On the podium, various leaders took turns to step forward, taking photos and shaking hands with Li Yuan, while also offering a few encouraging words in low voices. Most of it was just formalities.
"Li Yuan, you did well. Last time you killed a Star Realm creature, it really brought honor to our Martial Hall," said the Left Hall Master, her face beaming with a smile as she looked at Li Yuan with a protective gaze, almost like how one would look at their own child.
First impressions are very important in relationships. The Left Hall Master had a very good first impression of Li Yuan. After going back last time, she had checked through Li Yuan's information and concluded that his character and personality were top-notch. In her eyes, Li Yuan was a junior who was worth nurturing.
"Thank you, Hall Master," Li Yuan replied with a big smile.
He knew that the reason for such a big fuss and for him receiving the title of 'Young Hero' was primarily because he had killed a Star Realm creature. However, he also understood that the Starfire Martial Hall had played a significant role behind the scenes. Otherwise, would just achieving something guarantee a reward?
"Li Yuan, this is Hall Master Song Yi from the Starry Sky Martial Hall," the Left Hall Master introduced with a smile. "You could say she is your benefactor."
Song Yi’s expression changed slightly, looking a bit uncomfortable but trying not to show it.
"Hello, Hall Master Song," Li Yuan said earnestly, pretending he didn’t know anything.
Of course, he knew who she was. When he agreed to sign with the Starfire Martial Hall, Teacher Xu Bo had mentioned her before. She was likely the direct superior of Zhong Cheng, and probably the one who decided to give him the D-level contract.
"Yes, the young man is quite impressive. Keep up the good work," Hall Master Song forced a smile.
When she learned that the one who received the 'Young Hero' title was Li Yuan, she had no desire to attend the event. However, Lu Huai insisted she represent the Starry Sky Martial Hall.
Down below, a group of reporters snapped photos. Killing a ranked Star Realm creature was actually a small matter, but the fact that it was done by a minor high school student made it a remarkable highlight in the recent Star Realm creature attack incident. It had significant promotional value.
Meanwhile, students on the playground, whether seniors or freshmen, were whispering among themselves. Most of their comments were along the lines of "so impressive," "amazing," "is this senior named Li Yuan?" and "so handsome."
If Li Yuan had only good grades, it would have been hard for him to win over most students, and some might even feel jealous. But fighting for his life against a Star Realm creature? In this era, society greatly admired martial artists who could battle Star Realm creatures, and the students felt the same way.
In the eyes of most students, Li Yuan's actions were ten times more impressive than those of the top students in exams. The spirit of heroism and youth has always been admired throughout history.
"Lanyue, are you still looking at Li Yuan?"
Peng Qiqi waved her hand in front of Lin Lanyue and couldn't help but laugh. "You look so mesmerized. Do you really like Li Yuan?"
"It's not like that," Lin Lanyue said, shifting her gaze to her friend and smiling slightly. "I was just thinking about some things and feeling a bit emotional."
"What things?" Peng Qiqi asked, puzzled.
"Li Yuan doesn't come from a wealthy family," Lin Lanyue explained. "He hasn't awakened his Martial Spirit, and even though he has great talent, he must have put in a lot of effort to achieve what he has now."
Peng Qiqi was taken aback. She hadn't thought about that at all.
"Just like you said, he looked handsome up on the podium," Lin Lanyue continued. "But when he actively fought the Star Realm creature, he was definitely just trying to save people, not thinking about any rewards."
"Before this, he probably hadn't fought a Star Realm creature."
"To dare to take the initiative to fight," Lin Lanyue seemed to recall something and softly sighed. "It takes a lot of courage."
"Lanyue, what are you trying to say? Do you like him or not?" Peng Qiqi was getting more confused.
"It has nothing to do with whether I like him or not," Lin Lanyue pinched her friend's chubby cheek and smiled. "I just... really admire him."
After the school-wide meeting ended and the leaders left, students from each class returned to the Martial Arts Classroom in an orderly fashion to continue their lessons.
Li Yuan followed Principal Tan Zhenlong to the principal's office.
As soon as he entered, he saw Teacher Xu and Director Li already waiting there.
"Hello, Teacher Xu? Director Li?" Li Yuan greeted them.
Director Li was a representative from the Education Bureau.
"Li Yuan, have a seat," Principal Tan said, greeting Director Li and then inviting Li Yuan to sit down.
Li Yuan obediently sat on a single sofa, looking at the three of them. It was clear that they had called him over for something important.
"Director Li, why don't you explain?" Principal Tan smiled.
"Sure," Director Li, dressed in a black uniform with a square face, looked at Li Yuan. "Li Yuan, we've communicated with both the Education Bureau and the Martial Arts Bureau regarding your situation."
"We called you here to tell you a few things."
"First, Principal Tan and Teacher Xu have applied for a special scholarship for you, which has been approved. By 6 PM tonight, you will receive a reward of 500,000 Blue Star Coins." Director Li smiled. "This is a national reward and will not be taxed."
"Special scholarship?" Li Yuan was slightly surprised, feeling excited inside.
500,000 Blue Star Coins!
He instinctively glanced at Teacher Xu Bo.
Li Yuan remembered that Teacher Xu had said he needed to break into the top five in his grade to qualify.
Teacher Xu nodded slightly, signaling Li Yuan to be patient.
"Second, you have received the title of Young Hero, which is a martial arts title. According to regulations, this qualifies for an additional 20 points in the college entrance exam," Director Li continued. "However, the bonus points cannot be stacked. If you awaken your Martial Spirit before the exam, you will have to choose one."
"I understand," Li Yuan said, feeling even happier.
In the college entrance exam, there are many projects that can earn bonus points, such as awakening a spirit, receiving a hero title, or being an orphan of a hero, but these bonuses cannot be combined.
Li Yuan knew that awakening a spirit seemed very difficult based on the Divine Palace Panel, so he had almost no hope for that.
So, this 20-point bonus was very important.
"Third, in this month's assessment, your martial arts skill score was first in the district and second in the city. Given your situation, the district has decided to reward you with an additional 100,000 Blue Star Coins to support your martial arts training," Director Li said with a smile. "I hope you don't think it's too little."
"That's a lot," Li Yuan quickly replied. "Thank you, Director."
"No need to thank me," Director Li smiled. "If you want to thank someone, thank the country. For true martial arts talents, even if they haven't awakened their Martial Spirit, the country still provides significant support and cultivation."
Li Yuan nodded slightly.
The more he trained, the more he felt the advantages of advanced cultivation methods. If he could only keep practicing basic cultivation methods, it would be extremely difficult to grow into a level 19 martial artist.
It would require a huge amount of resources.
So, the country wouldn't easily provide help; they had to choose the best among the best.
After sending off Director Li, Principal Tan and Teacher Xu Bo returned to the office.
"Li Yuan, are you satisfied?" Teacher Xu asked with a smile.
"I was already very satisfied before, and now I have to thank Teacher Xu and Principal," Li Yuan expressed his gratitude.
Then, he couldn't help but look at Tan Zhenlong. "Principal, didn't you say last time that I needed to break into the top five in martial arts to have a chance to apply for the special scholarship?"
"Top five? Did I say that?" Principal Tan was taken aback. "Did I really set such a high requirement? I thought I said top ten would be enough."
Now it was Li Yuan's turn to be stunned.
The principal only required top ten?
"Li Yuan, the principal is getting a bit forgetful. It's normal not to remember after so long," Teacher Xu quickly said.
Then he grabbed Li Yuan's shoulder, as if he was clamping him like a big claw.
"It's late, and the principal needs to rest, so let's not disturb him."
With that, Teacher Xu took Li Yuan and swiftly dashed out, not even closing the door.
"Top ten?"
"Top five? This Xu Bo," Principal Tan finally realized and shook his head with a smile. "Aim high and you might hit the middle? But that high aim should be reasonable."
"Isn't he afraid of setting the bar too high and making Li Yuan give up?" Principal Tan sighed. "But Li Yuan is indeed excellent."
"During the college entrance exam, he can get 20 extra points."
"It seems that even without awakening his Martial Spirit, Li Yuan should be able to get into one of the five major martial arts academies." Principal Tan smiled.
As for his own achievements?
At his age, he had no hope for promotion anymore.
He simply hoped to nurture more outstanding students during his last term.
In the office building, in Teacher Xu's martial arts room.
"Will the Starfire Martial Hall also give a reward?" Li Yuan looked at Teacher Xu with some surprise.
"Yes."
Teacher Xu, who looked like a strong tower, smiled. "Since you performed so well this time, the Starfire Martial Hall will naturally give you some extra rewards... The rewards for signing a contract with the martial hall are set by the highest levels of the hall and cannot be changed by anyone."
"If you sign the contract and then perform poorly, you will just finish the contract as it is."
"But during this process, if you perform beyond expectations, even if you can't upgrade your contract level, the lower-level martial hall you belong to will also give extra rewards."
"If your performance is outstanding enough, the martial hall may even upgrade your contract level," Teacher Xu explained to Li Yuan.
Li Yuan understood. He only knew about upgrading contracts but wasn't aware of the rest.
He wisely chose not to ask about the top five or top ten.
He realized that Teacher Xu wasn't trying to deceive him; he just wanted to motivate him better.
"By the way."
"Did you see the invitation from Jiangbei Martial Arts University?" Teacher Xu asked.
"Teacher Chen mentioned it, and I agreed," Li Yuan replied.
"You should go take a look," Teacher Xu said with a smile. "Teacher Chen isn't the head teacher of the martial arts class, so she might not know, but I can tell you that this invitation isn't organized solely by Jiangbei Martial Arts University."
"Huh?" Li Yuan was puzzled.
"Although the location is at Jiangbei Martial Arts University, all five major martial arts academies will send people to observe," Teacher Xu smiled.
(End of Chapter)