https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-28-Li-Changzhou-I-m-Not-Dead-Yet/12972675/
Chapter 27: C-Rank and D-Rank Contracts
Chapter 27: C-Rank and D-Rank Contracts
"Enough."
Zhong Cheng, dressed in a black suit, spoke with a hint of excitement, "His Martial Skills are improving rapidly, and it's definitely related to his Mental Energy, but the most crucial factor is his innate understanding of spear techniques."
"He's only just turned seventeen... There's a huge difference compared to those who enter the Bluestar Youth Rankings at almost nineteen years old."
"To be so young and have such high proficiency in spear techniques is remarkable."
Zhong Cheng took a deep breath and said, "His spear techniques have a great chance of breaking through to the fourth rank in the future. His Mental Energy is exceptionally strong, and once his physical strength improves further, his Mental Energy will likely surpass the 20-grade level very soon."
"Becoming a Source Warrior has two major hurdles, but for Li Yuan's future, it's not a problem at all." Zhong Cheng turned to look at Song Yi.
As a formal member of the Starlight Martial Hall, Zhong Cheng was very familiar with the hall's operations.
He knew very well that the value invested in advance-contracted probationary members was at least tens of millions of Blue Star Coins, or even more.
To invest such a high cost and only cultivate a first-rank Warrior with a physical quality of a dozen grades was simply not cost-effective.
The purpose of advance contracts and focused cultivation was singular—to cultivate Source Warriors.
Song Yi, for instance, was a Source Warrior.
It was because of her formidable strength that Song Yi could secure the position of Deputy Palace Master in the Guan Shan District's Martial Hall.
"To become a Source Warrior, there are three major hurdles." Song Yi smiled slightly, "For most people, the most challenging aspect is Mental Energy, as it primarily relies on talent."
Zhong Cheng nodded in agreement.
Physical quality not high enough? It could be enhanced with external objects; there were many treasures, and in theory, anyone with enough money could meet the physical requirements of a Warrior.
Martial Skills? It depended on understanding, but with guidance from a renowned master, improvement would be swift.
Mental Energy? Treasures that enhanced Mental Energy were exorbitantly priced, beyond the imagination of even Source Warriors, so it was essentially reliant on talent.
And now, in the eyes of Zhong Cheng and Song Yi, Li Yuan was one of those with exceptional Mental Energy talent.
Coupled with his spear technique proficiency, he was worth cultivating!
"Should we contact him this week?" Zhong Cheng asked, "Should we invite him to the Martial Hall?"
"That's too hasty." Song Yi shook her head.
Zhong Cheng was taken aback and felt a sense of urgency.
Why did they want him to contact Li Changzhou immediately, only to say it was too rushed now?
"I asked you to contact him right away because I was afraid the Martial Bureau or the Starfire Martial Hall would catch wind of it and take the lead." Song Yi picked up the coffee beside her and stirred it gently, "But now we're almost certain no one has contacted him."
"Li Yuan is a child, and he might agree on impulse, but his uncle, Li Changzhou, isn't stupid."
"If we approach them now, they'll definitely demand better contract terms."
"So, let's leave him hanging for a few days."
"When they realize that we're the only ones interested, negotiations will naturally become smoother." Song Yi smiled.
"Lower the offer?" Zhong Cheng frowned slightly.
Lowering the offer wasn't a good choice.
After all, Warriors themselves represented martial prowess, and martial power was the source of all authority.
Lowering the offer during advance contract negotiations could lead to backlash once the other party became powerful.
"Lower the offer first." Song Yi smiled faintly and then uttered three more words, "Then, raise it again."
"Create a disparity in treatment."
"This way, we can demonstrate the Starlight Martial Hall's value for talent and also make Li Yuan feel grateful." Song Yi smiled, "Additionally, I'll leave this contract matter to you."
"At most, I'll give you C-rank contract authority. Don't disappoint me."
"Thank you, Song Palace Master." Zhong Cheng nodded repeatedly, "I'll definitely handle this matter well."
...
At night, around nine o'clock, Li Yuan finished his cultivation and took the unmanned tram back home from school.
Auntie had been waiting for him on the sofa.
"Auntie!" Li Yuan called out.
"You're back? Drink the Energy Milk first; it's on the table, freshly prepared." Auntie said.
"Okay." Li Yuan nodded.
Except for Sundays when he ate at home, Li Yuan's three meals a day were usually at school from Monday to Saturday.
Auntie was always concerned that Li Yuan's evening cultivation might be too intense, so every night, she would prepare a cup of Energy Milk on time.
Li Yuan picked up the cup from the dining table and sat down in the living room.
"Auntie, with the two months' living expenses Uncle gave me, plus the money I received today, I estimate it will last until February, so you don't need to give me more for now." Li Yuan spoke up while drinking the milk.
"Alright." Chen Hui smiled, watching Li Yuan drink the milk with gusto.
She had always been very satisfied with Li Yuan.
Obedient and sensible, his occasional displays of maturity made him seem far beyond his years, always putting her at ease.
As Li Yuan grew older, his Martial Skills also improved significantly.
What had always worried Chen Hui was her husband's inability to provide sufficient financial support for Li Yuan.
This time, Li Yuan had earned two bonuses on his own, which somewhat relieved her.
"Your uncle sent me a message." Chen Hui said, "The Starlight Martial Hall intends to sign an advance contract with you. What do you think?"
"Let's look at the conditions for the Stellar Combat Palace." Li Yuan put down his empty cup and pondered for a moment, "However, if the Martial Hall is willing to offer a special recruitment, I'd still prefer to go that route."
"Yes."
"It's best to go with the special recruitment," Chen Hui said with satisfaction. "A special recruitment is like reserving a spot in one of the Five Great Academies, and after graduation, you're guaranteed a job placement. You might even get a direct entry into the Municipal Martial Bureau."
As a high school teacher, Chen Hui had a clear understanding of special recruitments and wished for Li Yuan to take that path.
In her opinion, not only did a national special recruitment guarantee job placement, but it was also much safer as long as one didn't enter the military sequence.
However, if he signed with a Martial Palace, the future would be uncertain.
Martial Palace members were at the forefront of the Star Realm battlefield, with a casualty rate no less than that of martial warriors.
"I'll listen to you, Auntie," Li Yuan smiled, understanding his aunt's concerns.
Li Yuan had his own considerations as well.
The three major Martial Palaces gathered a large number of martial artists, forming the most powerful martial artist group, which even the nation couldn't rival.
In terms of martial cultivation, choosing a Martial Palace would lead to faster progress, but it was often more dangerous.
On the other hand, a special recruitment from the Martial Hall would provide an administrative position, which would be the best option for his family.
With the nation's resources, his martial progress wouldn't be slow either.
...
Li Yuan was filled with anticipation.
However, the subsequent developments completely exceeded his expectations.
Except for the day after he entered the Bluestar Youth Rankings, the Stellar Combat Palace contacted his uncle, Li Changzhou, once.
After that, there was no news.
Not only did the Stellar Combat Palace go silent, but the Martial Hall and the Starfire Martial Palace didn't show any signs either; no one came to find him... Days passed one by one.
In the blink of an eye, more than half a month had gone by.
Time arrived in mid-October.
Even with Li Yuan's calm personality, waiting for so long left him confused.
That day, at noon, Li Changzhou called him.
"Xiao Yuan."
"Uncle Zhong sent me a message today. He felt a bit embarrassed, which is why there hasn't been any news for so many days. He's in charge of signings at the Martial Palace." In the video projection, Li Changzhou spoke solemnly, "He really wants to sign you."
"Hmm," Li Yuan nodded slightly.
Zhong Cheng and Uncle Li Changzhou were longtime friends; there was no doubt about that.
"But your issue lies in your martial spirit. So, his application was held up during the second review, and now the Martial Palace's higher-ups are discussing it," Li Changzhou looked at Li Yuan, "But a decision will be made in the next couple of days."
"A decision in the next few days? Because of my martial spirit?" Li Yuan listened silently.
Was it because of his martial spirit again?
"Don't be discouraged. Uncle Zhong also said that he'll do his best to fight for you," Li Changzhou said, "Let's think positively. Even if it doesn't work out, don't be disappointed."
"Don't slack off in your cultivation either," Li Changzhou instructed.
"Don't worry, Uncle. I cultivate martial arts not just for an early signing with the Stellar Combat Palace," Li Yuan smiled, "By then, even if they want to sign me, I might not agree."
He hung up the video call.
The smile on Li Yuan's face faded.
Standing in the 4011 Martial Arts Room.
"Martial spirit?"
"Just because it hasn't awakened, does that mean the Martial Hall and the Starfire Martial Palace won't give me any chance at all?"
"Perhaps, without Uncle Zhong, the Stellar Combat Palace wouldn't have given me a sliver of hope," Li Yuan gripped his long spear, his gaze turning silent, "Without a suitable high-rank cultivation technique, is there no hope of becoming a powerful martial artist?"
Neither Li Yuan nor Li Changzhou had considered that the Stellar Combat Palace might have done this intentionally.
After all, compared to the Starfire Martial Palace and the Martial Hall, these two parties hadn't given any news at all.
"Rip!"
Li Yuan suddenly thrust his spear with terrifying force, almost creating an afterimage. Following that, spear shadows transformed in the air, exploding with sharp howls.
Suddenly, two prompts flashed across Li Yuan's vision.
[Your spear technique has improved from 56% of the third stage to 57% of the third stage.]
[Your life tier has increased from 6.8 to 6.9.]
...
The next day, as it approached 10 PM in the evening.
Li Yuan, who was in his room, received a video call.
"Zhong Shu." Li Yuan's eyes lit up slightly.
He answered the call.
~ A middle-aged man in casual home attire appeared in the projection, looking energetic.
"Uncle Zhong." Li Yuan smiled.
"Xiao Yuan." Zhong Cheng smiled, "I'm calling you so late, I hope I didn't disturb you."
"No."
"Good." Zhong Cheng's face carried a smile, as if he was feeling a bit sentimental, "I have some good news to tell you. Your signing application has been approved at the meeting. It's a D-rank contract."
"Approved?" Li Yuan's eyes brightened, "Thank you, Uncle Zhong."
He had already prepared himself for rejection.
"Don't thank me, it's your excellence."
"Come to the Martial Palace on Sunday at 9 AM, and we'll discuss the specific terms," Zhong Cheng smiled, "Is that okay?"
"No problem."
(End of Chapter)
Chapter end
Report
