High Martial Arts Era 27

“Enough.”

“His rapid improvement in martial arts skills is definitely related to his mental strength, but the most important thing is his understanding of gun techniques.” Zhong Cheng, wearing a black suit, said excitedly.

“He’s only 17 years old… There’s a big difference between him and those who entered the Blue Star Youth Ranking at almost 19 years old.”

“At such a young age, his gun techniques are so high.”

“Normally, his gun techniques have a high chance of breaking through to the four-section level in the future.” Zhong Cheng took a deep breath, “His mental strength is extremely strong. Once his body becomes stronger, his mental strength will likely exceed level 20 soon.”

“Song Temple Lord, the two major hurdles to becoming a Source Warrior are not a problem for Li Yuan in the future.” Zhong Cheng looked at Song Yi.

As a formal member of the Stellaluna Martial Temple, Zhong Cheng was familiar with the temple’s operating model.

He knew that the value of the temple’s pre-signed reserve members was at least tens of millions of Lanxing Coins.

Or even higher.

And would they pay such a huge price just to cultivate a first-tier warrior with a physical level of ten?

It wouldn’t be worth it.

Pre-signing and focusing on training had only one goal—to cultivate Source Warriors.

Like Song Yi, who was a Source Warrior.

Because of her strong strength, Song Yi could hold the position of Deputy Temple Lord of the Guanshan Branch.

“To become a Source Warrior, there are three major hurdles.” Song Yi smiled slightly, “For most people, the most difficult one is mental strength, because mental strength mainly depends on talent.”

Zhong Cheng nodded involuntarily.

Low physical fitness? That can be improved with external objects. There are many types of treasures, and in theory, as long as you have enough money, anyone can meet the physical requirements of a martial artist.

Martial arts techniques? It depends heavily on understanding, but if you have a good teacher to guide you, your progress will be rapid.

Mental strength? Treasures that can improve mental strength are ridiculously expensive, even Source Warriors can’t imagine their price. So, it basically depends on talent.

Now.

In the eyes of Zhong Cheng and Song Yi, Li Yuan was a person with extraordinary mental talent.

Added to his gun techniques proficiency.

He was worth cultivating!

“Should we contact him this week?” Zhong Cheng asked, “Invite him to the temple?”

“Too early.” Song Yi shook her head.

Zhong Cheng was taken aback. He was eager.

Was it the other party who asked him to contact Li Changzhou immediately, and now she’s saying it’s too early?

“I asked you to contact him immediately because I was afraid that the Martial Arts Hall and the Starfire Martial Temple would notice and snatch him away.” Song Yi picked up the coffee beside her and stirred it gently, “But now we can basically confirm that no one has contacted him.”

“Li Yuan is a child, he might agree impulsively. But his uncle, Li Changzhou, is not stupid.”

“If we go now, they will definitely ask for a higher contract price.”

“So, let’s wait for a few days.”

“When they understand that only we have intentions, they will naturally be easier to talk to.” Song Yi smiled faintly.

“Underbid?” Zhong Cheng frowned slightly.

Underbidding was not a good choice.

After all, warriors themselves represented force, and force was the source of all power.

Underbidding during pre-signing could easily lead to backlash once the other party became strong.

“Underbid first.” Song Yi smiled faintly, then spit out three words, “Then, increase the price.”

“Create a price difference.”

“This will demonstrate the Stellaluna Martial Temple’s importance to talents and make Li Yuan feel grateful.” Song Yi smiled faintly, “Also, you will be in charge of this contract.”

“The highest level I can authorize you is a C-level contract. Don’t disappoint me.”

“Thank you, Song Temple Lord.” Zhong Cheng nodded repeatedly, “I will definitely handle this well.”

…

At night, around nine o’clock, Li Yuan finished his training and took an unmanned electric car home from school.

His aunt was waiting for him on the sofa.

“Aunt!” Li Yuan called out.

“You’re back? Have some high-energy milk first. It’s on the table, I just made it.” Aunt said.

“Okay.” Li Yuan nodded.

Except for Sunday meals at home, he basically ate all three meals at school from Monday to Saturday.

His aunt was always worried about him overexerting himself during evening training, so she would always calculate the time and prepare a cup of high-energy milk every night.

Li Yuan picked up the cup from the table and sat down in the living room.

“Aunt, the two months’ living expenses my uncle gave me last time, plus the money I got today, I think it’s enough to last until February. I don’t need any more for now.” Li Yuan said proactively as he drank his milk.

“Alright.” Chen Hui smiled, looking at Li Yuan who was gulping down his milk.

She had always been very satisfied with Li Yuan.

He was obedient and sensible. Sometimes, he showed maturity that didn’t seem like a teenager, always putting her at ease.

As he grew older, Li Yuan gradually showed his extraordinary talent in martial arts.

What had always worried Chen Hui was that she and her husband couldn’t provide Li Yuan with enough financial support.

This time, Li Yuan earned two bonuses on his own, which put her mind at ease a little.

“Your uncle sent me a message.” Chen Hui said, “The Stellaluna Martial Temple wants to sign you in advance. What do you think?”

“I’ll take a look at the Stellaluna Martial Temple’s terms.” Li Yuan put down his empty cup and thought for a moment, “But if the Martial Arts Hall is willing to give me a special recruitment, I would still prefer to take the special recruitment route.”

“Yes.”

“It’s best to get special recruitment.” Chen Hui said with satisfaction, “Special recruitment is like reserving a spot at one of the five famous universities. After graduation, they also guarantee a job assignment. You might even be able to directly enter the city’s Martial Arts Bureau.”

As a middle school teacher, Chen Hui was quite knowledgeable about special recruitment and hoped that Li Yuan would take that route.

In her opinion, special recruitment by the state not only guaranteed job assignment but also provided better safety if Li Yuan didn’t join the military sequence.

But if he signed with the temple, the future would be uncertain.

Temple members would charge into the forefront of the Star Realm battlefield. Their casualty rate was no less than that of military warriors.

“Okay, okay, I’ll listen to you, Aunt.” Li Yuan smiled, understanding his aunt’s concerns.

Li Yuan had also considered it.

The three major martial temples each gathered a large number of warriors, forming the most powerful group of warriors. This was something that even the state couldn’t match.

In terms of martial arts cultivation, choosing the temple would lead to faster progress, but it would also be more dangerous.

Taking the Martial Arts Hall’s special recruitment route would provide an administrative post, which would be the best for his family in the future.

With national resources for cultivation, his martial arts progress wouldn’t be slow either.

…

When Li Yuan was full of anticipation.

The subsequent developments completely exceeded his expectations.

Besides contacting his uncle, Li Changzhou, on the second day after entering the Blue Star Youth Ranking, the Stellaluna Martial Temple had no news.

Not only the Stellaluna Martial Temple had no news, but the Martial Arts Hall and the Starfire Martial Temple also didn’t make a move. No one came to see him… Time passed day by day.

In the blink of an eye, more than half a month had passed.

It was now mid-October.

Even Li Yuan, with his calm personality, was a little puzzled after waiting for so long.

At noon that day, his uncle, Li Changzhou, called.

“Little Yuan.”

“Your Uncle Zhong sent me a message today. He felt a little embarrassed, so he hasn’t contacted you for so many days. He’s the one in charge of signing contracts at the temple.” Li Changzhou said solemnly on the video projection, “He really wants to sign you.”

“Okay.” Li Yuan nodded slightly.

Zhong Cheng and his uncle Li Changzhou were old friends, there was no doubt about it.

“But he frankly said that your problem is your Martial Spirit, so his application upwards was stuck during the second review and is now being discussed by the temple’s high-level officials.” Li Changzhou looked at Li Yuan, “But the result will come out in the next two days.”

“The result will come out in two days? Because of the Martial Spirit?” Li Yuan listened silently.

Because of the Martial Spirit again?

“Don’t be discouraged. Your Uncle Zhong also said that he will try his best to fight for you.” Li Changzhou said, “We were too optimistic. Don’t be disappointed if it doesn’t work out.”

“Don’t slack off on your training.” Li Changzhou instructed.

“Don’t worry, Uncle, I’m not cultivating martial arts for the sake of signing with the Stellaluna Martial Temple in advance.” Li Yuan smiled, “If they’re willing to sign, I might not even sign.”

He hung up the video call.

The smile on Li Yuan’s face disappeared.

He stood in the 4011 Martial Arts Room.

“Martial Spirit?”

“Because it hasn’t awakened, the Martial Arts Hall and the Starfire Martial Temple don’t give me a chance at all?”

“Perhaps without Uncle Zhong, the Stellaluna Martial Temple wouldn’t even have a glimmer of hope.” Li Yuan clenched his long spear, silent in his heart, “Without a suitable high-level cultivation technique, is there no hope of becoming a powerful warrior?”

Neither Li Yuan nor Li Changzhou had considered the possibility of the Stellaluna Martial Temple deliberately doing this.

After all, with the Starfire Martial Temple and the Martial Arts Hall as comparisons, these two didn’t give them any news at all.

“Tear!”

Li Yuan thrust his spear forward suddenly. Terrifying force erupted, almost affecting his afterimage. Then, a series of spear shadows changed, exploding in the air with piercing whistling sounds.

Suddenly, two prompts flashed across Li Yuan’s vision.

【Your Gun Technique proficiency has increased from 3-section 56% to 3-section 57%】

【Your Life Level has increased from 6.8 to 6.9】

…

The next day, close to ten o’clock at night.

Li Yuan, who was in his room, suddenly received a video call.

“Uncle Zhong?” Li Yuan’s eyes lit up.

He answered.

Buzz~ In the projection, a middle-aged man in home clothes appeared immediately, looking very spirited.

“Uncle Zhong.” Li Yuan smiled.

“Little Yuan.” Zhong Cheng chuckled, “Calling you so late, didn’t I interrupt you?”

“No.”

“That’s good.” Zhong Cheng smiled, seemingly a little emotional, “I have good news for you. Your signing application has been approved at the meeting. It’s a D-level contract.”

“Approved?” Li Yuan’s eyes lit up, “Thank you, Uncle Zhong.”

He had already prepared himself for a rejection.

“No need to thank me. It’s your own excellence.”

“Come to the temple on Sunday morning at nine. We’ll discuss the specific terms.” Zhong Cheng smiled, “Is that okay?”

“No problem.”

(End of chapter)

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