Chapter 82: Martial Arts, Cultivation

Chapter 82: Martial Arts, Cultivation (Thanks to Patron Meng Ye Ye)

Inside the restaurant.

Lei Jun stood up, saying, "Let me say a few words."

"I never expected the Martial Arts Competition to achieve such remarkable results."

"To be honest, with the conditions here in Songyang City, even scraping into tenth place would’ve satisfied me."

"But this time, Zhang Yu took first and Bai Zhenzhen fourth. This proves my teaching skills are nothing to scoff at..."

Seeing Lei Jun’s jubilant expression, Bai Zhenzhen muttered to herself, "Turns out Old Lei can be quite the braggart too."

Lei Jun grinned at Zhang Yu and Bai Zhenzhen, continuing, "Of course, your contributions, Zhang Yu and Bai Zhenzhen, are indispensable."

"Your martial arts talent is something I’ve never seen in all my years teaching here in Songyang City. I must thank you both for these results."

He gestured toward Zhang Yu, who was seizing the moment to cultivate the Wild Bull Soul-Stilling Art, "Look at Zhang Yu—whenever he has a spare moment, he dives into cultivation. This diligence and self-discipline is rare even among seasoned practitioners."

Zhang Yu shook his head inwardly. If it weren’t for that nagging Contractual Ritual constantly hounding him, who’d want to squeeze in cultivation while eating or walking?

Lei Jun continued, "Finally, I hope you both keep striving and eventually get into your dream universities."

After finishing, he downed a cup of milk tea, and the table’s atmosphere grew livelier.

With Lei Jun present, Zhao Tianxing felt unusually restrained. He raised his glass to Zhang Yu and Bai Zhenzhen, "Yuzi, Azhen, congratulations on your competition results."

Qian Shen pointed at a dish, "This is the restaurant’s specialty—try it."

As the dishes arrived, the group—none ordinary folk—attacked the food with chopsticks flying, devouring course after course in a whirlwind.

Suddenly, Zhang Yu’s phone vibrated.

He pulled it out to see a message from Zhang Pianpian.

Zhang Pianpian: Brother, congratulations on winning first in the Martial Arts Competition. You’re one step closer to your goal.

Zhang Pianpian: Don’t forget to repay that 40,000 you borrowed.

Reading the last message, Zhang Yu sighed, "My big sister’s always strapped for cash too."

At that moment, Qian Shen curiously asked, "What did Le Muran mean on the arena about ‘profitable or not’?"

Zhang Yu briefly explained Le Muran’s 400,000 offer.

Lei Jun, hearing this for the first time, stared wide-eyed at Zhang Yu, "So you chose to take first place in the competition instead? You fought her on the arena just for that?"

Zhang Yu declared proudly, "What kind of martial artist would I be if I bowed for mere money?"

Lei Jun pointed at Zhang Yu, exclaiming, "Foolish! So foolish!"

He doesn’t even need to apply to the Ten Great Sects, he thought.

Aloud, he lamented, "How can first place in a Martial Arts Competition compare to 400,000? Money is power, potential, the future. Sacrificing a championship for it might seem harsh, but with your talent, that money could secure you victories in countless future competitions."

Zhao Tianxing beside him couldn’t help sighing, "Ah, 400,000... this Martial Arts Competition first place sure came at a steep price."

Watching Lei Jun and Zhao Tianxing’s regretful expressions, as if they’d personally lost hundreds of thousands, Zhang Yu felt a mix of exasperation and resignation. This is the Kunxu Realm, he mused. Perfectly normal.

Deep down, he knew they had a point. Whether for future physical competitions or Talisman contests, money would prove invaluable.

Just then, his phone vibrated again. Opening it, he saw a message from the Martial Arts Competition organizers.

First, the 50,000 prize money had begun processing.

Second, he needed to choose the Expert-Rank Martial Art awarded for winning.

Zhang Yu immediately focused on the list provided, mentally reviewing his current techniques.

For spiritual resolve, there’s the Heavenly Martial Cultivation Heart Sutra. For spiritual power, the Celestial Cycle Spirit Respiration. In combat, besides the Infinite Cloud Hands and Indestructible Seal Art, I recently learned the Back Dragon Flip Hand.

Spiritual resolve, spiritual power, combat... I already have Expert-Rank Martial Arts for all these. What I need most now—and what’s crucial for the Physical Competition in two months—is an Expert-Rank Physique Cultivation technique.

Though the Heavenly Martial Cultivation Heart Sutra and Celestial Cycle Spirit Respiration would gradually lose effectiveness as his stats improved, they’d suffice for now.

In contrast, the 36 Body Strengthening Forms felt painfully rudimentary.

He filtered the reward list for Physique Cultivation techniques, selecting three: Dragon-Elephant Might, Crimson Marrow Primordial Qi, and Sinew-Transmuting Pulse.

After scrutinizing them, he turned to Lei Jun for advice.

Lei Jun nodded thoughtfully, "Indeed, Physique Cultivation is your most pressing need."

Though not a physical education instructor, the veteran teacher had extensive knowledge of Physique Cultivation techniques.

Scanning the three options, he quickly assessed, "Dragon-Elephant Might, as the name suggests, is a power-focused technique. It builds immense physical strength but demands high maintenance—without daily acupuncture needles, progress stalls. The results resemble Song Hailong’s path."

“That’s just a tank build,” Zhang Yu mused, recalling Song Hailong’s towering two-and-a-half-meter frame. He nodded slightly, understanding now.

Lei Jun continued, “Crimson Marrow Primordial Qi is a balanced Physique Cultivation technique. Its uniqueness lies in internal refinement—focusing on sinew strength and explosive power. It works best when combined with medicinal supplements and Adept Nourishment.”

Zhang Yu mentally categorized it: half-tank, half-damage.

“As for Sinew-Transmuting Pulse, it definitely doesn’t suit you. This Physique Cultivation method emphasizes bodily flexibility and transformation abilities, meant to complement other specialized techniques.”

Hearing this, Zhang Yu narrowed his choices to two: Dragon-Elephant Might and Crimson Marrow Primordial Qi.

Both had pros and cons, leaving him momentarily indecisive. Lei Jun added, “I recommend Dragon-Elephant Might. It’s relatively simpler and better aligns with Songyang City’s Physique Cultivation style. You could even ask Wang Hai for guidance.”

“Crimson Marrow Primordial Qi focuses heavily on internal refinement. Without expert guidance, it’s not only difficult to master but also risky—those injuries are the kind even insurance companies would refuse to cover.”

Suddenly, Zhang Yu’s eyes lit up. “Teacher, how many techniques do these styles have?”

Lei Jun pondered, “Dragon-Elephant Might has dozens, all straightforward and progressive—easy to learn.”

“As for Crimson Marrow Primordial Qi, it only has one stance. But don’t underestimate it—every part of your body must coordinate perfectly. It’s extremely demanding and injury-prone. You’re not ready for it yet…”

Zhang Yu’s gaze sharpened. He’d already decided.

He immediately notified the organizers of his choice. Soon, the electronic manual and access rights for Crimson Marrow Primordial Qi were sent to him.

After a hearty meal, Zhang Yu and his companions checked the time—nearly 6:30 PM. Too lazy to return home to shower and change, they headed straight to school.

……

Meanwhile, at dawn in Songyang High School.

Zhou Chechen frowned at Lan Ling before him. “What did you say?”

Lan Ling repeated, “Zhang Yu won first place in the Martial Arts Competition.”

“Zhang Yu? First place?” Zhou Chechen scoffed. “Did Bai Long, Zi Yun, and Hong Ta all skip the event?”

Lan Ling handed him her phone. “He defeated Song Hailong from Bailong High School, then beat Le Muran from Ziyun High School. That’s how he claimed victory.”

Zhou Chechen watched the battle footage, then lifted his head, stunned. “An underdog victory? No—while his stats were weaker, his martial techniques and combat execution made him the stronger contender at the decisive moment.”

“Who’d have thought our Songyang City would produce someone like this.”

“Zhang Pianpian must’ve invested heavily in Zhang Yu to get him this far.”

At this thought, Zhou Chechen’s face darkened. Zhang Yu had been his target to recruit, yet Zhang Pianpian had snatched him away. Like a promising project stolen before launch, its value now skyrocketing.

He silently vowed: Six months. Just six more months, and I’ll reclaim both Zhang Yu and Bai Zhenzhen. Then I’ll recoup every penny I’ve lost.

Lan Ling interrupted, “What about Zhang Yu and Bai Zhenzhen’s application to join the sports team?”

Zhou Chechen snorted. “Reject it.”

“But Wang Hai strongly advocates for them—he’s brought it up repeatedly.”

“And Zhang Pianpian’s inspection team… wouldn’t refusing look suspicious without proper justification?”

At the thought of Zhang Pianpian storming into the school again and humiliating him, Zhou Chechen’s eyes flickered with unease.

He said coolly, “Each school can field five competitors for the sports tournament.”

“Tell them this: If Zhang Yu and Bai Zhenzhen rank in the top five among freshmen within a month, they can join. If their stats fall short, that’s their own inadequacy—nothing to do with us.”

Lan Ling’s eyes narrowed. He knew Zhang Yu and Bai Zhenzhen’s athletic performance could easily maintain top-five rankings unless… another group of freshmen underwent Special Training Program to surpass them in Physical Strength Level.

Zhou Chechen calculated, “In a month, at their current rate, Zhang Yu and Bai Zhenzhen’s Physical Strength Level might reach 1.8 to 2.1.”

He picked up a student dossier from the table. “Half a semester in, the freshmen’s foundation is solid. Let’s start the Special Training Program early this year—recruit these five for the tournament.”

“In a month, intensive training will push their Physical Strength Levels above 3.0, squeezing Zhang Yu and Bai Zhenzhen out of the competition. Even Zhang Pianpian won’t have grounds to protest.”

He scanned the student files—Qian Shen, He Dayou, Zhao Tianxing, and five other freshmen, plus over a dozen sophomores acting as training partners, each paired with a freshman recruit.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end