Getting Stronger By Fighting

The wilderness was bleak, human figures scarce and silent.

The sun of Jing State shone upon its lands, witnessing another cycle of human unions and separations, ever unpredictable.

"Alas, don't blame us. We couldn't protect you!"

Liu Zhenfeng would likely never have imagined, on the day Wang Zhan entered the Chu State Military Martial Arts Academy, that things would come to this.

That one day, the bond between Wang Zhan and the Chu State Military Martial Arts Academy could deteriorate to such an extent in just a single short month, almost completely severed. The former master and disciple were destined to become strangers; the genius of yesteryear might find his fortunes elsewhere.

Such were the complex ties of gratitude and resentment, the ever-fickle nature of worldly affairs.

On the edge of the wilderness.

Wang Zhan quietly paused, turning his head back, as if seeing two hunched elderly figures. They were once comrades-in-arms; now, they were colleagues.

Their days should have been peaceful. Yet, in what felt like the blink of an eye, years seemed to have passed, leaving them aged and reliant on each other for support.

Relying on others is not as reliable as relying on oneself. I am still too weak; conspiracies and calculations lurk everywhere. Li Chengyuan, the Royal Martial Arts Academy, the Federation's Four Great Academies, the Xu family, the Yang family, the Twelve Families of Jing State... none of them will be my allies. Even Yun Tianyi of Yanjing Martial Arts Academy, who has repeatedly protected me, does so because he sees my value. Success breeds distinction, as does failure. Being too conspicuous not only invites envy but also clouds one's judgment of the situation... Perhaps I should act more discreetly from now on. At least, until I possess sufficient strength, I cannot afford to be overly ostentatious... Wang Zhan thought.

He chose to depart directly, without leaving any parting words for the Chu State Military Martial Arts Academy.

He needed power, resources, more sparring, and faster progress. Only power, overwhelming power, could allow him to stand tall and proud within the Federation. Even if beset by schemes, he could remain fearless.

Thus, his gaze grew even more profound, and the craving for strength in his heart became more distinct and urgent.

Perhaps, as Qin Ying said, I truly need to fight tooth and nail for a spot in the Death Expeditionary Force.

Looking at the System interface, his mind was exceptionally calm, without the slightest ripple. It's merely a matter of strength. With the System, all I need to do is strive forward relentlessly. Sooner or later, those who schemed against me will meet a bloody end.

Host: Wang Zhan

Strength: 3,200

Agility: 3,200

Physique: 3,200

Charm: 240

Wisdom: 100

Mental Power: 4,800

Temporary Stadium.

"He's here."

Yun Tianyi's gaze was profound as he looked in a certain direction. In appearance, however, he seemed no different from an ordinary old man. Dressed in casual attire, with his hair half-white, an unwitting observer might mistake him for an ordinary university professor.

Edward was not present. However, Wei Daoming, Headmaster of the Federal Martial Arts Academy, and Mu Dongjun, Headmaster of the Federal Military Martial Arts Academy, had been gathered together from the outset and had not left.

Wei Daoming chuckled.

"So, how should we meet him? Together or separately?"

Mu Dongjun smiled, directly breaking the trio's unspoken agreement, and said bluntly, "Let's meet him separately. As it happens, I'd also like to meet him. Setting aside other matters, the mere fact that his body could withstand so many Blood Essence Pills without succumbing is enough to prove that Wang Zhan has inherited a good deal of Wang Yidao's profound bloodline talent."

Just how much bloodline talent Wang Yidao possessed, not even these old men knew for certain.

However, this did not hinder their deduction. If not for the protection of his bloodline talent, Wang Zhan would have exploded and died the very first time he consumed a Blood Essence Pill.

Similarly, all three wanted to meet him, naturally for this reason. Although Edward had already laid claim to Wang Zhan, the three of them, being closely allied, found it unseemly to compete openly.

But they could act privately, promising Wang Zhan certain benefits to secure his allegiance. After all, compared to Edward, these elders clearly presented a gentler and more approachable attitude towards Wang Zhan.

Yun Tianyi said calmly, "In that case, very well. Let's each meet him individually."

The bloodline talent Wang Zhan had just revealed, while somewhat common, still possessed a degree of power. However, they were not concerned about this. They were more interested in Wang Zhan himself.

This was the benefit of a potent bloodline. As long as one survived, there would always be an opportunity to awaken one's bloodline talent. Of course, awakening a bloodline talent always came with a price—for instance, falling into a prolonged dormant state after its release.

Wang Zhan gazed at the magnificent Temporary Stadium. Suddenly, an aged voice reached his ears. It was Yun Tianyi.

Although they had never met, Yun Tianyi had played a considerable role in matters concerning Wang Zhan, whether it was the Death Battlefield incident or the upheavals during the Battle of Jing State. Moreover, he was one of the rare influential figures who held a favorable view of Wang Zhan.

Therefore, as soon as Yun Tianyi contacted him, Wang Zhan could discern from just a few sentences that Yun Tianyi had indeed invested considerable thought into him.

"Later, we will meet you one by one. This is the time to negotiate terms. Even if you become an exchange student, that doesn't negate the fact that you are the third-ranked talent in this year's Federation, which is what interests them. So, don't worry about how harsh their conditions might be; just agree to them. The only thing you need to do now is get stronger, stronger, and keep getting stronger. As for everything else, we can talk when we meet."

"Yes, Senior!" Wang Zhan's heart tensed, and his attitude became exceedingly respectful.

Talent? The dead are just corpses, losers, worth nothing. Only those who are alive and advance to the forefront are true powerhouses.

And so, atop the Temporary Stadium.

Wang Zhan finally met the first of these figures from the Federation's Four Great Academies—a Martial Emperor and an academy headmaster. It was Mu Dongjun.

"Sit!" Mu Dongjun said with a smile, his demeanor calm. He appeared to be an ordinary middle-aged man, with slightly thinning hair at his temples. He did not resemble a scholar dedicated to research; rather, he looked more like a diligent, honest mechanic.

"Thank you." Wang Zhan did not refuse and sat down immediately.

This isn't the time for deference. I'm to be an exchange student, so the next step is to secure cultivation resources for myself. Otherwise, relying solely on my own efforts, who knows how many years it would take to join the ranks of the strong.

There was no admiration in Mu Dongjun's eyes, only a faint smile as he spoke candidly, "You are this year's third-ranked genius in the Federation. Our Federal Military Martial Arts Academy once approached you with an invitation, but you declined. Frankly, back then, you should have considered whether a minor place like the Chu State Military Martial Arts Academy could truly shelter a troublemaker like you."

Wang Zhan remained silent, his expression solemn as he listened attentively.

"During your time in Oceania, I also instructed our team captain, Hanqing, to assess your capabilities and see if a friendship could be formed. Unfortunately, neither of you had the opportunity to meet until now. Had it not taken this long, I might have been able to offer you better terms. But now... I suppose you have some inkling, don't you?"

Wang Zhan nodded. How could he not?

"It was this junior who was insensible before. Now, I earnestly request Senior's guidance!"

They invited me so many times, and I refused them all—it was like being offered a ladder and refusing to climb. Although I didn't reject Hanqing's goodwill, our relationship didn't deepen. I never imagined the situation would develop so rapidly, or that the Chu State Military Martial Arts Academy would backstab me so viciously. What else could I do but lower my head?

Mu Dongjun said nothing further. Instead, a mobile phone silently appeared in Wang Zhan's hand.

Wang Zhan's heart constricted. He carefully inspected it but found nothing unusual, as if it had materialized there quite naturally. Is this the wondrous application of the Martial Emperor Realm? Or does it signify an even greater transformation of mental energy at the Martial Emperor Realm?

"Take a look first. I'll speak with you afterwards."

Puzzled, Wang Zhan activated the screen. His pupils immediately constricted. He saw himself in the video—his battle with Yuan Shisan on the Death Battlefield. But there was more...

It was Li Chengyuan. He was still arranging everything for me behind the scenes, even recording all this and posting it online... What on earth is he trying to do?

But Mu Dongjun's intention was quite clear: before them, Wang Zhan had no secrets.

Mu Dongjun, who had been observing him, finally nodded. So, he's not a fool... A genius who doesn't know how to ensure their own survival is not a genius, but an idiot.

The Federal Military Martial Arts Academy had no need for idiots.

He said no more and directly stated his terms. "As an exchange student, I don't require you to join our academy immediately, as Headmaster Edward has already specifically invited you to the Royal Martial Arts Academy. However, you must first undergo special training in my Federal Martial Arts Academy for over six months. The Federation can provide for this a Heavenly Martial Art, a top-grade King-level Armor, and cover all elixir consumption. Additionally, a Martial Emperor Realm expert will lecture you for three days, addressing your questions and resolving your doubts. What do you think?"

Wang Zhan looked up at him, his heart clenching.

The terms are excellent, the benefits substantial. But this so-called 'special training' is unlikely to be pleasant. However, as meat on the chopping block, do I even have the option to refuse?

After pondering for a moment, he slowly nodded. "Alright! But I need to receive the King-level Armor in advance. Also, I don't need Heavenly-Level Martial Arts; I only require the right to access the general martial arts of the Royal Martial Arts Academy."

"Oh?" Mu Dongjun gave him a deep look, suddenly finding the situation interesting.

He doesn't want Heavenly-Level Martial Arts? Is he that confident in his Fatal One Slash, or in Shi Jingtian's Eight Extremes Fist? Interesting, very interesting. After being bored for so long, how could I not agree?

"Good! I can agree to that."

And so, even before his enrollment at the Chu State Military Martial Arts Academy had formally ended, Wang Zhan directly received a set of top-grade King-level Armor from Mu Dongjun. Of course, it could not be used in the Federal Martial Arts Competition.

But were the offerings of the Federation's Four Great Academies truly so easily obtained?

An ordinary person might shy away, but Wang Zhan silently made a ruthless vow in his heart. Isn't it just because I have no backing? Am I supposed to be a scapegoat for the geniuses of the Four Great Academies?