Chapter 118: Tang San, the Hammer, and the Good-for-Nothing

Can the sacred body be cultivated?

Old Tang and Instructor Yu did not give a definitive answer; they merely said that, with their knowledge, it was impossible to cultivate.

Yet, Blue Star is too small, and the universe too vast.

Beyond heaven and earth, who can say what is possible?

"When you create a universe with a single thought, whether it’s a sacred body, a primordial sacred body, or even a chaotic body, it’s all just a moment’s work," Instructor Yu joked.

Jiang Ming’s heart stirred.

Though spoken in jest, it was indeed achievable.

A universe formed in a single thought?

"Perhaps I really can do it. After all, I have infinite genes. Bloodline is ultimately just a variation of genes."

"Should I take this opportunity?"

A subtle idea took root in Jiang Ming’s mind.

"Your current achievements have reached an astonishing level. Your sixfold-transformed physique has produced five thousand units of Vajra strength. Although this grand examination is filled with prodigies, your chances of ultimate victory are definitely the highest. At worst, you will place in the top five," Instructor Yu said excitedly — truly excited.

This was their province's prodigy, the genius he led.

A talent destined to surpass countless prodigies.

How could he not be thrilled?

"What else do you need? Anything available within the province can be provided," Instructor Yu declared boldly once more.

He carried the hopes of the entire province on his shoulders.

"I want to improve further, but it’s truly difficult now. The path of the soul requires enlightenment, martial arts can’t be mastered in a single leap, and the way of body refinement has reached a bottleneck!" Jiang Ming pondered.

Instructor Yu smiled wryly.

Cultivating all three paths simultaneously at such a profound level — where could he even reason with that?

He was envious.

"If cultivation is hard to improve, then the only option is to focus on combat power," Jiang Ming said, and with a thought, his soul domain appeared, tracing lines of script in the air — the sixteen layers of the Inch Fist method.

"Inch Fist," the precise content of his practice.

"Jiang Ming, that’s unnecessary. Supporting you to make a name in the grand exam will bring immense invisible benefits to the province in return for your fame," Instructor Yu understood the implication.

Feeling somewhat embarrassed to continue asking for favors, Jiang Ming offered the Inch Fist technique as a form of repayment.

"Taking without giving back is really embarrassing!" Jiang Ming said. "Besides, this is a power technique I deduced myself; it holds little value to me. If I want to continue refining it, I need more accumulated experience. Instructor Yu, if you can find me power techniques of various kinds — they don’t need to be profound, just different types — I can use analogies to gain new inspiration."

"That’s easy. I’ll gather some for you soon," Instructor Yu said, then mused, "As for your Inch Fist, it will become part of the province’s foundation. Only those with corresponding merits can purchase it. If it generates revenue, you receive eighty percent."

"Good!" Jiang Ming had no hesitation there but then asked tentatively, "Could you also find me specimens, like blood or hair of special physiques, not limited to humans? If there are gene cultivation methods or theoretical conjectures, that would be even better."

"Blood specimens are not difficult. But gene cultivation methods?" Instructor Yu’s expression changed. "Jiang Ming, even if you have some consideration or confidence, I advise against trying. That stuff is addictive. Once immersed, even with strong self-control, you will unconsciously try it, and nine times out of ten, it causes gene collapse and death. The soul is fundamental, but genes also contain unique personal information — the true core of the body."

"I just want to strengthen my foundation and unlock human potential," Jiang Ming smiled. "Even if I cultivate steadily step by step, I am on a clear path and naturally won’t ruin my future!"

"Then collect some, but do not attempt to cultivate lightly, even if you are certain," Old Tang said sternly.

Jiang Ming nodded seriously.

After chatting a while longer, they exited the virtual combat network and returned to reality.

At that moment, Qin Zhiyan and others had already come out.

Breakfast was ready.

"Brother Jiang, bless us — let’s all break into the top ten!" Long Aotian raised his cup, dreaming of a glorious future.

"Still half asleep," Lan Xin smiled. "Top ten? Breaking the top fifty would be good enough!"

"Lack ambition!" Long Aotian downed his drink. "Safe bet fifty, break top twenty, hope for top ten!"

"You’re talking about me!" Qiang Jiu retorted calmly. "And you?"

He glanced coldly.

"What’s that look?" Long Aotian stomped. "Wait till next time! When we meet again, I’ll definitely cripple you."

"Looking forward to it," Qiang Jiu said coolly.

Qin Zhiyan quietly ate her breakfast.

Making the top hundred was already enough for her to hope for.

Instructor Yu and Old Tang listened happily, enjoying the youthful banter, feeling the vibrant breath of youth — a unique pleasure.

After some bickering, they re-entered the virtual combat network.

Today was the semifinals.

Ninety examinees fought in rounds, divided into ten arenas, continuously battling, with rankings determined by points.

"Brother Jiang, I got some inside news!" Jun Qiye sat beside Jiang Ming, wearing a strange expression.

"Brother Jun, stop teasing. What is it?" Jiang Ming asked.

He noticed these prodigies were haughty.

A pride born deep within.

But no arrogance or bullying nature; if they looked down on someone, they simply ignored them.

If they accepted them, it was a rare kind of affability.

"Your little lover’s clan cousin has arrived," Jun Qiye grinned oddly and lowered his voice. "His name is Qin Yi, and he also made the top hundred. This time, he’s sure to face your little lover. I overheard that he plans to bring her back to their clan and even discussed a marriage proposal."

"A marriage proposal for Brother Jiang’s little lover?" Ye Bai also leaned over, friendly and unreserved.

Their recent match had brought them closer.

Others glanced over as well.

"If she refuses to return, will the Qin family force her?" Jiang Ming asked.

He had expected the Qin family to come for Qin Zhiyan earlier, but they hadn’t appeared during the provincial exams or before the grand exam.

Now, however, they had come directly to the front lines.

"The Qin family is an ancient clan, vast and deeply intertwined. They dare not act openly but won’t hesitate to act secretly," Jun Qiye said. "Do you know which family the proposal is from?"

"Brother Jun, why are you so cautious?" Jiang Ming said irritably. "Just spit it out!"

"You’re really anxious," Jun Qiye laughed. "It’s from Tang Sanchui of the Tang family."

"The Tang family?" Jiang Ming frowned.

There was such a figure in the finals — one of the prodigies, ranked eighteenth on the ladder, remarkable indeed.

"Yes," Jun Qiye nodded. "The Tang family is a rising force, rapidly gaining strength, threatening to surpass the Qin family. Tang Sanchui is their peerless talent of this generation, unmatched. At only seventeen, he reached the fifth realm of martial arts, and he naturally possesses a terrifying Wood Dao divine power, able to control all plants in the world. I suspect he has the Wood Emperor physique — a constitution even stronger than the likes of Thunder or Fire Spirit bodies."

"Though young, he is rebellious and ruthless!"

"As far as I know, when the Qin family learned of Qin Zhiyan, their clan member who had drifted outside, shining brightly in the provincial exams, they took an interest."

"So, following Qin family tradition, a prodigious girl must be paired with an outstanding prodigy."

"The Qin clan elder personally went to the Tang family to propose."

"The target is Tang Sanchui!"

"And the Tang family did not refuse!"

"Tang Sanchui seems quite pleased too. I heard that after discovering her relationship with you, he even threatened to smash you to pieces!"

"Heh heh, Brother Jiang, hearing this news, aren’t you thrilled? Aren’t you happy?" Jun Qiye grinned mischievously.

"Damn, the Qin family is shameless!" Ye Bai exclaimed, stunned.

"Not just shameless, it’s enlightening," Wang Qiutong was shocked. "A clan member drifting outside, not returned yet, and they fix a marriage without asking if she agrees?"

"If it were me..." Luo Qingchen sneered, "I’d turn the Qin family upside down and wouldn’t stop until they’re crushed!"

"There’s more inside news," Jun Qiye added with a laugh.

This guy was like an old coin, always bringing trouble.

He continued, "Back then, Qin Zhiyan’s mother fled the Qin family to prevent her daughter from suffering the same fate as other Qin girls. They changed their names and hid away. Meaning Qin Zhiyan never benefited from the Qin family but even harbors hatred. Her mother died from the wounds caused back then."

"Shameless!" Luo Feng spat two words.

"Truly shameless!" Chen Bei nodded. "If it were me, I wouldn’t bother with the Qin family, but to try to control my marriage? Ha!"

"The Qin family has rotted to such a state, they’re utterly shameless," Fang Qinghan’s eyes gleamed coldly. "They will eventually be devoured by their own corruption."

"Brother Jiang, what’s your plan?" Shi Lei asked.

Everyone looked over.

"Take it one step at a time," Jiang Ming said calmly. "This is the federation’s world, not the Qin family’s."

"Exactly!" Shi Lei clapped his hands. "No matter how big the family, it’s but dust compared to the federation. Especially a rotten clan! Besides, with the grand exam underway, Brother Jiang will soar. Backed by the Sacred Institute and the federation, there’s no fear of the Qin family. Though they might use dirty tricks. Brother Jiang, if you need us, just say the word."

"Brother Jiang, we’re bound to fly across the heavens as true dragons. Our vision spans the multiverse battlefield and cosmic seas. Don’t be distracted by petty troubles. If there’s trouble, don’t hesitate," Ye Bai pounded his chest.

Others voiced similar commitments.

Even though this was just a ladder competition, they had fully accepted Jiang Ming.

"Thanks!" Jiang Ming cupped his fists.

He wouldn’t refuse their goodwill or be arrogant.

The host appeared.

After the opening remarks, the grand exam officially began.

Ten battle arenas appeared in the combat arena, running simultaneously.

The fights grew fiercer and more thrilling, igniting passion in the spectators.

Any one of these competitors would have had a chance to break into the top ten or even become champion in previous years. Yet this year, they couldn’t even enter the top ten.

"Your little lover is very strong," Jun Qiye whispered again. "She improves with every battle. Given enough time, not just the top twenty, but she could easily break into the top fifty. It’s just a pity there isn’t enough time."

"She only recently awakened her maternal bloodline," Jiang Ming noted.

"I can see that," Jun Qiye said. "The Red Flame Ice Sparrow is still a bit lacking, but it can evolve into Yin Yang to improve. You master the Yin Yang path, and she carries the water-fire bloodline — a similar vein. If you two combine, wow, it would greatly enhance her, and also bring you considerable benefit."

"What kind of life will you merge with?" Jiang Ming glanced at him. "Skeleton? Rotten corpse? Old witch? Zombie? Half-beast?"

"You’re disgusting!" Jun Qiye’s expression darkened. "Though I have a ghost body, it’s dignified; besides, I’m human, with human blood flowing inside."

"Rotten corpse sounds good. Brother Jun, you should consider it," Ye Bai chuckled.

"If you keep grossing me out, I swear when we fight, I’ll haunt you forever," Jun Qiye snorted. "Others can’t do it, but I can!"

"Scared, scared!" Ye Bai quickly cupped his fists.

They joked and analyzed every examinee’s situation, their skills, and unique abilities.

Jiang Ming was amazed, astonished.

For instance, one had eight eyes — could you believe it?

Another had four arms, making close combat terrifying.

There were many such cases.

"Our Blue Star still maintains relatively pure bloodlines, but beyond, you’ll find even humanoid bloodlines are considered quite normal," Luo Feng sighed. "I once saw a being with nine different bloodline powers inside and it’s still alive and well."

"Impossible!" Wang Qiutong exclaimed. "How do they suppress bloodline conflicts?"

"Who knows!" Luo Feng said. "I even saw a patchwork creation — many races’ bodies sewn together to form a new life. The multiverse battlefield is full of lunatics."

Just a few words cast a heavy shadow over everyone.

At that moment, Qin Zhiyan faced her opponent again.

"That’s Qin Yi, the strongest genius of the Qin family this generation, ranked ninety-ninth on the ladder — quite impressive!" Jun Qiye nudged Jiang Ming, pointing at the sixth arena.

"Qin Yi!"

Jiang Ming looked over.

Qin Yi had a fair, handsome face, exuding nobility with a trace of arrogance.

True pride.

"I should call you Sister Zhiyan!" Qin Yi smiled at Qin Zhiyan.

Though smiling, there was a superior air about him.

"I didn’t expect you, drifting outside, to make it into the grand exam. When the clan elders heard, they were very pleased — even joyful — and held many banquets to celebrate," Qin Yi continued. "By the way, after the exam, come back with me to the clan. You’ve been away too long; you need to reintroduce yourself and pay respects to the ancestors. Also, to show their regard for you and the hardships you’ve endured, the elders arranged a marriage proposal."

"A marriage proposal for me?" Qin Zhiyan was stunned.

She already knew his background and regarded him as a stranger, yet he babbled on.

She didn’t care about the Qin family.

She held no affection for them.

But now, hearing about a marriage proposal?

"Propose to me? You’re not worthy!" Qin Zhiyan exploded with rage, killing intent bursting forth. "Go to hell!"

She struck suddenly; sword light cascaded like a waterfall, channeling the water-fire path and activating her bloodline power, holding nothing back.

With full force.

"You dare attack me?" Qin Yi’s face darkened. He transmitted, "Borne of our noble Qin bloodline is your honor. Yet you show no gratitude and resist! Truly, base bloodlines cannot produce noble beings — even our Qin blood is tainted."

He looked down on her utterly.

Merely the bastard child of a demon woman.

Accepted by the Qin family yet ungrateful.

"Seeking death!"

Qin Zhiyan’s fury soared, her killing intent overwhelming.

She unleashed the full power of the Ten Thousand Sword Reunion technique Jiang Ming had given her, quickly overpowering him.

"You Qin family heir is truly a waste!" Qin Zhiyan shouted, "Die, die, die!"

With a spin, she severed his arm.

Then beheaded him with a single sword.

"Waste!"

Qin Zhiyan snorted coldly.

Yesterday she passed tests three and four.

Lately, so much was happening.

Getting a driver’s license, practicing driving every day, and so on.

Thankfully, it all ended yesterday.

Scores: Test One: 95; Test Two: 100; Test Three: 100; Test Four: 94.

Impressive — all passed on the first try.

Starting today, normal updates resume.

Let’s see if today can reach the third watch!

Next, try to burst forth!

Friends, please continue to support!

Thank you!

(End of chapter)