Chapter 119: Li Yang's Inquiry
Chapter 119: Li Yang's Inquiry
With just over ten minutes remaining, Gu Zhen, who had intended to rest, felt a surge of frustration as he witnessed Li Yuan's sudden surge in points and ranking.
To him, this wasn't just about losing the top spot.
It was about—1 million Blue Star Coins!!!
"Damn it! Is this how you're going to treat me?" Gu Zhen couldn't help but curse aloud.
Without hesitation, he stood up, intending to search for other Star Realm creatures, but at this stage of the Practical Combat Assessment, where could he possibly find any in such a short time?
Li Yuan's discovery wasn't entirely due to luck.
The most crucial factor was his powerful Spirit Power and the 'Divine Palace Investigation' skill, which allowed him to sense the Bloodwing Snake Clan member hiding underground.
This forced the creature out of its hiding place.
Finally, when the time reached noon, the participating students from the third and fourth bases received a notification on their positioning bracelets.
"Practical Combat Assessment concluded. Points and base rankings are locked."
...
In the third-floor conference room of the War Fortress at the fourth base, Dean Li was in high spirits.
"Haha, Old Qin, don't be angry, please don't be angry." Dean Li chuckled, "Li Yuan's ability to secure first place in the end was purely luck! Pure luck!"
"Hmph!"
The plump elder's expression was far from pleasant, as Gu Zhen was his second-year student from the Sixth Academy.
"I'm just curious," the plump elder frowned, "That Bloodwing Snake Clan member was hiding in the underground cave, and it seemed like it didn't make a sound. It even used a giant rock to cover its entrance. How did Li Yuan find it?"
"It is quite strange."
"When I was observing through the surveillance, I couldn't tell at all," many instructors voiced their confusion.
"You all have such short memories," Dean Li shook his head, "Have you all forgotten?"
"When he first entered the school."
"Li Yuan directly reached the fifth level of the Pillar of Spirit. His Spirit Power is so strong that it rivals that of an Origin Martial Artist." Dean Li stated calmly, "With such powerful Spirit Power, is it strange that he sensed the Bloodwing Snake Clan member?"
"That's true, Li Yuan's perception is far superior to other students."
"Indeed, there's a reason for that." Many instructors nodded in agreement and gradually dispersed.
Dean Li smiled at the female instructor beside him, "Sister, are you satisfied now?"
"Don't call me sister, call me Dean Xu," Dean Xu frowned, "This time, you've found a good seed. What are your plans for his future cultivation?"
"Will you continue with the standard cultivation method, or...?" Dean Xu inquired.
As vice-deans, they were top-tier Origin Martial Artists with a deep understanding of the school's inner workings, far surpassing that of regular students.
They were well aware that the S-Class Training Contract was specifically designed for the most outstanding 'regular students'.
It was a standardized contract.
Its purpose was to cultivate martial arts prodigies within the realm of normalcy.
However, there were always some exceptional talents that required special means to fully develop their potential.
"Sister, you know that such matters aren't within our decision-making power," Dean Li shook his head, "But I will report to Dean Hai and explain Li Yuan's situation."
"Whether it's continuing with the standard cultivation method or taking additional measures, it's up to Dean Hai to decide."
"Additionally..."
"The reason I invited you here was also related to this matter," Dean Li smiled, "After all, signing the SS-Class Resource Application Form requires the agreement of at least two vice-deans."
In reality, however, Li Yuan's sudden surge in performance was beyond Dean Li's expectations. He hadn't invited Dean Xu solely for Li Yuan's sake.
But, making the best of a bad situation...
"Mmm," Dean Xu's expression showed a hint of satisfaction, "Old Li, it seems you've put some thought into this."
If the SS-Class Resource Application regarding 'Li Yuan' passed the review, Dean Li, as Li Yuan's 'instructor', would undoubtedly receive the most credit.
As one of the two vice-deans signing the application, 'Dean Xu' would also receive a certain amount of guidance points as a reward.
"Of course, who doesn't know about our sibling-like relationship?" Dean Li smiled.
After a brief pause, Dean Li continued, "Sister, what do you think the chances are?"
"It's hard to say," Dean Xu shook her head, pondering for a moment, "I'd say there's a sixty percent chance."
"Perfect, it seems that Dean Hai is still at the school. You can submit the application form right away, and I'll sign it together, aiming to finalize it today."
"Alright."
...
At the fourth base, outside the War Fortress, numerous flying vehicles landed in the square.
A large number of students who had persevered until the very end emerged from the vehicles.
After two days of Practical Combat Assessment, many of their armor was torn and bloodstained, both their own and that of the alien creatures.
"Phew!" Li Yuan also stepped out of one of the flying vehicles and immediately noticed a row of white stretchers lying on the ground in the distance.
"There were still casualties? And it seems like quite a few," Li Yuan's heart sank.
His joy at securing first place diminished significantly.
"Li Yuan," a crisp voice suddenly called out from behind him.
Li Yuan turned to see a tall, female figure approaching with a smile.
"Senior Sister," Li Yuan greeted her with a smile.
It was none other than Senior Sister Qiu Jing, with whom he had developed a good relationship during their previous classes.
After experiencing a life-and-death situation together during the Practical Combat Assessment, their bond had grown even stronger.
"Tsk tsk, first place!" Senior Sister Qiu Jing exclaimed, shaking her head with a smile, "Li Yuan, are you trying to tease me?"
Li Yuan was momentarily stunned.
"Were you intentionally luring those Stonemar Tribe warriors at that time?" Qiu Jing, his senior, stared at Li Yuan.
Li Yuan scratched his head, realizing he couldn't explain himself at the moment, and could only respond with a silly smile.
"I thought you were in real danger, so I foolishly charged in to save you." Qiu Jing shook her head and sighed, "And then I felt so proud, thinking I had saved you."
"But seeing how you went all out later, you must have ventured into the Stonemar Tribe's territory. With your strength, why would you care about those initial dozen or so Stonemar warriors?" Qiu Jing's expression turned pitiful, "I worked so hard to save you, and you didn't tell me the truth, even lied to me."
"Senior Qiu, me?" Li Yuan was at a loss for words.
"Haha, just kidding." Qiu Jing suddenly laughed, "I won't press you further. You must have your reasons, but you owe me a meal when we get back."
"Okay, no problem." Li Yuan also heaved a sigh of relief.
There were some things he could discuss with Teacher Li Yang but not with Qiu Jing.
"Did you see over there just now?" Qiu Jing pointed towards the row of white stretchers in the distance.
Li Yuan nodded slightly, his smile involuntarily fading a little.
"It's best to get used to it."
"My best friend from university died during the last practical combat assessment." Qiu Jing's eyes dimmed.
Li Yuan's heart stirred, and he turned to look at Qiu Jing.
"We don't have a choice. The practical combat assessments already have an extremely low risk factor for life-and-death tempering." Qiu Jing spoke softly, "If we can't even survive the practical combat assessments, how will we fare in real wars in the future?"
Li Yuan nodded involuntarily, indicating his agreement.
"Keep getting stronger." Qiu Jing smiled again, "You're only a first-year student, and your strength is already stronger than mine. I'm so envious of your talent, and you'll definitely become an extremely powerful Source Martial Artist in the future."
"Perhaps even a Transcendent Martial Artist."
"By then, you'll be able to kill a large number of Star Realm creatures that threaten our human race." Qiu Jing smiled.
...
As the two were chatting, suddenly—
"Qiu Jing, Li Yuan." A deep voice sounded from not too far away, coming from a middle-aged bald man.
"Teacher."
"Teacher." Both of them straightened up simultaneously.
"You both did well. Qiu Jing ranked sixth, and Li Yuan ranked first." Li Yang revealed a slight smile, "Qiu Jing, wait here for the train."
"Li Yuan, follow me." Li Yang walked towards a distant building.
"Yes." Li Yuan nodded and followed.
Qiu Jing winked at Li Yuan.
...
Following Li Yang to a three-story building next to the square, they entered a conference room on the first floor.
It was quiet inside, with only Li Yuan and Li Yang present.
Li Yang remained silent, letting out a fart.
"Teacher." Li Yuan showed a hint of nervousness.
"Your strength has improved rapidly." Li Yang finally looked up and glanced at Li Yuan, "What level is your physical quality at now?"
"About 12.6, I guess." Li Yuan gave a number, no longer hiding it.
There was no point in hiding it anymore.
"Did you use some Celestial Treasure or forbidden drugs?" Li Yang got straight to the point.
"It's not forbidden drugs. You can examine my body, Teacher." Li Yuan only answered half of the question.
He didn't answer whether it was a Celestial Treasure.
"Fine."
"Teacher understands." Li Yang believed he had seen through Li Yuan's thoughts and smiled, "The 'Fei Qian' from Starfire Martial Temple must have told you not to reveal anything to anyone, fearing it would attract others' covetousness, right?"
Li Yuan showed a bitter smile, seeming a bit flustered.
"Don't worry."
"It's just a Celestial Treasure that enhances physical quality. Kunlun Martial University can handle it." Li Yang smiled, "As long as it's not a forbidden drug that affects potential, it's fine."
"Everyone has their secrets, especially geniuses. If you don't want to tell me, I won't ask further."
"I called you here to inform you that Dean Hai wants to see you when you return."
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