Chapter 164: Chapter 164: The Path to Becoming a 8th Rank Martial Artist

Baiyu’s gaze swept over.

Isn’t this the girl who persisted with him till the end, ultimately narrowly losing by a slight disadvantage?

“Dad, he wants some benefits. Are you practicing martial arts so much that you’ve trained the muscles into your brain and can’t hear that?” Yuwen Yundie sneered, her big eyes sparkling with wisdom.

“Is that so?”

Finally, Yuwen Ba’s mind turned a corner: “Baiyu, rest assured, every top scorer from our Maple Leaf Prefecture in the entrance exam will receive substantial favors. As long as you stay at Celestial South Martial Arts University or Maple Leaf Martial Arts University, the training you receive won’t be inferior to Kyoto Magic University.”

This is really a “chicken head” versus “phoenix tail” dilemma.

The chicken heads definitely live more comfortably.

Phoenix tail.

Possesses higher development space.

Of course.

Baiyu doesn’t care about such questions.

Gains in hand are real benefits.

Moreover.

Truly formidable individuals turn chickens into phoenixes.

Someone once said.

I have arrived, so this world shines because of me.

Baiyu feels that as a cross-dimensional traveler, he should have some confidence, and become the strongest chicken head.

“You’re joking, Prefect. The entrance exam results aren’t out yet. Every year there are quite a few dark horses. But I should stay in Maple Leaf Prefecture to develop, as it’s where I grew up.” Baiyu said humbly.

Yuwen Ba felt a weight lifted off his chest.

The top scorers from Maple Leaf Prefecture in previous years had either gone to Huaqing Martial Arts University or Kyoto Magic University, leaving him, the prefect, a bit embarrassed.

Doesn’t that mean admitting you can’t keep people?

As long as Baiyu stays in Maple Leaf Prefecture, going to either Celestial South Martial Arts University or Maple Leaf Martial Arts University fulfills his goal, leaving the rest to the two universities.

“If there’s nothing else, shall I take my leave?”

Baiyu felt he should slip away while the two deans hadn’t returned, to avoid some trouble.

But Yuwen Yundie stopped him.

She is the prefect’s daughter.

“Baiyu, you’re impressive. Do you want to join my team? We can explore shelters together in the future?” Yuwen Yundie’s words were straightforward, never beating around the bush, directly stating her purpose.

Baiyu’s face remained calm, and he blurted out, “I refuse.”

You’re kidding.

I don’t even know this girl.

What is a shelter?

It’s the front line where humans fight against Exotic Beasts and alien races, full of dangers; any slight mistake could cost your life.

Going there with someone you don’t know is pure madness.

Plus, she’s the prefect’s daughter. Who knows how many life-saving techniques she has, and judging by her tone, she clearly frequents shelters often. Does such a person need me as a teammate?

Not logical.

Refuse.

A stable and mature man won’t be charmed by a silver-haired flat-chested loli.

“Really won’t consider it? My invitation is open until enrollment. Even if you don’t join my team, you’ll still need to form a squad with others.” Yuwen Yundie said generously.

Baiyu didn’t want to provoke her further, as her dad was still present.

…

After the martial exam is the Friendship Tournament.

To put it bluntly.

It’s just students from various cities forming small teams to strut around.

The annual Friendship Tournament is always the highlight, broadcast live by all media, but this year’s unexpected martial exam winner shocked many and dimmed the anticipated excitement of the Friendship Tournament.

Sure enough.

With Baiyu’s dazzling performance attracting most attention, the Friendship Tournament turned into a formality, with everyone holding back their full potential.

Plus, before the martial exam, a batch of participants, including mainstays like Li Mingfeng, had ended up in the hospital.

Thus, this year’s Friendship Tournament was hastily concluded.

Zenith City still took first place, Linjiang City was second. Baiyu thought about sweeping five opponents but decided it wasn’t a good idea.

Having Linjiang take second place was good enough.

Linjiang City had always been trailing at the bottom, ranked last along with Yuan Chun City.

…

Having refused all interviews from journalists and media.

Baiyu broke through the throng under Jiang Gan’s guidance and successfully returned to the hotel where Linjiang students were staying. Upon entering the lobby, he saw Qin Shou.

Others were carrying big bags of food and drinks, clearly planning a student gathering tonight.

After all.

Those who passed the martial exam ought to celebrate their success.

Those who didn’t pass need to drown their sorrows.

No matter what, this gathering had to happen, and after this parting, everyone might be dispersed across the country, making future reunions difficult.

“Brother Yu, you’re practically my savior! If I didn’t pass, Uncle Pang might send me to the army.” Qin Shou walked over excitedly, filled with dread.

He assumed the martial exam tested Blood Qi.

But unexpectedly, it was this kind of exam.

He didn’t react in time, almost got eliminated, fortunately Baiyu pulled him through.

What are brothers?

Perhaps everyone doesn’t care about eating and drinking casually, but in critical moments, someone will pull you along.

“Why talk about this?”

Baiyu dismissively smiled, sharing his thoughts: “I think after entering Martial Arts School, shelters might be our main battlefield. You’d better prepare. In the coming days, check if Uncle Pang is done with his matters. If he is, we can first visit the shelter to see what’s going on.”

Qin Shou nodded.

Pang Fei had promised after the entrance exam to take the two into the shelter, which was a rare chance.

At least ordinary Martial Artists struggle to enter.

Martial Artists outside the system pay hefty fees to enter shelters each time, but if they don’t, they won’t have sufficient funds to temper their Blood Qi and enhance their strength.

It’s a vicious cycle.

Social Martial Artists rely solely on the state’s meager support, only enough for living expenses.

But without consuming Blood Qi supplement foods, their Blood Qi would fade away.

Thus many Martial Artists live in shelters for years, accumulating enough materials before returning to advance. Many without ties on Canglan Star even directly settle there.

Baiyu and Qin Shou belong to this out-system Martial Artist category.

Only Martial Arts School students, military members, official organizations are not social Martial Artists; they haven’t entered Martial Arts School yet, hence are out-system Martial Artists.

Thus, Pang Fei taking them inside is an extraordinarily valuable opportunity.

After a chat.

Qin Shou got drawn into attending the student gathering, while Baiyu declined everyone’s invitation, having more crucial things to do.

“First, go to Zenith City’s Bounty Hunter Association for registration.”

“Then I’m going to wander the market to see if there’s any Bone Tempering Herbs I need.”

“Have to spend the reward from Jiang Gan.”

Bone Tempering Herbs aren’t hard to find.

But they come in many types.

Baiyu is now a Tier Nine Martial Artist, Blood and Qi overflowed three times, reaching 600 calories, the peak of Forged Skin.

The next step to enhance Blood Qi requires “Bone Tempering.”

This also opens the path to Tier Eight Martial Artist.

Having tempered and quenched all 206 bones, achieving Martial Artist’s Copper Skin Iron Bone Realm, breaking through the thousand-calorie Blood Qi barrier makes one a Tier Eight Martial Artist.

Hence.

Tier Eight Martial Artists are called the “Copper Skin Iron Bone” Realm.

However, as soon as he stepped out of the hotel, the jittery car lights dazzled him, making his eyes squint.