"Are people from the Five Major Martial Arts Academies coming to observe?" Li Yuan asked, a bit curious. "Is Jiangbei Martial Arts University okay with that?"
"Haha, they’re not really willing, but they can’t stop it," Xu Bo said with a slight smile. "After all, the Five Major Academies are much stronger."
"And even if they could stop it, what would it matter?"
"Do you think the top five hundred martial artists in the province would voluntarily choose Jiangbei Martial Arts University?" Xu Bo replied.
Li Yuan nodded slightly. That made sense! Being a martial arts student at Jiangbei Martial Arts University would provide resources and training that might not be worse than what ordinary students at the Five Major Academies receive. But how many of those who stand out among a million candidates would think of themselves as the bottom of the Five Major Academies?
Li Yuan himself believed that even without an advanced cultivation method for a short time, as long as he could get into one of the Five Major Academies, he could rise step by step.
"Teacher, what do the Five Major Academies mainly observe?" Li Yuan asked curiously. "Normally, don’t they focus on scores?"
"Not really!" Xu Bo said. "Have you seen the specific itinerary?"
"I have," Li Yuan replied.
"There are practical skill assessments, combat tests, and other special challenges," Xu Bo explained. "Do you understand what the country and the entire Seven Star Alliance aim to achieve in training martial artists?"
"To kill enemies and protect the country," Li Yuan instinctively said.
"Exactly," Xu Bo nodded seriously. "The purpose of training martial artists is for real combat, to cultivate powerful fighters who can defend human civilization."
"So, many things can't be judged just by scores; they need to be evaluated through various tasks."
"Here's a simple example. Some people have high talent and strong physical abilities, but their mindset is weak. When facing life-and-death battles, they get scared and can't show their true strength. Do you think they can be prioritized for training?" Xu Bo laughed.
"High scores but low abilities?" Li Yuan suddenly understood.
"Then there are those who seem to have great talent but are very selfish, only thinking of themselves," Xu Bo said, becoming serious. "If they are trained, they might end up doing something that threatens human civilization for their own benefit."
"Threatening human civilization for their own sake?" Li Yuan held his breath.
"Don't be surprised," Xu Bo shook his head. "Hasn't this happened in ancient history? Everyone has selfish desires, but there should be limits; they can't go too far."
"If such extreme selfishness is detected, training them will be approached with caution."
Li Yuan nodded gently, agreeing with this viewpoint.
"I’m not worried about you in these tests and observations," Xu Bo said, looking at Li Yuan. "I believe I have a good eye for people."
Over time, Xu Bo had grown to recognize and like Li Yuan more and more.
"Teacher," Li Yuan said, feeling a bit shy as he scratched his head.
"According to the news I received, over three hundred people from Jiang City are expected to attend this invitation event, and it will likely exceed a thousand across the province," Xu Bo continued.
"That many?" Li Yuan was a bit surprised.
This was a much larger scale than what Teacher Chen had mentioned. Organizing an event for over a thousand people, selecting candidates from all over the province, required a tremendous amount of resources and effort.
The importance placed on this invitation event was clear.
"The tentative date is in March, just before your April assessments," Xu Bo said. "You have three months left, which is enough time to improve your strength."
Li Yuan listened carefully.
"Your job is to train hard and perform well during the event, aiming to secure an early special training invitation from one of the Five Major Academies," Xu Bo said seriously.
"Special training invitation?" Li Yuan recalled what Teacher Chen had said.
"Martial students are different from academic students."
"Academic students go to university in September and are gradually trained," Xu Bo explained. "But for martial students, once they submit their application, and the acceptance letters from various martial arts universities are sent out in late June, the country begins to provide various training resources."
Li Yuan nodded slightly. This was common knowledge.
Why does Xia Country only enroll over two hundred thousand martial students each year? Is it because the country doesn’t want to train more?
The resources allocated for each martial arts student are astonishing.
For academic students, the country provides a few tens of thousands of Blue Star Coins a year.
But for martial arts students, it starts at ten times that amount.
Not just in Xia Country, but across Blue Star and the seven major planets, a massive amount of resources from human civilization is invested in martial arts universities.
"Students from the Five Major Academies will start their studies in early July," Xu Bo said. "But regular enrollment and special training are different."
"Those in special training are recognized as elites and will receive many unique resources from the universities," Xu Bo continued. "If you can get on the special training list from the start, your chances of becoming a second-tier source martial artist will significantly increase."
Li Yuan listened intently.
There is often a gap in information.
These insights are certainly not secrets to families of martial artists from the Five Major Academies.
But Li Yuan? He really didn’t know.
After all, his uncle, Li Changzhou, was just an ordinary student at Jiangbei Martial Arts University.
"Those who perform well during the invitation event will receive offers?" Li Yuan pondered.
"Yes," Xu Bo said seriously. "In a sense, this is your biggest opportunity."
"Biggest opportunity?" Li Yuan was taken aback.
"The regular special training list still depends on scores," Xu Bo explained. "For example, the top fifty in the province during the college entrance exam must be included in the special training list unless there are special circumstances. This is a mandatory regulation by the country to prevent manipulation."
Li Yuan nodded slightly. Determining rankings by scores is the right approach, rather than leaving it to the schools to decide unilaterally.
Establishing a system is essential for long-term stability.
"If you don’t awaken your martial spirit, even with a 20-point bonus, do you think you can break into the top fifty in the province?" Xu Bo looked at Li Yuan.
Li Yuan thought for a moment and shook his head. "I can’t be sure."
He really wasn’t sure.
Based on past experiences, the total martial score for the top fifty in the province usually exceeds 1000 points.
"The independent quotas from the major academies aren’t many," Xu Bo said. "So, you must cherish this opportunity and showcase your strengths."
"For example, your spiritual power, martial skills, and combat experience... aim to sign a special training contract early."
"Getting the title of 'Young Hero' this time is also a boost; it will add a lot of shine to you," Xu Bo smiled.
This morning, when Xu Bo learned that Li Yuan had received this honor, he was very surprised and delighted.
"It was just a coincidence," Li Yuan said, scratching his head again.
"Coincidence? But you must have the strength," Xu Bo shook his head. "When opportunities come, only those who are prepared can seize them."
"Could other students grab it?"
"Surviving without being killed by star realm creatures is already good enough," Xu Bo sighed.
Li Yuan nodded gently.
"After the invitation event, whichever school is willing to give you a special training spot, you should sign with them, no need to fixate on Kunlun Martial Arts University," Xu Bo said.
"Understood," Li Yuan nodded.
He had heard that many students who performed exceptionally during the January and April assessments would be fiercely competed over by the Five Major Academies for directed recruitment during the college entrance exam.
"Thank you for your guidance, Teacher," Li Yuan said gratefully.
If Xu Bo hadn’t reminded him, Li Yuan might not have paid much attention to this event and could have missed the opportunity.
"No need to thank me."
"Breaking into the top ten in your grade is the only way to qualify for this event," Xu Bo smiled. "Opportunities are something you have to fight for yourself."
"If you want to thank someone, thank your past self for the effort."
"I’m just fulfilling my duties as a teacher."
"Alright."
"It’s past five; let’s go eat first to avoid waiting in line later," Xu Bo waved his hand.
...
That night, at Wanhua Platinum Residence.
"Mom, Mom, look! Brother is on TV!" Li Qianqian pulled Chen Hui's hand, eagerly pointing at the distant projection.
"I’m watching, I’m watching," Chen Hui replied.
"Brother looks so handsome," Li Muhua said, her eyes wide as the projection showed Jiang City TV's report on today’s award ceremony.
It wasn't long, just over twenty seconds, but it was enough to convey the whole event.
"Brother, I want to be a young hero too. You really look cool," Li Muhua said, looking at Li Yuan with admiration.
Li Yuan was about to speak when—
Smack! A hand slapped Li Muhua on the backside.
"What kind of hero do you think you are? Do you have your brother’s strength?" Chen Hui frowned and scolded. "Take care of yourself, got it? If you want to be a hero, wait until you become a martial artist."
Smack!
Another slap landed on Li Muhua's backside.
"Mom, okay, okay, I get it! I’ll take care of myself. If something happens, I’ll stay away and call the police. I won’t get involved, I won’t go to crowded places, I won’t go to the river or lake..." Li Muhua jumped around playfully, chanting the 'Li Family Rules.'
Li Yuan and Li Qianqian couldn’t help but laugh.
"And you."
"Xiao Yuan, why didn’t you tell me about such a big deal earlier?" Chen Hui looked at Li Yuan with worry. "If your teacher hadn’t sent me a message, I wouldn’t have known."
"Aunt, I’m fine, right?" Li Yuan quickly replied. "I thought there was no need to worry you, so I didn’t mention it. I’ll be more careful next time."
"You think there will be a next time?"
"If something happens to you, how will I explain it to your uncle?" Chen Hui’s words came out like a machine gun. "You were lucky this time; the star realm creature you encountered wasn’t strong. Can you guarantee..."
Li Yuan smiled and comforted his aunt.
He knew she was just worried about him and wanted him to stay safe.
...
Late at night, the house was quiet. Li Yuan had entered the virtual network.
In the Starfire Space.
Li Yuan glanced at the two screens in front of him, showing his bank account and points:
Bank Balance: 1,885,534 Blue Star Coins
Martial Hall Points: 1,714,280
Martial Hall Training Points: 700,000
...
"The Martial Hall actually rewarded me with 200,000 Blue Star Coins this time?" Li Yuan looked at his bank account balance.
He had received three transfers today.
He also checked the message from the Left Hall Master.
"That solves my urgent need," Li Yuan thought. "In the next few months, I need to focus on training."
"Before the invitation event starts, I’ll do my best to improve my strength."
(End of Chapter)