C13 To Become the Most Powerful Martial Artist.

Sister Yu recognized that Lu Chong had mastered the Nine Shadow Step to perfection, yet she failed to notice his Monument Breaking Hand had also reached a similar pinnacle. It's common for someone to perfect a low-grade martial skill, but it's rare to see two skills refined to such a level concurrently.

What stood out most was Lu Chong's youth; he was merely a high schooler who had just come of age. Nationally, there weren't more than a hundred students of his caliber each year.

Sister Yu was puzzled by Lu Chong's sudden leap to perfection. When their battle began, he was merely at the Arcane Stage. Yet, she conceded her defeat today.

Elder Chen clarified for her, "Without perfecting the Monument Breaking Hand, he couldn't have wielded it so effortlessly, let alone pose a threat to you, prompting an instinctive defensive reaction."

Turning to Lu Chong, Elder Chen inquired, "Am I correct in assuming you achieved this breakthrough mid-battle?"

Lu Chong, aware he couldn't deceive the astute Elder Chen, modestly replied, "Yes. Sister Yu's insights were invaluable, helping me to grasp the necessary concepts and advance."

He acknowledged the true value of this experience. Without this chance, both his Monument Breaking Hand and Nine Shadow Step might have taken another ten days to reach perfection.

Elder Chen, smiling, said, "You truly are the prodigy Miss Lou Qingqing believes in. I won't renege on my promise."

"You're welcome to stay and train with Miss Lou. Xiaoyu, however, will need to be present," Elder Chen stated unequivocally.

Before departing, he reminded Lu Chong, "Remember, your compensation will increase as agreed. See Xiaoyu after each session to collect your earnings." With that, Elder Chen exited the training room.

Once alone, Lou Qingqing exhaled in relief and rushed to Lu Chong, "Are you okay? I'm so sorry. Had I known, I wouldn't have involved you."

Lu Chong, smiling, reassured her, "I'm fine. This opportunity was crucial for my breakthrough. I should be thanking you."

Sister Yu, growing impatient, interjected, "If you keep dawdling, I might just cut your pay."

She settled down to meditate, though her gaze lingered on Lu Chong, wary of him whisking Lou Qingqing away.

Lou Qingqing playfully defended her, "Sister Yu may seem stern, but she's truly kind-hearted."

Lu Chong mused, "Perhaps to you. A Stage 9 Martial Artist wouldn't bother with just anyone."

Concerned about potential pay deductions, Lu Chong prompted, "Shall we begin?"

He then guided Lou Qingqing through their training in the well-lit space, focusing on combat to enhance her skills. With both his skills at their zenith, teaching came naturally.

Even Sister Yu, watching, had no critiques to offer.

Time flew, and soon Lu Chong collected his eight thousand yuan salary, leaving the Qingqing estate.

Lou Qingqing suggested Uncle Zhong escort him home, but Lu Chong declined, not wanting to trouble a high-stage Martial Artist.

Instead, he ran home, practicing the Qi Accepting Spell to boost his cultivation. The Nutrient Stick from his class teacher bolstered his confidence in his progress.

In just two hours, his Qi Accepting Spell advanced by thirty percent.

"I've underestimated my training speed. By tonight, I should reach Stage 5," Lu Chong realized after reviewing his data.

He sprinted home in under an hour, choosing to cultivate the Qi Accepting Spell in his living room rather than train outdoors.

Three hours later, the Nutrient Stick was depleted, and Lu Chong's rank ascended to Martial Disciple Stage 5. His mind echoed with the update: "Name: Lu Chong. Level: Martial Disciple Stage 5 (1%)."

Reflecting, Lu Chong noted, "Cultivation isn't cheap—I've spent a thousand yuan tonight. As my skills grow, the Qi Accepting Spell's passive cultivation will likely slow, meaning more expenses ahead. Similarly, after reaching Small Completion, the Wind Splitting Leg now cultivates at 1% per hour."

Lu Chong wasn't disheartened, recognizing that what he was experiencing was perfectly normal.

The higher the level of cultivation or martial skill, the more challenging the progression and the greater the resources required.

He wasn't rushing his training in the Wind Splitting Leg technique. With the Class Teacher providing personal instruction, his training efficiency was far superior to practicing on his own.

As for his cultivation level, Lu Chong had found a way to make money, so financial worries were off the table for now.

Lying in bed, he pondered whether he had set his sights too low.

"Given my current rate of improvement, securing a spot in a prestigious university when the College Entrance Examination rolls around seems almost certain. So, why not aim for Huabei Martial Arts University or Jiangnan Martial Arts University? Both are renowned on Blue Star and rank at the very top in Flame Country."

Indeed, these two universities were the dream of students everywhere.

Then there was Central Zhenwu Military University, equally prestigious.

But Lu Chong cherished his freedom, ruling out the military school as an option.

Both Huabei and Jiangnan Martial Arts Universities remained his top choices.

"Rumor has it that the school and the city award hefty scholarships to those who get into these elite institutions, which could certainly ease some of my financial concerns. And why shouldn't I set my sights even higher? Why not aim to be the municipal examination champion, or even the provincial champion?" he mused, his ambitions growing.

Lost in his grand aspirations, Lu Chong drifted off into a dream.

The next morning, it wasn't hunger that roused him but the jarring sound of his phone's ringtone.

Glancing at the caller ID, he saw it was Chen Yufei.

"Mr. Chong, you've got to wake up—there's big trouble. Class 1 has thrown down the gauntlet with a challenge letter to our class! They're picking on us, and the school forum is already buzzing with the news."