On the Importance of Body Refining Techniques

"No way..."

The students instantly couldn't help but groan.

"Wasn't the math teacher perfectly fine yesterday?"

"He was fine, but then I gave him a call just now, and... he fell ill."

"..."

The group fell silent. Was he even bothering to pretend anymore?

"Alright. Assemble at the Star Martial Arts Hall within five minutes. If anyone is late... well, you know the consequences!"

Nangong Ling smiled slightly, turned, and left without a worry, utterly unconcerned about any potential student protests.

Upon hearing this, everyone in the classroom rushed out simultaneously. No one even paid attention to Lu Xiaobai's exposed background anymore.

Clearly, the pressure Nangong Ling exerted was simply overwhelming...

Five minutes later,

over a hundred students had arrived neatly and quietly at the Star Martial Arts Hall, all behaving extremely well-mannered.

"Everyone arrived on time?" Nangong Ling glanced over the crowd, a flicker of disappointment fading from her eyes as she said indifferently:

"Just now when I entered the classroom, I heard you all discussing some literature competition. As your Star Martial Arts teacher, I must remind you: you have less than five months until the Star Exam. Stop focusing on those entertainment events. Getting into a Star Academy and becoming a true Star Warrior is what matters!"

Hearing this, a look of yearning appeared in everyone's eyes.

Humanity had long since entered the Starfaring Era. To explore the boundless cosmos, only Star Warriors with powerful physiques could do so. This had made Star Warriors the protagonists of the current age. After all, who wouldn't want to venture into the vast and mysterious starry skies...

Seeing the determined looks on their faces, Nangong Ling nodded in satisfaction and continued:

"Let me ask first, has everyone practiced today's [Basic Body Tempering Method]?"

"Yes!" the students replied in unison.

"Good. I hope you're not lying to me. You're practicing for yourselves, not for me."

Nangong Ling went on:

"Although the [Basic Body Tempering Method] is a common Star Skill, its effects are excellent. Doing it twice a day yields far greater improvement than your usual physical training. Skipping a single day means falling behind others forever!"

Lu Xiaobai listened and nodded in agreement.

Not just students, even middle-aged and elderly people in society persisted with this Body Tempering Method. For the vast majority, it was the best choice for strengthening the body!

Just then, Nangong Ling's expression shifted slightly, and she added:

"By the way, has anyone reached Level 3 in the Body Tempering Method?"

She hadn't held much hope, but then she saw a tall, well-built boy raise his hand, his eyes filled with pride.

"Hmm? Du An, your Body Tempering Method has reached Level 3?"

Nangong Ling's expression changed, a flicker of surprise in her eyes.

Du An nodded, smiling as he said:

"Reporting, Teacher Nangong. I was fortunate enough to advance to Level 3 last week."

Nangong Ling said bluntly:

"You advanced, so you advanced. What's with the 'fortunate' nonsense?"

"..."

Du An was instantly left speechless by Nangong Ling's retort. He gave an awkward smile and said no more.

"However, Level 3 in the Body Tempering Method is genuinely good. It means you have a sliver of a chance to test into a first-rate Star Academy!"

Nangong Ling continued seriously:

"There's still time before the Human Star Exam. You'd better have your family hire a professional nutritionist to handle your daily diet and medicinal concoctions, to boost your Vitality Level as much as possible. The Star Exam doesn't just assess your Body Tempering Method level!"

"Understood, teacher," Du An nodded, a smile he couldn't suppress at the corner of his mouth.

Even if it was just a sliver of a chance, he had already surpassed most people. At the very least, he could secure a spot in a second-rate Star Academy.

The others heard this and cast envious glances his way, but thinking of their own Body Tempering Method levels, a tinge of disappointment inevitably arose.

Nangong Ling looked at the group and continued:

"How many people in your class have reached Level 2 in the Body Tempering Method now?"

After she spoke, about twenty people raised their hands, all with confident looks in their eyes.

"Not bad. Three more than last week."

Nangong Ling nodded. "You mustn't slack off either. Keep practicing the Body Tempering Method daily. If you can break through to Level 3 before the Star Exam, that would be ideal. You have a chance to test into second-rate academies."

The students seemed motivated, their hearts instantly filled with fighting spirit.

"As for those students still at Level 1 in the Body Tempering Method..."

A peculiar smile appeared in Nangong Ling's eyes as she said casually:

"The only advice I can give you is: don't let your families invest any more resources in you. Rather than wasting them, it's better to use that money to apply to a Life Skills School and learn a special trade."

"Personally, I think [Basic Scrap Recycling] is quite good. As humanity continues to expand its stellar territories, all sorts of technological waste is increasing. This profession still has prospects. If you're interested, you can go directly to the Hongxiang Life Skills School!"

"Remember, mention my name, Nangong Ling. I can get a bit of a kickback."

"..."

Most of them fell silent.

For students, applying to a Life Skills School was actually quite embarrassing. It meant failing the Star Exam...

Although Nangong Ling's words were harsh, they weren't wrong at all.

Given their grades, they couldn't even test into the lowest third-rate academy. The reason they were still sitting in this classroom was simply waiting for a miracle—what if their Body Tempering Method inexplicably broke through...

"Teacher, is it really necessary for the Federation Government to place so much importance on Body Tempering Method level?"

A student asked, face filled with reluctance.

They worked hard on the Body Tempering Method every day too, but still couldn't break through. This thing really wasn't something you could improve through effort alone...

"Necessary? It's damn well necessary!"

Nangong Ling explained coolly:

"The Star Exam has four test subjects: theoretical knowledge, Vitality Level, Body Tempering Method level, and practical combat experience. The Body Tempering Method level only accounts for thirty percent of the total score, so it might not seem decisive for success or failure. But it's far more important than you imagine!"

"The higher your Body Tempering Method level, the greater the boost to your Vitality Level. And once your Vitality Level increases, not only does your physique strengthen, but your mind becomes sharper too, leading to better theoretical scores!"

"In other words, the Body Tempering Method level actually influences three subjects. Does anyone still think it's unimportant now?"

The group fell silent again, with no one refuting her.

Although Vitality Level could be boosted through Star Energy foods and various potions, those supplements were expensive. For ordinary citizens, the main source of improvement was still the Body Tempering Method!

Then, Nangong Ling continued:

"Du An, your Body Tempering Method has reached Level 3. Tell everyone the difference compared to Level 2!"

"Three times greater!"

Du An replied, his face full of pride.

Nangong Ling shot him a glance. "Alright, just answer the question. No need to sound so cocky."

"..."

Du An was left speechless once more and could only lower his head in silence.

After all, he was the class representative for Astral Combat—was it really necessary to be so dismissive?