High Martial Arts: Enlightenment after Practices

Chapter 69: Chapter 69: The Loan is Secured

”The *Hundred Refinements Melting Furnace*... progress in just thirty-nine days?” Zhao Qianjun muttered to himself, his fingers tapping lightly on the desk as he pulled up the detailed file.

The file included Xu Wuyi’s recorded Life Energy Level and Spiritual Strength from every time he entered the Star Martial Battle Network, along with his combat results, match recordings, and so on.

For a regular user, the Star Martial Battle Network wouldn’t have the authority to directly access certain sensitive records, as they are considered private information.

However, since Xu Wuyi was applying for a loan, this information was part of the evaluation criteria. He had already granted authorization, so the Star Martial Battle Network naturally had the necessary permissions.

’Still in the Beginner Stage, but the Furnace Flame has already formed, and he’s more than halfway there... In a mere thirty-nine days?’

The look of disbelief on Zhao Qianjun’s face deepened.

As a disciple of Grandmaster Yue Lianshan, Zhao Qianjun knew, of course, just how difficult it was to practice the *Hundred Refinements Melting Furnace*.

Although this Body Refining Technique was B-level, his master had specifically gone back to improve it after achieving the rank of Grandmaster.

The boost it provided to its practitioner was stronger than other Body Refining Techniques of the same level, but its requirements were also much higher.

For this Xu Wuyi to have made so much progress meant that his understanding of Qi and Blood circulation was already comparable to that of a Martial Artist.

”Honghe First Middle School... I remember a report from a while ago about a student who grasped the True Intention of Martial Arts. That was him, wasn’t it?” Zhao Qianjun asked, looking at his assistant.

The assistant immediately nodded to confirm. ”Yes, President Zhao. Same name, same school. It must be him. In the previous three-school joint exam, he defeated Grandmaster Ren’s closed-door disciple to take first place.”

A three-school joint exam wasn’t something a major figure like Zhao Qianjun, who was prominent throughout the entire province, would normally pay attention to.

However, the fact that Grandmaster Ren’s disciple hadn’t taken first place was what gave the news some value.

A look of realization dawned on Zhao Qianjun’s face. He pondered for a moment before making his decision.

”I’m personally approving this application. Grant the full amount of one million. Also, back up his file, add him to the provincial branch’s ’Potential Talent Watchlist,’ and mark him for priority observation.”

”Yes, President Zhao.” The assistant took notes immediately, then asked, ”Should we send someone to make contact?”

Zhao Qianjun waved his hand. ”No need. When a sapling is growing, too much attention isn’t a good thing. Give him the resources he needs and let him forge his own path.”

”With his current progress in the *Hundred Refinements Melting Furnace*, his Life Energy Level will continue to skyrocket. Getting into Star Martial won’t be a problem.”

”It won’t be too late to approach him after the college entrance exams are over.”

The assistant understood completely. He bowed respectfully and left to handle the necessary procedures.

But just before leaving, he paused, a hesitant look on his face.

Having worked together for several years, Zhao Qianjun immediately knew his assistant had something more to say. ”Is there something else?” he asked.

”It’s not that something is amiss,” the assistant said, clearing his throat. ”I heard that the three-school joint exam was originally meant to decide who would get the special admissions exam slot for one of the Three Greats that Councillor Lin controlled.”

”Xu Wuyi took first place in the exam, but the slot was still given to Grandmaster Ren’s disciple.”

Upon hearing this, Zhao Qianjun’s expression darkened slightly, but it was quickly replaced by a mocking look.

”Ha! That certainly sounds like the Lin Family’s style. A pity their flattery backfired.”

”Huh?” The assistant was a little confused.

Zhao Qianjun laughed and explained, ”Grandmaster Ren is a man of immense integrity. Did the Lin Family really think a little trick like that would make him owe them a favor?”

”Out of respect for Elder Lin, Grandmaster Ren won’t directly embarrass the Lin Family, but he won’t take it to heart either.”

”Knowing his style, he’ll most likely find an opportunity in the future to have his disciple repay the favor to Xu Wuyi directly, not to the Lin Family. With this move, the Lin Family has only managed to displease both sides.”

...

「The next morning.」

[Federation Star Martial Bank Notification: Your account ending in 7410 was credited with 1,000,000 Federation Coins at 08:01 on April 29. Current Balance...]

[Please note: these funds can only be used to purchase resources within the Star Martial Battle Network, and all transactions are monitored.]

One million!

Staring at the long string of zeros on the screen, Xu Wuyi couldn’t help but feel a surge of joy.

When he submitted the application yesterday, he had seen the A+ rating and had a feeling he might get a substantial loan, but he never expected to be approved for the maximum amount of one million!

This huge sum was a timely blessing, instantly washing away the worries about running out of resources that had plagued him for days.

”I don’t have to worry about money anymore.”

He let out a long sigh of relief. At least before the college entrance exams, he wouldn’t have to be distracted by the cost of Qi Blood Potions and could fully dedicate himself to his training.

As soon as the funds arrived, Xu Wuyi immediately went through the school’s channels to order an additional twenty bottles of D-Level Qi Blood Potion.

’With supplies secured, my mind is at ease!’

After taking care of all this, he quickly washed up and headed out to school.

Today was the day of the monthly ranking challenge again.

Although he was now firmly in first place in the sprint class and no one dared to challenge him, he still had to go through the motions.

However, just as he stepped through the gates of Honghe First Middle School, before he could even head to the Martial Arts Dojo, he was stopped by Teacher Wang Wenhai, who was already waiting for him.

”Teacher Wang?” Xu Wuyi said, a little surprised.

Wang Wenhai’s expression was unusually serious. He beckoned to him. ”Don’t go to the Martial Arts Dojo. Come with me, Principal Zhang wants to see you.”

”Principal Zhang?” Xu Wuyi was even more confused.

”Don’t ask so many questions. It’s a good thing.”

Seeing his hesitation, Wang Wenhai offered a brief explanation before leading him through the academic building and straight towards the administration building located deeper on campus.

”Principal, Xu Wuyi is here,” Wang Wenhai said respectfully.

”Hello, Principal.” Xu Wuyi also bowed quickly.

Zhang Qiming put down the file in his hand, his gaze falling on Xu Wuyi as he sized him up carefully. A gentle smile appeared on his face. ”Not bad. Your Qi and Blood is condensed, your foundation is solid, and your spirit is full.”

”It seems you’ve made some real headway with the *Hundred Refinements Melting Furnace* Cultivation Technique.”

’Teacher Wang knew that I was practicing a B-Level Body Refining Technique, so naturally, Principal Zhang knew as well.’

’In fact, this whole thing was probably initiated by Principal Zhang. Otherwise, the school wouldn’t have gone out of its way to give me an extra 500,000 in funds.’

”You praise me too much, Principal. I’m still a long way off. I’ll be more than satisfied if I can just reach the Entry Level stage before the college entrance exams.”

Xu Wuyi said with a helpless sigh. Even though he had been practicing very hard, he still felt his progress was a bit slow.

”Well, there’s no need to be so modest...” The corner of Zhang Qiming’s mouth twitched, and he couldn’t help but let out a small cough.

’He really wanted to tell Xu Wuyi that for a top-tier B-Level Body Refining Technique like this, even a Martial Master Level Martial Artist would need at least one or two years to truly reach the Entry Level.’

’But there was obviously no need to say that right now.’

”I called you here because there’s something I need to remind you about, and I also have a file to give you.”

Zhang Qiming leaned forward slightly, his tone turning serious. ”Xu Wuyi, your Life Energy Level has been increasing very rapidly recently. It’s reached 13.0, correct?”

”Yes.” Xu Wuyi nodded, a little bewildered.

’He knew Principal Zhang must already have this information and was just confirming it with him face-to-face.’

”Excellent!” Zhang Qiming slapped his thigh and stood up.

”If this trend continues, by the time of the college entrance exams at the end of June, your Life Energy Level will most likely exceed 14, and you might even break the 15-point barrier.”

”Originally, I just hoped you would aim for the provincial top ten, but I never expected...”

Zhang Qiming seemed to recall something and was at a loss for words for a moment.

After a brief pause, he continued, ”But precisely because of this, you must take information security seriously.”