High Martial Arts Era

Chapter 80: A Youth's Vision Can Create an Eternal Legacy

In the room.

"Our training contract is definitely better than the A-level contract of the Starlight Martial Hall," the tall, thin officer surnamed Ji kept offering his conditions, trying to entice Li Yuan. The terms were indeed generous.

"Senior Ji."

"I've already signed with Starlight Martial Hall," Li Yuan shook his head.

"Signing doesn't mean you can't breach the contract," Officer Ji smiled. "We'll pay the penalty for you, so you don't have to spend a dime."

"No."

Li Yuan shook his head. "Senior Ji, my rapid growth is largely due to the help from Starlight Martial Hall. We can discuss other matters, but on this one, I can't comply."

Li Yuan had his principles. When Hall Master Wan signed him, he was only worth a C-level contract based on his performance, which was already an overvaluation. Later, the Martial Hall arranged a series of resources for his training, enabling his significant progress in just half a year.

One should not forget their roots.

More importantly, once he returned, he could attempt to achieve the Meteorite rank on the Starry Sky Combat Network. At that time, his B-level contract with Starlight Martial Hall could be upgraded to an A-level contract.

The university's special training contract and the Martial Hall's training contract were independent and did not interfere with each other. However, contracts with organizations like Starlight Martial Hall, Starry Sky Martial Hall, the Martial Arts Bureau, or other large groups could only be signed once.

This was explicitly stipulated in the "Martial Artist Law."

"Haha, alright, I won't force you then," Officer Ji laughed, a hint of appreciation flashing in his eyes.

He had hoped Li Yuan would agree.

However, if Li Yuan had agreed immediately, he would have thought less of him... This kind of mindset was not contradictory.

"Li Yuan, I admire you more and more," Officer Ji said with a smile. "How about this? On behalf of the Jiangbei Provincial Military District, I sponsor you with one million Blue Star Coins."

"Don't refuse this," Officer Ji added with a laugh.

"A million?" Li Yuan was slightly shocked.

"Don't worry, there are no strings attached," Officer Ji reassured him. "This is purely sponsorship. Even if you can't join the military, if you grow strong, you'll contribute to the country in the future. Does it matter whether you're in the military or not?"

Li Yuan felt a touch of gratitude and couldn't help but ask, "What about Wu Dongdong and the others?"

"Them? They don't need it!" Officer Ji shook his head, smiling. "We believe it's worth giving resources to someone like you. It won't be wasted."

Li Yuan was speechless. He vaguely understood why only he and Tian Dazhuang had been called in.

Having a strong background sometimes made you less favored.

"Come, let's take a sponsorship photo," Officer Ji said with a smile. "A sponsorship contract will be sent to your virtual personal space. Don't worry, there will be no restrictions."

"One million Blue Star Coins will be credited within a week."

...

After sending Li Yuan off, Officer Ji leisurely sipped his tea, waiting for two more minutes.

Bang! Officer Wang walked in, a smile on his face.

"Did it work?" Officer Ji asked.

"Yes," Officer Wang nodded. "Since he's signed with the Martial Arts Bureau, he will eventually be assigned. Why not to our military? I'll report it later and have it arranged."

"A martial arts genius like Tian Dazhuang is hard to recruit," Officer Wang laughed. "What about you?"

"No luck," Officer Ji sighed. "Li Yuan is really something, what a pity."

"Not surprising, given he's already signed with Starlight Martial Hall."

"If he had agreed easily, I'd have second thoughts about him," Officer Wang laughed. "If you think he's worth it, why not help him out?"

"How? Our sponsorship limit is only one million," Officer Ji wondered.

"Haha, today I'm smarter than you," Officer Wang smiled. "Who said sponsorship is the only help?"

"We can just spread the word that we offered Li Yuan an 'S-level contract,' but he refused. Let this news reach Starlight Martial Hall."

"If Starlight Martial Hall isn't stupid, they'll know what to do," Officer Wang laughed.

"I only promised an A-level contract. We don't have the authority for an S-level contract," Officer Ji frowned.

"Starlight Martial Hall doesn't know that," Officer Wang said dismissively.

"What if it causes trouble and we're questioned about promising an 'S-level contract'?" Officer Ji was still concerned.

"Blame it on rumors! Besides, this small matter won't be questioned. My dad oversees it," Officer Wang said confidently.

...

On the training ground.

Li Yuan and Tian Dazhuang walked toward the train in the distance.

Li Yuan, already 185 cm tall, was significantly taller than Tian Dazhuang.

"Li Yuan, did you sign?" Tian Dazhuang asked, unable to hold back.

They had noticed each other a few days ago, but this was their first conversation.

"No," Li Yuan shook his head. "Did you?"

"I'm still considering, but I have a preliminary intention," Tian Dazhuang smiled. "I'm a special recruit of the Martial Arts Bureau. After graduating from university, I'll be assigned anyway."

Li Yuan nodded. "Joining the military is pretty good."

"Yes."

"But my dad wants me to return to the county and strive to become the Martial Arts Bureau chief," Tian Dazhuang said quietly. "He says it's safe and brings honor to the family."

Li Yuan casually said, "My aunt wanted me to be a martial arts school teacher for a peaceful life."

After hearing each other's words, they both fell silent for two seconds, then burst into hearty laughter.

They laughed freely and joyfully.

Then, they walked towards the train together.

No more words were needed; they understood each other's thoughts and aspirations.

A young man with ambition is like a flag in the wind; a youth's fleeting glance can become a timeless stream.

Youth is always filled with hope and moves forward without hesitation.

This is youth.

...

After passing through the entrance of the Astral Realm, Li Yuan, Lin Lanyue, and the others arrived at the underground train station of Jiangbei Martial University.

They disembarked and went upstairs.

After returning their weapons and equipment and changing back into their clothes, all the students walked out of the building and boarded the sightseeing bus to the cafeteria.

It was still before six o'clock. The sun was tilting west, and a gentle breeze blew, making it very pleasant.

"It's good to be back," Wu Dongdong said, stretching and feeling nostalgic.

Li Yuan couldn't help but smile.

Indeed, after experiencing life-and-death battles in the Moon Demon Star Realm, returning made one appreciate the peace and tranquility even more.

"So, Li Yuan," Lin Lanyue asked softly, "did you agree to join the military?"

"No," Li Yuan said. "But the military promised to sponsor me with one million Blue Star Coins without any conditions."

"Just giving without expecting anything in return?" Lin Lanyue asked, surprised. "Honestly, I had some doubts when Officer Ji mentioned it, but the entire process was legitimate. They didn't ask me to sign anything or make me agree online immediately."

"How did you know the military would approach me?" Li Yuan asked in a low voice.

"The military's sponsorship targets are usually based on three criteria," Lin Lanyue explained. "First, the potential is large enough to become a flying martial artist."

"Second, the family background is not wealthy."

"Third, they prefer to sponsor students with a sense of justice and patriotism."

"You perfectly fit these criteria," Lin Lanyue smiled. "And being first in the field test, the military values actual combat ability over exam scores, so I guessed you'd be chosen."

"Impressive," Li Yuan said sincerely.

He realized that Lin Lanyue seemed to know everything about the operations of the Moon Demon Astral Realm, even the military's actions.

Her background was probably beyond his imagination.

"What is the military's purpose?" Li Yuan wondered. "Why don't they ask for anything?"

"If you become a flying martial artist one day, and the military needs help from flying martial artists, they'll invite you," Lin Lanyue smiled. "Would you go?"

Li Yuan was momentarily stunned.

"Flying martial artists, in a sense, have personal power beyond secular constraints. They aren't bound by laws alone but by emotions and ties," Lin Lanyue continued.

Li Yuan nodded, understanding her point.

If the military faced a major crisis and needed flying martial artists, what could they do?

They couldn't just issue an order and expect flying martial artists to comply.

The strength of flying martial artists gave them the right to say 'no.'

The military's approach reminded Li Yuan of the rewards from Jiangbei Martial University, essentially fostering good relationships.

However, Jiangbei Martial University cast a wide net, while the military only selected the top students.

"Let's go."

"Time for dinner," Lin Lanyue smiled. "You consumed a lot of energy today; you need to eat more tonight."

"Food! Food!" Wu Dongdong exclaimed excitedly. "I'm going to eat six servings today."

Everyone laughed.

Li Yuan had noticed long ago that although Wu Dongdong came from a wealthy background, she never fussed about food and ate like a glutton, accepting everything.

...

As night fell, after dinner, Li Yuan and Gu Qianghan returned to the dormitory.

Bang!

Li Yuan took out his spear from the weapon cabinet.

"Li Yuan, aren't you tired? Still training tonight?" Gu Qianghan looked at him like he was a monster.

"I'll train for a while," Li Yuan smiled.

Tired? Naturally.

Can I skip training? No.

"I'm off to bed," Gu Qianghan said, shaking his head. "You keep training; I'm going to sleep."

Bang! Gu Qianghan closed his room door.

Li Yuan smiled faintly, his gaze returning to the spear, his smile fading as he practiced silently.

Swish! Swish!

The spear flashed like rolling stars, unstoppable. His body moved like a dragon, unpredictable as the wind.

Starry Spear Technique and Dragon Movement Technique were practiced in tandem.

Though exhausted, Li Yuan had just broken through to the fourth stage in footwork and needed to consolidate his training.

Any improvement was good.

Qualitative change comes from quantitative accumulation.

"The fourth stage training is about gradually unlocking the body's greater potential on the basis of mind-body unity," Li Yuan thought. "The progress is much slower than the third stage."

He trained until after nine o'clock, sweat dripping on the ground, his body utterly fatigued.

Only then did he stop.

"[Your footwork has advanced from stage 4, 1% to stage 4, 2%]," Li Yuan saw the notification from half an hour ago.

"After midnight."

"The seven-day cooldown for the promotion match will end, and I can attempt the 'Meteorite Promotion Match' again," Li Yuan looked forward to it. "Last time I made it to the global top 1000, my skills were only at the third stage."

What about now?

Both his spear and footwork had fully entered the fourth stage, and his strength had increased significantly.

"By then, another 500,000 Blue Star Coins."

...

After ten, Li Yuan showered, changed into his pajamas, and felt extremely comfortable.

He sat cross-legged on the soft bed.

The room's soundproofing was excellent.

"Gu Qianghan should be asleep."

"Now, let's see what 'source energy infusion' is about," Li Yuan thought, closing his eyes and entering his mental world.