So, classmate Su Li, what's the price? (Seeking follow-up reads!)

On this Earth, ravaged by Calamity Beasts, trade between cities and countries alike is threatened to varying degrees. It can be said that each city-state exists as an independent little world. Whether it's survival supplies and energy for ordinary people, or the special resources needed for Martial Arts, everything is finite.

The entire world is like a giant arena, where all rules, relationships, and even wars, revolve cruelly around the word "resources."

Against this backdrop, for a commoner with no background to carve out a path in Martial Arts solely through their own talent and effort is harder than climbing to heaven.

Without resources, even the most astonishing talent will quickly wither, ultimately blending into the masses.

For commoners, there are usually three paths forward, filled with compromise and sacrifice:

First, to pledge allegiance to powerful families.

This is the "quickest" way. Powerful families have deep foundations; even a little resource leaking from their fingers is enough for a commoner Martial Artist to undergo a complete transformation. However, the price is also the heaviest—once accepted, it's akin to signing away one's life, becoming subservient, no different from a household slave.

Second, to attach oneself to official forces.

This path seems legitimate, but the threshold is outrageously high.

It doesn't place much importance on talent but rather requires extensive connections and networks. Usually, only those born into the system have a chance to compete for the limited spots.

While the resources provided by official channels are not as abundant as those from powerful families, they at least preserve a degree of dignity and personal freedom.

Third, to rely on institutions like Martial Schools and Martial Arts Schools, which are semi-official in nature.

This path primarily establishes a connection through "apprenticeship." It seems simple, but it's actually the most difficult.

Aside from lucky individuals like Su Li, who were identified for their talent by a Martial School or Martial Arts School from a young age and meticulously nurtured, the vast majority of commoners can only obtain resource cultivation by passing the Martial Arts Examination and "lowering their status."

It's like the college entrance examination in the previous life; even if one scored twenty points above the minimum for a top-tier university, they might voluntarily choose a second-tier university for a better major and a higher scholarship.

It's the same for Martial Arts Schools; only disciples at the core level or above receive investment in resources.

However, most commoners don't even make it to the Martial Arts Examination. They often choose to pledge allegiance to powerful families during their time at Martial School. After passing the Martial Arts Examination, they enter designated Martial Arts Schools according to their patron's arrangements to expand their influence.

For Lu Jue, he naturally wouldn't choose the first path.

Before that man in the golden border appeared, Tang Ning had hinted to him that the Tang family could provide him with financial support.

He had refused.

Even if Tang Ning genuinely harbored good intentions towards him, the agreement he signed was with the entire Tang family, making it difficult to guarantee that the entire family would remain benevolent.

Earlier, when Su Li took Li Zhanting away, she mentioned having something important to discuss.

What could he and Su Li possibly have to discuss?

The only thing he could think of was that East City Martial School wanted to invest in him.

He wasn't an innocent person unaware of the world's ways. He knew very well that in this world of the strong preying on the weak, trying to rise solely as an individual without relying on any faction was undoubtedly a pipe dream.

Especially with the current turbulent times, rising prices, and increasingly scarce cultivation resources, he had to seize every opportunity to become stronger.

Although it would inevitably come at a price, compared to completely losing his freedom and becoming a dog for a powerful family, a Martial School was undoubtedly a better choice.

About half an hour later, a knock on the door interrupted the tranquility of the room.

"Who is it? Can't Brother Jue get some rest?"

Liu Ga grumbled, impatiently opening the door. When he saw the graceful figure standing outside, he was so startled that the apple he was chewing fell to the ground. "Classmate Su Suli?"

"Classmate, could you please step aside for a moment?"

Su Li's gaze swept across the room, her tone calm yet exuding an undeniable aura. "Classmate Lu Jue and I have something important to discuss."

"Of course!" Under the invisible pressure, Liu Ga quickly moved aside and slipped out.

"Hello, Classmate Lu Jue, we meet again!" Su Li entered the room, a subtle glint flashing in her eyes as she looked at Lu Jue.

If her previous approach to Lu Jue was mainly to help her friend Tang Ning escape unnecessary romantic entanglements, then now, after personally witnessing him forcefully defeat Li Zhanting, Su Li felt a trace of curiosity towards this unexpected "dark horse."

Although Li Zhanting had only just entered the Entering Force stage, his strength was undoubtedly at the bottom among the instructors.

However, among the students, those who could defeat Li Zhanting in his Crimson Blood Pill state in a head-on confrontation would not exceed ten.

Even she herself would not claim a high chance of winning, and might even find herself in a tough battle.

Yet, what was most striking wasn't Lu Jue's strength.

According to subsequent in-depth investigations, Lu Jue came from the slums and had no backing from any faction.

He had relied on extremely limited resources, endured silently, and diligently honed his skills for nearly six years, only to astonishingly reveal his prowess at this crucial moment of the Quota Competition!

Certainly, East City Martial School wasn't devoid of students who possessed similar strength at eighteen, but in terms of this perseverance and the ability to conceal one's strength, Lu Jue was absolutely one in a million.

When Su Li presented the investigation report to her master, the Principal of East City Martial School, Jiang Cui, even the principal, who had seen many geniuses, couldn't help but repeatedly marvel at Lu Jue's character.

At that time, her master had asked her, "Xiao Li, in your opinion, what is this child aiming for by enduring for so many years?"

Su Li replied almost without hesitation, "With Lu Jue's character and pride, he would never be willing to be subservient and become a lackey for powerful families. Exposing his strength prematurely would only lead to suppression by those decadent young masters!"

"If not for this 'cancellation of the free martial arts policy,' he likely intended to wait until the Martial Arts Examination to reveal his true strength!"

Upon hearing this, her master immediately made a decision to temporarily add a "Seed Student" spot.

And now, Su Li stood before Lu Jue, holding a pre-drafted agreement.

"Classmate Lu Jue, I'll be direct. My master, the current Principal of East City Martial School, Jiang Cui, after thoroughly evaluating your performance and background, believes that your character and potential warrant a long-term investment from the Martial School."

"This 'Seed Student' agreement is proof of investment. It means that from the moment you sign it, the Martial School will officially include you in its core training program!"

Hearing this, Lu Jue didn't get carried away. Instead, he asked his first question: "Seed Student? Don't you only get ten per grade level? As far as I know, the quota for our grade was filled three years ago?"

"You are correct, the regular slots have indeed been finalized long ago. However, those are merely government support policies. Apart from those, the Martial School has the authority to grant additional slots. This is considered self-funded by the school, but the selection criteria are even more stringent!"

"Then, Su Li, what's the price?"

Lu Jue pointed at Su Li, and with the hand that had been rubbing against his chest since she started speaking, he said seriously:

"You're not trying to proposition me, are you?"