Chapter 144: A Battle for Fame and Glory

Chapter 144: A Battle for Fame and Glory

As Li Yuan left the arena in defeat, Dantai Feng stood alone, basking in the cheers and excited shouts of hundreds of thousands of spectators.

Dantai Feng was truly elated.

Ever since he decided to participate in the Ten University Freshman Battle, he had been eagerly anticipating this moment.

Normally, a genius like him would not take part in such a competition.

Why was this time different? It wasn't because of any special consideration from the organizers.

It was simply Dantai Feng's own request to participate.

His goal was not to hone his skills but to relish the feeling of being in the spotlight.

Indeed, the reason was that simple.

"What a show-off!"

"That guy's showing off again." Tian Dazhuang, sitting in the spectator stands, clenched his teeth as he watched, "He's earned another 20 million, plus heavenly treasures! I can't let him get away with this. Tonight, I'll feast on him."

Feasting on Dantai Feng was Tian Dazhuang's idea of revenge.

...

"Swish!" Li Yuan returned to the spectator stands, appearing among the freshmen from the six universities.

"Senior Brother."

"Li Yuan." An Nong, Gu Qianghan, Wu Luo, and the other freshmen, as well as their senior sisters and brothers like Qiu Jing and Shi Xiao, couldn't help but look at Li Yuan with regret.

Yes!

For most of the Xia Guo spectators, it didn't matter who won between Li Yuan and Dantai Feng.

However, the students from Kunlun Martial Arts University naturally hoped that Li Yuan would win the championship.

Moreover, in the eyes of most people, Li Yuan was just a step away from winning the final battle.

"Haha, why are you all looking at me like that?" Li Yuan laughed, "Victory and defeat are common occurrences in the military, and losing doesn't bring shame."

Li Yuan remained composed.

Win or lose? As a martial warrior with aspirations, he naturally sought to be the champion, to be the first!

But he also understood that the pursuit of being the best was more about the journey than the outcome.

"Those who aim high will achieve the middle."

Just like from senior high to the college entrance exam, Li Yuan had given his all, and although he didn't become the provincial or city top scorer, he was satisfied with his results.

The same applied to this Ten University Freshman Battle, where Li Yuan felt he had gained a lot and the process had been incredibly fulfilling.

Didn't win the championship?

Then he would strive again next time.

"Congratulations, Li Yuan, on your breakthrough to Mind's Eye." A deep and resonant voice suddenly came from the upper level of the spectator stands.

Swish! Swish! Many people instinctively turned to see a square-jawed young man in a black robe sitting higher up, a smile on his face.

"Jin Huguo."

"Senior Brother Jin."

"Senior Brother Jin, you're here too? What did you say earlier about Mind's Eye? Has Li Yuan's skill reached the Fourth Stage Perfect?" The students of Kunlun Martial Arts University were all abuzz, looking at Li Yuan in shock and then turning to Senior Brother Jin.

"Senior Brother Jin." Li Yuan also smiled.

Jin Huguo, a name Li Yuan had heard since entering the university, was like thunder in his ears.

Today was the first time the two had met, even if it was only virtually.

"This battle was truly spectacular." Jin Huguo smiled, "Let's work hard together for the Global University Martial Arts Tournament in February next year."

"Good! Let's work hard together." Li Yuan smiled.

As far as he knew, Jin Huguo had achieved Mind's Eye in the second year of university.

Another year had passed, and Jin Huguo's strength was unknown.

But at this moment, Li Yuan knew he was no match for Jin Huguo.

Whether in virtual or real combat.

...

"Congratulations to Dantai Feng for winning the championship."

The towering host's voice reverberated through the vast battle arena, "And congratulations to Li Yuan for becoming the runner-up."

"Thank them both for bringing us a thrilling final battle in this Ten University Freshman Battle. This is undoubtedly the most spectacular final battle since the 2009 Ten University Freshman Battle switched to 'Virtual Battle'."

"Without a doubt."

"I believe that for many years to come, the finals of future Ten University Freshman Battles will be compared to today's battle."

"I even more strongly believe that they will shine in the upcoming Global University Martial Arts Tournament and the Human Martial Arts Elite Battle!"

"I hereby announce... the end of the 2043 Ten University Freshman Battle."

With that, the Ten University Freshman Battle came to a close.

Boom!

The entire spectator stand erupted in enthusiastic cheers, as students from various countries and universities couldn't help but join in.

Everyone had to admit that this Ten University Elite Battle had indeed produced many martial arts geniuses.

Especially the battle between Li Yuan and Dantai Feng, with Li Yuan's last-minute breakthrough and Dantai Feng's unleashing of his full potential, was truly a classic.

In the end, Dantai Feng emerged as the champion, with Li Yuan taking second place.

...

In the higher-level spectator space...

"The Battle of Mind's Eye."

"I never expected to witness a battle of Mind's Eye in a freshman competition, it's incredibly rare."

"This is the first time in the history of the Ten University Freshman Battle's virtual matches."

"Even the annual 'Three University Freshman Showdown' between Starfire, Starlight, and Blackstone Universities in December rarely sees such a battle, and it's usually once every few years."

"Freshmen with Mind's Eye? And two of them appearing at once is extremely rare." Numerous teachers discussed, expressing their awe and amazement.

Such geniuses are hard to come by, with only a few appearing across Bluesphere every year.

"Both of them possess the potential to become Ascendant Martial Warriors."

"Dantai Feng's strength surpasses our imagination; he's just one step away from breaking into the Fifth Stage. It's possible he could achieve it before next February."

"It's hard to say."

"The leap from Mind's Eye to Heaven and Man as One is incredibly challenging, but there's hope."

"In Xia Guo, after Yu Jinghe, there are probably very few who can compare to Dantai Feng."

"Dantai Feng is strong, but Li Yuan is even more terrifying."

"According to the records, in just over a year, he advanced from the initial stage of the Third Rank to the perfect Fourth Rank. This rate of progress is simply astonishing."

"Li Yuan's improvement is unbelievable."

"Their future holds infinite possibilities; it's hard to predict how far they will go. We can only wish them well."

...

Less than half an hour after the battle ended, in a special virtual space known as 'Stellar University,' accessible only to students of Starlight University, over 200 Starlight Martial University freshmen arrived with their consciousness.

Lin Lan Yue and Wu Dongdong were among those present.

"Why did the teacher suddenly call us here?"

"I have no idea." Many first-year students at Starlight Martial University were still confused and puzzled.

Although the news of the Ten University Freshman Battle spread, in reality, most freshmen from the top three elite martial arts schools paid little attention to it.

In their opinion, what was the point of watching competitions from ordinary martial arts universities?

A waste of time.

Soon, a massive luminescent screen appeared before the students, broadcasting the battle between Dantai Feng and Li Yuan.

"What's this?"

Many students were initially perplexed, but they quickly quieted down. Eventually, with their keen eyes, most of them could sense the terrifying strength displayed by the combatants.

Huff!

Finally, a teacher from Starlight Martial University appeared.

"Some of you may have just witnessed this battle, but for most, this is your first time watching it." The teacher's voice was icy. "One of the fighters is Dantai Feng, a first-year student from Starfire Martial University and the top freshman there."

"The other is Li Yuan, a freshman from Xia Guo Martial Arts University."

"Both of them have achieved Mind's Eye!" The teacher emphasized each word.

The room fell silent.

Almost every Starlight Martial University student's face showed shock.

Mind's Eye?

"Remember, just because you're in Starlight University doesn't mean you can look down on others, and don't think you're the pride of the heavens!" The teacher's voice turned cold. "Among you, who's confident they can defeat Dantai Feng?"

"Who here is certain they can beat Li Yuan?"

Silence filled the room.

"Some students can only bring honor to their school." The teacher spoke coldly. "But some students make the school proud of them."

"If you don't wake up and work hard, your batch is destined to be trampled under Dantai Feng's feet."

"Or even under Li Yuan's from Kunlun Martial University."

"That's all. Meeting dismissed!" The teacher vanished instantly.

In the conference room, over two hundred Starlight Martial University freshmen exchanged glances.

"Mind's Eye?"

"Li Yuan? A student from Kunlun Martial University with such strength?"

"I've heard of him."

"He's indeed formidable, much stronger than me." These Starlight Martial University students were all stirred up.

This year, among the freshmen at Starlight Martial University, not even ten had reached the high Fourth Rank, let alone achieved Mind's Eye.

...

Similar scenes unfolded at Blackstone University, Starfire University, and other martial arts universities.

"Apart from Dantai Feng!"

"Among you, who else can defeat Li Yuan? Yuming lost, Gung Mi, it's your turn if you think you can do better."

...

"Did you see that?"

"Li Yuan, a Kunlun Martial University student, can still defeat Starfire Martial University's top genius."

"If your skills aren't up to par, then train harder. Don't blame the school. Staying at Jiangbei Martial University gives you the same chance to become a Source Martial Warrior or even an Ascendant Martial Warrior."

...

In a very short time, Li Yuan's name became known to countless first-year students and even sophomores and juniors from various universities worldwide.

They all knew that Li Yuan, a Kunlun Martial University student, had achieved Mind's Eye within months of enrollment, placing him among the top three in skill across all first-year students globally.

A single battle brought him fame and recognition.

...

Unaware of the full extent of what had transpired, Li Yuan remained unbothered even if he had known.

"Gun Technique! Skill!"

"Stellar Intent." Li Yuan exited the virtual network and sat in the cabin, still pondering over the insights from his final battle.

"In the end, it's my realm that's lacking."

"His blade technique, shield technique, and body technique are all near the Fourth Rank limit, completely suppressing me."

"But if my gun technique is strong enough, I can at least stand my ground." Li Yuan continued to reflect on his experiences and lessons.

"And my body technique."

"If my body technique was stronger, I wouldn't have been so flustered. I need to work hard to improve my body technique and make up for my shortcomings." Li Yuan contemplated.

Determining the ranking held no significance.

What mattered was to summarize experiences, reflect, and strive to become stronger.

From middle school to high school, and then to the Jiangbei invitation event and the college entrance exams, Li Yuan rarely came in first.

But he had always been improving.

Unknowingly, he had surpassed and left many of his past opponents far behind.

Now, he stood at the pinnacle among global freshmen of his year.

...

After some contemplation, Li Yuan headed to the underground martial arts room, took out his spear, and began practicing silently.

"Stellar Dawn!"

"Starfall Cascade!"

"Dawn Piercing Cloud!" Li Yuan executed move after move of the Starlight Gun Technique, each strike powerful and continuous, resembling the eternal motion of the stars.

This was the essence of Stellar Intent!

Time passed.

[Your Gun Technique Realm has increased from 85% of the Fourth Stage to 86% of the Fourth Stage.]



[Your Gun Technique Realm has increased from 86% of the Fourth Stage to 88% of the Fourth Stage.]



... Divine Palace Panel notifications flashed one after another.

He practiced non-stop for over three hours.

It wasn't until after 2:00 PM that Li Yuan finally stopped, feeling that he had thoroughly reflected on the insights gained from the battle.

"Next, I'll further my training, striving to reach the 99% threshold in Gun Technique, Body Technique, and Fist Technique in the Fourth Stage." Li Yuan decided.

The realm breakthrough had already occurred.

What remained was the tedious process of refining his skills through repeated practice and reflection, fully integrating these insights into his body.

Suddenly—

"Student Li Yang is waiting for you outside your villa," the house's intelligent system announced in the martial arts room.

"Teacher Li, why didn't you V-message first...?" Li Yuan realized, "I left my smart ring watch in the resting area."

Li Yuan had been so focused on practicing his gun technique that he hadn't noticed the time.

Quickly—

Li Yuan hurriedly opened the door.

"What's up? Did you break through and become so proud that you ignored your teacher's messages?" Li Yang teased with a smile.

Embarrassed, Li Yuan replied, "Teacher, I was so immersed in spear training that I forgot."

"Haha, I'm just teasing. I knew you'd be busy practicing after your breakthrough. You must have gained a lot of insights from the battle, so I figured you'd want to focus on that first." Li Yang explained.

Li Yuan nodded slightly.

"You did great in today's competition. Among all the freshmen worldwide, only Dantai Feng might be able to beat you." Li Yang smiled.

"Global second?" Li Yuan was taken aback.

"What else could it be?"

"Do you think there are many freshmen with the Mind's Eye?" Li Yang asked.

"No, I just thought there would be a couple." Li Yuan shrugged.

"There might be some with hidden strengths, but as far as we know, only you and Dantai Feng have shown such abilities." Li Yang explained, "The Mind's Eye is not easily attained."

"I only achieved it after becoming a Source Martial Warrior." Li Yang sighed, looking at Li Yuan, "I wonder how you managed to train so well."

Li Yuan couldn't help but smile.

"Anyway, it's a good thing." Li Yang said, "Let's go."

"Teacher, where are we going?" Li Yuan asked, puzzled.

"To choose a treasure, of course!" Li Yang exclaimed, "You don't want the Heavenly Materials and Treasures reward for reaching the top four?"

"I do!" Li Yuan replied.

How could he refuse?

...

In the 12th-floor office of the Black Stone Building, or more accurately, in the small martial arts room—

A light screen projection appeared.

"Yang Xian, how was the video?" The handsome young man in blue smiled as he watched the young woman on the screen.

"Pretty good."

"Li Yuan's progress is much faster than I expected." A clear voice sounded.

"What do you think of my suggestion?" Dean Hai asked calmly.

"Okay."

"Within a day, we'll upgrade his Martial Palace Contract to S-level." The young woman said, "Also, I'll deliver the promised ten Starlight Earth Core Crystals."

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end