"Even if you have good physical talent and spiritual talent, if your understanding isn't up to par, you'll only become a Source Martial Artist at best, maybe reaching B-level genius," Principal Li continued.
Li Yuan nodded slightly.
At Starfire Martial Hall, getting a B-level contract was already a big deal. Over the past six months, he had made remarkable progress, but if his skills didn't break through to the fourth stage, he might just barely qualify for A-level.
There was a huge difference between being at the peak of the third stage and reaching the fourth stage.
"With your top-tier talents in all three areas, that means 1+1+1 > 5. You have no weaknesses," Principal Li said seriously. "The biggest obstacle on your path to becoming a level 29 Source Martial Artist is the advanced cultivation methods."
"Ordinary Source Martial Artists have a success rate of over 90% when creating techniques, and that's because their understanding is average."
"Moreover, even if they are lucky enough to succeed, most struggle to become level 29 Source Martial Artists, let alone reach the level of flying martial artists."
"But you."
Principal Li looked at Li Yuan as if he were a piece of uncut jade and smiled. "I believe you have a better than 50% chance of successfully creating a technique."
"As long as you don't die in the Star Realm trials."
"You have a 50% chance of becoming a level 29 Source Martial Artist in the future, and there's even some hope of becoming a flying martial artist. Why wouldn't that be worth an S-Class?"
...
Principal Li and Teacher Fan's explanation helped Li Yuan see his path more clearly.
From becoming a level 29 Source Martial Artist to possibly becoming a flying martial artist, the route was clear.
Of course, Li Yuan didn't think it would be easy to become a level 29 Source Martial Artist; there were still many challenges ahead.
He could trust some of what Principal Li said but not everything. It was like climbing a mountain; seeing the path ahead and actually reaching the summit were two different things.
"Two seniors," Li Yuan said, "even if I have potential, why did you come to me first among the four S-classes?"
"Because the other three S-classes likely won't choose the five major schools in Xia Country," Teacher Fan replied with a smile. "What does S-class mean? It means martial arts geniuses on a global scale."
"The other three will probably choose Starry Sky University or Starfire University."
"We observers understand this, and those students know it too, so our motivation to recruit them isn't as strong."
"The five major schools in Xia Country are good, but compared to Starry Sky University, we are indeed weaker," Teacher Fan admitted. "Our main target is still A-level students."
Li Yuan nodded in agreement.
From what he knew, the top ten scores in the college entrance exams from Jiangbei Province usually went to Starry Sky University or Starfire University. This had been the case for decades.
"What about me?" Li Yuan asked.
Principal Li and Teacher Fan both smiled.
"Li Yuan, you need to understand," Principal Li said seriously. "No matter how early you sign a contract, the final university admission will depend on your college entrance exam scores."
"When applying to the world's top three martial arts schools, your title as a young hero won't add any points; only spiritual talent counts. This is a rule set by the strongest human, Dongfang Ji."
"It's to prevent any unfair practices."
"Unless you have an extraordinary talent, like reaching the fifth stage in skills," Principal Li continued. "Then, even without a matching advanced cultivation method, you could still enroll based on that single talent after being evaluated by the higher-ups of the three major martial halls. But just having skills at the fourth stage isn’t enough for special admission to Starfire University or Starry Sky University."
Li Yuan was speechless.
Fifth stage skills? For a high school student? That would be a true genius.
But Li Yuan understood that basing everything on college entrance exam scores was, in a way, quite fair and impartial.
"Secondly."
"Your three talents are all top-tier... but there are many students at Starfire University and Starry Sky University who are just as talented as you," Principal Li looked at Li Yuan. "Do you think the administrators of the top three martial schools will care about whether you can successfully create a technique?"
"Even if you succeed and become a flying martial artist in the future, Starfire University and Starry Sky University won't be bothered if they miss out on you."
"Historically, they have produced many flying martial artists," Principal Li sighed. "What they lack the most is talent."
Li Yuan sighed internally.
Indeed, his skill level was excellent.
But looking globally, there were hundreds of peers just like him.
"If you choose Kunlun Martial University, aside from not having a cultivation method, your talent will be the best among all students," Teacher Fan said cheerfully. "Kunlun Martial University will do everything possible to support you in becoming a Source Martial Artist and creating techniques."
"All kinds of precious training resources will be prioritized for you, along with various techniques and guidance from many high-level Source Martial Artists."
"Even flying martial artists will come to the school to teach, and you'll have priority to attend those classes," Teacher Fan painted a bright picture for Li Yuan. "All of this will be clearly stated in the contract."
Li Yuan thought it over.
If he couldn't get into the top three martial schools, then Kunlun Martial University was indeed his best choice.
"Don't think Kunlun Martial University is weak."
"The strongest human, Dongfang Ji, graduated from our Kunlun Martial University," Principal Li said proudly. "Almost 20% of the flying martial artists in Xia Country graduated from Kunlun Martial University."
Li Yuan nodded slightly.
His idol was Dongfang Ji, so he naturally knew about Dongfang Ji's legendary journey... He graduated from Kunlun Martial University and, in just over ten years, stood at the peak of martial arts.
Among the five major schools in Xia Country, Kunlun Martial University and Xiajing Martial University were slightly stronger than the other three.
Weakness was relative to the top three martial schools in the world.
"Li Yuan, I'm sending you the S-Class special training contract now," Principal Li said. "Take a look."
Ding!
Li Yuan's smart wristband alerted him, and he looked down to see a new document.
He clicked on it and quickly began to read.
There was a lot of content.
The resources and rewards were very generous.
However, Li Yuan remained calm and, after some thought, realized that the benefits weren't as great as Principal Li and Teacher Fan had described.
The contract had many restrictions; if his progress wasn't fast enough, the various resources and support would decrease, or even be downgraded overall.
But Li Yuan could understand this.
Training resources were precious; if one didn't have the strength, it was better to let those resources go to someone more capable.
This was also true for entering Starry Sky University.
In this era, all of human civilization was under constant threat of life and death.
Competition was everywhere, and there was no room for complacency.
Time passed until Li Yuan reached the last page of the contract.
He waited for more than ten seconds, still deep in thought.
"Li Yuan, let's leave it at that for today. You have four more days," Principal Li said as he stood up with a smile. "Martial universities like Xiajing and Nanhai will definitely come to you as well, so you can choose wisely."
"Make the choice that is most beneficial for you."
"Teacher Fan and I will take our leave. If you decide, you can reply to me according to the invitation letter."
Principal Li and Teacher Fan walked out of the meeting room.
"Clang~" Just as the door opened, Principal Li hadn’t even stepped out yet.
"Principal Li."
Li Yuan's voice suddenly rang out: "No need to think anymore, I’m willing to sign this S-Class contract."
Principal Li, with his back to Li Yuan, didn’t turn around immediately, but a smile appeared on his face.
Using retreat as a means to advance, it worked.
Principal Li was increasingly satisfied with Li Yuan.
...
In the meeting room, both parties completed the electronic signing directly on their smart wristbands, then submitted the review report to the Martial Arts Hall and the Education Bureau.
Just two minutes later, the review was approved.
The legally binding electronic contract was sent in real-time to Li Yuan's personal space in the virtual network.
"Great!"
"Li Yuan, welcome to Kunlun Martial University," Principal Li said with a smile. "Trust me, this decision of yours is definitely not hasty."
"This is my private V number; add me."
"Thank you, senior." Li Yuan was pleasantly surprised and quickly added Principal Li's private V number.
"Still calling me senior?" Teacher Fan joked. "Just call him Principal Li."
"Principal Li," Li Yuan quickly nodded.
"Call me whatever you like." Principal Li was in a good mood and smiled. "After enrolling in July, you'll be assigned to a department. Whether you choose the sixth department or not, you can always come to me if you need anything."
"After returning from Jiangbei Martial University, if you have any training issues, feel free to ask me anytime. I'll communicate with you when I have time."
"Understood." Li Yuan nodded repeatedly, feeling a warmth in his heart.
Normally, once the contract was signed, the other party wouldn’t need to go this far.
"Additionally," Principal Li thought for a moment and said, "according to the contract, your first training fund subsidy is 1 million Blue Star Coins, and it will be in place within a week."
"But I must remind you."
"Your college entrance exam score must meet the national line. You cannot slack off in your training over the next few months," Principal Li advised. "If your score does not meet the national line, we will have to terminate the contract."
"Understood." Li Yuan said solemnly.
The national line for martial arts is the minimum score for the five major schools.
According to the contract, if Li Yuan had to terminate the contract due to insufficient exam scores, he would not have to return the 1 million Blue Star Coins.
...
After adding Teacher Fan's V number, Li Yuan took the initiative to escort Principal Li and Teacher Fan downstairs.
Just as they reached the door.
Boom!
A small flying vehicle slowly descended from the air.
Two figures lightly jumped down from the flying vehicle, which was about seven or eight meters high.
"Principal Li? And Old Fan?" A middle-aged woman in a black robe landed gracefully, her expression surprised.
Then, her gaze fell on Li Yuan, slightly hesitating: "Are you Li Yuan?"
"Yes." Li Yuan nodded.
"This!"
"Old Li, how did you get here so quickly?" The woman in black couldn't help but ask. "Has Li Yuan already signed the special training contract with you?"
"Li Jie."
The bald, strong Principal Li grinned, showing a mouthful of white teeth. "Sorry, we made you come here for nothing. It's late; how about we go for some barbecue together? Let me make it up to you."
(End of Chapter)