Chapter 49: Invitations from Martial Arts Universities
Last September, when Teacher Xu Bo helped Li Yuan apply for the second-class scholarship, he promised Li Yuan that if he could rank in the top ten in the grade, he would be rewarded with a first-class scholarship of 100,000 Blue Star Coins. If he ranked in the top five, he would receive a special scholarship of 500,000 Blue Star Coins.
"Just one place short," Li Yuan sighed inwardly.
He wasn't exactly disappointed; he had given it his all, so there was no need to dwell on it. One couldn't rely on others to underperform.
"It's enough," he thought. "At least I can get 100,000 Blue Star Coins." Moreover, he remembered the encounter with Vice Dean Zuo at the martial hall a few days ago. Vice Dean Zuo had mentioned that awards and recognition from the Martial Arts Hall and the Martial Arts Administration were also on their way, likely bringing a substantial amount of money.
Li Yuan's bank account still had a good balance of Blue Star Coins and martial hall points. However, his martial arts training consumed resources rapidly, making it necessary to think ahead.
"Li Yuan, keep it up," Teacher Chen said, glancing at Li Yuan before continuing, "I hope other students will learn from Li Yuan's example."
"Now, I'll read out the other students' martial arts scores. Listen carefully."
"Li Tianyou, 685 points," Teacher Chen announced.
Li Tianyou followed Li Yuan closely, ranking second in martial arts scores in the class. However, despite his second place, the gap between his score and Li Yuan's was striking.
"685 points?" Li Tianyou's expression softened slightly, though he still didn't look too pleased.
With his cultural score converted to 59 points, his total martial arts score was only 744 points, making it challenging to secure a spot in a martial arts university.
"Am I not working hard enough?" Li Tianyou clenched his fists, feeling a deep sense of frustration. "If I had more training resources and more guidance from teachers, my score would definitely be higher."
Li Tianyou wasn't foolish. He trained intensely, pushing his body to its limits, and the occasional well-meaning reminders from classmates were not lost on him. But what could he do if his family couldn't afford it?
"Gu Yaoyao, 664 points," Teacher Chen continued.
Most classmates' martial arts scores were average, with no significant fluctuations. Martial arts training required talent and substantial resources. Unlike cultural exams, where there could be moments of inspiration or exceptional performance, martial arts assessments only had two outcomes: normal performance or underperformance. There was no such thing as an extraordinary performance. Strength was strength, and weakness was weakness.
After announcing the scores, it was time to hand out the test papers and go over the questions. Li Yuan listened intently.
"I spend very little time on cultural studies, so I must pay close attention in class," Li Yuan thought. "If I aim to get into one of the top five martial arts universities, I need to strive for every single point. Improving my cultural score by a few points could make a significant difference."
Every point mattered, especially in such competitive fields. Li Yuan's cultural score had significantly contributed to his total martial arts score this time, pushing it over 900 points.
At ten o'clock, during the fifteen-minute break, Teacher Chen posted three ranking sheets on the bulletin board next to the blackboard. She then called out, "Li Yuan, Li Tianyou, and Wang Zihan, come to my office. The rest of you are dismissed."
Immediately, a wave of students surged toward the bulletin board to check their rankings. Earlier, Teacher Chen had only announced the scores without reading out all the rankings. The posted sheets included the grade, district, and city rankings.
"I made it! I'm in the top 10,000 in the city!"
"Damn, missed it by one point, and my city rank dropped by over a hundred places? So many strong competitors."
"Sigh, my parents will scold me again."
"I didn't perform well this time. My total cultural score ranked thirteenth in the grade, didn't even make it to the top ten."
As the students discussed, there were mixed feelings. Some were happy, while others were disappointed, most of them calculating how a few more points in each subject could have improved their rankings.
Li Yuan and the others followed Teacher Chen to her office. Li Yuan was calm, while Li Tianyou and Wang Zihan appeared nervous.
"You two wait outside," Teacher Chen instructed. "Li Yuan, come in with me."
Inside the office, Teacher Chen sat down, organizing her papers and greeting other teachers, momentarily ignoring Li Yuan. This was a common tactic used by experienced teachers—to let the student stew for a while, glancing at them occasionally with a cold stare, making the student increasingly nervous until they confessed their mistakes voluntarily.
However, in major exams, being called to the office usually meant one of two things: significant progress or significant decline. Li Yuan believed he was in the former category.
"Teacher, the water has gone cold. Let me refill it for you," Li Yuan said, picking up Teacher Chen's cup.
Without waiting for her response, he took the cup to the water dispenser. He poured out the cold water, refilled it with an appropriate mix of hot and cold water, tested the temperature, and wiped the cup with a tissue before placing it gently on Teacher Chen's left side.
"Teacher, the water temperature is just right," Li Yuan said with a smile. "Would you like a drink?"
"You!" Teacher Chen watched the entire process and couldn't help but laugh. She seemed to be in a good mood.
Teachers generally appreciated students who were attentive and respectful.
"I called you here to discuss something," Teacher Chen said, sipping her water. "You did very well this time, ranking sixth in the grade. Especially your martial arts skill score—it could have competed for the top spot in the city in previous years."
Li Yuan listened attentively.
"Unfortunately, this year, a genius student from the Teachers' University Affiliated High School scored full marks in martial arts skills," Teacher Chen said, slightly regretful. "Her name is Wu Dongdong. She also topped the city in overall martial arts score, with 900 points, and a total martial arts score of 1077 points."
"Full marks in two categories? That's impressive!" Li Yuan genuinely admired the achievement.
This was an extraordinarily high score, far surpassing even Lin Lanyue's.
A total martial arts score of 900 points indicated that the student had a body quality score of at least 10.0, coupled with an excellent cultural score. The Teachers' University Affiliated High School had always been the best in Jiangcheng, known nationwide, so it was no surprise to see such a martial arts prodigy emerge.
In reality, Li Yuan was not surprised to see someone far surpassing him. He understood that the highest advance signing level for the martial hall was S-level, which meant some students had reached that level. Even if Li Yuan awakened his martial spirit, he would only qualify for an A-level contract.
The world was never short of geniuses, a truth Li Yuan had known since childhood.
"Don't worry about others. You've done exceptionally well," Teacher Chen said. "After the January exams, Jiangbei Martial Arts University will hold a 'tour invitation event' in early March. Our school has ten spots, and the top ten students in the grade's martial arts scores will be able to go."
"Would you like to go?" Teacher Chen asked.
"An invitation from Jiangbei Martial Arts University?" Li Yuan was surprised.
"Yes, they will invite top high school martial arts students from across the city and even the province, probably around a thousand students, for five days," Teacher Chen explained. "If a professor takes a liking to you and thinks you're worth cultivating, they might invite you to start special training right after the college entrance exams."
"Martial arts training is different from cultural studies. At your age, three months can make a significant difference if used wisely," Teacher Chen added.
"Right," Li Yuan nodded, understanding the importance of those three months.
"Teacher, my goal for the college entrance exam is 'Kunlun Martial Arts University'," Li Yuan said.
The five major martial arts universities in China were named after Xia Jing, Nanhai, Kunlun, Donghai, and Jixing. Kunlun Martial Arts University had the most admission spots in Jiangbei Province, making it the top choice for martial arts elites in the region.
"I know," Teacher Chen replied. "If you can get into Kunlun Martial Arts University, it should be your first choice. Your scores give you a good chance, but without awakening your martial spirit, do you have a hundred percent certainty?"
Li Yuan fell silent.
"Your goal is to strive for Kunlun Martial Arts University, but Jiangbei Martial Arts University is your backup. Visiting, experiencing the campus, and getting to know the professors won't hurt," Teacher Chen said. "Don't you agree?"
Li Yuan nodded, realizing the logic in Teacher Chen's words.
"Alright, I'll send the application form and detailed itinerary to your V-Chat. Fill it out and e-sign it, then send it back to me," Teacher Chen said. "By the way, after the school's mobilization meeting this afternoon, your scholarship for ranking in the top ten will be deposited into your account. Check it then."
"Thank you, teacher," Li Yuan nodded.
In large exams like these, students ranking in the top ten of the grade in martial arts scores would receive a scholarship of 5,000 Blue Star Coins, along with several bottles of blood tonic as a reward. They would also get an independent martial arts room, though Li Yuan already had one.
...
Li Tianyou was the last to enter the office among the three students. He was far more nervous than Li Yuan.
"Teacher," Li Tianyou greeted.
"Don't worry, I didn't call you here to criticize you. You did well this time," Teacher Chen smiled. "Remember when I mentioned applying for the third-class scholarship last time?"
Li Tianyou's eyes lit up.
"This exam, combined with your family situation, helped your application succeed," Teacher Chen smiled. "I know you're very diligent, but you need to balance work and rest. Don't push yourself too hard. The 20,000 Blue Star Coins will be in your account today."
"Thank you, teacher," Li Tianyou said, feeling a mix of relief and gratitude.
"Good, keep this to yourself. No need to announce it," Teacher Chen said, patting his shoulder as he left.
Sitting back down, Teacher Chen's smile faded. She opened her smart bracelet and stared at a document in thought—"Third-class Scholarship Application Review Opinion: Not Approved."
"Sigh," Teacher Chen sighed deeply.
After a moment, she forwarded the document to Xu Bo. The scholarship application had been jointly submitted by her and Xu Bo for Li Tianyou.
...
After lunch, Li Yuan returned to Room 4011, his martial arts room, and entered the virtual network pod. Connecting his consciousness, he found himself in his personal space, reviewing the invitation from Jiangbei Martial Arts University:
Dear Student Li Yuan...
"All fluff," Li Yuan muttered, skimming through the introductory pages.
Suddenly, he stopped, focusing on the itinerary.
Day 4 Schedule: Practical Assessment: Hunting Astral Realm Creatures.
...
After considering for a while, Li Yuan filled out his information, signed electronically, and clicked to accept the invitation.
"Hope it doesn't disappoint," Li Yuan murmured as he disconnected from the virtual network.