Chapter 124: Shock from All Sides
After establishing the Starlight Martial Hall, the strongest human civilization warrior, Dongfang Ji, spent most of his time on the distant Soaring Star. However, he also placed great importance on his homeland, 'China'. For instance, the headquarters of the Starlight Martial Hall on Blue Star is located in China. Likewise, the Starlight University on Blue Star is situated in Kyoto, northern China.
Starlight University is much smaller than Kunlun Martial University, admitting fewer than 400 students annually from around the globe, with a total student body of fewer than 2,000. Every student there would be considered top-tier at China's five major universities. Even those who are just slightly outstanding would be a class above.
At night, in one of the student villas, Tian Dazhuang stepped out of the virtual network pod onto the balcony, letting the cold wind blow.
"Too strong."
"Li Yuan's spear is terrifyingly fast, not at all like someone who has just reached the edge of the fourth stage high level."
"The gap between us is enormous," Tian Dazhuang closed his eyes, recalling the recent battle in the virtual network. Losing to a master who had trained for decades wouldn't bother him. But losing to a peer who once had inferior skills? It was a different story.
"The way he controlled the battle and his incredible composure... it's almost unbelievable," Tian Dazhuang shook his head. He prided himself on being calm, but still had emotional fluctuations. Yet, Li Yuan was absolutely rational and calm throughout their fight, not making a single mistake. Upon seeing Tian Dazhuang's breakthrough, Li Yuan even held back, waiting for him to finish, and then struck like lightning, overwhelming him completely.
"He must have reached the fourth stage high level at least half a month, if not a month, earlier," Tian Dazhuang sighed inwardly, "Such a rapid improvement is astounding. I can't imagine how he trains."
"Even Tantai Feng, Gong Mi, and Salvatore didn't progress this quickly."
In Jiangbei Province, Tian Dazhuang was a top talent, nearly unmatched in skills. During the Jiangbei invitation event, Li Yuan, Wang Yu, and even Wu Dongdong were far behind him. At Starlight University, his skills were barely in the top ten of his year, but not the best. Tantai Feng, Gong Mi, and Salvatore were already at the high level of the fourth stage when they entered, considered top martial arts geniuses globally, with physical qualities to match.
"Interesting."
"In terms of skills alone, Li Yuan might not be in the global top ten for freshmen," Tian Dazhuang smiled mysteriously, "But at his rate of improvement... he might surprise many at next year's Global University Martial Arts Competition."
"Tsk, tsk! Jiangbei still produces talents."
"Hmm."
"I should also thank him. Without his help, I wouldn't have reached the high level of the fourth stage," Tian Dazhuang admired Li Yuan. He didn't envy him. Despite Li Yuan having slightly better family conditions, he wasn't from a wealthy or powerful background. Rising step by step must have been tough.
"Li Yuan is so impressive."
"I can't fall behind."
"Back to practicing my blade skills and stabilizing my level," Tian Dazhuang adjusted his mindset and headed to the underground martial arts room to continue training.
...
In the virtual network, the Starry Sky Combat Network.
"Victory."
Li Yuan returned to his personal space, feeling a bit emotional, "If I hadn't broken through yesterday, winning would have been difficult."
Eighteen Rock Desert tribe warriors, each with physical qualities not inferior to his, and all at the initial stage of the fourth level. The difficulty was high. Facing Li Yuan individually, any of them would be killed in a few moves. But together, their strength multiplied, and they rescued each other. Li Yuan, relying on his body technique, battled for a long time before finding opportunities to defeat them one by one.
"Mirror." With a thought, a mirror appeared before Li Yuan, reflecting his image with a bright crescent moon above his head. The symbol of the Bright Moon Rank.
"On the virtual network, many famous big streamers are at this level," Li Yuan murmured, "If I started streaming as a 'minor Bright Moon Rank', it would be quite a gimmick."
It would likely be popular. However, Li Yuan knew that being distracted by such activities would hinder his martial arts training. Most of those Bright Moon Rank streamers were source warriors with stagnant progress. Of course, they made a lot of money by being public figures.
"Congratulations, Master, congratulations on reaching the Bright Moon Rank," the elven girl circled around Li Yuan, excited, "On the Blue Star Young Talents list, Master, you're now ranked 17th globally, 5th in China."
"Global 17th, China 5th?" Li Yuan smiled faintly. His homeland, the world's top power, indeed produced many martial arts geniuses.
"Step by step."
"Last September, I first appeared on the Blue Star Young Talents list at over 4,000th place. In less than a year, I reached 17th globally."
Li Yuan was satisfied with his progress.
"I guess the top 16 are all in the three top global universities," Li Yuan thought.
Among his peers, there were still 16 worthy of surpassing.
"Master, the 20 million Blue Star Coins reward from the Starry Sky Combat Network will be credited tomorrow," the elven girl smiled.
"Good."
...
After reaching the Bright Moon Rank, Li Yuan did not continue fighting in the Starry Sky Combat Network. He exited the virtual network and ate something. The time was already past midnight.
"After midnight, it's time to practice the visualization method," Li Yuan glanced at the time, "A new day of training begins."
Normal martial arts university students start training at six or seven in the morning and finish by ten at night, usually no later than eleven. But Li Yuan's training schedule was from midnight to midnight the next day. The core was 'persistence'.
...
Late at night, in the Starlight Martial Hall city hall in Jiangcheng City.
In a villa, Fei Qian, who was sleeping, was suddenly awakened by the ring of his smart bracelet. It was an important message. As a level 29 source warrior, he had excellent mental strength, only shallowly sleeping.
"Hmm?" Fei Qian woke up instantly, sitting up. He picked up his smart bracelet, clicked the screen, and a light curtain projection appeared. The content of the document wasn't long but contained shocking news.
"Li Yuan."
"Fourth stage high level? Bright Moon Rank?" Fei Qian was extremely shocked. Any remaining sleepiness vanished.
"This!"
Fei Qian couldn't describe his feelings. He had always paid close attention to Li Yuan. But he never expected that in just a month at Kunlun Martial Arts University, Li Yuan's strength would improve so much.
"Wasn't he only at Meteorite 300 points in April?" Fei Qian had a good memory.
"Monster."
"And he's not yet 18?"
"Is he the first in China this year?" Fei Qian noted the key point in the document.
"Jiangcheng hasn't seen such a martial arts genius in decades."
After a moment's thought, Fei Qian's gaze fell on the last line of the document: "This information is for city hall lords and above only, not to be disclosed."
The Human Alliance protects exceptional geniuses, minimizing information leaks. After some thought,
"Drip!"
Fei Qian quickly dialed Wan Qinghe's V message, which was soon answered.
"Fei Lao, what is it so late?" Wan Qinghe's voice was low.
"Nothing major."
"Just a small matter," Fei Qian said indifferently, "Prepare to transfer Li Yuan's younger siblings to the Martial Hall affiliated school, especially his younger brother, for focused training."
"Also."
"Increase his family's security level by one more notch, ensuring their safety," Fei Qian instructed.
Wan Qinghe, just woken up, was still a bit confused.
"Understand?" Fei Qian's voice carried a hint of displeasure.
"Understood," Wan Qinghe shivered, immediately responding, "Rest assured, Fei Lao, I will complete the task."
...
At Kunlun Martial University, the Black Dragon Building was brightly lit.
On the ninth floor,
"Hmm?" Li Yang, originally with a gloomy face, was looking at a list when his smart bracelet vibrated. He glanced at it instinctively, then showed a look of surprise: "How is this possible?"
"What is it?" Dean Xu, sitting not far away, turned to Li Yang, "Did something happen at a Kunlun astral field observation point?"
"No."
Li Yang shook his head, "I just received a message from China's observer in the Starry Sky Combat Network."
"Li Yuan just reached the Bright Moon Rank," Li Yang said solemnly to Dean Xu.
"Bright Moon Rank? Li Yuan?"
Dean Xu was initially puzzled, then suddenly realized, showing a look of surprise, "The freshman Li Yuan at the high level of the fourth stage?"
"Yes," Li Yang nodded heavily, "And he's not yet 18."
"He is the first in China this year."
Dean Xu was increasingly shocked. She hadn't paid much attention to Li Yuan's age before.
Suddenly, Dean Xu smiled, a rare occurrence, "After a string of bad news, finally some good news. I'm sure Dean Hai will be pleased too."
"Yes, Dean Hai will probably meet Li Yuan tomorrow."