In other words, he only had two ways to get them.

First, he could distinguish himself as much as possible within the Patrol Department and continue to climb the ranks. This would grant him a quota for Advanced Nutritional Resources, better benefits, and higher purchasing privileges.

For example, his current position as a squad leader already gave him a monthly resource share one-third larger than that of an ordinary Professional-grade member. On top of that, he received an extra two hundred contribution points each month, even without taking on any missions.

Furthermore, his purchasing privileges on the internal network had quietly been raised. The channels for elementary and intermediate Superpower Knowledge were now officially open to him, and he could purchase up to three intermediate-level potions per month at a thirty percent discount.

Without a doubt, these were things the outside world could hardly access—benefits that only internal members could enjoy.

As for the second method...

It was to make the potions himself.

He would need to learn the intermediate and advanced theories of an Alchemist, as well as the corresponding formulas. Then, he could gradually become a Senior Alchemist, buy his own materials, and create his own intermediate and Senior-Level Nutritional Potions.

’I have five thousand contribution points right now. By my calculations, that’s just enough to exchange for two or three sets of elementary or intermediate alchemy knowledge, or perhaps some potion formulas.’

’In that case...’

Lu Chao’s expression grew thoughtful. The contribution points from his last mission had only been credited in the past two days, but he had already given the matter a great deal of thought.

His current abilities—whether for offense, defense, or temporary power-ups—were more than enough for him to protect himself.

Exchanging them for another elementary Martial Skill or Secret Technique wouldn’t be particularly meaningful.

On the other hand, accumulating his Potential Progress to awaken an intermediate-level talent specialization sooner would grant him an explosive boost in power.

With this in mind, he made his decision.

He immediately put away the steel nail, took it to a faucet in the training grounds, and gave it a quick rinse to wash off the sticky tree sap. After drying it, he placed it inside a small box he carried.

He started walking toward the training hall, planning to log into the Patrol Department’s internal network shortly to spend his contribution points.

HUMMM!

Just then, however...

A black sedan drove up and stopped outside the boxing hall’s entrance.

Many people instinctively turned to look. Lu Chao paused and followed their gaze.

The car door slammed shut. Zheng Wu, wearing a grey and white hoodie, emerged with a worried expression, a hint of indignation mixed in. He hurried over, clutching a red card.

In just a few moments, he had already entered the backyard, apparently looking for Master Luo.

The atmosphere in the Jinshi Boxing Hall inexplicably grew several degrees more somber. Over ten minutes passed before Zheng Wu reappeared.

"Junior Brother Lu."

Zheng Wu strode over, his expression conflicted.

"Master wants to see you in the backyard."

Lu Chao was taken aback but didn’t ask any questions, quickly following him.

The other junior brothers watched with curiosity, whispering among themselves.

Eventually, Lu Chao passed through a wooden-framed corridor, following it to a small concrete hut at the very end.

A gentle breeze rustled the verdant leaves on the thick branches of the trees lining the path, and the flowers in a nearby planter swayed in the wind.

"Master Luo."

Lu Chao clasped his fist in a martial salute, his gaze falling on Luo Qianshan, who stood before the hut with his hands clasped behind his back.

He was dressed in a gray, traditional martial arts robe, flanked by Senior Brother Luo Yan and Lin Qingxue.

"Mm."

Luo Qianshan gave a slight nod and turned to face him.

"There’s something I think you should know."

’Oh?’ Lu Chao was puzzled.

Luo Qianshan then handed him a red card.

Lu Chao accepted it and saw that it was the same item Zheng Wu had brought back in such a hurry.

Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Zheng Wu give him a slight nod, his gaze conflicted. Luo Yan, dressed in a brown training uniform, had a similar, yet expectant, look on his face.

As for Lin Qingxue, clad in a white training uniform, she had kept her head down ever since he arrived, her thoughts unreadable.

Without hesitation, Lu Chao opened the red card.

Instantly, he understood everything.

It was a formal challenge from the Thunder Extreme Martial Arts Hall.

It stated that in one month, they would be paying a visit for a "sparring exchange."

There would be three matches between their Professional-grade disciples, with the outcome decided by the best of three.

It seemed routine, but...

"The Thunder Extreme Martial Arts Hall also contacted several newspapers and other martial arts halls to deliberately publicize the event."

"At that point..."

Zheng Wu’s tone was a mixture of indignation and helplessness. Lu Chao understood the implication.

This wasn’t a friendly sparring exchange; it was an outright challenge to their hall.

Their goal was painfully obvious: to crush the Jinshi Boxing Hall underfoot.

If they succeeded, the future of the Jinshi Boxing Hall was easy to imagine.

"Lei Wanjun never makes a move unless he’s ninety percent certain of victory."

"He must have come fully prepared for this."

Luo Qianshan’s tone was even as his gaze fell on Lu Chao. "If you leave now, it’s not too late."

At these words, it wasn’t just Lu Chao who was surprised; Luo Yan’s expression changed dramatically.

"Father?"

’Didn’t we call Junior Brother Lu here to ask for his help?’ he wondered, confused.

"Some things are more important than a single victory or defeat."

Luo Qianshan shook his head and said calmly.

Meeting his master’s gaze, Lu Chao fell silent for a moment.

’He could tell Master Luo’s words were genuine.’

’Up until now, perhaps due to a tacit understanding between them, he had never formally become a direct disciple, and Master Luo had never brought it up.’

’If he turned and walked away now, no one could blame him.’

’But...’

"Are you underestimating me, Master Luo?"

Lu Chao set down the challenge card and smiled faintly.

’Although he wasn’t a direct disciple... ’

’...in practice, he knew he was treated like one.’

’The personal guidance he’d received over the past months, including the secret cultivation of what seemed to be a Secret Technique, was treatment reserved only for a true heir.’

Not to mention Zheng Wu’s constant support and Master Luo’s past patronage—all of it made it impossible for him to leave with a clear conscience.