Star Realm, World Gate

The next day, noon.

During the lunch break, the Martial Arts Hall was nearly empty.

In the corner, Li Qingshan leaned back against a cushion, eyes closed, as if fast asleep.

An hour passed.

Li Qingshan opened his eyes, his gaze sweeping over the Status Panel.

[The Stars Are Calling 98/1000 (Mastery)] → [The Stars Are Calling 100/1000 (Mastery)]

"Another two points of proficiency. Looks like I can't waste daytime either."

This was an idea he'd gotten last night while slacking off during Cao Shaoyu's lesson.

The Martial Arts Space had a 1:10 Time Flow Rate; as long as he had six minutes of free time in reality, it was enough to fully practice The Stars Are Calling once in the space.

"At night, I can basically guarantee 20 points of proficiency gain. During the day, I can scrape together about 10 more."

"That's 30 points a day. In a month, I'll reach Great Accomplishment!"

Li Qingshan did a quick calculation and nodded in satisfaction.

But proficiency didn't come from nothing.

He looked at the Martial Arts Space's [Available Time: 323 days] and furrowed his brow slightly.

Each point of proficiency required four practice sessions, meaning four hours.

30 points meant a full 120 hours—five days.

And the Martial Arts Space only ignored physical exhaustion; he still needed sleep to recover mental fatigue, at least one day's worth.

In other words, for every day that passed in reality, the Martial Arts Space consumed six days of Available Time.

As The Stars Are Calling progressed by leaps and bounds, the Martial Arts Space's "Available Time" was draining fast.

"Even though the remaining time is enough to reach Great Accomplishment for The Stars Are Calling, there won't be much left. I need to plan ahead."

Li Qingshan pinched the bridge of his nose, a thoughtful look in his eyes.

"Kill monsters? But where the hell am I supposed to find monsters..."

After experiencing the Martial Arts Space's "supercharged" benefits, he didn't want to go back to his old hard life.

Just then, a burly figure walked in through the front door.

Li Qingshan's gaze locked onto him.

In the afternoon, after another round of Body Forging training, all the students collapsed to the ground.

Wan Keshan walked over with his hands behind his back, stopping in front of Li Qingshan.

"Kid, if you've got something to say, just say it. Don't pull this act on me!"

Ever since he'd walked in, Li Qingshan had been staring at him, and it was starting to creep him out.

"Uh, was it that obvious?"

Li Qingshan gave an awkward smile and spoke up:

"Teacher, actually, I just wanted to ask—where did that Wolf Poison from the first lesson come from?"

"Still thinking about that Wolf Poison?"

Wan Keshan's expression shifted, his brow furrowing.

He felt like this student of his had a few screws loose.

From cracking the tank and ripping open its belly on the first day, to later asking how to solo-kill a Wolf Poison.

None of it was normal student behavior.

He'd been quiet for the last half-month, and Wan Keshan thought Li Qingshan had finally settled down.

But today, he'd come with another "surprise."

"Teacher, don't overthink it."

Seeing Wan Keshan's brow deepen, Li Qingshan quickly explained:

"I'm just curious about Astral Beasts. I want to learn more."

"Curious?" Wan Keshan's eyes shifted, a half-smile on his face. "Once you get to the New Continent, you'll have plenty of time to be curious. For now, focus on your training."

New Continent?

Li Qingshan paused, then probed: "Teacher, was that Wolf Poison sent from the New Continent?"

"Of course. Unless an Evil God's power is at work, ordinary Fierce Beasts can't break through the astral restraints on their own," Wan Keshan explained casually.

"The New Continent suppresses a 'World Gate.' That Wolf Poison was captured from inside it."

"World Gate!"

Li Qingshan's spirits lifted.

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Textbooks covered everything about the "Star Realm" and "World Gates."

The Star Realm generally referred to dimensional spaces different from reality—unknown in number, unknown in size.

The only certainty was that every known Fierce Beast had invaded the Human Federation from the Star Realm.

A "World Gate" was the entrance to the Star Realm.

"But the textbooks never said there's a World Gate right here in the New Continent."

As the thought flashed through his mind, Li Qingshan's eyes lit up.

Wolf Poison had been captured from the Star Realm.

That Star Realm must still be teeming with countless Fierce Beasts!

To him, a "World Gate" was no different from an entrance to an experience dungeon.

As long as his strength was sufficient, he could not only harvest a large amount of "Available Time,"

but even upgrading the Martial Arts Space level wasn't out of reach.

Still, that was something he could only consider once he reached the New Continent.

Distant water couldn't quench present thirst. Li Qingshan said reluctantly, "Teacher, is there really no way to find Fierce Beasts in the Old Continent?"

"You sure have some nerve!" Wan Keshan's eyes widened as he scolded.

"And what if you did find one? You think you can just tie up a Fierce Beast's limbs and let you 'study' it like in class?"

"Or do you think you're strong enough to kill one now?"

"Uh..."

Li Qingshan was a bit stunned by the reprimand. After a moment's hesitation, he spoke hesitantly.

"Teacher, actually..."

"Enough, don't aim too high."

Wan Keshan cut him off with a wave of his hand, speaking earnestly.

"Every Fierce Beast in the Old Continent is accounted for. Each one has its own purpose—you can't just find them whenever you want."

"Besides, for the stability of the Old Continent, any Fierce Beast entering must go through layers of review, and the entire process is extremely strict."

"Even that Wolf Poison last time—I had to submit a report in advance just to get approval."

"In short, if you want to see more Fierce Beasts, train hard and strive to comprehend the fourth level of The Stars Are Calling as soon as possible, mastering Muscle Rhythm."

"Only then will you have a chance to get into a New Continent Martial Arts University in your third year."

After another round of encouragement, Wan Keshan turned and left.

Li Qingshan watched his teacher's brisk, long strides and shook his head.

He had been about to say that he was already strong enough to kill a Wolf Poison on his own.

But now, it didn't matter whether he said it or not.

Given the Old Continent's review system for Fierce Beasts, he had no chance of getting near one for now.

"Looks like if I want to 'kill monsters,' I'll have to go to the New Continent first."

Li Qingshan temporarily suppressed his thoughts, not too anxious.

Three years was too long—he couldn't wait.

But with his Status Panel, Li Qingshan didn't need three years at all.

"Comprehending" the fourth level of The Stars Are Calling only required another month of grinding proficiency.

By then, his Body Forging progress would surely catch up quickly to the Second Year students, or even the Third Year seniors.

After dinner, Li Qingshan and Zhao Hongzhou boarded the bus and headed to the Yinghai Flagship Store.

Evening was when the Gym saw business, and the place was bustling with people.

"Coach Li!"

The receptionist's eyes sparkled, her face full of smiles.

Occasionally, other coaches passed by and greeted him warmly.

"Brother Li, you're here!"

Li Qingshan smiled and nodded in response, heading toward the fourth-floor classroom.

As soon as he entered the classroom, he saw the nimble Little Fatty stepping through the Mizong Step, his face brimming with excitement.

"Coach!"

Cao Shaoyu stopped his movements and rushed over eagerly to greet him.

Li Qingshan smiled knowingly.

"You won?"

"Heh heh, Coach, you don't know—I finally got my revenge today. That bastard Lou Jiang couldn't even touch my sleeve..."