I Will Grind My Way To Godhood

At around two in the afternoon.

In the room, Xue Jing waved his hand, causing the oxygenating trees and spider plants to reverse their growth and curl up into seeds. Meanwhile, the wood chips and fragments of leaves on the ground moved as if blown by an invisible wind, gathering into a small mound.

In the shadowy space, a black stream of energy appeared, coalescing into a black flame at Xue Jing's fingertips. With a flick, he sent it towards the pile of wood chips and leaves.

The black flame floated and landed on the mound, suddenly expanding and roaring into a blaze, consuming the small mound in silence, leaving nothing behind.

“Teacher Wan, I'm off to the match, care to join me?” Xue Jing glanced over at the cat lying lazily on the soft bed.

The latter yawned lazily, "Not going, I’m sleeping."

Xue Jing picked up the Rabbit Knife beside him, saying casually, "Alright then, I'm heading out. Don't open the door for strangers while I'm gone."

The cat retorted, "What am I, a child?"

Xue Jing chuckled, saying no more. He stood up, walked to the door, opened it, and stepped out.

Taking the elevator to the hotel's lobby, he saw a few familiar faces seated in the lounge area.

There was the tall and robust Yin Mǔhǔ...and, quite a distance from her, the group from the Xuan Jiao Club: the short Du Mingluan, Xiahou who had once had his shoulder crushed by Xue Jing, and the middle-aged man, Uncle Li.

With the elimination matches officially starting at four in the afternoon, participants had to arrive early, so these competitors, like Xue Jing, were preparing to depart.

Xue Jing's arrival drew varying expressions from the group present.

Du Mingluan's youthful and delicate face stiffened, his gaze lingering on the Rabbit Knife in Xue Jing's hand for a time.

Xiahou instinctively avoided meeting Xue Jing's eyes when caught by his gaze, unable to face him directly, his hand subconsciously touching his right shoulder.

Yin Mǔhǔ appeared unfazed, her muscular and rugged face showing a hint of a smile as she greeted him with an unexpectedly sweet girlish voice:

“Brother Xue.”

Xue Jing nodded at her with a smile, “Sister Yin.”

“Your match is tomorrow, right? Here to watch today?”

Yin Mǔhǔ replied, “Definitely. All the participants in this elimination are experts. You can learn a lot even just by watching, and some things you can only feel on-site, not from a video.”

Xue Jing chuckled, “My agent, Sister Wei, will be driving over to pick me up soon. Why don't you ride with me?”

After considering it, Yin Mǔhǔ agreed, since she'd planned to take a taxi anyway and was happy to catch a ride.

As they spoke, Xue Jing's phone rang.

He pulled it from his pocket, glanced at the screen—it was Jiang Siwei calling—and answered.

“Hey, Sister Wei.”

“You've arrived at the entrance? I'll come out now.”

Hanging up the phone, Xue Jing said to Yin Mǔhǔ, “Let's go, Sister Yin.”

Yin Mǔhǔ stood up and walked beside Xue Jing, the two of them heading towards the door.

Suddenly, Du Mingluan spoke up.

“Xue Jing.”

“Hmm?” Xue Jing paused, turning his head slightly, his gaze drifting towards Du Mingluan with some curiosity.

“I'll see you on the battlefield...don't lose halfway.” Du Mingluan said with a serious expression, looking at Xue Jing.

During yesterday's draw ceremony, he had drawn the eighth match, which placed him in the same bracket half as Xue Jing's sixth match.

Two contestants from this bracket would advance, and if both won their first two matches, they would meet in the third.

Only one could progress between them.

As last year's most expensive young talent from the outer rings, few in Fengcheng's elimination dared to catch his eye.

Xue Jing was among those few.

Since the draw results came out, he considered Xue Jing his only rival in this elimination.

Xue Jing glanced at him, merely nodding and smiling, “You do your best too.”

Yin Mǔhǔ, however, had a peculiar expression on her face.

As they walked out of the hotel, Xiahou Shen looked at Du Mingluan, clicking his tongue, “Meeting your fated rival in your youth, huh? Ah, the essence of youth.”

“But doesn't seem like he thinks much of you?”

Du Mingluan sneered, “You've got some serious trauma, huh? Both your nuts and shoulder got crushed by him?”

His gaze followed Xue Jing's departing figure, an earnest confidence showing on his youthful face, “I will win.”

Xiahou shrugged, “Just don’t get pruned before even earning the right to face him.”

...

Fengcheng Sports Arena.

This was one of the largest sports venues in the Fifth Metropolitan Outer Ring, capable of seating nearly twenty thousand spectators.

A dark red sedan slowly pulled into the parking lot outside the arena.

The rear door opened, and Yin Mǔhǔ’s large frame awkwardly squeezed out, exhaling in relief, “Finally here!”

Her size made every car ride a torment, having to crouch into a ball to fit inside, remaining cramped the entire way.

On the other side, the passenger door opened, and Xue Jing stepped out with the Rabbit Knife, surveying the surroundings.

The main gates of the arena were open, a long line of people queuing to enter in an orderly fashion.

The plaza outside the arena was also bustling with attendees coming to watch the competition live.

Jiang Siwei parked the car, then approached the two with a smile, carrying a briefcase, “Let's head to the main gate. There's a staff entrance there; we can go straight in.”

Yin Mǔhǔ gazed at the packed arena entrance nearby, “How do we get through? Walk on heads?”

Just then, a commotion echoed nearby.

“Move aside, move aside!”

Xue Jing turned his head to look.

Not far away, a group of haughty individuals in dojo uniforms were making their way toward the arena entrance, shoving the crowd aside.

In their midst was a cold-faced, handsome young man.

“Out of the way, out of the way, don't block the path!”

“Hey, what do you think you're doing!”

"Stop pushing! There's no space ahead anymore!"

"Someone's fallen! Stop shoving!"

A small-scale chaos erupted amidst the crowd's pushing, accompanied by the ceaseless sounds of shouting and cursing.

"Who are these people?" Xue Jing wondered aloud.

Yin Muhu furrowed his brows and replied, "Judging by the logo on their uniforms, they should be from the Four Symbols Dojo."

"What are they trying to do, being so aggressive? What if they cause a stampede?"

A young man with a backpack was knocked backward amidst the jostling, but Xue Jing reached out, grabbed his backpack, and lifted him into the air.

The young man felt like a small chick in someone’s grip, his feet dangling, and he turned his head towards Xue Jing, stammering, "Th-thanks."

Xue Jing smiled, released his grip on the backpack, and set the young man down gently. "No need to thank me, be careful."

The young man was momentarily dazed by Xue Jing's smile.

Unconcerned, Xue Jing walked over to the group from the Four Symbols Dojo. "Let's go. Their behavior isn't right; I'll go talk to them."

Jiang Siwei was puzzled, "Talk to them? How?"

Standing by, Yin Muhu grinned, revealing a set of pristine white teeth, "Sister Wei, there are two ways a martial artist persuades others."

"One is with reason, the other is with force."

"Usually, these methods are used alternately, but based on personal preference, some like to use reason first, while others start with force."

Jiang Siwei was baffled, "Huh?"

Before she could grasp Yin Muhu's words, the action had already begun not far away.

"Hey kid, what are you trying to – ah!"

Crack!

"Damn, you brat, are you tired of living – ah!"

Crack!

"Damn it – ah!"

Crack!

"Hold on – ah!"

Crack!

"We belong to the Four Symbols – ah!"

By the time Jiang Siwei turned to look, the group from the Four Symbols Dojo had been laid flat on the ground.

Everyone was clutching a part of their body that was bent at an exaggerated angle, wailing in pain.

Yin Muhu chimed in, "Looks like Brother Xue leans towards the force-first approach."

Jiang Siwei could only respond with silence.

The surrounding crowd was stunned into silence by the scene before them.

"Promise me all of you will follow the rules, okay? Arriving ten minutes early won't send you to your ancestors any faster."

Xue Jing kindly addressed the group wailing on the ground.

"You little punk, don't get too cocky!"

Among them, one held his twisted hand, glaring at Xue Jing before turning to the one standing apart, a younger member of the Four Symbols group.

"Junior Brother Ji, why are you just standing there watching?"

Xue Jing also turned his attention to the cold-faced young man, curious about him.

Since Xue Jing started breaking the hands of the first person, this young man's attention had been on him, yet he made no move to intervene as his fellow disciples were all taken out, showing no changes in expression throughout.

"Junior Brother Ji, step in and deal with this guy!"

Ignoring the cries for help, Junior Brother Ji nodded slightly at Xue Jing, his expression still indifferent, his tone steady, "Thank you."

Xue Jing raised an eyebrow, "Oh?"

"They... are my peers."

"It’s difficult for me to make a move on them."

"You've helped me."

Speaking slowly and deliberately, Junior Brother Ji chose his words carefully.

Xue Jing couldn't help but chuckle.

"You're quite interesting... My name's Xue Jing, what's yours?"

"Ji Huaiyu."

Xue Jing nodded in acknowledgment, "I'll remember that."

He then pointed to the disciples of Four Symbols Dojo around them.

"Keep them in line. If they don’t listen, you don’t need to fight them, just touch their injured parts. It’s just showing concern for your injured brothers, no problem at all, right?"

Ji Huaiyu hesitated, then a vague understanding crossed his handsome face.

"Got it. Thank you."

His demeanor remained aloof, tone unchanged, revealing no hint of gratitude.

Xue Jing smiled again, stepped over to the loudest Four Symbols disciple, and stepped on his fingers.

"Aaaaah!!" The latter immediately screamed in agony.

"Sorry, the crowd's just too many. It's easy to step on something in the chaos." Xue Jing apologized insincerely.

"You...!!" The man was furious beyond words.

But Xue Jing had already turned and walked away.

The onlookers watched his retreating figure in shock.

"Oh my god, how can he be so cool!"

"Who is that guy? He's so young and so skilled, he must be competing in the U19 tournament!"

"In ten seconds, I want all the intel on this man!"

"They weren’t expecting it, huh? Thought they were invincible, only to find the wall came to them!"

“This is what a martial artist should be, standing up for justice when they see something unjust!”

Amidst the clamor, Xue Jing returned to the side of Jiang Siwei and Yin Muhu.

“Little Jing, you were amazing...” Jiang Siwei covered her mouth with both hands, looking at him with admiration like a little fangirl.

It was the first time she had seen her younger brother in action.

“True that, no question.” Yin Muhu agreed.

Xue Jing nonchalantly said, “Alright, let's go.”

The trio followed the crowd towards the main entrance of the venue.

On the way, Jiang Siwei regretfully remarked, “It would have been a great headline if we’d highlighted the way you dealt with them just now. Such a shame you’re not interested...”

With a little maneuvering and a photo of the scene, Xue Jing’s face could be spread, establishing the persona of a righteous and talented young martial artist.

At the very least, it could gain some popularity and even make it onto trending searches.

Xue Jing only smiled and didn’t reply.

...

Making their way through the crowd, the trio soon arrived at the venue entrance. After a series of identity verifications, they went through the staff passage and entered the sports arena.

Jiang Siwei took her briefcase to handle some matters with the venue staff, while Xue Jing and Yin Muhu headed to the participants' lounge.

Time slowly passed, nearing four o'clock in the afternoon.

By now, the audience had mostly arrived and taken their seats.

In the lounge, Jiang Siwei, who had returned, suddenly said, “It's time, it’s about to start.”

No sooner had she spoken than the entire venue was plunged into darkness.

Subsequently, colorful neon lights began to flash, and a large, spacious platform in the center of the venue slowly rose. Standing on it was a young male singer in a flashy stage outfit, holding a microphone.

With the dynamic background music playing, his powerful voice echoed throughout the venue.

“~ Never succumb to the so-called lack of talent ~ Always believe in the reward of diligence ~”

Yin Muhu sneered: “'Reward of Diligence', the martial artists' association anthem.”

“Total nonsense.”

“Only those who’ve worked hard know the importance of talent. Without talent, you don't even have the qualification to strive.”

Listening to the song, Xue Jing chuckled, “Not a bad performance, he’s got strong vocals.”

“Of course, he does. That singer is also a martial artist,” Yin Muhu mentioned.

“In recent years, professional martial artists in the club system have gotten increasingly flamboyant, singing, acting, even appearing in variety shows, and each one’s more handsome than the last. I don’t get it, why don’t they just pursue a career in showbiz?”

Beside them, Jiang Siwei was flipping through a document and laughed at the mention: “Being a martial artist is an excellent selling point. Traditional celebrities are no longer in vogue. To make it big now, the best way is to train in martial arts; martial arts stars are way more popular than regular ones.”

Yin Muhu sighed, “This makes me feel strange, like the pure luster of the words ‘martial artist’ is being shared and tainted by all sorts of people, it feels inexplicably uncomfortable.”

Xue Jing glanced at her without comment.

He himself didn't mind much, not being a pure martial artist. Although he understood Yin Muhu's sentiments, he didn’t feel particularly nostalgic.

Jiang Siwei consoled, “Times change, it’s hard for individual will to counter the tides of the era. Don’t overthink it, Little Yin.”

The opening performance lasted for nearly twenty minutes, featuring many singers, bands, and performers Xue Jing didn’t recognize, but it was quite lively.

As the performance concluded, the platform was swiftly cleared by the staff, and the lights in the venue came on.

Meanwhile, an announcer's voice rang throughout the venue.

“Hello, everyone! Good afternoon and welcome to the Feng City Elimination round of the 37th U19 Unlimited Elite Fighting Tournament. I’m commentator Hao Yongyun!”

“And I’m Zeng Qian.”

The big screen in the venue displayed the three commentators, two males and one female, who were sitting at the commentary table not far from the ring.

“Oh, how tough this week has been, finally we can watch the long-awaited elimination rounds...”

After some casual chatter, they quickly proceeded to thank various sponsors and related departments, as well as acknowledge different advertisements.

“Thanks to Mingzhen Sports Equipment for their support...”

“Thanks to Kande Security, Black Tide Security, and Galaxy Martial Arts Club's support.”

“Thanks to the Feng City Cultural and Tourism Bureau for guiding this event...”

Finally, they reached the match segment after a series of acknowledgments.

“Alright, without further ado, let's welcome the participants!”

The lights dimmed once again, followed by spotlights of various colors illuminating the entrance to the players' aisle.

“First, please welcome...”

In the participants' lounge, Yin Muhu stood up and said, “I’m going to get a close-up look at the ring side, Xue brother, what about you?”

Xue Jing smiled, “I’ll watch from here, you go ahead.”

After Yin Muhu left, Jiang Siwei on the side said, “Little Jing, you remember all the rules, right?”

Xue Jing nodded, “I’ve remembered them all.”

Though U19 is termed as ‘unlimited’, it’s still a tournament meant for audiences, not an entirely realistic combat setting, hence there are still some rules.

For instance, while it's allowed to carry weapons, they must be limited to cold weapons. Otherwise, if someone were to draw a Western-style Iai straight away... Although arguably wicked in martial terms, it wouldn’t be very suitable, nor spectator-friendly.

Also, one can’t engage in passive combat, use excessively foul language, spit at opponents, or perform any bizarre acts like collecting feces and throwing them at opponents...

Strange as they are, these rules must have been born from some extraordinary incidents in past U19s.

“Alright, then it’s fine.”

Jiang Siwei nodded.

“However, I must stress that the most important rule must be adhered to, above all others.”

“—No killing opponents.”

Jiang Siwei stated solemnly.

“This is a formal martial arts competition, and it’s broadcasted live. If anyone kills an opponent, they will be immediately disqualified...”

Xue Jing raised an eyebrow, “Don’t worry, Sister Wei, I’m not some homicidal maniac.”

He turned his gaze towards the live broadcast of the match on the screen.

The player introductions were complete, and the match officially began.

In the broadcast, two young competitors faced off as three commentators passionately narrated, stirring the crowd's enthusiasm.

Xue Jing watched for a bit, feeling the two weren't particularly skilled, so he took out his phone to send a message to his sister, Xue Wan. 'Xue Jing: Are you at the venue yet?'

He barely sent it before Xue Wan almost instantly replied. 'Xue Wan: [Image] Yes, I'm here!'

Opening the image reveals a photo of Xue Wan with classmates Zhao Lu and others, each holding milk tea and posing cutely for the camera, with the U19 event as the backdrop. 'Xue Wan: My silly little bro, Zhao Lu wants to know when you’re up!'

'Xue Jing: Sixth match.'

...

Chatting on WeChat while occasionally watching the matches interspersed with the crowd's cheers, time seemed to fly by.

In over three hours, five matches were completed, with only the third match, featuring Si Xiang Dao disciple Ji Huaiyu, catching Xue Jing's attention for a moment.

"Xue Jing, Xue Jing, it's time to prepare for your match."

A staff member's voice called from outside the rest area.

Xue Jing stood, dusted off his black martial arts outfit, picked up the Futu Blade next to him, and said to Jiang Siwei, "I'm going, Sister Wei."

Jiang Siwei nodded with a smile, "Good luck, little Jing, may martial fortune be with you."

Xue Jing opened the rest area door and stepped out.

Following the staff, he arrived at the waiting area, just before the contestant tunnel, which led to the stage. "There's a five-minute break, and when the commentary mentions you, make your entrance, understood? Xue Jing."

The staff briefly admired the boy’s exceptional looks.

Surely, his appearance would stir up the audience.

"Got it." Xue Jing waved them away.

Waiting in front of the contestant tunnel, he calmly awaited his first public appearance in a highly anticipated setting.

Facing the scrutiny of thousands for the first time, he might naturally feel nervous, yet his heart remained tranquil, unfazed, much like going out to buy groceries.

"...Let's welcome—Li Chengxuan!"

The commentator's voice echoed from the tunnel.

"Li Chengxuan, a familiar face from the Goldwind dojo in Qing City, ranks at the lowest level among their disciples. His style is the 'Goldwind White Rainbow Sword.'"

"Previously participating in our Feng City preliminaries, he was almost unbeatable, making him one of this year's U19 dark horses!"

"Let's check out his stats..."

"Attack 7, Speed 7, Defense 7, Skill... Skill 8, Spirit 7, Intelligence 7."

"Wow, a nearly perfect shape with no apparent weaknesses."

"But Li Chengxuan seems odd today. Usually vibrant and cheerful, today he seems tense. Could he be wary of his opponent?"

"Without further ado, next up, we have—Xue Jing!"

Hearing his name, Xue Jing stepped forward, unhurriedly moving down the contestant tunnel.

"He’s coming, he's really coming!"

In the stands, Zhao Lu shook Xue Wan's arm, eyes fixed on the tunnel exit.

"Xue Jing..."

"Brother Xue..."

By the ring, Yin Muhu, Du Mingluan, and several other youths turned their gaze.

"He's here, our junior disciple is making his entrance!"

At Canglong Dojo, inside the Yangxin Pavilion, a large TV displayed the scene as Li Qi, Chen Fugang, Meng Boxiang, Meng Qingjiao, and Zhushan Ying, master and disciples, watched intently.

At Yunlu Hotel, Cat, groggily rubbed her eyes, fixating on the wall-mounted TV.

In the seventh floor of Qing University Library, a serene ponytailed girl sipped tea as she glanced at her phone screen on the table.

In the dim arena, several spotlights focused on the exit.

A youth brandishing a long knife emerged.

When his visage was fully revealed on the big screen, the lively and boisterous sports arena seemed to fall silent for a moment.

Beneath his short, tousled black hair lay a face crafted with divine precision.

He strode out from the spotlight, his posture steady and firm like an ancient pine, exuding a grace and poise rare among his peers.

The title 'Young Master' seemed tailor-made for him.

As he walked onto the stage bathed in light, the venue erupted with noise much louder than when Li Chengxuan began.

"Whoa, who is he!? How come I've never heard of him before?"

"He's too handsome!"

"I don’t care who he is or where he's from, but from now on, he's my husband!"

"Golden prince, isn't every handsome guy your husband?"

"I don't care, he's my husband, my husband, my husband!!!"

By the ring, a photographer on a raised platform circled Xue Jing, capturing a detailed 360-degree shot — treatment no other competitor had received before.

The camera panned from his front to his side, back, and back to the front again.

At the last moment, Xue Jing gently turned to the camera, offering a subtle smile.

The venue hushed once more before erupting...

"Ahhhh!!"

"Ahhhh! I’m dead!"

"Husband, husband, my husband ahhh!!!"

In the stands, the screams nearly pierced eardrums.

Xue Wan quickly covered her ears, grumbling yet smugly saying, "Look at these people acting like they've never seen the world, making such a fuss..."

She glanced at her classmates, Zhao Lu and the others, only to find that they were completely frozen in place, their bodies stiff.

"Hey? What's wrong with you all?"

Zhao Lu was the first to regain her composure and sincerely took Xue Wan's hand:

"Sister-in-law!"

Xue Wan: "?"

...

"Wow~ Contestant Xue Jing made a sensation as soon as he appeared."

"A coincidence indeed, like contestant Li Chengxuan, he also hails from Qingcheng, representing the Galaxy Martial Arts Club, and practices the 'Hidden Dragon Style.'"

"He entered directly as a seed contestant for the Galaxy Club’s elimination rounds, with no prior competition records; today marks his debut on the stage."

"According to the data, he is also a student in the elite class of the affiliated high school of Qingcheng University... Wow, he truly excels both academically and in martial prowess, and is incredibly handsome."

"Hexagonal data chart... Hmm, not available, all are question marks."

The voice of commentator Hao Yongyun echoed throughout the venue.

On the stage, Li Chengxuan, holding a dark golden eight-sided Chinese sword, gazed intently at Xue Jing and slowly spoke:

"Long time no see, Xue Jing."

"Last time I was careless. This time, you won’t be so lucky."

Xue Jing glanced at him, puzzled: "You are?"

Li Chengxuan: "..."

"Ha, playing this trick? No matter, I will soon remind you."

Li Chengxuan twirled his sword swiftly.

"I didn’t waste time, and I must thank you. From adversity, my injuries healed, and my strength has transformed, reaching the realm of 'Cut Without Hindrance.'"

He tilted the sword to the ground, and without any visible action, energy surged forth from the sword tip, piercing a hole through the platform ground.

"See that? That's sword energy. I have learned to use it!"

"This is a realm that ordinary martial artists may never reach in a lifetime of sword practice, yet I have achieved it!"

"Now, I fear I might not hold back and accidentally kill you with a single strike..."

Xue Jing smiled but did not respond.

"Oh? The two contestants seem to be conversing. Do they know each other? Well, it's possible since they are both local talents from Qingcheng, respected as young prodigies, it's normal for them to admire each other."

"Contestant Li Chengxuan, that's sword energy! He can wield sword energy! Truly the dark horse of the U19, once again leaving us in awe!"

"It seems this will be an exceptional match between these young hometown prodigies. What surprises might they bring us? Let’s wait and see!"

On the stage, the referee positioned himself between the two.

"Contestants, take your positions."

"Ready..."

"Start!"

The referee waved his hand between them, quickly retreating from the stage.

In the arena, neither moved immediately.

The audience watched with anticipation.

"Clang—"

Xue Jing slowly drew his rabbit-slaying knife from its sheath.

He then spoke softly:

"I will strike but once."

"If you withstand it, we will merely decide victory; fail, and it is life and death."

Li Chengxuan frowned: "What are you talking abo—”

Before he finished, Xue Jing's pupils abruptly transformed.

The dark golden vertical pupils emerged.

—Eye Piercing Style.

Then, divinity's silvery white flooded his pupils.

Li Chengxuan's body suddenly tightened, scalp tingling, as alarm bells rang wildly in his heart.

Like prey encountering a predator at the top of the food chain, an intense feeling of danger swept over him.

For a moment, he almost wanted to abandon everything, turning to flee!

This person... what on earth is happening!!?

He's completely different from before!

"Fate like a knife cannot be altered."

Xue Jing’s tone carried divine detachment and disdain.

"Pray."

"What you face is fate itself."

"The only thing left is to pray."

"Boom!!"

Raucous thunder exploded, echoing throughout the venue.

The blade flashed, transforming into a torrent of black dragons.

All the way, the solid stage floor was churned, carving a spiraling deep groove, the bricks and soil swept into the whirlwind, carrying immense momentum, rampaging towards Li Chengxuan.

Li Chengxuan, eyes hollow, trembled slightly holding his eight-sided sword.

How to fight this?

He looked hopeless, merely gathering energy in confusion, thrusting his sword.

The sword energy was effortlessly engulfed by the raging tornado.

It was as futile as trying to repel a rampaging T-rex with a toothpick, absurdly comical.

In his despair, Li Chengxuan was devoured on the spot by the pitch-black beast.

After the tornado's fury subsided, the entire venue fell into silence.

"What did you just say you could do again?"

"Sword energy?"

Xue Jing tilted his head slightly, glancing at the defeated figure of Li Chengxuan on the ground, and asked.