While the joy of his recent breakthrough was intense, it also brought the immense gap between himself and a true genius into sharp focus.
But instead of dimming the fire in his heart, this realization only made it burn brighter!
'What is the foundation of true strength in this world? It's not a temporarily high physical body level!'
Li Wen's gaze swept discreetly over the others in the Martial Arts Room.
His eyes landed on Wei Wu—the classmate who excelled in academics but had all but given up on his martial arts classes.
His physical body was level 7.2, a full 1.1 levels higher than Li Wen, who had just broken through to level 6.1 yesterday!
And yet, what of his martial arts proficiency? He probably hadn't even reached Minor Achievement in the Basic Sword Skill. He had the physical constitution, but his combat prowess was utterly mediocre.
Some other students from wealthy families had physical body levels that commonly reached 7.5 or higher.
But since their technical proficiency was generally stuck around the Advanced Minor Achievement or Advanced Great Success level, they were nothing more than faster, stronger punching bags to a Martial Artist who had truly mastered a "secret technique."
This only confirmed what was written in the books:
"Before a master of the Unity Realm, an opponent whose techniques have not also reached the Unity Realm is nothing but a living target with greater strength and speed, easily dispatched."
'And the key to improving one's technical proficiency lies in understanding and insight—it all comes down to comprehension!'
At this thought, Li Wen's confidence sprouted like a bamboo shoot in spring, growing uncontrollably.
With the experience from the game in his past life and a profound understanding of the potential of the [Scholar] class's core skill, "Absolute Focus," he knew very well the terrifying amplification it would receive as his [Scholar] level increased—higher comprehension! Greater control over his body!
And these were the most crucial elements for advancing one's technical proficiency! They would even be a massive boost to his understanding and training efficiency with Cultivation Techniques!
One's physical body level could be rapidly built up with resources, though acquiring those resources was a huge problem in itself.
But compared to the threshold for technical proficiency—which required immense comprehension and long periods of honing—the barrier to raising one's physical body level was relatively "low." All it took was "enough" resources.
'So my true advantage lies in the speed at which I can improve my technical proficiency! With the [Scholar] class, that's my ultimate trump card!'
Li Wen's gaze became incredibly resolute. For the first time, he was filled with an unshakeable certainty about his future success.
As long as he could keep accumulating Scholar experience, raising his Scholar level, and amplifying the effects of Absolute Focus, his comprehension and learning ability would continue to skyrocket!
His breakthroughs in technical proficiency would become faster and faster, creating a virtuous cycle.
As for his physical body level... he would find a way to catch up.
And once his superior technical proficiency gave him a crushing advantage over his peers, he could seize more opportunities and resources to, in turn, enhance his physical body!
COUGH, COUGH... Just as he was lost in thought, a wave of dizziness and a dull ache in his muscles washed over him.
Practicing the Great Success Level saber technique at high intensity over a dozen times, combined with the euphoric state from his recent breakthrough, had consumed far more stamina and vitality than usual.
He didn't force himself to keep practicing. Instead, he gently leaned his saber against the wall.
He walked over to a bench in the corner of the Martial Arts Room, sat down, and picked up an energy drink, taking small sips to rehydrate and refuel.
Sunlight streamed through the tall glass windows, warmly bathing Li Wen's silently recovering form. It cast a long shadow behind him, and within that shadow, an unstoppable, razor-sharp aura seemed to be brewing, ready to break free from its cocoon.