High Martial Arts: Grinding for the Supreme Talent

"But Lin Qi is different. He hasn’t Awakened!"

"Without Awakening, his future path is uncertain."

"If he makes a wrong turn in the future, the risk is enormous."

"He could even waste a huge amount of time."

"Right now, his physical Talent gives him a significant advantage, but he could be surpassed by others in the future."

"Besides, for decades, one of the requirements to become an SS-level genius has been Awakening a Special Ability."

"There’s absolutely no need to make an exception for him!"

"Otherwise, people might think there are loopholes to exploit."

"Awakening a Special Ability is the most important metric for identifying a Top Level genius."

After Meng Wu finished speaking, some of the twenty-plus people present nodded, while others shook their heads.

Wuu Lingyun, however, just smirked in disdain.

’What future path? That’s all bullshit. Anyone with eyes can see how good Lin Qi’s Talent is.’

’Meng Wu just doesn’t want Lin Qi to be upgraded to an SS-level genius.’

After all, no matter how strong Lin Qi was now, he was still just an S-class genius, not officially certified as SS-level.

With or without official certification, the status was completely different.

Meng Wu looked at the crowd, and a flicker of joy appeared in his heart when he saw those on good terms with him nodding.

To be honest, he didn’t like Lin Qi.

In his mind, he had always considered the boy insignificant, yet that same boy had caused him to be reprimanded by the Special Envoy.

His authority had been challenged.

That was why he didn’t want Lin Qi to be upgraded. There was also something else, something he was unwilling to admit even to himself.

He suddenly had a premonition.

So, he subconsciously wanted to suppress Lin Qi.

"Since there’s a dispute, let’s put it to a vote."

"One vote per person. The minority will yield to the majority."

Principal Liy spoke slowly. As soon as his words fell, a voting button appeared in front of everyone.

BEEP BEEP!!

In the center of the conference table, two large screens were projected.

Meng Wu exchanged a look with a few of his old friends, reaching a silent consensus.

He nodded to himself. ’Among the twenty-plus people here, there are others who aren’t happy with Lin Qi.’

’With my group, we might just be able to outvote them.’

BEEP!

"Voting has ended!"

An electronic voice sounded in the air, and the voting results refreshed on the projected screen.

[Agree: 19 votes]

[Oppose: 3 votes]

...

The moment he saw the results, Meng Wu was dumbfounded.

’How are there only three opposing votes?!’

He looked over at his "old friends," but they either pretended not to notice or completely ignored his gaze.

Wuu Lingyun laughed out loud.

"It seems we’re all of the same mind!"

Principal Liy also showed a rare smile.

"With 19 votes in favor and 3 against, I declare that Lin Qi is officially promoted to an SS-level genius, effective today!"

With his announcement, the matter was settled.

The others nodded. They weren’t fools.

Liy Qifeng was the principal of Azure Sky Martial Arts Academy. Since he had specifically brought this up today, he obviously wanted the boy to be promoted.

Otherwise, given his status, an SS-level promotion would have been a simple written notice, not something brought up for a group vote.

Meng Wu’s expression turned ugly. He, too, had come to his senses and was filled with regret.

’How could I have only just realized?’

At this moment, the cold and detached Special Envoy Qin slowly began to speak.

"I have one more announcement."

All eyes instantly turned to her. Her announcements were never trivial.

She looked at Meng Wu, who was next to Principal Liy, and said,

"After discussion among the higher-ups, Meng Wu is to be removed from his post as Southern Patrol Envoy and demoted to Hall Master of the North River Province’s Gangling Branch."

"The position of Southern Patrol Envoy will be filled by Wuu Lingyun, who will also serve concurrently as the Hall Master of the Celestial Sea City Branch!"

As soon as she said this, everyone’s gaze snapped to Meng Wu.

Under the watchful eyes of all, Meng Wu’s face became exceptionally grim.

"Why?" he demanded.

"What, are you questioning the decision of the higher-ups?" Special Envoy Qin asked.

Meng Wu felt a terrifying aura from beside him pressing down. Principal Liy had turned his head to look at him.

A chill ran through his heart. He could only lower his head and say resentfully,

"I wouldn’t dare!"

"I accept the arrangement!"

Special Envoy Qin nodded. "It’s good that you accept. Next time, don’t question the decisions of the higher-ups."

The others remained silent. They were already high-level members of the headquarters. The only ones higher than them were the other Ninth Realm Martial Artists.

"That’s all, then. Meeting adjourned!"

After speaking, Principal Liy was the first to stand up and leave.

Meng Wu followed, not wanting to stay a second longer.

Special Envoy Qin’s projection instantly dissipated. The remaining people didn’t rush to leave, instead starting to chat idly.

"Congratulations, Old Wu! From now on, you’re the Southern Patrol Envoy!" someone said, offering congratulations.

"Yeah, you have to treat us!" the crowd laughed.

Wuu Lingyun was beaming, a smile playing on his lips.

"Luck, it’s all just luck!"

"I guess I have Lin Qi to thank for this!"

He understood clearly. Although he was also at the Peak of the Eighth Realm, he held no advantage over Meng Wu.

The four Patrol Envoys held the power to supervise and manage all the various Martial Arts Dojo branches.

Their authority was immense, and the four had been entrenched in their positions for a long time. His background wasn’t strong enough, and his strength wasn’t at the absolute peak. Moving up was as difficult as ascending to heaven.

But Lin Qi’s appearance had given him a forceful push.

’I really have that kid, Lin Qi, to thank!’

"By the way, I heard Azure Sky Martial Arts Academy is already negotiating for an Awakening Fruit."

"There’s a high probability Lin Qi will be able to get one!"

"Once Lin Qi Awakens, he’ll be incredible!" a woman said.

Everyone nodded. With Lin Qi’s Talent, his future would be completely different after he Awakened.

...

「The next day, in Celestial Sea City.」

In Villa No. 66.

Inside the Martial Arts Room, Lin Qi, dressed in a black Martial Arts Uniform, looked at the large screen projected in front of him.

Dean Liu, with his pair of large earlobes, appeared on the other side.

He chuckled and said,

"Lin Qi, I have two pieces of good news for you. Which one do you want to hear first?"

Lin Qi smiled. "They’re both good news, so either one is fine."

Dean Liu laughed.

"Your upgrade to an SS-level Contract has been approved!"

"The Celestial Sea Martial Arts Branch will have you sign the contract today!"

Joy surged in Lin Qi’s heart. ’I’ve finally been upgraded.’

He had now been upgraded from an S-class genius to an SS-level genius, and his status in the Martial Arts Dojo had changed completely.

At the same time, his benefits and treatment would also be completely different.

Right now, he had only experienced a fraction of the benefits of an SS-level genius.

If his benefits were fully upgraded, his strength would see another significant boost.

Dean Liu continued,

"The second piece of good news is that we’ve secured an Awakening Fruit for you!"

"Dean Xue and his party obtained many Heavenly Materials and Earthly Treasures on their recent trip to the Otherworld wilderness."

"Among them were two Awakening Fruits!"

"Azure Sky Martial Arts Academy has already claimed one of them."

"And I can tell you definitively, that Awakening Fruit is yours."

"It will be sent back from the Otherworld soon. You’ll be able to take it when the school term begins!"

Lin Qi was pleasantly surprised. ’An Awakening Fruit, this quickly?’

It was much faster than he had imagined.

He was just about to tell him that he had already Awakened.

"Dean, did you say this Awakening Fruit belongs to me?" he suddenly asked.

Dean Liu nodded.

"That’s right. This Awakening Fruit is completely yours."

"If you can Awaken using this fruit, it will be beneficial for both you and the academy."

Lin Qi nodded after hearing this.

"But... I might not be able to use it."

Dean Liu frowned. "What do you mean you can’t use it? Don’t tell me..."

He froze, staring at Lin Qi in astonishment.

"You... you’ve Awakened?"

Lin Qi nodded. His body instantly erupted in a dazzling golden glow, and golden patterns emerged on the surface of his skin.

A Golden Light shone from his eyes, and fierce gusts of wind swirled around him, making him seem like a forged Divine Weapon, a Sharp Blade.

A layer of golden liquid slowly flowed over the surface of his body, creating ripples.

Dean Liu completely lost his composure, his eyes wide as he stared at the changes happening to Lin Qi’s body.

As a Seventh Realm Martial Artist, his eyesight was incredible, and he could clearly see whether Lin Qi had truly Awakened.

But when he saw Lin Qi chop with his hand, producing a golden blade, he was completely convinced.

His expression became dazed.

’Lin Qi actually Awakened on his own!’

’He Awakened without using an Awakening Fruit.’

"Lin Qi, you can stop. I can confirm that you have Awakened."

Dean Liu said, letting out a breath.

Lin Qi instantly retracted his [Jin Feng] and asked,

"Dean, now that I’ve Awakened, is the Awakening Fruit still considered mine?"

"You’re not going to take it back, are you?"

Dean Liu frowned and pondered for a moment. If Lin Qi had Awakened, then the Awakening Fruit was of no use to him.

His mind raced.

After a moment, he had a rough idea and said,

"Since the Awakening Fruit is already yours, our Azure Sky Martial Arts Academy isn’t so petty as to take it back."

"If you were to take it now, the effect wouldn’t be significant."

"Its purpose is to stimulate the dormant power within the human body."

"Other than that, it would only raise your Qi and Blood Value a little."

"To be honest, it would be a bit of a waste for you to take it now."

Lin Qi nodded. He had considered this as well, which was why he had been forthcoming.

Dean Liu stood up and paced around his office, thinking as he spoke.

"Awakening Fruits are scarce items. Far too many people want one."

"Every year, there are about thirty S-class geniuses. Over several years, that adds up to more than a hundred."

"They’re all eagerly waiting for an Awakening Fruit. Once they Awaken, that’s another SS-level genius."

"I plan to use this Awakening Fruit to make a trade on your behalf. Whether for money or resources, it will earn you a fortune."

Lin Qi nodded. That was what he had been thinking as well.

"I’ll leave it in your hands, Dean."

Dean Liu nodded. "Don’t worry, I definitely won’t let you down."

After hanging up,

Dean Liu let out a breath, a smile spreading across his face.

"That kid, Lin Qi, is full of surprises. To think he just Awakened like that."

"His Talent was already stronger than an SS-level genius’s to begin with. Now that he’s Awakened, I wonder how he compares to an SSS-level genius."

"His future is definitely something to look forward to."

Dean Liu didn’t know how far Lin Qi would go in the future, but the thought of it excited him.

This was a Top Level genius he had nurtured from the very beginning.

Thinking of this, he picked up his smartphone and started contacting people.

Soon, a screen was projected in front of him, and a burly face appeared on the other side.

"Old Xu, you want an Awakening Fruit?"

...