14: Chapter 14: The Training Camp Opens, The So-Called Genius
After that incident, the hospital took Lin Anran's condition very seriously. The best doctors, the best nursing care, and the best medicine were all provided, though the costs were kept within an acceptable range.
Lin Yuan no longer needed to worry about his sister; he just waited for her to get back on her feet.
Qi Tianheng did not disturb Lin Yuan's family. After handling the matter, he left, only exchanging contact information with Lin Yuan.
While in the car, Qi Tianheng received a call from the City Lord of Spring City.
"Old Zhao, what brings you to call me?" Qi Tianheng asked.
"Old Qi, stop being sarcastic with me. I heard you went to the First Hospital? And you got into a big fight over a young man?" Zhao Yan's voice came through the phone.
Zhao Yan was the City Lord of Spring City and the primary official representative of the city, while Qi Tianheng was the primary figure in the Martial Alliance. Their status and position were essentially equal.
The two usually had a good relationship; they were both straightforward people who often sparred together and frequently shared drinks.
"Your news travels fast. I just left the hospital, and your call came through right away."
"For you, Old Qi, to rush to the hospital like a devoted servant to handle such a small matter, it seems this young man has some background. How come I don't know what powerful figure has arrived in Spring City? Tell me about him," Zhao Yan said with a laugh.
"Alright, I'll tell you. My Brother Lin is no ordinary person. His martial talent is extremely strong. It's been many years since I've seen such a genius. He is also from Spring City, so of course, I must befriend him."
Qi Tianheng sounded proud, and his tone revealed how self-satisfied he was.
"A Spring City native? We have a young person in Spring City who can earn such high praise from you? His talent must be immense. Old Man Qi, introduce me next time, will you?"
Upon hearing he was an extraordinary genius, Zhao Yan was also moved to seek an acquaintance.
"Easy to say. When Brother Lin is less busy, we'll have a drink together. Brother Lin is still a senior high school student preparing for the Martial Arts Examination, so he's quite busy."
"A senior high school student? Then I must meet him even more. Based on what you say, your Brother Lin might bring some good news to Spring City's educational sector in this year's Martial Arts Examination."
"That's a certainty, Old Man Zhao. I'll tell you the truth: Brother Lin has already secured the municipal top scholar position. provincial top scholar is not out of the question either. Just wait to present him with an award, hahahaha!" Qi Tianheng laughed heartily.
"This... so strong?"
After hanging up the phone, Zhao Yan immediately ordered people to start monitoring the senior students in all high schools, looking for any young man surnamed Lin with exceptionally outstanding talent.
Although Spring City was the provincial capital, Spring City had not produced the provincial top scholar for several years, which was a source of embarrassment for him as the City Lord.
...
On Monday morning, Lin Yuan arrived at school, and Wu Ze immediately found him. Today was the day the No. 6 High School training camp opened, and he was told to go directly to the camp.
Two other people were going with him: one was Wang Qing, whom he had previously knocked off the stage, and the other was an ordinary-looking girl named Li Meng, who possessed a C-grade ability.
The three left the school gate, hailed a taxi, and rushed toward the training camp. The camp was located at a training base belonging to the Martial Alliance in the city, which had been rented by No. 6 High School to provide concentrated special training for the genius candidates.
This was a tradition for every high school, as having several students with good results would allow the school to attract better incoming students and receive a greater allocation of educational resources.
When Wang Qing saw Lin Yuan, he was still very respectful, but he didn't harbor much hatred, as he himself had bullied Lin Yuan quite a bit before.
Now that the other party had risen, it was merely a matter of fighting back...
Li Meng, however, seemed much more casual. She had a cheerful personality and, having witnessed Lin Yuan's strength, was very curious about him, constantly trying to talk to him.
Soon the taxi arrived at the entrance of the training camp, and the three got out and walked in together.
Some students had already arrived and were standing neatly in the center of the training ground. In front of them were several teachers from No. 6 High School, along with the Principal.
Lin Yuan and the other two walked into the formation, waiting for the remaining students to arrive.
Half an hour later, everyone was assembled.
No. 6 High School had nine classes in the senior year, and three students were selected from each class, totaling twenty-seven students. In addition, there were three specially selected students, making a total of thirty people.
Once everyone was gathered, the Principal walked to the front of the group and began his speech.
"Students, I am Principal Tang Weiguo of No. 6 High School. From this moment on, the training camp is officially open.
I hope every student trains diligently and achieves good results in the Martial Arts Examination one month from now.
The training camp uses a ranking system. Upon the conclusion of various assessments, we will distribute corresponding cultivation resources based on your rankings to help you improve your strength.
The training camp encourages healthy competition, but private fighting is strictly forbidden. If discovered, your training qualification will be revoked.
If you have any problems, seek resolution from the teachers. You are not allowed to leave the training camp without permission. Alright, students, good luck! Next, we invite Chief Instructor Teacher Du to arrange the training."
After the Principal finished speaking, he stepped aside. A tall, sturdy Middle-aged man walked out; this was Du Feng, the Director of the Martial Arts Department in the school's academic office.
Du Feng had a serious expression, clearly a rigorous and upright person. His imposing voice carried across:
"Students, the first training task is very simple: depart from the training base and rush to Wudao Mountain in the south of the city. You will be ranked according to the order you reach the summit. Students who have not reached the summit by 6 PM will be automatically eliminated.
No means of transportation are allowed along the way. If discovered, your training qualification will be immediately revoked. This is your first chance to be ranked, so cherish it! Everyone, depart now!"
"Yes!"
All the students immediately responded, then turned and ran out of the training ground.
"Is there even a need to compete? First place must belong to Hao Qiang from Class One! Brother Qiang is absolutely the number one genius in No. 6 High School," said one student.
"That's not necessarily true. Jiang Sheng from our Class Two's strength is not inferior to Hao Qiang's. It's still uncertain who will take first place," another student retorted.
"Heh heh... Brother Qiang's combat power is already 1200 points. What does Jiang Sheng have to compare?" The student from Class One looked very smug.
"Jiang Sheng's combat power also exceeds 1000 points. It's still uncertain whose hand the victory will fall into."
The two argued endlessly. Wang Qing passed by them, heard their words, and let out a disdainful smile.
"Wang Qing, what are you laughing at? You can only rank fifth in No. 6 High School. Do you really think you can contend for first place?" one of them said contemptuously.
"What you are talking about are merely so-called geniuses. First place? With that person around, no one else needs to even think about it."
As Wang Qing finished speaking, he ignored the two and ran hard toward the outside. He wanted to try and keep pace with that person's steps...
"Who is he talking about?"
"No one! He's clearly just bluffing. There's no way there's anyone more talented than Hao Qiang and Jiang Sheng in No. 6 High School. Let's go, I'm not talking to you anymore; I don't want to be eliminated."
The two stopped bickering and both started rushing toward the south of the city...
At this moment, Lin Yuan was already far ahead of everyone else. He was rather curious about the so-called cultivation resources.
As long as it could improve his strength, he was interested.
Furthermore, just as Chief Instructor Du Feng announced the start, a new mission was issued in Lin Yuan's mind by the system.
The mission reward made his heart race---