"Pavilion Master Fang's way of doing things has been a role model for me. He wants to continue down the path of martial arts, to see the view from even higher. I share this aspiration."
Li Pin responded with a smile.
"The path of Martial Arts…"
Shanhu looked at Li Pin, slightly dazed: "That's right, you're only 22. The growth period for a Martial Artist can last until thirty to thirty-five, you still have over a decade."
"Twenty-two, eh. How nice it would be if only I were eighteen."
At this moment, Fang Yubai spoke with a tone of regret: "Imagine! If you were only eighteen, you could compete in the junior category of the Jiangzhou Martial Arts Competition. Should you win a high-ranking position, you could even have the chance to participate in the national competition, or even the overarching martial arts convention held by Tianyuan. Even if you only make a round trip, that kind of experience would suffice to get you countless endorsements and speaking opportunities."
"Indeed, the current A-list celebrity Shen Manjun emerged from the Junior Division of the 14th Haizhou Martial Arts Competition. She placed within the top ten in the junior division. Being the only female in the top ten of that year, her promotional company packaged her as the leading female martial artist of the division. She gained six million fans that day and secured fourteen endorsement deals within the following month, raking in over a billion in just one year."
Shanhu nodded, then added, "Billions of Gold Ingots."
"Billions in gold "
The currency system of Taibai had been targeted by the Star Alliance and collapsed once. Now, even a simple meal at a restaurant costs tens of thousands. Although the national currency is still in use, most people have switched to the Tianyuan money issued by the Tianyuan Dynasty.
The exchange rate between the Tianyuan money and Taibai money is as high as 1:570. Because of its high value, it's also known as the Gold Ingot."
"That's not even the half of it, our own Su Aojian, who also comes from Jiangzhou, made his debut in the 15th Jiangzhou Martial Arts Competition. He was directly admitted to the Sunshine Level martial arts dojo in our country, and he's now preparing for the national competition. His signing bonus alone for five years totaled eighty million."
Fang Yubai spoke with envy.
His family is rich, but after two generations of toil, they've only accumulated a few billion in assets, mostly in the form of industries.
In cash, they could not even take out tens of millions.
His monthly allowance is around ten thousand Gold Ingots.
"It can't be helped, I'm already twenty-two."
Li Pin shrugged.
"But Li Pin could participate in the Youth Division, right? I remember the age limit for the Youth Division is thirty-six?"
Liu Yingying said.
"Yingying, you don't understand."
Shanhu shook her head: "The growth phase for Martial Artists lasts from thirty to thirty-five, in other words, martial artists generally reach their peak between the ages of 35 and 40 before they begin to decline after a decade or so. The Youth Division is a true battlefield between gods. Without Elixir Energy, you wouldn't stand a chance in the Jiangzhou competition."
Then she lowered her voice a bit: "The reason why my master has not come to the dojo lately is because he's preparing for the 16th Jiangzhou Martial Arts Competition."
"The 16th Jiangzhou Martial Arts Competition…"
Li Pin also had some thoughts in his heart.
These competitions are held every three years.
They are divided into state, national, and the overarching Martial Arts Competition covering the whole Tianyuan Federation."
Each level lasts for a month.
Once the competitions start, they will be a carnival for people all over the country, even the entire federation.
Especially at the finals, schools and organizations would usually take a day off for people to watch the games.
In the world of literature, there is no first among equals. But in martial arts, there is no second place.
Do martial artists want to attain the highest title - Martial Saint?
The most direct method is to enter the National Competition and win the championship.
It is said that there is a King of the Century Martial Arts Competition held once every ten years after the Martial Arts Competition.
And those participants, without exception, have all surpassed the limits of a human body and resist bullets with their flesh. They can even suppress common Star Refiners.
But, this doesn't concern the Taibai Kingdom much.
In the last three competitions, the crown of King of the Century wasn't won by anyone from the Tianyuan Federation."
"If Pavilion Master Fang can stand out in the Jiangzhou Competition, the reputation of the Changfeng Dojo will really take off."
Li Pin said.
"Yes, then we could apply for the Starlight level dojo rating. If we pass, we would become one of the city's supported enterprises, and the scale would definitely expand rapidly. Then, having thousands or even tens of thousands of students wouldn't be a problem."
Shanhu glanced at Li Pin: "What do you think? Would you reconsider becoming an instructor?"
"The reason Martial Artists have such a high status in society is due to two factors. One is that martial arts can assist Star Refiners in their training. The other is that many dangerous areas require reconnaissance from Martial Artists who can avoid the detection of Demonic Beasts. However, in order for a Martial Artist to grow, the most important thing they need is real combat experience."
Li Pin calmly said, "The country tirelessly organizes various competitions to provide Martial Artists with practical experience, therefore this time, I'd also like to get a feel of it."
"Are you joining this Jiangzhou competition?"
Shanhu was taken aback, "You... though you have the strength of a level two Martial Artist which meets the registration criteria for the youth group, isn't a level two Martial Artist considered fodder? This is a place filled with elites, those who rank in the top ten usually have mastered Elixir Energy."
"Scoring is not the point, all I need is to accumulate some practical experience. And meeting many Transformation Qi Experts and even an Elixir Energy Master is enough for me."
Li Pin sincerely said.
In Lanstar, such opportunities are far and few.
In this world, once every three years!
Every three years, he could interact with Elixir Energy Masters and Grandmasters to understand the essence of Elixir and Astral Energy ...
Just thinking about it was exhilarating.
He really couldn't imagine the wonderful sound when Elixir Energy surges into the body and vibrates the bones.
For a moment, he couldn't help but reveal an expectant smile on his face.
"Old Li, be careful, don't just drift with the flow."
Fang Yubai hurriedly said, "Although each martial arts competition will invite renowned martial arts experts, and use Star Artifacts as a safeguard, there is still a death rate. I remember during the last Jiangzhou competition, three were killed and nine were crippled."
"Isn't that a total of twelve people?"
Li Pin replied with a smile, "Every year, there are millions who die in car accidents. Should we stop driving? Besides, which martial artist doesn't get injured?"
"This..."
Fang Yubai didn't know what to say.
"Just to increase combat experience, it won't be too dangerous. Not to mention Li Pin's talent and growth speed might allow him to stand out in the Jiangzhou competition before 36. Participating early could be seen as gaining experience for later."
Shanhu fully agreed.
"I'll cheer for you then."
Liu Yingying smiled at Li Pin.
Li Pin nodded.
By this time, the dishes were served and everyone dropped the subject.
After finishing their meal, Li Pin and Shanhu went up to the dojo. Liu Yingying followed them.
Fang Yubai continued to shop and watch movies with his girlfriend.
After the two left, Meng Lingbing suddenly asked, "Is it true that Miss Shanhu said Li Pin might have a chance to stand out in the Jiangzhou competition before he is 36?"
"Even if there is flattery involved, I don't think it would be too far off."
Fang Yubai said with a trace of regret, "Honestly, a month ago, I was shocked when my uncle said he found his strength. Someone, who has found his strength and has obtained the Martial Artist Certificate, would not earn less than a Hanyang University graduate, right? And today, he is going to take the level two proficiency test directly."
The Taibai Kingdom was a bit better off.
Located in the heart of the Tianyuan Federation, there are no dangerous places except for Death Valley and the Shadow Forest. Its citizens live in peace and comfort. Although they know that Star Refiners are highly regarded, for martial artists who supplement and assist Star Refiners, their advantage in social status has not become apparent.
However, for those countries which are home to more terrifying hazards, each and every martial artist, especially those willing to explore dangerous areas on behalf of Star Refiners, can enjoy heroic treatment.
Some Star Refiners even have great respect for them.
The academic and entertainment circles, even the business world, can't compare with the Martial Arts Realm.
The title of assistant martial artist is even more valuable than that of an associate professor.
Being promoted to mid-grade Martial Artist allows for tax reduction, tax-free benefits and even national subsidies.
"Your friend is really short-sighted. She completely trusts some rumors and missed such a great opportunity."
Fang Yubai sneered, "Just wait, she will regret it in the future."
"I won't associate with her in the future."
Meng Lingbing immediately replied.
"Don't, I still want to see her stunned when old Li becomes famous."
Fang Yubai laughed, "I can't help it, your boyfriend, I, am such a vulgar person."