```
"Enough."
"His martial arts skills are improving rapidly, and it's definitely related to his strong spiritual power, but the most important factor is his comprehension of the spear technique," Zhong Cheng, dressed in a black suit, said somewhat excitedly.
"The kid is barely seventeen... It's very different from those who only made it onto the Blue Star Youth List close to nineteen."
"So young, and his spear skills are already so high."
"Normally speaking, there's a great chance that his spear technique will break through to the fourth level in the future." Zhong Cheng took a deep breath, "His spiritual power is so strong that once his body becomes even stronger, his spiritual power will probably quickly surpass level 20."
"For Li Yuan, the two major difficulties in becoming a Prime Warrior aren't going to be problems at all in the future," Zhong Cheng said as he looked towards Song Yi.
As an official member of the Starry Sky Martial Hall, Zhong Cheng was well acquainted with the operation mode of the Martial Hall.
He was aware that the value paid for signing a prospective member in advance was at least ten million Blue Star Coins.
Perhaps even more.
But to spend such a huge sum, just to cultivate a first-rank martial artist with a physical quality of barely over ten levels?
It simply wasn't worth it.
The goal of signing in advance and focusing on cultivation was only one—to cultivate a Prime Warrior.
Song Yi was such a Prime Warrior.
Because of her formidable strength, Song Yi was able to secure her position as the Vice Hall Master of Guan Mountain District's division.
"To become a Prime Warrior, there are three major difficulties," said Song Yi with a slight smile, "For most people, the hardest part is spiritual power, as it mostly depends on innate talent."
Zhong Cheng couldn't help but nod.
Physical quality not high? That can be enhanced through external means, there are many such treasures, and theoretically, as long as one has enough money, anyone can meet the physical requirements of a martial artist.
Martial arts skills? That depends greatly on comprehension, but with instruction from a renowned master, improvement can be swift.
Spiritual power? The treasures that can enhance spiritual power are unimaginably expensive, beyond even what Prime Warriors would dare to contemplate, so it largely comes down to talent.
And now.
In the eyes of Zhong Cheng and Song Yi, Li Yuan was one of those with exceptional talent for spiritual power.
Combined with his level of spear skills.
He was very much worth cultivating!
"Shall we contact him this week?" Zhong Cheng asked, "Ask him to come to the Martial Hall?"
"That's too hasty," shook her head Song Yi.
Zhong Cheng was taken aback, anxious.
Did she not ask him to contact Li Changzhou immediately? And now she's saying it's too rushed?
"I asked you to contact him promptly for fear that the Martial Arts Hall and Starfire Martial Hall might detect something fishy and beat us to it," Song Yi explained as she picked up her coffee from the side and stirred it gently, "But now, we're pretty sure no one has reached out to him yet."
"Li Yuan is a kid; he might just agree impulsively, but his uncle, Li Changzhou, isn't foolish."
"If we reach out now, they will definitely ask to raise the terms of the contract."
"So, let him cool his heels for a few days."
"Once they realize that we're the only ones interested, negotiations will naturally go more smoothly," Song Yi said with a smile.
"Trying to lower the price?" Zhong Cheng frowned slightly.
Driving down the price isn't a good choice.
Because, martial artists represent martial power, and martial power is the source of all authority.
Pushing for a lower price during pre-contract negotiations could lead to backlash once the other party grows stronger.
"Start by lowering the price," Song Yi said with a faint smile, then she spat out three more words: "Then, raise it."
"Create a difference in treatment."
"In this way, we can show off Starry Sky Martial Hall's regard for talent, and make Li Yuan feel grateful," Song Yi smiled, "Besides, leave the matter of this contract to you."
"You have my authorization for a C-level contract at most; don't disappoint me."
"Thank you, Hall Master Song," Zhong Cheng nodded continuously, "I will definitely handle this matter well."
...
Late at night, just past nine o'clock, Li Yuan finished his cultivation practice and took the unmanned train back home from school.
His aunt had been sitting on the couch waiting for him.
"Aunt!" Li Yuan called out.
"Back? Drink your high-energy milk first, it's on the table, just made a while ago," his aunt said.
"Alright," agreed Li Yuan with a nod.
Except for Sundays when he ate at home, his three meals during weekdays were basically all at school.
Worried about his high expenditure of energy during nighttime cultivation, his aunt would always calculate the time and prepare a cup of high-energy milk for him every night.
Picking up the cup from the dining table, Li Yuan sat down in the living room.
"Aunt, with my allowance from Uncle for the last two months, plus the money I got today, I think I can make it till February, so there's no need to give me any for now," Li Yuan spoke up as he drank his milk.
"Okay," Chen Hui said with a smile, watching Li Yuan as he guzzled down the milk.
She had always been very satisfied with Li Yuan.
Obedient, sensible, and sometimes showing maturity beyond his years, he always made her feel at ease.
As he grew older, Li Yuan began to show noticeable talent in martial arts.
What used to worry Chen Hui was that she and her husband could not provide sufficient financial support for Li Yuan.
This time, Li Yuan earned two bonuses on his own, which also gave her a bit more peace of mind.
"Your uncle sent me a message," Chen Hui said, "that Starry Sky Martial Hall is interested in signing you in advance. What do you think about it?"
"It depends on the terms that Starry Sky Martial Hall offers," Li Yuan put down his empty cup and pondered, "However, if the Martial Arts Hall is willing to recruit me specially, I would prefer to go that route."
"Right."
```
"The best would be a special recruitment," Chen Hui said quite satisfied, "Special recruitment is akin to having a reserved spot in one of the top five schools, and after graduation, a job assignment is guaranteed. You might even directly enter the city's Martial Arts Bureau."
As a high school teacher, Chen Hui had a clear understanding of special recruitment and hoped most of all for Li Yuan to be specially recruited.
In her view, special recruitment by the state not only guaranteed job placements but also was much safer than enlisting in the military—at least if one stayed out of military ranks.
But if you sign a contract with a Martial Hall, the future is uncertain.
Members of a Martial Hall are those who will charge into the front lines of the Star Realm battlefield, with casualty rates no less than those of military martial artists.
"Mm-hmm, I'll listen to you, Auntie," Li Yuan said with a smile, understanding his aunt's concerns.
Li Yuan had his own considerations as well.
The three major Martial Halls, each gathering a large number of martial artists, were the most powerful communities of martial artists, surpassing even the nation.
In terms of martial arts cultivation, choosing a Martial Hall could lead to faster progress, but it's often more dangerous.
On the other hand, opting for the special recruitment from the Martial Arts Hall would mean administrative positioning, which would be best for his family in the future.
With state resources for cultivation, the pace of martial arts progress wouldn't be slow either.
…
When Li Yuan was full of anticipation,
The ensuing developments were entirely beyond his expectations.
The day after he made it onto the Blue Star Youth Ranking, Starry Sky Martial Hall contacted his uncle Li Changzhou once.
After that, there was no more news.
It wasn't just the Starry Sky Martial Hall that went silent; neither the Martial Arts Hall nor the Starfire Martial Hall showed any signs of interest—no one came looking… Time passed, day by day.
In the blink of an eye, more than half a month had gone by.
The time came to mid-October.
Even with Li Yuan's calm disposition, after waiting so long, he was somewhat perplexed.
That afternoon, his uncle Li Changzhou made a video call.
"Li Yuan."
"Your Uncle Zhong messaged me again today; he felt a bit embarrassed, so there's been no news for so many days. He's responsible for signing contracts at the Martial Hall," Li Changzhou said seriously in the video projection, "He really hopes to sign with you."
"Mm," Li Yuan nodded slightly.
Zhong Cheng and Uncle Li Changzhou were undoubtedly good friends for many years.
"But he was frank with you—your issue is with Martial Spirit. Hence, his application for you was stalled during the second review, and now the higher-ups of the Martial Hall are discussing it," Li Changzhou looked at Li Yuan, "But the result should be out in the next couple of days."
"A result in the next couple of days? Because of Martial Spirit?" Li Yuan listened quietly.
Was it again because of Martial Spirit?
"Don't be discouraged; your Uncle Zhong said he would do everything he can to fight for you," Li Changzhou said, "We might have been overly optimistic about this. Even if it doesn't work out, don't be disappointed."
"Don't slack in your cultivation either," Li Changzhou advised.
"Don't worry, Uncle, I'm not cultivating Martial Path just to sign early with the Starry Sky Martial Hall," Li Yuan said with a smile, "When the time comes, even if they want to sign, I might not be willing to."
He ended the video call.
The smile on Li Yuan's face was gone.
Standing inside Martial Arts Room 4011.
"Martial Spirit?"
"Because I haven't awakened it, do neither the Martial Arts Hall nor the Starfire Martial Hall give me a chance?"
"Perhaps, without Uncle Zhong, there wouldn't even be a glimmer of hope with the Starry Sky Martial Hall," Li Yuan gripped his long spear, silently thinking, "Without a suitable high-rank cultivation method, is there no hope of becoming a powerful martial artist?"
Neither Li Yuan nor Li Changzhou had ever considered that the Starry Sky Martial Hall might be doing this on purpose.
After all, with the Starfire Martial Hall and Martial Arts Hall for comparison, there was no word from either party.
"Rip!"
Li Yuan suddenly thrust his spear, a terrifying force erupted, nearly casting a residual image, followed by multiple spear shadows transforming, bursting through the air with piercing screeches.
Suddenly, two notifications flashed across Li Yuan's vision.
[Your Spear Technique realm has advanced 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, who was in his room, suddenly received a video transmission.
"Uncle Zhong?" Li Yuan's eyes brightened slightly.
He answered the call.
Buzz—the projection immediately revealed a middle-aged man dressed in casual home attire, looking very spirited.
"Uncle Zhong," Li Yuan said with a smile.
"Li Yuan." Zhong Cheng chuckled, "Calling you so late, I didn't disturb you, did I?"
"No."
"That's good." Zhong Cheng smiled, seemingly a little sentimental, "I have some good news for you. Your contract application has been approved in the meeting. It's a D-level contract."
"It's passed?" Li Yuan's eyes lit up, "Thank you, Uncle Zhong."
He had already prepared for the possibility of not being approved.
"No need to thank me; it was your own excellence."
"Come to the Martial Hall at nine o'clock on Sunday morning, and we'll discuss the specific terms," Zhong Cheng said with a smile, "No problem, right?"
"No problem."