High-Level Martial Era
Chapter 87: 84: The Gem in the Stone (Extra for 4000 monthly tickets)

"Stellar Earth Marrow Crystal?" Wan Qinghe's eyes flashed with confusion. What is that?

He had heard of various kinds of marrow crystals.

But he had never heard of one with this particular name.

On the other hand, the black-robed elderly Fei Qian was startled upon hearing about it, "Stellar Earth Marrow Crystal? My lord, is it real?"

This treasure, Fei Qian had only heard mentioned in passing by other Flying Heaven Warriors.

He had never truly seen it.

"Are you questioning my decision?" An icy female voice came from within the light screen.

"I wouldn't dare," Fei Qian quickly replied, his head involuntarily bowing down further.

As the Hall Master of the provincial capital's city and one of the top five figures in the Starfire Martial Hall branch of Jiangbei.

In the eyes of ordinary people, he was absolutely powerful and influential.

But it wasn't just the top five— even the three other Provincial Vice Hall Masters had to respectfully bow their heads in the presence of Lord Yang of the Province.

There's no alternative! It's all about strength!

From a 29th level Prime Warrior to a Flying Heaven Warrior, the difference is as vast as that between heaven and earth.

Human Prime Warriors are powerful, with burst speeds reaching the speed of sound. It's quite common for them to reduce a small town to rubble in a big battle, but they ultimately can't fly, and their Origin Power is not unlimited. If surrounded with a large quantity of thermal weapons, there is hope of killing them.

Flying Heaven Warrior?

Bullets? Missiles? They might not even fly as fast as a Flying Heaven Warrior.

Apart from large-scale weapons of mass destruction like nuclear weapons, thermal weapons are basically ineffective.

The key is to take them by surprise!

Otherwise, if the Flying Heaven Warriors spot it from a distance, they just need to rapidly escape the nuclear blast's center to survive.

To call them human-shaped nuclear weapons is no exaggeration.

"Beep~"

The communication was abruptly cut off.

"Whew!" Only then did Fei Qian let out a long breath and sat back down, casting a sideways glance at Wan Qinghe, who looked anxious beside him.

"My dear Lord Wan," Fei Qian leaned back, legs on the office desk: "Are you trying to say I'm senile, or that I don't value talent? Keep talking, I'm listening."

In one second!

Wan Qinghe's face filled with smiles, his upper body leaning forward as he eagerly moved to pour tea, "Fei Lao, you misunderstood my meaning. You're as sagacious as you said just now."

How could Wan Qinghe not understand that Fei Qian must have reported Li Yuan's information to Lord Yang after receiving it?

Otherwise, why would the Provincial Hall Master come looking so quickly?

"I came today, mentioning Li Yuan was just in passing. The main reason was to report to you about the recent preparations for the martial artist convention at the Guan Mountain branch..." Wan Qinghe spoke smoothly, respectfully offering the cup of tea, "Fei Lao, you can tell this tea is top-notch just by smelling it."

"This tea was steeped last night."

"I was too lazy to change it this morning, so I just added some boiled water," Fei Qian said as he took the cup and put it aside.

"You're talking about the previous pot," replied Wan Qinghe, smiling honestly. "This pot, I brewed it anew while you went out just now."

"You little rascal." Fei Qian laughed and shook his head: "You must have cursed me eight hundred times in your heart."

"I wouldn't dare."

"If I didn't know how wise and magnanimous Fei Lao is, how would I dare to come directly?" said Wan Qinghe righteously.

"Enough chit-chat," said the black-robed elder Fei Qian seriously. "This Li Yuan you mentioned is indeed decent. Even before his information was sent to me, I had already received the notification that he entered the 'Fallen Star Stage' on the Starry Skies Fighting Network."

"Fallen Star Stage?" Wan Qinghe nodded, not at all surprised.

"Combining your information."

"To give him an A-level contract would actually be quite adequate," Fei Qian said smilingly. "But I chose to apply for an S-level contract for him. Do you know why?"

Wan Qinghe shook his head.

An A-level contract, Fei Qian as the city's Hall Master, could decide on his own.

But an S-level contract? That would require the consent of the Provincial Hall Master or at least two Vice Provincial Hall Masters.

"Progress speed," Fei Qian uttered these four words.

Wan Qinghe pondered thoughtfully.

"The trajectory of martial arts talents usually falls into two categories," Fei Qian said with a smile. "The first type is like that of Jing He, who stood out in their youth and rose spectacularly, shining bright all the way. Tian Dazhuang, who was signed by the Martial Arts Hall this year, also somewhat fits this description."

Wan Qinghe nodded; he had heard of Tian Dazhuang.

In fact, among the senior evaluations of various forces, Tian Dazhuang was considered slightly better than Wu Dongdong.

Physical quality is indeed important.

But Tian Dazhuang's physical quality is deficient mainly because he lacks resources. Once the follow-up resources catch up, he may well match Wu Dongdong.

"The second type is 'Fang Hai,'" Fei Qian said. "They start off incredibly dazzling, but as time goes on... they don't seem as strong anymore."

Wan Qinghe nodded again.

Fang Hai was a figure who left his mark in the history of Xia Country's martial arts and even that of Blue Star. A martial artist of the Fourth Level at fourteen and Fifth Stage at sixteen... a complete monster.

He was once considered by Starfire Martial Hall as a once-in-a-generation talent with potential to rival Hall Master 'Dongfang Ji'.

Later on... although his achievements were still decent, they were much lower than the lowest expectations.

"Then, there's a very small group, a third kind of trajectory that is an exception to the two types: hidden gems within uncut stones," Fei Qian said with a smile.

"Hidden gems within uncut stones?" Wan Qinghe savored this metaphor.

"At first like a rough stone; as the outer layer peels away, the true nature slowly becomes apparent," Fei Qian said softly with a smile. "And the more they are polished, the more they shine, eventually becoming a masterpiece passed down through generations."

Wan Qinghe held his breath: "Fei Lao means to say, Li Yuan is…?"

"It's too early to make a definitive judgment," Fei Qian said with a smile. "But if you only look at his middle school data, you can only say he was a decent middle schooler."

Wan Qinghe nodded in agreement.

"He accelerated his progress in the first year of high school; it was even faster in his second year," Fei Qian continued. "These past six months entering the third year, it's been terrifying. In terms of progress speed, he's even more exaggerated than other S-level students."

Wan Qinghe nodded: "Fei Lao's insight is profound."

"Whether he is an uncut gem remains to be seen," Fei Qian said with a smile. "But at the very least, he's a piece of jade."

"Lord Yang of the Province probably had a similar line of thought, which is why she promised the Stellar Earth Marrow Crystal."

"What exactly is the Stellar Earth Marrow Crystal?" Wan Qinghe couldn't help but ask.

"Don't ask," Fei Qian cut him off.

"Wait until Li Yuan comes back... Not today, I have to go to Xia Country's headquarters. I won't return for twenty days," Fei Qian spoke. "Your request has been approved; you'll stand in for me in signing the contract. Bring him to me when I return."

"Yes," said Wan Qinghe with a nod.

"Go," instructed Fei Qian. "Pay close attention to Li Yuan. Report any changes at any time. Handle small matters as you see fit."

"Yes."

...

Wan Qinghe left Fei Qian's office and headed straight for the third floor.

He entered one of the offices.

"Old Wan, what brings you to my office?" A chubby middle-aged man was flipping through documents.

"Old Hu, Fei Lao sent me to ask you for a favor," Wan Qinghe whispered, indicating it was something discreet.

The chubby middle-aged man immediately realized it was a private matter.

"What?" He also lowered his voice.

"You know, a house just became available in the Starfire South Lake district, right?" Wan Qinghe nudged the chubby middle-aged man's arm and winked.

The chubby middle-aged man got up and went to the door, looked around, closed it, and then spoke up: "Which one?"

"That one in District One?"

"You're well-informed," the chubby middle-aged man said. "For whom?"

"For a kid who's about to sign an A-level contract. According to the contract level, he's entitled to move into District Two for free." Wan Qinghe whispered, "Mr. Fei meant for him to be upgraded to District One."

"District One, that's at least for a Prime Warrior, or an S-level contract," the chubby middle-aged man frowned. "Or you'd need a special permit from the city's Martial Hall."

"Weren't this year's special quotas already insufficient? If I could issue the permit, why would Mr. Fei have sent me to see you?" Wan Qinghe smiled. "Tiger, I've sent you the information. Mr. Fei wants you to think of something."

"I'll be waiting for your good news then, I'll treat you to a meal next time."

With that, Wan Qinghe didn't wait for a reply, turned around, opened the door, and closed it behind him.

Done in one go.

"An A-level contract?"

"Passed the review five minutes ago?" The chubby middle-aged man muttered as he glanced over Li Yuan's data in the contract: "Li Yuan? Isn't he the one who hasn't even awakened his Martial Spirit?"

The file didn't have Li Yuan's latest situation.

The middle-aged man wasn't worried about Wan Qinghe lying.

Having just reviewed an A-level contract meant that Hall Master Fei had just looked it over, and considering Wan Qinghe immediately came to replace him... the answer was nearly obvious.

"Could he be Hall Master Fei's illegitimate son? Hey, they do look quite similar."

The more the middle-aged man looked, the more convinced he became.

...

Jiangbei Martial Arts University, after lunch, everyone returned to their dorms to pack up their belongings.

"Aunt."

Li Yuan received a video call from his Aunt Chen Hui.

"Huh? Uncle was at Base Three before? Not Base Seven?"

"Has Base Three been relieved already? Good! That's great!" Li Yuan acted as though he had just found out, his face flushed with excitement, comforting his aunt.

These past few days, he had exchanged messages with his aunt twice.

"Aunt, I ranked first in the combat assessment yesterday," Li Yuan said with a smile. "I performed very well in this event. Jiangbei Martial University and the military jointly awarded me 3.5 million Blue Star Coins, everything's going well, don't worry."

"I'll be home tonight." Li Yuan also shared the recent good news with his aunt.

As for reaching the Fallen Star rank?

Since he wasn't upgraded to an A-level contract directly, Li Yuan didn't want to disclose too much yet.

He hung up the phone.

"Based on what Lanyue told me, she knows more than the news reports; Base Three should be safe now." Li Yuan sighed inwardly, "But still, there's been no news."

"I have no idea what's really going on."

All morning, he kept checking the news about the war in the Rob Sea area, but there was nothing new.

"Li Yuan, let's go," called Gu Qianghàn, shouldering his bag.

"Okay, all set."

...

Two o'clock in the afternoon.

At Jiangbei Martial University, the vast runway was crowded with a large number of flying vehicles.

"Li Yuan, see you online if we get a chance," Tian Dazhuang said with a smile, greeting Li Yuan.

"Sure," Li Yuan replied, waving his hand with a smile.

The two had added each other on V Chat and, although they had just met and hadn't talked much, they had mutual respect for each other, sensing a kindred spirit.

Shortly after.

"Li Yuan, I'm off too. Come over to my place when you have time." Wu Dongdong showed his small tiger teeth.

"No problem," Li Yuan said with a laugh. Wu Dongdong had a straightforward personality and got along very easily with others.

Shortly after.

Li Yuan and Lin Lanyue boarded a flying vehicle and headed towards Jiang City's Guan Mountain District.

They arrived at the university by three in the afternoon.

The President, several Vice-Presidents, and Xu Bo were already at the athletic field to welcome Li Yuan and his group.

"Haha, good! Li Yuan, Lin Lanyue, the school is already aware of your performances and we're all happy for you," President Tan Zhenlong said with a beaming smile.

The other school leaders also wore broad smiles.

They all felt that the school's 'college entrance exam achievements' were getting more and more solid by the minute.

"The school has decided."

"To award Student Li Yuan with a scholarship of two hundred thousand," Tan Zhenlong announced earnestly. "And to award Lin Lanyue with one hundred thousand in scholarship."

"The other students receive rewards as well..."

The false smiles on the faces of Li Yuan, Dong Haifeng, and the others finally turned into genuine ones.

Money was the real deal!

...

After the welcome ceremony, Lin Lanyue and Dong Haifeng made their way to their respective Martial Arts Rooms while Li Yuan was singled out by Xu Bo.

"Teacher," Li Yuan said respectfully.

"You did well this time, you've really made me proud," Xu Bo said with a smile.

"Thanks to the teacher's guidance," Li Yuan replied earnestly.

"Haha," Xu Bo laughed.

His view of Li Yuan was different from that of other students.

To him, other students were just that—students.

But Li Yuan was like his half-disciple.

"Alright, come to my office, Lord Wan has been waiting for you for quite some time," Xu Bo said.

"Lord Wan?" Li Yuan was slightly puzzled. "Is there something the matter?"

"It should be about the contract upgrade, but it seems to be more than just a mere A-level contract," Xu Bo said. "He didn't want to say much to me."

"Contract upgrade?" Li Yuan was astonished. He hadn't yet met the standards for an A-level contract.

"Oh, right!"

"There's something else," Xu Bo's expression suddenly became more serious. "My friend just sent me news that the first group from Base Three has been rescued."

"Your uncle's name is on the list."

"But it seems he's injured, and the situation doesn't look very optimistic," Xu Bo hesitated before adding, "You need to be mentally prepared."