Chapter 9: Martial Cultivation Is a Bottomless Pit

"Star Combat Network is unique. It's not just a game," Mr. Hughes said, his gaze steady. "It primarily tests martial skills and serves as a valuable training tool."

Parker nodded in agreement.

The network's widespread popularity across the Septastar Alliance wasn't just because it was engaging—it had a significant impact on real-world martial cultivation.

"You've managed to hold your ground in the Gold Rank, which means both your spear techniques and movement techniques should have reached Tier 3 proficiency," Brandon Hughes said. "For someone your age, reaching this level of martial proficiency is quite impressive."

Parker chuckled. "It's all thanks to your teaching, sir."

A rare smile appeared on the usually stern face of Mr. Hughes.

"Your physical growth has also been remarkably fast," Hughes noted, a trace of curiosity in his eyes. "Can you tell me the reason?"

He was genuinely intrigued.

"I've just been training normally," Parker shook his head. "You know my family's situation, sir—I can't afford any special potions or elixirs."

"Don't worry, I'm not suspecting you of using any forbidden stimulants," Hughes said.

In this era, certain rare treasures could rapidly enhance one's physical attributes, but most came at the cost of burning away one's potential—a shortcut that ultimately led to ruin.

Using them could result in severe side effects, ranging from stunted progress to a drastically shortened lifespan.

Decades ago, when the Martial Cultivation Entrance Exam had just begun, many students secretly resorted to such means, hoping to secure a place in a top university.

However, as the exam regulations became more refined, these substances were classified as banned drugs, strictly prohibited from being produced or used.

Before the entrance exams, students would now undergo extensive screenings to detect any traces of such substances.

"Progressing this much through normal training alone? Impressive!" Hughes finally allowed himself a small smile. "I believe you have great potential to become a Martial Artist."

"You believe in me?" Parker was taken aback.

Since Hughes had taken over as their homeroom teacher, he had indeed received special attention—but only the kind given to promising students.

For him to say he truly believed Parker could become a Martial Artist? This was a first.

Becoming a Martial Artist was incredibly difficult!

"But sir, I haven't even awakened my Martial Essence yet," Parker couldn't help but point out.

"Does awakening Martial Essence really matter that much?" Hughes asked in return.

Parker hesitated. Didn't it?

"It is important," Hughes admitted, "but in a way, it's also not."

Parker's confusion deepened.

"What is Martial Essence, at its core?" Hughes continued. "It's simply a measure of your compatibility with the Seven Advanced Cultivation Methods."

"Only those with over ninety percent compatibility can train in the advanced methods early, which drastically boosts the efficiency of their physical development," Hughes explained. "Naturally, this greatly increases their chances of becoming powerful Martial Artists."

"This is why the Septastar Alliance places such importance on Martial Essence."

"This is also why the top five prestigious universities in the country favor students who have awakened their Martial Intuition."

"After all, those who can begin training in advanced methods earlier have a much higher likelihood of becoming initiate martial cultivators. And the younger one is when reaching that stage, the greater their potential for future achievements."

Parker nodded unconsciously.

In youth, vitality was at its peak, making Martial Cultivation breakthroughs significantly easier.

"Martial Cultivation is the miraculous evolution of life itself," Hughes said, a glimmer of light in his eyes. "In truth, humanity still knows very little about life cultivation. Whether it's the Nine Basic Cultivation Methods or the Seven Advanced Cultivation Methods, they are merely techniques that have been gradually refined over the past century by the high-ranking Martial Artists of the Septastar Alliance."

"Over eighty years ago, during the first Martial Cultivation Entrance Exam, the Septastar Alliance had only announced three Advanced Cultivation Methods."

Parker's eyes lit up.

Much of what Mr. Hughes was saying was completely new to him.

"All cultivation methods serve the same fundamental purpose—to push life forward, to enhance our physical capabilities," Hughes said, turning his gaze toward Parker. "And yet, despite only practicing basic martial training, with no access to precious resources, your physical growth has already outpaced most of the Elite Class students."

"What does that tell us?"

"Perhaps your true talent is extraordinarily high," Hughes sighed. "It's just that you don't happen to align with any of the Seven Advanced Cultivation Methods."

"Could it be that my talent is truly high?" Parker's pupils constricted.

He couldn't help but recall the final remark on the Divine Palace Interface: " There is a certain unidentified, dormant high-level spiritual force within your body."

Parker had always trusted the Divine Palace Interface's readings—it had never been wrong in the past year.

It was certainly more reliable than Mr. Hughes' speculations.

The information Mr. Hughes shared today also gave Parker new perspectives.

Previously, he had searched the virtual network multiple times, but due to insufficient access privileges, much of the information remained beyond his reach.

"I have high talent? And I possess the Mind Palace—perhaps that, too, is a kind of gift." Parker silently mused.

Over the past century, as various cultivation methods gradually became accessible, humanity saw a surge of Martial Artists emerging alongside technological advancements.

Yet, for those legendary warriors capable of soaring through the skies and surviving nuclear blasts, was there a single one whose journey wasn't filled with extraordinary feats?

Parker didn't believe his possession of the Mind Palace was an exception.

"Teacher, what should I do?" Parker took the initiative to ask.

He was sharp. Mr. Hughes wouldn't have specifically called him over just for a few words of encouragement.

"Stay persistent." Mr. Hughes looked at Parker. He had originally intended to say 'follow the standard process,' but in the end, he changed his wording.

Noticing Parker's puzzled expression, Mr. Hughes continued, "You have already improved greatly. There's no need to be too worried about not having awakened your Martial Spirit yet. With your performance, getting into a Martial Arts Universities will be easy."

"At your current pace, in just two or three years, your physical attributes should reach Level 10.0."

"Once you become an Initiate Martial Cultivator, Advanced Cultivation Methods will no longer be a barrier for you."

"Who knows? Maybe one day, you'll even create a unique Advanced Cultivation Method of your own." Mr. Hughes smiled.

"Create a cultivation method?" Parker blurted out. "Me?"

"Haha, why not?" Mr. Hughes chuckled. "You're still young, full of endless potential."

"Even the founders of the Three Great Martial Halls—back when they were young, who could have predicted they would reach such heights?" Mr. Hughes gave Parker an encouraging look. "The founders of the Three Great Martial Halls might be too far to compare, but don't tell me you lack the ambition to surpass even me?"

"My physical attributes are only at Level 19."

Parker held his breath.

Ever since Mr. Hughes became his Martial Cultivation homeroom teacher, Parker had regarded him as a goal to strive toward.

Only now did he learn that Mr. Hughes' physical attributes had reached a staggering Level 19.

No wonder he was a Special-Level Martial Instructor.