"I want all of your money." Head Yin Shao says with a straight face.
Yun's eyes widen in shock. "All of my money?! That's a fortune!"
Head Yin Shao nods calmly. "Indeed it is. But consider it an investment in your future. You will learn the most advanced martial arts techniques and gain unparalleled skills. It's a small price to pay for greatness."
Yun hesitates, unsure if he's willing to pay such a hefty sum. But his desire to learn martial arts and become stronger drives him forward and he said to Head Shao, "I currently have 50,000,000¥ and I am determined to learn martial arts. If this is too less, I can arrange for more donations," he said, his voice filled with conviction.
"Okay, deal!" Head Shao exclaims.
As Yun's words hung in the air, Head Yin Shao's expression transformed, his eyes gleaming with a hint of surprise and admiration. "You passed," he declared, his voice resonating through the room like a gentle breeze on a summer's day.
Yun's brow furrowed, confusion etched on his face like the delicate lines of a masterpiece. "I passed?" he echoed, his tone laced with disbelief. "What do you mean?"
Head Yin Shao chuckled. "There is no donation or anything, Yun. It was just a test to see if you are really determined to learn martial arts and can give up your wealth or not. Earlier, this was not a test for admission in this academy. Rather, if someone wanted to take admission, he was asked to give up his most precious thing. But that has been changed now because in this modern age, people consider wealth to be the most valuable. And this question, 'how much can you donate?' is asked because we don't know how much wealth someone has. If the test taker is willing to give up everything wholeheartedly, then he passes. Like you did, Yun. You passed."
Head Yin Shao's smile blossomed like a flower in spring. "The test, Yun, was not of your wealth, but of your resolve. We sought to determine if you would willingly surrender your most precious possessions for the sake of knowledge."
Yun's face lit up with understanding, and a sense of relief washed over him. "So, it was a test of my determination and willingness to let go of my wealth," he said, his voice filled with wonder.
Head Yin Shao nodded. "Exactly, Yun. And you have proven yourself worthy. Welcome to the academy. Your journey begins now."
[ Ding! ]
System's notification appeared. [ Host, Head Yin Shao's favorability has increased by +30 points. ]
"Come, let me take you to your martial arts teacher," Head Shao said, his voice warm and inviting.
Yun's eyes widened in protest. "Wait! But I want to learn from you," he exclaimed, his voice filled with determination.
Head Shao's expression turned stern. "I have stopped taking disciples. I don't teach anyone anymore," he said, his tone firm but gentle.
Yun's jaw set in defiance. "But I will not become a disciple of anyone except you," he declared, his eyes flashing with resolve.
Head Shao's face softened, but his words remained firm. "I told you, I don't teach anyone anymore. The person I want to make your master is the vice head of this academy. If you want to learn from him, then learn, or else you can go back."
With that, Head Shao turned to leave, but Yun remained sitting outside the head's residence, his determination unwavering. The whole day passed, and Yun refused to budge, even after Head Shao's repeated persuasion.
As the sun began to set on the third day, Yun's condition grew dire. He had not eaten or drunk anything for three days, and his body began to weaken. Head Shao, seeing Yun's determination and pitiful state, finally relented.
"Very well, Yun," Head Shao said, his voice filled with a mix of admiration and concern. "I will accept you as my disciple. But remember, I will not go easy on you. You must prove yourself worthy."
Yun's eyes lit up with joy, and he nodded fervently, his weakness momentarily forgotten. "I won't disappoint you, Head Shao. I promise."
Head Shao sent Yun to take a bath and eat, and Yun obediently followed the instructions. After a refreshing bath and a nourishing meal, Yun felt his strength returning, and soon he fell into a deep slumber.
The next day, Yun woke up early, determined to begin his training. He arrived at Head Shao's residence at 4:00 in the morning, his eyes fixed on the door, waiting for his mentor to emerge.
When Head Shao came out for his morning training at 5:00, he was surprised to see Yun standing there, his eyes shining with determination. "What are you doing here so early in the morning?" Head Shao asked, his voice tinged with curiosity.
"I am waiting for you for training," Yun replied, his voice firm.
Head Shao raised an eyebrow. "And since when?" he asked, his tone gentle.
"Since 4:00 in the morning," Yun replied, his gaze unwavering.
Head Shao's expression softened, and he gazed at Yun with concern. "You were hungry and thirsty for three days, your body is still weak, and you should rest for a few days. When you become completely healthy, I will start your training."
Yun's face fell, but he nodded understandingly. Head Shao smiled and patted Yun's shoulder. "Patience, young one. Your time will come."
With that, Head Shao continued on his way for his training, leaving Yun to ponder his words. Despite the setback, Yun's determination remained unwavering, and he vowed to prove himself worthy of Head Shao's teachings.
Instead of going to rest, Yun starts following Head Shao, his eyes fixed on his mentor's every move. Head Shao, noticing Yun's persistence, tells him to rest, but Yun ignores the instruction and continues to trail behind him.
Head Shao's expression turns stern, his voice firm. "If you will not listen to me, then do whatever you want to do. I will not stop you."
Yun's determination only grows stronger, and he continues to follow Head Shao to his training place. There, Head Shao begins to practice advanced martial arts, his movements fluid and precise. Yun watches intently, then starts imitating his moves, his body struggling to keep up with the complex motions.
Head Shao notices Yun's attempts and approaches him, his voice filled with concern. "This is advanced martial arts, Yun. If you try to learn it without knowing the basics, your foundation will be spoiled."
But Yun refuses to listen, his eyes shining with a fierce determination. Head Shao takes a deep breath, his expression softening. "Okay, Yun. Meet me at 9:00 in the field behind my residence. There, I will start teaching you."
Hearing this, Yun nods quietly and leaves, his heart racing with excitement. He knows that his journey is about to begin, and he is ready to embrace it with all his heart and soul.
Next Morning, 9:00 AM
Yun arrived at the field behind Head Shao's residence, his heart racing with excitement. He had been waiting for this moment for what felt like an eternity.
"Master Shao, may I ask, is there a special reason why you don't teach anyone?" Yun inquired, his curiosity getting the better of him.
Head Shao smiled, his eyes twinkling with a hint of nostalgia. "No special reason, my young disciple. It's just that, as a head of the academy, I am bound by a ancient rule. I can only teach three disciples in my lifetime. Those three will compete for the post of head after I step down."
Yun's eyes widened in understanding. "So, if you teach a fourth disciple, they will have to compete with the others?"
Head Shao nodded. "Exactly, Yun. That's why I must keep our mentorship a secret. Now, let us begin your training."
9 Months Later
And so, Head Shao started teaching Yun the basics of martial arts. Time flew by, and nine months passed in a blur. Yun had completed the basics, a feat that typically took other disciples five years to achieve.
Head Shao beamed with pride. "Yun, you are a natural talent! You have a talent for martial arts that is rare to find. I am honored to be your mentor."
Yun's heart swelled with gratitude. "Thank you, Master Shao. I am forever in your debt."
Head Shao chuckled. "No debt, my young friend. Just promise me that you will use your skills for good."
Yun nodded solemnly. "I promise, Master Shao. I will make you proud."
[ Ding! ]
[ Host, Head Yin Shao's favorability has increased by +20 points. ]
[ Total favorability has become +50. ]
The System's notification chimed in. [ Congratulations! Host, this is the first time you have increased someone's favorability by +50 points. You receive a one-time +50FP voucher. ]
Yun's eyes lit up with excitement as he commanded the System, "System, use one-time FP voucher on Head Shao."
[ Ding! ]
[ One-time voucher being processed... ]
The System's response was immediate, and Yun watched as Head Shao's favorability skyrocketed.
[ Head Shao's favorability is increased by +50 points. ]
[ Total favorability +100 points. ]
Yun's heart swelled with joy, knowing that his relationship with Head Shao had reached new heights. He felt a sense of pride and accomplishment, knowing that he had invested in their bond.
"Thank you, System," Yun said, his voice filled with gratitude.
[ Skill: Experience Extraction being used on Head Shao... ]
Yun watched as the System's notification flashed before his eyes, his heart racing with anticipation.
[ Head Shao's 55 years of martial arts experience data is copied and sent to the host's body and mind. ]
Yun felt a sudden surge of energy coursing through his veins, as if his body and mind were being infused with a wealth of knowledge.
[ Congratulations! The host learned the second new ability: Martial Arts. ]
Yun's eyes widened in excitement as he gazed at his hands, feeling the familiar yet new sensations coursing through his body. "Finally!" he exclaimed, his voice filled with triumph. "These 9 months of hard work paid off!"
He thought back to the countless hours of training, the sweat, the tears, and the dedication. It had all been worth it. Yun felt a sense of pride and accomplishment wash over him, knowing that he had earned this moment.
With his newfound abilities, Yun felt invincible, ready to take on any challenge that came his way. He knew that this was just the beginning of his journey, and he was eager to see what the future held.
"Thank you, Head Shao," Yun said, his voice filled with gratitude. "Your teachings have changed me forever."
Head Shao said to Yun with a warm smile spreading across his face. "You are welcome, my young disciple. Remember, a true master never stops learning. Continue to hone your skills, and always seek wisdom."
Xiao Yun did not leave the academy even after learning martial arts, opting to refine his new ability for another month. He spent his days honing his skills, perfecting his technique, and mastering the art of martial arts.
One Month Later
As Yun prepared to leave the academy, Head Shao approached him with a warm smile. "Congratulations, my young disciple, on completing your training. You have worked hard and deserve every bit of your success."
Yun bowed respectfully, his heart filled with gratitude. "Thank you, Master Shao. Your guidance has been invaluable to me."
Head Shao placed a hand on Yun's shoulder, his eyes shining with pride. "I have no doubt that you will achieve great things in life, Yun. You have the talent, the dedication, and the heart of a true warrior. Go forth and pursue your dreams."
With a final bow, Yun bid goodbye to his master and left the academy, ready to embark on his next journey. He felt a sense of excitement and anticipation, knowing that his next ability awaited him. The world was full of possibilities, and Yun was eager to explore them all.
As he walked away from the academy, Yun felt a sense of determination burning within him. He would not rest until he had mastered his third ability, and many more beyond that. The pursuit of excellence had become his lifelong quest, and he was ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.