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Chapter 49: The Invitation from the Martial Arts University
Chapter 49: The Invitation from the Martial Arts University
Last September.
When Teacher Xu Bo helped negotiate for the second-class scholarship, he promised Li Yuan that if he broke into the top ten in his grade, he would reward him with a first-class scholarship of 100,000 Blue Star Coins.
If he made it into the top five, he would receive a special scholarship of 500,000 Blue Star Coins.
"Just one person ahead of me," Li Yuan sighed inwardly.
He didn't feel particularly disappointed, as he had already given it his all, and there was no point in dwelling on it further.
After all, he couldn't expect others to underperform.
"This is enough."
"At least, I can get 100,000 Blue Star Coins," Li Yuan thought to himself. "Moreover, a few days ago, I met the Left Pavilion Master at the Martial Palace, and he mentioned that the commendations and rewards from the Martial Affairs Bureau and the Martial Palace are coming soon. I should be able to get a considerable amount of money."
Li Yuan's bank account currently held a substantial amount of Blue Star Coins and Martial Palace Points.
However, his martial arts cultivation was like a money pit, and his expenses were mounting quickly.
Naturally, he had to come up with a solution.
"Li Yuan, keep up the good work," Teacher Chen, standing on the podium, glanced at Li Yuan and continued, "I hope that other students will learn from Li Yuan's example."
"I'll now announce the martial arts scores of the rest of the class, so pay attention."
"Li Tianyou, 685 points," Teacher Chen announced.
Li Tianyou closely followed Li Yuan, ranking second in the class based on martial arts scores.
However, despite his second-place ranking, the difference in scores between him and Li Yuan was astonishing.
"685 points?" Li Tianyou's expression slightly improved.
But it still wasn't very pleasant.
685 points, combined with his academic conversion score of 59 points, resulted in a total martial arts score of 744 points. With this score, the prospect of getting into a martial arts university was quite slim.
"Is it that I haven't worked hard enough?" Li Tianyou clenched his fist in frustration, feeling a sense of discontent. "If I had more cultivation resources and guidance from teachers, my score would definitely be higher."
Li Tianyou wasn't foolish.
He trained relentlessly, to the point where his body struggled to keep up. The occasional well-intentioned reminders from his classmates didn't go unnoticed, but he felt helpless.
What else could he do when his family couldn't afford more?
"Gu Yaoyao, 664 points," Teacher Chen continued to announce the scores.
Most of the students' martial arts scores didn't fluctuate much, as martial arts cultivation required both talent and ample resources.
While academic exams occasionally allowed for moments of brilliance and exceptional performance, martial arts assessments only offered two possibilities: performing as expected or underperforming.
There was no room for exceptional performance.
The strong remained strong, and the weak remained weak.
...
After announcing the scores, Teacher Chen proceeded to distribute the exam papers and review the questions.
Li Yuan listened attentively.
"I already spend less time on academic studies, so I must pay close attention during class," Li Yuan thought to himself. "If I want to get into one of the Five Great Academies, I need to fight for every point. If I can raise my academic score even higher, my chances will significantly improve."
The saying, 'One point can make a thousand fall,' was never an empty phrase.
Take Li Yuan's case, for instance.
His total martial arts score surpassing 900 points, along with a ten-point increase in his academic conversion score, played a significant role in his success.
...
At ten o'clock, the class took a fifteen-minute break.
Teacher Chen first posted three score sheets on the 'Scoreboard' next to the blackboard and then turned to address the class, "Li Yuan, Li Tianyou, and Wang Zihan, please come to my office."
"The rest of you, class dismissed."
Immediately.
The students rushed to the scoreboard like a tidal wave, eager to check their rankings.
Earlier, Teacher Chen had only announced the scores without revealing the complete rankings.
The score sheets displayed the rankings within the grade, district, and the entire city.
"It's confirmed! Top 10,000 in the city!"
"Damn, just one point short, and I'm over a hundred ranks lower in the city rankings? Is the competition that fierce?"
"Oh, I'm going to get scolded by my dad again when I get home."
"This time, my academic total score only ranked thirteenth in the grade, and I didn't even make it into the top ten."
The students whispered among themselves; some were joyful, while others were concerned. However, most were dissatisfied, calculating in their minds, 'If I had scored five points higher in this subject and ten points higher in another, my ranking would definitely be...'
Li Yuan and Li Tianyou followed Teacher Chen to her office, with Li Yuan feeling composed and the others slightly nervous.
"You two wait outside for a moment," Teacher Chen said, then turned to Li Yuan. "Come in with me, Li Yuan."
Inside the office, Teacher Chen sat down, organizing the exam papers while greeting the other teachers around her, seemingly forgetting Li Yuan's presence for a moment.
This was a common tactic employed by veteran teachers to educate their students.
By leaving the student waiting, occasionally giving them a stern look, and then ignoring them, the teachers aimed to make the students increasingly anxious.
Eventually, the students would admit their mistakes without the teacher even having to say a word.
However.
Being called to the office after a major exam typically meant one of two things—significant progress or substantial regression.
Li Yuan believed it was the former.
"Ahem," Li Yuan coughed and reached for the water cup. "Teacher, the water is cold. Let me get you some fresh water."
"Go ahead," Teacher Chen replied, allowing Li Yuan to take the water cup and head towards the water dispenser.
Li Yuan emptied the cold water from the cup and refilled it with hot and cold water, adjusting the temperature to a comfortable level by touch.
After getting the water, Li Yuan briefly wiped the cup's exterior and returned to the desk, placing the cup gently next to Teacher Chen's left hand.
Most people hold cups with their left hand, and Li Yuan was no exception.
"Teacher, the water temperature is just right. Shall we have a drink?" Li Yuan asked with a smile.
"You!" Teacher Chen shook her head with a smile, having observed Li Yuan's actions. She was clearly in a good mood.
Teachers often favored students who were attentive and sweet-talkers.
"I called you here because I have something to discuss," Teacher Chen said, taking a sip of water. "Your performance in this exam was impressive. You ranked sixth in the grade, and your martial arts skills score was particularly outstanding. In previous years, it could have even competed for the city's top subject champion."
Li Yuan listened intently.
"It's just a pity that a genius student emerged from the Affiliated High School of the Martial Arts Academy this year," Teacher Chen sighed with a hint of regret. "He achieved full marks in Martial Skills."
"Full marks in skills?" Li Yuan was slightly surprised.
The Physical Fitness score was 500 points, and the requirement for full marks was a 10.0-level Physical Fitness.
The Martial Skills score was 400 points, and although Li Yuan wasn't clear about the requirements, he guessed that it should be the Fourth Level skills.
"What's his name?" Li Yuan couldn't help but ask.
"Wu Dongdong," Teacher Chen replied. "He also achieved the highest total Martial Arts score in the Lunar Month Assessment, with a Martial Arts score of 900 and a total score of 1077."
"Full marks in two categories? That's incredible!" Li Yuan exclaimed sincerely.
This was an extremely impressive result.
It was far more impressive than Lin Lan Yue's results.
A Martial Arts score of 900 points indicated that the student had at least a 10.0-level Physical Fitness, and their academic performance was also excellent.
The Affiliated High School of the Martial Arts Academy was always one of the best high schools in Jiangcheng City, and it was famous throughout the country.
In reality, Li Yuan wasn't surprised that someone could surpass him.
After all, the highest contract level for the Martial Arts Academy was an S-Class contract, which meant that someone must have signed it before.
Even after awakening his Martial Spirit, Li Yuan was only eligible for an A-Class contract.
In this world, geniuses were never in short supply, a fact that Li Yuan had understood since childhood.
"Don't worry about others."
"You're already doing very well," Teacher Chen said. "After the Lunar Month Assessment, in early March, Jiangbei Martial University will hold a 'Visiting Invitation Event.' Our school has ten spots, and all students who rank in the top ten in the total Martial Arts score in the Lunar Month Assessment can attend."
"Are you willing to go?" Teacher Chen asked Li Yuan.
"An invitation to Jiangbei Martial University?" Li Yuan was taken aback.
"Yes, they will invite elite Martial Arts students from the entire city, and even the province. There will be nearly a thousand students, and the event will last for five days," Teacher Chen smiled. "If the university professors find you suitable for cultivation, they will invite you to the Martial Arts University immediately after the college entrance examination. You'll start special training as soon as summer vacation begins."
"Cultivation in Martial Arts and academic studies are different. This three-month period is crucial for students your age. If utilized properly, it can significantly enhance your Martial Arts abilities."
"Okay," Li Yuan nodded in agreement.
Indeed, starting from the age of sixteen, with the development of the body and the abundance of Qi and blood, Martial Arts cultivation would advance by leaps and bounds.
"Teacher, my goal for the college entrance examination is Kunlun Martial University," Li Yuan said.
The top five Martial Arts universities in Xia National were named after Xia Capital, Nanhai, Kunlun, Donghai, and Jixing.
"I know," Teacher Chen replied.
"Kunlun Martial University is your top choice, and your scores give you a chance to get in. But without the awakening of your Martial Spirit, can you be a hundred percent sure?" Teacher Chen asked.
Li Yuan fell silent.
"Your goal is to aim for Kunlun Martial University, but Jiangbei Martial University is your safety net. It won't hurt to go and experience it, and get to know the university professors," Teacher Chen suggested.
Li Yuan nodded, as Teacher Chen's words made sense.
"Alright, I'll send the application and the detailed itinerary to your V-Signal. After the school assembly this afternoon, the scholarship for being in the top ten in the grade will be transferred to your account. Remember to check it," Teacher Chen said. "Okay, thank you, Teacher." Li Yuan nodded.
For such a large-scale examination, a top-ten rank in the grade would receive a scholarship of 500 Blue Star Coins and several bottles of Qi Blood Potion.
Additionally, they would also gain access to an independent Martial Arts room, but Li Yuan already had one.
...
The last of the three to enter the office was Li Tianyou, who was more nervous than Li Yuan.
"Teacher," Li Tianyou approached the desk.
"Don't worry, I didn't call you here to criticize you. Your performance in the exam was good," Teacher Chen smiled. "Remember the Third-Class Scholarship application we discussed last time?"
Li Tianyou's eyes lit up.
"This time, based on your performance and family background, your application was successful," Teacher Chen smiled. "I know you've been working hard, but don't overdo it. The 20,000-block scholarship will be transferred to your account today."
"Thank you, Teacher," Li Tianyou was deeply moved, his eyes slightly red.
"Good, you can go now, but keep this to yourself. I'll see you out," Teacher Chen patted Li Tianyou's shoulder and watched him leave.
She sat back down.
Teacher Chen smiled, opened her Intelligent Ring Watch, and stared at the document on the screen, slightly lost in thought—'Third-Class Scholarship Application Review: Not Approved.'
"Oh."
Teacher Chen sighed lightly.
After some thought, she forwarded the document to Xu Bo.
This scholarship application was something she and Xu Bo had done together for Li Tianyou.
...
After lunch, Li Yuan returned to Room 4011 of the Martial Arts Academy and entered the Virtual Network Pod.
His consciousness connected.
"Personal Space," Li Yuan stood in the empty Personal Space and began to read the invitation letter from Jiangbei Martial University:
Dear Li Yuan...
"All nonsense," Li Yuan frowned and quickly skimmed through the first few pages.
Suddenly, he stopped and stared at the itinerary.
Day 4 Itinerary: Practical Examination: Hunt and Kill Star Gate Creatures.
...
After some thought, Li Yuan quickly filled out his information.
Electronic Signature.
Click, accept the invitation! "I hope you won't disappoint me." Li Yuan muttered to himself as he disconnected from the Virtual Network.
(End of Chapter)
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