The others couldn't tell the extent of his injuries and thought they were all surface wounds.

Many classmates checked the "Martial Arts City app" on their phones, clicked on the Rucheng Freshman Chart, and looked at the rankings.

First place, Mountain and River Origin, Martial Arts Index 10.5.

Second place, Zhou Leng, Martial Arts Index 9.65.

Third place, Yu Jueyong, Martial Arts Index 9.31.

Feng Wenhao said: "A Martial Arts Index of 9.65 basically represents mid-stage body refining strength, far surpassing the early stage of body refining behind."

"Apart from Zhou Leng in our school, Ruda's second, Rao Mingxian, with a Martial Arts Index of 9.21, ranks 15th. Xu Kang'an is third, overall ranking 35 on the freshman chart. Ji Changnian is fourth, overall ranking 41 on the freshman chart."

"It's unprecedented for Ruda to have four people in the top fifty on the freshman chart."

"Thanks to the Celestial Ladder."

"It's a pity for Ji Changnian, who was always in the top two before, now can't even hold onto the top three, dropping to fourth."

Feng Wenhao said: "Zhou Leng, what is your national ranking? We didn't make it in, so we can't see."

Zhou Leng opened the light screen of the demonized watch, looked while speaking: "National freshman chart 76."

"Wow..." some classmates gasped softly.

Just making it onto the national chart is impressive, let alone being in the top 100.

This means that Zhou Leng already almost matches the first tier in Yunhua Jinjing.

Zhou Leng swiped the light screen.

Zhang Xinglie.

Martial Arts Index 10.03.

Rank: 21.

Zhang Xinglie is now in the late stage of body refining, but his index exceeds 10, reaching the early stage of Vitality Stage.

It seems, after leaving the Dwarf World, Zhang Xinglie's strength has rapidly increased again.

Zhou Leng is pleased, now, Zhang Xinglie will likely become the most dazzling rising star in Xiong City.

Not because of his 21st rank.

But because he climbed from a relatively lower position to 21st.

This terrifying potential is enough to attract attention from various forces.

People in the top 20 are all nurtured by Martial Clan families with billions spent, and have already reached body refining or even Vitality Stage in high school.

Zhang Xinglie is among the top fifty nationwide with the least martial arts resources spent.

He glanced at Mountain and River Origin again.

As expected, still in the national top ten freshman chart, fifth.

However, Mountain and River Origin's actual combat power must be in the top three.

After all, Mountain and River Origin is a half-blood giant, inherently disadvantaged in certain test projects.

First is still Li Shenkong, yet no Martial Arts Index is displayed.

"Have you opened the national Martial Arts Academy chart and world freshman chart?"

"Opened."

"Let us see, don't worry, we won't take photos or screenshots."

Zhou Leng chose dual screen casting, projecting both charts onto the wall to form a giant screen for everyone to see.

Everyone watched the two charts slowly scroll, discussing in low voices, seeing it in person for the first time.

The bottom of the light screen displayed Zhou Leng's ranking.

On the national Martial Arts Academy chart, which includes all students from first to fourth year, he ranks 20,137.

On the world freshman chart, he ranks 195.

The Dragon Country occupies more than a third of the world freshman top 200.

"In the world freshman top ten, our Dragon Country claims a solid five."

"Regarding martial arts and comprehensive strength, we have long been undisputedly number one."

The classmates have long become accustomed to it.

"Theoretically, any of the top 100 national freshmen could become Student Innate."

"Maybe Zhou Leng will truly be the first Martial Arts School student to advance to Innate."

"The key is Zhou Leng's massive potential, and it's just the first half of the semester. By the second half, he might advance to the Vitality Stage."

"He'll probably spend the entire second half participating in various Martial Arts Academy competitions, even at the world level."

Zhou Leng stood quietly, while scenes of fighting against the Sea Siren demons kept flashing in his mind.

These freshmen stayed in school all this time and didn't participate in the battles.

Deng Zhijue's call request appeared on the light screen.

"Instructor Deng is looking for you."

Zhou Leng put away the screen casting, walked out, worried something big happened because of the recent demon attack, and answered just as he reached the door.

Deng Zhijue immediately said: "Come to the Hall Master's office, there's the new reward for the Eagle Plan, and also New Qing..."

Even though some distance away from the classmates, a few still heard two important words.

Eagle, New Qing.

The classmates who heard the words exchanged looks and kept their mouths shut tightly.

Though they can check the official website later, it's still not suitable to leak it early.

Wei Hong whispered: "Zhou Leng, you're quite something big..."

The words may be crude, but the sentiment is true.

They are well aware of New Qing's value. Even in Xiong City, it's a golden signboard.

Zhou Leng, hearing the word "New Qing," thought he misheard, but stopped, realizing he hadn't.

After walking for a while, he suddenly remembered Rao Mingxian asking if he had offended someone, saying that the advantage Rucheng's Rao Family originally got from Third Young Master Zhao, Zhao Tong, seemed to have been taken by him.

It appears now, it's probably the New Qing quota.

Ordinary benefit conflicts aren't worth Rao Family speaking up in Rucheng groups.

Even though not a Martial Clan, Rao Family is still considered a big family; they've produced a Grandmaster, entered Jinjing, and hold significant power in Rucheng.

"New Qing..."

Zhou Leng remembered that a few days ago, when chatting, Zhang Xinglie mentioned he also applied for New Qing but failed.

He'll at least have to wait until after the Vitality Stage for a chance.

Along the way, he looked up New Qing's information.

Full name "Dragon Country New Vanguard Youth Martial Arts Fund."

It's a special fund set up by the country to support outstanding martial artists.

The rewards of pill resources are similar to those of the Eagle Plan.

However, there is an additional qualification that the Eagle Plan completely lacks.

Entering Xiong City, comprehending "Martial Arts Traces."

These are relics containing martial arts power or knowledge, unintentionally unearthed from the Ten Realms battlefield, Demon City, or other places.

Mostly in the form of inscriptions or carvings.

The earliest masters of the Human Race almost all achieved unimaginable accomplishments by perceiving these martial arts traces.

Zhou Leng knocked on the door and entered the Hall Master's room, Deng Zhijue wasn't inside.

Wang Boxiong sat behind the desk, nodded slightly, and said, "The Eagle Plan pills have been exchanged. Given your advancement to Body Refining, pills are additionally increased, directly exchanged from 20 Replenishing Essence Pills to 20 Strengthening Body Pills, plus 60 bags of Innate Medicine Bath Powder, other pills unchanged."

Replenishing Essence Pills are 100,000 per pill, Strengthening Body Pills are 200,000 per pill.

Innate Medicine Bath Powder, mainly made of bone powder from Innate Magical Beasts, costs at least 10,000 per bag.

"Also, here's the New Qing application form, fill it out."

"Yes."

Zhou Leng sat aside, filled out the application for the New Qing Foundation, and handed it to Wang Boxiong.

Wang Boxiong looked at Zhou Leng and said, "Your growth far exceeds our expectations."

"Recently, I've been lucky," Zhou Leng said.

"Hmph..." Wang Boxiong snorted lightly, "What are your plans next?"

Zhou Leng thought for a moment, then said, "I've already advanced to the Body Refining Stage, and according to usual practice, I need to go to the military for a period of training, I want to go to West Sea Demon City. Afterwards, I'll go to Giant World to participate in the Giant Trial."

"Are you aware of the Body of Wonders matter?" Wang Boxiong asked.

"I learned about it by chance."

"Zhang Xinglie is a person worth befriending."

He assumed that the information about the Body of Wonders was sourced from Zhang Xinglie.

Zhou Leng nodded, not correcting him, which was better.

"The Giant World and Dragon World are relatively special, with more than half of the two worlds merged, pay extra attention."

"Yes."

"As for the training in West Sea Demon City... around when do you intend to go?"

"Do you need me for something?"

"Some days later, a 'Martial Arts Trace' relic from the Ancient River Ruins needs to be escorted from West Sea Demon City to Rucheng. After comprehension by the Innate or Grandmasters around Rucheng, it will be then sent to Xiong City."

"You mean for me to escort with the team?"

"Correct."

Zhou Leng glanced at the expressionless Wang Boxiong, knowing there must be something else, but he was genuinely unsure.

"Then I'll listen to the Hall Master."

"However, the Blood of Tyranny has always liked to seize martial arts traces, there might be Sea Siren interceptions along the way. Think it through."

Zhou Leng said, "There will surely be masters in charge throughout the journey. This martial arts trace to be escorted, is it of the interference type?"

Wang Boxiong nodded.

Zhou Leng roughly understood.

Some treasures contain peculiar power, which can affect surrounding areas; electronic components or demonized items nearby for extended periods will be destroyed.

Demon Spirit Masters are also unable to collect and transmit them.

Such martial arts traces either have to be personally carried, or if too heavy or large, typically transported using Camel Beasts.

It's not quite feasible for Grandmasters to carry large objects thousands of kilometers.

Unless particularly valuable.

Zhou Leng faintly understood, suspecting that the power emitted by this martial arts trace was quite beneficial to martial artists, which was likely why Wang Boxiong wanted him to go.

Zhou Leng softly coughed and said, "I have a neighbor brother who's always cared for me since childhood, at the Vitality Stage, hoped to advance to Innate, a fourth-year student in military school, currently in the Lieutenant Camp in Rucheng. Can I ask him to find a way to join this escort mission?"

"Let him find his own way."

"Alright."

Wang Boxiong said no more.

Zhou Leng glanced at the New Qing application form on the desk.

The weight of this application form is unimaginable.

"Hall Master, I'm at the Body Refining Stage now, there might be matters that need reporting to you, let's add Martial Faith," Zhou Leng said.

"Hmm."

Wang Boxiong lowered his head and the demonized wristwatch projected a QR code for adding friends.

Zhou Leng scanned to add, bid farewell to Wang Boxiong, and stored the medicines in the Magic Spirit Bag.

He walked away, immediately opening his circle of friends to peek at Wang Boxiong's moments.

Only visible within three months.

Within three months, Wang Boxiong hadn't posted any moments.

Closing the demonized wristwatch, Zhou Leng recalled the "Ancient River Ruins."

The Divine Text Stele cracked in the Martial Arts City is called the Ancient River Stele.

The Ancient River Ruins are located north of Qiantang River, south of the Yangtze River, sandwiched between Shuizhou Demon City and West Sea Demon City.

It's surmised as a spatial overlap formed by the two Demon Cities, unexpectedly bringing the entrance to the Ancient River Ruins to this land.

Items unearthed are generally first sent to the Sea Suppression Army Headquarters, then transported.

Zhou Leng entered the Divine Text Ruins section of Martial Arts City and took a glance.

Contribution Points: 10351.

The last sum of twenty thousand was used up, and soon enough, over ten thousand more points were credited, roughly equivalent to more than ten million Dragon Country Coins.

Search "Ancient River."

Quickly see more relics from the Ancient River.

Most are various broken buildings, inscriptions, and daily utensils, stylistically close to ancient Dragon Country, but also mixed with unknown appearances.

Currently, Dragon Country's control over the Ancient River Ruins is solely the entrance of the ruins.

The complete ruins are hidden in an unknown independent space, akin to a secret Demon City.

The most intact is the Ancient River Stele previously deciphered.

Thanks to the near-complete unraveling by the Mysterious Master, the Guhe Research Institute's progress has made leaps these days, consecutively finding more evidence proving the correctness of the deciphering.

Furthermore, based on the deciphered content, they've unearthed a new jade stele, a kind of martial arts trace, officially named "Ancient River Jade Stele."

The content is entirely different from the old Ancient River Stele.

Stereoscopic images have been uploaded to the Divine Text Ruins section.

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