"Observers from the five major schools?" Li Yuan asked, slightly curious. "Is Jiangbei Martial Arts University okay with that?"
"Haha, they naturally aren't too willing, but they can't stop it," Xu Bo replied with a slight smile. "After all, the five major schools are far superior."
"And besides, what difference does it make even if they could block it?"
"Do you think the top five hundred martial arts students in the province would willingly choose Jiangbei Martial Arts University?" Xu Bo asked.
Li Yuan nodded slightly. That made sense!
Being a student in Jiangbei Martial Arts University's martial arts class might not offer resources and training that differ significantly from those in the five major schools. However, those who stand out among a million examinees in the province would hardly believe they would be at the bottom of the five major schools.
Li Yuan himself believed that even if he didn't find a suitable high-level cultivation method in a short time, getting into one of the five major schools would still allow him to rise step by step.
"Teacher, what will the five major schools mainly observe?" Li Yuan asked curiously. "Normally, isn't it based on scores?"
"It's different!"
"Have you seen the detailed schedule?" Xu Bo asked. "There are actual combat assessments included."
"I have seen it," Li Yuan replied.
"There are skill competitions, actual combat assessments, and other special tests," Xu Bo explained. "Do you understand the purpose of training warriors, both for the country and the Seven Stars Alliance?"
"To kill enemies and protect the nation," Li Yuan replied instinctively.
"Exactly," Xu Bo nodded emphatically. "The purpose of training warriors is for actual combat, to cultivate powerful warriors who can fight for human civilization."
"So, many things cannot be judged by scores alone. We must spend time and effort to discern them through various events."
"The simplest example."
"Some people have high talent and strong physical qualities but lack the right mindset. They become afraid when facing life-and-death battles, unable to exert even a tenth of their strength. Can such people be cultivated as key talents?" Xu Bo smiled.
"High scores but low abilities?" Li Yuan understood immediately.
"Some people seem highly talented but are extremely selfish, considering only themselves," Xu Bo continued with a somber tone, recalling something. "If such individuals are cultivated, they might, in the future, pose a threat to human civilization for their own gain."
"Threaten human civilization for personal gain?" Li Yuan held his breath.
"Don't be surprised," Xu Bo shook his head. "This isn't uncommon in ancient history. Everyone has selfish desires, but there should be limits."
"Those who are extremely selfish will be scrutinized closely once discovered, and their cultivation will be handled cautiously."
Li Yuan nodded lightly, agreeing with this viewpoint.
"I'm not worried about you passing these tests and observations," Xu Bo said, looking at Li Yuan. "I believe my judgment of people is quite accurate."
Over time, Xu Bo had grown to appreciate and like Li Yuan even more.
"Teacher," Li Yuan couldn't help but touch his head, feeling a bit embarrassed.
"For this invitation event, according to what I've heard, more than three hundred people from Jiangcheng alone will attend. Province-wide, there might be over a thousand," Xu Bo continued.
"So many?" Li Yuan was slightly surprised. The scale was much larger than what Teacher Chen had mentioned.
Organizing an event for over a thousand people, selecting candidates from all over the province, required tremendous human and material resources. The high level of importance attached to this invitation event was evident.
"The tentative schedule is for March, just before your April assessments," Xu Bo said. "You have three months, enough time to further improve your strength."
Li Yuan listened intently.
"What you need to do is train diligently and perform well during the event, striving to secure an early invitation for special training from the five major schools," Xu Bo said seriously.
"Special training invitation?" Li Yuan recalled what Teacher Chen had mentioned.
"Martial arts students and academic students are different."
"Academic students start university in September and are slowly cultivated," Xu Bo explained. "But martial arts students, from the moment they submit their applications and receive admission notices in late June, will start receiving various cultivation resources from the state."
Li Yuan nodded slightly. This was well-known.
Why did China only recruit over two hundred thousand martial arts students annually? Was it because the state didn't want to cultivate more?
The truth was that the resource subsidy for each martial arts university student was an astronomical figure.
For academic university students, the state subsidized a few tens of thousands of Blue Star Coins per year. For martial arts university students, the starting amount was ten times that.
Not only in the Xia Nation but across the Blue Star and the seven major planets, the vast resources of human civilization were poured into martial arts universities.
"Students from the five major schools start their studies in early July," Xu Bo said. "But normal entry and training differ from special training."
"Those selected for special training are recognized elites who will receive numerous resources from the university," Xu Bo explained. "If you can get into the special training list from the start, your chances of becoming a second-tier source warrior will greatly increase."
Li Yuan listened with bated breath.
There were many information gaps. For families of warriors from the five major schools, this wasn't a secret.
Li Yuan, however, was not aware. After all, his uncle Li Changzhou was just an ordinary student at Jiangbei Martial Arts University.
"Will those who perform well in the invitation event receive invitations?" Li Yuan pondered.
"Yes."
"In a way, this is your greatest opportunity," Xu Bo said seriously.
"My greatest opportunity?" Li Yuan was puzzled.
"The normal special training list is still based on scores," Xu Bo explained. "For instance, the top fifty in the provincial exams, barring any special circumstances, must be included in the special training list. This is mandated by the state to prevent manipulation."
Li Yuan nodded slightly. Determining rankings by scores was the right approach, rather than unilateral decisions by the schools. Forming a system ensured long-term stability.
"If you don't awaken your martial spirit, even with 20 extra points, do you have confidence in making it into the top fifty in the province?" Xu Bo looked at Li Yuan.
Li Yuan thought for a moment, then shook his head. "No."
Indeed, he wasn't confident. Based on past experiences, the top fifty in the province typically had martial arts scores exceeding 1000 points.
"The major schools have limited discretionary slots," Xu Bo said. "So you must seize this opportunity to showcase your strengths."
"For example, your mental strength, martial arts skills, and actual combat abilities... strive to secure a special training contract in advance."
"Your 'Young Hero' title will also help, adding to your prestige," Xu Bo smiled.
When Xu Bo learned of Li Yuan's honor this morning, he was both surprised and delighted.
"It was just a coincidence," Li Yuan touched his head again.
"Coincidence? It still required your strength," Xu Bo shook his head. "Opportunities come to those who are prepared."
"Could other students have seized it?"
"Surviving an astral creature encounter would be fortunate enough," Xu Bo said with emotion.
Li Yuan nodded lightly.
"After the invitation event, sign with whichever school offers you a special training slot. Don't fixate solely on Kunlun Martial Arts University," Xu Bo said.
"Understood," Li Yuan nodded.
He had heard that many students who performed exceptionally well in the January and April assessments were eagerly sought after by the five major schools for targeted contract signing.
"Thank you for the guidance, Teacher," Li Yuan said gratefully.
Without Xu Bo's reminder, Li Yuan might not have valued this event as much and could have missed the opportunity.
"No need to thank me."
"You earned the chance by getting into the top ten of your grade," Xu Bo smiled. "Opportunities are earned through your own efforts."
"If you want to thank someone, thank your past self for working hard."
"I'm just fulfilling my duty as a teacher."
"Alright."
"It's past five. Go eat dinner now, or you'll have to queue," Xu Bo waved.
...
At night, at home in Wanhua Platinum Mansion.
"Mom, Mom, look! Brother is on TV!!" Li Qianqian pulled Chen Hui's hand, urgently pointing to the distant screen projection.
"I'm watching, I'm watching," Chen Hui said.
"Brother is so handsome," Li Muhua's eyes widened. The projection showed Jiangcheng TV's coverage of today's commendation event.
The segment wasn't long, just over twenty seconds, but it was enough to convey the whole story.
"Brother, I want to be a young hero too. Brother, you're really cool," Li Muhua looked at Li Yuan with admiration.
Li Yuan was about to speak.
Slap! A palm landed on Li Muhua's butt.
"What hero? Do you have your brother's skills?" Chen Hui frowned and scolded. "Protect yourself, understand? Talk about being a hero when you're a warrior in the future."
Slap! Another palm on Li Muhua's butt.
"Mom, okay, I get it. Protect myself, stay away and report any danger, don't join crowds, don't go near the river, don't go near the lake..." Li Muhua laughed and jumped around, reciting the "Li Family Rules."
Li Yuan and Li Qianqian couldn't help but laugh.
"And you."
"Li Yuan, why didn't you tell me about such a big thing earlier?" Chen Hui looked at Li Yuan with concern. "If your teacher hadn't messaged me, I wouldn't have known."
"Auntie, I'm fine," Li Yuan quickly said. "I didn't want you to worry, so I didn't mention it. Next time, I'll be more careful."
"You think there should be a next time?"
"If anything happens to you, how would I explain to your uncle?" Chen Hui's words flowed like a machine gun. "This time, you were lucky the astral creature wasn't strong. Can you guarantee..."
Li Yuan comforted his aunt with a smile.
He knew she was worried about his safety.
...
Late at night, the house was quiet. Li Yuan entered the virtual network.
In the Starlight space, Li Yuan glanced at the two screens in front of him, displaying his bank account and points:
Bank Balance: 1,885,340 Blue Star Coins
Martial Hall Points: 1,714,280
Martial Hall Cultivation Points: 700,000
...
"The Martial Hall rewarded me 200,000 Blue Star Coins this time?" Li Yuan looked at his bank account balance.
He had received three transfers today.
He checked the message from the Vice Hall Master.
"This solves my immediate needs," Li Yuan thought. "The next few months will be all about diligent training."
"Improve my strength as much as possible before the invitation event."