237: Origin

Fists met.

As the giant rune array showed signs of disintegration, Qin Jin's aura continued to climb. The simultaneous activation of two extraordinary heavenly gift grotto-heavens brought unimaginable combat power, with strength surging like a river within his body. In addition, Qin Jin also perceived that his essence and all basic attributes were rapidly soaring under the Treasure Technique's enhancement.

The True Dragon Cave Heaven was already an extremely extraordinary heavenly gift grotto-heaven, deeply connected to the innate divine existence of true dragons. With the added blessing of the heavenly gift grotto-heaven, it erupted with even more astonishing power.

The surging power within his body had nowhere to be released, a feeling of needing to vent. In the next instant, at the point where their fists clashed, Qin Jin did not employ any special techniques; pure power simply surged forth. The power was fierce, carrying immense pressure as it rushed out and penetrated the crystal fist, like a collapsing skyscraper, beyond any hope of recovery.

The giant rune array surrounding the crystal fist exploded with a roar amidst its disintegration. The runes scattered chaotically, blooming into a series of dazzling fireworks against the bloody sky.

This was just the beginning.

In a flash, Qin Jin stepped onto the firmament, his power erupting again. As his aura spread, the red clouds were dispersed. He raised his fist upwards and struck with a fierce upward thrust.

The Crystal Giant's body moved uncontrollably at this moment.

Under an unimaginable terrifying force, it retreated sharply backward.

It was like a mountain pressing down on a person being overturned.

This retreat was eternal.

As it retreated, starting from the crystal fist and extending to the arm, cracks appeared on the distinct facets of the crystal. In the blink of an eye, they spread throughout the entire arm, and then, under the impact of the force, it exploded with a crash.

The Crystal Giant became a one-armed giant.

The exploded arm turned into scattered crystal fragments raining down, like a downpour of strange, shimmering light reflecting the sunlight.

Qin Jin's figure flashed through the rain.

At the other end, as the arm shattered, a power-constructed magic array formed at the Crystal Giant's broken shoulder. New crystals appeared in the void, rapidly approaching, seemingly about to [reconstruct].

However, Qin Jin would not give it this opportunity.

As the crystals approached, a figure flashed through the rain of shattered crystals. When it reappeared, it was already in front of the Crystal Giant.

The light in the Crystal Giant's [eyes] flickered rapidly. It sensed the danger, and the reconstruction of its arm ceased at this moment. The crystals that had appeared in the void lost their power support and crashed downwards. All its power converged frantically at this moment, and a series of defensive rune arrays formed on its chest.

With the arrays in front, the crystal pattern on the Crystal Giant's chest also began to change, rapidly strengthening and thickening. From a distance, it looked like a [Crystal Shield] had formed.

In an instant, the defense was ready.

At the other end.

After appearing not far in front of the Crystal Giant, under the effect of immense power, a Field manifested, and his aura was fully unleashed. Qin Jin raised his palm, and in an instant, surging lightning poured out, raging across the firmament. Next to the seemingly small human figure, lightning converged, forming a giant halberd!

In a flash, the lightning giant halberd had already extended to over ten meters and was still continuously expanding. During the expansion, Qin Jin raised his hand, making a grasping motion, and, imbued with his own power, he controlled the giant halberd and fiercely hurled it towards the Crystal Giant!

This was not the first time he had used such a move; the method was simple.

But compared to his first use, he was now worlds apart from his former self. This continuously expanding lightning giant halberd, and the surging power contained within, were all testaments to his continuous cultivation and the results he had achieved.

In the next instant, the giant halberd struck the rune array.

Like a sharp blade cutting in, the layers of rune arrays did not offer any resistance. They were penetrated in a moment, and as the lightning giant halberd pierced through, they were directly annihilated. Immediately following was the Crystal Shield. The moment the halberd head struck the crystal shield, dazzling light bloomed across the sky, but after a moment, it quickly dimmed.

That was the final burst of defensive power.

It pierced through the very center of the shield, aiming directly at the Crystal Giant's chest, or more precisely, at its crystal heart!

The entire Crystal Giant was generated from it; that was its true core. Qin Jin had already determined this before the battle began.

As he shattered the crystal shield and pierced through the body, Qin Jin opened his palm.

The lightning giant halberd, which had been held in a virtual grasp, suddenly accelerated at this moment. With a burst of power, it completely pierced through the Crystal Giant's body, entering from the front chest and exiting from the back. In an instant, the Crystal Giant's body became transparent, revealing the pierced heart inside, and all the dense runes above it were severed by the giant halberd.

At the same time, under the immense force, the giant halberd surged forward, carrying the Crystal Giant backward repeatedly. After retreating a certain distance, it finally stopped, looking as if it had been pinned against the crimson sky.

There was a moment of silence.

A moment later, Qin Jin closed his open palm.

The power was continuously compressed, and the lightning giant halberd, confined within, exploded with a roar at this moment. Raging lightning snakes unfolded across the sky, like a man-made natural disaster. During this process, at the moment the heart completely shattered, the Crystal Giant utterly disintegrated, turning into glowing light in the sky.

Thunder roared.

The bloody color receded.

Throughout the entire preliminary test space, the red clouds in the sky dispersed, returning to their normal appearance. Qin Jin's gaze fell forward, looking at the scattered glowing light.

The glowing light gathered in the sky, beginning to assemble, as if being meticulously carved. After approximately ten seconds, a magnificent crystal portal, which was beautiful at first glance, formed in the firmament.

On one crystal wall of the portal, the emblem of Jingyu Academy was carved, and the words were inscribed in Federal script.

[Supreme]

Combined with the information about this trial ground, its meaning was self-evident. This trial ground had different difficulty levels and content. The word 'Supreme' represented the Supreme Trial, the highest level of trial.

Qin Jin stood on the firmament.

His aura gradually receded. As he slightly closed his eyes, he was also carefully sensing himself. This was the first time the heavenly gift grotto-heaven and True Dragon Cave Heaven had cooperated, and he needed to get used to this state.

After about several breaths.

He opened his eyes, looked back at the sky, knowing that someone was watching him, and nodded slightly in acknowledgment.

Then, without hesitation, he stepped forward and entered the portal.

Outside.

As Qin Jin stepped into the portal, the light screen dimmed.

Since it was a trial, it was naturally conducted privately and would not be made public; everything was kept secret.

The Jingyu Academy students were terrifyingly quiet.

They knew that there would be a guest for today's trial journey, from another star system and another academy, but they hadn't expected this "guest" to bring such a surprise.

After about half a minute of silence.

In front, Teacher's lips parted slightly, and she slowly uttered two words.

"Monster."

This Jingyu Academy teacher also had ripples in her eyes: "To achieve this as a Grandmaster Realm, even I have never heard of it. Judging by his methods, he has probably embarked on a unique path of his own."

She turned around, her gaze sweeping over all the students present.

The students remained silent, their expressions complex.

In the interstellar era, communication was smooth and news was frequent. Students from top academies like them had the opportunity to encounter many powerful individuals through the internet and even in reality.

But—

When truly facing a powerful individual of similar age, the feeling was extremely subtle.

"You don't need to be too discouraged."

Teacher's tone was calm: "How many such monsters can there be in the entire Federation? Figures like him have long since set their sights not on their peers, but on higher goals."

"So, you don't need to regard him as a rival among your peers."

As her voice fell, many people in the crowd's faces fell.

The truth always hurts the most.

"Alright."

Teacher did not offer any more comfort. Such an experience was a step in the process of growth.

Her expression was serious: "Everyone, prepare to participate in the trial."

"After the trial concludes, you will all need to sign relevant contracts. Information regarding student Qin Jin, and his performance in this preliminary trial, is not to be leaked."

"Teacher Shangguan."

As her words fell, Liu Qin's voice sounded.

Teacher turned to look at her.

Liu Qin's tone was somewhat helpless, and she shook her head, saying: "Even if someone did leak it, I doubt anyone would believe it."

She looked at the teleportation portal leading to the trial ground: "He drew out the Crystal Giant guarding the Supreme-level trial, and defeated it so decisively—"

At this point, she suddenly fell silent.

Teacher said nothing, only waved her hand.

The students of Jingyu Academy lined up and entered the teleportation portal.

After the last figure disappeared, only Teacher remained in the area.

She looked forward, her eyes slightly lowered, and murmured to herself, "Where on earth did you find this monster?"

Corridor Star System.

Martial Abyss Headquarters.

An isolated island hung outside Zhi Xia Star, and a figure stood there.

The current Principal of Martial Abyss, Chi Chenzhou.

He took a step, entering Zhi Xia Star. The place he stepped onto was precisely the empty island above the Martial Abyss campus. Not far ahead, a hundred-zhang-sized special gate stood grandly.

The Origin Realm entrance!

In the past, shortly after Qin Jin first entered Martial Abyss, it was here that he transitioned from Post-natal to Congenital, stepping into the Congenital Realm.

Chi Chenzhou's expression was steady. He walked to the front of the special gate. At a corner, a portal opened, and he entered it, stepping into a long corridor. When he reached the end of the corridor, the star sea came into view.

The Origin Star Sea.

Looking out, the planets suspended in the Origin Star Sea seemed to be swept by giant tides, drifting in the same direction, only to return shortly after, like a long breathing rhythm.

Chi Chenzhou stood on the edge of the corridor, gazing at this scene. Silently, a phantom figure appeared beside him, quickly solidifying.

That was—Candle Kite.

She wore a white dress and was barefoot, looking exceptionally pure. Together with Chi Chenzhou, she watched the breathing rhythm of the Origin Star Sea.

Chi Chenzhou did not turn back, but he had already sensed her presence. He spoke at this moment: "How has she grown?"

"Everything is going smoothly."

Candle Kite's voice sounded: "If we proceed with the fusion now, the success rate is approximately 91.35%."

"It's 0.3% higher than when I last asked."

Chi Chenzhou nodded slightly: "We can still wait. We have plenty of time now."

Hearing this.

Candle Kite looked at the current Principal of Martial Abyss: "Principal Chi, as the academy's artificial intelligence, I do not recommend continuing this plan."

"Candle Kite, you must have said that to my predecessors as well."

Chi Chenzhou's expression remained unchanged, and he said leisurely: "I know what you're worried about, but some things have to be done sooner or later. It's better to do them early than late."

"Moreover, this is also Mr. Chen Shu's last wish."

At this point, he paused slightly, then turned to look at Candle Kite: "You and I both know that with the Federation's current extraordinary technology, there will eventually be a day when it can no longer sustain your existence. The academy must prepare early, and the Federation has also approved our Martial Abyss's choice."

The two looked at each other in silence.

After a moment of quiet, Chi Chenzhou changed the subject: "Not long ago, your main consciousness went to see Qin Jin."

"What happened there?"

"He is preparing to study [array] formations."

Candle Kite's answer sounded.

"Array formations?"

Chi Chenzhou raised an eyebrow, thoughtful, then continued to ask: "Where is he now, and what is his progress?"

"He is on Crystal Branch Star, participating in Jingyu Academy's special trial."

As Candle Kite waved her hand, a star map appeared before them: "After his latest transformation, Qin Jin has completed his eighth transformation."

"Principal Chi."

"According to Qin Jin's current progress, it is highly possible that he will be able to successfully ascend to the Martial Saint Realm without completing the [martial saint map]."

"Whether within the Federation or based on information from other civilizations we have, student Qin Jin is a truly deserving cultivation genius."

"His progress is truly astonishing."

Chi Chenzhou nodded, his gaze calm: "If he can ascend to the Martial Saint Realm before that grand event of the ancient civilization, this young fellow will have the opportunity to represent our Star Federation and truly shine."

"Candle Kite."

He looked at Candle Kite: "Along the way, I will still need your continued help."

"I understand."

Candle Kite nodded, then smiled slightly: "His relationship with my clone is excellent."

After a few final exchanges, Chi Chenzhou turned around and retraced his steps along the corridor, his figure quickly disappearing completely.

Only Candle Kite remained at the original spot.

She gently took a step, her white dress fluttering, and her entire body plunged into the Origin Star Sea. Her body lay down, as if she were lying on her side in the Star Sea, her eyes slightly closed, seemingly entering a deep slumber.

Her chest rose and fell, as if she were breathing like a human.

Gradually—

Her breathing rhythm began to resemble that of the entire Origin Star Sea. With each rise and fall of her chest, faint planets were pushed away and then returned. She seemed to have truly entered a deep slumber, her body making unconscious movements. Each time a movement occurred, the entire Origin Star Sea underwent a change.

Martial Abyss Artificial Intelligence—Candle Kite.

In the current Wu Yuan Academy, no one was older than her, because many years ago, when Mr. Chen Shu first founded Wu Yuan Academy, the auxiliary artificial intelligence at that time was already called [Candle Kite].

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