Chapter 22: He

Mom Fang Huiyi sat on the sofa, enjoying the cool breeze that gently stirred her hair.

Dad Lin Zhen, unlike his usual self, wasn’t drenched in sweat clinging to the fan.

The air was filled with a quiet, peaceful energy.

Lin Qi watched this scene and felt glad inside.

During lunch break, he bought two air conditioners online for 3,800 yuan.

He was left with only a thousand yuan for food, but he didn’t regret it.

“Xiao Qi, you can’t spend all your scholarship money on air conditioners—you still need resources for yourself!”

Mom Fang Huiyi shook her head, scolding Lin Qi for spending recklessly.

Lin Qi sat down and explained:

“Mom and Dad, you don’t need to worry about this.”

“I’ve already purchased plenty of resources, and I’ve applied for a third-tier Genius Loan.”

“The money will be disbursed in a few days.”

“As for the air conditioners, buying them sooner lets you enjoy them sooner.”

“Don’t feel burdened—this is just the beginning. Our family’s life will only get better.”

“...”

A few minutes later

Having convinced his parents, Lin Qi returned to his bedroom; the cool air from the living room’s air conditioner had already filled the room.

“Having an air conditioner really is comfortable!”

With a sigh, he set down his backpack, swallowed a Blood-Qi capsule, and resumed standing Zhuang .

He’d come home an hour early today—he still needed extra practice.

“I’ve finally done something for my family.”

Solving one of his family’s problems filled Lin Qi with renewed motivation.

“Since childhood, my parents have always been the ones giving—while I’ve never done anything for this family.”

“They’ve worked too hard, sacrificed too much for me.”

“Now, at last, I can help.”

As a reincarnated soul, Lin Qi knew his parents hadn’t told him about their situation, fearing it would affect his studies.

But he’d pieced together the truth from various clues.

The family owed his uncle a large sum, and had taken out a massive loan—his father hadn’t told him, but it was certainly no small amount.

Mom Fang Huiyi’s illness was worsening, requiring even more money.

Their income no longer covered their expenses.

Fortunately, his Genius Loan application was about to be approved.

This was just the beginning—he’d earn far more in the future.

After years of effort, it was time for him to shoulder this family’s burden.

Though under immense external pressure, Lin Qi possessed powerful motivation.

“My near-term goal is clear: once the Genius Loan comes through, I’ll focus entirely on raising my Blood-Qi and spear technique.”

“In the Tianhai City Joint Monthly Exam, I’ll rank among the top thirty in second-year, and earn an independent Martial Arts Room.”

“My long-term goal is to keep climbing the rankings, showcase my talent, apply for more Genius Loans, repay the family’s debts, and cure Mom Fang Huiyi.”

After clarifying his goals, Lin Qi threw himself fully into standing Zhuang .

Bureau of Martial Arts Education

It was a massive square building, entirely blue and white, with multiple levels connected by sleek curved lines, creating a dynamic aesthetic.

In one modern office within the building, walls were covered with martial arts images of swords, spears, and daggers, while holographic projections floated in the air.

Two figures, separated into different zones, slid their fingers, causing the floating data tables to shift continuously.

“Another year of senior class—time to get busy. As expected, we’re stuck working overtime.”

“The number of Genius Loan applications is huge—this affects every martial arts student’s future; we can’t afford to delay reviewing them.”

“Tianhai No.2 High, Chen Zichuan and Lin Qi applying for second-tier Genius Loan? Pure fantasy.”

A woman in her twenties, with flawless makeup, kept complaining as she worked.

She suddenly spotted two applications and couldn’t help speaking up.

“Tianhai No.2 High, ranked forty-something in grade—still trying for second-tier? Too ambitious. Jiang Zhiguang always inflates the ratings. This one’s at most third-tier.” She sneered.

Nearby, a male colleague pulled up the documents to check.

According to Bureau regulations, third-tier to second-tier applications were decided by ordinary staff in pairs, mutually supervising each other.

Final results were then reviewed by superiors—usually just a formality.

First-tier and Special-tier applications required direct review by leadership.

The man now saw the two applications and carefully read through the materials.

“Chen Zichuan’s third-tier rating is fine, but this Lin Qi student shows real potential.”

“Improving from outside the top fifty to within it is rare.”

The female colleague shook her head firmly:

“I disagree. Even with this rapid improvement, he’s still only in the top fifty.”

“And why improve now—right when applying? He’s clearly been hiding his strength. I’m sticking to the rules: no approval beyond third-tier.”

Though her reasoning had merit, the male colleague subconsciously felt Lin Qi was genuinely talented.

But according to regulations, approving third-tier was perfectly acceptable—doing more invited mistakes; doing nothing meant no errors.

Thinking this, he said nothing more and marked his decision.

Moments later, in a separate office, the supervisor—a stout, slightly overweight middle-aged man—was busy.

He glanced briefly at the application results and stamped them approved.

Time in senior year flew fast; a week passed in the blink of an eye.

Entering the Elite Class, many felt the heavy pressure.

Especially in martial arts—everyone was a top performer in their class, and the fierce competition drove many to train harder.

That noon, after lunch

!

Lin Qi was in Jiang Tao’s Martial Arts Room—a spacious two-hundred-square-meter space.

The floor was padded, the walls fitted with wardrobes, weapon chests, foldable beds, water dispensers...

There was also a private bathroom and washing machine—living there was entirely feasible.

After lunch, it was normally nap time.

But now, some students used even nap time for training.

Lin Qi and Jiang Tao had planned to rest too—until they saw Chen Zichuan still training in the Martial Arts Classroom at noon, and joined him.

From three daily sessions, they increased to four.

“Huh~”

After standing Zhuang for over ten minutes, Lin Qi rose, swallowed a Blood-Qi capsule, then lifted his spear.

“Mantra: Mountain-Shattering Method—Spear Motion Like Thunder, Power to Break a Thousand Jun, Fierce and Fearless.”

“The Mountain-Shattering Spear Art carries the momentum of thunder, immense strength—when practiced, one must embody fierce, fearless energy.”

Lin Qi rooted his stance, eyes focused and resolute, swinging the spear with a whistling wind, its tip gleaming coldly.

He thrust sharply—the spear shot forward like lightning.

Lin Qi repeated the Mountain-Shattering Spear Form endlessly, visualizing its key points in his mind.

“Spin-Through, Leap-Air, Cross-Block, Rapid Advance...”

He didn’t know how many times he’d practiced—his arms ached, trembled—but his spear technique grew sharper.

Simultaneously, his body burned hot, Blood-Qi surged, opening his joints.

【Through arduous training, your Blood-Qi has improved. Blood-Qi +0.1】

【Through continuous training, your proficiency in Mountain-Shattering Spear Art has increased. Spear Skill +2%】

【Through continuous training, your body movement has improved. Body Movement +2%】

【Blood-Qi: 6.4 → 6.5】

【Spear Skill: First Stage 71% → 77%】

【Body Movement: First Stage 60% → 68%】

“Huh~”

Lin Qi ended his stance, gazing at the panel’s data with deep reflection.

In just one week, his progress was rapid.

His Blood-Qi had risen by a full 0.3.

His Spear Skill had jumped from 60% to 77% in one go.

His body movement has also improved by about 10%.

The rate of progress is terrifyingly fast.

"Teacher Zhang Cheng said that during the initial period after learning a Black Iron-level secret technique, realm advancement is fastest—the better your foundation, the faster you improve."

"Once you pass this phase, the speed will slow down. I’ve already felt the sensation of rapid advancement."

Lin Qi put down the spear, pain radiating through his hands; his palm, covered in calluses, was now crisscrossed with bloody scratches.

Improving spear technique wasn’t without cost—prolonged training had once again worn through the skin of his palms.

Lin Qi washed his hands with practiced ease, then took out ointment and rubbed it onto his palms.

"Ouch~"

The burning pain made his face twitch slightly; finally, he wrapped his hands in bandages and waited for automatic healing.

"Brother Qi, this week has been exhausting, but the improvement is huge."

Jiang Tao had also finished training and sat nearby, wiping sweat and drinking a functional beverage; the strong stench of sweat filled the air.

"Teacher Zhang Cheng is definitely better than 'Wu De'—not only is his teaching ability strong, but he’s also willing to guide us."

Lin Qi nodded; after a week, they had gained some understanding of Zhang Cheng.

No wonder he could serve as the martial arts instructor for the elite class—his teaching ability was truly exceptional.

"Alright, it’s time for class. Remember to drink some coffee, or you’ll get sleepy."

Lin Qi warned, then dragged his weary body to wash up before heading to class.

…

(End of Chapter)