I Will Grind My Way To Godhood

For a long while, the silver-white hue in Xue Jing's eyes gradually faded away.

He exhaled softly.

"Fate, like a blade, cannot be defied... This blade's intent derives from the Shura Blade, yet its conception is far more lofty."

Xue Jing gazed at the winding silver-white glimmer on the Futu Blade's surface.

"Currently, this blade intent is merely in its embryonic form, not yet perfected, but it feels even harder to control than the Shura Blade."

He recalled immersing himself in the realm of the 'Heavenly Intent Blade,' feeling like a god above the heavens, scorning everything, with a heart indifferent to the world.

"Compared to the Shura Blade, which causes one to succumb to uncontrollable murderous rage, the 'divinity' of the Heavenly Intent Blade doesn't directly impact the mind, yet it quietly alters me, making me feel superior to all of creation..."

Xue Jing frowned slightly.

"The later stages of Old Martial Arts are basically about the spirit, influencing the body's genes through the psyche. The stronger the mind, the stronger the body, thus possessing an invincible heart leads to delivering an indomitable punch..."

"If one possesses a divine heart above all creation, naturally one can wield a heavenly blade that cuts down everything... But is this a blessing or a curse?"

"Will I still be myself then?"

These thoughts roused his contemplation.

Then he glanced at the [Visualize Lv6] displayed on his panel, and his furrowed brows relaxed.

"I must trust in A-ban. Even as the Heavenly Intent Blade perfects itself, the level of [Visualize] will continue to rise, anchoring my true self firmly."

Reassured, Xue Jing twirled the Futu Blade gracefully and murmured to himself, "The Shura Blade has transformed into the Heavenly Intent Blade, but now it only holds blade intent, lacking any accompanying techniques to fully unleash its power."

"Nevertheless, the versatile killer moves of Hidden Dragon Stream can serve as a passable match for now."

He switched to a two-handed grip on Futu, his eyes turning wholly silver-white, adopting a calm demeanor.

Then he activated Twin Defense, channeling energy as a dragon's roar echoed.

Spirals emerged concurrently on his arms.

He turned his gaze toward a small lake not far across the grass.

"Heaven's Blade: Course of Thunder and Storm!"

...

Pei Youguang stood by the lake, idly skipping flat stones across the water.

"Whoosh—"

Though just a novice, using his martial arts technique, he sent a stone skipping across the lake dozens of times, demonstrating remarkable skill.

"Yes! A new record!"

He exhilaratedly thought of continuing.

"Youguang, quit fooling around! Come help!"

Pei Tiancheng's call came from a distance, leaving Pei Youguang scratching his head before replying with a "Yes."

Today, the two brothers had joined a barbecue party in the northern city's hinterlands, invited by Young Master Ye Chenglin, along with some friends.

According to his elder brother Pei Tiancheng, things hadn't been going well for Young Master Ye's family recently... His father, a governing senator, faced numerous accusations, with the 'Great Council' approaching—his seat on the council might not survive this time.

Thus, attempting to solidify ties with the younger generation was their only option for salvaging some friendly support...

Pei Youguang didn't quite grasp the whole situation but thankfully didn't need to understand.

For now, his sole task was maintaining or even enhancing his bond with Brother Jing...

This was still the same father who previously never seemed to acknowledge his existence, personally asking him for a favor...

Recently, the relationship between his father and him had improved significantly, even tentatively inviting him to stay at home...

He understood that all this was because he had started to gain 'value' in the eyes of his family.

Even though it felt somewhat subtle to him, his value lay not in who he was, but in his connection with Brother Jing.

"Let Master Pei have his fun, it's just a barbecue; I've got it covered," said a girl, smiling as she set up the grill.

Another girl nearby teased her, "Hey? You're being so gentle with Master Pei, do you have plans or something?"

"We're all friends who've faced life and death together. Isn't there that 'bridge effect'? If there's a feeling, it's not strange. Although Master Pei is a bit young, he's a good kid. I support this!"

"Speaking of which, why wasn't that Brother Xue invited this time..."

"Only Master Pei has his contact, but he said Brother Xue is busy practicing martial arts, so it's best not to disturb him."

"I really want to see him again... I never got to properly thank him before, alas."

Pei Youguang listened to these conversations, shrugged, and threw one last stone across the lake.

"Boom!!"

Suddenly, a bolt of thunder cracked the sky, startling everyone.

"Hmm? Is it going to rain? Impossible, the weather forecast said it would be clear today."

"There aren't even clouds in the sky."

The crowd looked in bewilderment toward the direction of the noise.

At this moment, a spiral of silver-white light swept fiercely across the lake surface.

"Rustle, rustle, rustle—"

Where it passed, the lake water was drawn upwards, clinging to it, and soon formed a horizontal waterspout, roaring across the lake surface.

"What on earth is that? A dragon siphon?"

"There's no such thing as a horizontal dragon siphon!"

Everyone stood dumbfounded.

And Pei Youguang merely stared blankly at the hand he had just used to skip stones…

"Huh? Did I do that?"

...

Xue Jing looked at the land in front of him that seemed to have been plowed over and at the churned lake water, nodding in satisfaction at the power displayed by this strike.

"This strike already has a somewhat fantastical flair..."

The Heavenly Intent Blade, paired with the Coiling Dragon Flow's killer move, Wind and Thunder, somehow unleashed an effect akin to 'blade energy.'

"What is this? A vacuum slash? It's not very scientific at all."

Xue Jing's eyes showed confusion.

He sensed there were many secrets about the powers of the psyche and spirit that he was still unaware of...

"I'll have to ask Master later."

Shaking his head, Xue Jing sheathed the Rabbit Blade, then turned to walk toward the 'Wind Eater,' quietly grazing in the distance.

"Neighhh—"

As Xue Jing approached, Wind Eater took a couple of steps forward, nuzzling its muzzle against Xue Jing.

"Good boy."

Xue Jing patted its mane and laughed.

He stepped into the stirrup and swung himself onto the horse's back.

Without any signal, simply with a thought, Wind Eater began to gallop across the grass.

Holding the reins and riding the horse, Xue Jing glanced at the panel.

Fitness Lv8, Wellness Lv6, Culinary Arts Lv5, Running Lv6, Charm Magic Lv7, Aiming Lv6, Combat Lv6, Hidden Dragon Power Lv5, Visualization Lv6, Martial Arts Lv4, Swimming Lv2, Riding Lv2...

"Running, Charm Magic, Aiming, and Combat are all close to leveling up."

Xue Jing pondered, looking over the divine skills section, skipping over Twin Souls at Lv3 and Shadow Flame at Lv2, focusing on his divine count.

[Deities Possessed: 56]

"Still lacking in divine essence. It's like squeezing toothpaste with that cat, barely scraping ten something a day."

"When will there be another containment task?"

Xue Jing sighed.

...

Returning to the Zhushan Ying estate on horseback, Xue Jing relaxed for an hour in the indoor pool, gaining +129 swimming experience points.

Zhushan Ying was not around; although she mentioned three days ago she'd like Xue Jing to accompany her riding every day, in reality, Xue Jing rarely saw her and had no idea what kept her occupied.

After swimming, Xue Jing took a shower and then drove home.

"Master Wan?"

After entering, Xue Jing called out but received no response.

He searched around but couldn’t find her. It seemed the cat, possibly called out by the Dragon worshippers, had gone out.

Yet, just as he finished dialing her number before hitting call, his phone buzzed with an incoming call from an unknown number.

Xue Jing answered it directly.

"Hello?"

"It’s me."

A calm, mature female voice echoed from the other side of the receiver.

"Void Blade Captain..."

Xue Jing raised an eyebrow.

"Changed your number?"

Void Blade replied, "No change, I’m calling through an encrypted channel."

"I’ll get straight to the point. This time, I’m calling to commission you for something..."

"Is it related to the Boundary?"

"Yes."

Xue Jing's eyes flickered; he adjusted his position on the couch, thinking for a moment.

"Go ahead... but let me say first, I may not accept."

Void Blade said calmly, "I understand. Listen to my offer first, then decide."

“Three days ago, there was a report that a new Boundary was discovered north of the Fifth Metropolis..."

“Since it's outside the metropolitan area, beyond our observation range, we don't know when this Boundary formed.”

"After receiving the news, the agency immediately ordered the White Crow stationed nearby to investigate..."

“But... they couldn't get in.”

Xue Jing asked in confusion, "Why not?"

“Because the rules don't allow it,” explained Void Blade.

“Boundaries are phenomena birthed from the fusion of the real world and the alter world. The rules inside them transform in strange ways due to this mingling, creating various unfathomable chaotic rules.”

“For the past three days, the White Crow conducted numerous tests and only yesterday discovered the conditions for entering this Boundary.”

Void Blade paused before adding, "There are two entry conditions; one is a biological age of under eighteen, and the other is unclear, but it seems to be ‘natural biology’.”

“Hmm?” Xue Jing was taken aback.

“Natural biology... do you mean someone whose body hasn't undergone any modifications?”

Void Blade nodded, "Precisely... we haven't confirmed if that's the condition, but so far, anyone with implants, who has used banned substances, or undergone 'super surgeries' can't enter.”

After thinking it over, Xue Jing asked, “Doesn't the agency have specialists to handle such situations?”

"Of course, it does," replied Void Blade.

“Under the Special Operations Department, there's a special unit formed by martial artists to tackle martial artist criminals, known as ‘Shigeru’. It has many talents who practice ancient martial arts...”

“The problem is, Shigeru and White Crow... don't get along well.”

I see.

Xue Jing had a rough understanding.

“This situation is unique, and to avoid bowing down to Shigeru, the higher-ups have given me the authority to grant you the commission reward in advance.”

Void Blade spoke.

“Weren't you looking for a divine relic? We can offer you one that's particularly beneficial for martial artists...”

Xue Jing blinked and asked, "What is it?"

“GOD-508: Ascendant Pole...”

“As a divine relic custodian, you should know its effect, shouldn’t you?”

Xue Jing straightened up, his eyes revealing intrigue.

He certainly did know.

On the divine relic database, he had gone through all the files accessible to someone of his current level.

He remembered GOD-508's information very clearly.

The Ascendant Pole looks like an ordinary bamboo segment.

Its effect is simple: just place it atop your head without letting it fall while continuously doing something.

After three days, GOD-508 will grow by one segment.

Simultaneously, the activity you are focused on will see advancement.

For instance, if you’ve been working out for three days, your physical fitness will improve significantly. If you’ve been practicing martial arts, your martial skills will advance a step...

It's called—Ascendant Pole, ever upward.

The records indicate that there was once a distinguished figure, whose entire name was obscured by dark squares, who, after using the GOD-508, managed to achieve ‘■■ Ascension’...

Although the nature of ‘■■’ remains a mystery, anything linked to the term ‘Ascension’ hints at something extraordinarily significant...

The temptation is quite immense...

The divine relic alone is something Xue Jing has long desired, let alone the GOD-508...

“What exactly is the situation with that boundary?”

asked Xue Jing.

Upon hearing this, Void Blade realized that his inquiry implied a willingness to accept their offer.

She sighed with relief and replied, “The specifics remain unclear. Our test personnel lack the strength to penetrate deeply, but judging by the fact that they can retreat at any time, it is likely a C-grade boundary...”

Void Blade detailed all the findings so far, and after listening, Xue Jing said, “Let me think about it.”

“Alright, let me know within a week,” replied Void Blade.

As he hung up, Xue Jing fell into contemplation.

According to Void Blade, a C-grade boundary isn’t particularly hazardous; even if it harbors life forms, their danger level typically doesn’t exceed 5.

His task was to enter the boundary and install a special device at various locations within it. This not only allows for a comprehensive probe of the area but also continuous monitoring of any changes therein.

It sounds uncomplicated...

Xue Jing shook his head.

His knowledge of boundaries was too scant, so he needed to consult Wu Youqing to understand the full picture before making up his mind.

His experiences with White Crow left him somewhat skeptical of Void Blade’s assurances.

“I’ll address this later,”

said Xue Jing as he picked up the phone, opened the dialer, and entered his sister Xue Wan’s number.

After a few rings, the call connected.

Xue Wan’s cheerful voice came through the receiver.

“Hey hey hey~”

“My silly little brother, don’t keep calling for nothing. If people mistake me for having a brother complex, how would any good men dare approach me?”

Ignoring her teasing, Xue Jing stated, “I’m planning to visit Maple City in a few days. Anything you need me to bring?”

The receiver transmitted some bustling noises, crashes and bangs, as though Xue Wan had knocked something over.

“Huh? You’re coming to Maple City!?”

Her voice carried a hint of panic.

Suspicious, Xue Jing asked, “What, got something to hide?”

“How could that be...”

Xue Wan chuckled awkwardly.

“My dearest little brother is coming to see me, your sister is thrilled...”

“You’d better be,”

said Xue Jing with a meaningful tone.

...