Starry Sky Professional

育才高中.

高二二班.

文化课.

方星坐在椅子上,一本正经地盯着兰菲老师讲课.

Other students were equally attentive, as the looming third year of high school brought them closer to the reality of the battlefield.

Lanfei's lectures increasingly included wartime knowledge. "Not working hard now means you'll be risking your life in just over a year! True, desperate studying!"

"As we all know, the Federation's spatial technology hasn't yet caught up with the outer-dimensional evil gods. In the imaginary space, we're mostly on the defensive," Lanfei spoke solemnly as a dimensional void projection appeared behind her, resembling a 'hive' structure in Fang Xing's eyes.

"This is the space defense fortress we've constructed. The way the outer-dimensional evil gods infiltrate is by smuggling through these hive-like arks, which we term 'Secret Realms' or 'Maze Realms'." Fang Xing was a bit confused, but he focused intently on remembering the details.

"These evil gods create temporary 'space bubbles,' slipping through the gaps of the hive and into our space, then deploying the progeny of evil gods inside these bubbles."

"Our method of defense in imaginary space is different from in the main universe. In the main universe, we have orbital cannons, aerospace fighters, space fortresses, and mech warriors. However, in the imaginary space, it's hard for us to capture the 'Secret Realms,' and even if we do, it's difficult to destroy them directly due to the tech limitations; we have to send warriors inside to eliminate the progeny of these evil gods."

"The outer-dimensional evil gods are called 'gods' because they have almost god-like powers of creation, even within these small Secret Realms. For example, they might set restrictions so that no life-form entering the realm can exceed the Outer Realm level of martial arts... or that entrants must be one major realm lower than the progeny inside... About twenty-seven years ago, their control over void power was far greater, allowing only warriors two major realms weaker than the progeny to enter. Thanks to advancements in our spatial technology, such situations no longer occur. Now, the battles in imaginary space at most involve progeny only one major level stronger than you."

"..."

"Teacher, does that mean we're invincible?" Ouyang Qianqian raised her hand cheerfully. "If it were me, I'd definitely opt for military-grade armor, load up on all the firearms and ammunition, and launch a barrage of firepower the moment I enter—three rounds of artillery, just to be safe..."

"Hmm, that's a strategy suited for the main universe. But the Secret Realms are different. These smaller spaces are very 'idealist.' Most of them are governed by rules set by the evil gods that prohibit the use of technological products..." Lanfei sighed deeply.

Ouyang Qianqian's face changed dramatically.

Even Fang Xing's expression turned grim.

‘No wonder the Federation needs so many warriors each year. They actually have to wield blades against the followers of these evil gods in the Secret Realms?’

"Doesn't that render Mech Warriors useless?"

Bailang turned pale.

"That depends. Have you forgotten your martial arts spirit? It's your biggest weapon against the evil gods. The bigger your heart, the bigger your stage. With enough determination, you can defy the laws set by the evil gods and bring more into the Secret Realms. It's a highly idealistic space. If you consider swords a part of your martial arts, you can bring them in. If you feel your mech is a part of your martial arts, you can bring that in, too. Of course, achieving this is very hard, extremely rare. Hardly any low-level warriors across the Federation have managed it."

Lanfei shook her head. "Many warriors enter the battlefield barehanded, without even an alloy blade..."

"And true ‘Mech Warriors’? Low-level Mech Warriors are not permitted to enter the Secret Realms because it would be a death sentence. Most can't bring their mechs and are left to the mercy of their fate... Yet, aren't mechs cumbersome things? When they become high-level Mech Warriors, they awaken the 'Light of the Mind,' blending mech with body, allowing passage into the Secret Realms. But often, the Secret Realms suppress them because they're too strong, limiting them to specific massive Realms where the offspring or avatars of evil gods preside, leading to significant battles in the void..."

"Therefore, according to the Federation's customs, Mech Warriors mostly fight in the main universe and rarely participate in battles in imaginary spaces..."

...

Listening to Lanfei's explanation, Fang Xing suddenly realized the gravity of the situation.

No wonder the Federation needs cannon fodder when there's a battlefield like the Secret Realm—a unique environment that practically nullifies technological creations. It's a stage for warriors and the powerful, those who rely solely on their own strength!

The crucial point is that many battlefields in the Secret Realm impose restrictions on cultivation levels, only allowing low-rank fighters to participate!

This is also part of the evil gods' overt strategy. Without these obstructions, their minions would flood into human territories and spread chaos across numerous planets, placing immense pressure on maintaining order.

“Yet, the willpower of human martial arts can resist the corruption of the evil gods and even counteract the rules set up by them... Though it's incredibly difficult, the path of martial arts isn't something that can be simplified as mere cannon fodder...”

Still, as Fang Xing listened to Lanfei's explanations of famous battles within these dimensional spaces, he couldn't help but feel a chill run down his spine.

Many warriors, relying on nothing but fists or blades, fought against the evil gods' minions on enemy turf, the bravery of it all truly made one’s scalp tingle.

Often, they were even at a lower phase than their opponents!

If it weren't for the Federation's breakthroughs in spatial technology, providing them with numerical advantages, the defensive line in the dimensional space would have long been breached.

“No wonder the Federation's martial arts are developed this way... Even at low levels, the techniques they use are astonishingly powerful. Clearly, they're cultivating talent capable of fighting beyond their rank, and only such individuals qualify as interstellar warriors!”

But a low realm with high bursts of power can bypass such Secret Realm rules.

Although... in the best-case scenario, relying on technological equipment, ordinary people could easily defeat fourth or even fifth-realm warriors.

Alas, this path has been blocked by the evil gods, as technological products are basically prohibited within the Secret Realm.

You say your martial spirit is strong enough to carry in tech items?

With such martial spirit, even bare-handed, you would be more than enough to defeat the minions of the evil gods...

Ring! Ring! Ring!

The sound of the bell signaling the end of class chimed.

“Goodbye, teacher!”

Fang Xing bowed sincerely, watching Lanfei's projection fade away.

The atmosphere in the class was somewhat heavy, clearly shaken by the bloody examples of casualties and battle losses.

‘Even with a numerical advantage, it often takes a good number of martial artists to take down just one servant of an evil god...’

Fang Xing recalled the only time in his life he encountered the progeny of an evil god—the attack of that 'Moonworm Beast'!

Even in the main universe, with home ground advantages and the support of numerous weapons and cruise missiles, renowned martial artist Gu Renwang still perished in battle!

‘Describing martial arts as cannon fodder seems apt... If we fight in the secret realm, we can't even bring nano armor...’

‘Ultimately, it’s better for me to first delve deeper into my studies at university before deciding if the battlefield suits me...’

Just as Fang Xing's thoughts were adrift, Xia Long strode into the classroom: “More sweat in training, less blood in battle... Everyone, get up now and start practicing!”

His voice boomed like a great bell, spurring every student into immediate action.

Xia Long scanned the room, nodding in satisfaction: “Fang Xing, come out here!”

“Teacher!”

Fang Xing stepped out of the classroom, facing Xia Long.

“How's your Dragon Elephant Skill training going? I know this martial art is tough, and it's normal to see no progress. Don't be too discouraged... Did you face any challenges in your martial path over the winter break? Any breakthroughs?”

Xia Long's demeanor softened when addressing his gifted student, managing a faint smile.

Fang Xing didn't say much, simply raising his right hand as streams of inner energy—also known as innate true energy—emerged.

“This... cough, cough!”

Xia Long was startled. “You... you've already reached the Purity Jade stage?”

“I already completed the Bone Refinement phase by the end of last semester,” Fang Xing replied matter-of-factly. “I also received a special scholarship, so reaching the peak of the Tendon and Bone stage isn't so surprising, right? Thanks to you, teacher, for laying a solid foundation at each minor stage, which allowed me to reach the pinnacle in refining my skin, muscles, and bones... after refining my bones as strong as steel, I just had to quietly meditate to naturally cultivate inner energy and break through to the Purity Jade stage.”

“Normal? Normal, my foot!”

Xia Long glared. “When I was at the peak of the Tendon and Bone stage, I couldn't grasp the feeling of inner energy forming for the life of me... it was only after studying a technique called 'Tortoise Breath' that I managed to reluctantly develop inner energy and break through to Purity Jade...”

He originally thought Fang Xing could achieve the second rank's peak over the winter break, and this semester he could teach him the Tortoise Breath technique to smoothly break through to Purity Jade. This way, Fang Xing could enter the three stages of martial arts to participate in the Hundred Stars Exam with a good standing...

But unexpectedly... this whole teaching plan got disrupted.

Although, it's quite a pleasant surprise.

"So that's how it is. Teacher, after listening to Lanfei's lecture today, I feel deeply that I'm still too weak. After reaching the Purity Jade stage, I should be able to learn an S-rank martial art, right?" Fang Xing began to subtly suggest.

“What? You want to learn the 'Golden Vajra Prnoessence'?"

Xia Long's eyes widened. "Have you even entered the basics of Dragon Elephant Technique?”

“I think so...”

Fang Xing wasn't entirely sure if Xia Long's notion of mastering basics aligned with the entry level shown on his own status panel.

“What do you mean 'you think so'? Young people shouldn't be overambitious. Back in my day, it took being a martial artist first just to barely grasp the basics of S-rank martial arts... Though the Federation encourages learning high-level techniques at lower stages...”

Before Xia Long could continue, he saw true qi interlace over Fang Xing's right hand, transforming into Dragon Scale Armor, leaving him dumbfounded.

Regaining his senses, he immediately grabbed Fang Xing and stepped into the air with him...

]

(End of Chapter)