124: Chapter 121: Astrological Changes! Airing (6K)

"I really didn't expect that just as my Mental Energy reached Rank 39.9, my Star Phase would undergo this kind of change." Fang Yu closed his eyes, his consciousness sensing that mysterious realm. The massive, unknown Star Phase remained with its eyes closed, exactly as it had been in the past.

The "Red-Scaled Snake" formed by the Disguise was still illusory in appearance, yet it was becoming increasingly vivid.

However, Fang Yu's attention was not on the Red-Scaled Snake, but rather on sensing the multiple messages transmitted by the Dormant Star Sign:

Observer Life Level: Rank 37.0 (Senior Martial Artist)

Martial Arts Technique: Inner Scenery Level 5 (Weapon Refinement)

Soul Rank: Rank 39.9

Void Star Constellation: Unknown (About to undergo second-stage Awakening)

Disguise Star Phase: Red-Scaled Snake (Intermediate)

Number of star acupoints: 46

The other information had not changed. Only the entry related to the Void Star Constellation had shifted from "Please strive to increase your Life Level to trigger the second-stage Awakening" to "About to undergo second-stage Awakening."

Ever since he became a Senior Martial Artist, Fang Yu had been wondering if he would have to wait until he became an Earth Martial Artist to trigger the second-stage Awakening. Now, it seemed it wouldn't be as late as he had anticipated.

"Back then, when my Life Level reached Rank 21 and my Mental Energy reached Rank 24.4, the prompt 'About to undergo first-stage Awakening' appeared." Fang Yu recalled the past: "It wasn't until my Life Level was Rank 22 and my Mental Energy was Rank 25 that I officially initiated the first-stage Awakening."

"And now, with my Life Level at Rank 37 and Mental Energy at Rank 39.9, the reminder for the second-stage Awakening has appeared."

"Based on previous experience..."

"If I raise my Life Level and Mental Energy by about one more Rank, will I be able to achieve a Breakthrough?" Fang Yu pondered secretly.

He didn't dare to be certain, as he only had the experience of the first Awakening.

"It wouldn't wait until my Life Level reaches Rank 39.9 and my Mental Energy reaches Rank 40 before triggering the second Awakening, would it?" Fang Yu muttered to himself: "I hope not."

Fang Yu was very eager for the second Awakening.

After all, although his current "Red-Scaled Snake Star Phase" was not weak, it wouldn't be considered very strong once he attained the Rank of Earth Martial Artist.

According to the information Fang Yu knew, the strength of an Earth Martial Artist was no longer determined simply by looking at Life Level or technical proficiency; it was inextricably linked to their Star Phase.

"Once the second Awakening occurs, even if I don't expect the Dormant Star Sign to fully awaken, it shouldn't be difficult for it to transform into an Upper Astral Constellation," Fang Yu thought to himself.

Among the many pieces of information made public by the Blue Moon Alliance, the twelve Upper Astral Constellations were the strongest known Star Phases, with the only difference being the quantity of "star acupoints."

"With the auxiliary effects of the remaining Heart Ripple Leaf Fruit, combined with the surge in my Life Level, my Mental Energy has grown rapidly during this period."

"However, the effects of the Heart Ripple Leaf Fruit have basically been exhausted."

"Even if it hadn't been exhausted, relying on such a treasure worth tens of millions of Star Coins to push my Mental Energy directly into Rank 40 is almost impossible," Fang Yu pondered.

Although a Breakthrough in Mental Energy does not have the same inevitable requirements for technique as a Life Level increase, the gap between Rank 40 Mental Energy and Rank 39.9 is astonishing.

Based on what Fang Yu had learned from his conversations with Tang Jianxin these past few days, to push Mental Energy into Rank 40, one generally has to first become an Earth Martial Artist and rely on a powerful physique to nurture the Soul to complete the Breakthrough.

Relying solely on external objects? Even a Soul-type treasure worth one billion might not necessarily assist in achieving a successful Breakthrough.

"As for my Life Level? The effects of taking the heavenly fire spirit spring a second time have basically reached their limit."

"For the past month or so, I have continuously consumed star pith spiritual liquid and the heavenly fire spirit spring; it is not suitable to use more Heaven And Earth Treasures in the short term." Fang Yu thought to himself: "From here on, I can only continue with Body Tempering step by step."

Using Heaven And Earth Treasures places a huge burden on the body.

"Moreover, I leave for New Moon tomorrow—during the competition, it's unrealistic to expect any major changes." Fang Yu thought: "Before the competition, my strength has basically reached its Peak."

The main tournament of the Blue Moon High School Martial Arts Competition, according to the schedule Fang Yu knew, would last less than a week in total, including the final Peak battle.

It could be said that the room for improvement left for himself was already very small.

"Right now, if I want to further improve my strength during the competition, the most effective way is to complete the second Awakening."

"But in such a short time, if I Cultivate normally, my Life Level will probably only increase by 0.2, at most 0.3 Ranks." Fang Yu pondered: "The probability is extremely small; it's purely up to luck."

There was no way around it; Fang Yu did not know the specific criteria for the second Awakening.

"The other method is physical technique." Fang Yu looked down at his hands, a thought crossing his mind. His Mental Energy, like a needle, instantly pierced into the countless cells of his limbs and bones, and a vigorous force immediately showed signs of exploding. Fang Yu was only testing it; he did not actually unleash it.

"My limit punch force explosion has been basically stabilized at 4.1 times over these past two days, which is very close to Inner Scenery Level 6 technique." Fang Yu thought to himself.

In nine days, going from just entering Inner Scenery Level 5 (4 times limit force explosion) to a stable 4.1 times limit force explosion was quite astonishing. This was due to Fang Yu's constant, arduous training.

Even more so, it was because his Mental Energy had been increasing rapidly.

With a higher foundation, the degree of control over the body would naturally improve, and Inner Scenery Technique would naturally skyrocket.

Furthermore, there were no real Bottlenecks from Inner Scenery Level 5 to Inner Scenery Level 9. As long as one spent enough time cultivating, a Breakthrough was certain—let alone for a martial arts Genius like Fang Yu.

"However, even if my physical technique breaks through to Inner Scenery Level 6, my strength will improve, but there won't be a qualitative change."

"Only by using the External Scenery."

"If I can truly integrate into the surrounding environment, or even mobilize a trace of the world's power from the surroundings to kill the enemy."

"Then, with the same physical force explosion and the same moves, my speed and the power of my blade techniques would skyrocket." Ambition filled Fang Yu's eyes: "If I want to ensure I break into the fourth round, or even the fifth, this is the only hope."

Inner Scenery is seeking within; it is about physical technique. External Scenery is seeking without; it is another path. In a sense, it is a further extension of the Weapon Refinement blade technique.

However, this path is very difficult to walk. Through the guidance of President Baili Jing, Fang Yu understood that his path was correct. These past few days, he had been constantly cultivating according to the methods he had explored himself. He had gained some insight, but he was still far from truly integrating into the environment.

"In any case, I can only do my best."

"Strive to perform well." Fang Yu didn't feel too much pressure.

Reaching the Tier 2 Starry Sky Seed standard was already proof that the school's vigorous cultivation was correct and sufficient for Associate Professor Tang, Professor Xu, the President, and others to pass their audits.

However, deep down, Fang Yu had a strong competitive spirit and was unwilling to be inferior to others.

After ending his morning cultivation, at noon, Fang Yu answered a call from his father.

"Dad, aren't you busy with moving the supermarket branch these past two days?" Fang Yu smiled. "Why are you calling me all of a sudden?"

"There's nothing else, really." Fang Pingan laughed. "It's just that Siyue called me today; they received an endorsement contract from the Shengchuan Group—"

Quickly, Fang Pingan gave a rough account of the cause and effect.

"An endorsement for three years, with priority renewal rights after three years, and an annual endorsement fee of 5 million Star Coins?" Fang Yu felt slightly helpless after hearing this. "Only three people were chosen from the entire Xinghe Middle School, and both A-Long and Siyue were selected?"

"The other one is the current top student in Grade 12, named Li Yuan?" Fang Yu shook his head secretly.

Signing for three years? Fang Long and Fang Siyue were only in Grade 10; what kind of fame could high school students have? There was no way to do any promotion in these three years.

After three years, his younger brother and sister would just be entering their freshman year of university. Unless they became the city's top scorers in the college entrance exam, this was definitely a losing deal. Even if they really became the top martial arts college entrance exam scorers for Wuling City, it might not necessarily break even.

Moreover! Signing three people—selecting his younger brother was one thing; after all, not only had his brother awakened an Upper Astral Constellation, but the technical talent he had displayed was also quite good, and he had already become a key cultivation target, theoretically having the hope of contending for the city's top spot in the future.

What about his younger sister, Fang Siyue? Besides an Upper Astral Constellation, she had no other particularly special potential.

Without a doubt, this was a "money-giving act" by the Shengchuan Group. Fang Yu didn't even need to guess; it was definitely handled by Chairman Wang XunDao, and the implication was self-evident—it was a disguised compensation after he had refused the price increase of the contract.

"Son."

"This contract, I feel it's not quite normal. After thinking it over, it can only be related to you." Fang Pingan said. "If you think it shouldn't be signed, I'll decline it."

Fang Long and Fang Siyue were both still minors; if they were to sign an endorsement contract, they would need the consent of their guardian, Fang Pingan.

"Decline?" Fang Yu pondered for a moment.

"Forget it."

"Dad, just agree to it." Fang Yu said softly. "The Shengchuan Group is indeed doing this for my Face—but let's just take it as a disguised encouragement for A-Long and Siyue."

"Tell them!"

"Don't let down the good intentions of the Shengchuan Group." Fang Yu said.

The other party had shown goodwill many times; to refuse now would likely hurt the relationship between the two sides.

These two contracts totaled 30 million Star Coins. Fang Yu asked himself, and he felt he could still accept this favor.

After hanging up his father's phone, Fang Yu thought for a moment. He did not directly contact Chairman Wang XunDao, but instead called Wang Mo, expressed his gratitude, and arranged for the two parties to meet up tonight.

After finishing everything.

"Fang Yu." Meng Shi knocked on the door.

"Come in." Fang Yu said in a low voice.

Meng Shi pushed the door open. The gray skirt suit she was wearing today was cut to fit perfectly, revealing her long, fair neck. The shirt was buttoned to the very top, accentuating the full curve of her chest, and flesh-colored stockings wrapped around her straight calves, making Fang Yu subconsciously glance a few more times.

She was very dignified and also very pleasing to the eye.

"What is it?" Fang Yu asked.

"The staff from the Inspection Department just sent over the sample of the documentary, requesting your second review." Meng Shi said. "The Inspection Department hopes to proceed as soon as possible; if possible, they will begin the province-wide promotion this afternoon."

"Okay." Fang Yu nodded.

Yesterday, the Inspection Department had already edited the first version, and Fang Yu had provided some feedback. Now, it seemed that it had been re-edited and completed.

Shortly after, in the audiovisual room, after Fang Yu watched the sample through.

"Tell the Provincial Inspection Department that it's acceptable." Fang Yu said softly. "Later this afternoon, I will send them an email to complete the authorization."

This was Fang Yu's personal documentary; filming and broadcasting both required Fang Yu's personal signed authorization.

At 3:00 PM that afternoon.

Wuling City, Xinghe Middle School, High School Department.

Inside the classroom of the Grade 10 Martial Arts Rocket Class.

Dozens of students were sitting quietly; they were boys and girls of fifteen or sixteen, wearing uniform white martial arts suits, with the Xinghe Middle School emblem embroidered on their chests.

Fang Long sat in the third-to-last row by the window. His height was among the tallest in the class, making him appear quite burly; sitting there, he looked like a wall.

Fang Siyue sat in the row in front of him, her head lowered as she flipped through a textbook.

Although it was a Martial Arts Rocket Class, they still had to study a large number of cultural courses. At this point in time, it was exactly time for a cultural class.

Suddenly.

The homeroom teacher, Teacher Yue, walked into the classroom, holding a mobile phone in his hand.

[part:gemini-3.5-flash]

"This period's history class is temporarily suspended. We're making a quick adjustment." She placed her phone on the lectern and quickly logged onto the class computer's webpage. "Just now, the Provincial Inspection Department sent over an inspirational personal documentary, requiring all high school students in the province to watch it."

A quiet murmur rose in the classroom.

Fang Long and Fang Siyue also looked puzzled. No class? Watching a documentary?

Teacher Yue didn't explain.

As she quickly logged onto the webpage, the classroom blackboard retracted, revealing a giant projection screen. The screen had already lit up completely, and all the students couldn't help but look over.

On the screen.

A line of white subtitles faded in—"They told me that junior college students don't deserve to talk about martial arts."

The screen lit up.

A youth of seventeen or eighteen was seen standing alone in an ordinary martial arts training room. It was still pitch black outside the window, and a clock hung on the wall, its hands pointing to three in the morning.

The youth held a stance-training posture, silently practicing his fist techniques, his forehead drenched in sweat.

The camera slowly zoomed in.

—"This is...?"

"Brother?" Fang Long and Fang Siyue were stunned. The youth on the screen was slightly different from the current Fang Yu; he looked more tender, still carrying the innocence of youth, but his eyes were extremely resolute.

This was more than enough for Fang Long and Fang Siyue to confirm that it was indeed their eldest brother, Fang Yu.

The scene silently transitioned.

At the college entrance examination venue, dozens of students stood before their respective testing devices. Spiritual light shone between their brows, and as starlight entered their bodies, the devices lit up one after another.

The camera swept across Face after Face, finally stopping in front of Fang Yu. His eyes were closed, and large red characters popped up on the testing device's display screen: "No Star Phase Detected."

A line of subtitles appeared: "They said, without Awakening a Star Phase, the path of martial arts is completely hopeless."

The screen flashed.

An admission letter flashed onto the screen: "Wuling City Martial Arts Junior College, Fang Yu," clearly visible.

"Fang Yu?"

"Is that him?"

"Is this Fang Yu's documentary?"

—

—

"Is this the Fang Yu who has been so popular on the internet these past two days?"

"I remember Fang Yu is Fang Long and Fang Siyue's brother, right?" A wave of whispers rippled through the classroom, and many classmates couldn't help but look at Fang Long and Fang Siyue.

Fang Long leaned forward slightly.

Fang Siyue's hand, which was flipping through her book, also subconsciously gripped her textbook tighter.

On the projection display screen, the documentary continued to play.

There wasn't much textual description; instead, it was mostly a series of quick cuts showing Fang Yu's continuous bitter cultivation in the junior college. From his freshman year to his junior year, in the martial arts training room at three in the morning, in the dead of night, he was practicing his stance.

At four in the morning, he was practicing his fist techniques.

At nine in the morning, he was practicing his saber techniques.

During holidays, amidst the bustling crowds, classmates invited Fang Yu to go out with them, but he still refused, continuing his bitter cultivation.

Text also appeared on the screen: "What are martial arts? Martial arts are not about surpassing others, but about defeating oneself. Pour in all your blood and passion, practice day and night, and persevere!"

—

Even without much narration, as the scenes changed, the dozens of students in the classroom could feel Fang Yu's spirit of struggle and hard work.

Finally, the screen flashed, showing the scene of Fang Yu successfully passing the top-up exam to get into Huguang Martial Arts University.

The students subconsciously held their breath.

Almost all the student viewers thought that after his bitter cultivation, Fang Yu had finally achieved success. However, only Fang Long and Fang Siyue widened their eyes, barely daring to watch. The siblings knew roughly what had happened.

On the electronic screen, the scene flashed again.

—"Taking your things is me, Xia Tao, giving you Face. Don't be ungrateful."

In the scene, Xia Tao snatched the red star grass away. Fang Yu and Bai Chen lowered their heads and clenched their fists, furious but not daring to speak.

—"Breaking one of your legs is for your own good, so you can return to the base early to recover."

In the scene, a group of independent Martial Artists lay in pools of blood, their Faces filled with anger and despair. Xia Tao smiled grimly as he sheathed his saber and took away the spoils they had fought so hard for.

The scene shifted to the Wilderness Area.

"You bastards, help me block these beasts!" On the cliff, Xia Tao clutched the Star Jade and bellowed, leading his...

...team members behind him as they rushed toward a dense forest.

Behind them, the mountain forest shook. Hundreds and thousands of Wind Wolves surged out from all directions, and the earth trembled.

Xia Tao charged straight toward the location of the Chiyan Team, attempting to divert the disaster toward them.

The camera cut to Fang Yu. Looking at the surging wolf pack and the charging Xia Tao, his expression changed, and he said through gritted teeth, "Xia Tao, you're going to get us all killed."

"What does your death have to do with me?" Xia Tao rushed past a group of independent Martial Artists, striking out with his saber the moment he swept past.

Not at the wolf pack.

But at a fleeing independent Martial Artist.

As the saber light flashed, blood spurted from the independent Martial Artist's thigh, and he stumbled to the ground. Xia Tao rushed past without looking back. Scenting the blood, many fierce wolves changed direction.

The camera cut to the independent Martial Artist's Face. Lying on the ground and watching the surging wolf pack, his eyes were filled with utter despair.

Watching these scenes, some students in the classroom had already subconsciously covered their mouths.

—The scenes kept flashing by.

After Xia Tao threw the Star Jade toward Fang Yu and his team, enraging the wolf king, and then abandoned his teammates to flee, the camera finally cut back to Fang Yu. He looked at Xia Tao's receding figure, his Face filled with rage.

However, he looked back at the surging wolf pack and the many struggling Martial Artists.

He stood at the very front of the team.

Drawing his saber!!

Fighting alone!

The scene shifted again. After a bloody battle, Fang Yu was covered in blood, and his companions were all injured, but they had finally slain the wolf king.

At this moment, Xia Tao reappeared out of nowhere.

Unharmed and smiling, he pointed at the Star Jade in the heavily injured Fang Yu's hand. His mouth moved silently, but all the viewers could read his lips: "Hand it over."

Seeing this scene.

In the classroom, almost all the students subconsciously empathized and clenched their fists. This was too much of a bully!

On the screen.

The scene jumped, cutting back to Fang Yu. Covered in blood, he still stood in front of his teammates. Without saying a word, he simply shook his head.

—

The screen dimmed.

Text appeared: "Fang Yu counterattacked in self-defense, injuring Xia Tao. They then encountered a beast tide—finally, Xia Tao died."

"Killing my nephew? I don't care about any 'excessive self-defense.' I'll show you what rules are..."

In the scene.

It was the blurry silhouette of Xia Kaishan, with the night sky of New Moon outside the window. His voice was deep, like a falling gavel of judgment.

Many more scenes flashed by: the secret room where Fang Yu and his teammates were detained, the "excessive self-defense" on the verdict, and the hunched back of his father being cornered by people in a supermarket.

"During those days, I learned to be silent."

"In the Wilderness Area, they snatched my spoils of war and said it was the rule."

"In the courtroom, they judged me for excessive self-defense and said that was also the rule."

"In Wuling City, they targeted my family and said that was still the rule. I don't know whose rules those are." Fang Yu's monologue rang out: "But even in the darkness, I did not give up."

Even while detained, Fang Yu continued to Cultivate bitterly.

—

"But some people did not remain silent either."

In the scene, Tang Jianxin stood up during a meeting, her voice cold and resolute: "I disagree."

"Our Huguang Martial Arts University also absolutely disagrees with this judgment." President Baili Jing also appeared on camera, standing at the entrance of Huguang Martial Arts University, his voice solemn: "Huguang Martial Arts University will definitely protect our student to the very end."

"Investigate!"

On the screen, Minister Ji Lianyun closed the file, the three silver stars on his shoulder epaulets flashing coldly: "This is a miscarriage of justice. I have already reported it to the Patrol Envoy. We must investigate this thoroughly."

The scenes flashed continuously, showing Fang Yu's selection battle. When his score broke 5,000 points, breaking Huguang Martial Arts University's record, the entire audience stood up and burst into thunderous applause.

"Let us congratulate Student Fang Yu for breaking—" overhead.

At the end of the documentary, Fang Yu stood on the rooftop of the Student Manor as the morning light pierced through the clouds. His silhouette flashed on the screen alongside President Baili Jing, Tang Jianxin, Minister Ji Lianyun, and Inspector Ye one by one.

"My name is Fang Yu," his monologue rang out once more. "A person enveloped by darkness, yet held up by the light."

—

"When the darkness dissipates, I am still myself."

"I was once a junior college student."

"I was once seen as a failure."

"And now, I am about to become a main tournament competitor in the Global High School Martial Arts Competition."

In the video, Fang Yu drew his battle saber, pointing the blade at the screen. The cold light was blinding, and he seemed to look directly at every viewer on the other side of the screen. "Talent determines where you start."

"Effort determines how high you can reach."

"What we can do is never give up!!"

The screen faded out, and the final line of text appeared: "This film was co-produced by the Huguang Province Inspection Department, the Provincial Martial Arts Supervision Department, Xinghe Group,"

and Huguang Martial Arts University.

The documentary was not very long, but it made all the students in the classroom quiet down. They were all deeply shaken, and Fang Long and Fang Siyue's eyes grew slightly red.

As his family, they knew better than anyone how much effort their eldest brother had put in to earn today's achievements.

—

At almost the exact same time.

This documentary was broadcasted in major middle schools and numerous universities across Huguang Province, as well as continuously played on various online platforms. With the push of some interested parties, it spread like a hurricane.

After all.

Over the past few days, various news stories about Fang Yu had already been fermenting. This documentary acted as the final blockbuster bomb, instantly sending the hype skyrocketing.

"Fang Yu."

"I heard it's extremely difficult to participate in the main tournament of the Blue Moon High School Martial Arts Competition. Even students from Xinyue Martial Arts University might not all be able to compete."

"A junior college student could actually make it this far?"

"It's truly unbelievable."

"A Genius!"

"A junior college student, only a senior, can stand on the highest competitive stage of all martial arts universities in the entire Alliance?" Countless people across Huguang Province began to pay close attention.

The popularity of the Blue Moon High School Martial Arts Competition was not originally that high, and many ordinary people didn't pay much attention to it.

But even if they didn't pay attention, it was widely known that this represented the highest level of competition for undergraduate martial arts students.

In the minds of countless people, "junior college student" was synonymous with "incompetent," yet such a Genius could emerge from among them? This immediately created an extreme contrast.

"Who is that Xia Tao? Why is he so arrogant? Who is backing him?"

"And who is the person in the Martial Arts Supervision Department who gave the order? Which high official is it?"

"To indulge his nephew like this."

"Huguang Martial Arts University is still pretty good."

"This must be investigated!"

"We strongly demand a thorough investigation to bring the truth to light." For a time, the heat surrounding the trial Fang Yu had faced in the documentary also rose frantically, and the influence brought about by public opinion was also skyrocketing.

In an instant, even Fang Yu's follower counts on various online platforms began to surge.

PS: This chapter is over six thousand words, so I won't split it.