I Will Grind My Way To Godhood

"Does the cruise ship ever encounter any danger while constantly sailing at sea?"

Xue Jing pondered for a moment before asking.

Whether it was intuition or something else, he felt a bit concerned about Ning Fengwan's comment, "I have a feeling this ship is in trouble," hence he decided to voice his concern.

After all, this wasn't the relatively peaceful and normal world of the Earth he remembered.

The phenomenon of overlapping realms wasn't confined to land alone. On a planet where more than 70% of its surface was ocean, boundary areas in the sea were just as frequent as those on land.

Upon hearing this, the head of security, Chen Liang, laughed and responded, "It's understandable that you have such doubts... but rest assured."

"Though the ocean is vast and deep, and unlike land, we can't establish a 'border defense line' to keep all boundary creatures out, we can still hold back the vast majority. Our Zuuxia navy is exceptionally strong, and as a retired naval officer, I can assure you of that."

"Marine creatures, or ‘Oceanites,’ generally have one trait: the bigger they are, the stronger they are. And the stronger they are, the bigger they are. Those reaching a massive size can't bypass the naval defense line. Thus, even if some do infiltrate internally, they are generally very weak with few exceptions. They pose no threat to the cruise ship.”

Xue Jing raised an eyebrow, "Few exceptions, meaning there are exceptions?"

Chen Liang laughed heartily, "Those cases are incredibly rare, rarer than winning the grand prize. We won't be that unlucky, ha ha ha."

…

As dusk fell, the sound of the ship's horn resonated across the dock, and the Infinite New Star slowly departed from the port, setting course on its predetermined route.

In the suite on the twenty-second floor, Xue Jing stood on the balcony, the salty sea breeze tousling his hair as he practiced his vigorous "Shaking Armor Technique."

The swaying ship and uneven floor had no effect on him. He executed one complex and challenging move after another, his breathing techniques intertwining, refining every muscle in his body.

Today, his focus was on the 'Flesh Training' aspect of the Shaking Armor Technique, which simultaneously enhanced his 'Spleen Training.'

The spleen corresponds to flesh, and when the spleen is strong, the flesh becomes firm.

In the concepts of ancient medicine and Taoism, the spleen and flesh are associated with the sense of 'taste,' linked to the lips, a part of touch.

As he continued his training, Xue Jing could feel his skin becoming more sensitive, detecting myriad details from the breeze brushing against him.

Temperature, wind direction, humidity...

While he couldn't perceive them with the precision of a weather report, he could feel them vaguely.

By the end of his routine, Xue Jing slowly concluded his practice, calming his breathing and the trembling, numbing pain in his muscles.

"Training the spleen enhances one's sense of touch... According to my master, the spleen is the most crucial 'Mediator' among the five viscera, balancing their interrelationships. As long as the spleen remains strong, the other viscera should be free from problems."

"If only I could master the Taoist 'Mediator Technique'... It's acclaimed as the premier technique for nourishing the viscera. Who knows what effects it might have once mastered?"

Xue Jing mused.

He retrieved a nebulizer, pouring a dose of Dragon Thunder Powder into it. After donning the oxygen mask, he pressed the start button, activating the breathing technique, and began inhaling the medicinal mist.

Time passed unnoticed, and when he opened his eyes again, the nebulizer was already empty.

【…Fitness Experience Points +377】

【... Hidden Dragon Technique Experience +343】

【... Vitality Experience +225】

【Hidden Dragon Technique Upgraded to Lv6】

Xue Jing trembled all over, faint dragon roars emanated from every inch of his body, as if in delight or excitement. His skin quivered like rippling waves.

The Hidden Dragon Technique, a unique skill whose upgrade demands are on par with 【Contemplation·True】, had finally leveled up once more.

Xue Jing closed his eyes and turned his focus inward.

Within his body, a pure dragon formed by ethereal energy roamed freely and joyously. With each exhilarating surge, a dragon's roar echoed, his body resonating like a great river stirred, producing deep, rhythmic rumbles.

“It’s grown bigger.”

Xue Jing observed the lively, agile dragon, thinking to himself.

At Lv6, its body had grown significantly, symbolizing vastly strengthened energy.

Not only that, but the details of its form became clearer, with movements resembling that of a living creature rather than an abstract, energy-formed consciousness.

With a thought, Xue Jing prompted the dragon to respond, navigating through the inner river, surging into his arm.

“Whoosh—”

He swung a punch, his fist slicing through the air, creating a white wave, followed by a dragon's roar. The wave transformed into a vague dragon shape, the head appearing at the fist's edge.

It was as if he had punched the dragon from within him outwards.

No, it was precisely that—the dragon was indeed punched out.

At the culmination of his punch, the white wave-formed dragon detached from his fist, roaring as it flew forward.

“Crash—”

Several meters away, a balcony railing was struck by the draconic qi energy, leaving a dragon-head-shaped hole.

Xue Jing paused in thought.

In real-world physics, he clearly hadn’t achieved the level of a ‘vacuum punch’ capable of launching air with lethal force.

Thus, it was evident this was another manifestation of ‘mental intervention shaping personal reality’.

The Hidden Dragon Technique’s upgrade and the gradual activation of the internal dragon transformed ‘energy’, an intangible entity, into substantial ‘qi energy’.

“Interesting.”

Intrigued, Xue Jing immediately activated his consciousness simulation.

Countless pixel blocks formed a virtual ‘Infinite Nova’, and across from the balcony, another version of Xue Jing appeared.

Soon, the two began exchanging draconic qi energy bursts, akin to a shootout.

Countless dragons, formed from white waves, roared towards their counterpart, dragon roars reverberating indefinitely.

The sound of impact resounded, "Smack——Thud——Thud——". Caught off guard, Xue Jing was struck by the draconic qi energy, the sensation indistinguishable from a real punch. He gingerly touched the dragon-shaped imprint left on his cheek, shaking his slightly dizzy head.

The deck, walls, and glass around him bore holes shaped like dragon heads.

Having thoroughly enjoyed himself, Xue Jing exited his consciousness simulation.

【...Combat Experience +89】

【...Hidden Dragon Technique Experience +233】

【...Aiming Experience +127】

【...True Visualization Experience +175】

Returning indoors from the balcony, Xue Jing headed to the bathroom for a shower before stepping out.

Lying on the bed, Ning Fengwan rested her chin on a pillow, her hands clasped around a magazine that she was flipping through. She wore a pink-and-white silk summer pajama set—shorts and a short tee—her long, dazzlingly white legs kicking back and forth. Her unpainted toenails gleamed like jade, and her black cat tail with a ring on it lazily swayed in the air, reflecting her good mood.

"Teacher Wan, I'm ready. Shall we go out and have some fun?" Xue Jing suggested.

The cruise ship offered an abundance of entertainment options, and it seemed wasteful not to engage in some enjoyment during this rare visit.

Ning Fengwan yawned, revealing her adorably sharp little tiger teeth. Her tired eyes were watering slightly.

"...No, I want to sleep."

"Eight o'clock is already late for a little kitten." Ning Fengwan closed her magazine, tossing it onto the bedside table, burying her small face into the soft pillow, pretending to have fallen asleep.

"Alright then."

Xue Jing shrugged, retrieving a wine-red suit from the wardrobe.

This was a gift from his senior sister, Zhushan Ying. When Xue Jing received his first commission from the Hidden Dragon Dojo to visit the Rui Zhu Hotel, Zhushan Ying had recommended this outfit.

Its brand was unknown, and the absence of any label or tag hinted at its exclusivity; its feel alone suggested luxury. Xue Jing donned the suit, tied his tie, and checked himself in the mirror.

Suits, requiring broad shoulders to appear good, seemed no issue for Xue Jing, whose physique had been meticulously sculpted through numerous skills imparted by A-ban. His teacher, Li Qi, had professionally certified his build as the most balanced and perfect within the human species.

As his energy coursed through him, it reached the ends of his hair, causing his mid-length locks to sway backward, defying any breeze, forming a neat slicked-back style.

Wearing this stylish suit, with his hair styled maturely, Xue Jing's young appearance gained a touch of sophistication and sexy allure, diminishing his boyish charm.

Ning Fengwan, lying on the bed, surreptitiously glanced at Xue Jing. Her cheeks immediately flushed with a rose-tint, and her thighs rubbed together involuntarily.

Fastening the cuff buttons assertively, Xue Jing stepped out of the room.

The reason for this getup is quite special.

It’s because of where he’s going:

the casino.

It’s not that the casino mandates a suit, but simply because of his admiration for the film 'God of Gamblers.' He wore it to capture that vibe.

“Drugs and gambling are things ordinary people should never touch. One alters the body's structure, the other directly alters the mind's structure.”

Xue Jing pondered as he headed towards the casino.

There’s essentially no difference between a gambling addiction and a drug addiction.

For those addicted to gambling, what they pursue is no longer 'winning money,' but the 'thrill of gambling victory.' Such an addiction can completely destroy a person; emotions, willpower—none can withstand the overpowering pleasure of this absolute mental high.

However, to Xue Jing, it hardly mattered.

The prerequisite for developing a gambling addiction is prioritizing something like ‘money.’

Only with a substantial emphasis on money can it impact one’s emotions and psyche, making 'winning money' feel gratifying.

But Xue Jing's pursuit is no longer about money itself.

His reason for visiting the casino was simply to broaden his horizons by experiencing new things.

…

A magnificent pair of double doors was opened by two attendants in suits, and Xue Jing stepped into the casino.

It was an enormous, sprawling three-story casino. Upon entry, a cacophony of noise surged, with countless men and women mingling inside.

To Xue Jing’s surprise, there were far fewer people in formal suits and evening gowns than he expected; perhaps only half were dressed as such, leaving him slightly disappointed, feeling the ambiance lacked.

Ascending a staircase covered in red carpet, Xue Jing walked further into the casino. He hadn’t yet decided what to do when a figure hurriedly approached him.

“Mr. Xue, you’re here!”

The security chief, Chen Liang, greeted him.

“Chief Chen, you certainly are everywhere.”

Xue Jing chuckled.

Chen Liang respectfully replied, “Mere coincidence, coincidence. I heard from below that Mr. Xue had come aboard, and since I happened to be here, I thought I’d come say hello.”

Xue Jing led the way, with Chen Liang trailing half a step behind him.

His striking appearance drew the attention of those around; some were even so distracted that they momentarily forgot they were playing cards, rendering the once bustling casino largely silent.

Undoubtedly, from the moment he stepped in, he became the brightest star in the casino.

Xue Jing, long accustomed to these gazes, showed no reaction. He casually remarked to Chen Liang, “By the way, has the ship reached international waters yet? Is it alright to open the casino now?”

Zhu Xia's restrictions on gambling meant the on-board casino could only operate once they were in international waters, beyond Zhu Xia's jurisdiction.

“We haven’t reached international waters yet, but the passengers here aren’t really 'gambling,' merely playing cards for fun.”

Chen Liang chuckled.

"Currently, all the chips in the hands of the passengers in the casino aren't bought with money... They're essentially like the chips in 'Monopoly', just purely for playing games."

"Zhuxia doesn't prohibit playing 'Monopoly', after all."

Chen Liang glanced at the tables where passengers appeared either excited, anxious, or disappointed.

He said meaningfully, "Once this ship sails into international waters... naturally, there will be ways..."

He didn't finish, but Xue Jing understood his implications.

"Every industry seems to have many ways to exploit loopholes," Xue Jing smiled.

Seeing that Xue Jing didn't seem to mind, Chen Liang relaxed a bit and laughed, "Indeed... Our cruise line doesn't make its profit from tickets and such. The main income comes from the casino, so of course, we need to..."

The two chatted casually as they strolled.

"Mr. Xue, would you like to play a couple of rounds? I can have someone bring you some chips..." offered Chen Liang.

In the dimly lit depths of the casino, a strange and otherworldly aura pulsated.

A vibrant, palpable energy seemed to coil through the air, like a dragon of legend coming to life.

Amidst the clinking of chips and the low hum of conversations, Xue Jing's senses were drawn towards this enigmatic presence.

He felt an intangible force guiding him through the bustling casino, pulling him towards the source of the disturbance.

Conversation with Chen Liang had been left unfinished, the allure of this mysterious phenomenon proving irresistible.

Xue Jing maneuvered through throngs of guests, weaving between tables and navigating the labyrinthine interior of the ship with practiced ease.

When he finally paused, it was beneath an ornate chandelier casting flickering shadows across a high-stakes poker game.

Here, the enigmatic short-haired woman from before had reappeared, her presence as striking and elusive as the aura itself.

Her eyes, glinting with secrets, met Xue Jing's, seemingly drawing him into a silent pact of understanding.

There was much beneath the surface, layers yet to uncover in the heart of this floating palace of chance and danger.