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Chapter 47: The Underestimated Lin Qi
Chapter 47: The Underestimated Lin Qi (Please Continue Reading)
"I understand."
Lin Qi remained composed, showing no surprise at the news.
Dongfang Qi, however, was taken aback. She’d been a talent scout for years, negotiating with dozens of prodigies. Even if they tried to hide it, most couldn’t suppress the excitement in their eyes when offered a contract.
But Lin Qi? No reaction at all. His expression revealed nothing.
She felt genuinely shocked.
"Let’s hear the contract details."
Two coffees arrived. Lin Qi took a sip, the bitterness spreading across his tongue as Dongfang Qi pulled out her tablet and handed it to him. The screen displayed: C-Rank Contract.
"Based on our Martial Arts Pavilion’s evaluation, we’ve classified you as a C-tier prodigy. This C-Rank contract includes 1.5 million Xia Kingdom credits and 1 million in resources, totaling 2.5 million credits, sustained until your university graduation—five years."
"It also grants you a 15% discount at the Martial Arts Supermarkets under our Abyssal Maw Martial Arts Gym."
"Our Abyssal Maw Gym offers the most generous terms", Dongfang Qi said proudly, flashing a confident smile.
Lin Qi nodded. As Jiang Tao had predicted, Abyssal Maw had deep pockets. Their C-Rank offer surpassed Crimson Heaven and Black Radiance’s by 500,000 credits—equivalent to a Second-Class Genius Loan, gifted freely for five years.
"Lin Qi, you won’t find better terms than Abyssal Maw’s", Dongfang Qi pressed, her gaze expectant.
"Hmm", Lin Qi set his cup down slowly. "I’ll need to think about it."
"What?" Dongfang Qi blinked, stunned. Think about it? Just sign already!
This was her first time facing hesitation. Others leaped at C-Rank contracts, terrified the offer might vanish. Yet here he was, wavering like he had options. Only B- or A-tier prodigies dared to negotiate. Did this C-ranker truly believe himself exceptional?
"Dissatisfied?" she asked, her smile strained.
"Yes", Lin Qi admitted bluntly.
"Eh...?" Her composure cracked.
"Given your innate talent, a C-Rank is already optimal", she insisted. "You’re not dreaming of a B-Rank, are you? Even Crimson Heaven or Black Radiance would only offer C-tier. Don’t chase illusions."
Her tone turned stern, though she masked it with forced patience.
Lin Qi’s phone buzzed. He stood. "Let me consider it. Thanks for the coffee." He turned and left, vanishing from her sight.
"This Lin Qi… so ungrateful! Thinks he’s a B-tier prodigy? Wait till he comes crawling back", Dongfang Qi muttered, sipping her coffee with disdain.
---
Half an hour later
"Lin Qi, a B-Rank contract is impossible", another scout reiterated. "Please reconsider."
Stepping out of a different café, Lin Qi squinted at the sunlight.
"As expected, no one’s offering B-tier", he mused. "Crimson Vault probably won’t either."
Returning to his Martial Arts Training Hall, he changed into his training uniform, downed an energy elixir, and gripped his training spear. Heat surged through his body as he began, the weapon slicing the air.
"Shshsh!"
The spear pierced the air like arrows, its force creating gusts of wind.
His mind wandered to the failed negotiations with Abyssal Maw and Black Radiance. None had budged from C-tier. He’d anticipated this. They saw no B-tier potential in him.
But he knew otherwise. His potential could secure an A-Rank contract.
Still, there was time. Contracts weren’t time-bound—some waited months. With over 700,000 credits remaining, he could last until midterms. By then, his power would silence doubts.
If funds ran low, he’d sign immediately. Prioritize survival first, upgrade later.
"Strength means choice", he thought, sharpening his focus.
He recalled their dismissive smirks when he hesitated. Two lifetimes’ worth of pride bristled at their condescension.
"Frustrating", he growled.
He needed more power. A better contract. To become a top-tier prodigy. Because when you’re strong enough, even disdain becomes respect.
"Roar!"
A tiger-like roar erupted as his spear lunged.
Collapse Thrust! Spiral Sunder! Leap Sky!
Technique after technique surged, his power intensifying.
Crack!
The spear’s tip tore space, howling like thunder. His body burned with energy.
[Training boosted your proficiency in the Mountain-Shattering Spear Method! Spear Techniques +2%]
[Body Training proficiency increased! Body Techniques +1%]
[Spear Techniques: 1st Stage 94% → 96%]
[Body Techniques: 1st Stage 90% → 91%]
---
"Phew."
Lin Qi tightened his grip on the spear, studying his status panel. His spear arts teetered on the edge of the Second Stage. Soon, he’d breakthrough—a feat few at Tianhai No.2 High achieved.
Reinvigorated, he resumed training.
---
Three Days Later
Principal Jiang Zhiguang frowned at the holographic screen in his office.
"Who’d have thought? Bailu City’s bold enough to challenge our martial arts exchange."
"Normally, we Tianhai play among ourselves. Now this inter-city competition? They’re serious", he muttered.
Zhang Cheng lounged on the sofa, legs crossed, studying the same screen.
"This martial arts exhibition involves ten elite schools. Now it’s not just about school pride—it’s Tianhai’s honor at stake."
"If we lose, we’ll be humiliated", Zhang Cheng said grimly.
"Precisely. We must win. That’s where you come in, old Zhang", Jiang Zhiguang urged.
"Leave it to me", Zhang Cheng grinned.
---
(End of Chapter)
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