96: Win and Lose

Xie Wuhai's tone carried a tremor.

Below.

When this voice reached the ears of Ye Pingan and the others, their expressions all became solemn.

Only the true combatants understood each other's strength best. He might not acknowledge Xie Wuhai's strength, but he knew his opponent's background and recognized his discerning eye.

"If he really is Congenital Realm—"

Beside him, An Shi's voice rang out: "Then Qin Jin's cultivation speed is truly unimaginable."

On the arena.

Qin Jin heard the question, shook his head, and said calmly: "I haven't broken through to the Congenital Realm yet."

As soon as he spoke.

The ripples in Xie Wuhai's eyes did not diminish but increased.

"Not Congenital Realm yet? How can this be?!"

"That punch just now—"

"Grandpa was right, beyond the dojo, that's where the truly magnificent world lies."

He muttered to himself, looking at Qin Jin, taking two deep breaths. The ripples in his eyes gradually faded, replaced by sincerity.

"Qin Jin, you are truly strong!"

"Too strong!"

He said earnestly, his eyes fluctuating, his fighting spirit not diminishing in the slightest: "In the future, I will challenge you again!"

"Right now, I'm too weak, the gap is too big, I don't even deserve to be your opponent. Once I've made enough improvements, we'll fight again!"

Qin Jin's expression was calm, and he nodded slightly: "Alright."

Although Xie Wuhai was an overly familiar chatterbox, his attitude in terms of Martial Arts truly made it impossible to dislike him.

To fight when it's time to fight, and to admit defeat when defeated, just being able to do these two points already surpassed countless people.

However...

Agreeing to fight again was one thing; what the outcome would be then was another.

Qin Jin would not leave any opportunity for someone who had been defeated by him once to catch up.

The current gap was not small, and in the future, he would only strive to widen this gap!

In front of him.

Under the cover of the healing beam, Xie Wuhai's injuries were suppressed. He got up from the arena floor, looking a bit disheveled, but his expression was still relaxed. He gave Qin Jin a thumbs-up, smiled brightly, then turned around, his gaze falling directly on Ye Pingan.

"Ye Pingan, just wait a moment!"

As he spoke, Xie Wuhai climbed down the arena. His words were a bit disheveled, but his tone was full of momentum.

"I'm going to heal my injuries, and we'll fight immediately!"

Next to the arena, there were very advanced automatic healing pods.

He jogged over, activated the hatch, and lay inside, even pointing a finger at Ye Pingan: "Don't leave, did you hear me?!"

Then.

His body was restrained within the healing pod, undergoing treatment.

Ye Pingan looked at him, shook his head, and said with a hint of disdain: "Forget it."

"I never fight with losers."

"Loser?"

Inside the healing pod, with his entire body restricted, Xie Wuhai could only widen his eyes.

There was no amplification equipment inside the healing pod, so his voice was loud but muffled when it came out: "I haven't even complained about you, someone who's been beaten up since childhood, and you're complaining about me now?"

"You wait until I get out!"

"So much talk after being instantly defeated. Go heal your injuries."

After leaving that remark, Ye Pingan ignored the noisy Xie Wuhai in the healing pod.

He turned back, his gaze burning, looking towards Qin Jin at the edge of the arena.

"Qin Jin."

He spoke the name, his expression eager to try: "You were able to deal with Xie Wuhai so easily, you're indeed not bad."

He pointed to the arena: "Want to have a match?"

Upon hearing this, Qin Jin raised an eyebrow slightly, his gaze drifting towards the distant healing pod where Xie Wuhai was diligently "making noise."

After a quick glance, Qin Jin smiled faintly and leaped down from the arena.

No sound was made.

Meeting the fervent gaze from Ye Pingan, he walked past him.

As their figures passed, only two sentences remained in place.

"Something is quite a coincidence."

"I also don't fight with losers."

As the words fell.

Within the Martial Arts arena, it seemed to fall silent for a moment.

Suddenly, within Ye Pingan's eyes, a ball of fire seemed to explode, and his aura erupted violently.

He made no movement, yet around him, fiery red energy waves surged, like a strong wind, sweeping in all directions.

Outside the arena.

The clothes of several people simultaneously flapped, making rustling sounds.

In the distance.

Bai Huaiyu, dressed in a skirt, saw the energy waves approaching, frowned slightly, and gently extended her hand.

Life energy surged out, forming a barrier, hidden at the front, blocking her and Han Miao.

In front.

In Ye Pingan's eyes, there truly was fire burning.

Eyes are the windows to the soul. At this moment, his pupils seemed to reflect the fire of his heart.

His voice, however, was calm to the extreme, echoing within the Martial Arts arena, like a powder keg about to explode: "Who are you calling a loser?!"

Qin Jin stopped, turned back, his expression unruffled.

He looked towards the healing pod and said loudly: "Xie Wuhai, are you ready yet?"

"Your opponent seems to be prepared."

"Ready, ready!"

Inside the healing pod, Xie Wuhai had taken everything in. He responded, then directly controlled it himself, stopping the treatment. The hatch opened, and he leaped out, even doing a couple of knee bends.

The treatment had not yet finished, and his face was a bit pale, but he still looked at Ye Pingan: "Ye Pingan, stop standing there foolishly."

"You loser, just come and fight me honestly, don't try to stir up trouble."

"I still have some minor injuries, so consider it me letting you."

Ignoring someone is more infuriating than anything else.

Xie Wuhai's words were like the final spark igniting the powder keg.

In an instant, the fiery red energy waves around Ye Pingan seemed to solidify into a tangible aura, continuously rising. He stomped his right leg, immediately wanting to exert force and charge towards Qin Jin.

The two had not yet ascended the arena.

At the front.

At this moment, in Qin Jin's eyes, a scene of lightning flashed, and on his arm, faint electric arcs shimmered into existence.

But at the moment they appeared.

He sensed something, lowered his eyes slightly, and everything dissipated.

He was unable to make a move.

Because at the very moment Ye Pingan was about to act, the person closest to him, right beside him, moved first!

An Shi!

He was in formal attire, his expression showing a maturity that didn't match his age. The moment Ye Pingan prepared to exert force, he reached out and placed his hand on his shoulder!

Then boom, boom, boom, boom, boom!

As the two made close contact, the life energy of their Martial Arts collided, and continuous roars sounded.

Ye Pingan's aura grew more intense, while in contrast, An Shi's aura around him was not apparent.

However, if someone were to perceive it with mental power, they would discover that at this moment, his face was like a calm lake, yet his physique contained surging thunder, and power was constantly being mobilized.

At the front.

Qin Chi and the other four watched this scene.

"Enough."

An Shi looked directly at Ye Pingan, his voice ringing out: "Do you have to make yourself a joke?"

"Wu Yuan Academy does support student duels, that's true, but that's for fair fights on the arena, it doesn't support Martial Artists attacking fellow students at will."

"Besides, he was right."

An Shi's tone was calm: "Wait until you defeat me and are no longer a loser, then you can challenge him."

The voice echoed through the stadium.

At his words.

The energy waves around Ye Pingan weakened, and the constantly burning heart-fire in his eyes gradually faded.

He said nothing, only lowered his shoulder slightly, shook off An Shi's hand from his shoulder, and walked towards the exit.

Soon.

His figure disappeared within the Martial Arts arena.

In place.

An Shi retracted his hand.

Within his palm, faintly, there were scorch marks as if from being burned.

"Qin Jin."

He turned back to look at Qin Jin, and said earnestly: "My name is An Shi. From now on, we are all fellow students, please take care of me."

Qin Jin nodded in response.

"I didn't expect that in our generation, there would be such a formidable person like you."

"I look forward to having the opportunity to spar with you in the future."

Seeing Qin Jin's response, An Shi's face showed a kind smile. After leaving two sentences, he also walked towards the exit, and his figure disappeared.

Within the Martial Arts arena.

Only the last four people remained.

In the distance.

Xie Wuhai stepped closer. Just as he was about to approach, he let out a "hiss," sucking in a cold breath.

It wasn't because his injury hurt, but because he glanced around, his expression showing shock, and he suddenly said: "Something's not right, how come there are three winners here now, and I'm the only loser!"

As the words fell.

A pleasant laugh rang out.

Bai Huaiyu's face showed a slight smile: "Xie Wuhai, why don't you go heal your injuries first before you continue being a chatterbox?"

"No rush, no rush."

That one sentence eased the somewhat tense atmosphere. Xie Wuhai's expression became a bit more serious as he looked at Qin Jin: "Qin Jin,"

"Thank you."

"Thank me for what?"

Qin Chi's voice was calm.

"Thank you for standing up for me."

"He even said, 'I don't fight with losers.'"

He imitated Ye Pingan's tone: "Damn it, how did Ye Pingan say such a boastful line first?"

"He's too good at showing off."

"Miscalculation. Next time I meet him, I'll definitely think of similar words to retort."

"Then you're thanking the wrong person."

Qin Jin's tone was calm, and he slowly said: "There is a slight reason that I find you more pleasing to the eye, but the main reason is—"

"I cultivate Martial Arts."

"Not to watch others act presumptuously in front of me."

As the sentence fell.

Silence fell for a moment.

Xie Wuhai’s eyes and mouth widened, and he couldn’t help but raise his hands to applaud.

This young man, who had suffered repeated setbacks in Martial Arts but whose mentality had not changed in the slightest, for the first time showed a look of defeat from another aspect: “I take back what I said.”

“Compared to Qin Jin, that fellow Ye Ping’an lost completely, from academics to Martial Arts.”

The atmosphere livened up.

After a compliment, Xie Wuhai’s expression became serious, and he solemnly said: “No matter what, you offended Ye Ping’an because of me.”

“However, this guy has a fiery temper, but he doesn’t have a habit of seeking help from parents; he always resolves things himself.”

“An Shi, from childhood, has been exceptionally upright and doesn’t have many bad tempers.”

Hearing this,

Qin Jin asked: “An Shi was able to stop Ye Ping’an; besides being opponents, do they have any other relationship?”

“Of course.”

Xie Wuhai nodded seriously: “Ye Ping’an’s father, that Heavenly Human Senior, rose to prominence with the support of the An family back then.”

“After that Senior was promoted to Martial Saint, he left the An family, but their relationship remained excellent.

Every time the An family’s Old Master celebrated his birthday, he would return.”

“Ye Ping’an and An Shi met under these circumstances and then became how they are now.”

Speaking of this, his tone became more serious: “From what I understand, although both of them come from distinguished backgrounds, they are not the type to go back and ask their elders for help if they get beaten.”

“In the entire Federation, no one dares to cause trouble at our Wu Yuan Academy.”

“Qin Jin, if their elders behind them truly dare to target you over such a matter, please contact me immediately.”

“Since this matter started because of me, the Mingxin Dojo will naturally resolve it completely.”

His tone was solemn, making a promise.

Qin Jin’s expression was calm, and he said: “I appreciate the good intention, but I don’t need it.”

Hearing this, Xie Wuhai still wanted to say something more, but after a moment of hesitation, he remained silent.

Qin Chi saw his intention.

This Xie Wuhai, indeed, was someone worth befriending.

However, just as he said, he didn’t need it.

He came from a Mining Star, a former backwater.

He couldn’t compare to the vast family enterprises of these major families, but relying on his professional panel and the Great Wilderness, and his own talent, he had already earned himself a background!

Star God Chosen!

If anyone truly wanted to target him within the Federation, they would have to ask if the God behind him, the Lei Yu Watcher, would agree.

They should understand the cost of angering a Star God, an ally of the Federation.

“It’s getting late.”

In front of him,

Xie Wuhai did not dwell on this topic, glancing at the time: “You three haven’t eaten at the Martial Abyss canteen yet, have you? Let’s go, let’s go, let’s eat together.”

“Although it’s a holiday, the chef is still here.”

“Aren’t you going to treat your injuries anymore?”

Bai Huaiyu’s voice rang out.

Hearing this, Xie Wuhai quickly said: “The academy’s treatment pods are truly top-notch technology; I’m almost done.”

“The rest just requires rest.

What are these minor injuries? Don’t spoil the mood.”

“Come on, my treat.”

As his words fell,

Beside him, Han Miao’s voice, created by spiritual power, rang out.

“The top-grade ingredients in the canteen don’t charge S-rank prices, so what are you treating us to?”

“Ah, is that so?”

Xie Wuhai’s innocent voice rang out.

The four walked side by side, leaving the arena.

While walking,

Xie Wuhai’s voice rang out again.

“Han Miao, you’ve been watching from the side.

Do you think if I had fought Ye Ping’an just now—”

“Would I have won?”

“You would have definitely lost.”

Han Miao’s spiritual voice carried no emotion.

Xie Wuhai wasn’t angry and continued: “Did you see how powerful Qin Jin is?”

“To tell you the truth, I still have a secret Treasure Technique I haven’t used.

If I had used it—”

“You would have died.”

Han Miao cut him off before he could finish speaking.

“What do you mean ‘would have died’? Even if Qin is powerful enough, this is the academy.

If he really beat me up like that, he’d probably have to immediately pray to gods and Buddhas, begging me not to die!”

“It’s absolutely impossible to die!”

“What a pity—”

His tone shifted, a hint of disappointment in it: “An Shi stopped him, otherwise I would have seen Ye Ping’an get a good beating.”

“That punch was really fierce.”

Beside them, Qin Jin and Bai Huaiyu remained silent, listening quietly.

Qin’s mind was thinking about cultivation-related matters.

Bai Huaiyu’s gaze, however, focused on the three, occasionally shifting to a different target, with intense interest in her eyes.

Amidst the question-and-answer dialogue and occasional laughter, their figures gradually receded into the distance.

After dinner,

The sky had completely darkened.

Qin parted ways with the three and returned to his residence, leaning back in a chair on the balcony, looking up at the night sky.

The night view of Zhi Xia Star was also extremely splendid.

The moonlight was serene, the sky full of stars, and occasionally a light would flash by.

Those were Starships leaving the planet.

The daytime glows were still there, but their light was much softer, not dazzling.

The glows intertwined in the night sky, drifting like a woman in an ancient dress dancing with colorful sleeves, evolving into different forms in the night sky.

“The night view of Gaia Planet is so beautiful.”

“According to Candle Kite and Zhang Teacher, the extraordinary aspects of Gaia Planet are probably more than just these.”

“After all, the changes a God can bring to a planet are unimaginable.”

If it were in the past, seeing this scene, Qin Jin might have felt envy.

But now,

His heart was filled only with anticipation, anticipating the future of the Mining Star.

The brief period of rest passed, and Qin’s expression became serious as he returned to his room.

“According to Teacher Chu, Congenital Spiritual Energy does not mean one can break through just by meeting the index.

Both indices reaching one hundred is a prerequisite for breaking through to the Congenital Realm.”

“First, fully temper the spirit to meet the requirements.”

“If I can’t break through directly, then I’ll contact Candle Kite.”

Qin Jin’s thoughts were clear.

Teacher Chu himself had said that he was a latecomer to Martial Arts.

It was enough to just get some information about the Congenital Realm from him.

Now, Qin was in Wu Yuan Academy!

Since the academy’s establishment, countless Martial Artists in the Congenital Realm had emerged from here.

Although the school year hadn’t started yet,

But already being here, Qin naturally wouldn’t be foolish enough not to utilize the surrounding resources.

One true word is worth ten thousand books of false teachings.

Wu Yuan Academy was undoubtedly a treasure trove of countless true teachings!

As thoughts flashed, the professional panel was summoned, and Qin went to the Great Wilderness.

Upon arriving in the Great Wilderness, controlling the azure lightning dark halberd, and setting the route, Qin fully immersed himself in spiritual cultivation.

Within the Great Wilderness, it was also nighttime.

The azure lightning dark halberd galloped through the night.

Great Wilderness.

Si Huo Tribe.

As night fell, the Si Huo Tribe was brightly lit.

At the center of the tribe,

The former Sacrificial Spirit Hall had been completely dismantled, and a new Sacrificial Spirit Hall was under construction, already taking shape.

Compared to before, the current Sacrificial Spirit Hall still used giant wood and stones as its main body, but while being much wider, it also had a hint of architectural grandeur!

The members of the Si Huo Tribe continued to increase, and the number of capable individuals also continued to grow.

Ding Yang stood not far outside the Sacrificial Spirit Hall.

He followed Qin’s instructions, sitting in the tribe during this time, and he wasn’t idle.

At this moment, his hand was like a knife, and as the Treasure Technique patterns on his body surged, flames actually rose, burning continuously, like a long flame blade.

Cutting wood with a fire knife!

The giant wood was gradually separated by his methods.

Beside him,

Tribe members came to transport it from time to time.

A small figure also participated, dragging a block of wood much larger than his own body with a vine rope, grunting and straining as he pulled it forward.

It was precisely the little fellow, Shi Cang.

Currently, the Sacrificial Fire Tribe members all used python blood for their tempering.

The more talented the tribe member, the greater the harvest from it.

Although this little fellow was small in age and stature, his strength was constantly growing.

Now,

After tying up another block with a vine rope, his tender face was full of fighting spirit, and he was ready to continue.

Just then—

As his feet softened, Shi Cang’s body fell forward.

Not far from him was Ding Yang.

Noticing this, Ding Yang’s hand flames dissipated, and he quickly prepared to approach.

The members of the Si Huo Tribe all knew that Lord Sacrificial Spirit valued Shi Cang greatly, and they could all feel Shi Cang’s extraordinary talent.

For the tribes of the Great Wilderness, a child with such talent was equivalent to the future.

Therefore, everyone attached great importance to Shi Cang, calling him the tribe’s pet.

Just when he was still seven or eight meters away from Shi Cang.

In front of him...

Invisible ripples spread, blocking his path.

Ding Yang looked forward.

He saw Shi Cang’s body lying on the ground, appearing to have fainted.

At the center of this little child’s brows, a brilliant golden light was now blooming!