Chapter 93: Song Yi's Predicament
"One month and his physical fitness improved by 1.1 levels?" Wan Qinghe was at a loss for words to describe his shock.
Indeed, such examples exist in the history of human martial arts, and there are quite a few.
But that's the entire history of human civilization's martial arts!
It's like there have been many young generals throughout history, innumerable in historical records. But if a twenty-year-old general were to stand in front of you, most people would be stunned.
"Those who made their mark in martial arts history either had a very high compatibility with advanced cultivation techniques, sometimes reaching 100%," Wan Qinghe sighed, "or they came from excellent backgrounds and used rare resources."
Talent or background.
Or a combination of both, like the strongest human, Dongfang Ji.
In just a few decades, he grew from a source warrior to a terrifying existence surpassing flying warriors.
Ultimately, he even surpassed the renowned Lante, becoming the undisputed strongest in human civilization.
Of course, as much as Wan Qinghe appreciated Li Yuan, he never subconsciously compared Li Yuan to the grand master of their martial hall.
"Resources?" Wan Qinghe shook his head, looking at a distant screen.
On it, the various auxiliary cultivation resources Li Yuan had purchased from the martial hall in the past six months were clearly listed.
Very ordinary.
As for opportunities? In Wan Qinghe's view, Li Yuan stayed in the city every day. He didn't go to any mysterious astral realms or soaring stars, so what major opportunities could he have?
Is this a novel?
"Then, it only leaves talent." Wan Qinghe sighed internally, "Old Fei was right. He is truly a diamond in the rough."
"His foresight is indeed sharp."
When the outer stone shell is revealed, it is truly a gem.
However, Wan Qinghe also felt quite proud. Such a talent was discovered by him.
In the future, if Li Yuan truly achieves greatness, it would also bring him honor.
"Combat sparring?" Wan Qinghe thought, quickly coming up with an idea.
"Yes, let's do that." He made a decision.
Then, Wan Qinghe spoke, "Activate V-message, call Old Fei."
"Yes, master," the assistant AI replied.
... Soon, Fei Qian received a call from Wan Qinghe.
Wan Qinghe fully reported Li Yuan's recent situation, especially emphasizing Li Yuan's growth from the invitation event to the April mock exam, and how he followed Old Fei's wise instructions, providing key guidance in Li Yuan's development.
"Well done, Qinghe," Fei Qian, the elderly man in a black robe on the video, smiled.
Even his way of addressing Wan Qinghe had changed, clearly satisfied.
"It was all following Old Fei's instructions, fully supporting Li Yuan," Wan Qinghe said with a smile.
"You did well," Fei Qian praised.
The two exchanged mutual compliments.
"I also saw your investigation report. He used 'Body Cleansing Elixir' three times in one month. Truly crazy," Fei Qian sighed, "Even source warriors might not endure such pain."
"A seventeen-year-old boy, yet he has tempered such terrifying willpower..."
"That's why his body evolved so rapidly," Fei Qian analyzed, "Even so, to improve so much in one month, his physical talent is terrifying."
Wan Qinghe listened seriously to Fei Qian's 'analysis.'
"Not surprising for Old Fei, I hadn't thought that far," Wan Qinghe summarized.
"Is this new training plan devised by Kunlun Martial University?" Fei Qian inquired.
"Yes," Wan Qinghe nodded.
"A bunch of lunatics," Fei Qian shook his head, "I doubt they considered Li Yuan's endurance."
Wan Qinghe was speechless. Kunlun Martial University was above the martial hall in terms of training talent.
"Alright then."
"I'll return to Jiangcheng in three days," Fei Qian instructed, "Bring Li Yuan to me. I want to meet him."
"Yes," Wan Qinghe responded respectfully.
Wan Qinghe understood that Fei Qian couldn't wait to personally mentor (and claim credit for) Li Yuan.
After hanging up the phone.
"He won't let go until he sees results," Wan Qinghe muttered, "He only wants to reap the benefits now that the fruit is ripe."
"No wonder he's been the city master for twenty years."
"Sharp eyes and strong influence," Wan Qinghe muttered, "Compared to him, my cultivation is still lacking. I need to keep learning."
"Flying Heaven, change the remark for 'Old Fei' to 'Fei Lao, worth learning from.'"
"Yes, master," the assistant AI responded.
...
Noon, in a classroom at Jiangbei Martial Arts University, the headquarters' war base.
"What a pity," Professor Ming sighed as he looked at the message on the screen.
"Teacher, why are you sighing?" asked the man in the black suit beside him, "Weren't you optimistic about Li Yuan before? His good performance proves your foresight."
"What good is foresight?"
Professor Ming glanced at the man in the black suit, "If he had done a little worse, maybe not reaching the national line in the exam, we might have had a chance."
"Then, Jiangbei Martial University might have produced another flying warrior in the future."
"Now?" Professor Ming shook his head.
"Then, should we send more gifts? To strengthen our relationship?" the man in the black suit suggested.
"Fool!"
"Kunlun Martial University and Starlight Martial Hall won't fully support him? Does he still lack these resources?" Professor Ming shook his head, "Approaching now would only make Li Yuan suspicious and guarded."
"We can only hope."
"Previously, in the invitation event, Jiangbei Martial University left a good impression on Li Yuan. Plus, it's his hometown university..."
...
In the afternoon, at Starry Sky Guanshan Branch.
"Master Lu, you called me?" The elegantly dressed Song Yi entered Lu Huai's office.
"Song Hall Master, please sit," Lu Huai, dressed in martial arts attire, was slowly practicing punches, "I have something to discuss with you."
"Please go ahead," Song Yi replied seriously.
In both Starlight and Starry Sky Martial Halls, the authority of the chief hall master far surpassed that of the deputy hall master.
"There's news about Li Yuan that you should know," Lu Huai said.
Song Yi's face changed slightly.
Again?
Over the past six months, she had heard the name Li Yuan countless times, suffering repercussions three or four times because of it.
"Master Lu, didn't you say a month ago that this matter was settled?" Song Yi couldn't help but speak.
"Just read it first," Lu Huai frowned.
The screen lit up, displaying a large amount of text detailing Li Yuan's recent situation.
And also.
The evaluation and potential rating of Li Yuan by a 'Jiangbei Province Inspector' from Starry Sky Martial Hall.
Details aside.
But the conclusion of the report made Song Yi's face completely change.
"Based on current performance and age analysis, he can be rated A+, but his recent growth rate matches that of S+ level, comprehensive evaluation: S- level."
Whether S+ or S-, it was still S level.
"Do you understand?" Lu Huai sighed.
Song Yi nodded.
Inspectors had a very special role in the martial hall, primarily overseeing the performance of hall masters and ensuring they fulfilled their duties.
They had significant authority, able to report directly to higher-ups.
But they had no direct power to judge, relying on higher authorities to make decisions.
"The three-year hall master assessment is coming up," Lu Huai glanced at Song Yi, "In the past three years, working with me, you've done well in other areas, worked diligently, and kept up with training. But regarding Li Yuan, you've lost significant points. Once this report is submitted, I worry you might fail the final assessment."
Song Yi gritted her teeth.
Failing the three-year major assessment would result in penalties and significant loss of benefits.
"Master Lu, where did you get this report?" Song Yi couldn't help but ask.
She knew that to pass the assessment, this report needed to be 'optimized.'
Calling her here wasn't out of kindness.
"At lunch with the inspector, he mentioned the report wasn't complete and wanted my opinion," Lu Huai smiled, "Given our relationship, I naturally thought of you."
Song Yi's heart burned with anger, understanding Lu Huai's intentions.
"Master Lu," Song Yi said solemnly, "If I pass the assessment, I'll follow your orders for the next three years."
She had to bow her head.
"I'm afraid that's not enough."
Lu Huai finally revealed his true intentions, grinning, "I tried to persuade him, but the inspector still thinks you're better suited for reception and publicity, suggesting you step down from contract review and financial duties."
"Song Hall Master, what do you think?" Lu Huai stared at Song Yi.
After three years, Lu Huai had been eyeing the financial power of Starry Sky Guanshan Branch for a long time.
Unfortunately, he never found an opportunity.
Song Yi's face darkened, standing up abruptly, staring at Lu Huai, "Master Lu, must you drive me to the edge?"
"A week left until the assessment," Lu Huai smiled.
"Hmph!"
"Then let the inspector submit it. I don't believe that Li Yuan alone can cause me to fail," Song Yi sneered, turning to leave.
Bang! The door slammed shut.
"So stubborn!"
Lu Huai sipped his tea, smiling, "Good tea, but still too hot. It needs to cool down a bit."
...
"Threaten me?" Back in her office, Song Yi smashed her cup in anger.
Crash! Crash!
The newly bought cups quickly shattered, ending their short 'mission' of venting.
"Calm down!"
"Calm down," Song Yi tried to calm herself, "I must pass this test."
"I must find a way."
Song Yi quickly thought, "Cooperate with Lu Huai? No! He's a smiling tiger. If I give in today, I'll never rise again."
"He could still use Li Yuan to suppress me."
"I'd be his puppet!" Song Yi's strong-willed nature showed.
She'd rather resign and become a 'star realm warrior' than suffer this indignity.
"Only two ways left."
"First, seek help from my supporters," Song Yi thought. She had her own backers that helped her become deputy hall master.
"Second."
"Unravel the knot by addressing the root cause," Song Yi realized, "Li Yuan."
"I need him to help me act out a play."
Thinking it through, Song Yi contacted Wan Qinghe.
Although the two martial halls were competitors, they were in the same district, and the higher-ups naturally had each other's contact information.
...
Unaware of the conflicts he had caused, Li Yuan continued his routine.
In the afternoon, he arrived at the martial hall, ready for another session of combat training.
But soon, he met a familiar face.
"Hall Master Wan?" Li Yuan was surprised, "Where's Coach Wu?"
"He had something else to do and asked for leave," Wan Qinghe smiled, "Today, I'll be your sparring partner."
"You?" Li Yuan's eyes widened.
"What, am I not qualified?" Wan Qinghe looked slightly displeased.
"No, no," Li Yuan quickly shook his head.
After a brief pause.
"Hall Master, you're too expensive. I can't afford you. How about a cheaper one?"
"Unless you're willing to give me a discount!"