C9 Once He Became Famous, Money Would Come.

"Wind Splitting Leg!"

Upon returning to the field, Lu Chong discovered that his personal panel now boasted a new Middle Grade Martial Skill.

As his Class Teacher had explained, this leg technique was derived from an Earth Level Axe Technique. It was attack-oriented and synergized well with the Nine Shadow Step.

Furthermore, it was the only martial skill the Class Teacher had mastered to Perfection, allowing him to offer Lu Chong more effective guidance.

Wang Tong had made it clear that Lu Chong should seek him out after school each afternoon to practice this leg technique, promising personalized instruction.

"This technique is considerably more challenging than any Low Grade Martial Skill. If you can reach the Beginner level within ten days, you stand a chance of achieving Great Completion before the College Entrance Examination," Wang Tong had advised after imparting the skill to Lu Chong. Without a Middle Grade Martial Skill at Great Completion, Lu Chong's prospects for admission to a prestigious university were slim.

Yet, Lu Chong was now facing a dilemma. He was unsure if he should inform the Class Teacher that during his walk from the office to the field, he had already achieved the Beginner stage with his Wind Splitting Leg.

"The Wind Splitting Leg is now bound to Lu Chong and has awakened. Sensing the pressure of a newcomer, it has willingly entered the Beginner stage," Lu Chong mused to himself.

This revelation prompted a change in his personal panel:

"Name: Lu Chong. Level: Martial Disciple Stage 4 (33%). Martial Skills: Nine Shadow Step, Arcane (10%), Monument Breaking Hand, Arcane (7%), Wind Splitting Leg, Beginner (1%)."

The Class Teacher had estimated a ten-day learning curve for Lu Chong to reach Beginner level with the Wind Splitting Leg, yet Lu Chong was already capable of executing the technique.

After some thought, Lu Chong decided to keep this to himself for now, fearing the Class Teacher might be overly astonished.

"I'll share the news when I get his guidance tonight," Lu Chong resolved.

The morning's practical combat class had replaced all the usual academic sessions, and by its conclusion, it was already lunchtime.

"Mr. Chong, you were incredible today. Lunch is on me—order whatever you like," Chen Yufei exclaimed, slinging an arm over Lu Chong's shoulder as they left the classroom.

"Is it really that exciting for you?" Lu Chong asked, half-distracted by monitoring his own progress in cultivation.

Chen Yufei responded with dramatic flair, "Sun Ze has no choice but to concede defeat. Isn't that cause for celebration?"

He then slyly produced his phone, thrusting the screen towards Lu Chong. "Mr. Chong, take a look—you've become a school celebrity."

On the screen, Lu Chong saw images and videos of his confrontation with Sun Ze topping the school's trending posts, accompanied by a bold caption: "A Martial Disciple Stage 4 genius with two martial arts in the Arcane Realm. A hidden talent rises to fame with a single battle."

"Did you post this?" Lu Chong inquired, eyeing Chen Yufei.

With a smug grin, Chen Yufei boasted, "Absolutely. Impressive, right?"

"And how's Sun Ze doing?" Lu Chong probed.

"I'm not bothered. The fact that I didn't disparage him in the post's title is generous enough," Chen Yufei replied nonchalantly.

"Besides, he's not even in your league."

Laughing and bantering, the two made their way to No.1 High School's cafeteria, with Lu Chong noticing many students casting surprised glances his way.

Chen Yufei was right; the morning's bout had indeed earned Lu Chong a measure of fame around campus.

In the midst of their conversation, a gentle, tentative voice called out from behind, "Lu Chong."

Turning, Lu Chong was met with the blushing face of Lou Qingqing.

"Do you need something?" he asked, puzzled.

Lou Qingqing nodded, her gaze lifting to meet his. "Lu Chong, I'd like to discuss something with you privately."

Quick to catch on, Chen Yufei stepped back with a teasing wink. "Looks like a beauty wants a date. I'll leave you to it and wait for you in the cafeteria, Mr. Chong."

With that, Chen Yufei dashed off, leaving Lou Qingqing to hurriedly clarify, her cheeks reddening further, "Please don't get the wrong idea. I just want to consult you about martial arts training."

Lu Chong, not one to flatter himself unduly, replied evenly, "You've helped me out before. If you have questions, I'm happy to discuss them during combat class."

"It's not that," Lou Qingqing interjected quickly. "I was hoping you could be my private tutor. I want to maximize my time after school to improve my martial skills for the College Entrance Examination."

"Rest assured, I can pay you—how does a thousand yuan per hour sound?" she asked, gathering her courage.

Hearing this, Lu Chong's interest was piqued.

Despite the Class Teacher's promise to secure resources for him soon, Lu Chong, in dire need of funds, couldn't pass up such an opportunity.

He only needed an hour to earn enough for a Nutrient Stick.

Cultivating and making money at the same time was a sweet deal.

While he could turn down a date, he couldn't say no to the funds necessary for his martial arts training.

Yet, he couldn't help but ask, "Why not hire a professional Martial Artist from the dojo to teach you?"

He knew that the going rate for an hour of instruction outside school was roughly the same.

Lou Qingqing replied with ease, "I do have private instructors at the dojo, but the gap between us is too wide, making it hard for me to gain deeper insights."

Lu Chong got it. His own cultivation level was low, just like Lou Qingqing's—they were both Martial Disciples.

And since both of his martial skills had reached the Arcane Stage, he was the ideal sparring partner.

"No problem. I can find time after school each day to help you train," Lu Chong readily accepted.

He also had to carve out an hour to learn from the Class Teacher.

"Mr. Chong, you're too innocent. Lou Qingqing is clearly into you—asking you to be her private tutor is just a pretext," Chen Yufei couldn't contain his excitement, whispering with a chuckle, "Just a heads up, you've got to look out for yourself."

"Scram!" Lu Chong shooed Chen Yufei away and quickly finished his meal.

After school, he headed straight to the Class Teacher's apartment complex.

First, he'd practice the Wind Splitting Leg for an hour, then meet up with Lou Qingqing to earn some extra cash.

Wang Tong, barefoot in the courtyard, directed Lu Chong with a calm demeanor, "Get the hang of the Wind Splitting Leg moves first, then I'll adjust your form."

"Understood!" Lu Chong responded.

He began to move his hands, and as he executed the 36 forms of the Wind Splitting Leg in the courtyard, his legs were as forceful as axes.

The whole sequence flowed seamlessly.

Wang Tong was astounded, his hands instinctively crossed over his chest in disbelief.

"Has he reached the Beginner stage?" Wang Tong marveled, astounded by the sight before him.

This young man had indeed nailed the Beginner stage—every move was spot-on.

"Yes, Teacher, I practiced a bit this afternoon and I think I've just hit the Beginner stage," Lu Chong paused, speaking candidly.

Truth be told, he had already advanced the Wind Splitting Leg to 18% of the Beginner stage. He figured a few more hours of practice and by morning, he'd reach Small Completion.

This pace of progress was admittedly slower than his work on the Nine Shadow Step and the Monument Breaking Hand.