From Lighting Up Talents to Becoming a Demon God Section 38

That was a hundred times better than leaving and joining some other martial arts hall halfway through.

"All right."

Master Luo nodded, a hint of satisfaction flashing through his eyes. Zheng Wu, standing to the side, was also all smiles, his gaze toward Lu Chao filled with even more approval and recognition.

Then, as they spoke, Master Luo personally taught him the knowledge for the second level of the combat technique, giving him another rare round of one-on-one guidance.

Only after everything was over did Lu Chao follow Zheng Wu out of the rear courtyard.

"The second level has eight moves in total. Once you master them, you'll be able to break through Copper Flesh and step into Professional Grade."

"Junior Brother Lu, if there's anything you don't understand in the future, you can come to me anytime."

On the way out, Zheng Wu took the initiative to speak again, explaining patiently.

Lu Chao remembered this kindness and nodded lightly.

Then, just as they were about to enter the Training Building, Zheng Wu pondered for a moment, stopped, and softly reminded him of something.

"Junior Brother Lu, cultivation at Combat Grade isn't like before. The nutritional resources required are quite costly."

His gaze came over, and their eyes met.

He asked seriously, "Have you thought about which company you want to work for?"

"Work?"

At the rear entrance of the Training Building, Lu Chao paused slightly when he heard Zheng Wu's reminder, then came to a realization.

Only then did certain things finally occur to him.

Stepping into Combat Grade was not just an increase in strength.

At the same time, it meant he had to start planning for his future.

At this level, because life had undergone its first qualitative transformation, every further increase in Vitality from now on would become even more difficult.

Not only did he need to put in more sweat to temper his body and hone his spirit, he also needed higher-quality nutritional supplementation.

The corresponding resource costs would be at least two or three times higher than before.

But unfortunately, up until now, In order to break through to Combat Grade, he had bought quite a few dietary supplements, and the ten thousand yuan "consolation money" Brother Hao had given him was basically almost spent.

After deducting the Welfare Loan and rent, he did not have much savings left on hand.

"Generally speaking, as long as you break through to Combat Grade, you can go work for some security companies."

"Our Martial Arts Hall has some cooperation with Hengjia Security and Feihuan Group. These are two small-to-medium-sized security companies, mainly responsible for security for some wealthy people, or escorting supplies into the wilderness..."

Knowing that Lu Chao had not understood much about this area before, Zheng Wu smiled and lightly patted his shoulder as he explained, "If you're willing, Junior Brother Lu, I can introduce you to these two companies."

"The treatment for Combat Grade is basically a monthly salary of around twelve to thirteen thousand, plus twenty kilograms of Exotic Beast Meat each month. There are also some other regular benefits, such as a certain quota of Vitality Potions and Energy Supplements."

Lu Chao's eyes brightened slightly at this. This treatment was undoubtedly good.

The salary was one part, and twenty kilograms of Exotic Beast Meat was worth at least several thousand yuan.

Vitality Potions, Energy Supplements, and the like were not bad either. These were products launched by Biotech Company, designed specifically for fighters at this level.

They contained abundant nutrition, and their absorption efficiency and effects far surpassed ordinary food. They were quite useful for increasing Vitality, and even the cheapest portion cost nearly ten thousand yuan.

Lu Chao was somewhat tempted, but he quickly thought of his earlier considerations.

"Senior Brother Zheng..."

"What is it?"

"I want to take part in the Patrol Bureau's internal assessment next month."

After weighing his words for a moment, Lu Chao still spoke honestly.

The treatment offered by Hengjia Security and Feihuan Group was indeed good, but he still felt they were better kept as fallback options.

As one of Prism Ring City's armed institutions, the Patrol Bureau not only offered generous treatment, it also came with many conveniences in terms of status.

For example, the right to enter and exit the Inner City, a temporary firearms permit, the right to law-enforcement self-defense, and so on.

These intangible advantages were difficult for ordinary security positions at small-to-medium-sized companies to compare with.

"Oh?"

Zheng Wu was a little surprised, but he quickly reacted.

"No problem, Junior Brother Lu."

"Everyone has their own considerations. Just like the other junior brothers in the Martial Arts Hall, not all of them went to the two companies I mentioned."

Zheng Wu waved his hand lightly, indicating that it was fine.

In fact, as if he had thought of something, he smiled and said, "However... Junior Brother Lu."

"The Patrol Bureau's assessment rules have changed now. The internal assessment date has also been pushed back to February next year."

Oh?

Lu Chao's expression tightened, and he was a little surprised.

He had not known about any of this before.

"It's just that I have a friend in the Patrol Bureau, and I happened to hear about it at a recent gathering."

Zheng Wu smiled as he explained. Knowing that Lu Chao had been cut off from information before, he patiently said, "Apparently, the Patrol Bureau has lost quite a few people recently, and something happened over in the central district, so they transferred a lot of manpower there."

"So the Patrol Bureau changed the rules recently."

"The internal assessment has been postponed, but the requirements have been raised accordingly. Only those who become Level 3 Patrol Officers can participate. If they pass the assessment, they can become permanent staff and be promoted to official Level 2 Patrol Officers."

Lu Chao frowned slightly. He had not expected the rules to change like this.

In that case, didn't that mean he had lost his eligibility to sign up?

"However..."

As if seeing Lu Chao's concern, Zheng Wu smiled and quickly added, "Because they're short on people, the Patrol Bureau has also added a new temporary regulation."

"Recently, as long as a Combat Grade fighter applies of their own initiative and passes the screening, they'll have a chance to become a Level 3 Patrol Officer."

"The specific screening criteria mainly focus on strength and character. In addition, internal personnel will be given hiring priority over others of equal strength, such as temp workers and outsourced positions."

When he finished speaking, Lu Chao's frown eased, his mood rising and falling like a roller coaster before settling back down.

He finally understood what the Patrol Bureau was aiming for.

They had raised the requirements for the internal assessment while opening up the permanent Level 2 Patrol Officer slots. This would undoubtedly attract many Combat Grade fighters.

And using this chance, they had added a new temporary regulation.

Even if they knew full well this was bait, plenty of Combat Grade fighters would still take the initiative to apply and join the Patrol Bureau.

"In short, Junior Brother Lu, you don't need to worry."

"As an internal member of the Cleaning Squad, if you're both Combat Grade, you have a considerable advantage. If it really doesn't work out, I can ask my friend to lend a hand."

"This... I'm afraid that would trouble you, Senior Brother."

Lu Chao understood what he meant. He was going to help him pull some strings.

"Ah." Before he could refuse, Zheng Wu patted him on the shoulder. "What's the big deal? Fellow disciples should help each other in the first place. It's settled, then."

He settled the matter decisively and cleanly.

Hearing this, Lu Chao opened his mouth, but in the end, he quietly swallowed back all his gratitude.

"Then... thank you, Senior Brother."

That night.

The dull friction of wheels on rails came from afar, then finally stopped short as it pulled into the platform.

The tram exhaled a gust of hot air tinged with the smell of rust.

Then, when the doors slowly slid open, Lu Chao stepped out. The training clothes on him had long since been changed for a black short-sleeved shirt and denim trousers.

"As the saying goes, once you become stronger, the world around you is full of goodwill."

Thinking back to what had happened when he broke through today, Lu Chao was very aware of the change in atmosphere inside the Martial Arts Hall.

Especially in the afternoon. It was not just Zheng Wu; the other Combat Grade senior brothers had also begun to show goodwill and formally accepted him into the core circle.

Lu Chao shook his head inwardly. He knew very well where all of this came from.

He did not become arrogant or satisfied because of it. He knew that Combat Grade was only a beginning.