Chapter 85: A-Level Contract and Connections
"Injured? Prepare myself?" Li Yuan's face changed slightly, his heart tightened.
"Teacher," Li Yuan immediately asked, "What's happened to my uncle?"
"Calm down and listen to me," Xu Bo said. "According to the latest information I received, the defense battle at Base No. 3 has been very intense over the past few days. Several times, the alien forces nearly breached the fortress defenses."
"Your uncle has been working tirelessly to reinforce the defenses. It seems he made significant contributions and has been awarded the Third Class Silver Medal," Xu Bo said solemnly.
"Third Class Silver Medal?" Li Yuan held his breath.
To boost morale, the state awards medals to meritorious individuals. Although the titles are varied, they are generally categorized from high to low as National Protection Medals, Gold Medals, Silver Medals, and Bronze Medals, each with three levels: First Class, Second Class, and Third Class.
Four categories, twelve levels.
A Third Class Silver Medal might not seem high, but for an ordinary mid-level manager in a state-owned enterprise, it represents an incredible achievement.
What exactly did Uncle do?
"Frontline conditions are urgent, and I don't have all the details. I only found out twenty minutes ago," Xu Bo said in a low voice. "Your uncle seems to have been affected by a special toxin, and his condition is deteriorating."
"The doctors, medicines, and equipment at the Second Temporary Hospital are insufficient and cannot treat him."
"The Astral Realm's environment is complex and vastly different from Blue Star, with a myriad of toxins."
"The methods of powerful astral creatures can be bizarre and unfathomable."
"To save your uncle, he must be brought back to Jiangcheng as soon as possible for a specialist consultation and treatment."
"Delaying another two or three days might leave no chance."
"Although the immediate danger at Base No. 3 has been temporarily resolved, it's not easy to allocate personnel and an aircraft to airlift someone back from the hospital," Xu Bo sighed helplessly. "The people I know don't have that capability."
Li Yuan's heart trembled as if struck by lightning.
He understood what Xu Bo was implying: this toxin was not ordinary.
It might not even be a toxin!
"Uncle," Li Yuan felt a stabbing pain in his heart.
The figure in his heart, like a father, who had loved and guided him since childhood, was in such dire straits?
At this moment!
Li Yuan wished he could fly to the Luo Bu Sea frontline to bring his uncle back.
"Li Yuan, listen to me. There's still a chance," Xu Bo said, noticing Li Yuan's emotional turmoil. "Meeting Hall Master Wan is your chance to save your uncle."
"Teacher, please tell me," Li Yuan forced himself to calm down.
He remembered his uncle's teaching.
In critical situations, always stay calm before making any decision.
"To bring your uncle back immediately for treatment, it's not about money," Xu Bo said, looking at Li Yuan. "It's about treatment priority. The people I know can't elevate your uncle's treatment priority, understand?"
"Ask Starlight Martial Hall for help?" Li Yuan said in a low voice, suppressing his anxiety.
"Yes."
"Now, the high-levels at Starlight Martial Hall are paying attention to you and likely want to upgrade your contract," Xu Bo nodded solemnly. "You already have a B-level contract, and the upgrade would be to an A-level contract."
"An A-level contract means the city hall master of Jiangcheng recognizes you."
"With the high-levels of Starlight Martial Hall stepping in, there's a good chance of quickly airlifting your uncle back," Xu Bo said. "Although the frontline is tense, with the immediate threat at Base No. 3 resolved, it should be possible to allocate an aircraft."
"The decision-making team at the frontline includes Starlight Martial Hall, Starry Sky Martial Hall, and the military."
Li Yuan understood.
To quickly bring his uncle back, he needed someone with enough authority to intervene.
"Teacher, take me to see Hall Master Wan," Li Yuan said immediately.
Now, he didn't want to waste a minute.
"Follow me."
...
Inside Xu Bo's office.
Xu Bo didn't enter; Li Yuan went in alone.
"Li Yuan, congratulations on your excellent performance in the invitation event. You truly impressed me," Wan Qinghe, dressed in traditional Chinese attire, smiled. "Sit down and let's talk."
"Hall Master Wan," Li Yuan forced a smile. He was anxious but knew he couldn't speak rashly.
Wan Qinghe observed Li Yuan.
He felt that in just a few months, Li Yuan's physical vigor and mental strength had improved significantly. Most importantly, there was a subtle, profound aura about him.
Very faint, but Wan Qinghe, having cultivated spiritual techniques, could sense it.
An aura that comes from experiencing the baptism of killing.
"Li Yuan, in light of your excellent performance in the invitation event and your breakthrough to the Meteorite rank in the Starry Sky Combat Network," Hall Master Wan smiled, "I reported to Hall Master Fei, the city hall master of Jiangcheng, this morning."
"I formally applied to upgrade your contract to an A-level contract."
City hall master of Jiangcheng? Li Yuan understood this was a significant figure.
"Haven't I met the standards yet?" Li Yuan couldn't help but ask.
"Your performance in other aspects is excellent and sufficient," Hall Master Wan smiled. "Besides, with your rate of progress, you'll definitely meet the standards before you turn eighteen. Why delay?"
Li Yuan nodded slightly, indeed, he had five months before turning eighteen.
"Take a look at the terms of the A-level contract first," Hall Master Wan said, tapping his smart wristband.
Buzz~
Li Yuan's wrist trembled slightly, and he received a document, which he quickly opened.
Page by page, he scrolled through.
Compared to the B-level contract, the A-level contract had no changes in other terms, mainly in resources.
The B-level contract provided 1.5 million cash + 1.5 million points per year, plus 3 million cultivation points.
The A-level contract provided 6 million cash + 6 million points per year, plus 12 million cultivation points.
It was a fourfold increase.
The total value of this contract, just in cash and points, amounted to 72 million Blue Star Coins.
Of course, it would be distributed over six years.
Once signed, Starlight Martial Hall would immediately compensate for the difference in the first year of the two contracts.
This contract's benefits were already quite astonishing.
It was not much inferior to the 'S-level special training contract' of Kunlun Martial University, and in some ways, even better.
Because, if the progress under Kunlun Martial University's special training contract was insufficient, it would be downgraded.
But Starlight Martial Hall's contract, once signed, would never be downgraded.
"Hmm?"
"An additional 20% annual increase in benefits?" Li Yuan was surprised to see the supplementary clause at the end of the contract.
"Yes, this is a special order from the provincial hall master after learning about your situation. The provincial hall master is very attentive to you," Wan Qinghe smiled.
Seeing Li Yuan's confusion.
"The provincial hall master is the head of Jiangbei Provincial Hall," Wan Qinghe reminded. "A flying warrior must hold this position."
"Provincial hall master? Flying warrior?" Li Yuan held his breath. This was indeed a figure with both power and martial prowess at the pinnacle of the country.
Usually, you only see such figures in major news.
Such a person paying attention to him?
In Li Yuan's mind, even a source warrior was already a significant figure.
"Don't underestimate yourself," Hall Master Wan smiled. "Your talent is already worth the attention of the provincial hall master."
Li Yuan's heart moved upon hearing this.
"Additionally."
"The provincial hall master has promised that if your skills reach the fifth level before the age of twenty, your contract will be upgraded to S-level, and you will receive a 'Stellar Earth Essence Crystal,'" Hall Master Wan smiled. "When you officially sign, this clause will be added to the 'special contract' in the Starlight space."
"Stellar Earth Essence Crystal? What is it?" Li Yuan was puzzled.
"A priceless treasure," Hall Master Wan said vaguely. "You will get more details about the treasure when you sign the contract."
In fact, Hall Master Wan himself did not fully understand.
But he believed that anything mentioned specifically by the provincial hall master must be a rare and invaluable treasure, beyond monetary value.
"Of course, provided you meet the requirements."
"The S-level contract of the Martial Hall, in terms of difficulty and benefits, although not as good as the SS-level special training contract of the university, it far surpasses the S-level special training contract of the university," Hall Master Wan smiled.
"Understood." Li Yuan nodded, knowing the value just from the A-level contract benefits.
"Are you willing to sign?" Hall Master Wan looked at Li Yuan with a relaxed expression.
"Yes."
"Thank you, Martial Hall, for nurturing me," Li Yuan said without hesitation. "Also, thank you, Hall Master, for your help. Without your assistance and recommendation, the city hall master and the provincial hall master wouldn't have given me this contract."
Hesitation means disloyalty; loyalty means no hesitation.
This was a principle Uncle Li Changzhou had taught Li Yuan many times.
Once a decision like choosing a side is made, there must be no hesitation.
Moreover, Li Yuan genuinely felt grateful.
"Good." Hall Master Wan's face showed a satisfied smile. "I haven't helped much; you've worked hard yourself."
"By the way."
"I applied for a villa in the 'First District' of Starlight South Lake Community for you. It comes with a twenty-year residence right, with the first ten years free and the next ten years just paying a property fee annually," Hall Master Wan smiled. "It should be suitable for your family to live in."
"In a few days, the residence notice and related information will be sent to your Starlight space. Find a time to move," Hall Master Wan did not mention Fei Qian.
This was his way of building a relationship.
"Starlight South Lake Community?" Li Yuan was surprised. That was one of the top communities in Guan District.
It was also reputed to be the safest villa community.
Renting a villa there for a year could cost tens of thousands of Blue Star Coins, with the key being the residence qualification.
Money alone couldn't buy the qualification.
"Hall Master, I?" Li Yuan was momentarily speechless.
Adding this up, the A-level contract was indeed extremely valuable.
"Don't worry, live there peacefully."
"Starlight Martial Hall's long-standing philosophy is to enable top talents to pursue the ultimate in martial arts without distractions and to contribute to the advancement of human civilization," Hall Master Wan smiled, pouring chicken soup for Li Yuan. "I believe you will achieve the S-level contract in the future, and even become a flying warrior."
Li Yuan took a deep breath and said earnestly, "Thank you, Hall Master."
"Any other requests?" Hall Master Wan smiled. "I will help you with whatever I can."
"What I can't handle, I'll report it up and do my best to help you."
He looked at Li Yuan sincerely.
"Hall Master, I do have one matter I need the Martial Hall's help with," Li Yuan said as if he had made a significant decision.
"Go ahead!"
Soon, Li Yuan narrated his uncle's situation to Hall Master Wan.
"Third Class Silver Medal?"
"Your uncle? Second Temporary Hospital?" Hall Master Wan nodded repeatedly. "Alright, I understand. I will immediately contact the Starlight Martial Hall warriors at Luo Bu Sea and do my best to arrange it."
"However."
"I can't make absolute guarantees," Hall Master Wan looked at Li Yuan.
"Thank you, Hall Master," Li Yuan's eyes reddened.
...
After sending off Hall Master Wan.
"Did Hall Master Wan agree?" Xu Bo entered the room and asked.
"Yes, but he couldn't make absolute guarantees," Li Yuan nodded, forcing a smile. "Teacher, I'll go back to the martial arts room first. I need to be alone for a while."
"Alright, if you need anything, let me know," Xu Bo said, understanding the deep bond between Li Yuan and Li Changzhou.
Closer than father and son.
Back in Martial Room 4011.
Li Yuan thought for a while and decided to call a number on his smart wristband.
"Buzz~ Buzz~"
Connected!
"Li Yuan? Back in Jiangcheng?" a hearty voice with a smile came through the call.
"Principal Li, I need your help," Li Yuan said directly.
"Go ahead."
...
A few minutes later, after ending the call with Principal Li, Li Yuan called another number.
Soon.
"Li Yuan?" a gentle voice came through the call. "What's the matter?"
"Senior Ji, I'm sorry to bother you," Li Yuan began. "I have an urgent matter I need to discuss with you."