201: Yuanlong comes out to worship fire

The path of a Martial Artist is long and arduous; temporary smoothness cannot determine ultimate achievement.

However, when someone truly demonstrates an unparalleled upward trajectory, they inevitably receive widespread attention and high expectations.

Qin Jin could feel the importance embedded in these few words.

Meeting Chi Chenzhou's gaze, Qin Jin nodded solemnly and said in a deep voice, "I will give it my all."

Chi Chenzhou smiled, said nothing more, and simply stated, "Go."

Qin Jin bowed and turned to leave.

His figure gradually receded.

Chi Chenzhou watched his figure leave the small courtyard and disappear from sight, then shifted his gaze to the other end of this isolated island in the sea of stars.

That was where the Wu Sheng Stele was located.

"The torch is passed on, seedlings grow vigorously until they become towering trees, sheltering future generations."

"Mr. Chen..."

"The Federation has truly achieved this point now."

"I only hope that, in the future, the established root system will not decay for some reason and can continue to thrive smoothly."

Muttering to himself, Chi Chenzhou's figure flickered for a moment and then disappeared from the spot... After Qin Jin entered the courtyard, Candle Kite concealed herself, and now, as Qin Jin left, Candle Kite's figure reappeared in front of him.

Qin Jin looked at her, his eyebrows slightly raised: "Candle Kite, after school starts, everything will be up to you."

Traveling from the academy, journeying through the sea of stars, embarking on a path to sainthood—during this period, only Candle Kite would be his close companion. She would serve multiple roles, including but not limited to starship pilot, teacher, and assistant...

"Leave everything to me."

The clone of Candle Kite, who followed Qin Jin, had always been very lively. Now, she patted her chest, looking determined.

Qin Jin smiled, stepped out of the headquarters, and a hint of anticipation rose in his eyes.

He was equally looking forward to this martial arts journey.

After returning to the campus, Qin Jin became busy.

Before school even started, Qin Jin spent his days, in addition to cultivating, frequenting the academy's library to read and study Breathing Methods.

His own accumulation of Breathing Methods had never stopped; he had already developed a rudimentary framework, and now he was merely continuing to refine it.

As his cultivation realm improved, Qin Jin's actions also became bolder. Within the Si Huo Tribe, more Breathing Methods involving different attributes and directions were disseminated, increasing the future choices for his tribesmen.

As time passed, and school approached, other students of the same year gradually began to return to campus.

Today, it was noon, and Qin Jin stepped out of his dormitory and headed to the academy's dining area.

Finding a private room and entering it, Qin Jin's gaze suddenly focused on the only figure inside.

It was a young woman with short chestnut hair and delicate features. At this moment, she also looked at him. As their eyes met, Qin Jin saw that her pupils were like brilliant blue crystals, deep and mysterious.

"Han Miao?"

Qin Jin recognized her and spoke.

"Mm."

Responding to him was a voice that sounded quite mature.

Meeting Qin Jin's gaze, Han Miao continued, "During your absence from the academy, I made a breakthrough and opened up some restrictions."

Her tone sounded a bit stiff.

"Congratulations."

Qin Jin said sincerely.

He and Han Miao had cooperated on missions before and were familiar with each other. Seeing that she was no longer restricted by external factors, he was genuinely happy for her.

To be able to become an S-rank in Martial Abyss, even if her cultivation progress couldn't be as rapid as his, she was still growing every moment.

Just as the two were talking.

The sound of a door opening echoed, and two figures walked in, one after the other.

Bai Huaiyu, Xie Wuhai.

The four who first met after entering the academy were reunited today.

"Qin Jin!"

The moment he entered the private room, Xie Wuhai stepped forward and looked at Qin Jin: "Long time no see!"

After the academy's mission period ended, Qin Jin had not returned, and quite some time had passed.

He spoke, his words continuing: "I heard the academy has special arrangements for you, which is why you haven't returned. Qin Jin, could it be that your cultivation progress is too fast, leading the academy to have a different training plan for you?"

Hearing this, Qin Jin's eyebrows slightly raised: "It's pretty much as you said."

"Pretty much!"

Xie Wuhai's eyes widened a bit, his mouth moved, and finally, he gave a thumbs-up, exclaiming, "Awesome."

He didn't ask for too many details, nor did he inquire about Qin Jin's cultivation progress.

Coming from a dojo, he possessed keen insight from rich experience. The moment he saw Qin Jin again, he realized that the gap between himself and this classmate had widened even further.

The four took their seats.

Beside them, Bai Huaiyu's voice sounded: "After returning to school this time, will you be leaving again soon?"

The other two looked over.

Qin Jin nodded: "After school starts, I will leave. Next, I will embark on a cultivation journey arranged by the academy."

Hearing this, everyone reacted differently.

After a pleasant chat and meal, the four left the restaurant.

Just as they left, two young figures approached them. After they passed each other, a sudden shout came from behind.

"Qin Jin!"

"Are you Senior Qin Jin?"

Their steps halted, and they looked back, only to see the two unfamiliar figures from just now approaching. A boy and a girl, seemingly very close, and the boy's brows were subtly excited as he looked at Qin Jin.

"I am."

Qin Jin nodded.

"It really is Senior Qin Jin!"

The boy's expression rippled, then he looked serious: "My name is Chu Wen, a new student at Martial Abyss."

"Senior Qin Jin, I've watched your Po Xian Cup combat videos."

"To win both championships of the Star Dome Breaking Limit Cup as a new student—that's an unprecedented feat. Senior Qin Jin, I chose Martial Abyss because of you, and I will strive to learn from you!"

At this point, he paused for a moment, as if carefully choosing his words, then clenched his fist and said, "To continue the glory of Martial Abyss, it is our bounden duty!"

As he finished speaking.

Beside Qin Jin, laughter rang out.

Qin Jin looked at his serious face, nodded, and encouraged him, "Keep it up."

Hearing the encouragement, Chu Wen's expression became even more excited. Just as he was about to say more, the girl beside him pulled him away, a line of black running down her face: "Alright, don't bother the seniors anymore."

She smiled apologetically at Qin Jin and the others, then pulled Chu Wen away.

Beside Qin Jin.

Xie Wuhai, who had been amused, now watched the two walk away and suddenly called out, "Chu Wen, you must work hard!"

"I will!"

Chu Wen, being pulled away by the girl, turned his head and looked towards the source of the voice. Realizing it wasn't Qin Jin, he shouted, "Senior, you must also work hard!"

Their figures faded into the distance.

"How did I become 'this senior' when it came to me?"

Xie Wuhai gasped: "When that kid reaches the Congenital Realm, I will definitely spar with him."

Amidst laughter and chatter, the group's figures disappeared.

Han Miao and Xie Wuhai left, while Qin Jin received an invitation from Bai Huaiyu and went to her residence.

In the living room.

Qin Jin sat down to wait. Bai Huaiyu, dressed in casual clothes, walked out holding a cup and placed it in front of Qin Jin: "Try it, it's a unique drink from our civilization."

Qin Jin took a sip; it was a bit astringent at first, but then came a continuous sweetness that made one want to savor it.

He put down the cup and looked at Bai Huaiyu: "You specifically asked me to come over, what is it about?"

Both of them knew each other's identities, so Qin Jin spoke quite directly.

"My request to the civilization has been granted."

Bai Huaiyu smiled faintly: "From now on, for a long time, I can stay in the Starfire Federation as a Civilization Observer, recording everything that happens within the civilization from my perspective."

Qin Jin nodded.

Bai Huaiyu continued: "The observation from the Wanderer Civilization is from a macroscopic perspective, while the perspective of us Civilization Observers is microscopic."

"Qin Jin, I want to refine this microscopic view even further."

"You mean?"

"I have browsed the history of the Starfire Federation's rise."

"You truly stepped into the sea of stars because you obtained the legacy of an extraterrestrial civilization, but during your vigorous growth, the Martial Arts path of evolution was an extremely important link. In fact, every major leap forward for the Federation was related to significant breakthroughs in Martial Arts."

"Therefore, an idea came to me."

"If one could observe the growth journey of a Martial Artist, perhaps one could see the bigger picture from a small perspective, witnessing completely different sceneries."

Hearing this, Qin Jin already understood her idea: "You intend to choose me as your observation subject."

Bai Huaiyu nodded.

"I was going to mention it to you today anyway, but I didn't expect other things to come up."

"Aren't you embarking on a cultivation journey after school starts?"

"If you agree, I hope to accompany you."

She looked at Qin Jin, her expression serious: "If you agree, I will contact the Wanderer Civilization to transmit relevant information to the Starfire Federation through the civilization level."

"The Federation's high-level officials understand our Wanderer Civilization. We do not belong to any faction but are truly unique existences independent in the sea of stars. The civilized imprints we observe and record will also be treasured and will not be leaked."

"Having a Civilization Observer by my side, huh."

Qin Jin's thoughts turned.

It must be said that for a Martial Artist, this could even be an honor, to have a prehistoric civilization that has existed for an unknown period of time conduct independent observation of oneself, showing their Pay attention to.

However, for Qin Jin, he only felt it was subtle.

"I cannot agree to this matter."

Meeting Bai Huaiyu's gaze, Qin Jin replied.

"Two reasons."

Their relationship was harmonious, so Qin Jin offered more explanations: "The perspective of observing a Martial Artist is indeed a good choice, but for me personally, compared to most Martial Artists, it lacks universality."

"I am fundamentally different from too many Martial Artists."

Qin Jin spoke frankly, continuing: "Secondly, for this cultivation journey, I do not need a companion."

Hearing Qin Jin's reply.

Bai Huaiyu showed a thoughtful expression and nodded: "I understand."

"Actually, there are many suitable subjects for observation within the academy."

Qin Jin looked at her: "Martial Abyss is a top academy within the star system, and its students will all have different destinies in the future. Perhaps they won't reach the absolute peak, but they will still have wonderful stories unique to themselves."

"Bai Huaiyu."

"If you stay within the academy and observe them, you should gain more than by observing me, a 'unique case'."

As Qin Jin finished speaking, Bai Huaiyu showed a thoughtful expression, then, settling for a compromise, she changed her approach: "Then, every few years, would you be willing to grant me an interview?"

"Qin Jin."

"I myself have also studied the Federation's Martial Arts in the academy. Your progress in Martial Arts is astonishing, and I would like to make some records."

"Of course."

Qin Jin readily agreed.

After some discussion, Qin Jin left... Students returned to school, new students enrolled, and the Martial Arts Department campus became lively.

On the first day of school, Qin Jin went alone to the docking area.

Standing in front of the starship docking bay, he looked back at the campus, then summoned Candle Kite, who accompanied him as he boarded the [Voyager].

After he was brought back to Lei Yu Star by Venerable Observer, Martial Abyss personnel took over the Voyager and brought it back to the academy.

Entering the starship, Candle Kite skillfully took over the piloting system. Soon, the starship started, and with a roaring sound, the Voyager climbed into the high sky. The campus below gradually became tiny.

Qin Jin looked at the surface through the porthole, and his eyes rippled with emotion.

A year had passed in a flash.

The academy's plans for him had changed, which undoubtedly meant that his time within the academy grounds would become very limited.

This place would become a temporary stopover of the past, and the people here would gradually become passersby. Future contact would decrease, which was inevitable when making rapid progress on the path of evolution.

Until one day in the future, when they would reunite and meet somewhere, looking back, each person would have walked a different path and had a different past.

Withdrawing his gaze, the Xingzhou had already left the planet and sailed into the Star Sea.

Qin Jin looked out at the Star Sea, his eyes filled with anticipation.

The boundless Star Sea was captivating, and now... he would truly step into the Star Sea, leaving his own story within it.

Shifting his gaze, Qin Jin's sight fell upon the Martial Abyss headquarters, looking towards the Wu Sheng Stele.

"Mr. Chen Shu."

Gazing at the Wu Sheng Stele, he murmured to himself, "I hope that when I return, I will be able to leave my name on the stele."

Withdrawing his gaze, Qin Jin's vision became resolute, devoid of any impurities.

He stepped into the cockpit and asked, "Candle Kite, has the Martial Saint Diagram been updated?"

"It has already been imported into the star map."

Candle Kite's lively voice rang out, "Captain Qin Jin, our first destination for this journey is located in the Liuli Star System."

"The Liuli Star System, huh?"

Qin Jin murmured to himself.

The Martial Abyss curriculum was extremely comprehensive. Through continuous learning, Qin Jin also gained an understanding of the various star systems within the Starfire Federation's controlled territory.

The Liuli Star System was located in the northernmost part of the Starfire Federation's territory, a true frontier star system.

As he manipulated the controls, a light screen rose before Qin Jin, displaying the star map.

Among the options on one side of the star map, the "Martial Saint Diagram" option had conspicuously appeared.

Qin Jin gently touched it, and the screen shifted. A brand new star map appeared, encompassing all the Starfire Federation's star systems. Each star system could be clicked into for detailed viewing. At this moment, only the Liuli Star System glowed faintly.

After clicking into it, a certain spot within the star system was exceptionally bright, marking the starting point of his cultivation journey.

"Mitian Daochang."

"The starting point seems to be an ancient dojo."

Qin Jin checked the star map and asked, "Candle Kite, are there no other destination markers?"

"According to the academy's requirements, the subsequent locations will only unlock once you truly arrive at the first destination."

"I see."

Qin Jin nodded, no longer asking further questions.

The academy had arranged a route for him, so there was naturally some intention behind it.

"Help me compile a report on the Mitian Daochang."

Leaving that instruction, Qin Jin exited the cockpit.

His cooperation with Candle Kite had become increasingly tacit. While he cultivated, Candle Kite would handle everything.

Stepping into the starship's cultivation room, Qin Jin began his daily cultivation... as the starship sailed.

Qin Jin's daily schedule became fixed.

The long voyage through the Star Sea was rather monotonous, but with the existence of the Great Wilderness, Qin Jin was clearly unaffected. He cultivated daily, checked in with Candle Kite, and occasionally left the Tribe to explore more distant ancient lands.

After the opportunity brought about by the Abyssal Dragon, Qin Jin could confirm that within the vast Great Wilderness, in addition to Dragon Gate Peak, there were at least eight other ancient lands related to dragons.

Although he didn't know their exact locations, they were undoubtedly worthwhile targets to pursue.

Today.

Inside the portable base, Qin Jin sat cross-legged, his eyes tightly closed, his spirit completely immersed in the Spirit Ruins.

Within the Spirit Ruins, the True Dragon Cave Heaven shone brightly, and the power of feedback surged everywhere. Inside the Cave Heaven, the white dragon swayed, exhaling clouds and mist, tumbling up and down.

Amidst the fluctuations of its aura, Qin Jin clearly perceived that he had reached a certain limit at this moment!

The Third Cave Heaven was complete!

Compared to the Enlightenment Grotto-Heaven and the Divine Advent Cave Heaven, the True Dragon Cave Heaven was extremely perfect when it first formed. Because of this, it took a considerable amount of time to consolidate it to completion, which was now finally achieved.

"With the Cave Heaven complete, I can begin cultivating the Fourth Cave Heaven."

A thought arose in Qin Jin's mind: "This time, there are quite a few choices for the Cave Heaven divine object."

As his thoughts stirred, an item appeared before him.

The "Law Star Core."

This was a reward he obtained in the Miracle Corridor, and from the beginning, he had listed it as a choice for a Cave Heaven divine object.

However, after going to the Spiritual Energy Realm with Teacher Chu, Qin Jin's ideas changed somewhat.

He possessed the talent to become a Spiritual Energy User, but the power within him was repelling all of it.

"Given that there are other options, I'll set this aside for now."

"In the future, I can make some related attempts."

With that thought, the Law Star Core was put away, and Qin Jin's attention focused on the Spirit Ruins.

The Fire God's body was surrounded by burning divine fire, and within it, a furnace pattern formed, becoming increasingly majestic.

After gaining insights from the ancestor of the Fire God Law, this Ling Xu Fire God had made rapid progress during this period.

Finally.

Qin Jin's gaze fell upon the black and white divine tree cultivated from the "Jupiter Green Law Heavenly Book."

Compared to the divine tree on Green Wood Temple, the divine tree in Qin Jin's Spirit Ruins was merely a sapling, but it had been growing vigorously within the Spirit Ruins. It was now over twenty meters tall, with lush branches and leaves, black and white intertwined, and its divine power just beginning to emerge.

"The inheritance of Green Wood Temple is extraordinary, and there are also traces left by the Heavenly Monarch senior."

"Using this as the divine object for the Fourth Cave Heaven is most suitable!"

Having made his decision, Qin Jin didn't hesitate. He had always acted decisively. He summoned his professional panel and immediately headed to the Great Wilderness, preparing to take another step forward in his cultivation of the Heavenly Azure Method.

Ripples flowed, and his figure disappeared... Great Wilderness, Sacrificial Fire Tribe.

The moment he arrived at the Sacrificial Spirit Hall, just as before, Qin Jin's senses spread out to check the Tribe's situation.

Upon investigation, his movements paused slightly.

Within his perception, the Sacrificial Fire Tribe was actually undergoing some kind of mobilization. People were gathering, and teams had already set out.

And outside the great hall.

Qin Jin also detected the traces left by Qi Chuan using priestly methods.

This indicated that something important had happened.

Since he had stated that he was going to break through, the members of the Sacrificial Fire Tribe had never actively disturbed him.

A thought flashed through his mind, and Qin Jin's perception spread, quickly locating Qi Chuan's figure. His voice resonated in Qi Chuan's mind.

"What happened?"

At this moment, Qi Chuan was organizing the team. The young and strong of the Tribe were gathered, and his face was filled with a murderous intent.

Although he was a priest, having lived in the Great Wilderness, he was also a fierce warrior of the Tribe in his youth. Now, his words were sharp as he gave instructions.

When the voice in his mind sounded, his expression remained unchanged. After stopping his speech, he said in his mind, "Lord Sacrificial Spirit, it's the Tu Yang Tribe. They encountered an interception from another Tribe."

"I received a message from Ding Yang."

His tone was very quick as he explained in his mind, "During this period, due to the changes in heaven and earth, conflicts among various Tribes have been frequent. Among them, the Iron Tooth Tribe and the Fei Xue Tribe have been the most intense."

"These two Tribes were already at war, and this time it was even more brutal. A few days ago, the winner was decided. The Fei Xue Tribe's Sacrificial Spirit fell, and the Iron Tooth Tribe is now annexing the Fei Xue Tribe and expanding."

"The main force of the Tu Yang Tribe was discovered on their way here. After the Iron Tooth Tribe learned of this, their worshipped Sacrificial Spirit appeared, actually wanting to annex the Tu Yang Tribe as well."

"According to the message from Ding Yang."

"That Lord Qi Shan of the Tu Yang Tribe has already engaged in battle with the other party."

The mental message conveyed the cause and effect.

Inside the Sacrificial Spirit Hall, Qin Jin's expression changed from calm to solemn.

Conflicts and wars in the Great Wilderness had never ceased, and therefore, the Sacrificial Fire Tribe had always been preparing for such eventualities.

However, Qin Jin had not instructed the Sacrificial Fire Tribe to take the initiative to attack.

After all, the environment in which he grew up dictated that Qin Jin leaned more towards the side of order. Moreover, unlike other Sacrificial Spirits, 'wish power' was not a necessity for him, so the Sacrificial Fire Tribe could develop naturally, and Qin Jin would not force anything.

The previous sacrificial ceremony also made the surrounding Tribes take notice. Although there had been minor skirmishes during this period, no one dared to target the Sacrificial Fire Tribe.

Now... the first transgressor had appeared.

Whether Tian Cang cultivators or Martial Artists, they were all good at fighting, eager to fight, and never feared battle!

A thought flashed through his mind, and Qin Jin made a decision, his tone calm: "Let the tribesmen wait in the Tribe."

Upon hearing this, Qi Chuan's expression changed: "Lord Sacrificial Spirit, you..."

"I will go personally."

"It's a good opportunity to tell the various Tribes that some taboos cannot be violated."

As soon as he finished speaking, the voice in Qi Chuan's mind ceased.

His expression shifted, and without hesitation, he quickly called out to the Offering Fire tribesmen who were ready to depart, issuing the order to halt.

Inquiring voices rose.

"Great Elder, what's wrong?"

Before Qi Chuan could answer.

The unusual sight at the center of the Tribe attracted everyone's attention.

Looking out, at the center of the divine light enveloping the Sacrificial Spirit Hall, a strange, dazzling brilliance now appeared. The dome of the hall glowed brightly, and a massive figure slowly ascended, passing through the dome and climbing into the sky, entering everyone's sight.

The Abyssal Dragon.

A pervasive pressure filled the air. The dragon head on its chest was lifelike, and as it ascended, its full form gradually revealed itself.

"What... what is that?"

"I feel a sense of familiarity. Could that be Lord Sacrificial Spirit?!"

"The Great Elder said that Lord Sacrificial Spirit had broken through. Is this what he looks like after breaking through?"

Amidst the trembling murmurs, the Abyssal Dragon fully manifested itself. Divine light cascaded down, adding to its majesty. Its hundred-meter-long body brought an unparalleled sense of oppression.

Qi Chuan's aged face was filled with shock. As a priest, he naturally knew who the figure before him was, but comparing it to the image in his mind, he completely failed to imagine that these were the same life form.

"Lord Sacrificial Spirit's 'breakthrough'...

"Is it different from what we understand?"

Confused thoughts flashed through his mind.

At the center of the Tribe.

Standing in mid-air, surging power interacted with the Abyssal Dragon. Qin Jin overlooked the entire Tribe.

The Sacrificial Spirit Hall did not possess teleportation capabilities, but he knew the method of changing locations, so adding this function was not difficult.

Now, with a sweep of his gaze, overlooking the entire Tribe, Qin Jin did not speak. In the next instant, with a burst of power, the Abyssal Dragon suddenly ascended, climbing into the high sky!

During its ascent.

Qin Jin's mind stirred, and the module activated. The entire Abyssal Dragon was enveloped in dazzling light, beginning to transform rapidly!

When the light dissipated.

What appeared in the eyes of the Offering Fire tribesmen was a dragon that had climbed into the sky!

A true dragon!

After its final refinement, the true dragon form no longer resembled its former skeletal dragon appearance.

Subsequently, it underwent opportunities from nine ancient lands. The Abyssal Dragon's dragon form was completely indistinguishable from a true dragon. After transforming, ordinary people could not see any mechanical traces; instead, it was a seamless whole!

The dragon ascended into the clouds, then quickly flew away and disappeared. Within the Tribe, only countless tribesmen remained, looking at each other, their faces filled with shock.

"Great Elder."

A tribesman's voice rang out: "Just now, was that our Tribe's Lord Jin?"

"Lord Sacrificial Spirit, how did he become like that?"

"Perhaps, that is Lord Sacrificial Spirit's true form."

The shock in Qi Chuan's eyes did not diminish. He was quite knowledgeable, and now he murmured, "Lord Sacrificial Spirit's appearance is like the legendary dragon race."

"Could it be..."

"Lord Sacrificial Spirit's true body is an ancient dragon?!"