Chapter 97: Carbon-Based Flesh Aspiring to Godhood, The Master of a Thousand Red and Ten Thousand Co

Chapter 97: Carbon-Based Flesh Aspiring to Godhood, The Master of a Thousand Red and Ten Thousand Colors, and Conversations Among Great Figures (4K)



In a garden within the Horticulture Faculty of Maple City University...

Xue Wan hung up her phone and stared at the screen, deep in thought. Blessed with good genes, she had a naturally beautiful face—her features were well-proportioned, with gentle brows and bright eyes that seemed to hold a sparkling pool of autumn water. Her gaze was dazzling, instantly captivating anyone who laid eyes on her.

Her waist-length black hair, with its slightly curly tail, flowed like a dark cascade, contrasting beautifully with her milk-white skin. Even dressed casually in a simple, dirt-resistant outfit, she exuded an elegant, refined air.

Lost in her thoughts, Xue Wan was snapped back to reality by a voice from the nearby flower bed. A figure crouched there, pruning the excess branches of the flowers, their tone indifferent as they asked, "Is it your family again?"

Xue Wan turned and glanced at the horticulture professor, a soft smile playing on her lips. "It's... my younger brother. He said he'll be coming to Maple City to visit me in a few days."

The professor rose from their crouching position, their hair—a mess of braided, vine-like, dark green locks—shimmering as they moved. "I don't understand," they said flatly.

"You are the chosen of the Master of a Thousand Red and Ten Thousand Colors. Mortal kin hold no significance to you. Why can't you let go?"

Hearing this, Xue Wan sighed in resignation. "Here you go again, Teacher," she said with a helpless smile.

"Just because we've been granted divine power doesn't mean we've become gods... I, too, am but a mere mortal in your eyes."

She chuckled and shook her head. "My little brother has recently taken up martial arts, and the news even reported that he's a genius in the field."

The professor reached out and gently brushed their hand against a delicate pink and white rose nearby. In an instant, the rose began to grow at a visible rate, its branches spreading and transforming into a towering tree-like flower. Countless vines sprouted from the giant flower, dancing eerily in the air.

"Martial arts are nothing but mortal arrogance," the professor said softly. "People boast and take pride in it as if it were the only path unique to humanity, chasing after a minuscule possibility. They strive to transcend 'position' and match the gods with their carbon-based flesh."

"However, the past three hundred years of the New Era have consistently proven this to be impossible. Even the one who came closest... could not take that seemingly attainable yet ultimately unattainable step. In the end, they succumbed to the limitations of mortality and accepted 'longevity surgery,' becoming an 'impure being.'"

"Your mortal kin, your brother, is on a path to nowhere... It would be better for him to come and worship the true god, the Master of a Thousand Red and Ten Thousand Colors. Perhaps he will receive the god's favor and join you on the true path to godhood..."

At these words, Xue Wan's expression turned cold. "Teacher, I don't quite understand what you're saying."

"But just in case," she continued, her eyes burning with an invisible flame, her voice stern and almost menacing, "I must be so bold as to say this to you, my teacher: Do. Not. Touch. My. Brother!"

Beside them, the giant rose-turned-flower tree stiffened, then swiftly withered and shrunk back into a single flower bud.

"... "

Unfazed, the professor continued, their tone as unwavering as before. "How unexpected. It's the first time I've seen you like this."

"You're actually cuter than your usual carefree self."

Xue Wan immediately switched to a beaming smile. "Hmm? So, am I cuter like this or normally? Your taste is questionable, Teacher."

Her mood shift was seamless, her expression changing effortlessly as if nothing had happened, dispelling the heavy atmosphere.

"Well, I just remembered I have a class today, so I'll be going now."

Xue Wan paused, then added nonchalantly, "Teacher, even though my words may carry little weight, you should listen to me once in a while. Otherwise, your student might get angry."

With that, she stretched her arms high above her head and sauntered off, her steps light and cheerful as she left the flower garden.

The professor watched her go, deep in thought.

...

Xue Jing hung up the phone, stroking his chin in confusion. "What's up with that? Don't want me to come over? Got a boyfriend you don't want me to meet? Or have you stumbled into some new world and aren't ready to face the family yet?"

He shook his head, a mischievous smile playing on his lips. "Oh well, I'll find out when I see you in a few days."

Rising from the sofa, he made his way to the kitchen to prepare dinner. As he finished cooking, his culinary skills reaching a score of 80, the glass door to the balcony slid open. Cat strolled in, shook its body, and padded across the doormat, dusting off its paws before entering.

"Teacher Wen can tell fortunes, huh? Did she tell you when I'd be back?" Xue Jing asked, a pot of hot chicken soup in one hand and a raised eyebrow.

Cat ignored his playful ribbing and headed for the bathroom. Jumping onto the sink, it turned on the faucet and pressed the soap dispenser with its paw, beginning to meticulously wash its paws.

The cat was washing its paws as it spoke in a youthful, girlish tone, "I just met Mr. An—the masked man from before."

"I thought he was here to persuade me to join the headquarters again, but during our meeting, he remained silent, looking almost... scared?"

Cat sounded uncertain.

Xue Jing replied, "It's probably because of the 'Snake-Slayer Vanguard.'"

"I thought so too," Cat nodded. "After all, the Dragon Sect worships the 'Infinite Dragon,' and both snakes and dragons would be countered by the 'Snake-Slayer Vanguard.' If Mr. An received some power from the headquarters, it's understandable that he'd react that way."

It turned off the faucet and dried its clean paws with a small towel hanging nearby, specifically for its use. Then, it left the bathroom and jumped onto the dining table.

"Why don't you turn back into a human? It's inconvenient to eat like that."

Xue Jing scooped some rice into his mouth and asked, puzzled.

Cat hooked a piece of braised pork with its claw and swallowed it before replying, "Can't be bothered to put on clothes..."

"Then don't," Xue Jing shrugged. "It's not like I haven't seen it before."

Cat rolled its eyes at him. "You and I have a very healthy and pure owner-pet relationship. We need to clearly distinguish situations like this from the necessary ones. Otherwise, what would people think of me?"

Xue Jing scooped another mouthful of rice, thinking to himself: When a girl openly declares herself as a pet without an ounce of shame, how could anyone think of their relationship as healthy and pure?

But he didn't argue and simply laughed, "Alright, alright, do as you please. As long as you're happy."

...

The next day.

After waking up, Xue Jing went through his morning routine of washing and jogging for an hour before having breakfast. Instead of heading to Zhushan Ying's place to practice martial arts, he picked up his backpack and rarely decided to go to school.

He took the bus, thinking to himself that it had been a while since he last went to school—probably since the time he killed that cockroach monster during the school sports meet.

His homeroom teacher, Du Shiwei, used to call frequently to urge him about his academics, but the calls stopped after the sports meet, as if he had given up on Xue Jing and was letting him do as he pleased. The teacher readily approved his leave without any questions.

As Xue Jing walked into the classroom with his bag slung over one shoulder, Li He was the first to spot him.

"Holy crap, Jing Ye!"

He exclaimed in surprise.

The elite class students turned their heads toward the door, and exclamations of shock filled the room.

"What the heck, Xue Jing! You actually came to school?"

"There were even rumors that you took the 'Martial Exam' and got into the Inner Ring University early! If you didn't show up now, I would've believed it!"

"Our savior of Qingfu Middle School finally makes an appearance. We've been wanting to thank you but couldn't find the chance..."

"Are you free after school tonight? We classmates want to treat you to a meal. Don't reject us!"

The elite class students gathered around, chattering excitedly.

Anyone else would probably be overwhelmed, but Xue Jing smiled and replied to each of them, ensuring that no one felt left out.

With his newfound confidence from his improved martial arts and enhanced brainpower from his skills, he handled the situation with ease.

After assuring his classmates that he would join them for dinner after school, the students gradually dispersed.

Xue Jing then had a long chat with Li He, catching up on various topics, until the bell rang for class.

Xue Jing barely managed to get through the first math class, feeling that he couldn't keep up with the pace. During the break, he quickly slipped away and headed to the Qingda Library.

This was his primary reason for coming to school today; dropping by the classroom was just a side trip.

He swiped his library card and made his way straight to the seventh floor.

In the old attic, the serene girl remained, sitting on a wooden chair, engrossed in a book, as if she hadn't moved for thousands of years.

Xue Jing couldn't help but marvel, "Boss, every time I see you, it feels like you've been sitting here for thousands of years without moving..."

Wu Youqing's hand, which was turning the page, paused for a moment, and she said nonchalantly, "Do you mean I look old?"

Xue Jing smiled and replied, "Someone like you must have a very clear perception of yourself... You can't fool me."

Wu Youqing closed the book with a snap.

"You understand me to some extent... but you don't understand women."

She stood up and walked to Xue Jing, holding the book in one hand and lightly tapping it on his head.

"Even if I know it's not true, hearing unpleasant words will still make me unhappy."

Xue Jing glanced at the cover of the book.

'Existence Beyond 'Strings''—Relationship between Position and Dimension.'

"I've already arranged for your U19 competition. Starting now, you're a signed martial artist of the 'Galaxy Martial Arts Club' and will represent the club as a seeded player in the Maple City Elimination Tournament.

Wu Youqing placed her hands on her hips, arching her chest slightly as she spoke in a gentle tone.

"The Galaxy Martial Arts Club?" Xue Jing asked, puzzled.

"It's one of my family's businesses... Don't worry, the contract I'll draw up for you will have very relaxed terms. You can choose whether or not to compete, and there won't be any forced clauses."

Wu Youqing explained.

"In a few days, you'll be going to Maple City, and I'll have someone from there arrange a personal agent for you. Just leave everything to the agent, and you only need to focus on the competitions."

Xue Jing nodded.

Then he said, "Feel free to handle the competition arrangements, Boss. There's one more thing I wanted to discuss with you today..."

Xue Jing then proceeded to explain in detail the task that Bai Ya had entrusted him with—investigating the borderlands—and that he would be receiving the GOD-508 as a reward.

"A hundred feet higher..."

Wu Youqing's amethyst-like pupils flickered slightly.

"I see..." She nodded and hummed in acknowledgment.

"I suggest you take on this commission."

Xue Jing raised an eyebrow at her words and asked, "Explain."

"You only know one use of the Hundred Feet Higher, but there's another," Wu Youqing said as she sat down on the wooden chair, her posture straight. The tight light blue jeans she wore accentuated the full, round curves of her hips, contrasting with her slender waist.

Xue Jing tilted his head and asked, "Isn't this item meant to help people improve their skills, especially those who have already pushed their skills to their limit and can't improve further? While it's useful to me, I wouldn't say it's 'very useful,' would I?"

Wu Youqing shook her head. "You only know one aspect of it. The GOD-508 can only be used once by anyone, and after that, it becomes useless."

"There are two ways to maximize its effectiveness."

She raised her right hand, extending her index and middle fingers to show the number two.

"Firstly, as you mentioned, it can be used to break through the limits of a pinnacle skill and continue to elevate it further."

"Secondly, it can be used to enhance one's talent."

Xue Jing's eyes lit up at the mention of talent.

"Talent?"

Wu Youqing nodded. "Indeed."

"As long as you place it on your head and do nothing for three days... or rather, don't deliberately do anything and maintain a lazy state, but keep thinking about practicing something in your mind."

"After three days, your talent in that particular skill will improve."

Xue Jing propped himself up, his eyebrow arched. "There's another way to use it?"

"Why didn't Xu Blade mention this when she made the request?" Xue Jing wondered aloud.

If he had known about this additional use of the Hundred Feet Higher, his interest would have skyrocketed, and the probability of him accepting the commission would have increased tenfold.

Wu Youqing smiled. "It's simple. She doesn't know about it either."

"The Hundred Feet Higher is an extremely important divine relic. Only those who have made significant contributions to the Mechanism will be rewarded with its use... Someone at Xu Blade's level, a small team leader, doesn't have the qualifications to know the details."

Xue Jing nodded in understanding.

Wu Youqing continued, "The one who actually made the request to you wasn't Xu Blade but her superior... or rather, it wasn't really a request to you but to me."

"The upper echelons of White Crow believe that you are my person, so the Hundred Feet Higher is essentially meant to impress me."

Her tone remained calm, but a strange smile played at the corners of her mouth.

Xue Jing's mind raced as he instantly understood the underlying dynamics.

On the surface, the commission seemed to come from Xu Blade, but in reality, it was from the upper echelons of White Crow, directed at Wu Youqing.

That was why White Crow offered the Hundred Feet Higher as a reward—not to impress Xue Jing but to curry favor with Wu Youqing, the wealthy and powerful boss.

Hence, White Crow didn't bother explaining the specifics of the Hundred Feet Higher to Xu Blade because offering such a significant reward would naturally convey its importance to Wu Youqing.

Turns out his status in their eyes wasn't worth such a high-level divine relic...

Xue Jing found it a bit amusing but didn't feel slighted. Instead, he acknowledged the logic behind it, knowing that he hadn't displayed abilities worthy of such a reward.

"In that case..."

Xue Jing looked at the girl in front of him, a thought forming in his mind.

"White Crow might be able to find other candidates capable of entering the borderlands."

"The real reason they had Xu Blade approach me and offer the Hundred Feet Higher as a reward wasn't about 'not bowing to Zhugo'..."

"...but to seize the opportunity to build a good relationship with you."

Xue Jing gazed at the strange smile on Wu Youqing's lips and sighed inwardly.

"These big shots sure do beat around the bush a lot in their communications..."

...

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end