Martial Artist Ranks

Wan Xueping saw his confusion and explained, "Being able to achieve this much in a city like Linhai with limited resources was already nothing short of a miracle.

But in those major cities and provincial capitals, especially among those ancient Martial Families, their children used precious medicinal baths from childhood to build their foundations. They had top Martial Masters personally teaching them martial arts skills and stance training, with resources that were practically limitless... The most outstanding among them could even break through and become Martial Artists before the Gaokao, under the protection of their family elders!"

"Still, Xiao Yan, don't be discouraged. With your talent, once you enter a Top Martial University, receive guidance from instructors, and benefit from the university's training, I believe your achievements will be no less than those prodigies from Martial Clans."

Wan Xueping was speaking the truth.

He had watched Qin Yan rise step by step.

In all his years, he had never seen anyone as monstrous as Qin Yan in terms of comprehension and potential.

"Thank you for clearing that up, Director Wan."

"Why are you still calling me Director Wan? If you don't mind, call me Uncle Wan."

Once again, Wan Xueping chose to take the initiative to grow closer to Qin Yan.

Previously, he had helped Qin Yan because Qin Yan could help him resolve his predicament.

This time, he took the initiative because he believed Qin Yan's future achievements would be limitless, and he wanted to build a good relationship in advance.

He might need to rely on Qin Yan someday.

"Alright, Uncle Wan." After thinking it over, Qin Yan changed the way he addressed him.

Although their relationship had previously been nothing more than a transaction, Wan Xueping had genuinely helped Qin Yan.

He had also helped Qin Yan's father.

And Qin Yan had paid almost no price at all.

It could be said that he had gained an enormous advantage.

Now that the other party was taking the initiative to befriend him, he naturally would not refuse.

"Uncle Wan, do you know how one can break through and become a Martial Artist?" Qin Yan asked the question that had troubled him for a long time.

His Blood Qi had been stuck at 99 Cal for quite some time, and even taking Blood Qi Pills had brought no further improvement.

"You brat... Your Blood Qi has been stuck at 99 Cal, hasn't it?" Wan Xueping smiled knowingly.

"How did you know, Uncle Wan?"

"Because 99 Cal of Blood Qi is the limit for a non-Martial Artist.

If you want to break through to 100 Cal, there is only one path: becoming a Martial Artist."

Qin Yan was suddenly enlightened.

He had found the reason his Blood Qi could not break through.

"And breaking through to become a Martial Artist is both difficult and not difficult.

There are three conditions for becoming a Martial Artist.

First, your Blood Qi must reach 99 Cal.

Second, you must possess a Cultivation Technique for tempering the body.

Third, you need at least one Mid-Rank Martial Artist to stand guard for you."

A Body Tempering Technique? A Mid-Rank Martial Artist?

At that moment, Qin Yan felt as though he had only just touched the gates of the Martial Artist world.

Wan Xueping continued, "You have already reached 99 Cal of Blood Qi, so you meet the first condition. But you are far from meeting the second and third conditions.

Huaxia has official laws regarding Body Tempering Techniques. Those below the Mid-Rank Martial Artist level are forbidden from teaching cultivation techniques.

As for Mid-Rank Martial Artists, Wu Ming and I are only Second Grade Martial Artists, which means we are Low-Rank Martial Artists. In all of Linhai City, only the president of the Martial Association is a Fourth-Rank Martial Artist."

As Wan Xueping explained, Qin Yan gradually came to understand the path of Martial Artists.

Martial Artists were divided into nine ranks, with First-Rank being the lowest and Ninth Grade the highest.

First-Rank through Third-Rank Martial Artists were Low-Rank Martial Artists, and so on.

Seventh-Rank Martial Artists could be called Advanced Martial Artists, though society more often referred to them as Grandmasters.

"Still, Xiao Yan, you don't need to worry about any of that.

With your Gaokao results, you can definitely get into a Top Martial University.

The instructors at Top Martial Universities are at least Fourth-Rank Martial Artists. Once you choose an instructor, they will explain the rules in greater detail and teach you a Body Tempering Method."

Wan Xueping said this.

Afterward, Wan Xueping and Principal Wu Ming told Qin Yan more about the benefits of Martial Universities, including resources, social status, influence, and more, giving him a basic understanding of them.

"Xiao Yan, since you got into a Top Martial University this time, the City Education Bureau will reward you."

"When the time comes, I'll try to secure some extra rewards for you."

Wan Xueping said with a smile.

"Thank you, Uncle Wan."

When Qin Yan returned home and opened his computer to search for more detailed information about the two top Martial Universities, he discovered that related information online was strictly controlled. What he could find was extremely limited, mostly official promotions and vague introductions.

However, one view was repeatedly mentioned, both in the limited online information and in Wan Xueping's earlier reminders: for geniuses from small places without powerful backgrounds, Magic Capital Martial University was a more ideal choice than Capital Martial University.

Demon City was a vibrant commercial metropolis that welcomed all rivers and was relatively inclusive. Kyoto, on the other hand, was a political center, filled with deeply entrenched Noble Clans and a heavy political atmosphere that made it difficult for newcomers without connections to rise.

In Demon City, at least many things could still be fought for through one's own effort and talent.

After weighing the matter again and again, the scales in Qin Yan's heart had already tipped.

"I've decided. I'll apply to Magic Capital Martial University!"

He no longer hesitated. He immediately logged into the Martial Arts College Entrance Exam preference submission system designated by the Education Bureau and solemnly entered "Magic Capital Martial Arts University" as his first choice.

On June 20, an express delivery package bearing the gilded badge of Magic Capital Martial University arrived at Qin Yan's home.

Inside was the admission letter that countless people dreamed of receiving.

The entire family gathered around the letter, their joy impossible to conceal, as though they were holding some rare treasure.

The next day, a bright red congratulatory announcement was posted in the most prominent places on Linhai City Education Bureau's official website and all major bulletin boards:

"Warm congratulations to Qin Yan of Linhai No.1 High School in our city for achieving outstanding results of 99 Cal Blood Qi and full marks in Martial Arts Skill, earning admission to Great Xia's top institution—Magic Capital Martial Arts University!"

The announcement was like a bombshell, instantly throwing all of Linhai City into an uproar!

"Qin Yan? Who's that? He's that amazing?"

"99 Cal of Blood Qi?! Full marks in skills?! My god, is that really a score someone from Linhai could achieve?"

"This is practically a real-life Martial Dao legend!"

People discussed the name that had seemingly appeared out of nowhere in streets and alleys, over tea and after meals.

Before long, more information about Qin Yan was uncovered: an ordinary family, diligent effort, a comeback in the Monthly Exam... His experiences were swiftly held up by countless parents as a classic example for educating their children.

He himself became an idol admired by every senior high school student in Linhai City, as well as younger students.

At the same time, Qin Yan's home became especially "lively." Relatives who had not contacted them for a long time called or came by to offer their congratulations.

"Oh, Shouzheng, I always said Xiao Yan had been smart since he was little! See? He really made something of himself!"