Tournament

"Master Fang's approach to things set an example for me. He wants to continue on the Martial Dao path and see the scenery higher up. I have the same idea."

Li Pin replied with a smile.

"The path of Martial Dao..."

Shanhu looked at Li Pin, a little dazed. "That's right, you're only twenty-two. A Martial Artist's growth period can last until thirty to thirty-five. You still have over a decade."

"Twenty-two... If only I were eighteen."

At this moment, Fang Yubai said with a tone of regret, "Level 2! If you were eighteen, you could completely participate in the junior division of the Jiangzhou Martial Arts Tournament and win a ranking. If your ranking was high enough, you might even have a chance to participate in the National Tournament, or even the Number One Martial Arts Tournament in the World hosted by Tianyuan. Even if you were eliminated in the first round, that experience alone would be enough to get you endorsement deals and lecture invitations galore."

"Indeed. Shen Manjun, a top star now, came from the junior division of the 14th Haizhou Martial Arts Tournament. She placed in the top ten of the junior division. Since she was the only female in the top ten that year, her management company packaged her as the top female Martial Artist of that junior division. She gained six million fans that day and landed fourteen endorsement deals within a month. In just one year, she raked in over a hundred million."

Shanhu nodded, adding at the end, "That's Gold Yuan."

"A hundred million Gold."

Taibai's currency system was once targeted by the Star Alliance, leading to its collapse. Residents had to spend tens of thousands just to eat at a casual restaurant. Although their own currency is still in use, most people now use the Tianyuan currency unified and issued by the Tianyuan Dynasty.

The exchange rate between Tianyuan currency and Taibai currency is as high as 1:570. The currency value is extremely high, also known as Gold Yuan.

"That's nothing. Su Aojian from our Jiangzhou also made his debut in the 15th Jiangzhou Martial Arts Tournament and was directly recruited into the domestic Sun Glory level Qiankun Martial Hall. He's now preparing for the National Tournament. His contract signing bonus alone is eighty million over five years."

Fang Yubai said enviously.

His family was wealthy, but after two generations of hard work, they had only accumulated a few hundred million in assets, which were mostly tied up in businesses.

If converted to cash, they couldn't even produce tens of millions.

His monthly living expenses were only around ten thousand Gold Yuan.

"There's nothing I can do, I'm already twenty-two."

Li Pin shrugged.

"Can't Li Pin participate in the youth division? I remember the age limit for the youth division is thirty-six?"

Liu Yingying said.

"Yingying, you don't understand."

Shanhu shook her head. "A Martial Artist's growth period is from thirty to thirty-five. In other words, Martial Artists generally reach their peak between thirty-five and forty, and begin to decline after more than a decade. The youth division is a true battle of Gods. Without cultivating Dan Jin, there's no way to stand out in the Jiangzhou Tournament."

As she spoke, she lowered her voice slightly. "The reason my master hasn't been coming to the Martial Arts Hall much lately is because he's preparing for the 16th Jiangzhou Martial Arts Tournament."

"The 16th Jiangzhou Martial Arts Tournament..."

Li Pin also had some thoughts.

These tournaments were held every three years.

They were divided into state-level tournaments, national tournaments, and the Number One Martial Arts Tournament Under Heaven, which encompassed the entire Tianyuan Federation.

Each level of competition lasted for one month.

Once the tournaments began, they were a carnival for everyone in the country, and even the entire Federation.

Especially during the finals, schools and various organizations would grant special holidays for people to watch the matches.

There is no first in literature, but there is no second in martial arts.

If Martial Artists want to achieve the highest title—Martial Saint?

The most direct way is to break into the National Tournament and win the championship.

It is said that after the Number One Martial Arts Tournament Under Heaven, there is also the King of the Century Martial Arts Tournament held every ten years.

And those participants, without exception, have already broken human limits, their bodies can resist bullets, and they can even suppress ordinary Star Refiners.

However, this has little to do with the Taibai Kingdom anymore.

In the last three sessions, the crown of King of the Century has not fallen to the Tianyuan Federation.

"If Master Fang can make a name for himself in the Jiangzhou Tournament, Changfeng Martial Hall's reputation will truly be established."

Li Pin said.

"Yes, and then we can apply for the Xinghui level Martial Arts Hall rating. If approved, we'll become a city-supported enterprise, and our scale will definitely expand rapidly. Then having thousands, even tens of thousands of students won't be a problem."

Shanhu glanced at Li Pin. "How about it? Want to reconsider sitting as the master?"

"The reason Martial Artists have such a high status in society is partly because Martial Dao can assist Star Refiners in their cultivation. Another reason is that many dangerous areas require Martial Artists, who cannot be sensed by Demonic Creatures, for reconnaissance. However, the most important thing for a Martial Artist to grow is practical combat experience."

Li Pin said calmly. "The country spares no effort in holding various tournaments precisely to increase the practical combat experience of Martial Artists. Therefore, I also want to witness this year's tournament."

"You want to participate in this year's Jiangzhou Tournament?"

Shanhu was stunned. "You... although your Level 2 Martial Artist strength meets the registration standard for the youth division, going up as a Level 2 Martial Artist is like being cannon fodder, isn't it? In a single state, talents are gathered. Which of those who break into the top ten hasn't achieved Dan Jin?"

"The result isn't the priority. As long as I can accumulate some practical combat experience and spar with a large number of Hua Jin experts, even Dan Jin Masters, I'll be satisfied."

Li Pin said sincerely.

On Blue Star, such opportunities were too rare.

And in this world, it's every three years!

Every three years, he could spar with Dan Jin Masters and Gang Jin Grandmasters, and comprehend the wonders of Dan Jin and Gang Jin...

It's exciting to even think about it.

I really don't know what a wonderful sound it would be when the Dan Jin enters the body and resonates with the bones, making a roaring sound.

For a moment, a smile of anticipation involuntarily appeared on his face.

"Old Li, steady yourself, don't go overboard."

Fang Yubai next to him quickly said, "Although every Martial Arts Tournament invites famous Martial Dao experts and Star Artifacts to ensure safety, there are still death quotas. I remember last Jiangzhou Tournament, three were killed and nine were injured."

"There were only twelve in total, weren't there?"

Li Pin smiled and said, "Millions of people die in car accidents every year, so should we stop driving? Besides, when it comes to Martial Artists, how can they avoid getting hurt?"

"This..."

Fang Yubai didn't know what to say.

"It's not too dangerous just to increase practical combat experience. Moreover, with Li Pin's talent and growth speed, he might be able to stand out in the Jiangzhou Tournament before he's thirty-six. Participating early can also be considered accumulating experience for the future."

Shanhu agreed wholeheartedly.

"I'll cheer for you then," Liu Yingying said with a smile to Li Pin.

Li Pin nodded.

At this moment, the dishes were served, and the group ended the topic.

After dinner, Li Pin and Shanhu were going upstairs to the Martial Arts Hall, and Liu Yingying followed.

Fang Yubai continued to accompany his girlfriend shopping and watching movies.

After the two had walked for a while, Meng Lingbing suddenly asked, "Miss Shanhu just said that Li Pin might be able to stand out in the Jiangzhou Tournament before he's thirty-six. Is that true?"

"Even if there's some exaggeration, it probably won't be too far off," Fang Yubai said with some emotion. "Honestly, a month ago, my uncle said he had cultivated Jin. I was shocked. Once people cultivate Jin and get their Martial Artist certificate, their income in related industries will definitely not be worse than graduates from Hanyang University. And today, he's going to directly test for a Level 2 title..."

The Taibai Kingdom was relatively better off.

Located in the center of the Tianyuan Federation, it had no dangerous areas except for Death Valley and Shadow Forest. People lived in peace and tranquility. Although they knew that Star Refiners held noble positions, Martial Artists, as supplements and assistants to Star Refiners...

Their status advantage was not prominent.

As for countries with more terrifying dangerous areas within or around their borders, every Martial Artist, especially those willing to scout dangerous areas for Star Refiners, enjoyed heroic treatment.

Some Star Refiners treated them with great respect.

The academic circles, entertainment circles, and even the business world couldn't compare to the Martial World.

The title of an assistant Martial Artist was more useful than the title of an associate professor.

Obtaining an intermediate Martial Artist title entitled one to tax reductions, exemptions, and even government subsidies.

"That friend of yours is truly short-sighted. Just by listening to some rumors, she missed such a great opportunity for nothing," Fang Yubai said with a cold laugh. "Just wait and see, she'll regret it later."

"I won't associate with her anymore," Meng Lingbing said immediately.

"Don't, I still want to know how dumbfounded she'll be when Old Li really becomes famous," Fang Yubai laughed heartily. "Can't be helped, your boyfriend is just such a vulgar person."