36: Chapter 36 Li Guang, the Archer God, Offers Guidance

The waves of cheers in the martial arts hall had not yet faded when the host's high-pitched voice exploded once again, filled with uncontrollable excitement: "Let us congratulate Lin Zhou once more! This young man from Jiang City, with an early-tier legend cultivation, has defeated the three-time champion Sword Immortal Li Qingyun to reach the summit of the National Martial Arts Tournament!"

As his voice fell, a more intense roar erupted from the stands. Countless people waved flags emblazoned with the name "Lin Zhou," and even several titans of the Martial Arts Alliance stood up, their eyes filled with astonishment and admiration.

Lin Zhou was supported by Qin Yue and Su Ye, his chest heaving violently. The Spiritual Qi in his body was almost completely exhausted, and the speed boost from the Celestial Fox Physique was gradually fading, leaving behind waves of debilitating weakness. But his eyes were startlingly bright.

That arrow, which had condensed all of his will, had not only severed Sword Immortal Li Qingyun's Ten Thousand Arrows Return to Origin but had also carved out a grand path for a Dawn Archer after his Transmigration to Blue Star!

Having transmigrated from Earth, he had been lost and fearful until he awakened a Divine-Grade class and bound the roguelike system. Only then did he find the confidence to establish himself in this world of Spiritual Qi recovery. This victory was the best reward for all his hard work.

When Sword Immortal Li Qingyun was carried off the arena by medical staff, he didn't forget to look back at Lin Zhou. There was no resentment in his eyes, only relief and respect: "Your arrow is sharper than my sword."

This simple sentence caused the cheers of the crowd to rise several notches higher.

This was the mutual respect between the strong, and even more so, the highest recognition of Lin Zhou's strength.

Qin Yue took out a Spirit-Gathering Pill and stuffed it into Lin Zhou's mouth. The Medicinal Pill melted instantly, and pure Spiritual Qi surged through his throat into his limbs and bones, alleviating his fatigue. Su Ye excitedly punched his shoulder, his voice loud enough to drown out the surrounding clamor: "Lin Zhou! You're awesome! I knew you could win!"

Lin Zhou gave a wry smile, but just as he was about to speak, an even more majestic surge of Spiritual Qi suddenly rose from the depths of his Dantian, carrying a scorching temperature as it washed through his Meridians.

It was a sign of a Breakthrough!

This Peak duel with Sword Immortal Li Qingyun seemed fraught with danger, but in reality, it allowed his Archery Concept and combat experience to take a qualitative leap. Coupled with the elevation of his state of mind from winning the championship, the Bottleneck of the early-tier legend Rank shattered with a bang at this moment!

"Is this... a Breakthrough?" Qin Yue keenly sensed the change in the Spiritual Qi around Lin Zhou, her pretty face filled with pleasant surprise.

Lin Zhou did not speak. He sat cross-legged on the arena, circulating his Mind-Cultivation Technique to guide the Spiritual Qi to impact his Meridians. The barrier to the mid-stage legend Rank was like paper before that majestic Spiritual Qi, torn apart in an instant.

A golden glow radiated from his body, reflecting the brilliance of the morning sun to form a dazzling pillar of light that shot straight into the clouds.

The runic shield on the arena actually emitted an overburdened hum under the impact of this aura.

"mid-stage legend! While winning the championship, Lin Zhou actually broke through to the mid-stage legend Rank!"

"My god! How old is he? A mid-stage legend at less than twenty years old—this talent, looking across a hundred years of Huaxia, you couldn't find more than a few!"

"This boy's future is limitless!"

The discussions in the stands became increasingly feverish. Several titans of the Martial Arts Alliance looked at each other, all seeing shock and wild joy in each other's eyes. The Huaxia martial arts world was finally going to produce a truly top-tier archer!

Lin Zhou slowly opened his eyes, feeling the surging Spiritual Qi within his body and his more condensed Archery Concept. A confident smile played at the corners of his mouth.

mid-stage legend, Lv.35!

This Rank was enough to be ranked in the top three among the entire younger generation of Huaxia!

He stood up and bowed deeply toward the audience, thanking them for their support.

Just then, an old but majestic voice resounded through the hall like a great bell: "Good boy! Indeed, heroes come from the youth!"

Everyone looked toward the source of the voice and saw an old man dressed in brocade robes walking slowly down from the VIP seats. The old man's hair and beard were all white, but his eyes were as sharp as an eagle's, and his body radiated a faint regal pressure that made people instinctively feel awe.

"It's Archery God Li Guang!"

"My god! To think the Archery God himself has come!"

"Hasn't the Archery God been in seclusion for many years? He actually showed himself in person for Lin Zhou!"

The entire hall instantly reached a fever pitch. Even Qin Yue and Su Ye couldn't help but hold their breath.

Archery God Li Guang was Huaxia's only king-level archer and one of the pillars of the entire Huaxia martial arts world!

Lin Zhou's heart also couldn't help but beat violently. After transmigrating to Blue Star, he had seen records of this legendary figure in martial arts texts. He hadn't expected to see the man himself today, let alone receive his favor.

Li Guang walked up to Lin Zhou, sized him up, and his eyes were full of praise: "Your arrow has the shadow of my youth, but even more so, it has your own Dao. A heart of protection and the edge of archery—having both is rare, truly rare!"

Lin Zhou respectfully cupped his fists: "Junior Lin Zhou greets Senior Archery God."

"No need for such formality." Li Guang waved his hand and took out a yellowed manual from his robes, handing it to Lin Zhou. "This is my life's insights into archery, titled 'Ten Thousand Arrows Return to Origin.' I give it to you today."

Ten Thousand Arrows Return to Origin!

Hearing these words, the entire audience gasped.

This was Archery God Li Guang's ultimate secret technique! A supreme archery manual that countless archers dreamed of!

Lin Zhou's eyes lit up instantly. His hands trembled as he took the manual and said solemnly: "Thank you for your kindness, Senior! I will surely study it diligently and not fail your expectations!"

Li Guang nodded and patted his shoulder: "Practice well. Remember, an archer's arrow can pierce any powerful enemy, but it must also protect the home behind you. A Great Master values Concept, while a King values the Original Heart. This road is still very long."

These words were like a sudden enlightenment, raising Lin Zhou's state of mind to another level.

He understood that Li Guang was giving him guidance.

With a perfected Concept, one can become a Great Master; only with a clear Original Heart can one aspire to be a King!

"I will keep your teachings in mind, Senior!" Lin Zhou bowed again, his voice resonant and powerful.

Li Guang smiled with satisfaction, turned to the audience, and said: "From this day forward, Lin Zhou is my, Li Guang's, Named Disciple! Whoever dares to touch him is an enemy of Li Guang!"

This sentence was like a thunderclap!

The entire hall was silent for three seconds before erupting into deafening cheers.

The Archery God's Named Disciple!

This status was enough for Lin Zhou to walk tall in the Huaxia martial arts world!

Zhang Hao, hiding in the crowd, watched the high-spirited Lin Zhou on the stage and the 'Ten Thousand Arrows Return to Origin' manual in his hand. His face was ashen, and his eyes were filled with jealousy and malice.

Why?

Why could this kid, who popped up from some unknown corner, awaken a Divine-Grade class, possess such bizarre strength, defeat Sword Immortal Li Qingyun, and even gain the favor of the Archery God?

It wasn't fair!

He clenched his fists so hard his nails dug deep into his palms, but he was oblivious to the blood dripping down.

"Lin Zhou, you just wait! I, Zhang Hao, will never let this go!"

Zhang Hao gritted his teeth, turned to squeeze through the crowd, and disappeared from the noisy martial arts hall.

And Lin Zhou, on the arena, knew nothing of this.

He was surrounded by Qin Yue and Su Ye, accepting the cheers and blessings of the entire hall. The sunlight spilled over him, stretching his shadow very, very long.

He knew this was not the end, but a new beginning.

The glory of the national championship, the guidance of the Archery God, the Legacy of 'Ten Thousand Arrows Return to Origin'... all of this would become the driving force for his progress.

His goal had never been just the national championship.

It was the summit of the king-level!

It was to protect this Blue Star that had accepted him and to resist all external enemies!

Lin Zhou looked up at the distant sky, a fiery light flashing in his eyes.

The blazing sun sniper bow in his hand emitted a cheerful hum.

As if in response, its master was about to embark on an even more brilliant legendary path!