https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-42-The-Classification-of-Geniuses/13506773/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-44-Practicing-Tiger-and-Crane-Simultaneously/13506775/
Chapter 43: The Mountain of Debt
Chapter 43: The Mountain of Debt (Please Keep Reading)
Fang Huiyi gazed into Lin Qi’s eyes—sharp, deep, and brimming with an intangible aura that made him seem almost intimidating. She froze for a moment, struck by how much her son had changed.
Without realizing it, her son had already grown into someone unrecognizable.
“Yes… you’ve truly grown up!”
Fang Huiyi smiled faintly before continuing,
“I used to treat you like a child, hiding things from you to protect you. But now, it’s time I told you the truth.”
“For the past decade or so, we’ve borrowed around 1.25 million Xia Kingdom Credits from your uncle’s family.”
“We’ve always wanted to repay the debt, but the amount just kept snowballing.”
“Your aunt hasn’t been happy about it,” she sighed.
Lin Qi’s heart clenched. That much debt? His uncle had stayed silent all these years—what a genuinely kind person. His aunt too, for merely complaining instead of lashing out. Most families would’ve severed ties by now.
“Besides your uncle’s debt, your father and I maxed out our credit cards and online loans to cover my medical expenses.”
“At first, we could manage small repayments, but after my collapse last summer, we had no choice but to cycle new loans to pay old ones.”
“Together, your father and I owe just over a million credits. He knows the exact figures.” Fang Huiyi’s voice grew softer, tinged with guilt and apology.
For a martial artist like Lin Qi’s mother, a million-credit debt wasn’t shocking, but it was still crushing. Lin Qi calculated silently—the interest alone on that sum would be astronomical.
“Don’t worry, Mom. I’ll clear every debt.”
“And I’ll make sure you recover fully,” Lin Qi reassured her.
Fang Huiyi lifted her head, nodding firmly, “I believe you, Xiao Qi.”
Looking at his frail mother, Lin Qi’s heart tightened. He couldn’t imagine the agony and pressure she’d endured.
When he was three, a spatial rift had erupted near Rongshan Residential District, between the Second High School and the University District, unleashing savage Disaster Beasts. His family had been caught there during the attack.
To protect him, his father Lin Zhen—a Third-Circle Martial Artist—had his arm torn off by a wolfhound beast. Fang Huiyi had been struck by venom from a Darkwing Bat, a third-tier Disaster Beast. Her blood and organs had been corroded, barely saved, but the toxins never fully purged. Her immune system shattered, she survived only through daily medications. Periodic toxin surges still sent her to the hospital for costly, temporary treatments.
“I may have both parents, but my family’s situation isn’t much better than Taozi’s,” Lin Qi mused bitterly.
Minutes later, Fang Huiyi, exhausted, retreated to her room. Lin Qi lay in bed, mind racing.
Their total debt: 2.25 million credits. The monthly interest alone was a crushing burden. Repaying it all wouldn’t be easy. With only dozens of thousands in savings, he barely had a drop in the ocean.
“I need a way to pay off the debts without derailing my cultivation. But unless I find more money…”
Lin Qi knew money was never enough. His options? Apply for a higher Genius Loan—interest-free, repayable after graduation—or sign a contract with one of the three Martial Arts Pavilions. Their D, C, B, and A-tier contracts offered escalating payouts. Either path demanded he prove his innate talent.
Clutching his fist, he set his resolve and drifted to sleep.
---
Martial Arts Era 2045, October 10th.
Martial Arts Class.
Zhang Cheng’s roar echoed across the training hall.
“Newcomer Xu Chenhui! You’re in the Elite Class now—my rules are the rules!!”
“Stop your current sword form. Do a hundred reps of basic sword drills. Your technique’s weak—where’s your foundation? What kind of Martial Arts Instructor trained you?!”
Xu Chenhui’s face flushed crimson, breath ragged. He looked ready to snap, but after a tense pause, he turned and stormed off, his anger cooling into grim realization. He’d heard rumors about the Elite Class’s harsh instructors, but this was worse than expected.
The onlookers groaned, dispersing as the drama fizzled. Zhang Cheng smirked, then shifted his attention to Lin Qi.
Studying Lin Qi, his expression grew complex. The boy’s talent impressed him—Lin Qi corrected mistakes instantly, lacking only skill refinement. For once, Zhang Cheng couldn’t find a flaw to yell at.
“Teacher, I have a question,” Lin Qi spoke up.
“Oh? What is it?”
“How can I boost my Vital Energy Stat? I need more strength,” Lin Qi asked.
Zhang Cheng shook his head. “Too vague.”
“To increase Vital Energy, you rely on innate talent, effort, and resources. But I bet you’re asking about shortcuts beyond those three factors.”
“Exactly!” Lin Qi nodded.
Zhang Cheng grinned. “Knew you’d ask that.”
“Training Harmony Stance builds Vital Energy, but basic stances alone won’t maximize efficiency. That’s where Five Elements Boxing comes in.”
“The higher your Fist Techniques skill, the more efficiently you refine your body—and the better control you gain. That’s critical.”
“Fist Techniques?” Lin Qi frowned thoughtfully.
“There’s a trick most know but can’t use,” Zhang Cheng smirked.
“If you master two of the Five Animal Forms, your refinement efficiency and Fist Techniques rank will skyrocket.”
“You’re learning the Tiger Form from Five Elements Boxing. Add the Crane Form, and alternating between them will supercharge your progress.”
Lin Qi’s eyes lit up. So the Five Elements Boxing hid such a technique!
“But!” Zhang Cheng’s tone sharpened.
“This only works for rare geniuses. Mastering one Fist Technique takes years—waste time, and you’ll fall behind.”
“But if you’re confident in your talent… go for the Crane Form!” Zhang Cheng grinned at Lin Qi.
“Understood. Thank you, Teacher!” Lin Qi bowed gratefully.
As Zhang Cheng walked off, Lin Qi stood still, recalling the Crane Form’s techniques.
Everyone learned the Five Elements Boxing’s Five Animal Forms in basics, but most focused on a single form post-training. Lin Qi had followed suit.
Zhang Cheng said dual mastery required elite talent. Lin Qi smirked—his innate gift was no ordinary one. If he couldn’t handle it, no one could.
He shifted into stance, abandoning his familiar Three-Body posture for the Crane Form’s new sequence.
(End of Chapter)
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