Championship Reward, New Starting Point

The setting sun cast long shadows across the arena.

Under the gaze of thousands, Lin Fan strode towards the podium step by step. His steps were steady, his breathing even, as if the battle that had just shocked everyone was merely a part of his daily training.

Liu Batian stood at the center of the podium, holding a delicate jade plate. The vice dean, known for his stern demeanor, wore a rare smile—though it looked somewhat awkward on his scarred face.

"Lin Fan," Liu Batian's voice boomed across the entire training ground, "you have won first place in this year's freshman competition with an undefeated record. According to academy regulations, you are awarded the champion's prize."

Silence fell over the crowd as his words ended.

Everyone craned their necks, eager to get a clear look at the three items on the jade plate.

Lin Fan approached Liu Batian and bowed slightly. "Thank you, Vice Dean."

Liu Batian nodded and began introducing the rewards one by one.

He first picked up a card shimmering with golden light. "This is a specially made Academic Credit card from the academy, pre-loaded with 200 Academic Credits. You can use this card for purchases at any academy facility or to exchange for cultivation resources."

Lin Fan accepted the card with both hands. It felt slightly cool to the touch, with intricate patterns on its surface and a '200' engraved in the center. He could feel a faint energy fluctuation within the card—a credential for Academic Credits sealed with a special formation.

200 Academic Credits.

Lin Fan quickly calculated in his mind. An ordinary student received only 10 basic Academic Credits per month, with a few dozen more obtainable by completing simple tasks. 200 Academic Credits was equivalent to nearly two years of accumulation for an average student!

"The second item," Liu Batian said, picking up a jade bottle, "is a Mortal Tier Top Grade pill—a Body Tempering Pill. This pill is made with the essence of seven types of Demonic Beasts as the main ingredient, combined with thirteen rare herbs. After consumption, it can refine the physical body, expel impurities, and increase physical strength by over thirty percent. It is greatly beneficial for body-refining cultivation techniques."

The jade bottle was emerald green, adorned with cloud patterns. Liu Batian uncorked it, and a rich medicinal fragrance immediately filled the air.

Just from a single whiff, Lin Fan felt his blood and qi surge slightly. A system prompt appeared at the opportune moment:

[Detected high-purity Body Tempering Pill medicinal properties. Estimated increase in Iron Body Skill proficiency: 500-1000 points after consumption.]

Lin Fan's eyes lit up.

His Iron Body Skill was currently at Major Accomplishment (5001/10000). If he gained another 1000 proficiency points, he would be much closer to Perfection!

"Thank you, Vice Dean," Lin Fan said, accepting the jade bottle with reverence.

Liu Batian gave him a deep look and said in a low voice, "The medicinal properties of the Body Tempering Pill are potent. It is best to consume it under the protection of a mentor, or in a safe environment like the gravity chamber."

"Student understands."

Finally, Liu Batian picked up an ancient-looking manual.

All eyes immediately focused on it.

Even the mentors and elders seated in the front row couldn't help but lean forward slightly.

An Earth Tier cultivation technique!

In the entire Jiangnan Academy, there were fewer than twenty Earth Tier cultivation techniques. Each one was treasured on the top floor of the Cultivation Technique Pavilion, requiring a massive amount of Academic Credits or special contributions to obtain.

And this Nine Revolutions Mysterious Origin Art was a gem among Earth Tier Low Grade cultivation techniques!

"Nine Revolutions Mysterious Origin Art, an Earth Tier Low Grade cultivation technique," Liu Batian's voice carried a hint of solemnity. "This technique is divided into nine revolutions. With each revolution, the quality and quantity of Origin Energy significantly increase. Cultivating to Nine Revolutions Perfection will result in Origin Energy like the sea, Endless Vitality, allowing one to fight across different realms."

"However, this technique is extremely difficult to cultivate," he said, looking at Lin Fan with a serious tone. "It has stringent requirements for Comprehension, Bone Structure, and willpower. In the academy's history, thirty-seven students chose this technique. Only eight eventually reached the third revolution, three reached the sixth, and no one ever reached Nine Revolutions Perfection."

"Even so, do you still choose it?"

Liu Batian asked "choose" because, by convention, the champion could forgo the designated cultivation technique reward and opt for other rewards of equivalent value.

All eyes were on Lin Fan.

While an Earth Tier cultivation technique was excellent, if one couldn't cultivate it, it would only hinder their progress. It would be better to choose an easier-to-learn Earth Tier technique or exchange it for other resources.

But Lin Fan's answer was without hesitation: "Student chooses the Nine Revolutions Mysterious Origin Art."

His voice was calm, yet filled with determination.

A flicker of admiration flashed in Liu Batian's eyes. "Good! You have ambition!"

He handed the manual to Lin Fan.

The manual felt heavy in his hands. Its cover was made of dark brown beast hide, inscribed with five gilded characters—Nine Revolutions Mysterious Origin Art. The script was ancient and vigorous, with faint traces of Origin Energy flowing within.

Lin Fan opened the first page and read:

"The path of martial arts is like sailing against the current. Origin Energy is the foundation, Nine Revolutions is the extreme. Each revolution is a new heaven; Nine Revolutions can lead to divinity."

Further down were dense diagrams of meridian circulation, cultivation mantras, and various annotations.

Just a cursory glance revealed that the complexity of this technique far surpassed the Iron Body Skill. The circulation routes involved over a hundred acupoints and dozens of tiny meridians. A slight misstep could cause Origin Energy to go astray, harming oneself.

But at the same time, a system prompt popped up:

[Detected Earth Tier Low Grade cultivation technique Nine Revolutions Mysterious Origin Art. Record?]
[Recording successful. Current mastery: Not yet started (0/100)]
[Proficiency in Nine Revolutions Mysterious Origin Art (First Revolution) reaches 100 to begin, unlocking cultivation of the first revolution.]
[Tip: Cultivating Earth Tier techniques consumes a large amount of Origin Energy. Recommended to practice when Origin Energy is abundant.]

Lin Fan closed the manual and carefully tucked it into his robe.

"The rewards have been presented," Liu Batian announced loudly. "We hope student Lin Fan will remain humble and diligent, continue to work hard, and bring glory to the academy!"

"Student will certainly strive," Lin Fan replied, bowing.

The award ceremony concluded.

But the atmosphere in the arena hadn't cooled down.

Countless gazes still followed Lin Fan—envy, jealousy, admiration, curiosity... all sorts of emotions intertwined.

## Chapter: Mentor's Approval

As soon as Lin Fan stepped off the main stage, Teacher Zhang greeted him.

This usually stern homeroom teacher had an irrepressible smile on his face, and his eyes were even a little moist.

"Lin Fan, well done!" Teacher Zhang patted Lin Fan heavily on the shoulder. "I've taught Regular Class for seven years, and you're the first to win the freshman competition!"

"It's all thanks to your excellent guidance, teacher," Lin Fan said sincerely.

This wasn't just politeness. Although he had a system, Teacher Zhang's careful guidance had indeed saved him a lot of detours.

Teacher Zhang shook his head. "I've taught many students, and many of them have talent. But it's rare to find someone like you, who has both talent and the willingness to work hard, while also maintaining their true self."

He looked at the rewards in Lin Fan's hand and said seriously, "Come, let's go to my office. There are some things I need to tell you."

The two left the arena, walked through the academy's tree-lined path, and arrived at the faculty office building.

Teacher Zhang's office was not large, but it was neat and orderly. The bookshelf was filled with martial arts books, and several calligraphy and paintings hung on the wall, one of which bore the four large characters "Martial Arts Require Diligence."

"Sit," Teacher Zhang gestured for Lin Fan to sit down and then poured two cups of tea.

Amidst the curling tea fragrance, Teacher Zhang began, "Lin Fan, your performance today exceeded everyone's expectations. Including mine."

He paused and continued, "But you must understand, a tree that stands out in the forest will be destroyed by the wind. Today, you defeated Wang Hao in public and shattered the Golden Scale Armor, which is equivalent to slapping the Wang Family across the face. Wang Zhenshan is narrow-minded and vengeful; he will never let this go."

Lin Fan nodded. "This student understands."

"It's good that you understand," Teacher Zhang drank some tea. "However, you don't need to worry too much. The academy has its rules, and no matter how arrogant the Wang Family is, they wouldn't dare to openly attack academy students. Besides..."

He looked at Lin Fan, a glint flashing in his eyes. "From today onwards, you are my personal disciple, Zhang Mingyuan. I will use all my resources and connections to cultivate you with all my might!"

Lin Fan was stunned.

A personal disciple!

This was a status one level higher than ordinary students in the academy. Mentors would impart all their knowledge, provide exclusive guidance, and even use their connections to pave the way for their students.

But in return, personal disciples also had to bear more responsibility and uphold the mentor's reputation.

"Teacher, I..." Lin Fan wanted to say something.

Teacher Zhang waved his hand. "I know what you want to say. Are you worried that your aptitude is not enough? Worried that you will disappoint my expectations?"

"Before today, I did have some concerns," Teacher Zhang admitted frankly. "But after watching your fight with Wang Hao, all my concerns were dispelled."

"Your physical strength, combat awareness, and on-the-spot adaptability are far beyond those of your peers. More importantly, you possess a trait—a near-stubborn persistence. On the path of martial arts, this is more important than talent."

He stood up and walked to the window, his back to Lin Fan. "I, Zhang Mingyuan, came from a common background and reached this point step by step through my own efforts. I've seen too many talented students who couldn't endure hardship or loneliness, and eventually faded into mediocrity."

"But you are different," Teacher Zhang turned around, his gaze sharp. "You are the kind of person who would practice the Basic Fist Technique to the extreme. You are the kind of person who, knowing the cliff lies ahead, would first practice footwork ten thousand times before attempting to cross."

"If I miss a student like you, I will regret it for the rest of my life."

Lin Fan was silent for a moment, then slowly stood up and bowed deeply to Teacher Zhang.

"Student Lin Fan, greets my teacher."

This bow was sincere and heartfelt.

"Good! Good!" Teacher Zhang helped Lin Fan up, his eyes filled with relief. "From now on, you are my personal disciple. If anyone dares to bully you in the academy, just mention my name. If you encounter trouble outside that you can't resolve, come find me anytime."

"Also," Teacher Zhang took a token from a drawer. "This is my mentor token. With this token, you can freely enter and exit my cultivation room, consult my private collection of books, and receive an additional resource subsidy of 50 Academic Credits each month."

The token was bronze-colored, with "Zhang Mingyuan" engraved on the front and the academy's emblem on the back.

Lin Fan solemnly accepted it. "Thank you, teacher."

"Don't rush to thank me yet," Teacher Zhang smiled. "My requirements for personal disciples are much stricter than for ordinary students. Starting tomorrow, you will cultivate according to the plan I've set. I will assess your progress every month. If you don't meet the requirements, you will be punished."

"This student will definitely work hard," Lin Fan said seriously.

"One more thing," Teacher Zhang's expression became serious. "Regarding the Nine Revolutions Mysterious Origin Art."

"Please speak, teacher."

"This cultivation technique was created by the 'Mysterious Origin Martial Saint' three hundred years ago. The Mysterious Origin Martial Saint once roamed the Nine Provinces with this technique, known as 'Endless Origin Energy, Unrivaled Combat Power.' However, in his later years, he suddenly disappeared, leaving only this cultivation technique as inheritance."

Teacher Zhang slowly said, "After the academy obtained this technique, geniuses have tried to cultivate it for generations, but no one has been able to achieve Major Accomplishment. There are two reasons: firstly, the technique has extremely high requirements for the physical body; each stage requires a corresponding level of physical strength to support it; secondly, the cultivation consumes enormous resources, with each stage being more extravagant than the last."

"You have both body-refining talent and perseverance, so you might be the most suitable person for this cultivation technique," Teacher Zhang looked at Lin Fan. "But I must remind you, if you find that you can't continue cultivating it, don't force yourself. It's wise to switch to another technique in time."

Lin Fan nodded. "This student understands. But I want to try."

"I knew you would say that," Teacher Zhang smiled. "Well, young people should have such spirit. I'll give you three months. If you can achieve Minor Accomplishment in the first stage, it will prove that you are indeed suited for this cultivation technique. If not, I will prepare another Earth-tier cultivation technique for you."

"Yes."

The conversation continued for another half an hour. Teacher Zhang asked in detail about Lin Fan's cultivation progress, gave many suggestions, and also helped him plan the focus of his cultivation for the next three months.

As the sky gradually darkened, Lin Fan finally bid farewell and left.

When he returned to the dormitory, Chen Dahu was already waiting there.

The honest-looking young man had his arm wrapped in bandages, but his face was flushed with excitement.

"Brother Fan! You're back!" Chen Dahu rushed over, "Today was so satisfying! That Wang Hao kid, let's see if he dares to be arrogant again!"

Lin Fan smiled, "How's your injury?"

"It's nothing! Doctor Bai said the bones were set well, and I'll recover in a month." Chen Dahu waved his left hand, "And it's a blessing in disguise. Teacher Zhang said that once I'm healed, I can go to the medicinal bath pool for free three times to strengthen my bones."

"That's good."

The two walked into the dormitory. Chen Dahu closed the door and lowered his voice, "Brother Fan, be careful. I heard that when Wang Hao was taken back by his father, he was still shouting your name in a daze. His eyes... looked like he wanted to kill someone."

"I know," Lin Fan said calmly, "but he won't be able to trouble me in the short term."

That punch, Lin Fan knew its power well.

Wang Hao had at least three broken ribs and internal injuries. He wouldn't be able to get out of bed for at least two to three months. Even after he recovered, his strength would be greatly reduced, and it would take at least half a year to regain his peak.

Half a year... Lin Fan was confident he could widen the gap even further.

"By the way, Brother Fan, quickly take out your reward and let's see!" Chen Dahu said excitedly, "A Mortal Tier Top Grade cultivation technique! I've never seen one in my life!"

Lin Fan took out the Nine Revolutions Mysterious Origin Art manual.

Chen Dahu looked at it carefully, not daring to touch it, afraid of damaging it.

"Nine Revolutions Mysterious Origin Art... it sounds so powerful," Chen Dahu murmured, "Brother Fan, if you master it, can you teach me?"

"Of course," Lin Fan smiled, "but you need to build a solid foundation first. When you also reach 2nd grade, I can tell you the cultivation method for the first revolution."

"It's a deal!" Chen Dahu's eyes lit up.

Lin Fan then took out the Body Tempering Pill and the Academic Credits card.

The medicinal fragrance of the Body Tempering Pill made Chen Dahu take several deep breaths, "Brother Fan, when do you plan to use this pill?"

"Tomorrow," Lin Fan already had a plan, "I'll go to the gravity room. Practicing with gravity should yield the best results."

"What about the 200 Academic Credits?" Chen Dahu pointed at the credit card, "Brother Fan, how do you plan to spend them?"

Lin Fan pondered for a moment, "I'll exchange 100 Academic Credits for cultivation resources, mainly Demonic Beast meat and medicinal ingredients, to ensure my cultivation expenses. I'll keep 50 Academic Credits for emergencies. The remaining 50 Academic Credits... I plan to exchange for a Mortal Tier Top Grade movement technique."

"Movement technique?" Chen Dahu was stunned.

"In today's fight with Wang Hao, I discovered my shortcomings," Lin Fan said seriously, "I'm fine with offense and defense, but my speed, evasion, and movement are still lacking. If Wang Hao's movement technique was better, I wouldn't have won so easily today."

This was the truth.

Although Lin Fan had Basic Footwork, it was just basic after all. Facing an opponent who was truly skilled in speed, he would be very passive.

"That makes sense," Chen Dahu nodded, "Brother Fan, have you decided which movement technique to exchange for?"

"Phantom Step or Wind Chasing Leg." Lin Fan had already checked the information, "Both are Mortal Tier Top Grade movement techniques. One focuses on evasion and change, the other on straight-line speed. Which one I choose specifically will depend on whether they are in stock at the exchange."

The two chatted for a while longer before Chen Dahu returned to his own dormitory to rest.

The night was deep and silent.

If you find this book good, remember to add it to your bookshelf to avoid losing it next time.