I Will Grind My Way To Godhood

In the helicopter's cockpit, the Mountain Ape, dressed in a black tank top and military pants, was nodding his head to the music playing through his headphones. Suddenly, a violent jolt startled him.

The entire helicopter tilted sharply, nearly capsizing.

He quickly removed his headphones and powered down the helicopter.

The rotors gradually came to a halt as the cockpit door swung open, and the Mountain Ape leaped out.

“Huh, Young Master Ning?”

He looked towards Ning Yuantai, who was embedded in the helicopter's body, with disbelief.

“Come on, this helicopter is on loan from the Qingcheng government, we need to return it...”

Xue Jing tossed the green bamboo segment in his hand, and a panel popped up with a notification.

[Divine material detected, absorbing divinity...]

Watching the divinity points increase by several each second, the silver tint in Xue Jing’s pupils faded. He turned to Void Blade and asked:

“Who’s this guy?”

Void Blade was momentarily taken aback as she came back to her senses from that recent punch. She thought to herself, it's only been a few days, how is he even stronger now... Is this what a genius is like?

She spoke as calmly as she could:

“He’s the 'Zhi Ge' person I told you about... As you can see, he's not all there mentally.”

Xue Jing rubbed his chin, “Does he have strong backing?”

Void Blade gave a soft nod, “Yes, quite strong indeed.”

But not as strong as yours, she added silently in her heart while looking at Xue Jing.

“When the 'Gods' fell and the New Era just began, that chaotic period caused a dramatic reshaping of global order.”

“Out of chaos came heroes... During that time, several formidable figures emerged from our Zhuxia, establishing remarkable legacies that continue to this day...”

“These families, along with a few later rising stars, are known as the 'Thirteen Great Houses'.” Void Blade explained.

“Nowadays, almost everyone residing in the 'Cangting' is related to the Thirteen Great Houses... That should give you an idea.”

“And this Young Master Ning belongs to one of the Thirteen Great Houses, the Ning family.”

Xue Jing raised an eyebrow, “Hmm? His family’s that powerful, so if I roughed him up, I'm in trouble?”

Void Blade shook her head, “Not necessarily... Even though this Young Master Ning seems a bit dense, as he often admits himself, he doesn't really leverage his family ties... Unless his family decides to step in for him.”

“Moreover, the Thirteen Great Houses have vast, sprawling branches, with tens of thousands to as many as millions of descendants in each family. This doesn’t even include those who’ve entirely branched off.”

“I’m not sure about Ning Da Shao’s particular branch, but it's likely not the core of the Ning family.”

Void Blade glanced at Xue Jing again, thinking, seriously, are you really worried about this?

Xue Jing nodded, “That’s good to know.”

He ran his hand over the smooth surface of the green bamboo segment, and with the divinity count exceeding two hundred, he smiled at Void Blade: “Thank you, Captain Void Blade, for bringing [The Bamboo at the Pinnacle].”

Void Blade replied, “No need to thank me, it’s the agreed-upon reward... And for the task of exploring the New Borderlands, you have up to ten days to prepare.”

"During this time, I'll send you some materials about the borderland. Try to read as much as you can. Ten days from now, or if you wish to enter earlier, feel free to contact me at any time."

By the helicopter, the Mountain Ape struggled to pull Ning Yuantai out, letting him hang one arm around its neck for support.

Ning Yuantai didn’t look too well. Although his eyes were open, they were unfocused, and his legs could barely hold him up—a picture of semi-consciousness.

From a distance, Xue Jing waved his hand in greeting to the Mountain Ape and spoke up:

"Oh, by the way, Captain Void Blade, did Su Bijing from the Golden Wind Dojo reveal anything?"

Void Blade's expression froze upon hearing this.

"We did get some information... but it's not easy to discuss. I've been ordered not to mention it to anyone."

"This matter has already been transferred to someone else from higher up."

Her tone became meaningful:

"I can only say, this issue is far more complicated than you imagined... It’s no longer just about the threat of the Celestial Moth Mother."

"The upcoming events are beyond our control, so let it be."

Xue Jing nodded and said, "I see."

After chatting a bit more, Void Blade took her leave, boarding the helicopter that, despite being dented by Xue Jing, remained largely functional, and departed.

Once they left, Xue Jing touched the green bamboo node in his hand.

【Divine Energy Extraction Complete】

The panel popped up, and Xue Jing glanced at his current divine energy reserves.

【Divine Energy Possessed: 668】

He raised an eyebrow, somewhat surprised.

"It actually provided over six hundred points of divine energy... That’s a record breaker."

According to the divine relic database, the sequence numbers of divine relics starting from three hundred onward are purely based on the order of appearance, unrelated to specific functions or danger levels.

A sequence of five hundred doesn't mean it's more powerful than one ranked three thousand, as their sequence ranking simply depends on when they were discovered.

So while 【Tip of the Ten-Thousand-Foot Pole】 has a higher sequence number, Xue Jing didn’t have high expectations for how much divine energy it would provide. Breaking five hundred points was a pleasant surprise, and he wouldn’t be disappointed with just two or three hundred.

He didn’t anticipate it offering over six hundred, catching him off guard.

"With over six hundred… let’s raise Shadow Flame to the next level."

Xue Jing pondered for a moment, speaking to himself.

Currently, Shadow Flame had found a new application, greatly enhancing his combat effectiveness.

He opened the panel and navigated to the divine skill section.

【Shadow Flame Lv2】

Xue Jing clicked to upgrade.

【Shadow Flame Lv3】

With a mere thought, black tendrils of energy emerged from the shadow behind him.

Silently, Xue Jing was engulfed in a large blaze of black fire, dancing in the air, completely engulfing his form.

“With the same expenditure, the shadow flame increased by roughly a third…”

Xue Jing focused his thoughts, and the burning black flames halted instantly, transforming into a flowing, water-like form that covered his entire body, forming a black membrane like a cloak of dark armor enveloping him.

“It's easier to control now, and the membrane's form is very stable with no signs of losing control.”

Xue Jing nodded in satisfaction.

Snapping his fingers, the membrane transformed back into black flames, detaching from his body and sweeping forward like a roaring whirlwind.

A spiral of black flames, several meters in diameter, destroyed everything in its path, carving a deep trench in the field. The smooth cut looked less burnt and more like it was gouged out by the jaws of an enormous beast with razor-sharp teeth.

Xue Jing could no longer control the black flame once it was more than twenty meters away.

The uncontrolled black flames scattered, breaking into countless smaller flames, obliterating large patches of earth and grass until they finally dissipated.

“The power has increased, and the range of control has expanded by nearly half, quite impressive.”

Xue Jing nodded.

“Now for the next thing.”

He tossed the green bamboo segment in his hand.

“I have to keep this on my head for three days… the color is rather unfortunate.”

Xue Jing made a slight grimace at the bright green hue of the bamboo segment…

Despite feeling somewhat awkward about it, Xue Jing placed it atop his head without hesitation.

“An innate talent for mental faculties… how should I approach this?”

Xue Jing mused with a thoughtful look.

“In that case…”

He opened the panel, gazing at his sole mental-related skill—Imagination.

“Let's go with you.”

Over the next three days, Xue Jing lived a lazy life with the bamboo segment 【Bai Chigan Tou】 on his head, something he hadn’t experienced in a long time.

Since activating his wellness skill that kept his energy high, “not working hard” was an unfamiliar feeling.

He would open his eyes in the morning only to close them for another nap, sleeping until the sun was high. Then he’d get up to eat the food prepared by Catcat and spend the day watching anime and playing games in his room, catching up on all the shows and movies he found interesting but hadn’t had the time to watch.

Though his actions were lazy, his mind was always full of enthusiasm, always wanting to “work hard” and “practice imagination,” maintaining his resolve without succumbing to indulgent laziness.

Three days later, Xue Jing was lying on his bed, idly scrolling through his phone.

Suddenly, the bamboo segment on his head started to crackle softly.

Xue Jing’s spirit brightened immediately.

Before he could react, the panel appeared in front of him without warning.

【Special power detected…】

【Specialization conditions met, Imagination can be specialized into a new skill. Specialize?】

Xue Jing’s eyes flickered with interest.

"Hmm? What's...

Above his head, the bamboo segment crackled and began to tremble, increasing in intensity, as if eager to grow wildly.

But it seemed restrained by something, unable to fully extend...

Xue Jing had a curious expression on his face... It felt as though he were... at a standstill...

The panel remained indifferent, showing no sign of prompting, as cold as a piece of wood.

The trembling of the bamboo segment grew more intense, and Xue Jing suspected that if he didn't press 'Yes' soon, this 'Peak of Perfection' might explode.

Although he was indeed curious about what would happen if he deliberately didn't press yes, he didn't want any unforeseen complications and chose to press yes.

In an instant, the bamboo segment, as if finally freed after being locked for hours, surged upward dramatically.

Then, as though drained by something, the entire bamboo body turned a sickly yellow, emitting a withered aura.

[Specialization Successful]

[Visualize Lv6, total 5468 Experience Points converted to Visualize True Lv4]

In a flash, Xue Jing's brain felt as though pierced by needles, a sharp pain stabbing through it.

Quickly followed by a dull ache, as if being incessantly hammered and tempered.

He gritted his teeth, his whole body trembling, cold sweat pouring out, as he felt his spirit being kneaded and reshaped, transforming into a structure completely unlike before.

More complex, more mysterious.

If his previous mental structure was like a roughly built adobe house, not overly concerned with appearance, just enough to suffice, Now, a mysterious force had completely flattened this adobe house.

Then, on a cleared open space, began laying a strong and perfect foundation.

This process was extremely painful, yet carried a strange sense of satisfaction.

It was like a pearl covered in layers of unremovable grime, gradually being cleaned bit by bit.

With each bit cleaned, Xue Jing felt his consciousness becoming clearer.

He didn't know how much time passed, but nearly the entire bed was soaked with his sweat before the intense pain in his mind finally subsided.

What followed was an indescribable comfort and ease.

Xue Jing opened his eyes, breathing lightly.

His spirit felt like it had shed heavy attire, light and airy, making him almost feel capable of soaring.

Ethereal, clear, clean, and... powerful.

Xue Jing removed the elongated bamboo segment from his head and placed it aside.

He sat up, calming his breath, and began sensing his transformation.

The moment he conjured thoughts, complex images emerged in his mind.

Blood flowing like a river, muscles surging robustly, variously colored internal organs...

"Is this... inner vision!?" Xue Jing exclaimed in surprise.

At this moment, every function within his body operated so clearly that it was as if he could perceive it all within his mind.

Xue Jing couldn't help but channel his energy.

In an instant, all the organs inside his body worked in perfect harmony, and through a series of complex maneuvers, a distinctly shaped true dragon emerged from within, roaming back and forth with a resonant dragon roar.

The true dragon seemed to be his very incarnation, maneuvering with ease as if it were an extension of his will. Its body stretched, and its claws flicked gracefully, as if frolicking joyously in a sea of clouds.

Enlightenment dawned upon Xue Jing.

He extended his palm and pressed gently on the mattress below him.

His bloodstream surged with searing heat, transforming into countless sparks, converging with the true dragon onto his palm.

"Killer move – Shaking Starfire."

With a light "pop," the surface of the mattress remained unchanged.

However, inside, crackling noises erupted as the internal materials—memory foam, springs—were utterly shredded, causing the mattress to collapse and sag.

Xue Jing stood up, flexing his hand, and his usually dark pupils now shone with a dazzling clarity.

"Controlling my body feels so effortless," he marveled, like a pilot in a cockpit who had suddenly evolved into an ace aviator.

"Let's try this..."

With a thought, Xue Jing's hair began to move of its own accord, twisting like tentacles, some strands even tangling with each other.

"To be able to control even hair like limbs using energy—this is reaching the pinnacle of control!"

He brushed his medium-length hair back, effortlessly styling it into a sleek combed-back look.

"No need for hair gel!"

Xue Jing felt like a child, everything in the world suddenly filled with novel sensations.

His gaze fell upon a book on the nearby desk.

Driven by an inexplicable impulse, a powerful urge surged within him.

He involuntarily reached out to flip the book open, then stepped back, focusing intently on the page.

Veins bulged on his forehead as his pupils contracted to the extreme.

After a dozen seconds, with a rustle, the book on the desk half a meter away turned a page on its own!

It moved tremulously, as if an invisible, centenarian hand managed to flip it open!

This is, in the truest sense—

a superpower!

……

In this chapter, an intriguing turn of events unfolds as the characters push the boundaries of their capabilities. Xue Jing continues to explore his newfound powers, delving deeper into his potential for visualizing evolution. As he looks within himself, he discovers a means to harness an inner starlight, a force that dazzles with potential like the vast cosmos itself.

Although outwardly calm, Xue Jing's mind is a swirling vortex of possibilities, each more astounding than the last.

His thoughts converge on a singular goal—a true expression of superhuman ability that transcends the ordinary limitations of human existence.

The energy pulsates within him, a burgeoning force on the brink of revelation.

This pursuit of power is not merely for strength's sake but is driven by an intense desire to protect and prevail.

Meanwhile, Bai Ya and Chen Buyan both sense the shifting energy and are drawn into the fray, their own roles in this unfolding saga yet to be clarified.

They watch Xue Jing's progress with a mixture of admiration and trepidation, acutely aware that such transformation comes with its own set of risks and responsibilities.

What transpires between them promises to redefine alliances and challenge existing hierarchies within their group.

As the chapter closes, the narrative leaves us contemplating the true nature of power and its implications for those who dare to seek it.