Daylight was just breaking. The orange glow of dawn filtered through the gaps between the dense buildings of the Hongye Community, casting pale golden specks of light into the small living room of Wang Ming's home.
Qin Feng was already dressed, his neat sportswear making him look even more tall and straight.
At the dining table, Qin Dahai was just setting down the last of the energy breakfast.
He looked at Qin Feng, his voice as steady as ever.
"Today, you're going to the Extreme Martial Arts Hall."
Qin Feng looked up at his father.
"Go see the Sun Chan Hall Master."
Qin Dahai continued, "He is your benefactor. Without him, you wouldn't be where you are today. You must go thank him in person for this kindness."
"Dad, should we buy something to bring?" Qin Feng asked.
Qin Dahai shook his head.
"No need." His reply was concise. "An expert like Master Sun doesn't care for such formalities. Your presence and your sincerity are enough."
"I understand," Qin Feng nodded.
After breakfast, Qin Feng left his uncle's house alone. He took a maglev bus, heading once again to the Extreme Martial Arts Hall in the No.3 Industrial Zone.
Even after so many days, the Martial Arts Hall was still bustling with activity.
Shouts, the clang of equipment, and the dull thuds of punches hitting targets intertwined, filling the air with vibrant energy.
Qin Feng walked to the front desk, where the same young staff member as before greeted him.
"Hello, I'm looking for the Sun Chan Hall Master."
Qin Feng said.
The staff member looked up, and a polite smile appeared on his face when he saw it was Qin Feng.
"Oh, it's student Qin Feng. Congratulations! I heard your score was in the top 70,000, which means you're guaranteed a spot in one of the Seven Great Martial Arts High Schools. You've really brought honor to our hall."
He paused. "But I'm afraid you've come at a bad time. Master Sun has already left Qimingxing."
"Left?" Qin Feng was taken aback.
"Yes."
The staff member nodded in confirmation. "The Master left about half a month ago. We don't know what he's gone to do. He might come back, or he might not. For experts like him who venture into the Star Sea, this is a common occurrence."
Qin Feng stood where he was, silent for a moment.
"Alright, I understand. Thank you."
He didn't linger and turned to leave the Extreme Martial Arts Hall.
His visit to express his gratitude had come to nothing.
...
Three days passed quietly in waiting.
On the morning of the third day, while Qin Feng was doing his basic physical training at home, the Subspace Network terminal on his wrist suddenly emitted a crisp, pleasant chime.
The sound had an official, ceremonial quality to it.
In the living room, Qin Dahai, who had been watching the news, jolted. He whipped his head around, his gaze sharp as lightning, fixed on Qin Feng's wrist.
Qin Feng stopped his exercises, took a deep breath, raised his hand, and activated the terminal.
A virtual envelope, shimmering with a golden halo and co-certified by the Imperial double-headed eagle insignia and the Qiming First Martial High School crest, hovered silently in the center of the light screen.
It was the acceptance letter.
Qin Feng reached out and tapped the envelope lightly.
The envelope silently unfolded, transforming into a formal document that exuded a sense of technology and authority.
The document was divided into two parts.
The first part was the notice of admission.
At the very top, the gilded words "Qiming First Martial Arts High School" were written in a flamboyant, calligraphic style, their strokes imbued with an air of iron and honor.
[ADMISSION LETTER]
[Student Qin Feng (Citizen ID: EC7351-G34-998109):]
[After reviewing the results of the Qimingxing Education Bureau's secondary education placement examination, and a comprehensive evaluation by our school's admissions committee, it has been confirmed that your scores and potential assessment meet our institution's enrollment standards.]
[We are honored to inform you that you have been formally admitted to Qiming First Martial Arts High School.]
[Congratulations on becoming a member of the Qi Yi High School incoming class of 278211.]
[Principal: Lin Yuan]
The second part detailed enrollment information and regulations.
[Reporting Date: Please report to the new student reception desk within seven days, bringing the electronic voucher for this notice and your personal identification. Failure to report by the deadline will be considered a forfeiture of admission.]
[Student Resource Contract: Upon enrollment, all new students will sign a [Class-D Student Resource Contract]. The contract details are as follows:]
[Monthly Basic Resource Allocation: Beginner Spiritual Energy Potion x2, Standard Nutritional Meals x90.]
[Accommodations: Standard four-person dormitory provided.]
[Training Facilities: Free access to public training grounds and basic Gravity Rooms. No access to private Martial Dao cultivation rooms.]
[Contract Upgrade Rules: Our school upholds the core philosophy of "respect for the strong, value above all." All students begin with a Class-D contract. During your time at the school, you can earn "Contribution Points" by completing school missions, participating in internal ranking matches, achieving high ranks in the Imperial Arena, and winning honors for the school. Accumulating enough Contribution Points allows you to apply for a contract upgrade to Class-C, B, A, or S. The higher the contract level, the greater the resource allocation and privileges you will receive.]
[School Rules Summary: The school operates under a closed, militarized management system. All students must reside on campus; commuting is not permitted. There is one three-day holiday every three months. While enrolled, students must strictly abide by all laws and regulations of the Empire and the school.]
...
The rules were laid out, clear and cold. Every line radiated an unquestionable authority and an extreme reverence for strength.
"Dad, the letter's here."
Qin Feng turned off the light screen and looked at his father in the living room.
Qin Dahai walked over. He didn't look at the letter's contents, just calmly asked, "When do you leave?"
"I have to report within seven days."
"Alright."
Qin Dahai nodded, not saying another word.
Both father and son understood that a long separation was ahead of them.
...
That evening, the Qin Family and the Wang Family gathered once more in the small living room of Wang Ming's home.
It was both a celebration and a farewell dinner.
The atmosphere at the table was more lively than ever, yet tinged with the sadness of parting.
His aunt, Li Juan, kept piling food onto Qin Feng's plate until his bowl resembled a small mountain.
"Xiaofeng, eat up. That school has militarized management, it's bound to be tough. You have to take care of yourself."
"I will, Auntie."
Wang Ming raised his glass, his face flushed red from drinking.
"Xiaohao, Xiaojie, Xiaomei!"
He spoke loudly to his three children, "All of you, look closely! Your Brother Feng is about to go to the best school in all of Qimingxing! From now on, you will all look up to him as a role model and study hard, you hear me?!"
"We hear you!"
The three children answered in unison, their eyes full of light as they looked at Qin Feng.
In the midst of this warm and lively atmosphere, the personal terminals of Qin Dahai and Wang Ming vibrated softly at almost the exact same time.
Both men subconsciously raised their wrists to look.
A flicker of surprise, almost imperceptible, crossed Qin Dahai's face.
He looked up at Wang Ming.
Wang Ming was also looking up at that moment, his expression one of utter shock and disbelief.
"Bro, I..." Wang Ming's voice stammered.
"I received it," Qin Dahai said calmly.
He projected his light screen.
[Personnel Transfer Notice]
[Employee Qin Dahai, due to your outstanding work performance and superb professional skills, the factory committee has decided to transfer you to the Logistics Management Department, effective immediately, to serve as the director of Team Three.]
[Salary adjusted to: 35,000 Imperial Coins.]
[Effective immediately.]
[Sender: Qimingxing No. 3 Alien Race Corpse Processing Plant]
"Director... a monthly salary of thirty-five thousand?" Wang Ming's eyes went wide.
His brother-in-law was skilled, but to go from a dangerous behemoth dissector to a cushy, high-paying management position in a single leap—the speed of this promotion was simply unbelievable.
Then, he projected his own notice as well.
[Position Transfer and Training Notice]
[Employee Wang Ming, following an evaluation by the technical department, you have been identified as possessing extremely high potential in the field of Power Armor Maintenance. It has been decided to transfer you to the [Power Armor Design Department] to serve as a Junior Design Assistant.]
[Post-transfer, you will receive a fully factory-funded on-the-job training opportunity in "Advanced Power Armor Structural Studies."]
[Salary adjusted to: 22,000 Imperial Coins.]
[Effective immediately.]
[Sender: Qimingxing No. 13 Power Armor Maintenance Plant]
The living room fell instantly silent.
Li Juan stared at the notice on her husband's light screen, covering her mouth as her eyes immediately turned red.
From a low-level maintenance worker who could get injured at any time, to a design assistant with a desk job, a doubled salary, and included training.
This was something so good she wouldn't have dared to dream of it.
Qin Dahai and Wang Ming looked at each other, and both saw the same answer in the other's eyes.
This was all because of Qin Feng.
Because of that acceptance letter from Qiming First Martial High School.
When one person achieves greatness, their whole family rises with them.
Although he hadn't truly achieved greatness yet, his influence was already radiating to those closest to him.
"Dad."
Qin Feng put down his bowl and chopsticks. He looked at his father, his gaze incredibly serious. "From now on, you don't have to give me money anymore. The school provides resource subsidies."
He looked at his father's empty left sleeve and his face, haggard from years of hard work.
"You should get your injury looked at. Use the best medicine, find the best doctors. Don't worry about the money."
Qin Dahai looked at his son, and a gentle light shimmered in his usually calm eyes.
He smiled.
This time, Qin Dahai didn't refuse.
"Alright."
"When I can earn money in the future, I'll earn a lot,"
Qin Feng added. "So, you have to get your body back in good health."
He then turned to his uncle, Wang Ming, and his cousins, who were all staring at him with wide eyes. A rare, boyish smile spread across his face.
"Xiaohao, Xiaojie, Xiaomei, study hard from now on. Your big bro will cover your school fees."
Qin Feng laughed heartily.
His aunt's eyes immediately reddened.