87: Lightning Wood

The character 'Lei' (Thunder) integrated into his Dantian.

Qin Jin’s eyes were tightly shut, his spirit inwardly observing himself. At this moment, he controlled his body, qi and blood, and life energy, all surging forth simultaneously!

He used his own body as a furnace.

The text on the sky curtain was a true cultivation secret, containing the most fundamental cultivation information. Now, Qin Jin followed it, and the power within him surged, forming a torrent within his physique, rushing towards his Dantian.

As the power surged, it became increasingly violent. In the Dantian, the character 'Lei' (Thunder) hung high above, and the converging torrent accumulated below. As it continuously gathered, they met, collided, and operated according to the Heavenly Azure Method, until—it ignited!

Kindling the flames!

With his spirit observing his Dantian, under Qin Jin’s control, the qi and blood power, constantly enhanced by the body's self-improvement, intertwined with life energy, like a blazing flame, burning the character 'Lei' (Thunder) above it.

It was once recorded in the sky curtain text that exceptionally talented individuals, possessing extraordinary innate abilities, could use their innate power to kindle the flames together.

Such prodigious individuals, influenced by their own talent, would achieve better results in the initial refining and tempering stage, surpassing others.

They could withstand the burst of higher-level treasure power, thereby laying an extraordinary foundation.

Qin Chi was not from the Great Wilderness and did not possess such talent.

But...

The life energy he honed through Martial Arts cultivation was his most fundamental and pure power.

The kindling flames burned the character 'Lei' (Thunder). Above the Dantian, the character 'Lei' (Thunder) descended, falling into the kindling flames below.

Using treasure as kindling!

The kindling flames ignited by the Heavenly Azure Method were extremely special. In Qin Jin's perception, the character 'Lei' (Thunder) fell into the fire and actually began to burn.

However—

The speed was extremely slow.

How could the Divine Intent power from a god be easily worn away?

If an ordinary person attempted this, they would likely fail even if the kindling flames completely burned out and their own body withered away.

Qin Jin was well prepared.

At this moment, the golden mist surrounding him grew denser, his wish power ready. Qin Jin’s mental power entered the kindling flames, controlling the character 'Lei' (Thunder) and issuing an command.

In a sudden roar, the kindling flames burning in his Dantian paused for a moment.

The next instant.

The character 'Lei' (Thunder) in the kindling flames exploded, and the fundamental power contained within it erupted violently in his Dantian. Around Qin Jin's body,

A surge of lightning suddenly appeared, an unusual color, extremely terrifying.

Using treasure as kindling meant enduring the power it released.

The power contained in the character 'Lei' (Thunder) merged into the kindling flames, and the flames surged. In its center, Qin Jin's own power began to condense, combining with the power contained in the character 'Lei' (Thunder), intertwining and fusing, forging the Dao Foundation with fire!

But as this process occurred…

An incomparable pain spread throughout Qin Jin’s body.

Almost instantly, a tearing sensation came from all over his physique. His Dantian trembled violently, on the verge of collapse. Drops of blood seeped from Qin Jin’s skin, and in an instant, he looked somewhat miserable.

That was the price of using the character 'Lei' (Thunder) as kindling.

Only by enduring the treasure's explosive power could one forge a Dao Foundation.

This was an inherent problem when cultivating with external aids.

Otherwise, within an Immortal Dynasty, top prodigies with elite backgrounds, born to directly forge their Dao Foundation with dragon bones and phoenix feathers, would truly achieve instant ascension.

As his physique trembled, the wish power, already prepared, integrated into his body and began to repair it.

The Divine Intent power was extremely close to Qin Jin, greatly reducing the damage. It didn't tear Qin Jin apart instantly, giving him a chance.

But its power level was extremely high, forcing Qin Jin to bear this pressure.

Tearing and repairing occurred simultaneously, and the pain intensified. Qin Jin’s eyes were tightly shut, his teeth clenched.

Gradually, he became accustomed to this feeling.

In terms of cultivation, he had always been quite obsessive.

In the past, when he researched the spiritual energy of heaven and earth and cultivated the Sky Thunder Body, he had cultivated in pain countless times, enduring the tempering of lightning. This process was arduous, but it also continuously honed his physique and solidified his mind.

Past causes, present effects.

The pain continued, but Qin Chi adapted at the fastest speed.

In his Dantian, the kindling flames burned brighter and brighter.

As Qin Jin controlled the kindling flames with the Heavenly Azure Method, at the center of the flames, his Dao Foundation gradually began to take shape.

Time passed. —

Cultivation knows no time.

Who knows how long passed.

At a certain moment, Qin Jin suddenly opened his eyes.

In his eyes, a flicker of firelight passed, as if kindling flames were burning within them.

The moment he opened his eyes, the cockpit door opened, and Qin Jin leaped out, landing on the ground without even bending his legs.

That indicated his physical and bone strength had reached a certain level.

As he clenched his fist, life energy was not activated, but with a slight thought, brilliant lightning surged, emitting a dazzling light.

This was the power from the [Dao Foundation].

In the Tiancang Immortal Dynasty, forging a Dao Foundation was considered stepping into the extraordinary.

His mental power sensed his body. In his Dantian, the Dao Foundation hung high.

According to the information contained in the sky curtain text, different cultivators, due to different talents and different treasures, had Dao Foundation forms that varied from person to person.

Now, Qin Jin sensed the form of his own Dao Foundation, and his gaze sharpened.

Because the Dao Foundation was formed by the tempering of power, it appeared illusory, not substantial. In his first perception, what was reflected in Qin Jin’s mind was a section of withered wood.

The withered wood had roots and branches, but at this time, they were all scorched black, with thunder patterns on top.

The form of Qin Jin’s Dao Foundation was a [Thunder-struck Wood].

He sensed it carefully and made another discovery: on the branches of this Thunder-struck Wood, faintly, tender green shoots could be seen,

Budding, struggling to emerge, containing extremely vast vitality. This vitality was released from the Dao Foundation and continuously merged into his body.

At the same time, the thunder patterns on the Thunder-struck Wood, flickering slightly, also had violent power merging into his body.

Two kinds of power, one tempering and one repairing, formed an extremely subtle cycle, continuously refining Qin Jin’s body.

“Is this my Dao Foundation?”

Sensing the power surging within the Dao Foundation, Qin Jin's state of mind calmed down, and he made some guesses based on the information contained in the sky curtain text.

“The form of the Dao Foundation is greatly related to the treasure used and the power that ignited the kindling flames.”

“My Dao Foundation is the result of the combined action of life energy and Divine Intent power.”

He clenched his fist slightly: “Perhaps the Martial Artist evolutionary path, which currently only has eight realms, cannot compare to the potential upper limit of the Heavenly Azure Method, but it was painstakingly deduced step by step by countless Martial Artist predecessors of the Starfire Federation, costing immeasurable effort.”

“Life energy, named after life, contains vigorous vitality and endless fighting spirit.”

He sensed the tender green shoots on the Thunder-struck Wood.

They looked extremely tiny, as if a gust of wind could break them.

“Rebirth in decay, revival in extinction.”

“The Starfire Federation, when it first entered the starry sea, was like these struggling young shoots, about to be extinguished in an instant.”

“But now, the Starfire Federation already possesses the mighty power to slay gods.”

“Just like this Thunder-struck Wood.”

“It will accompany my growth, it will grow new shoots, it will shed its decayed branches, it will be reborn, until it truly grows into a towering tree.”

Qin Jin sensed his body.

He had a clear improvement. The moment the Dao Foundation formed, it also nourished his body in return.

At this moment, Qin Chi felt his condition was better than ever before.

A thought flashed.

Qin Chi summoned his professional panel.

On the panel, the [Divine Intent Wielder] profession was still there, but the Divine Intent power had been completely assimilated by him.

At the same time.

At the very end, a new profession was generated.

[Cultivator]

[Current Realm: Dao Foundation Realm]

The information was concise.

Qin Jin’s eyes flickered with thought.

“On the panel, judging from the example of the Three-Headed Strange Python, it displays information based on my subjective thoughts.”

“Then, what about the professions?”

“Like the Decipherer and Mech Pilot, they are not my subjective thoughts.”

“So, countless years ago, the extraordinary individuals of the Tiancang Immortal Dynasty were called Cultivators?”

“With the Dao Foundation established, the next step is to continuously nourish and solidify the Dao Foundation with one’s own power and the spiritual energy of heaven and earth, until it is sufficiently resilient, which marks the Dao Foundation’s perfection.”

“At that time, one can open the Spirit Ruins.”

“The second realm of the Heavenly Azure Method.”

“Spirit Ruins Cultivators can truly absorb and bear the spiritual energy of heaven and earth, transforming it for their own use!”

As thoughts flashed, his highly concentrated spirit gradually relaxed. Qin Jin clearly felt a sense of hunger.

“How long have I been cultivating?”

A question arose in his mind. Qin Jin put away his azure lightning dark halberd and returned directly.

After returning.

He ate food while checking the time.

A day and a half had passed since he first began this breakthrough.

“It really is true that cultivation knows no time.”

“I heard that when Martial Arts cultivation reaches high realms, while lifespan increases, cultivation also differs from before, requiring longer periods. Now—I suppose I’ve had a preliminary taste of it.”

Outside.

Because he had spent most of his time in the Great Wilderness recently, the Saber-toothed tiger’s food storage was directly open, becoming a buffet, so there was no fear of this extraordinary creature starving.

Qin Jin opened his communication wristband, checked and replied to messages one by one, finally stopping at one message interface.

The sender was Tang Qian.

The former general manager of the Frontline Base, a Federation Major General.

The message was sent over an hour ago, and the content was very simple.

It asked for Qin Jin’s current location and requested him to immediately go to the administrative center of New Sheep District, as General Tang had something to discuss with him.

“General Tang is still on the Mining Star and hasn't left?”

Muttering to himself, Qin Jin changed his clothes and set off directly.

Given General Tang's status, for him to actively seek Qin Jin, it must be a very important matter.

The location of the administrative center was also in the central part of New Sheep District, not far from his residence. Qin Jin simply ran directly to the destination. After verifying his identity, guided by a staff member, Qin Jin arrived in front of an office, knocked on the door,

Then pushed the door open.

“General Tang.”

Upon entering the office, Qin Jin spoke.

Tang Qian was wearing a formal suit and glasses, holding somewhat primitive paper documents in both hands.

As Qin Jin entered, he closed the documents and looked at Qin Jin, raising an eyebrow: “Qin Jin, I heard you intentionally released news that you were in seclusion, and not to disturb you unless it was urgent.

“Now it seems your seclusion was quite effective.”

Having just successfully broken through in another system, Qin Jin was now full of vigor and spirit. A glance at him gave one a feeling of vibrant energy.

“A small gain,”

Qin Jin replied: “General Tang, what can I do for you?”

Hearing this, Tang Qian pushed up his glasses, picked up a specially made alloy box beside him, and placed it on the desk.

“Qin Jin, have you met Martial God Su?”

Qin Jin’s eyes narrowed slightly.

Thinking of the other party's identity, he nodded: “That's right.”

Involving a Federation Martial God, he said no more, and Tang Qian did not ask further, merely a hint of emotion in his eyes as he pushed the box forward.

“You truly have good fortune.”

“This is from Martial God Su to you. Only you can open it. Take a look.”

Qin Jin’s mind recalled seeing that senior in the alternate dimension. He stepped forward.

On the outside of the special box, there seemed to be no restrictions.

The moment Qin Jin touched it, the box opened, revealing its contents.

Qin Jin’s gaze fell upon it.

It was a pure white scroll, but not made of paper; it looked somewhat like a scroll made of animal hide.

“This is a gift from Martial God Su to you.”

“Martial God Su seems to think highly of you.”

Tang Qian rose from his seat: “Within this scroll, Martial God Su, having expended his Divine Intent power, specifically wrote a single character for you. Observing this character will bring you many insights, and even if you cannot comprehend anything from it, it can still help you temper your spirit.”

“Moreover—,”

“Containing a Martial God’s Divine Intent, this scroll, besides for cultivation, is also a treasure for your self-protection.”

“If you truly encounter danger, actively activate it with your mental power, and you will know its function.”

At this point, he shook his head: “Even the manufacturing material of this scroll itself is extraordinary. To be able to bear a Martial God’s Divine Intent, it must be the extremely rare fur of an extraordinary creature.”

“That Martial God Su probably prepared it specifically for you.”

“Qin Jin.”

“Work hard in your cultivation. Only then can you live up to the high hopes of a Martial God senior.”

Looking at the scroll, Qin Jin’s mind recalled the scenes in the alternate dimension.

That Martial God senior, in the alternate dimension, had helped him secure an unfulfilled “great gift” from Commander Duan.

If it weren't for him, that Commander Duan would clearly not have made such a promise.

Now, that Martial God senior himself had also sent a gift.

“What a pity.”

A thought flashed through Qin Jin’s mind, and he muttered to himself: “I am already destined not to be a pure Martial Artist.”

“General Tang.”

Qin Jin looked ahead, hesitating for a moment: “Can you contact that Martial God senior? Please thank him on my behalf.”

“Qin Jin, since you’ve already guessed the outcome, don’t ask. I can hear the doubt in your tone.”

Tang Qian shook his head: “Of course I can’t contact Martial God Su. How could a Major General with just a name on the roster contact such a figure?”

“Besides, Martial God Su probably doesn’t need your thanks.”

At this point, his voice paused, and his tone became somewhat subtle: “When I was young, I also had some contact with Martial Arts. Over the years, I’ve met many famous Martial Artists within the Federation.”

“Perhaps—,”

He lowered his voice slightly, and around him, the data barrier from the last time he spoke with Qin Jin flickered faintly: “For someone like Martial God Su, in the future, if you can truly grow strong enough to knock him down with a single punch, I imagine that would be the best thanks.”

As soon as he finished speaking.

His expression became serious: “I didn’t say anything.”

“You’ve got the item, so go back to your seclusion.”

Qin Chi nodded.

He closed the special box, picked it up, and prepared to leave.

Just as he was about to walk out of the room.

From behind, Tang Qian’s voice rang out.

“Qin Jin, school is starting soon. You should be heading to a top academy for your studies, right?”

“I look forward to our next meeting.”

Accelerating all the way, he rushed home.

Qin Jin opened the box.

He held the beast skin scroll with both hands and slowly unrolled it. The content of the scroll came into view.

It was the character ‘Wu’ (Martial)!

The handwriting was messy, lacking aesthetic beauty.

But the moment Qin Jin saw this ‘Wu’ character, in his eyes, the character transformed, becoming a phantom image of himself. Under his gaze, that phantom actually began to practice the Breathing Method.

Thunder Beast Breathing Technique!

As the Breathing Method operated, his posture changed, and the way his life energy circulated also began to undergo subtle changes,

Reflected in the phantom.

Qin Chi understood in an instant.

The pure Divine Intent power contained within this calligraphy actually helped him optimize his Breathing Method, helping him make this Breathing Method more compatible with his own body!

Qin Jin gazed at this scene, practicing along at the same time.

Meanwhile.

As the ‘Wu’ character swayed, more scenes emerged,

The first to appear was the strike from the starry sea outside the Mining Star in the past, the one that had been etched in his mind.

Now, that strike was re-enacted before Qin Jin due to the calligraphy, but as it reappeared, under Qin Jin’s observation, the blade light instantly disintegrated with a roar, completely shattering.

This seemed to be telling Qin Jin not to be blinded by this single strike.

This strike was far from the ultimate realm of Martial Arts!