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Chapter 50: Carrot and Stick
Chapter 50: Carrot and Stick (Please Follow)
"Brother Qi, you're out!"
As soon as Lin Qi emerged, Jiang Tao eagerly approached.
"Brother Qi, you're amazing!"
Jiang Tao gave a thumbs-up, then fist-bumped Lin Qi. The two exchanged grins.
"Hey, how exactly did Lin Qi win?"
"His Vital Energy stat is worse than Qiu Jie's. Even in Spear Techniques, Qiu Jie seemed stronger. This result doesn't make sense."
Suddenly someone in the crowd shook their head, puzzled.
"Let me explain."
Zhang Cheng stood up and addressed the crowd. When all eyes turned to him, he continued:
"Vital Energy stats and techniques dominate battles, but they're not everything."
"Martial arts aren't like video games where higher stats guarantee victory."
"Your mindset, judgment, decisiveness, and predictive abilities all influence outcomes."
"As for Qiu Jie, his loss was fair. No amount of resentment will change that."
"Your Spear Techniques might be decent, but your foundation is unstable. Your strikes lack steadiness and precision. Lin Qi had multiple ways to counter you."
"In the end, he defeated your ultimate move with a basic thrust."
"Top Ten ranking? I thought you might be impressive since you refused my training, but that's all you've got?"
"Ask Lin Qi if he even used full strength."
Zhang Cheng's sharp words cut through the crowd. Qiu Jie's face turned crimson under the public humiliation, his aura flaring with helpless rage.
Lin Qi watched the spectacle, silently admiring Zhang Cheng's piercing insight. Qiu Jie's Spear Techniques hadn't reached the Second Stage - he wasn't even better than Wu Feng. Defeating Lin Qi was impossible.
Despite his fury, Qiu Jie finally stomped away without losing control.
"Everyone else, return to the martial arts classroom. Ten of you stay." Zhang Cheng ordered.
As the crowd dispersed...
"Lin Qi's incredible! He's really made his name. Who'd have thought?"
Lin Qi overheard their whispers. In their minds, he'd become a top-tier senior student - no longer the nobody from before.
Soon only eleven remained in the Virtual Chamber.
"Lin Qi, excellent work!" Zhang Cheng rarely praised anyone. "All thanks to proper guidance, Teacher." Lin Qi humbly replied.
Zhang Cheng nodded, surveying the ten students:
"A week from now, you'll represent Tianhai No.2 against Pine and Cypress Middle School from Egret City. They're formidable opponents. Underestimate them, and you'll bring disgrace to our school."
"If you fail, don't expect mercy from the critics."
"While they're one of Egret City's top ten schools, they're equivalent to our second-tier institutions. They're stronger overall - unlucky match-up."
"My only requirement: victory."
Zhang Cheng's voice grew thunderous, his aura pressing heavily on the room. Some frowned under the weight of his words.
"This competition isn't just for training. The winning team receives a cash prize."
"Each participating school and the municipal martial arts bureau contribute 500,000 yuan. Total prize pool: two million yuan."
Lin Qi's eyes lit up. Even a share of 200,000 yuan would be life-changing. His motivation sharpened.
"Train relentlessly this week. Everyone dismissed except Lin Qi."
When the others left, Zhang Cheng studied Lin Qi with obvious satisfaction:
"I knew you were special, but you've exceeded expectations."
"What percentage of your strength did you use against Qiu Jie?"
Lin Qi considered: "Seventy percent."
"Seventy percent defeated him. That means few in the Top Ten can rival you."
"Have you signed with any martial arts pavilions? C-Rank contract? B-Rank?"
Lin Qi shook his head: "Abyssal Maw and Black Radiance Gym only offered C-Rank. Crimson Vault hasn't contacted me."
Zhang Cheng frowned: "Unacceptable! Your talent deserves B-Rank. Something's wrong. Wait - Crimson Vault might contact you after this competition."
Lin Qi nodded. The prize money made waiting worthwhile.
Back in his training hall...
Changing into his martial arts uniform, Lin Qi consumed energy elixirs and gripped his long spear.
Swish! Swish!
The spear tip vibrated with buzzing resonance, its aura surging like waves. Each thrust carried explosive power, shaking the air as if collapsing mountains. He meticulously controlled his muscles to perfect his technique's style, force, and precision.
Recalling his fight with Qiu Jie, he noted the opponent's weaknesses. While technically advanced, Qiu's fundamentals were unstable - easy to exploit. Most found basic training boring, but Lin Qi's persistence built unmatched foundation.
The upcoming match against Pine and Cypress demanded improvement. They wouldn't be as weak as Qiu Jie. Whether for competition or the prize money, he needed stronger cultivation.
"I've mastered my first ultimate move. Time to develop the second."
Lin Qi set his goal: Increase Vital Energy, break through to the Spear Techniques' Second Stage, and create his second ultimate move.
That night, Crimson Vault Martial Arts Pavilion...
A burly man emerged from a black luxury car in the underground garage. His wild, overwhelming aura filled the space.
"Finally back", he muttered, entering his private elevator to the top floor.
In his expansive office with a massive desk and oak bookshelves, the door chimed.
"Enter!"
Sun Manager in a black suit entered, bowing: "Welcome back, Master."
"You mean 'welcome to work'? What urgent matter needs my attention?"
"A prodigy's case requires your decision on contract terms."
"Show me."
Sun Manager projected the file onto the screen.
"Lin Qi, student of Tianhai No.2 High School..."
Yue Feng scrolled through the data, frowning: "This is tricky. Let me consider."
After Sun Manager left, Yue Feng muttered:
"Blind boxes like this... most burn out quickly."
His phone beeped.
"Zhang Cheng? What does he want?" Yue Feng answered curiously.
(End of Chapter)
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