Neither Ian Song nor Zoe Zhao expected the usually serious Frank Zhao to say something so humorous.
Sensing their odd looks, Frank Zhao said, "Why are you looking at me like that? Can't an old guy like me crack a joke now and then?"
"Sure."
"Of course you can."
Ian and Zoe both chimed in quickly.
"Alright, let's get back on topic." Suddenly, Frank Zhao's expression turned serious as he stared at Ian and said, "Even without using inner force, your strength already surpasses most Late Post-Heaven fighters. If you add inner force, even Post-Heaven Perfection experts wouldn't be your match. With this level of power, you're definitely outstanding among the younger generation. If you join the National Martial League, you could easily rank in the top ten on the Rising Stars Ranking."
"National Martial League? Rising Stars Ranking?" Ian looked completely confused.
"You mean you've never heard of the National Martial League?" Frank Zhao asked.
"Never heard of it. And what do you mean by Late Post-Heaven and Post-Heaven Perfection? Are those realm divisions?" Ian asked curiously.
"Wow, you're such a newbie. Let me explain it to him, bro," Zoe Zhao said disdainfully.
Next, with Zoe Zhao's explanation, Ian finally understood how martial artists are ranked and what kind of organization the National Martial League is.
First, martial artists are divided into Post-Heaven and Innate realms.
Post-Heaven is split into four stages: Early, Mid, Late, and Perfection. Early and Mid Post-Heaven aren't hard to reach with over ten years of practice—Zoe herself is at Mid Post-Heaven.
Late Post-Heaven is much harder to achieve; at that stage, you're already considered an expert among martial artists. Frank Zhao is at this level.
Post-Heaven Perfection is the realm of experts among experts. Reaching this stage before thirty means you have a real chance of breaking into the Innate realm.
As for the Innate realm, it has nine levels, each called a 'heaven.' Once you step into Innate, you're considered a Grandmaster. That's why people call them Innate Grandmasters. Achieving Innate gives you the right to found your own sect and take in disciples.
Even the government tries to recruit Innate masters.
However, Zoe Zhao has never actually seen an Innate master herself, so she can't really describe how strong they are. To put it simply: even ten Post-Heaven Perfection experts together wouldn't stand a chance against a first-level Innate Grandmaster.
Talking about Innate Grandmasters, Zoe's eyes were full of longing.
At that moment, Frank Zhao added, "If I remember right, Ian, you're only seventeen. With your talent, you could definitely break into the Innate realm. Unfortunately, the Zhao family's Ninefold Breath Technique is too low-level. If you want to break through to Innate in the future, you'd better find a cultivation method that's Innate-grade. That way, your chances will be much better."
"Thanks for the reminder, Head Instructor," Ian said gratefully, though he was already thinking that if he wanted an Innate-grade cultivation method, he'd probably have to rely on the system.
Now, about the National Martial League: it's a martial arts alliance spontaneously formed by civilian fighters. Most martial artists are proud to join, but the League has high standards—there are three requirements:
First, your own strength must reach at least Mid Post-Heaven.
Second, you can't have a serious criminal record.
Third, you need recommendations from at least three members.
Why are martial artists so eager to join the National Martial League?
First, only League members can buy certain training resources from the League. Second, the League is packed with talent and experts—if you're lucky, a senior might take a liking to you and give you some tips, which is far better than practicing on your own. If a master decides to take you as a disciple, that's even better.
Most importantly, the War-Emblem Directorate also recruits from the National Martial League.
The War-Emblem Directorate is Yanhuang Republic's most powerful enforcement agency, personally founded by the nation's first leader Hugo Zhu. The Directorate's history is as long as the Republic itself.
So what are the benefits of joining the War-Emblem Directorate?
First, you get a license to kill—anyone who threatens national security can be arrested or eliminated.
Second, you get access to massive cultivation resources. The National Martial League is organized by civilians, but the Directorate is state-supported. There's no need to explain how powerful a national machine can be.
Third, you get high military ranks. Even if they don't bring real power, just having the rank is enough to bring glory to your family.
Of course, there are plenty of hidden perks too, but even Frank and Zoe Zhao can't explain them all.
"Ian, are you interested in joining the National Martial League?" Frank Zhao asked. "I know plenty of people at the Riverstone City branch, so finding two recommenders for you would be no problem."
"Uh..." Ian hesitated. With the system, all he had to do was keep collecting Fame Points to keep growing stronger, so the League's benefits didn't really appeal to him.
"Hmph, you don't know what's good for you!" Seeing Ian hesitate, Zoe Zhao got a bit annoyed.
Frank Zhao continued, "In life, you'll go through all kinds of things. Most League members come from all walks of life, so joining is a great way to expand your network. You're still a student, so you might not get it yet, but once you step into society you'll understand how important connections are."
Hearing this, Ian suddenly understood and nodded quickly. "Then I'll leave it to you, Head Instructor."
"Calling me Head Instructor is too formal. Just call me Brother Zhao from now on," Frank Zhao said with a big smile.
"Alright, Brother Zhao," Ian quickly corrected himself.
"I'll get in touch about your League membership. If there's any news, I'll call you."
"By the way, Brother Zhao, what exactly is the Rising Stars Ranking?" Ian asked.
"The National Martial League has three major rankings: Heaven, Earth, and Ren. The Ren Ranking lists young experts under thirty. The Earth Ranking is for Innate masters, and the Heaven Ranking is for those who surpass even the Innate realm—legendary transcendent powerhouses."
"There are experts beyond the Innate realm?" Ian was shocked.
Frank Zhao nodded. "Of course. Martial arts has no true limit. To us ordinary martial artists, Innate Grandmasters seem invincible, but there really are even stronger fighters beyond Innate. We just can't reach that level ourselves. The League calls anyone beyond Innate a Heaven-Ranking Expert."
This chapter isn't over yet~.~ Please click next page to continue reading!
"So that's how it is. I get it now," Ian said, suddenly feeling fired up inside.
Afterward, Ian thanked Frank Zhao and left the gym to meet up with Zach Zhang.
Fortune Delight Restaurant, second floor, Plum Blossom Hall.
When Ian arrived, Zach Zhang and three other boys all stood up.
"You made it! Take a seat."
Zach personally pulled out a chair for Ian and poured him a glass of beer.
"Ian, I was wrong about that incident. I'll punish myself with three drinks, then toast you." Zach said sincerely.
"It was my idea. I'll drink with Zach to make up for it," another boy said, raising his glass.
The other two boys couldn't sit still either—they both stood up and admitted they were involved, willing to drink as well.
Seeing this, Ian was silent for a moment before saying, "Let's not dwell on the past. I'll drink three cups with all of you. From now on, we're friends, alright?"
"Great! Three cups for everyone—we're all friends." Zach clapped his hands, and with him taking the lead, the others quickly agreed.
They were all young and drank fast. In no time, two cases of beer were just empty bottles.
One boy staggered to his feet, face flushed, slurring, "Can't hold it anymore... gotta go to the bathroom, I'll be back to drink more."
Ian and Zach didn't think much of it and waved him off, telling him to hurry back.
But seven or eight minutes passed and he still hadn't returned. Ian was a bit tipsy but still clear-headed, so he suggested checking on the boy. Zach told him to stay seated and sent another boy to the restroom instead.
Soon, that boy rushed back in a panic and shouted, "Zach, something's wrong! Xie Hui is being beaten up by a group of guys!"
"Damn it! Touch my brother and you're dead!" Zach grabbed an empty beer bottle and charged out of the room. The other two grabbed bottles and followed him. With their posture, a fight was sure to break out, so Ian hurried after them, not daring to fall behind.