Chapter 376: New Goals and the Adamantine Body Fist (Happy Chinese New Year)

Chapter 376: New Goals and the Adamantine Body Fist (Happy Chinese New Year)

Everyone felt the aura radiating from Chu Yu and couldn't help but feel astonished.

Han Zhen, in particular, recognized that both Chu Yu and himself had Awakened the [Crimson Flame].

But compared to Chu Yu, Han Zhen felt like a mere firefly beside the moon itself—a gap wider than mere ranks could describe.

Chu Yu's aura was overwhelming, and just speaking had drawn everyone's focus.

Pei Jiu sighed inwardly: Just as Wan Ming had said, Chu Yu was nearing the sixth stage, Bone Marrow Cultivation.

His oppressive presence subdued everyone present.

After a brief remark, Chu Yu logged off.

Meanwhile, on the Principal's viewing stand.

"I didn't expect Lin Qi to become this powerful after Awakening—it's beyond even my expectations", said the mild-mannered middle-aged Dean of the First College, his expression clearly betraying astonishment at Lin Qi's performance.

Deputy Principal Xu Wenji commented,

"Even while still mastering his Awakening, his strength is formidable. Once fully controlled, Lin Qi's power will soar further."

"He might even become the strongest SS-Rank Genius in history—reaching the Nine Realms isn't out of the question."

Then Principal Li Qifeng, a white-haired man with an imposing aura, spoke approvingly,

"Indeed!"

"Lin Qi is exceptional. I see my younger self in him."

"He deserves the best cultivation opportunities!"

With that, he dispersed like mist and logged off.

Others exchanged startled glances. Principal Li Qifeng rarely praised anyone, holding his standards impossibly high.

None expected him to value Lin Qi so highly.

Xue Zhou, Dean Liu, and Mu Hong exchanged knowing smiles.

Being acknowledged by "Heavenly Saber" Principal Li Qifeng guaranteed Lin Qi's future prominence.

...

Lin Qi also chose to log out.

Stepping from his Neural Pod, golden patterns flickered faintly across his skin.

He savored the lingering sensation of his Golden Edge ability. The battle with Yu Zhuoran had been enlightening.

His mastery over the Special Ability [Golden Edge] improved slightly, though still lacking.

That "slightly" came from comparing himself to Yu Zhuoran, like learning to ride a wild horse.

Yu Zhuoran had already mastered his mount, while Lin Qi could barely cling to his saddle, letting it run wild.

His control remained weak, especially his defensive shield—too fragile, shattering with single strikes.

He needed stronger control.

"I should find someone to teach me Five Elements Boxing to strengthen my control", Lin Qi resolved.

As for their body constitution differences, Yu Zhuoran was far behind. Had Lin Qi wanted, he could've pierced him through at any moment.

But for refining his Special Ability's combat applications, he'd held back.

Even superior Special Ability mastery couldn't bridge such gaps.

"Buzzzzz!"

His phone vibrated. Unlocking it, he saw a message.

Wan Ming had added him to a new Weixun group.

[35th Annual Ten Institute Group (20)]

[Wan Ming: Welcome Brother Qi to the group]

[Pei Jiu: Welcome]

[Xia Lian: Welcome+1]

[...]

[Lin Qi: Hello everyone!]

Lin Qi sent a greeting. Members replied enthusiastically, except Shen Zhenzhen, Xiang Long, and the reclusive Yu Zhuoran.

[Chu Yu: Lin Qi classmate, impressive strength. Let's spar sometimes. smiley.jpg]

[Lin Qi: Sure!]

[Wan Ming: …]

Seeing "Chu Yu", Lin Qi felt puzzled.

Checking the member list, he saw 20 people: besides their 14 Awakened geniuses, four were academy leaders like Teacher Wang and Deputy Principal Xu Wenji.

Who was this?

"Beep!"

Wan Ming's private message arrived.

[Wan Ming: Chu Yu's our 35th Annual's sole Sss-Rank Genius—even among 1,500,000 Crimson Heaven Point applicants, the only Sss-Rank Genius.]

Understanding dawned. An Sss-Rank Genius, but why hadn't Lin Qi seen him at school?

[Wan Ming: Chu Yu trained in the Otherworld continuously until this summer vacation.]

Lin Qi felt startled. Training in the Otherworld for a month had significantly boosted his Vital Energy Stat.

What about someone training there for months?

[Wan Ming: Chu Yu skipped grades—he's only 18 this year.]

[Chu Yu nearly reached the Fourth Realm when entering school—he's now at Fifth Realm Peak, just one step from the sixth stage.]

[If he spars with you, prepare to be defeated in a single strike.]

Lin Qi exhaled deeply. Fifth Realm Peak.

A year younger yet a whole cultivation stage ahead—that's true top-tier genius.

Compared to him, Lin Qi's displayed potential seemed slightly inferior.

But this ignited his fighting spirit. Having a clear goal was motivating.

Set a target, surpass them—that's all there was to it.

He'd overtaken Guo Heng, Li Zhou, Wang Qiufeng, Huo Wanyang, and Yu Zhuoran the same way.

Chu Yu's appearance was timely. His new objective had arrived.

...

At noon, Azure Firmament Martial Academy's official website

announced the 35th Annual Azure Firmament Six Colleges students who'd Awakened, officially recognizing them as SS-Rank Geniuses.

Students quickly noticed and reposted the news on the Azure Firmament Forum.

The forum exploded with activity.

"Whoa! Lin Qi actually Awakened?"

"He defeated SS-Rank Geniuses before Awakening—now that he's Awakened, who can challenge him?"

"Is this the legendary Lin Qi senior? At 19, finally Awakened—so inspiring!"

"At 18, maybe I can Awaken too!"

Fellow students reacted with shock, realizing Lin Qi was distancing them further.

They could barely see his dust trail now.

In the afternoon,

the Sophomore-year Azure Firmament Six Colleges gathered at Azure Whale Mansion for a meeting.

Lin Qi sat among them, answering questions about his Awakening experience.

"I must work harder now", Jiang Tao muttered, feeling urgent competition.

Though Lin Qi's closest friend, striving together meant nothing if he fell behind.

Jiang Miaoyin shared this thought. After just one day at Azure Firmament, she'd felt Lin Qi's overwhelming strength.

With her natural talent, she'd have to push herself relentlessly to even approach his level.

At the meeting, Lin Qi briefly spoke.

Though Awakened, he remained the Azure Firmament Six Colleges' Academy Head.

So long as he led them, their dominance continued.

Everyone remained calm.

Next semester, these meetings would end—replaced with direct classes at semester start.

After thirty minutes, the meeting concluded.

Lin Qi went to the top-level Martial Arts Training Hall.

Inside, Mu Hong, Li Qing senior, and Wang Zhi Xuan senior waited.

Also present was a muscular man exuding formidable aura.

"Little junior brother, congratulations on your Awakening!" Li Qing warmly embraced him.

Wang Zhi Xuan grinned proudly,

"Little junior brother, you've completely surpassed me now."

She'd reached Fifth Realm Organ Cultivation Stage, but her Spear Techniques remained at Third Stage Perfection.

Most likely, she'd already be no match for her junior brother.

With his Special Ability, defeating her would be effortless.

She felt no regret—only pride.

Mu Hong, wearing black robes, smiled unusually,

"Lin Qi, you're the first among my disciples to Awaken!"

Li Qing gestured to the muscular man, smiling,

"Little junior brother, let me introduce Senior Disciple Liang Tai—the teacher's first disciple!"

"Though not an Academy Head, Senior Disciple is still an S-Rank Genius."

"He's now a Fifth Realm Peak martial artist!"

"He started his internship early last year as a senior."

The muscular, ruggedly handsome man grinned warmly, extending his hand,

"Little junior brother, I've heard much about you from Li Qing and Zhi Xuan. Glad to finally meet."

"Senior Disciple!" Lin Qi shook hands, feeling Liang Tai's powerful grip. His broad shoulders and granite-like muscles were rock solid.

Even visible on his arms were several claw marks.

After brief introductions, Master Mu Hong spoke,

"Liang Tai and I fought together at Black Dragon Base in Bei Jiang Province."

"Since the Bei Jiang situation stabilized, we've returned."

Liang Tai continued solemnly,

"The future's threats are growing worse. We need greater strength."

"Every bit of cultivation improves survival odds on the battlefield."

"Last year, 8,000 senior students deployed to the battlefield."

"Just one year later, over a hundred have already fallen."

“The numbers have increased by 20 compared to two years ago, and by 40 compared to three years back.”

“The number of casualties grows every year. We can already gauge the severity of the situation just by looking at these figures.”

The three nodded. Their Azure Firmament Martial Academy was already the strongest institution in the Xia Kingdom, with each student being a top-tier genius. Yet over a hundred students perished annually. They couldn’t even imagine how many students from other schools must be dying.

Mu Hong also nodded, though he kept one thought to himself: Blue Planet was actually faring relatively well. The true nightmare was Otherworld, where martial artists died in even greater numbers—though the news never reached Blue Planet. Soon, he would depart for the Otherworld battlefield after his brief stay at the academy.

Snapping out of his thoughts, Mu Hong faced the four disciples and said, “Enough talk. Ask me any questions you have.”

He pointed at Liang Tai. “You first!”

Liang Tai nodded and spoke, “Master, though I’ve broken through to the Fourth-Circle Spear Techniques and comprehended its essence, progress has become increasingly difficult at every step…”

He voiced his confusion regarding the cultivation of the Fourth-Circle Spear Techniques’ essence. Wang Zhi Xuan and Lin Qi listened intently.

After Liang Tai finished, Wang Zhi Xuan followed with her questions, then Li Qing. Finally, Lin Qi spoke.

“Master, I don’t have many doubts about the Spear Techniques,” Lin Qi said. “However, my Special Ability has just awakened. I know little about it and feel completely lost on how to control it. I hope you can guide me.”

Master Mu Hong nodded, then addressed the group. “Today, I’ll explain Special Abilities. Listen carefully—once you reach the Seventh Realm, your body will complete a major cycle and automatically awaken your unique Special Ability.”

Liang Tai, Wang Zhi Xuan, and Li Qing nodded. Though they understood the types of Special Abilities, they lacked clarity on how to cultivate them.

Mu Hong activated her smartwatch, projecting a large green screen displaying detailed illustrated materials.

He gestured toward the screen. “Human martial artists can awaken eleven categories of Special Abilities: Gold, Wood, Water, Fire, Earth, Wind, Thunder, Ice, Spirit, Time, and Space. Except for Time and Space, the other nine are most common. To master these abilities, we’ve developed the Five Elements Boxing Method over decades.”

He paused, then continued, “Though called the Five Elements Boxing Method, it actually encompasses nine Fist Techniques.”

The screen displayed the nine variations: Blazing Flame Fist, Flowing Water Fist, Ten Thousand Trees Fist, Adamantine Body Fist, Unyielding Pillar Fist, Mind Intent Fist, Whirlwind Fist, Lightning Fist, and Frost Fist.

“In high school, you trained in the Five Elements Boxing Method, choosing one technique to hone your body’s strength. It’s the same for awakened geniuses—except the Five Elements Boxing Method here differs from what you practiced before.”

Mu Hong’s body suddenly radiated greenish patterns, and an invisible gust of wind spiraled around him. The four disciples felt themselves enveloped in a vortex of Rapid Wind, as if they might be swept away.

“When I broke through to the Seventh Realm, I awakened the Rapid Wind Special Ability,” Mu Hong explained. “I cultivated the Whirlwind Fist, which not only strengthens the body but also helps master your Special Ability. Think of your Special Ability as a wild horse—you must tame it before you can wield it as effortlessly as your own limbs.”

He raised his hand, and the Martial Arts Training Hall filled with roaring winds. The currents coalesced into a miniature tornado in his palm. The four disciples watched in awe, sensing the devastating power within. A single release could shatter them into fragments.

After dispersing the wind, Mu Hong continued, “Unlike the free version, this Five Elements Boxing Method costs money.”

Li Qing interjected, “I know. It’s designed for awakened geniuses and is far more expensive. Training this method requires significant funds.”

Mu Hong nodded. “Due to copyright restrictions, I can only teach you after you’ve purchased it.”

Lin Qi blinked in surprise. He’d assumed the Five Elements Boxing Method was free, but now he realized it came with a price.

After the lesson, everyone dispersed. As Lin Qi turned to leave, Mu Hong called out, “Lin Qi, once you purchase the Five Elements Boxing Method, detailed instructions will be available.”

“Thank you, Master!” Lin Qi bowed.

Mu Hong nodded. “Feel free to ask anytime.”

……

Thirty minutes later, Lin Qi returned to his villa and entered the Martial Arts Training Hall.

“Xiaochan, open the Crimson Heaven Residence interface!”

“Accessing Crimson Heaven Residence!” The black-haired Xiaochan projected a green screen.

Lin Qi quickly searched for the Five Elements Boxing Method. A list appeared:

【《Five Elements Boxing Method · Blazing Flame Fist》, Rating: ★★★★★, Category: Fist Techniques Manual, Price: 50 million Xia Kingdom Currency, Note: Available for 12-month installment payments】

……

【《Five Elements Boxing Method · Whirlwind Fist》, Rating: ★★★★★, Category: Fist Techniques Manual, Price: 50 million Xia Kingdom Currency, Note: 12-month installment available】

……

Lin Qi hesitated. The cost was staggering. Each of the nine Fist Techniques was sold separately for 50 million—though the installment plan was considerate for less wealthy disciples.

He selected the Adamantine Body Fist.

【With your 40% discount, total: 30 million Xia Kingdom Currency】

【Fingerprint verification successful】

【Payment confirmed】

【Your purchased《Five Elements Boxing Method · Adamantine Body Fist》tutorial video has been added to your Personal Space】

【The manual will be delivered tomorrow】

Stunned, Lin Qi realized there were video tutorials. He immediately opened the video, and a large screen materialized.

The instructor was a towering bald man with rugged features.

“The Adamantine Body Fist is designed for martial artists with awakened Metal-type Special Abilities,” the man began. “The technique is divided into two volumes. The first focuses on strengthening the physical body and controlling vital energy. The second requires mastery of the first volume before proceeding, as it involves controlling your Special Ability.”

The instructor demonstrated the first volume. Lin Qi mimicked the movements as the voiceover explained:

“The first volume contains six forms: Golden Vajra Tiger, Adamantine Body Reaching the Heavens, Adamantine Body Anchoring the Earth, Adamantine Body Wrathful Gaze, Adamantine Body Earth-Shaking Stance, and Adamantine Body Eternal Cycle.”

“First form: Golden Vajra Tiger. Channel energy into your fists, power your entire body, and strike like a tiger descending from the mountains—unstoppable!”

“Hu!” Lin Qi clenched his fists and struck. Adjusting his breath and muscle tension as instructed, he felt the energy surge through his body.

“Peng!” The punch released a wave of vital energy, heating his body.

He transitioned into the second form, Adamantine Body Reaching the Heavens, cycling through all six. His vital energy flowed faster, his body feeling refreshed and strengthened with each strike.

“Huh!” After completing the final form, Adamantine Body Eternal Cycle, Lin Qi relaxed, his body radiating heat. Every muscle was thoroughly exercised.

His Fist Techniques were already at the third stage, allowing him to control his muscles perfectly. He’d mastered the entire first volume in a single session.

“This technique is amazing!” Lin Qi marveled as he watched the screen. The Adamantine Body Fist was far more powerful than he’d imagined, and the effects were even stronger than expected.

The first volume alone was astonishing. He couldn’t wait to see the second volume.

“The second volume builds upon the first, demanding even greater mastery,” the instructor said. Suddenly, golden radiance erupted from his body, and golden patterns glowed on his skin.

Surrounded by liquid-like energy, he channeled it into his fists, radiating a terrifying sharpness.

……

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end