High Martial Arts Era

Chapter 31: Chapter 31: Given Too Much

"B-level contract?"

"If I awaken my martial arts spirituality, it will directly upgrade to an A-level contract?" Li Yuan felt a bit dizzy, as if he had been suddenly overwhelmed by happiness.

After all, even after making it to the Blue Star Youth List, neither the Starlight Martial Hall nor the Martial Arts Hall had contacted him. The only interest had come from the Starry Sky Martial Hall, and after half a month of stalling, they had only offered a D-level contract.

The difference between a D-level and a B-level contract was enormous.

Phew!

Li Yuan took a deep breath and didn't let the excitement cloud his judgment. He instantly remembered his uncle Li Changzhou's teachings from childhood: "No matter how excited or angry you are, always ask yourself three questions before making a major decision."

What!

Why!

How!

Summarized in four words: "Stay calm! Don't rush!"

In just a few seconds, Li Yuan calmed down and identified the core issue: "Why?"

Why was Hall Master Wan offering him a B-level contract? This contract was worth tens of millions, with almost ten million Blue Star coins in cash alone.

He wasn't Lu Bu, with so many adoptive fathers loving him.

"Hall Master Wan," Li Yuan said calmly, "A B-level contract is excellent, beyond my expectations... but why would you offer me such a contract? I haven't even awakened my martial arts spirituality."

If something seems off, there must be a reason.

Was it because of his physical fitness? There were plenty of students in the elite class who were better than him.

Martial arts skills? He was good, but not unparalleled.

"You're quite steady, not letting the benefits go to your head." Hall Master Wan smiled at Li Yuan, his evaluation rising.

"I don't want to hide anything from you," Hall Master Wan continued. "I'm offering you a B-level contract because your mental strength is very strong, probably comparable to a first-level martial artist."

Mental strength? Li Yuan was slightly shocked.

Could the other party sense the strength of his mental power?

Indeed, his daily practice of the "Observing the Great Sun and Starry Sky Sutra" had continually enhanced his mental strength, reaching 13.2, which was not weak even among martial artists.

Mental strength generally improved in tandem with physical strength.

"Of course, I can only sense it vaguely, my judgment isn't precise," Hall Master Wan continued. "Technological instruments can't directly test mental strength. Generally, it requires a third-level martial artist to test it personally... I'm only a second-level source martial artist. With a special cultivation method and your relatively weak ability to fully conceal your mental strength, I can sense a bit of it."

"If you were a martial artist with your mental strength concealed in your consciousness, I wouldn't be able to sense it." Hall Master Wan spoke frankly, without any superior airs.

He treated Li Yuan as if they were chatting casually, making him feel at ease.

Hall Master Wan's words clarified many of Li Yuan's doubts but also raised new ones.

"Is mental strength alone enough for a B-level contract?" Li Yuan couldn't help but ask.

He knew mental strength was important, but to what extent? He wasn't sure.

There wasn't much detailed information online.

"Whether it's important depends on the person," Hall Master Wan smiled. "If you aim to become a second-level source martial artist, then mental strength is crucial. But if you're only aiming to be a first-level martial artist, the difference between strong and weak mental strength isn't significant."

"After all, no matter how strong your mental strength is, if someone cuts off your head, you'll still die."

Li Yuan nodded slightly, thinking, "Source martial artist? So this Hall Master Wan is a source martial artist? He's indeed stronger than Teacher Xu."

A first-level martial artist?

A second-level source martial artist?

The classification of martial artists wasn't completely secret in society. High school seniors like Li Yuan were generally well-informed and interested.

Martial artist levels were based on physical fitness:

1-9.9 were ordinary people.

10.0-19.9 were entry-level martial artists, also called first-level martial artists.

20.0-29.9 were second-level martial artists.

Source martial artists were those above the second level.

Entry-level martial artists with physical fitness between 10-19 typically needed to use thermal weapons to combat star realm creatures.

Source martial artists, with physical fitness of at least 20, could use mystical source energy, making them immensely powerful, almost immune to ordinary thermal weapons.

They used cold weapons combined with source energy to battle powerful star realm creatures, but source martial artists were extremely rare.

In his entire life, Li Yuan had never encountered a source martial artist in person, only in various media. Hall Master Wan was the first.

"Your rapid improvement in martial arts skills and physical fitness is likely directly related to your mental strength," Hall Master Wan smiled. "Mental strength is hard to measure directly. Plus, those with extraordinary mental strength are extremely rare... for example, in a city of twenty million like Jiangcheng, not even one might emerge in a year."

"Therefore, mental strength isn't included in assessments like the college entrance exam or special recruitment."

"Moreover, such mental talent usually becomes apparent in university and can be specially trained then."

Li Yuan understood, quickly grasping the concept.

Testing mental strength? It generally required a third-level martial artist, and second-level source martial artists were already rare.

The strength of a third-level martial artist was beyond ordinary comprehension; such people wouldn't have time for such tasks.

The investment wouldn't be worth the return.

"But you, Li Yuan," Hall Master Wan smiled, "are one of those rare individuals with extraordinary mental strength."

Li Yuan was taken aback.

Extraordinary mental strength? Probably not.

"But with my cultivation of the 'Observing the Great Sun and Starry Sky Sutra,' my potential exceeds those with innate talent." Li Yuan thought to himself.

From Hall Master Wan's attitude, Li Yuan realized how precious the "Observing the Great Sun and Starry Sky Sutra" was. It could directly enhance mental strength, an incredibly rare method.

However, Li Yuan had no intention of revealing it for now.

From his own experience, just having the method seemed insufficient.

"I can only practice by concentrating my consciousness on the Great Sun Jade Platform in my spiritual palace," Li Yuan pondered. "If I give the method away, it might endanger myself."

"How would I explain where the method came from? Claim I awakened it?"

Who would believe that?

Might he be taken by powerful figures for experimentation? Entirely possible.

In just two seconds, Li Yuan had figured it out. Until he understood the true secrets of the "Observing the Great Sun and Starry Sky Sutra" and had enough strength to protect himself, he must not reveal the secrets of his spiritual palace.

"In the future, I must be careful while practicing the 'Observing the Great Sun and Starry Sky Sutra,' ensuring no one notices." Li Yuan resolved.

"Li Yuan."

"What do you think?" Hall Master Wan smiled. "A B-level contract is the highest authority I can grant, with 9 million Blue Star coins in cash, another 9 million in resource treasures, and additional resources and guidance worth 18 million Blue Star coins, including spear techniques and source energy manuals."

"These will be provided over six years in six installments."

"If you're still not satisfied, I'm willing to personally sponsor you with an additional one million in cash." Hall Master Wan smiled at Li Yuan.

Li Yuan held his breath, doubting his ears.

He had imagined a good B-level contract but never to this extent.

The value of 18 million Blue Star coins for guidance and manuals aside, just the cash and treasures alone totaled 18 million Blue Star coins.

That's three times the value of a D-level contract!

Even if it was spread over six years, it was incredibly generous for a high school senior like Li Yuan.

Moreover, Hall Master Wan was willing to personally sponsor an additional one million in cash? That's astonishing.

Hall Master Wan smiled, "If you still aren't satisfied, I can personally sponsor you an additional one million in cash."

Li Yuan was astounded.

He had expected a good B-level contract but not to this extent.

The guidance and manuals valued at 18 million Blue Star coins aside, the cash and treasures alone totaled 18 million Blue Star coins.

That's three times the value of a D-level contract!

Even if it was spread over six years, it was incredibly generous for a high school senior like Li Yuan.

Moreover, Hall Master Wan was willing to personally sponsor an additional one million in cash? That was even more incredible.

"Wow!"

Li Yuan took a deep breath, struggling to remain calm.

It wasn't that Li Yuan lacked steadiness; it was simply that the offer was overwhelming.

Hall Master Wan wasn't in a hurry, smiling at Li Yuan.

"Hall Master Wan."

Li Yuan finally spoke, "Your offer is so good that I can't refuse... but I need to discuss it with my family first."

"No problem. You're still a minor, and an early contract would require your guardian's signature," Hall Master Wan nodded.

"Also," Li Yuan hesitated, "a few days ago, the Starry Sky Martial Hall approached me about an early contract. They offered a D-level contract, but I haven't accepted yet."

"I originally planned to discuss it this weekend." Li Yuan decided to be honest, not exaggerating.

"Starry Sky Martial Hall?"

"They approached you for an early contract? Why?" Hall Master Wan was surprised.

In just a second, Hall Master Wan seemed to realize something.

"Li Yuan, hold on." Hall Master Wan raised his hand and checked his smart wristband quickly.

Soon, he stopped scrolling.

"I see."

Hall Master Wan smiled, "Li Yuan, you've made it onto the Blue Star Youth List. I just took office and didn't know about this document."

"The Blue Star Youth List comes from the Starry Sky Fighting Network... the Starry Sky Martial Hall is playing a clever game."

"They must have found out."

"But based on your qualifications, they should have at least offered you a C-level contract."

"Offering you a D-level contract? That's an insult to a martial arts genius like you." Hall Master Wan gently shook his head.

"An insult to me?" Li Yuan was stunned.