"Seriously injured? You want me to prepare myself mentally?" Li Yuan's expression changed slightly, his heart racing.
"Teacher," Li Yuan immediately asked, "What has happened to my uncle?"
"Calm down, listen to me," Xu Bo replied. "According to the news I just received, the defense battle at Base Three has been extremely fierce these past few days. Several times, the alien forces nearly broke through the fortress defenses."
"Your uncle has been working tirelessly to reinforce the defenses during this battle, and it seems he has achieved remarkable results. He has been awarded a Third-Class Silver Medal," Xu Bo said solemnly.
"A Third-Class Silver Medal?" Li Yuan held his breath.
To boost morale, the state awards medals to those who contribute, and although there are many titles, they are generally categorized into four main levels: National Protector Medal, Gold Medal, Silver Medal, and Bronze Medal, with each level further divided into first, second, and third classes.
That makes a grand total of four levels and twelve classes.
A Third-Class Silver Medal may seem low, but for an ordinary middle management worker in a state-owned enterprise, it is an incredible achievement.
What did my uncle do, exactly?
"The situation at the front is urgent, and I'm not fully aware of the details. I only just learned of this twenty minutes ago," Xu Bo continued in a low tone. "It seems your uncle has come into contact with some kind of special toxin, and his condition is deteriorating."
"The Second Temporary Hospital is lacking in doctors, medicine, and equipment, and they are unable to treat him."
"The Star Realm has a complex environment, completely different from Blue Star, with all kinds of bizarre toxins."
"The methods of the powerful Star Realm creatures are often beyond comprehension."
"To save your uncle, he must be quickly transported back to Jiang City for expert consultation. We need to think of a way."
"If we delay another two or three days, I'm afraid there will be no chance left."
"However, though the immediate danger at Base Three has somewhat eased, it won't be easy to allocate manpower and aircraft to airlift someone back from Base Three's temporary hospital," Xu Bo lamented. "The people I know don't have that ability."
Li Yuan's heart trembled, as if struck by lightning.
He understood what Teacher Xu meant—this toxin was definitely not ordinary.
It might not even be a toxin!
"Uncle." Li Yuan felt as if needles were stabbing at his heart.
That figure in his heart, like a father to him, who cared for and guided him since childhood, was now in such a dangerous situation?
In that moment!
Li Yuan wished he could fly to the front lines of the Lobu Sea and bring his uncle back.
"Li Yuan, listen to me, there is still hope," Xu Bo observed the change in Li Yuan's emotions and said solemnly, "Meeting with Lord Wan is your opportunity to save your uncle."
"Please tell me, Teacher." Li Yuan tried his best to calm himself.
He recalled his uncle's teachings.
In critical matters, one must remain calm before making any decision.
"To send your uncle back for immediate treatment is not about money," Xu Bo explained, looking at Li Yuan. "It is about the priority of treatment. The people I know cannot elevate your uncle's treatment priority, do you understand?"
"Shall I ask the Starfire Martial Hall for help?" Li Yuan responded quietly, suppressing the anxiety within him.
"Exactly."
"Right now, the high-ranking members of the Starfire Martial Hall regard you highly, and they should be able to help you with the upgrade of your contract," Xu Bo nodded, saying earnestly, "You are already on a B-Class contract, and once upgraded, it will be an A-Class contract."
"An A-Class contract means that the city lord of Jiang City has recognized you."
"Then, if the higher-ups of the Starfire Martial Hall intervene, there is hope to quickly airlift your uncle back," Xu Bo said. "Although the situation is tense, Base Three has been relieved, and they can still arrange for aircraft if needed."
"The frontline's decision-making body is composed of members from the Starfire Martial Hall, the Starry Sky Martial Hall, and the military."
Li Yuan understood.
To quickly bring his uncle back, he needed people with enough power to speak on his behalf.
"Teacher, take me to meet Lord Wan," Li Yuan insisted repeatedly.
He did not want to waste a single minute.
"Follow me."
...
Inside Xu Bo's office.
Xu Bo did not enter, and Li Yuan walked in alone.
"Li Yuan, congratulations on your outstanding performance during the invitation event. You truly surprised me," Wan Qinghe, dressed in traditional clothing, smiled and said. "Take a seat, and let's talk slowly."
"Lord Wan." Li Yuan forced a smile; he felt anxious but knew he couldn't act rashly.
Wan Qinghe observed Li Yuan.
He sensed that in the months since they last met, Li Yuan's physical vitality and spiritual power had increased significantly. Most importantly, there was an ethereal aura about him.
It was faint, but Wan Qinghe had cultivated a spiritual secret technique that allowed him to perceive it.
A presence tempered by the trials of battle.
"Li Yuan, given your excellent performance during the invitation event and your rise to the Falling Star Rank on the Star Combat Network," Wan Qinghe said with a faint smile, "I reported to Lord Fe this morning, who is the city lord of Jiang City."
"I am formally requesting to upgrade your contract to an A-Class contract."
The city lord of Jiang City? Li Yuan realized this was a true big shot.
"But I haven’t met the requirements yet, have I?" Li Yuan couldn't help but ask.
"Your performance in other areas has been excellent and is sufficient," Wan Qinghe smiled. "Moreover, at your current rate of progress, you will definitely meet the requirements before you turn eighteen. Why delay?"
Li Yuan nodded slightly; indeed, he had five months left until he turned eighteen.
"Take a look at the terms of the A-Class contract," Wan Qinghe said, clicking on his smart wristband.
Buzz~
Li Yuan’s wrist trembled slightly as he received a document and quickly opened it to view.
The pages flipped rapidly.
Compared to the B-Class contract, the terms of the A-Class contract remained largely unchanged; the difference lay mainly in resources.
A B-Class contract offered 1.5 million cash plus 1.5 million points, along with 3 million cultivation points each year.
Whereas, an A-Class contract provided 6 million cash plus 6 million points, along with 12 million cultivation points each year.
That was a staggering fourfold increase.
The total value of this contract, just from cash and points, equated to an incredible 72 million Blue Star Coins.
Of course, this would be disbursed over six years.
Once signed, the Starfire Martial Hall would immediately compensate for the difference between the first year's payments of both contracts.
This contract, in terms of benefits, was truly astonishing.
It was not too far off from Kunlun Martial University's "S-Class Special Training Contract," and in some respects, it was even better.
Because, in Kunlun, if progress was insufficient, the contract could be downgraded.
But with the Starfire Martial Hall's contract, once signed, there would be no risk of downgrading.
"Hmm?"
"An additional 20% increase in benefits each year?" Li Yuan noticed a supplementary clause at the end of the agreement, astonished.
"Yes, this is a directive from Provincial Lord Yang after he learned about your situation. The Provincial Lord is very interested in you," Wan Qinghe smiled.
Seeing Li Yuan looking a bit confused, he clarified, "The Provincial Lord is the head of the Jiangbei Province branch, a position only held by Skywalkers."
"The Provincial Lord? Skywalker?" Li Yuan held his breath; that truly represented a figure at the pinnacle of power and martial might in Xia Country.
Such individuals were usually only seen on significant news broadcasts.
To be concerned about someone like him?
In Li Yuan's mind, even Ranked Martial Artists were already considered great figures.
"Don't underestimate yourself," Wan Qinghe smiled. "Your talent has already warranted the attention of the Provincial Lord."
Li Yuan felt a stir in his heart at this statement.
"Additionally," Wan Qinghe continued, "The Provincial Lord has promised that if you reach the Fifth Rank in skills before you turn 20, your contract can be upgraded to an S-Class contract, and you will receive a ‘Star Crystal.’" Wan Qinghe smiled. "Once you officially sign, this will be added to your ‘Special Contract’ in the Starfire Space."
"A Star Crystal? What is that?" Li Yuan asked, confused.
"A priceless treasure," Wan Qinghe spoke vaguely. "Once you sign the contract, at the appropriate time, you will receive an explanation about the treasure."
In truth, he himself did not fully understand what it was.
But in his view, a treasure to warrant mention by the Provincial Lord would undoubtedly be of unparalleled value, difficult to quantify in money.
"Of course, the prerequisite is that you meet the requirements."
"The S-Class contract from the Martial Hall, while less in difficulty and benefits compared to the SS-Class Special Training Contract from universities, still far exceeds the S-Class Special Training Contract from universities," Wan Qinghe smiled.
"I understand." Li Yuan nodded, and from the sheer benefits of this A-Class contract, he could already see the worth.
"Are you willing to sign?" Wan Qinghe observed Li Yuan casually.
"I am."
"I thank the Martial Hall for their cultivation of me," Li Yuan said without hesitation. "I also appreciate the help from the Lord; without your constant aid and recommendations, the city lord and provincial lord wouldn’t have given me this contract."
To hesitate is to lack loyalty; to be loyal is to not hesitate.
This was a principle his uncle, Li Changzhou, had taught him many times.
Once he made a decision to side with someone, there could be no hesitation.
Furthermore, Li Yuan genuinely felt grateful.
"Good," Wan Qinghe displayed a satisfied smile. "I haven't helped much; it's all your hard work."
"By the way," Wan Qinghe continued, "I've applied for you to have a villa in the 'No. 1 District' of the Nanhu Starfire Community, with a 20-year residency right. The first ten years are free, and for the next ten years, you just need to pay the maintenance fee." Wan Qinghe smiled. "It should be suitable for your family."
"In a few days, you will receive the move-in notice and related instructions in your Starfire Space. You can find the time to move later." Wan Qinghe didn't mention Fei Qian at all.
This was a personal favor he extended.
"The Nanhu Starfire Community?" Li Yuan was astonished; it was one of the finest communities in Guanshan District.
It was also famed for being the safest villa community.
One villa could cost tens of thousands of Blue Star Coins per year to rent, mainly due to the living qualifications.
Having money wouldn't even guarantee you could purchase that right.
"Lord, I?" Li Yuan was at a loss for words.
Considering it all, this A-Class contract was indeed of immense value.
"Don't worry, just live comfortably."
"Our Starfire Martial Hall's mission has always been to allow top talents to focus solely on pursuing the ultimate martial arts for the contribution of all human civilization," Wan Qinghe said gently, pouring encouragement into Li Yuan. "I believe you will surely secure the S-Class contract and even become a Skywalker."
Li Yuan took a deep breath, sincerely saying, "Thank you, Lord."
"Is there anything else you require?" Wan Qinghe asked with a smile. "I will do my best to help you with anything I can."
"If it’s beyond my ability, I will report it upward and try my best to help."
He looked sincerely at Li Yuan.
"Lord, I actually have a matter I would like to ask the Martial Hall to assist with," Li Yuan seemed to steel himself.
"Speak!"
Soon, Li Yuan told Wan Qinghe everything about his uncle’s situation.
"A Third-Class Silver Medal?"
"Your uncle? At the Second Temporary Hospital?" Wan Qinghe nodded repeatedly. "Understood, I will contact the Starfire Martial Hall martial artist at the Lobu Sea and do my best to arrange it."
"However..."
"I can't fully guarantee it," Wan Qinghe added cautiously, looking at Li Yuan.
"Thank you for your help, Lord." Li Yuan's eyes glistened with unshed tears.
...
After sending off Wan Qinghe.
"Did Lord Wan agree?" Xu Bo entered the room and asked.
"Yes, but he couldn't give a full guarantee," Li Yuan nodded, managing a weak smile. "Teacher, I’ll head back to the Martial Arts Classroom. I need some time to myself."
"Okay, let me know if there's anything," Xu Bo replied, understanding Li Yuan’s close relationship with Li Changzhou.
Not exactly father and son, but closer than that.
Returning to the Martial Arts Classroom 4011.
Li Yuan contemplated for a while before dialing a V-Link number on his smart wristband.
"Di~di~"
Connected!
"Li Yuan? Are you back in Jiang City?" a rough voice filled with warmth echoed from the other end.
"Director Li, I have something urgent I would like to ask for your help with," Li Yuan said directly.
"Speak."
...
Minutes later, after hanging up with Director Li, Li Yuan dialed another V-Link number.
Soon.
"Li Yuan?" a gentle voice came through the communication. "What can I help you with?"
"Senior Ji, I apologize for disturbing you," Li Yuan began. "I have an urgent matter I would like to consult you about."
(End of Chapter)