Chapter 16: Swift Hawk, Blade Finch, Axe Bear
Chapter 16: Swift Hawk, Blade Finch, Axe Bear (Please Follow)
"Crash!"
Lin Qi slammed the rifle's butt onto the ground, his lips curling upward as he stared at his Status Panel.
"No practice for a week, first session today, and my Spear Techniques still jumped 5%."
A surge of joy rippled through him.
Earlier while practicing, the sensation had been electrifying—fresh insights sparking constantly. His spear techniques flowed with increasing fluidity, subtle movements that once felt awkward now refined with minor adjustments. The results spoke for themselves: a genius's innate talent in action.
Gazing at the Erlang Deity's avatar on his panel, Lin Qi recalled the mythical figure's weapon—a twin-bladed, three-pronged trident. Though technically a saber, it differed vastly from conventional blades, resembling more a spear or any longhafted armament. His affinity for long weapons would only deepen.
"I'm syncing with the Erlang Deity more and more", he mused.
After a brief rest, he resumed training. Time in the Martial Arts Training Hall was precious—he couldn't afford to waste it.
...
Forty minutes later.
"Ha... ha..."
Sweat dripped into his eyes as Lin Qi gasped for breath, dark patches spreading across the mats beneath him. His spear-wielding arm trembled from exhaustion, yet his gaze blazed with energy.
【You've gained new insights into Body Techniques. Body Techniques increased by 3%】
【Through practicing the Fundamental Spear Manual, your proficiency rises. Spear Techniques increased by 2%】
【Spear Techniques: Tier 1, 67%】
【Body Techniques: Tier 1, 60%】
...
In forty minutes, both his spear and body techniques had surged dramatically—a sensation previously unimaginable.
"Here, Qi!"
Jiang Tao tossed him an Energy Brew bottle. Lin Qi caught it, chugging the revitalizing liquid before collapsing beside his friend.
"Tomorrow starts Elite Class", Jiang Tao said suddenly. "Time to learn new martial arts—your spear, my blade. We've mastered the basics, even fist techniques. I hear many classmates already train at private gyms."
Lin Qi nodded. Martial Arts gyms thrived near Second High, offering private coaching in Five Elements Boxing, fundamental weapon manuals, and advanced techniques—all under seasoned martial artists' guidance. The wealthy progressed rapidly without instructors, unlike their budget-strapped situation.
"New spear techniques..." Lin Qi tightened his grip on the weapon, anticipation building.
...
"What? You entered Elite Class?!"
In apartment 401's living room, Lin Zhen paused mid-salve application, his face alight with surprise. Fang Huiyi echoed his astonishment.
Lin Qi dropped his backpack, smiling. "I've joined Elite Class, and I'll reapply for the Genius Loan. High success probability."
The two exchanged glances, their joy palpable. " knew you could do it!" Lin Zhen roared, clapping his son's shoulder. Fang Huiyi stood, tenderly patting his sweat-damp hair. "Don't overexert yourself."
"I won't."
...
Martial Arts Era 2045, September 8, 5:50 AM
Second High's gates
Leaning on his bicycle, Lin Qi veered from his usual Building 3 route toward the U-shaped Building 1.
Room 301 Martial Arts Classroom.
The reinforced door stood ajar, its digital lock blinking green.
"Someone's already here?"
Inside sprawled a vast 1200-square-meter hall. Fifty pristine white metal lockers lined the corners, walls adorned with swords, spears, halberds—even rare battle-axes and ji halberds. Overhead lights blazed, illuminating a figure mid-Harmony Stance.
"Guess I'm not the earliest bird."
He located locker #45, changed into training gear, swallowed a Physical Energy Capsule, and began stance training. Nearby, an 1.8m muscular figure observed him—a silent rivalry brewing.
More students trickled in—unfamiliar faces changing, training in silence. The room hummed with stomping feet, punching air, clashing weapons.
After an hour, Lin Qi ended his stance. Around him, the hall erupted in sound—spears whistling, blades slicing, fists thudding. Advanced variations of basic techniques filled the air.
"They're all superior", he realized.
"Monsters", Jiang Tao muttered, joining him. "In Class 3, I was top 3. Here, I'm mid-tier."
Indeed, towering figures radiated power, weapons channeling Vital Energy into gusts. No words needed—the competition had begun.
A blur nearby danced like a hawk, spear flashing like lightning.
"Yu Jing—Swift Hawk", Lin Qi identified their old class's second-place student.
"Qi Yuelin too!"
In the corner, a statuesque beauty in white martial robes captivated onlookers. Her sword wove elegant arcs.
"Blade Finch—third in school", someone whispered.
Across the hall, a two-meter behemoth swung a massive axe, his bear-like frame radiating intimidation.
"Li Zhou—Axe Bear, number one in school."
Besides the top three, others radiated unique auras—all top ten talents, each with traditional nicknames marking their prowess.
"Damn, why do they get cool names while I'm 'Old Black, Part-Time Brother'?" Jiang Tao grumbled.
"Rank top ten first", Lin Qi teased. His own "Fundamental Master" paled against "Swift Hawk", but he knew—strength earned respect. Only the strongest deserved legendary titles.
"Looks like everyone's here!" a voice suddenly called.
...
(End of Chapter)
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