I Will Grind My Way To Godhood

“Wow, he's so handsome and tall...”

“Oh my, there's a cat sitting on his shoulder, that's just adorable.”

“Why is even the cat so good-looking? If I secretly take a photo from this angle and post it online, it'll definitely go viral.”

...

In the bustling streets of the eastern city district, amidst an array of towering, gleaming skyscrapers, Xue Jing stood with the cat on his shoulder, his youthful appearance strikingly out of place with the cityscape around him.

A few yards away, he could faintly hear a group of stylishly dressed office ladies, sporting meticulously applied makeup, whispering to one another, as his charm skill panel incessantly registered their reactions.

【Someone has taken a liking to you, Charm Skill EXP +1】

【Someone has taken a liking to you, Charm Skill EXP +1】

【Someone has taken a liking to you, Charm Skill EXP +1】

【Someone has...】

【Charm Skill upgraded to Level 3】

Closing the charm skill panel, Xue Jing asked aloud:

“Are you sure if I go in like this and challenge the dojo, I won't get beaten on the spot?”

The cat first cast a puzzled glance at the young man, then sniffed the air around him.

Why did he seem even more attractive suddenly, and why did he smell nicer...

Shaking its head to dispel such thoughts, the cat let out a soft snort and said, “Since this guru has told you to proceed directly, rest assured there's a plan.”

“In fact, this is the correct way to 'open' the Hidden Dragon Dojo.”

Xue Jing asked curiously, "Oh? How so?"

The cat's tail swept across Xue Jing's cheek, coiling around his neck.

“The students in the dojo are also divided into levels. Those who get in just by paying money, even if taught earnestly, won't amount to much if they lack talent. To uphold its reputation, the dojo must rely on true disciples — those who are genuinely gifted.”

“As for how to select these true disciples... each dojo has its own methods, and one of Hidden Dragon Dojo's methods is 'self-recommendation.'”

“In martial arts, character is especially important. Only with invincible confidence can one unleash invincible punches. Those who trust they have enough talent and dare to showcase it to the dojo have a chance to become true disciples of Hidden Dragon Dojo.”

“What better way to demonstrate your mindset and talent than by 'challenging the dojo'?”

The cat quipped playfully, “You've hardly practiced martial arts and yet dare to challenge the dojo — such unrivaled spirit and astounding wisdom will surely be appreciated by that old man Li.”

Xue Jing said helplessly, “What if I get thoroughly beaten once I'm up there?”

“You won’t be.”

The cat shook its head.

“To save face, the dojo, too, has its pride. Usually, they’ll send someone around your age to accept the challenge.”

“Although you've just learned to use internal force, your physical attributes are incredibly strong, rare for your age. It's unlikely that peers within Hidden Dragon Dojo could match you.”

“Besides, we’re not aiming for a successful challenge. Even if you get beaten up, as long as the dojo sees your potential, our purpose is fulfilled.”

“Anyway, stop overthinking it, get in there, declare your challenge, and leave the rest to me!”

The cat urged.

“...”

Xue Jing nodded, "Alright."

After all, it was a free opportunity to enter the dojo, and he was quite confident in his current abilities.

He opened his interface to check.

[Fitness Lv4]

[Wellness Lv2]

[Culinary Skills Lv3]

[Running Lv4]

[Charisma Lv3]

[Aiming Lv2]

[Combat Lv1]

In these three days, even though he spent most of his time studying how to harness his strength through breathing, he also managed to grind quite a bit of experience in his other skills.

Notably, he made significant progress in fitness, advancing from Lv3 to Lv4. His physical prowess had once again seen considerable enhancement; his bench press weight now reached 200 kilograms. Although his punching power hadn’t been tested, he estimated it to be at least 240 kilograms.

If he used his inner strength, who knows how much more devastating his punch could become.

He was now concerned about not being able to control his strength and accidentally harming someone.

Accompanied by the talking cat, he walked into the office building, entered the elevator, and pressed the button for the 17th floor.

This building was a Grade A office building located in the coveted Eastern District—where land comes at a premium. The rent was extremely high, yet the Hidden Dragon Dojo could afford to lease an entire floor of 2,000 square meters. Xue Jing roughly calculated that the monthly rent must be at least 400,000 Zuxia Currency, indicating substantial financial resources.

When the elevator arrived at the 17th floor, the doors opened to a long corridor. At the end was an automatic transparent door with a plaque bearing the elegant words—Hidden Dragon Dojo.

Xue Jing walked into the grand entrance with the talking cat perched on his shoulder. As soon as they were inside, the cat hopped off and said, “You go handle the challenge. Leave everything else to me,” before disappearing into the dojo, its destination unknown.

“Challenge the dojo? How do I even do that? I've never tried it before…” Xue Jing mused as he walked towards the reception desk not far from the entrance. Sitting there was a young receptionist in a cheongsam, strikingly attractive.

“Excuse me, Miss.”

Approaching her, Xue Jing's face lit up with a smile as warm as the winter sun.

The girl was secretly browsing her phone and was startled by the voice. She quickly raised her head and began, "Yes, how may I assist..."

But her words trailed off as she caught sight of the young man before her, completely entranced.

In Xue Jing, she saw a sea of flowers, a sky full of stars, the face of her first love she had long forgotten, and a blend of all the world's beauty...

【Someone has developed a significant fondness for you, Charm experience +54】

Taking in the sudden burst of information on his panel, Xue Jing paused, drawing back his smile slightly.

The receptionist finally snapped out of her daze, her cheeks flushed. She stood up awkwardly, "Uh... Hello, is there anything you need help with?" she stammered, all the while sneaking glances at him.

My goodness... how can anyone be this good-looking...

Xue Jing hesitated for a moment, then awkwardly said, “Uh… Could you please inform them that I want to challenge the dojo?”

Receptionist: “Huh?”

...

Meanwhile, the talking cat, now inside the Hidden Dragon Dojo, darted through it with clear purpose, dodging around corners until it stood before a door labeled 'Heart Cultivation Room.'

It had just reached the door when a slightly old voice from inside called out, "Come in."

Strangely, they detected its near-silent cat-like steps even through the door.

The cat showed no surprise, reached out with its white-gloved hand, pushed open the door, and entered.

Inside the spacious room sat a single older man in a wheelchair, donning a classic old man's outfit of a white tank top and shorts, his head gleaming like a bright Mediterranean sea.

"Long time no see, Old Li," the cat said softly, its eyes complex.

"Hmm? That voice... Ning, my dear?"

Li Qi responded in surprise.

"Where have you been, little girl? You didn't even let me know you were alive. I've been wheeling around every day looking for you, it's exhausting,"

Li Qi patted his Mediterranean scalp and sighed, shaking his head.

"Spare me, you creepy old man only races around in your wheelchair to flip up high school girls' skirts,"

the cat scoffed.

Old Li wasn't pleased: "Hey, who are you calling small?"

"Not denying the creepy Mediterranean part, though..." the cat said, at a loss for words.

"Enough of this, I've come to you with a single purpose..."