High Martial Arts Era

Chapter 51: Generous Rewards

On the podium, a series of leaders came forward to take photos and shake hands with Li Yuan, whispering a few words of encouragement. Most of it was just pleasantries.

"Li Yuan, you did well. Last time, you brought great honor to our Martial Hall by killing the astral creature." When it was the turn of the Deputy Hall Master, she smiled brightly, her eyes filled with affection as she looked at Li Yuan, almost as if she were looking at her own nephew.

In interpersonal relationships, first impressions are crucial. The Deputy Hall Master had a great first impression of Li Yuan. After returning last time, she had thoroughly reviewed Li Yuan's records and believed him to be of excellent character and temperament. In her heart, Li Yuan was a young talent worth nurturing.

"Thank you, Hall Master." Li Yuan also smiled warmly. He knew that his significant achievement and the 'Young Hero' title were partly due to his success in killing the astral creature. However, he was also aware that the Starlight Martial Hall had worked behind the scenes to help him. Otherwise, having meritorious deeds wouldn't necessarily guarantee rewards.

"Li Yuan, this is Hall Master Song Yi from the Starry Sky Martial Hall," the Deputy Hall Master introduced with a smile. "You could consider her your benefactor."

Song Yi's expression changed slightly, looking somewhat uncomfortable but unable to show it.

"Hello, Hall Master Song," Li Yuan greeted earnestly, pretending not to know anything.

Of course, Li Yuan knew who she was. When he agreed to sign with the Starlight Martial Hall, his mentor, Teacher Xu Bo, had mentioned her. She was Zhong Cheng's superior and probably the one who decided on his D-level contract.

"Mm, you're quite good. Keep up the hard work," Hall Master Song forced a smile. When she learned that the 'Young Hero' title was awarded to Li Yuan, she had no desire to attend the event. However, Lu Huai required her to represent the Starry Sky Martial Hall.

...

In the audience, reporters were busy taking photos. Killing an astral creature was significant, but the real highlight was that it was done by an underage high school student, making it a rare and valuable promotional point in the astral creature incident.

On the playground, students from all grades were whispering among themselves. Most of their comments were along the lines of "so impressive," "amazing," "is this senior Li Yuan?" and "he's so handsome."

If Li Yuan was only known for his academic excellence, it would be hard for him to gain widespread admiration, and he might even evoke jealousy. But fighting astral creatures to the death? In this era, society held warriors who fought astral creatures in high regard, and students were no exception. To them, Li Yuan's actions were far more impressive than merely excelling in exams. Heroism and bravery have always been admired by the young.

"Lanyue, you're still staring at Li Yuan?" Peng Qiqi waved her hand in front of Lin Lan Yue's face, unable to suppress her laughter. "Are you really falling for him?"

"It's not like that," Lin Lanyue turned her gaze to her friend, smiling softly. "I was just thinking about something and felt a bit sentimental."

"What are you thinking about?" Peng Qiqi asked, puzzled.

"Li Yuan's family isn't well-off," Lin Lanyue said. "He hasn't awakened his martial spirit either. Even though he has exceptional talent in martial arts, achieving what he has now must have required a lot of effort."

Peng Qiqi was taken aback, having never considered this.

"Just like you said, he looked so handsome on the podium," Lin Lanyue continued. "But when he fought the astral creature, he must have only wanted to save people, not thinking about any rewards."

"He probably had never fought an astral creature before," Lin Lanyue recalled. "It takes a lot of courage to face such a battle voluntarily."

"Lanyue, what are you trying to say? Do you like him or not?" Peng Qiqi was even more confused.

"It has nothing to do with liking," Lin Lanyue pinched her friend's chubby face and smiled. "I just admire him."

...

After the school assembly ended, the leaders left, and the students orderly returned to their martial arts classes. Li Yuan, however, followed Principal Tan Zhenlong to his office.

Upon entering, Li Yuan noticed two people waiting inside. "Teacher Xu? Director Li?" he greeted.

Director Li was a representative from the Education Bureau.

"Li Yuan, have a seat," Principal Tan greeted Director Li and the others before inviting Li Yuan to sit down.

Li Yuan obediently sat on a single sofa, looking at the others. It was clear that this meeting wasn't ordinary.

"Director Li, please go ahead," Principal Tan smiled.

"Alright," Director Li, dressed in a black work uniform with a square face, looked at Li Yuan. "Li Yuan, the Education Bureau and the Martial Arts Bureau have discussed your situation."

"We called you here to inform you of a few things."

"First, the special scholarship your principal and Teacher Xu applied for on your behalf has been approved. By 6 PM tonight, a reward of fifty thousand Blue Star Coins will be deposited into your account. This is a state reward, tax-free."

"A special scholarship?" Li Yuan was slightly surprised, feeling excited inside. Fifty thousand Blue Star Coins!

He instinctively looked at Teacher Xu Bo, who had mentioned that he would need to rank in the top five of his grade to qualify.

Teacher Xu nodded slightly, signaling Li Yuan to remain calm.

"Second, you have been awarded the title of 'Young Hero,' a martial arts title. According to the regulations, you will receive 20 extra points in the martial arts section of the college entrance exam. However, the bonus points are not cumulative. If you awaken your martial spirit before the exam, you must choose between the two."

"I understand," Li Yuan felt even more delighted.

There were many bonus point categories in the college entrance exam, such as spiritual awakening, hero titles, and martyrs' children, but the points were not cumulative. Li Yuan knew that awakening his martial spirit seemed unlikely, as his compatibility with the seven major high-level cultivation methods was low.

Therefore, the 20 extra points were crucial.

"Third, in this month's assessment, your martial arts skills scored first in the district and second in the city. The district has decided to reward you with an additional one hundred thousand Blue Star Coins to support your martial arts training," Director Li smiled. "I hope you don't find it too little."

"That's a lot," Li Yuan quickly said. "Thank you, Director."

"Don't thank me," Director Li smiled. "Thank the country. For true martial arts talents, even those who haven't awakened their martial spirit, the country provides significant support and cultivation."

Li Yuan nodded slightly. The more he trained, the more he appreciated the advantages of high-level cultivation methods. It would be extremely difficult to grow into a level 19 warrior with just basic methods, requiring immense resources.

Therefore, the country's support was selective, only for the best.

...

After Director Li left, Principal Tan and Teacher Xu Bo returned to the office.

"Li Yuan, are you satisfied?" Teacher Xu Bo laughed.

"I was already satisfied before. Now I'm even more grateful to you and Principal Tan," Li Yuan said gratefully. Then he couldn't help but look at Principal Tan. "Principal, didn't you say I needed to rank in the top five of my grade to apply for the special scholarship?"

"Top five? Did I say that?" Principal Tan was confused. "When did I set such a high requirement? Didn't I say the top ten could strive for it?"

Now it was Li Yuan's turn to be confused. The principal only required the top ten?

"Li Yuan, the principal might be getting a bit forgetful with age. It's normal," Xu Bo quickly said, grabbing Li Yuan's shoulder like a giant claw. "It's getting late, and the principal needs to rest. Let's not disturb him."

Whoosh! With a flash, Xu Bo had taken Li Yuan tens of meters away, leaving the door open.

"Top ten? Top five? That Xu Bo," Principal Tan chuckled. "Strive for the best? But even the best needs to be reasonable."

"Aren't you afraid of setting the bar too high and discouraging Li Yuan?" Principal Tan sighed. "But Li Yuan is indeed excellent."

"With 20 extra points in the college entrance exam, it looks like Li Yuan can get into one of the top five universities, even without awakening his martial spirit." Principal Tan smiled.

As for achievements? At his age, there was no hope for promotion. He just wanted to cultivate as many outstanding students as possible during his tenure.

...

In Teacher Xu Bo's martial arts room in the office building.

"Will there be another reward from the Starlight Martial Hall?" Li Yuan was surprised as he looked at Teacher Xu.

"Yes," the towering Xu Bo smiled. "You've performed so well this time. Naturally, the Starlight Martial Hall will give you additional rewards. Joining the Martial Hall, the contract rewards are set by the highest level of the hall, unchangeable by anyone."

"If you perform averagely after signing the contract, you will just follow through with it. But if you exceed expectations during this period, even if you can't upgrade the contract, the lower-level hall you're affiliated with will give extra rewards."

"And if your performance is outstanding enough, the hall might even upgrade your contract level," Xu Bo explained to Li Yuan.

Li Yuan understood. He knew about contract upgrades but was unclear about the other details.

He wisely didn't question the top five versus top ten issue, realizing that Teacher Xu wasn't trying to deceive him but rather motivate him.

"By the way, have you looked at the invitation from Jiangbei Martial Arts University?" Xu Bo asked.

"Teacher Chen mentioned it, and I agreed," Li Yuan replied.

"That's good," Xu Bo smiled. "Teacher Chen isn't a martial arts instructor, so he might not know, but I can tell you that this invitation isn't solely organized by Jiangbei Martial Arts University."

"Really?" Li Yuan was puzzled.

"Although the location is at Jiangbei Martial Arts University, representatives from the top five universities will be there to observe," Xu Bo explained.