https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-256-Spiritual-Power-Vital-Energy-Breakthrough/13507314/
Chapter 255: Next Targets
Chapter 255: Next Targets (Requesting Monthly Votes)
“You’re welcome!” Lin Qi said, thanking them.
“This is well-earned praise. No need to be modest.”
“Excessive humility is just arrogance.”
Xue Zhou looked at Lin Qi calmly as he spoke.
“Alright then.” Lin Qi felt Xue Zhou was genuinely different—refreshingly insightful.
Picking up his teacup, Xue Zhou continued, “You’re now practically the strongest among your peers in the Xia Kingdom. With your Minor Divine Ability, you’re nearly invincible.”
“You’ve surpassed ordinary prodigies, even outstripping many talents from the Ten Institutes.”
“I watched your final match against Han Zhen. Your Body Constitution isn’t lacking compared to theirs.”
“Except for your slightly weaker martial arts and lack of a unique Vital Force, you’re already on par with a Ten Institute genius.”
Lin Qi nodded. Excluding his unawakened Special Ability, he stood atop humanity’s most gifted. No—far beyond them. His Minor Divine Ability alone had crushed Han Zhen.
“So Lin Qi,” Xue Zhou continued, “you’re a truly unique case.”
Dean Liu set down his empty teacup. “After all, without an awakened Special Ability, you’re a special genius straddling ordinary talents and Ten Institute elites.”
“Once you awaken your Special Ability, you’ll leap into the SS-Rank Genius tier—topping even the Ten Institute’s best.”
Lin Qi nodded. He shared this view—he would awaken his Special Ability eventually. Unfortunately, no one else knew that.
Watching Lin Qi’s expression, Xue Zhou smiled. “You’ve got a long road ahead, Lin Qi.”
“Feeling proud after defeating someone with an awakened Special Ability?”
Dean Liu chimed in, “Defeating Han Zhen made history—it was extraordinary. But don’t get complacent.”
“Han Zhen and Tan Peier weren’t particularly strong to begin with.”
“While the Nine Academies compete in rankings, the Ten Institutes’ geniuses do too.”
“Take Tan Peier—she’s a Psychoflux Wielder. Banning Special Abilities crippled her combat strength. She ranks dead last among Shanyu Martial Academy’s Ten Institute talents.”
“Han Zhen’s similar. He’s one of the Twelve Awakened Special Ability geniuses from our Ten Institute, but others overestimate him. In internal rankings, he’s also last.”
“That’s why they entered the tournament—to dominate weaker opponents and vent frustrations.”
Lin Qi fell silent. He hadn’t known this. Dean Liu’s words rang true.
He’d assumed Han Zhen ranked mid-tier among Ten Institutes. After all, his strength, speed, and martial arts eclipsed most.
Yet here he was, told Han Zhen was dead last. Were Ten Institute geniuses truly this formidable?
“Lin Qi,” Xue Zhou spoke again, “I asked the Deputy Principal yesterday—the top SS-Rank Geniuses in the Ten Institutes have already reached the late third realm of Martial Arts. Some are nearing full mastery.”
Lin Qi fell silent once more. Martial Arts cultivation had Nine Gates, each divided into four sub-stages. The third realm, Skin Tempering Stage, was divided at 60 Vital Energy Stat: early (40), mid (60), late (80), and peak (99.99).
He was only mid-third realm now. Breaking 80 would take time. Yet his peers had already mastered the third realm? His speed was too slow!
Compared to top geniuses, he still fell short.
Seeing his reaction, the two deans knew their warning had landed.
“I understand,” Lin Qi said, raising his cup. “I’m still too weak.”
“Haha, don’t get discouraged.”
“Don’t underestimate yourself,” Xue Zhou said, smiling.
Dean Liu patted Lin Qi’s shoulder. “Keep pushing forward. Our academy spares no effort nurturing talents.”
“We know you’re saving for the Elixir of Regeneration. The prize money from your last two championships might barely cover your cultivation needs.”
Lin Qi didn’t argue. Money flowed faster but evaporated quicker. With nearly 40 million yuan, he needed every coin to catch up.
“Next semester, there’s a worldwide event—the Global Freshman Competition. Every nation’s martial arts universities will compete.”
“The caliber of competitors will be even higher, including Special Ability-awakened geniuses from every country.”
“Nations encourage Ten Institute talents to participate for national honor. Xia Kingdom is no exception—we’ll field the most.”
“This time, you’ll face not just Han Zhen-levels, but top-three Ten Institute elites.”
“Even without Special Abilities, their Body Constitution, martial arts, and unique Vital Forces will dominate.”
“Some might even master Minor Divine Abilities.”
“The prize money will be astronomical—several times the national championship’s.” Dean Liu grinned.
Lin Qi exhaled, conflicted.
The prize was tempting—tripling the 30 million yuan national award would net 90 million yuan, nearly reaching his “small goal.” Enough for the Elixir of Regeneration.
But the competition’s difficulty would skyrocket.
No longer facing one or two Han Zhens, but a pack of superior geniuses—some wielding Minor Divine Abilities. His advantage would vanish.
“Feeling the pressure?” Dean Liu chuckled.
Lin Qi nodded. “Too many experts!”
Xue Zhou patted his shoulder. “Don’t worry—we’ll help. What’s your current Vital Energy Stat?”
Lin Qi checked his Status Panel. “69.”
“That’s lower than I expected. I’ll reserve resources from Dean Liu.”
“Have you heard of the Muscle Changing Elixir?”
Lin Qi nodded. He’d experienced its power—it shaved nearly half a month off his cultivation to reach the third realm.
Standing, Xue Zhou said, “If you raise your Vital Energy Stat above 95 by March next year, I’ll reward you with a resource like the Muscle Changing Elixir—to break into the fourth realm and become a middle-stage Martial Artist!”
Lin Qi’s eyes lit up. “Deal!”
Xue Zhou laughed. “You have my word!”
……
Minutes later, Lin Qi left. The office was now quiet with just Dean Liu and Xue Zhou.
Dean Liu smirked. “How’s my personally chosen genius?”
Xue Zhou sat back. “You got lucky. I bet you didn’t expect Lin Qi’s innate talent to be this strong.”
Dean Liu grinned. “Luck is part of strength.”
“After our carrot-and-stick motivation today, he’ll train harder than ever.”
“In the future, even without awakening, he might become an 8th Stage Martial Artist!”
……
(End of Chapter)
Chapter end
Report
