My slightest action was the system's limit.

Chapter 163 Years of Cultivation, Major Breakthrough (Three-in-One)

A deposit of ten million? A total of thirty million? Jiang Ye was incredibly surprised.

This statement from the other party implies that it doesn't matter whether he makes it to the top ten of the Genius Cup or not.

They will all receive ten million directly.

No wonder Teacher Zhu said, 'They're gambling.'

This is indeed a high-stakes gamble!
Ten million might not seem like much to the Star Careers Center, but it's definitely not a small amount either.

"Director Chen."

Jiang Ye asked, "How many months will this endorsement last?"

“It’s a one-year contract,” Chen Kang said with a smile. “Because it’s an exclusive endorsement contract, you can’t endorse other companies within that year.”

"Will it affect your cultivation?" Jiang Ye pressed.

"of course not."

Chen Kang explained, "You only need to provide your image rights, and we will take care of the endorsement for you."

Jiang Ye nodded.

He had already learned about the relevant matters earlier.

An endorsement is when a company promotes a person's image through endorsement.

This is a mutually beneficial arrangement.

If Jiang Ye achieves a ranking in the 25 Schools Genius Cup, more people will get to know him through the Star Professionals Center's endorsement and promotion.

"If you're interested."

"You can view this contract." Director Chen Kang waved his hand, and a document projection appeared.

Jiang Ye immediately opened the document to read it.

The contract was very simple, only three pages long.

However, it contains a great deal of information.

"The endorsement fee is divided into three tiers?" Jiang Ye saw a line of key information.

"Tier 1: Those who make it to the top 10 in the 25 Schools Genius Cup will receive a total of 30 million Federal Dollars in endorsement fees."

"The second tier: those who finish in the top three of the 25 Schools Genius Cup will receive a total of 50 million Federal Dollars in endorsement fees."

"Tier 3: Winners of the 25 Schools Genius Cup will receive a total of 100 million Federal Dollars in endorsement fees."

Jiang Ye showed a hint of surprise.

What Chen Kang just told him was only the first tier of endorsement fees.

But the highest tier can actually earn a whopping 1 million yuan in endorsement fees!!

"The third tier requires a deposit of 30 million?" Jiang Ye looked down, increasingly astonished.

"The third tier of endorsement fees requires winning the Genius Cup," Chen Kang reminded him with a smile.

"The champion?" Jiang Ye nodded; he had seen it too.

The deposit Chen Kang just mentioned to him was 1000 million, which is in the first tier.

In other words, the other party thinks he can only make it into the top ten?

"Little one, don't be angry."

Chen Kang seemed to sense his thoughts and shook his head with a smile: "The Twenty-Five Schools Genius Cup will have students from the top ten prestigious schools participating. The champion and even the top three are highly uncertain."

"Therefore, the contract we have prepared for you is only the first tier."

"Top ten prestigious universities?" Jiang Ye was taken aback.

This was the first time he had ever heard of this.

There were still six months until the Genius Cup, and Zhu Honglie didn't go into details with him.

"I understand." Jiang Ye nodded and said, "Director Chen, I agree to sign the contract, but there is still one problem."

"Please say."

Jiang Ye asked, "If I win the Genius Cup, will I be upgraded to a third-tier contract?"

"Of course." Chen Kang nodded with a smile.

Jiang Ye didn't say anything more and immediately signed his name on the contract.

Signing a contract with a federal agency like the Star Career Center means you don't have to worry about anything; at least, it's much more reliable than most companies.

Once the signing is complete.

"That ten million deposit will be transferred to your account shortly."

Chen Kang smiled slightly and said, "Jiang Ye, I wish you good results in the Freshman Cup in six months."

His projection slowly disappeared.

Tianhai City, Penglai District, Star Career Center Building.

"Win the championship?" Chen Kang shook his head and smiled, recalling Jiang Ye's words.

In previous years, he had heard similar things many times.

However, in previous editions of the 25 Schools Genius Cup, the number of times the 25 schools have won the championship can be counted on one hand.

Not to mention the champion, even the top three spots are sometimes taken by the top ten students.

The gap between the top ten and top twenty-five universities is widening every year.

If it weren't for Penglai University supporting them, the alliance of 25 universities wouldn't even be enough to defeat one of the top ten universities.

"The Twenty-Five Schools Genius Cup is, in essence, a competition between the top students from the twenty-five schools and ordinary students from the ten prestigious schools."

"But even so, the gap is still too big."

"The top ten universities are incredibly strong!" Chen Kang shook his head and sighed.

Jiang Ye wants to win the championship?
almost impossible!
A few hours after signing the contract with the Star Careers Center.

At midnight, while Jiang Ye was still cultivating, he received two transfer notifications.

"Your account xxxxx5679 has received 50 million Federal Credits."

"Your account xxxxx5679 has received 1000 million Federal Credits."

Jiang Ye was slightly taken aback.

I realized it immediately.

The first payment is the monthly allowance for Level 3 prospective star-level professionals.

The second payment was the deposit for the endorsement contract signed with the Star Careers Center.

"It seems the Federation's Star Clerk Center is short-staffed." Jiang Ye shook his head and smiled.

Otherwise, they wouldn't have hired someone to endorse them.

Indeed, Star-level professionals are highly sought after in Xishan Province.

However, even in a prosperous region like the ten eastern provinces, where geniuses abound, only a very small number of geniuses would choose to embark on the path of a Star Servant.

"Balance." Jiang Ye opened his campus account to check his wealth.

Bank balance: 1076 million Federal Dollars
Campus Points: 81 million

-

"It's already close to 20 million Federal Credits," Jiang Ye thought to himself.

If he were in Ancheng, his current net worth would be enough to make him a tycoon.

However, for martial artists, money is just a number.

Jiang Ye is now increasingly aware of this principle.

"With sufficient funds, we can try the effects of a mid-grade Xuan-level martial ginseng," Jiang Ye thought to himself.

He opened his contacts and dialed Zhao Qingli's number.

beep.
The call is connected.

"Beep!" A figure with snow-white legs appeared.

The girl had a cold and aloof expression, but a smile appeared on her pretty face the moment she saw Jiang Ye.

"Jiang Ye, what's wrong?"

"Squad leader, do you have any mid-grade Xuan-level martial ginseng or mid-grade Xuan-level martial spirit mushroom?"

"."

"You're asking this so late?" A hint of disappointment flashed across the girl's face, but it disappeared quickly.

"Forehead."

Jiang Ye then realized that it was already midnight.

"Sorry, I was so focused on my cultivation that I didn't check the time," Jiang Ye said with an awkward smile.

Zhao Qingli snorted lightly, not angry at all, and said, "Mid-grade Xuan-level martial ginseng, 100g per serving, 15 yuan."

"A mid-grade Xuan-level Martial Spirit Mushroom is also this price."

"15 yuan per serving?" Jiang Ye exclaimed in surprise, "How can it be so cheap?"

You should know that on the school's points page, 2 points are equivalent to 20 Federal Credits.

Zhao Qingli's price is a quarter cheaper!

"What's wrong?" Zhao Qingli said with dissatisfaction, "Are you worried that I'll sell counterfeit goods? Forget it."

"No, I'm afraid you'll get taken advantage of," Jiang Ye said, shaking his head.

Zhao Qingli scoffed, "What loss could I possibly suffer? Do you want it or not?"

"Yes, ten portions of each, please." Jiang Ye smiled.

"Okay, I'll give it to you tomorrow. Is there anything else?"

"That's all, goodnight, class monitor." Jiang Ye smiled and said, "Sweet dreams."

"Okay, goodnight." A blush crept across Zhao Qingli's pretty face, and the projection quickly dissipated.

On the morning of November 2nd, Jiang Ye received the goods sent by Zhao Qingli.

There is not much difference in appearance between mid-grade Xuan-level martial ginseng and low-grade Xuan-level martial ginseng.

Jiang Ye was a little apprehensive when he received it.

"This effect can't be much different from a low-grade ginseng, can it?" He picked up a ginseng root and bit into it.

moment.

A rich, fruity aroma filled my mouth.

It melts at the entrance.

"Um?!"

As the fruit was swallowed, a strange power instantly spread throughout Jiang Ye's body.

He immediately sensed the emergence of a profound and mysterious state of mind.

"This feeling," Jiang Ye thought in amazement.

It's already quite close to that mysterious state!
If he could enter a state of profound mystery at this moment, the combined effect of the two would likely produce unimaginable results.

Eat the whole fruit quickly.

"Whoosh!" Jiang Ye stood up.

Upon entering the training room, I began practicing "Nine Luminaries Stepping on Stars".

"boom!"

"Boom!" "Bang!" Jiang Ye moved like lightning, his legs seemed to transform into two iron whips, constantly erupting with loud booming sounds in the air.

Just for a moment.

Jiang Ye was completely immersed in cultivation.

If a master of leg techniques were here at this moment, they would find that Jiang Ye's leg techniques have been improving every minute and every second since he started practicing.

Although the progress was very small.

But this progress is continuous, as if it could continue indefinitely.

During his cultivation, Jiang Ye was completely unaware of the passage of time.

He felt as if he were immersed in an indescribable state, and all the obstacles he had encountered in his previous cultivation were cleared up.

This feeling.

It's like being stuck on a math problem for hours and just can't solve it.

Suddenly, a flash of inspiration struck, and all my thoughts flowed smoothly, allowing me to immediately solve the problem.

Jiang Ye's current state is characterized by a constant stream of such "inspirations".

Whenever he encountered any obstacle, a flash of inspiration would appear, making his cultivation incredibly smooth.

And so it went on until four hours later.

"Whoosh~" That state receded like the tide.

Jiang Ye woke up and stopped cultivating.

"Was that state just now because of the Martial Ginseng?" He recalled for a moment, then looked amazed.

so comfy.

The state I was in just now was comparable to a mystical state.

suddenly.

Jiang Ye looked at the panel as if he had just thought of something.

【Nine Stars Stepping on the Stars: Minor Success (3%) → (9%)】

"hiss!"

Jiang Ye couldn't help but gasp.

In the past, the Earth-rank Starry Sky Secret Technique "Nine Luminaries Stepping on Stars" only offered a 1% increase.

And this time, it improved by such a huge amount in one go?!
This is a low-level Starry Sky Secret Technique!!
The difficulty level is significantly higher than that of the Great Sun Spear Technique.

"As expected of a mid-grade Xuan-level martial ginseng."

"It's totally worth it!" Jiang Ye's eyes gleamed.

However, he could sense that his body could not fully absorb the mid-grade Xuan-level martial ginseng.

Otherwise, the improvement might be even greater.

"It should be after the second breakthrough that it can be fully absorbed," Jiang Ye pondered.

For the time being, he had no choice but to ignore these things in order to speed up his cultivation.

The reason is simple: if one takes a low-grade Xuan-level martial ginseng, one can only improve by 1% in these few hours.

And what about the mid-grade Xuan-level martial ginseng?
Although the price is four times that of a low-grade Xuan-level item, the price increase is six times that of the latter.

More importantly, it is more efficient.

All things considered, a mid-grade Xuan-level weapon is the better choice.

"For the next two weeks, we will use mid-grade Xuan-level martial ginseng and martial spirit mushrooms."

"My Great Sun Spear Technique and Nine Luminaries Stepping on Stars should both improve by leaps and bounds," Jiang Ye thought to himself.

"Ah."

"This week, I'll go for another 'starry sky cleansing'."

Jiang Ye was making plans quietly.

He has now surpassed his peak.

But it's still some distance from the second breakthrough? Its life level is still quite low.

To break through the level of life, cultivation techniques alone are not enough; one must undergo sufficient refinement by the starry sky.

"After five more initial-level Starry Sky Refinements, I can break through to the second level." Jiang Ye closed his eyes and entered cultivation again.

Time passes day by day.

The impact of the freshman competition has gradually dissipated at Penglai University and even in the Penglai District.

After all, it was just an internal competition, so there wasn't much opportunity for publicity.

Jiang Ye's life returned to normal once again.

The practice of going between two points and one line.

day to day.

On November 6, Jiang Ye left school and headed to the Starry Sky Cleansing Ground in Tianhai City.

Inside a star-studded building suspended in the atmosphere.

The same Wang Xingshi was on duty this time as before.

"Jiang Ye." Wang Xing greeted him with a smile when he saw him.

Jiang Ye had endured ten days in the purification pool last time, which left a deep impression on him.

"Greetings, Envoy Wang." Jiang Ye also smiled and said, "I'm afraid I'll have to trouble you again this time."

"It's alright," Wang Xingshi smiled slightly. "However, I must warn you, this time I've brought the stellar energy of the 'Extreme Sea System.' The level of pain will be three times higher than last time!"

"Little guy, you'd better watch out," Wang Xingshi 'kindly' reminded him.

Jiang Ye's eyes lit up slightly: "Is the benefit three times higher than last time?"

"."

No, shouldn't the focus be on the greater pain?
Wang Xing's eyes twitched, but he still nodded and said, "If you can endure the pain and absorb it, you will indeed reap more benefits."

"Thank you, Envoy Wang Xing!" Jiang Ye was overjoyed and quickly stepped into the purification pool.

"."

Wang Xingshi watched his retreating figure and shook his head: "That kid, he'll get what's coming to him later."

time flies.

Soon, the Starry Sky Refinement officially began.

"Whoosh!" A burst of scarlet star mist quickly filled the entire Starry Sky Refinement Pool.

When Jiang Ye came into contact with that star mist, he immediately felt a familiar, piercing pain.

But when he actively absorbed it, the pain instantly turned into a storm that swept through his mind.

"Cool."

Jiang Ye couldn't help but marvel; this kind of pain was comparable to the second level of the Martial Arts Ladder.

Fortunately, he experiences it every night, and it has become a habit.

"Ok?"

Suddenly, Jiang Ye's expression changed.

"My absorption speed and absorption efficiency have both increased several times over compared to before?" Jiang Ye was shocked.

Originally, he could only truly absorb one strand of 100 strands of star energy, while the rest would dissipate.

And now?
At least five or six strands were truly absorbed.

The increased absorption efficiency also greatly accelerated Jiang Ye's transformation.

"Is it because of the innate talent of newborns?" Jiang Ye seemed to understand.

time flies.

Jiang Ye continuously activated the Star Martial Advancement Technique.

He could clearly feel that as the cultivation technique was activated, the star energy was constantly flowing into his limbs and bones.

At a speed several times faster than the previous refining processes.

It brings about an amazing transformation.

"I might gain several times more benefits from this Starry Sky Refinement than before!" Jiang Ye exclaimed inwardly. "Perhaps it won't take five times, just three refinements, before I can break through to the second breakthrough!"

He was even more pleasantly surprised.

The improvement brought about by innate talent is truly immense.

The only downside is that the benefits of each Starry Sky Refinement have a limit.

A transformation at the level of life cannot be achieved overnight.

Because the bones, blood vessels, and other structures all need time to adapt and transform.

Otherwise, Jiang Ye could have broken through the shackles of life and reached the second breakthrough simply by relying on this Starry Sky Refinement.

“That’s enough.” Jiang Ye smiled.

At this rate, he should be able to break through to the second breakthrough in three months, or at most four months.

This is an absolutely astonishing speed, far surpassing that of Shen Changxi and Liu Wanxiao.

Just as Jiang Ye was undergoing the Starry Sky Refinement and experiencing an astonishing transformation.

Inside an office at Hourai University, a platinum-gold building.

"Old Zhu, are you sure?" Old Bai looked at Zhu Honglie: "You're going to have them carry out that S-level operation 'Fortress Judgment' next week?"

"Yes."

“I plan to have Jiang Ye, Shen Changxi, and Yun Qing’er carry out this operation together,” Zhu Honglie said.

"Alright, remember to accompany them on the inspection tour and make sure they are absolutely safe." Old Bai didn't say anything more.

Zhu Honglie nodded; of course he knew that.

"correct."

"How has Jiang Ye's cultivation been going these past few days?" Elder Bai asked.

"He's making rapid progress." Zhu Honglie said, a smile spreading across his face. "Perhaps it's because he's not short of money now, but his progress this week is even faster than before."

"Oh?" Old Bai was slightly surprised.

Jiang Ye's previous cultivation speed had already surprised him.

And now, it's even faster than before?
"Could it be that he has really awakened his martial bone a second time?" Elder Bai pondered to himself.

Think of this.

Old Bai continued, "You can be more aggressive with Jiang Ye."

"If he performs well in this operation, he will be sent to guard the Starry Sky Passage in the next combat mission."

Zhu Honglie frowned slightly: "Starry Sky Passage? That's too fast, isn't it?"

The mission to guard the Starry Sky Passage is one of the most dangerous combat missions, a true test of life and death.

He had not originally intended for Jiang Ye to carry out this mission.

“Not fast.” Old Bai shook his head and said, “Regardless of whether he has awakened his martial bone a second time, he needs an opportunity to unleash his potential in order to truly rise to prominence.”

"Life and death trials are opportunities to unleash one's potential."

"Of course, you can let him train step by step and carry out normal combat missions."

"But in that case, his ceiling would only be the Twenty-Five Schools Genius Cup," Old Bai said, shaking his head.

Zhu Honglie's expression shifted slightly.

Does Bai Lao's statement imply that Jiang Ye's potential is not limited to the Genius Cup?
"My expectations for Jiang Ye are not limited to the Genius Cup," Elder Bai said, looking at Zhu Honglie.

"I hope he can make a name for himself in the All-Star Battle."

"A battle of stars." Zhu Honglie's expression changed.

But then he shook his head helplessly.

Even as Jiang Ye's teacher, he still felt that Elder Bai had too high expectations for Jiang Ye.

The Battle of the Stars is a battlefield for top geniuses with exceptional talent and extraordinary abilities.

Those who participate in the war must be among the world's top talents.

At universities like Penglai, usually only the top three or even the top student in each grade are eligible to participate in the competition.

But that's just entering the venue.

Of those who truly achieve fame, only one in a hundred survives.

Over the years, only a handful of students from Penglai University have made it onto the All-Star Battle stage.

What Mr. Bai was talking about was not just leaving a name, but making a name for himself.

"Nothing is impossible." Old Bai seemed to see through Zhu Honglie's thoughts and said calmly, "The Battle of the Stars takes place every three years, and the most recent one is in two years. Jiang Ye really has no chance."

"But what about five years from now? Or even eight years from now?"

"Judging from Jiang Ye's current growth rate, can you be certain about his future achievements?"

Zhu Honglie shook his head.

indeed!

A rare case of innate talent and a second awakening of martial spirit is impossible for anyone to predict accurately.

"These seven years at university," Elder Bai said slowly, "if we let him cultivate step by step, it would only ruin him."

"Only through repeated trials of life and death can a true genius be forged."

"Those prodigies from the top ten universities, which one of them didn't forge their path through countless life-and-death experiences?"

"Life-and-death experiences greatly enhance one's strength and potential." Old Bai looked at Zhu Honglie: "You should be well aware of this."

"Yes." Zhu Honglie nodded.

He himself had experienced many life-and-death trials.

Of course I know the benefits.

Once you overcome this challenge, your martial arts will, strength, and even potential will experience a leap forward.

It is far more than just tedious training.

"Actually, this S-class operation can be considered a life-or-death ordeal," Elder Bai said gently. "Let's see how Jiang Ye performs."

"If he is truly a genius, his strength will increase dramatically after completing this mission."

“From now on, you won’t need to ask him to go on his own,” Old Bai said. “He will ask you to let him go on his own.”

Zhu Honglie shook his head helplessly.

Don't you care if they're not your disciples?

He didn't want Jiang Ye to go through too many life-or-death trials. Surviving would indeed bring great benefits, but what if he didn't?
That could be fatal.

However, Zhu Honglie also knew that from the school's perspective, Bai Lao hoped that Jiang Ye could make a name for himself in the All-Star Battle.

This kind of training method is the most suitable.

"in addition."

Old Bai continued, "If Jiang Ye performs exceptionally well in this operation, we can send him to Bailong University for further studies ahead of schedule."

"Yes, I understand." Zhu Honglie nodded.

Studying at Hakuryu University is the most important opportunity for students from Penglai.

But the prerequisite is that you must have sufficient strength.

In previous years, continuing education would not be arranged until the middle of the second semester of the freshman year, which took too long.

If Jiang Ye could truly achieve a significant improvement in actual combat.

Taking advanced courses in advance would be ideal.

"Let's talk about it after this S-class operation," Zhu Honglie thought to himself.

He was also looking forward to Jiang Ye's performance.

Jiang Ye was naturally unaware of the matter between Zhu Honglie and Bai Lao.

For the past few days, he has been immersed in the Starry Sky Refinement Pool, constantly pushing his life level to transform.

Five days later.

Jiang Ye finally emerged from the purification pool.

"Little guy, you're finally out." Wang Xing couldn't hide his amazement.

He really didn't expect that Jiang Ye could stay for five days under such circumstances.

Moreover, he could occasionally see a hint of joy flash across Jiang Ye's face.

Faced with such excruciating pain, do you not only not feel distressed, but even enjoy it?
It's really unheard of.

"Wang Xingshi, I'm sorry to have troubled you again." Jiang Ye smiled apologetically.

"It's alright. It seems I really underestimated you." Wang Xingshi said with a smile, "Next time, I may bring star energy with even more violent attributes, and the level of pain will be several times higher than this time. You'd better be mentally prepared."

Jiang Ye's expression brightened: "Thank you, Envoy Wang Xing."

"This kid." Wang Xing's expression was strange. Could he have really awakened some strange attribute?

After returning to school, Jiang Ye quickly went back to his villa.

He couldn't wait to test his strength.

"Starry Sky Rank." Jiang Ye sat down in the virtual cockpit.

During this period, he has been working on the first stage of the Starry Sky challenge.

Unfortunately, the matchmaking system is really annoying.

Every time they're about to surge ahead, a skilled player appears, followed by the familiar losing streak.

"A first-rate expert." Jiang Ye snorted coldly, "Let me have another go."

This baptism of the starry sky greatly improved him.

Even if he encounters another expert, Jiang Ye is 90% confident of defeating him.

Connect to the consciousness capsule.

"Enter." Jiang Ye closed his eyes.

The Starry Sky Challenge has officially begun!
Just 30 seconds later.

In the virtual cockpit.

shuh~
Jiang Ye suddenly opened his eyes.

"It's approved." A hint of joy appeared on his face.

As expected, Jiang Ye was matched with another group of skilled players.

But this time, the once unshakeable "master" status is no longer secure.

Jiang Ye defeated him in just ten moves.

"A master? Nothing special." Jiang Ye smiled.

"Beep!" The bracelet's projection is activated.

A page appeared.

【江野】

【Rank: 1rd Dan (1/300)】

[Number of Matches: 1499]

[Win rate: 52%]

"Finally, a section of the starry sky."

Jiang Ye thought to himself, "This Starry Sky Trial has increased my strength by at least 60% or 70%!"

Otherwise, he wouldn't have been able to crush a master.

A single initial Starry Sky Refinement can increase one's strength by 60-70%? That's incredible.

For the average person, the increase is at most 10% or 20%.

It often takes more than ten primal refinements to advance one's life level and break free from those shackles.

But Jiang Ye? I estimate that two or three times will be enough.

"Buzz!" My phone vibrated.

[Your bank account xxxx5679 has received 500 Federal Dollars]

"The prize money for the first stage of Starry Sky." Jiang Ye smiled: "It's already in my account? So fast."

Good things have been happening in pairs lately.

His power and wealth are growing rapidly.

If he has enough potential, these two things will only snowball, growing bigger and bigger.

The strong always get stronger; that's the principle.

"Cultivation." Jiang Ye calmed his mind, picked up the spear, and walked towards the training room.

Wealth is always just a number.

Only strength truly belongs to oneself.

Jiang Ye's life returned to normal once again.

Consistent practice.

Occasionally, he would run into Shen Changxi, Liu Wanxiao, Yun Qing'er, and others.

These people's strength is also growing rapidly.

Every time they met, Jiang Ye could sense that their strength had improved dramatically.

"Shen Changxi and Yun Qing'er's progress is not much slower than mine." Jiang Ye was also very surprised.

He guessed that these people's monthly expenses might be even more extravagant than his.

Otherwise, it would be difficult to make such progress.

Zhao Qingli once said that it's not uncommon for wealthy people to spend tens of millions of yuan every month after they graduate from university.

"I need to work even harder." Jiang Ye gripped his spear and trained even more diligently.

Three days have passed in the blink of an eye.

On November 14, on the eve of Operation 'Fortress Judgment', Jiang Ye's Great Sun Gun Technique finally achieved a major breakthrough.

　Asking for a monthly ticket!

　　
　
(End of this chapter)