Martial Ascent to Divinity

Chen Changyi said, "Classmate Zhou's noble conduct will surely be remembered by the nation and the Demon City Army."

"It's what every Dragon Country citizen should do," Zhou Leng replied.

The straightforward conversation between the two puzzled the Grandmaster Special Envoys.

Wang Boxiong's gaze was gentle, for he knew more than other Grandmasters.

Whether it was Zhou Leng's contribution to the Celestial Ladder or the contribution to the Divine Text pronunciation, he and Chen Changyi were both involved.

Their conversation came from the heart, with no pretense.

Zhou Leng's candor lay in declaring that he would only focus on inheritance and absolutely refrain from intervening in other matters.

Chen Changyi's candor lay in asserting that while the state would offer support, it also needed to ensure all aspects are considered, preventing the Ancient River Sect from developing chaotically.

The inheritance of the Ancient River Sect is of immense value; should it fall into the hands of individuals or select forces, it would spell disaster for humanity as a whole.

Wang Boxiong and Chen Changyi exchanged a glance, deeply appreciating Zhou Leng's broad-mindedness, akin to that of a Martial Saint.

The phrase "noble conduct" was not just empty words but represented the highest praise from the Demon City Army.

From that moment, Zhou Leng's value in uniting the Demon City Army and the Martial Mansion increased to another level.

Yet, Zhou Leng pondered in his heart.

"The affairs of the Ancient River Sect cannot delay my path in Martial Arts."

"No matter how substantial the Ancient River Sect is, it cannot compare to Elder Tree's strength."

"Reaching an understanding with the state is the best strategy; handing it over to other forces might result in being completely devoured."

Subsequently, both parties discussed some methods of cooperation.

They established the Ancient River Research Bureau, ostensibly for researching the Ancient River Ruins, but in truth, to comprehensively inherit the Ancient River Sect Techniques.

Zhou Leng delegated authority, appointing individuals like Li Yuanhe and Zhang Feng, who had military backgrounds, to key positions.

The Grandmaster Special Envoys were exceptionally surprised, as this was also their strategy.

Through this, they sincerely felt that Zhou Leng truly had vision, had a broad mind, and was worthy of noble conduct.

After a lengthy discussion, the Supreme Court meeting concluded, conveying several important resolutions.

Following these resolutions, both parties further discussed.

During the negotiation days between Zhou Leng and Chen Changyi, chaos erupted in the Ten Realms.

Other top Blue Star masters who ascended the highest mountain were all sent to the Ancient River Research Institute, temporarily unable to leave.

Beastmen, Sea Sirens, and Demons frantically sought the cause of their trial takers' deaths.

The Giant Dragons also suffered heavy casualties, but fared somewhat better.

Meanwhile, other Humanoid Alliances remained calm, variously watching from the sidelines.

Deep within the Lianxiang Exploration Company.

Shen Jun meticulously reported the course of events to Mrs. Xiyang.

"Repeat once more about Guan Canglong's affairs."

"Yes..." Shen Jun slowly finished speaking.

"Repeat the related content about Zhou Leng."

Shen Jun's eyes glinted as he slowly finished speaking.

Mrs. Xiyang took out a black pill.

Shen Jun's face turned drastically.

"Swallow it, swear not to disclose any information about Guan Canglong and Zhou Leng."

"Mrs. Xiyang..." Shen Jun showed a pleading expression.

"Swallow." Mrs. Xiyang's voice was as cold as cold iron.

Shen Jun grit his teeth, swallowed the black pill, then raised his hand to swear.

At the moment he finished the oath, his whole body trembled, cold sweat streaming down his forehead, followed by him clutching his head with a painful moan.

It lasted a full three minutes before he slowly let go of his head, drenched in sweat.

"Here are four more, have those who follow you swallow them too."

"Yes." Shen Jun took them with a blank expression, eyes flashing with hatred and fear.

"Isn't it clear what not to say and what to say?"

"Rest assured, madam, now even if I wanted to say, I couldn't."

"Hmm, should any intelligence arise, just convey it to Guan Canglong as per my command."

"Understood."

"Furthermore, the Celestial Calamity Envoy is about to arrive, and I'll be increasing efforts to collect Blood Pearls, killing more people."

"Understood."

"Anything else to report?"

Shen Jun said, "Elder Palace Futian's cousin was killed by Zhou Leng, and my junior brother Tian Wenhua's death is also linked to Zhou Leng, previously stating he wanted to kill Zhou Leng."

"Palace Futian is a True Liquid Innate?"

"Already advanced to Blood Shocking Innate."

"Do you think, should Zhou Leng ascend to Innate, his chances of victory?"

"Elder Palace Futian isn't an ordinary Martial Artist, he's a direct disciple of the Grandmaster; if not for unforeseen injuries, his achievements would be greater. Even if Zhou Leng ascends to True Liquid Innate, ordinary Blood Shocking Innate might not be his match, but Elder Palace Futian would definitely triumph over him. Of course, killing Zhou Leng wouldn't be that easy either."

"My child won't die so easily, just let him be, remember to provide me timely intelligence."

"Understood."

Shen Jun inwardly cursed, your child is long dead, and this one might not live long either.

"The Ancient River Trial is truly strong, my child is indeed different. Well, once he ascends to Innate, take some Innates to assassinate Ancient River Sect disciples."

"And Zhou Leng?" Shen Jun asked.

"Continue as usual," Mrs. Xiyang replied.

"Then... let someone else handle assassinating Zhou Leng."

"Hmm?" Mrs. Xiyang looked at Shen Jun with a faint smile.

How dare Shen Jun admit he was scared out of his mind, having to say, "You value Zhou Leng so much, I especially don't want to become his enemy."

"You can arrange for someone else to go."

"Yes."

"Ask him what he needs. I'll help him gather some Innate advancement pills, and send them over in your name or the name of the Ice Snow Divine Sect."

"Yes."

"The Huang Meng Sect and Hell Knight Order are planning to act soon. Be careful, don't get involved. The Martial Guard Bureau seems to have received intelligence."

"Yes."

Shen Jun walked away, hearing Mrs. Xiyang's soft murmur.

"My child, truly the best, becoming a friend of Deep Dark Fury, and even killing Barbarian Star Axe..."

Shen Jun cursed under his breath, thinking demons were utterly twisted. If it weren't for Mrs. Xiyang about to be promoted to Grandmaster, he would have rebelled long ago!

Sea Demon World.

Demigods gathered.

This time, all elite Sea Sirens were annihilated, with both Azure Radiance and Azure Scale, who had the potential to ascend to saint, dying. The impact was immense.

After discussion, they decided to join forces with Beastmen and Demon Demigods to cast spells to determine the cause.

Demon Purgatory.

The news spread for a while, then quieted down.

A few demon deaths mean nothing at all.

Deep Dark Fury survived and also obtained the Dragon Scale Fruit, gaining the power of the Starry Sky Dragon Race, enough to compensate for the death of tenfold demons.

Dragon World.

Wind of Grey Steel was fiercely scolded by a group of old dragons.

"The mysterious force didn't even destroy the giant dragons, you little bastard caused the deaths of seventeen dragons, you're more of a calamity than the mysterious force. What are the three brains filled with, Giant's dung? Go to the dungeon and reflect!"

Jade Wings lay on the ground, laughing internally. This time, he did nothing and received Demon Gold worth one billion Dragon Country Coins from Zhou Leng, along with a mutual help promise.

Winning was great.

Rucheng.

Miller, the first in Vitality Stage of the Eagle Alliance, smiled while looking at the towering buildings ahead.

"No one would have expected that I would end up obtaining the Beast Fruit, whose effects are second only to the Dragon Scale Fruit."

"When I've absorbed the medicinal power of the Wolf Spirit Fruit completely, upon advancing to Innate, at least I'll fail seven times, using the Protective Realm Pill seven times. Seven pills protecting the realm, even Mountain and River Origin is not so great."

"Although I lost the chance to climb the highest mountain, resulting in low rankings, the true gain and loss, who can determine?"

"My Path of Innate starts from the West Sea Martial Arts Academy, then Rucheng Martial Arts Academy, and then travels through all!"

"In the sparring at the juvenile battlefield, I not only defeated those so-called returnees from the Ancient River Trial but also bested multiple masters from Yunhua Jinjing, even Kang Lanhe was no match for me."

"Li Shenkong, once I conquer all the Martial Arts Academies in Rucheng, I shall meet you again in Xiongjing!"

"Rucheng, Dragon Country, I see you, I conquer!"

He thought of his Skeleton Marvelous Body and Wraith Fire Blood Marvelous Body, smiled calmly, and began cultivation.

Ancient River Ruins Research Institute.

Ding Linglong, Lou Fei Qiong, Kang Lanhe, and six other human masters were placed in separate areas, not interacting with other Ancient River Sect disciples.

People from above had already explained briefly.

The six felt it was normal and cultivated their respective Body-Protecting Divine Skills silently.

Due to the importance of Ancient River Sect's legacy, negotiations lasted five days before the first draft of official regulations was drawn up.

On the final day, a worship ceremony was held, Zhou Leng, as the acting master brother of the Inner Sect, recruited the Grandmaster Special Envoy and numerous soldiers as registered disciples of Ancient River Sect, allowing them to learn the Ancient River Sect Technique.

Zhou Leng also acquired multiple identities at the Ancient River Research Bureau, being specially appointed as the chief instructor and a divine text scholar.

At the same time, the identity of "Xin River" received honorary director status.

In Zhou Leng's Martial Arts City APP, a new account appeared, named Xin River.

Top-secret security level.

Meanwhile, he received a special Demon Spirit Badge.

If he ever faced a life-threatening situation, he could activate the badge, and all nearby human masters would immediately come to his rescue.

After finishing everything, the time had reached May, a month before the Dragon Boat Festival.

Among few who didn't want to stay at the Ancient River Research Institute was Zhou Leng, Zhang Xinglie, and Rao Mingxian, whereas Song Juesi and others wished to delve into martial arts at the institute.

After reaching an agreement, Zhou Leng slept heavily.

Slept until noon the next day.

Zhou Leng was busy organizing the Ancient River Research Bureau during these days, even falling behind on cultivation, almost putting everything aside.

While packing, he discovered he had a Golden Crystal left.

Zhou Leng thought a bit and contacted Chen Changyi, entering the secret room.

They sat quietly in the empty room.

Zhou Leng slowly brought out the Golden Crystal, about the size of a baby's fist, like a magnified cut diamond, crystal clear, emitting a faint golden light.

Chen Changyi's eyes lit up, sighing lightly, "Your contribution to the country and humanity exceeds imagination."

"I originally wanted to secretly activate it, but feared that once activated, it might generate phenomena and be sensed." Zhou Leng said.

"Indeed, it will generate phenomena. However, with the Sea Suppression Army's demigod Demon Spirit Master stationed, he can help twist the phenomena."

"Can it be done now?"

"I'll invite him immediately. Let's go to the empty backyard."

They headed to the backyard, while Chen Changyi makes contact.

Entering the backyard, Chen Changyi took out a positioning Demon Spirit Artifact.

In an instant, the earth trembled, soil and stones surged upward from below, producing a clattering sound, forming a stone gate in the middle of the yard.

Inside the gate, blue light rippled.

An elderly man with benevolent features stepped out of the Teleportation Gate.

"Greetings, Peak of the Earth." The two greeted in unison.

Peak of the Earth appeared to be just a little old man in a Demon Spirit Suit, with a Demon Spirit Ball floating on either shoulder, and another behind his head.