Martial Ascent to Divinity

With great effort, they persuaded the children to leave. Zhang Xinglie and Zhou Leng saw that Li Linhan had not yet come downstairs, so the two of them left the community.

As they walked, they chatted.

Zhang Xinglie said, "On my way back, I sent messages to both our advisor and coach."

"The advisor said that the Ancestral Protection I experienced this time is considered advanced protection. Since I have quite a bit of potential at Yunhua, the New Qing University fund for this year is secured."

"Additionally, they will conduct a new evaluation on me. If I pass, they will take me to the 'Residual Cloud Pillar' at Innate Mountain."

Zhou Leng said, "Residual Cloud Pillar? It's quite famous. I watched many videos about the Residual Cloud Pillar when I was a kid, with various speculations and mysteries. The mysterious power emitted by the Residual Cloud Pillar itself can help people grow or even comprehend Martial Arts. It can also absorb Spiritual Qi, increasing the concentration around it by hundreds of times, which greatly aids cultivation."

Zhang Xinglie nodded and said, "Yes, even though it's damaged, it's still a treasure. However, according to the advisor, there's no way we can participate in this year's Ten Realms Youth Battle; all the slots are already decided. The Residual Cloud Pillar is a kind of compensation for me."

Zhou Leng said, "Even though we can't enter the Ten Realms Youth Battle, we have the qualifications for the Ancient River Trial. Are you interested?"

"Of course, especially since even the Blood of Tyranny is getting involved. The Ancient River Trial must be extraordinary."

"I have five tickets in hand. When the Ancient River Trial begins, I'll contact you... but don't let others know they are from me."

"No problem. In these days, focus on cultivating and thoroughly consolidate the Giant Body. This is crucial for you."

"Of course. However, it seems like your growth is also very strong."

Zhou Leng had temporarily grown several centimeters taller, making him very noticeable, which led people to ignore Zhang Xinglie.

After the Ancestral Protection, Zhang Xinglie's height also increased by five centimeters.

"Hmm, the Giant's Shelter seems to have awakened my body's power. Honestly, it's not inferior to the Giant Body," Zhang Xinglie said.

"Okay. When we come out of the Ancient River Trial, let's team up to break into the first tier."

"Sure!" Zhang Xinglie looked at Zhou Leng and smiled heartily.

After so many years, Zhou Leng rarely spoke so proactively.

He knew that Zhou Leng had always been saying this in his heart.

Zhang Xinglie pondered for a moment and said, "Zhou Leng, if possible, I suggest you apply to be an exchange student to Yunhua. Once you advance to Innate, you'll qualify to apply for the Martial Arts Innate Talent class. In the entire Dragon Country, only Yunhua and Jinjing offer an Innate Class."

"I'll consider it," Zhou Leng said.

Zhang Xinglie shook his head and said, "I know you probably have some kind of fortuitous encounter. Others can't see it, but you haven't intentionally hidden some things, so I can guess. But you must understand the power of the entire country. Xiong City gathers Martial Arts resources from across the nation and around the world. It is the top stage in the world."

"I understand."

"No, you can only truly understand when you are on that stage. That place, those people, those cultures, even the civilization—they are all far beyond your imagination when it comes to Martial Arts."

"My advisor once told me that right now, I'm only a member of the second tier in Yunhua. Once I enter the first tier and get onto the high-level list, the Martial Arts resources they invest in me are incomparable even to all of Ruda."

"Do you think getting into Yunhua is the end? No, it's not even the beginning. Only when you step onto the first step, supported by the might of the entire nation, does it begin. And I am about to step onto that level stair. You will see, I will ascend to the stars at ten times or even a hundred times the speed of an ordinary Yunhua student."

"I hope you and I stand on the stage of the stars together."

Zhang Xinglie gazed at Zhou Leng.

Zhou Leng felt a warm surge in his heart and said, "There are many Martial Arts resources in the first tier, but the competition is also fierce. Aren't you worried I'll affect your Martial Arts resources?"

Zhang Xinglie laughed heartily and said, "Whatever I have, you can share half. If there really comes a day when we lack Martial Arts resources, you and I will join hands and grab them from outside! Snatch from others, from the Alien Race!"

"You, this guy..." Zhou Leng sighed and said, "If it weren't for my uncle's matters, I would definitely go. But now, before becoming a Grandmaster, Xiong City is not suitable for me."

Zhou Leng did not mention Elder Tree yet.

Zhang Xinglie sighed and nodded and said, "Then I'll work harder to get you to Jinjing faster."

Zhou Leng smiled and said, "Okay, then I'll also work harder to stand on the star stage with you, even if I don't go to Xiong City."

"Alright!"

The two talked freely, about Martial Arts, the world, the future, and the stars.

Soon, they passed by a construction site, and the two simultaneously paused, looked at each other, then lightly leaped over the fence, landing inside the site.

The construction site was quiet, overgrown with wild grass, with a few broken bricks and household waste faintly visible.

"The Jordan Primary School is also demolished."

"I heard that the number of students is decreasing, and many primary schools have merged."

Zhang Xinglie pointed to a spot and said, "This should have been where the table tennis tables were placed."

"And that should have been the water room..."

The two reminisced about the past at the old site of the primary school.

Zhang Xinglie stared off into space for a while, then suddenly smiled nostalgically and said, "Do you know what I envied most about you when we were kids?"

"My handsomeness?" Zhou Leng only joked like this in front of old friends.

Zhang Xinglie laughed and said, "I envied you the most when you and Xu Qingjin walked hand in hand, chatting and laughing, shoulder to shoulder, head to head, practically face to face."

"Was it that exaggerated?" Zhou Leng asked.

"Very much so. Sometimes when we went to find Xu Qingjin, her mom was worried she'd run off, so she'd tell you two to hold hands when crossing the street. You two were quite something, truly childhood sweethearts, innocent and naive. Once you crossed the street, you didn't let go. We didn't say it, but we were really envious inside," Zhang Xinglie said.

Zhou Leng said, "We were young then, didn't think much of it. We were pure-minded; you guys had dirty minds from the start!"

Zhang Xinglie laughed again, "When we played house, you two either played as mom and dad or as a young couple. No one else could be a third wheel. Whoever tried, you'd just play by yourselves, calling it 'dividing households.' You guys easily outsmarted me."

"Xu Qingjin was ordinary, and you were ordinary, but because you two acted like a young couple, all the boys in the class envied you, and all the girls envied her. This inexplicably led to boys liking her and girls liking you."

"Back then, I was so smart, but I couldn't figure out why. I, Zhang Xinglie, wasn't any worse than you. The girl I liked was even the class monitor. Why were you two better? I could only secretly wipe my nose with my sleeve."

Zhou Leng couldn't help but laugh. Zhang Xinglie had never shared these things with him before.

Zhang Xinglie continued, "What I envied most was sixth grade! Do you remember? You two were in sixth grade by then!"

"I still remember that winter. It was very cold; everyone's hands were either in their pockets or tucked in their sleeves."

"I and other classmates walked behind, while you two walked ahead."

"When crossing the street, as the red light turned green, one of you reached out from your sleeve, the other from your pocket, seamlessly holding hands, as if you'd been an old couple for years."

"We were dumbfounded at the time, thinking, do you just not see us as people?"

"Classmates from the next class were wide-eyed, not saying a word all the way. They later asked when you two were apart, are you openly dating now? We couldn't believe you seemed so innocent but played so boldly. They even asked us to advise you to keep it low-key so the teacher wouldn't catch on."

Zhou Leng tried hard to recall, but he really couldn't remember this incident.

Probably because from a young age, he was used to holding hands with Xu Qingjin when crossing the street.

Zhang Xinglie said, "Later, because of gossip from classmates, and with puberty setting in, you two weren't that close anymore, but you maintained a good relationship."

Zhou Leng nodded, "We've always had a good relationship. How about you and her?"

Zhang Xinglie glanced at the old primary school site, coughed lightly, jumped over the fence, and turned towards home.

Zhou Leng smiled and said nothing.

In Rucheng, Xi Garden, the villa district protected by high-level Martial Artists, lush with green trees.

Tall walls surrounded the neighborhood, with watchtowers every few dozen meters, searchlights constantly scanning the roads outside.

Liang Baiyin was dining with her grandfather, mother, uncle, and others.

After explaining what happened, she gave a thumbs-up to her grandfather and said, "Grandpa, you have an excellent eye. Brother Zhou Leng is really something special. Not only did he save my life, but he also helped me gain high-level Ancestral Protection."

The old man smiled faintly, nodding gently, "He's a good kid."

"Elder Song couldn't stop praising him. I've never seen Elder Song compliment any young person so much," Liang Baiyin said.

Mother Liang asked, "Now he has the status of a Double Duke and the Giant Body, can he easily advance to Innate, with hopes of becoming a Grandmaster?"

"Not just hopes of being a Grandmaster. From what the Mountain River Celestial Peak elder says, he can surpass the Mountain and River Origin, and they're planning to take him on the Giant Ancient Road, calling him a Martial Saint in the making!" Liang Baiyin said offhandedly, as there was only her present.

Mother Liang's eyes lit up, and she smiled, "The key is this child's selflessness in saving others. Rare indeed. Dad, perhaps we should invite him over for a meal someday?"

Elder Liang thought for a moment and said, "The kid doesn't want to cause extra trouble, so let's not. If there's anything later, help if you can."

Liang Baiyin held Elder Liang's arm, gently swaying and acting spoiled, "Grandpa, Brother Zhou Leng doesn't have a spot for the Ten Realms Youth Battle. Can you ask Dad to get him one?"

Elder Liang was slightly taken aback and exchanged a questioning look with Mother Liang, then said, "This year's spots have already been allocated. Even if your dad had incredible means, he couldn't get one."

"Then transfer my spot from next year to this year for him, to repay his life-saving grace," Liang Baiyin said.

Mother Liang playfully scolded, "You foolish child, do you know how precious the Youth Battle spot is? The location of the Ten Realms Youth Battle is a treasure of high-level civilizations."

Elder Liang nodded, "If he had spoken half a year earlier, I might have been willing to risk my old face to try, but now, it's difficult."

Mother Liang said, "You, child, are just too loyal."

"He's my Brother Zhou Leng!" Liang Baiyin said.

Mother Liang glanced at Elder Liang, who had a faint smile on his face.

Mother Liang thought to herself that her father seems to regard this young man highly. If it were another boy being so close to Baiyin, he'd be on guard and interrogating them closely.

The talent of a Martial Saint, the judgment of the Mountain River Celestial Peak elder isn't wrong.