[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-era-of-high-martial-arts":3,"chapter-era-of-high-martial-arts-era-of-high-martial-arts-chapter-28":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"chinese","The High Martial Era",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},2215989,3909,"Chapter 28: I, Li Zhangzhou, am not dead yet (Fourth update, seeking monthly votes)","era-of-high-martial-arts-chapter-28",28,"\u003Cp>Hanging up the video call with Zhong Cheng.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Yuan pondered for a moment; fearing he would disturb his uncle Li Zhangzhou’s rest, he didn't initiate a video call directly, but left a message instead.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He explained the situation roughly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only five minutes later.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Beep—beep—Li Zhangzhou initiated a video call back, and Li Yuan answered immediately.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Uncle.\" Li Yuan looked at Li Zhangzhou in the video projection; he was covered in dust, seemingly having just finished working.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I know roughly.\" There was no joy on Li Zhangzhou’s face as Li Yuan had expected; instead, his brows were tightly furrowed: \"If the Starry Sky Martial Hall truly only gives a D-grade contract in the end, then whether you sign it or not when the time comes is another matter.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Oh?\" Li Yuan felt slightly puzzled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A special recruitment by the Martial Arts Hall had always been Li Yuan’s primary goal, but unfortunately, there hadn't been any news for over half a month.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In reality, at the very beginning, Li Yuan wasn't that desperate to sign with a Martial Hall in advance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But these past few days, Li Yuan had searched for a lot of information online and knew that the early signing contracts of the major Martial Halls were generally good; apart from the significant binding force, there were no pitfalls.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Most importantly, as long as one signs in advance, regardless of the grade, it can indeed significantly reduce the family's financial pressure.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One can even receive cash rewards and provide for the family.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In his heart, Li Yuan felt indebted to his uncle and aunt.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He always felt that his uncle taking the risk to go to the Northern Frontier Province was because of him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I used some connections and basically found out clearly.\" Li Zhangzhou explained patiently: \"Over these many years, the early signing contracts of the three major Martial Halls are divided into five grades from low to high: D-grade, C-grade, B-grade, A-grade, and S-grade.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The terms for contracts of the same grade between different Martial Halls are all about the same.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Yuan nodded slightly. Looking at it this way, in the eyes of the Starry Sky Martial Hall, did he belong to the lowest grade?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However, those who could sign in advance were already extremely outstanding.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"A D-grade contract provides one million Blue Star coins per year for a total of six years.\" Li Zhangzhou said in a low voice: \"It sounds good, but you have to know.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The cultivation resources you need now and the cultivation resources you will need after entering university and becoming a martial artist are two different concepts.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"For example, basic blood-Qi potion, one bottle only costs 2,000 Blue Star coins; you only need to spend 20,000 Blue Star coins a month now.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"After becoming a martial artist, a single bottle of the first-tier basic blood-Qi potion used by first-tier martial artists costs 10,000 Blue Star coins, and you need at least ten bottles a month, or twenty to thirty at most.\" Li Zhangzhou said solemnly: \"Just this most basic item alone requires at least over a million Blue Star coins a year.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"And there are 'auxiliary spirit-nourishing treasures'; if you aspire to impact the second-tier Source Martial Artist level in the future, these are indispensable, and spending several million Blue Star coins a year is the bare minimum...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"And physical therapy...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"And purchasing weapons and various auxiliary equipment; martial artists have to fight with Star Realm creatures, can the equipment be ordinary? It's both expensive and easily damaged.\" Li Zhangzhou looked at Li Yuan: \"One million is a lot for you right now.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If you have no heart for the Martial Dao and want to minor in other majors at university.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Then, you don't need to spend too much money on the Martial Dao; cultivate slowly at university and strive to become a 15th-level martial artist in the future. This contract can even be called generous, and you might even be able to save a few million Blue Star coins.\" Li Zhangzhou said: \"After graduating from university, according to the contract, the Starry Sky Martial Hall still has to give you a job.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"By then, like your Uncle Zhong, being an ordinary member in the Martial Hall, the various benefits and treatment won't be worse than a civil servant.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If the Starry Sky Martial Hall proactively terminates the contract and doesn't provide work, you take those several million Blue Star coins and find another job; that's also a guaranteed profit without loss.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This is a bright path to lying flat.\" Li Zhangzhou stared at Li Yuan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Yuan was surprised.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He didn't expect there to be such a way to play it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"But Xiao Yuan, are you really willing to be an ordinary person? An ordinary martial artist?\" Li Zhangzhou stared at Li Yuan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Yuan was silent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You are not willing.\" Li Zhangzhou shook his head and sighed: \"I watched you grow up, how could I not understand? You cultivate so crazily, besides wanting to help the family, the important thing is that you have the heart of a martial artist.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"From the second year of junior high until the third year of high school, have you rested for even a single day on weekends, summer vacations, or winter vacations? Even during the New Year, you were cultivating.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You are ruthless to yourself.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I have never seen this kind of ruthlessness; I can't compare to you, and your father couldn't keep up with you back then either.\" Li Zhangzhou said slowly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Yuan’s eyes flickered. For so many years, his uncle rarely said so much, let alone mentioned his late father.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Your aunt has always wanted you to take civil service exams and become a teacher in the future; she has always blamed me, feeling that I shouldn't support you.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Why don't I oppose you being a full-time martial artist?\" Li Zhangzhou’s voice held a hint of agitation: \"I don't want you to be like me, regretting it when you are forty.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Yuan’s heart shook, and he looked at his uncle in shock.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"A full-time martial artist is dangerous.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Zhangzhou smiled frankly: \"But since ancient times, what good man hasn't had the dream of galloping on the battlefield and pursuing the limits of the Martial Dao?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"With a human body, truly stand shoulder to shoulder with the gods! To explore the limits of life.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"In this life, I have no hope.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"But you still do.\" Li Zhangzhou smiled as he looked at Li Yuan; the helmet on his head was covered in mud, making him look somewhat disheveled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Yuan held his breath and listened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If you want to take the path of a full-time martial artist, this bit of money, the money from this contract, is far from enough.\" Li Zhangzhou continued: \"But your future will be trapped by this contract.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hesitating for a moment, Li Yuan couldn't help but say: \"Uncle, according to the information I found, as long as the performance is good enough, the Starry Sky Martial Hall will upgrade the contract.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"But what if the Starry Sky Martial Hall doesn't upgrade it?\" Li Zhangzhou asked rhetorically: \"Why should you hand over the initiative of your own destiny to others?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Yuan realized.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Your Uncle Zhong is a good person, but many things, as an ordinary member, are not for him to decide.\" Li Zhangzhou said: \"Moreover, as far as I know, once you sign a contract with a Martial Hall in advance, your development will be limited when you go to a Martial Arts University in the future.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Limited?\" Li Yuan was stunned; this was a point he didn't know.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Like the five famous schools in Xia Country, they are funded by the state.\" Li Zhangzhou said: \"If you sign a contract with a Martial Hall in advance, you are destined to join the Martial Hall after graduating from university... If some special resources arrive at the school and a choice must be made between you and another student specially recruited by the Martial Arts Hall, who do you think the school will give them to?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Yuan’s eyes flickered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Signing a contract with a Martial Hall in advance is, in a sense, indeed a form of restriction.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This contract.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"When you go to the Martial Hall on Sunday, first understand it with your Uncle Zhong. If it can be upgraded to the C-grade level and has passive upgrade clauses, such as reaching what standard before what age, it will directly and automatically upgrade to B-grade or even A-grade, then signing it is fine.\" Li Zhangzhou said patiently.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If you want to be a full-time martial artist, the Martial Hall is indeed a better choice, but if the restrictions are too great, there is no need to sign.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Li Yuan, I know your thoughts, wanting to help the family.\" Li Zhangzhou stared at Li Yuan: \"But remember, your uncle is not dead yet.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It is not yet time for you to completely support this family.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"At least, before you go to university, don't have any worries. What you need to do is to devote yourself wholeheartedly to cultivation, understand?\" Li Zhangzhou said solemnly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yes, Uncle.\" Li Yuan nodded heavily.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I believe in you, I won't be wrong.\" Li Zhangzhou looked at Li Yuan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Now that the Starfire Martial Hall and the Starry Sky Martial Hall won't sign you, it's because they have no vision.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"When the college entrance examination results come out, or even when you enter university, you will naturally receive better contracts.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It won't be too late to sign then.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Uncle Li Zhangzhou’s words made Li Yuan completely calm down, and he could think about this matter more calmly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Uncle is right.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What's the rush? When the time comes, they should be the ones rushing.\" Li Yuan revealed a faint smile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He continued to cultivate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the blink of an eye, it was two days later, Saturday. Li Yuan followed his daily routine of two points and one line: school and home.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Saturday afternoon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>All third-year high school students were uniformly having Martial Arts class in the Martial Arts classroom today.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the school gate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Several black cars arrived slowly, and six figures stepped out from the cars one after another.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Five of them were wearing black suits, and only one middle-aged man was wearing a black Tang suit. He looked ordinary, but inexplicably gave people an invisible aura.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hall Master Wan.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hall Master Wan, welcome to our school.\" Principal Tan Zhenlong and several other vice-principals all stepped forward one after another, smiling to welcome him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Iron Tower.\" The middle-aged man looked directly at Xu Bo standing in the distance, revealing a smile: \"It's been a long time since we parted in the Star Realm.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Old Wan.\" Xu Bo then stepped forward, grinning: \"I didn't expect that you would be the new Hall Master of the Guanshan Branch of the Starfire Martial Hall.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Welcome!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>(End of chapter) ===== CHAPTER 29 =====\u003C\u002Fp>",1831,"2026-06-17T10:37:59.323Z",1,"Gemini 3.1 Flash Lite","adc07da746bb45fea6162299a5e728b3b985abc56e4c2e032380cf6669c64632","era-of-high-martial-arts-chapter-29","era-of-high-martial-arts-chapter-27",833,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fhigh-martial-arts-era-cover.jpg"]