Lin Qi, Underestimated

"I know."

Lin Qi remained calm after hearing this, not surprised in the slightest.

However, Dongfang Qi was quite surprised. She had been handling contracts for several years and had negotiated with dozens of geniuses.

When they heard that a contract was open for discussion, no matter how well they hid it,

they would inevitably reveal a hint of excitement.

But Lin Qi, standing before her, showed no expression at all. It was impossible to tell what he was really thinking.

This astonished her.

"Tell me about the terms of your contract."

Two cups of coffee were brought over. After speaking, Lin Qi picked one up and took a sip, the bitter taste spreading through his mouth.

Dongfang Qi took out a tablet and handed it to Lin Qi. Displayed on it was a contract: C-Rank Contract.

"After a comprehensive evaluation by our Martial Arts Hall, we have determined that you are a C-Rank Genius, worthy of a C-Rank Contract."

"With a C-Rank Contract, we will provide you with 1.5 million Xia Guo Bi, as well as resources worth 1 million Xia Guo Bi, for a total value of 2.5 million Xia Guo Bi. This will continue until you graduate from university, a term of five years."

"At the Martial Arts Supermarkets affiliated with our Abyssal Martial Arts Hall, you will also receive a fifteen percent discount."

"Our Abyssal Martial Arts Hall offers the most generous contracts. You can rest assured of that." Dongfang Qi straightened her chest and revealed a confident smile.

Lin Qi nodded. Just as Jiang Tao had said, the Abyssal Martial Arts Hall really was wealthy.

For the same C-Rank Contract, they offered more than the C-Rank Contracts of the Red Sky Martial Arts Hall and Black Radiance Martial Arts Hall. The Xia Guo Bi alone was an extra 500,000, equivalent to a Second-Class Genius Loan.

They gave it to you outright, with no repayment required, and the support lasted for five years—one year of senior high school and four years of university.

"So, what do you think, Lin Qi? No one can offer better terms than our Abyssal Martial Arts Hall." Dongfang Qi looked at Lin Qi expectantly.

"Phew..."

Lin Qi set down his cup and slowly said,

"I need to think about it."

"Huh?"

Dongfang Qi froze. He still needed to think about it?

Think about what? He should have signed immediately.

This was the first time she had encountered someone like this. When others heard they could sign a C-Rank Contract, they would almost always sign their names without hesitation.

They were afraid the Abyssal Martial Arts Hall might change its mind. Who would be like Lin Qi and still need to consider it?

Usually, only geniuses capable of signing B-Rank or even A-Rank Contracts had the right to say they needed to think about it.

Yet an ordinary genius with a C-Rank Contract actually wanted to consider it. This was completely backwards.

"What, are you dissatisfied with the contract?"

Dongfang Qi cursed inwardly, but she still wore a smile.

"Yes." Lin Qi nodded in admission.

"Uh..."

That left Dongfang Qi at a loss again.

"Lin Qi, with your talent, a C-Rank Contract is already the best you can get."

"You aren't thinking of signing a B-Rank Contract, are you? I can guarantee that whether it's the Red Sky Martial Arts Hall or Black Radiance Martial Arts Hall, they will only offer you a C-Rank Contract as well."

"So I hope you won't aim too high." Dongfang Qi tried her best to restrain herself as she persuaded him, her tone stern.

"Buzz!"

Lin Qi took out his phone, glanced at it, then stood up.

"Let's leave it at that. Let me think about it."

"Thanks for the coffee."

With that, he headed for the door and soon disappeared from Dongfang Qi's sight.

"This Lin Qi really doesn't know what's good for him. Does he really think he's a B-Rank Genius?"

"Just wait. He'll come begging me before long." Dongfang Qi smiled disdainfully and picked up her coffee.

Half an hour later.

"Lin Qi, a B-Rank Contract is impossible. You're being far too unrealistic."

"Think it over again."

Lin Qi walked out of another coffee shop. As the sunlight fell over him, he let out a breath.

"Sure enough, none of them will give me a B-Rank Contract. Only the Red Sky Martial Arts Hall remains, but they probably won't be willing either."

Lin Qi calmly returned to his Martial Arts Room, changed into his Martial Arts Uniform as usual, and drank an Energy Elixir.

He took down his Training Spear. Once his entire body heated up and warmth surged through every part of him, his muscles began to stir.

With a flick of his spear, he spun out a spear flower and abruptly began practicing his Spear Technique.

"Swish, swish..."

The spear shaft trembled. The Long Spear shot out like a sharp arrow, repeatedly piercing the air as a light wind howled.

Lin Qi also began to divide his attention, recalling his negotiations with the staff of the Abyssal and Black Radiance Martial Arts Halls.

As expected, every negotiation had fallen apart. No one was willing to offer him a B-Rank Contract.

Lin Qi was not surprised by this result. In fact, he had expected it long ago.

The two major Martial Arts Halls, Abyssal and Black Radiance, both believed he did not have the potential to sign a B-Rank Contract.

But only he knew that he had no problem qualifying even for an A-Rank Contract.

Still, he could wait. There was no fixed deadline for signing contracts. Some people delayed for several months.

He still had more than 700,000 Xia Guo Bi on him, enough to last until this month's Midterm Assessment.

After the Midterm Assessment, no one would doubt whether he could sign a B-Rank Contract.

Of course, he also had a flexible bottom line. Once he no longer had enough money,

he would sign immediately, get the money first, and find a way to upgrade the contract when his future results improved.

"So I still need sufficient strength. Only with strength will I have more choices."

Lin Qi's gaze sharpened, and the Long Spear in his hands became even more forceful.

"Rip..."

The Long Spear tore through the air, carrying overwhelming momentum. His Spear Technique was fierce and domineering.

Lin Qi drew upon the power of his muscles. Veins bulged along his arms like steel bars wrapped around them, while his blood surged rapidly.

His Spear Technique was broad and unrestrained, without the slightest hesitation, fully unleashing his strength.

He recalled the words of Dongfang Qi and the Black Radiance Martial Arts Hall representative when they learned that he needed time to consider.

Their tones and expressions, full of disdain and contempt, surfaced in his mind.

Across both lives, he was already over forty years old. No matter how mature his mindset was, being looked down on still irritated him.

"This is really irritating!"

That was why he needed greater strength, a better contract, and to become a top genius of a Martial Arts Hall. When you were strong enough, there would be no bad people around you.

"Roar!"

Lin Qi let out a great roar like a tiger's howl as the Long Spear in his hand suddenly thrust forward.

Collapse Thrust!

Whirlwind Break!

Soaring Leap!

As one Spear Technique after another was unleashed, his momentum grew more intense, and his Spear Technique became increasingly terrifying.

"Rip..."

In an instant, the spear tip tore through space with a piercing shriek. Lin Qi felt his body boiling violently.

[Through training, your proficiency in Mountain Shattering Spear Technique has increased. Spear Technique +2%]

[Through training, your Movement Technique proficiency has increased. Movement Technique +1%]

[Spear Technique: First Order 94% → 96%]

[Movement Technique: First Order 90% → 91%]

"Phew..."

Lin Qi gripped the spear in one hand and looked at the Panel. The data had changed.

His Spear Technique Realm was already close to the Second Order. Given a little more time, he was confident he could break through to the Second Order.

In all of Tianhai No. 2 Middle School, there were not many people whose martial skills had broken through to the Second Order.

After thinking this, he continued immersing himself in the cultivation of his Spear Technique.

Three days later.

Principal's Office.

Principal Jiang Zhiguang frowned as he looked at the projected Big Screen.

"I never expected Bailu City to have such nerve. They want to hold a Martial Arts Exchange with Tianhai City."

"In previous years, Tianhai City held its own events. Now Bailu City is meddling in this. They clearly came with ill intentions."

Zhang Cheng sat on the sofa with one leg crossed over the other, a projected screen floating before him.

"The Martial Arts Exchange Tournament requires all ten key middle schools to participate. Things are different now. We won't just be representing the school's honor—we'll be representing all of Tianhai City."

"If we lose, it will be far too embarrassing." Zhang Cheng shook his head.

"Yes, so we must win. That can only depend on you, Old Zhang."

"There is still some time before the Martial Arts Exchange Tournament begins. Any improvement these youngsters can make will help." Jiang Zhiguang instructed.

"Then just watch me!" Zhang Cheng laughed.