Two Worlds

"Representative Yang, the first company I approached was Longyue Group, and I even offered your company the opportunity, but your company declined my offer."

I know your company may or may not have given any orders, but they're not important. Since we couldn't reach an agreement in the first place, there's no need for further cooperation now.

Chen Lie glanced at Yang Ningbing and walked straight over.

Yang Ningbing frowned, feeling extremely displeased.

At this moment, an employee of Longyue Group came over and asked, "Representative Yang, it is said that General Manager Yang of the headquarters has a teacher-student relationship with Gu Tian Old Master, the famous instructor of the East River Provincial Genius Group. Why don't you talk to General Manager Yang and ask her to ask Old Master to act as an intermediary to communicate with Chen Lie?"

"No need!"

Yang Ningbing: "The Martial Leader of East River Province, a remote and impoverished province, is not even as good as West River Province in terms of geographical location. It's not worth me using my connections."

When the Three Rivers Martial Tournament takes place, I'll try to get the Three-Province Martial Champion Chuanzhong to represent us. Wouldn't that be far better than just having East River Province Martial Leader?

"But... surely it's not so easy to invite the champion of the Three-Province Martial Tournament 'Three-Province Martial Champion competition?"

"You don't need to worry about that. I'll make contact with that Martial Leader from Yunchuan Province beforehand."

Decades ago, the Provincial Martial Leader in Yunchuan Province were all martial Martial Top Scholar from the Three-Provinces Martial Tournament.

Moreover, this year's Martial Leader of Cloud River Province Martial Arts Tournament is a top-tier martial arts genius who surpasses even the Martial Leader of Guannei Province.

Yang Ningbing said calmly.

Although she said that, she knew deep down that even the Three-Province Martial Champion from the three provinces, determined by the Three-Province Martial Tournament, would not have the same influence as the Martial Leader from East River Province East River Province itself.

However, there was nothing that could be done about it, because Chen Lie had rejected her.

Chen Lie walked ahead, Jiang Minghua from Changshang Pharmaceutical caught up with him.

"Chen Lie, Chen Lie ----"

Jiang Minghua quickly walked to Chen Lie's side and said, "Chen Lie, congratulations on winning first place and becoming the Provincial Martial Leader."

To be honest, the contract we signed before was a bit too unfair to you. It's really unreasonable that the endorsement fee for a Provincial Martial Leader is only 200 million Star Dollar.

"How about this? I'll team up with the company's shareholders and raise another 50 million Star Dollar, bringing the total to 250 million Star Dollar. Then we can sign a new contract. What do you say?"

Chen Lie glanced at Jiang Minghua and asked, "Can your company's shareholders agree to come up with so much money all at once?"

"Of course I agree! The endorsement of the Provincial Martial Leader isn't something money can buy. Even if it costs a lot of money, even if it results in a loss, getting the Martial Leader champion to endorse the company is beneficial to the business," Jiang Minghua said.

Chen Lie grunted and said, "There's no need to gather the fifty million Star Dollar."

"How about this, we'll change the rules again. If I can win first place in the Three Rivers Martial Tournament, you'll pay me another 200 million Star Dollar, making it a total of 400 million Star Dollar. What do you say?"

"That would be excellent, but—winning first place in the Three-Provinces Martial Tournament might not be so easy, would it?"

"You don't need to worry about that," Chen Lie waved his hand.

The endorsement of the Three Rivers Martial Top Scholar is so valuable that even if it were worth 500 million Star Dollar Star Dollar, let alone 400 million, businesses from the Chuanshan Eight Provinces would be eager to acquire it.

Faced with Chen Lie's suggestion, Jiang Minghua had no reason to refuse. "Then let's revise the contract again?"

"The contract doesn't need to be changed; a verbal agreement is fine."

Chen Lie said nonchalantly, "I don't believe anyone would dare to renege on the debt of the Provincial Martial Leader."

Even a behemoth like the Sunlight Group, which Chuanshan Eight Provinces, might have the power to default on its debts, but there's no reason for them to antagonize a martial arts genius with Infinity Building potential over a mere few hundred million Star Dollar, unless the company's leaders have lost their minds.

"Okay, let's add each other's contact information. Send it to me once your account is set up."

I'll go back immediately to coordinate with the company's shareholders to ensure that the 200 million Star Dollar will be received in one lump sum.

"Good."

Chen Lie nodded and exchanged contact information with Jiang Minghua.

Just as I was about to leave, I heard a clear, crisp voice.

Hello, Chen Lie!

Chen Lie looked up and saw Zhao Jinglan greeting him with a smile, so he nodded in response, "Sister Jinglan."

Zhao Jinglan gently moved to Chen Lie's side. "Congratulations, Chen Lie, on becoming the Martial Leader of East River Province."

I knew from the first moment I saw you that you were no ordinary person.

"I was originally planning to have you endorse one of our new gene-enhancing liquid products from Sunlight Group, but I just heard you've already signed a contract with someone else, so I guess we'll have to give up on that."

"Sister Jinglan, you flatter me. It's just a martial arts competition. I should thank you for helping me break the Mental Power restriction in Guannei Province last time."

Zhao Jinglan covered her mouth and chuckled, "It was nothing, no need to thank me. Besides, I didn't gain nothing either; that sophisticated Mental Power manipulation technique benefited me greatly."

Chen Lie nodded and exchanged a few pleasantries with Zhao Jinglan.

Just then, a staff member from the Martial Artist Association arrived.

"Chen Lie, President Xu of the Martial Artist Association wants to see you and is waiting for you in the Duel Room."

"Okay, I understand."

After nodding, Chen Lie said to Zhao Jinglan, "Sister Jinglan, I'll head over now."

"Okay, Sunlight Group for tea sometime. I'll personally receive you."

"Must."

After Chen Lie finished speaking, he went to the Duel Room at the training ground.

Inside the training ground's Duel Room, a group of Genius Group members were waiting outside. Wang Dongting, who was in the lead, had changed into a new outfit. When he saw Chen Lie arrive, his brows furrowed.

"Chen Lie, have you finished your interview?"

Upon seeing Chen Lie, Wei Ranran quickly stepped forward.

"Um."

"You're amazing! I never expected you to reach the Blood-Qi Extreme Realm, and even win the title of Martial Leader."

Wei Ranran couldn't help but exclaim in amazement.

She had initially thought Chen Lie wasn't legendary enough if he wasn't the Martial Leader, but now he had actually won the Martial Leader.

Isn't this just the East River Province version of Ji Lingxuan?

Starting from humble beginnings, they have come all the way to where they are today, winning the championship in martial arts competitions across the province.

Although Chen Lie's martial arts skills are certainly inferior to Ji Lingxuan's, isn't East River Province also far inferior to Cloud River Province?

The resources and environment they enjoy are different, so they are not comparable.

"He's only number one in the East River Genius Group; he's nothing on the Blue Star." Chen Lie said.

"First in the whole province, that's already a great achievement."

Wei Ranran couldn't help but say that she greatly admired Chen Lie's composure in the face of both honor and disgrace.

If it were me, and I could win the provincial championship and reach the Ultimate Realm of Blood-Qi Stage, I don't know how proud I would be.

After exchanging a few words with Wei Ranran, Chen Lie entered the Duel Room.

Upon entering the Duel Room, Chen Lie immediately saw Xu Tianchuan and Gu Tian.

Gu Tian saw Chen Lie and immediately went up to him. "Chen Lie, you've arrived?"

"Old Master, President Xu, what brings you here to see me?"

"Don't rush to say that." Gu Tian waved his hand and said, "Chen Lie, I'm asking you, when did you reach the Ultimate Realm of Blood-Qi Like Slurry?"

"About a week ago," Chen Liedao.

"A week ago, I remember your Blood Qi Value was 2,300 calories before the martial arts competition."

In other words, you reached your Blood-Qi Extreme Realm at 2300 calories, which is nearly 500 calories less than Wang Dongting's.

"How could you defeat Wang Dongting in a head- on Duel Platform despite having limited health and mana? What's your Strength Value?"

"About 4.5 times."

"Was the martial art used to defeat Wang Dongting super S-rank?"

"I'm not entirely sure either; it's a martial art deciphered by Outer Star Crystal."

However, I suspect it reached SS rank.

"With 4.5 times the Strength Value, and 2,300 calories of Blood Qi Value, he has reached the Blood-Qi Extreme Realm, and is also proficient in a martial art that is suspected to be SS-level from Outer Stars."

"With a difference of 500 Blood Qi Value, you were still able to defeat Wang Dongting, who was also at the Blood-Qi Extreme Realm. Your potential is probably no less than that of Ji Lingxuan from Yunchuan Province."

Gu Tian stared at Chen Lie in shock.

He knew without asking that Chen Lie must have been guided by a famous teacher, otherwise he could not have achieved such success. It should be noted that Chen Lie had only been in the Provincial Youth Genius Group for a little over a month.

Moreover, since Chen Lie joined the Provincial Youth Genius Group, he has never been instructed in martial arts by Chen Lie.

"Chen Lie, President Xu has come to see you today regarding the upcoming Martial Leader Three Provinces of Chuanzhong in three days. President Xu will discuss the specifics with you."

After Gu Tian finished speaking, Xu Tianchuan walked up.

"Chen Lie, congratulations on winning the Provincial Martial Leader. However, with great power comes great responsibility."

Having enjoyed the glory of Martial Leader Martial Leader, one must also bear the corresponding obligations.

Three days later, you will represent East River Province and meet with the Martial Leader of West River Province and Cloud River Province Provinces, forming a Provincial Genius Group for a friendly exchange.

At the meeting of the Provincial Genius Group, you must do your best to uphold the honor of the East River Provincial Genius Group and not let East River Province lose face.

"I understand." Chen Lie nodded.

"Yes, you can claim your first-place prize in the martial arts competition anytime. Use it as soon as possible to improve your strength and prepare for the Three-Province Martial Tournament."

Xu Tianchuan gave Chen Lie another instruction, and then let him leave the Duel Room.

After Chen Lie left, Gu Tian couldn't help but say, "President Xu, in previous years you would dedicate an entire day to instructing the number one Martial Leader champion, why this time—"

Xu Tianchuan shook his head slightly and said, "His martial arts are almost flawless, he doesn't need my guidance."

Just like Ji Lingxuan, the Martial Leader of Yunchuan Province, Grandmaster Martial Artist have limited perspectives and cannot find any major flaws in her martial arts.

Gu Tian nodded. It seemed that Chen Lie's aptitude was indeed comparable to Ji Lingxuan's.

Chen Lie walked out of the Duel Room and saw Jiang Xiaodong, the deacon of the Genius Group Martial Artist Association, talking with a group of Genius Group members.

Upon seeing Chen Lie, Jiang Xiaodong immediately walked over.

"Chen Lie, you're finally out!"

"Is there something you need?" Chen Lie asked.

Jiang Xiaodong said, "The martial arts competition is over, and there are many spectators outside who are unwilling to leave."

Among them were dozens of teachers and students from Provincial Key High School, who claimed to be your advisor from that Provincial Key High School and wanted to contact you.

"Oh? Then I'll go take a look."

After Chen Lie finished speaking, he walked towards the Martial Competition Arena that was surrounded.

Upon entering the venue from backstage, Chen Lie indeed saw over a hundred people remaining.

Beneath the dilapidated Duel Platform, Qin Siyu had already walked from the audience seats to the stage.

Fang Xiaoxiao, who was next to her, said, "Siyu, the martial arts competition is over, and the instructors have already left. Aren't we leaving yet?"

"No rush, Chen Lie is one of our outstanding classmates."

Now that he has won the Provincial Martial Leader, we, as Chen Lie's classmates, should of course congratulate him in person.

31

"Qin Siyu looked backstage and said without glancing to the side."

"So you're just going to wait here like an idiot? Even if you wait until dark, you might not see him."

Chen Lie is currently the Provincial Martial Leader, and the number one young martial artist in East River Province. In ancient times, he would be the top scholar in the province. He's not just in a different circle than us; we're practically from two different worlds.

Fang Xiaoxiao couldn't help but say.

She had no connection with Chen Lie, and they even had a bit of a falling out. If her friend hadn't insisted on meeting Chen Lie in person to congratulate her, she wouldn't have been waiting here.

"You're right, it really is two different worlds."

Qin Siyu sighed and said, "However, if we don't see each other this time, I'm afraid we won't have the chance to meet again."

Hearing Qin Siyu say this, Fang Xiaoxiao fell silent.

Qin Siyu looked at Feng Shuangshuang, who was waiting not far away. She knew that Feng Shuangshuang and Chen Lie were cousins, so she thought that Chen Lie would definitely come out to meet his cousin Feng Shuangshuang.

At that moment, the voices of staff members from the Martial Artist Association came through.

"Dear students, the open All-Member Martial Competition Genius Group has ended. You may now leave."

This is the training ground for the members of the Genius Group. Now it has been damaged like this by the martial arts competition. We need to repair it as soon as possible so as not to affect the training of the Genius Group members.

"With you here, our construction team can't make repairs."

As the staff spoke, they began arranging for the stranded people to leave.

Soon, the staff approached the dozens of teachers and students from the Provincial Key High School and said, "Everyone, the competition is over. You can leave now."

"Friend, we are teachers and students from the alma mater of Chen Lie, the Martial Leader the Genius Group Tournament. We need to talk to him."

Your deacon has already gone to inform them, they should be out soon, could you please let us wait a little longer?

"This----"

Just as the staff member hesitated, Chen Lie walked out from backstage and stood in front of the teachers and students of the Provincial Key High School.

"What's wrong?"

"Chen Lie, you're finally out!"

The speaker was Hong Chengshuo, the tutor of Chen Lie's Elite Class.

Upon seeing Hong Chengshuo, Chen Lie immediately said, "Instructor Hong, did you look for me? What's the matter?"

"It's not just me, Ren Hongguang from your Ordinary Class is here too."

After Hong Chengshuo finished speaking, Chen Lie finally noticed Ren Hongguang among the students.

"Teacher Ren."

"Chen Lie, I have a favor to ask of you." Ren Hongguang stepped out from among the students.

Chen Lie remembered how much Ren Hongguang had taken care of him in his previous life, and his feelings for Ren Hongguang far exceeded those for his Elite Class tutor, Hong Chengshuo. So he said, "Teacher Ren, please don't hesitate to ask if there's anything you need. If it's within my power, I will definitely help."

Ren Hongguang said with a smile, "Actually, it's nothing big, it just takes up a little of your time."

The dozens of elite students I brought today all passed the elite student assessment in their first or second year of high school. I'd like you to pick two of the more talented ones from among them, give them some pointers on martial arts, and share your experience. Could you spare half a day for that?

"Can!"

Before Ren Hongguang could finish speaking, Chen Lie nodded in agreement.