Chapter 134: The Power of Connections, a Trend of the Times (Thanks to the Alliance Leader, Yunyong

Chapter 134: The Power of Connections, a Trend of the Times (Thanks to the Alliance Leader, Yunyong Canghai!)



The Eastern Third Huang Star was the ancestral land of the Ji family, where they were considered half-ancestral land, but by this time, the Ji family had already relocated.

As for Hero General... this one left no descendants.

Speaking of which, Hero General, Eastern Third Huang Star... it's hard to say there's no connection. There seems to be no historical records of Hero General's birthplace?

Did Hero General and Ji General come from the same planet?

In Ji Jingqiu's understanding of history, the Seven Generals did not initially share the same path, their ideologies differed greatly, and even clashed.

For example, Qin General followed the path of "Heavenly Guardian of Righteousness," advocating for the cycle of heavenly principles, while Ji General firmly believed in the power of humanity to overcome destiny, replacing heavenly will with human will.

Another example is Li General, who was born into a small country's royal family, a legitimate member of the royal lineage. Even now, there are people online who bring up Li's royal bloodline.

And Yang General, known as the "Heroic Blade," was born into a commoner family during that era. His family members all perished due to the oppression of the bureaucratic clans, instilling in him a deep hatred for the privileged aristocracy.

It wasn't until the later stages of the chaotic division that, for the sake of humanity's stability, the Seven Generals converged and united, working together to end the chaotic division era and gather humanity's strength, thus establishing the foundation of the Federation.

Ji Jingqiu pondered, wondering which period of Hero General he had just encountered.

This time, he decided to use the favor owed by the Wilderness Cult to learn more about the true historical figure.

Ji Jingqiu took one last look around the stone house, confirming there were no hidden surprises, and prepared to leave.

This divine encounter seemed fruitless, but in reality, Ji Jingqiu had gained a profound understanding. The moment he merged with Hero General's silhouette and experienced that fleeting moment of unity with heaven and earth, where everything became "empty," was a state of mind that would take Ji Jingqiu a long time to process.

The most crucial aspect was Hero General's state of mind at that time.

By empathizing with this state of mind, Ji Jingqiu gained a new understanding of the "Eternal Blade" and the "Art of Unity."

Especially in that instant, the impact of Hero General's mind and spirit allowed Ji Jingqiu to experience Hero General's mental journey, significantly benefiting his own mental cultivation.

Mental cultivation does not rely on specific techniques; it is generally recognized as a combination of life experiences and mental insights, both of which are indispensable.

After months of cultivation, Ji Jingqiu, starting from scratch, had consecutively entered the states of meditation and mind residence, achieving what would take ordinary people decades of practice. The factors contributing to this included the hardships he endured for the past sixteen years.

However, after reaching the state of mind residence, this accumulation was mostly consumed, and to advance to the state of rock-solid determination, according to his estimation, he would need to undergo a mental transformation.

In comparison, the blade he forcefully memorized would have to wait a little longer.

Just as Ji Jingqiu entered the stone house, the two individuals who had only taken a step on another path slowly regained consciousness.

They looked at Ji Jingqiu, who had already reached the end of the path at some point, with bewilderment. The doubts in their minds were like vines in a dense forest, complex and intertwined, eventually leading to unimaginable confusion.

How could anyone possibly reach the end of this path of inner inquiry?

Even their "Overlord" would not have been able to pass through this path of inner inquiry in a normal way! This path was not meant for evaluating or nurturing the younger generation; it was purely Hero General's way of challenging others!

According to the secrets they had mastered, Hero General had faced countless assassinations in the past, both from external enemies and internal traitors. He fought to the death, his love was not human, and even though he managed to turn the tide in the midst of the battlefield, it was too late.

At that time, with a desolate gaze and a heavy heart, he had no intention of nurturing future generations. Leaving this place was entirely due to his departed friend.

This departed friend was their ancestor!

They had ventured here because they had solved the mystery left by their ancestor and wanted to take a chance. Their goal was not to pass through the path but to find a coordinate hidden by Hero General in the heart barrier.

At this moment, the woman among the two suddenly stood up, disregarding the man's objection, and resolutely stepped forward. She took a deep breath, her body slightly trembling, but she persisted in approaching Ji Jingqiu.

Ji Jingqiu stopped, puzzled by this unexpected woman.

The woman gestured for him to stay, and then, with her mind as her guide, she wrote a line of text in the void.

This was...

Ji Jingqiu's gaze intensified as he recognized the text as divine script, although he couldn't understand it.

This person was communicating through divine script?

He had suspected this before, thinking that if there were writings in the wilderness, there should also be a civilization.

Ji Jingqiu memorized the divine script, his gaze unwavering, yet it seemed to carry an invisible pressure that made the woman's face pale. She clenched her teeth, trying to show respect, performed an ancient ritual, and slowly retreated.

She was well aware that this person was likely a peerless genius comparable to Hero General in his prime, and it was worth their while to establish a good relationship.

Ji Jingqiu took a deep look at the two individuals, memorized the divine script, and left.

As he watched the door of the divine encounter gradually fade away, Ji Jingqiu vaguely realized that he might have uncovered some secrets hidden in history.

For example, Ji General had hidden some traces of Hero General in the Eastern Third Huang Star.

This realization led Ji Jingqiu to speculate that his grandfather and Elder Zhuang's origins were not ordinary. Was their decision to settle on the Eastern Third Huang Star for many years just a random choice of a remote planet?

Thinking about the numerous historical records of Commander He in the library of the grand temple by Grandfather Zhuang, as well as the inheritance of [Knife Carving and Chiseling], Ji Jingqiu faintly had an answer in his heart.

Perhaps they were also searching for traces of Commander He.

It was just unclear whether they had already found them.

……

……

Divine Might Heavy Enterprise.

As one of the directors of Divine Might Heavy Enterprise, the Jin Xing Zhang family was already part of the elite class. Over the past hundred years, they had been planning to advance into the ranks of martial arts families.

To formally enter this tier and gain recognition from all sides, the first requirement was to have a Heavenly Grandmaster, followed by sufficient reputation, economic, and political power.

In terms of economy, politics, and even reputation, the Jin Xing Zhang family did not lack anything.

With the power of Divine Might Heavy Enterprise, they could always summon one or two Heavenly Grandmasters at any time.

However, the standard for martial arts families was a master belonging to their own family!

And the strongest in their family now were just two Heart Insight Warriors.

The difficulty of breaking through to the Heavenly realm from Heart Insight was incalculable.

The Heavenly realm was a leap in the life hierarchy and also the key step in martial arts attaining divinity. In ancient times, they were immortal deities.

Listening to the secretary's report, Zhang Yitong, the current head of the Zhang family, said, "Has Bu Zhou's body casting speed slowed down recently? What did Professor Yang say?"

"Professor Yang said that Young Master Zhang's situation is normal. After the body casting is complete, even the most talented martial artists will experience a significant slowdown in progress."

"How can we continue to improve the casting efficiency?" Zhang Yitong pondered.

"Professor Yang said the best way is to increase psychic energy intensity."

Zhang Yitong nodded, "How is the allocation of slots at the Heavenly Awakening Laboratory arranged?"

The secretary replied quickly, "We have already negotiated with various parties, and the slots are basically in our hands. It's just that there have been some unexpected situations recently..."

"Unexpected situations?" Zhang Yitong's expression was stern, and his tone grew heavier, "I do not want any unexpected situations!"

The secretary replied cautiously, "The Dragon Tiger Dojo suddenly joined the competition and is willing to offer another laboratory slot a month later, along with corresponding compensation, in exchange."

Zhang Yitong frowned, "Dragon Tiger Dojo?"

"Yes."

"Ignoring it is fine; continue bidding according to the original plan. We have already made an agreement with the head of the Heavenly Awakening Laboratory. This last slot is definitely ours."

Zhang Yitong said coolly, then shook his head and sighed,

"It's a pity that if Bu Zhou could cast a Dragon Tiger Body and then become a disciple of the Pure Yang Sect, he would have a solid foundation comparable to that of a Grandmaster!"

He suddenly snorted coldly, his gaze icy:

"There are too many narrow-minded and self-sealed forces like this in the Federation, which is why the Federation's martial arts have not progressed for so long! The authorities should have long since gathered all martial arts inheritances, allowing all talented martial artists to choose!"

The secretary nodded in agreement beside him. After a moment, he seemed to remember something and said,

"Professor Jia Weiting wants to invite you to dinner. Should I accept or decline?"

"Jia Weiting?" Zhang Yitong frowned. This man's reputation these days was not good. If not for Divine Might Heavy Enterprise needing his various patents, they would have long severed ties with him.

"Yes." The secretary respectfully replied, "He said he has several gene technologies that might increase Young Master Zhang's potential limits."

Zhang Yitong's face darkened, and he said coolly, "Forget about gene technology; the risk is too high. Help me decline."

"Understood. Also, some directors within the group have objections to concentrating all resources on Young Master Zhang..."

"It doesn't matter. Raising more wolves is not as good as raising one lion!" Zhang Yitong said calmly, "Besides, the group's resources should naturally be used to cultivate our own disciples."

The Zhang family had operated within Divine Might Group for a long time, so they could suppress these ripples.

And it could be predicted that as Bu Zhou's martial arts path went smoothly, these objections and ripples would only become smaller and smaller.

"Has Mr. Yin of the Pure Yang Sect arrived?"

"He has already arrived and is expected to meet Young Master Zhang tonight."

Zhang Yitong's expression turned serious, his gaze sharp: "Mr. Yin must be well-accommodated! Anyone who dares to be disrespectful will have their skin peeled off!"

"Understood!"

……

Heavenly Awakening Laboratory.

As an officially supported laboratory, Heavenly Awakening Laboratory was powerful and had unique insights into psychic energy enhancement. Each year's slots would attract numerous forces to compete.

After all, for talented martial artists, with similar or nearly identical talents, the competition in the early stages was about who could secure more special resources.

"Has the allocation of slots been completed?"

The head of Heavenly Awakening Laboratory, Lu Tan, casually asked, his hands in the pockets of his white coat, his hair slightly disheveled, his gaze focused and profound as he stared at the data.

The staff member in charge of this matter reported, "There's only one left. It was originally allocated to Divine Might Heavy Enterprise, but a new strong competitor has emerged recently, the Dragon Tiger Dojo."

"So, they didn't choose Shi Xuanzhen, but Ji Jingqiu?"

"Ji Jingqiu? The one who broke the previous record for the best postnatal body?" Lu Tan's interest piqued, and he turned to the staff member, seeking confirmation.

"Yes, that's him."

"I heard he's born with an almost-perfect martial bone structure, which is why he could break the previous record. I'm quite curious about his data."

Lu Tan's eyes flickered, and after a moment of contemplation, he reluctantly said,

"Forget it. Shenwei Group gave us too many candidates this time, and it's not good to go back on our word. Well... You can inform Longhu Dojo about this, and we'll see if fate brings us together again."

"Okay." The staff member nodded, and the decision was made. He turned and left.

Lu Tan turned to the researcher beside him and said, "Let's do it again, paying attention to the D3 and S3 spatial coordinates..."

In his eyes, the allocation of spots was just a minor interruption.

But soon after...

The staff member returned and stood before him again.

Lu Tan furrowed his brows. "What's up?"

Though slightly annoyed, he knew that his staff wouldn't try to renegotiate a decision that had been made unless it was a difficult situation.

"Um, we just received a communication from Teacher Sui. He hopes we can consider giving this spot to Ji Jingqiu."

Lu Tan was taken aback. "Sui Canghai?"

"Yes."

Lu Tan paused for a moment. They didn't have much of a relationship with Longhu Dojo, so there was no need to consider their feelings. However, Teacher Sui had collaborated with the lab in the past, and both parties had a pleasant experience, so he had to consider the relationship factor.

"Let's politely decline." Lu Tan thought for a moment before finally deciding, "Remember to be tactful. Teacher Sui is probably trying to help his disciple repay a favor. Unfortunately, if it were earlier, I'd definitely agree."

"Okay." The staff member left once more.

A moment later...

Lu Tan stared at the staff member who had returned to stand before him and couldn't help but ask,

"Who is it this time? A master from Longhu Dojo?"

"No..." The staff member wiped his forehead, somewhat hesitantly, "It's Minister Qin Jing from the Religious Administration."

"Who?!"

Lu Tan's expression turned to one of surprise, and he instinctively looked left and right as if fearing someone was watching them. He lowered his voice,

"Did the Religious Administration find out about our violation last month?"

All the official laboratories established by the Four Guardian Stars conducted research projects related to deities, and the Federation had extremely strict standards for certain aspects of research.

The overseeing authority was the Religious Administration.

But in the eyes of these researchers, some of the standards were too ridiculous, like people who didn't understand giving orders blindly.

However, convincing those politicians above was like talking to a dreamer.

So, each laboratory inevitably ended up in a battle of wits with the Religious Administration.

"No, Minister Qin is also asking for a spot for Ji Jingqiu." The staff member's face also showed surprise.

Lu Tan heaved a sigh of relief that it wasn't someone looking for trouble. But then he exclaimed in surprise, his eyes filled with astonishment.

The Religious Administration governed all deities within the Federation, except for the Four Cardinal Deities. Even the God-Kings were under their control.

Within the Administration, there were nine departments, and Minister Qin was known as Qin Laosan, in charge of the third department. He held real power within the Administration and was a strong contender for the final position of Commissioner of the Religious Administration!

It was rumored that the old Commissioner of the Administration was about to retire, and the final selection would be made from among the nine ministers.

Qin Laosan was a strong candidate for the top position.

Even if he didn't get the top spot, with his seniority and capabilities, he would at least secure the position of Deputy Commissioner.

The position of Deputy Commissioner of the Religious Administration was considered a true big shot in the Federation!

Why would he suddenly speak up for Ji Jingqiu?

"Isn't Ji Jingqiu from an ordinary family background, without any connections?"

Lu Tan couldn't help but ask,

"Even if it's Longhu Dojo, I understand. But for someone from an ordinary background to have not only a master but also a high-ranking official from the Religious Administration personally vouching for him, that's quite a broad network he has."

The staff member pondered for a moment and added, "Perhaps it's precisely because he's from an ordinary background and is a genius."

Lu Tan stroked his chin and praised,

"That makes sense. If I remember correctly, the geniuses from ordinary backgrounds in the past were all... Ah, the Demon-Attracting Body? They could attract a bunch of investors."

"Since Teacher Sui and the Administration are speaking up for him, we can't refuse this favor... Let's confirm the final spot for Ji Jingqiu."

The staff member looked somewhat worried, "How should we respond to Shenwei Group?" Breaking a promise wasn't good for their reputation.

Lu Tan once again expressed his disappointment, "Just tell them that they regrettably didn't make the cut."

...

...

Song Youde hung up the communication and his eyes flickered with joy.

They had actually managed to secure the last spot?

After obtaining the approval from the dojo's higher-ups, they had shown a lot of sincerity, but they hadn't held much hope for getting this final spot.

In a surprising turn of events, the news of their success reaches the Shen Wei Group, leaving them utterly enraged.

"Hahaha, Song Youde, start spreading the good news to my nephew, Ji."

...

...

"What did you say?! Tianqi Laboratory is backing out of the deal?!" Zhang Yitong roared like an angry lion, slamming his fist on the table. His voice reverberated like thunder, startling the secretary standing by the door, who had anticipated this reaction.

"Didn't we reach an agreement with their representative?!" Zhang Yitong's chest heaved with rage, and his eyes blazed with intensity as he demanded, "Who got the spot in the end?"

"It's... it's Longhu Dojo," the secretary quickly replied, fearing the wrathful gaze upon them. "Their representative is Ji Jingqiu!"

"Ji Jingqiu?" Zhang Yitong furrowed his brows. "Ji Jingqiu from Stellar Corporation?"

"Yes!"

He remembered the name, not because of the boy's achievements on the martial path, but due to his connection with the company.

Shen Wei Group had convinced Stellar Corporation's cunning fox to offer 199-Shentong Zhaobi as a bargaining chip, but Stellar Corporation had resorted to stalling tactics, clearly intending to wait for a better offer.

The company's investigation department informed him that Stellar Corporation's hesitation likely stemmed from the bloodline of the Lou family.

Currently, the Lou family's greatest reliance was the mysterious rise of the commoner martial artist, Ji Jingqiu.

Zhang Yitong responded with a smile, his eyes turning icy. "Do they think they can stop my clan's Qilin's rise? Contact Professor Jia Weiting. I have some interest in projects beyond genetic engineering."

"Understood."

Zhang Yitong suddenly asked, "For this 'Tianren Plan,' were the first few spots given to those noble families?"

"Yes, there are five spots in total, and the first four went to a few martial arts families." The secretary responded swiftly.

Zhang Yitong narrowed his eyes, a plan forming in his mind.

Although the young heirs of those families might not match their Buzhou Body, they were still top-tier with impressive strength, and young people were prone to rivalry. If arranged well, perhaps it could be an opportunity to test Ji Jingqiu's true strength.

Recently, many young martial artists had been boasting about the battle at Mu's banquet, but the actual combat video never surfaced.

Moreover, the participants in that battle were all still in the process of cultivating their Dao bodies and hadn't even touched upon the Principle. It was unclear what they were boasting about.

The Principle was the foundation, and only after cultivating an advanced Dao body could one truly understand it.

...

...

"42.1%."

"Eh? Your psychic energy has increased again, Jingqiu?" Professor Zuo exclaimed in surprise.

Ji Jingqiu's progress in cultivating his Dao body today was noticeably faster than yesterday.

Most martial artists slowed down as they progressed, but this kid was the opposite—the further he went, the faster he got! Ji Jingqiu shook his head.

To accelerate the cultivation of the Dao body, one must either strengthen their psychic energy or enhance their understanding of the Principle.

His adventure yesterday didn't improve his psychic energy much, but unexpectedly, it led to an explosive advancement in his understanding of the Principle.

Although the process and outcome differed slightly from his imagination, the overall goal was achieved, further accelerating his Dao body cultivation.

"I've recently gained some insight into the Principle," he explained.

Professor Zuo was enlightened.

Enhancing one's understanding of the Principle was far more challenging than strengthening psychic energy.

However, Professor Zuo was no longer easily surprised by such matters.

This was how geniuses were.

He had become accustomed to it.

After completing today's Dao body cultivation, Ji Jingqiu remained alone in the training room.

He drew out Qingzhu, held the sword, and stood in place for a long time before slowly delivering a strike.

An invisible force seemed to bind the tip of the sword, but it only flashed for a moment before dissipating due to insufficient follow-through.

Ji Jingqiu stared at the tip of the sword.

That was the Principle at work.

The greatest gain from last night wasn't the state of mind or the final strike, but the moment of unity with heaven and earth, where he touched upon the mysteries of the world, allowing him to unknowingly break through a certain barrier. Before his Dao body was fully cultivated, he could already sense the Principle, but due to insufficient follow-through, he couldn't maintain it for long.

But this alone deepened his understanding of the Principle.

At this moment, Ji Jingqiu remembered the last punch of Shixin Su's in the virtual world. It seemed that not only he had fortuitous encounters and adventures!

Ji Jingqiu's heart calmed, dispelling joy and restlessness, returning to tranquility.

Compared to directly receiving teachings from a grandmaster, or even having the entire dojo or sect focus their resources on fellow disciples, he still had a long way to go.

Ji Jingqiu slowly closed his eyes, contemplating the profound Principle between heaven and earth.

Perhaps...

He didn't need to concern himself with others.

A million birds in the sky, a million ways to fly.

He only needed to focus on himself, surpass himself, and that would be the peak of humanity.

This was the path of the "True Self."

Thanks to the alliance leader, Yun Yong Canghai! I'll see if I can squeeze out another chapter, ababa.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end