Chapter 204: The Requirements of the First-Tier Inheritance

Chapter 204: The Requirements of the First-Tier Inheritance

The three of them exited the airport, the ground covered in snow, and the end of January brought an intensely cold winter to the northwest.

"Shi Xiao, you can go back first. I have to meet with the Dean," Li Yang said with a smile. "You've done well on this life-and-death expedition, so when we return to school, you should take some time to relax."

"Yes, teacher," Shi Xiao nodded obediently.

Meet with the Dean? In her mind, there weren't many students in the academy who could meet with the Dean alone.

But she didn't find it strange; on their way back, she had already sensed Li Yang's special treatment of Li Yuan.

It was nothing like how a teacher would treat a student.

"Junior Brother, see you later," Shi Xiao said as she quickly left, leaving Li Yuan and Li Yang behind.

"The Dean wants to see me?" Li Yuan couldn't help but ask.

"With such a big matter, it would be strange if the President didn't want to meet you," Li Yang said with a smile. "The Dean has been waiting for you since early morning. Come with me."

"Yes," Li Yuan responded, deep in thought. It seemed that the impact he had caused was far greater than he had imagined.

...

They boarded a small aircraft and flew through the campus.

Li Yuan felt a sense of inexplicable calm and peace in his heart.

"By the end of the second year, or at the latest, the third year, I'll have to leave school?" Li Yuan thought to himself, still replaying Li Yang's words from earlier.

In fact, ever since his technique had broken through to the fifth level of Heaven-Earth Unity, Li Yuan had been preparing to graduate early.

Most elite students, even those like Senior Brother Yan He from the same faculty who had already become Essence Warriors, could still obtain cultivation resources from the school that exceeded their own abilities.

This was the reason why a few Essence Warrior students still chose to stay in school.

As for himself? Staying in school for an extended period indeed had little significance.

"With my current rate of physical improvement, I estimate that by the end of the second year, I'll reach level 25 and even meet the minimum requirements for an Advanced Essence Warrior," Li Yuan thought to himself.

The difficulty in advancing levels for Essence Warriors lies in the significant gap in physical quality at each level, but the challenge is relative. As one's technique level increases and they awaken a second Star Vessel... Li Yuan's physical improvement speed will only become more terrifying.

"University life?" Li Yuan's gaze swept across the campus.

In reality, during most of his time at school, Li Yuan had been cultivating alone, with little interaction with other students.

However, the state of mind and atmosphere on campus were incomparable to the life-and-death expedition in the Star Realm.

...

Facing the wind and snow, Li Yang and Li Yuan soon arrived at the villa of Dean Hai Xuanzhang.

From a distance, they saw Dean Hai Xuanzhang fishing in the midst of the snowstorm, surrounded by a group of attendants.

"What is the Dean doing?" Li Yuan was taken aback.

"Don't ask," Li Yang's voice sounded in Li Yuan's mind. "If you ask, he'll say that he's not fishing for lake fish but for the fish in his heart. Don't give him the chance to educate you."

Li Yuan was speechless.

Whoosh! Whoosh! The two quickly approached.

"Dean, we're back. On such a cold day, why are you fishing?" Li Yang asked respectfully.

Li Yuan was stunned upon hearing this. Weren't they supposed to not ask?

"You're back?" Dean Hai Xuanzhang's figure moved slightly, and his gaze was serene as he said, "You know nothing. Fishing for lake fish is easy, but fishing for the fish in one's heart is difficult. Once your spirit power breaks through, it will naturally..." He paused.

Dean Hai Xuanzhang suddenly turned his head, staring at Li Yang, his eyes revealing a hint of shock. "Your spirit power has broken through?"

"Yes," Li Yang smiled sheepishly. "Dean, I bought a Soul Infusing Ancient Spirit Fruit from Li Yuan, and with some luck, I managed to break through."

"It's all thanks to your previous advice," Li Yang smiled.

"My advice?" Dean Hai Xuanzhang was taken aback for a moment, but he quickly recovered and laughed. "Haha, I merely mentioned it in passing. It's your own ability."

"This is great news," Dean Hai Xuanzhang said with a smile. "Being able to break through in spirit power ahead of time is a wonderful thing. This will greatly increase your chances of entering the Ascendant Rank."

"It's all thanks to your guidance, Dean," Li Yang smiled.

"You've been eyeing my position as the Dean for quite some time, haven't you?" Dean Hai Xuanzhang suddenly laughed.

Li Yang was taken aback and shook his head repeatedly. "No, Dean, I've never had such thoughts. Not only have I not become an Ascendant Warrior, but even if I did, I would still be under your command."

"No need to explain," Dean Hai Xuanzhang said calmly. "Once you truly break through to the Ascendant Rank, I'll hand over the position to you. I've been sitting in this role for decades, and it's getting a bit tedious."

Before Li Yang could respond,

"Li Yuan," Dean Hai Xuanzhang turned to address him.

"Dean," Li Yuan replied respectfully.

"You all can leave now," Dean Hai Xuanzhang suddenly said to the attendants beside him.

"Yes," the attendants responded and left their tasks.

"Have a seat," Dean Hai Xuanzhang waved his hand, and the two stools on his left flew to the right,

Placing them beside Li Yuan and Li Yang.

This scene caused a slight stir in the hearts of Li Yuan and Li Yang, now with a band and releasing albums.

Having truly mastered the use of the power of heaven and earth.

Materialization!

Both of them sat down, and

"Li Yuan, your performance on this mission was excellent. Not only did your personal strength improve, but you also made a significant contribution to the country. The main officer of the Third Outpost Base in the Mingxu Star Realm, Liu Jingdu, has praised you highly.

Dean Hai Smiles

"Once again, you've helped your teacher break through," Dean Hai said with a smile.

"It's only what I should do," Li Yuan replied respectfully.

"Mmm, regarding the Martial God Heritage quota, I'm sure Lei Yang has mentioned it to you," Dean Hai continued.

"He's mentioned some things," Li Yuan nodded.

"Just now, Principal Fang informed me that you've received approval from White Mountain Star Lord, confirming you'll receive Xia Guo's only Second-Class Heritage quota this year," Dean Hai announced.

"White Mountain Star Lord?" Li Yuan held his breath.

_Star Lord_, a term he'd heard from Lei Yang, representing the highest echelons of the Seven Star Alliance, but he didn't know much about the specific individuals. The gap in status was vast.

But White Mountain?

The name was legendary, known to every Xia Guo citizen, a key figure in Xia Guo's rise to becoming Blue Star's top nation... In the hearts of countless Xia Guo people, his status might even surpass that of Senior Dong Fang Ji.

He was Xia Guo's true pillar.

However, there had been little news about him over the past few decades.

"A Second-Class quota? Does this mean there's a First-Class quota for the Martial God Heritage?" Lei Yang couldn't help but ask curiously, "Could it be that among the Alliance's peers, there's someone with a higher innate talent than Li Yuan?"

"Some things, by right, I shouldn't share, and you're not yet qualified to know, Lei Yang," Dean Hai said casually. "However, since your spiritual power has transformed, I'll mention it: the Martial God Heritage quota has three tiers – Special, First, and Second-Class."

Li Yuan listened intently.

"Normally, elites selected from the upcoming Global University Martial Arts Virtual and Actual Combat, who will first visit Flying Star, would only receive a Second-Class quota," Dean Hai explained.

"Why did I receive a Second-Class quota, then?" Li Yuan asked, curiosity getting the better of him.

"My Xia Guo is Senior Dong Fang Ji's hometown, granting us a privilege," Dean Hai replied matter-of-factly. "Each year, we can directly select one quota. This privilege is only shared by Senior Dong Fang Ji's and Lante's hometowns."

Li Yuan's eyes widened in understanding.

Lante, the first in Seven Star human civilization to surpass the Flying Level, a crucial figure in saving human civilization.

Senior Dong Fang Ji, the undisputed strongest in the current civilization.

It made sense that their hometowns would have such privileges.

"Had it not been for you, this year's selection might have been Dantai Feng," Dean Hai added.

Li Yuan couldn't help but smile, wondering if he had taken Dantai Feng's quota.

"Couldn't Li Yuan directly apply for a First-Class quota with his innate talent?" Lei Yang asked, his curiosity getting the better of him.

Li Yuan glanced at his teacher, thinking, _Is it okay to ask such a direct question?_

"Do you think your innate talent is exceptional, Li Yuan?" Dean Hai asked with a smile.

"No, I don't dare to," Li Yuan shook his head.

"Your talent is indeed remarkable, with a nearly flawless performance over the past year," Dean Hai praised. "Considering all of human history, you're among the top tier at your age, comparable to Fang Hai in his youth. That's why you were directly granted a Second-Class quota."

Li Yuan was at a loss for words.

"Your talent is high, but don't think you're one-of-a-kind," Dean Hai cautioned with a smile. "Throughout history, there have been those with Flying Level spiritual power at the First Stage... In fact, I know Senior Dong Fang Ji can elevate any First Stage warrior's spiritual power to the Flying Level."

"That's incredibly powerful," Li Yuan's mind reeled.

Too extraordinary.

"Having strong spiritual power alone isn't significant," Dean Hai continued. "Like Flying Level warriors, each with a Flying Level soul, many struggle to surpass the Sixth Stage in their techniques."

"Even an ordinary First Stage warrior with a Flying Level soul might only become a top-tier Source Warrior."

"Spiritual power is an amplifier of one's understanding."

Li Yuan listened attentively.

"Like you, your techniques have progressed rapidly, and spiritual power is crucial, but not the decisive factor," Dean Hai said casually. "Even with ordinary spiritual power, your understanding would still shine through after numerous trials, eventually reaching the Flying Level, and perhaps even surpassing it."

"However, your growth speed would be much slower," Dean Hai smiled.

Li Yuan silently acknowledged the high praise from Dean Hai.

"You've performed well, but you're still too weak, too immature."

"A First-Class quota... will depend on your future performance, both before and after visiting Flying Star," Dean Hai continued. "In reality, for you now, the difference between Special, First, and Second-Class quotas isn't significant."

"Once you truly grasp the Martial God Heritage quota, you'll naturally understand."

"Although not explicitly stated, there's an unwritten rule for First-Class Heritage quotas," Dean Hai revealed with a subtle smile. "It's only granted to the most exceptional Source Warriors across the civilization, with one condition: as a Source Warrior, they must defeat a Flying Level alien."

"A Source Warrior, defeating a Flying Level alien?" Li Yuan's eyes widened, _That's incredibly daunting!_

First Class is so powerful.

What about Special Class?

"In all of Xia Guo, only Yu Jing He has achieved it," Dean Hai explained. "That's why he's known as the number one genius of our generation in Xia Guo."

"Below the Flying Heaven level, it's the younger generation's turn."

"The Flying Heaven Warriors are the true pillars and powerhouses of our civilization."

"I understand," Li Yuan said, deeply moved.

The Origin Source Warriors slay the Flying Heaven aliens.

So, this is the standard for the First Class Martial God Heritage slots.

From what Dean Hai implied, there seem to be quite a few such peerless geniuses in our civilization?

"Combat power is one of the criteria, but there are many other considerations, such as potential, age, and temperament," Dean Hai explained. "For exceptional geniuses like you, we've been secretly observing and evaluating various aspects."

"Mmm," Li Yuan listened intently, already having a sense of this.

"The test you're about to face is the Global University Martial Arts Virtual Competition," Dean Hai said with a smile. "At your age, a one-year difference in strength can be significant."

"You're very young, so no one will blame you if you don't get first place."

"But as the designated Second Class Martial God Heritage candidate, a poor performance will disappoint many high-ranking members of the Alliance." Dean Hai looked at Li Yuan.

Li Yuan felt the pressure mounting.

Disappointment?

The early designation represented honor and expectation but also carried the burden of high expectations.

"My goal for you is to break into the global top ten, aiming for the top five," Dean Hai smiled. "Anything higher would be too much to ask and put unnecessary pressure on you."

Top ten? Top five? Li Yuan silently repeated to himself.

"You don't seem entirely convinced," Dean Hai said with a smile.

"No, I'm not," Li Yuan replied with a laugh.

"Having ambition is a good thing. If you can aim higher, I'll be happy to see it," Dean Hai said. "Before the virtual competition, the school will provide you with all the information they've gathered on Fifth Stage masters."

"But you know, many people's information is confidential," Dean Hai continued with a smile. "Like your breakthrough to the Fifth Stage, most people aren't aware of it."

"There are many formidable students who might have made astonishing progress after a year."

Li Yuan nodded, understanding that everyone's experiences and encounters were unique.

He had the Mind Palace, but others might also possess powerful techniques.

One should never underestimate anyone.

"Go ahead," Dean Hai said with a smile. "The global preliminaries will start on February 8th."

"There's still some time. Work hard, and you can significantly improve your strength."

Soon, Dean Hai watched as Li Yuan and Li Yang left.

"Second Class? I thought I could be an exception and get First Class," Dean Hai muttered to himself. "Senior Dong Fang Ji is really not pulling his weight."

"Not even giving face in front of his teacher."

...

Li Yang accompanied Li Yuan back to his villa.

Along the way, Li Yang said, "According to our information, you and Jin Heguo are the only Fifth Stage masters in the school. So, our hopes rest on you two."

"Me and Senior Brother Jin?" Li Yuan nodded slightly. Last year, Senior Brother Jin had entered the global top hundred while still a sophomore.

This year, it was Senior Brother Jin's last chance to participate in the Global University Martial Arts Competition, and he would undoubtedly give it his all.

"Don't feel too pressured," Li Yang said. "The 'real' Global University Martial Arts Competition is in June, and we'll head to the Flying Star in July. With your rate of progress, even if you're not the strongest right now, there's still hope to surpass them once we reach the Flying Star."

"Yes, teacher," Li Yuan replied.

Li Yang quickly left, and Li Yuan stood in front of his residence, deep in thought.

"Top ten? Top five?"

"Not as strong as the top few?" Li Yuan murmured to himself, his eyes gleaming with determination. "It seems that neither Dean Hai nor Teacher Li Yang believe I can make it to the top three or even first place."

But Li Yuan's heart was filled with ambition.

With a clank, Li Yuan entered his villa.

...

When Li Yuan returned to Kunlun Martial University, at the Starfire University located outside the capital of Xia Guo, a vast area of villas for third-year students, one unassuming villa stood out.

In the underground martial arts training room, a woman in a purple training uniform silently practiced her sword techniques. Her sword movements were graceful, blending seamlessly with the surrounding environment.

Suddenly, an assistant AI spoke up, "Master, Principal Yu is calling."

"Answer it," the woman in purple sheathed her sword and responded in a deep voice.

With a whoosh, countless rays of light converged, forming a massive holographic projection of a middle-aged man in a suit.

"Principal Yu," the woman in purple bowed slightly.

"Yin Man, I'm calling to inform you that our Xia Guo's Second Class Martial God Heritage slot for this year has been confirmed," the middle-aged man's eyes flashed with a complex expression.

"It's not you."

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end