Next, Chen Mo went to the Martial Arts Department office to fill out the application form. He wrote with extraordinary care, as if he wanted to carve every character into a work of art. In the "Training Experience and Achievements" section, he described in detail his journey from beginner to Proficient and then to the Major Accomplishment Realm (leaving out the system and highlighting his insights and hard work). Instructor Xu nodded repeatedly as he read over his shoulder. "Mm, excellent. Detailed, insightful, and it makes you look genuine and hardworking."
Instructor Xu took the application and wrote a glowing recommendation in one bold sweep, full of heartfelt praise and elegant prose: "A remarkable talent with exceptional insight, diligent and persevering, with a bright future ahead..." Chen Mo sneaked a glance at it, his face growing warm. He felt as if he'd been packaged into a once-in-a-century Martial Arts prodigy.
"Once we submit the application, all that's left is a brief interview with the school. Just a formality." Instructor Xu organized the paperwork. "They mainly want to get a sense of your character and ask about your future plans. I'm vouching for you, so relax. You're as good as in!"
As Instructor Xu had said, the interview was easy and pleasant. The head of the Martial Arts Department was a middle-aged man with an imposing presence but a gentle manner. After reviewing the paperwork, he asked a few questions, such as, "What are your training priorities going forward?" and "What are your thoughts about Martial Arts University?"
Chen Mo had already prepared his answers. He responded clearly and methodically, with definite goals. "I'll consolidate my Major Accomplishment Realm, make full use of the school's resources to improve my Qi and Blood, and try to reach the threshold of becoming a Martial Artist before the Gaokao. I hope to get into a good martial arts university and study more advanced Martial Arts systematically."
The department head nodded in satisfaction. Finally, he patted Chen Mo on the shoulder (leaders seemed to love doing that). "Very good. Clear goals and the right attitude. Your application is approved. A teacher will be in touch soon about the specific benefits."
"Approved!" Those three words rang through Chen Mo's mind like the most beautiful celestial music. He fought the urge to leap into the air on the spot, thanked the man respectfully, and walked out of the office feeling as if he were stepping on clouds instead of a floor!
That afternoon, a young teacher from the Martial Arts Department found Chen Mo, handed him a beautifully bound copy of the Key Cultivation Student Benefits Handbook, and eagerly launched into a "product presentation." As Chen Mo flipped through the handbook and listened to the teacher's explanations, his eyes widened and his mouth fell slightly open. He knew the benefits were good, but he hadn't expected them to be this good! This wasn't just getting a little wool—it was like being given the sheep and the whole pasture!
The teacher explained each item in turn, and every one burst like a sweet firework in Chen Mo's heart:
"First, a monthly cash allowance: 1,500 yuan."
The teacher's tone was calm. Chen Mo's inner voice: Holy crap! They're just giving me 1,500 a month? That's like getting three high-grade Qi and Blood Capsules for free! My private savings can finally start climbing again!
"Second, a monthly resource exchange allowance: 2,000 points."
The teacher continued. Chen Mo's heart raced. 2,000 points! How much good stuff could that get me? Qi and Blood Powder! Exotic Beast Meat! Nourishing herbs! And the school's internal prices are cheaper! No more drooling over the prices in the resource database!
"Third, free access to training facilities, including but not limited to the VIP room at the Martial Arts Hall, the Spirit Energy Cultivation Room, and the Gravity Training Room."
Chen Mo's breath caught. Free! All of it free! The Spirit Energy Cultivation Room! A training-efficiency booster! The Gravity Training Room! A paradise for building strength! No more borrowing Zhao Peng's VIP access or worrying about the hourly fees!
"Fourth, personal guidance from a dedicated Martial Arts instructor: at least one one-on-one lesson per week. Your instructor will be Coach Xu."
Chen Mo was overjoyed. Instructor Xu will personally give me extra lessons! He can help with all those tricky problems! Someone will scrutinize every detail of my movements! It's like having a personal trainer at my beck and call!
"Fifth, meal subsidies: enjoy a customized Nutritional Meal for free at the Cafeteria's VIP Window every day at lunch and dinner."
Chen Mo nearly teared up. Free Nutritional Meals—and customized, too! Meat and nourishing food with every meal! Mom won't have to worry about me training on an empty stomach anymore, and Zhao Peng won't have to worry about me eating him out of house and home!
"Sixth, priority access: priority participation in school-organized Martial Arts exchanges, intensive training camps, competitions, and other activities."
Chen Mo was brimming with enthusiasm. Training camps! Masters from outside the school! Competition prizes! Those are all great opportunities to broaden my horizons and get more resources!
After finishing his explanation, the teacher handed the handbook to Chen Mo, who was still trying to take it all in. "The benefits take effect tomorrow. Remember to pick up your credentials—the exchange card, meal card, and so on—on time."
"Th-thank you, teacher!" Chen Mo took the handbook, feeling as if he were holding not a book but a ticket to a whole new world!
Back in the classroom, Zhang Shun saw Chen Mo striding in with a spring in his step and a smile on his face. He immediately hurried over. "Brother Mo! Look at you, walking like you own the place. Did you get into the Key Cultivation Student program?"
Chen Mo nodded modestly, though there was no hiding the pride in his eyes. "Yeah, I just finished the paperwork."
"Come on, tell me! What do you get? Do they give you money?" Zhang Shun's eyes lit up.
Chen Mo cleared his throat and began to "casually" show off. "It's nothing much. Just a little pocket money each month—1,500 yuan. And a resource allowance of 2,000 points, which you can use to exchange for training supplies. Oh, right. The school's paid training rooms, like the Qi Chamber and Gravity Chamber, are free for me now. I don't have to pay for meals at the Cafeteria anymore, either. I can eat as much as I want at the VIP Window. And Instructor Xu has to give me private lessons every week..."
With every item he listed, Zhang Shun's mouth dropped a little farther. By the time Chen Mo finished, Zhang Shun's jaw was practically on the floor. The classmates nearby, who had been straining to listen, all gasped.
"I... Holy crap!" Zhang Shun finally managed to close his mouth and let out a heartfelt cry. "Brother Mo! The school's practically keeping you! These benefits are even better than the whole tutoring package my dad got for me! How are the rest of us supposed to live?"
"Jealous? Good. Train hard and you can apply next time, too." Chen Mo patted him on the shoulder and spoke with solemn concern (while humblebragging).
"Forget it, forget it. I'll just be a happy ordinary person..." Zhang Shun said miserably, thoroughly crushed.
That evening, Chen Mo immediately called Zhao Peng to share the good news. Zhao Peng sounded even more excited than he did. "That's incredible, Brother Mo! I knew it! Now we can go use the Spirit Energy Cultivation Room openly! Double-experience training room, let's go!"
"Absolutely! Once this month's allowance comes in, we're having hot pot. My treat!" Chen Mo declared generously.
"I've been waiting for you to say that! I'm ordering the most expensive snowflake beef!"
After hanging up, Chen Mo sat at his desk and opened the benefits handbook again. His fingers traced each item as a sense of security and motivation filled his heart. He knew these weren't just benefits; they were also a responsibility and a vote of confidence. The school was investing resources in him, and he had to give something in return—faster progress and better results.
He carefully locked the handbook in his drawer, as if it were his most precious treasure. Then he took out his textbooks and workbooks, his gaze turning focused and sharp once more.
The benefits were a boost, but in the end, he still had to walk the road one step at a time.
The moon shone bright outside. Thanks to the nourishment of this "fertile soil," the young man's path ahead had grown broader and brighter. He took a deep breath, settled down, and began reviewing his Cultural Class material for the day.
After all, even while shearing wool, a sheep about to take the Gaokao couldn't forget what she was!
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