For more than half a month, Li Yuan had been diligently practicing and keeping an eye on the war in the Northern Frontier Province. After all, his uncle was building defense facilities there. From the news, it seemed that the human coalition was winning every battle, causing significant damage to the creatures from the Star Realm.
However, Li Yuan sensed that something was off. "Battle reports can be misleading, but the front lines don’t lie," he thought as he ate, glancing at the news on the screen. "Based on past experiences, if humanity truly had the upper hand, we would have quickly organized a large army and martial artists to push deep into the Star Realm after the first wave of attacks..." Although Li Yuan's science grades were average, he did well in humanities, especially in modern history and geography.
"This battle in the Lobu Sea Star Realm has been dragging on for half a month, with the front lines stuck at several major entry points in the Star Realm," Li Yuan thought, worry filling his eyes. What did this indicate? The human coalition had been unable to push back! The battles must be fierce.
"I hope my uncle comes back safely," Li Yuan thought quietly. Over the past few days, his uncle had occasionally called or messaged him, telling him not to worry.
"Old Zhou, Yan Zhou, I'm leaving first," Li Yuan said, picking up his lunch box and heading toward the collection area.
"Brother Yuan, wait for us to go to the martial arts classroom together," Zhou Qi called out. "We’ll finish eating soon."
"I’m heading to the Elite Building, not on the same route," Li Yuan replied softly.
The first high school in Guanshan District was quite large, with separate buildings for cultural studies, martial arts, administration, and the Elite Building. The Elite Building contained three large martial arts classrooms and dozens of independent martial arts rooms, specifically for the elite classes of grades one to three, totaling less than two hundred students.
"Going to the Elite Building?" Zhou Qi and Yan Zhou were momentarily taken aback.
"Looking for someone? Wan Xiao?" Yan Zhou asked, puzzled.
"I'll be training there from now on," Li Yuan thought for a moment and said. "The school has assigned me an independent martial arts room, so I’ll practice there in the future."
Martial arts classes only happened every two days, and the school’s financial aid program was not well-known, so Li Yuan kept it to himself. However, the independent martial arts room would soon be common knowledge, so he decided to mention it early.
"Independent martial arts room? Wow!"
"Is it Brother Yuan's?"
"It must be approved by Teacher Xu!"
"Brother Yuan is amazing!" The excitement erupted among the group of boys, drawing the attention of other students nearby.
"Keep it down. I’m just telling you, don’t spread it around," Li Yuan said quietly.
"Got it."
"Brother Yuan, we want to check it out. I’ve never been in an independent martial arts room."
"I never even dared to think about it." The boys lowered their voices but remained curious. They weren’t jealous of Li Yuan; even if some had thoughts, they wouldn’t be foolish enough to show it. After all, their little group was subtly led by Li Yuan, and they all knew he excelled in martial arts, ranking in the top ten in grades.
"I haven’t been there either," more voices chimed in.
"Alright, I’ll take you there next time," Li Yuan smiled. "But not today; it's my first time, and I need to get familiar with it."
Everyone nodded in agreement.
The Elite Building was separated from the senior martial arts building by a small playground and required crossing the administration building, making the area quite peaceful. The trees along the path provided shade, and a gentle breeze felt refreshing.
"Elite Building." Li Yuan soon arrived at the base of the tall structure, noticing its ancient and elegant decor. In front of the building stood a statue.
"Dongfang Ji." Li Yuan recognized the figure immediately. He was the strongest martial artist in human civilization, the top martial artist in Xia Country, the founder of the Starfire Martial Hall, and the first to survive a nuclear explosion. He was Li Yuan's idol.
"Martial arts is me," Li Yuan approached the statue, reading the famous quote engraved at its base.
At one o'clock in the afternoon, students were coming and going to practice in the martial arts classrooms, but no one paid much attention to Li Yuan. The first-year students thought he was in the second or third year, while the third-year students thought he was in the second year. Perhaps Li Yuan had a bit of a reputation in the third year, but it was limited to just being known by name. Other students from different classes rarely recognized him.
Suddenly, a pleasantly surprised voice called out, "Li Yuan." Li Yuan turned to see a large figure, like a bear, wearing martial arts clothing coming down the steps.
"Wan Xiao, long time no see," Li Yuan waved and smiled.
It was Wan Xiao, who had awakened his martial spirit and transferred to the elite class.
"It has been a while," Wan Xiao replied with a smile. Although they were in the same school, being in different classes made it hard to meet.
"How’s the elite class?" Li Yuan asked cheerfully.
"Not bad," Wan Xiao nodded. "The advanced cultivation methods are indeed impressive, and the students are all at a high level, so sparring with each other is very effective..."
"You better work hard, or I might surpass you in the next exam," Wan Xiao joked.
"I'll be waiting," Li Yuan laughed, knowing their relationship was good enough that it wasn’t a challenge.
"By the way, I haven’t asked, what are you doing in the Elite Building?" Wan Xiao asked curiously. "Looking for someone?"
"Looking for a classroom," Li Yuan replied with a grin. "How do I get to martial arts room 4011?"
"4011?" Wan Xiao was taken aback. "Fourth floor? That’s the independent martial arts room for the third years, but isn’t room 11 closed? There’s no one there."
"It’s empty now," Li Yuan chuckled. "But once I arrive, there will be someone."
Wan Xiao’s eyes widened. He wasn’t stupid and couldn’t help but ask, "Your independent martial arts room?"
Li Yuan nodded with a smile. "It’s my first time here; can you show me the way?"
On the fourth floor, in front of the independent martial arts room 4011, Li Yuan used facial recognition to open the door, and Wan Xiao finally believed him.
His face showed undeniable shock. "Impressive! Approved by Teacher Xu?"
Li Yuan smiled.
"That makes sense," Wan Xiao continued. "Besides not having awakened a martial spirit, based on your raw scores, you definitely qualify to be here."
Deep down, Wan Xiao admired Li Yuan. Inside the martial arts room, Li Yuan looked around. The room was about 150 square meters and was very clean.
He pulled back the curtains, letting in bright sunlight. The room was equipped with a fist power testing field, a life energy testing device, a projector, cameras, and even a virtual network pod. Everything except a speed track was there.
"From today on, this will be my independent martial arts room?" A hint of joy sparkled in Li Yuan's eyes. With a private room, he could train without interruptions, which would naturally improve his efficiency.
Wan Xiao stood at the door, feeling a twinge of envy. An independent martial arts room? He didn’t care about that! His home martial arts room was just as good as the school’s independent one. What Wan Xiao valued was the honor.
Suddenly, a cold voice echoed from the end of the corridor. "Wan Xiao, what are you doing here? Who let you open the door to room 4011?"
(End of Chapter)