Chapter 143: One Battle Brings Fame Across the World
With Li Yuan's defeat and departure from the arena.
Tantai Feng stood alone on the stage, accepting the cheers and excited shouts of the hundreds of thousands of spectators.
Tantai Feng felt truly exhilarated.
Ever since he decided to participate in the Ten School Freshmen Battle, he had been looking forward to this moment.
In normal circumstances, a genius like him would not participate in the Ten School Freshmen Battle.
Why was this time special? It wasn't because the high-level management of Starlight University had special considerations.
It was simply because Tantai Feng himself applied and strongly requested to participate.
His purpose was not to hone his skills but to enjoy the feeling of being in the spotlight.
Yes, the reason was just that simple.
"Damn it!"
"That guy is showing off again." Sitting in the stands, Tian Dazhuang gritted his teeth as he watched, "He earned another 20 million, plus precious materials! No way, he must treat me to a big meal tonight as revenge."
The only way Tian Dazhuang could think of to get back at him was to make Tantai Feng treat him to a big meal.
...
"Swish!" Li Yuan also returned to the stands, appearing among the freshmen of the Six Institutes.
"Senior Brother."
"Li Yuan." An Nong, Gu Qianghan, Wu Luo, and the other freshmen, as well as the senior students like Qiu Jing and Shi Xiao, couldn't help but look at Li Yuan with regret.
Yes!
For the majority of the chinese spectators, it didn't matter who won between Li Yuan and Tantai Feng.
But the students of Kunlun Martial University naturally hoped from the bottom of their hearts that Li Yuan would win the championship.
Moreover, in the eyes of most people, Li Yuan was really just a step away from winning the final battle.
"Haha, why are you all looking at me like that?" Li Yuan laughed, "Victory and defeat are common in warfare; there's no shame in losing."
Li Yuan was very calm.
Winning or losing? As a martial artist aspiring to the pinnacle, he definitely pursued the championship and aimed to be the best!
But it's crucial to understand that the process of chasing the top is more important than the result.
Aim high, and you will achieve mediocrity.
Just like from his third year in high school to the college entrance examination, Li Yuan asked himself if he had done his best, and although his final results were not the top in the province or the city, he was very satisfied.
This Ten School Freshmen Battle was the same; Li Yuan felt he had gained a lot, and the process was incredibly fulfilling.
Didn't win the championship?
Then he'll strive for it next time.
"Junior Brother Li Yuan, congratulations on achieving a profound mind." A deep, penetrating voice suddenly came from the high stands.
Swish! Swish!
Many people instinctively turned to look and saw a young man with a square face dressed in black robes sitting in the higher stands, smiling.
"Jin Huguo."
"Senior Brother Jin."
"Senior Brother Jin is here to watch too? What did Senior Brother Jin just say, a profound state of mind? Did Li Yuan's skills break through to the perfect fourth stage?" The thousand students of Kunlun Martial University were in an uproar, looking at Li Yuan and then at Senior Brother Jin with shock.
"Senior Brother Jin." Li Yuan also smiled.
Jin Huguo was a name he had heard repeatedly since entering the school.
It was as familiar as thunder.
Today was the first time they met, even if it was just a virtual meeting.
"That battle was very impressive." Jin Huguo smiled, "Let's work hard together for the Global University Martial Arts Tournament next February."
"Yes! Let's work hard together." Li Yuan also smiled.
As far as he knew, Jin Huguo had achieved a subtle state of mind in the first semester of his second year.
Another year had passed, and who knows how strong Jin Huguo had become?
But for now, Li Yuan knew he was still far from being a match for Jin Huguo.
Whether in a virtual battle or a real one.
...
"Congratulations to Tantai Feng on winning the championship."
The burly host's voice was high-pitched and enthusiastic, echoing through the vast dueling space: "Also, congratulations to Li Yuan for winning the runner-up."
"Thank you both for bringing us an exceptionally brilliant final battle in this year's Ten School Freshmen Battle. This is definitely the most exciting peak duel since the Ten School Freshmen Battle was changed to 'virtual duels' in 2009."
"Without a doubt."
"I believe that for many years to come, future Ten School Freshmen Battle finals will be compared to today's duel."
"I also believe that the two of them will shine brightly in the upcoming Global University Martial Arts Tournament and even the Human Martial Arts Elite Battle!"
"I hereby declare... the Ten School Freshmen Battle of 2043 is now over."
With that, the Ten School Freshmen Battle concluded.
Boom!
The entire viewing stand erupted in intense cheers, and students from various countries and schools applauded.
Everyone had to admit that this year's Ten School Freshmen Battle had indeed produced many martial arts geniuses.
Especially the duel between Li Yuan and Tantai Feng, with Li Yuan's breakthrough during the battle forcing Tantai Feng to use his full strength, it was indeed a classic.
In the end, Tantai Feng took first place, and Li Yuan settled for second.
...
In a higher-level viewing area.
"A battle of profundity."
"Unexpectedly, in a freshman battle, we witnessed a duel involving a profound state of mind; it's too rare."
"This is the first time in the history of virtual battles in the Ten School Freshmen Battle."
"Even in the annual 'Three-School Freshmen Battle' of Starlight, Starry Sky, and Black Stone in December, it often takes several years to see such a duel."
"Freshmen achieving a profound state of mind? And two of them at once, that's extremely rare." The teachers discussed, all deeply impressed and shocked.
Such geniuses are rare on Blue Star, with perhaps one emerging each year.
"Both of them have the potential to soar."
"Tantai Feng, his strength is even greater than we imagined, just one step away from the fifth stage. He might break through before February next year."
"Hard to say."
"It's extremely difficult to cross from a profound state of mind to the unity of man and heaven, but there is hope."
"Since Yu Jinghe, we haven't had many in China who could compare to Tantai Feng."
"Tantai Feng is strong, but Li Yuan is even more terrifying."
"According to the data, in just over a year, he went from the initial third stage to the perfect fourth stage. This progress speed is simply astonishing."
"Li Yuan's progress speed is very impressive."
"Where they will go in the future is hard to say; we can only wish them well."
...
Less than half an hour after the duel ended.
In a special virtual space named 'Starry Sky University,' only Starry Sky University students could enter.
Over 200 Starry Sky University freshmen arrived in this meeting room.
Lin Lanyue, Wu Dongdong, and others were all present.
"Why did the teacher suddenly call us here?"
"I don't know." Many Starry Sky University freshmen were puzzled and filled with curiosity.
Although the news of the Ten School Freshmen Battle spread, most freshmen from the three top martial arts schools didn't pay much attention.
To them, a league of ordinary martial arts universities wasn't worth watching.
It was a waste of time.
Soon, a giant light screen appeared in front of the students, showing the scene of the duel between Tantai Feng and Li Yuan.
"What's this?"
Many students were puzzled at first, but soon they fell silent, and with their keen eyes, most could feel the terrifying strength displayed by both sides.
Whoosh!
A teacher from Starry Sky University finally appeared.
"Some of you may have seen this battle live, but most of you are watching it for the first time." The teacher's voice was cold, "The two fighters, one named Tantai Feng, is the top freshman of Starlight University."
"The other, Li Yuan, is a freshman from Kunlun Martial University."
"They have both achieved a profound state of mind!!" The teacher enunciated each word.
The room fell silent.
Almost all Starry Sky University students showed expressions of shock.
A profoundstate of mind?
"Remember, don't think that just because you entered Starry Sky University, you can look down on others, and don't consider yourselves the chosen ones!!" The teacher's voice was cold, "Among you, who can beat Tantai Feng?"
"Who can confidently defeat Li Yuan?"
Silence.
"Some students can only bring glory to their school." The teacher said coldly, "But some students can make their school proud."
"If you don't wake up and work hard, you will be trampled by Tantai Feng."
"Even by Li Yuan from Kunlun Martial University."
"That's all, dismissed!" The teacher disappeared instantly.
In the meeting room, over 200 Starry Sky University freshmen looked at each other.
"A profound state of mind?"
"Li Yuan? A student from Kunlun Martial University is that strong?"
"I've heard of him."
"Indeed, he's very formidable, much stronger than me." These Starry Sky University students were all motivated.
Because this year, Starry Sky University's freshmen had fewer than ten who reached the high-level fourth stage.
A profound state of mind? Not a single one.
...
Similar scenes occurred at Black Stone University, Starlight University, and other martial arts universities.
"Besides Tantai Feng!"
"Who among you can beat Li Yuan? Yu Ming lost, Gong Mi, can you do it?"
...
"Did you see?"
"Li Yuan is a student from Kunlun Martial University, yet he can defeat the top genius of Starlight University."
"Not strong enough? Then train harder, don't blame the school. Staying at our Jiangbei Martial University, you still have a chance to become a source martial artist, even a flying martial artist."
...
In a short time,
Li Yuan's name became known to a large number of freshmen and even sophomore and junior students in universities worldwide.
They all knew.
Li Yuan, a freshman from Kunlun Martial University, had successfully achieved a subtle state of mind within months of enrollment, placing him among the top three globally in freshman martial skills.
One battle brought fame across the world.
...
Li Yuan was not fully aware of this yet, and even if he knew, he wouldn't care.
"Spear techniques! Skills."
"The Starry Intent." Li Yuan exited the virtual network, sitting in his cabin, still reflecting on the final battle's gains.
"In the end, my realm was insufficient."
"His sword techniques, shield techniques, and movement techniques are all near the perfect fourth stage, suppressing me in all aspects."
"But if my spear techniques were strong enough, I could at least hold my ground." Li Yuan kept summarizing his experiences and lessons.
"And movement techniques."
"If my movement techniques were strong enough, I wouldn't be so embarrassed. I need to work hard on them to make up for my shortcomings." Li Yuan pondered.
Determining who's the first doesn't matter.
Summarizing experiences, reflecting, and striving to become stronger is what matters.
From middle school to high school, to the Jiangbei invitation event and the college entrance exam, Li Yuan rarely took first place.
But he kept improving.
Unknowingly, one by one, his former opponents were surpassed and left far behind.
Now, he stood among the top freshmen globally.
...
After thinking for a while, Li Yuan went to the underground martial arts room, took out his spear, and began training quietly.
"Star Illumination!"
"Galaxy Cascade!"
"Breaking Dawn Pierces the Clouds!" Li Yuan performed move after move of the Starry Spear Technique, each one powerful and continuous, like the ceaseless operation of the stars.
This is the Starry Intent!
Time passed.
[Your spear technique realm has improved from fourth stage 85% to fourth stage 86%]
[Your spear technique realm has improved from fourth stage 86% to fourth stage 88%]
... One prompt after another flashed across the divine palace panel.
He practiced for over three hours.
It was not until after 2 PM that Li Yuan stopped, feeling he had fully comprehended the battle's insights.
"Next, I need to continue training, striving to bring my spear techniques, movement techniques, and fist techniques to fourth stage 99% as soon as possible." Li Yuan thought.
The realm of understanding was there.
What's left was the meticulous work of integrating these insights into his body through repeated practice and reflection.
Suddenly.
"Master, Teacher 'Li Yang' from the school is waiting outside your villa." The smart house system suddenly announced in the martial arts room.
"Teacher Li, why didn't you send a V-message first..." Li Yuan suddenly realized, "I left my smart ring in the resting room."
He had been so focused on practicing his spear techniques that he forgot.
Quickly.
Li Yuan rushed upstairs and opened the door.
"What, you broke through and became so arrogant that you don't even respond to your teacher's messages?" Li Yang teased with a smile.
Li Yuan felt embarrassed, "Teacher, I was practicing and forgot."
"Haha, just teasing you. I guessed it when you didn't respond." Li Yang laughed, "You must have a lot of insights from breaking through in battle, so naturally, training is the most important thing, which is why I came now."
Li Yuan nodded slightly.
"You did very well in today's competition. Globally, no other freshman this year, except Tantai Feng, can beat you." Li Yang smiled.
"Second in the world?" Li Yuan was a bit surprised.
"Of course."
"Did you think many freshmen have achieved a profound state of mind?" Li Yang laughed.
"No, I just thought there might be two or three." Li Yuan shrugged.
"Maybe some are hiding their strength, but at least only you and Tantai Feng have shown it." Li Yang smiled, "A profound state of mind is not that easy to achieve."
"I only reached it after becoming a source martial artist." Li Yang sighed, looking at Li Yuan, "I don't know how you managed it."
Li Yuan couldn't help but laugh.
"Anyway, it's a good thing." Li Yang smiled, "Come with me."
"Teacher, where are we going?" Li Yuan asked, puzzled.
"To choose a treasure." Li Yang rolled his eyes, "The top four can choose a piece of precious material. Don't you want it?"
"Yes." Li Yuan quickly replied.
How could he not want it?
...
In the dean's office on the twelfth floor of Black Dragon Building, more accurately, in the small empty martial arts room.
A light screen projection showed.
"Yang Xian, you've seen the video. What do you think?" The handsome young man in blue looked at the young woman in the light screen with a smile.
"Pretty good."
"Li Yuan's progress is much faster than I expected." A cold voice sounded.
"What about my suggestion? Have you considered it?" Dean Hai asked calmly.
"Okay."
"Within a day, I will upgrade his Martial Hall contract to S-level." The young woman said indifferently, "Additionally, the ten units of 'Starry Earth Marrow Crystal' I promised will be delivered."