High Martial Arts: Enlightenment after Practices-Chapter 90: The Second Battle, Shen Wei

Lin Zhengwen bowed slightly. "Patriarch, I’ve met him a few times. We’re on speaking terms."

"Mm." Lin Zhen nodded. "Find a suitable reason to contact Principal Zhang. Don’t mention Liren or the issue with the slot. Just express the Lin Family’s admiration that Red River City was able to produce such an outstanding talent."

"You can hint that if Xu Wuyi is facing any difficulties with his training resources, the Lin Family is willing to provide whatever assistance we can."

He deliberately paused on the word "assistance."

"Adopt a humble stance. Zhang Qiming is a smart man; he’ll understand what we mean. See how he and Xu Wuyi react."

This was a test, a way to probe their intentions while also giving themselves an out.

It prevented the Lin Family from appearing too eager to yield, while still expressing their desire to ease tensions. If the other party accepted, that would be for the best. If they didn’t, the Lin Family wouldn’t lose much and could still save face.

Conversely, if they approached Xu Wuyi directly and the proud young man flatly rejected their offer, there would be no room for negotiation.

"Yes, Patriarch. I’ll see to it at once," Lin Zhengwen replied respectfully.

Lin Zhen waved his hand. "You’re all dismissed. Liren, stay behind."

...

Everyone rose and departed, leaving only the father and son, Lin Zhen and Lin Liren, in the study.

"Still bothered by it?" Lin Zhen asked his son, his tone softening.

Lin Liren managed a smile, no longer as tense as before. "You’re worrying too much, Father. The family’s interests come first. My personal feelings are insignificant."

Lin Zhen sighed, walked to the window, and gazed out at the courtyard. "I know you feel wronged. But sometimes, when you’re in this position, you can’t act based on personal preference. As for Grandmaster Ren... there are factors we are forced to consider."

"Besides, who could have predicted back then that Xu Wuyi would come this far?"

"For his Life Energy Level to advance by leaps and bounds, and for the Ministry of Education to still approve it... the only explanation is that he’s learned a High-Tier Body Refining Method."

Lin Liren sighed as well. "The ways of the world are truly unpredictable."

This was a private conversation between father and son, so there was no need to hide their true feelings.

The potential Xu Wuyi had shown before was merely that of an ordinary genius; he might not have even been worthy of the title.

If it weren’t for his True Intention of Martial Arts, he wouldn’t have stood much of a chance at even challenging for a spot in the Three Greats.

The Federation produces at least three thousand geniuses like that every year. Who could have foreseen what he’s become today?

Lin Zhen turned to face Lin Liren. "Things are different now. If Xu Wuyi continues this momentum and becomes the provincial champion—or even just places in the top three... we must resolve that old grudge."

This wasn’t just because of the potential Xu Wuyi had shown. More importantly, the Lin Family’s past actions could be used as ammunition against them.

The Lin Family was certainly powerful in Dongjiang Province, but they were not without enemies.

Lin Liren was silent for a moment before finally giving a slight nod. "I understand. I’ll step forward personally if it becomes necessary."

"Good. If necessary, we can even promise to fund Xu Wuyi all the way until he becomes an Innate Martial Artist, with no cap on resources," Lin Zhen said with a smile.

This time, it was Lin Liren’s turn to be stunned. Investing unlimited resources to support a Martial Artist until they became an Innate Martial Artist... that was no small gift.

Reaching the level of an ordinary Martial Artist was one thing. But advancing to the Innate Level wasn’t just a matter of money. It required many precious resources, the kind that even the Lin Family had a limited supply of.

’Just for Xu Wuyi, Father is willing to invest this heavily?’

"You don’t understand, do you?" Lin Zhen chuckled. "If Xu Wuyi actually accepts these resources, once he makes a name for himself in the world of Martial Arts, do you think he can just kick the Lin Family to the curb?"

"Besides, by the time he truly achieves greatness, it will be ten or twenty years from now."

"Time is the most powerful weapon. That’s more than enough time for us to find a way to mend our relationship and turn Xu Wuyi from an enemy into a good friend of the Lin Family."

Lin Liren lowered his gaze, deeply stirred. He finally understood the gulf that separated the younger generation of the family, himself included, from his father, the Patriarch.

Society wasn’t about fighting and killing; it was about favors and obligations. There was no feud in the world that couldn’t be resolved—it was just a matter of whether the price was high enough.

"I understand, Father."

"Good. You may go."

Lin Liren bowed, then exited the study.

The door closed softly. Lin Zhen stood alone before the window, his gaze deep and inscrutable.

...

Xu Wuyi was unaware of the commotion he was causing in the outside world. He was completely focused on adjusting his condition and preparing for his second match.

He also knew that no matter how many waves he made, Principal Zhang and Teachers Zhou and Wang would not disturb him at a time like this.

「The next day, July 2nd.」

At the designated testing site for the Linjiang City Martial Arts College Entrance Examination, the atmosphere was even more tense than on the first day.

After the first round of eliminations, some candidates had already withdrawn due to serious injuries. Those who remained were stronger, their mindsets more composed.

Xu Wuyi once again stepped into testing room #7 in Zone C.

The alloy door closed behind him, completely cutting off the clamor from the outside world.

The room still had its futuristic, high-tech appearance. The floor was spotless, as if yesterday’s battle had never left a mark.

Straight ahead, the three proctors—Chen Mingyuan, Liu Hui, and Li Liangcai—were already seated, their gazes all falling upon him.

"Teachers," Xu Wuyi said with a slight bow, his voice steady.

Chen Mingyuan gave a slight nod, while Liu Hui and Li Liangcai also smiled.

They all knew that as the competition progressed, Xu Wuyi’s opponents would get progressively stronger. Today might be the day his true abilities were forced out into the open.

Almost as soon as Xu Wuyi had taken his position, the alloy door on the other side of the room slid open.

A young man strode in.

He wasn’t particularly tall, but his frame was well-proportioned, and his gait held a kind of cheetah-like power.

The most striking feature was a faint scar on his face, running diagonally from his left brow bone to his cheekbone. It added a touch of defiance and menace to his still-youthful features.

The young man’s eyes burned with intensity, his gaze landing on Xu Wuyi with physical weight. His will to fight was completely undisguised.

A light screen from the system scanned his body, projecting the information above the barrier:

[Lijiang First High School, Shen Wei, Life Energy Level: 15.1]

On the other side, Xu Wuyi’s information appeared as well:

[Honghe First Middle School, Xu Wuyi, Life Energy Level: 15.5]

15.1 versus 15.5!

Judging by their Life Energy Levels alone, this was set to be the closest top-tier duel since the examination began.

The three proctors on the sidelines perked up, knowing the real show was about to begin.

Shen Wei walked to the center of the arena to stand opposite Xu Wuyi. He grinned, a feral smile spreading across his face as his voice boomed, "Xu Wuyi! We finally meet!"

Xu Wuyi looked at him, his expression calm. "Shen Wei."

"Yu Peiling told me I can’t beat you," Shen Wei said bluntly, his eyes locked on Xu Wuyi. "But I don’t believe her! We haven’t fought yet, so who’s to say who will win?"

At his words, a faint look of approval appeared on Xu Wuyi’s face.

He nodded, his tone firm. "She’s wrong."

Shen Wei froze.

Xu Wuyi continued, "Victory is decided by fighting."

Shen Wei could hear the sincerity in his voice. His smile widened, and his fighting spirit soared. "Well said! Then let’s see what you’re made of!"

"Prepare to begin!" Li Liangcai’s voice rang out, sharp and grim.

In an instant, both fighters cleared their minds of all distractions, their auras flaring to life.

Shen Wei’s Starting Form was swift and fierce. His fists were loosely clenched and his center of gravity lowered, making him look like a ferocious beast ready to pounce. The Qi and Blood surging through him created an invisible pressure. 𝕗𝐫𝚎𝗲𝘄𝐞𝕓𝐧𝕠𝘃𝕖𝐥.𝐜𝚘𝚖

This was the Starting Form of his C+ Level Fist Technique, the Seven Kills Fist.

Xu Wuyi, in contrast, assumed the Holding the Essence and Guarding the One stance from the Basic Body Refining Technique, as immovable as a mountain.

But a closer look revealed that the flow of his Qi and Blood was even more vigorous than the day before, like a raging undercurrent beneath a calm sea.

"Begin!"

The instant Chen Mingyuan gave the command, Xu Wuyi moved!

This time, instead of his usual defense and counterattack, he took the offensive!

Using the Instant Shadow Step, Qi and Blood erupted from the soles of his feet. His figure tore across the distance between them like a phantom, closing in on Shen Wei in a flash!