179: Martial Saint Method, Immortal Martial Mountain Climbing Path

Relevant information swirled in his mind. Qin Jin closed his eyes slightly, then opened them.

A brilliant, golden light sphere floated before Qin Jin. Unlike the previous light spheres that vanished, this golden light sphere had mysterious runes circling within. With each layer peeled back, the runes diminished, until finally… its true form was revealed before Qin Jin.

This was an extremely peculiar, irregularly shaped creation resembling an ore, about half the size of a person. Its upper surface was covered with a layer of golden patterns, and countless digital runes constantly shifted on it. Inside, it contained astonishing power.

During their recent contact, Qin Jin had already gained some understanding of this object through the information he received.

This was a creation left behind after the Spiritual Energy Tide swept through the world.

In the past, through the information sent by Teacher Chu Tianyi, Qin Jin knew that in the Star Sea of the universe, there existed an extremely mysterious Spiritual Energy World.

That was a source world of power that only Spiritual Energy Users could access, involving the very origin of the universe.

The so-called Spiritual Energy Tide occurred when the spiritual energy in the Spiritual Energy World became overly abundant, affecting the real world and forming a strange tide. After the tide, the affected areas in the real world would also undergo changes.

The two words 'Decree' meant that this object could be used to modify natural laws within a certain range.

In this regard, it was similar to the Decree Realm within the Spiritual Energy User cultivation stages.

And for a Martial Artist, by using this object to temper oneself, continuously studying it, bearing its pressure, there was a chance to comprehend its mysteries and, through one's own origin, leverage the modification of natural laws.

Anything that involves the two words "law" is no longer ordinary.

The value of this [Decree Star Core] lies precisely in this: ideally, a Martial Artist could, after thoroughly comprehending it, master methods similar to those of a Spiritual Energy User.

Thoughts flashed through his mind. With a thought, Qin Jin opened the entrance to his portable base and stored it inside.

“To wield spiritual energy methods as a Martial Artist.”

“This is somewhat similar to Senior Su’s path.”

Gui Xu Martial God, Su Buqi, War God of Gui Xu, the name Gui Xu, came precisely from this point, and he remembered it vividly.

“However, I have other options.”

Thoughts flickered in Qin Jin’s eyes: “According to my past experiences in the Great Wilderness, extraordinary things from the Star Sea can also supplement the Great Wilderness and gain the recognition of the Great Wilderness’s Heaven and Earth.”

“If that’s the case, since this object involves the natural laws of the Star Sea, could it also have the same effect?”

“If it were used as a Grotto-Heaven divine object, and a Immortal Dynasty ancient site were found, would the two together produce a wondrous reaction?”

Thoughts flowed as Qin Jin continued his steps, pacing through the Star River.

These brilliant golden light spheres were exceptionally dazzling. From their appearance, no useful information could be discerned. After observing for a moment, Qin Jin no longer hesitated, stepping beside a light sphere and reaching out to touch it lightly.

With its initial opening and fewer participants, there was no need to face competition from others, which undoubtedly saved a lot of time.

As his palm touched the light sphere, a warm sensation entered his mind. In Qin Jin's vision, the light sphere radiated brightly, enveloping his body. The surrounding environment rapidly changed, and in an instant, it was as if he was no longer in the Star Sea, but had appeared in a quiet room.

“The trials and opportunities in the deeper regions have more varied methods.”

“The Federation must have invested a great deal to build this Miracle Corridor.”

As thoughts flashed through his mind.

Beside Qin Jin, a male figure appeared, looking ordinary. He spoke, “Friend, my master said that as long as your comprehension of the secret technique on the scroll is deeper than mine within the same amount of time, you can obtain what my master left behind.”

“Comprehension?”

“A test of comprehension?”

“The competition within the Miracle Corridor seems not to be limited to combat power.”

Beside him.

The man respectfully took out a scroll and hung it on the wall in front, without opening it.

On the floor of the quiet room, two meditation cushions were placed. Under the man's arrangement, he first lit a long stick of incense, then invited Qin Jin to sit down with him.

The quiet room was extremely silent.

In the next instant, with the sound of unfolding, the scroll unrolled itself, and the character written within was [Soldier].

As the character 'Soldier' was revealed, the sound of weapons clashing truly echoed, and a sharp aura rushed forth.

Qin Jin's concentration was intense. As the scroll unfolded, he didn't hesitate for a moment, activating his Secret Treasure and unleashing his Treasure Technique.

In the past.

When he first began to practice and master some combat techniques, he often relied on the solidified characteristics of his professional panel to accumulate and accelerate his learning progress.

However, ever since he forged the Enlightenment Grotto-Heaven and mastered the Enlightenment Treasure Technique, Qin Jin's own comprehension had become astonishingly high.

Comprehension is a special attribute that cannot be quantified into a numerical value, but as the Enlightenment Grotto-Heaven continuously grew and as he continued to cultivate, Qin Jin could vaguely sense that his comprehension was not constant, but seemed to also possess some amplitude of growth.

This was a potential effect of the Heavenly Azure Method system after forging a Grotto-Heaven with extraordinary objects, a subtle change occurring over time.

As the Enlightenment Treasure Technique was activated, within the Grotto-Heaven, green lotuses swayed, growing more branches and leaves, continuously providing blessings.

Facing not a real person, but a trial construct within the Miracle Corridor, Qin Jin did not activate the second ability of the Enlightenment Treasure Technique to weaken, his gaze fixed on the character 'Soldier'.

This was a character written by a Martial Dao strong practitioner with his own origin, like the Wu Shen character Post Qin Jin once obtained, containing myriad meanings within.

And now.

Qin Jin stood still, his aura steady, but in his eyes, the glint of knives and swords reflected, for the eyes are the windows to the soul. That was Qin Jin's comprehension within the character 'Soldier', manifesting in his eyes.

Inside the quiet room, it was exceptionally silent. The scent of burning incense lingered, containing a special fragrance that refreshed the mind.

At a certain instant.

Qin Jin's open eyes closed.

At the same time, the scroll that had unfolded in front of him rolled itself back up.

On one side of the quiet room, the long stick of incense had burned out, its flame completely extinguished.

“Friend.”

The man rose, and with his movement, a sharp intent surged: “I apologize for the offense.”

Qin Jin said nothing, merely nodding slightly, understanding the other's meaning.

When two people comprehend the same secret technique, how do you distinguish who is deeper, who is superior?

A single test would suffice.

This was the purest method between Martial Artists.

At this moment.

The two stood up, at opposite ends of the quiet room. A serious expression appeared on the man's face. He raised his hand, pointing his fingers like a sword. Origin power surged forth, condensing and transforming in mid-air. Not much power was used, as this was not a pure test of strength.

His technique was extremely subtle. In a flash, weapon shadows appeared in mid-air, diverse and bizarre, looking quite extraordinary.

With a hundred weapon shadows suspended behind him, the man looked at Qin Jin: “Please enlighten me.”

Qin Jin remained standing in place.

With a slight thought, the external circulation temporarily ceased, and the domain was dispelled.

He sensed the origin power used by the other party, then gathered an equal amount of his own, and then said, “Please.”

As the word fell.

The man’s brows furrowed slightly.

But he did not hesitate, his finger like a sword, pointing forward. The shadows of a hundred weapons roared out, not using much origin power, but through exquisite techniques, their might surged, their power amplified, striking directly at Qin Jin.

Weapons passed through the sky.

At the same time.

Qin Jin's thoughts stirred.

Power moved with his thoughts.

In that instant, origin power adhered to his body surface, not as a domain, but undergoing the same power evolution as the man. However… the other party manifested weapons from the void, while Qin Jin used himself as the vessel.

To be a weapon himself!

The moment his power circulated, a sharp aura soared into the sky, stirring a fierce wind within the quiet room that ruffled his clothes.

The hundred weapon shadows struck forward from all directions and angles. After reaching about half a meter from Qin Jin, they suddenly froze, as if restrained by a prohibition.

A thousand subtle and intricate techniques against a heavy, unyielding weapon.

After a moment of stillness, spiderweb-like cracks appeared on the condensed weapons, then they shattered with a roar in the next instant, reverting to their purest form of power.

Qin Jin's own aura receded.

Opposite him.

With the hundred weapons shattered, the man did not show any disappointment, but rather a thoughtful expression, as if he had gained some insight. Meeting Qin Jin's gaze, he respectfully performed a Martial Dao salute and said in a deep voice, “Thank you, friend, for your guidance.”

“I lost.”

As the word 'lost' was uttered.

Silently, the surrounding quiet room completely vanished, and the figure of the man in front dissipated, as if an illusion.

In its place.

Was the brilliant golden light sphere, its radiance rapidly fading.

It was at this moment.

Qin Jin clearly sensed a sense of expulsion emanating from around him.

“The initial opening period of the Miracle Corridor is over?”

When the light began to fade, it meant the trial was passed, and the rewards within could be taken at any time.

Qin Jin glanced around, a hint of surprise on his face.

Because…

The rewards hidden within this light sphere were not just one; at a glance, there were three items, arranged side by side.

With a slight thought, he collected them all. In the next instant, the sense of expulsion grew even stronger, and his figure vanished from the Miracle Corridor.

The initial opening of the Miracle Corridor.

Thus concluded.

… …

Glass Star System.

If the entire territory of the Starfire Federation, the star systems it governs, were considered as a whole, then the Glass Star System would be the current frontier star system, located in the northernmost part of the entire Federation. The name 'Glass' is exquisitely beautiful, but here, it is truly a place of sacrifice.

Because…

A civilization battlefield is located here. This is a place where civilizations contend.

At this moment.

In a certain lounge, a middle-aged figure stood, his gaze fixed on a figure emerging from the portal. He said in a deep voice, “How was your harvest in the Miracle Corridor?”

That figure was a young man, with an upright face, one of the seventeen participants of the Miracle Corridor. Upon hearing this, he quickly replied, “Master, the harvest was not bad.”

“And, during the trials within, I gained some insight.”

The middle-aged man nodded: “Have you had any contact with the other participants? Those who can obtain an invitation letter to the Miracle Corridor are not simple individuals. You are of the same generation; getting to know them in advance will also be beneficial to you.”

Upon hearing this.

The man shook his head: “Communication is forbidden within the Miracle Corridor, even mental communication is impossible. I tried, but it had no effect.”

The middle-aged man turned his head and looked at him deeply.

“Never mind.”

… …

Myriad Forms Star System.

Here, it is one of the undisputed core star systems of the Federation, because the Federation's true governing seat, the first Gaia Planet [Buzhou Star], is located here.

In an open area on a certain planet.

As far as the eye could see, green grasslands connected with the sky, birds sang and flowers bloomed, like a paradise on earth. Above the grasslands, ethereal and strange life forms resembling 'flower fairies' were diligently cultivating.

At the peak of one of the mountains, a young woman dressed in white appeared, her delicate brows tightly furrowed.

“Alone, he defeated [Martial] with an overwhelming force.”

“How did that person in front do it?”

“What a pity…”

“I didn’t personally witness that battle.”

… …

Amidst the sense of expulsion, Qin Jin's figure departed from the portal.

The moment he left, the portal dissipated, returning from reality to the spiritual realm, reverting to Qin Jin's spiritual world, and once again transforming into the appearance of an invitation letter, in a forbidden state.

It seems.

Only when the Miracle Corridor reopens will this invitation letter be unsealed again.

Qin Jin's thoughts stirred, and he took out the final rewards he had obtained in the Miracle Corridor.

There were three items in total.

One of them was extremely familiar to Qin Jin: a Martial Dao Pearl.

This is considered one of the precious inherited items within the Federation. Not only can it engrave objects for contemplation, but it can also preserve inheritances, allowing one to experience them firsthand.

The other two items, however, were quite peculiar.

One of them was a bamboo slip that looked quite old, while the other was a beast bone, exuding an impressive aura, likely from a powerful extraordinary beast.

“When the light sphere dissipated, I didn’t receive any relevant information like before.”

“So, the information is contained within the rewards?”

All three items were clearly extraordinary, so Qin Jin extended his spiritual energy to touch each one.

The first one he chose was the most familiar Martial Dao Pearl.

He closed his eyes, his spirit entering it, and after a period, his spirit suddenly withdrew.

With a shift in his gaze, Qin Jin didn't stop, his spirit directly entering the bamboo slip.

After a series of actions, Qin Jin had a basic understanding of everything recorded within these three extraordinary items, and then he let out a long breath.

These were three [Legacies].

Among the most crucial legacies for a Martial Artist in the Star Sea.

Because these were three [Martial Saint Laws]!

In the past, Teacher Gu had once asked him, if he was nearing the Martial Saint Realm, would he choose an ancient method or create his own.

The so-called ancient method referred to the legacies left by the Starfire Federation's former Martial Saint seniors, which was an established and relatively easy path.

Creating his own method, on the other hand, involved organizing his own knowledge and forging a new Martial Saint path, different from others.

Regarding the Martial Saint Realm, the deepest impression Qin Jin had was of Teacher Su Chaozong, who had taught him on the Mining Star; he too had wanted to create his own method but had yet to succeed, eventually conceding and obtaining a Martial Saint Law legacy through Teacher Chu, and Qin Jin wondered about his current situation.

“There are two ways to enter the Level 5 zone: alone or by ganging up.”

“However, since three Martial Saint Laws are placed together, it’s clearly not meant for the recipient to choose one and follow an old path.”

“To innovate by referencing others?”

“Perhaps, these three Martial Saint Laws also have some connections, which is why they were placed together.”

Pondering in his mind, Qin Jin’s thoughts stirred, and he put away these three legacy items that contained the Martial Saint Laws.

He had only briefly scanned them, not delving into the details or studying them in depth.

“My path is already vaguely set: the Heavenly Azure Method combined with Martial Dao.”

“In a sense, this could even be called [Immortal Martial Arts].”

“Moving forward, as I continue to grow, I will have more and more opportunities to experiment, and the combination of these two systems within me will become more complete; that is my ultimate goal.”

“These three Martial Saint Laws, when I truly approach the Martial Saint Realm, I can consult them for reference, but they must never become my main focus.”

The value of the Martial Saint Law is self-evident; it represents a Martial Saint path, and even for Martial Dao powerhouses who have truly achieved Martial Saint, it can still serve as a reference to strengthen themselves.

However…

Qin Jin, having cultivated to this point, had long since solidified his mental state and would not be swayed by temporary gains or losses, truly looking to the future, for after all… that path was extremely distant, reaching straight to the heavens.

Another reward obtained from the golden light sphere was taken out by Qin Jin.

The Law Star Core.

He attempted to make spiritual contact and quickly understood how to operate it; while inside the Starship, under spiritual control, the numerical runes on the irregular body alternated and changed, as if [reorganizing].

At the same time.

Not far in front of Qin Jin, inside the Starship, subtle clouds actually formed, instantly turning into thunderclouds, all contained within a space about half a person’s length and width, the thunderclouds accumulated, and a torrential downpour began.

This was the Law Star Core's influence on natural laws.

During this change, Qin Jin clearly perceived a significant amount of pressure emanating from the Law Star Core, sweeping over his entire body.

The alteration of [natural laws] was clearly not easy; this was the [heavy pressure] caused by changing the rules, which was also a form of tempering; according to the information obtained in the Miracle Corridor, long-term use and insight would, over time, provide an opportunity to truly comprehend the ability of [Law], no longer requiring a medium, but being able to wield it through one's own power.

“Law is the realm name for a Level 5 Spiritual Energy User.”

“Martial Dao’s Level 5 is Martial Saint; it seems these two cultivation paths both undergo earth-shattering changes at Level 5.”

“Level 5 Spiritual Energy Users can alter natural laws within a certain area, and due to the existence of spiritual energy, they are not subjected to this backlash pressure.”

“So, to what extent would higher-level Spiritual Energy Users control this ability?”

“It's truly frightening to imagine.”

He let out a long breath, stopped activating the Star Core, first entered his portable base, then called up the panel, and headed for the Great Wilderness.

Inside the [Sacrificial Spirit Hall].

Qin Jin's figure appeared, and after confirming that there were no unexpected situations in the Tribe, he directly took out the Law Star Core and began to control it.

Above the Law Star Core, numerical runes flickered, reorganizing again.

Then…

There was no change in front of him.

“As expected, it doesn’t work.”

Qin Jin was not surprised; he had already guessed this, but he conducted the experiment out of caution.

The Law Star Core was created by the spiritual energy tide, involving the natural laws of the cosmic star sea; being in the Great Wilderness now was entirely equivalent to trying to slay an official of the current dynasty with a sword from a previous dynasty, so of course, it wouldn't work.

“However, just because it doesn’t work now doesn’t mean it won’t work in the future.”

Qin Jin had a plan in mind.

Heaven and Earth themselves possess spirituality.

This was the conclusion he reached after communicating with the Heavenly Vault Imperial Princess and experiencing it himself.

The Heaven and Earth outside the Great Wilderness respond to anything that can replenish themselves, and Qin Jin, who could travel between the two realms, had ample conditions to meet this demand.

Putting away the Law Star Core, Qin Jin directly began cultivating in the Sacrificial Spirit Hall.

Over time, with continuous changes, the spiritual energy in the Sacrificial Spirit Hall became increasingly abundant; although it was still far from places like the Immortal Dynasty Ancient Land, it was now completely sufficient for daily cultivation.

…

Time passed.

The clearing mission continued.

Today, at noon, Qin Jin returned to the Starship, and under Candle Kite's control, the Starship ascended, temporarily leaving the numbered planet.

Personnel from the academy, who had rushed over to retrieve the [Candle Fire Spirit] ahead of schedule, arrived in the Weiyang Star System.

This planet was in the pioneering and clearing stage, and no one except the pioneering legion and mission specialists was allowed to enter; this was a necessary rule, so… Qin Jin chose to leave the planet to meet with them.

Near the spaceport, Qin Jin saw a medium-sized Starship bearing the [Martial Abyss] insignia; after moving away from the port area, the two Starships traveled side-by-side, completing a docking maneuver in the star sea and constructing a connecting passage.

The Journeyer entered a silent state, with Qin Jin leading the way and Candle Kite floating beside him, as they entered the academy Starship.

At the other end of the passage.

Several figures were already waiting; Qin Jin’s gaze swept over them, landing on one particular figure.

That was…

Zhong Yi.

In previous meetings, Zhong Yi always wore casual clothes, but this time she was dressed in a white Researcher's uniform, giving her a unique and refined demeanor.

Noticing Qin Jin's gaze, she smiled slightly and said, “Let me introduce everyone.”

She extended her hand towards Qin Jin: “This is Qin Jin, our Martial Abyss’s Martial Dao prodigy.”

“I’ve heard much about him.”

As her voice fell, the middle-aged man at the center of the welcoming group spoke earnestly.

“This is Dr. Chen.”

Zhong Yi pointed to the man who had just spoken and continued to introduce: “Qin Jin, Dr. Chen is one of the top experts at the Martial Abyss Research Institute. After hearing the information Candle Kite sent back, he volunteered to establish a research team specifically for the unique lifeform you captured, to conduct comprehensive research and development.”

Qin Jin nodded slightly in acknowledgment.

After a round of introductions.

Dr. Chen, somewhat impatiently, said, “Student Qin Jin, can you let us see that little fellow now?”

“Of course.”

Qin Jin nodded, and with a slight thought, he took out the [Candle Fire Spirit].

The Candle Fire Spirit's exterior was surrounded by a restriction set by Qin Jin, a cage that prevented it from using its abilities to gain power, which made it appear somewhat listless, its candle flame flickering weakly and looking a bit dim.

The moment it was taken out.

Dr. Chen and the Researchers beside him all looked over.

“It can emit a very special frequency of power that causes people to fall into a coma, enter dreams, and create dream spaces.”

“When conducting related research on it, be prepared.”

Although Qin Jin believed the Martial Abyss’s research team was reliable enough, out of caution, he still spoke up.

Upon hearing this, Dr. Chen nodded solemnly, appearing to take Qin Jin’s words quite seriously. He waved his hand, and a Researcher left, quickly returning with an item.

It was a creation about half a meter long, resembling a giant capsule, with what looked like a life pod inside; this was not purely a technological creation, as Qin Jin clearly sensed the aura of [spiritual energy].

Clearly.

The academy had made preparations.

After the handover, and with the Candle Fire Spirit placed inside the capsule, Dr. Chen let out a long breath, a smile on his face: “Student Qin Jin, a luncheon has been prepared in the Starship; please join us. After it concludes, you can return to the planet, and we will return to the academy.”

“Alright.”

Upon hearing this, Dr. Chen’s smile widened: “We need to seize every minute and start some preliminary preparatory work.”

“Little Zhong.”

He looked at Zhong Yi: “You two are old acquaintances, so I’ll leave Student Qin Jin to you for now. It’s a good chance for you to catch up.”

At this point, he nodded to Qin Jin and enthusiastically left with the other Researchers.

“Don’t mind him.”

Seeing them leave, Zhong Yi led Qin Jin to the lounge and said, “Dr. Chen is just like that; when he’s interested in something, he doesn’t want to waste a single moment. I used to work under him, so I understand.”

Qin Jin nodded slightly.

He could understand the other person; as he said, he himself also wanted to use every minute and every moment for cultivation, without the slightest slack.

Looking at Zhong Yi, Qin Jin asked, “Senior Zhong, why are you here this time?”

“Thanks to you, of course.”

Zhong Yi’s tone was relaxed: “You are willing to hand over this type of extraordinary lifeform to the academy without any demands, but one thing is one thing; the academy will view this as an equal collaboration, and since it’s a collaboration, your side naturally needs a participant to understand the real-time situation.”

“The academy knows your situation, so they asked me to temporarily assume this role, responsible for real-time communication with you and explaining the research progress.”

“After all…”

She raised an eyebrow and smiled: “In others’ eyes, our relationship is still very good.”

“In the future, when you have a suitable candidate, I can step down.”

Qin Jin suddenly understood.

Zhong Yi, as the one who initially placed him on the Martial Abyss observation list, played a significant role in his eventual decision to choose Martial Abyss; she was, in a sense, one of his guides.

In fact, even setting aside personal friendship, their relationship was indeed close, after all… his current mentor was her classmate.

Thinking of this, Qin Jin suddenly remembered something, and his eyes became a little subtle.

In front of him.

Zhong Yi, completely unaware, looked at Qin Jin: “It’s been a while since we last met.”

“But I hear about you often.”

“Your name is occasionally mentioned in the headquarters’ research institute; they all say that our Martial Abyss has produced a top prodigy this year, whose future is immeasurable.”

“Qin Jin…”

She stared at Qin Jin, a hint of curiosity in her eyes: “Before, I heard some news about you from Gu Huang, but we haven’t been in contact recently.”

“You can even carry out missions alone now? How far has your Martial Dao progressed?”

Upon hearing this.

Meeting Zhong Yi’s curious gaze, Qin Jin calmly replied, “Just entered the Grandmaster Realm.”

“Grandmaster?”

“Grandmaster!”

At that, Zhong Yi suddenly reacted, staring intently at Qin Jin: “No… you explain, what do you mean by ‘just entered the Grandmaster Realm’?!”

“Just like this.”

As Qin Jin’s thoughts stirred, a faint light emanated from his body. His external circulation shifted from dim to bright, fully revealing his domain.

After doing this, Qin Jin added, “Senior Zhong, you should have been at this realm when you first arrived at the Mining Star, right?”

At that time.

In the New Sheep District school back then, to the still-young Qin Jin, a Martial Dao Grandmaster was an incredibly powerful figure.

And now…

He himself had stepped into it.

“Don’t call me Senior anymore; I’m not worthy.”

Their relationship was harmonious, and Zhong Yi made no attempt to hide her feelings. Gazing at the domain Qin Jin displayed and sensing it briefly, she already had a preliminary understanding of its strength. Her voice was somewhat weak as she sighed, “After I first met you, I knew you would be extraordinary in the future.”

“But…”

“I never expected that every time we met, you would have a qualitative leap.”

“Your breakthrough speed is even more abnormal than Gu Huang’s.”

“Both teacher and student are monsters, and you’re even more of a monster than her. How did I end up encountering both of you?”

“No wonder Wen Jinglun’s Dao Heart shattered back then.”

“Now I understand him; mine is about to shatter too.”

Listening to her words, which were half complaint and half lament, Qin Jin felt relaxed and said, “Senior Zhong, you are also a Martial Dao Grandmaster. Show some Grandmaster composure; don’t lose your dignity.”

“Yes, I’m also a Grandmaster.”

Zhong Yi shook her head: “When you were a freshman, I was a Grandmaster. When you reached Innate, I was a Grandmaster. Now you are a Grandmaster, and I am also a Grandmaster. Guess if I’ll still be a Grandmaster when you forge your own path and ascend to Martial Saint?”

“Qin Jin.”

“Luckily, I didn’t let you keep calling me Teacher back then, or how embarrassing that would be. From now on, don’t call me Senior either, just call me Little Zhong, like Dr. Chen.”

“Alright, Senior.”

Qin Jin readily agreed.

In the lounge area, there was a moment of silence, and then… they looked at each other and smiled.

“That’s really great.”

Zhong Yi put away her mournful expression, looking at Qin Jin with joy in her eyes: “The Martial Artist system, and even our Martial Abyss, places the highest importance on nurturing future generations and the inheritance of the torch.”

“I didn’t quite understand it before.”

“Now it seems that besides adding bricks and mortar to the Martial Dao path and constantly pioneering, inheritance itself is the most interesting thing.”

“Watching you grow from naive to what you are now, from a Mining Star youth to someone capable of standing on your own, I, the one who led you into the Martial Abyss, feel honored and very happy.”

“Our Starfire Federation’s Martial Dao is also growing stronger and stronger in this kind of atmosphere.”

“Qin Jin.”

Her tone became unusually serious: “You must work hard.”

“Perhaps, one day in the future, you will become the next Martial God from Martial Abyss, dominating your era and shaking the star sea.”

“By then…”

Her tone softened, becoming relaxed: “Don’t forget to give Little Zhong a leg up.”

Meeting an old acquaintance was exceptionally relaxed.

Truly catching up to the Martial Dao powerhouse he once looked up to gave Qin Jin a subtle feeling.

Cultivation was like climbing a mountain. Now, he was no longer the tiny existence at the foot of the mountain gazing up at the peak. Instead, he was halfway up, able to vaguely see the clouds above and look down upon all living beings below.

Qin Jin and Zhong Yi conversed continuously.

Although Zhong Yi and Teacher Gu were not from the same cohort, their relationship was indeed close. Otherwise, they wouldn’t have remained in frequent contact, despite one choosing [Literature] and the other [Martial Arts], one being a Grandmaster and the other a Celestial.

From Zhong Yi’s words, Qin Jin learned some things about Teacher Gu’s past.

Zhong Yi’s assessment was indeed correct.

Because Gu Huang, Teacher Gu, was also an individual extremely focused on cultivation, fully showcasing her talent, which was precisely where she and Qin Jin were most alike.

During their conversation, the luncheon on the starship began.

After Qin Jin made his initial assessment, and Candle Kite confirmed it, the information was transmitted back to the academy. The academy took it very seriously. In addition to the initial welcoming party, many Researchers who were about to join the research team also accompanied them and got to know Qin Jin.

All guests were joyful.

The luncheon ended.

After saying goodbye, the academy’s starship returned, and Qin Jin boarded the Journeyer to return to the designated planet.

As he passed through the outer perimeter of the planet and entered its interior, his terminal vibrated slightly, and Candle Kite’s voice sounded.

“Qin Jin.”

“The Pioneer Legion has issued a new mission.”

“Oh?”

Candle Kite’s figure flickered, and beside her, a light screen appeared.

[Special Area Alien Beast Cleanup]

[Required Level]: Level 5

[Other Requirements]: Must pilot a mecha

(The Pioneer Legion will provide mecha support. For those with their own mecha, the Pioneer Legion will cover all wear and tear.)

[Mission Start Time]: Countdown: 71:59:46

[Mission Assembly Point]: No. 36 Pioneer Base

His gaze swept across, and Qin Jin’s eyes lit up slightly.

Mecha combat!

When selecting missions at the academy, the requirements Qin Jin put forward included mecha combat. After all… this was an indispensable part of a star sea Martial Artist.

Now…

The azure lightning dark halberd finally had another chance to make its appearance in the star sea.

“Candle Kite, immediately change course and head to the assembly point set for the mission.”

“Received!”

“Depart.”

The Journeyer adjusted its direction, rapidly advancing within the planet, heading towards the No. 36 Pioneer Base.

…

Three days later.

The No. 36 Pioneer Base was extremely vast, much larger than the base Qin Jin first stayed at. Upon arriving here, Qin Jin systematically carried out all procedures.

And now…

As the mission time approached, it was noon. From within the base, figures set out, heading towards the designated area.

This was an area similar to a super-large plaza. At a glance, the standardized mechas, military blue in color, were arranged and seated. Some were already activated, while others were in a dormant state, unpiloted.

At the other end of these neatly arranged standardized mechas was the individual mecha assembly area. Those who could achieve a Level 5 rating were definitely extraordinary Martial Artists. Many of them already possessed their own individual mechas. Compared to that side, this area appeared somewhat disorganized, with mechas of varying appearances, forms, and color schemes, forming a colorful array.

Upon arriving here.

Qin Jin surveyed all the mechas around him, a curious light in his eyes.

This was his first time seeing a structured mecha cluster in reality. Just standing there, an imposing aura emanated, sending shivers down one’s spine.

The mechas present were all extraordinary combat mechas. With Qin Jin’s [Mecha Master] profession, certified by the professional panel, combined with his own perception, he could directly discern their strengths and weaknesses, and also analyze the favored directions of some mechas.

As he observed.

Personnel wearing the standardized uniform of the Pioneer Legion came forward. After confirming his identity, they kindly said, “Specialist Qin, if you haven’t brought your own mecha, you can pilot the Legion’s standard mecha for combat.”

He pointed to an area to the side: “You can freely choose any of the Legion mechas there.”

“I have my own mecha.”

“Then please board the cockpit and establish a mental connection.”

“We will be departing soon.”

Qin Jin nodded.

The azure lightning dark halberd’s exclusive spatial device appeared in his hand. As Qin Jin’s thoughts stirred, the black and gold humanoid mecha manifested.

Around them, many gazes converged.

Activating the teleportation function, Qin Jin’s figure vanished, entering the cockpit. With a mental connection, the extraordinary runes around the azure lightning dark halberd flickered in an instant, and an astonishing aura spread outwards.

Due to its segmented nature, after Qin Jin entered the Grandmaster Realm and unlocked its final stage, it was not considered a top-tier mecha in the past.

However…

In the Great Wilderness, with the continuous infiltration of wish power and spiritual energy, the azure lightning dark halberd also improved. After condensing a golden body of wish power for the azure lightning dark halberd in that ceremony, Qin Jin was confident that it would not be inferior to any top-tier Grandmaster mecha of the Federation, and might even surpass them!

The mecha stepped on the ground, a dull sound echoing. Qin Jin joined the mecha cluster, quietly waiting.

Time passed.

Approximately half an hour later.

The distant sky suddenly darkened.

Within the base, countless gazes looked towards the distance, only to see… in the far reaches of the sky, an incomparably massive ship-like platform sped towards them!

Looking up from below, wherever it passed, it obscured everything in the sky, appearing almost like a moving continent in the heavens!

In the Starfire Federation, it had a rather resounding name.

The Land Ark.

The Ark moved forward, arriving above the base. Although it was daytime, the lights inside the base automatically turned on, illuminating everything. The area where the mecha cluster was located was also covered by it. At this moment, dazzling transmission light descended from above, enveloping each mecha.

The light flashed.

The entire area was largely emptied, having been teleported into the Ark.

The next moment.

The Land Ark determined its direction and set off into the distance.

…

Aboard the Ark.

Under the cover of the transmission light, the mecha cluster entered the Ark’s interior to wait. This was a spacious hall, precisely the transport bay beneath the Ark.

At this moment.

At the very front of the hall, a projected light screen appeared, and a figure in military uniform with a resolute expression appeared on the display.

“Greetings, mission specialists.”

His voice rang out, his tone solemn: “I am the Commander of the Third Battle Group of the Weiyang Star System’s Pioneer Legion.”

“This operation will be entirely under my command.”

“Our destination for this mission is the oceanic region of this life planet, with the ultimate goal being deep within the sea.”

“This planet has been shrouded by star sea anomalies for years, leading to ecological mutations. Detailed information will be sent to your mission programs shortly.”

“I have only one request.”

“This is a collective mission. Please do not act rashly. Warriors from the Pioneer Legion will operate alongside all mission specialists. Should anything occur, please promptly call out on the public channel for information sharing.”

“Let us meet again in the deep sea.”

As the last sentence fell, the light screen dissipated.

With a tremor from the terminal, new information appeared on his wristband.

Qin Jin carefully reviewed it.

The Ark moved forward, obscuring the sky and sun. After a period of travel, it finally reached its destination for this journey.

At this moment, the floor beneath the transport bay suddenly became transparent, revealing the scene below.

Below the Ark, the land had transformed into ocean. At a glance, the sea surface glowed with a strange phosphorescence, appearing unusual.

A mechanical broadcast sounded.

“Mecha deployment will begin shortly.”

“All mission specialists, please prepare yourselves.”

After the broadcast repeated several times…

Below, the now transparent floor suddenly broke apart in the middle, slowly disconnecting and unfolding to either side, forming ramps. One combat mecha after another, buffered along the ramps, descended towards the sea surface!