Sponsorship

"Qin Yan, don't be nervous."

Wan Xueping wore a gentle smile, his tone mild and without the slightest air of superiority. "I came today as an elder and an educator, simply to see Linhai City's future star."

Qin Yan secretly breathed a sigh of relief. It seemed Director Wan was not difficult to get along with.

—If Wu Ming beside him knew what Qin Yan was thinking right now, he would definitely be shouting in his heart: Easy to get along with, my ass! Wan Xueping is only treating you so kindly because he sees a sliver of hope that you can get into a Top Martial University.

That was right, only a sliver.

The two Top Martial Universities were far too difficult to enter.

Getting into a Top Martial University required not only sufficient resources, but also formidable talent and potential.

With resources, one might barely push one's vitality to 80 Cal, but after 80 Cal, every additional Cal was like an insurmountable chasm. Martial Arts Skill, meanwhile, depended entirely on comprehension and talent.

Qin Yan's Martial Arts Skill score of 86 meant that his talent in this area was exceptionally outstanding!

That was the fundamental reason Wan Xueping had come personally.

If Qin Yan merely had somewhat high vitality but mediocre skill, Wan Xueping would not have given him a second glance.

"Qin Yan, have you ever considered applying to a Top Martial University?"

Wan Xueping suddenly asked.

A top institution?

Qin Yan did not understand why the other man was asking.

After thinking it over, Qin Yan answered honestly, "Top institutions are the dream of every martial arts student.

"If I had sufficient ability, I would naturally want to apply.

"But I know it is too difficult. With my current vitality level, I am still far from the standards of a Top Martial University."

"I've read your records." Wan Xueping nodded, a hint of admiration in his voice. "Your family circumstances are quite ordinary. Being able to cultivate your vitality to 72 Cal and raise your Martial Arts Skill to 86 points with limited resources already proves your diligence and extraordinary perseverance."

Then his tone shifted. His eyes were sharp as he stared at Qin Yan. "If I'm not mistaken, your Stance Training attainment should be quite remarkable, shouldn't it? Otherwise, your vitality could not have risen so quickly."

Qin Yan was secretly startled. As expected of the Director of Education Bureau—his eye was keen, and he had hit the mark with a single remark.

Qin Yan had intended to be modest, but at that moment, he suddenly recalled Coach Gu Feng's words.

Show yourself well. You might receive an unexpected surprise.

Then he thought of Director Wan's unusual concern for "Top Martial Universities," as well as the deeply concealed yet incomparably fervent anticipation in the man's eyes...

Could Director Wan be planning to reward me?

This bold thought rose in Qin Yan's heart.

"Yes. Last month, I was lucky enough to break through my Stance Training to the fifth layer."

Qin Yan chose to tell the truth.

Qin Yan was gambling as well. He was betting that Director Wan needed something from him.

He was betting on whether he could gain Director Wan's support.

As long as he had resources, his vitality could rise rapidly.

Without resources, Jianghai Martial University would be his ideal Martial University.

But if there was an opportunity, if there were resources, he was not afraid to take a shot at a Top Martial University!

As soon as Qin Yan finished speaking, the office fell silent.

"The fifth layer?!"

The calm on Wan Xueping's face shattered in an instant. He sprang from the sofa, rushed before Qin Yan in a single stride, and grabbed his arm. "Qin Yan! You... are you sure it's the fifth layer? The perfected Sky-Supporting Qi Pillar?! You didn't misspeak?"

Qin Yan did not explain any further. He gave his answer through action.

He walked to the center of the office, lowered his waist into a horse stance, held his arms up loosely, gripped the floor with his feet, and assumed the most standard opening posture of the Sky-Supporting Qi Pillar.

In that instant, his aura became perfectly unified. The vitality within him surged like a rushing river, producing a faint yet distinct hum. A steady, mountain-like presence, continuous and unending, naturally spread from him!

Wan Xueping and Wu Ming were both true Martial Artists with extraordinary discernment. With a single glance, they saw that his stance was steady and seasoned, his vitality circulated smoothly and naturally, and he had clearly reached the perfected realm!

"Good! Good! Good!"

Wan Xueping said "good" three times in a row. His face flushed with excitement as he forcefully patted Qin Yan's shoulder. "Qin Yan! You've given me an enormous surprise! Hahaha!"

Qin Yan withdrew his stance, feeling puzzled. He did not understand why the other man was so excited.

Wan Xueping was in an exceptionally good mood. Seeing Qin Yan's confusion, he decided not to hide anything further.

After choosing his words carefully, he briefly told Qin Yan about the predicament he faced regarding his promotion, his grudge with his competitor, and how he had placed all his hopes on a candidate for a Top Martial University appearing in this year's college entrance examination.

First, because Qin Yan was now his greatest and only hope. Second, because he wanted to completely dispel Qin Yan's doubts and earn his full trust and cooperation.

After listening, Qin Yan suddenly understood.

Principal Wu Ming beside them also wore an expression of realization.

"Qin Yan." Wan Xueping stared at him with blazing eyes, his tone more serious than ever before. "Now, if I provide you with the most sufficient resource support in my personal capacity, do you have the confidence to raise your strength to the admission standard of a Top Martial University before the college entrance examination? Tell me, how certain are you?"

It's here! The most crucial moment!

Qin Yan knew he had won his gamble! The opportunity fate had given him was already before him!

He forcefully suppressed the excitement in his heart, closed his eyes, and quickly reviewed his System Panel, cultivation progress, and resource requirements in his mind.

A moment later, he opened his eyes. His gaze was as firm as stone as he answered clearly and powerfully:

"If resources are sufficient, I'm ninety percent certain!"

Last year's admission standards for Top Martial Universities: Vitality: 90 Cal. Martial Arts Skill: 90 points.

As long as resources were sufficient, it would not be difficult for him.

Ninety percent?!

Such a high level of certainty?!

Wan Xueping stared fixedly into Qin Yan's eyes, trying to find even the slightest trace of empty bravado, but all he saw was absolute confidence and composure.

"You... are sure?"

"I'm sure." Qin Yan answered without the slightest hesitation.

"Good! I believe you!"

Wan Xueping slammed his palm heavily onto the table and made his decision! In truth, he had no other choice. Qin Yan was his only hope, so he had to choose to believe!

"Little Yan." Wan Xueping's emotions settled somewhat, and the way he addressed Qin Yan became incomparably affectionate. "Go back today and prepare well for tomorrow's academic exam. Don't forget, Top Martial Universities require a score of 70 in academic subjects. You absolutely cannot be careless with this hurdle either."

"Yes, Director Wan. I understand." Qin Yan nodded in agreement.

In the cafeteria, Qin Yan got his meal and sat beside Lin Yang and Zhou Yuan.

"Yan Ge, what did the principal want with you? He was being so mysterious." Zhou Yuan immediately leaned over and asked curiously.

"Nothing much. He just asked about the Monthly Exam." Qin Yan smiled and vaguely brushed him off. "Consider it... a little secret."