Before Meng Chuan joined, he had already found out that the Grandmaster Class at Northern United University was different from other ordinary classes; the entire campus is divided into only two classes.
The Martial Artist Class and the Martial Arts Family Class.
The Martial Artist Class consists of young talents like the few here, while the Martial Arts Family Class promotes the first grand limit of the martial arts family from within the Martial Artist Class, with an age limit of thirty-five.
The Yong'an Campus was established relatively late, and the top combat power of the Martial Arts Family Class is just the second grand limit.
But at the distant Fengtian headquarter of the United University, their Martial Arts Family Class has deep foundations.
Just the Martial Arts Masters number more than seven or eight, and there are several who are just a step away from reaching the Martial Arts Grandmaster, truly exemplifying the meaning of the words Grandmaster Class.
The importance of United University Points is something Meng Chuan hasn't yet experienced, but the two who always attended high preparatory school understood it deeply.
Even if one became a Martial Arts Family, they still had to strive for study points.
Because within the United University, anything from healing ointments to True Martial Divine Skills can be bought as long as you have enough study points. The purchasing power of one study point is even stronger than ten thousand yuan.
Meng Chuan nodded silently to himself, having grasped the importance of study points, and was determined to go all out during the start-of-term evaluation.
As the evening grew late, Meng Chuan rose to toast with everyone.
There's no need for extra words; it's all in the drink, bottoms up.
After the meal, Meng Chuan stood at the street corner, watching everyone leave.
Feeling the gentle night breeze blowing, his mind and spirit were especially refreshed.
Walking home, Meng Chuan was about to practice a session of Dragon Meditation before sleeping when his phone suddenly rang.
"Luo Meng's disciple, Chen Jingyi?"
Meng Chuan had almost forgotten about this "senior sister."
She was a student in the Grandmaster Class of United University, and during the Battle of Taihang, she was unlucky and encountered Jueming early on, leading to her elimination.
"Xiaomeng, it's late, are you still up?"
"No, senior sister, is there something you need?"
"Nothing major, do you know about the start-term evaluation?"
Meng Chuan laughed:
"Yes, what's going on?"
His strength had more than doubled compared to two months ago.
It wasn't that Meng Chuan was arrogant, but he truly didn't believe anyone below the Martial Arts Family level could defeat him.
Chen Jingyi could sense Meng Chuan's confidence and reminded him:
"Before your batch arrived, there were six people in the Grandmaster Class. Within the class, Chu Yanhu's strength is the strongest. His Qi and Blood are already at the extreme, just a step away from the Martial Arts Family."
"Xiaomeng, I suggest this semester you don't contend with him. He's not far from the Martial Arts Family, and when he moves to the Martial Arts Family Class, you'll naturally become the first."
In her heart, although Meng Chuan was the champion of the Northern Lands, Chu Yanhu hadn't participated in competitions because he was focused on finding the sense of Qi.
She believed that as a true ultimate martial artist, the "Northern Lands Champion" might not be a match for him.
"Alright, thank you, senior sister."
After hanging up the phone, Meng Chuan closed his eyes in thought and began practicing Dragon Meditation.
In any case, Meng Chuan appreciated Chen Jingyi for informing him. As for whether he would compete...
His answer would be expressed through his fists.
...
Time quickly flew to the end of August, and during this period, Meng Chuan didn't go to the high preparatory school for practice.
He stayed home to train and took the opportunity to spend some good time with his family.
Once he enrolled in the Martial Arts University, he'd have to live on campus, and although it wasn't too far, there was quite a distance over mountains, which could delay his martial arts training.
Xue Na was helping Meng Chuan with packing his freshly ironed bedding, her gentle voice reaching his ears.
"Chuan, just see how things are. If you're busy with martial arts, coming home once a month is fine.
Your uncle and I don't have much going on, so when he's off work, we can visit you at Lishan Mountain and take the opportunity to climb and exercise."
"Okay."
While sorting his belongings, Meng Chuan responded to his aunt.
He didn't have much, and after tidying up, he stretched, finally noticing the half-manual that served as a table corner.
"Shiva's Elephant Wash"
Meng Chuan picked it up, about to put it into his suitcase, then suddenly had a flash of inspiration.
"Martial arts masters say the teacher lacks 'vital energy'; this half-step secret technique can consume spirit to boost strength, I wonder if it would help my teacher..."
He put the manual away, deciding to consult Master Luo about it tonight.
After packing, Meng Chuan headed to the Gangzi Club.
Today should be the last time asking Brother Gang for sparring.
...
The intense sounds of sparring filled the room, and three hours later, the two were both panting heavily.
Looking at the panel, "Cyan Netherworld Dragon Lock Body: Proficient (29%) → (30%)"
This technique, being a top-tier hard skill of the Wudang Sect, was naturally difficult to train.
Meng Chuan practiced it roughly every three days, considering the recovery time, could only increase proficiency by 2%.
This was also related to the 'mutation' of the dragon demon inside him. Zhao Shousui had also advised that although the dragon demon was too powerful, affecting the progress of this skill, the effect would also be more potent.
Resting, Meng Chuan sensed that the dragon demon inside him had completely shed its red color, turning completely black.
After today's sparring, his tendons and bones had absorbed the last trace of Heart Fire Essence, feeling significantly more solid.
The most important thing is, his strength has subtly increased.
When swinging his arms and extending his fists, his force has increased by about half a percent compared to before. Although this might not be noticeable to an ordinary person, the improvement is quite considerable given Meng Chuan's already massive strength.
Feeling the changes in his body, Meng Chuan thought to himself:
"The Dragon Demon absorbed vital energy from the imagery of the River Battle with the Japanese.
Since Qi Jiguang's Long Fist is a Fire Attribute of the Five Elements, focusing on explosive power, this vital energy returns to my muscles and bones, thus enhancing my strength."
From this, Meng Chuan deduced.
The vital energy of the remaining four elements, such as Kidney Water and Lung Gold, can also strengthen his muscles and bones, potentially bringing effects different from Heart Fire energy.
However, the problem is that the Dragon Demon can only obtain the vital energy from mental imagery. Meng Chuan truly does not know how to return to such imagery.
He discussed this matter with his master before, and the imagery in his mind is somewhat similar to the [intention making reality ability] of a Xingyi Sect Martial Arts Master but quite different.
The conclusion reached was that the stronger the spiritual power, the more possible it is to enter that imagery world when practicing fist skills.
Spiritual power is his shortcoming; to make up for it, he needs the right cure.
Resources focusing on enhancing spiritual power, whether medicinal pills or secret techniques like [Dragon Meditation], are extraordinarily scarce.
Truth be told, it was Luo Guanyun who saved Zhao Shousui's life in Demon Nest. Only with his status as a Martial Arts Grandmaster did he repeatedly guarantee lending the secret technique for the master and his disciple to study.
As for the medicinal pills that can temper spiritual power, Meng Chuan hasn't seen many at the Martial Arts Merchant Mall.
They are either auctioned off at sky-high prices or instantly snatched up once on the shelves, with a vast number of people regularly staking out.
However, the situation today differs from the past, as he now has a way with pills, addressing it from [United University] and [Great Ocean].
Elevating his status at Great Ocean to exchange for pills.
Earn study points within United University, which can be used to buy pills that benefit spiritual strength.
Of course, most importantly, Meng Chuan eagerly anticipates the day he practices Primordial Spirit Thunder Planting Skill.
...
"Goodbye, Brother Gang."
It was August and September, and the sun was glaring.
Meng Chuan shielded himself from the sun with one hand, standing at the door and waving to Li Weigang.
Li Weigang showed a bitter smile, feeling a bit reluctant.
Many times, discussions with Meng Chuan on theoretical hard skills had inspired him greatly. He couldn't fathom where Meng Chuan's mind came up with such strange and unusual ideas.
But there was nothing he could do; people strive to reach the top. An outstanding martial artist like Meng Chuan is bound to attend a top-tier Martial Arts University.
Perhaps in a few years, even he might not be a match for Meng Chuan.
"Practice well at United University, become a martial arts family member soon, and when you return, let's spar, just you and Brother Gang!"
"Brother Gang, I'll be back to visit often."
Meng Chuan also felt quite reluctant, but there was no choice. United University was deep in Lishan Mountain, and inconvenient travel would delay his fist practice.
Li Weigang stepped out of the club, stood in front of Meng Chuan, and reminded him:
"Lishan is not as prosperous as Yong'an City; when practicing inside, cultivate your heart even more."
Li Weigang graduated from Yanhua Martial Arts University and was clear about its various paths.
"You will find in university that study points are crucial. Regardless of whether school staff or students, everyone works hard for them.
Actively participate in internal school tasks; earn more if capable. But be cautious with external tasks, as they all entail certain dangers; it's best attempted after becoming a martial arts family member.
There are many hard skill martial arts family members in United University far superior to me, but they all need study points to be persuaded. If your study points fall short, tell Brother Gang, and he'll come to your aid."
Under the sun, Li Weigang endlessly babbled to Meng Chuan, sharing his experiences when he attended Martial Arts University without reservation.
"Rest assured, Brother Gang, Lishan isn't far; we'll meet again another day!"
Meng Chuan suppressed his inner tumult and parted ways.
After Brother Gang's teachings, Meng Chuan fully realized how precious the monthly study points incentive of the Grandmaster Class is.
Coincidentally, the Grandmaster Class distribution system reform was underway, and Meng Chuan secretly vowed to secure first place in the entrance evaluation.
...
Meanwhile, on the last day of August, students from outside Northern United University began returning to school.
After crossing the mountains, a vast, pristine white square appeared before them.
The square was bustling with students coming and going, with two young martial artists of extraordinary demeanor engaging in conversation.
Between the lines, they spoke of the "resource allocation reform in the Grandmaster Class."
Someone overheard their conversation and instantly showed respect.
The United University's Grandmaster Class is divided into the Martial Artist and Martial Arts Family classes. Since the establishment of the campus, there have been no more than thirty people combined.
Compared to the two thousand-plus "ordinary" students on the entire campus, those who can enter the Grandmaster Class are undoubtedly rare.
The two young martial artists entered through the school gate, chatting as they walked.
One with a slightly older appearance spoke:
"I just advanced to a martial arts family member, so I'll surely be at the bottom of the class. But you should easily secure the first place in the Martial Artist Class.
Have you heard? A Northern Lands champion will join your cohort. Although their potential is limitless, they're certainly not your opponent now."
Chu Yanhu listened to his brother's words and nodded quietly.
His Qi and Blood Value had reached 560 points, the meridians were filled full to bursting, just a step away from being a martial arts family member.
The Northern Lands champion is still somewhat behind him. While they might catch up in the future, there's no chance of beating him now.
Chu Yanlong continued to remind his brother:
"If you need more study points later, let me know. Your task now is to calm down, continue capturing qi sensation, and strive to advance to martial arts family member this year."
"Understood."