On the stage, a group of leaders took turns stepping forward to take photos with Li Yuan, shake hands, and offer a few words of encouragement in hushed tones.
Most of it was just formalities.
“Li Yuan, you did well on the test, and killing that Star Realm creature really made our Martial Hall proud.” When it was the turn of the Left Hall Master, her face beamed like a flower as she looked at Li Yuan with eyes full of affection.
As if she were looking at her own nephew.
In interpersonal relationships, first impressions are extremely important.
The Left Hall Master had an excellent first impression of Li Yuan.
Moreover, after reviewing Li Yuan’s many records upon returning last time, she was convinced that his character and temperament were top-notch.
In her heart, Li Yuan was a junior worthy of careful cultivation.
“Thank you, Hall Master.” Li Yuan also wore a full smile.
Li Yuan was well aware that his being able to create such a stir and receive the ‘Young Hero’ honor was firstly because he killed a Star Realm creature.
However, it undoubtedly involved the behind-the-scenes operations of the Starfire Martial Hall.
Otherwise, would everyone who made a contribution certainly receive a reward?
“Li Yuan, this is Song Yi, the Hall Master of the Starry Sky Martial Hall,” said the Left Hall Master with a beaming introduction, “Technically speaking, she’s your benefactor.”
Song Yi’s expression changed slightly at those words, somewhat unpleasant, yet she couldn’t show it.
“Greetings, Hall Master Song.” Li Yuan pretended to be unaware of anything and replied earnestly.
Of course, Li Yuan knew who she was.
He had heard Teacher Xu mention her when he agreed to sign with the Starfire Martial Hall.
She was Zhong Cheng’s direct superior and most likely the decision-maker for his D-level contract.
“Yes, the young man is quite good, keep up the hard work,” Hall Master Song managed to force a smile.
When she learned that Li Yuan was the recipient of the ‘Young Hero’ title, she didn’t want to attend the event.
Nevertheless, she had to represent the Starry Sky Martial Hall because Lu Huai requested her presence.
…
Beneath the stage, a group of journalists took photographs.
Killing an Entry Rank Star Realm creature was actually a minor affair, but it was done by an underage high school student… This was a rare highlight in the Star Realm creature attack incident.
It held significant propaganda value.
Meanwhile, on the field, students, whether they were from the senior or freshman year, were mostly whispering to each other.
Much of it was praise like “so impressive,” “awesome,” “is this senior named Li Yuan?” and “so handsome.”
If Li Yuan were only good at academics, he might not win the favor of most students; in fact, it could even breed envy.
But to fight a life-and-death battle with a Star Realm creature?
You see, in this era, the entire society highly revered Martial Artists who fought with Star Realm creatures, and students were no different.
In the eyes of most students, Li Yuan’s actions were more than ten times more impressive than those who ranked first in exams.
The passion for heroism is an aspiration of youth since ancient times.
“Lanyue, are you still looking at Li Yuan?”
Peng Qiqi waved her hand in front of Lin Lanyue and couldn’t help but laugh, “You’re gazing so intently, could it be that you’ve really fallen for Li Yuan?”
“It’s not that I like him.” Lin Lanyue’s gaze shifted to her best friend, and she smiled wryly, “I’m just reminded of some things and am feeling somewhat emotional.”
“What things?” Peng Qiqi was puzzled.
“Li Yuan’s family is not well-off,” Lin Lanyue said, “He hasn’t experienced a Spiritual Awakening of the Martial Spirit, and even though his skill talent is extremely high… achieving his current success must have required a lot of effort.”
Peng Qiqi was stunned.
She had completely forgotten about that aspect.
“Like you said, he looks handsome standing on the stage,” Lin Lanyue continued, “But when he took the initiative to fight the Star Realm creature, he must have only wanted to save people, not thinking about any rewards.”
“Before that, he had probably never fought a Star Realm creature.”
“To willingly confront one,” Lin Lanyue seemed to recall something and murmured thoughtfully, “requires a lot of courage.”
“Lanyue, what are you trying to say? Do you like him or not?” Peng Qiqi grew more confused as she listened.
“It has nothing to do with liking him or not,” Lin Lanyue pinched her friend’s round face, smiling, “I just.”
“I admire him a lot.”
…
After the school assembly for all students and teachers concluded, the leaders departed, and the students from each class orderly returned to their Martial Arts classrooms.
To resume classes.
Li Yuan, on the other hand, followed Principal Tan Zhenlong to the principal’s office.
Upon entering.
“Teacher Xu? Director Li?” Li Yuan noticed two people already waiting there and greeted them.
Director Li was the representative from the Education Bureau.
“Li Yuan, take a seat,” Principal Tan greeted Director Li and the others first, then told Li Yuan to sit down.
Li Yuan obediently sat on an armchair and looked toward the group.
Being called over especially for this, the matter must be far from simple.
“Director Li, why don’t you speak,” suggested Principal Tan with a smile.
“Well, all right,” Director Li, dressed in a black work uniform with a square face, looked at Li Yuan, “Li Yuan, the Education Bureau and the Martial Path Bureau have communicated about your case.”
“We called you here to inform you of a few matters.”
“First, Principal Tan and Teacher Xu, who specially applied for the Special Scholarship on your behalf, have gotten it approved. By tonight, before six o’clock, you will receive a reward of 500,000 Blue Star Coins in your account,” Director Li smiled. “It is a national reward, and it will not be taxed.”
“Special Scholarship?” Li Yuan was slightly surprised, a wave of excitement rising in his heart.
500,000 Blue Star Coins!
Immediately, Li Yuan subconsciously looked over at Teacher Xu Bo beside him.
Li Yuan remembered, Teacher Xu had said that he had to reach the top five in his grade.
Xu Bo nodded slightly, gesturing for Li Yuan to remain calm.
“Second, you’ve earned the title of Young Hero, which is a Martial Path title.
According to the rules, you qualify for extra points and will receive a 20-point boost for the Martial Arts special portion during the college entrance exam,” Director Li continued, “But you cannot stack bonuses; if you awaken your Martial Spirit before the college entrance exam, you will have to choose one or the other.”
“I understand,” Li Yuan said, even more delighted.
In the college entrance exams, there are many bonus items, such as Spiritual Awakening, hero titles, children of heroes and martyrs, and so on, but you cannot stack multiple bonuses.
And Li Yuan was clear on that.
Spiritual Awakening? From the Divine Palace panel, it seemed difficult to resonate with the seven High Rank Cultivation Methods, and Li Yuan hardly dared to hope.
Therefore.
That 20-point bonus became incredibly important.
“Third, in this month’s Elemental Moon test, your score in Martial Arts Skills was first in the district and second in the city. Considering your situation, the district has decided to grant you an additional reward of 100,000 Blue Star Coins, to support your Martial Path cultivation,” Director Li said with a smile, “Hope you won’t find it too little.”
“It’s a lot,” Li Yuan quickly responded, “Thank you, Director.”
“No need to thank me,” Director Li replied with a smile, “You should thank the nation. For a true Martial Arts genius, even without a Martial Spirit Awakening, the country offers significant support and cultivation.”
Li Yuan nodded lightly.
The more he practiced, the more he felt the advantages of High Rank Cultivation Methods, and if he could only continue practicing Basic Cultivation Methods, becoming a level 19 Martial Artist would be exceedingly difficult.
It required the consumption of vast resources.
Hence, the country wasn’t easy with its support; it always chose the best among the best.
…
After sending off Director Li, Principal Tan and Teacher Xu returned to the office.
“Li Yuan, are you satisfied now?” Xu Bo asked with a smile.
“I was already quite satisfied before, but now I owe Teacher Xu and the Principal even more thanks,” Li Yuan said gratefully.
Suddenly, Li Yuan couldn’t help but turn to Tan Zhenlong. “Principal, didn’t you say last time that I had to reach the top five in the Martial Path total score of my grade to have a chance to apply for the Special Scholarship?”
“Top five? Did I say that?” Principal Tan was stunned. “When did I set the bar so high? Didn’t I say it was the top ten that could strive for it?”
Now, it was Li Yuan’s turn to be stunned.
The Principal only required the top ten?
“Li Yuan, the Principal’s memory isn’t what it used to be; it’s normal that he can’t remember after so long,” Xu Bo said repeatedly.
After that, he grabbed Li Yuan’s shoulder as if a large pincer had clamped down on him.
“It’s late; the Principal needs to rest, so let’s not disturb him anymore.”
Whoosh!
Xu Bo, with Li Yuan, flashed out several dozen meters in an instant without even closing the door.
“Top ten?”
“Top five? This Xu Bo,” Tan Zhenlong had come to his senses, shaking his head with a chuckle, “Set a high standard to achieve a middle outcome? But even then, it must be moderate.”
“Isn’t he afraid that setting the standard too high will make Li Yuan give up?” the Principal mused with a hint of emotion. “Nevertheless, Li Yuan really is excellent.”
“With the ability to add 20 points during the college entrance exam.”
“Looks like, even without a Martial Spirit Awakening, Li Yuan should be able to get into one of the top five prestigious schools,” Principal Tan said, smiling.
Credit for political achievements?
At his age, he had no hopes of promotion.
He simply wanted, in his last term, to cultivate more outstanding students.
…
In the office building, within Xu Bo’s Martial Arts Room.
“There’s going to be another reward from Starfire Martial Hall?” Li Yuan looked at Teacher Xu with a hint of surprise.
“Yes.”
Xu Bo, robust as Tie Ta, smiled. “With such an excellent performance this time, it’s only natural that Starfire Martial Hall will give you some extra rewards… Signing a contract with the Martial Hall, the rewards stipulated there are set by the highest echelon of the Martial Hall, and no one can change that.”
“If you perform mediocrely after signing, you just go through your contract normally.”
“However, if you exceed expectations during that process, even if your contract level can’t be elevated, the subordinate Martial Hall you belong to will also give additional rewards,” Xu Bo explained to Li Yuan.
“If the performance is outstanding enough, the Martial Hall might even upgrade the contract level,” Xu Bo continued.
Li Yuan suddenly understood, knowing only about upgrading contracts, but was not very clear on the rest.
Li Yuan tactfully didn’t ask further about the top five or top ten matters.
He immediately understood that Teacher Xu wasn’t trying to deceive him, but merely wanted to better motivate him.
“Oh, by the way.”
“About the invitation from Jiangbei Martial Arts University, have you seen it?” Xu Bo inquired.
“Teacher Chen mentioned it, and I agreed,” Li Yuan said.
“You should definitely go,” Xu Bo smiled, “Teacher Chen isn’t the head of the Martial Arts class and might not be aware, but I can tell you that this invitation isn’t just organized by Jiangbei Martial Arts University alone.”
“Oh?” Li Yuan was puzzled.
“While it’s at Jiangbei Martial Arts University, representatives from all five prestigious schools will be there to observe,” Xu Bo said with a smile.