Chapter 120: The Road Ahead (Dedicated to the Alliance Leader Zi Wu Chu Chen)

Chapter 120: The Road Ahead (Dedicated to the Alliance Leader Zi Wu Chu Chen)



"What a beauty..."

Fang Xing caressed the sleek hull of the holographic simulation pod, unable to hide his delight. "If only I could use this divine artifact to play those adult-rated games... I wonder how amazing that would feel!"

He climbed into the pod and activated the virtual cabin.

[Ding!]



"Welcome to Blue Star University (Virtual Zone). You may choose an assistant sprite!"

A row of light curtains appeared, and Fang Xing immediately selected a small sprite with blue wings.

The sprite's eyes lit up, and it looked at Fang Xing endearingly. "Greetings, Master... I am your intelligent assistant. May I have the honor of a name from you?"

"Little Blue!"

Fang Xing replied without a hint of creativity, "Are you an artificial intelligence? Give me a good introduction to this place..."

"Little Blue is a sub-program of the 'Omniscient Brain' and is dedicated solely to serving you, Master."

Little Blue danced around Fang Xing. "Master, you have bound this virtual pod, and from now on, your login location will be the 'Blue Star University Community.' The community features functional buildings such as the library, laboratories, and battle platforms..."

"The library contains most of the literature and information from the Blue Star Federation, including the latest papers and journals. You can access them according to your access permissions."

"The laboratories can simulate most materials in the real world. Although performing cutting-edge experiments may be challenging, it's more than sufficient for teaching purposes..."

"As for the battle platforms, they are where all students engage in combat. They offer endless scenarios... Due to technical limitations, only those below the Golden Core stage are currently supported. However, Mech Masters and Esper ability users are welcome to join."

Little Blue flew to Fang Xing's shoulder and whispered the most tempting words, "Moreover, at the end of each month, Blue Star University offers incentives in the form of course credits for those who rank at the top..."

"Course credits?"

Fang Xing's eyes lit up at the mention of the coveted course credits of Blue Star University.

Unfortunately, he didn't have a single one to his name.

Most course credits were calculated and awarded at the end of the year based on academic performance.

'This is intriguing,' he thought to himself.

Fang Xing then called out, "Little Blue, help me pull up the battle platform leaderboard!"

"Yes, Master."

Little Blue immediately projected a light curtain, displaying a list of names.

[First Place on the Battle Leaderboard: An Xing, Nine Swords College]



[Second Place on the Battle Leaderboard: Luo Kai, Saint Armor University]



[Third Place on the Battle Leaderboard: Huyan Qiushui, Blue Star University]



...

Fang Xing opened a few of the publicly available battles, and his expression turned serious. "These people are either experts in external visualization or powerhouses piloting mechs, or perhaps they belong to other high-level professions... It won't be easy to secure a spot among the top ranks."

He knew his own strengths and weaknesses.

While he possessed exceptional talent and had achieved remarkable progress with the help of his golden finger, he could be considered one of the strongest martial arts students of the year.

However, he lacked the accumulation of time.

He hadn't even reached the fourth realm, the Tempering of the Will!

He might stand a chance against those with weaker external visualizations, but these people were clearly experts in their field, so it would be unwise to challenge them.

Students from top-tier universities, after advancing to the external visualization stage, were evidently stronger than martial artists of the same level!

"What a great place. I'll come back when I've achieved external visualization. Let's go!"

Fang Xing waved his hand, and his figure disappeared in an instant.

...

Several days later, Fang Xing lay on his bed, holding a projection of the "Freshman Handbook" and deep in thought. "There are so many good things in the treasury of Blue Star University, and the Kunpeng Blood is just considered mediocre... But if I want to exchange for something, I need course credits."

"Alas, I don't have a single course credit to my name..."

It was a sad story. Ever since Su Ye left Qinglin Fang City, no one had been refining the "Boiling Blood" for Fang Xing, which greatly hindered his progress in the Dragon Elephant Skill.

Even with his cultivation clone, he didn't know when he would be able to achieve the second-rank in pill refining.

Of course, even a second-rank pill refiner would need the formula for "Boiling Blood," which was not included in the "Pill Scripture of Myriad Laws."

After all, the Venerable of Myriad Laws was not a body cultivator, and he was only interested in pills that enhanced spiritual power.

"In addition, the most popular place in Blue Star University is said to be the 'Encyclopedia of Myriad Spirits.' They say it's quite beneficial for comprehending the martial arts realm..."

"Unfortunately, it's not accessible yet since I haven't officially enrolled."

Fang Xing put down the freshman handbook and glanced at his attribute panel:

[Fourth Realm: Tempering of the Will (200/200)]



"Have I perfected the Tempering of the Will?"

He pressed his brow and felt the Niwan Palace in his mind, as if it were filled with a colorful liquid, yearning to 'overflow.'

But it was constantly held back by an invisible thin film, preventing it from spilling out.

"The fifth realm of martial arts is called External Visualization! It is the path of the spirit influencing the material world. Taking that step will double one's strength!"

"How does the internal visualization manifest as an external one?"

Internal visualization was the will of martial arts! How could something so ethereal and intangible take on a tangible form?

As the days went by, Fang Xing lay on his bed, deep in thought as he held a projection of the "Freshman Handbook." "There are so many treasures in Blue Star University, and the Kunpeng Blood is just considered mediocre. But if I want to exchange for something, I need course credits."

"Alas, I don't have a single course credit to my name..."

It was a lamentable situation. Ever since Su Ye left Qinglin Fang City, no one had been refining the "Boiling Blood" for Fang Xing, which greatly hindered his progress in the Dragon Elephant Skill.

Even with his cultivation clone, he had no idea when he would be able to achieve the second rank in pill refining.

Of course, even a second-rank pill refiner would need the formula for "Boiling Blood," which was not included in the "Pill Scripture of Myriad Laws."

After all, the Venerable of Myriad Laws was not a body cultivator, and he had no interest in pills that enhanced physical strength.

"In addition, the most popular place at Blue Star University is said to be the 'Encyclopedia of Myriad Spirits.' It's supposed to be extremely beneficial for comprehending the martial arts realm..."

"Unfortunately, I can't access it yet since I haven't officially enrolled."

Fang Xing set down the freshman handbook and glanced at his attribute panel:

[Fourth Realm: Tempering of the Will (200/200)]



"Have I perfected the Tempering of the Will?"

He pressed his brow and sensed the Niwan Palace in his mind, as if it were filled with colorful liquid, yearning to 'overflow.'

But it was constantly held back by an invisible thin film, preventing it from spilling out.

"The fifth realm of martial arts is called External Visualization! It's the path of the spirit influencing the physical world. Taking that step will double one's strength!"

"How does internal visualization manifest as an external one?"

Internal visualization was the essence of martial arts! How could something so ethereal and intangible take on a tangible form?

...

Time passed by unnoticed.

Before he knew it, July had arrived.

Fang Xing fiddled with his communicator and saw that many familiar people had sent him messages.

For example, Song Jin Gang. Although he couldn't get into a top-tier university, he had a good chance of getting into a first-rate one and had been accepted by the Blue Star Public Security University. Maybe they would still be able to meet from time to time.

In addition, Zhong Yu Xiu had also been successfully admitted to Saint Armor University, although Fang Xing strongly suspected that her father had pulled some strings with a donation...

Lastly, there were messages from some of his high school classmates, all of them very formal.

Most of them had already begun their military service, especially the cyborg students. In ten years, he might not even recognize them anymore.

"Ouyang Qian Qian has also started her military service..."

Looking at a text message wishing him congratulations on his admission to Blue Star University, Fang Xing hesitated before deciding not to reply.

He could sense that after he got into university, his high school classmates seemed to view him as someone from a different world, with a comical sense of estrangement and even reverence.

"That's just how it is in the Federation. The evolution of life and the vast differences in levels naturally create a sense of pressure..."

"The only one I can still talk to casually is probably Gu Yun."

Fang Xing sighed, then suddenly received a call. "Hey, Xing... It's Xia Long. I've arrived at Blue Star!"

"Master Xia Long."

Fang Xing immediately smiled. "Have you already exchanged for the right to use a Source Sea-level treatment cabin?"

"Yes, that's right. Name a place, and we can eat and chat..." Xia Long's voice was rough but friendly.

...

At a street-side barbecue stall.

"Boss, bring us two skewers of grilled meat and two cases of beer."

Fang Xing waved his hand and said to Xia Long, who was sitting across from him, "Teacher, please, this one's on me..."

Xia Long's expression seemed to be saying that he found this place rather underwhelming. "You're treating me here?"

"Yeah, it's an authentic street-side stall, and it wasn't easy to find one like this."

Fang Xing poured himself a glass of beer and smiled. "The food tastes pretty good, doesn't it?"

"Well, it's alright, I guess. You're 19 now, an adult by federal law."

Xia Long raised his glass to clink with Fang Xing's, but he still felt something was amiss. "Seeing you drink so skillfully, if I had caught you doing this two years ago, I would have beaten you up..."

"Hehe..."

Fang Xing smiled but didn't say anything. Looking at Xia Long, he felt that today's Xia Long was very different from the past. "Could it be... that you've recovered?"

"Yes, after many years of illness, I'm finally cured..."

Xia Long's eyes shone with a gentle light. "I've resigned from my position at Yucai High School and am preparing to do something big. Before I leave, I wanted to see you and also to congratulate you on your 19th birthday."

"Thank you..."

Fang Xing paused for a moment before asking, "Could it be... that you're about to condense your Martial Arts Golden Core?"

"Haha... I wish I could say yes, but I'm still a bit away from condensing my Martial Arts Golden Core..."

Xia Long didn't seem embarrassed at all. "My domain is already quite perfect, but I've been decadent for many years, and I need to replenish my vitality. I also need to find one or two Golden Core condensing resources before I can try..."

He seemed to have taken an interest in the topic and went on to explain to Fang Xing, "Take your 'Dragon and Tiger Golden Core' as an example. Understanding the dragon and tiger intent is just the first step. The second step is to transform the dragon and tiger intent into a 'Dragon and Tiger Domain' and cultivate it to perfection in your external visualization. Then, using the Dragon and Tiger Domain, you melt the various martial wills to form a Golden Core... Moreover, condensing a Martial Arts Golden Core is extremely dangerous. If you make a slight mistake, you could die, and even a Source Sea-level treatment cabin might not be able to save you... So, it's best to prepare a 'Yang Returning Water' beforehand. This is a rare treasure of the universe that can ensure a martial artist's survival even if they fail to condense their Golden Core... If you want to make your Martial Arts Golden Core even stronger, you can also absorb some special types of cosmic energy during the condensing process..."

Xia Long eagerly shared his knowledge with Fang Xing, as if he wanted to pour out all his insights.

This was not only because he was a good teacher but also because he wanted to repay a favor.

After all, compared to this opportunity to use a Source Sea-level treatment cabin, his previous small donations were insignificant.

Fang Xing didn't want to make things difficult for Xia Long, so he directly asked about the problems he had encountered in his recent cultivation, and he received many answers.

"I've been feeling lately that my Niwan Palace is almost at its peak, but I haven't been able to break through to external visualization. It seems like I'm lacking a bit of domain power."

A realization flashed across Fang Xing's face.

Beside him, Xia Long nearly spat out his mouthful of wine.

After not seeing each other for a while, this kid was about to achieve external visualization? Reaching the same realm as himself?

"No wonder I couldn't give you thorough answers to some of your questions. However, I don't recommend you try to break through just yet... After the start of the school year, you'll be assigned a mentor, who will most likely be a Martial Arts Golden Core cultivator or even stronger... Their guidance will be more appropriate than mine."

Xia Long spoke sincerely, "Since your current situation is quite safe, it's a good opportunity to build a solid foundation..."

"That makes sense..."

Fang Xing nodded, acknowledging the advice.

When it came to the foundation of martial arts, the stronger and more robust it was, the better.

"By the way, teacher, if you're not planning on condensing a Golden Core and making a big breakthrough, where are you planning to go?"

Fang Xing suddenly had an inexplicable premonition.

"I'm planning to go to the Hyperspace Battlefield..."

Xia Long laughed heartily, "I need to slay a few more evil god minions to earn enough points to exchange for the 'Yang Returning Water' and other treasures of the universe... Also, I have some unfinished business there. If I don't resolve it before condensing my Golden Core, I feel like I won't be able to find inner peace."

"I understand. I wish you success in your battles!"

Fang Xing raised his glass, finishing it in one gulp.

...

"Yang Returning Water?"

After parting ways with Xia Long, Fang Xing returned to his dormitory and immediately logged into the Blue Star University community.

"Little Blue, search for information on 'Yang Returning Water'."

"Yes, Master!"

Little Blue smiled gently, projecting a light curtain from her eyes.

Within the light curtain was a tube of pale golden liquid encased in a transparent glass tube.

['Yang Returning Water': Assists external visualization martial artists in condensing a Martial Arts Golden Core, ensuring survival in case of failure... Exchange Price: 100 Course Credits.]



"As expected, it's one of the treasures kept in the Blue Star University vault."

Fang Xing's eyes narrowed slightly, "100 course credits? It seems like the average Blue Star University student doesn't even earn 10 course credits in a year. To obtain 100 credits, one must truly be outstanding and hardworking..."

"Little Blue, continue searching for items that assist in Golden Core condensation, as well as unique cosmic energies..."

Fang Xing issued another command.

This time, Little Blue projected a plethora of items.

Countless unnamed gases were displayed one by one.

Among them was a viscous scarlet liquid in a test tube, as well as a lump of jade-like substance with flickering lightning within.

[Unique Cosmic Energies: Can assist martial artists in condensing a Martial Arts Golden Core and enhancing its quality... However, absorption requires special techniques, and it is not recommended for students to attempt this without guidance...]



At the end, there was also a summary left by predecessors.

Fang Xing scanned through the various unique cosmic energies and eventually paused at one: "Mars Qi, easily formed at the bottom of volcanoes... This resembles the 'Primordial Fire Qi' I've seen before."

A thought struck him, stirring up a storm within.

...

In the Cultivation World.

"Primordial Fire Qi is merely a Foundation Establishment spiritual object. If it could be used to condense a Golden Core... then the cultivators in this world are truly wasteful..."

Fang Xing, clad in a silver robe, gazed at the Myriad Transformation Cauldron before him.

"Open!"

The cauldron trembled, releasing a strange fragrance.

Fang Xing continuously performed hand seals, channeling his spiritual power into the cauldron, causing it to tremble once more.

Then, streams of light were ejected from the cauldron.

Within these streams of light were pearl-like 'Enhancement Pills'!

"Collect!"

Fang Xing executed the Pill Collection Technique, gathering the countless Enhancement Pills and placing them in his palm.

There were four or five pearl-like pills. Two of them were completely white, while the other three had different dark spots.

The most terrifying one had dark spots covering almost half of the pill.

"Five pills formed, three failed pills, and the quality of the two successful pills is only average... This is the result even with the help of the Myriad Transformation Cauldron and my continuous refinement of this single type of pill."

Fang Xing sighed and placed the five 'Enhancement Pills' back into the cauldron.

"For an ordinary Pill Refiner, achieving this result would probably be considered a mastery of the Enhancement Pill formula, right?"

"These three pills have excessive pill toxins. I should be able to salvage them using the Myriad Transformation Cauldron to refine and purify them... As for the other two, I can further detoxify them, turning them into flawless pills that can enhance one's spiritual power..."

Fang Xing walked out of the pill refining room, deep in thought: "The Heaven and Earth Yin and Yang Qi in the Cultivation World seems quite similar to the unique cosmic energies in the main universe... I might be able to bring a few samples back and see if they're of any use. After all, those are treasures worth numerous course credits."

Even the lowest-grade 'Mars Qi' would cost 30 course credits to exchange for in the Blue Star University vault!

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end