I Will Grind My Way To Godhood

[Weapon Mastery Lv1]

This was the skill Xue Jing successfully activated just a day after he formally began studying weapon techniques.

With his extensive knowledge in martial arts, he found it effortless to meet the activation conditions for this skill.

Xue Jing gripped the longsword in his hand, twisting his wrist to perform a flourish.

Much like before, this skill did not offer him any direct weapon techniques.

From his observations over the past two days, [Weapon Mastery] granted him slight physical enhancements.

However, the main advantage was the almost mystical feeling he got when he wielded a weapon.

Holding a sword felt innate, as if the blade was an extension of his arm, moving with the ease of his own limbs.

When infusing power into the blade, it felt seamless, without any hindrance.

This allowed him to learn sword techniques at an astonishing rate, and within merely a day, he had grasped the fundamentals enough to use them in actual combat.

“Junior Brother, shall we continue?”

Chen Fuguang asked with a smile.

Xue Jing nodded, holding the longsword, “Let’s continue, Senior Brother Chen.”

Due to the need for ample space when using swords, the two conducted their weapon combat training in the dojo.

The rare sight of two personal disciples sparring on stage naturally attracted the ordinary disciples around them.

“Is that the junior brother who made the news—Xue Jing? He really stands out.”

Someone remarked in awe.

“I came to learn martial arts at Canglong Dojo after reading that article.”

“What do you mean ‘stands out’? Watch your words.”

A female disciple rolled her eyes at him.

“Stop talking, the senior brothers are at it again!”

The clashing sounds of battle rang out from the stage.

Xue Jing stepped forward, holding the sword in both hands, approaching Chen Fuguang with an upward slash.

“Clang!”

Chen Fuguang merely tilted his knife to the side, diverting the force of Xue Jing's slash, then twisted his wrist to slash back.

Xue Jing blinked, forcibly halting his sword to parry.

The two traded attacks and defenses like this, their longswords clashing incessantly.

“Clang!”

Xue Jing parried, engaging in a contest of strength with Chen Fuguang.

“Crang-crang—”

The swords vibrated with each impact, and Xue Jing’s eyes suddenly sharpened.

“Careful, Senior Brother Chen.”

As soon as he spoke, his pupils turned a deep crimson, as if soaked in blood.

Chen Fuguang hesitated momentarily, only to find his sword suddenly sinking.

“Clang!”

Chen Fuguang was unwittingly forced back a few steps, and just as he was about to speak, his junior brother had already closed in.

What followed was a fierce barrage of sword strikes akin to a torrential downpour.

Chen Fuguang hurriedly raised his sword to block, and the dojo resounded with the continuous clash of metal on metal.

Each slash grew heavier than the last, showing no signs of stopping.

After ten seconds, Chen Fuguang remained in complete control.

Twenty seconds later, Chen Fuguang's brows furrowed slightly.

Thirty seconds later, a trace of seriousness appeared in Chen Fuguang's eyes.

He looked at Xue Jing's pupils, which were dyed red, feeling a sense of worry in his heart.

‘The Intent of the Asura Blade... Master actually taught this to the junior brother?’

“Crack—”

The long saber in Chen Fuguang's hand couldn't withstand the continuous slashes and broke apart.

His expression changed slightly, just about to call for a halt, but he noticed Xue Jing had already sheathed his sword and turned around, standing calmly. His pupils returned to their normal black.

Chen Fuguang was momentarily stunned.

“Junior brother, you're... conscious?”

Xue Jing gave him a puzzled look, “What else?”

Chen Fuguang scratched his head, thought for a moment, then said with relief:

“I guess I was overthinking...”

Come to think of it, Master, being so experienced, would definitely consider this point.

If the junior brother didn't have the ability to grasp the Intent of the Asura Blade, Master certainly wouldn't have passed it on to him.

Chen Fuguang sighed in admiration: “Junior brother, you're truly a monster... Not to mention your martial arts talent, even your aptitude for the ‘Calm Aura’ is exceptional.”

“Master once said that the killing intent produced by the Asura Blade can be considered the ultimate ‘dynamic aura,’ yet you still manage to maintain the ‘dynamic-static balance.’ You can fully control it while benefiting from the enhancement of killing intent.”

“Senior Brother Three went astray after encountering the Asura Blade. Now he's in the inner city, following that ‘Asura Chen’ to cultivate his mind.”

Xue Jing raised an eyebrow.

This was news to him.

“Junior brother, how long have you been exposed to the Intent of the Asura Blade?”

Chen Fuguang asked.

“Just these past two days.” Xue Jing replied casually.

“Huh?” Chen Fuguang was utterly dumbfounded.

“You've mastered the Intent of the Asura Blade in just two days?”

He was completely incredulous.

“This is a top-tier martial art of the old martial world...”

Xue Jing shook his head and said with a smile, “No, Brother Chen, you've misunderstood.”

“I haven't ‘mastered’ the Intent of the Asura Blade. I’ve ‘mimicked’ it.”

Xue Jing glanced at his panel.

【You underwent a live combat training, weapon experience +88】

【You underwent a live combat training, visualization experience +38】

【... fitness experience +73】

【... Hidden Dragon Energy experience +66】

【Visualization Lv5】

What’s called the Intent of the Asura Blade is actually a visualization method, similar to the Hidden Dragon Technique where one imagines being a dragon.

By visualizing an Asura Blade flowing with endless blood, continuously slashing in a heartscape formed of hills of corpses and seas of blood.

To nurture a pure boundless killing intent, which in martial terms, is considered ‘dynamic aura.’

Just like an angry person punches harder than usual, wielding such boundless killing intent ensures the blade’s slash is unstoppable and immensely powerful.

However, in just two short days, even with the panel, it’s impossible for Xue Jing to learn such advanced skills that quickly.

“I simulated, through imagination, the Intent of the Asura Blade once performed by Master.”

Xue Jing ran his fingers along the blade of the long knife in his hand.

The edge, devoid of sharpness, was already covered in countless nicks from the recent vigorous swings.

"Imitating... is this really possible?" Chen Fuguang's face was filled with bewilderment.

This was beyond his understanding.

Xue Jing chuckled.

He himself wasn't sure how to explain it.

The "Visualize" skill was truly extraordinary.

To use an analogy, it was like the "Little Non-Phase Technique" from Jin Yong's martial arts novels, which allowed one to mimic other martial arts.

Through the extreme imagination brought by "Visualize," Xue Jing forcibly mimicked the lethal intent of the Asura Blade.

Of course, unlike the Little Non-Phase Technique, which could match or even surpass the original martial art, the effect of "Visualize" was not as impressive.

The imitation of the Asura Blade's intent was akin to a child mimicking an adult smoking.

The smoke stayed in the mouth, without really "inhaling."

It lacked any true essence; it was merely copying in form, incomparable to the true intent of the Asura Blade.

"Not being able to fully replicate the true intent of the Asura Blade isn't due to the inadequacy of "Visualize"... it's the level that's insufficient."

Xue Jing mused to himself.

As the level of "Visualize" increased, his imagination would be continually enhanced.

Someday, he would reach the point where he could fully replicate the true essence of any martial art with just a glance.

By then, he would become the copy ninja Xue Jing...

"Alright, let's call it a day. Thank you, Senior Brother Chen, for helping me practice."

Xue Jing glanced at the broken long knife in Chen Fuguang's hand and smiled.

Chen Fuguang patted Xue Jing's shoulder.

"...I truly look forward to seeing how far a genius like you can go, little junior brother."

...

In the afternoon, Xue Jing returned home.

He took out his keys, opened the door, and was immediately greeted by the aroma of food.

Closing the door behind him, he walked into the kitchen and saw Ning Fengwan bustling about inside.

"Hmm? Teacher Wan, you can cook?"

Xue Jing couldn't help but laugh as he spoke.

Ning Fengwan ladled a spoonful of simmering winter melon and pork rib soup, blew on it, tasted it, and her narrow phoenix eyes slightly narrowed in satisfaction.

She glanced back at Xue Jing with a light huff: "This sect leader wasn't pampered growing up, you're lucky to enjoy my cooking today."

Xue Jing moved behind her, wrapped his arms around her slender waist, and rested his chin on her shoulder.

The cat ears on Ning Fengwan's head twitched slightly, a faint blush crept onto her cheeks, yet she grumbled, "Get off, stop messing around."

"Someone has developed a fondness for you, charm skill experience +19."

Xue Jing glanced at the panel and laughed.

"Just these few dishes? Make more, let me help you."

Ning Fengwan turned around, gently pushing his chest with her soft hands.

"There's enough for you... hey, just go out, I can handle it."

Xue Jing was nudged out of the kitchen.

He stroked his chin, feeling a sense of déjà vu reminiscent of a newlywed couple.

But something seemed missing.

He glanced at Ning Fengwan's attire.

A light blue T-shirt and silky shorts made for a simple home outfit, both of which Xue Jing had bought for her over the past few days.

In front, she wore an apron.

Xue Jing felt a bit regretful.

He wondered when he'd see the ultimate romantic gesture of a man—a naked apron...

A few home-cooked dishes were quickly prepared, and Xue Jing and Ning Fengwan served themselves rice and sat down at the dining table.

Watching Xue Jing place a piece of fried pork rib in his mouth, Ning Fengwan raised an eyebrow and asked, "How is it?"

Xue Jing thought: Average.

But he said, "Unbeatable."

Ning Fengwan looked pleased and nodded.

"By the way, Teacher Wan, I'm planning to head to Feng City in a few days. Do you want to come with me?" Xue Jing asked as he ate.

Ning Fengwan looked puzzled, "Why are you going to Feng City?"

Xue Jing thought for a moment and replied, "There's a task from Mr. Wu..."

He explained the situation involving Otogi Suzuka and GOD-519.

Ning Fengwan listened, then nodded.

"Attending the competition isn't anything vital. I'll go with you."

She added softly, "The deepening fusion with Bastet... it requires persistence."

Xue Jing chuckled.

Ning Fengwan blushed, and with feigned anger, said, "What are you laughing at!"

"I'm not laughing at you, I just remembered something happy," Xue Jing said sincerely.

Ning Fengwan shot him a glare, "You'd better be."

After a few more bites, Xue Jing casually said, "Additionally, this trip to Feng City will give me a chance to see my sister."

Hearing this, Ning Fengwan's cat ears twitched slightly, feeling inexplicably tense.

Was this an introduction to his family?

"So should I prepare anything?" Ning Fengwan asked nervously.

Xue Jing gave her a glance, understanding her thoughts, and said gently, "You don't need to worry. My sister is a bit silly... ahem, she's very easygoing."

"Hmm... you'll probably like her."

Ning Fengwan blinked and lowered her head, taking smaller bites, barely whispering an acknowledgment.

Quiet like a little wife.

...

At night, under the covers.

Ning Fengwan hadn't transformed back into a cat; instead, she remained in her human form, resting her head on Xue Jing's chest.

Her eyes were dreamy, breathing slightly labored, as she bit her lower lip, seemingly enduring something, occasionally shivering.

And Xue Jing...

Xue Jing was attending to Wan Feng's elegance.

After a taut breath, there came a sigh.

Xue Jing glanced at the panel, noting that his divinity had increased by ten points, finally surpassing one hundred to reach one hundred and three.

He leaned down to whisper softly into Ning Fengwan's ear, “Fengwan, my teacher…”

Ning Fengwan lay sprawled effortlessly across Xue Jing, a serene expression reminiscent of a sage or buddha gracing her delicate features.

Hearing Xue Jing's words, she hesitated slightly before murmuring, “This is the last time…”

With that, she turned over and slipped into the covers, her intentions unclear.

A satisfied smile appeared on Xue Jing’s face as he propped a hand behind his head and opened the interface.

“Tsk—”

He took a slow, deliberate breath, the reason unknown.

Perhaps it was haunted, as the bedcovers suddenly started moving up and down. Too afraid to investigate, Xue Jing focused intently on the interface to distract himself.

[Shadow Blight Lv1]

With a moment’s hesitation, Xue Jing tapped the upgrade button.

[Shadow Blight Lv2]

Extending a finger, streams of inky black tendrils coalesced in the dimly lit room, forming a still, silent black flame that hovered at his fingertip.

Retrieving his hand, Xue Jing left the black fire adrift in the air, maneuvering it to move back and forth at will.

“It’s smoother to control…”

“Let’s test the range.”

He directed the flame, propelling it as far as he could.

When it soared nearly fifteen meters beyond the window, Xue Jing sensed the first hints of losing control.

“The range of free control has expanded to fifteen meters.”

Clenching his fist, Xue Jing dispersed the flame outside the window, scattering it into countless smaller embers.

With another clench, the fragmented flames reassembled almost instantly.

“I can perform more precise operations.”

“Most importantly, its potency…”

Pondering for a moment, Xue Jing realized there was nothing suitable nearby to test its full power.

“Nevermind, another time then.”

He shook his head, waving away the shadowy blaze and closing the interface.

Time passed uncertainly before Xue Jing suddenly furrowed his brow.

Summoning his bravery, he pressed down firmly on the mysterious lump under the quilt, unsure if it was a phantom.

A strange “mm-mm-mm” sound emanated from beneath the covers, suggesting his tactic afflicted the specter greatly, making it thrash and shake violently.

After a while, Xue Jing sighed deeply, releasing his hand.

A figure shot out from under the covers, darting towards the bathroom—clutching their mouth, albeit faintly visible...