168: Strange Visions in the Sea of Stars, the God of War Carrying the Monument

Looking around, he found himself in a treatment room with the door wide open, and people coming and going outside.

Just then.

A Starfire Federation soldier in military uniform walked in and faced Qin Jin: “Frontline transfer order.”

“Qin Jin, you will join the First Exploration Legion as the Deputy Commander of the Seventeenth Battle Group.”

After delivering the order, the figure disappeared.

The scene here was clearly abbreviated; the Secret Realm within the Wu Sheng Stele was composed of fragmented scenes and was not complete.

“Deputy Commander of the Battle Group…”

Qin Jin’s eyes lowered slightly.

The Federation army uses legions as its large units, and below the legions are the individual battle groups.

Extraordinary power exists in the Star Sea, and only individuals with both command talent and personal martial prowess can become leading figures in the Federation army; in the current Star Sea, a Grandmaster is not enough to hold such a high position.

However…

The era in which Mr. Chen Shu lived, according to the broadcast information in the first scene, the Immortal Dynasty had already reached its peak at that time, so this scene was not surprising.

“After a preliminary experience, I also need to complete the scene of the Congenital Realm.”

“Mr. Chen Shu came from a humble background but reached this point. Everything within the Wu Sheng Stele, after all, cannot fully recreate his glorious past.”

Thoughts flashed.

Qin Jin stepped out of the ward.

The moment he walked out of the ward, the surrounding environment rapidly changed, the intermediate process was simplified, like a fleeting glimpse, and Qin Jin was already on the battlefield.

Exploration Legion.

To this day, the Federation still maintains the establishment of Exploration Legions, which continue to explore and expand in the vast and boundless Star Sea.

However.

The current Federation is strong enough that the danger of the Exploration Legions has been greatly reduced.

But at that time, the Federation was far from its current prosperity; the Exploration Legions faced completely unknown, uninhabited star systems.

Unknown meant terrifying.

It was a bleak time with constant sacrifices, yet also a time when people constantly achieved merits and rose rapidly.

Qin Jin’s spirit immersed itself, honing himself in continuous battles. The enemies faced by the Exploration Legions were bizarre and varied, including strange beasts lurking in the Star Sea, extremely special extraordinary life forms, and even… some peculiar and complex anomalies in the Star Sea, which were also targets for the Exploration Legions to clear.

With his spirit placed in the Secret Realm, time passed quickly.

In battle after battle, Qin Jin was promoted to Battle Group Commander.

In combat, he led by example and rapidly broke through; outside of combat, he and the soldiers of his battle group exchanged Martial Arts knowledge, holding nothing back.

This was an extremely pure era.

In this era, the Federation had only recently stepped into the Star Sea, Spiritual Energy Users had not yet formed a system, nor had they unleashed their true terrifying potential, only being regarded by the Federation as special individuals with [abilities]. Secret Sect Disciples were even more of a complete absurdity.

Because…

At this time, the Federation did not yet have the means to balance the Cosmic Gods, nor did it have truly reliable divine allies. How could it allow such a cultivation system to emerge within itself?

Martial Arts…

Was the only solution.

Even a small improvement could save a life on the battlefield, so everyone exchanged knowledge.

Qin Jin found the feeling he had when he first tried the Wu Sheng Stele, and through continuous exchanges, he also completed himself.

Everything within the Wu Sheng Stele was an evolution of the imprints left by the Martial Saint ancestors.

Gaining its recognition meant gaining its inheritance.

Through continuous exchanges, just like the Source Kill Cannon he first obtained, he once again gained two inheritances.

One was a secret technique for concealment.

It was called [Confusing Scripture], which achieved stealth by a special method of operating primal power to disrupt life signals.

The second was an unnamed [Blood Burning Secret Art].

Its effect was obvious: it was a final explosive measure for true moments of crisis, without regard for consequences.

In Qin Jin’s estimation, this Blood Burning Secret Art was likely left by an older Martial Saint ancestor.

After all, in today’s Martial Arts world, such secret arts are no longer highly regarded.

The pioneering war continued.

At a certain moment, Qin Jin’s heart suddenly stirred, and an idea came to him.

He clearly knew that this was the Martial Saint Secret Realm, and the “people” he could interact with here were all evolved from Martial Saint imprints. Therefore, he always took the lead in battles, honed himself, and constantly exchanged Martial Arts with others.

So…

Many years ago, what about Mr. Chen Shu?

Did he, having personally experienced these things, also do the same?

Lost in thought.

Qin Jin led his battle group to participate in the next mission.

This mission was to clear a [Star Sea Anomaly].

A Star Sea Anomaly refers to certain special extraordinary phenomena that exist in the Star Sea. They might cover an area as small as a palm, or span vast regions, enveloping planets, or even star systems. These Star Sea Anomalies are extremely unique. According to Federation records, there have even been instances where starships accidentally entered a Star Sea Anomaly, traveled for only tens of seconds inside, and upon reappearing, had already left Federation territory.

Their current mission target, this Star Sea Anomaly, was located near a newly discovered life planet. To avoid future accidents, it needed to be cleared in advance.

In this context, Qin Jin led the Seventeenth Battle Group to execute the mission.

Initially, everything went smoothly.

However, just as the clearing work was halfway done, the Star Sea Anomaly mutated, like a giant mouth entrenched in the Star Sea, swallowing the entire Seventeenth Battle Group.

In Qin Jin’s perception, he felt as if he had undergone a jump. The surrounding environment changed, and at a glance, various colored mists intertwined, looking both beautiful and eerie.

This was the interior of the Star Sea Anomaly.

Around him, the soldiers of the battle group had completely disappeared, directly dispersed.

The moment he entered, the mist began to erode, and suppressing and corrosive forces surged, consuming his primal power.

Each scene within the Wu Sheng Stele was something Mr. Chen Shu had personally experienced.

Upon perceiving the surrounding situation, Qin Jin reacted instantly.

If he couldn’t quickly escape, as time passed, the Seventeenth Battle Group would undoubtedly suffer immense casualties.

This was something Mr. Chen Shu had personally experienced, and its appearance here might also be a test.

Mind and body were connected. When his spirit entered the Wu Sheng Stele, it also evolved everything about Qin Jin himself. On his path of continuous cultivation and growth, he had become accustomed to trying to use his own strength to solve problems.

At this moment, looking at the mist enveloping him, Qin Jin clenched his fist, and his primal power surged hotly, gathering. Spiritual energy also surged forth. With a slight tremor in the Lei Ze, he powerfully punched upwards.

The fist went up.

Power surged out, forming the character “Jie” ( robbery, calamity) in mid-air!

Wherever the “Jie” character passed, the mist dissipated. In a sense, this was an inheritance from a Cosmic God, extraordinary. In an instant, it pierced through the sky, revealing the backdrop of the Star Sea and creating a passage.

After being pierced, the Star Sea Anomaly began to repair itself, and the mist attempted to re-condense.

But…

Outside the anomaly, there were higher-realm powerhouses who were on the same mission as the Seventeenth Battle Group. After the sudden anomaly, they were originally looking for a breakthrough point, and now… this breakthrough became a guide.

The last scene Qin Jin saw was the Star Sea Anomaly being cleared from both inside and outside, and the mission was finally completed.

Then…

The scene around him changed, returning to the initial grand curtain, with the characters for various realms appearing in front.

“Can I only go this far in the Grandmaster Realm scene?”

A thought flashed through his mind.

Within his sight, the words [Grandmaster] in front of him glowed, transforming into a light-winged butterfly fluttering its wings, gently flying towards Qin Jin.

Qin Jin raised his palm.

The butterfly landed in his palm, shattering instantly into streams of light. At the same time, information flooded into Qin Jin’s mind.

It was an inheritance.

In Qin Jin’s perception, the streams of light formed several characters.

[Stele-Bearing Body Forging Technique]

Stele-Bearing.

Qin Jin’s gaze focused on these two words.

Mr. Chen Shu was the second powerhouse in the Starfire Federation to ascend to the Martial God Realm.

In those years, the Starfire Federation was full of crises, and Martial Arts was still being explored, with related aspects not yet complete. The Federation Martial Gods of that time did not have titles.

The words “Stele-Bearing” were a Martial God title given to Mr. Chen Shu by later generations, out of respect for him.

This stele represents civilization, represents Starfire!

Stele-Bearing Martial God.

It refers to the supreme pioneer who carried the Starfire civilization forward!

…

Martial Abyss Headquarters Island.

Chi Chenzhou and the two others stood quietly to the side, looking at the figure enveloped by the light of the Wu Sheng Stele.

At a certain moment.

In front of the Wu Sheng Stele, Qin Jin’s aura suddenly fluctuated violently.

Amidst the fluctuations, Qin Jin opened his eyes, a hint of melancholy flashing within them, but it quickly faded.

In front of him.

The Wu Sheng Stele returned to calm, its light receding, and the countless imprints on it once again disappeared.

Qin Jin turned his head and looked to the side.

After clearly seeing the faces of the people in the distance, his spirit lifted, and he solemnly said, “Greetings, Principal Chi.”

His gaze fell to the side, seeing another figure implicitly led by Chi Chenzhou, and he said again, “Qin Jin, greetings, senior.”

The other person was Vice Principal Fang Hanmei.

Hearing Qin Jin’s words, she smiled gently: “Student Qin Jin, though we meet for the first time, I have read your files many times and heard your name many times.”

“My surname is Fang, and I currently serve as the Vice Principal of the academy.”

Upon hearing this.

Qin Jin added: “Greetings, Vice Principal Fang.”

After Qin Jin’s voice fell, Chi Chenzhou’s voice sounded.

He swept his gaze over the Wu Sheng Stele and said, “Qin Jin, Candle Kite will grant you access to the headquarters.”

“In your upcoming academy life, the Wu Sheng Stele will be open to you at any time. You can come whenever you wish to hone yourself here.”

Upon hearing this.

Qin Jin’s eyes lit up slightly, and he clasped his fists: “Thank you, Principal.”

“No need to thank me.”

“Since you have gained the recognition of the Wu Sheng Stele, this is only right.”

“Moreover…”

Chi Chenzhou’s voice grew steadier, and he slowly said, “You are already the seed of our Martial Abyss’s legacy.”

At this point, the Martial Abyss Principal frowned slightly, and a ripple flashed in his eyes.

He looked at Qin Jin, his tone softening a little: “Qin Jin, have you obtained the inheritance of that gentleman?”

Qin Jin reacted instantly.

Although he wasn’t sure why Principal Chi didn’t choose to speak the name, in front of the Wu Sheng Stele, who he was referring to was self-evident.

Qin Jin did not hide it and nodded: “I have.”

“Good!”

Chi Chenzhou nodded, looking at Qin Jin, his eyes showing appreciation: “Qin Jin, you are the most outstanding student in Martial Abyss in recent years.”

“I hope that in your upcoming cultivation, you will not be lax, not be complacent, and not disappoint your talent.”

“And do not disappoint that gentleman’s expectations.”

“I understand.”

Qin Jin replied.

Hearing the response, Chi Chenzhou’s gaze shifted to the side: “Candle Kite, take Qin Jin back to the academy.”

Under their gaze.

Candle Kite took Qin Jin onto the space elevator and returned to the academy.

Chi Chenzhou watched the figures disappear and withdrew his gaze.

He stepped onto the ground, slowly walked forward, and upon reaching the Wu Sheng Stele, he did not use any power, but simply placed his hand gently on the stele.

Caressing the stele, Chi Chenzhou did not turn back, and said in a deep voice: “Leave the slot involving the ancient civilization to Qin Jin.”

As soon as he spoke.

Behind him, Vice Principal Fang Hanmei hesitated for a moment, not refuting, but only confirming: “Principal, isn’t Qin Jin too young?”

“For that matter, our Martial Abyss only has one slot, and the selection is not just for current academy students. Qin Jin might be at a disadvantage.”

Hearing this, Chi Chenzhou’s voice was steady: “Martial Abyss was founded by this gentleman.”

“His recognition, his choice, are more than enough for that slot.”

“Besides, youth should never be a disadvantage.”

Chi Chenzhou’s expression was serious: “Shi Luoshu, an outstanding student from the third year, in terms of pure combat power, is not the strongest in the third year, but he is among the top.”

“Yet he lost to Qin Jin in the Dengxing Arena.”

“There is still some time before that matter begins. Given Qin Jin’s current performance, when that time comes, who will win or lose, who will be superior or inferior, is still unknown.”

“Even if he cannot stand to the very end, it will be a valuable experience for himself.”

“I believe that based on Qin Jin’s current performance, he deserves all of this.”

“It’s decided then. Go and inform the others.”

He uttered his final words.

He withdrew his hand from the stele, and silently, his figure disappeared.

Vice Principal Fang Hanmei stood in place.

She smiled rather helplessly and muttered to herself: “The resistance will probably be considerable.”

“I’ll just have to deal with them one by one.”

Turning around, she boarded the space elevator, and her figure also disappeared from the headquarters.

…

Qin Jin followed Candle Kite into the space elevator.

After entering.

Candle Kite turned around, looking at Qin Jin: “Student Qin Jin, please give me your personal terminal; I’ll help you upgrade its permissions.”

Qin Jin complied, handing over his personal terminal.

Taking it in her hand, under Qin Jin’s gaze, data streams flashed within her eyes, projecting onto the terminal.

“Done.”

Handing the terminal back to Qin Jin, she quickly said: “The location information for the academy’s internal space elevator has been synchronized into your terminal. You only need to hold the terminal to go to headquarters at any time.”

“Alright.”

After responding.

The space elevator became quiet.

The Candle Kite clone currently interacting with Qin Jin was one of the more serious ones, a woman of few words, originally responsible for contacting Bai Huaiyu.

This time, due to an unexpected situation, she was bringing him to headquarters.

After interacting with Candle Kite more, Qin Jin also clearly understood the differences between the various clones.

Students with lower ratings interacted with Candle Kite clones that were no different from ordinary AIs, only serving as assistants. However, the Candle Kite clones responsible for interacting with the academy’s top students each had distinct and vivid personalities, much like true human beings.

The space elevator descended rapidly.

Upon reaching the ground.

The two walked out of the elevator, one after another. The moment they stepped out, in Qin Jin’s line of sight, the Candle Kite in front of him fluctuated. Her body rapidly shrank from a human-like form to the size of a palm, and her work uniform transformed into a long dress, making her appear quite youthful and beautiful.

She turned around, her petite body floating to Qin Jin’s side, revealing a brilliant smile: “Qin Jin, long time no see.”

Clearly.

The clone responsible for Bai Huaiyu had returned, and the clone with whom he had the longest contact time within the academy had come to take over.

“Long time no see.”

Qin Jin responded with a smile.

His steps did not falter as he headed towards his residence.

Beside him, Candle Kite accompanied him. At this moment, amidst a fluctuation in front of her, a specially made high-tech identity card was produced. Her petite body held up the identity card, handing it to Qin Jin, and her voice sounded: “Qin Jin, this is a new gift the academy has prepared for you.”

The identity card was almost the same size as the Candle Kite clone, completely blocking her from view.

Qin Jin reached out and took the identity card, glancing at it: “What is this?”

“It’s an identity authentication card for a small starship.”

“That starship is currently docked within the academy. You can go there anytime, perform identity verification, and become the new owner of that starship.”

“The starship has not yet been equipped with artificial intelligence. If you wish to travel in it in the future, I will reside within it to assist with piloting and various other aspects.”

Speaking of which.

She rubbed her hands quite actively, looking somewhat expectant: “Opportunities to pilot a starship aren’t common. If the other clones found out, they’d be green with envy.”

Beside him.

Qin Jin boarded the vehicle and returned to his dormitory.

He examined the identity card in his hand: “Why would the academy prepare a starship for me?”

“After observing your performance in the Po Xian Cup, the academy decided to adjust your cultivation plan.”

When discussing serious matters, Candle Kite became much more earnest. Her body floated in front of Qin Jin, and she explained seriously: “Normally, new students entering the academy will undergo three years of study within the academy. During these three years, they continuously cultivate and improve themselves, while also studying various courses, accumulating knowledge, completing academy tasks, and undergoing tempering.”

“After three years, the academy will conduct a screening.”

Her voice was calm as she seriously explained: “This is a screening similar to a level assessment, but it’s more rigorous. It will involve a comprehensive evaluation from multiple aspects, with only two possible outcomes: pass or fail.”

“Those who fail will have their academy career end there.”

“Those who pass will enter the next cycle of academy cultivation. From then on, they will no longer study in the Martial Arts Department campus.”

“At that time, students will choose between two broad directions.”

“Civil and Martial.”

“Civil, you can consider as the research and refinement of martial arts-related theories, as well as countless related auxiliary matters. The Researcher Zhong Yi whom you know chose this direction.”

“Martial, is to focus more on personal cultivation, continuing to clear obstacles and advance fearlessly on the path of martial arts. Your mentor, Mentor Gu Huang, is a clear example of this path.”

“Of course, these two are not in conflict; they are inherently complementary. For the martial arts path to become increasingly perfect, it cannot be separated from the joint efforts of both sides. Those who choose martial arts clear obstacles and strive for new heights, while those who choose civil arts diligently study and quietly toil.”

“For example, the Divine Martial Furnace, which greatly saved Martial Artists’ time in condensing intent on the martial arts path, was ultimately completed by the Federation’s Martial God, but the initial idea and proposal came from personnel engaged in martial arts research-related professions.”

Candle Kite recounted slowly, as if chatting with a friend.

At this point, she brought the conversation back: “Your combat power displayed in the Po Xian Cup has fully met or even exceeded the standard for third-year students. Arranging academy tasks for you at a first-year intensity would only be a waste of your time and would not provide any tempering effect.”

“Therefore…”

“After comprehensive consideration, you will become the most special existence among first-year students going forward.”

She listed the changes one by one.

“The academy’s daily courses will remain unchanged; this is the knowledge accumulation you must undertake.”

“The task mode will change.”

Candle Kite’s gaze fell on the identity card in Qin Jin’s hand, and she softly said: “You will, like students in the next cycle, have the qualification to choose your own tasks during the task period.”

“Of course, the baseline difficulty of specific tasks will increase.”

“Except for a few special tasks, there will no longer be a leading mentor during task execution; everything will be decided by you.”

“In addition, courses for higher-grade students will be opened to you and will become elective courses that you can actively choose.”

“Going forward, the academy will customize exclusive courses for you, opening them one by one.”

Candle Kite’s words ceased.

“That’s roughly it.”

“Qin Jin, according to the academy’s preliminary results, your cultivation plan will be dynamic. Going forward, as long as your performance is outstanding enough, it will continue to change.”

“If you have any requirements related to martial arts cultivation, you can inform me.”

“The academy will satisfy them as much as possible after evaluation.”

The vehicle moved forward.

At this moment, it parked at the entrance of the dormitory area.

Qin Jin got out of the car, looked at Candle Kite, and nodded slightly: “I understand.”

He let out a long breath.

Although the Po Xian Cup had ended, its aftershocks were still being felt.

The academy’s attitude undoubtedly showed that they wanted him to cast aside all burdens and worries, and cultivate with all his might to improve himself.

This was the influence of the greater environment.

In terms of martial arts, after developing to the Eighth Realm, there had been no further breakthroughs for a long time. Due to the influence of the Starfire Federation’s rise, the atmosphere within Martial Artists was actively positive, placing extreme importance on the inheritance of the flame and the cultivation of younger generations.

Pure martial arts academies like Wu Yuan took this to the extreme.

In other words…

They were only afraid that students weren't talented enough!

If, in the years to come, someone could truly emerge and open another realm for martial arts, it would affect not only the martial arts system but also the entire Starfire Federation.

Candle Kite accompanied him, walking into the dormitory area.

Qin Jin and Bai Huaiyu chose to return to the academy a few days early, but many people had already arrived in the dormitory area.

After all…

The cultivation environment at home could not compare to that within the academy.

Not far into the dormitory area, Qin Jin heard familiar voices coming from ahead.

“You don’t know, this time the dojo performance was quite spectacular.”

“The younger and middle generations from various dojos in the star system all took the stage, going back and forth, fighting like mad to compete for the first principal of the new academy.”

“With the foundations of the various dojos, if they could really put their full effort into building this new academy, our Corridor Star System would probably soon become an eight-academy system.”

“They also focus on the Martial Arts Department, and I heard they don’t plan to recruit students from other systems. They’re clearly aiming for our Wu Yuan.”

As the words fell.

A female voice sounded: “Xie Wuhai, aren’t you from a dojo? You sound like you really dislike this new academy?”

“You can’t say that. Being from a dojo wasn’t my choice, but joining Wu Yuan was my own choice.”

“Now, I live as a Wu Yuan person, and I die as a Wu Yuan ghost. Of course, I don’t like the academy’s competitors.”

As the voices came closer.

Qin Jin approached, and several figures who were chatting outside came into view.

They were all S-rank students.

Xie Wuhai had his back to Qin Jin and didn’t notice him, but the other figures in front of him clearly saw his arrival. One of them shouted: “Qin Jin.”

Su Xiangwan.

The dark horse that appeared during the academy selection, now already promoted to an S-rank student.

Her tone held admiration. Martial Artists always had a different feeling towards stronger individuals, and she had personally witnessed Qin Jin’s actions in the Po Xian Cup, leaving a deep impression on her heart.

“Long time no see.”

With that single remark, all other gazes converged.

“Qin Jin, it’s finally good to see you again.”

Xie Wuhai also turned his head and looked at Qin Jin: “If I hadn’t received your reply during the holidays, I would have thought you’d disappeared.”

Qin Jin smiled peacefully.

He quickly scanned the group: “You all chat, I still have something to do.”

After speaking.

He nodded in acknowledgment and walked quickly towards his residence.

Seeing his retreating figure.

After a moment of silence, Su Xiangwan’s voice sounded: “Qin Jin seems to have gotten stronger.”

“I clearly saw his presence with my own eyes, but in my perception, I couldn’t sense him at all, as if he didn’t exist here.”

“Me too.”

Another voice sounded, it was Yu Xingchen: “It seems that during this holiday, he hasn’t slacked off at all and has made further progress.”

He paused, then continued: “What do you think Qin Jin is in such a hurry to do?”

“What else could it be?”

Xie Wuhai sighed and quickly said: “From what I know of him, it must be related to cultivation.”

“Sigh.”

“My grandpa taught me a lot, but he never told me what to do when I encounter a ‘study maniac’ who I can’t beat at all and whose talent is like a monster!”

As the words fell.

He looked at everyone: “We also need to keep working hard. I learned a lot from the dojo performance. Does anyone want to try it?”

…

Qin Jin returned to his dormitory.

Xie Wuhai was not wrong.

He returned to his residence precisely for cultivation.

Within the Wu Sheng Stele, after breaking through the Star Sea Anomaly, he received the inheritance from Mr. Chen Shu.

With a slight thought, relevant information arose within Qin Jin’s spiritual world.

[Stele-Bearing Body Forging Technique]

A very unadorned name.

As his gaze swept over it, a sudden doubt arose in Qin Jin’s heart.

The two characters [Stele-Bearing] were a title given to Mr. Chen Shu by later generations out of respect.

When Mr. Chen Shu erected the Wu Sheng Stele and left his inheritance, he might not have had this title yet.

“Could it be that this inheritance was originally just called ‘Body Forging Technique’?”

“The two characters ‘Stele-Bearing’…”

“Were they added by the Wu Sheng Stele?”

“As a creation of the Martial God, the Wu Sheng Stele carries numerous imprints, and perhaps it possesses its own spirituality.”

As thoughts flickered, Qin Jin’s spirit delved into these large characters.

The next instant, information, like a tidal wave, surged into his mind.

…

Lei Yu Star.

Within the anomalous space.

The divine body was coiled high in the sky.

At this moment.

Under the Lei Yu Watcher’s control, the central part of Its divine body became empty, the entire divine body resembling a vast star ring. The constantly changing ancient characters swept to both sides, leaving a vacuum in the middle.

At this moment.

A small portion of the characters within the divine body swept into the empty area, shattering with a roar and transforming into an unspeakable supreme power, which then derived and shaped within the empty area.

If Qin Jin were here, he would immediately recognize it.

Though similar yet not quite, though using different powers, this step was clearly the creation of a Grotto-Heaven!

Using a divine body to attempt the methods of the human race.

The Lei Yu Watcher.

After initially understanding the two Immortal Dynasty True Scriptures gifted by Qin Jin, It began to attempt to use Its own power to recreate the path of the Immortal Dynasty within the Star Sea!