middle-aged man in the suit, his eyes revealing aplex expression. "Our Xia Country''s Second ss Martial God Inheritance slot for this year has been confirmed."


    "It''s not you."

 Chapter 254 : 204: The Virtual Battle of the Grand Competition Approaches

    ```


    "Not me?" The woman in the purple training suit was slightly startled, "Who? Dantai Feng?"


    "No," the man in the suit shook his head slightly.


    "Then Zhu Tong? Yu Mingwei?" The woman in the purple training suit named two more people in quick session.


    These individuals were the ones she considered to be the biggest threat to herpeting for the "Second ss Martial God Inheritance spot."


    Some were from Starfire University, and others from different universities.


    But they all shared threemon characteristics: first, they were all from Xia Country.


    Second, none of them had been to Feixing yet.


    Third, they were all juniors or younger.


    "None of them," said the man in the suit, shaking his head.


    "Could it be someone in their senior or fifth year?" The woman in the purple training suit couldn''t help but say, "Principal Yu, isn''t this special privilege spot from our Xia Country normally given to students junior year or below?"


    "Yin Man, don''t rush," Principal Yu soothed, "This person is about the same age as Dantai Feng and also isn''t from one of the top three elite martial arts schools."


    "Li Yuan?" The woman in the purple training suit immediately thought of him, her eyes shing, "Is that so?"


    Principal Yu was taken aback for a moment, then nodded.


    "Has he broken through to the Fifth Stage Skill?" Yin Man pressed directly, her eyes filled with determination.


    Principal Yu shook his head, "His exact strength isn''t clear yet, but ording to the information I''ve received, his spot was directly settled by our two Star Masters of Xia Country, and it''s unchangeable."


    "Most likely, he definitely has made some remarkable breakthrough," Principal Yu said.


    "Two Star Masters?" Yin Man''s heart skipped a beat.


    How many Star Masters were there in the entire Xia Country in total? What had this Li Yuan done to gain such favor from two Star Masters?


    To her knowledge, even the official principal of her own Starfire University wasn''t a Star Master.


    "Indeed, this matter hase upon us suddenly," sighed Principal Yu, "catching us off guard. Initially, the school had nned to rmend you topete for the Second ss Martial God Inheritance spot."


    "After all, in terms of strength alone, looking at this year''s global university Martial Pathpetition, whether in virtual battles or real fights, you should be the strongest, and among all the talents in our Xia Country, you are far ahead," Principal Yu said, "then next year, we''ll push for Dantai Feng topete for the Second ss Martial God Inheritance spot."


    Yin Man listened in silence.


    The strongest in strength?


    Last year, as a sophomore, she had sessfully made it into the top ten in the global university Martial Path virtual battles.


    She was the only sophomore among the top ten at that time, just barely missing out on being selected for a Martial God Inheritance spot.


    After all, every year, there are only about ten spots chosen among all the Martial Path prodigies under 30 on Blue Star; thepetition is indeed fierce.


    This year, her goal was not only to break into first ce in both virtual battles and real fights but also to secure the second-ss Martial God Inheritance spot from Xia Country.


    Though heading to Feixingter and gradually advancing from Third ss is possible, it''s much slower.


    One step ahead means being ahead at every step.


    As someone longing to surpass Flying Heaven and stand at the pinnacle of civilization, she naturally coveted the Second ss Martial God Inheritance spot.


    "Principal Yu, is there really no chance at all?" Yin Man asked through gritted teeth.


    "There''s no chance, the spot is already confirmed," said Principal Yu, "don''t be too discouraged, aim to steadily break into the top three in the virtual battles, and you''ll naturally get a Martial God Inheritance spot."


    "The difference between Third ss and Second ss isn''t that big," said Principal Yu, "As long as you''re excellent enough, once you arrive at Feixing, you''ll still have the chance to be Second ss and even First Rank."


    "Yes," Yin Man nodded slightly, "Principal, I will work hard."


    "By the way, Principal," Yin Man suddenly said, "this Li Yuan, he''ll be participating in the virtual battles too, right?"


    "Of course, virtual battles are a rare opportunity to hone skills, we''ll definitely have him participate," said Principal Yu.


    He had already guessed what Yin Man was thinking, but he didn''t ask any further.


    Soon, they ended the call.


    "Li Yuan?"


    "Decided by two Star Masters?" Yin Man stood alone in the Martial Arts Room, holding her sword, her eyes revealing a hint of coldness, "So they directly settle on a spot without even watching thepetition?"


    "Perhaps this Li Yuan is outstanding, but they didn''t even give me a chance."


    "Fine."


    "Then let me see just how strong this Li Yuan is." Yin Man felt a nameless anger burning within her.


    As Starfire University''s top junior and perhaps even the top student of her year globally, she was extremely proud.


    Geniuses, by nature, don''t like to admit defeat.


    If she lost in a fairpetition, she would ept it wholeheartedly.


    Even if their strengths were close, she would acknowledge it because, after all, she was two years older than Li Yuan.


    But without evenpeting? Naturally, she felt discontented.


    "Swish swish~" Streams of sword light blossomed, the sword''s energy surged violently, fiercely unyielding.


    In an instant, shocking cracks appeared on the four walls of the underground Martial Arts Room.


    ...


    Yin Man wasn''t the only one who received the message at the same time, hoping to vie for first ce in the virtual battles.


    There were other top-tier geniuses from Xia Country as well.


    For example¡ªDantai Feng.


    "Principal Yu, are you saying that our Xia Country''s special privilege spot has already been decided?" Dantai Feng, looking at the suited man on the screen, couldn''t help but ask, "Yin Man?"


    The first person he thought of was Yin Man.


    "No," Principal Yu shook his head.


    "Then it''s Li Yuan," Dantai Feng said with a smile, "It couldn''t be wrong."


    "You guessed correctly,"ughed Principal Yu.


    "It wasn''t hard to guess," Dantai Feng shrugged, "In terms of strength, Yin Man is the strongest... but in terms of potential, Li Yuan broke through half a month earlier than I did, and just looking at the speed of progress over the past year and a half, he has been much faster than me."


    "If you say that he is stronger than me in skill level now, I would acknowledge it."


    "Choosing him doesn''t surprise me."


    "Moreover, ording to tradition, we would normally wait until the real battle ends to confirm, but now with the virtual battles yet to start, two Star Masters have already confirmed him, and if nothing unexpected happens, he surely must have done something astonishing," Dantai Feng said with augh.


    ```

 Chapter 255: Chapter 204: The Virtual Battle of the Grand Competition Approaches_2

    Principal Yuughed.


    He could feel it, Yin Man was not content, and byparison, Dantai Feng was much more at ease.


    "Work hard,"


    "You''re already at Fifth Stage Skill as a freshman," Principal Yu said with a smile, "As long as you perform even slightly better, you have hopes of being directly selected."


    "Understood," Dantai Feng nodded.


    If one ced in the top three in the virtual battles or actualbat, then, they would definitely receive a spot for the Martial God Inheritance.


    But what if one didn''t make it to the top three? Then it would be up to the higher-ups'' judgment.


    But no matter what, he was only a freshman this year; his hopes were much greater than those ofst year''s Yin Man.


    He hung up the phone.


    "Li Yuan, getting a spot directly? Truly monstrous," Dantai Feng muttered to himself, "I thought after my breakthrough, I could catch up to you."


    "It seems the gap has widened even more."


    "I hope I don''t run into you in the virtual battles," Dantai Feng mumbled, "That way, my record against you remains at a hundred percent win rate."


    "Haha, that way, no matter how strong you are, you''ll still be defeated by me in the end."


    Dantai Feng''s heart was very calm.


    No matter how strong others were, Dantai Feng only pursued his own strength, and... showing off.


    "Hmm."


    "In the main tournament, I''ll definitely not be able to beat those freaks like Yin Man," Dantai Feng pondered, "So in the preliminaries... I''ll aim to dazzle, strive to take first ce."


    "First ce in the preliminaries is still first ce!"


    ...


    As time passed day by day.


    Back at school, Li Yuan returned to his peaceful life, attending general knowledge sses each morning as usual.


    asionally, he would gather with ssmates like An Nong and Gu Qianghan.


    Before they knew it, February 1 arrived, and at Kunlun Martial University, in the vi, nightfall came.


    In the underground Martial Arts Room.


    "Whoosh!"


    "Whoosh!" Just after having dinner, Li Yuan silently practiced with his spear, feeling the changes in his body and the outside world as his Spear Technique flowed.


    Swish swish swish~ The spear''s tip whirled, conjuring dozens of spear shadows, their speed reaching the ultimate fastness.


    "My mind can always be in perfect harmony with heaven and earth,"


    "Even if I were to meditate in concealed cultivation, I could feel my entire body gradually merging with heaven and earth," Li Yuan thought to himself, "But as soon as I explode with power and execute the Spear Technique, I immediately disrupt this state, and even the harmony of mind and spirit with heaven and earth bes difficult."


    This was ack of control.


    And a deficiency in realm.


    "Slow down."


    "I need to try slowing down," Li Yuan''s Long Spear in hand began to move more slowly; "With my mind tuning into each thrust, seeking the maximum might of every spear, following the natural traces of the heavenly and earthly movements."


    "Pursuing the strongest might."


    "To mergepletely with heaven and earth is the standard of Fifth Stage Perfection, which I cannot do right now."


    "I can only try to make every spear strike as integrated with heaven and earth as possible," Li Yuan said to himself.


    After practicing "Meaning of the Ster" repeatedly, along with previous exchanges with Li Yang and Dean Xu, he had a clearer n for his uing cultivation journey.


    First, slow down the spearwork, letting each move blend with heaven and earth.


    Then speed up, integrating the Spear Technique with heaven and earth.


    In the end, when the whole person bursts into action, they will be able to merge into heaven and earth, and then, whether it''s the movement technique or the Spear Technique, strength will erupt to an unimaginable degree.


    Harmony with heaven and earth is the beginning of Unity of Heaven and Man.


    And to embody heaven and earth is to reach Fifth Stage Perfection.


    Time ticked away, second by second.


    Suddenly.


    "Hmm?" Li Yuan suddenly felt his smart ring vibrating and looked down to see it was a message from a stranger.


    Themunication request read: "I am Dantai Feng, Big Zhuang gave me your number."


    Li Yuan couldn''t help but smile as he epted the friend request and answered the call.


    Whoosh!


    The light screen projection coalesced, revealing Dantai Feng''s figure, showing he was in a Martial Arts Room.


    "Li Yuan, long time no see," Dantai Feng struck what he believed to be a cool pose andughed, "Still cultivating sote?"


    "How else can I keep up with you?" Li Yuan joked, "The global virtual battles are almost here, and I want to beat you once, to get revenge forst time."


    "How about we have a match on the Starry Skies Fighting Network first?" Li Yuan chuckled, "Just to warm up?"


    "No need, I don''t want to run into you," Dantai Feng said with augh, "Don''t think of setting a trap for me, I know you''ve long broken through to the Fifth Stage Skill."


    "I''m not falling for that," Dantai Feng dered confidently.


    Li Yuan shook his head, amused.


    Li Yuan wasn''t surprised that Dantai Feng knew about his breakthrough; Li Yang had mentioned it before.


    "Is there something else?" Li Yuan asked.


    "The Second ss Martial God Inheritance spot this year, you got it, right?" Dantai Feng said with a smile.


    Li Yuan looked puzzled.


    "Stop ying dumb, it''s no secret to me, our vice-chancellor notified me," Dantai Feng said with a smile, "I''m not here just to congratte you, I just want to tell you to be careful."


    "Careful?" Li Yuan asked, puzzled.


    "There''s someone from Starfire University named Yin Man, I believe you''ve heard of her," Dantai Feng said with a chuckle, "She is..."


    "Never heard of her," Li Yuan said, shaking his head.


    Dantai Feng paused for a moment, then said with a smile, "Then let me educate you a bit..."


    Soon, Li Yuan knew who Yin Man was.


    "This special quota was originally hers?" Li Yuan contemted.


    "You could say she was the most hopeful," said Dantai Feng with a smile, "Thepetition hasn''t even started, and you''ve snatched it away. With her personality, she''s probably not too pleased with you."


    "Not pleased then not pleased," Li Yuan said with augh, "Should I help her feel pleased?"


    "She probably wants to beat you," Dantai Feng said with augh, "I just wanted to remind you to be careful when you meet her in thepetition, don''t lose too badly."


    "Lose?"


    "This girl named Yin Man, she broke into the top ten of the virtual battles in her sophomore year, is she that strong?" Li Yuan asked with a faint smile, "Which one of us isn''t stronger than her?"


    Dantai Feng was taken aback and then burst intoughter, "Hahaha, that''s Li Yuan for you. You''re right, which one of us isn''t stronger than her? We definitely don''t need to be afraid of her."


    "Right."


    "Then I''ll look forward to your duel with her," Dantai Feng said with a smile, "Remember, if you run into me in the main event, don''t go too hard, leave me some dignity."


    "If I give you dignity, I''d have to lose," Li Yuan said with augh.


    Shortly after.


    Themunication was disconnected.


    "ording to the information provided by the teacher, she entered the top ten of the virtual battles in her sophomore year, and another year has passed.


    This person named Yin Man truly has hopes of reaching the top of the virtual battles this year," Li Yuan said to himself with a slight smile, "Moreover, she''s already a junior; her physical quality must also be very strong, she likely has a chance to aim for the top spot in actualbat."


    Li Yuan had imed not to know Yin Man, but in reality, he had seen the information sent by Li Yang a few days ago.


    It specifically highlighted Yin Man as the number one seed yer.


    "She''s strong, but my spear is no less formidable," Li Yuan thought to himself calmly.


    He continued to practice his Spear Technique.


    Experience new tales on m v|l e''-NovelBin


    He practiced with the spear until midnight.


    "[Your Spear Technique Realm has increased from Fifth Stage 23% to Fifth Stage 24%]"


    "[Your Body Method Realm has increased from Fifth Stage 24% to Fifth Stage 25%]" Two prompts from the Divine Pce shed in session.


    ...


    Before long, another two days had passed.


    On February 3rd, close to noon, first-year students from the Sixth Institute began to file out from the Heilong Building.


    "Big brother, help me with my Sword Technique after lunch, okay?" An Nong said with a smile.


    "Sure," Li Yuan replied with an easy smile, "Come to my vi in the afternoon."


    Li Yuan was always willing to help his close ssmates and friends when they asked for guidance.


    Teaching others was also a process of teaching oneself.


    In the process of giving pointers to others, perhaps one might unknowingly gain rity on points they had previously not understood.


    "Brother Yuan, do you have the confidence to break into the top 100 of the virtual battles in this Global Martial Arts Competition?" Gu Qianghan asked eagerly.


    "What about you?" Li Yuan replied with a smile, "Confident about making it to the main event?"


    "Man, if I could make it to the main event in my freshman year, my dad could brag for a whole year," muttered Gu Qianghan, shaking his head, "I think you winning the championship is more likely than me making it to the main event."


    Li Yuan said with augh, "We''ll see when the timees."


    Suddenly.


    "Buzz~" "Buzz~" Almost at the same moment, the smart rings on the hands of Li Yuan, Gu Qianghan, An Nong, and the others vibrated simultaneously.


    Everyone instinctively checked their rings.


    Li Yuan wasn''t surprised and clicked on the light screen that appeared, projecting a document from the school¡ª "Global Collegiate Martial Arts Competition 2044 (Virtual Battle) Schedule and Rules."


    "The virtual battles are finally about to begin," Li Yuan said with a slight smile.

 Chapter 256: Chapter 205: Cruel Rules (Extra 12)

    Upon returning to the vi, Li Yuan headed to the underground Martial Arts Room, and as all the lights came on,


    a myriad of light rays converged, forming a holographic projection.


    "Global Martial Arts University Tournament 2044 (Virtual Combat) Schedule and Rules," Li Yuan read aloud while opening the document.


    Instantly, the projection disyed an abundance of text:


    "Since the inaugural Virtual Combat of the Global Martial Arts Tournament in 2009, we have upheld fairness and impartiality..." Li Yuan swiftly skipped over the first thousand words of superfluous text.


    His gaze settled on the most critical parts: the schedule and rules.


    "In Virtual Combat, allpetitors have the same physical quality, and the strength of their weapons is uniform. Competitors can choose any weapon... What will be tested are theirbat awareness, experience, and skill."


    "The Virtual Combat will take ce on the Starry Skies Fighting Network. A special ''Global Martial Arts University Tournament Space'' will be opened, where any student from Martial Arts Universities around the world can observe."


    "Registration deadline: 8:00 AM on February 7th, Blue Star time."


    "Registration conditions: ..."


    "The whole Virtual Combat will be divided into four major stages: preliminaries, free-for-all, elimination rounds, and finals."


    "The preliminaries willmence globally at 8:00 PM on February 8th, with only individual scores made public, not the specificbat process. Competitors with a score exceeding 4,000 points will qualify for the free-for-all stage."


    "The free-for-all stage will be public. Students from all Martial Arts Universities can randomly selectpetitors to watch, and depending on the number of participants who pass the preliminaries, they will be evenly distributed into ten ''Ster Battlefields.'' Thepetitor with the highest score in each battlefield will proceed directly to the finals."


    "In each Ster Battlefield, those ranked 2nd to 100th, a total of 990 people, will enter the elimination round."


    "The elimination round will involve 990 people through group round-robin tournaments, resurrection matches, and life-and-death battles... Ultimately, the other ten ces in the top twenty for the final stage will be decided."


    "The finals will feature the strongest twentypetitors, representing the highest level of skill among the young generation of Blue Star, engaging in peak battles, sequentially deciding the top ten! Top five! And first ce!"


    "Attachment: ''Detailed Rules of the Ster Battlefield,'' ''Detailed Rules of the Elimination Round,'' ''Detailed Rules of the Final Round.''"


    ...


    Having quickly finished reading the entire document, Li Yuan realized that the rules were quiteplex, given that it was an important global martial arts event.


    However, Li Yuan felt quite calm.


    "These rules are very simr to the ten-schools freshmenpetition," Li Yuan thought to himself. "No need to fuss over it too much; just battle my way through."


    "Preliminaries with 4,000 points? Just pass them."


    "But the Ster Battlefield, as long as I can take first ce there, can I directly enter the top twenty?" A thought crossed Li Yuan''s mind.


    The elimination round, having to select ten people out of 990, was bound to be extremely fierce.


    And quite prolonged.


    "It would waste too much of my time. If these people were all Fifth Stage experts, their battles would indeed be considered tempering. But most will only have Fourth Level skills, making fighting them less beneficial than dedicated cultivation," Li Yuan thought to himself.


    For the current Li Yuan, shing with those of the Fourth Level skills was simply a waste of time.


    In an instant, Li Yuan had a goal in mind¡ªaiming to seize first ce in the ''Ster Battlefield'' during the free-for-all.


    However.


    Li Yuan nced at the ''Ster Battlefield Rules'' and realized it wasn''t merely a battle among participants. In addition to other contenders, a plethora of Star Realm Creatures would randomly appear, some of which could be very strong.


    Therefore, in suchrge-scale chaos, theoretically, it relied somewhat on luck.


    For example, avoid suddenly being besieged by a multitude of virtual Star Realm Creatures.


    For example, avoid encountering Fifth Stage experts.


    "Luck?"


    "As long as I am the strongest, I can sweep through any opponent thates my way," Li Yuan told himself. "As long as my luck isn''t too terrible, preventing others from encountering me, that''s enough."


    Otherpetitors would hope for good luck to break into the top one thousand and advance to the elimination round.


    After all, being among the global top one thousand would yield a generous cash reward¡ªten million Blue Star Coins.


    But Li Yuan didn''t care about that.


    Ten million Blue Star Coins? With his current wealth, he didn''t care much about that sum. What he yearned for was to duel against true powerhouses.


    To sh with Blue Star''s top-tier talents of his generation.


    "Since the higher-ups have acknowledged me and granted me a Second ss Martial God Inheritance slot," Li Yuan mused, "I need to work hard to strive for a rank among the global top three, or even first."


    "Besides, the rewards for the top three are quite substantial," Li Yuan noted, ncing at the rewards for the final stage.


    Those who make it into the top twenty of the finals will be awarded one hundred million Blue Star Coins.


    Breaking into the top ten will yield a reward of five hundred million Blue Star Coins.


    The top three will be awarded Heavenly Materials Treasures valued at approximately two billion Blue Star Coins!


    "Two billion Blue Star Coins? My entire fortune now is barely less than 1.5 billion Blue Star Coins," Li Yuan thought to himself.


    The reward was indeed substantial.


    But Li Yuan quickly realized that most of those who could make it into the top three of the finals were likely Prime Warriors aspiring to be Flying Heaven Warriors, with immense consumption of various cultivation resources... It was no surprise, then, that the rewards were so generous.


    He closed the document.


    "Continue cultivating," Li Yuan calmed his mind, continuing to silently practice his Spear Technique.


    ... Some ssmates came in the afternoon; Li Yuan advised each on their practice and saw them off.


    He continued with his cultivation.


    At eight o''clock in the evening, Li Yuan entered the virtualwork capsule.


    Logged into the Starry Skies Fighting Network.


    "Sign up for the Global University Martial Arts Tournament (Virtual Battle)," Li Yuan applied immediately.


    The application was quickly approved.


    After waiting for two minutes, Li Yuan nced again and found that the number of registrants had exceeded two million and was still rising.


    "So many people."


    "Makes sense, just in our Xia Country, each session of Martial Arts University students is close to 300,000," Li Yuan thought to himself. "Adding up from freshman to junior year, that''s over 800,000."


    "Looking at the whole world."


    "Hmm, there would be three to four million eligible students from Martial Arts University alone."


    "Plus, some people from society and some students from regr universities," Li Yuan thought. "All together, it''s not a small number."


    Although thepetition is named ''Global University Martial Arts Tournament'', it''s not limited to students from Martial Arts University.


    Anyone under the age of 21 is eligible to register, but students not from Martial Arts University are not allowed to watch the battles.


    Therefore, this would lead to an astonishing rise in the number of participants in the preliminaries.


    ¡­


    "Virtual battles signify skill level,"


    "And in Martial Arts Cultivation, skill is the most important; only when the skill is strong enough can one be a Prime Warrior, a Flying Heaven Warrior."


    "Strive hard to push through."


    "This year, we in Europa must try to ensure that there are over 30% of us among the top 1000,"


    ¡­


    "We must watch carefully."


    "Those who stand out in the virtual battles are the future powerhouses of the Blue Star within the Seven Stars human civilization."


    "Blue Star, having given birth to the unbeatable Dongfang Ji, is extremely mysterious and special."


    "Dongfang Ji alone could ughter countless peak powerhouses; without him, the Seven Stars human civilization might have been wiped out long ago, let alone continue to this day."


    "Our people have infiltrated Martial Arts University; let them observe the rankings closely, watch the battles meticulously, identify and record these future powerhouses'' information, and analyze it,"


    "As soon as we confirm the identities of certain super-geniuses, we will try to ascertain their whereabouts and carry out assassinations!"


    "Like the geniuses who could break into the top three, eliminating one would be like eliminating a future Flying Heaven Warrior or even someone surpassing that."


    In secret, many spies from alien races lurking on Blue Star were paying close attention to thispetition.


    Know yourself and know your enemy, and you will never be defeated in a hundred battles.


    Especially those alien civilizations hostile to the Seven Stars human civilization, like the Tianliang Civilization and the Cloud Beast Civilization, were extremely interested in suchpetitions.


    ¡­


    "Our Sakura Country did not have a single contender in the top twentyst year; this year, we must strive to have one,"


    ¡­


    Starry Sky University, inside a vi.


    The underground Martial Arts Room.


    "Last year''s first ce in the virtual battle was Xia Country''s number one; this year, our United States must fight to take first ce," a white Western-dressed man said seriously, "Harmon."


    "You are the top of the junior ss at Starry Sky University. This year, the hope of our United States rests on your shoulders," the Western man continued.


    "Senior Sangbu, I understand," replied the young white man named Harmon, burly and stout, resembling a tower, wearing immensely heavy armor.


    "Last year, in the battle from the top twenty to the top ten, I lost to Xia Country''s Yin Man."


    "This year, she remains my biggestpetitor."


    "I, will definitely defeat her," the burly young Westerner said slowly, "and take the first ce."


    "And im the Martial God Inheritance spot."


    The video projection was turned off.


    "Huh!"


    The burly white young man took out hisbat saber and continued his training; his sword technique was incredibly swift and ferocious.


    ¡­


    Days passed by, and in the blink of an eye, it was February 7th.


    The registration for the tournament had ended, with over six million people signed up.


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    Li Yuan had been consistently cultivating, with his Spear Technique and movement techniques steadily improving.


    The afternoon of February 7th.


    "Hmm?" Li Yuan, who was practicing spear in the underground Martial Arts Room,


    suddenly received a message.


    "Your bank ount... has received a transfer of 50,000 Blue Star Coins from Li Tianyou."

 Chapter 257: Chapter 206: Achieving Benefits for All Under Heaven

    "L¨« Tianyou? Fifty thousand Blue Star Coins?" Li Yuan was taken aback for a moment.


    Memories of the past flooded his mind instantaneously.


    Before the high school assessment in April of their senior year, he gave L¨« Tianyou fifty thousand Blue Star Coins under the guise of a ''loan'' so that thetter could take better care of his health, emphasizing that he could wait until after university graduation to repay it.


    At the time, Li Yuan''s wealth was far from what it was today.


    "To think he repaid it as a freshman?" Li Yuan sighed inwardly. Fifty thousand Blue Star Coins meant nothing to the current him.


    But for an ordinary freshman at Jiangbei Martial University?


    It must have been somewhat of a burden.


    It is known that most students from Jiangbei Martial University graduate around level twelve, and those who graduate at level fifteen are considered elites.


    Based on Li Yuan''s estimation, L¨« Tianyou''s Physical Quality was probably around level eight right now.


    After pondering a bit,


    "Di~" Li Yuan proactively called L¨« Tianyou. After only five or six seconds,


    a holographic projection formed, disying L¨« Tianyou''s figure. Having not seen him for over half a year, he had be much more robust than during their senior year, and his expression even more resolute.


    However, he seemed a bit at a loss.


    "Li Yuan." L¨« Tianyou showed an awkward smile.


    "You repaid the money so quickly; you could have at least sent me a message." Li Yuan said with a smile, "Do you look down on me, your old ssmate?"


    "No, absolutely not." L¨« Tianyou shook his head repeatedly, "I just didn''t want to disturb your cultivation. After all, I know your time is precious. You must be a top student at Kunlun Martial University by now."


    "I watched the battle between the ten colleges'' freshmenst year," L¨« Tianyou said with an embarrassed smile.


    Li Yuan couldn''t helpughing.


    The freshmen battle of the ten colleges was something all Martial Arts University students across Xia Country could watch. It was normal for L¨« Tianyou to know a bit about his situation.


    "I''m busy, but I still have time to talk to an old ssmate," Li Yuan said with a smile, "How is everything at Jiangbei Martial University? It seems you''re doing quite well."


    "Not bad." L¨« Tianyou revealed a slight smile, "You know Professor Ming, right?"


    "Professor Ming?" Li Yuan nodded, "I do."


    During senior year, Jiangbei University hosted a recruitment event where Professor Ming invited him to join Jiangbei Martial University.


    However, after the college entrance exams, they lost contact.


    "In December this year, our school organized a special test, which seemed to revolve around spiritual will," said L¨« Tianyou with a smile, "I was lucky to break into the top ten among the freshmen, and Professor Ming took notice of me. Now, I''m cultivating under him."


    "Top ten? Impressive!" Li Yuan eximed admiringly.


    After some thought, Li Yuan reasoned that since L¨« Tianyou''s Physical Quality wasn''t very strong and his spiritual power was likely below average among the thousands of freshmen at Jiangbei Martial University... yet he made it to the top ten.


    Just in terms of Willpower, L¨« Tianyou was probably the first among the freshmen at Jiangbei Martial University.


    Li Yuan wasn''t surprised by this. He had long known about the other''s determination and perseverance.


    "Later, when Professor Ming found out I was your high school ssmate, he valued me even more. I passed the first stage of the test and got some cash rewards, so I thought I''d repay you first," L¨« Tianyou said with a smile.


    Li Yuan nodded slightly.


    "ording to Professor Ming, even though I don''t have apatible high-rank Cultivation Technique, I still have a chance to be a Prime Warrior," said L¨« Tianyou, "but it will be somewhat painful."


    "Painful?" Li Yuan''s interest was piqued, and he asked, "Cleansing Spirit Marrow?"


    L¨« Tianyou was taken aback for a moment, then nodded, "Right, Li Yuan, you know about it?"


    "I know," Li Yuan said with a smile.


    Not only did he know, but he had also been tormented by it repeatedly.


    Li Yuan thought for a moment, "What''s the monthly quota of cultivation resources for you at Jiangbei Martial University now?"


    "One Cleansing Spirit Marrow and twenty batches of First Rank blood-qi medicinal remedies," L¨« Tianyou responded with a full smile, "Plus, you receive quite a bit of cash as a reward for each target you achieve."


    It was apparent that L¨« Tianyou was very satisfied.


    "The professor says that the most important thing for me now is to strive to reach the Fourth Level of skill technique."


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    "When that happens, my Physical Quality will improve a lot faster," L¨« Tianyou said somewhat helplessly, "Unfortunately, I only broke through to the Third Level at the end ofst semester."


    "That''s already very fast," Li Yuan said with augh.


    If his memory served him right.


    Just before the college entrance exams, L¨« Tianyou had just entered the Second Stage of skill technique.


    In half a year, L¨« Tianyou advanced from the Second Stage to the Third Stage of skill technique... This rate of progress, even among the many freshmen at Kunlun Martial University, was quite remarkable.


    After all, not everyone is him.


    The two chatted some more.


    "Alright, Li Yuan, I won''t disturb your cultivation," L¨« Tianyou said with a smile.


    But before he could end the call,


    L¨« Tianyou was shocked to discover that a message shed across the holographic projection in front of him: "Your ount... has received a transfer of 10 million Blue Star Coins from Li Yuan."


    "T-ten million Blue Star Coins?" L¨« Tianyou was instantly stunned, looking at Li Yuan in the projected screen in shock.


    For him, this was an unimaginable fortune.


    "Li Yuan, how can you... so much money..." L¨« Tianyou was at a loss for words for a moment.


    It was too much.


    "Tianyou, this money is still a loan from me to you," Li Yuan said with a smile, "To assist your cultivation."


    "A loan for me? I could never repay it in this lifetime," L¨« Tianyou shook his head continuously, "Besides, this money must be important to you as well."


    He knew Li Yuan was formidable.


    But subconsciously, he still felt that Li Yuan, like him, was just a freshman. No matter how outstanding, it seemed imusible for Li Yuan to casually spare 10 million Blue Star Coins.


    "Tianyou, this money isn''t that significant to me anymore, but it''s very important for you," Li Yuan''s voice grew serious.


    L¨« Tianyou was stunned.


    Insignificant to Li Yuan? Just how powerful was Li Yuan now?


    "If you weren''t striving hard and had given up on the Martial Path, I definitely wouldn''t lend you the money," Li Yuan said earnestly, "But Professor Ming thinks highly of you... I trust his judgment. You don''t have apatible high-rank Cultivation Technique, so to be a Prime Warrior, you''ll need a lot of resources."


    "Resources mean spending money, and this ten million isn''t even enough for your cultivation, I''m sure you''ve realized that in your half year at university."


    L¨« Tianyou didn''t say a word.


    He fully understood that.


    "Among our group of friends from our senior year, people like Zhou Qi went to cultural universities, and we don''t have much contact," Li Yuan looked at L¨« Tianyou, "The ones who have really been going crazy on the Martial Path, aside from me, are probably only you."


    "As ssmates, I want to help you."


    "Money is meant to be spent, don''t worry about it too much. Just focus on your cultivation and strive to be a Prime Warrior in the future," Li Yuan said with augh, "When the timees, not to mention ten million Blue Star Coins, even earning a hundred million won''t be difficult."


    "Alright, that''s it for now. I have some things to attend to, so I''ll end the call," Li Yuan said with a smile, and then he disconnected the call.


    Left standing before the screen, Li Tianyou was still filled with shock.


    "Help me?"


    "Be a Prime Warrior?" Li Tianyou clenched his arms, a hint of determination in his eyes, "Li Tianyou, oh Li Tianyou."


    "Opportunity!"


    "Others maye from better backgrounds or have higher talent... but having a ssmate like Li Yuan is also an opportunity," Li Tianyou silently told himself, "I must seize it."


    "Don''t let down his expectations."


    At the same time, Li Tianyou could feel the carefree and wild tone in Li Yuan''s words.


    Ten million, a hundred million Blue Star Coins seemed like nothing.


    This was the power of strength.


    "Work hard."


    "Strive, even if it''s desperate, to be a Prime Warrior." Biting his teeth, Li Tianyou quickly started cing orders in the school''s ''Cultivation Resource Treasury,'' buying more cultivation resources.


    His cultivation was extremely arduous.


    But the school had a system, resources were limited, and for a student like him, without High Rank cultivation methods and techniques not particrly outstanding, it was already remarkable for the school to invest millions of Blue Star Coins in him every year.


    ...


    At Jiangbei Martial University, Professor Ming, who was meditating quietly in the Martial Arts Room, suddenly opened his eyes, having received a ''student anomaly alert.''


    He clicked on the screen to check.


    "Li Tianyou ordered so many qi and blood potions? And Essence Pills for Origin Power?" Professor Ming looked at the alert and wondered to himself, "Where did he get the money?"


    After a moment of thought, he directly called Li Tianyou.


    ...


    At Kunlun Martial University, inside Li Yuan''s vi.


    "Hm? Professor Ming." Li Yuan, who had just finished a short training session, received a call from Professor Ming.


    "Is it about Tianyou?" Li Yuan quickly answered.


    The call connected.


    "Li Yuan, hello," came a deep voice from themunication.


    ...


    Shortly after, Li Yuan hung up the call with Professor Ming, who had been very polite throughout.


    At the same time, it gave Li Yuan a true understanding of Li Tianyou''s situation.


    Li Tianyou, far from merely ''struggling'' as he described himself, was not just among the top ten in the test of Spiritual Will but¡ªsecond!


    The intensity of his cultivation practice could be described as madness.


    It was this terrifying willpower that caught Professor Ming''s attention and ultimately led to his exceptional promotion to the ''Warrior ss.''"


    At the same time.


    Li Tianyou, in the span of half a year at university, was rapidly elerating in skill proficiency¡­ slowly revealing his edge.


    ording to Professor Ming''s estimation, by his third or fourth year, Li Tianyou''s skills could potentially reach the Fourth Level.


    Upon hearing this from Professor Ming, Li Yuan thought of a phrase¡ªumting thickly to discharge thinly!


    "Talent is not immutable."


    "Skills are honed over time."


    "Comprehension and mental temperament can transform over a long period, alongside experiences," Li Yuan''s understanding grew clearer, "Quick progress now doesn''t mean quick progress at every step."


    "Perhaps, Tianyou wasn''t dazzling during his high school days, but he has been gritting his teeth and persevering, tempering his will. The hardships and dangers did not break him; instead, they made him even stronger."


    "This will all be the foundation for his future growth."


    "Once a certain level is reached, as long as one can endure it, a rapid transformation is inevitable," Li Yuan mused to himself.


    Li Yuan was quite expectant of his old ssmate''s achievements.


    As for transferring 10 million Blue Star Coins to Li Tianyou? Li Yuan didn''t care at all.


    This amount of money meant little to Li Yuan.


    Now, with his powerful spiritual power, a single adventure in any Star Realm could earn Li Yuan at least several tens of millions of Blue Star Coins.


    Like a few days ago.


    He had transferred 50 million Blue Star Coins to his uncle and aunt, to be used for his younger brother''s and sister''s cultivation during this phase.


    He also hinted to his uncle that he had earned the money himself, not to worry too much.


    What is the purpose of earning money? To spend it!


    "The Martial Path is for achieving rity of thought."


    "Now that I have the ability to seize vast wealth, parting with some of it to provide a better life for my family and helping friends within my means brings me great happiness," Li Yuan continued his training, practicing with his spear.


    After the situation with Li Tianyou.


    Li Yuan felt his Spear Technique bing increasingly smooth in his hands.


    Li Yuan harbored the aspiration of ''reaching out to help the world,'' having been influenced by his uncle long ago, and his experiences since starting university, he aspired to one day protect civilization like the senior Dongfang Ji.


    But that would be in the future.


    "Right now, my abilities are still limited, and my strength is not yet powerful, but I should at least manage to be self-sufficient and benefit those around me who are worthy of help," Li Yuan''s thoughts were very pure, doing what he could with the abilities he had.


    He did not give away his money lightly.


    As for Li Tianyou, Li Yuan felt his extreme diligence was worth helping, and only then did Li Yuan decide to assist.


    All decisions followed his own heart.


    "Whoosh!"


    As Li Yuan manipted his Long Spear, suddenly the Spear Light surged, as if it drew upon some invisible force, causing a dazzling starlight to burst forth in midair.


    The starlight flickered, bing more like flowing star rivers.


    "[Your Spear Technique level has increased from Fifth Stage 27% to Fifth Stage 29%]" a Divine Pce prompt shed by.


    "Just one more step away from the Intermediate Rank of the Fifth Stage," Li Yuan continued his training with increased seriousness.


    With each passing day of dedicated hard practice.


    Li Yuan could clearly feel that he was getting closer to understanding the "Meaning of the Ster," the Third Layer, ''Gctic Convergence.''


    ...


    Time passed.


    On the evening of February 8th, 2044, Xia Country Time (Blue Star Time).


    The ''Global College Martial Arts Competition (Virtual Combat),'' followed by countless people around the world, was about to begin.

 Chapter 258: Chapter 207: King of the Preliminaries

    February 8th, evening at 7:40 PM, in the underground Martial Arts Room of Li Yuan''s vi.


    The light screen projection formed.


    "Auntie, how have you been feeling these past few days after taking the rare Spirit Liquid?" Li Yuan asked with a smile as he was video calling with his family.


    "Much better, my body feels a lot morefortable, and some of the minor ailments have all but disappeared, even my strength has increased significantly," Auntie said through the light screen projection, "This stuff must be pretty expensive, right?"


    "Indeed, it''s not cheap, but I can still afford it right now," Li Yuanughed, "Auntie, you don''t need to worry. Didn''t you all see my strength during the Fish Spirit Tidest time?"


    Auntie, Uncle Li Changzhou, and the siblings nearby all nodded in agreement.


    Like this time, why was Li Yuan able to persuade Li Changzhou and the others so easily?


    It''s because during the Fish Spirit Tide, Li Yuan had already exhibited terrifying strength, andter even received a First Rank Silver Quality medal, letting his family know that at that time, Li Yuan already possessed nearly the strength of a Prime Warrior.


    In their minds, a Prime Warrior was already incredibly powerful.


    "Uncle, I''ve already used my teacher''s channels to try to purchase treasures to treat your health issues, and they should arrive soon," Li Yuan said with a smile.


    The treatment n for Auntie was very mature, and as long as one was willing to spend the money to book a team, it could be carried out.


    But for Heavenly Materials Treasures like the Dragon Heart Spirit Fruit, which are multifunctional and scarce, they''re not easy to acquire.


    These days, Li Yang had been inquiring through various channels.


    Even with money, one often has to wait for Heavenly Materials Treasures.


    "Haha, there''s no rush, my health is quite good for now," Li Changzhouughed, "You, on the other hand, take care of yourself. When venturing into the Star Realm... be sure to be careful."


    "Mm," Li Yuan nodded.


    "Brother, is the global university Martial Pathpetition starting today?" Li Muhua, with sparkling eyes, couldn''t help but ask, "Our school has been talking about it for thest few days. It''s a pity we can''t watch the matches; we can only watch some promotional videos at the end."


    "Yes, the preliminaries are about to begin," Li Yuanughed.


    Thepetition being entirely open? That''s difficult.


    "Then you should hurry up, don''t dy the match," Auntie quickly said.


    "Auntie, don''t worry, the preliminaries are a virtual contest, and I can join the battle at any point from eight to twelve," Li Yuanughed.


    He was not in a hurry at all in his heart; it was rare for him to video call with his family.


    "Muhua, train well, and when Ie back for vacation, I will test the results of your cultivation," Li Yuan said.


    "Understood," Li Muhua nodded earnestly, "Brother, rest assured, I will definitely cultivate diligently."


    "Brother, good luck, and take the first ce," Li Qianqianughed.


    The two siblings, as they were growing up, Li Muhua became increasingly dedicated to practicing Martial Path... while it seemed that Li Qianqian''s interestsy elsewhere.


    Li Yuan did not interfere in this matter.


    ...


    Soon after, Li Yuan ended the call with his family.


    In Starfire South Lake Community, inside Li Yuan''s family vi, Li Qianqian and Li Muhua busied themselves with their own things.


    The only ones left were Chen Hui and Li Changzhou in the living room.


    "You''re not going to persuade him even a bit?" Chen Hui sighed softly, "Didn''t you find out that what I''m taking costs at least a hundred million Blue Star Coins? With such arge sum of money, how many dangers must Li Yuan face to earn it? Why should he spend it on us?"


    "There are some things you can''t just talk people out of," Li Changzhou said with a faint smile, "Haven''t you understood from thest Fish Spirit Tide?"


    "Understood what?" Chen Hui was puzzled.


    "Half a year in university and he has strength close to a Prime Warrior; he even made two university deanse to see him specifically," Li Changzhou looked at his wife, "Each of the deans has a status even higher than the Hall Master of Fei City¡­ Our nephew''s talent and future achievements are bound to far exceed our imagination."


    Chen Hui was stunned for a moment.


    Her horizon was not low, it was just that the changes Li Yuan brought were too big and too fast, and subconsciously she hadn''t caught up yet.


    "Li Yuan''s future may see him be a Flying Heaven Warrior, or even reach higher heights," Li Changzhou spoke softly, "His growth is extremely fast, and he will meet many seniors whose horizons, status, and strength far surpass us."


    "Most importantly, his vision and strength have probably already far surpassed us."


    "At this time, we shouldn''t give him any advice," Li Changzhou smiled, "You need to understand one thing, we are all just ordinary people... If we could provide correct guidance to a future super Martial Artist, would we be in our current situation?"


    Chen Hui was startled for a moment, and then looking at her husband, she couldn''t help but say, "Then what should we do?"


    "Eat well, drink well, maintain good health, follow the arrangements, and do our best to educate Muhua and the others," Li Changzhouughed, "Don''t burden Li Yuan."


    "Also, turn away those rtives whoe asking for favors."


    "I''m going fishing," Li Changzhou got up, preparing to get his fishing gear.


    "At thiste hour?" Chen Hui couldn''t help but say.


    "Night fishing is more peaceful. If I go during the day, Lord Wan oftenes to disturb me," Li Changzhouughed, "Lord Wan is a good person, but there''s no need to owe Li Yuan any favors."


    "The more low-key we are, the better it is for Li Yuan."


    "So you have to go fishing?" Chen Hui also stood up, frowning, "Day after day, all you think about is fishing."


    "Fishing is a must, I''ve worked hard for so many years, and fishing is all I''ve got," Li Changzhou expressed.


    ...


    Kunlun Martial University, inside the vi.


    After chatting with his family, Li Yuan still didn''t rush to enter the Starry Skies Fighting Network.


    Instead, he continued to cultivate "All Heavens'' Stars", bringing today''s Origin Power cultivation to its upper limit.


    This continued until 8:40 PM.


    "[Your Life Level has been raised from 19.5 to 19.6]" a Divine Pce notification suddenly shed.


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    Another ten minutes passed before Li Yuan slowly opened his eyes, murmuring to himself, "Finally reached 19.6."


    Sinceing back from the Mingxu Star Realm, almost ten days had passed, allowing Li Yuan''s Life Level to increase by 0.2.

 Chapter 259: Chapter 207: King of the Preliminaries_2

    ```


    Subconsciously, Li Yuan nced at the Divine Pce panel.


    ¡ª¡ª


    [Life Level: 19.6 (First Rank)]


    Fist Strength: 62,100 kilograms


    Speed: 109.3 meters/second


    Spiritual Power: Level 30.3


    Willpower: Level 31


    Spiritual Awakening Level: 37.9% (Current Limit 40%)


    Star Meridian: Level 10


    Skill Realm: Spear Technique (Fifth Stage 29%), Movement Technique (Fifth Stage 29%), Fist Technique (Perfection)


    Physical Body Cultivation Method: "All Heavens'' Stars"


    Mental Cultivation Method: "Observing the Great Sun Starry Sky Scripture"


    [Note: When the Spiritual Awakening Level reaches 50%, 75%, 100%, 125%, you will be guided by Spiritual Nature again.]


    ...


    "Going to Feixing will have to wait until July this year,"


    "The practical fights of the global Martial Path universitypetition will also start at the beginning of June,"


    "In the meantime, staying at the university for silent cultivation won''t be of much significance to me," Li Yuan thought to himself, "After the virtual battle ends, I''ll spend some more time in concealed cultivation, and once I be a Prime Warrior, I''ll venture into the Second Level Star Realm for adventure once again."


    This was Li Yuan''s n for himself.


    The Second Level Star Realm is generally more dangerous than the First Level Star Realm.


    Once you be a Prime Warrior, your strength will surge greatly.


    Even when facing a Second Rank mid-level opponent, you would be able to cope, and entering the Second Level Star Realm would then be much safer.


    Later on, by killing members of the Alien Race and seizing spiritual nutrients, you can umte your Spiritual Awakening Level to the 40% limit, and you will get another surge of Origin Power in your body, which will hugely increase your strength even further.


    Only then will you truly have the capabilities to stand your ground in the Second Rank Star Realm.


    "Venturing into the Star Realm, I can not only make contributions but also earn more wealth," Li Yuan thought to himself.


    Life and death tempering will lead to faster growth.


    "Next, I just need to beautifully finish the virtual battle," Li Yuan entered the resting room.


    He sat down in the virtualwork capsule.


    Logged into the Starry Skies Fighting Network.


    ...


    In the virtualwork, within the specially designatedpetition space of the Starry Skies Fighting Network.


    Whoosh!


    Li Yuan directly entered and materialized in an immenselyrge battle space. Subconsciously, he looked around and saw that both sides of the spectator stands were filled with endless seas of people.


    There must be millions of them, densely packed and overwhelmingly numerous.


    The noise was deafening.


    "Senior Brother Jin,"


    "Senior Brother Jin is here,"


    "Senior Brother Jin," before Li Yuan could speak, a chorus of voices immediately rang out around him; those sitting beside him were all freshmen from the Sixth Institute.


    "Li Yuan,"


    "It''s Li Yuan,"


    "Li Yuan is here," The shouts here immediately drew the attention of the farther spectator stands, and they all turned to look, all of them students from Kunlun Martial University.


    "Senior Brother Jin, you''ve finally arrived. We''ve been waiting for you," An Nong said with a smile, "The preliminaries have been going on for an hour, and we hadn''t yet seen you. We were worried you had forgotten and were about to send you a message."


    "It''s just the preliminaries; there''s no need to make a fuss," Li Yuan replied with a smile, "How are you guys doing? Did you pass the preliminaries?"


    "I made it through,"


    "I didn''t, just missed by a bit, only over 3000 points,"


    "I passed," The freshmen from the Sixth Institute replied one after another, and from their voices, it seemed that most had made it through the preliminaries.


    To this, Li Yuan was not surprised. Although the freshmen from the Sixth Institute were not as strong as him, on a global scale among peers, they were already in the top one percent.


    Passing the preliminaries was mostly not difficult for them.


    However, ording to the traditions of Kunlun Martial University, the preliminaries and the melee matches were not considered part of the mainpetition.


    It was not until the ''elimination rounds,'' where individual duels took ce, that they would be regarded as truly meaningful matches.


    "There''s quite a crowd," Li Yuan said with a smile.


    "Yes, the rules are simr to the ten-schools contest for neers, appearing in the spectator area ording to country, university, institute, grade... All the spectating students are in this spectator space," An Nong said with a smile, "Right now, we''ve got over a million viewers."


    "Most people will leave once they pass the preliminaries," An Nong obviously was quite familiar with the rules, "But there are still quite a lot of those remaining, many are also very concerned about who will be the first in the preliminaries and from which country."


    "The first ce in the preliminaries?" Li Yuan chuckled.


    Is that title so important?


    He instinctively looked toward ''the leaderboard'' at the highest spot of the battle space, which listed the top 100 scores of the preliminaries:


    1, Shu Hengyu (Xia Country): 96,432 points


    2, Chuanfang Guizi (Sakura Country): 93,444 points


    3, Ovejus V (United States): 93,412 points


    ...


    97, Tian Dazhuang (Xia Country): 89,996 points


    ...


    Li Yuan nced over the top 100, was momentarily stunned, then shook his head and chuckled, "What a bunch of strange names."


    Besides Tian Dazhuang, there were hardly any familiar names.


    Not even two names from the opponents he had faced in the ten-schools contest for neers.


    Something isn''t right!!


    "It seems to be as the teacher said, anyone with 4000 points in a single preliminary can pass," Li Yuan thought to himself, "The scores to a certain extent reflect one''s strength."


    "There''s no need to expose myself now and make other strongpetitors wary, especially since being first in the melee doesn''t directly lead to a slot in the final rounds," Li Yuan thought as he made up his mind.


    He applied topete.


    Whoosh! He disappeared onto the tform out of thin air. Experience tales at m v|l e''-NovelBin


    "Li Yuan ispeting,"


    "He''s gone, he must have gone topete,"


    "Do you think Li Yuan will give a stunning performance? I''ve heard others say, and Senior Brother Jin mentioned that Li Yuan is likely to make it into the top hundred of the main tournament,"


    "Not sure, I looked up many strong yers fromst year who didn''t show their strength,"


    "Senior Brother Jin didn''t make it onto the preliminaries'' top hundred either. Senior Brother Jin was in the top hundred during his second yearst year; this year he might even break into the top twenty. Judging by his strength, it''s impossible that he can''t make it into the top hundred of the preliminaries," Students from Kunlun Martial University discussed quietly among themselves.


    They all held some expectation in their hearts, hoping that Li Yuan would show his mighty power and make it onto the preliminary ranking list.


    ...


    Within a virtual space,


    Like a vast corridor, Li Yuan appeared out of thin air, holding a long spear.


    "Kill the enemy to score points; the more you kill, the higher the points... The enemies will keep appearing until you are killed or eliminated," the system voice rang out.


    ```

 Chapter 260: Chapter 207: King of the Preliminaries_3

    "The enemy will appear shortly, countdown from 10...1, begin!"


    Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!


    At the end of the vast corridor, the sound of hurried footsteps suddenly erupted; one after another, figures sprang from the darkness, their eyes filled with intent to kill, charging towards Li Yuan.


    "For the preliminary round, one can adjust their Physical Quality voluntarily, I''ve chosen level 20," Li Yuan murmured to himself, "By the looks of it, these opponents seem to be only level 18, and their skills are weak... too weak."


    "Let''s get this over with quickly and not waste time." Li Yuan''s figure shed, and he lunged forward with great speed.


    He charged straight at those figures, the level 18 Physical Quality increasing their speed.


    "Boom!"


    Li Yuan suddenly exerted his strength, followed by a myriad of spear shadows blooming, exploding like stars bursting.


    "Pfft!"


    "Pfft!" "Pfft!" It was as if he were reaping wheat.


    These figures, whether wielding Combat Sabers, Long Spears, or shields, all their bodies exploded, blood sshed everywhere, and none could block Li Yuan.


    Even those with shields were pierced and killed by Li Yuan with a single spear thrust through their shields.


    Utterly ruthless.


    Boom! Li Yuan, like a bolt of lightning, charged to the end of the corridor, waiting for the group of opponents to respawn.


    "Pfft!"


    "Pfft!" Figure after figure fell, and he killed each one as soon as they respawned.


    Before long,


    "Contestant ''Li Yuan'', your score has reached 4,000 Points. Congrattions on passing the virtualbat preliminary," a system prompt suddenly shed.


    "4,000 Points?" Li Yuan nced at his score, "That''s enough."


    Phew! With a thought, Li Yuan chose to forfeit, leaving thebat space, and returned to reality.


    He continued practicing with his spear.


    ...


    "The eldest senior brother has logged off."


    "It seems that the eldest senior brother, like Jin Huguo, is nning to burst outter."


    "Mhm, it''s right to hide their strength now." Many neers from the Sixth Institute murmured softly amongst themselves.


    ...


    Time ticked away, second by second.


    One contestant after another from around the globe entered thebat space, continuously making their moves.


    asionally, the Points leaderboard would refresh, but there was still no high-score yers surpassing 100,000 Points.


    It wasn''t until nearly eleven o''clock.


    Whoosh! On the Spectator tform of thebat space, in an inconspicuous corner, a figure in purple garments suddenly appeared.


    He caught sight of the leaderboard high in the sky at a distance.


    "Hehe."


    "Li Yuan, Yin Man, all of you really look down on the preliminaries, huh? Probably holding back fiercely, for fear that others will know your true strength," the purple-d youth muttered to himself with a smile, "It''s sote now, these guys should all have made it through."


    "You look down upon it, so let the title of ''Preliminary King'' belong to me.


    "Being the Preliminary King is still being a king!"


    Phew!


    The youth in purple summoned the will to fight and chose to join the battle.


    ... Merely twelve minutester, within thebat space where the number of contestants had already dwindled to over three hundred thousand, an uproar suddenly erupted.


    "Look at this!"


    "Dantai Feng!"


    "Dantai Feng''s name has shot into the top hundred and is still rapidly climbing," many people noticed the fluctuations on the leaderboard, as well as that name continuing to rise.


    "Into the top twenty now."


    "He''s climbing too fast, he''s already surpassed 90,000 Points."


    "95,000 Points!!"


    "Into the top ten."


    "First ce! He''s first now."


    "He''s surpassed 100,000 Points."


    "200,000 Points!!" Waves of exmations kept rising.


    Everyone watched, wide-eyed, as Dantai Feng surged to the first ce at an astonishing pace, eventually halting at a terrifying score of ''310,000 Points,'' leading the second ce by more than 200,000 Points in a cliffhanger.


    Students from Martial Path universities all over the world fellpletely silent.


    At this moment, a vast number of students around the globe remembered that name¡ªDantai Feng.

 Chapter 261: Chapter 208: Seventh Star Realm Battlefield (Extra 13, 14)

    When they saw Dantai Feng''s score, the tens of thousands who hadn''t left thepetition space''s spectator seats erupted intomotion.


    "Which university from Xia Country does this Dantai Feng belong to? I''ve never heard of him before."


    "He''s too strong."


    "He''s from Starfire University, I heard he''s the top genius in his first year at Xia Country, just a freshman! How fierce!"


    "This is just the preliminary round, and the second ce only has a little more than ny thousand points, yet he''s surged to more than three hundred thousand points, too outrageous, leaving the second ce behind by over two hundred thousand points?" Many students eximed in admiration.


    "A freshman? The first ce in the preliminaries is taken by a freshman from Xia Country? Xia Country truly lives up to its reputation as the strongest nation on Blue Star."


    "During the Ten Schools Freshmen War, Dantai Feng was the absolute first, and now at the Global College Martial Path Competition, he is still the first."


    "He''s really strong." The students from Xia Country, most of them quickly recognized Dantai Feng.


    After the previous Ten Schools Freshmen War, Dantai Feng''s name had already spread across all Martial Arts Universities in Xia Country, and many people knew that Starfire University produced a peerless genius.


    "What about Li Yuan?"


    "During the Ten Schools Freshmen War final, Li Yuan from Kunlun Martial University was only a bit weaker than Dantai Feng."


    "Haven''t seen his name, probably hiding his strength."


    "Hide what strength? Does he think he can challenge for first ce? He should take a page out of Dantai Feng''s book and show his face in the preliminaries." Many students from the Martial Arts Universities of Xia Country discussed among themselves.


    The discussion was loud and varied.


    But no matter how people discussed, Dantai Feng had already be famous around the globe with just the preliminaries, and he was about to be remembered by millions of Martial Arts University students worldwide in a very short time.


    ...Swoosh! In a corner of the spectator tform, Dantai Feng appeared out of thin air.


    There were few students from Starfire University, and even fewer who stayed here to watch the excitement, so not many noticed him.


    "Awesome!" Dantai Feng listened to the discussions about him from the surrounding crowd.


    Words like powerful, awesome, and too strong kept reaching his ears.


    The corners of Dantai Feng''s mouth couldn''t help but reveal a smug smile.


    "Li Yuan, Yin Man... hmm, I scored higher in the preliminaries than both of you, which is kind of like beating you both once," Dantai Feng mumbled to himself.


    This was his true nature.


    If Li Yuan focused on empowering himself, indifferent to winning or losing and external criticism, then Dantai Feng liked to show off in front of others, enjoying the praise for being powerful.


    "To live a life where others are unaware of how awesome I am would be so sad," Dantai Feng thought to himself, extremely satisfied: "Today was truly exhrating, time to go back and train."


    A Martial Artist''s practice is all about having a clear mind.


    Without a doubt, Dantai Feng had always worked hard to clear his mind of dust, which is why his strength had continually grown.


    Whoosh!


    Dantai Feng disappeared from the spectator tform.


    ...


    Higher up in a separate spectator space, within the magnificent circr spectator hall, millions of students were unaware of its existence.


    There were densely packed with over a hundred thousand seats, divided into three sections.


    The furthest section had the most ordinary seats, only slightlyrger than those in the students'' spectator space but the most numerous. These were designated for ordinary teachers from the various Martial Arts Universities of Blue Star and peers of simr strength.


    The middle section''s seats wererger, but far fewer in number, only a little over a thousand, reserved for top grade prime warriors who qualified to watch thepetition from every nation and school.


    In the area closest to the viewing screen, there were only just over a hundred seats, undoubtedly arranged for the visiting Flying Heaven Warriors.


    Of course, today was only the preliminaries, and not many ordinary teachers were there to watch.


    Flying Heaven Warriors? Not one hade, but Dantai Feng''s performance still shocked the thousands of prime warriors who were present.


    "That kid, he''s from Starfire University, right?"


    "Yes, he''s ours from Starfire University, I even taught him one ss before, I had no idea he had secretly reached the fifth stage."


    "First-stage as a freshman? That''s too impressive, he must be the first among his peers."


    "Probably is." These teachers from Martial Arts Universities all over the globe discussed among themselves.


    Perhaps the spectating students didn''t quite understand, but these teachers knew very well.


    In the preliminaries, to reach ny thousand points meant the skill had reached subtlety.


    To reach a hundred thousand points indicated a fifth-stage skill.


    To reach a million points meant achieving intermediate rank in the fifth stage.


    Dantai Feng, a freshman, had managed to secure three hundred thousand points in the preliminaries, which definitely signified staggering strength.


    "Before, I didn''t pay special attention to the information on Dantai Feng, after all, he had only reached subtlety previously."


    "Send the message back."


    "We need to warn those youngsters to be wary of him." Scores of teachers from various schools immediately transmitted the news of ''Dantai Feng reaching the fifth-stage skill'' to their schools'' elite students for the first time.


    This was of great importance.


    Because in the uing battle royale ''Star Realm Battlefield,'' unless one''s strength was colossal, like Li Yuan, Yin Man, or Harmon, nearly invincible in one''s own right, caution was necessary.


    Otherwise, suppose you possess subtlety level skill, originally hopeful of making it into the top hundred.


    But on the Star Realm Battlefield, if you encounter a master of Unity of Heaven and Man whom you don''t recognize and you initiate a fight, leading to be killed.


    Lacking points and getting eliminated directly would be quite the miscarriage of justice.


    When one''s strength is insufficient, intelligence bes extremely important.


    This is also why so many teachers gathered here, to grasp information first-hand.


    ...


    As the night enveloped the earth, in a vi in Starfire University, within an underground martial arts room.


    Whoosh!


    Whoosh! Whoosh! A determined-looking young man, wielding a huge cleaver, was constantly battling a training partner, a martial artist, with relentless assaults, his sword techniques forceful and his movements extraordinarily elusive.

 Chapter 262: Chapter 208: Seventh Star Realm Battlefield (Extra 13, 14) _2

    And the Prime Warrior he was fighting, suppressing his own burst of power and speed, continuously defended against the attacks.


    Suddenly.


    "Puff!" The stocky young man suddenly erupted, the might of hisbat saber soared immensely, brutally striking the Prime Warrior''s long sword.


    The terrifying force contained in thebat saber burst forth, sweeping across and making the Prime Warrior stagger back in shock, his face reflecting astonishment as he looked at the stocky young man.


    "Little Tian, have you broken through?" The sparring Prime Warrior''s face was filled with joy.


    "Haha, thanks to the teacher," Tian Dazhuang said excitedly,ughing, "Without the teacher''s continuous pressure on me these past days, I would have never broken through so quickly."


    "I''ve finally touched subtlety in spirit," Tian Dazhuang''s eyes gleamed.


    "It has nothing to do with my sparring."


    "I''ve sparred with many students, but how many of them can catch up with you?"


    "It''s your heart," the Prime Warrior teacher d in ck said with a smile, "Your heart is strong enough, undisturbed by external factors, that''s why you are progressing faster and faster."


    "Everyone says Dantai Feng is very strong, but in my view, your talent is not inferior to his; you just didn''t receive the same early training he did," the teacher in ck said with a smile.


    "I''m still far from his strength," Tian Dazhuang shook his head.


    "Don''t be in a hurry," the teacher in ck said with a smile, "When you entered the school, your skill just barely ranked in the top twenty of your grade, butter you gradually became one of the top ten."


    "As of now, apart from Dantai Feng, you should be the second freshman in our school to have achieved subtlety in spirit. People like Yu Ming, Guan Ying, they are still stuck at the high rank of the Fourth Level."


    "Your progress is getting faster and faster."


    "Given time, you could surpass Dantai Feng," the elder teacher said with a chuckle.


    Continue reading at m|v-l''e -NovelBin


    "Mmm," Tian Dazhuang nodded firmly.


    He, rising all the way from a mountain area, experiencing so much, and if we only talk about the mental tempering of his youth, it''s not inferior to Li Yuan.


    And hisprehension is also extremely astonishing. After entering Starfire University, he finally received the best nurturing, showing sharpness all the way, surpassing one rival after another.


    To have touched subtlety in spirit in just a bit over half a year after entering the university is extremely rare.


    Looking globally, among his peers, he is likely topete for a ce in the top ten or even top five.


    The key is that Tian Dazhuang''s rate of progress is still elerating.


    Suddenly.


    "Hmm?" Tian Dazhuang suddenly felt his smart ring vibrate with astonishment, and couldn''t help but look down at it.


    Immediately, he couldn''t hold back a curse: "Damn! Dantai Feng, that show-off, is showing off again!"


    ...


    "Dantai Feng, truly at the Fifth Stage," The purple-clothed woman, Yin Man, nced at the message, "Three hundred and ten thousand points?"


    "If that''s his full strength, then it''s not a concern."


    ...


    Starry Sky University, inside a vi.


    "Fifth Stage skill?"


    A white-clothed young man wielding dual swords, looked at the newly received message, his eyes narrowing slightly: "Just a freshman?"


    "I thought that by breaking through to the Fifth Stage skill in my sophomore year, I would be impressive."


    "Is it possible that Sakura Country can never defeat Xia Country?" the young man in white said coldly, "No, this time I must break into the top ten or even the top three."


    Bai Chuanming, recognized as the number one talent of his generation in Sakura Country, also carried his nation''s greatest expectations.


    ...


    Ross Country, amidst ice and snow.


    "A freshman at the Fifth Stage, really fierce," A bear-like brawny young man, naked to the waist, was practicing Shield Technique, "Xia Country is truly the number one power in the world, a ce where talents emerge in an endless stream."


    "Out of the recent ten virtual battles, Xia Countrymen have taken first ce in eight, right?"


    Nevsky, recognized as the top warrior among third-year students in Ross Country.


    Also, in the virtualbat, the only confirmed Fifth Stage expert from Ross Country.


    ...


    Kunlun Martial University, Li Yuan''s vi.


    Underground Martial Arts Room.


    "Interesting, very interesting," Li Yuan set down his long spear, looking at the three messages on his hand, and couldn''t help but smile.


    One of the messages was from Li Yang, with information about Dantai Feng, warning Li Yuan to be extra vignt.


    Another message was from Dantai Feng, "Call me the king of preliminaries... Come to Starfire next time, and Dazhuang and I will treat you to a meal."


    Thest one was from Tian Dazhuang, "Li Yuan, keep it up, you must beat that show-off."


    Closing the light screen.


    "I do need to work hard," Li Yuan revealed a slight smile, "I''m improving, but countless geniuses around the globe are also improving."


    Li Yuan never got anxious because his opponents were strong.


    The stronger the opponents, the more geniuses human civilization has given birth to, which is a good thing.


    Besides.


    "Great masters are lonely, as are geniuses," Li Yuan murmured to himself, "Having more super geniuses to collide and duel with can also bring out the fullest potential in us."


    Li Yuan calmed his mind and continued patiently training.


    ...


    Dantai Feng''s sudden breakthrough indeed shocked the top talents from around the globe.


    Especially within the three top-tier martial schools, those third-year geniuses still trapped in ''subtlety in spirit'' felt even more embarrassed and began training more madly, hoping to progress further before the real contest.


    To be subtle in spirit and at the Fifth Stage of heaven and man, the gap is astonishing.


    In fact.


    On some level, the Seven Stars human civilization keeps holding contests like these to constantly motivate the geniuses of the entire civilization, telling them not to becent.


    You are the top talent of a school?


    You are the top talent of your cohort? Then open your eyes and take a good look, there are always people better than you out there.


    If you don''t strive, you''ll be surpassed.


    ...


    On the morning of February 9, Li Yuan and countless other contestants who passed the preliminaries, all received an officialmunique.


    Final confirmation.


    About 420,000 contestants passed the preliminaries, meaning that each Star Realm battlefield will have about 42,000 people.

 Chapter 263: Chapter 208: Seventh Star Realm Battlefield (Extra 13, 14) _3

    ```


    "I''m in the Seventh Star Realm battlefield?" Li Yuan''s gaze swept over the second round of information, which was the Star Realm battlefield he had been assigned.


    "42,000 people."


    "Over six million people registered, and only 420,000 made it through the preliminaries. The elimination rate is really high," Li Yuan thought to himself. "And with more than forty thousand people in each Star Realm battlefield, only the top hundred can advance to the ''Elimination Round.'' That''s crazy enough."


    In the battlefield, arge number of Star Realm Creatures would also appear. Li Yuan could imagine the fighting would be insane when the time came.


    However.


    "Whoosh!" Li Yuan grabbed his long spear, swiftly turning around. "I want to see who can stop me from taking first ce in the battlefield."


    ...


    February 10th, 7 p.m. Xia Country time, the highly anticipated virtual battle ''Melee Competition'' was about to begin.


    At 6:40 p.m., Li Yuan did not intentionally dy today but instead entered thebat space early.


    Whoosh! A sea of people.


    "Li Yuan."


    "Big Brother."


    Many people turned to look at Li Yuan, brimming with enthusiasm.


    "It''s quite crowded today," Li Yuan said with a smile.


    Looking around, this vast Spectator Space seemed much bigger than it did yesterday.


    "Indeed, there are more." Gu Qianghan said with augh. "The number of spectators has already surpassed four million... More than half of the students from Martial Arts Universities all over the world havee to watch."


    "Brother Yuan, which battlefield are you in?" Gu Qianghan asked curiously.


    Many students nearby couldn''t help but turn their attention to Li Yuan.


    "The seventh," Li Yuan said with a smile.


    "I''m in the sixth."


    "I''m in the third."


    "Haha, I''m in the same Seventh Star Realm battlefield as Senior Brother," someone said with a broad grin.


    But in reality, everyone present understood that being in the same Star Realm battlefield didn''t matter much.


    With over forty thousand people in each battlefield, the chance of running into each other was very, very low.


    It mainly depended on oneself.


    "Li Yuan." A voice suddenly rang out, followed by a figure shing over, arriving next to Li Yuan.


    "Senior Brother Jin." Li Yuan said with a smile, looking at the neer.


    Suddenly, the others made room for them.


    Almost every student from Kunlun Martial University knew that in this iteration of the virtual battle, the two people before them were the most hopeful candidates from the whole university. Enjoy new adventures from mvl


    One was the former number one talent of Kunlun Martial University, with longer training.


    The other had a shorter training period but rose at an astonishing speed.


    "Do you have the confidence to surpass me?" Jin Huguo said with a smile.


    "I won''t disappoint Senior Brother," Li Yuan replied with a smile. His interactions with Jin Huguo were not many.


    But real kindred spirits don''t need much interaction; they just feel veryfortable when together.


    "Haha, good, I''ll look forward to it," Jin Huguoughed. "Let''s fight hard together to take first ce in our battlefields and make it directly into the finals to bring glory to our university."


    "To bring glory to our university." Li Yuan nodded emphatically.


    The surrounding students from the Sixth Institute were somewhat shocked to hear this. Aiming for first ce in the battlefield? Were both of them that formidable?


    ...


    Seconds ticked away, and when the time reached 7:55 p.m...


    Boom!


    A towering figure in ck appeared in the center of thebat space, standing aloft.


    "My dear Spectator friends... with over four million people watching, this iteration of the Global Inter-College Martial Arts Championship virtual battle has once again set a new record for the number of spectators," the ck-d host eximed. "What we are about to begin is the ''Melee Competition.''"


    "In some ways, it''s a super-sized version of the ''Cage Melee.''"


    "In each battlefield, more than forty thousandpetitors will fight one another, with a time limit of four hours or until only one person is left after the elimination."


    "Only the strong will survive until the end."


    "Only the top hundred Martial Path talents who umte enough Points will advance to the next ''Elimination Round.''"


    "Now I dere, the Melee Competition¡ªStar Realm battlefield, is about to begin."


    "More than 420,000petitors will soon be transported."


    "Above thebat space, the top hundred Points rankings of each battlefield will appear, along with a total of one hundred broadcast screens, providing live coverage of the exciting contests from each major battlefield... Each spectator will also be able to select anypetitor to follow live on their personal screens in front of them, with a maximum of ten concurrent followings."


    "Countdown 10, 9, 8... The Star Realm battlefield, the life-and-death contest, officially begins!!" The host''s voice was filled with vigor.


    Boom!


    The entirebat space erupted with earth-shaking, uplifting music, and the entire space instantly echoed with the excited cheers of millions of spectators, boiling with excitement.


    Almost simultaneously.


    Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh! Over four million spectator tforms began to fade out, with about ten percent disappearing.


    All thepetitors who passed the preliminaries had been collectively transported.


    The Melee Competition officially began.


    "Quick, let''s follow thepetition."


    "I want to watch Dantai Feng."


    "I want to watch Yin Man."


    "Let''s quickly follow and watch Senior Brother." Instantly, the millions of spectators on the tform began to select theirpetitors to follow on their personal screens.


    Without a doubt, ''Dantai Feng'' would be one of the observedpetitors among spectators from nearly every country.


    In terms of fame, Dantai Feng was currently the biggest name.


    Next were Yin Man and Harmon, both of whom performed exceptionally wellst year and were among the favorites to win this year''s championship.


    As for Li Yuan? Many spectators from Xia Country would choose to follow him, followed by those from Sakura Country, Tianzhu Country, the South Asian Alliance, and other regions... In the Martial Arts Universities of these regions, Li Yuan was quite well-known.


    ...


    "It''s started."


    "I wonder how many Fifth Stage masters will emerge this time..."


    In the higher-level Spectator Space, tens of thousands of Prime Warriors from around the world had gathered here.


    This kind ofpetition was a test of the teaching level of the major Martial Arts Universities.


    Every school took it very seriously.


    "Dean Hai is here too?" Dean Xu looked at the figure seated in the front row, feeling slightly surprised.


    ```

 Chapter 264: Chapter 208: Seventh Star Realm Battlefield (Extra 13, 14) _4

    She and Li Yang were both top grade origin martial artists, seated in the middle area.


    "Definitely," Li Yang chuckled softly, "this year, our Kunlun Martial University has two fifth stage masters, both hoping to break into the global top twenty, naturally, we must take it seriously."


    "Mm-hmm," Dean Xu nodded involuntarily.


    In fact, three flying heaven warriors hade from Kunlun Martial University.


    You should know that so far, the total number of flying heaven warriors from all over the world who hade to watch the battles was just over twenty.


    Flying heaven warriors, in a single province of Xia Country, were like the Seas Calming Divine Needle, very rare.


    But on a global scale, there was still a handful of them.


    Suddenly.


    Hum~ Without sound or warning, a figure in a ck robe appeared in a seat in the front row.


    Immediately.


    Whooosh! Whooosh! Whooosh!


    Martial artists like Dean Hai, who had been in discussion, stood up one after another and respectfully said, "Star Master."


    The voices of the dozens of flying heaven warriors were not loud, but they resounded through the Battle Observation Hall, rendering the entire hall silent as a grave.


    In the middle area, tens of thousands of prime warriors in the back area were immensely shocked as they watched this scene.


    Star Master?


    What Star Master could make dozens of flying heaven warriors salute in unison?


    Many top grade origin martial artists saw it clearly, including the chancellors of Starfire University, Starry Sky University, ck Stone University... All three universities'' chancellors had stood up and respectfully saluted.


    Unfortunately!


    No one could see the face of the figure in the ck robe; his entire being seemed shrouded in ayer of fog, only the flying heaven warriors in the front row could see his face clearly.


    "Sit down, everyone, I''m just here to watch the battles," the ck-robed Star Master said in a hoarse voice, "no need to be so formal."


    This voice, as if imbued with invisible magic power, immediately dispelled the tense and oppressive atmosphere in the Battle Observation Hall.


    The more than twenty flying heaven warriors all sat back down.


    "Wu Lin," the ck-robed Star Master said in a low voice.


    "Hall Master," the middle-aged man in a blue robe sitting beside him immediately leaned forward slightly and responded.


    Many of the top grade origin warriors sitting in the middle felt a wave of shock upon hearing this address.


    Wu Lin, a powerful flying heaven warrior, was also the ''principal'' of Starfire University.


    In all of Blue Star, he was undeniably a high-ranking figure.


    To be addressed as Hall Master by him,


    The identity of the figure in the ck robe was now clear ¡ª he was the ''Hall Master'' of the Starfire Martial Hall''s Blue Star headquarters.


    "Switch the viewing target to Xia Country''s Kunlun Martial University student Li Yuan, from the Seventh Star Realm battle zone," the ck-robed figure instructed indifferently.


    "Yes," Principal Wu Lin nodded, possessing control over the Battle Observation Hall.


    Instantly.


    Swoosh! The giant ''light screen projection'' in the distance changed from the previous ten random viewing targets to onerge light screen projection apanied by nine smaller ones.


    In thergest projection,


    Discover more stories at mvl


    Over the vast wilderness, with mountains stretching on, a young man holding a long spear appeared.


    The light screen disyed his name and origin: ''Xia Country''s Li Yuan.''


    "Li Yuan."


    "Who is Li Yuan?"


    "Why switch to watching him?"


    "Not sure." Suddenly, a wave of murmuring arose throughout the Battle Observation Hall.


    Tens of thousands of prime warriors from around the world, most of them didn''t recognize Li Yuan.


    In fact, many of the dozens of flying heaven warriors in the front row also didn''t know Li Yuan.


    But now they did, and all turned their attention earnestly to the light screen.


    Someone that the Star Master paid such close attention to must have something special about him, the flying heaven warriors believed.


    ...


    Within the Seventh Star Realm battle zone,


    "The Wilderness Star Realm?" Li Yuan observed the deste ins before him, with what seemed like forests in the extreme distance, several mountain ranges obstructing the view, but he could still see a number of figures flickering.

 Chapter 265: Chapter 209 Sweep Along the Way

    "No, it''s just that this area around me is a wastnd, but overall, the whole battlefield is still a jungle," Li Yuan held the long spear.


    Standing on this small patch of wastnd.


    The Star Realm battlefield essentially simtes Star Realm terrains, which are divided into many kinds of terrains, such as snowfields, deserts, jungles, wastnds, oceans, and so on.


    Of course, in the real Star Realm, some environments are extremely harsh, making it very difficult for Prime Warriors to survive... The simtion battlefield naturally can''t be that extreme.


    "Limited to four hours."


    "The actual environmental data is actually simr to that of Blue Star," Li Yuan slightly clenched his fist, quickly adapting to his current physical strength. With a thought, he achieved Subtlety: "Strength, speed... indeed, it''s the Fifteenth Level of Physical Quality."


    All contestants have the standard Fifteenth Level of Physical Quality, that is, standard Fist Strength of 12,000 kilograms, Burst Speed of 50 meters per second.


    "Continuous ranges of mountains, this tall, must be to restrict the field of vision," Li Yuan muttered to himself.


    In a pure wastnd battlefield, with a Fifteenth Level of Physical Quality, one could easily see more than ten kilometers away. A lot of contestants would discover each other before even getting close and would flee by leaping away.


    Jungle battlefield? Plus so many mountains, there are no such worries.


    "It''s a pity, with the virtualwork, the Spiritual Power each person can use is simted and limited," Li Yuan frowned slightly: "Otherwise, relying on my strong Spiritual Power, the Perception Ability would be much stronger."


    Li Yuan''s peripheral vision caught sight of the smart ring on his hand.


    He touched the light screen, where personal Points and rankings were disyed, as well as a detailed set of rules.


    ¡ª¡ª


    Contestant: Li Yuan (Xia Country)


    Base Points: 200


    Starfield points: 0


    Total Points: 200


    Battlefield Ranking: None


    ¡ª¡ª


    Rules for obtaining base points: Defeat other contestants to obtain 50% of their base points; Starfield points are not obtainable.


    Rules for obtaining Starfield points: Kill Star Realm Creatures of level 15.0-15.9 to obtain 1 Starfield point; kill creatures level 16.0-17.9 to obtain 10 points; kill creatures level 18.0 and above to obtain 100 Starfield points, which remainpletely intact even in the event of death.


    Total Points Rule: Base Points + Starfield Points equals Total Points.


    Death Rule: Everyone has only one life. If killed by a Star Realm Creature, both base points and Starfield points remain unchanged, and rankings are preserved; if killed by another contestant, base points are halved while Starfield points remain unchanged, and rankings are preserved.


    Advancement Rules: After the melee round ends, the first in total score advances to the final, ranks 2-100 advance to the third elimination round, anyone ranked after 100 is eliminated.


    Note: The entire battlefield is a circr battlefield with a diameter of about 100 kilometers; as time passes, the battlefield''s range will continually shrink, with minimum battlefield diameter reducing to 10 kilometers.


    ...


    "Interesting."


    "These rules will probably make it hard for many contestants to weigh the pros and cons," Li Yuan revealed a cryptic smile: "Killing Star Realm Creatures earns very low points. One needs to kill a level 18 creature to get 100 points, but for one with Fifteenth Level Physical Quality to challenge a level 18? That''s not something ordinary contestants can do."


    A level 18 Star Realm Creature is three times stronger than a level 15.


    Unless Unity is achieved, making the power and speed surge, even with High Rank Fourth Level techniques, it would be difficult for a Fifteenth Level Physical Quality to win against an 18th Level Star Realm Creature.


    "The advantage is that once Starfield points are obtained, they can never be stripped away. Even if killed by a Star Realm Creature, all points are preserved," Li Yuan thought to himself.


    Ultimately, it''s the Points that determine the ranking, not survival.


    If one umtes enough points early on, there''s a chance of advancing to the elimination round even if one dies early.


    "Killing other contestants, killing just one contestant brings at least 100 points. And as the contest progresses, the living contestants'' umted base points can be even more exaggerated, where killing one could yield tens of thousands of points," Li Yuan thought to himself.


    "But the downside is, contestants can''t gauge each other''s strengths, and a slightest mistake could lead to being counter-killed, thus losing half their base points."


    The rules may soundplex.


    But at its core, it''s just two phrases¡ªlow risk low reward; high risk high reward.


    It all depends on the contestants'' personal choices.


    Choice is also a form of mental tempering.


    "Choice?" Li Yuan showed a hint of a smile: "Whether they are contestants or Star Realm Creatures, anything that crosses my path shall be in."


    "Hmm?" Suddenly, Li Yuan sensed an odd disturbance in the distance.


    Even without great Spiritual Power, his Perception Ability, enhanced by the state of Unity of Heaven and Man, was much stronger than that of an average contestant.


    Boom!


    Li Yuan''s figure suddenly moved, turning into a streak of shadow, and rushed directly towards the distant wastnd.


    After only seven or eight seconds, he went around a ridge.


    "Hunting Star Realm Creatures?" At a nce, Li Yuan saw a burly man wielding a Combat Saber, fighting arge group of Star Realm Creatures that resembled wild yaks.


    The sh of the saber flickered, one yak after another fell to the ground.


    "A Fourth Level expert?" Li Yuan smirked, his speed unabated, he directly charged towards the burly man.


    "Seeking death!" The burly man was also powerful, he roared.


    He had sensed Li Yuan''s approach early on; with a fierce stomp of hisbat boots, he kicked a wild yak to the side and immediately used the momentum to charge at Li Yuan like lightning.


    Whoosh!


    The burly man leaped up, his Combat Saber ferociously chopping down towards Li Yuan, with a saber light so sharp it made the air tremble violently.


    "Pfft!"


    The two figures, one high and one low, crossed each other, a streak of Spear Light shed by, a head soared high, and a copious amount of blood spurted from the chest cavity.


    Thump~ Thump~


    The headless body fell heavily, followed by the head hitting the ground and rolling, eyes filled with shock and disbelief until death.

 Chapter 266: Chapter 209 Sweep Along the Way_2

    ```


    He, a fourth-level expert, should have had a chance to break into the top 1000 in the entire battlefield.


    He might even have gone further.


    Yet, he died less than a minute after entering the Star Realm battlefield?


    "Very weak."


    "This kind of battlefield environment does have a certain tempering effect on third or even fourth-level experts, but it''s indeed not very significant for me." Li Yuan killed the opponent with one move, his heart unfazed.


    "Boom~" "Boom~" "Boom~" the ground trembled.


    These Star Realm creatures, stepping over the headless corpse, immediately rushed towards Li Yuan in a frenzy.


    Splurt! Swoosh~! Swoosh! Li Yuan waved his long spear in his hand, with spear light dancing, the multitude of Star Realm creatures, that looked like wild yaks, kept on dying as they charged at him.


    They couldn''t even touch Li Yuan.


    "These Star Realm creatures are generally at the initial stage of second-level skills, about the same as the true Alien Race of the Star Realm." Li Yuan assessed the strength of these Star Realm creatures.


    Most of the Star Realm creatures, with low intelligence,rgely fight on instinct, and theirbat skills are naturally weak.


    In just tens of seconds, the remaining nearly hundred Star Realm creatures were all killed by Li Yuan.


    Li Yuan checked the smart ring on his wrist.


    ----


    Contestant: Li Yuan (Xia Country)


    Base points: 300


    Starfield points: 89


    Total points: 389


    Battlefield ranking: 1834


    ..."To have killed so many in such a short time and only rank a little over a thousand? It seems that right at the start of thepetition, there''s already quite a bit of fighting among each other." Li yuan muttered to himself, "However, my goal is to be the first in the battlefield and directly enter the finals."


    "Let''s keep killing."


    ...


    The smart ring provided a rough directional guide.


    Li Yuan casually chose a direction to move forward, quickly leaving the wilderness behind and entering a forested area.


    In the forested terrain, the rocky mountains and tall trees provided excellent cover for concealing one''s tracks.


    Over forty thousand people, scattered across a circr battlefield with a diameter of about 100 kilometers, was actually very sparse; logically, unless a battle erupted, it would be quite difficult to detect each other''s traces.


    Unfortunately, Li Yuan was one of the very few exceptions.


    "Come out." Li Yuan, like a shooting star, suddenly plunged, his long spear hissing as it thrust straight toward arge tree.


    Whoosh! A figure darted from behind the tree, franticly fleeing to one side, his face showing a mix of shock and anger.


    He didn''t recognize Li Yuan, but that didn''t prevent him from judging from Li Yuan''s burst speed¡ªthat this was a super expert.


    Whosh!


    The spear thrust that seemed direct suddenly shifted, lightning-fast circling around the tree, and violently piercing through the fleeing figure''s neck, blood spraying.


    Dead!


    Splurt~! The long spear retracted, and the body heavily fell onto the grass.


    "You must be curious how I discovered you." Li Yuan murmured to himself, "I couldn''t see you, but your breathing gave you away."


    The perception of Unity of Heaven and Man was too keen.


    ...


    In the higher levels of the Spectator Space, with over a hundred thousand Prime Warriors and dozens of Flying Heaven Warriors from around the globe watching,


    Aside from tracking some they ''fancied'', they were also paying attention to the figure of the young man in ck on the distant, gigantic screen.


    Li Yuan?


    With a Star Master personally descending to watch, what was so special about this Li Yuan?


    And when they saw Li Yuan consecutively find and effortlessly kill one contestant after another, easily wiping out arge number of Star Realm creatures,


    "Fifth level."


    "He must have fifth-level skills."


    "This Li Yuan must have reached the unity of man and heaven at the fifth level, otherwise his perception wouldn''t be so strong, nor his spear technique so formidable."


    "It seems he is a freshman."


    ```


    "Right, a freshman, in the same batch as Dantai Feng," many Prime Warriors¡ªeven Top Grade Origin Martial Artists¡ªwere already discussing in low voices, filled with wonder and shock.


    Martial Artists from the age of 18 often saw their physical quality skyrocket, their foundations constantly improve, and their skill breakthroughs bing increasingly easier.


    Therefore, reaching the Fifth Stage as a freshman and stepping into the Fifth Stage as a sophomore werepletely different concepts.


    Thetter is strong too, with the potential to be a Flying Heaven Warrior, a top-tier genius among their peers across Blue Star.


    But the former is absolutely the top-tier genius among their peers, looking across the entire Seven Star Alliance and the Seven Greats.


    The emergence of a Dantai Feng among the freshman ss had already shaken all Martial Arts Universities around the world, and now another one had popped up?


    "Fifth Stage?"


    "To be on the same level as Dantai Feng? Indeed, a once-in-an-age genius, extremely formidable."


    "However, just based on this, it shouldn''t be worth the Star Master personallying to watch the melee battle, right? The finals would be more like it." Dozens of Flying Heaven Warriors were surprised by Li Yuan''s strength, but they also harbored doubts.


    Whether it was Dantai Feng or Li Yuan, while they had the potential to be top-tier Flying Heaven Warriors, they were ultimately just that¡ªpotentials, still only geniuses.


    But the Star Master was already at the pinnacle of human civilization.


    ...


    Thebat space where students from millions of Martial Arts Universities around the world were located was buzzing with voices.


    Everyone was watching tensely, all while keeping an eye on the rankings above.


    "So many talents."


    "I thought our institute''s Senior Brother was awesome, but as soon as he took to the field, he got taken out by a single spear thrust from someone named Li Yuan,"ined a student from Europa.


    As spectators, they could see the identity information of thebatants.


    "Strong!"


    "Dantai Feng is truly fierce, taking down any opponent with a single strike, truly deserving of being Xia Country''s strongest genius."


    "Yin Man is also impressive."


    "In the leaderboard of the top hundred from each Star Realm battlefield, our Xia Country''s experts ount for more than 30%, and nearly one-third of the broadcast top hundred are from our Xia Country." Students from Xia Country were incredibly excited and exceedingly proud.


    This kind ofpetition was a time when the sense of honor was extremely strong.


    The hundred screens broadcasting in the entirebat space showed the top ten from each battlefield, and adding up ten battlefields made up the hundred.


    "Haha, our Si Country''s Han Haochang is really formidable; he''s already made it to ninth in the seventh battlefield," some students from Si Country were overwhelmingly excited.


    "We believe in Han Haochang, he will surely be the number one on the battlefield! He''ll advance directly to the finals."


    ...


    "Senior Brother is very strong."


    "No one can stop Senior Brother."


    "From what I''ve seen so far, not a single one can withstand a spear from Li Yuan," said the tens of thousands of watching students from Kunlun Martial University, most concerned about Li Yuan, Jin Huguo.


    "Senior Brother Jin has charged to sixth ce on the first Star Realm battlefield, Senior Brother Jin is even more fierce."


    "Li Yuan is powerful, but his battlefield ranking is only eighty-sixth, not too high up in front, which is somewhat inferior to Senior Brother Jin."


    "The melee battles have just begun, Li Yuan''s random location was rather far out, encountering fewer opponents, which is why his score isn''t too high."


    "We believe in Senior Brother; he will surely rush into the top twenty or even the top tenter on," discussed the students from Kunlun Martial University.


    The students of Kunlun Martial University basically still thought that Jin Huguo was stronger.


    Even the freshmen from the Sixth Institute subconsciously believed that Li Yuan was slightly inferior.


    It wasn''t without reason!


    The reputation that Jin Huguo had built up before was simply too great, and Li Yuan''s rise to fame was just too short.


    ¡ª¡ª


    (The following is added after publication, not included in the word count for charging.)


    ps: Regarding merging chapters, I will exin once.


    My daily updates are based on a standard of 3,000 words per chapter.


    For example, if I update three chapters today, I will ensure a total word count of over nine thousand words; if it''s four chapters today, I will make sure that the total is more than twelve thousand words, but the specific word count might be four thousand for one chapter, or less than three thousand for another.


    Like yesterday, including the merged chapters, it was a total of 1.4 ten thousand words.


    Also, why merge chapters? I don''t shy away from admitting that it''s to push for a hundred thousand subscribers. Right now, the average subscription is nearing seventy thousand, and if I update too many chapters in a short time, the average won''t climb.


    In the future, I might merge three into one, or even four into one, or five into one, it''s not impossible.


    Thanks for the brothers'' support!

 Chapter 267: Chapter 210: Breaking into the Top Ten

    The ninth Star Realm battlefield.


    A handsome young man was frantically fleeing across the continuous mountain tops, his face filled with panic.


    Whoosh! Behind him, a woman in purple with an imposing aura brandished her long sword, relentlessly pursuing him.


    "Damn it."


    "How could I be so unlucky to run into Yin Man, the Great Demon King, so soon?" Gu Qianghan felt like crying; hisbat skills were only close to a high-rank Third Stage.


    Passing the preliminary round was very tough for him, so he never dreamt of making it into the elimination round.


    Because of this, he had been ''lying low'' earlier, simply hoping to survive a bit longer and brag about itter to others.


    Unexpectedly, while he was clearly hiding behind a giant rock, Yin Man seemed to have sensed him from afar and charged straight over to kill him.


    "Stop running."


    "Fleeing is futile." Yin Man''s form shed like lightning, rapidly closing in on Gu Qianghan.


    "Kill!" Gu Qianghan suddenly rolled over, his long spear bursting forth explosively from above his head, furiously thrusting toward the purple figure behind him.


    This spear thrust was as swift as lightning!


    Turnabout Spear!


    "Puchi~" The purple figure slightly shifted and easily dodged the spear, her sword shed, and a head flew into the air.


    Gu Qianghan, dead!


    The corpse fell heavily to the ground.


    "Only 100 points? Such a newbie, never killed even one opponent."


    "Next." Yin Man moved, continuing to fly swiftly toward the distance, never taking this inconspicuous fellow seriously from start to finish.


    ...


    Above the spectator tform of the great tournament space.


    Swish! Gu Qianghan appeared out of thin air, his face still showing a trace of fright.


    That sword strike was too fast and too fierce, absolutely the most stunning he had ever seen.


    "Gu Qiang, you failed too?" A voice that took delight in his misfortune reached Gu Qianghan''s ear.


    "Hmph!" Gu Qianghan snorted coldly: "An Nong, I was eliminated after you."


    "So what?" An Nong said with a grin: "Don''t think I don''t know; I''ve been following and watching your fight all this time. Just like me, you didn''t kill anyone before getting instantly killed."


    "Damn." Gu Qianghan cursed with augh.


    "How''s Brother Yuan doing?" Gu Qianghan asked straightaway.


    "He hasn''t broken into the top hundred of the battlefield yet, but he''s close," replied An Nong, pointing to his own subjectivebat screen. "Our eldest apprentice brother''s ranking is steadily climbing."


    "Well, I hope Brother Yuan can make it into the top ten of the battlefield," said Gu Qianghan.


    Time passed, and more and more contestants were eliminated.


    After being eliminated, most would return to their spectator seats to continue watching thepetition.


    ...


    Inside the battlefield of the Seventh Star Realm, in an area to the east.


    Boom! Boom!


    In the valley between two mountain ranges.


    More than ten contestants were joining forces to attack arge number of Star Realm Creatures resembling Moon Demon wolves at levels 15 and 16.


    They cooperated with each other, causing one giant wolf after another to fall, leaving carcasses scattered everywhere.


    Contestants who passed the preliminary round had skills at least at the Intermediate Rank Third Stage, and it was fairly easy for them to fight against level 16 Star Realm Creatures alone, not to mention now that over ten people were working together, making theirbined strength even more formidable.


    Suddenly.


    Whoosh! A figure in ck clothing suddenly swooped down from high in the valley.


    His speed was astonishing, easily soaring over 50 meters per second.


    To know, a martial artist''s maximum burst speed on t groundpared to their traveling speed in mountainous and valley terrain is absolutely a different story.


    "Someone''sing?"


    "They''reing for us." The more than ten contestants coborating to hunt the creatures immediately noticed the figure in ck clothing.


    "Friend, we just want to join forces for self-preservation, killing Star Realm Creatures for points, and we don''t wish to engage with you," shouted the leader, d in purple Combat Armor, after he sliced a giant wolf dead, his voice booming with a hint of threat as he watched the ck figure diving down.


    However.


    "Boom!" The plunging ck figure said nothing, speeding up even more instead.


    "Seeking death!"


    "Kill! We don''t believe we can''t kill him with so many of us." The figure in purple Combat Armor became furious.


    Whoosh! He sprang into the air, Combat Saber in hand, and charged to meet the attack.


    "Kill!"


    "Kill him!" The more than ten contestants originally fighting the Star Realm Creatures immediately let go of the giant wolves and rushed over to join the fight.


    Teaming up was a normal strategy.


    This was tacitly permitted by the higher-ups of the Seven Star Alliance.


    In such chaotic Star Realm battlefields, if you had strong organizational abilities to rally hundreds or even thousands to join forces, that was also considered skill.


    However, since only one hundred could advance to the elimination round, contestants usually formed small groups of a few or perhaps a dozen at most.


    It was rare to have hundreds joining forces; it was meaningless.


    In the blink of an eye, the two sides drew near.


    "Boom!"


    "ng! ng! ng!" Figures intermingled, the ck figure''s form flickering as he easily dodged an onught of weapon strikes, following which his long spear erupted violently, creating a myriad of spear shadows.


    Plop! Plop! Plop! Blood sprayed, and figures dropped one by one.


    In a single encounter, six contestants, all struck in the neck by the spear, were killed.


    Their bodies tumbled onto the ground.


    Cutting down enemies like mowing grass.


    "Thinking you could fight me instead of running at first sight." Li Yuan''s expression was indifferent; his speed not diminished at all.


    He set his gaze on the remaining eight figures and suddenly shed a brilliant smile: "Aren''t you running yet?"


    "Run."


    "He''s a master of Subtlety."


    "Run." The remaining eight contestants hadpletely lost their minds, each of them turning to flee.


    The extraordinarily capable young man d in purple Combat Armor, whom they regarded as powerful, was instantly killed by a single spear thrust?


    They instantly considered Li Yuan to be a master of Subtlety.


    Such masters were very rare in any Star Realm battlefield and definitely counted as great experts.


    "Haha, running now, isn''t it a bitte?"


    Whoosh! Li Yuan''s form shed like lightning, chasing and killing some of the contestants. In his Unity of Heaven and Man state, his speed was much faster than theirs.

 Chapter 268: Chapter 210: Breaking into the Top Ten_2

    One figure after another fell.


    Li Yuan''s points were soaring.


    His ranking on the battlefield was skyrocketing.


    ...


    On the spectator tform of the tournament space,


    "Senior brother is now ranked 62nd," An Nong said excitedly, suddenly pping Gu Qianghan on the shoulder, "Old Gu, see, I told you senior brother would burst forth."


    "It''s 48th now!!" Gu Qianghan''s eyes also shone brightly, "Brother Yuan is amazing."


    "Damn, in one encounter, sixbatants all died, up to 37th now!!" Many students from Kunlun Martial University who hadn''t been able to participate in the battle and had been continuously following Li Yuan''s progress were now ecstatic.


    It was too brutal.


    From their spectator view, Li Yuan was killing everyone he met.


    No matter whether they were teamed up or not, no matter the number of people, or whether they were experts or not.


    One word, kill! Kill them all! An insane frenzy! His ranking was exploding.


    "Li Yuan."


    "He''s so badass, already breaking into the top forty, and he''s only a freshman,"


    "Though he''s not as fierce as Dantai Feng, he''s still impressive."


    "He''s just a freshman, and already so powerful, maybe next year as a sophomore he could even rush into the top ten in the finals," many students from Martial Arts Universities in Xia Country, especially the freshmen, were also paying attention to Li Yuan.


    In the previous top ten freshman battle, Li Yuan''s performance was already fierce.


    "Li Yuan."


    Situated in the Jiangbei Martial University''s viewing area, Li Tianyou was also staring at the screen, inwardly shocked, "No wonder Professor Ming said, looking globally, Li Yuan has the prospect of breaking into the top hundred."


    "It looks like, Li Yuan has grown much stronger since the top ten freshman battle,"


    ...


    In the battlefield of the Seventh Star Realm,


    midway up a high mountain, the booming waterfall constantly fell into a deep pool downwind, churning up countless waves.


    On the cliff, a fierce fight was erupting.


    A blond young man wielding a battle axe and a dark-skinned young man with abat saber were teaming up to attack a spirited young woman wielding twin swords.


    The intense fight between the three figures, with terrifying power bursting forth, caused huge boulders to fly up.


    "Guan Ying, just give up."


    "You already lost to me in thest top ten freshman battle, this time you''re still going to lose," the dark-skinned young man said firmly, his twin sabers flowing endlessly like water, disying incredible toughness,


    keeping Guan Ying from breaking free.


    "Face me one-on-one if you dare," Guan Ying gritted her teeth, she was nearly going crazy with rage.


    During the top ten freshman battle, she lost to Vikram, which was embarrassing enough.


    Unexpectedly, in the global college Martial Arts tournament virtual battle, she once again faced Vikram.


    Worse, he even brought along an axe technique expert.


    "Starfire University''s junior sister, admit defeat," the blond young man shouted angrily, his battle axe suddenly exploded with speed, bing significantly faster, with its power growing increasingly terrifying.


    "Suppress!" Vikram''s saber technique also grew increasingly swift.


    "ng!" "ng!" "ng!" The three exchanged blows like lightning, and Guan Ying managed to withstand dozens more moves.


    "Boom~" Suddenly an axe swept by, carrying formidable force and heavily shing down, Guan Ying could no longer resist, and the long swords in her hands were thrown up in the air.


    "Thud!"


    A sudden strike of the saber streaked past, directly across her neck, and she fell heavily to the ground.


    Starfire University''s martial arts prodigy, Guan Ying, was defeated.


    Quiet returned to the cliff.


    "Malfoy, thank you," Vikram sheathed his sabers and smiled, "I''ve obtained over six thousand points, which lets me quickly approach the top twenty."


    "It doesn''t make much difference," the blond young man Malfoy replied indifferently, "We''ve already rushed into the top thirty, just surviving till the end will let us enter the knockout round."


    "Yeah, with our strength, when together, as long as we don''t encounter some of the freakishly top-tierpetitors, sweeping through the entire Star Realm battlefield shouldn''t be an issue," Vikram grinned.


    "Yeah," Malfoy nodded, "Let''s go."


    The two turned into streaks of light and disappeared into the forest.


    ...


    "Guan Ying actually lost."


    "Last time she lost to Vikram, and now she''s lost again." Your journey continues at mvl


    "This is so disappointing," because of the top ten freshman battle, Guan Ying''s reputation was much higher than that of the average Starfire University student.


    Additionally, with Guan Ying''s high ranking, many Xia Country students on the spectator tform of the tournament space were paying attention to this fight.


    "One-on-one, Guan Ying might not necessarily lose."


    "But that Malfoy is a top-notch expert from Europa and a student from ck Stone University... It''s pretty normal for them to team up and defeat Guan Ying," most Xia Country students were still quite rational.


    ..."Haha, we won!"


    "Vikram won, he''s killed that Xia Country girl twice now, truly an elite among Tianzhu Country''s young generation."


    "I''ve always felt Vikram could rival Kunale and Raja in the future; after all, he''s only a freshman," the students from Tianzhu Country watching the battle were extremely excited.


    Suddenly.


    "Look quickly."


    "Vikram and Malfoy are about to encounter Li Yuan."


    "Li Yuan? Is that the same Li Yuan from Xia Country who defeated Garava in thest top ten freshman battle?" Many students from Tianzhu immediately took notice of this scene.


    ...


    "Li Yuan! Li Yuan has run into Malfoy and Vikram."


    "Both Malfoy and Vikram are top thirty ranked powerhouses on the battlefield, and ording to ranking, Li Yuan seems to be significantly lower." Many students from Xia Country also paid attention to this battle.


    ...


    "Senior brother."


    "Two against one, just now Guan Ying lost, can senior brother win?"


    "With Li Yuan''s strength, he should be able to win, right?" Many students from Kunlun Martial University were also watching this battle intently, their eyes glued to their screens.


    Actually, most spectators, limited by their vision, couldn''t really tell whether apetitor had achieved Subtlety or Unity of Heaven and Man.


    They mostly judged strength based on the point ranking.


    For many students, both Malfoy and Vikram had a higher point ranking than Li Yuan, and they were teaming up... so naturally, Li Yuan was in danger.

 Chapter 269: Chapter 210: Breaking into the Top Ten_3

    But mere secondster,


    "The eldest senior brother has taken the initiative to kill." Find your next read on mvl


    "Li Yuan is so fierce."


    "Vikram has fled! He and Malfoy have directly escaped." A series of astonished and shocked cries erupted from the Spectator tform.


    ...


    Inside the battlefield of the Seventh Star Realm,


    within the mountain woods,


    "Vikram, why run?" Li Yuanughed heartily.


    His figure flickered like lightning, his speed astonishing as he chased after the fleeing Malfoy and Vikram.


    "You are at the Subtlety Stage; if I don''t run, am I waiting to die?" Vikram gritted his teeth.


    He had witnessed Li Yuan''s duel with Dantai Feng at the tournament for new students from ten schools.


    Malfoy, at his side, was equally shocked; he had previously known little about Li Yuan.


    But just from the speed Li Yuan had demonstrated, Malfoy could tell that Li Yuan was terrifyingly strong,


    absolutely towering over both of them.


    "Li Yuan, how about sparing us? I am willing to give you the information on Fifth Stage experts I know so that you can avoid them," Vikram said anxiously, not wanting to die at that moment.


    Although he was among the top twenty or so now,


    once dead, he would lose half his base points.


    Ultimately, it was very probable that he would drop out of the top one hundred in the Seventh Star Realm battlefield and be directly eliminated.


    "Avoid?"


    Li Yuanughed, "Why would I need to avoid? On the contrary, I hope the Fifth Stage experts wille to me."


    "It saves time."


    The expressions on Vikram and Malfoy''s faces changed, they had seen arrogance, but never to this extent.


    Boom!


    Li Yuan finally closed in, his terrifying aura making Malfoy''s heart tremble with fear.


    "Vikram, we have to fight with everything we''ve got." Malfoy suddenly bellowed: "If we don''t fight, we''re all going to die."


    "Kill!" Vikram clenched his teeth, continuing to be pursued with such overpowering momentum,


    left them no hope of surviving,


    A desperate struggle might just save them.


    "So you''ve reached the Subtlety Stage? I don''t believe you can be that strong." A hint of madness shed in Vikram''s eyes.


    He suddenly turned around,


    followed byyers of de light that erupted suddenly, pouring toward Li Yuan who was in hot pursuit.


    "Hah!" Malfoy also let out an angry shout, swinging his great axe with the force of thunder, turning around and striking directly at Li Yuan.


    Both mighty warriors burst forth simultaneously.


    "That''s more like it," Li Yuan grinned.


    "Swish! Swish!" In the instant Vikram erupted, Li Yuan had already approached at great speed, followed by an explosiveunch of his spear.


    Li Yuan''s spear, shooting out after yet arriving first!


    Even faster!


    Two streams of Spear Light glided across the Vast Sky, so fast it was unbelievable, instilling an involuntary fear in the eyes of Malfoy and Vikram.


    Danger!


    Extreme danger!


    "Pfft!" "Puff!" The two shes of Spear Light disappeared as quickly as they had appeared, prating straight through the necks of Malfoy and Vikram.


    Thump~ Thump~


    Two bodies fell to the ground.


    Malfoy and Vikram, dead!


    "Impressive."


    "Two working together forced me to use two spears," Li Yuan muttered to himself, walking forward withrge strides: "Hmm, the two of you have contributed over thirty thousand points to me."


    "I''ve finally broken into the top ten of the battlefield points."


    ...


    "What?"


    "Vikram and Malfoy were killed in a single encounter?"


    "Is this Li Yuan really that strong?" A vast number of students watching the battle from Tianzhu Country and Europa were dumbfounded.


    ...


    "Awesome!"


    "Li Yuan, impressive!!" In the Xia Country''s viewing area, there was a wave of excitement.


    ...


    In the grand tournament space, the number of spectators had already exceeded 5 million.


    At the highest point, one of the hundred projected screens suddenly flickered and changed to Li Yuan.


    "Li Yuan from Xia Country! He''s now seventh in the Seventh Star Realm battlefield, surpassing Han Haochang."


    "He''s even more formidable than our Si Country''s Han Haochang?"


    "Seventh ce, Li Yuan." Immediately, a multitude of viewers from around the world noticed the ranking change on the grand tournament space above.


    Being in the top ten in the Star Realm battlefield versus the top hundred was an entirely different concept.

 Chapter 274: Chapter 212: The Edge of that Axe

    ```


    Watching the frenzied ughter between Harmon, wielding hisbat saber, on the projection screen, hundreds of spectators in thepetition space held their breath.


    The saber is known as the "guts of all weapons."


    In a sense, it''s because closebat with a saber is the most insane and brutal, far from the gentlemanly elegance of long spears and swords.


    Especially at this moment, when both fighters are Fifth Stage experts, resembling War Gods, their sh is a truebination of violence and art that makes one''s blood boil with excitement.


    "Jin Huguo is at a disadvantage,"


    "Senior Brother Jin is in trouble," the students from Kunlun Martial University watched with extreme nervousness, silently praying.


    Even though Li Yuan had shown Fifth Stage strength, reigning almost invincible on the Seventh Star Realm battlefield, subconsciously, most students from Kunlun Martial University still believed Jin Huguo was a notch stronger and the biggest hope of Kunlun Martial University in this virtual fight.


    "That Harmon is so strong; the number one talent from the United States?"


    "Hang in there, Jin Huguo," millions of Xia Country''s spectators also stared intently, hoping for a miracle to happen.


    In a sense, this is a battle for glory.


    In this globalpetition, each participant represents not only themselves but also their school and their country.


    Everyone hopes that the Martial Path geniuses from their country can be invincible on the battlefield.


    "How can Harmon be so strong and not yet have killed this Xia Country man?"


    "Is this Jin Huguo really that strong?" A great number of spectators from the United States and Europa were paying close attention.


    Harmon''s fame in the United States and Europa is very great, and many students admire him a lot.


    The fact that Jin Huguo has been able to fight Harmon for this long has already exceeded many people''s expectations.


    Suddenly.


    "Harmon is going to win," a spectator from the United States brightened up and shouted loudly.


    "Senior Brother Jin is in danger,"


    "Be careful, Jin Huguo!" millions of Xia Country''s spectators cried out in rm, reaching the peak of nervousness.


    ...


    On the First Star Realm battlefield, atop the continuous and vast mountain ranges.


    "Whoosh!""Whoosh!""Whoosh!" A series of terrifying saber techniques erupted from Harmon, who hadpletely entered the Unity of Heaven and Man state. Each strike seemed divinely assisted, incredibly powerful, andpletely overwhelmed Jin Huguo.


    When Jin Huguo''s arms went numb and blood began to ooze from his tiger''s mouth, just as he seemed unable to hold on any longer,


    "Let''s die together!" Jin Huguo suddenly roared angrily. His figure rushed forward to meet the iing overhead strike, hisbat saber ready for a straight thrust.


    As if vowing to fight to the death.


    "You die," Harmon''s face twisted ferociously. He was taller, hisbat saber was bigger and heavier, and he didn''t dodge at all.


    The saber was as quick as lightning.


    "Thrust~" Jin Huguo narrowly dodged the direct attack, but then a sh of saber light mercilessly chopped down on his shoulder, his arm flew off, and blood spurted.


    However, just as his arm was brutally severed,


    Whoosh~ Jin Huguo''sbat saber flew from his hand like a lightning bolt, soaring out like a thrown weapon.


    At such a close distance!! Harmon had no means of evasion.


    "Thud~" The formidable saber plunged directly into Harmon''s abdomen following the gaps in his armor, instantly causing blood to stter everywhere.


    "Boom~"


    Another sh of saber light streaked like lightning; Jin Huguo''s body was torn, and he died.


    "Huff!"


    Harmon took a deep breath, looked down at his wound where the big saber was deeply embedded in his organs, blood gushing profusely, feeling his life rapidly slipping away.


    Looking at Jin Huguo''s body, now torn apart,


    "Metal," Harmon said solemnly, muttering to himself, " I underestimated you."


    "Your strength has indeed be terrifying."


    "If we fight again, I definitely won''t take you lightly," Harmon thought to himself.


    The Star Realm battlefield is aplete simtion of reality.


    Therefore, once injured, one can''t recover quickly.


    Especially with an injury like Harmon''s, continuing on would lead to certain death.


    Even if he only had the physical quality of a level 15, even a Prime Warrior would die without treatment.


    Just secondster,


    A huge level 16 Star Realm Creature swooped by and charged at Harmon with a roar.


    Even with severe injuries, Harmon should have no problem avoiding it with the strength he had left.


    But Harmon allowed the massive Star Realm Creature to charge at him, and he died instantly.


    Being killed by a Star Realm Creature, all his base points and Starfield points were preserved, keeping his total points unchanged.


    After all.


    On the First Star Realm battlefield, Harmon''s total points were still in first ce, far ahead of the second ce.


    Meanwhile, Jin Huguo had dropped to sixth ce, but with less than an hour left in the melee, securing a position in the top hundred with his remaining points was not difficult. Experience more on §Þ??


    ...


    This battle deeply shook millions of spectators; no one expected the fight to be so fierce.


    Jin Huguo was killed first.


    Harmon was also seriously injured by Jin Huguo''sst counterattack and ended up allowing himself to be killed by a Star Realm Creature.


    In a sense, both sides could be considered to have died together.


    "Harmon almost lost to that Xia Country man,"


    "That Xia Country man wasn''t noticeable before, but he has such terrifying strength. With Yin Man, Dantai Feng, Li Yuan, Zhu Tong... My goodness! Can Harmon emerge victorious against their siege and take first ce?" Spectators from the United States and Europa felt a bit panicked.


    Just one Jin Huguo was so formidable, what about Xia Country''s other top masters?


    "It''s a pity for Jin Huguo; he was so close to having a chance to kill Harmon,"


    "It''s quite a pity," the majority of Xia Country''s spectators felt regret, but most of them were still quite rational.


    Before the duel, most people felt Harmon was likely a bit stronger.


    ```

 Chapter 275: Chapter 212: The Edge of that Axe_2

    Jin Huguo being able to fight to this extent with his opponent had already exceeded the expectations of most people.


    ...


    In the higher-level Spectator Space.


    "Jin Huguo lost," Li Yang sighed.


    "There''s nothing to be done. In previous predictions, Harmon was expected to challenge for the top spot," Dean Xu said calmly, "For Jin Huguo to severely injure Harmon, forcing him to withdraw from thepetition, is already quite an achievement."


    "Hmm."


    Li Yang nodded and continued to watch the screen, "It''s up to Li Yuan now. There''s a high probability that he and Hoffman will have a battle."


    "I expect they will, the system will guide them subtly," said Dean Xu, "These Fifth Stage elites, by thest phase of the melee, will mostly seek each other out for duels."


    Having been deans for decades, they were very aware of some of the underlying rules of virtualbat.


    What''s the purpose of the great tournament? Firstly, it is to select the top elite fighters fairly and justly, which is why those at the Fifth Stage are not directly sent to the finals.


    This is a rule set by Dongfang Ji.


    Whenever huge rewards are involved, if protection is possible, there''s a possibility of behind-the-scenes maniption.


    An open tournament aims to avoid unfairness as much as possible.


    Just like the college entrance exam, unless granted a special exemption by the Star Master, everyone must pass the exam to enter various levels of Martial Arts Universities. Read exclusive content at §Þ??


    Secondly, it is to temper and make many top talentspete against each other.


    The confrontation of talents is not only a stimulus for them but also for countless ordinary spectators.


    Therefore, often during the melee phase.


    Once a Star Realm battlefield has several Fifth Stage elites, it mostly leads to battles among those at the Fifth Stage.


    This kind of highly-watched showdown and private sparring provides apletely different form of mental tempering for the contestants.


    ...


    Time passed, and the battlefield area began to shrink further.


    From a diameter of 50 kilometers, it gradually reduced to 30 kilometers.


    The surviving contestants, many of them, began another round ofrge-scale fighting as they collided with each other in motion.


    ...


    When the time reached 11:25 PM, at the Spectator tform belonging to Starry Sky University.


    Whoosh! A figure in a fiery red robe appeared out of nowhere.


    "Yue Yue sister."


    A crisp voice sounded next to her, it was Wu Dongdong, who couldn''t help but say, "You''re really unlucky; you just ran into Yin Man. Otherwise, you would have had a good chance of making it into the top hundred."


    The fiery red-robed figure was none other than Lin Lanyue, who also participated in the tournament along with Wu Dongdong.


    Before the tournament, Lin Lanyue had evenmunicated with Li Yuan a couple of times.


    "It doesn''t make much difference," Lin Lanyue said with a light smile, "With my current skills barely into the Fourth Level high rank, even with good luck, I would have just barely broken into the top hundred... In the elimination matches, I was destined to be eliminated."


    "Hmm," Wu Dongdong nodded slightly.


    In a melee, some luck is involved... but in the elimination round, with 990 people fighting for only ten final spots, each person must go through at least eight rounds of battle, leaving almost no factor of luck.


    "How about the others?" Lin Lanyue smiled.


    "I know who you want to see," Wu Dongdong said with a smile, "Your brother was eliminated much faster than I, and as for Li Yuan... his strength is even more terrifying than during the neer battle of the ten schools, and he''s now a Fifth Stage elite, probably no weaker than Dantai Feng."


    "Has he reached Unity of Heaven and Man at the Fifth Stage?" Lin Lanyue''s eyes lit up.


    She could only see Li Yuan''s score soaring on the leaderboard while on the battlefield, unable to see the specific details of the battles.


    Before this, despite her multiplemunications with Li Yuan, she was not aware that he had reached Unity of Heaven and Man.


    "Wow, sister, look quickly," Wu Dongdong suddenly pointed at a huge screen rapidly erging above the tournament space, "Dantai Feng, he''s run into Nevsky from Ross Country."


    "The two are going to fight," Wu Dongdong said excitedly, "I wonder if Dantai Feng can win."


    "Dantai Feng? Nevsky?" Lin Lanyue couldn''t help but raise her head to look.


    ...


    At that moment, it wasn''t just Wu Dongdong and Lin Lanyue.


    In the entire tournament space, almost all the spectators couldn''t help but turn their attention to the rapidly erging screen.


    And the two elites who were already engaged in fierce battle.


    Dantai Feng, the king of the preliminaries, an unparalleled genius of Xia Country in his freshman year, even with Li Yuan''s rise had still notpletely shaken his position, most people still considered Dantai Feng stronger.


    After all, the title of the king of the preliminaries was significant.


    And Dantai Feng had once defeated Li Yuan.


    His opponent, Nevsky, as the ''strongest elite'' emerging from Ross Country in this tournament, was also extremely formidable, recognized as the number one talent of Ross Country, also a Fifth Stage elite.


    This battle, a sh at the Fifth Stage.


    Them being respectively the first and second in points in the battlefields of the Tenth Star Realm.


    Such a duel, in terms of attention and anticipation, was even beyond the battle between Harmon and Jin Huguo.


    ...On an ice field in the Tenth Star Realm battlefield.


    "Dantai Feng," Nevsky held a Battle Axe, his swings causing Dantai Feng to retreat repeatedly.


    His hair was messy, and he stood over two meters and twenty centimeters tall, burly and robust, and though he was just a young man in his early twenties, he gave off the impression of a man in his thirties or forties.


    "Nevsky, leave me some face," Dantai Feng growled in a low voice, "There must be millions of people watching us fight."


    Boom! Boom! Boom!


    The two exchanged blows like lightning, with Dantai Feng''s sword and shield working in tandem, time and again blocking Nevsky''s battle axe chops.


    The axe was too heavy.


    Chop, more ferocious than the sword!


    Blocking, as solid as a shield.


    The weakness of the axe was its slowness, but at this moment, the axe in Nevsky''s hands was even faster than Dantai Feng''s sword,pletely suppressing him.


    "Whether a million people are watching or ten million," Nevsky said with a chuckle, "if you can defeat me, you will shine brilliantly."


    "Bring out all your strength, beat me."


    "Otherwise, you are about to lose," Nevsky said, hisposure unmatched.


    "Damn it!"


    "I''m going all out." A trace of madness shed in Dantai Feng''s eyes; he liked to show off in front of others, but deep down, he was also a bit mad.


    Boom!


    All of a sudden, Dantai Feng burst forth, casting aside his shield. His body almost appeared distorted as his speed surged eerily and he lunged at Nevsky with murderous intent.


    Swoosh! Swoosh! Sword light surged like a tide, swift as lightning.


    "ng!"


    "ng!" "ng!" A hint of seriousness swept over Nevsky''s face as he hurriedly swung his battle axe like a colossal shield to block.


    But Dantai Feng, now going all out, focused entirely on his sword, was utterly insane.


    "Faster! Faster! Even faster!" Dantai Feng murmured, pushing his vigor to the extreme.


    Hisbat saber viciously chopped down.


    Each strike was quicker than thest.


    The terrifying sword lights nearly engulfed Nevsky, almost reversing the tide of the battle.


    In that moment, Dantai Feng felt his spirit reaching a new pinnacle.


    "Kill!" Nevsky bellowed, finally catching a slight w in the transition of Dantai Feng''s sword technique. Blocking one strike with his battle axe, he suddenly reversed the weapon.


    And chopped fiercely!


    Swoosh!


    This sudden strike caused Nevsky''s presence and aura to skyrocket, resembling a War God splitting mountains and rivers, his howl sending Dantai Feng flying backwards.


    Boom! Nevsky pressed the attack, his figure flickering to keep up, and struck down with another vicious axe blow.


    "ng!"


    Dantai Feng met the axe with his sword, barely blocking it, but was sent flying once more.


    "ng!" "ng!" "ng!" Nine consecutive strikes, each a horrid collision.


    Having thrown away his shield, Dantai Feng could no longer hold out.


    Apanying the final terrifying axe light, he was chopped down.


    "Fifth Stage Intermediate Rank, it''s Intermediate Rank!" Dantai Feng stared at the axe descending furiously, roaring in his heart.


    Spurt~


    The axe passed through!


    Dantai Feng died in battle, his blood staining the icy ins red, bringing silence back to the expanse.


    "He''s quite formidable," thought the burly man, Nevsky to himself. "I wanted to save my burst for the final round, against Yin Man or Harmon. I didn''t expect a freshman to push me so hard that I had to unleash ''Thousand Axe Combo,'' which I had only recently mastered. One must never underestimate anyone."


    After calming his inner turmoil, Nevsky continued across the ice in.


    ...


    When Nevsky unleashed his power, he disyed terrifying strength that made countless spectators tremble.


    "Dantai Feng lost?"


    "Nevsky is too powerful."


    "Why do I feel like Nevsky is stronger than Yin Man, Li Yuan, Harmon, and all of them?" a chorus of discussions filled thepetition space.


    In contrast to the brutal battle between Harmon and Jin Huguo,


    Dantai Feng, despite disying amazing strength, lost decisively in a head-on onught from Nevsky.


    ...


    The battleground of the Seventh Star Realm.


    "Senior Brother Jin lost before, and now Dantai Feng has lost too?" Li Yuan nced at his smart ring; although he couldn''t see the details of the duel,


    normunicate with the outside world,


    he could tell who won based on the dramatic changes in points between Dantai Feng and Nevsky.


    "Hoffman, where are you?" Li Yuan walked through mountain gorges, searching for traces of the other.


    Along the way, any Star Realm Creatures or participants he encountered, he pursued and killed, sweeping all before him.


    Li Yuan''s points kept climbing.

 Chapter 276: Chapter 213: Clash of the Titans! The Strongest on the Battlefield! (Extra 17)

    Time passed, and it came to 11:30 PM.


    In each Star Realm''s battle zone, the area had gradually shrunken to the smallest range, that is, a maximum diameter of 10 kilometers, with thebat range only one percent of the original.


    The entire melee had entered its final climax, with repeated bursts of intense fighting.


    In fact, on each battlefield now, there were mostly fewer than a thousand people alive, either being extremely powerful masters, such as those with Subtlety in their minds.


    Or even¡ªFifth Stage masters.


    Or, it was some of the low-key participants with weak abilities and low rankings, who managed to survive to thest phase through cautious tactics.


    In such a real battle, ying it safe wasn''t necessarily wrong.


    One might be able to catch others off-guard, kill some injured masters by luck, and even make it into the top hundred of the battlefield.


    Simrly, it was also up to the top geniuses themselves to choose whether to risk fighting life-and-death battles with other super masters for a shot at first ce in the battlefield.


    Or to y it safe until the end andpete for one of the ten additional spots in the elimination rounds.


    In the eyes of the higher-ups of the civilizations, such apetition schedule seemed not entirely fair, but the different oues resulting from each participant''s autonomous choices were also a challenge for their spirits.


    Without a doubt, some of the most top-tier geniuses remained overwhelmingly strong.


    Quickly, another Fifth Stage masters'' duel erupted.


    "Zhu Tong is fighting Kunale, Kunale is the number one genius of Tianzhu Country, and Zhu Tong is also renowned, both of them being juniors at Starfire University."


    "They are ssmates, but alsopetitors."


    "The fight is so fierce."


    "Not good!"


    "He lost; Zhu Tong actually lost, Kunale''s hammer technique is really sophisticated."


    "Haha, Kunale is really impressive, managing to defeat Xia Country''s Fifth Stage master." Cheers erupted from the nearly one million spectators of Tianzhu Country on the Spectator tform, filled with excitement.


    Correspondingly, the atmosphere among the millions of Xia Country''s spectators was much more subdued.


    Many spectators were displeased.


    In an extremely short period, five duels between Fifth Stage masters had broken out across the top ten Star Realms'' battlefields, with three involving Xia Country''s geniuses, all of whom lost.


    Jin Huguo, Dantai Feng, Zhu Tong, all sessively lost their Fifth Stage duels.


    "Three consecutive top-level confrontations, and we haven''t won a single one?" Many Xia Country spectators felt frustrated.


    "Are we going to lose the championship this time?"


    "Think about it from another angle; Dantai Feng is just a freshman and being able topete with the top third-year students from other countries is already quite an achievement."


    "Xia Country has the most Fifth Stage masters."


    "Look at United States, Ross Country, Tianzhu Country, so far, they have only revealed two Fifth Stage masters."


    "What about us? Plus Li Yuan, Yin Man, and Yu Mingwei, who still haven''t shown their full potential, there are a total of six Fifth Stage masters, which is one-third of the total." Many Xia Country spectators were whispering to each other, harboring some discontent in their hearts.


    "We are, after all, Blue Star''s strongest nation, isn''t one-third our due share?"


    "There haven''t been any new Fifth Stage masters popping up in Yin Man''s Star Realm, so a Fifth Stage battle probably won''t break out."


    "Li Yuan and Yu Mingwei, both, might engage in fierce battles with other Fifth Stage masters." As time went on, the spectators'' expectations began to shift, bing more stable.


    They wished to witness the shes of top masters even more.


    Just like the spectators from Xia Country, almost all of them were closely following Li Yuan and Yu Mingwei.


    Other countries'' spectators did the same, and without realizing it, the number following Li Yuan had already surpassed three million.


    ...


    "Senior Brother Teng Qing lost and died directly in battle."


    "Senior Sister Guan Shuyun didn''t die, but she was also injured in this melee. Her Points are gradually falling out of the top ten, but stabilizing within the top hundred shouldn''t be a problem." In Kunlun Martial University''s student spectating area, everyone was discussing.


    Following the elimination of one genius after another from Kunlun Martial University.


    Li Yuan, without anyone noticing, became the brightest surviving genius from Kunlun Martial University in the melee, and the only one still in the top ten of the battlefield.


    Suddenly.


    "They''ve encountered each other! Li Yuan and Hoffman have met; the big battle is about to start."


    "Both parties have already spotted each other." Arge number of Kunlun Martial University students noticed this scene, their hearts racing.


    Another battle between Fifth Stage fighters was about to erupt.


    One of them, was Kunlun Martial University''s brightest talent in decades, ''Li Yuan''.


    "Senior Brother Jin, who do you think will win?" someone asked impatiently.


    "Win?" Jin Huguo had returned to the Spectator tform, and he gazed at the two figures on the huge screen in the sky: "Hoffman has a renowned reputation, second only to Harmon in United States, and having broken through early, should be stronger than Li Yuan, given that Li Yuan''s breakthrough didn''t exceed three months...


    but Li Yuan is best known for creating miracles, perhaps, he can create another one this time."


    ...


    "Dazhuang, who do you think will win?" Dantai Feng also sat in the spectators'' seats, watching the two about to sh. Your journey continues at §Þ??


    "I hope Li Yuan wins," Tian Dazhuang said logically, "but bymon sense, Hoffman should be stronger."


    "Hoffman is as good as dead," Dantai Feng said with augh.


    "Why?" Tian Dazhuang was puzzled; he was unaware that Li Yuan had been confirmed for the Second ss Martial God Inheritance quota.


    "Because Li Yuan previously lost to me," Dantai Feng stated matter-of-factly, "So, as long as Li Yuan beats Hoffman, it''s as if I defeated Hoffman."


    "That''s why Hoffman is as good as dead," Dantai Feng concluded with an air of certainty.


    "Come on, what kind of logic is that."


    ...


    "They''ve encountered each other, both parties are getting closer; this will be Xia Country''s fourth Fifth Stage duel in the melee."

 Chapter 277: Chapter 213: Clash of the Titans! The Strongest on the Battlefield! (Extra 17)_2

    ```


    "Can he win?"


    "Li Yuan has been showing strong strength; he swept through other experts with ease before."


    "Last time, Li Yuan lost to Dantai Feng in the ten schools'' new student battles, and since Dantai Feng has already died in battle... I always feel it''s a bit uncertain, Yin Man is still the most reliable." Spectators from Xia Country all looked up at the huge screen, their confidence somewhatcking.


    No way around it, Li Yuan''s fame wasn''t big enough before, and he was so young.


    ...


    "Hoffman should be able to win."


    "Hoffman has broken through a long time ago, Li Yuan only reached subtlety of the mind three months ago, he probably just stepped into the Fifth Stage, he''s already quite monstrous."


    "Li Yuan has a very small chance of winning." This is themon thought among the vast majority of global participants.


    "Li Yuan against other Fourth Level participants, naturally, he wins easily, but facing the powerful Hoffman, he will definitely lose."


    "Hoffman can match Harmon, and since Harmon defeated Jin Huguo, Hoffman can defeat Li Yuan," audiences from the United States and Europa were fervent.


    Previously, Harmon defeated Jin Huguo.


    Now, naturally, they hope Hoffman can continue this victor!


    ...


    In a higher Spectator Space.


    "Li Yuan is about to face Hoffman."


    "This is Li Yuan''s first battle against a Fifth Stage." Over a hundred thousand Prime Warriors are fixated on this battle.


    Dozens of Flying Heaven Warriors are also paying close attention, wanting to understand why the Star Master pays so much attention to Li Yuan.


    Perhaps the answer can be found in this Fifth Stage battle.


    ...


    The outside world was watching with bated breath.


    But in the Seventh Star Realm battlefield, Li Yuan and Hoffman were obviously not so conscious of it.


    Although they encountered each other early, they still stood a hundred meters apart, observing each other, trying to catch a glimpse of the other''s weaknesses.


    A Fifth Stage duel is naturally cautious.


    "Li Yuan, I didn''t expect my first Fifth Stage opponent would be you," Hoffman said with a smile, "It seems you haven''t been a Fifth Stage for long, you won''t be my match."


    "Is being older something to be proud of? If I were your age, I would''ve gone to Feixing already, I wouldn''t even participate in the Blue Star Competition." Li Yuan shrugged, nonchntly.


    Hoffman''s face changed slightly.


    The global college martial artspetition, colloquially known as the ''Blue Star Competition,'' is limited to within Blue Star.


    In fact, once selected for the Martial God Inheritance, they would no longer participate in the Blue Star Competition, mostly only joining the human martial path elite battles, which are contests between top talents from multiple editions across the Seven Greats.


    "Hmph, then let me see just how strong you, the Xia Country genius, are," Hoffman said with a cold look, "Hope you don''t disappoint me."


    "That''s what I should be saying to you," Li Yuan smiled, "After all, I am the first on the battlefield, you are only the second."


    "Hope you''re not too weak," Li Yuan said calmly.


    Hoffman was about to continue talking.


    "Stop the nonsense." Li Yuan suddenly shouted, turning into a streak of light as he charged over.


    Li Yuan''s speed instantly elerated to nearly 80 meters per second.


    A full-force burst.


    "So fast." Hoffman''s face turned serious, they both hadparable Physical Quality, and the differences in power and speed they could unleash was entirely due to their stages.


    The higher the stage, the stronger the extraction of body strength.


    After the Fifth Stage Skill, the body gradually merges with the heaven and earth, the strength seems no stronger, but the air resistance encountered sharply reduces, hence the demonstrated speed also bes more exaggerated.


    "Shoo~"


    The Long Spear became like a dragon, Li Yuan charged explosively, a Straight Thrust shot out like lightning.


    A Central Thrust! The simplest Spear Technique, yet it contained the most terrifying power.


    Simplicity is the ultimate strength.


    "Whish!" Hoffman instantly brought out his knife, its light incredibly fast, suddenly touching the tip of the Long Spear, a terrifying power burst from the de, making the spear tip deviate instantly.


    "Huff!"


    As if anticipating, Li Yuan''s Long Spear trembled at the moment it moved, creating a sky full of spear shadows and stabbing downward as he followed through, while Hoffman immediately retreated backward with a ghost-like speed.


    "Boom!" Li Yuan pressed forward, his Long Spear howling, chasing and thrusting rapidly.


    A terrifying force erupted, causing rocks along the path to shatter and even the ground cracked open.


    "ng! ng!"


    "Boom! Boom, boom!" Sessive terrifying confrontations, Li Yuanpletely dominated, his Long Spear swirling like rolling stars crushing down, whether thrusting straight, furiously shing, or sweeping,pletely overwhelming Hoffman.


    For a time, their fierce battle was incredibly intense.


    "So fierce,"


    "His spear ispletely different from other Spear Technique experts I have seen, rolling in overwhelmingyers, truly dominating, not at all like someone who just entered the Fifth Stage." Hoffman struggled to defend.


    He had to admit, just after a few dozen exchanges, in head-on shes, he was already being pressed down by Li Yuan.


    Li Yuan''s Spear was very dominating.


    ...


    "Wow! Li Yuan is so dominant."


    "I need to change my attitude, this year''s freshman, the most dazzling isn''t Dantai Feng, it''s Li Yuan!!"


    "Hoffman has a reputation, yet he''s being pressed down to fight by Li Yuan? Truly frightening."


    "Li Yuan''s Spear Technique is fierce, is this his true strength? I like it!" Over a million Xia Country spectators were incredibly excited, many couldn''t help but stand up.


    "What a dominating Spear Technique, the Meaning of the Ster! Truly, the spear as stars." Jin Huguo''s eyes shone: "Junior Brother Li Yuan''s strength, indeed, is stronger than mine."


    ... "Haha, I said Hoffman was no match for Li Yuan," Dantai Feng said indifferently, "It''s just a bit of a pity."


    "A pity what?" Tian Dazhuang was taken by surprise.


    "It''s such a momentous asion, and yet it wasn''t me making it happen," Dantai Feng expressed his regret.


    ...


    "Why is Hoffman so weak?"


    "Or is it that Li Yuan is too strong?" Spectators from the United States felt ufortable and more worried.


    ```

 Chapter 278: Chapter 213: Clash of the Titans! The Strongest on the Battlefield! (Extra 17)_3

    Hoffman talked a big game, so why is he not delivering?


    ...


    "Relying only on a saber, I can''t defeat him; my momentum is dwindling," Hoffman said, his gaze ice-cold.


    In a sh between experts, momentum is incredibly important, and sometimes it''s all about pressing the advantage.


    That''s what they mean by overpowering an opponent with momentum.


    "The way this is going, I will undoubtedly lose."


    "I have no choice but to burst out," Hoffman''s eyes shed with ferocity," I had nned to save this for the finals, but I''ll use you for practice."


    He hadn''t taken Li Yuan very seriously before, thinking that Li Yuan had just broken through to the Fifth Stage not long ago and could be easily defeated.


    After all, for martial path geniuses like them, even with astoundingprehension, being able to break through from the Initial Rank to the Intermediate Rank within a year of reaching the Fifth Stage was already impressive.


    And what of someone who had just broken through to the Fifth Stage?


    But with Li Yuan going all out, his strength surpassed Hoffman''s expectations, feeling no weaker than Harmon, and perhaps even more ferocious and violent.


    Whoosh!


    Hoffman leaped high into the air once again, and then thebat saber in his hand suddenly flew out, shooting towards Li Yuan like a massive concealed weapon at a speed close to the speed of sound.


    "ng!" Li Yuan''s long spear vibrated and deflected the flying saber to one side.


    A hint of confusion flickered through Li Yuan''s mind.


    What was Hoffman doing? He threw away his weapon?


    "Haha, Li Yuan, very good." As Hoffman stepped back, he drew two curved sabers from behind his back, smaller and more agile than before.


    Hended on a huge boulder.


    "I had nned to save this for the finals, but your strength is worth my full effort," Hoffman''s eyes shone brightly, "I will use my greatest strength to defeat you."


    Boom!


    Hoffman shot forward like lightning, approaching Li Yuan in a gust of wind, with two silver lights whistling towards him.


    "ng!" "ng!"


    "ng!" Li Yuan countered attack with attack, his long spear shifting agilely, blocking each curved saber strike in a sh of lightning.


    The sword technique was continuous and astonishingly fast.


    If Hoffman''s single saber had simply been fierce before, then his current pair of curved sabers...each individually was not as intimidating as the single saber, but inbination, their power multiplied exponentially.


    And his movement technique had significantly changed, bing more agile and unpredictable,pletely surpassing Li Yuan''s.


    "Such a ghostly movement technique."


    "Such fast twin curved sabers, this is definitely his preferred way of fighting," Li Yuan felt incredibly pressured, as he waspletely dominated for the moment.


    A Fifth Stage expert could quickly adapt to any weapon and reach the Fifth Stage standard, hence they didn''t have any clear weaknesses.


    But that''s just it¡ªthey had no weaknesses.


    Each Fifth Stage expert had their strongest points and weapons of choice... When using these weapons, they could unleash their full potential, increasing the synergy of their moves with the world and making their power even more terrifying.


    And Hoffman was doing just that.


    In this head-to-head battle, Li Yuan waspletely overwhelmed; his spear was longer, but his speed was much slowerpared to Hoffman.


    "ng!"


    One curved saber hooked the long spear as his ghostly figure closed in, the other curved saber whooshing, trying to sweep past Li Yuan''s neck.


    Boom!


    Li Yuan retreated rapidly like lightning, pulling back with his spear, but the curved saber still grazed his shoulder.


    "Rip~" It left a shocking gash, blood spattering.


    With a thought, Li Yuan''s muscles tightened, immediately stopping the flow of blood.


    "Li Yuan, just give up," Hoffman''s eyes were filled with excitement," You can''t withstand my attacks."


    "Really?" Despite his injury, Li Yuan showed no panic, his fighting spirit sky-high, his eyes brimming with excitement," Before the tournament, I had always wondered if anyone could force me to reveal my strongest state. Hoffman, you''re the first."


    "It''s really great."


    "The purpose of the tournament is to converse with the powerful and refine oneself," Li Yuan said with a grin, his long spear at an angle," Come on, attack again, let me test your attacks once more."


    "ying tricks." Hoffman snorted coldly, obviously unfazed by Li Yuan''s words.


    Boom!


    Separated by only a few dozen meters, Hoffman shot forward in less than a second, bearing down on Li Yuan with a roar.


    Two dazzling arcs of saber light sliced through the vast sky.


    "ng!" "ng!" The spear light blossomed, whooshing forward, easily blocking the two saber lights'' assault.


    "Ha!" Hoffman roared, his form twisting as the saber light became blurred, his whole being seeming to meld into the world itself, his curved sabers shing at Li Yuan with full force.


    "Boom!"


    "Boom! ng!" With each collision, the situationpletely changed, but regardless of how furiously Hoffman attacked, Li Yuan''s body erupted with dazzling spear light.


    The spear light shone like stars, blocking Hoffman''s strikes time after time, unmovable as a mountain.


    Impregnable.


    "How can his defense suddenly be this strong?" Hoffman could hardly believe it; he had attacked with all his might, yet he couldn''t shake Li Yuan.


    Of course, with Li Yuan focusing entirely on defense and changing his spear technique radically, he also couldn''t pose a threat to Hoffman.


    ...


    "It''s so exciting."


    "This battle is far fiercer than any of the previous Fifth Stage battles," remarked millions of spectators in the tournament space, holding their breath.


    At first, when both sides exchanged blows, Li Yuan had the upper hand; then, as Hoffman burst forth, Li Yuan was pushed into a disadvantage.


    Eventually, Li Yuan finally revealed his strongest defensive stance, effortlessly parrying Hoffman''s offense.


    However, it seemed that Li Yuan could only defend and had difficulty innding a killing strike on Hoffman.


    ...


    "Li Yuan''s realm seems to be higher."


    "Yes, toprehend the Meaning of the Ster to such a degree and be just a step away from the Intermediate Rank of the Fifth Stage, Li Yuan is stronger than Dantai Feng, Jin Huguo, and Harmon. Impressive."

 Chapter 279 : 213: Clash of the Titans! The Strongest on the Battlefield! (Extra 17)_4

    "Li Yuan is good at defense."


    "If it were a tournament with a need to determine a winner, then Hoffman would undoubtedly lose... But this is a melee battle, while Li Yuan can easily defend, he can''t force Hoffman into a fight to the death," observed those Flying Heaven Warriors in the higher-level Spectator Space easily identifying this fact.


    Their realms were too high, at least at the Fifth Stage Perfection skill level.


    They could tell that Li Yuan''s realm was somewhat superior, but his strengthy in defense, without a fundamental difference from Hoffman.


    "This battle looks like it''s going to end in a draw," Dean Xu murmured quietly.


    "That''s enough," Li Yang was extremely satisfied, smiling and saying, "How long has Li Yuan just stepped into the Fifth Stage? In less than two months, he''s already reached the limit of the Initial Rank of the Fifth Stage."


    "With such strong defense, he can already aim for the top ten, or even top five," Li Yang''s eyes shone brightly.


    The power Li Yuan revealed was stronger than he had expected.


    "Hmm, strong defense gives a significant advantage during the final tournament battles," Dean Xu couldn''t help but nod in agreement.


    ...


    In the continuous mountain forests of the Seventh Star Realm battlefield.


    Boom! Boom! Li Yuan and Hoffman were still fighting fiercely.


    The terrifying aftershocks of their battle resonated for several kilometers around, even attracting other still-alive contestants on the battlefield, but upon seeing thebatants, no one dared to approach.


    They all stayed at least seven or eight hundred meters away to watch the battle.


    "Whoosh whoosh whoosh!" Hoffman''s Sword Technique flowed like water, tilting onto Li Yuan''s Spear Technique defense circle time after time, but each time it was in vain.


    Yet, he continued his fierce attacks.


    Meanwhile, Li Yuan was fully defending, interpreting the core mystery of the Ster Spear Technique, ''Ster Illumination,'' to its utmost extent.


    As if he were a star himself!


    He stood unshakable on the earth.


    Gradually, Li Yuan felt a strange fluctuation.


    "Ster Illumination, Illumination!"


    "The Meaning of the Ster, like faint rays of light that blossom, when the glow congregates, it''s like the stars." Li Yuan executed his Spear Technique time after time, shing madly with Hoffman,


    and such a fierce battle with a high-level opponent of the same rank was something Li Yuan hadn''t experienced in a long time.


    Hoffman''s Sword Technique provoked thought after thought about past practices of Li Yuan''s Spear Technique.


    "Starlight!"


    "Brightness!" Li Yuan finally caught the fleeting inspiration in his heart, fully understanding the key to the thirdyer of the ''Meaning of the Ster'': ''Gctic Convergence.''


    Suddenly,


    "Boom!" The Long Spear in Li Yuan''s hand suddenly transformed, the Spear Light flickered, bing even more dazzling, like streaks of gxies crossing the sky, from one wisp of starlight to the next.


    The Meaning of the Ster¡ªGxy!


    Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!


    The terrible Spear Technique burst forth, one thrust after another, like a reversing gxy, with boundless might, instantly switching from defense to offense, fiercely assaulting Hoffman.


    "ng!"


    The first sh changed Hoffman''s expression; he could clearly feel that Li Yuan''s Spear Technique had changed, be faster, and contained greater might... This was a clear Transformation.


    Followed by the second thrust, the third, the fourth... The terrifying might within the Spear Techniquepletely crushed him.


    The two were no longer on the same level.


    "Retreat!"


    "Escape!" The thought shed through Hoffman''s mind as he tried to flee far away.


    He had already abandoned the idea of killing Li Yuan.


    Boom!


    But as he retreated, Li Yuan''s Burst Speed was even faster, his figure darting forward, speed soaring past 80 meters per second, as the Long Spear whooshed in for another Straight Thrust.


    ng! ng! ng! ng! After several lightning-fast collisions,


    "Rip!" A thrust passed by, Hoffman''s arm was blown off, blood sttered.


    Whoosh~


    Another thrust came like lightning.


    "Pfft!"


    The spear tip directly passed through Hoffman''s neck, gone in a sh before blood even had time to flow.


    Phew!


    Li Yuan had already darted dozens of meters away, stopping briefly before directly heading into the distance.


    The oue was decided!


    Meanwhile, Hoffman tried to grasp his own neck, but blood spilled, his mouth opened, but no sound came out.


    ng~ ng~ Thest knife fell to the ground.


    Thump~


    Hoffman''s body fell heavily to the ground!


    This battle ended with Li Yuan''s victory, and also announced the birth of the strongest in the Seventh Star Realm.


    ...


    "A spear as grand as the gxy!"


    "This! This is unbelievable!"


    "He''s just a freshman, right? And probably only eighteen and a half years old? His Spear Technique has already reached this level?"


    "Intermediate Rank of the Fifth Stage!! A freshman has achieved this level?" Dozens of Flying Heaven Warriors and thousands of Top Grade Origin Martial Artists from around the globe in that higher-level Spectator Space were astonished.

 Chapter 280 : 214: The Schools Expectations (Extra 18)

    If the initial sh between Li Yuan and Hoffman only made these Flying Heaven Warriors and Top Grade Origin Martial Artists raise their eyebrows without too much surprise,


    then when they saw Li Yuan unleash the ''Milky Way Convergence'' True Intent of Spear Technique and easily defeat Hoffman,


    including dozens of Flying Heaven Warriors, everyone in this higher-tier Spectator Space was amazed and even shocked.


    Technique advancement bes increasingly difficult the further one progresses.


    Yin Man, Harmon, Hoffman, Jin Huguo, Kunale, and others who could be considered top geniuses of Blue Star¡ªordinarily, Blue Star would produce only ten to twenty such geniuses a year.


    Most of them only need a little over a year to advance from intial entry into the Fourth Level to achieving Subtlety in the spirit.


    And from spiritual Subtlety to the Initial Rank of the Fifth Stage?


    With their higher Physical Quality and average spiritual power reaching above level 20, most of them also require over a year.


    How about progressing from the Initial Rank of the Fifth Stage to breaking through to the Intermediate Rank? The pace would be even slower.


    After all, Initial Rank Fifth Stage techniques are already sufficient to establish one as a Top Grade Origin Martial Artist.


    Then moving on to the Fifth Stage High Rank, Fifth Stage Perfection... each step forward, the difficulty increases exponentially.


    Under normal circumstances, for these top geniuses of Blue Star, being able to reach Fifth Stage Perfect Skill within the next ten years (before the age of 30), the baseline for bing a Flying Heaven Warrior... would be considered a great sess.


    Even many will be stuck at the Fifth Stage High Rank.


    Progressing in skill is not something that can be achieved just by spending time on it.


    Many so-called Martial Path geniuses hit a limit at some point and often find themselves unable to break through the bottleneck, because those bottlenecks are usually their talent bottlenecks as well.


    From the Fifth Stage to the Sixth Stage? It''s as difficult as reaching for the heavens.


    Many Flying Heaven Warriors, as dazzling in their youth as Harmon and the others, achieving Fifth Stage Perfection as Prime Warriors, still could not break through the Sixth Stage techniques even after their transformation into the Flying Heaven Level souls upon entering the Flying Heaven Realm.


    Many Flying Heaven Warriors in human civilization haven''t even reached Sixth Stage technique standards.


    What about Li Yuan? How old is he really?


    "It''s rare enough for Yin Man and Harmon to have reached the Fifth Stage in their sophomore year, with maybe one or two appearing in the Blue Starpetition each year, and some years not even one."


    "Someone like Dantai Feng, we might see emerge from Blue Star only every few years, and that''s quite remarkable."


    "Li Yuan is even more monstrous. He''s younger than Dantai Feng and progressing even faster. It''s been what, just three months since he achieved spiritual Subtlety? That''s too fast."


    "Could he be at the same genius level as Fang Hai?"


    "I feel he''s stronger than Yu Jinghe!"


    "Yu Jinghe''s performance in the Blue Starpetition years ago was only slightly better than Dantai Feng''s, but not by this much."


    "Xia Country, is it about to produce another Star Master?"


    "Be a Star Master? I doubt it!" Many Flying Heaven Warriors could not help but discuss and even argue among themselves.


    In the face of Dantai Feng, they could still maintain a somewhat condescending attitude, quiteposed.


    But Li Yuan? Too monstrous.


    Achieving the Intermediate Rank of the Fifth Stage in his freshman year, since the establishment of the Martial Path entrance exam on Blue Star, there have been very few with such aplishments.


    "No wonder the Star Master came to watch Li Yuan."


    "The Star Master indeed has foresight." Many Flying Heaven Warriors couldn''t help but look towards the figure in ck.


    Suddenly.


    Buzz~ The mysterious figure in ck sitting in the seat vanished into thin air.


    Clearly, he had seen what he wanted to in this melee.


    "Heh heh."


    "Gentlemen." Dean Hai smiled faintly: "He is a student I have taught."


    "Old Hai, you''ve hit the jackpot!"


    "What dumb luck."


    "I have to go back and check why we at Starry Sky University didn''t recruit him." the other Flying Heaven Warriors couldn''t help but tease.


    They were the backbone of humanity''s defense, and although they nominally belonged to different countries and powers, most had good rtions with each other, many even being close as life-and-deathrades.


    These Flying Heaven Warriors were well aware that, when facing Alien Civilizations, they had only onebel on them¡ªhumans of the Seven Stars Civilization.


    ...


    "Real dog luck."


    Li Yang, listening to Dean Hai boast, couldn''t help but mutter under his breath, "His teaching? What did he teach? Wasn''t it us who toiled in sparring?"


    "He just spends his days fishing by theke." Li Yang kept onining.


    "If you have such a bigint, should I go and report it to Dean Hai?" Dean Xu said with a smile.


    "There''s no need for that, sis." Li Yangughed: "Comints aside, all in jest, I won''t joke about my future."


    Dean Xu shook her head with a smile, understanding Li Yang''s character.


    "Li Yuan''s Spear Technique is indeed terrifying." Dean Xu looked at the screen showing Li Yuan and couldn''t help but remark, "At the Intermediate Rank of the Fifth Stage, even for someone with a Flying Heaven Level soul, this progress is too fast."


    "Indeed, it''s ridiculously fast." Li Yang couldn''t help but add.


    A Flying Heaven Level soul? That''s just an aid.


    The key lies in Li Yuan''s own astonishing Comprehension Transformation.


    "With such speed in progression, I''d believe it if he surpasses us next year." Li Yang said.


    Dean Xu slightly nodded.


    The two of them were both at the Fifth Stage High Rank skill.


    Merely in terms of skill level,pared to the current Li Yuan, they already had no overwhelming advantage.


    "Can he challenge for first ce?" Dean Xu''s eyes held a flicker of light.


    "Hard to say." Li Yang shook his head slightly: "So far, Nevsky of Ross Country has revealed Fifth Stage Intermediate strength...Harmon, Yin Man, a few others, might have broken through, or perhaps not."


    "We can only say, Li Yuan has a good chance," Li Yang said: "After all, there are still ten days until the finals."


    "With Li Yuan''s rate of progress, ten days might be worth several months to the others."


    Both harbored a trace of anticipation.


    The champion of virtualbat?

 Chapter 281: Chapter 214: The Schools Expectations (Additional 18)_2

    Since 2009, the champion of the Global University Martial Path Competition Virtual Battle has always cycled among the top martial arts schools like Starry Sky University, Starfire University, and ck Stone University.


    If Kunlun Martial University could win this year, it would be the first time in the history of the school.


    ...


    In thepetition space, those millions of spectators hadpletely erupted.


    "We won!"


    "Not only did Li Yuan block Hoffman''s attack, but he also counter-killed on the back foot? His spear technique at the end was so powerful."


    "When they were exchanging blows earlier, Hoffman was able to suppress him, and Li Yuan was only defending, but then he suddenly burst through and killed Hoffman."


    "With Hoffman''s strength, even if he couldn''t win, it shouldn''t have been difficult for him to flee, but Li Yuan''s burst speed at the end, the data shows it surpassed 80 meters per second, which is almost close to a regr 18th Stage Martial Artist."


    "Fierce."


    "Hoffman, that''s a Fifth Stage High Rank expert on par with Harmon." Numerous spectators discussed fervently.


    The previous several Fifth Stage battles, although they had determined winners and losers,


    were mostly hard-fought victories.


    The only one that could be mentioned in the same breath as Li Yuan''s fight was Nevsky''s victory over Dantai Feng, where Nevsky also imed a very easy win.


    But after all, Dantai Feng was still a freshman, his reputation might seem big, but in the hearts of mostpetitors, he was not as intimidating as Hoffman.


    Before this, many had pegged ''Hoffman'' as a shoo-in for the top ten, with hopes for the top three or even first ce.


    Yet now, he was easily in by Li Yuan.


    How strong must Li Yuan be?


    ...


    "Junior Brother Li Yuan, there''s hope for you to vie for the first ce," Jin Huguo''s eyes sparkled: "Impressive! Being able to do this as a freshman!"


    Jin Huguo had great admiration for Li Yuan in his heart.


    ...


    "Vie for first ce? Is Li Yuan that strong?" Tian Dazhuang, shocked by Dantai Feng''s words, asked, "Is he even stronger than Senior Sister Yin Man?"


    Yin Man had a very big reputation within Starfire University.


    "Hard to say."


    "Yin Man is quite strong, but she may not have reached the Intermediate Rank of Fifth Stage," Dantai Feng said: "And even if she is at the Intermediate Rank of Fifth Stage, so what?"


    Dantai Feng shrugged: "To go from Intermediate Rank to High Rank of the Fifth Stage normally takes several years, what difference does a few months earlier make?"


    "There are still ten days until the finals, who knows how much Li Yuan will improve by then?" Dantai Feng said.


    Tian Dazhuang nodded in agreement.


    What made Li Yuan most thrilling was his astonishing rate of progress.


    Other people slowed down as they progressed, often hitting a teau.


    But Li Yuan? The further he went, the more exaggerated his progress, the faster his pace and the more dazzling his performance.


    Suddenly.


    "I suddenly hope I don''t get sent to Feixing this year," Dantai Feng sighed.


    "What''s wrong now?" Tian Dazhuang was puzzled.


    "If I don''t go to Feixing this year and Li Yuan does, he won''t be able to participate in the Blue Starpetition next year," Dantai Feng''s eyes gleamed: "While I continue topete."


    "When I win the championship as a sophomore, I''ll probably shine just as brightly."


    Tian Dazhuang was stunned.


    ...


    "Is that Li Yuan?"


    "No wonder he was directly awarded the Second ss Martial God Inheritance spot." The tall Zhu Tong stared at the figure on the screen: "Indeed very strong."


    "Stronger than me!"


    ...


    "You''re leaving now? Isn''t there still ten minutes left?" Wu Dongdong asked, perplexed.


    "It''s pointless."


    "No one in the Seventh Star Realm battlefield can shake Li Yuan''s position now," Lin Lanyue said with a smile: "I should go and see Brother Yuan, prepare for the trip to the Fierce Feather Star Realm."


    "Are you preparing to go now? Isn''t it a bit early?" Wu Dongdong couldn''t help but say.


    "My physical quality has already reached the 15th Stage, meeting the standard," Lin Lanyue said: "The earlier I go, the better."


    "Then, be safe," Wu Dongdong sighed.


    She knew that Lin Lanyue carried great expectations and had a very tough journey ahead.


    ...


    Inside the Seventh Star Realm battlefield.


    Whoosh!


    Having killed Hoffman, Li Yuan did not linger long and swiftly left the wooded area.


    He then found a high mountain, sat down cross-legged on a giant boulder, and ced his long spear beside him.


    This made Li Yuan very conspicuous, after all the battlefield was only so big now.


    But in the past three hours, Li Yuan had been killing frantically; hundreds ofpetitors died by his hands.


    It could be said that thepeting survivors on the battlefield basically all recognized him.


    "Thest ten minutes."


    "There''s no need to continue killing," Li Yuan''s heart gradually calmed down as he silently pondered, "I just didn''t expect that in such a great battle, I would gradually step into the intermediate rank of the Fifth Stage."


    Breaking through during a great battle was verymon.


    In a state of extreme mental excitement, walking on the edge of life and death, a person''s potential could be maximally stimted... Although the effects of virtualbat weren''t as good as realbat, the tension and excitement exceeded that of normal realbat training because it involved spots in thepetition.


    If Li Yuan had trained normally, it might have taken him one or two months to break the bottleneck.


    "Hoffman has a huge reputation and is identified in the intelligence reports as someone who can rush into the top ten," Li Yuan thought to himself, "Judging from our exchange of blows, his skill level should be around 20% of the Fifth Stage."


    "What about me now?" Li Yuan nced at the Divine Pce panel.


    One of the lines read:


    Skill Realm: Spear Technique (Fifth Stage 30%), Movement Technique (Fifth Stage 30%)


    "Is that enough to rush for first ce?" Li Yuan pondered to himself: "In the next ten days, keep practicing the spear, and strive to leave no regrets in the finals."


    On the leaderboard of the Seventh Star Realm battlefield, Li Yuan was already far ahead with the highest points.


    ...Time passed by minute by minute.


    The remaining survivors on the battlefield became increasingly frantic.


    "Stop running and fight me with all your strength, only by winning is there hope of rushing into the top hundred," onepetitor shouted as they chased another, cursing at each other.


    The experts ranked in the top hundred were hunting otherpetitors to secure their positions, while being extremely cautious to avoid being targeted by a surprise attack.


    Those close to the top hundred were desperate, trying to make the most of thest moments.


    However.


    In the Seventh Star Realm battlefield, no one dared to provoke the figure in ck clothes with closed eyes sitting on the huge rock.


    Finally, the time reached midnight.


    Hum~


    An invisible wave swept across, and the consciousnesses of all the survivingpetitors in the ten Star Realms simultaneously left their bodies.


    The meleepetition had ended, and Li Yuan was no different.


    Whoosh!


    Li Yuan was back in thepetition space, looking out over a sea of people, all of them shouting excitedly.


    The melee had concluded, and tomorrow would bring an even more brutal ''elimination round.''


    But none of this mattered to Li Yuan anymore.


    "Congrattions Li Yuan, you ranked first in the Seventh Star Realm battlefield and will directly pass the elimination round to enter the finals," the system prompt sounded in Li Yuan''s ear, "The final twenty to ten will take ce on February 18th at 8:00 PM."


    ...


    "First ce!"


    "Brother Yuan, you''re amazing, first ce in the battlefield!"


    "Senior Brother, making it to the finals as a freshman, this is history for Kunlun Martial University."


    "The finals! Senior Brother, we all look forward to you winning the championship!!" Tens of thousands of Kunlun Martial University students cheered around Li Yuan at that moment.


    Li Yuan watched all this, feeling the excitement of his ssmates and friends, and showed a faint smile.


    With a thought,


    Drip~ Li Yuan directly exited the virtualwork.


    ...Hum~ The virtualwork chamber opened.


    Li Yuan opened his eyes, feeling an immense tranquility around him, the noise from thepetition space seemed like a distant dream.


    But this tranquility was what was real.


    "iming first ce in the battlefield, I''vepleted the first goal of thepetition," Li Yuan''s heart waspletely calm: "It''s time to continue training."


    Li Yuan got up and walked out of the virtualwork chamber.


    "I''ll start with the Visualization Method," Li Yuan went to the center of the Martial Arts Room and gently closed his eyes.


    The work of cultivation required umtions over days and months without a single day of ck.


    ...


    When the meleepetition ended, many students left the virtualwork chamber one after another.


    In a remote and inconspicuous small country in the Africa Continent,


    A regr student was writing a string of seemingly unrted symbols on a piece of white paper.


    But these symbols, if urately tranted into Xianguage,


    "Li Yuan, eighteen years and six months old, intermediate rank Fifth Stage skills."


    "A year and a half ago, he was only at the Third Stage. As for the threat level, it has surpassed that of SSS-ss."


    "Rmendation: initiate all tactics excluding the Flying Heaven Realm Infiltrators to exterminate him!"

 Chapter 282: Chapter 215: Awakening! The Second Star Meridian

    After practicing the Visualization Method for two hours as was his habit, Li Yuan continued to cultivate "All Heavens'' Stars".


    By the time all this ended, it had already reached deep into the night.


    He opened his eyes.


    Li Yuan only felt his mind clear and refreshed, and all the previous fatigue had dissipated, his body brimming with seemingly endless strength.


    "It''s four in the morning again?" Li Yuan nced at his smart ring watch without thinking.


    Four in the morning was the time when Li Yuan finished his daily routine practices.


    In the ten days since he had returned to school,


    Apart from attending general knowledge sses, Li Yuan had almost entirely devoted his time to cultivation.


    Practicing his Spear Technique,bat training, cultivating the Visualization Method and "All Heavens'' Stars", etc.


    Outsiders could only see Li Yuan breaking through and surpassing limits repeatedly.


    But they could scarcely see the effort he put in behind the scenes.


    Indeed, a key reason for Li Yuan''s rapid growth was the Mind Spirit Divine Pce, but if he hadn''t been so insanely diligent ... the Mind Spirit Divine Pce might have done more harm than good, as it was a double-edged sword.


    "Hmm."


    "In just these few hours, quite a number of people have sent me messages," Li Yuan saw on his smart ring watch, having received well over two hundred messages.


    Most were from various ssmates and friends.


    Like Shi Xiao and others, as well as people such as Tian Dazhuang, Dantai Feng, etc.


    And also many messages of congrattions from high school ssmates like Wu Dongdong, Lin Lanyue, Li Tianyou, and others.


    "Hmm, Lanyue?" Li Yuan''s expression became slightly somber as he read the message from Lin Lanyue, "Is she about to head to the Star Realm?"


    The Star Realm was not so easy to traverse, and it seemed she was headed for the Second Level Star Realm.


    Without rushing to reply to Lin Lanyue, Li Yuan continued to quickly browse through the messages.


    Suddenly, Li Yuan paused.


    Because among these congrattory messages, he unexpectedly found ones from Zhou Qi, Yan Zhou, Liu Jing, Fang Longhu, Wan Qinghe, and many others.


    "Something''s not right."


    "Other people congratting me is one thing," Li Yuan privately pondered, "but Senior Liu is stationed at the Mingxu Star Realm base, and then there''s Zhou Qi and Yan Zhou, they attend Cultural University... how did they get the news so quickly? And from the tone of their messages... it seems as though they''ve already decided that I''ll be a Flying Heaven Warrior in the future?"


    Only four hours had passed since the end of the meleepetition.


    Suddenly, a possibility shed through Li Yuan''s mind.


    "Open the projection."


    Having a vague realization of something, Li Yuan directlymanded, "Xiao Yu, immediately conduct a full intelligent search for ''Global Martial Arts Competition virtual match Li Yuan'', searching for official news."


    "Yes, Master," the assistant AI promptly responded.


    With a hum, a huge screen projection condensed, and the assistant AI swiftly searched, arranging the results in order ording to Li Yuan''s previous search habits.


    Top of the list was a short video titled¡ª"Blue Star''s peerless genius ''Li Yuan'', the future surpassing Flying Heaven existence."


    Video producer: Starfire Martial Hall.


    "What?" Li Yuan''s expression shifted slightly.


    What was this video? Li Yuan immediately clicked to watch it.


    ... "He was born into an ordinary family in Jiangbei Province, and his adolescence was quite challenging."


    "His elder aplished great contributions to the nation, receiving the Silver Quality Medal."


    "He, even more so, was a peerless genius selected by Starfire Martial Hall!"


    "Since junior high, he has been continually making progress in Martial Path. In his first year of high school, he quickly rose to be among the top ten in grade for martial arts skills, became number one in his second year, ranked first in the province in the college entrance examination on raw scores, and acquired the title of ''Youth Hero''", a voice-over narrated.


    The video disyed various snippets of Li Yuan''s junior and senior high school cultivation, his honors... many details were blurred out, and the people featured were ambiguous.


    "Now, just half a year into university, he has already made significant contributions, bing a recipient of the Metal Quality Medal."


    "In the Global University Martial Arts Competition, teeming with geniuses, he revealed his peerless edge! Sweeping through many strong opponents! Advancing to the finals!" the narration grew more spirited.


    The scene switched to show clips of Li Yuan defeating numerouspetitors, overpowering martial arts geniuses like Han Haochang and Hoffman... domineering! Assertive!


    "He is our Blue Star''s contemporary peerless genius ''Li Yuan'', his future knows no bounds, and we hope that he lives up to expectations... to soon be a Flying Heaven Warrior, nay, a surpassing Flying Heaven Warrior, bing another towering pir of our human civilization..." The video finally ended.


    Li Yuan was stupefied for a long while, almost embarrassed out of his skin, his face uncontrobly turning red.


    It was simply too exaggerated.


    Who would tter in such a way? Peerless genius?


    "View count... damn, 110 million?" Li Yuan was stunned for a moment, almost unable to believe his own eyes.


    This short promotional video went online at one in the morning, and it had only been online for three hours.


    Could the view count surpass a hundred million so quickly?


    Wasn''t this exaggeration a bit much?


    Li Yuan now understood why he had received so many messages, it was because of this short video? And he could foresee that by tomorrow or the day after, the number of people messaging him would likely be even greater.


    "Strange."


    "Why would the official Starfire Martial Hall produce such a video?" Wondering this, Li Yuan immediately began to look into it.


    He soon discovered.


    Besides his, there was a short video about Dantai Feng as well... no others, like Harmon, Yin Man, Nevsky, and other simrly dazzling geniuses, had no propaganda videos.


    Only he and Dantai Feng had them.


    "Logically, even if they made such a promotional video..." Li Yuan frowned, "it shouldn''t spread and ferment this quickly."


    The Global University Martial Arts Competition indeed had some clout, but since it was apletely closed event, it wouldn''t normally be deliberately publicized. Hence, its notoriety among the general public wasn''t very high... most people only knew that such apetition existed.


    "Very strange," Li Yuan murmured to himself.


    He faintly sensed the scent of conspiracy, as if there was an invisible hand pushing him and Dantai Feng from behind the scenes to the forefront.


    "Forget it."


    "I can''t change it, so I can only ept it." Li Yuan shook his head, not wanting to think any further, then chuckled suddenly, "But Dantai Feng, seeing the video''s view count... will probably jump with joy."


    The two had fundamentally different personalities.


    Li Yuan didn''t mind showing his glory in public, while Dantai Feng sought to do so.


    "I believe the senior executives of Starfire Martial Hall have deep intentions for doing this," Li Yuan muttered to himself.


    Toote to inquire further and not wanting to think too much about it, he decided to ask during the day instead.


    After quickly browsing through all the messages, Li Yuan continued to cultivate his Spear Technique.


    He executed the move "Ster Illumination" again and again.


    In the underground martial arts room, it was unusually quiet.


    The only sound was Li Yuan''s long spear swinging continuously, the terrifying spear light evolving as if it became material. But what was strange was that this terrifying disy of spear technique erupted without the slightest sound.


    "Merge with heaven and earth."


    "My spear merges with heaven and earth," Li Yuan practiced over and over, the simplest moves containing the strongest power.


    His skill in spear technique had just reached the fifth stage Intermediate rank, exactly when hisprehension of heaven and earth had reached a new realm.


    After a long practice session.


    "Something''s not right! No." Li Yuan felt some discontent in his heart, feeling that the underground martial arts room was too confining.


    Whoosh!


    Li Yuan moved swiftly, soon arriving in the vi''s garden outside.


    It was past four in the morning, the sky full of stars, but very cold, with the north wind howling, altogether extremely quiet.


    A bright moon hung in the sky.


    "Cool, the chilly wind," Li Yuan revealed a hint of a smile on his face: "This is exactly the sensation I''m seeking."


    He continued to practice with his spear, following that most instinctive feeling he had during the fierce battle with Hoffman.


    Unknowingly.


    As Li Yuan''s heart gradually quieted, his spear momentum became more and more powerful, and he seemed to merge into the world around him.


    Divine union with heaven and earth!


    The spear united with heaven and earth, using the spear as a guide, the body entering heaven and earth, Li Yuan was attempting to do so step by step following the guidance of "Meaning of the Ster."


    "Ster, the essence lies in stability."


    "The idea of the gxy is also vast; if the spear shadows are like the gxy, they will be unshakable within the vastness of the starry rivers, unaffected by any storm," Li Yuan waspletely immersed.


    Ster Spear Technique, Meaning of the Ster, named after the stars, the core of both is defense.


    Practicing over and over again, the terrifying disy of spear technique also caused the surrounding grass to be rapidly torn apart, but the sound it made was very low.


    "[Your realm in spear technique has increased from 30% of the fifth stage to 31% of the fifth stage]," a prompt from the Divine Pce suddenly shed by.


    But Li Yuan seemed not to notice and continued to cultivate in quietude.


    Only when the sky began to brighten, with a hint of dawn light faintly shining on the earth, did Li Yuan finally stop.


    "Unexpectedly."


    "Once I stepped into the intermediate rank of the fifth stage, a wealth of insights converged, and I thought I had deepened my understanding of the Meaning of the Ster quite a bit, yet I only improved by 1%," Li Yuan said with a hint of a smile on his face: "Let it be, one should not be greedy, cultivation is inherently difficult after entering the intermediate rank of the fifth stage."


    "As long as one continues to steadily progress, that''s enough," Li Yuan thought to himself.


    "Dawn is breaking."


    "It''s already past six, time to try the Life Star space, then breakfast," Li Yuan turned and walked towards the underground martial arts room.


    ...


    "Life Star space."


    "Awaken the Life Star." Li Yuan gently closed his eyes, his strong spiritual power quickly transported his consciousness into that peculiar space.


    The entire space was much brighter than before, no longer purely dark.


    Aside from the one Perfect Star Vein''s 129,600 Life Stars shining brightly, creating a beautiful ''light line'' in the dim space.


    Looking further, within the endless dim Life Star space, there were faintly many twinkling stars, densely packed.


    "Over this period of time, aside from the first star meridian, I have awakened more than thirteen thousand Life Stars," Li Yuan thought to himself: "It''s just a pity, many Life Stars do not belong to a single Life Star Vein."


    Life Star Veins, consisting of 12,960 to 129,600 Life Stars.


    Only when 12,960 Life Stars belong to a single vein can they gather and form a new Life Star Vein.


    "Branding!" Li Yuan''s heart was tranquil, his mighty spiritual power spread out, sensing the vast and dark starry sky.


    "Sense the natural order of heaven and earth from above."


    "The human body is also a microcosm." Li Yuan felt that his technique, having reached the intermediate rank of the fifth stage, made his spiritual power''s perception of the Life Star space clearer... The higher the technique and the stronger the spiritual power, the more it would help in branding Life Stars.


    Hum~


    Hum~ One by one, the Life Stars were locked by Li Yuan, and then gradually branded with his life''s breath.


    ...


    While Li Yuan continued to quietly cultivate in the martial arts room.


    About ''a thousand meters'' above his vi.


    A flying saucer-shaped aircraft was silently hovering, making no sound.


    In the cabin''s Quiet Cultivation Room, a man in ck was quietly cultivating, surrounded by faint blue light.


    Countless blue lights swirled around him, making him seem like a Divine being.


    Whoosh~ Numerous beams of light converged, forming a giant screen, which disyed a young man in a suit.


    "Star Master, the task has beenpleted," the young man in a suit slightly bowed and said: "Now, over seventy percent of the Flying Heaven Warriors around the world have received the message about Li Yuan and Dantai Feng."


    "Furthermore, under our covert guidance, the names Li Yuan and Dantai Feng have transcended national boundaries, and their short videos are wildly spreading," said the young man in a suit.


    "Hmm."


    "Is Star Lord Bai Shan ready?" the figure in ck asked indifferently: "The n is so meticulous, let there be no idents."


    "Star Lord Bai Shan has already arrived at Starfire University and is covertly observing," the young man in a suit replied earnestly.


    "Good."


    "Let''s see if, under such ongoing stimtion, those Alien Races are willing to take such a big risk," said the figure in ck casually.


    With a wave of his hand, he shut off the screen.


    ...


    Li Yuan, who had been quietly cultivating in the martial arts room, was awakening more and more Life Stars.


    The number of awakened Life Stars continued to rise.


    Suddenly.


    "Hum~" An invisible fluctuation burst forth from Li Yuan''s body instantly, impacting in all directions.


    This aura wasn''t particrly strong, but it was highly condensed, causing the surrounding Origin Power to increase significantly.


    "The second Star Meridian, by my own efforts, has finally begun to awaken," Li Yuan showed a smile.


    His gaze swept over the Divine Pce panel.


    "[You have awakened the second Star Meridian, your Star Meridian Level has improved from level 10 to level 11]"

 Chapter 283: Chapter 216: He Must Be Killed

    ```


    "I''ve worked so hard for so long,"


    "Finally, I have awakened more than 12,960 stars on the second Life Star Vein." A glimmer of light shed through Li Yuan''s eyes, and a smile he couldn''t suppress appeared at the corners of his mouth.


    In fact, Li Yuan had awakened over 15,000 life stars through his own sensation of countless stars.


    Even with strong spiritual power and high-level skills, Li Yuan still failed many times and had to stop midway to rest for a while before he could continue.


    That was with the benefit of the experiences of many human civilization predecessors.


    Thus, Li Yuan could imagine how difficult it must have been for the original Prime Warriors to create theirws centuries ago.


    "On the foundationid by our predecessors, I can easily find manymon life stars," Li Yuan thought to himself, "but they had to grope in the dark... The number of times they failed must have been much higher than mine."


    The original creators had a 99% failure rate in creatingws, no exaggeration.


    "Now, as long as I spend enough time, lighting up the life stars one by one, I will undoubtedly grow step by step," Li Yuan felt confident.


    After thest "Spiritual Guidance," Li Yuan was quite eager to see how many more unawakened ''life stars'' there were in the star space.


    Now, with strong spiritual power and superior skills, time and effort would surely lead to sess.


    "The second Star Meridian has been preliminarily awakened, and its level has been raised by one?" Li Yuan mused, observing the data disyed on the Divine Pce panel.


    ¡ª¡ª


    [Life Level: 19.6 (First Rank)]


    Fist Strength: 62,500 kilograms


    Speed: 109.6 meters per second


    Spiritual Power: Level 30.3


    Willpower: Level 31


    Spiritual Awakening Level: 37.9% (current limit 40%)


    Star Meridian: Level 11 (cultivation efficiency 10 + 0.5)


    Skill Realm: Spear Technique (Fifth Stage 31%), Movement Technique (Fifth Stage 31%), Fist Technique (Perfection)


    ...


    The first Star Meridian was perfectly awakened, with all 129,600 life stars without ws, hence a level 10 Star Meridian.


    The second Star Meridian''s initial awakening raised it by one level.


    "Does that mean, for every additional 12,960 life stars awakened on a Star Meridian, it can be raised by one level?" Li Yuan spected.


    This was Li Yuan''s conjecture, and urate conclusions still required more examples.


    "But what does the cultivation efficiency of 10 + 0.5 disyed after the Star Meridian mean?" Li Yuan thought, "A total cultivation efficiency of 10.5?"


    How was that calcted?


    After a little thought, Li Yuan came up with a possibility, but it too needed to be verified.


    "Let''s try."


    Li Yuan gently closed his eyes and activated the two Star Meridians with a thought. Instantaneously, countless tiny sparkles of light bloomed inside his body, converging to form fments... in the past, only one fment formed, but now two were forming.


    One was dazzling, with dense points of light.


    The other was rather dim.


    Origin Power surged tumultuously from the outside world along the two fments into Li Yuan''s body, following the cirction of the Star Meridians, attempting to further strengthen his flesh and bones... But it was to no avail, as Li Yuan had only recently finished cultivating "All Heavens'' Stars."


    It was as if he had already eaten his fill.


    However, with his strong spiritual power, Li Yuan quickly came to a preliminary conclusion.


    "This additional Star Meridian doesn''t have as great an effect as I imagined; it''s pretty close to what''s shown on the Divine Pce panel. It has increased the efficiency of my Origin Power absorption by about 5%, which is consistent with the disyed ratio of 10 to 0.5," Li Yuan thought.


    Through the Divine Pce panel, Li Yuan had more spections.


    If the highest-level Star Meridian was level 100, representing ten perfect Star Meridians with a cultivation efficiency of 100¡ªan extreme limit¡ª


    then each perfect Star Meridian would have an efficiency of 10.


    And for each Star Meridian that was initially awakened, each increase in level would raise the cultivation efficiency by about 0.5, with progressivelyrger increases as it approached a Perfect Star Meridian.


    "Perhaps, this is the difference between perfection and imperfection," Li Yuan mused, "Perhaps a level 9 Star Meridian could increase the efficiency by 6 or 7, but once it undergoes a transformation to a level 10 Perfect Star Meridian, it would skyrocket to 10."


    All these were Li Yuan''s guesses.


    "Once I further improve the second-awakened Star Meridian, or even awaken the third and fourth ones, many secrets will naturally reveal themselves," Li Yuan pondered.


    Li Yuan did not delve deeper.


    Many things, without precedent in the Seven Stars civilization or exnation from the Divine Pce panel, had to be explored and summed up on one''s own.


    "Strength,"


    "Only by striving to make myself stronger will everything eventually be clear," Li Yuan thought, "Higher cultivation efficiency is never a bad thing."


    ...


    Starting at seven in the morning, as Li Yuan expected, he began to receive more and more messages.


    Many old ssmates who hadn''t been in touch much for the past six months... all sent him messages.


    Even his younger brothers and sisters messaged him, asking if he had won the championship in thepetition.


    He had be a sensation!


    Li Yuan was thoroughly sensationalized, and he checked the views on that short video again, which had exceeded 400 million, surpassing Dantai Feng''s 220 million by a long shot.


    He nced at the time.


    "I should ask Lord Yang of the Province," Li Yuan decided, and dialed the Vmunication number of the other party.


    Among the high-ranking officials of the Starfire Martial Hall at the Flying Heaven level, he only knew Lord Yang, and they had barely interacted before.


    This was also why Li Yuan hadn''t rashly inquired the night before, as he didn''t know who to ask.


    Just over ten secondster, themunication connected.


    "Li Yuan?" A gentle female voice came through themunication.


    "Yes, I''m Li Yuan," Li Yuan responded, "Lord Yang, I''m sorry to disturb you so early, but I wanted to ask... why did the Martial Hall quickly produce a short video of mypetition? Logically, shouldn''t the news have been suppressed?"


    "That matter?" The gentle voice carried a hint of confusion, "I''ve only just learned about it myself... I don''t fully understand the details; it was an order from a higher authority,"


    ```

 Chapter 284: Chapter 216: He Must Be Killed_2

    "I was just about to notify you."


    "Just one thing, don''t leave Kunlun Martial University recently, and in the next few days, asionally go out during the day to take a stroll around the school, like visiting the Heilong Building, the Vermilion Bird Building, and the like," said the gentle female voice. "You don''t need to worry about anything else."


    "Not leave Kunlun Martial University? Go out for a stroll?" Li Yuan thought, a possibility shing through his mind.


    Sometimeter.


    Both parties hung up themunication.


    Li Yuan fell into deep thought. Logically, a genius of his level, like Dantai Feng, should be doing their utmost to conceal their information.


    After all, although few, there definitely are alien race spies hidden within human civilization.


    Why then, make such a public announcement?


    It was as if they were worried others wouldn''t know.


    "The higher-ups aren''t fools," Li Yuan mused to himself. "By doing this, they most likely want to use Dantai Feng and me as bait to lure out the big fish in hiding."


    Still, Li Yuan couldn''tpletely make sense of it.


    This crazy publicity, it seemed too deliberate... An alien race powerhouse that could go unnoticed, would definitely not be a fool.


    Baiting with a direct hook!


    Would the alien race fall for it?


    "The higher-ups must have their reasons for doing this," Li Yuan murmured, shaking his head slightly. "It''s not up to me to decide now."


    If what he guessed was true, using himself as ''bait'' did not bother Li Yuan in the slightest.


    "In a sense, it only shows that I''ve be extremely important." Li Yuan saw the situation very clearly, like how senior Liu Jing and others defended the Mingxu Star Realm, as a sacrifice.


    Many times, to win a major victory, there always needs to be those who are willing to take risks and to sacrifice.


    ...


    Time passed by, day by day.


    The third round of the ''elimination'' virtual battles continued, with 990 martial path geniuses from all over the globe.


    Geniuses of the martial path like Dantai Feng, Jin Huguo, Tian Dazhuang, Zhu Tong, all had to fight desperately round after round, striving to defeat opponent after opponent to secure one of the ten remaining spots in the finals.


    Among the many martial path geniuses from Xia Country, the ones who directly advanced to the finals were only Li Yuan, Yin Man, and Yu Mingwei.


    From February 11th to February 18th, there were no matches for him during this week.


    Li Yuan was at leisure.


    He continued to train methodically, and ording to Lord Yang of the Province''s orders, he visited the Heilong Building daily... but it was apparent, his fame was skyrocketing.


    Wherever he went, he was the focus of attention.


    In just two days, the global views of that short video had already surpassed 2 billion views.


    The number of followers on Li Yuan''s V-blog surged from just over a hundred thousand to over 20 million.


    In the truest sense, he became a sensation overnight across the entire virtualwork.


    It''s a pity, though, that Li Yuan did not engage inmercial promotions or live broadcasting... For activities that affected his training and inner peace, he always disregarded them.


    Meanwhile.


    Every time Li Yuan went out, he was extremely vignt, his powerful spiritual power continuously diffusing around him. Any life that entered his line of sight or perception could not escape his ''Divine Pce Inquiry.''


    After all, although Li Yuan believed that the higher-ups of Starfire Martial Hall hadid traps secretly, he couldn''t afford to be careless himself.


    Unfortunately... there were no anomalies.


    ...


    Blue Star, with its vast expanses, was home to over a hundred billion humans, and over the centuries, numerous star realm portals had emerged.


    Most star realms were either very small or didn''t require much resource investment in surveince, like the Moon Demon Star Realm, the Mingxu Star Realm, and others.


    But there were a few star realms, broad and vast, nurturing countless treasures, and connected to some powerful foreign civilizations, that had thus... erupted into war.


    For example, the Rob Sea Star Realm within the boundaries of Xia Country.


    And another example ¡ª the Wanhan Star Realm!


    As the only "Third Level Star Realm" on Blue Star, with a vast expanse that has fostered many precious rarities and is connected to many different foreign temporal spaces,


    the Wanhan Star Realm has always been a battleground for many civilizations such as the Seven Stars human civilization, Tianliang human civilization, Cloud Beast Civilization, and others, attracting arge convergence of Flying Heaven powerhouses.


    The entire star realm, with itsrgest diameter exceeding one million kilometers... the native life force it has nurtured is also extremely powerful.


    All of this has made Wanhan Star Realm incredibly chaotic, with constant warfare.


    Today.


    Wanhan Star Realm, in one mysterious location beneath the continuous ciers, deep underground,


    within a majestic hall,


    a figure in a purple robe sat cross-legged, silently tapping the projection light screen in front of him, browsing through arge amount of information, with both text and video... If one looked closely, they would see that Li Yuan was appearing in the video.


    After perusing all the information,


    he pondered for a long while.


    "Huh!" With a wave of his hand, the figure in the purple robe tapped the light screen, entering a specialmunication channel.


    Dial!


    Drip~ Drip~  As time passed, the figure in the purple robe waited patiently.


    A full ten minutester,


    "Zi Xin, what''s the matter? You need to call me directly?" a deep voice sounded.


    "Number Three."


    "This time, it''s your turn to take action," the figure in the purple robe said with a raspy voice, "I need you to kill someone."


    "Who?" the deep voice referred to as ''Number Three'' asked.


    "The newly emerging genius from Xia Country, Li Yuan," the figure in the purple robe named the target, "He is currently at Kunlun Martial University."


    "Impossible," the deep voice resolutely refused, "I''m aware of his file as well, but suchrge-scale publicity is definitely the high echelons of Starfire Martial Hall using him as bait... Even if I go, the failure rate is extremely high."


    "I even suspect that he''s not at Kunlun Martial University and has already been secretly moved," said the deep voice.


    "There''s no need to worry about that," the figure in the purple robe said, "He is indeed at Kunlun Martial University, without a doubt, this has been verified by us through multiple covert checks in the past few days... we all know Starfire Martial Hall is luring us in, but the bait is real."


    "And we must take this bait,"


    "Even if it means the fish dies, we must take the bait."


    "Li Yuan poses too great a threat, no matter how the other side is enticing us, there''s one truth in the promotional video... he indeed has the potential to reach the Semi-Divine Level," the figure in the purple robe said, "No one wants the Seven Stars human civilization to gain an additional Demigod."


    The one called Number Three fell silent.


    Indeed.


    This is clearly a trap, but the bait is real; this is an obvious stratagem.


    "Precisely because we know it''s a trap, we''re not dispatching Top Grade Origin Martial Artists¨Cit would mean certain death," the figure in the purple robe said, "Only you, who practice the ''Blood Shadow'' Star Technique, once you send out a Blood Shadow Incarnation... even if the Seven Stars human civilization sends a Demigod lying in wait here, at most they can kill your clone."


    "Even at the cost of losing a Blood Shadow Incarnation, he must be killed."


    "Besides, we''ve verified that Bai Shan Semi-Divine is in the capital guarding Dantai Feng."


    Number Three kept silent.


    In Xia Country, or rather, on Blue Star, there are only a few Demigod-level existences.


    If Bai Shan is not at Kunlun Martial University, then if he makes a move, the chances of sess are indeed high.


    At least the chance of perishing is very small.


    "Can''t we wait a little longer? There will always be an opportunity," Number Three said in a low voice.


    "Do you think, after missing this chance, the Seven Stars human civilization will give us another opportunity?" the figure in the purple robe sighed, "After this battle, Li Yuan will definitely go to Feixing... are you thinking of assassinating him under Dongfang Ji''s watchful eye?"


    Number Three fell silent again.


    "Three Blood Demon Heart Fruits," the figure in the purple robe finally threw out the offer, "Sufficient topensate for the loss of your Blood Shadow Incarnation in battle."


    "Fine," Number Three finally agreed.


    He knew that this time, the n was indeed sparing no expense.

 Chapter 285: Chapter 217: Returning Alive (Extra 19)

    ```


    Time psed, and in the blink of an eye, it was February 16, leaving only two days until the finals of the virtual battle.


    After four in the afternoon.


    Li Yuan, who had been going out for several days in a row, unusually stayed at home today.


    Because the sky poured with torrential rain, clouds heavy and the atmosphere gloomy.


    In such weather, it was naturally morefortable to stay at home.


    "Ster Spear Technique, the Third Layer¡ªGxy Convergence." Li Yuan was in the underground Martial Arts Room, seriously practicing his spear technique.


    The shadows of the spear shifted, the air itself seemed to twist, and even the solid walls of the Martial Arts Room were scored with numerous scratches while the floor had be uneven.


    The Martial Arts Room, which was strong enough to withstand the full-onbat of a Level 19 Martial Artist, was showing signs of wear under the daily intensive training from Li Yuan.


    After practicing for a long while, Li Yuan finally stopped.


    "It looks like I''ll need to apply for a new ce from the school after thispetition," he mumbled to himself, scanning the walls and floor.


    The school had many specially made houses withrger Martial Arts Rooms and better materials that could easily withstand the bursts of a normal Prime Warrior''s training.


    However, their construction was much more expensive and required a personal application.


    Li Yuan guessed that the school teachers had probably never seen a freshman requesting to change vis before.


    Whoosh!


    Li Yuan slowly retracted his spear, his breath gradually stabilizing as he nced at the Divine Pce panel: "After stepping into the Intermediate Rank of the Fifth Stage, my spear technique''s progression has indeed slowed down."


    ---


    [Life Level: 19.7 (First Rank)]


    Fist Strength: 63,900 kilograms


    Speed: 110.9 meters per second


    Spiritual Power: Level 30.3


    Willpower: Level 32


    Spiritual Awakening Level: 37.9% (Current limit 40%)


    Star Meridian: Level 11 (Training Efficiency 10+0.5)


    Skill Realm: Spear Technique (Fifth Stage 32%), Movement Technique (Fifth Stage 32%), Fist Technique (Perfection)


    ...


    "My physical quality has been steadily improving," Li Yuan thought. "Even willpower has improved by one level after such a long period of honing with the Visualization Method."


    But the progress of the spirit, as well as spear and movement techniques, was sharply declining.


    Or rather, it''s not that Li Yuan''s progress was slow, but that his techniques and spiritual power were quickly under transformation, and the disparity between each level afterward was bing increasingly vast.


    Especially the techniques.


    It should be noted that Li Yuan, relying on a Flying Heaven-level soul, managed to extrapte his spear technique from 20% of the Fifth Stage to 29% in just about half a month.


    "I''ve just broken through to the Intermediate Rank of the Fifth Stage, and it should be the time of rapid advancement. Practicing my spear technique every day, I feel the progress myself," Li Yuan thought. "But after a week, it only improved by 2%."


    The progress would only get slower in the future.


    At this rate, Li Yuan felt it would take at least half a year to reach the limit of the Intermediate Rank of the Fifth Stage, let alone when he could step into the High Rank of the Fifth Stage... that''s an unknown.


    "No wonder they say that for Blue Star''s top geniuses, managing to reach the Perfection Level of the Fifth Stage before the age of 30 means they''re extremely sessful," Li Yuan reflected.


    Now, he had a personal understanding of this.


    This was still under the circumstances of having a ''Flying Heaven-level soul''¡ªwithout it, his progress would have slowed even more.


    Suddenly.


    "Hm?" Li Yuan vaguely sensed something and subconsciously looked up, whispering to himself, "Teacher?"


    Even though he was practicing in the underground Martial Arts Room, Li Yuan''s spiritual power was always radiating outward.


    The entire vi, and even the movements in the vicinity, could hardly escape Li Yuan''s Divine Sense perception.


    In terms of perception ability, although Li Yuan was not on par with a real Flying Heaven Warrior, he outssed many Prime Warriors.


    "Time to greet the teacher," Li Yuan moved, cing the ck Chen Spear back on the weapon rack.


    Chapter Your:


    He had already left the underground Martial Arts Room.


    ..."Teacher, what brings you here all of a sudden today?" Li Yuan said with a smile as he weed Li Yang through the door.


    After brewing some tea.


    Li Yuan sat down with Li Yang in the living room on the first floor, making themselvesfortable on the sofa.


    "Just dropping by to see how you''re doing," Li Yang said with a smile. "The school suspended sses this week to allow students to watch the battles, but I''ve noticed you''ve never gone to thepetition space."


    "Busy with training," Li Yuan responded with a smile, without much exnation.


    To watch the battles? In fact, Li Yuan had gone a few times; he''d watched one or two matches involving high-level fighters like Jin Huguo and Dantai Feng, but as for the other matchups... they were a pure waste of time.


    Li Yuan naturally did not go, so it seemed as if he hardly ever appeared in thepetition space.


    "How is your spear techniqueing along?" Li Yang asked with a smile.


    "Difficult," Li Yuan replied with a nod.


    "Haha, to hear a peerless genius like you say it''s difficult means that it must indeed be challenging," Li Yangughed. "The cultivation of Fifth Stage skills is a step-by-step process ofprehending the cosmos, making the body gradually blend with the world. It''s really tough, but your speed of progress is already quite strong."


    Li Yuan couldn''t help but smile; indeed, he was fast enough.


    "Don''t worry too much. Even though Nevsky''s breakthrough is confirmed, and there are several like Yin Man and Kunale who are suspected to have made breakthroughs, even if they have, it won''t have been for long," Li Yang said cheerfully. "The gap is very small, and in a fight to the death... it depends even more on your performance in the moment."


    Li Yuan nodded slightly.


    From his own experience, in a fight between Fifth Stage experts, if the gap in skills exceeded 10%, it was usually difficult to win.


    But if the difference was only 5% or even less? The disparity in strength was minimal.


    "The elimination rounds will end today, and tonight the final ten slots for the finals will be decided," Li Yang said. "If you''re interested, you might want to take a look."


    "It''s not that meaningful," Li Yuan replied, shaking his head with a smile. "Mostly it''s Fifth Stages against Fourths, and there''s only one battle between Fifth Stages. I''ll see if I have the time."


    "Alright, it''s up to you," said Li Yang with augh.


    In this virtual battle, the emergence of high-level Fifth Stage fighters wasn''t particrly plentiful, with only 21 talents including the two who had broken through in the knockout stages.


    Not too few, but not too many either.


    However, with Li Yuan and Dantai Feng, two freshman participants in this finals, this virtual battle was destined to be remembered by posterity.


    Li Yang did not talk about the idea of ''seizing the championship.''


    Although the higher echelons of Kunlun Martial University harbored this desire, none of them actually mentioned it, as they all did not want to impose too much pressure on Li Yuan.


    "There are a few more things," Li Yang said cheerfully. "First is the Dragon Spirit Heart Fruit, which I''ve managed to purchase through other channels... it''s already arranged to be sent to Jiang City."


    "Dragon Spirit Heart Fruit?" Li Yuan''s eyes lit up, unable to hide the excitement in his gaze.


    "Yes, there will be no mistake," Li Yang said. "I''ll arrange for a medical team as well... to ensure that your uncle is safe and sound and fully recovered."


    Li Yang understood Li Yuan''s worries and knew what Li Yuan cared for the most.


    "Thank you, teacher," Li Yuan said earnestly.


    ```


    ```


    "Ha ha, I should be the one thanking you," Li Yangughed. "Just a Dragon Spirit Heart Fruit, it''s nothingpared to what I''ve gained."


    Some things Li Yang didn''t mention.


    His spiritual power had transformed to the Flying Heaven Level, and after just half a month of cultivation, he had already vaguely seen the hope of a breakthrough.


    The bottleneck was loosening.


    "Another matter is about that suspect from an Alien Race you discoveredst time in Jiangnan Province," Li Yang said. "You remember, right? After the investigation these days, we have preliminarily confirmed... it indeed is a spy from the Tianliang n, although we haven''tpletelyted them yet."


    "Really an Alien Race?" A mysterious light flickered in Li Yuan''s eyes.


    So, the Divine Pce''s inquiry could actually lock onto alien spies?


    s, the Divine Pce inquiry can only identify those within 10 levels above one''s own, and can''t probe beyond that threshold.


    "Yes, your eyes are indeed sharp," Li Yangughed. "Although we haven''tpletely closed the, the merit you''re due has already been preliminarily counted towards you."


    "Plus the great merit you earned in the Fierce Feather Star Realm''s Flying Serpent Valley."


    "Mm, just like in that very popr promotional video you made recently, you''ve already qualified for a Third ss Gold Medal," Li Yang said. "There should be an official award ceremony for you soon."


    "A Gold Medal?" Li Yuan''s heart stirred.


    This was an honor that most Prime Warriors didn''t possess, which also entailed many privileges.


    "How is the situation in the Mingxu Star Realm now?" Li Yuan couldn''t help asking.


    "When you and Liu Jing first helped us establish that rudimentary base, ahead of the Tianliang n... now we''ve almost locked in the victory. It''s just that the battle with the Tianliang n is very fierce, and we have suffered many casualties," Li Yang said with emotion.


    "As the first discoverer of the mine, I estimate in another ten days or half a month, once the battle situation ispletely over..."


    "Then, the rewards will be distributed."


    "Alright," Li Yuan nodded slightly.


    ording to Senior Liu Jing, should we finally seize control, at least there should be a reward of ten billion Blue Star Coins for myself... which is astounding.


    Money, Li Yuan had always taken very seriously.


    For instance, there were over ten billion Blue Star Coins to Li Yuan''s name now, which might seem plentiful. But once one bes a Prime Warrior, just buying some treasures for cultivating Origin Power Secret Techniques, Body Secret Techniques... each is a veritable gold pit.


    This amount of money was simply not enough.


    This was also why Li Yuan was so eager to aim for the top three or even first ce in the virtual battle.


    It was not only to prove to the higher-ups in Xia Country that they chose the right person.


    On the other hand, just the Heavenly Materials Treasures worth 20 billion Blue Star Coins alone were incredibly attractive.


    ...


    After sending off Teacher Li Yang, who had informed Li Yuan of many things, it also gave him plenty to think about and reflect on regarding his own cultivation.


    He had just returned to the underground Martial Arts Room.


    "Master, Lin Lanyue is calling," the voice of the assistant AI sounded: "Videomunication."


    "Lanyue?" Li Yuan paused, then said, "Answer!"


    Beep~


    Countless beams of light shot out, quickly converging to form a holographic projection screen. In the projection appeared a figure in a red robe.


    "Lanyue," Li Yuan couldn''t help but smile. "Why are you suddenly looking for me?"


    Throughout this long period, through countless interactions and encounters, their rtionship had be very good, already subtly surpassing that of mere ssmates.


    "It''s nothing urgent."


    "I''m just about to head to Feixing, so I wanted to tell you before I leave," Lin Lanyue said with a gentle smile. "After all, once I enter the Star Realm, it will be difficult to keep in touch."


    "The Fierce Feather Star Realm?" Li Yuan couldn''t help but ask.


    He had learned the name of the Star Realm from theirst conversation two days prior and had looked up some information.


    It was a Second-Level Star Realm, highly dangerous.


    The overall situation bore some resemnce to the Mingxu Star Realm... It seemed that a grand battle had not erupted, yet it was filled with secrets and perils.


    The native existence of Flying Heaven Level in the Fierce Feather Star Realm was not few.


    "Mm." Lin Lanyue nodded and smiled. "The itinerary is already arranged. I can''t watch you win the championship in the virtual battle, so I''ll just have to congratte you when Ie back alive."


    "Okay, for your congrattions, I will do my best to win the championship too," Li Yuanughed.


    Then Li Yuan changed the topic and couldn''t help asking, "Will there be any danger to life?"


    As he finished asking, he shook his head with a self-deprecating smile. "What a foolish question."


    How could there be no danger to life when adventuring in the Star Realm?


    "There is danger."


    "But for me, some things must be done. If not now, I''ll still have to do themter," Lin Lanyue said calmly. "I have no choice."


    Li Yuan nodded slightly.


    Though Lin Lanyue didn''t say much, Li Yuan could guess some of it... The children of great families did not have it as carefree as ordinary people imagined, and aside from a few profligates, most of them fought very hard.


    And in fact, Lin Lanyue''s rate of improvement in strength had somewhat exceeded Li Yuan''s expectations.


    Over the span of half a year.


    Lin Lanyue''s Martial Arts Skills had progressed from the early Fourth Level to High-Ranked Fourth Level. Although not as advanced as Tian Dazhuang''s level, the progress was still striking.


    As time passed, the two of them continued to chat slowly.


    "Make sure toe back alive," Li Yuan finally couldn''t help saying, a hint of inexplicable worry in his heart.


    "I will."


    ...


    After hanging up the video call with Lin Lanyue.


    Li Yuan felt an unexined sense of anxiety and worry within.


    "Hopefully, everything will be fine," Li Yuan shook his head, pushing down various thoughts and trying to calm his heart.


    He continued to practice in silence.


    ...


    Meanwhile, hundreds of kilometers away from where Li Yuan was unaware, in a small town, within an inconspicuous house.


    "Blood Shadow!"


    A ck-robed figure stood in the room.


    In front of him was another figure.


    The figure looked exactly like him but was dressed in a blood-colored robe, emanating a strange aura.


    "Rainy night!"


    "Perhaps it truly is a heaven-sent opportunity," the ck-robed figure mused as he sat there, deep in thought.


    Whoosh!


    That blood-robed figure moved slightly, blending in with the darkness as if merging with the shadows.


    He was heading toward Kunlun Martial University.


    ```

 Chapter 286: Chapter 218: A Drop of Rain Across the Sky and Earth (Seeking Monthly Pass)

    ```


    Spanning hundreds of kilometers, a Flying Heaven Warrior, if flying at full speed, could arrive in just a few minutes.


    However, that would make too much noise.


    For ''Number Three'', he knew for certain that there would be Flying Heaven Peakers guarding Kunlun Martial University, protecting Li Yuan. If he were to fully unleash his power, he might be intercepted before he could even get close.


    Fight with a Flying Heaven Warrior? Number Three was not interested.


    As one of the most terrifying assassins of the Tianliang Civilization infiltrating the Seven Stars human civilization, he was an ace, rarely making a move... But once he did, it would be earth-shattering, and the target''s value astonishingly high.


    Across the Blue Star, targets of Li Yuan''s caliber had not appeared for a long time.


    It should be noted that even for Yu Jinghe, Number Three, after some analysis, had chosen to refrain from acting, unwilling to take the risk.


    But Li Yuan? No choice!


    "Geniuses of the Seven Stars human civilization, if only having the potential to reach the peak of Flying Heaven, are not worth my effort." Number Three was clear on this: "Only those with the potential to be Demigods."


    The Flying Heaven Realm, it was only the beginning of transcending the mundane, still carrying the word ''mundane''. They still fell within the understanding of ordinary people and could theoretically still be killed using conventional technological weapons.


    A Demigod, however, already had a touch of the divine.


    A civilization can only stabilize itself by giving birth to Demigods, like a tree with a main trunk that can flourish and be lush.


    If a civilization can produce a group of Demigods, then it can truly be considered powerful, standing tall between heaven and earth, fearless of most storms.


    "ording to the records, Xia Country gave birth to a total of three Demigods," Number Three''s true body sat cross-legged in the inconspicuous house in the small town.


    His consciousness was entirely focused on the ''Blood Shadow Incarnation'', which blended into the rainy night and continued to move forward.


    The Stealth speed of the Blood Shadow Incarnation was very slow.


    It only moved a few hundred meters per second.


    However, whether it was rivers and mountains along the way or the streets and houses of the towns they passed... mere terrain offered no obstacle to his progress.


    "One, Dongfang Ji, stationed at Feixing."


    "One, Dantai Lie, guarding the entrance to the Wanhan Star Realm."


    "Only the oldest Star Lord Bai Shan remains, far away in the Central Capital of Xia Country. After I kill him and turn into a shadow to flee, Bai Shan will take at least ten minutes to arrive, and he won''t be able to track me," Number Three thought to himself: "The other Flying Heavens secretly guarding? They can at most kill my Blood Shadow Incarnation."


    He had absolute confidence in the Star Techniques he practiced.


    Star Techniques!


    They were mighty powers developed based on the Star Meridians in the body, requiring immense Origin Power to drive... Any Star Technique, once mastered, held unbelievable power.


    The stronger and more numerous the Star Meridians, the more potent and numerous the Star Techniques that can be cultivated.


    The Life Star is the source, the Star Meridians are the foundation.


    For instance, the two major Star Techniques that Number Three practiced, ''Blood Shadow Star Technique'' and ''Shadow Star Technique,'' allowed him to create ''Blood Shadow Incarnations'' and to move unseen in darkness, respectively, both unique even among the Tianliang n.


    Those two major Star Techniques, working together, had allowed him to breach the defenses guarded by Demigods of the Seven Stars human civilization and infiltrate Blue Star.


    Directbat? Number Three was rather average at the Flying Heaven level.


    But under thebined effect of the two Star Techniques, he became an extremely terrifying Flying Heaven assassin.


    This was also why the Tianliang n chose him for the task.


    Choose any other Infiltrator? Spy? They would undoubtedly die facing the traps set by the Seven Stars human civilization.


    Only Number Three, he was sufficiently confident.


    About fifteen minutester.


    Number Three''s Blood Shadow Incarnation was gradually getting close to the location of Kunlun Martial University, bing increasingly cautious in his movements.


    "Many powerful beings." Number Three''s consciousness, hidden in the Incarnation, carefully perceived his surroundings while concealing his aura.


    He dared not release his spiritual power at all.


    Kunlun Martial University, as one of the Seven Stars human civilization''s vital ces, was constantly staffed by more than four Flying Heaven Warriors, each of whom... felt as scorching as the sun to Number Three''s senses.


    Fortunately, the Blood Shadow Incarnation was not Number Three''s true form, carrying little of his Soul Power, difficult for other Flying Heaven levels to detect.


    At the same time.


    Number Three could also sense that there were some extremely terrifying things hidden within Kunlun Martial University.


    "It''s the Origin Power Array, as expected, containing lethal attacks," Number Three became even more vignt.


    Suddenly, his Blood Shadow Incarnation stopped, frowning: "The rainy night is conducive to my advance, the weather can interfere with one''s perception."


    "But today''s rain is far too heavy."


    Abnormally heavy.


    Downpours like this in the northwest of Xia Country during winter?


    But Number Three didn''t think much of it, as so far, he hadn''t noticed anything particrly out of the ordinary.


    Time passed.


    Finally, Number Three infiltrated outside the vi area belonging to the Sixth Institute, but he dared not be the slightest bit careless.


    "As expected, there is a Flying Heaven level existence closely guarding, such obvious spiritual fluctuation." Number Three continued as the map directed.


    At this moment.


    He was only about 500 meters away from Li Yuan''s vi, and he didn''t dare to get any closer because he sensed a Flying Heaven level presence within that vi.


    The aura didn''t seem very strong, but it undoubtedly belonged to the Flying Heaven level.


    "Wait!" Number Three was very patient,pletely concealing his own aura, blending perfectly into the darkness.


    Instead, he felt reassured.


    If there were indeed an enormous trapid, the Seven Stars human civilization would not leave such a ring loophole.


    "Perhaps, the Seven Stars human civilization''s lethal trap is intended to lure top-grade Origin Martial Artists into attacking," Number Three thought.


    Time continued to flow.


    The rain gradually lessened, and the clouds covering Kunlun Martial University began to disperse, revealing the first light of dawn.


    A new day, which seemed to promise good weather.


    This Blood Shadow Incarnation was nowpletely concealed, with both blood cirction and heartbeats nearly nonexistent.


    He silently stared at the beautiful vi.


    Waiting for the vi owner toe out, or for the Flying Heaven level bodyguard to leave.


    He waited until daylight grew brighter.


    Around eight o''clock in the morning, the clouds hadpletely cleared, the vi''s surroundings were tranquil, with only the sounds of birds and insects.


    asionally, some students would leave the other vis.


    Finally.


    At Vi No. 61032, the Logistics Department''s delivery staff brought meals to the front door.


    Soon the door moved, and a young man dressed in a ck practice outfit walked out.


    ```


    ```


    "It''s Li Yuan, he is¡­ a Flying Heaven level soul?" Number Three was shocked to his core as he watched intently.


    He was able to sense other Flying Heaven level beings by feeling their spiritual fluctuations, a secret technique he had cultivated.


    Number Three then realized what had happened fromst night until now.


    The ''Flying Heaven level Guardian'' he believed in was actually Li Yuan himself!!


    This was absolutely staggering news.


    A First Rank Martial Artist, possessing a Flying Heaven level soul? Perhaps some Demigods could pay a great price to aplish this, but what would be the point?


    Normally no one would do such a thing.


    Many thoughts shed through Number Three''s mind as he considered all the possibilities.


    The next instant.


    "Kill!" Number Three''s Blood Shadow Incarnation acted in a sh, without a hint of murderous intent, the sword was already thrust out abruptly.


    "Swoosh!" There was not the slightest disturbance in the air.


    Five hundred meters?


    For a Flying Heaven level being, they could easily fly at the speed of sound, and even several times faster when going all out.


    In just one second, Number Three''s Blood Shadow Incarnation would be able to kill Li Yuan.


    Resist? No matter how skilled you are as a First Rank Warrior, there is no chance of survival.


    Chi~


    In an instant, Number Three''s Blood Shadow figure had already covered three hundred meters, leaving less than two hundred meters remaining.


    At that moment, Li Yuan had just received his breakfast from the delivery person.


    "You''re as good as dead." The eyes of the Blood Shadow Incarnation turned icy, and a thread of killing intent finally revealed itself. Chapter Explore:


    ...


    "Thank you," Li Yuan said politely, taking the breakfast.


    Suddenly, his pupils contracted, as his overwhelmingly powerful spiritual power instantly sensed something.


    Danger!


    Extreme danger!


    Li Yuan instinctively looked up.


    He saw a nearly transparent figure crossing the vast sky in a sh, a sword whistling as it thrust straight at him.


    With one nce, the assant had closed in by dozens of meters again.


    "Not good," Li Yuan thought, greatly rmed.


    In the blink of an eye, Li Yuan instinctively cast the Spiritual Secret Technique, "Soul Shock."


    Escape? Li Yuan''s mind reacted quickly, but his body was too slow to support any attempt at escape.


    "Boom!" An overwhelming wave of spiritual fluctuation swept out like a river in flood, crashing into the Blood Shadow Incarnation''s consciousness.


    It could only slightly affect it.


    As an incarnation of a Flying Heaven level being, Number Three''s cultivated Blood Shadow Incarnation, despite containing little soul power, was still of the Flying Heaven level¡­ Blocking Li Yuan''s spiritual shock wasn''t difficult.


    At that moment.


    "Die." Number Three could no longer hide his murderous intent.


    Just as Number Three thought his sess was inevitable and Li Yuan believed his death was certain,


    suddenly


    Boom!


    The vast sky seemed to darken, as if dense clouds and rain were enveloping it; both Li Yuan and Number Three''s Blood Shadow Incarnation instinctively sent out a thread of their consciousness.


    They both sensed it.


    "Whoosh!"


    It was a drop of rain!


    From a kilometer high in the sky, a drop of rain hurtled towards them. This drop was moving so quickly, far surpassing Number Three''s Blood Shadow Incarnation''s burst¡­ Ten times the speed of sound? Twenty times?


    "What?" Li Yuan was stunned for a moment, as he vaguely saw many mysteries within that fleeting raindrop, containing the utmost beauty and truth of the universe, inspiring longing and reverence.


    It was like the ancient saying, ''Hear the Way in the morning, and you can die content in the evening.''


    At that moment, from that single raindrop, Li Yuan had a vague glimpse of ''the Way'', an origin of everything he sought after.


    A single raindrop!


    Insignificant at a nce, but when it embodies profound and supreme mystery, it holds an iparable might.


    "Puchi!"


    The raindrop had crossed the heavens and earth,nding on the forehead of Number Three''s Blood Shadow Incarnation, where a flicker of terror shed through his eyes.


    "The Law? It''s the legendary Law''s Profound Meaning!" Number Three''s consciousness dissipated instantly.


    Hum~


    In silence, the body, nearly transparent and with a robe faintly tinged with blood-red, burst apart like a bubble.


    Only weapons and Combat Armor fell to the ground.


    A single raindrop!


    A Flying Heaven level force had fallen.


    "This?" Li Yuan was stunned, swallowing reflexively.


    The delivery person beside him was even more baffled, far weaker and not even fully realizing what had just urred.


    "That was?"


    Li Yuan looked up towards the sky, not having noticed before, but now finally seeing clearly.


    At a kilometer''s height, a young figure in ck clothes was standing in mid-air.


    Eye contact!


    As Li Yuan looked up at him, the ck-clothed figure also looked down, peering at Li Yuan.


    Boom!


    Li Yuan felt as if his very soul were thundering, his entire spiritual view dominated by the presence of the figure in ck.


    A Divine Being!


    At that moment, to Li Yuan, the figure in ck clothes seemed an omnipotent deity.


    ```

 Chapter 287: Chapter 219: Shadow, Ive Been Waiting for You for a Long Time

    It was truly terrifying; at that moment, Li Yuan even had an illusion.


    It seemed that with just a thought from the other party, he could be killed.


    Boom~ Li Yuan''s consciousness returned to rity.


    "Stay here and be good," a gentle voice came into Li Yuan''s ear.


    The next instant.


    In Li Yuan''s vision, the ck-clothed figure a kilometer up in the sky took one step, and the light around him seemed to twist.


    Then he disappeared without a trace.


    Boom!


    The sense of overcast clouds enveloping the world also vanished in an instant, and Li Yuan waspletely back to normal.


    "Who was that?" Li Yuan was indescribably shocked in his heart.


    He believed that the ck-clothed figure he had just seen was definitely the most terrifying existence he had ever witnessed in his life.


    Without a doubt!


    He was definitely one of the peak existences of human civilization, far surpassing the average Flying Heaven level.


    After all, Li Yuan had seen Dean Hai, a Flying Heaven warrior, and the sense of oppression he brought couldn''t even begin to bepared to the other party.


    They were not in the same league at all.


    "A single raindrop, to kill a Flying Heaven-level warrior?" Li Yuan recalled the scene just now, a shiver going through his heart.


    It was utterly unimaginable.


    It had surpassed Li Yuan''s understanding.


    "Is it the power of heaven and earth? Sixth Stage techniques?" Many guesses emerged in Li Yuan''s mind: "Or even more sophisticated levels of skill?"


    Enjoy exclusive content from M V L


    It was too fantastical.


    If the other party had used a weapon, a sword or spear to kill the opponent, Li Yuan, while still shocked, would somewhat understand the realm of that power.


    But just a raindrop flicked from a fingertip? How was that possible!


    "Is that mysterious and terrifying existence someone beyond the level of Flying Heaven? Has he been protecting me all along?" Li Yuan already thought of many possibilities in his heart.


    The assassination plot with himself as bait was most likely controlled by that ck silhouette in the background.


    Just as Li Yuan was lost in his wild thoughts.


    Less than ten seconds passed.


    Boom! Boom! Two streaks of light swept across the vast sky, and two shadows shed across the earth at high speed before rapidly converging into solid figures.


    One of them was Dean Hai.


    Their speed was fast, but in their Unity of Heaven and Man state, the disturbances they caused as they advanced were not too great.


    "You two?" The delivery person was ck-jawed with amazement.


    Even with a slow reaction, he had a vague realization that he might have just experienced something significant.


    "You can leave now," Dean Hai said in a deep voice.


    "Yes," the delivery person nodded repeatedly, leaping onto the flying vessel and quickly drove it away.


    He did not want to get involved at all.


    ...Silence fell over the grasnd.


    "Li Yuan, are you alright?" Dean Hai hadnded on the ground and approached Li Yuan, his voice urgent: "Are you hurt?"


    Dean Hai stared at Li Yuan.


    He was worried about Li Yuan''s safety.


    Just now, both of them had suddenly sensed a terrifying fluctuation of the power of heaven and earth erupting.


    Especially Dean Hai, his first thought was of Li Yuan.


    "Dean,"


    Li Yuan shook his head: "I''m fine. I was just saved by a mysterious ck-clothed predecessor."


    The two great Flying Heaven warriors looked at each other, already having a rough understanding of what had transpired.


    "It must be the Chancellor," Dean Hai muttered.


    "Definitely," the other person, ady in white, nodded firmly: "ording to the n, we were just a cover, responsible for secret surveince and protection, while the Chancellor took the lead."


    "The Chancellor?" Li Yuan was stunned.


    Was that mysterious ck-clothed man the chancellor of Kunlun Martial University?


    Whew!


    Dean Hai waved his hand, and the weapons andbat armor lying at a distance flew before the two of them.


    Then a strand of Origin Power fment shot out from Dean Hai''s hand, directly infusing the weapons.


    He seemed to be conducting an inquiry.


    After just a few seconds.


    "Indeed, they are Third Rank weapons; only Flying Heaven warriors with an Origin Pill as their core or Prime Warriors who have mastered True Intent can activate them," Dean Hai slowly said: "The assassin, with a ny-nine percent probability, is of the Flying Heaven level."


    "A Flying Heaven-level spy!"


    "But there''s no fluctuation of an Origin Pill vanishing; it must be the Doppelganger Technique."


    "This is a very high-end Star Technique; among our warriors, very few in our civilization have sessfully cultivated it," Dean Hai said with a serious face: "If nothing unexpected has happened, the assassin must be ''Shadow,'' the most fearsome Flying Heaven assassin of the Tianliang n infiltrated within our Blue Star."


    Clearly, Dean Hai knew a lot and was privy to many secrets.


    "Shadow?"


    Upon hearing this, the white-clothed woman''s face changed slightly, and she couldn''t help but look towards Li Yuan: "To think that Shadow personally made a move to assassinate you, you really live up to being recognized by the higher-ups as Blue Star''s number one talent of the future,"


    Li Yuan was taken aback.


    The number one talent of the future of Blue Star? Did the higher-ups have such high expectations for him?


    "Li Yuan, don''t worry too much," Dean Hai said: "Surely you must have noticed, from the release of the short video to the Chancellor personally guarding, in reality, it was a killing formation deliberately set up... orchestrated by the Chancellor himself."


    "Not telling you was just to make everything appear more real, to force the most terrifying of the infiltrators to show themselves."


    "The Chancellor dared to do so because he was absolutely confident," Dean Hai said earnestly.


    "Understood," Li Yuan nodded.


    Sometimes, the higher-ups not telling him in advance naturally have their considerations.


    Li Yuan couldn''t help but say: "Dean Hai, who exactly is the Chancellor?"


    One move to kill a Flying Heaven level?


    With such strength, not only terrifying, was he merely the Chancellor of Kunlun Martial University?


    Could it be that all over Blue Star there were arge group of such terrifying beings?


    Dean Hai and the woman in white looked at each other.


    "In fact, you''ve heard his name before," Dean Hai said with a smile.


    "Heard it before?" Li Yuan became even more confused.


    "Previously, you were not qualified to know, but now you are nearly qualified." Dean Hai smiled, "The headmaster of Kunlun Martial University is just the least noticeable amongst his many identities. He has two other identities."


    "One identity is as the Star Master of the Seven Star Alliance."


    "The other identity is the ''Hall Master'' of the Starfire Blue Star headquarters," Dean Hai said with augh.


    Li Yuan listened, dumbstruck.


    The Star Master of the Seven Star Alliance? He had heard about that from Li Yang. But the Hall Master of the Starfire Blue Star headquarters? This, this!


    Among the three great Martial Halls, the Starfire Martial Hall is subtly ranked first. To be the Hall Master of Blue Star is absolutely one of the pinnacle existences of Blue Star.


    "Then why would he be at our school..." Li Yuan couldn''t help asking.


    Why would such a supreme existencee to be a headmaster?


    "He did note to be the headmaster," Dean Hai said with a faint smile. "The location of our Kunlun Martial University happens to include a Star Realm, named the ''Kunlun Star Realm,'' which is also a Second Level Star Realm. Over the past few decades, it has been showing a trend of upgrading to a Third Level Star Realm."


    "Kunlun Star Realm?" Li Yuan held his breath.


    Every additional Third Level Star Realm is a disaster to the entire human civilization.


    "It is from that time that the headmaster came to assume the role," Dean Hai said with augh. "Being the headmaster is incidental; in fact, he is responsible for guarding the entry and exit of the Star Realm."


    "To prevent any unexpected incidents."


    Li Yuan suddenly understood.


    "The headmaster''s name is Fang Hai," Dean Hai said with an enigmatic smile. "Yes, the very Fang Hai I used to mention to you so often."


    Fang Hai?


    The headmaster is Fang Hai? Li Yuan''s eyes bulged out in shock.


    ¡­


    As Li Yuan was chatting with Dean Hai,


    Three hundred kilometers away from Kunlun Martial University, in a small town, inside a house.


    "The Mystery of the Law!"


    "A Demigod! Has Xia Country birthed another Demigod?" Number Three, d in a ck robe and having failed in his assassination, felt extremely shaken.


    He could have never imagined that a Demigod was secretly protecting this ce.


    Demigods on Blue Star could be counted on one''s fingers.


    Without any hesitation,


    Whoosh! Number Three immediately fled for his life.


    He was indeed scared.


    If it was a Flying Heaven Warrior, he was confident that he could escape without the opposition tracking him, but a Demigod? Especially one who grasped the Mystery of the Law? It was truly terrifying.


    Whatever dreadful methods the other party possessed were beyond Number Three''s estimation.


    Without a sound,


    Without alerting anyone, Number Three had already escaped the town''s vicinity and sprinted into the vast barren mountains and ranges.


    At this moment, he didn''t even dare to burst forth at full speed, fearing he might cause too much disturbance in the natural world.


    Phew!


    As he kept fleeing, just a few minutester, Number Three had already escaped by over a hundred kilometers, letting out a sigh of relief internally.


    Having escaped this far, and considering the previous three hundred kilometers, he should be beyond reach now, right?


    He had arrived at a vast and undting mountain range.


    The sky to the northwest was boundless.


    Out of the blue,


    "Whoosh!" The color of the world changed. What was once a sunny sky instantly became overcast with clouds, followed by countless raindrops being spawned out of nowhere, pouring down.


    The whole world seemed transformed.


    "Not good," Number Three, who had just rxed, turned pale, and no longer caring for caution, burst out with full force, his body burning with endless golden light, and his speed skyrocketing to more than five times the speed of sound.


    He soared into the sky!


    Attempting to break out of the scope of the gloomy rainy weather.


    "Whoosh!"


    Yet again, a single raindrop, containing boundless terrifying power, shot towards the golden figure in a sh.


    Too fast.


    The speed of the raindrop far exceeded that of the golden figure, giving him a sensation of unavoidable doom.


    "Again?" Number Three''s expression changed, but his true strength as a primary entity was notparable to that of a doppelganger. He suddenly roared, "Get lost!"


    Whoosh! A dazzling golden light shed by, ferociously striking at the raindrop.


    "Sss~"


    In a silent collision, Number Three''s charged attack instantly dissipated, and his entire body was violently thrown back, coughing up blood, his arms exploding into pieces.


    The entire figure plummeted towards the ground on all sides.


    He was severely wounded.


    "Boom~" Number Three crashed into the ground full of rubble, the terrifying force causing the earth to tremble, smashing arge crater and kicking up countless clods of earth.


    Number Three struggled to get up and thought to continue fleeing.


    Whoosh!


    But an invisible force was already surging in from all directions, pinning him down so hard that even flying became difficult.


    Whoosh! A rope suddenly descended from the void, instantly binding both his arms and legs.


    In the distance high in the sky,


    The light warped and then returned to normal as a figure in a ck robe seemed to step out from the void.


    He walked right up to Number Three.


    Number Three stared fiercely at the other party, trying to struggle, but could not break free.


    "Shadow, I have been waiting for this day for a long time," said a young man in ck with a faint smile. "Thest time we met was over thirty years ago, wasn''t it?"


    "Over thirty years ago?" Number Three was stunned, then his pupils constricted as if he realized something and almost cried out, "You''re Fang Hai?"


    "To bemended, Shadow, you have a good memory," the young man in ck replied with a faint smile. "Back then, you attempted to assassinate me three times; today, I set a trap once. Quite fair, I''d say."


    "It''s just a pity that your strength has improved too slowly. You were at the Thirty-First Level back then, and now you are still only at the Thirty-Third Level."

 Chapter 288: Chapter 220: Two Great Star Masters (Extra 20)

    "Cultivation is slow?" Upon hearing Fang Hai''s words, Number Three felt like vomiting blood.


    It had risen two levels in several decades.


    That was a very normal standard within the Flying Heaven Realm.


    After all, in most cases, when Flying Heaven Warriors mentioned peak Flying Heaven experts, they were usually referring to Level 35 martial artists.


    At the Flying Heaven level, the gap in strength between each level was veryrge.


    As for those above Level 36? They were not normally achievable within the Flying Heaven Realm and required extremely harsh foundational requirements.


    "Haha, it''s such a pity that I didn''t kill you back then," Number Three suddenlyughed ferociously. "Especially the third assassination attempt, just a little bit more, and if Bai Shan hadn''t arrived in time, you would have been dead for sure."


    "Just a little bit," Number Three thought with unwillingness.


    Decades ago, the most dazzling talent in the entire Blue Star and the Seven Star human civilization was Fang Hai.


    As the most terrifying assassin of the Tianliang n infiltrated within Blue Star, he had struck multiple times.


    Even risking assassination under the protection of a demigod, he failed.


    The third assassination attempt cost him his Blood Shadow Incarnation, but he still managed to retreat safely, just never getting another chance to assassinate Fang Hai.


    Because, after the third attempt, by the time he had cultivated another Blood Shadow Incarnation, Fang Hai had already entered the Flying Heaven Level.


    Fang Hai looked at his opponent calmly, not the least bit angry.


    "I can sense that you are still at the Flying Heaven Level," Number Three stared intently at Fang Hai. "At the Flying Heaven Level, yet you have grasped a trace of the Law''s mystery... Your talent is truly unbelievable."


    "The Seven Star human civilization has always propagated that you were trapped at the Flying Heaven Peak, but somehow, you have already reached this stage."


    He felt some hatred in his heart.


    If he was already so formidable at the Flying Heaven Level, what if he broke through to be a Demigod? With a stronger foundation and furtherprehension of the Mystery of Heaven and Earth... How strong would he be? Number Three dared not even imagine.


    He could vaguely see that another terrifying existence,parable to Dongfang Ji, was rising.


    And Fang Hai, so powerful yet deliberately not breaking through, what was he waiting for?


    Number Three couldn''t figure it out.


    "When I was a Prime Warrior, you couldn''t kill me," Fang Hai said faintly. "Now? My strength is not something you can fathom."


    "You indeed are formidable," Number Three stared at Fang Hai, his voice hoarse. "Tell me, how did you track me down?"


    This was his biggest confusion.


    His Blood Shadow Incarnation had died, and he thought he fled at the first opportunity. How did Fang Hai, a Flying Heaven martial artist, manage it?


    "No need to ask more," Fang Hai said faintly.


    Although he had captured his opponent, Fang Hai had no intention of revealing his secrets; there might still be ways for his opponent to send messages.


    A strange smile appeared on Number Three''s face: "Back then, even Bai Shan Semi-Divine couldn''t track me, but you could... You must have cultivated some kind of tracking Star Technique with an extremely terrifying perception."


    "Haha, I''m certainly going to die," he said.


    "But Blue Star, as well as the entire Seven Star human civilization, will definitely be annihted by us," Number Three suddenlyughed out loud.


    Laughing.


    "Boom~" A terrifying fluctuation suddenly exploded from within him, fierce and surging Origin Power roared, and then sted out in all directions.


    The ropes that were originally binding Number Three couldn''t withstand such a terrible shock at all.


    Whoosh!


    "Origin Pill self-destruction?" Fang Hai frowned slightly and instantly retreated backwards, following the terrifying Origin Power shockwave that swept out like a storm in all directions.


    A tremendous shockwave also headed straight for Fang Hai.


    "Suppress!" Fang Hai pointed from afar.


    Rustle, rustle~ Countless raindrops appeared out of nowhere. In an instant, they condensed into an invisible giant hand that protected Fang Hai.


    "Rumble!"


    It was like the explosion of a small nuclear bomb; the whole world thunderously exploded, and the terrible impact covered several kilometers, the shockwave sweeping even further.


    Fang Hai was also engulfed.


    Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh! The sky clouded over with threatening rain, which then poured down like a deluge.


    Not long after.


    On the deste in, everything quieted down.


    Except for a big crater at the original spot, and the shockwave traveling in all directions... It seemed as though nothing had happened.


    Who could have thought.


    A powerful Flying Heaven Warrior had just perished here.


    "Indeed a decisive move,"


    "I intended to be patient and talk until Bai Shan arrived," Fang Hai still stood in the same spot, frowning slightly.


    The Flying Heaven Level self-destruction couldn''t hurt him, it didn''t even dirty his clothes.


    Though his realm was profound, he was only in the Flying Heaven Realm after all; he couldn''t seal the Origin Pill of a Flying Heaven Warrior.


    In short, if a Flying Heaven Warrior wanted to self-destruct in front of him, he couldn''t stop it.


    Of course.


    If Fang Hai had been decisive enough just now and immediately decapitated his opponent, Number Three wouldn''t have been able to self-destruct either.


    Fang Hai waited quietly in ce, waving his hand. Many weapons lying on the ground fell into his hand.


    "There are some treasures," Fang Hai nced over them briefly and paid no further attention.


    More than ten minutester.


    Whoosh!


    A sh of white light appeared, and as the light solidified, an old man in white stood nearby; it was the Star Lord Bai Shan, who had interacted with Fang Hai before.


    "Is he dead?" Star Lord Bai Shan looked around.


    "He''s dead. He wanted to self-destruct his Origin Pill, and I couldn''t stop it," Fang Hai said faintly. "You''re too slow."


    "I rushed as fast as I could, arriving at the earliest moment," Bai Shan red.


    Fang Hai smiled.


    He knew that the other party had been speeding over.


    "Did you gain anything?" Star Lord Bai Shan asked.


    "Isn''t killing the Infiltrator the biggest gain? As for the rest, as a top-notch Infiltrator, he wouldn''t leave too many clues," Fang Hai said softly.


    "Killing him is worth the many years I''vein hidden."


    "Yes, this was the only opportunity," Star Lord Bai Shan nodded. "Although I don''t know if the Infiltrator sent the message back, even if he didn''t... it''s enough for the Tianliang n to deduce many secrets." Read thetest on M V L


    "Let them guess," Fang Hai said indifferently.


    Fang Hai and Star Lord Bai Shan had nothing to regret.


    Killing the Infiltrator and removing such a deeply embedded thorn from Xia Country and Blue Star was sess enough.


    Whether it was the Tianliang n.


    Or for other Foreign Civilizations to produce a simr Flying Heaven Level assassin, it would also be extremely difficult.


    Now that the Shadow is dead, not only Xia Country, but also the upper echelons of various countries across Blue Star can breathe a sigh of relief.


    In the past decades, Fang Hai had been concealing his strength and even whereabouts, just to prepare a Killing Formation at the right moment.


    Even before that.


    Many Flying Heaven Warriors didn''t even know that the Dean of Kunlun Martial University was the Starfire Blue Star Hall Master.


    "Go see Li Yuan,"


    said Star Lord Bai Shan. "Using him as bait for the setup without informing him in detail, you should stillfort him a bit to prevent any untoward thoughts from arising in his mind."


    "As a member of the Seven Star Civilization, one should have such awareness," Fang Hai shook his head gently. "How many things can be fully exined?"


    "When ites to geniuses, after all, they are treated differently,"ughed Star Lord Bai Shan.


    "There''s nothing different," said Fang Hai indifferently. "When he takes your ce, he will do the same."


    Star Lord Bai Shan smiled and said no more.


    This time, the Killing Formation would definitely involve Li Yuan taking risks, including promotion and making public appearances.


    This was an open secret.


    It was to tell Alien Civilizations that indeed, here was a top-grade talent, and you have a great chance to assassinate him, and moreover, this is a trap.


    So.


    These Alien Civilizations either do nothing, and as soon as they consider taking action, they can only deploy their most top-grade infiltratingbatants to have any hope of a sessful assassination.


    Therefore, Number Three came.


    Having escaped from a Demi-God''s hands on several sessful asions, Number Three had sufficient confidence.


    In fact, had Fang Hai not been there, Number Three would still have been able to escape unscathed¡­ what a pity!


    Fang Hai, this once targeted assassin, after decades had passed, now stood at an exceedingly high level, capable of supporting a sky for the entire human civilization of the Seven Stars.


    "Let''s go."


    "Li Yuan has entered the intermediate rank of the Fifth Stage and is alsoprehending ''Meaning of the Ster,''" said Fang Hai indifferently. "As the founder of this Secret Manual, you should meet him. You''re more suitable to guide his cultivation than I am."


    "Alright," Star Lord Bai Shan nodded.


    Whoosh! Whoosh!


    The two Star Lords quickly headed toward Kunlun Martial University.


    ...


    Kunlun Martial University.


    Dean Hai and a woman in white were still inside Li Yuan''s vi.


    Li Yang had also arrived.


    The previous celestial phenomenon at the school shed by and went unnoticed by anyone other than a few Flying Heaven Warriors, and a select number of Top Grade Origin Martial Artists like Li Yang¡­ other teachers and students didn''t detect anything.


    When top-tier fighters sh, unless it''s intentionally done so, or their strengths are so close that the battle bes uncontroble,


    usually, the power is extremely focused, and the resulting disturbances are smaller.


    Li Yang cautiously waited at the side.


    Li Yuan was chatting with Dean Hai, mainly listening while the Dean spoke.


    Through the conversation, Li Yuan learned many secrets he had never known before.


    These were things never revealed on the virtualworks.


    Not even found in the database of the Starfire Martial Hall¡­ of course, it might also be that Li Yuan''s clearance wasn''t high enough.


    Suddenly.


    "Hmm?" Li Yuan sensed something; Dean Hai and the woman in white both looked up.


    Whirr~


    A figure in ck quietly appeared in the void above them.


    His features were rugged, and at first nce, he looked like a young man in histe twenties, but his eyes were very profound.


    "Dean," said Dean Hai in a situation where it was inappropriate to call him Old Fang.


    "Dean," the woman in white, Li Yuan, and Li Yang all bowed slightly, very respectfully.


    "You all stay here."


    "Li Yuan,e with me," said the young man in ck indifferently, looking down at everyone.


    As he spoke, he turned and flew toward the high sky.


    Li Yuan was stunned at this scene.


    How can I follow? I can''t fly!


    The next second.


    Whirr~


    An invisible force suddenly enveloped Li Yuan and swiftly carried him towards the high sky.


    This force seemed gentle, yet it was overwhelmingly powerful, something Li Yuan couldn''t possibly resist.


    Whiz! Whiz!


    The man in ck took Li Yuan soaring into the sky, and as they reached high altitude, the light around both of them faintly warped and they vanished from the sight of Li Yang, Dean Hai, and the others.


    "Dean, where did the Dean take Li Yuan?" Li Yang couldn''t help but ask.


    "He should be going to the Dean''s office," Dean Hai said.


    "The Dean''s office?" Li Yang was startled, suddenly recalling that there was no such office in the entire school.


    Could it be that the Dean''s office is in the sky?


    "Don''t ask too many questions," Dean Hai nced at Li Yang. "Focus on your cultivation, and once you be a Flying Heaven Warrior and take my ce, you''ll naturally find out where the Dean''s office is."


    Li Yang fell silent.


    ...


    "This ce? Such a huge flying saucer craft?" Li Yuan looked around in astonishment.


    No matter what, Li Yuan had never imagined that such a massive flying vessel existed above the school.


    Standing in the campus, one simply couldn''t see this vessel.


    He and the man in ck were now standing on top of the craft, which had an extended tform.


    Without thinking much, Li Yuan''s gaze involuntarily fell on the elder in white not far away.


    The elder wore a smile, appearing quite amiable.


    But!!


    Li Yuan''s heart trembled, for the elder''s appearance... was all too familiar.


    Li Yuan had seen him countless times, even having the elder''smemorative statue in his home.


    "Are you... Senior Bai Shan?" Li Yuan couldn''t help but ask.


    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and


    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

 Chapter 289: Chapter 221 The Legend of the Seven Star Veins (Seeking Monthly Pass)

    "Haha, your gaze is certainly sharp," the elder in whiteughed. "To recognize me in a single nce."


    "Who in Xia Country doesn''t know, doesn''t recognize the venerable appearance of you, senior?" Li Yuan said with a respectful smile.


    This respect was from the bottom of his heart.


    In terms of strength, naturally, Dongfang Ji was the more powerful, indisputably the first person of civilization.


    But within the bounds of Xia Country, if speaking solely of prestige, perhaps this elder held a higher ce.


    This was the umtion of years, not something merely suppressible by strength alone.


    "Li Yuan, using you as bait to set up a killing formation, you shouldn''t have any objections, right?" the man in ck spoke indifferently, looking at Li Yuan.


    His gaze was very calm.


    "None at all, it''s what should be done," Li Yuan responded firmly. "I trust the principal''s decision."


    The education from an early age had long ingrained in Li Yuan this awareness... In a broader sense, the students of Martial Arts University were essentially pre-service soldiers.


    "Even with trust, this matter poses some risk to you. After all, that is a formidable Flying Heaven assassin," Star Lord Bai Shan said with a smile. "Of course, your principal is indeed powerful, far surpassing the Flying Heaven Level in some aspects."


    "Ultimately, the result was good," Star Lord Bai Shan said with a smile.


    Li Yuan nodded slightly and couldn''t help but say, "Principal, Dean Bai Shan, I heard from Dean Hai just now... the one who died was that ''Shadow''s'' clone, right?"


    "I have found his true body and killed him," said Principal Fang Hai indifferently.


    Li Yuan''s heart jolted with surprise, growing even more curious about the principal.


    So powerful?


    "Li Yuan, don''t be too surprised," Star Lord Bai Shan said with a smile. "Your principal can do it, and in a few more years, once you reach the peak of Flying Heaven, maybe you''ll be able to do it too... perhaps even stronger than your principal."


    Li Yuanughed and said, "The principal''s past deeds have always been a goal that encourages me to move forward."


    Just kidding, with Principal Fang Hai standing right there, how could one casually agree with such a statement?


    Perhaps Star Lord Bai Shan holds a higher status.


    But the current official is not as relevant as the current authority, so it''s still important to follow the principal''s lead.


    "Li Yuan," Principal Fang Hai finally spoke, "it was Dean Bai Shan himself who recently confirmed your selection for this year''s second-ss Martial God Inheritance quota in our Xia Country."


    Li Yuan instantly understood the principal''s intent and immediately responded respectfully, "Thank you, Dean Bai Shan."


    "A small thing."


    "This quota, which we in Xia Country must select annually, historically, most geniuses chosen were not as excellent as you," Star Lord Bai Shan said with a smile, looking at Li Yuan with increasing favor. "Among the young generation in Xia Country today, you are the best, it is only fitting we chose you."


    Li Yuan remained silent.


    Fitting? Xia Country has a poption of over two billion, with countless martial arts prodigies under 30 years old.


    It was only an existence like Star Lord Bai Shan who could regard this selection as trivial.


    "Li Yuan, killing the Flying Heaven assassin infiltrator from the Tianliang n, you''ve indeed earned great merit," Principal Fang Hai continued. "Additionally, in the Blue Star Grand Competition virtual battle, your Spear Technique advanced to the intermediate rank of Fifth Stage, truly exceptional."


    "Therefore, Dean Bai Shan''s visit today is not only to verify the identity of that infiltrator but primarily was to meet you," Principal Fang Hai said.


    "To meet me specially?" Li Yuan held his breath.


    He suddenly recalled what Dean Hai had said before, that the higher-ups in Xia Country ced great importance on him.


    Now, it seemed, this so-called higher-up...


    Was likely referring to Principal Fang Hai and Star Lord Bai Shan.


    "Every year, I meet with the top geniuses that have emerged in our Xia Country," Dean Bai Shan said cheerfully and kindly. "Don''t be too constrained; Yu Jinghe was much more rxed when he came to see mest year."


    Li Yuan was speechless.


    Rxed?


    Yes! In theory, his potential talent might be higher than Yu Jinghe''s, but that was all theoretical.


    Yu Jinghe, he was someone whosebat power was on par with the Flying Heaven Level, with strength at hand, naturally he had more confidence.


    "Your core practice is the ''Ster Spear Technique'' and the ''Meaning of the Ster,'' right?" Star Lord Bai Shan continued.


    "Yes," Li Yuan nodded. This was no secret.


    "Dean Bai Shan is the founder of the ''Meaning of the Ster,''" Principal Fang Hai said. "Many of the third-rank secret manuals openly avable for free study in the alliance today were created by Dean Bai Shan."


    "Created by Dean Bai Shan?" Li Yuan was surprised.


    Long ago, he had wondered who could have created those third-rank secret manuals used for the mass study of Prime Warriors... Second-rank secret manuals were not difficult to create, even Li Yuan, if he spent the time, could hope to create one now, since they were just summations of methods in the use of Vigor.


    At most, they weren''t as refined as those thoroughly honed secret manuals.


    But third-rank secret manuals?


    This represented an artistic conception, one must achieve Unity of Heaven and Man, sensing nature itself... Like Li Yuan, currently, he could only cultivate on his own.


    As for summarizing a secret manual? Passing it on to sessors? Li Yuan wasn''t capable of that.


    It was indescribable, indefinable.


    Just like how Li Yang and Dean Xu had taught Li Yuan before, they did so through repeated realbat... Letting Li Yuan himself experience the moves of Unity of Heaven and Man.


    Even the powerful virtualwork could perfectly imitate techniques below the Fourth Level.


    But Fifth Stage Skills? It could only imitate up to 50%.


    "Haha, no need to be amazed, it''s just a manual that guides towards the true intent of heaven and earth," Dean Bai Shan said with augh. "When you reach the realms of your principal and me in the future, you''ll likely be able to create many simr manuals, guiding the younger generations."


    Li Yuan smiled.


    If only it were really that easy.


    By the looks of it, the whole of Xia Country might not even have a handful of people who reached the level of Principal Fang Hai and Star Lord Bai Shan.


    "The Martial God Inheritance is the highest level of cultivation prepared for geniuses by the entire civilization; my Xia Country cannot provide that," Dean Bai Shan said with a smile. "But given your excellent performance, as your senior, I naturally should express some acknowledgement."


    Li Yuan''s heart caught in his throat; he knew the crucial moment had arrived.


    The two Star Mastersing to see me definitely wouldn''t just exchange pleasantries.


    Just like when elders meet juniors for the first time, they usually prepare a gift.


    "The two hardest paths in your uing cultivation, the first is Law Creation, which is essentially awakening Star Veins, and this point, you should be clear about," said Star Lord Bai Shan.


    Li Yuan nodded, "The junior understands, having perused many texts within the Martial Hall."


    Dean Fang Hai stood silently to the side, quite indifferently.


    "You have strong spiritual power and a high level of skill... And with many methods to guide you, awakening three Star Veins will not be difficult," stated Star Lord Bai Shan. "But I believe, Xiao Hai... that is, Dean Hai has probably told you that your body likely contains a higher Spiritual Nature."


    "He has mentioned it," Li Yuan nodded.


    "Your physical quality is improving very quickly, which is probably rted to this," said Star Lord Bai Shan. "So, my advice is that in the Prime Warrior stage, you don''t need to rush into the Flying Heaven Realm."


    "Don''t need to rush?" Li Yuan was puzzled.


    "So-called physical talent is actually Star Vein talent."


    "Star Veins are the foundation of Origin Power, the basis of life," Dean Fang Hai suddenly said. "Your real ''Star Vein talent'' is extremely high, so try to awaken as many Star Veins as possible during the Prime Warrior stage... the more, the better, ideally four, five, or even six!!"


    "The more Star Veins you awaken, and the stronger each Star Vein is, the stronger your foundation will be, and the stronger you''ll be as a Flying Heaven Warrior," said Fang Hai.


    Li Yuan listened carefully.


    These were things he did not know before.


    "Star Vein talent involves, firstly, the number of Star Veins and, secondly, the number of Life Stars," stated Star Lord Bai Shan. "To be a Third Rank Flying Heaven Warrior, you must at least awaken three Star Veins. Otherwise, no matter how adept your skills are, it will be hard to break through...


    Bing a Flying Heaven Warrior requires at least a 29.9 level physical quality, Fifth Stage Perfect Skill, 29 levels of spiritual power, and the awakening of three Star Veins."


    Li Yuan was all ears.


    These four requirements form the foundation of bing a Flying Heaven Warrior.


    "That''s just for achieving Flying Heaven. If you want to surpass Flying Heaven in the future, you must awaken even more Star Veins," Star Lord Bai Shan said earnestly. "Simrly, after advancing to the Flying Heaven Level, the more powerful your Star Veins are, the more you will continue to break through your limits and even have the chance to rival Demigods in terms of physical Origin Power."


    "Demigods?" Li Yuan was startled.


    "To surpass Flying Heaven is to achieve the Fourth Rank of Demigod," stated Dean Fang Hai ndly.


    Li Yuan suddenly realized.


    It turns out that transcending the Flying Heaven Level is to reach the Semi Divine Realm, which is also known as a Fourth Rank existence.


    "Flying Heaven Level can rival a Demigod at the basic level?" Li Yuan listened breathlessly.


    This was undoubtedly a great secret of the Martial Arts Cultivation path.


    "Li Yuan, what do you think is the level of physical Origin Power of a peak Flying Heaven Warrior?" Star Lord Bai Shan suddenly asked with a smile.


    "Flying Heaven Peak? Level 39, I guess," said Li Yuan as a matter of course.


    Star Lord Bai Shan and Dean Fang Hai exchanged a look and both smiled.


    "Wrong."


    "What wemonly refer to as peak Flying Heaven Warriors are at level 35," said Star Lord Bai Shan. "Whereas, Demigod Warriors are at least at level 40."


    Level 35?


    Demigods at level 40?


    "What about levels 36 to 39 then?" Li Yuan couldn''t help asking, surely they couldn''t be vacant.


    "When Origin Power cultivation reaches level 35, that is the Flying Heaven Peak, and if the Skill Realm is sufficient, one can step into the Semi Divine Realm, which takes them directly to level 40," Dean Fang Hai exined. "However, to cultivate to level 36, one must awaken six Star Veins."


    "To cultivate to level 37 in the Flying Heaven Realm, you must awaken seven Star Veins."


    "And so on... In theory, if one could awaken ten Star Veins, they could cultivate to level 40 within the Flying Heaven Realm."


    "However."


    "Six Star Pulse, already signifies a dazzling genius."


    "Being able to cultivate to level 37 with Seven Star Veins is an inconceivable achievement, and it''s nearly legendary in the many Foreign Civilizations known to our human civilization, worthy of being called invincible in the same realm," said Fang Hai impassively. "As for more than eight Star Veins, it exists only in theory."


    Six Star Pulse?


    Seven Star Veins?


    Li Yuan listened, breath taken away with awe, as Fang Hai and Star Lord Bai Shan seemed to be opening a great door for him!


    A door he had never known existed before.


    It turns out that the peak of a Flying Heaven Warrior is only level 35, not the 39 that he had imagined.


    It turns out that the more Star Veins one awakens, the more one can continuously break through the limits of life.


    "Likewise, the more Star Veins you awaken, and the stronger they are, the more fearsome the Star Techniques you''ll be able to cultivate will be."


    "The usual peak Flying Heaven Warriors are only at level 35, and they have no ability to withstand Demigods who are over level 40," said Fang Hai calmly. "But if one has a Six Star Pulse or Seven Star Veins, cultivating to the upper limits of level 36 or 37 within the Flying Heaven Realm, the fundamental gap with Demigods will greatly narrow...


    Coupled with the multiple Star Techniques cultivated from many Star Veins, it may be possible to parallel Demigods."


    "If the Skill Realm is even more sophisticated."


    "For instance ¡ª stepping into the threshold of Laws."


    "One may be able to truly rival Demigods with the body of Flying Heaven," Fang Hai spoke slowly, and a mysterious light shed in his eyes: "Or even, y a Demigod!"


    "To y a Demigod with the body of Flying Heaven?" Li Yuan was shaken to the core, filled with longing.


    He was well aware that the further one progressed in cultivation, the harder it was to fight across ranks.


    It''s not umon in human civilization for a First Rank Martial Artist to fight a Prime Warrior.


    But for a Prime Warrior to battle against one in the Flying Heaven Realm? That''s very rare, and each one is a top-tier genius.


    After all, which young Flying Heaven Warrior was not a genius of the Martial Path?


    Not to mention oveing a Demigod?


    "In our Seven Stars human civilization, has anyone achieved this?" Li Yuan couldn''t help but ask.


    Fang Hai fell silent for a moment, then said slowly, "Not yet!"

 Chapter 290: Chapter 222: Nine Layers Star Vein! Star Masters Teaching! (Requesting monthly votes)

    ```


    "No?" Li Yuan was surprised in his heart, he had thought Fang Hai could do it.


    After all, considering Fang Hai had killed the Flying Heaven level infiltrator ''Shadow'' before.


    Fang Hai''s strength must have reached a terrifying extent.


    "Li Yuan, even a 37th-level Flying Heaven is only approaching the foundation of a level 40 demigod," Star Lord Bai Shan seemed to perceive Li Yuan''s confusion and smiled, "But to trulypare to a demigod is extremely difficult."


    "Moreover, having strengthparable to a demigod and being able to kill a demigod are two different concepts."


    "Our Seven Star human civilization has encountered many foreign civilizations, and for a Flying Heaven level to kill a demigod... the difficulty is frighteningly high."


    "Not only must the foundation have Six Star Pulse or Seven Star Veins, but also several of these veins must achieve an extremely high rank, even Perfect Star Veins," said Star Lord Bai Shan, "Only then can one cultivate some extremely powerful Star Techniques."


    "Perfect Star Veins? Dean, Predecessor Bai Shan, what is a Star Technique?" Li Yuan couldn''t help but ask.


    The Perfect Star Veins were described in the Starfire databank, such as in the summary left by Predecessor Dongfang Ji.


    But Star Techniques?


    It was only now, from Dean Hai''s words, that Li Yuan first learned of them.


    "The human body is like the universe, with the Life Star being its essence and treasure, and the Star Veins its core," said Fang Hai indifferently, "Origin Warriors absorb Origin Power, but only a small amount remains in the Star Veins, and they mainly fight using their physical strength."


    Li Yuan nodded involuntarily.


    Indeed, even a top-grade Origin Warrior mainly relies on physicalbat.


    The power of the body is limited, whereas the power of heaven and earth is boundless.


    "Once one steps into the Flying Heaven Realm... Origin Power bes robust, circting within the body''s Zhou Tian, as if everything has a source, and the Life Star also transforms to an astonishing level and the Star Veins be capable of special deductions like the true universe, unleashing real might...


    This is what Star Techniques are," Fang Hai said, "Because each person is different, with differentprehensions and Laws, the Star Techniques they can cultivate naturally vary."


    "For example, ''Shadow'' cultivated ''Clone'' and ''Stealth'' Star Techniques, making him an extremely fearsome assassin," Fang Hai said.


    Li Yuan had an epiphany, gradually forming a vague concept of his future.


    It seems.


    Star Techniques can only be cultivated by Flying Heaven Warriors.


    "Star Techniques are cultivated based on the Star Veins and the practice is extremely stringent," the Star Lord Bai Shan at the side said with a smile, "You''re at level 19; you understand the difference in Law Creation. Can a Star Vein awakening 12,960 Life Stars be the same as one awakening 129,600 Life Stars?"


    "Not the same," Li Yuan shook his head.


    "The stronger the Star Veins, the more terrifying the power they can unleash," said Star Lord Bai Shan gravely, "We usually call the just-awakened Star Veins as First Layer Star Veins."


    "Each Star Vein, with every additional 12,960 Life Stars awakened, undergoes a fundamental transformation, gradually advancing to Second Layer Star Veins, Third Layer Star Veins... until the legendary Perfect Star Veins, also known as Tenth Layer Star Veins."


    "Some terrifying Star Techniques, like the ''Myriad Gold Divine Body'' cultivated by Dongfang Ji from our Seven Star human civilization, requires a Seven Layer Star Vein as the core and is famed throughout," said Star Lord Bai Shan with emotion, "Not many among the demigods can achieve it."


    "Legendarily."


    "There are some Supreme Star Techniques that can only be cultivated with a Nine Layers Star Vein," sighed Star Lord Bai Shan, "Our civilization has obtained several iplete ones... but no one has been able to cultivate them."


    "In our Seven Star human civilization, over the centuries, some demigods and arge number of Flying Heaven Warriors have been born... among them were peerless geniuses with awakened Six Star Pulses."


    "But to deduce a Star Vein to Nine Layers? It hasn''t happened yet," said Star Lord Bai Shan shaking his head, "Seven Star Veins are legendary."


    "Simrly, awakening a Star Vein to the Nine Layers level is legendary."


    ```


    ```


    Li Yuan appeared ''astonished,'' as if he was full of yearning.


    Yet, his heart was thumping wildly.


    Li Yuan really wanted to say, no one in human civilization can cultivate, but I can!!


    Nine Layer Star Vein? That''s nothing, I''ve awakened a Perfect Star Vein!!


    Unfortunately.


    Limited to his level 19, Li Yuan couldn''t speak up... Moreover, with the information revealed by Star Lord Bai Shan and Dean Fang Hai, Li Yuan could infer how miraculous the Mind Spirit Divine Pce was.


    A single Spiritual Guidance could let me awaken a Perfect Star Vein?


    Although the vast unawakened Life Stars were my own innate potential, without the help of the Mind Spirit Divine Pce''s guidance... Relying solely on myself, who knows when I could fully awaken them.


    Potential is potential.


    Turning potential into actual strength is what truly matters.


    The more he thought about it, the more Li Yuan felt that not exposing the Mind Spirit Divine Pce was a good thing.


    Of course, Li Yuan was not in a hurry about the few iplete Supreme Star Techniques that the high echelons of civilization possessed.


    He was only at level 19.


    It wouldn''t be toote to find a way to get them once he became a Flying Heaven Warrior.


    "Senior, can I understand it as, to raise the limit of the Origin Power in the body, one must awaken more Star Meridians?" Li Yuan summarized,"But to cultivate powerful Star Techniques, one must make a certain Star Meridian extremely strong."


    "Correct," Star Lord Bai Shan said with a smile,"The quantity and quality of Star Meridians are both very important."


    Li Yuan nodded slightly.


    The number of Star Meridians is to increase the lower limit of strength, like cultivating to level 36, level 37, even without cultivating powerful Star Techniques, one can still easily defeat a level 35 Flying Heaven Peak warrior with a strong foundation.


    The quality of Star Meridians, on the other hand, is to raise the upper limit of strength.


    Only with a strong foundation,bined with terrifying Star Techniques, can one hope to fight beyond one''s level and battle with Demigods.


    "The quantity of Star Meridians and Life Starsplement each other," Star Lord Bai Shan said with a smile. "Generally speaking, a Six Star Pulse talent can hope to awaken one or even two main Star Meridians to the Seventh Layer or above."


    "Seven Star Veins?" Li Yuan thought to himself,"Are they strong?"


    But he agreed with Star Lord Bai Shan''s theory, only with a sufficient number of awakened Life Stars can one awaken more Star Meridians... Like himself, many of the Life Stars he had awakened were isted.


    But in the future.


    As he awakens more Star Meridians, many of the currently inactive Life Stars may belong to a new Life Star Vein, making the awakening of a new Star Meridian easier in the future.


    ...


    Li Yuan had many discussions with Star Lord Bai Shan and Dean Fang Hai.


    He gained a profound understanding of Star Techniques, Star Meridians, and more.


    He finally understood the most important thing at the Origin Martial Artist stage¡ªawaken more Life Stars! The more, the better.


    "The earlier you awaken Star Meridians, the better," Dean Hai said indifferently."The Origin Martial Artist stage is the fastest for awakening... Even after bing a Flying Heaven Warrior, one can continue to awaken Star Meridians, but the difficulty will skyrocket... Once one bes a Demigod, the foundation is set, and it''s almost impossible to make any changes."


    Li Yuan suddenly realized, so that''s how it is.


    ```


    No wonder Star Lord Bai Shan said there was no need for me to rush into bing a Flying Heaven Warrior.


    "It''s not too difficult to gradually advance the Star Meridian from the firstyer to the second, to the thirdyer; this can wait until you''ve stepped into the Flying Heaven Realm to continue," Star Lord Bai Shan said, "But the number of Star Meridians will essentially be fixed by the time one reaches the Flying Heaven Warrior stage...


    This is a matter concerning a lifetime of cultivation and must be taken seriously."


    "Understood," Li Yuan nodded emphatically.


    One sentence.


    At the Prime Warrior stage, the quality of the Star Meridians can be overlooked, but the quantity cannot.


    "Our goal for you is to at least awaken five Star Meridians before stepping into the Flying Heaven Level," Star Lord Bai Shan said seriously, "You should have that potential."


    "Understood," Li Yuanmitted it to memory and contemted in silence.


    To awaken five Star Meridians? I''ve already awakened two Star Meridians now.


    It shouldn''t be too difficult, should it?


    Suddenly.


    Li Yuan seemed to think of something and couldn''t help asking, "Is Senior Yu Jinghe trying to awaken more Star Meridians?"


    As far as I know.


    Yu Jinghe seems to be at the Sixth Stage of skill, yet he has never made a breakthrough; there must be a reason.


    Both Star Lords smiled.


    "You''re quite astute," Star Lord Bai Shan smiled, "Indeed, Yu Jinghe is continuously trying to awaken more Star Meridians; he now has five Star Meridians and is hopeful for the sixth."


    Li Yuan suddenly realized; so that''s how it is.


    "Your starting point is lower than his because he was naturallypatible with high-rank cultivation methods, and as soon as he became a Prime Warrior, he quickly awakened three Star Meridians," Star Lord Bai Shan said, "But this is only temporary."


    "In the future, you will definitely need to spend more time, but don''t be impatient, don''t be swayed by the noise of the outside world," Star Lord Bai Shan looked at Li Yuan, "You need to be able to endure the loneliness."


    What they were most worried about.


    Was that Li Yuan wouldn''t be able to endure this loneliness and would desire to step into the Flying Heaven Level sooner.


    ...


    "Ordinary Origin Warriors, struggling to reach Fifth Stage Perfection in their arts, already find it challenging."


    "They be Flying Heaven Warriors sooner, venturing into the Star Realm in search of opportunities, possibly with a better chance to reach Demigod, so the alliance''s higher-ups won''t force them to stay at the Prime Warrior level," Star Lord Bai Shan said, "But for someone like you, like Yu Jinghe, including your Dean when he was younger...


    You are all rare outstanding geniuses, and our expectations for you are extremely high."


    "Because you have highprehension, profound skills, and the ability to maximize your potential."


    Li Yuan was listening intently.


    He had already sensed this point earlier.


    "The stronger the skill, the more it will nurture your soul to be stronger, making your perception of the Life Star more acute...


    In short, the more profound your skills, the more you can maximize your potential of the Star Meridian," Star Lord Bai Shan said earnestly, "As for awakening Star Meridians, we can''t help you, even though there are many experiences with cultivation techniques to learn from; in the end, it''s all up to you."


    "However, we can help you improve the level of your skills," Star Lord Bai Shan said.


    Li Yuan held his breath.


    Help? How?


    Logically, understanding the mystery of the heavens and earth should also be a very personal matter.


    Suddenly.


    Whoosh! Star Lord Bai Shan gently raised his hand, his fingertip touching Li Yuan''s forehead.


    Too fast, Li Yuan had no time to react.


    In an instant!


    "Boom!" Li Yuan''s whole mind went nk, and even his Flying Heaven Level soul couldn''t help but shake.


    Hum~ Streams of information flowed directly into Li Yuan''s mind and, incredibly, imprinted themselves in his memory.


    It was magical.


    As if ''knowledge'' was being poured into his brain.


    Brain nourished.


    But before Li Yuan could think further, he waspletely immersed in this wondrous change, absorbing the flood of information that came pouring in.


    This was a cultivation technique.


    To be precise, it was a Star Technique.


    Named "True Solution of the Earth Star Vein," ording to the description in the information, it was incredibly magical... If one could cultivate it to the pinnacle of perfection, theoretically, it could greatly increase one''spatibility with the Law of Earth, and drastically increase the chances of stepping into the threshold of the Law of Earth.


    But cultivating it was extremely difficult, with many challenges; not only did it require certain talents in the Star Meridian, but also numerous precious materials to assist in cultivation... very difficult.


    After a while.


    Li Yuan finally came back to his senses.


    He had noticed that the Star Technique he received wasn''tplete... It was just a small part, seemingly the introductory chapter.


    But it was already astounding.


    "How do you find this method?" Star Lord Bai Shan asked with a smile from the side.


    "It''s a miraculous technique," Li Yuan couldn''t help but marvel, "Theoretically, it enhances a person''s talent from the foundation up."


    "It''s just that the cultivation is extremely difficult; even just starting out requires an Earth Origin Crystal, which I can''t afford to cultivate."


    Suddenly.


    Whoosh!


    Star Lord Bai Shan flipped his hand, revealing a yellowish-brown crystal in his palm, emitting a hazy glow.


    The brilliance circted, and the surface of the crystal seemed to stream with a divine aura, instinctively drawing one''s desire.


    "This is?" Li Yuan held his breath.


    "What kind of person is Star Lord Bai Shan? Having taught you the introductory chapter of ''True Solution of the Earth Star Vein,'' he naturally has prepared everything for you," Dean Hai said with a smile from the side, "This is a fourth-rank treasure, the ''Earth Origin Crystal,'' essential for cultivating this Star Technique and also a reward for you."


    "Take it."


    "With it, once you be an Origin Warrior, if you can resonate with the technique, you should be able to sessfully start within a year."

 Chapter 291: Chapter 223: Introduction to Star Technique (Extra 21)

    "Within a year?" Li Yuan asked, puzzled.


    That quickly?


    "Within a year, given your cultivation speed and skill level, you will certainly be a Prime Warrior, and there''s a high probability you''ll sessfully awaken one or two Star Meridians," Star Lord Bai Shan said with a smile, "By then, with the assistance of the Earth Origin Crystal, you''d be able to attempt cultivating the ''True Solution of the Earth Star Vein''.


    Just mastering the introductory part isn''t difficult."


    "A Prime Warrior can cultivate Star Techniques?" Li Yuan couldn''t help asking.


    ording to what was said before, Star Techniques should only be cultivated by a Flying Heaven Warrior.


    The two Star Lords exchanged smiles.


    "Star Techniques are divided into many categories, such as clone, stealth, protective, scouting, escaping technique, attack, and cultivation assistance..." Fang Hai said in a calm manner.


    "The morebat-oriented and powerful Star Techniques require the full burst of Star Meridian Origin Power... Their might is too strong for Prime Warriors to withstand, so it''s not rmended for them to cultivate these techniques."


    "However, Prime Warriors can still choose one or two supportive techniques to cultivate. ''The True Solution of the Earth Star Vein'' is one such supportive type of technique for enlightenment... Prime Warriors can start to cultivate it at their stage," Fang Hai continued, "Such methods, if there''s a chance, even Flying Heaven Warriors would choose to cultivate one."


    Li Yuan understood.


    Star Techniques like ''The True Solution of the Earth Star Vein'' seem not to directly enhancebat strength... but they can elerate theprehension of skills.


    Skills and Star Meridians are the foundation of cultivation.


    Only when these two aspects are strong can one continuously break through limits and strive for even higher realms in the future.


    What aboutbat-oriented Star Techniques?


    In a sense, they are not as important.


    "The ''True Solution of the Earth Star Vein'' is indeed a rather magical Star Technique," Star Lord Bai Shan said with a smile, "I also chanced upon the introductory part... With the Earth Origin Crystal, as long as you have a certain level of resonance with the Law of Earth, and with some time, cultivating it sessfully isn''t difficult."


    "But if the level of resonance isn''t high, then it bes very difficult to refine sessfully," said Star Lord Bai Shan.


    "How can you determine the level of resonance?" Li Yuan couldn''t help asking.


    About Laws.


    Li Yuan had only read about vague concepts in some documents when browsing through the archives at the Starfire Martial Hall.


    They were too far-fetched.


    It was about the most fundamental mysteries of heaven and earth.


    "There''s no way to directly test it."


    "Heaven and earth nurture countless spirits, and each being is apletely independent individual, but there''s a general simrity in the bigger picture," Fang Hai at the side said, "Your previous cultivation of the ''Solid Rock Cultivation Technique'' indicates you resonate with the invisible Earth Source Power."


    "Your cultivation of ''Meaning of the Ster'' is incredibly smooth, showing you have the potential toprehend the Ster True Intent."


    "Ster True Intent is just a very small part of the Law of Earth... from your previous signs, your resonance with the Earth Vein is very high."


    Li Yuan suddenly realized. So that''s how it is.


    Fang Hai and Star Lord Bai Shan, their strength far exceeded his own, and they had much higher perspectives. They could infer many things from his past experiences.


    "Dean, I know the Sixth Stage skills are the ''True Intent of Heaven and Earth'', but at which skill level are the Laws?" Li Yuan couldn''t help but ask.


    He was indeed curious.


    "Fourth Stage skills are about achieving extreme control over one''s body," Fang Hai patiently exined, "Fifth Stage skills gradually reach Unity of Heaven and Man, and upon reaching Fifth Stage Perfection, one''s movements be unified with the heavens and earth, each action drawing upon the power of nature."


    "Sixth Stage, the True Intent of Heaven and Earth, is trulyprehending the profound mysteries of nature to an extremely deep level... having grasped a hint of the true essence of the operation of heaven and earth."


    "Above True Intent is the Law."


    "Crossing into the threshold of the Law represents Seventh Stage skills."


    "The Law is the ultimate mystery of the operation of all things in heaven and earth, representing the essence," Fang Hai looked at Li Yuan and said softly, "Star Lord Bai Shan teaching you ''The True Solution of the Earth Star Vein'' and giving you the Earth Origin Crystal also signifies his hope that someday you will cross that threshold of the Law."


    "You must understand that a single piece of Earth Origin Crystal is enough to make many Flying Heaven Warriors pursue it," Fang Hai said solemnly.


    "I will certainly not forget the kindness of Star Lord Bai Shan and will do my utmost," Li Yuan said earnestly.


    The Fourth Rank treasure ''Earth Origin Crystal''... To a Flying Heaven Warrior, it is an absolute treasure.


    To give it to a youngster like him.


    It''s very rare.


    "Haha, your Dean is making it sound too serious," Star Lord Bai Shanughed, "Don''t bear too much pressure. Youe from Xia Country, and I should certainly cultivate you with all my strength... ''The True Solution of the Earth Star Vein'' is not as magical as you imagine."


    "Its effectiveness depends greatly on the strength of the Star Meridian," Star Lord Bai Shan continued with a smile, "The stronger the Star Meridian you base your cultivation on, the better the results."


    "So, when you first start, the effect will definitely be mediocre, just a slight improvement, but the effects will get better and better as you progress."


    "The junior understands," Li Yuan said respectfully, yet a thought couldn''t help but stir within him.


    The stronger the Star Meridian, the better the cultivation effect.


    What if one were to cultivate with a Perfect Star Vein?


    "Mm, whether Star Techniques or spiritual power, they are merely aids, just ''amplifiers'' for yourprehension," Fang Hai spoke slowly: "Understanding the mysteries of heaven and earth, what''s important is your inner self."


    "These things can be relied upon, but not depended on."


    "Yes."


    ...


    Soon after.


    Dean Fang Hai sent Li Yuan back to the school, then quickly returned.


    "Not going to admonish him a few more words?" Star Lord Bai Shan joked.


    "Admonish what?" Fang Hai shook his head, "We''ve given him the best resources for cultivation, and in five months, he''ll head to Feixing where the Martial Hall''s ''Martial God Inheritance'' is one of the top resources of the alliance... The rest of the journey is his to walk."


    "How far he can go also depends on his own efforts and fortune."


    "Interfering too much might not be a good thing," Fang Hai said lightly, "No matter how much we help, we can only assist him in bing a Flying Heaven level at most, can we really help him be a Demigod?"


    "Even I am not a Demigod," Fang Hai shook his head.


    "Haha, you really share the same temperament as your master." Star Lord Bai Shanughed, "All right, since you''re the Dean, what you say goes."


    "I''ll be taking my leave, call me if there''s anything."


    "Sure." Fang Hai watched as Star Lord Bai Shan departed, then looked down thoughtfully at the continuous stretch of vis below.


    He pondered for a moment.


    "Seven Star Meridians? Law?" Fang Hai murmured to himself, and then the hatch of the flying saucer beneath his feet opened.


    Fang Hai walked straight in.


    ...


    Back inside his own vi.


    Dean Hai, Li Yang, and the white-d woman had already received orders to leave.


    At this moment, the sun had just risen outside.


    But inside, Li Yuan''s heart was filled with excitement.


    The events of today had surpassed Li Yuan''s imagination.


    Before getting breakfast, what Li Yuan had in mind was how to work hard to win the championship of the Blue Star virtualbatpetition.


    But this morning, he first encountered an assassination attempt by a stealthy Flying Heaven Warrior from an Alien Race.


    Then, two more Star Masters made their appearance in session, that snap of a finger slicing through the heavens with a drop of rain¡­ In the end, the tales of the Ten-Star Meridian and the Nine Layers Star Vein further opened the door for Li Yuan to gaze upon a new world.


    One could say,


    the pointers from Fang Hai and Bai Shan reshaped Li Yuan''s understanding of the ''Transcendent Martial Way''.


    Perhaps, Li Yuan was still outside the door,


    but he could already see the world within.


    "Hm?" Li Yuan suddenly came to a realization, "Not good, I haven''t eaten breakfast yet, don''t let it get cold."


    ...


    After eating the still-warm breakfast, Li Yuan went back to the underground Martial Arts Room.


    The lights turned on, as if it were daylight.


    Li Yuan activated all the protections in the Martial Arts Room, took out a cushion, and then sat cross-legged on it.


    "Whew!"


    Li Yuan flipped his palm, and a y-yellow crystal appeared in the center, radiating a hazy glow.


    It was the Earth Origin Crystal that Bai Shan had just gifted him.


    "A fourth-rank treasure, huh."


    "ording to the data archives, treasures of this level simply cannot be valued with Blue Star Coins," thought Li Yuan to himself.


    This was quite normal.


    Currency, by nature, was issued by the human alliance, backed by the formidable martial force of Star Masters and Demigods, thus gaining recognition from Flying Heaven Warriors, Prime Warriors, and ordinary people alike.


    Therefore, for Star Masters, currency carried little significance.


    The treasures that could capture their attention certainly weren''t something Blue Star Coins could measure in value... No amount of money could buy them.


    Li Yuan gazed at the Earth Origin Crystal, understanding its worth by the mere fact that it was called a divine crystal.


    "If I hadn''t shown talent, I probably wouldn''t have been qualified to receive such a treasure," Li Yuan thought privately. "But should I use the Perfect Star Vein to cultivate it?"


    Whether it was Fang Hai or Bai Shan,


    they both believed that Li Yuan would need at least several months before he could start cultivating ''True Solution of the Earth Star Vein''.


    However, Li Yuan himself knew that he could start at any time.


    To cultivate ''True Solution of the Earth Star Vein'' required three major conditions: first, a certainpatibility with the Earth Vein.


    Second, the awakening of a star meridian.


    Third, skills must reach the Unity of Heaven and Man level, or spiritual power must be above level 29.


    Li Yuan met all the criteria perfectly.


    The only thing that made Li Yuan hesitant was which star meridian to use for the cultivation.


    "Using the Perfect Star Vein to cultivate would naturally yield the best results," Li Yuan thought. "But as the Dean just mentioned,"


    "Once a star technique reaches a certain level of proficiency, it leaves a deep imprint on the star meridian, making it very troublesome to reconstructter on... Is it appropriate to reserve a Perfect Star Vein for merely an auxiliary star technique?" Li Yuan was somewhat hesitant.


    Star meridians are like a plot ofnd, and star techniques are like constructing on that plot.


    If thend is empty, anything can be done quite conveniently.


    But if a residential building has already been constructed, trying to change it into a pig farm? Naturally, that would be extremely troublesome.


    After much thought.


    "Let''s do this!"


    Li Yuan made up his mind: "Based on past experience, once my Spiritual Awakening Level reaches 50%, I should get another chance for Spiritual Guidance... And I will also keep awakening star meridians on my own."


    "Martial techniques just make me stronger during certain stages."


    "By cultivating ''True Solution of the Earth Star Vein'' with the Perfect Star Vein, I can maximize the potential of this star technique," Li Yuan contemted. "It will also allow my skills to progress faster."


    It was like the soul undergoing a transformation to reach the Flying Heaven level.


    Before and after the transformation, the efficiency with which Li Yuan practiced his Spear Technique and movement technique waspletely different.


    "With sufficient mastery over the skill, I could hope to tap into the potential of my star meridians as much as possible during the Prime Warrior stage," Li Yuan was filled with anticipation.


    A Five-Star Meridian?


    No!


    Li Yuan''s goal was the Seven-Star Meridian! And even the Eight-Star Vein, which was already legendary among many Alien Races.


    The Mind Spirit Divine Pce gave Li Yuan enough confidence.


    ...


    Having thought everything through, Li Yuan no longer hesitated, calmed his heart, and with a thought,


    Sss~


    The Origin Power Battle Suit surged,pletely cing the palm-sized Earth Origin Crystal on his abdomen.


    And it waspletely wrapped by the battle suit, invisible from the outside.


    "Absorb," with a thought from Li Yuan, he immediately began to follow the cultivation directions of ''True Solution of the Earth Star Vein''.


    The Flying Heaven level soul activated, sensing the Earth Origin Crystal.


    Star Meridian activate!


    Gradually, Li Yuan faintly felt the fiery-hot cluster within his waist and abdomen, as if it contained an unfathomable essence¡­ beyond imagination.


    "Sss~" "Sss~"


    Following the star technique''s guidance, that one Perfect Star Meridian within Li Yuan''s body moved, and countless light dots flickered on his body''s surface, beginning to absorb the essence from within the Earth Origin Crystal.


    "Boom!"


    A strand after strand of peculiar power prated through his skin, quickly spreading into Li Yuan''s body, and was swiftly absorbed by the only Perfect Star Meridian... This power was much purer than Origin Power.


    The most important aspect was that it seemed to contain a mysterious substance that quickly integrated into Li Yuan''s Perfect Star Meridian.


    In an instant!


    "The sensation, so vivid," Li Yuan was astonished within his heart, the strange power bestowed upon him made the feeling of countless light spots on that perfect star meridian exceptionally clear.


    129,600 Life Stars, all sensationally vivid.


    Far surpassing what he had ever experienced before.


    Moreover, every Life Star''s aura became immensely powerful¡­ as if they truly came to life.


    "Begin the attempt," thought Li Yuan.


    With a strong spiritual power enveloping each Life Star, he tried to mobilize the Origin Power within them.


    Attempting to form mysterious and profound Star Marks¡­ incredibly easily.


    Sess!


    "Just like that, I''ve seeded with one?" Li Yuan was stunned. "Didn''t Elder Bai Shan say that I should expect to fail hundreds of times at first?"

 Chapter 296: Chapter 225: The Finals! Top Ten (Extra 22, 23)

    After a melee and eight rounds of knockout, one martial path genius after another emerged.


    In addition, the promotional videos of Li Yuan and Dantai Feng spread during the journey.


    It can be said that the fervor for the virtual battles of this Global Martial Arts Tournament for colleges had reached an apex.


    Whew!


    When Li Yuan leisurely practiced his Spear Technique, adjusted his mindset, and logged on punctually at 7:40 PM.


    As soon as he entered thepetition space, he appeared in the Spectator tform area belonging to ''Kunlun Martial University students.''


    Immediately.


    Whoosh! The ''broadcast screen'' high up in the battle space instantly focused on him, and Li Yuan''s face appeared on the big screen.


    Boom!


    "Li Yuan!"


    "It''s Li Yuan!!"


    "Li Yuan!" Thepetition space, with over six million spectators, erupted with a sound like a mountain roar and a tidal wave.


    Not just spectators from Xia Country, but those from most other countries were shouting his name as well.


    The cheers from millions of people all at once - what kind of concept was that?


    With a thunderous momentum that reverberated throughout the vastpetition space, even Li Yuan, who had juste online, was given quite a shock.


    "This many people?" Li Yuan, hearing the earth-shaking cheers, was somewhat stunned.


    Spectators from Xia Country were understandable, but why were spectators from other countries so excited?


    "Haha, Brother Yuan didn''t expect it, did you? Your poprity is frightfully high," Gu Qianghan excitedlyughed, "You are practically famous around the world."


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


    "Senior Brother, you and Dantai Feng are now worldwide sensations. Haven''t you seen your V-blog followers? It''s already over 40 million, that''s a global following," An Nong said excitedly.


    Li Yuan was stunned for a moment.


    Forty million followers? Was that an exaggeration?


    Li Yuan had been focused on training these past two days, not logging onto the virtualwork, so he really wasn''t aware of these things.


    You should know that the virtualwork operates a strict real-name system; under fullwork monitoring, ''zombie fans'' basically don''t exist ¨C this is genuine poprity... He could bepared to top-tier global celebrities.


    "Can''t be helped,"


    "Previous short videos were certified by Starfire Martial Hall, and the praises were boundless," An Nong said with a sigh of admiration, "Blue Star''s number one talent of the contemporary era! The pir of human civilization who may surpass the Flying Heaven Level in the future!"


    Li Yuan couldn''t help shaking his head.


    The principal and Star Lord Bai Shan overexaggerated to attract the hidden Flying Heaven Level members of the Alien Race.


    But the result was good.


    More than ten secondster, the broadcast video switched to other finalists, and the shouts about Li Yuan subsided quite a bit.


    Only in the Kunlun Martial University area, arge number of spectators were still excitedly waving their hands towards where Li Yuan was.


    "It''s a bit too crazy."


    Li Yuan sat down and shook his head, "Shouldn''t everyone cheer for Senior Brother Jin? Senior Brother Jin also made it to the top twenty in the finals."


    "How can that be the same?" A maic and robust voice came from behind Li Yuan, "You are absolutely dominant, defeating Hoffman and directly entering the finals, while I barely made it into the top twenty. How could it be the same?"


    "Senior Brother Jin?" Li Yuan''s eyes lit up as he turned to look.


    When he was unaware,


    Jin Huguo had already taken a seat behind him. He had a square face, not particrly handsome but with a rugged hard man''s presence.


    With their exchange, Gu Qianghan and An Nong beside him dared not to speak.


    Among the nearly ten thousand students at Kunlun Martial University, the status of Li Yuan and Jin Huguo was transcendent.


    After all, even ordinary teachers were not as skilled as they were.


    "Senior Brother jests," Li Yuanughed, "With your strength, you might even make it into the top three."


    Li Yuan had researched his mainpetitors.


    For example, he had watched Harmon''s real fight, which was the battle against Jin Huguo, several times.


    In Li Yuan''s view, Jin Huguo''s skill level was not far off Hoffman''s, and if he was weaker, it was by not much.


    "Don''t tter me," Jin Huguo chuckled and shook his head, "Whether I can get into the top ten is a matter of luck... As for the top three, there''s not a sliver of hope."


    "As for you, Junior Brother,"


    "Fight hard! Aim to take first." Jin Huguo smiled, "Our school has never won first ce in the virtual battles of the Blue Star Championship. "


    "Or rather, ever since the inception of virtual battles, looking globally, the champion of every edition has always been taken by one of the three top-tier martial schools, without exception," Jin Huguo said seriously. "Never an exception."


    "No exception?" Li Yuan paused.


    He knew Kunlun Martial University had never won the virtual battle championship, but from Jin Huguo''s meaning... if he could im the championship, it would not only be creating history for Kunlun Martial University.


    In a sense, it would also be creating a new history for the tournament, breaking the monopoly of the three top-tier martial schools over the virtual battle championship.


    "Li Yuan," Jin Huguo said emotionally, "haven''t you noticed that among the top twenty finalists, aside from you and me, and a martial path genius ''Alicia'' from Europa, the other seventeen are all from the three top-tier martial schools?"


    Li Yuan nodded slightly ¨C indeed, that was quite striking.


    But on second thought, it made sense.


    Even among the five famous schools of Xia Country, perhaps only a senior would asionally emerge as a Fifth Stage student.


    But a Fifth Stage student before their junior year? That''s too difficult.


    Jin Huguo, for instance, was a rarity for Kunlun Martial University in recent decades.


    "That Alicia is actually a bit like you," Jin Huguoughed, "She also hasn''t awakened her Martial Spirit, and thus didn''t get into ck Stone University... Her Comprehension can''t match yours, but it is also extremely astonishing."


    "To break through to the Fifth Stage by her junior year is already very impressive," Jin Huguo said earnestly.


    Li Yuan nodded slightly.


    Around the world, even if one hasn''t awakened their Martial Spirit, as long as they have high Comprehension, there are many ways to gradually rise.


    ...

 Chapter 297: Chapter 225: The Finals! Top Ten (Extra 22, 23)_2

    As Li Yuan and Jin Huguo chatted, time slipped away until it was finally 7:58.


    Thepetition''s start time was drawing closer and closer.


    Suddenly, buzz~ buzz~ two fluctuations materialized from nowhere, sweeping past Li Yuan and Jin Huguo simultaneously.


    Both of them vanished at the same moment.


    When they reappeared, they found themselves in the center of the grandpetition space, surrounded by the massive battle tform.


    It wasn''t just the two of them; other unparalleled geniuses like Yin Man, Zhu Tong, Dantai Feng, Hoffman, Kunale, Nevsky, and the like also materialized around the tform.


    "Alicia," Li Yuan couldn''t help but nce at the blond, blue-eyed woman.


    She, like him, had not awakened her Martial Spirit.


    ... As the twenty ultimate talents who made it into the finals appeared, the entirepetition space immediately erupted, with countless spectators from all over the world madly roaring the names of contestants.


    "Raja!"


    "Kunale, we from Tianzhu are the strongest."


    "Nevsky, kill Harmon!"


    "Li Yuan! Yin Man! Take the first ce." Numerous voices rose, everyone cheering for their country''s finalists.


    Without a doubt, Li Yuan''s name was called out the loudest, which was a testament to his poprity.


    ...


    "Ladies and gentlemen, after ten days of brutalpetition, this edition of the global..." the burly host in ck appeared once again, his voice thundering across heaven and earth: "More than six million contestants fiercely vied for the top, and atst, we have selected twenty Martial Path geniuses."


    "They are Blue Star''s strongest twenty talents in skills this year!!"


    "And today''s finals will decide the top ten, top five, and eventually the very first ce in one go!!"


    "First ce means Blue Star''s number one!!


    "The top three talents identified today will soon represent Blue Star on the distant Feixing topete against the most prodigious geniuses from the Six Greats!!" the host spoke with impassioned voice.


    Stirring the voices of all the spectators.


    Timely music also started ying.


    "Wow! The number of spectators has already exceeded six million!! Haha, this is absolutely unprecedented."


    "Alright."


    "Next, I will introduce the top twenty contestants one by one. They are Yin Man, Li Yuan, Bai Chuanming..." Each time the host announced a name,


    the entirepetition space rang out with earth-shaking roars,


    echoing the names of each contestant.


    Atst.


    After announcing thest contestant''s name.


    "It''s already past eight o''clock," the host''s voice turned somber: "First off, we will begin with the ''Twenty to Ten'' first round of the finals, and the matches will follow ranking by total points earned in the melee battles, with the first-ranked fighting the twentieth, second against neenth, and so on..."


    "Therefore, the first match of the first round will be Yin Man versus Hades!" the hosts'' voice rose once again.


    Whoosh! Whoosh!


    The twenty contestants who were originally surrounding the battle tform were instantaneously teleported into it.


    "Yin Man," Li Yuan immediately turned to look, considering her one of his most importantpetitors.


    As for Hades? Li Yuan had no deep impression of him.


    The other contestants were also watching intently, seizing the opportunity to understand the abilities of their potential next-round opponents.


    ...


    Since both parties'' Physical Quality was set at level 18, the diameter of the battle tform was 300 meters.


    Over six million people were watching.


    Upon the battle tform, Yin Man and Hades wasted no words and immediately burst intobat.


    This battle ended very quickly, but it left the spectators and contestants alike in shock.


    Because!


    Yin Man was terrifying, as with just a single sword, she defeated the brilliant ''Hades'' from the knockout stages.


    From start to finish, Hades barely stood a chance to resist,pletely overwhelmed by Yin Man.


    In the end,


    Yin Man secured the first spot in the top ten.


    "Yin Man!"


    "Invincible!"


    "The most beautiful Yin Man!" Millions of spectators from Xia Country cheered excitedly.


    ...


    "What a terrifying Yin Man!" Harmon, Nevsky, and other peerless talents all marveled at Yin Man''s swordsmanship and felt the pressure.


    After all, ording to the data, Yin Man was best with dual swords.


    If she could easily defeat ''Hades'', also of the Fifth Stage, with just one sword, how terrifying would she be once she unleashed both swords?


    ...


    "Intermediate Rank of the Fifth Stage,"


    "Indeed, Intermediate Rank of the Fifth Stage. Another one, including Li Yuan and Nevsky, that makes the third one," many Flying Heaven Warriors discussed among themselves in the higher Spectator Space.


    More than a hundred thousand Prime Warriors came to watch today, but there were even more than a hundred Flying Heaven Warriors.


    "Today is the finals, and the Star Master didn''te?"


    "Not sure."


    "Let''s wait and see, maybe he wille for the final showdown," many Flying Heaven Warriors who came to watch were actually hoping to meet the Star Master.


    Unfortunately, the Star Master didn''t show up today.


    While these Flying Heaven Warriors were having their discussion, the second match had already ignited.


    ...


    The second battle, between Nevsky and Hoffman, erupted between two super geniuses from their respective nations.


    But in a brief moment, the battle was over.


    Once Nevsky''s Axe Technique fully unleashed, a session of axe lights cascaded continuously, crushing Hoffman outright.


    In the end, Nevsky captured the second spot in the top ten.


    ...


    The third match, Dantai Feng against ''Yu Mingwei'' from Xia Country, another talent,


    was a civil war within Xia Country.


    Unavoidably, due to the rules, with Xia Country upying six spots of the top twenty, an internal battle was bound to happen.


    This fight was bitterly contested by both sides.


    And against most spectators'' expectations, Dantai Feng emerged slightly superior, enduring his severe injuries to win over Yu Mingwei.


    "Haha, won! Won!" Dantai Feng''s eyes shone with light, one of his armspletely broken, blood flowing.

 Chapter 298: Chapter 225: The Finals! Top Ten (Extra 22, 23)_3

    But Dantai Feng didn''t care at all.


    "Broke into the top ten!"


    "As a freshman breaking into the top ten, that''s a historical moment for Xia Country. Back in the day, Yu Jinghe, as a freshman, only made it to the top twenty." Dantai Fengughed out loud.


    He even couldn''t help but look towards Li Yuan, grinning: "Li Yuan, I made it to the top ten before you did."


    Dantai Feng knew that his chances of breaking into the top five were very slim. Making it to the top ten was already a miracle.


    "Bai Shan, you truly go beyond our ancestor in both strength and age." Dantai Feng mused to himself: "One session of guidance, and I''ve improved this much."


    Li Yuan, had received help from the higher-ups of Xia Country.


    Simrly, Dantai Feng had also received gifts from the elders of Xia Country.


    Every genius, in their growth, will have their own opportunities.


    ...


    "Dantai Feng''s sword and shield coordination has gotten even stronger."


    "Yu Mingwei actually lost?" The other contenders all secretly marveled; most had thought that Dantai Feng would lose.


    ...


    The fourth match, the fifth match... one peak duel after another, the ones eliminated were all at the Fifth Stage.


    And those Fifth Stage experts who remained were only going to be more fearsome.


    It quickly came to the seventh match¡ªLi Yuan against Kunale!!


    As the two were teleported into the duel arena, the sky erupted with earth-shattering roars; this was a battle that everyone was watching.


    "Li Yuan!"


    "Li Yuan!!" Millions of Xia Country''s spectators were all shouting.


    "Kunale!"


    "Kunale." Nearly a million spectators from Tianzhu Country were equally unabated.


    Spectators from other countries felt a bit emotional... The cheer from these two populous countries far surpassed those from other nations.


    ...


    On the duel tform.


    "Li Yuan, everyone says you''re the top genius of Blue Star''s current generation, with high hopes of winning the championship, but I don''t buy it." Kunale, with his high nose bridge and pale skin, stared intently at Li Yuan: "I will prove to everyone that I am the strongest."


    "Bring out all your strength, so you won''t have excuses after you lose."


    "After I defeat you, I will advance to the top five, and from there, im the championship." Kunale had full confidence.


    As Tianzhu''s ''Number One Genius,'' his fame was indeed considerable.


    "Alright." Li Yuan smiled faintly: "Out of respect for you, I will bring out all my strength."


    Boom! Boom!


    Both sides exploded with power, rushing toward each other, shing like lightning.


    Kunale was an expert of the sword and shield art, with extremely exquisite Sword Technique and unparalleled Shield Technique.


    This was also the reason why many people, despite not favoring him to win, believed he could hold his ground against Li Yuan for a long time.


    But...


    When they truly crossed swords, Kunale suffered a crushing defeat... in just over ten lightning-fast exchanges.


    "Pfft!"


    With a spear that cut across the vast sky, Li Yuan''s Long Spear had already pierced directly through Kunale''s neck.


    in!


    Kunale, defeated!


    "I thought he was stronger than this." Li Yuan quickly retracted his spear, slightly shaking his head: "Such a big name... But to me, he seems probably even worse than Hoffman."


    Thump~ Kunale''s body heavily fell to the ground.


    "Asking me to go all out? Too weak."


    However, Li Yuan also knew in his heart that it wasn''t that Kunale was truly weak, but rather that his own strength had increased.


    ...


    "What?"


    "How is this possible!"


    "Kunale lost so quickly?"


    "Li Yuan!!" Harmon, Yin Man, Nevsky, and other victorious contenders all changed their expressions, with shock filling their eyes.


    So strong!!


    Before the finals, most of them had analyzed Li Yuan, especially his duel with Hoffman; these Martial Path prodigies had concluded¡ªLi Yuan was good at defense, not offense.


    But now?


    With Kunale going all out on defense, he couldn''t even withstand more than ten thrusts under Li Yuan''s fierce attacks?


    This level of Spear Technique was significantly stronger than what Li Yuan had disyed when he defeated Hoffman.


    ...


    "That''s just sick." Dantai Feng muttered to himself.


    He was quite shocked in his heart: "He just broke through to the Intermediate Rank of the Fifth Stage during the melee... Has he be so much stronger in less than ten days?"


    Dantai Feng thought that his own progress was fast enough.


    Butpared to Li Yuan? The gap seemed even bigger.


    "Could it be, Li Yuan has got one of those Spear Technique leveling systems from novels?" Dantai Feng couldn''t help but think: "Why don''t I have such a show-off system? Then my progress would surely be just as fast."


    Aside from practicing, Dantai Feng asionally read web novels.


    ...


    "Such impressive Spear Technique."


    "Truly beautiful."


    "Meaning of the Ster, can attack power really be so strong? His spear skills must have seen substantial improvements." Flying Heaven Warriors in the higher Spectator Space were also quite astonished.


    Most of them had anticipated Li Yuan would win.


    But for him to win this easily? It went beyond their expectations!


    "Haha, I previously thought Yin Man was stronger than Li Yuan, but now I''m not sure anymore."


    "Me, too."


    ...


    "Li Yuan won!"


    "Li Yuan rocks." Xia Country''s millions of spectators were exhrated, screaming frically.


    Because, with Li Yuan''s victory, Xia Country''s six great prodigies now had three who advanced to the top ten.


    Zhu Tong and Jin Huguo hadn''tpeted yet.


    The only one eliminated, Yu Mingwei, had actually lost to an internal fight... this sess rate was astonishing indeed.


    ...


    Quickly, thest three matches of the first round of the finals came to an end one by one.


    Zhu Tong lost, defeated by Sakura Country''s number one prodigy, ''Bai Chuanming.''


    "Bai Chuanming''s Swordsmanship."


    "So fast."


    "Such a formidable Sword Technique." Many spectators exhaled in admiration, even the already qualified top ten contestants like Dantai Feng and Raja showed grave expressions.


    Only in terms of Sword Technique power, it seemed that Yin Man''s swordy was faster and more ferocious.


    But in terms of speed, Bai Chuanming''s Sword Technique was faster... Definitely the fastest among all the Weapon Techniques of the Martial Path prodigies in the finals so far.


    In the world of martial arts, speed is unexcelled.

 Chapter 299: Chapter 225: The Finals! Top Ten (Extra 22, 23)_4

    Absolute speed itself signifies tremendous might.


    ...


    The first round of the finals, the tenth match.


    Jin Huguo won!


    He and another martial arts prodigy "Alvis" fought a fierce battle,sting over ten minutes.


    It was the longest fight among the ten matches.


    Keep in mind, most of the previous fights ended within three minutes, as all participants didn''t have Origin Power Battle Suits for protection, and the fights were closebat. A slightpse was all it took for a fatal consequence.


    The fact that the fight reached a staggering ten minutes shows that the strengths of both sides were exceedingly close.


    Eventually, Jin Huguo won by a hair''s breadth... The calmness tinged with madness in the final stage of the battle shocked countless spectators.


    "Senior Brother Jin is really impressive."


    "In terms of strength, he and Alvis are neck and neck," Li Yuan marveled silently, "Perhaps Senior Brother Jin''s actual strength is slightly weaker, but his decisiveness in life-and-death situations far surpasses his opponent."


    Li Yuan questioned if he could have done any better himself in such decisive moments.


    Li Yuan couldn''t help but think of the battle between Jin Huguo and Harmon.


    Though clearly inferior in strength, Jin managed to nearly reach mutual destruction against Harmon with his terrifying battle awareness.


    Thus far,


    the top ten of the virtual battle were all selected!


    ...


    In front of over six million spectators,


    the time had arrived at nine o''clock in the evening.


    "Yin Man, Dantai Feng, Li Yuan, Jin Huguo, Bai Chuanming, Harmon, Raja, Nevsky, Alicia, Amos," the host announced excitedly, "let us congratte these ten geniuses, they are the top ten of this session''s virtual battle."


    "Li Yuan!"


    "Yin Man!"


    "Harmon." Millions of spectators were extremely excited, many even waving their arms.


    Especially the over one million Xia Country spectators, they were ecstatic!!


    "Haha, four out of the top ten geniuses are from our Xia Country."


    "It''s a pity that if Dantai Feng and Yu Mingwei hadn''t faced each other, maybe we could have had five spots."


    upying four out of the ten spots indeed stood out.


    However, those who were most excited and frenzied were the students and teachers of Kunlun Martial University.


    Because among the ten spots, Kunlun Martial University ounted for two ¨C Li Yuan, Jin Huguo.


    ...


    In a higher-tier spectator space,


    "Haha, two of the top ten geniuses are from our Kunlun Martial University," Li Yang boasted proudly to the surrounding Top Grade Origin Martial Artists, "Old Liu, look at your school, it hasn''t had a top ten for so many years."


    "Look at you, so smug."


    "Over such a small matter."


    "This Li Yang always loves to show off," vice-principals from Xia Country''s other four famous schools couldn''t help but mock.


    "What do you mean ''show off''?" Li Yang red, "This is called confidence! If you had students this amazing, you''d be more confident than me."


    "Don''t think I don''t know what you guys are like."


    ...


    The top ten geniuses of the virtual battle were selected.


    After only ten minutes of rest, the second round of the finals was about to begin ¨C the top five.


    The matches would be randomly paired by the virtualwork system.


    "Good!"


    "The pairing isplete," the host stated solemnly as he looked at the freshly printed list of match orders, "In the top five, the victor of each fight will break into the top five, and then the final round will determine the champion."


    "I announce, the first fight of the second round."


    "Li Yuan versus Bai Chuanming!!" the host''s voice was full of vigor.


    Whoosh! Whoosh!


    Li Yuan and Bai Chuanming were instantly transported to the ring, immediately drawing the attention of countless viewers.


    These two,


    one hailed as the number one talent of the current era from Blue Star.


    The other had just shown formidable strength and was considered by many to have a chance to break into the top five.


    And now they were shing together.


    "Li Yuan."


    "Bai Chuanming, you are the strongest."


    "Bai Chuan will definitely take the championship," cheers thundered from the Spectator tform from countless Xia Country and Sakura Country spectators.


    ...On the ring.


    "Li Yuan, your strength is indeed formidable, but I will not give up," Bai Chuanming, gripping his sword tightly, stared fixedly at Li Yuan.


    "Your sword is very fast," Li Yuan said calmly, holding his long spear with a slight smile, "Come on, let''s see how fast your sword can be."

 Chapter 304: Chapter 227 The Number One of Blue Star (Extra 24)

    "How could the power contained in this spear be so much stronger than mine?" Nevsky could hardly believe it.


    It should be noted that he is an intermediate-rank, fifth-stage martial artist too.


    In theory, even if Li Yuan''s skill realm was somewhat higher than his, the pure strength gap shouldn''t be this substantial.


    When one''s skills reach the fourth level, the difference in weapons bes minimal, and after stepping into the fifth stage, the difference is even smaller, because every high-rank fifth-stage martial artist''s skill level is so high it is nearly a path.


    They ce more emphasis on the harmony of mind, body, and the universe, seeking to harness more of the power of heaven and earth.


    Weapons? They are more about fitting with one''s own heart and intentions.


    Take, for example, the third-rank secret manual "Meaning of the Ster"; why isn''t it called "Ster Spear"? To achieve this level, whether it''s a spear or an axe, it all follows the heart.


    Just like Li Yuan.


    Ordinary people use spears, naturally excelling at attacking.


    But with the skill realm of "Meaning of the Ster", when using this mindset to control weapons, Li Yuan''s spear technique for defense bes far more powerful than his attacks.


    Facing Nevsky, Li Yuan was clear in his mind that winning with ordinary killing moves was very unlikely.


    Nevsky''s chosen path suited the battle axe extremely well, and he was very adept at attacking.


    Therefore, without a moment''s hesitation, Li Yuanunched his strongest move¡ªGxy Spiral.


    "I refuse to believe this." Nevsky roared angrily, his body springing into motion once more. He stepped fiercely across the tform, each step making the tform tremble faintly as if mountains were crumbling and the earth was splitting apart.


    Li Yuan, holding his long spear, looked at his opponent impassively, motionless.


    Boom! At the moment Nevsky was about to get close, he finally struck down at Li Yuan like a fierce tiger.


    Whoosh!


    He leaped up, raising the battle axe high, unleashing all his vigor, and with everything he had, he chopped down fiercely with his axe.


    This blow, fueled by Nevsky''s anger, was unquestionably the most powerful he had ever unleashed in virtualbat.


    Nevsky believed that even Yin Man wouldn''t dare take on this blow head-on.


    Finally.


    Li Yuan moved, and indeed, he no longer took the blow head-on; heunched a counter-attack. His speed exploded to its peak within 0.3 seconds, surpassing 110 meters per second.


    Immediately after, Li Yuan leaped up too.


    Facing a full-force sprint from Nevsky, Li Yuan did not retreat an inch; on the contrary, he chose to sh head-on. At that moment, the two were like two terrifying meteors colliding.


    "Swish!" Li Yuan suddenly thrust out his spear, and the spear light bloomed, spreadingyer uponyer like a starry river erupting, like a dazzling gxy with countless stars revolving around its center.


    Threads of starlight converged at the center.


    At that moment, Li Yuan, with his long spear in hand, seemed to transform into a huge vortex, drawing upon the mysterious powers of heaven and earth, creating a most astonishing twisting and absorbing force.


    And his spear met Nevsky''s roaring iing battle axe with a thunderous collision!!


    "Rumble~"


    The terrifying collision, the dreadful aftermath, the shockwave spread visibly in all directions.


    "Bang~"


    The horrifying impact force sent Nevsky flying backward, his body tumbling heavily onto the ground.


    Then, he rolled over, getting up on one knee.


    "Pfft~" A mouthful of fresh blood spewed out of Nevsky''s mouth, the boiling sensation in his blood finally easing somewhat.


    "I''m injured." Nevsky moved his thoughts and could clearly sense the pulled muscles in his arm.


    Throughout his body, countless minute injuries had appeared.


    What about Li Yuan then?


    In such a head-on sh, Li Yuan merely flew back several meters before stopping in his tracks.


    As if unaffected by any impact at all.


    The victor had been decided.


    "Li Yuan''s strength," Nevsky slowly rose to his feet, fixating his gaze on Li Yuan.


    Never understanding why Li Yuan''s strength was so terrifying, but Nevsky knew that strong was strong.


    Li Yuan''s strength indeed far surpassed his own.


    "What''s the name of that move?" Nevsky''s voice was hoarse.


    "Gctic Stream Vortex," Li Yuan replied calmly, aware of how formidable this self-created killing move was.


    This move was best at defense.


    Yet, when used for a head-on collision, its might was still terrifyingly great, surpassing any of the moves in the Ster Five Styles.


    "Good."


    "I concede wholly to you, convinced both in heart and word," Nevsky took a deep breath, "Come, defeat mepletely."


    "Okay," Li Yuan nodded. If he hadn''t created this move, he might not have been able to defeat Nevsky.


    Boom! Li Yuan moved once more, his figure darting forward at a terrifying speed.


    "Whoosh!"


    The long spear thrust out, with a terrifying screeching sound that echoed through the vast sky, striking at Nevsky.


    ...


    In the higher-level Spectator Space, over a hundred thousand Prime Warriors were stunned by this spectacle.


    After their initial shock, over a hundred Flying Heaven Warriors began to express their admiration and amazement.


    "A True Intent Killing Move."


    "Indeed, it''s a True Intent Killing Move."


    "If the first move wasn''t quite clear, now there''s no doubt about it."


    "It''s certainly a True Intent Killing Move."


    "The most difficult hurdle to ovee to reach Fifth Stage Perfection has just been breached by him."


    "Truly an exceptional prodigy," the Flying Heaven Warriors chatted among themselves, feeling somewhat emotional.


    Just as with the Fourth Level in skills, one gradually prates deeper in controlling the body, until at Fourth Level Perfection the spirit reaches subtlety, and one''s strength will surge, utterly overwhelming any at the High Rank of the Fourth Level.


    The Fifth Stage follows the same principle.


    Unity of Heaven and Man at the Fifth Stage, from the Initial Rank, Intermediate Rank, to High Rank, is all about deepening theprehension of nature, a continual umtion of quantity without any real qualitative change.


    The force of heaven and earth that one draws upon isn''t really considerable.


    Only by stepping from the High Rank of the Fifth Stage to Perfection, does one achieve a fundamental difference.


    Why can one ascend to the Flying Heaven Realm upon reaching Fifth Stage Perfection?


    The heart of the matter lies in the two words: ''True Intent.''


    The extreme limit of the Fifth Stage High Rank signifies that one''s umtion of quantity has reached its zenith, and one must endeavor to integrate the manifoldprehensions of heaven and earth, truly seeking the essence of the workings of the cosmos¡ª the Mysteries of True Intent.


    Uponprehending even a hint of the Mysteries of True Intent, and being able to manifest that hint through a certain specific killing move, one can significantly enhance the might of the technique.


    This is what constitutes a True Intent Killing Move.


    Also known as a True Intent Killing Technique.


    Once a True Intent Killing Move has beenprehended, as long as one''sprehension of the cosmos reaches an exceedingly high level, one can naturally transition from the High Rank of the Fifth Stage to the Perfection Level.


    To put it simply.


    Even among Flying Heaven Warriors, many have onlyprehended a few True Intent Killing Moves.


    And as Flying Heaven Warriorsprehend more True Intent Killing Moves, say five or six simr techniques, theirprehension of True Intent grows deeper.


    Until one day, when every move can contain the Mysteries of True Intent, transcending the need for True Intent Killing Moves, that is when one truly ascends to the Sixth Stage of skills¡ªTrue Intent.


    And Li Yuan.


    He is still far from that level, and the might of this newly-created True Intent Killing Move is not very strong, but it''s enough to astonish the Flying Heaven Warriors.


    Because it signifies that, as long as Li Yuan progresses step by step in his cultivation from the Intermediate Rank of the Fifth Stage, to High Rank, and then to Perfection... virtually nothing will stand in his way.


    ...


    "True Intent Killing Move?"


    "Li Yuan!" Li Yang and Dean Xu, sitting in the back rows, were both greatly shocked, with spections arising in their hearts.


    "It must be," Dean Xu couldn''t help saying, "Otherwise, his spear technique wouldn''t possess such power,pletely overwhelming Nevsky."


    "To grasp a True Intent Killing Move at only Fifth Stage Intermediate Rank?" Li Yang shook his head, "This! This!"


    They were indeed shocked.


    Normally, one would need toprehend the mysteries of heaven and earth, reach the limit of Fifth Stage High Rank, and umte quantity.


    Then, seek a breakthrough in quality.


    "His move is still immature, but it has already surpassed us in essence," Dean Xu couldn''t help but sigh, "Perhaps, this is what a true genius is."


    "A genius that we never dared to imagine."


    ...


    On the stage, the showdown between Li Yuan and Nevsky had reached its final phase.


    sh after sh, lightning-fast.


    Even though Li Yuan did not deliberately pursue ending the fight, his spear technique burst forth time and again, its power far surpassing that of Nevsky.


    Each sh inflicted considerable damage on Nevsky''s body.


    After hundreds of consecutive collisions, Nevsky could no longer withstand them, and was grazed across the throat by Li Yuan''s long spear.


    Defeat!


    To this point, Li Yuan had consecutively defeated three of the previous top five experts, Harmon, Alicia, and Nevsky, also achieving a three-win streak.


    He was just one battle away from hisst fight with Yin Man.


    ...


    "He won just like that?"


    "Wasn''t Nevsky supposed to be strong?" the countless spectators from all over the world murmured in disbelief.


    "It''s not that Nevsky is weak, it''s that Li Yuan is too strong. I even feel Li Yuan might be stronger than Yin Man."


    "Terrifying Li Yuan." The numerous voices of discussions filled the air, and perhaps the vast majority of the spectators couldn''t recognize the mysteries of a ''True Intent Killing Move,'' but they could see that Li Yuan''s strength far exceeded that of Nevsky.


    "He''s won."


    "Li Yuan has defeated Nevsky."


    "The final battle ising up next," the innumerable spectators from Xia Country were exceedingly excited.


    Because, both Yin Man and Li Yuan, whopleted a three-win streak, were from Xia Country.


    One could say that even before the final showdown had started, it was already destined that the champion would be from Xia Country.


    For the millions of Xia Country spectators, this meant they didn''t need to worry about who would win, allowing them to fully enjoy watching the final match.


    "Senior brother."


    "Li Yuan, you must win." However, tens of thousands of students from Kunlun Martial University were growing even more nervous.


    Champion!


    Just onest fight remained.


    ...


    Without making all the spectators wait too long, the tenth match quickly erupted.


    Li Yuan versus Yin Man.


    Bothpetitors, since the beginning of the free-for-all bouts, had swept through their respective Star Realm battlefields with absolute dominance, brutally making their way into the finals.


    Before the finals, there hadn''t been a single opponent who could cause them any obstruction.


    Both were overwhelmingly strong, cutting their way to the end.


    However.


    This highly anticipated mightiest showdown was nearly predetermined before it had even started.


    Atop the stage.


    "I cannot win against you," Yin Man sighed lightly, her eyes filled withplexity.


    "Won''t you try?" Li Yuan smiled.


    "Since yourst battle, I''ve understood that I cannot win." Yin Man spoke slowly, "However, for the sake of honor, I''ll still fight with all my might."


    Yin Man had an extremely high perspective.


    In terms of skill, her level might be even higher, but she had yet to create her own True Intent Killing Move.


    Thus, the oue of this battle was nearly certain.


    "Alright," Li Yuan nodded and moved first, taking the initiative to strike.


    This was the first time Li Yuan took the initiative to engage inbat in the finals.


    This battle.


    The fight between them was incredibly fierce, with Yin Man''s swordsmanship dazzling¡ªher twin swords in hand truly revealed her terrifying strength¡ªsword light like flowing water, madly pouring onto Li Yuan''s long spear.


    But.


    When Li Yuan executed the move "Gctic Flowing Rotation," all those countless sword lights fell, only to be ceaselessly neutralized by the mysterious power of heaven and earth, and easily blocked by Li Yuan.


    Almost standing on invincible ground.


    With every sh, Li Yuan could easily deflect the impact, but the horrible force left Yin Man wounded time and again.


    Finally, after a thousand exchanges, Yin Man''s body could no longer withstand the repeated impacts, injuries reaching their limit, her bodypletely broke down, and her power and speed sharply declined.


    She was struck in the neck by a thrust from Li Yuan''s spear.


    Victory.


    "If I hadn''t created ''Gctic Flowing Rotation,'' based purely on skill level, I wouldn''t be your match," Li Yuan thought to himself.


    He had immense respect for Yin Man, whose level of skill was definitely above 40% of the Fifth Stage.


    But, the advantage in skill couldn''t make up for the disparity in the power of a True Intent Killing Move.


    To exhibit a higher realm, one needed sufficiently powerful techniques.


    "I''ve won."


    "Virtual battle, first ce." Immediately, Li Yuan''s mouth also revealed a slight smile.


    ...


    "He''s won!"


    "First ce! Blue Star''s first ce! Li Yuan!"


    "He''s made history, the first virtual battle champion not from the top three martial arts schools." The millions of spectators in the Spectator tform werepletely boiling with excitement.


    Especially the tens of thousands of students from Kunlun Martial University, who were utterly ecstatic.


    They had won!


    Virtual battle champion, Li Yuan!!


    ...


    "Thank you, Li Yuan and Yin Man, for bringing us an exciting pinnacle showdown," the host''s voice trembled with excitement: "Congrattions to Li Yuan for capturing the championship!"


    "This is the first time in history the champion is a first-year student!"


    "This is the first time in history the champion is a student from outside the top three martial arts schools."


    "I announce."


    "This year''s Global University Martial Path Tournament, hase to a perfect close!"

 Chapter 305: Chapter 228: Fame Shakes the World! Treasure Harvest! (Extra 25, 26)

    ```


    The global university martial artspetition virtual battle has ended, and students from all over the world have left thepetition space.


    "Li Yuan is too fierce."


    "It seems that Nevsky and Yin Man were almost on par with him in the fight, but on closer thought, they weren''t able to shake Li Yuan at all."


    "Indeed brutal."


    "A freshman winning the championship! This is the first time in history."


    "Awesome."


    "Coming to watch the battle and witnessing history with my own eyes." Millions of students were discussing with each other, all quite excited, and the topic of discussion was almost always about Li Yuan.


    There was no way around it.


    It was asional for a sophomore to break into the top ten of a virtual battle, but to win the championship? In the history of the Blue Starpetition virtual battles, there were only two instances of a sophomore champion.


    One of those instances was Yu Jinghe.


    A freshman taking the championship? That was a first in over thirty years, and what''s more, the champion wasn''t even from one of the three top martial arts institutions... which made it even rarer.


    In the subsequent decades or even longer, it would probably be very difficult to have such an achievement again.


    ...


    "Awesome!" Gu Qianghan''s eyes shone as he almost hugged Li Yuan tight, "Brother Yuan, you really are awesome! Champion, haha."


    Li Yuan had returned to the Spectator tform and smiled.


    At this moment, Li Yuan felt tens of thousands of gazes upon him, burning hot.


    Too enthusiastic.


    "The big brother is really strong."


    "It''s the first time in history a freshman has won the championship, and it''s someone from our school." The tens of thousands of students from Kunlun Martial University had converged into a sea of joy: "Haha, the students from the three top martial schools are so powerful, but in the end, they all lost to big brother."


    "Truly gratifying."


    "What genius is better than Li Yuan the genius." At this moment, the students of Kunlun Martial University felt proud by association.


    ...


    In a higher-level Spectator Space.


    "Haha, yes, he''s my student." Dean Hai was conversing with other Flying Heaven Warriors, smiling: "I didn''t teach him much, just casually taught... But still, Li Yuan respects me a lot, he oftenes to ask me about cultivation issues."


    "What? I don''t cultivate the Earth Vein?"


    "Is that important?"


    ...


    "Who had the most influence in cultivating Li Yuan? It must be Dean Hai''s primary guidance," Li Yang was boasting to other Top Grade Origin Martial Artists from different schools: "But Dean Hai is very busy."


    "On regr days, it''s definitely me who teaches him the most. I''m his direct teacher, after all."


    ...


    Li Yuan winning the championship surpassed the imagination of most people, even those who were the most optimistic about him had never imagined Li Yuan would sweep a group of top-tier geniuses from their second and third years and forcefully take the championship.


    As predictable.


    As time passed, the news of the championship victory would quickly ferment and spread across the globe... further solidifying his title as "the number one prodigy of the contemporary Blue Star."


    ...


    Under the night sky filled with stars, inside the saucer-shaped aircraft above Kunlun Martial University.


    Inside the Quiet Cultivation Room.


    Whoosh!


    A young man in ck, Fang Hai, was meditating with his eyes closed; around him, countless blue glimmers were flickering, making his presence seem all the more ethereal and unpredictable.


    Suddenly.


    "Master! Hai Yi requestsmunication." The voice of the assistant AI rang out.


    The young man in ck gently opened his eyes and said softly, "Answer."


    Beep! Themunication was established!


    "Old Fang." Dean Hai''s voice came from themunication, sounding a bit excited: "The virtual battle has ended. Why didn''t youe to watch the final today?"


    "No point," the young man in ck said dismissively.


    For Fang Hai, the first time he watched the battle was to fully assess Li Yuan''s strength and potential.


    Having seen it once, to keep repeating it was meaningless.


    In his heart, Fang Hai valued his own strength more and was more confident in himself.


    "Damn, you think it''s pointless? You are the principal!" Dean Haiined, "Li Yuan has made history for the school. Guess which ce Li Yuan took?"


    "Which ce? Second or third, I guess," Fang Hai said softly. "In terms of strength, he shouldn''t be a match for Yin Man."


    As one of the top figures in Xia Country.


    Having decided to give the Second ss Martial God Inheritance spot to Li Yuan, Fang Hai naturally had a good understanding of Yin Man''s strength.


    "Hehe."


    "You can be wrong too." Dean Haiughed aloud: "Let me tell you, Li Yuan crushed Yin Man and won first ce!! Li Yuan is the virtual battle champion."


    Fang Hai was suddenly taken aback.


    Champion? Impossible!


    He was very confident in his own judgment.


    "Shall I tell you about it in detail?" Dean Hai asked with a smirk: "I''ll tell you..."


    "No need," Fang Hai said coolly: "It''s just a virtual battle championship, fine, I got it."


    Beep~


    Fang Hai abruptly hung up the call.


    ...


    "Damn!"


    In a vi, Dean Hai looked at the ended call and couldn''t help butin: "This guy always acts all aloof in front of me, definitely going to secretly watch the video again."


    When Fang Hai was still a Prime Warrior, he and Dean Hai had ventured together through life and death situations, forming a deep friendship.


    Almost like brothers.


    For that reason, Dean Hai could be so uninhibited in front of Fang Hai.


    ...


    Inside the saucer-shaped aircraft.


    "True Intent technique?" Fang Hai was looking at the light screen projection in front of him, which was disying the final battles between Li Yuan, Nevsky, and Yin Man.


    As a Star Master of the alliance, he had high-level ess, allowing him to view various videos at will.


    "He reached Intermediate Rank of Fifth Stage in such a short time, and he has already realized a True Intent technique?"


    "Is hisprehension so high?" Fang Hai murmured to himself.


    Giving the caliber of Fang Hai''s position and strength, for him to use the word "high" was enough to prove his inner surprise.


    After a moment of silence.


    "Well, that''s fine," Fang Hai revealed a slight smile. "When he goes to Feixing, perhaps he will give the Master a big surprise."


    Then.


    Fang Hai passed the message on to the other two Demigods of Xia Country before turning off the light screen projection.


    ```

 Chapter 306: Chapter 228: Fame Shakes the World! Treasure Harvest! (Additional Chapters 25, 26)_2

    Li Yuan performed very well, exceeding his expectations.


    But in the end, he only possessed Fifth Stage skills and his physical quality was only at level 19... there was still a long road to go before he truly grew up.


    ...


    In the midst of excitement and noise.


    Li Yuan didn''t dy for too long and soon left the virtualwork, exiting the virtualwork pod.


    All was quiet.


    "Everything is indeed just as I expected," Li Yuan reflected silently.


    "The killing move I created inadvertently is unbeatably powerful, now no one will be able to stop me," Li Yuan contemted.


    When he created the move "Star River Whirl" during the day, Li Yuan had already felt confident enough to im the championship.


    Actually, Li Yuan still didn''t know that this move was a "True Intent Killing Move"; he just felt that this move could perfectly channel the power of heaven and earth and could fully exhibit his own understanding.


    "Yet, it''s still not strong enough."


    "Continue cultivating."


    "Fighting against these Fifth Stage masters has indeed revealed many of my own deficiencies," Li Yuan reflected after many battles that evening, naturally leading to numerous new insights.


    But turning these insights into thorough understanding required more cultivation.


    Cultivation in the Martial Path and advancement in Spear Technique didn''te from empty thoughts, they were achieved through practicing one spear move after another.


    Li Yuan left the resting room, took a weapon from the weapon rack beside him, and went to the center of the Martial Arts Room.


    "Hmm? That''s not right?"


    "It''s past midnight?" Li Yuan nced at the smart ring on his wrist, which disyed a time reminder.


    Every night after midnight marked the beginning of a new round of cultivation.


    "Let''s start with the Visualization Method."


    Having just won the championship, Li Yuan naturally felt excited and even a bit overwhelmed.


    After all, winning the championship as a freshman was indeed making history.


    But when he returned to the underground Martial Arts Room of his vi at Kunlun Martial University, Li Yuan quickly calmed down, recalling the teachings of his uncle.


    "Today''s achievements are because of yesterday''s efforts!"


    "And tomorrow''s achievements?" Li Yuan murmured to himself, his eyes shining: "Are because of today''s efforts."


    "Therefore."


    "To have great achievements tomorrow as well, I must not ck off today! I cannot rx."


    "Li Yuan, continue working hard," Li Yuan set aside the joy of winning the championship and returned to a state of peacefulness within.


    He ced the ck Chen Spear aside.


    Li Yuan sat down cross-legged and began a new round of Visualization Method cultivation.


    His consciousness flowed into the Mind Spirit Divine Pce, entering the grand Jade tform... and began suppressing the proud sun that was rising again.


    It was very painful! Arguably torture!


    Yet Li Yuan enjoyed it, enduring wave after wave of the scorching light of All Heavens'' Stars and feeling his consciousness growing stronger.


    ...


    While Li Yuan was immersed in cultivation, the news of his championship had spread across the globe with astonishing speed.


    "First ce! Li Yuan has won first ce."


    "Virtualbat champion, the peerless genius Li Yuan, truly deserving of the name ''genius.''"


    "If you marry, marry someone like Li Yuan."


    "Sweeping away all geniuses, the future pride of the Human Race," countless posts and short videos spread wildly, attracting a huge number of people.


    Although under the surveince of the virtualwork, there was no transmission of the final battle video.


    However, the rted news was not controlled.


    Whereas the previously spread promotional videos were debated over whether or not he truly was Blue Star''s number one genius of his generation... the moment he overpowered everyone to clinch the virtualbat championship as a freshman.


    All debates vanished into thin air.


    Every advantage has its disadvantage.


    As the results of the tournament spread wildly across the virtualwork, the information was naturally also ryed by many spies hidden on Blue Star through special channels into some parts of the Star Realm.


    Foreign Civilizations were also highly concerned about a peerless genius like Li Yuan.


    ...


    The outside world was buzzing with activity.


    But within the underground Martial Arts Room in Li Yuan''s vi at Kunlun Martial University, it was exceptionally quiet.


    Two hours of the Visualization Method, two hours of "All Heavens'' Stars"... At four in the morning, Li Yuan came to his senses, feeling refreshed and clear-headed.


    He began a new day''s Spear Technique cultivation.


    "The light of the Star River gathers into a swirl, its defensive power is terrifying, it easily blocked Nevsky and Yin Man''s attacks," Li Yuan held the ck Chen Spear, contemting his technique: "But it''s not enough, the power of my Star Whirl is still not strong enough."


    "Especially when facing Yin Man."


    "Her sword is extremely fast, with continuous attacks... If it were just a bit faster, it might have been able to rip through my Spear Whirl defense," Li Yuan was acutely aware of this.


    There was no such thing as an absolutely invincible defense.


    If it couldn''t be breached? Then it only means that the attacking power is not strong enough yet.


    "I must continue to cultivate and try to further enhance the power of this move," Li Yuan thought: "Relying solely on this move makes me very passive in a real battle."


    In arena duels where there must be a victor, having a strong defense is very advantageous.


    But in the real world, other masters could simply flee... A defensive killing move could only save one''s life but made it hard to kill the enemy.


    "To kill the enemy."


    "Then, I''d better craft an attack killing move," Li Yuan contemted: "Meaning of the Ster... transitioning from defense to offense."


    Whoosh!


    Whoosh! Whoosh! While Li Yuan was pondering, his ck Chen Spear followed his thoughts and danced, generating dazzling and fearsome Spear Light.


    Time passed.


    Li Yuan hadpletely immersed himself in the cultivation of Spear Technique, earnestly trying to validate his thoughts and ideas... in order to achieve a breakthrough in his technique.


    Hum~


    Silently, light flickered within Li Yuan''s body from his Perfect Star Vein, increasing his resonance with the "Law of Earth" that mysteriously operated throughout heaven and earth.


    The Star Technique "True Solution of the Earth Star Vein," being part of the Ninefold Star Technique, was not to be underestimated even though Li Yuan had only cultivated it to the 6th level...


    Perhaps.


    Other martial arts prodigies who made it into the top hundred or top ten were still reveling in joy... but Li Yuan had already dedicated his entire being to the next phase of cultivation.

 Chapter 307: Chapter 228: Fame Shakes the World! Treasure Harvest! (Additional Chapters 25, 26)_3

    ```


    ...


    Starfire Martial University.


    In the early hours of the morning, just after six o''clock, Dantai Feng woke from his sleep and went down to the Martial Arts Room to begin a new day of training.


    "There probably aren''t many who are as hardworking as I am," Dantai Feng thought, and then he began to seriously practice his Sword Technique.


    "Li Yuan is so strong,"


    "If we were to fight all out, I fear I couldn''t hold him off for long," Dantai Feng recalled the battle scene from yesterday involving Li Yuan.


    He was too strong.


    "Dazhuang has also made rapid progress, reaching Subtlety so quickly," Dantai Feng mused to himself, "I need to keep pushing myself."


    In his bones, Dantai Feng was not one to admit defeat.


    Barely half an hourter.


    Suddenly.


    "Master, your great ancestor is calling you," the assistant AI''s voice rang out.


    "Great ancestor?" Dantai Feng was first startled, then he quickly realized and immediately said, "Answer it."


    Hum~


    Countless rays of light converged to form a light screen projection, in which appeared a middle-aged man with white hair. His skin was smooth, but his eyes were filled with a sense of age and wisdom.


    "Great-great-grandfather!" Dantai Feng said respectfully.


    The grandfather of one''s grandfather is indeed the great-great-grandfather.


    The Dantai family is one of the top great families in Xia Country, powerful... Dantai Feng might seem carefree, but he was well aware that the high position of his family hinged on the white-haired middle-aged man before him.


    One of the three Demigods of Xia Country¡ªDantai Lie!


    He is also one of the highest echelons of the entire Seven Stars human civilization.


    "Xiaofeng," the white-haired middle-aged man smiled slightly, a hint of indulgence in his eyes, "The Blue Starpetition virtual battle has ended. How do you rate yourself? How many points out of ten would you give?"


    "Nine points," Dantai Feng said with a smile.


    "Oh? And the one point?" the white-haired middle-aged man asked curiously.


    "I''m afraid of being arrogant, so I deducted one point," Dantai Feng shrugged his shoulders, as he was always very open in front of his great-great-grandfather.


    "Haha, so you''re saying you''ve given yourself full marks?" the white-haired middle-aged manughed, not ming Dantai Feng for his pride.


    Dantai Feng was his most outstanding descendant, and he was very satisfied with Dantai Feng''s performance.


    "Are you nning to go to Feixing this year, or wait until next year?" the white-haired middle-aged man asked


    "Can I go?" Dantai Feng was taken aback.


    To his knowledge, although a few exceptional talents are selected in theory, this happens very rarely.


    "You broke into the top ten of the virtual battles in your freshman year, why can''t you go?" the white-haired middle-aged man said with a smile, "These Martial God Inheritance spots are not set in stone."


    "Understood, I leave the decision to great-great-grandfather," Dantai Feng nodded.


    "Alright, let it be decided then," the white-haired middle-aged man said indifferently, "By the way, how is your rtionship with Li Yuan?"


    "Not bad," Dantai Feng nodded.


    He wasn''t surprised at all that his great-great-grandfather mentioned Li Yuan... Such an exceptional talent would soon be known to the most pinnacle beings of human civilization.


    "Good, I''ll prepare a gift for him," the white-haired middle-aged man nodded slightly, "Try to get along well with him when you go to Feixing."


    "In the future, you both might be Star Masters or even Demigods in the alliance... It''s very important for you to stay united,"


    "Yes, great-great-grandfather,"


    ...


    In the distant Wanhan Star Realm, at its depths,


    Within a secret location belonging to the Tianliang n beneath the continuous ciers, inside a majestic pce.


    "Another improvement?"


    "He truly is the newest rising superstar of the Seven Stars human civilization," a figure in a purple robe reviewed the data on the light screen in front of him, which was full of text messages.


    The texts described some of the scenes from the virtual battle finals... but there were only words.


    No video of the finals!


    Hum~


    The light screen before the figure in the purple robe suddenly trembled violently. Following that, the screen flickered, and it now disyed a figure in white clothes, her face as cold as frost and quite beautiful.


    But it didn''t evoke the slightest desire, only awe.


    "Demigod," the figure in the purple robe immediately said respectfully.


    "Zi Xin," the voice of the figure in white clothes was icy cold. She stood in the light screen projection, yet her voice echoed in the vast pce.


    The figure in the purple robe bowed even lower.


    "Number Three is dead," the figure in white clothes said emotionlessly, "I''ve verified it through a secret technique... no mistake, it was you who arranged for him to assassinate Li Yuan, wasn''t it?"


    "Number Three is dead?" The figure in the purple robe was shocked.


    He was not yet aware of this.


    New information traveled very difficultly between Blue Star and Wanhan Star Realm, and to avoid detection by the Seven Stars human civilization, unless it was a special circumstance, they rarely made contact with each other.


    "Demigod, how could Number Three die?" the figure in the purple robe couldn''t help but say, "He had mastered both the Blood Shadow Incarnation and Shadow Stealth secret techniques... even a Demigod would have a hard time tracking him down, right?"


    If it came to a direct confrontation, a Demigod could easily crush him, of course.


    But why was Number Three renowned as a fearsome assassin? It was his fearless Incarnation and the difficult-to-track Stealth technique.


    "The reason is not yet clear,"


    "The chances are high that the Seven Stars human civilization has developed the ability to counter moves like Number Three''s," the figure in white clothes said coldly, "Order all Infiltrators to enter a dormant state temporarily, until the timees for them to be activated again."


    "Yes," the figure in the purple robe said in session, unable to restrain himself from adding, "What about Li Yuan? What should we do?"


    "Give up," the figure in white clothes said coldly, "Number Three was the strongest force we could deploy, and the assassination attempt failed... While there are Flying Heaven Warriors in the Seven Stars human civilization who are willing to trade with us, mostly it is limited to passing on information."


    "To kill Li Yuan? That''s almost certain death, and they will certainly not take such a risk."


    "We can only wait, wait for Li Yuan to enter the Wanhan Star Realm... I believe he wille, and at that point, we''ll find a way to deal with him," the figure in white clothes said, "To take care of these alien geniuses, patience is required."


    "Yes," the figure in the purple robe nodded.


    In his mind, he thought, after all, you''re the boss, you call the shots.


    ```

 Chapter 308: Chapter 228: Fame Shakes the World! Treasure Harvest! (Additional Chapters 25, 26)_4

    "Additionally,"


    "transmit Li Yuan''s information to the Cloud Beast Civilization, those fools... might make a move." the figure in white said.


    "Understood, I will do it immediately."


    ...


    The virtual battle ended.


    Li Yuan won the championship, Jin Huguo broke into the top ten... These were historical moments for Kunlun Martial University, and the school naturally promoted them heavily, even holding a specialmendation ceremony.


    But as time passed, Li Yuan''s heart no longer surged with much emotion; he was more focused on his subsequent cultivation.


    He devoted himself to cultivating.


    Time swiftly moved to February 21, and the aftermath and heat of the virtual battle gradually faded.


    Two o''clock in the afternoon.


    Li Yuan''s vi weed two special guests.


    "Dean Hai, Lord Yang of the Province," Li Yuan said in surprise as he looked at the two who had suddenly visited.


    Two Flying Heaven Warriors hade together.


    "Li Yuan, this is our first meeting, isn''t it?" Lord Yang of the Province said with a hearty look, her voice gentle.


    She wasn''t incredibly beautiful, but she had an extraordinary aura and appeared to be in her thirties.


    "Indeed, this is the first time meeting the Hall Master in reality," Li Yuan replied with a slight bow.


    Although it was his first time meeting Lord Yang of the Province, Li Yuan has long been grateful in his heart.


    At least, she had always valued him.


    "Li Yuan, Lord Yang of the Province is here on orders to see you specifically," Dean Hai said with a smile from the side.


    "On orders?" Li Yuan was taken aback.


    Lord Yang of the Province, already in charge of a province, wielding vast power... whose orders could she be following?


    "Yang Xian, you tell him," Dean Hai said with a smile, "I won''t interrupt you."


    "Alright."


    Dean Hai took a step, and with a sh, he had already flown out of Li Yuan''s vi.


    ...


    Li Yuan and Yang Xian sat on the couch.


    "Lord Yang of the Province, what is this about?" Li Yuan asked, unable to hold back his confusion.


    "I''m here, first, to confirm your championship reward from the virtual battle," Yang Xian said with a smile, "the cash reward of 20 billion has been transferred to your ount."


    Just secondster.


    Li Yuan''s smart ring vibrated, and looking down, he saw that his ount had indeed received a message about the 20 billion Blue Star Coins.


    "Isn''t it said that I could choose equivalent Heavenly Materials Treasures?" Li Yuan asked, puzzled.


    "Wait until I finish, and you will understand," Yang Xian said, "Don''t rush."


    "Yes," Li Yuan nodded.


    "Secondly, on themand of the Star Master ''Dantai Lie''," Yang Xian continued with a serious expression, "I am here to give you a congrattory gift for winning the virtual battle championship."


    "Star Master Dantai Lie?" Li Yuan was stunned.


    In a moment, Li Yuan thought of Dantai Feng... it was inevitable, the surname was too rare.


    However.


    Why would this Star Master give him a gift?


    "Hall Master, does Star Master Dantai Lie have anything to do with Dantai Feng?" Li Yuan asked, puzzled.


    "Dantai Feng is his descendant," Yang Xian said with a smile, "After so many years... this is the first time Star Master Dantai Lie has directly presented a gift to the virtual battle champion."


    "Star Master Dantai Lie must hold you in high esteem," Yang Xian said.


    "Hmm," Li Yuan listened.


    A person who could be a Star Master was at least close to invincible within the Flying Heaven Realm, doubtlessly powerful.


    "Here, this is the gift." Yang Xian turned over her hand, and a silver sliver the size of a thumb appeared in her palm.


    It was very small!


    However, the surface of the sliver flickered with a mysterious light, and it seemed to have countless fine lines etched onto it.


    "What is this?" Li Yuan asked, puzzled. He had no idea what it could be.


    "Use your Spiritual Induction, you''re a Flying Heaven Level soul, use your powerful perception..." Yang Xian said with a smile.


    When Yang Xian had approached Li Yuan earlier, she had already detected that he was a Flying Heaven Level soul.


    "Spiritual Induction." Li Yuan contemted, and with a thought, an invisible fluctuation enveloped the silver sliver.


    Li Yuan quickly sensed that something was amiss.


    There were no anomalies from the appearance, but the deeper his spiritual perception went, it was as though a Spiritual Imprint was progressively forming on the silver sliver... When Li Yuan''s perception reached a certain level, nearly at a critical point,


    Suddenly.


    "Boom!" Li Yuan suddenly realized that his vision changed, as from the silver sliver burst forth a dimension that seemed illusory yet incredibly real.


    "A space artifact?"


    "The legendary Storage Treasure?" Li Yuan''s heart was shocked, "Star Master Dantai Lie, would actually send me such a precious gift?"

 Chapter 309: Chapter 229: A Brand New Future (Unity)

    Storage Magical Treasure, space bauble, Li Yuan had once seen some descriptions about them in the Starfire Martial Hall''s database.


    But there wasn''t much mentioned, only one sentence ¡ª extremely precious! Very rare!


    This already involved the maniption of space, far surpassing the current concept of technology.


    Naturally, exceedingly precious.


    At least, among the Martial Artists.


    Even among the top-grade Prime Warriors, Li Yuan had not heard of anyone possessing a space bauble, let alone seeing one himself.


    However, Li Yuan hadn''t expected.


    That the mysterious Star Master "Dantai Lie" would actually gift him a space bauble directly.


    "Lord Yang of the Province, isn''t this too valuable?" Li Yuan couldn''t help but say.


    "Indeed, it is valuable, and not every Flying Heaven Warrior has one," said Yang Xian with a smile, "But in truth, giving it to Prime Martial Artists, most of them won''t be able to use it."


    "Unable to use it?" Li Yuan was startled.


    "This Storage Treasure, whether for recognizing a master, or for moving items in and out after doing so, the primary foundation is Divine Sense," said Yang Xian with a smile, "Previously, I was somewhat puzzled why Star Master Dantai Lie would send you this treasure... Now I know, you already have a soul at the Flying Heaven Level."


    "Then it is not strange for the Star Master to send you this treasure," Yang Xian said with augh.


    Li Yuan suddenly understood.


    It turned out that this kind of treasure could only be used by someone with a soul at the Flying Heaven Level.


    If there was no Divine Sense? Even with a treasure it wouldn''t work.


    "Lord Yang of the Province, how much is this Storage Treasure worth?" Li Yuan couldn''t help but ask.


    He was somewhat curious!


    After all, ording to Lord Yang of the Province... even some Flying Heaven Warriors didn''t have such a treasure.


    "In your perception, how big is the inner space of this space bauble?" Lord Yang of the Province asked with a smile, not directly answering Li Yuan''s question.


    "How big?" Li Yuan sensed the silver sliver the size of a thumb in Yang Xian''s hand.


    But he couldn''t figure it out.


    "You being able to sense it means you have recognized it as master, and you can manipte it," Yang Xian patiently exined, "Just hold the Storage Treasure, bring it close to any item, and you can attempt to put it inside."


    "Remember, you can''t put in life forms, only inanimate objects," Yang Xian raised her hand, "Here you go, the Star Master has given it to you, simply because he has taken a liking to you, not because he wants you to do something."


    "Alright," Li Yuan nodded, no longer hesitating.


    Just like Bai Shan Semi-Divine had given him the "Earth Origin Crystal," this Star Master Dantai Lie... perhaps had a simr thought and intention.


    As soon as he reached out to receive it.


    Hum~


    The silver sliver flowed like water, instantly merging into Li Yuan''s skin and disappearing from sight.


    "This?" Li Yuan''s pupils shrank.


    "Haha, I was the same as you when I first got a Storage Treasure," Yang Xian revealed a smile, "Don''t worry, you''ll get used to it. Concentrate and be calm, you can sense its presence... It will move to any part of your body at your will."


    "So that''s how it is," Li Yuan, with his powerful spiritual power,


    quickly sensed the existence of the Storage Treasure.


    It seemed to bepletely integrated into the body, able to move to any part of it.


    "Why is this Storage Treasure made this way?" Li Yuan couldn''t help but say.


    "How do you think it should be?" Yang Xian said with a smile.


    "A ring? A belt? A bracelet?" Li Yuan shared his thoughts.


    "Silly," Yang Xian shook her head, "No one is a fool. If you expose a Storage Treasure on the outside, and some super being sees it... with their strong spiritual power, they canpletely break through the impediment of your Spiritual Imprint and directly probe the contents of your Storage Treasure."


    "Hidden within the body, it''s much more difficult for other powerful beings to probe. It increases the challenge at least tenfold," Yang Xian exined with a smile, "Evenmon people know not to carelessly take out their wallets; wouldn''t super beings know this as well?"


    "Storage Treasures are like the wallets of Martial Path experts; therefore, they are made to be very inconspicuous, at least not easily identified at a nce," Yang Xian said.


    Li Yuan fell silent.


    It made a lot of sense.


    "The inner space." Li Yuan thought, and his palm unconsciously touched the sofa below him.


    Whoosh!


    The sofa vanished into thin air, leaving Li Yuan and Yang Xian with nothing but air beneath them.


    The atmosphere in the living room instantly turned solemn.


    Luckily!


    Both were Martial Path experts, and they remained hovering in ce.


    "A mistake, definitely a mistake," Li Yuan said with an awkward smile, and with a thought, the sofa returned beneath them.


    "No harm done, it''s normal to be somewhat unfamiliar with it the first time," Yang Xian said with a smile, with not a trace of displeasure on her face. "But, the internal space of your Storage Treasure is thatrge? It can amodate a sofa?"


    "Yes," Li Yuan nodded, "The internal space... is roughly 3 meters in length, approximately 2 meters in width, and about 1 meter in height."


    It was a rectangr prism.


    About six cubic meters of space!


    "Not bad, quiterge," Yang Xian remarked with a smile, "It''s already twice asrge as the ''standard Storage Treasure'' space of the warriors from the Martial Hall."


    "Standard Storage Treasure?" Li Yuan was curious.


    "Yes," Yang Xianughed, "Like in our Starfire Martial Hall, once a warrior achieves the Flying Heaven level, they can purchase a Storage Treasure measuring 3 meters long, about 1 meter in width and height, with uniform internal space, for a price of 10 billion Blue Star Coins in the Martial Hall."


    "10 billion?" Li Yuan was secretly shocked; the price was much lower than he had imagined.


    "You think the price is low?" Yang Xian seemed to smile with a knowing look.


    Li Yuan nodded.


    "This is a privilege only for Flying Heaven Warriors at our Starfire Martial Hall," Yang Xian exined with a smile, "If you want to buy a second one of the same size from the Martial Hall, it costs 300 billion Blue Star Coins, and you can only purchase one more... simr to the one you have."


    "Mmm, if you were to sell it, its value would absolutely exceed your expectations," Yang Xian said with augh.


    Li Yuan listened in surprise.


    A three-cubic-meter Storage Treasure, to buy one would really cost 300 billion Blue Star Coins? Even for the current Li Yuan, that was an incredibly astonishing fortune.

 Chapter 310: Chapter 229: A Brand New Future (Unity)_2

    A storage treasure with double the space? Its value is definitely more than double.


    But Li Yuan surely wouldn''t sell it.


    He also understood what Yang Xian meant; such a storage treasure with vast space is extremely rare... easy to sell, but hard to buy backter.


    Some treasures can''t be measured in Blue Star Coins.


    Moreover,


    Holding such a storage treasure, at critical moments, it can y an incredibly astonishing role.


    For example¡ªthe ck Chen Spear.


    When not inbat, Li Yuan couldpletely hide the long spear within the storage treasure, then the enemy may think Li Yuan is unarmed... pull it out at a crucial moment.


    It would definitely give the enemy a huge surprise.


    ...


    "Storage treasure secured," Yang Xian said with a smile, "The third matter is about the reward for your significant contribution in the Mingxu Star Realm... The war in the Mingxu Star Realm is drawing to an end."


    "Mingxu Star Realm?" Li Yuan immediately thought of Senior Liu Jing.


    He also understood the rewards Yang Xian mentioned¡ªas the first discoverer of the small source crystal mine.


    "Afterprehensive exploration and tallying, your merits have been finally calcted," Yang Xian said, "You have two options, the first is to receive 500 million Blue Star Coins annually for a total of 20 years, amounting to 10 billion Blue Star Coins."


    "The second option is a one-time reward of 5 billion Blue Star Coins," Yang Xian said.


    "10 billion? 5 billion?" Li Yuan was surprised, was the value that high?


    He remembered that Liu Jing had mentioned that the base reward should be 1 billion Blue Star Coins.


    The difference was too great.


    "Senior Liu Jing isn''t reliable," Li Yuan muttered to himself, but he was also quite pleased.


    This reward was indeed generous.


    After all, even if Li Yuan won the virtualbat championship, the reward was only 2 billion Blue Star Coins.


    "Choose the 5 billion Blue Star Coins," Li Yuan said directly.


    "Not the first option?" Yang Xian''s face showed a hint of an inexplicable smile.


    "20 years is too long," Li Yuan shook his head.


    Too much can happen in one night, let alone 20 years.


    Moreover, if he were still alive in 20 years, he would probably have already be a Flying Heaven Warrior, and wouldn''t care about the 500 million Blue Star Coins annually... on the other hand, the immediate 5 billion Blue Star Coins would be more helpful to his cultivation.


    "Good," Yang Xian didn''t persuade him otherwise, as long as Li Yuan had thought it through, they would never try to persuade him.


    Individuals make their choices and bear the consequences themselves.


    Swiftly,


    Li Yuan received a reward of 5 billion Blue Star Coins, and since it was a national (Alliance) reward, like the 2 billion grand contest reward, it was tax-free.


    Thus,


    Li Yuan''s bank ount bnce had soared to about 8.4 billion Blue Star Coins.


    ...


    "Alright, the money has been transferred to you, and the storage treasure given," Yang Xian continued, "Next, is to deliver the thirdmand, which alsoes from the Feixing Headquarters."


    "Feixing Headquarters?" Li Yuan grew even more surprised.


    Starfire Martial Hall has headquarters on the Seven Greats, but the headquarters ons like Earth and the other Six Greats are essentially ''Second Level Martial Halls'', serving only as headquarters for their respectives.


    Only the Feixing Headquarters is the highest headquarters of Starfire Martial Hall, and its founder ''Dongfang Ji'' is the ''Hall Master'' of Feixing Headquarters.


    "In view of your excellent performance in the global college Martial Path contest, your ranking within the Martial Hall has been elevated to L9 level," Yang Xian said with a smile, "L9 level is already the authority of an ordinary Flying Heaven Warrior, and I am also at L9 authority level."


    "L9 level? Flying Heaven Level authority!" Li Yuan''s eyes lit up, this was good stuff.


    Apart from anything else,


    Just the ''database'' that had greatly expanded in content due to the upgrade in authority was a significant aid.


    "Wait a moment, confirm the contract agreement in the ''Starfire Space,'' and you will be directly upgraded."


    "Your Starfire Space will also be directly upgraded," Yang Xian said with a smile, "Now I will introduce to you the two most important things at Flying Heaven Level authority¡ªthe Starfire Treasury! The Starfire Auction!"


    "Good," Li Yuan listened attentively.


    Time passed.


    After Yang Xian''s detailed introduction for about 30 minutes,


    Li Yuan finally had a moreplete understanding of the Flying Heaven Level authority he now possessed.


    ...


    Standing up,


    Li Yuan saw Yang Xian out of the vi, to thewn outside.


    "Alright, no need to see me out,"


    Yang Xian said with a smile, "Li Yuan, after the Blue Starpetition virtual battle, your name is known across Blue Star, and countless Flying Heaven Warriors are watching you... both the high-level officials of Xia Country and the Martial Hall expect a lot from your growth."


    "Don''t disappoint these expectations."


    "Although you now report directly to Hall Master Fang Hai, if there''s anything in the Jiangbei region, just send a message to me," Yang Xian said with augh, "I may not be able to help you much with cultivation, but I can easily handle some minor matters."


    As an L9 member, Li Yuan''s authority had significantly increased, and he had also left the Starfire Jiangbei division''s ranking... directly under the jurisdiction of Blue Star''s Hall Master Fang Hai.


    For whatever matter, he could directly reach out to Fang Hai.


    "Sure, if I need to, I will definitely tell you," Li Yuan said with a smile.


    Li Yuan understood Yang Xian''s meaning.


    Now, although his own strength had not yet reached the Flying Heaven level... within Starfire Martial Hall, the Seven Star Alliance, his status was alreadyparable to many Flying Heaven Warriors.


    In the face of someone like Yang Xian, a Hall Master of a provincial division, he couldn''t assert dominance over Li Yuan.


    In some sense,


    Li Yuan could already treat many Flying Heaven Warriors as equals.


    Of course, while his nominal status wasparable, Li Yuan would still involuntarily adopt a lower profile... strength is the real confidence.


    Watching Yang Xian depart,


    "When I have the strength of Yu Jinghe, I''ll truly be able to talk andugh freely with these Flying Heaven Warriors," Li Yuan thought to himself, "For now, better keep a low profile."


    ...


    In the high sky,


    "You''re going to see the Principal?" Dean Hai paused.


    "Yes," Yang Xian revealed a smile, "It''s not easy toe to Kunlun Martial University, so naturally, I should go see the Hall Master."

 Chapter 311: Chapter 229: A Brand New Future (Unity)_3

    Yang Xian had something she didn''t say.


    This time, she wasn''t the one originally supposed to deliver the treasure; Dantai Lie, the Demigod, had other arrangements... It was she who fought for the opportunity.


    On the one hand, she wanted to deepen her rtionship with Li Yuan.


    On the other hand, it was also an excuse to see Fang Hai... In Blue Star''s Third Level Martial Halls, there were over a hundred Hall Masters, and the number of Flying Heaven Warriors without the rank of Third Rank Hall Master was more than ten times that... There were many Flying Heaven Warriors.


    Of course, even though their number might seem not small, scattered across the globe and various Star Realms, each Flying Heaven Warrior still held tremendous authority.


    But!


    There was only one Hall Master for Blue Star''s main hall, and all Flying Heaven Warriors on Blue Star had to obey themands of the Hall Master.


    Therefore, the chance to show one''s face in front of Fang Hai was very important.


    "Alright, go ahead," Dean Hai said with augh, clearly understanding Yang Xian''s thoughts.


    ...


    After seeing off Yang Xian,


    Li Yuan didn''t hesitate and quickly returned to the underground Martial Arts Room, entering the resting area.


    He logged into the virtualwork, within Starfire Space.


    "Master." the fairy-like girl said excitedly, "Master, there''s a new agreement that has arrived. Once signed, you will be able to upgrade to Martial Hall L9 level."


    "Hmm, bring me the agreement," Li Yuan said.


    Whoosh~


    The holographic projection condensed and appeared in front of Li Yuan, who immediately began to review it rapidly.


    Most of the content was simr to previous agreements.


    The most core parts were three!


    The first, as an L9 member, the Martial Hall would grant an annual subsidy of 100 million Blue Star Coins.


    The second, the right to ess the ''Starfire Treasury'' and the right to participate in the ''Starfire Blue Star Auction.''


    The third, once summoned by the Martial Hall or Alliance, unconditional obedience to the orders is mandatory!


    "Three uses, two benefits, one obligation?" Li Yuan mused silently.


    The greater the privilege one enjoys, the greater the responsibility one bears.


    Flying Heaven Warriors were the backbone of human civilization, vital in the stationed forces in Second Level Star Realms and the battles waged in Third Level Star Realms... they were the absolute main forces.


    The Seven Stars human civilization''s ability to proliferate to this day, safely and continuously growing, aside from those at the very top, the Demigods... the vast number of Flying Heaven Warriors could not be underestimated.


    After all, no matter how strong the Demigods were, they couldn''t protect every entrance to the Star Realms, nor could they cover every corner of Blue Star.


    Nor could they retrieve arge number of treasures from various Star Realms.


    "An annual subsidy of 100 million Blue Star Coins isn''t much," Li Yuan thought to himself.


    It was very little for a Flying Heaven Warrior.


    "The key is the second use, the Starfire Treasury, the Starfire Blue Star Auction," Li Yuan said to himself.


    Without much hesitation,


    Li Yuanpleted the electronic signing, and quickly, the Starfire Space he was in began to change.


    The entire space became more luxurious, and many new features appeared, such as contacting the Hall Master, connecting with Flying Heaven Warriors globally, a brand-new database, Starfire Treasury, and so on.


    With the upgraded privileges, there was an earth-shattering change.


    "Xiao Yu, I want to view the Starfire Treasury," Li Yuan said directly.


    "Yes, Master," Xiao Yu replied.


    Hum~ The light converged, forming arge, flowing-light-emitting holographic screen, on which dense text descriptions and videos appeared,


    As well as specific categories.


    "So many treasures," Li Yuan gasped.


    There were many categories, such as Origin Power Weapons, Star Techniques, Secret Manuals, spirit strengthening, body strengthening, Comprehension enhancement, recovery categories,...


    Each major category was further divided into many subcategories.


    For example, Star Techniques were divided into First Layer Star Technique, Second Layer Star Technique, Third Layer Star Technique... Ninefold Star Technique.


    For example, Origin Power Weapons were divided into Fourth Rank, Third Rank Fine, Third Rank Medium, Third Rank Inferior, Second Rank Fine, and so on.


    The divisions were very detailed.


    "Indeed, it''s the treasury that Senior Yang Xian mentioned," Li Yuan inwardly sighed, also feeling slightly shocked.


    Li Yuan began to check each one.


    Soon, Li Yuan found several treasures he wanted.


    "Origin Purple Longevity Pill, Second Level, 50 billion Blue Star Coins, remaining purchasable 999 (contribution bnce 100 billion)"


    "Dragon Spirit Heart Fruit, Third Rank, 20 billion Blue Star Coins, remaining purchasable 2 (contribution bnce 100 billion)"


    "Soul-Nurturing Ancient Spirit Fruit, Third Rank, 30 billion Blue Star Coins, remaining purchasable 0 (contribution bnce 100 billion)"


    "Storage Treasure, Third Rank (3 cubic meters), 10 billion Blue Star Coins, limited to purchasing one piece (contribution bnce 100 billion)"


    "Storage Treasure, Third Rank (3 cubic meters), 300 billion Blue Star Coins, limited to purchasing one piece (contribution bnce 100 billion)"


    ...


    Li Yuan continued to check other treasures.


    He gradually understood that the Starfire Treasury listed arge number of treasures, like Second Rank treasures, which were basically in unlimited supply.


    Third Rank treasures? Most had very limited quantities, or were out of stock.


    Following that,


    Li Yuan once again opened the ''Star Techniques'' category and discovered that learning those below Third Layer Star Technique was basically free... Starting from Fourth Layer Star Technique, there was a fee, and the prices were extremely high.


    ""Blood Shadow Incarnation", Fourth Layer Star Technique (up to Third Layer), learning requires 100 billion Blue Star Coins (no contribution required, note: please try the free introductory part first, if you cannot master the introduction, do not purchase the full content.)"


    ""True Solution of the Earth Star Vein", Unknown Star Technique (first twoyers), learning requires 200 billion Blue Star Coins (no need...)"


    ""Myriad Gold Divine Body", Seventh Layer Star Technique, insufficient authority, please apply."


    ...


    A vast array of Star Techniques.


    Looking around, the holographic screen was densely packed with thousands of Star Techniques.


    The majority were First to Third Layer Star Techniques, and those above Fourth Layer ounted for only one-tenth.


    "With my authority, I can learn up to Sixth Layer Star Technique," Li Yuan thought, "Seventh Layer Star Technique? I must apply to higher levels to have a chance to learn it."

 Chapter 312: Chapter 229: A Brand New Future (Unity)_4

    As for the Eighth Layer Star Technique, Ninefold Star Technique?


    ording to Bai Shan Semi-Divine and Dean Hai, there are indeed a few iplete ones within the Seven Stars human civilization.


    But Li Yuan couldn''t ess them.


    "It must be that my authority is insufficient; these high-level Star Techniques are all secret," Li Yuan pondered.


    It made sense, after all.


    Even if the Ninefold Star Technique couldn''t be cultivated, even if it was iplete, it was still a ''Supreme Star Technique'', the foundation of a civilization... it couldn''t be easily disseminated.


    "The channel through which a Flying Heaven Warrior purchases treasures indeed far surpasses that of a Prime Warrior," Li Yuan sighed to himself.


    Take Li Yang, for example, he was doing pretty well among the top-grade Origin Martial Artists, but purchasing a Third Rank treasure was not easy for him either... he had to rely on all kinds of connections.


    But for Flying Heaven Warriors, as long as they wait in the Starfire Treasury, as soon as a treasure is avable, they can immediately take it... it''s much easier.


    The difference in strength leads to a difference in status, and naturally a difference in perspective.


    "To learn Star Techniques, Secret Manuals, and other non-physical items, one simply needs enough money to study them directly," Li Yuan muttered to himself, "But purchasing Heavenly Materials Treasures? That requires contribution bnce."


    What is contribution bnce?


    A Flying Heaven Level authority, in the Martial Hall''s ''Starfire Treasury'', can buy arge number of treasures, but obviously not in unlimited quantities.


    There''s a limit to everything.


    Every person will receive ''10 billion Blue Star Coin contribution bnce'' granted for free by the Martial Hall.


    This represents the ability to purchase treasures worth a total of 10 billion; once the contribution bnce is spent, then no matter how rich one is, they cannot buy anything.


    Of course, there''s another way ¡ª contribution!


    For example, contributing a 10 billion worth of treasures to the Martial Hall, apart from receiving 9.5 billion Blue Star Coins, one would also receive a contribution quota of 9.5 billion.


    "For a treasure worth 10 billion, the Martial Hall takes a cut of 500 million," Li Yuan thought to himself, "The Starfire Treasury is essentially a huge intermediary tform, where the Martial Hall''s many Flying Heaven Warriors traverse the Star Realm, sell their acquired treasures to the treasury, and then buy what they need from the treasury...


    creating a positive cycle, allowing the treasury to keep operating in a cycle."


    This requires tremendous control, as well as having all the Martial Artists believe in the system.


    And the 5% taken is one of the sources of operational funds for the entire Martial Hall.


    Such as the cultivation of talents, which requires arge amount of money.


    Of course.


    Even so, there are still many rare treasures that are in high demand but low supply, and there are many powerful individuals with plenty of money but no contribution bnce.


    Hence, there are auctions.


    Every year.


    The Starfire Martial Hall will hold an auction on Blue Star, auctioning arge number of rare treasures... those with Flying Heaven Level authority can participate.


    "The next auction, in December every year?" Li Yuan muttered to himself, "Ten months from now?"


    Li Yuan wasn''t too concerned.


    He was well aware that although he had obtained Flying Heaven Level authority and had more than eighty billion Blue Star Coins... which seemed like a lot, it was nothingpared to the Flying Heaven Warriors.


    Moreover.


    "I''m only at Level 19 right now, most treasures are not of much significance to me," Li Yuan shook his head to himself.


    It''s not that they are useless.


    It''s that the cost-effectiveness is too low.


    "What''s truly effective for me here are these Star Techniques," Li Yuan revealed a slight smile, "Second Layer Star Technique, Third Layer Star Technique, all free to learn?"


    Of course, there''s also a limit, up to 20 techniques.


    After all, even among Flying Heaven Warriors, it''smon to only cultivate two or three Star Techniques.


    ...


    After perusing the Starfire Treasury and looking at the ''cultivation suggestions'' sent by the Starfire Martial Hall,


    and checking therge amount of new data in the database,


    Li Yuan had a vague idea of his own cultivation path going forward.


    At that time.


    Dean Hai arrived.


    "Dean," Li Yuan immediately invited the visitor into the living room, and they sat down.


    Pouring tea for his guest.


    "You should have looked through the Starfire Treasury and also seen the cultivation suggestion letter the Starfire Martial Hall sent you," Dean Hai said with a smile.


    "I''ve seen both," Li Yuan nodded.


    "There are six months until you go to Feixing," Dean Hai said with a smile, "You don''t need to participate in the Blue Starbatpetition in June anymore, so what are you thinking now?"


    "First, be a Prime Warrior," Li Yuan said after a moment''s thought, "Then go to the Second Level Star Realm to explore."


    "It''s just, I haven''t decided exactly which Star Realm to go to yet."


    Going to the Star Realm is a must.


    Simply being short of reaching a 40% Spiritual Awakening Level is already a reason enough for Li Yuan to make the trip.

 Chapter 313: Chapter 230 Concealed Cultivation! Three Star Meridians (Extra 27)

    "After bing a Prime Warrior, to venture into the Second Level Star Realm?" Dean Hai nodded slightly, "There is something I need to remind you of."


    "Please speak, Dean," Li Yuan listened attentively.


    "This time, to lure out the lurking alien Flying Heaven level, the principal and others have put you at the forefront of the storm," Dean Hai looked at Li Yuan, "Although in the end you killed the alien Flying Heaven level... you must understand, the alien forces watching you are not only from one faction."


    "The strongest two alien forces that are enemies of our Blue Star are the Tianliang Civilization and the Cloud Beast Civilization."


    "Like the ck dragon I killed before, it actually belonged to the Cloud Beast Civilization," said Dean Hai.


    "Oh?" Li Yuan was surprised; this was the first time he had heard this.


    He knew quite a bit about the Tianliang n.


    But the Cloud Beast Civilization? He had nevere into contact with it before.


    "When you cultivate within the school, with the Principal''s deterrence and many Flying Heaven Warriors around, the probability of alien assassination attempts on you is very small, as everyone cherishes their lives," said Dean Hai, "But there will definitely be people always monitoring you."


    "Always tracking your movements."


    "Once you leave the school, various alien forces will certainly crazily track you," Dean Hai said, "In our civilization, there are many traitors and scoundrels who dare not attack you directly... but many would dare to leak your whereabouts."


    Li Yuan felt a chill in his heart.


    Indeed, if they were real aliens, under his Divine Pce''s inquiry, they would mostly reveal themselves.


    What he should be most vignt about are the traitors.


    Because you never know who the internal spy is, perhaps some inconspicuous First Rank Warriors or Prime Warriors.


    Even some high-ranking Top Grade Origin Martial Artists, or Flying Heaven Warriors, may trade with aliens in secret for personal gain or for some treasures.


    This is unavoidable.


    "What do you mean, Dean?" asked Li Yuan.


    "My personal suggestion is that from now until July, you engage in concealed cultivation within the school, then head directly to Feixing," Dean Hai looked at Li Yuan, "With yourprehension, your strength will also progress swiftly."


    "With the rate of your progress, perhaps by July, your Spear Technique could even step into the Fifth Stage High Rank."


    "After you receive theplete Martial God Inheritance, your strength will transform even further."


    "The Martial God Inheritance is one of the greatest secrets of our civilization."


    "You are still young; there''s no need to hurry. Wait until you return from Feixing with the Martial God Inheritance, and your Physical Quality reaches High Rank Prime Warrior level... Then it will not be toote to go risk life and death in the Second Level Star Realm," said Dean Hai solemnly.


    Li Yuan fell silent.


    To cultivate step by step until he became a high-level Prime Warrior? How long would that take?


    But Li Yuan could sense the change in Dean Hai''s attitude.


    Before, Dean Hai was very encouraging of him going to face life and death challenges, but now he was advising against it... which was enough to show the hidden risks.


    "Dean, I will carefully consider it," Li Yuan said, "Even if I decide to venture out, it won''t be until I''ve be a Prime Warrior, at least a good half-monthter."


    "Alright."


    "I''m just giving you a suggestion; what you decide to do is still up to you," Dean Hai said, "If you really decide to venture into the Star Realm, remember to contact me in advance after choosing a Star Realm, and I will help you analyze the pros and cons."


    "At the same time, I will arrange to hide your tracks in advance."


    "Understood," said Li Yuan, feeling Dean Hai''s deep concern.


    ...


    After seeing off Dean Hai.


    Li Yuan returned to the underground Martial Arts Room and fell into deep thought.


    "There''s really no need for me to participate in the practicalbatpetition in June," Li Yuan thought to himself.


    The purpose of the global martial artspetition held by the alliance''s higher-ups.


    Is to select the very top geniuses of each session.


    Like in the Blue Starpetition''s virtual battle and practicalbat, the top three directly get the Martial God Inheritance slots.


    Therefore, as usual, those who break into the top three in the virtual battles typically won''t participate in the practicalbat afterward.


    The same goes.


    Once someone breaks into the top three in either the virtual battle or practicalbat in one of the Blue Starpetitions, they usually won''t participate in the following session.


    "Dean Hai''s suggestion for me to keep cultivating in seclusion isn''t wrong; in some sense, it is very correct," Li Yuan thought to himself, "Right now, indeed, there is no need for me to take great risks or venture out too recklessly."


    Life-and-death adventuring is to temper oneself.


    But there is a bottom line in this; venturing into the Star Realm is for tempering, not simply courting death.


    If the risk of falling is too great, and the benefits not sufficient, then it is best to give up.


    "But with a 40% Spiritual Awakening Level, should I wait until after returning from Feixing?" Li Yuan shook his head slightly.


    That would be waiting too long.


    Once the Spiritual Awakening Level reaches 40%, to carry out the fourth Origin Power infusion.


    By Li Yuan''s estimation, that would save him several months or even longer on his Origin Power cultivation time.


    The cultivation of Physical Quality and Life Level for Prime Warriors takes much longerpared to First Rank Warriors.


    "A significant increase in Physical Quality would further nurture the soul," Li Yuan thought to himself, "It would also make the vitality within my Life Star stronger... whether in cultivating Star Techniques or awakening more Star Meridians, it''s very beneficial."


    "With a strengthened foundation, it''s an all-around improvement, so when I go to Feixing, my advantages will be even greater," Li Yuan also harbored ambitions within his heart.


    One step ahead, all steps ahead.


    Li Yuan had a simple thought; he had spoken to Star Lord Bai Shan and others before... after reaching Feixing, the Martial God Inheritance slots also varied in rank.


    Upon arriving at Feixing, he would not only be facing the geniuses of Blue Star but also those from the other Six Greats.


    Geniuses gather.


    He must be stronger, to quickly strive for a First Rank Martial God Inheritance slot.


    And perhaps even a Special Rank Martial God Inheritance slot.


    "Secondly, once the Spiritual Awakening Level reaches the 40% limit, there may be a chance to push the limit to 50%," Li Yuan silently pondered.

 Chapter 314 Chapter 230 Concealed Cultivation! Three Star Meridians (Additional Chapter 27)_2

    If the level of Spiritual Awakening reaches 50%, it''s not just about Origin Power entering the body, but also unlocking the second Spiritual Guidance.


    This is crucial.


    "Still, I must go,"


    Li Yuan made a decision, "But there''s no need to make a spectacle of it, nor is there a need to stay too long in the Star Realm."


    ...


    Having made up his mind, Li Yuan didn''t hesitate any further and restarted his cultivation for the day.


    "For the next period of time."


    "First, I''ll focus on cultivating ''Observing the Great Sun Starry Sky Scripture'' and ''All Heavens'' Stars'' to fully enhance my Physical Quality," Li Yuan thought to himself, "Next, is to continue honing my skills."


    "Third, I must not ck off for a moment. As long as my spiritual power recovers and my body can bear it, I shall continue to strive for awakening the Life Star."


    "Strive to awaken more Star Meridians as soon as possible."


    The Star Meridians are critical, arguably the most important foundation on the path of Martial Arts Cultivation.


    They are the key to how far one can go in the future.


    "Once I be a Prime Warrior, I''ll immediately apply for life and death challenges," Li Yuan nned his next steps, "I''ll set off quietly, elevate my level of Spiritual Awakening to 40% by defeating enemies in the Star Realm to aplish Origin Power entering my body, then return to school immediately."


    By Li Yuan''s estimate, this whole process might take just a few days to a fortnight.


    If he concealed it well, perhaps even the Alien Race wouldn''t know he had left Kunlun Martial University.


    nning is important.


    Only by thinking through and following a n can one move faster and more steadily.


    "In fact, the most important treasure for me right now should be the Earth Origin Crystal,"


    "If I canpletely cultivate the first two stages of the ''True Solution of the Earth Star Vein'', perhaps, mypatibility with the Earth Vein will reach an astonishing level," Li Yuan thought to himself.


    "However, at the very least, after... bing a Prime Warrior and spending three to five months, I can then report this matter back to the principal."


    The secrets of the Mind Spirit Divine Pce must not be revealed.


    ...


    Time flew by, and day by day, the storm of the virtualpetition aftermath of the Blue Starpetitionpletely dissipated.


    With each round of promotions, Li Yuan''s V-blog fans reached an astonishing eighty million. However... since Li Yuan never posted any updates,


    coupled with the gradual dispersal of the various promotions by the Starfire Martial Hall, this number of fans has essentially reached its limit for the short term.


    Nevertheless,


    these disturbances didn''t affect Li Yuan, as he was wholeheartedly immersed in his cultivation.


    Every day, he began with Visualization Method and basic Origin Power Technique training from the early morning.


    Every two or three days, he would attempt ''Law Creation'' to try and awaken more Life Stars.


    The rest of his nearly all time was spent on Spear Technique cultivation.


    ...


    In a huge Martial Arts Room, over a hundred meters long and wide, a specially designed room by Kunlun Martial University.


    Li Yuan, dressed in a specially made Origin Power Battle Suit and wielding a Long Spear.


    Not far from him, was Li Yang holding a Combat Saber, looking at him with a chuckling smile.


    "Teacher, let''s start today''s actualbat training," Li Yuan said seriously.


    "Alright."


    "Just like yesterday, I will suppress my strength and speed to Level 19. You try to feel the changes in my Sword Technique," Li Yang said.


    Li Yuan nodded.


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    Boom!


    Li Yang moved in an instant; with one step forward, his aura became terrifyingly powerful, like a mountain barreling towards Li Yuan.


    "Kill!"


    Li Yuan''s form moved, and like a stream of light or lightning, he charged towards Li Yang. His Long Spear, like a dragon, apanied by a piercing whoosh, instantly unleashed a sky-covering barrage of Spear Light.


    "ng! ng! ng!"


    Layers of dazzling saber brilliance bloomed, easily blocking the spear shadows thrown by Li Yuan. The weapons collided fiercely, and the terrifying impact made it impossible for Li Yuan topletely deflect it even when executing the True Intent Killing Move ''Star River Spiral''.


    He had to keep retreating.


    In contrast, Li Yang''s Sword Technique, although each strike seemed not strong, was continuous and explosively powerful, relentlessly pressuring Li Yuan.


    Every strike subtly channeled the power of heaven and earth, with incredible might!


    Suddenly,


    "Annihtion," Li Yang''s Combat Saber suddenly changed its course, the de''s light striking atop the Spear Light, as if targeting the vital points of Li Yuan''s spear technique, causing his Spear Momentum to falter in an instant.


    Whoosh! Whoosh!


    More des of light cleaved down, making it impossible for Li Yuan to withstand the assault any longer. His Spear Momentumpletely copsed, and his body was hurled backward, retreating dozens of meters before stopping.


    With the protection of the Origin Power Battle Suit, he wasn''t injured.


    Li Yang also came to a stop with the flow of his movements.


    "Very good."


    "Your progress is indeed fast. When the greatpetition ended, and during our first actualbat training, you could barely withstand more than ten strikes from me even with your True Intent Killing Move," Li Yang said with a smile, "But now you can withstand more than thirty strikes."


    "That''s because my physical quality has improved," Li Yuan shook his head, "And since you suppressed your strength and speed, if we had the same physical quality, I would only lose faster."


    "Isn''t that obvious? I am a Fifth Stage High Rank in skills, and how long have you just stepped into the Fifth Stage Intermediate Rank?" Li Yang said with a smile, "Improvement in skill is still improvement, no need to be modest."


    Li Yuan couldn''t help but smile.


    Indeed,


    it had been over ten days since the Blue Starpetition ended, and his dedicated cultivation had indeed brought about rapid progress.


    Li Yuan nced at the Divine Pce panel.


    ¡ª¡ª


    [Life Level: 19.9 (First Rank)]


    Fist Strength: 68,800 kilograms


    Speed: 113.2 meters per second


    Spiritual Power: Level 30.5


    Willpower: Level 32


    Spiritual Awakening Level: 37.9% (Current limit 40%)


    Star Meridian: Level 11 (Cultivation efficiency 10+0.5)


    Skill Realm: Spear Technique (Fifth Stage 41%), Movement Technique (Fifth Stage 41%)


    Star Technique: Ninefold Star Technique ''True Solution of the Earth Star Vein'' (First Stage Level 6:6)


    ...


    Over these ten days,


    Li Yuan''s physical quality and skill level had improved greatly, especially since his skills had already crossed 5 stages at 40%.


    At this rate of progress, in a few months, Li Yuan would be able to reach Fifth Stage 59%.

 Chapter 315 Chapter 230 Concealed Cultivation! Three Star Meridians (Additional Chapter 27)_3

    "Li Yuan, your physical quality should have reached 19.9," Li Yang asked, "You''re getting closer and closer to bing a Prime Warrior."


    "It is indeed very close," Li Yuan nodded, "Now, even in a Unity of Heaven and Man state, I can faintly feel a trickle of Origin Power entering my body... My body is very active."


    This was an exnation that Li Yuan had prepared earlier.


    He needed to gradually reveal his talent in regards to Star Meridians.


    "Oh? You can sense it now? Good! Good! Good!" Li Yang indeed showed happiness, "Then try sensing the ''Life Star space''; perhaps you can awaken your Life Star a bit earlier." Find your next adventure on empire


    "Haha, being able to start autonomously absorbing traces of Origin Power at level 19.9, your Star Meridian talent must be very high," Li Yang said excitedly.


    "Yes, I''ll try as much as possible," Li Yuan said.


    ...


    Back in his own vi.


    "Although I''ve reached Life Level 19.9, my Fist Strength and speed still fall short of the true First Order Limit," Li Yuan thought to himself.


    Having the Divine Pce panel allowed Li Yuan to be very clear about what stage he was at.


    "Another week or so."


    "Once my Fist Strength exceeds 70,000 kilograms, I will try to activate the Star Meridian and achieve the status of Prime Warrior in one go," Li Yuan pondered.


    There were two paths to bing a Prime Warrior.


    One, if you have a High Rank Cultivation Method that fits you, then after meeting all the requirements, you could follow the guidance of the Cultivation Method... Try to operate the three sensed Star Meridians that fit, prompting the body to rapidlyplete the Transformation and be a Prime Warrior.


    The other path was for Martial Artists without a High Rank Cultivation Method.


    In that case, as long as their physical quality reached 19.9, they could continue to improve their physique... until they fully activated Origin Power even if they initially failed to do so.


    Typically, the minimum Fist Strength required for one''s physique is 70,000 kilograms, and it could go up to about 80,000 kilograms. Even those Martial Artists without a Cultivation Method could sense the traces of wandering Origin Power in the world and begin to absorb it for themselves.


    ...


    One dayter,te at night, Li Yuan tried to awaken his Life Star as usual.


    Quite abruptly.


    "Hum~" An invisible fluctuation swept by, followed by a faint tremble of Li Yuan''s body, and then countless points of light converged into a thread-like stream that passed over Li Yuan''s body, circting all around him.


    "Finally."


    "Another Star Meridian has awakened," Li Yuan showed a hint of a smile.


    At that moment, the three Star Meridians, reflecting each other, made Li Yuan''s aura quite exceptional.


    "First Layer Star Vein, the cultivation efficiency increase is indeed just 0.5," Li Yuan nced at the Divine Pce panel and muttered to himself.


    But his heart was filled with immense joy.


    Awakening three Star Meridians, although two of them were still just First Layer Star Veins.


    But an important barrier on the road to bing a Flying Heaven Warrior had been unknowingly breached by Li Yuan.


    ...


    In the distant Feixing.


    Inside an enormously grand city that itself seemed like a piece of crimson me.


    Above the city, an immense flying craft hovered, marked with a striking ''me'' emblem.


    If some of Feixing''s powerhouses saw this emblem, they would recognize it at a nce¡ªzing me Family.


    This was a great family with an illustrious reputation within Feixing''s upper echelons, and this city was almost their fiefdom.


    In a twelve-story building, in the top-floor office.


    "Many people died?"


    "How is that possible! The sixteen people from the zing me Family are among the best in the First Rank," the young man in a blue Martial Path outfit said in shock, immediately bing anxious, "How is my little sister?"


    "Second brother, stay calm."


    "ording to the messages sent back, arge Origin Crystal vein was born in the World within Worlds, the source of a major battle," the man in the ck robe spoke somberly, "At the core of the vein, there is likely to contain ''Earth Origin Crystal'' and ''Fire Divine Crystal''."


    "Based on the token''s sensing, little sister is still alive, but we''ve temporarily lost contact with her," he continued.

 Chapter 316 Chapter 231 The Secret of World within Worlds! Invitation (Request for Monthly Ticket)

    "Lost contact?"


    The young man in the blue Martial Path uniform''s face changed, "Little sister is the most important of their group, definitely equipped with the bestmunication device, how could she lose contact?"


    "No, this won''t do."


    "I must find mother," the young man in the blue Martial Path uniform turned and was about to leave.


    "Second brother, calm down," the young man in the ck robe shouted angrily, "The affairs of World within Worlds contain the zing me Family''s biggest secrets, can they be inquired by you and me? Even Dad shouldn''t interfere, don''t forget, our surname is Lin, not me."


    "By all rights, we should know nothing about World within Worlds."


    The young man in the blue Martial Path uniform fell silent.


    That''s right!


    Although the blood of the zing me Family flowed in their veins, they were only peripheral members; they didn''t even qualify to enter World within Worlds... Only their sister, who could cultivate the "Nirvana Divine Scripture," could be the core member of the zing me Family despite her foreign surname.


    Lin Lanyue''s journey to World within Worlds was a secret and not disclosed to them.


    They had learned of it through their own secret channels... The inheritance of the zing me Family had been decaying for over a hundred years, and with generations attempting to break through to World within Worlds, that naturally led to many leaks.


    "Big brother, what should we do?" the young man in the blue Martial Path uniform clenched his teeth, "Just wait around?"


    "Inform Dad of the details. He is a Flying Heaven Warrior and also a Six-Star Councilor of the alliance; naturally, he will figure out a way," murmured the young man in the ck robe.


    "Alright, I''ll send the message right away."


    ...


    As Lin Lanyue''s two older brothers were discussing, in that superrge aircraft hovering above the city,


    In one of its meeting rooms, a group of powerful beings was arguing non-stop.


    "World within Worlds has always been located in the Fierce Feather Star Realm, extremely hidden, with only one entrance and exit controlled by us."


    "How could the Immortal Ruins Civilization''s ''Gu Yue Divine Kingdom'' have discovered it? And how did they open an entrance and exit that we were unaware of, without us noticing?"


    "Too strange!"


    "I suspect someone has leaked the true secret of World within Worlds; we must investigate, thoroughly," one existence after another spoke up.


    As one of the strongest ''high-order Spiritual Nature families'' within the Seven Stars human civilization, they were the highest echelon of the zing me Family.


    Everyone participating in this meeting was at the Flying Heaven Level.


    "Silence."


    A cold voice rang out, "We naturally need to investigate the leak, but right now, the most urgent matter is rescue."


    The speaker was a middle-aged man in a ck robe adorned with a pattern of a me divine bird.


    "Right now, sixteen young ones have entered World within Worlds, fourteen of them are already dead, with only two still alive, but they too have lost contact," said the middle-aged man in the ck robe, "Among them, Lanyue had already lost contact before the Gu Yue Divine Kingdom''s attack."


    "What? Lost contact before the attack?"


    "Could it be?"


    "Really?"


    "How were we not aware?" The Flying Heaven Warriors present were shocked, setting aside their dispute.


    Most of them had entered World within Worlds before and naturally understood what this implied.


    "Must be rescued."


    "We must rescue Lin Lanyue."


    "To rescue someone, we must delve deep into World within Worlds," another old man in casual clothing spoke up gravely, "but the Fierce Feather Star Realm is a Second Level Star Realm... World within Worlds has even sturdier barriers... Leaving is no concern, but entry requires one to be a First Rank lifeform."


    "And preferably, the top-tier ones who can almost reach Second Rank."


    "After all, ording to the messages those young ones sent before their deaths, they encountered Prime Warriors of the Gu Yue Divine Kingdom who seemed to have broken through immediately after sneaking into World within Worlds," said the old man in casual clothing.


    All the Flying Heaven Warriors listened intently, their expressions changing.


    Prime Warriors?


    The meeting was called abruptly; most of them were still not fully briefed on the details.


    "The situation is dangerous," the middle-aged man in the ck robe said slowly, "Reliant on just our family, we simply cannot dispatch so many First Rank Martial Artists on the verge of breaking through... let alone truly formidable geniuses."


    "I propose we report the matter to the alliance and request their assistance," the middle-aged man in the ck robe offered his opinion.


    "No way."


    "Patriarch, absolutely not, wouldn''t this publicize the secrets of World within Worlds?"


    "Not eptable." Immediately, several Flying Heaven Warriors voiced their objections, but many more remained silent, contemting the Patriarch''s suggestion.


    "You several, shut up," the old man in casual clothing frowned, "If this was the past and something major happened inside World within Worlds, we would rather lose a bunch of lives than reveal the secret."


    "But what about now?"


    "People from the Gu Yue Divine Kingdom have already infiltrated."


    "The Immortal Ruins Civilization is the most terrifying civilization we know of... The overall strengths disyed by the Gu Yue Divine Kingdom are at least on par with our entire Seven Stars human civilization, if not stronger... How can we resist with just our family?" the old man in casual clothing said coldly.


    "Time is not on our side."


    "Even if we reveal the secrets of World within Worlds to the alliance, as long as we can retake World within Worlds, at most other geniuses will be arranged by the alliance to enter, but we will still hold the majority," he continued.


    "However, if we give the Gu Yue Divine Kingdom some time, once they ascertain the true secret of World within Worlds, they will definitely invest massive resources and fortify it beyond pration. By then, even if the alliance contributes resources, both manpower and materials, it will be difficult to retake it, and we will get nothing.


    Our family will also fall intoplete decline," the old man in casual clothing shouted angrily.


    The meeting room fell silent.


    "Alright, let''s vote," the young man in the ck robe said slowly, "Whether to agree with the Great Elder''s proposal."


    "Agree!"


    "Abstain."


    "Abstain."


    "Agree."


    "Agree"


    ...


    "Neen votes agree, six abstain, with nine elders not attending the meeting; the total number of agree votes is more than half, and the number opposing is less than one-third," the middle-aged man in the ck robe dered, "The resolution passes."

 Chapter 317 Chapter 231 The Secret of World within Worlds! Invitation (Request for Monthly Ticket)_2

    ```


    "I''ll be responsible for contacting Starfire Martial Hall."


    "Elder Yan Chan, your husband ''Lin Yue'' is a Six-Star Councilor and a part of the higher echelons of the Starry Sky Martial Hall. Since Lin Lanyue is your daughter... it falls to you to make contact with the Starry Sky side," said the man in the ck robe.


    "Alright." In a corner of the meeting room, a woman in purple who had been silent gave a light nod.


    "Great Elder, you''ll be responsible for making contact with the ck Stone Martial Hall."


    "Hmm." The elder in casual wear nodded.


    "The rest of the elders, please also immediately use yourworks at full capacity and see if you can gather a group of First Order Limit Martial Artists who are close to a breakthrough."


    "Whether the century-old foundation of my zing me n can be preserved all depends on this move."


    "Yes," more than twenty Flying Heaven Warriors said in unison, knowing the importance of the matter at hand.


    Perhaps some elders had different opinions or thoughts.


    But once the family meeting made a decision, they would naturally work together wholeheartedly.


    ...


    March 2nd.


    At Blue Star''s Kunlun Martial University, a little after one in the afternoon.


    On the grass outside Li Yuan''s vi, the essence of spring was vibrant and beautiful, and the sun in the sky didn''t feel too scorching.


    "Teacher, take a look," Li Yuan said as he held the ck Chen Spear, "The ''Gxy Spiral'' True Intent Ultimate Move I previously created actually wasn''t deliberately pursuing the power to stir the heavens and earth."


    Whoosh!


    With a thrust of Li Yuan''s long spear, the tip sliced through the vast sky, causing the surrounding air to tremble and even faint glimmers of starlight to burst forth, spectacrly radiant.


    He was drawing upon the power of the heavens and the earth!


    "Following the heart''s intent, following the sensation, rather than pursuing deliberately," Li Yuanughed, "Unknowingly, I broke through."


    "Follow the sensation?" Li Yang stood to the side, deep in thought.


    In recent days,


    Li Yang had been apanying Li Yuan inbat training. Naturally, in terms of skill level, Li Yang was higher... but as Li Yuan made swift progress, his skillset was quickly catching up to Li Yang''s.


    Intermediate Fifth Stage skills, High Rank Fifth Stage skills... the fundamental difference wasn''t that big.


    Especially in terms of creating ''True Intent Ultimate Moves,'' Li Yuan definitely had the final say.


    So, it was less about Li Yang teaching Li Yuan and more about mutual exchange and learning from each other.


    Some of Li Yuan''s words had given Li Yang much inspiration.


    "I''ve been somewhat anxious," Li Yangughed, "I''ve practiced more Third Rank Secret Manuals than you, my skill level is higher than yours, and I also have a Flying Heaven Level soul... Yet, I''m somewhat impatient, all the while thinking about creating a True Intent Killing Move."


    With Li Yang''s level of skill,


    once he created one or two True Intent Killing Moves, he could step into Fifth Stage Perfection and hope to be a Flying Heaven Warrior.


    "Haha, with such profound skills, Teacher, you''re sure to achieve the Flying Heaven status," Li Yuan said with augh.


    In these recent days talking with Li Yang, Li Yuan learned that the ''Gxy Spiral'' he had created was a True Intent Ultimate Move, touching upon the threshold of breaking into Fifth Stage Perfection.


    Of course,


    Li Yuan was aware that there were differences between True Intent Ultimate Moves... like the one he had created, the power invoked from the heavens and earth couldn''tpare to those of the Ultimate Moves of the Flying Heaven Warriors.


    After all, the insights and umtions of the Flying Heaven Warriors far surpassed his own.


    But at least, among the Intermediate Fifth Stage Martial Artists, when it came to skill alone, he had already found few rivals, and with his skill improvement and enhanced insights, the power of his True Intent Ultimate Move would naturally grow stronger and stronger.


    Suddenly,


    "Hm?" Li Yuan sensed something.


    "Dean Hai?" Li Yang also perceived it, both of them aware that a Flying Heaven Level presence was approaching.


    ```


    Huh!


    Several hundred meters in the high sky, a genially attractive young man in blue clothes had suddenly appeared and was descending rapidly¡ªit was none other than Dean Hai.


    "Li Yang, Li Yuan, you two seem quite leisurely, discussing skills with each other," Dean Hai nodded slightly.


    "It''s more like Li Yuan enlightening me," Li Yang said with a smile.


    "Dean Hai, is there something you need?" Li Yuan realized that the other party must have something to discuss, otherwise, he wouldn''t havee to find him unexpectedly.


    After all, it was only the day before yesterday that he had sought Li Yuan out¡ªit would be unlikely for him toe again so soon without good reason.


    Moreover, if it was not a significant matter, a simple message would have sufficed.


    "Li Yang, I have something to discuss with Li Yuan; you may return first," Dean Hai instructed.


    "Yes," Li Yang nodded his head, acknowledging.


    He had a clear understanding of his own position; since the Blue Starpetition ended, he had quickly realized... his student, Li Yuan, hadpletely exceeded his expectations.


    In some sense, within Xia Country and the Seven Star Alliance, Li Yuan''s status had already surpassed that of his own teacher.


    Li Yang promptly left.


    On the grass.


    Only Li Yuan and Dean Hai remained.


    "Dean, why don''t we go inside the vi and sit down for a cup of tea?" Li Yuan suggested.


    "No need," Dean Hai shook his head and said, "After notifying you, I still have to inform several other students... This matteres from the higher-ups in the Alliance."


    "Oh?" Li Yuan voiced his puzzlement.


    A First Rank Martial Artist like himself, what could be so important that the upper echelons of the Alliance had to send down a message?


    Furthermore, based on what Dean Hai implied, it seemed as though the matter involved more people than just him.


    "It''s about a hidden treasure within the civilization," Dean Hai waved his hand.


    Weng~


    An invisible force enveloped the two of them, like an invisible barrier separating the inside from the outside, preventing eavesdropping from the outside world.


    "Using the power of heaven and earth?" Li Yuan perceived the action and was secretly stunned.


    At present, he himself could also use a small amount of the power of heaven and earth, but his control was far inferior to Dean Hai''s... This was a true master of the True Intent of heaven and earth.


    "This treasure is located within a Second Rank Star Realm and had always been controlled by a high Spiritual Nature family within the Alliance, the ''me n''," Dean Hai said, "I believe I have mentioned this family to you before."


    "Yes," Li Yuan nodded.


    The first time he met Dean Hai, thetter had mentioned the ''me n'', a family of formidable reputation. Due to their special bloodline, they also possessed a very special Cultivation Technique, the ''Nirvana Divine Scripture'', which had given rise to dozens of Flying Heaven Martial Artists within their family.


    "This family''s treasure is of great importance," said Dean Hai, "but they have nowe into conflict with the ''Gu Yue Divine Kingdom'' from the Immortal Ruins Civilization... and the Alliance has decided to organize a rescue."


    Immortal Ruins Civilization? Li Yuan''s pupils constricted slightly.


    Since gaining ess to the Flying Heaven Level, Li Yuan had been perusing a substantial amount of confidential information in his spare time from cultivating... and there was significant emphasis on the Immortal Ruins Civilization.


    Other foreign domains such as the Tianliang Civilization and Cloud Beast Civilization, whenpared to the Seven Stars human civilization, are strong and weak in different aspects, but generally, they all are on the same level.


    But the Immortal Ruins Civilization alone, even just the tip of the iceberg they reveal, far exceeds the Seven Stars human civilization.


    It is the most terrifying civilization known to the Seven Star Alliance, without equal.


    This time, the Seven Star Alliance was actually in conflict with the Immortal Ruins Civilization?


    "This treasurend is a World within Worlds in the Second Level Star Realm, essible only to First Order life forms," Dean Hai exined, "The matter is of great importance, and the Alliance has already mobilized arge number of Martial Artists close to the First Order Limit to enter."


    "Looking at our entire civilization, in terms of strength, you should be among the very top of First Order life forms, and you might even be the strongest."


    "Therefore, the higher-ups specifically asked me toe and inquire whether you would be willing to go?"


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