Comparable to Second-Rate

What?

I am second-rate?

Li Jinshui was stunned for a moment, then turned his head to look at the blood-energy value comparison chart posted on the detector.

[Below 100: None]

[101-300: Prospective Martial Artist]

[301-500: Third-rate Martial Artist]

[501-1000: Second-rate Martial Artist]

[Above 1001: First-rate Martial Artist]

"Ah, looking at these numbers, I really do count as a second-rate martial artist."

Li Jinshui found it amusing.

He naturally trusted the rating on his own panel more than this test result.

Besides, there was a recognized common sense in the martial arts world: mastery of Stake Standing was the hallmark of a second-rate martial artist, and he was still far from that.

"However, according to this chart, when an ordinary martial artist's Stake Standing first enters the minor success stage, their blood-energy value usually just crosses the passing line of 301."

Li Jinshui curled his lips: "And with my Stake Standing at minor success, my blood-energy value has already crushed the third-rate level and is comparable to someone who has just entered the second-rate."

"Very reasonable, and very basic—just a standard protagonist template."

He shrugged, unfazed and indifferent; if one didn't have the ability to kill enemies above their rank, how could they be considered a protagonist?

But as things stood, everything was ready, save for the east wind.

As long as he could get started with Basic Lightness Skill, he would not only be able to enter the Delivery Youth Training Camp, but also possess the most reliable trump card for self-preservation.

Therefore, practicing martial arts could not be delayed—time to order food first!

Li Jinshui turned and walked out of the training room.

After ordering a standard boxed meal with cash at the front desk, he dove into the public shower room, took a comfortable bath, and washed his clothes while he was at it.

By the time he came back out, the meal was ready.

Li Jinshui changed into the martial arts gym's complimentary training uniform, picked up his meal, and strolled toward the main hall, eating as he walked.

His goal was clear; he specifically moved toward the edge of the sparring ring, attempting to feel the pressure of that dangerous environment.

Unfortunately, he gained nothing. The two people sparring on the ring were too weak—just ordinary third-rate martial artists—and completely unable to trigger the danger feedback of Heaven Rewards Diligence.

"Ding!"

At that moment, his phone in his pocket chimed.

Li Jinshui immediately took it out to look; Yao Xiaona had finally replied to his message.

"Li Jinshui! Don't be afraid, you must never yield to evil! This is the perfect real-combat opportunity to test your martial heart! Fight back! Remember, danger is the best whetstone for a martial artist! Don't let me down!"

Li Jinshui narrowed his eyes, unable to look directly at the screen; he felt a bit stung.

Crazy woman. Real combat? Whetstone? And you don't mention a word about sending money?

Li Jinshui rolled his eyes, too lazy to say anything more to her, and decided to just block her.

But then he thought of something else, his eyes darting around, and he began tapping out a message.

"Class Monitor, I'm sorry to have let you down. Actually, I've been keeping your teachings in mind, so I just rushed in to fight them to the death!"

"Unfortunately, there were ten third-rate martial artists and five second-rate martial artists; I was powerless to turn the tide. I've already had three ribs broken by them and I can't stop spitting blood."

"They said if they don't see money within a minute, they're going to cripple me! Class Monitor, perhaps this is the last time we'll ever be in contact. Take care! [Crying] [Crying] [Bleeding]"

Li Jinshui weighed every word before sending the message.

He then put down his phone and continued to devour his meal.

"Ding! Ding! Ding!"

A moment later, the phone notification sound suddenly rang incessantly; several messages had bombarded him in succession.

"Yo, the reply efficiency is this high today?"

Li Jinshui happily picked up the phone and opened the messages.

"Your bank card ending in 89757 has received 10,000.00 yuan..."

Yao Xiaona: "Li Jinshui, why didn't you say sooner that you were facing this kind of lineup? If you had told me earlier, I would have arranged tactics for you first. Also, my parents found out I wanted to transfer money to you and froze my bank card. It's infuriating! I used the Deputy Class Monitor's card to transfer this to you, but he's too poor and only has ten thousand yuan. Hold on, I'll go think of another way."

Deputy Class Monitor: "Li Jinshui, you bastard, give me back my money! That ten thousand was my entire living expense for next month, damn it!"

What? There's a high-level player?

Li Jinshui sat up straight, his eyes widening.

He had actually managed to mine gold coins again!

Since when did making money become so simple?

This was completely beyond Li Jinshui's expectations. He hadn't expected to be able to farm any more gold coins from Yao Xiaona at all; how could anyone be foolish enough to get scammed twice in a row?

But Yao Xiaona slapped his face hard.

She's truly a saint, I'm moved to tears!

Li Jinshui was deeply touched. He first blocked a strange scam text message from someone called "Deputy Class Monitor," then continued to reply to Yao Xiaona, claiming that the wanderers felt ten thousand wasn't enough and had started cutting off his fingers, so she needed to transfer more money.

He then opened the Doudou Secondhand app to see if anyone was selling half-bottles of D-Grade Supplement Potion.

After scrolling through, he found that not only were there no half-bottles, but even full bottles of secondhand potions were nowhere to be found; they were snatched up the second they were listed, making it impossible to grab one!

"Maybe I could try a sparring martial artist..."

Li Jinshui looked up at the price list on the wall.

Third-rate and second-rate martial artists could be ignored; these ants couldn't trigger the danger feedback of Heaven Rewards Diligence at all.

A first-rate martial artist might barely be enough!

But the price was 3,000 yuan per hour.

"Not worth it..."

Li Jinshui frowned. The frequency of proficiency growth triggered in a dangerous environment was far inferior to food or medicinal supplements.

At this sparring price, the cost-effectiveness was too low.

"Ding!"

His phone rang again; it was another text from Yao Xiaona.

"I can't take it anymore, Li Jinshui. The other classmates in our class have disappointed me so much. They keep saying I'm being scammed, but in reality, they're just stingy and unwilling to lend me money! Thank you for letting me see them for who they are. I finally understand what it means for the world to be cold and human relationships to be thin. By the way, I've thought of a way. Send me your location, and I'll send my bodyguards to save you."

She's even thanking me!

"No need. If you aren't sincere about saving me with money, I don't want it. I trusted you so much, treating you as the last light in my life, yet I didn't expect you to just brush off my life-or-death situation with a few bodyguards. Thank you for also letting me understand what it means for the world to be cold and human relationships to be thin. I'm dying soon; may we meet again in the next life. [Heartbreak]"

After sending the message, Li Jinshui got up and walked to the front desk to demand a refund.

Since he couldn't farm any more gold coins, he had to save money elsewhere to scrape together the twenty thousand yuan as soon as possible.

The main thing was that the efficiency of this breakthrough had far exceeded his estimates, much faster than when he consumed exotic beast meat this morning, and the entire process had only taken a few minutes.

Therefore, the eight hours of prepaid training room time were a complete waste.

In the end, after arguing his case, he successfully received a refund for seven hours of room fees.

When he walked out of the martial arts gym apartment building, the sun was bright, and it was only around three in the afternoon.

"While it's still early, I'll find a place to start a fire and practice light-body techniques."

Li Jinshui changed back into his dried clothes and even swiped a bath towel from the gym, wrapping it around his neck like a scarf to cover half his face.

He had already decided on a place to start the fire: Captain Liu's house.

He knew that Liu Daqiang had a dilapidated little place in an urban village in the outer district. He usually lived alone and only occasionally went back to sleep there at night.

"That old guy should be on duty at Green Osmanthus Garden right now. I'll head over... damn, speak of the devil?"

Li Jinshui suddenly pulled back with a sharp step, retreating into the apartment entrance. He peeked out with only half his head, looking at the street diagonally across the road.

There was a familiar figure standing there—it was Liu Daqiang!

He wasn't at work, nor was he wearing his security uniform. He was followed by several young men with unfriendly expressions. Walking with a swagger, he easily vaulted over the guardrail from the opposite side of the road.