https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-44-Practicing-Tiger-and-Crane-Simultaneously/13506775/
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Chapter 45: The Strengths and Weaknesses of the Three Martial Arts Pavilions
Chapter 45: The Strengths and Weaknesses of the Three Martial Arts Pavilions (Please Continue Reading)
Tianhai City Martial Arts Education Bureau.
Director’s Office.
The walls, constructed from specialized materials, maintained the room at an optimal temperature. At the center stood a broad desk dominating the space. Its glass surface, reinforced and scratch-resistant, housed an integrated projection system. Designed for ergonomic efficiency, the chair behind it adjusted to support the director’s posture as he worked.
A tall, resolute middle-aged man sat motionless, his sharp eyes fixed on data tables flickering across the screen. His hair was brushed straight back, exuding disciplined energy.
“Approved.”
“Rejected.”
His fingers swiped through applications with practiced efficiency. One final request appeared. His brows furrowed.
“Lin Qi from Tianhai No.2 High School—old Jiang’s student. That kid always overestimates his rank.”
He sighed with a wry smile, opening Lin Qi’s file. Detailed records unfolded: Three months ago, ranked 100th in his grade. Now 18th.
“Solid potential, but not quite top-tier material yet.” The director paused, then typed his verdict. “Monitor his progress. If he cracks top ten by midterms, we’ll reconsider for a first-class Genius Loan.”
As the city’s top martial arts official, such decisions were routine. After closing the file, he opened another report—
Recent data shows Bai Lu City’s martial artists have narrowed the gap with Tianhai, even surpassing us in certain categories.
Scarlet Realm integration accelerates. They’ve begun planning martial arts exchange programs within the Realm.
Their ambition outpaces ours. Tianhai risks stagnation if we remain complacent.
The director shook his head grimly.
---
Moments later, in the adjacent office area—
“Ping!”
A new file materialized before clerk Li, who skimmed it eagerly.
“Genius Loan approvals—”
His eyes widened as Lin Qi’s name appeared. “First-class approval? Hah, knew it!”
Nearby, a female colleague gasped, “That’s impossible! This must be a mistake!”
“Fake data,” another murmured. “I’m filing a complaint!”
Li smirked. “The director himself reviewed it.”
“You’re saying the director’s incompetent?”
The room fell silent.
“Don’t underestimate people,” Li muttered, chuckling.
---
A week passed swiftly.
Martial Arts Classroom.
“Thud! Thud!”
Lin Qi’s arms slashed like cranes’ wings, the air cracking with each Crane Talon strike. He danced between offensive and defensive stances, muscles burning as Vital Energy seeped into every fiber of his body. Sweat dripped from his brow, yet his energy surged endlessly.
Tiger Form Fist!
Crane Form Fist!
Alternating the opposing techniques felt like unlocking hidden mechanics. Each strike targeted different muscle groups—separate systems, combined.
A roar tore from his throat. Heat blazed through his chest.
[Your Vital Energy stat has improved. +0.05]
[Your Fist Techniques proficiency increases. +1%]
[Vital Energy: 8.4 → 8.45]
[Fist Techniques: Second Stage 13% → 14%]
---
Lin Qi staggered, arms trembling. He guzzled an Energy Brew, checking the clock.
“Time to eat.”
---
Evening Study Session.
Students buzzed with gossip.
“I signed with Abyssal Maw! D-tier contract.”
“Lucky! I only got offers from second-rate pavilions.”
“Black Radiance gave me C-tier!”
A smug voice interrupted, “B-tier. Qiu Jie, tenth in the grade—of course!”
Lin Qi listened quietly.
“Jiang Tao,” his desk-mate whispered, “any pavilions contact you?”
“Just minor ones. Rejected all.”
Jiang Tao grinned. “The big three will come around. Let me explain their differences.”
He sketched three circles on paper.
“Crimson Heaven, Abyssal Maw, Black Radiance—all founded by our nation’s Nine Realm Titleholders. Crimson Vault, created by Red Emperor, reigns supreme in prestige but demands perfection. Abyssal Maw lacks Crimson’s reputation but dwarfs them financially—backed by corporate giants. Black Radiance offers comparable pay to Crimson but sets the lowest performance bars. Perfect for borderline talents.”
Jiang Tao leaned back. “For someone like me, it’s just about whose offer screams the loudest. Whatever you pick, I’m following.”
Lin Qi nodded thoughtfully. His situation was unique—Innate Talent required nurturing. The big three might only offer C-tier contracts now, but rankings could rise. He’d wait for the best offer.
(End of Chapter)
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