Chapter 22: He Is Only Worth Third-Class

Mother Fang Huiyi sat on the sofa, enjoying the cool breeze that gently stirred her hair. Unlike his usual self, Father Lin Zhen was no longer drenched in sweat while huddled against the electric fan. The air was filled with a sense of peace and tranquility. Watching this scene, Lin Qi felt a surge of happiness in his heart. During his lunch break, he had purchased two air conditioning units online for 3,800 yuan. Although only a thousand yuan remained for his living expenses, he had no regrets.

"Xiao Qi, even if your scholarship has been disbursed, you shouldn't spend it all on air conditioning. You need to save money to buy cultivation resources for yourself!" Mother Fang Huiyi shook her head, chiding Lin Qi for his reckless spending.

Lin Qi sat down and explained, "Mom, Dad, you don't need to worry about that. I've already purchased plenty of resources, and I've applied for a Grade 3 Talent Loan. The funds should arrive in a few days. As for the air conditioning, by buying it a day earlier, you get to enjoy it sooner. Don't feel burdened; this is just the beginning. Our family's life will only get better from here."

...

A few minutes later, having reassured his parents, Lin Qi returned to his bedroom. Thanks to the cool air drifting in from the living room, his room was also filled with refreshing air.

"Having air conditioning is truly comfortable!" After a sigh of contentment, Lin Qi put down his backpack and took a blood-qi capsule to begin his standing meditation. Having returned home an hour early today, he had to put in extra practice.

"I've finally done something for the family." Having solved one of their hardships, Lin Qi felt full of motivation. "Growing up, my parents have always been the ones giving, and I have never done anything for this family. They have worked so hard and sacrificed so much for me. Now, I can finally help out."

As a transmigrator, he had already pieced together the family's situation from various clues, even though his parents had kept it from him to avoid affecting his studies. The family was not only in debt to his uncle but also owed a significant amount in loans—a sum his father hadn't disclosed but was certainly not small. Furthermore, Mother Fang Huiyi’s illness was worsening, requiring even more money. The family was already struggling to make ends meet. Fortunately, his Talent Loan application was about to be approved. This was just the start; he would earn much more in the future. After years of hard work, it was time for him to shoulder the burden of the family. Despite the immense external pressure, Lin Qi possessed powerful motivation.

"My immediate goals are very clear: once the Talent Loan comes through, I will go all out to improve my blood-qi value and spear technique. In the Tianhai City joint monthly exam, I must break into the top thirty of the grade at the No. 2 High School to secure an independent martial arts room. My long-term goal is to keep raising my ranking, showcase my talent, apply for more Talent Loans, pay off the family's debts, and cure Mother Fang Huiyi."

With his goals clearly defined, Lin Qi devoted himself entirely to his standing meditation.

***

Martial Arts Education Bureau.

This was a massive, square-shaped building, entirely blue and white, featuring a multi-layered structure with streamlined curves that created a sense of dynamic beauty. In one of the modern offices, the walls were covered with martial arts imagery—swords, blades, and spears—while holographic projections flickered in the air. Two figures, separated into different zones, swiped their fingers as the projected tables in the air constantly shifted.

"It's senior year again; we're in for a busy time. As expected, we'll be working overtime."

"The number of Talent Loan applications is quite high. This concerns the future of all these martial arts students, so we have to work extra hard to process them."

"Tianhai No. 2 High School, Chen Zichuan and Lin Qi are applying for the Grade 2 Talent Loan—that’s just wishful thinking." A woman in her twenties with exquisite makeup complained while she worked. Suddenly noticing two application forms, she couldn't help but speak up. "Tianhai No. 2 High School, ranked in the 40s, and they want to get a Grade 2? They’re dreaming. Jiang Zhiguang is really something, reporting them higher every time; at most, this is worth a Grade 3." She sniffed in disdain.

A male colleague nearby pulled up the documents to review. According to the regulations of the Martial Arts Education Bureau, applications for Grade 3 to Grade 2 were decided by ordinary staff members like them, working in pairs to supervise each other. The final results would then undergo a secondary review by leadership, which was usually just a formality. Grade 1 and Special Grade applications required the leaders to review them personally. The man carefully read through the files.

"Chen Zichuan for Grade 3 is fine, but this student, Lin Qi, has decent potential. It’s rare to see someone climb into the top 50 in the grade."

The female colleague shook her head, firm in her decision. "I don't think so. Even with such rapid progress, he's still only in the top fifty. Besides, he didn't improve early or late, but precisely when applying—he’s likely been hiding his strength. According to the rules, I won't pass him for anything higher than Grade 3."

Although the woman had a point, the man subconsciously felt that this Lin Qi truly had talent. However, given the regulations, passing him for Grade 3 was perfectly acceptable; in this job, doing more meant more chances to make mistakes, and doing nothing meant no errors. Thinking this, he stopped arguing and marked his decision on the application.

A few moments later, in another independent office, the leader—a robust, slightly portly middle-aged man—was busy. After a quick glance at the application results, he stamped them with his approval.

***

Time in the senior year passed quickly, and a week flew by in an instant. Upon entering the elite class, many felt the intense pressure. Especially in martial arts, everyone was an standout, and the fierce competitive atmosphere made many work even harder.

This day at noon, after lunch, Lin Qi was in Jiang Tao's martial arts room—a spacious two-hundred-square-meter area. The floor was covered with soft mats, and the walls were lined with wardrobes, weapon racks, folding beds, and water dispensers. It even had a private bathroom and a washing machine; one could easily live here. After lunch, which should have been a time for rest and naps, some students chose to use that time for training instead. Lin Qi and Jiang Tao had originally intended to rest, but upon seeing Chen Zichuan training in the martial arts classroom at noon, they joined the group. Their daily three sessions of training had turned into four.

"Hoo—"

After ten minutes of standing meditation, Lin Qi stood up, took a blood-qi capsule, and began to wield his long spear.

"The mantra: The Mountain-Crushing style has its method; the spear's momentum is like thunder, its power capable of shattering ten thousand jun, unyielding and fearless."

"The 'Mountain-Crushing Spear Technique' possesses the momentum of thunder, carries immense power, and must be executed with an unyielding and fearless spirit."

Lin Qi planted his feet firmly in a horse stance, his gaze focused and determined. He brandished the long spear, creating a whistling sound as the tip glinted with cold light. With a forceful shake of the spear, the shaft lunged out like lightning. Lin Qi repeated the moves of the "Mountain-Crushing Spear Technique" over and over, the key points of the technique flashing through his mind.

"Spin-break, sky-leap, lateral-block, rapid-advance..."

He didn't know how many times he had practiced, but his arms began to ache and tremble, yet his spear technique grew increasingly proficient. Simultaneously, his whole body felt fiery, blood-qi surged, and his joints became more fluid.

[Through arduous training, your blood-qi value has increased. Blood-qi +0.1]

[Through constant training, your proficiency in "Mountain-Crushing Spear Technique" has improved. Spear Technique +2%]

[Through constant training, your movement technique has improved. Movement +2%]

[Blood-qi: 6.4 → 6.5]

[Spear Technique: Tier 1 71% → 77%]

[Movement: Tier 1 60% → 68%]

"Hoo—"

Lin Qi stopped and sighed with emotion as he looked at the data on his panel. In just one week, he had made rapid progress. His blood-qi value had increased by a full 0.3, his spear technique had jumped from 60% to 77%, and his movement had improved by about 10%. The speed of his progress was frightening.

"Teacher Zhang Cheng said that the period right after learning a Black Iron-grade manual is when the realm improves the fastest—the better the foundation, the faster the growth. Once this period passes, the speed will slow down, but for now, I am experiencing the sensation of rapid growth."

Lin Qi put down the spear, his hands throbbing with pain. His calloused palms were once again covered in bloody blisters. The improvement in his spear technique did not come without a price; long hours of training had worn the skin on his hands raw. Lin Qi skillfully washed his hands and applied ointment to his palms.

"Hiss—"

The burning sensation made his face twitch slightly. Finally, he wrapped his hands in bandages and waited for them to heal automatically.

"Qi-ge, this week has been really exhausting, but the improvement feels immense." Jiang Tao had also finished his training and was sitting nearby, wiping off sweat and drinking a functional beverage; the strong smell of sweat evaporated into the room. "Teacher Zhang Cheng is truly better than 'Heartless'; not only is his teaching ability strong, but he is also willing to guide us."

Lin Qi nodded. In one week, they had gained some understanding of Zhang Cheng. He was indeed a martial arts teacher worthy of leading the elite class; his teaching ability was truly formidable.

"Alright, it's time for class. Remember to drink some coffee, or you'll get sleepy." Lin Qi advised, dragging his exhausted body to wash up before heading to class.