Chapter 151: Return to Jiangcheng
"Yes," Li Yuan noted down the name of the secret technique.
"The second reason I called you here," Dean Hai continued, "is that after the December vacation, at the beginning of January, you will be arranged to venture into the Bright Ruins Astral Realm."
"What kind of place is that?" Li Yuan had never heard of this astral realm. Given his current permissions at Starlight Martial Hall, he had access to information about most astral realms.
"It's an extremely large, yet undeveloped primary astral realm," Dean Li added. "Our human civilization is gradually expanding in the Bright Ruins Astral Realm, and small-scale skirmishes with the native creatures are ongoing... but the combat level isn't too high, making it most suitable for you."
"After all, we can't send you to guard a well-secured astral realm," Li Yang laughed. "That would be pointless."
"Understood," Li Yuan nodded. He had attended many general courses and researched various astral realms. He understood that some astral realms were entirely occupied by humans and extremely safe, with battles occurring only once every few years. Many martial artists hoped to be assigned to such places because of the safety.
Other astral realms, like those in a state of war or with deadly enemies, such as the Luo Bu Sea, were extremely dangerous. Source martial artists who entered were often cannon fodder, and in a major battle, it was easy to be killed unless one had the strength of a flying martial artist. In such large-scale battles, individuals were very powerless.
From the sound of it, the Bright Ruins Astral Realm seemed suitable for him.
"Your life-and-death training in the Bright Ruins Astral Realm will be evaluated by the martial hall's head there," Dean Hai smiled. "If you perform well enough, when you return to the school, there will be a grand gift waiting for you!"
"This will probably be the most significant gift the school can prepare for you before you graduate. It's priceless," Dean Hai didn't reveal what it was. "At least, I can't provide it."
Li Yuan held his breath. Even a flying martial artist like Dean Hai couldn't provide it? What kind of gift could it be? Natural treasures? It didn't sound like that.
"There's still a month and a half until the life-and-death training. Train hard. The life-and-death training doesn't rely on talent, only on strength," Dean Hai looked at Li Yuan and couldn't help but say, "The stronger you are, the better your chances of survival in the star realm. I hope you come back alive to see me."
"Yes," Li Yuan nodded.
...
Back at the villa, Li Yuan logged into the virtual network and entered the martial arts knowledge network space. Quickly, Li Yuan found the third-grade skill secret technique "Star Intent." There were many second-grade secret techniques, but third-grade secret techniques were fewer and rarely had duplicate names.
"It seems that 'Star Intent' is not just a spear technique but a kind of artistic conception," Li Yuan quickly read the introduction of the secret technique.
After confirming, he purchased it.
"Freshman 'Li Yuan,' your free learning quota for third-grade secret techniques has been reduced by 1, remaining quota: 2," the system voice announced. "The purchased skill secret technique has been sent to your personal space."
...
In his personal space, Li Yuan listened carefully to the intelligent instructor's lecture.
"You are learning spear techniques. Therefore, you can understand 'Star Intent' as an extension of the ultimate mystery 'Star Conception' of the 'Starry Spear Technique.' It mimics the operation of stars beyond the sky. It can be divided into four levels: Body Like a Star, Star Dust, Galaxy Convergence, and Star Returns to Ruins," the AI explained slowly. "If you have comprehended the 'Starry Spear Technique,' you should quickly grasp the first level, 'Body Like a Star.' The key is the second level, 'Star Dust.' Once you comprehend the second level, it indicates you have reached the threshold of the unity of man and nature."
Whoosh~
With a wave of the intelligent instructor's hand, the scene under Li Yuan's feet transformed into an endless starry sky. In the distant void were dark stars.
"Watch me," the AI said softly. A long spear appeared in his hand at some point.
"Whoosh!"
With a thrust, his whole demeanor changed. In a trance, Li Yuan felt a vast and magnificent star rolling around... a very mysterious feeling. However, Li Yuan also sensed a certain discordant and unreal feeling.
"The virtual network is ultimately not real. It can only simulate 50% of the actual effect for fifth-grade skills. For this third-grade spear technique, it's best if you can spar with a real fifth-grade expert for the fastest progress."
...
On the afternoon of November 19th, in Li Yuan's villa, in the underground martial arts room.
"How do you feel after practicing 'Star Intent' on the virtual network these days?" Li Yang asked with a smile.
"Not quite there yet," Li Yuan shook his head. "I haven't truly grasped it."
"That's expected. The intelligent instructor teaches techniques below the fourth grade more effectively for those who are good at learning," Li Yang smiled. "But once you reach the fourth grade, the intelligent instructor's effectiveness diminishes. For fifth-grade skills, it can only simulate 50% of the effect. Sixth-grade skills can't be simulated at all. Therefore, in virtual network combat, whether it's various assessments or the starry sky fighting network, the highest level of skill you can encounter is the perfect fifth grade. You are currently at the Eclipse Sun level, while the Martial Saint level typically requires perfect fifth-grade skills."
Li Yuan realized this was something he hadn't known before. But he had already sensed that the virtual network's usefulness was rapidly diminishing for him. In the starry sky fighting network, he had reached the Eclipse Sun level, but every time he queued for a match, it took a long time. There were very few experts at this level globally.
Martial arts training, after all, relies more on reality as one becomes stronger.
"I've studied 'Star Intent,' but my path is somewhat different," Li Yang said. "I will try my best to simulate and spar with you. In combat, I'll help you feel it as much as possible, but ultimately, you need to comprehend it yourself. The unity of man and nature, understanding the mysteries of the universe, ultimately depends on your own spiritual breakthrough, crossing this critical threshold. Many high-level source martial artists are stuck at this stage for decades."
"Yes."
...
From mid-November onwards, after Li Yuan reached the limit of the fourth grade, his training plan changed again. Besides daily training, he no longer attended public 'technique classes,' and even changed his practical training. It was now conducted by two official teachers, along with Dean Li, taking turns to spar with him. Ordinary source martial artists' skills were too weak, and practical training offered Li Yuan little help. The skills needed to be strong enough to pressure him and provide insights.
Occasionally, Dean Xu would also come to guide Li Yuan.
Thus, Li Yuan was fully immersed in martial arts training, and time flew by as his overall strength rapidly improved. Before he knew it, it was mid-December.
During this time, a small team from Starlight Martial Hall arrived, very low-key, without many people knowing. The team was there to deliver the 'Source Power Battle Suit' and custom-made long spear and long sword, and other auxiliary equipment for Li Yuan's astral realm expedition.
...
On the afternoon of December 14th, in the underground martial arts room of the villa.
"Puff!"
"Whoosh!" Li Yuan thrust forward suddenly, his spear moving like lightning, executing the 'Twelve Consecutive Strikes' of the 'Starry Spear Technique.' With each rapid burst, afterimages formed in mid-air. This wasn't just twelve strikes, but twenty-four, forty-eight... seemingly endless. If a master of the 'Starry Spear Technique' were to witness this, they would be astonished. Li Yuan's spear momentum seemed boundless, one wave after another. When he had unleashed over a hundred strikes in succession, the accumulated power was beyond comprehension.
"Spears rolling like stars! Control!" Li Yuan finely controlled the explosive power of his body.
"Weaken."
"Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!" The originally violent spear shadows gradually weakened and quickly stabilized.
This was remarkable. It was like a boxer stopping a punch midway, which would be very uncomfortable. The twelve consecutive strikes of the 'Star River Waterfall' were similar. Once the spear momentum reached its peak, it was best to complete the final strike to satisfy the body and mind.
"It can be fierce, it can be gentle."
"Today, I can say I have thoroughly comprehended the first level of 'Star Intent,' 'Body Like a Star,'" Li Yuan smiled.
This wasn't a major breakthrough. Comprehending the first level still counted as perfecting the fourth grade technique. Breaking through from minute control to martial arts celestial unity wasn't easy. Even with Li Yuan's rapid progress, he could only say he was continually accumulating, laying a solid foundation for understanding the second level, 'Star Dust.'
True enlightenment requires substantial accumulation. Without serious contemplation and reflection, without any accumulation, what can one suddenly comprehend?
"Tomorrow, I can go back to Jiangcheng," Li Yuan smiled at the thought. It had been almost half a year since he had seen his uncle, aunt, and cousins, though they occasionally had video calls. But still, Li Yuan felt a bit homesick.
Home is always a place to be cherished.
"After half a month of vacation, I'll head to the Bright Ruins Astral Realm," Li Yuan thought. This had been arranged in advance.
"With my current strength, I should be confident enough to explore a primary astral realm," Li Yuan glanced at the Divine Palace panel.
——
[Life Level: 15.8 (Stage One)]
Punching Power: 16,545 kg
Speed: 57.2 m/s
Mental Strength: 24.6
Willpower: 29
Spiritual Awakening Degree: 25% (current limit 25%)
Star Meridian: Level 10
Technique Level: Spear Technique (Fourth Grade 99%), Movement Technique (Fourth Grade 99%), Boxing Technique (Fourth Grade 99%)
——
"After returning home, relax and spend time with my uncle and aunt," Li Yuan thought. "But as long as I continue my daily training of 'Heavenly Stars,' circulating the star veins, breaking through to level 16 in physical fitness is no problem." With physical fitness just over level 16, combined with his extreme fourth-grade techniques and the Source Power Battle Suit, Li Yuan dared to engage in life-and-death combat with martial artists at level 18 or even 19.
"In terms of strength alone, I should be catching up with Instructor Xing soon," Li Yuan suddenly smiled. "But I'm still far from Teacher Xu. Teacher Xu's skills are after all at the fourth grade.(no clue what the author meant)"
...
Late at night, Li Yuan packed his things to return home. Dean Li had specially sent over a unit of 'Star Earth Essence Crystal' and a unit of 'Hundred Marrow Spirit Wither,' prepared for his January training in the Bright Ruins Astral Realm. This way, he wouldn't have to make a special trip back to school. With his current strength, Li Yuan could protect such treasures if he was careful. As for high-source spirit springs, they could be purchased back in Jiangcheng.
"Mm. And the specialty gifts I prepared for my uncle, aunt, and cousins," Li Yuan smiled. He had bought many specialty gifts, but he put the most thought into his family's gifts, packing them into his bag. There were also gifts for Teacher Xu and Wan Qinghe. Even Lin Lanyue received a special gift, although he wasn't sure if she would return to Jiangcheng for the holiday. He had sent all these gifts to Jiangcheng a day in advance.
"It's 4 AM. I'll practice my spear until 7, have breakfast, and then take the aircraft to the airport," Li Yuan thought. Training was ingrained in him.
...
While Li Yuan was calmly practicing with his spear in the villa, in a distant underground river in Jiangbei Province, a stream of water flowed continuously. Tall, green-skinned Fish Spirit Tribe warriors crawled along the underground river. Their racial talents made it easy for them to adapt to the environment.
"Roar~"
"Hurry up~ 300 kilometers to go."
"Target: Jiangcheng City." The Fish Spirit Tribe warriors communicated in their native language.
...
December 15th. At noon, Li Yuan arrived at Tianhe Airport in Jiangcheng City on an 'ultrasonic aircraft.'
"Jiangcheng, I'm back," Li Yuan said as he walked off the aircraft, smiling. Not far away, Wan Qinghe was waiting to welcome him back.
"Li Yuan, welcome home," Wan Qinghe greeted.