High Martial Arts Era

Chapter 125: The Arrival of Dean Hai

August 3rd.

Before 3 a.m., Li Yuan finished practicing his visualization technique, restoring his energy, spirit, and vigor to their peak.

"This 'Observing of the Great Sun and Starry Sky Sutra' is truly an incredible method," Li Yuan marveled inwardly.

The longer he practiced martial arts, the more he appreciated the power of this visualization technique. Other students relied on sleep, supplementary medicines, physical therapy, medicinal baths, and many other means to maintain long-term mental focus and alleviate physical fatigue. But Li Yuan? He needed none of these, only his visualization technique.

He spent almost every hour of the day practicing, except for eating and the occasional moment of daze. In some sense, Li Yuan's daily training efficiency was equal to that of many students over two days, or even longer. This was the reason behind Li Yuan's rapid progress.

Martial Arts requires talent and time for honing.

"Wow! Wow!" Li Yuan resumed spear practice, the spear light flickering and moving unpredictably in the martial arts room.

"My body."

"Reaching the high level of the fourth stage, my mind further penetrates my flesh and blood, enhancing my perception," Li Yuan thought while practicing.

Gradually, Li Yuan noticed a subtle force moving within his muscles and bones. These forces were as thin as silk, each one extremely weak but permeating every corner of his body. They originated from his blood, periosteum, muscle fibers... When thousands of these forces converged, they contained an incredibly terrifying power.

"Is this the microscopic power?" Li Yuan was astonished: "I never noticed it before."

Previously, Li Yuan knew that once the mind reached a profundity level, the body's power would be excavated to an unimaginable degree. But how strong exactly? He wasn't sure. Today, after reaching the high level of the fourth stage and immersing himself in training, he finally felt it.

Seeing it with his own eyes and sensing it with his mind was completely different from others' descriptions. It was like hearing about the power of a ton of force from others versus actually possessing a ton of force oneself—a world of difference.

"If I can control these thousands of subtle forces, the power I can unleash will be at least several times stronger," Li Yuan was amazed: "Is this the body's ultimate power?"

The human body is a treasure trove, containing great secrets. Two people with the same level of life could have vastly different power and speed if one had higher skill.

"Skill, from high level to the perfect fourth stage, is about gradually mastering these subtle forces," Li Yuan understood his next stage's direction.

From the third to the initial fourth stage, it was about controlling the large muscle and bone groups' power, fully unleashing it with the waist and spine as the core, achieving 'body and mind unity.'

From the initial to the high level of the fourth stage, it was about digging deeper into the body's power, becoming more refined. The ultimate perfect fourth stage was about completely mastering every subtle force in the body, hence called 'mental profundity.'

"Hoo!"

With a clear direction for the next stage, Li Yuan felt even more motivated in his training. A clear goal leads to a more solid path.

"My intense spear practice greatly stimulates my body, almost reaching a third of the efficiency of the 'Rock Practice Method'," Li Yuan gradually realized: "In the future, the 'Rock Practice Method' will be less effective for me; when my mind reaches the microscopic level, it will be useless."

With higher realms, Li Yuan saw more clearly the role of basic practice methods. They were summarized by martial arts predecessors, enabling ordinary people to maximize their body's potential through various postures during practice, essentially from the perspective of 'microscopic force' or even higher realms, stimulating every part of the body as much as possible. Different methods suited different physiques.

"Advanced practice methods are about stimulating the body to absorb source power faster," Li Yuan thought. His mind involuntarily recalled the 'stellar trajectory map' he vaguely remembered during his second source power infusion.

Somehow, Li Yuan felt it would be important.

"Maybe, when I become stronger, I will understand," Li Yuan sighed: "Mental power level 20, with my spiritual awakening degree limit raised to 25%."

"It seems that to raise my spiritual awakening degree to 30% or even 50%, my mental power must reach a higher level, level 25? Level 30?" Li Yuan could only guess for now.

At the moment, the more important task was to improve his physical fitness to level 14.

"With further skill improvement and faster body evolution, I might try consuming more 'High Source Spirit Springs'," a thought flashed through Li Yuan's mind.

The more he ate, as long as he could digest and train enough, the faster his body would evolve.

...

Li Yuan practiced spear until 8 a.m., then had breakfast, took a shower, and changed clothes. Clothes, the cleanliness of the martial arts room, and the villa were all taken care of by the school's logistics department.

He arrived outside the Black Tortoise Building by flying vehicle. Yesterday's drizzle turned into today's clear skies, a rather hot summer day.

The square outside the Black Tortoise Building was already crowded with at least a thousand students. Li Yuan jumped out of the vehicle from afar, heading towards the gathering point of the freshmen from the six colleges.

"Li Yuan."

"Li Yuan is here." Several freshmen recognized Li Yuan along the way, and many even greeted him proactively. Li Yuan nodded in response.

After the entrance competition and practical assessment, Li Yuan's name and appearance were well-known among the freshmen. Even those who didn't like Li Yuan had to admit his strength. When one is strong enough, at least on the surface, others have to show respect.

"Big Brother is here."

"Big Brother." The freshmen from the six colleges became lively when Li Yuan arrived. His final decisive move in the practical assessment had established unshakable authority among the freshmen.

"Yuan Ge." Gu Qianghan approached.

"Everyone, get in line," An Nong called out to his classmates before walking up, "Big Brother."

The freshmen of the six colleges had started getting used to Gu Qianghan and An Nong organizing activities.

"During the memorial, let everyone be quiet," Li Yuan looked at the freshmen and said, "Even though these teachers don't teach us, we should show respect."

"Got it, I understand," An Nong nodded and started organizing.

Today, Kunlun Martial University was holding a grand memorial for the eleven deceased teachers. Not far from the Black Tortoise Building, various wreaths were already set up, along with a large black-and-white banner, creating a solemn atmosphere. Thus, students from all colleges arrived on time, preparing to enter the memorial hall in an orderly manner.

Li Yuan stood at the front of the freshmen from the six colleges.

"There are quite a few reporters and many teachers, including Dean Li," Gu Qianghan pointed out.

"Yeah," Li Yuan also looked over. Source warriors were important military forces, and those who died in battle were considered 'martyrs.' Especially with so many powerful source warriors dying at once, it was a 'major casualty.'

Today, all channels in Longxi Province would likely report this extensively, and the national TV station might also cover it.

"Sigh."

"I wonder what kind of rescue mission it was, with no information at all," Gu Qianghan sighed, "So many teachers died in battle. Although they didn't teach us, it's still quite sad."

"Usually, the school's teachers are high-level source warriors... How strong were their enemies? Could they have been flying warriors?" Gu Qianghan speculated.

Li Yuan silently nodded, saying nothing. One of the deceased teachers had taught him.

...

The memorial proceeded in an orderly manner. Due to the large number of attendees, second-year students entered the hall first, followed by first-year students. By 10 a.m., Li Yuan led over 200 freshmen from the six colleges into the hall.

There were only photos and wreaths, but the atmosphere remained solemn. "Deep condolences..." Li Yuan's heart grew heavier as he saw the name 'Teacher Fan Jin' on some of the wreaths.

The hall had many screens displaying the deeds of the fallen teachers. Each high-level source warrior had been a notable martial arts genius in their youth, either achieving great feats or exuding charisma. Li Yuan read every teacher's accomplishments, but besides Teacher Fan Jin, one particularly impressed him.

A 27-year-old teacher, a 27-level source warrior. He looked very young in the photos and videos, with a bright future ahead, possibly even becoming a flying warrior. But now, he was dead.

Death nullifies talent and strength. Time passed, and many originally indifferent freshmen were gradually moved by the hall's atmosphere, becoming quieter. The entire memorial, without speeches from notable figures, only had music, words, wreaths, and the martyrs' portraits. This memorial undoubtedly impacted every student, akin to a spiritual baptism.

As the group exited the hall, Li Yuan noticed the inscription at the entrance:

"Green hills hold loyal bones, the mountains and rivers remember heroes."

"Living up to the aspirations of youth, becoming spirits to guard the stars."

...

When Li Yuan led the freshmen out of the memorial, he didn't notice two figures on the fourth floor observing him.

"Dean Hai, what do you think?" Dean Xu asked respectfully.

"His mental strength is impressive, but I'm unsure about his will," a gentle voice responded, "He was serious during the activity, and considering his past records, he deserves the title of 'Young Hero.'"

"I watched his show yesterday," the gentle voice continued, "Overall, he has good talent and moral character. Your academy did a good job recruiting him."

"This afternoon, have him meet me."

"Yes," Dean Xu was delighted, knowing the first hurdle was cleared.

For China and human civilization, high talent alone wasn't enough for full support—moral character was equally crucial. Some individuals, the stronger they became, the more harm they did to civilization. However, this moral observation and judgment were never recorded explicitly.

...

After the memorial, Li Yuan returned to his villa to continue training. As he practiced his spear, the discomfort and pressure he felt gradually subsided.

At 2 p.m.,

"Teacher," Li Yuan greeted Li Yang, who suddenly appeared at his villa.

"Get on my flying vehicle, Dean Hai is waiting for you in the Black Dragon Building," Li Yang smiled, "You did well this morning, Dean Hai is pleased with you."

"This morning's performance?" Li Yuan was puzzled.

What did I do this morning?

On the flying vehicle,

"Reaching the Bright Moon level without telling me?" Li Yang glanced at Li Yuan, "I only found out from the Starry Sky Combat Network."

"Hehe, I didn't get the chance," Li Yuan smiled, "I was afraid you'd think I was showing off."

"Show your strength and talent without fear," Li Yang shook his head, smiling, "Tell me first next time."

"Yes."

Soon, they arrived at the Heilong Building and quickly went to the 12th floor.

Outside an office, the door was open, and Dean Xu stood at the entrance.

"Dean Xu," Li Yuan greeted.

"Go in, Dean Hai is inside," Dean Xu said directly, "Don't be rude, just have a normal conversation."

Li Yuan nodded, feeling slightly apprehensive. A normal conversation? But that's a flying warrior.

Entering, it was a simple martial arts room, barely over a hundred square meters, with no extra furniture or weapon racks. In the center, two mats were laid out. A lean young man, seemingly in his twenties, wearing a blue martial arts uniform, sat cross-legged on one mat, appearing very relaxed.

"You're here," the young man smiled at Li Yuan. This smile and gaze made Li Yuan's spirit tremble slightly, thoroughly intimidated.

It wasn't just pressure; it was a subtle feeling. In that instant, Li Yuan felt a sense of life and death beyond his control. It took his strong will and spirit a full three seconds to escape this feeling.

"Dean Hai," Li Yuan suppressed his shock and bowed slightly.

"Impressive," the young man in blue smiled, "You escaped my mental influence at level 13. Dean Li wasn't wrong in calling you our academy's top 'mental genius.'"

"Top mental genius?" Li Yuan was astonished.

"Sit, let's chat," the young man in blue pointed to the mat in front of him.

Li Yuan approached and obediently sat cross-legged, imitating him.

"Don't be nervous, it's just a regular conversation," the young man in blue smiled, "Let me introduce myself, I'm 'Hai Yi,' the dean of the six colleges... but I rarely manage things. This is my first time back this year."

Li Yuan was speechless. This unique introduction showed Dean Hai's distinctive character.

"I'm meeting you because you're excellent," Dean Hai smiled, "Your lack of martial arts spirituality awakening isn't a bad thing."

"If I'm correct, there's a high-level spirituality hidden within you."