https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-74-Moon-Demon-of-the-First-Tier-Star-Realm/12972753/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-76-Killing-to-Obtain-Spiritual-Nutrients/12972755/
Chapter 75: Practical Combat Assessment
Chapter 75: Practical Combat Assessment
Li Yuan sat quietly, listening intently.
The video was lengthy, lasting a full 22 minutes.
"Attention, this file is classified and intended solely for internal viewing at Jiangbei Martial Arts University. Do not disclose it externally." The video concluded with this warning.
Li Yuan closed his eyes, silently recalling the contents.
He immediately replayed the video, observing it at a rapid pace, occasionally slowing down to review certain parts repeatedly... until he was certain he had memorized every detail.
His formidable mental strength endowed Li Yuan with an impressive memory.
"Delete the source file."
"Delete chat records."
"Delete local network records." Li Yuan swiftly executed these commands, erasing any evidence.
Of course, traces would undoubtedly remain on the virtual network.
However, with Li Yuan's novice skills, this was the best he could do.
"If they really wanted to investigate, why bother with endless censorship?" Li Yuan muttered to himself, "Besides, it's just Jiangbei Martial University's secret, not a military-level classified matter."
Li Yuan estimated that as long as he didn't spread the information, even if he were discovered, the impact wouldn't be significant.
"But, it does feel a bit unethical to have seen this video in advance." Li Yuan thought to himself.
Although he wasn't directly copying answers, it was like knowing the scope and format of a test beforehand, which would undoubtedly reduce the difficulty.
"However, if Lin Lan Yue could obtain the video, others like Wu Dongdong might also get their hands on it." Li Yuan shook his head.
Li Yuan wasn't a moral saint, and this was just a practical combat assessment, not the National College Entrance Exam.
"Since this is the situation, I'll make the most of this information advantage."
"I don't aim to be first, but I'll strive to eliminate as many Star Realm creatures as possible and see if I can advance my spiritual awakening to over 10%." Li Yuan made a silent vow.
Exiting the virtual network, Li Yuan left the rest area, retrieved his long spear, and continued his martial arts cultivation for the day.
...
"Li Yuan, don't you ever rest? You're practicing again?"
Gu Qiang Han held a can of cola as he emerged from the rehabilitation room.
He stared at Li Yuan in disbelief, "In these four days, I haven't seen you take a day off."
"You start practicing at 4 AM every morning."
"After lunch, you practice for another two hours."
"And when you return in the evening, you practice until midnight. How can your body take it?" Gu Qiang Han couldn't help but exclaim, "You're truly a monster!"
"I don't have an advanced cultivation technique, so how can I catch up with others if I don't practice?" Li Yuan replied with a smile.
"I'm impressed."
Gu Qiang Han gave a thumbs-up, sincerely saying, "My father once told me that true invincible powerhouses, like Dong Fang Ji, cultivate for at least sixteen hours daily."
"I never believed it. I thought it was just Dong Fang Ji boasting after becoming famous." Gu Qiang Han spoke casually.
Li Yuan: "..."
"But after meeting you, I believe it."
"But how do you endure the exhaustion of cultivation? Don't you have any hobbies?" Gu Qiang Han asked, looking at Li Yuan.
"Hobbies?" Li Yuan smiled, "Why would cultivation be tiring? Watching yourself improve step by step should be enjoyable, shouldn't it?"
"If I must say I have a hobby," Li Yuan smiled, "then cultivation is my hobby."
Perhaps, in the early days, when Li Yuan was practicing with his spear and cultivating, it was tedious and painful.
But as time passed, if one couldn't adapt to this lifestyle and find joy in the monotony, even with forced perseverance, progress would be slow.
Passion was the best teacher.
Nowadays, Li Yuan thoroughly enjoyed the process of gradually becoming stronger through cultivation.
"Cultivation? Hobbies?" Gu Qiang Han fell silent for a while, then sighed, "Li Yuan, to be honest, you'd make a great son for my father."
"My father would definitely like you."
"Why don't I introduce you to my father as a godson?" Gu Qiang Han suggested, seemingly reluctant, "I'll also reluctantly accept you as a godbrother."
"Come on, call me 'brother' first."
"Get lost!"
...
Perhaps inspired by Li Yuan, Gu Qiang Han, who usually practiced for only an hour in the evenings, surprisingly extended his practice by ten minutes.
...
The next day, to ensure he had ample energy for the practical combat assessment, Li Yuan didn't wake up early to practice with his spear.
He lay in bed and slept for two hours.
For the first time in over a year, Li Yuan slept in a bed, but perhaps due to his powerful mental strength, the quality of his sleep was mediocre.
"It seems that as my strength increases, one day, even the simple act of sleeping may become a luxury." Li Yuan sighed inwardly.
...
In the morning, after breakfast, the students gathered at 7 AM.
On a field not far from the War Fortress, over a thousand students assembled.
Dozens of Jiangbei Martial University students formed groups of three, meticulously checking each student's information.
Additionally, several Jiangbei Martial University teachers and military base officers stood at a distance.
Professor Ming had also arrived.
"Excellent." The burly man from yesterday, still clad in blue, spoke with a chilling voice that echoed across the school grounds, "976 of you have volunteered for the practical combat assessment, and I'm proud of your decision."
"What is martial arts? The path of killing! How can one claim to be a martial artist without killing?"
The burly man's voice boomed, "What is the purpose of cultivating martial artists? To slay enemies and protect the nation!"
"If I were to put it more grandly, martial artists are the sharpest blades of human civilization."
"When the battle sword is drawn, it must draw blood."
"You are all the elite students of the province, from 7th grade to 12th grade. You've been cultivating for six years, and your strength is already close to that of an Advanced Stage Martial Artist. Some of you can even rival Advanced Stage Martial Artists."
The burly man's voice resonated with power, "I hope that these six years of cultivation, the countless simulated battles on the Starfield Combat Network, and the physical confrontations at school have prepared you well."
"I wish you success in the assessment and a safe return."
"Collect your equipment and depart!"
...
Inside the weapons room, students were lining up to receive their gear.
"Li Yuan, here's your set: a first-tier inferior body armor, a first-tier inferior soft armor, a pair of first-tier battle boots, and a helmet." A senior student handed the equipment box to Li Yuan, "Try them on, and if they don't fit, you can exchange them."
"This is an exclusive location ring watch. At the assessment site, your smart ring won't have a signal."
"The functions of the location ring watch are limited, with only a few essential features like location, distress signal, and monitoring your vital signs." The senior student instructed, "But its greatest feature is its durability."
"Durable?" Li Yuan was taken aback.
"Unless it's hit by a second-tier creature, it won't break. You see, the more complex something is, the easier it is to damage." The senior student smiled.
"The simpler, the more durable sometimes."
Li Yuan couldn't help but ask, "Is it made in Ross Nation?"
"Smart! The genuine ones are made by the Ross Nation's military! This is our...cough, cough, an iterated product. It's cheaper and performs better." The senior student grinned.
Li Yuan was speechless. He carried the equipment box and entered the nearby changing room.
After putting on the gear, Li Yuan felt it was a perfect fit and very comfortable.
The body armor didn't hinder his movements at all.
Clearly, after a century of war, martial artists' equipment had improved significantly.
"The first-tier inferior body armor is made of highly resilient and flexible materials, allowing for unrestricted movement." Gu Qiang Han, now changed into his gear, stood beside Li Yuan and explained, "It can withstand attacks from 11th-rank martial artists without shattering."
"A first-tier middle-grade armor can withstand attacks from 15th-rank martial artists."
"A first-tier top-grade body armor can endure attacks from 19th-rank martial artists." Gu Qiang Han spoke with expertise.
Li Yuan listened intently, but he wasn't very familiar with martial artists' equipment, as he had never thought of going to kill Star Realm creatures before college.
"However, body armor also has its weaknesses." Gu Qiang Han continued, "While it's resilient against tearing and biting, its hardness is insufficient to withstand impact forces."
"That's why we wear an additional layer of soft armor and a helmet."
"While ensuring minimal impact on mobility, we add an extra layer of protection for vital organs in the torso and the head." Gu Qiang Han explained, "When facing creatures from less advanced Star Realms, in a battle between the same ranks, human martial artists have a significant advantage due to their weapons."
Li Yuan nodded slightly, having watched many documentaries.
Most Star Realms had a low level of civilization.
"It'll be different when you become an Origin Martial Artist." Gu Qiang Han exclaimed with enthusiasm, "The second-tier battle armor, or the Source Energy Battle Armor, is not only resilient but also significantly reduces various impact forces, making it truly invulnerable to heat weapons..."
"You know so much." Li Yuan was impressed.
"I'm a military and equipment enthusiast!" Gu Qiang Han became even more excited, feeling a sense of accomplishment as Li Yuan's 'teacher'.
...
"Weapons." Li Yuan spent a long time choosing his weapon in the weapons room.
Finally, he selected a two-meter-long black long spear, a half-meter-long short sword, and a short blade.
Holding the long spear, Li Yuan placed the short sword at his waist.
He stored the short blade in the weapon bag on his back.
This setup was designed for situations where he might need to use short-range weapons.
As a Fourth Stage Master, even with unfamiliar weapons, his prowess would surpass that of a Third Stage Perfect Master.
...
Everything was ready, and the students entered a nondescript building one by one.
They followed each other into the building's basement.
The basement was a hidden gem, a vast space that turned out to be an enormous subway station.
Several trains with open doors were waiting, having been there for some time.
(End of Chapter)
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