Chapter 27 C-Level? D-Level Contract

"Enough."

"His Martial Arts Skills have improved quickly. It's definitely related to his spiritual power, but most crucially, it's his comprehension in spear technique," Zhong Cheng, dressed in a black suit, said with slight excitement.

"He's only seventeen… It's vastly different from those who don't make it onto the Blue Star Youth Rankings until they're nearly nineteen."

"So young, yet his level in spear technique is so high."

"Normally speaking, the chances of his spear technique breaking through to the Fourth Level in the future are quite high." Zhong Cheng took a deep breath, "His spiritual power is exceptionally strong. Once his physical strength improves further, his spiritual power could soon surpass the 20-level threshold."

"Hall Master Song, the two major hurdles to becoming a Foundation Establishing Warrior will be nonexistent for Li Yuan in the future," Zhong Cheng said, looking at Song Yi.

As an official member of the Starry Sky Martial Hall, Zhong Cheng was very familiar with the hall's operational mode.

He was well aware that the value the hall invested to preemptively sign Reserve Members was no less than ten million Blue Star Coins.

Sometimes even more.

And investing such a large sum, could it possibly be for nurturing First Rank Warriors with physical qualities that are only in the teens?

Absolutely not worth it.

Preemptive contracts and focused cultivation were for one goal only — to produce Foundation Establishing Warriors.

Someone like Song Yi was a Foundation Establishing Warrior.

It was because of her immense strength that she could firmly hold the position of Vice Hall Master of the Guan Mountain District's subdivision.

"To become a Foundation Establishing Warrior, there are three major hurdles," Song Yi smiled faintly. "For most people, spiritual power is the hardest, as it's largely reliant on innate talent."

Zhong Cheng couldn't help but nod in agreement.

Low physical quality? That can be improved with external resources, and there's no shortage of treasures. Theoretically, anyone with enough money can meet the physical quality requirements of a Martial Artist.

Martial Arts Skills? That heavily depends on comprehension, but with guidance from accomplished mentors, progress can also be quick.

Spiritual power? Treasures that enhance spiritual power are unimaginably expensive—so steep that not even Foundation Establishing Warriors dare to dream of them. It's almost entirely dependent on one's talent.

And now.

In the eyes of Zhong Cheng and Song Yi, Li Yuan was exactly the kind of rare talent with innate spiritual power.

Coupled with his spear technique proficiency.

Absolutely worth nurturing!

"Contact him this week?" Zhong Cheng asked, "Invite him to the Martial Hall?"

"Too hasty," Song Yi shook her head.

Zhong Cheng blinked in confusion, startled.

Was this not the same person who had urged him to contact Li Changzhou immediately, and yet now she said it was too rushed?

"I asked you to contact them immediately to prevent the Martial Arts Hall or Starfire Martial Hall from noticing and making a move first," Song Yi said, picking up the coffee next to her and gently stirring it. "But now, it's clear—they haven't reached out to him yet."

"Li Yuan is just a kid; he might impulsively agree. But his uncle, Li Changzhou, isn't foolish."

"If we approach them now, they'll surely demand better contract terms."

"So, let's keep them waiting for a few days."

"Once they understand we're the only ones interested, negotiating will naturally become easier," Song Yi said with a smile.

"Pressure them on the price?" Zhong Cheng frowned slightly.

Lowering the price wasn't necessarily a good move.

After all, as a Martial Artist, one inherently represents martial strength—the source of all authority.

Pressuring the price during a preemptive contract could easily lead to backlash when the other party grows stronger.

"Pressure them first," Song Yi said with a faint smile, and then added three more words, "Then raise it."

"Create a disparity in terms."

"This way, it showcases our Martial Hall's appreciation for talent and ensures Li Yuan feels grateful," Song Yi said with a smile. "Also, handle this contract matter personally."

"At most, I'm giving you C-level contract authorization. Don't disappoint me."

"Thank you, Hall Master Song." Zhong Cheng nodded repeatedly, "I'll definitely manage this well."

…

At night, near 9 p.m., Li Yuan finished his training and took an unmanned tram from school back home.

His aunt was waiting on the couch as usual.

"Aunt!" Li Yuan greeted.

"You're back? Drink the high-energy milk first—it's on the table; just prepared not long ago," his aunt said.

"Alright." Li Yuan nodded.

Outside of Sundays when he ate at home, his three daily meals from Monday to Saturday were usually at school.

His aunt always worried about the energy he expended during nighttime training, so every evening she would time it carefully to prepare a warm glass of high-energy milk.

Taking the cup from the dining table, Li Yuan sat down in the living room.

"Aunt, the two months of living expenses Uncle gave plus the money I earned today should last me until February. For now, there's no need to give me more," Li Yuan said casually as he gulped down the milk.

"Alright," Chen Hui replied with a smile, watching Li Yuan drink with obvious satisfaction.

To her, Li Yuan was always a source of pride.

Obedient, sensible, and often mature beyond his years, he constantly reassured her.

As Li Yuan grew older, he also gradually began to show exceptional talent in martial arts.

The only worry Chen Hui had in the past was the inability for her and her husband to financially support Li Yuan adequately.

But now, with Li Yuan successfully earning two bonuses, she felt somewhat eased.

"Your uncle messaged me." Chen Hui said, "The Starry Sky Martial Hall is interested in preemptively signing you. What do you think about it?"

"Depends on Starry Sky Martial Hall's terms," Li Yuan said, putting down the empty glass and thinking aloud. "But if the Martial Arts Hall offers me a special recruitment path, I'd prefer to go that route."

"That's right."

"Special recruitment is ideal," Chen Hui said with approval, "With special recruitment, you're virtually guaranteed admission to one of the five elite schools, and post-graduation, a job placement is promised. You might even get directly into the city's Martial Arts Bureau."

As a middle school teacher, Chen Hui was well versed in special recruitment and hoped Li Yuan could take this route.

In her eyes, a national-level special recruitment pathway not only guaranteed job security but if he didn't end up in the military, it would also be relatively safer.

Signing with a Martial Hall, however, would complicate things in the future.

Martial Hall members had to fight on the frontlines in the Star Realm battlefields—death rates that rivaled military Martial Artists.

"Mm, mm, I'll listen to you, Aunt," Li Yuan replied with a smile, understanding her concerns.

Of course, Li Yuan had his own considerations.

The three major Martial Halls were home to countless Martial Artists, forming the most powerful warrior groups—stronger even than government-backed units.

In terms of Martial Arts Cultivation, joining a Martial Hall would lead to faster progress but much greater risk.

Meanwhile, taking the Martial Arts Hall's special recruitment pathway offered administrative status, which would benefit his family.

With national resources supporting him, his progress in martial arts wouldn't be slow either.

…

When Li Yuan anticipated his future.

Events unfolded entirely beyond his expectations.

After making it onto the Blue Star Youth Rankings on the second day, the Starry Sky Martial Hall contacted Uncle Li Changzhou once.

After that, nothing.

Not only did the Starry Sky Martial Hall fall silent, but neither the Martial Arts Hall nor the Starfire Martial Hall reached out. Days passed without anyone approaching him…

And before he realized it, half a month had gone by.

The calendar had turned to mid-October.

Even with Li Yuan's steady character, waiting that long left him somewhat puzzled.

That afternoon, Uncle Li Changzhou called him.

"Xiao Yuan."

"Your Uncle Zhong sent me another message today. He felt a little embarrassed since there's been no news for so many days. He's in charge of contracts at the Martial Hall," Li Changzhou said seriously over the video projection. "He's very eager to sign you."

"Mm." Li Yuan nodded slightly.

Zhong Cheng and Uncle Li Changzhou were longtime friends—something he couldn't doubt.

"But he said directly that your issue lies in your Martial Spirit," Li Changzhou said, looking at Li Yuan, "His application for you stalled during the second review because of this, and now the Martial Hall leadership is deliberating."

"But the outcome will come within the next two days."

"Within two days? Because of Martial Spirit?" Li Yuan listened quietly.

Again, the Martial Spirit?

"Don't lose hope. Uncle Zhong also said he'll fight for you with everything he's got." Li Changzhou reassured, "Let's stay optimistic. Even if it doesn't work out, don't feel discouraged."

"Keep training; don't slack off," Li Changzhou urged.

"Don't worry, Uncle. I'm not training in martial arts to solely land a Starry Sky Martial Hall contract," Li Yuan said with a smile. "If the time comes and they offer, I might not even sign."

After disconnecting the call.

The smile on Li Yuan's face disappeared.

Standing in Martial Arts Room 4011.

"Martial Spirit?"

"Because I haven't awakened it, does that mean the Martial Arts Hall and Starfire Martial Hall won't give me any chances?"

"Maybe without Uncle Zhong's involvement, the Starry Sky Martial Hall wouldn't hold any hope either," Li Yuan gripped his long spear tightly, his heart sinking. *"Does the lack of suitable High Rank Cultivation Methods mean I have no chance to become a powerful Martial Artist?"*

Neither Li Yuan nor Uncle Li Changzhou considered this might be a deliberate act by the Starry Sky Martial Hall.

After all, with the other Martial Arts Hall and Starfire Martial Hall silent, there was no sign of any offers from them either.

"Rip!"

Li Yuan suddenly thrust his spear forward, unleashing terrifying power that almost left afterimages. Instantly, multiple spear shadows danced and sliced the air with sharp whistling sounds.

Suddenly, two notifications flashed in Li Yuan's vision.

[Your spear technique proficiency has increased from Third Stage 56% to Third Stage 57%]

[Your Life Level has increased from 6.8 to 6.9]

…

The next day, close to 10 p.m.

Li Yuan, staying in his room, suddenly received a video call.

"Uncle Zhong?" Li Yuan's eyes lit up.

He answered the call.

Bzz~ The projection revealed a middle-aged man wearing casual home clothes, looking energetic.

"Uncle Zhong," Li Yuan greeted with a smile.

"Xiao Yuan," Zhong Cheng replied, chuckling. "Calling you so late—hope I didn't interrupt you."

"Not at all."

"Good," Zhong Cheng said with a smile, somewhat sentimental. "I've got good news for you—your contract application has been approved at the meeting. It's a D-level contract."

"Approved?" Li Yuan's eyes brightened. "Thank you, Uncle Zhong."

He had already prepared himself for rejection.

"No need to thank me; it's your own excellence."

"Sunday morning at 9 o'clock, come to the Martial Hall. We'll discuss the specific terms," Zhong Cheng said, smiling. "That okay with you?"

"Totally fine."