"A month, and my physical constitution has improved by 1.1 levels?" Wan Qinghe found it hard to describe the shock he felt inside.
Indeed! Such examples do exist in the history of martial arts among humans, and not a few.
But that’s the entire history of human civilization’s martial arts!
Just like how there have been many young generals throughout history. Countless are recorded in the annals, yet if a twenty-year-old general were to stand before most people today, they would undoubtedly feel stunned.
"Those names etched in martial arts history either align perfectly with advanced cultivation methods, even achieving 100% compatibility," Wan Qinghe sighed inwardly. "Or they come from prestigious backgrounds, utilizing rare heaven-defying materials."
Talent or background.
Or a combination of both—like the first and strongest of human civilization, Dongfang Ji.
In just over ten years, from an Origin Warrior to a terrifying existence that surpassed even a Sky-Reaching Warrior.
In the end, he surpassed the well-known Lante, becoming indisputably the strongest among human civilization.
Of course.
While Wan Qinghe acknowledged Li Yuan’s talent, he subconsciously did not think of comparing Li Yuan with the master of their martial hall.
"Resources?" Wan Qinghe shook his head quietly as he scanned the distant screen.
On it was clearly displayed the various auxiliary cultivation resources Li Yuan had purchased from the hall over the past six months.
Quite ordinary.
As for opportunities? In Wan Qinghe’s view, Li Yuan spent all his time in the city, hadn’t ventured into some mysterious star realms, and hadn’t gone to Fly Star; what big opportunities could he possibly have?
Did they think this was a novel?
"Then that only leaves talent," Wan Qinghe sighed inwardly. "Old Fei was right; a gem in the rough... this Li Yuan truly possesses such qualities."
"His vision is indeed sharp."
When the outer shell revealed, it was truly a precious gem.
However.
Wan Qinghe felt a sense of pride as well; after all, this kind of genius was one he had discovered himself.
In the future, if Li Yuan truly achieved great success, he would also take pride in it.
"See, I should have practical combat training," Wan Qinghe contemplated and a sudden idea sprang to mind.
"Yes, that’s how it will be." He made his decision in his heart.
Following this, Wan Qinghe spoke: "Open V-Comm, call Old Fei."
"Yes, Master," the auxiliary voice responded.
...Soon, Fei Qian received Wan Qinghe's call.
Wan Qinghe provided a comprehensive report on Li Yuan's recent developments, focusing on his growth from the invitation events to the April evaluations.
He emphasized that he had played an important guiding role in Li Yuan's growth under old Fei's wise guidance.
"Good job, Qinghe," the black-cloaked elder in the video smiled.
His way of addressing Wan Qinghe had changed.
Clearly very satisfied.
"I have followed Old Fei's earlier instructions, consistently supporting Li Yuan wholeheartedly." Wan Qinghe replied with a smile.
"You did well," Fei Qian chuckled.
The two were exchanging praises.
"I just looked over your investigation report; he actually used 'spiritual essence wash' three times in one month. That’s quite crazy," Fei Qian remarked with some emotion. "Even an Origin Warrior wouldn't necessarily be able to endure such pain."
"A seventeen-year-old boy, how could he cultivate such a terrifying willpower...”
"Thus allowing his body to evolve rapidly," Fei Qian continued analyzing. "Even so, achieving such a great enhancement in a month, his physical constitution’s talent is indeed terrifying."
Wan Qinghe listened with a serious expression to what he referred to as ‘nonsense.’
“Old Fei truly knows his stuff; I didn’t think that much,” Wan Qinghe summarized.
“Did Kunlun Martial University create this new training plan for him?” Fei Qian inquired.
"Yes," Wan Qinghe nodded.
“A bunch of madmen," Fei Qian shook his head. "I suspect they’ve never considered Li Yuan's endurance in this training plan."
Wan Qinghe felt speechless; after all, they were Kunlun Martial University, renowned for their strategies in nurturing geniuses.
"Here’s the thing."
"In three days, I’ll return to Jiang City," Fei Qian instructed. "Bring Li Yuan over; I want to meet him."
"Understood." Wan Qinghe replied respectfully.
He knew that Fei Qian couldn’t help but want to personally guide Li Yuan.
After hanging up, he muttered, “This person really doesn’t give up until he sees results.”
“The fruit is almost ripe; he wants to come pick it!”
“No wonder he’s managed to stay the master of the city for twenty years.”
“Not only is his vision sharp, but he’s also quite persistent,” Wan Qinghe secretly reflected. "Compared to him, my cultivation still isn’t deep enough; I need to continue learning."
“Fei Tian, change ‘Old Fei’ to ‘Fei the Master Who I Should Learn From.’”
"Yes, Master," the auxiliary voice responded.
...
At noon.
At Jiangbei Martial University, the war base headquarters, in one of the classrooms.
“What a pity,” Professor Ming looked at the message coming through the screen and sighed.
“Teacher, why the sigh?” a man in a black suit beside him couldn’t help but ask. "Weren’t you quite optimistic about Li Yuan? His good exam results just show your insight, right?"
“What good is insight if it’s not useful?”
Professor Ming glanced at the man in the black suit. “Had his scores been a bit lower and if he didn’t make the national line for the college entrance exam, we might have had a chance to snag him.”
“Then, perhaps Jiangbei Martial University might produce another Sky-Reaching Warrior.”
“Now?” Professor Ming shook his head.
“Then should we send something more? Get closer?” the man in the black suit suggested.
"Foolish!"
“Kunglun Martial University and Starfire Hall won’t spare resources for him?” Professor Ming shook his head again. “Trying to butter him up now will only make Li Yuan think we have ulterior motives, increasing his wariness.”
“Only hope can be given.”
“At the previous invitation event, Jiangbei Martial University left a good impression on Li Yuan, especially since we are his hometown university…”
...
In the afternoon, at the Starry Sky Guanshan Branch Hall.
"Master Lu, you called for me?" the elegantly dressed Song Yi walked into Lu Huai’s office.
"Song Hall Master has arrived, please sit." Lu Huai, dressed in martial attire, was slowly practicing punches as he spoke, “I called you here to discuss something.”
“Please, speak.” Song Yi replied earnestly.
In both the Starfire Hall and Starry Sky Hall, every master of one level had much greater authority than the vice masters. “There’s some news regarding Li Yuan that you might want to know about,” Lu Huai said.
Song Yi’s expression shifted.
Here we go again?
In the past six months, she had heard Li Yuan's name far too many times, and this matter had already caused her to lose face three or four times.
“Master Lu, didn’t you say a month ago that it would stop here?” Song Yi couldn’t help but interject.
“Just read it first,” Lu Huai frowned.
With a flash, the screen displayed a lot of text, revealing Li Yuan’s recent circumstances.
And,
The evaluation of Li Yuan's potential level by a ‘Jiangbei Province Inspector’ from the Starry Sky Hall.
The details were not specified.
But the report's final conclusion caused Song Yi's expression to twist completely.
“Analysis based on current performance and age can confirm him to be A+ level, but his growth rate has been extremely rapid this past year, matching that of S+ level, comprehensive evaluation: S- level.”
Whether S+ level or S- level, both fell within the S level.
“Do you understand now?” Lu Huai sighed.
Song Yi nodded unconsciously.
Inspectors held an extremely special position within the martial halls, primarily responsible for overseeing all levels of the halls and reviewing whether the hall masters of various levels performed their duties diligently.
In broader terms, they held substantial power, able to reach the highest authorities.
In narrower terms, they lacked judgment powers. Even if they uncovered violations, they still had to wait for higher martial halls to make such decisions.
“The Hall Master evaluations happen every three years, and it’s coming soon.” Lu Huai glanced at Song Yi and sighed, “You’ve been working with me for three years on other tasks diligently without dropping your cultivation, but on the matter of Li Yuan, you have indeed lost points. Once this inspection report is submitted, I'm worried you won’t pass the final evaluation.”
Song Yi gritted her teeth.
Failing the three-year evaluation would result in penalties and a significant loss of benefits.
“Hall Master, where did you get this inspection report?” Song Yi couldn’t help but ask.
She understood that if she wanted to pass the review, this inspection report needed “optimizing.”
“During lunch with the inspector, he casually mentioned the report and said it was incomplete, wanting to discuss it with me for my insights,” Lu Huai smiled. “Given our relationship, of course, I must think for you.”
Song Yi felt a surge of anger and realized Lu Huai’s true intention.
“Master Lu,” Song Yi said coldly, “as long as I pass the review, I will obey your orders for the next three years.”
She could only lower her head.
“That's probably not enough,” Lu Huai finally revealed his fangs and smiled broadly. "I tried to persuade him, but the inspector still believes your appearance is more suitable for reception and publicity work. He suggested you set aside your contract reviews and financial duties for now."
“Hall Master Song, what do you think?” Lu Huai stared at Song Yi.
Having held the financial power of the Starry Sky Guanshan Branch for three years, he had been searching for an opportunity.
Yet, he could never find one.
Song Yi's color drained entirely, suddenly standing up and glaring fiercely at Lu Huai: “Master Lu, you truly aim to drive me to despair?”
"Only a week until the review," Lu Huai chuckled.
"Hmph!"
“Then please inform that inspector; I don’t believe one Li Yuan alone can stop me from passing the review,” Song Yi scoffed, turning on her heels to leave.
Bang! The door slammed shut.
"Really stubborn!"
Lu Huai picked up his teacup, wearing a smile. “What a fine tea, but a bit too hot; it needs to cool down before I can sip it.”
...
“Threatening me?” Song Yi returned to her office, angrily smashing a cup.
Bang! Bang!
The newly purchased tea cups quickly shattered, ending their brief mission of “venting.”
“Calm down!”
“Calm down.” Song Yi struggled to regain her composure: "I must get through this."
“I need to figure out a way.”
Song Yi began to think quickly: “Should I collaborate with Lu Huai? No! That guy is a smiling tiger. If I back down today, then I can never raise my head again.”
“Moreover, he could continue to leverage Li Yuan against me.”
“Then I would truly be his puppet!” Song Yi’s character was stubborn.
She would rather resign and apply to become a 'Star Realm Warrior' than endure this humiliation.
“Then there are only two paths.”
“One is to ask my seniors for help,” Song Yi thought quietly. She had support for becoming the vice master.
“On the other hand.”
“To untie the bell, one must seek out the person who tied it,” Song Yi realized where the key lay: “Li Yuan.”
“I must have him join me in a performance.”
After considering, Song Yi began contacting Wan Qinghe.
Although the two major martial halls had competition, they belonged to the same region, and their senior members naturally had connections.
...
Li Yuan, unaware of the turmoil he had caused, continued his day.
In the afternoon.
Like usual, Li Yuan arrived at the hall, waiting for new “practical combat training” to prepare for today’s combat training.
But soon, another familiar figure appeared.
“Master Wan?” Li Yuan was taken aback. “Where's Coach Wu?”
“He’s busy with something else and asked for leave on short notice.” Wan Qinghe smiled. “Today, I’ll accompany you for battle practice.”
“You?” Li Yuan widened his eyes.
“What? Do you think I am unqualified?” Wan Qinghe’s expression turned somewhat displeased.
“Not at all.” Li Yuan quickly shook his head.
After a brief silence of two seconds.
“Hall Master, you’re too expensive for me; shouldn’t we switch to someone more affordable?”
“Unless, are you willing to give me a discount!”
(End of Chapter)