Chapter 96: Violence is the Source
"Six million?" Li Yuan was stunned by this number.
The previously mentioned three million already seemed like a 'sky-high price' to him, as it was just for appearing on a show for a few hours. So, in his mind, he had only expected around two million.
He didn't expect Wan Qinghe to negotiate up to six million Blue Star Coins, which was simply terrifying.
"Uncle Wan, you're amazing," Li Yuan said sincerely. He realized he had a lot to learn from Wan Qinghe.
"You underestimate your own value," Wan Qinghe said with a smile through V-chat. "The first rule of negotiation is to understand your value, and the next is to gauge the opponent's bottom line."
Wan Qinghe didn't mention that asking for ten million Blue Star Coins would most likely have made Song Yi eventually give in. However, in life and work, it's best not to push someone into a corner unless you're prepared to finish them off.
"Understood," Li Yuan nodded. "So, Uncle Wan, about the money..."
"Don't worry, I've arranged everything," Wan Qinghe said calmly. "The show is tomorrow. As for the money, here's the plan."
Wan Qinghe briefly explained the arrangement.
"The Guanshan District Honghe Street Martial Talent Development Fund Association?" Li Yuan was taken aback. It sounded like a shady name.
He couldn't help but ask, "Uncle Wan, is this association legit? I don't want to get scammed."
"Of course, it's legitimate," Wan Qinghe said indifferently. "It's registered, and Song Yi is voluntarily sponsoring the association. It has nothing to do with you or me and is taxed."
"Ultimately, the association will support your martial arts training because they are inspired by your story. This also has nothing to do with Song Yi and will be subject to personal income tax."
"In essence, the six million you'll receive is completely legal and has no ties to Song Yi. You can spend it without worry," Wan Qinghe said.
"Got it," Li Yuan understood clearly.
Actually, private financial transactions wouldn't have been an issue... but since Song Yi was under scrutiny from the Starry Sky Martial Hall, they couldn't leave any obvious traces.
"Uncle," Li Yuan naturally dropped one word from "Uncle Wan."
"What's up? Anything else?" Wan Qinghe laughed.
"There should be some costs for the operation, right? I know there are rules," Li Yuan said quietly. "Let's stick to the initial plan and give me three million. After all, running an association, including staff and venue expenses, must cost a lot each year, probably over ten million."
"Operating by the rules is very important."
Wan Qinghe didn't have to say it, but Li Yuan couldn't ignore it.
"No need. If you still call me Hall Master Wan, then yes, according to the rules," Wan Qinghe said indifferently. "But since you call me uncle, I can't let you do it for free."
"Alright then."
"Focus on your training," Wan Qinghe advised. "Remember, these are just small matters. Your strength is what matters."
"By the way, take the day off from your teacher the day after tomorrow. Come with me to the city martial hall. The city hall master, 'Old Fei,' wants to see you."
"Okay, thank you, Uncle."
....
"Six million? Just like that?" Li Yuan hung up the V-chat, still a bit stunned.
"Uncle was right."
"The wealthier they are, the fiercer they earn money. Ordinary people struggle the most to make their first million," Li Yuan thought to himself.
From Wan Qinghe's operation, he realized that Uncle Wan wasn't as simple and kind as he seemed on the surface.
To think, how long had it been since he took office?
He even managed to establish such a well-prepared association.
"Everyone has their own way."
Li Yuan gripped his spear tightly, whispering to himself, "But the strongest is always martial strength."
Like Dongfang Ji, who established the 'Starlight Martial Hall,' infiltrating various nations on seven planets in just a few decades, changing many of the Seven Star Alliance's rules from top to bottom. How many interests did he disrupt?
For instance, the public availability of techniques, the college entrance exam system, and the martial hall contract system... Was it achieved through personal connections?
No! It was his invincible martial strength and his determination to protect humanity.
Violence is the foundation and source.
The 'Seven Star Alliance Progress Movement' led by Dongfang Ji, although only briefly mentioned in history books, involved countless deaths and the fall of many powerful families.
"Martial arts."
Li Yuan put down his spear and continued practicing his foundational techniques, never daring to relax.
At the same time, Li Yuan could feel that Wan Qinghe genuinely cared for him.
Because he had reminded him more than once: "Your strength is the foundation."
.....
That evening, Li Yuan returned home and chatted with his younger siblings for a while before they went to bed.
"Aunt, how's Uncle doing?" Li Yuan asked while drinking the hot milk his aunt made for him.
A cup of hot milk didn't do much for him.
But Li Yuan knew that his rapid growth had made his aunt feel a bit uneasy, and this was one of the few ways she could show her love.
Why take it away?
This was also why Li Yuan insisted on coming home every day. If it was just for training, he could have stayed at the martial hall.
But how would that make his aunt feel?
The purpose of training is not training itself but family.
"He's recovering quickly, already transferred to a regular ward, and his health indicators are stable. With the special care workers you've arranged from the martial hall on a three-shift rotation, I don't have to worry much," Chen Hui said, smiling as she watched Li Yuan drink the milk, feeling comforted to see the familiar side of her nephew.
"Also, most of the treatment costs are covered by the state, and the remaining part is reimbursed by his company."
"Additionally, there's an extra 'merit subsidy' from the state for his situation, about 400,000 Blue Star Coins, which should be available within half a month," Chen Hui said.
"That's good to hear," Li Yuan nodded. His uncle's treatment hadn't cost the family much.
For example, the cost of rapid transport using a flying vehicle was covered by Uncle Wan.
"By the way."
"The last time Lin showed up, they brought some treasures. It didn't put you in a tough spot, did it?" Chen Hui couldn't help but ask.
She was present and signed at that time, so she knew that it was the mysterious 'Brother Lin' who played a crucial role in saving her husband.
"No."
"Sure, there's some favor owed, but that's from the martial hall higher-ups," Li Yuan said casually. "Don't worry, Aunt. I'm very strong now and will handle everything. When I become a source martial artist in the future, these won't be a problem."
Li Yuan didn't tell his aunt the whole truth. It wasn't necessary.
But he had to reveal a bit to ease her mind and prevent her from worrying too much.
"That's good. We must properly thank him," Chen Hui said. "Today, the hospital director told me that your uncle is almost fully recovered, and they plan to use the 'consciousness awakening device.'"
"Consciousness awakening device?" Li Yuan nodded slightly. "Alright, trust the doctors."
Nowadays, the number of people in a vegetative state has significantly decreased, thanks to the 'consciousness awakening device.'
Its principle is similar to the 'consciousness contact sensing' of the virtual network.
It first allows the consciousness of the 'vegetative person' to enter the virtual network, then enhances stimulation.
The goal is to achieve awakening.
"By the way, Aunt, the martial hall informed me that the house in Starligh South Lake Spring District has been renovated and decorated. We can move in now," Li Yuan said. "It will be more convenient for you to go to work and for Qianqian and Muhua to go to the martial hall."
"What about this house?" Chen Hui hesitated. "Should we wait until your uncle wakes up and is discharged before moving?"
She felt a bit apprehensive. The changes Li Yuan brought to the family in just a few months were overwhelming.
"We can leave this house as it is," Li Yuan smiled. "We've already bought everything we need for the new place. Let's try living there for a few days. If you still feel uncomfortable, we can move back."
"You don't have to worry."
"But Qianqian and Muhua will benefit more from training and studying there," Li Yuan knew how to persuade his aunt.
"Alright," Chen Hui reluctantly agreed. She didn't care much about living in a villa.
But she valued Qianqian and Muhua's education highly.
Just like she once did with Li Yuan.
"Ding~" Chen Hui felt her smart bracelet vibrate and glanced at it, surprised. "Two million Blue Star Coins?"
She had just received a transfer from Li Yuan.
"Little Yuan, what's this?" Chen Hui was stunned. Two million Blue Star Coins!
That's more than ten years of her salary.
"It's for Qianqian and Muhua," Li Yuan smiled. "Aunt, this money means nothing to me now. This time, I ranked first in the Jiang City martial arts exams. The city hall master wants to see me the day after tomorrow."
"City hall master?" Chen Hui held her breath. That was a big figure in her eyes.
In the past, she only saw such people on the news.
"This money is mainly for buying one source energy essence pill every two months for Qianqian and Muhua, especially Qianqian," Li Yuan said. "You should have seen the training documents, Aunt."
"Yes, okay," Chen Hui nodded. She had a master's degree and was well-educated.
Soon, Li Yuan went to his room to wash up.
"My nephew," Chen Hui looked at the empty milk cup on the table, lost in thought.
"Brother, Sister-in-law."
"Did you see this?" Chen Hui silently prayed, "Little Yuan has truly grown up."
Just as Li Changzhou hadn't forgotten.
Chen Hui hadn't forgotten either. She was the one who carried a crying Li Yuan and ran for their lives.
If it weren't for Li Yuan's parents desperately holding off two astral realm creatures, they would never have escaped.
Remembering this, she started to cry.
"Aunt, why are you crying?" A deep voice suddenly came from the bathroom door.
"Uh..."
"Am I?" Chen Hui quickly wiped her eyes and smiled. "I watched the screen too long, and my eyes got a bit uncomfortable."
....
Entering his room, Li Yuan sat directly in the virtual network cabin.
"Since I told Uncle Wan that I could achieve the Meteor 300 points."
"I'd better do it soon," Li Yuan thought, glancing at his divine palace panel.
[Life Level: 9.9 (Not yet ranked)]
Physical fitness index: 105 (measuring explosive power, endurance, speed, constitution, mental power, etc.).
Fist strength: 1287 kg
Speed: 21.8 m/s
Mental power: 16.6
Spiritual awakening degree: 12.8% (current limit 20%).
Body Training Method: "Rock Training Method"
Mind Training Method: "Observing the Great Sun Starry Sky Scripture"
Skill Level: Spear Technique (Level 4, 26%), Movement Technique (Level 4, 20%), Fist Technique (Level 4, 29%)
[Note: The degree of spiritual awakening at 25%, 50%, 75%, 100%, and 125% will gradually receive spiritual guidance.]
_____
"My spear technique and body technique have improved a bit compared to last week. I should be able to break through," Li Yuan thought.
"Let's begin."
Li Yuan connected his consciousness to enter the Starry Sky Combat Network and started the Meteor rank match.