The end of Gaowu: Becoming stronger from not practicing

After a deathly silence, the square of the Divine Pattern Tower erupted into a clamor and commotion like a volcanic eruption.

All eyes were focused on the young man who was walking slowly toward the Danzhou Guild area. He walked with ease and calmness, as if he had just done something insignificant, rather than having just completed a groundbreaking breakthrough that would shake the entire world of Divine Inscription Masters.

However, the aura emanating from him—not yet fully contained, as vibrant and boundless as the rising sun—the life pressure of a newly ascended God-King and the unfathomable soul fluctuations of a Level 4 Divine Inscription Master, resonated like the loudest declaration, shaking everyone present.

The color drained from Assange's face instantly. The arrogance and sneer that had appeared on his face due to the opening of the conference and his successful provocation were now frozen on his face, and then cracked inch by inch like shattered ice.

The "Soul-Suppressing Jade" in his hand, which was said to help him comprehend divine runes, had already been crushed in his previous rage, and now his empty fist was trembling slightly.

He stared intently at Zhang Lingfeng, his eyes, which had once boasted of being able to see through the essence of divine runes and were as sharp as a hawk's, now only filled with shock and bewilderment like a raging storm.

Level 4 Divine Inscription Master... God King... Either of these two terms is enough for him, a genius hailed by the Divine Continent Guild as "once in five hundred years," to look up to.

He achieved the peak of the third level in less than five hundred years, created his own divine runes, and was regarded as the future hope of the Divine Continent Guild. He was even expected to reach the fourth level of divine rune master within a thousand years.

But Zhang Lingfeng, who looked even younger than him, had quietly and effortlessly made these two leaps in front of everyone!

This can't be described as mere talent; it's simply...monstrous! It's a myth!
Looking back now, all my previous provocations, all my contempt, and all my boastful words of "showing him the world" seem so ridiculous and ignorant!
Like a frog at the bottom of a well, croaking at a dragon soaring through the sky.

The immense sense of loss and frustration overwhelmed him like a cold tide, leaving him feeling suffocated and dizzy.

All talk of winning first place in a major conference and suppressing Danzhou became utter jokes in the face of someone like him. He even needed to muster immense courage to stand before him.

The situation in Canaan was no better.

The white jade folding fan in his hand had stopped waving at some point; it was now tightly clenched in his palm, his knuckles white from the force.

As the personal disciple of the fifth-level divine rune master "Master God and Ghost", he had witnessed his master's unfathomable and almost divine power, which also fostered his arrogance and disdain for everyone.

He originally thought that in this remote Danzhou, apart from Yun Zhongzi who could barely be considered a match, the others were not worth worrying about.

Zhang Lingfeng? He's nothing but a clown who got lucky and has some tricks up his sleeve.

He had even planned how to use the ancient divine runes taught by his master to completely defeat Zhang Lingfeng at the conference and make the Danzhou Guild lose face.

But now... God King! Level 4 Divine Inscription Master! The qualitative change resulting from the superposition of these two realms is far more than just one plus one equals two.

That is a complete transcendence at both the level of life and the level of the soul.

Canaan could clearly sense that the aura emanating from Zhang Lingfeng, although still somewhat unstable due to his status as a newcomer, was of such high quality that it had already subtly touched the threshold of his master's level!
How much chance does his prized "Fallen God Shuttle" and ancient secret techniques have against a true God King and a Level 4 Divine Inscription Master? They probably don't even have the qualifications to make the other party take them seriously.

All his previous calculations, ambitions, and sense of superiority were shattered at this moment.

He seemed to hear the disappointed sighs of the elders of the Jingzhou Guild who had placed high hopes on him, and he seemed to see the disappointment that might appear in his master's deep eyes? No, perhaps it wasn't even disappointment, because the gap was too big.

An unprecedented sense of shame and powerlessness gripped his heart.

The members of the Shenzhou and Jingzhou guilds behind the two were completely silent. Their previous arrogance had vanished, and they were all pale-faced with evasive eyes, wishing they could find a crack in the ground to crawl into.

The words they had previously mocked Zhang Lingfeng for "deserting in the face of battle" and ridiculed the Danzhou Guild for being "unmanned" now felt like resounding slaps to their own faces.

Faced with absolute power, all the noise seems pale and laughable.

Yun Zhongzi stood in the Danzhou Guild's area, frozen in place like a clay or wooden sculpture.

His expression was extremely complex, a mixture of shock, horror, disbelief, realization, and shame... all these emotions swirled and eventually vanished into a blank.

He felt as if his brain had been struck by an invisible bolt of lightning, buzzing and in complete chaos.

God King... Level 4 Divine Inscription Master... Zhang Lingfeng? That young man whom he considered "ungrateful," "lazy and decadent," and "in need of a lesson"?
That "second-generation" he once thought was just lucky to have a level three divine inscription master protecting him? It turns out... it was he who brought this upon himself!
Yun Zhongzi recalled his arrogant attitude when he used the jade slip to declare that he could "make an exception" and accept Zhang Lingfeng as a disciple.

He recalled his arrogance when he personally went to Baidi City, demanding an explanation from Zhang Lingfeng.

Recalling his discussions with Huang Youming about joining forces to fight against foreign enemies, and his assessment of Zhang Lingfeng as "cowardly" and "unworthy of respectability"... every memory made his cheeks burn with embarrassment, and he wished he could turn back time and slap his past self a few times.

Yun Zhongzi, a third-level divine inscription master of the Baruch family, who prides himself on his vast knowledge, has actually been so blind! He actually wants to take a future God-King, a fourth-level divine inscription master, as his apprentice? This is not a joke, this is simply the most ridiculous thing in the world! He is utterly ashamed, truly utterly ashamed.

All his previous pride and arrogance were shattered in the face of Zhang Lingfeng's current display of skill. Barkol, standing to the side, was also dumbfounded, his mouth agape, wide enough to fit a fist.

He met Zhang Lingfeng earlier than Yun Zhongzi and witnessed Zhang Lingfeng's transformation from a "lazy" level 5 blacksmith at the Divine Craftsman's Shop to rejecting him and Yun Zhongzi, then to the exposure of his mysterious identity as "Master Zhang," and now to his ascension to the heavens as a God King and a level 4 Divine Inscription Master!

This speed of advancement completely overturned his entire understanding of cultivation.

He recalled how he had tried to "lure" Zhang Lingfeng with the Dragon Soul Forging Technique and the prospects of the Baruch family, and how he had thought Zhang Lingfeng was "unappreciative." At this moment, he felt his face burning, and his heart was filled with endless emotion and a trace of lingering fear—fortunately, although he didn't understand, he hadn't really offended Zhang Lingfeng to death.

After the initial euphoria and excitement, Chairman Huang Youming quickly calmed down, but the excitement and pride in his eyes were impossible to hide.

He strode forward, his voice trembling slightly with excitement: "Ling Feng... no, Master Zhang! Congratulations! Congratulations! Heaven has blessed Danzhou, producing such a prodigy!"

The weight on his heart was completely lifted. What Assange, what Canaan, were nothing compared to a newly promoted God-King and a Level 4 Divine Inscription Master!
The Danzhou Guild will not only avoid losing face this time, but will also become famous throughout the world because of Zhang Lingfeng!
All his previous worries and anxieties have now turned into a triumphant feeling.

Facing the focused gazes and complex emotions of the entire audience, Zhang Lingfeng simply nodded slightly to Huang Youming, then calmly swept his gaze over the pale-faced Assange and Canaan, finally settling on Yun Zhongzi, whose expression was constantly shifting.

When Assange and Canaan met Zhang Lingfeng's gaze, their bodies involuntarily trembled.

His gaze was calm and serene, yet it seemed to contain endless depth and majesty, making their souls tremble.

All the previous hostility and scheming seemed so insignificant and ridiculous under this gaze.

The two exchanged a glance, both seeing deep frustration and a hint of... relief in each other's eyes. Relief that Zhang Lingfeng hadn't made a move at the conference, otherwise they would probably have suffered an even more humiliating defeat, and might even have had their Dao hearts damaged.

Finally, Assange took a deep breath, as if using all his strength, stepped forward, bowed deeply to Zhang Lingfeng, and said in a dry and labored voice: "Master Zhang... Master Zhang, in the past... it was Assange who was blind and arrogant, who repeatedly spoke rudely and offended you."

Seeing the master in person today, I realize that there are heavens beyond heavens and people beyond people.

I...I sincerely apologize to the master for my previous rude words and actions!
The Shenzhou Guild withdraws from this conference immediately, and I, Assange, swear that I will never again set foot on the territory of Danzhou!

He spoke with great difficulty, each word seemingly squeezed out from between his teeth, but his attitude was exceptionally resolute. He knew that if he did not yield today, not only would he personally suffer, but the reputation of the Divine Continent Guild would also be severely damaged.

Rather than waiting for Zhang Lingfeng to settle scores later, it's better to admit your mistakes now and at least retain some dignity.

Canaan followed closely behind, folding his fan and bowing deeply, his posture extremely humble: "Master Zhang's divine might, Canaan...is truly convinced."

All that happened before was because we were like frogs in a well, unable to see the true dragon.

On behalf of the Jingzhou Guild, I apologize to the Master for my previous offense and promise to immediately lead my men away from Baidi City and never invade Danzhou again.

Please forgive me, Master.

His voice was even lower than Assange's, carrying a deep sense of powerlessness.

His master's teachings still echoed in his ears, but faced with someone who was almost on par with his master, all his pride was shattered.

Two prodigies from a major guild lowered their proud heads to Zhang Lingfeng under the watchful eyes of countless people.

This scene, more powerfully than any words, proclaimed Zhang Lingfeng's strength and inviolability.

A suppressed gasp and murmur rippled through the square once more.

Zhang Lingfeng looked at the two of them, his face showing neither smugness nor sarcasm, only indifference.

He nodded slightly, accepting the apology, and said nothing more.

This nonchalant attitude, on the contrary, revealed a transcendent demeanor, causing the last trace of resentment in Assange and Canaan's hearts to vanish, leaving only deep awe.

The two bowed again, then turned around without hesitation, and led their respective guild members, who were looking dejected, away from the square under the complicated gazes of the crowd, without even giving any explanation to the organizers of the event.

For them, every second they spent here was torture.

At this moment, Yun Zhongzi finally recovered from the enormous shock.

His face burned, but more than that, it was a sense of relief and...respect? He walked up to Zhang Lingfeng, without putting on any airs of a third-level divine inscription master, but instead, with an almost equal attitude, he solemnly clasped his hands in a salute, his voice filled with unprecedented sincerity: "Master Zhang...Master Zhang."

Yun Zhongzi...I was blind to your greatness and have offended you in the past with my arrogant words. Please do not take them to heart.

"A master of unparalleled talent, Yun Zhongzi... I am utterly ashamed."

He paused, glanced at Huang Youming beside him, whose expression was equally complex, and then looked at the excited crowd of the Danzhou Guild around him. He took a deep breath and said loudly, "With Master Zhang's divine king status and fourth-level divine rune master abilities, it is a waste of his talents to be relegated to the White Emperor City branch."

"I, Yun Zhongzi, though unworthy, dare to propose that Master Zhang assume the position of President of the Danzhou Divine Inscription Masters Guild! Only a Master like him can lead our Danzhou Guild to unprecedented glory!"

Upon hearing this, Huang Youming was first taken aback, then his eyes shone with an astonishing light! He showed no displeasure at being "usurped"; on the contrary, he was so excited that he trembled all over.

"Indeed! With a God-King and Level 4 Divine Inscription Master like Zhang Lingfeng in charge, how could the Danzhou Guild not prosper? It will surely rise to become a force to be reckoned with, comparable to the top branches of Jingzhou and Shenzhou!" He immediately echoed loudly, "Master Yun Zhongzi is absolutely right! I, Huang Youming, am willing to step down and offer my position to Master Zhang as the guild leader! Please, Master, for the sake of the future of Danzhou's divine inscription masters, do not refuse!" The other elders and deacons of the Danzhou Guild also reacted one after another, excitedly shouting, "Please, Master Zhang, take the position of guild leader!"

"The Danzhou Guild needs a master to guide it!"

For a time, petitions rose and fell.

Everyone thought this was a logical and natural progression.

A God-King and a Level 4 Divine Inscription Master is more than qualified to serve as the president of a state-level guild; in fact, it could be said that the Danzhou Guild is climbing the social ladder.

However, faced with this sudden and coveted respect and power, Zhang Lingfeng slowly shook his head.

His gaze was clear and calm, as if he had seen through the essence behind all the noise.

He smiled slightly, his voice not loud, but clearly carried throughout the room: "Thank you for your kindness, Master Yun Zhongzi, Chairman Huang, and all my fellow practitioners."

However... Zhang is used to a leisurely life and dislikes being bogged down in mundane affairs.

The position of president carries heavy responsibilities and is not what I desire. My path lies in doing as I please, in lying down... in contemplating the universe and nature.

With Guild Leader Huang in charge and Master Yun Zhongzi and other fellow practitioners assisting him, that is sufficient.

The refusal was swift and decisive, without the slightest hesitation.

The entire audience was stunned once again.

A God-King and a Level 4 Divine Inscription Master, he refused to serve as the guild leader of a state.
This...this is unheard of! Huang Youming and Yun Zhongzi were both stunned. They had thought that Zhang Lingfeng might modestly decline, but they did not expect him to refuse so thoroughly.

Looking at Zhang Lingfeng's calm yet determined eyes, they understood that his true ambition lay elsewhere.

Zhang Lingfeng said no more. After nodding to Huang Youming, Yun Zhongzi and the others, he turned and drifted away amidst countless gazes that were filled with awe, incomprehension, or admiration.

His figure quickly disappeared from the crowd, as if the shocking scene had never happened, or as if he had simply accomplished a trivial task before returning to his own world.

The conference ended somewhat anticlimactically due to Zhang Lingfeng's appearance and the departure of key figures from the two major guilds.

But everyone's mind was no longer on the game itself.

The news of Zhang Lingfeng's attainment of the God King realm and advancement to the fourth-level Divine Inscription Master swept through the entire White Emperor City like a hurricane and spread to the entire God-level continent at an even faster pace.

Zhang Lingfeng's name from Baidi City resounded throughout the land overnight.

However, Zhang Lingfeng, who was at the center of the storm, seemed to be detached from it all.

Breaking through to the level of God King and Level 4 Divine Inscription Master is not just a leap in power, but also brings a deeper understanding of the rules of the world.

He felt a closer connection with the universe, and the laws followed his every thought.

But at the same time, a strange sense of emptiness and alienation also quietly arises.

Looking back from a higher perspective, the struggles in White Emperor City, the rankings between guilds, and the glory of divine rune masters... all seem somewhat bland and uninteresting.

He thought of Yan Fei, his fellow countryman from the same hometown, who also struggled to survive on the God-level Continent. It was time to go see him.

Several days later, Zhang Lingfeng quietly left Baidi City and headed to the area where the Baruch family was located.

He didn't disturb anyone, only taking away the sincere blessings from the people of the Divine Craftsman Shop and the Danzhou Guild, as well as some classics and resources about God King cultivation that Huang Youming insisted on giving him.

In the Baruch region, Zhang Lingfeng and Yan Fei traveled together.

I visited many famous historical sites in the Baruch region.

Zhang Lingfeng seemed to be genuinely just "traveling around," experiencing local customs and feeling the atmosphere of this ancient land.

Until they arrived at the core sanctuary of the Baruch family—the magnificent hall that housed the family legend, the legendary supreme being "Linley Baruch."

The enormous statue, cast from an unknown divine metal, still shines brightly and remains lifelike despite the passage of countless years.

The statue holds a seemingly ordinary warhammer, its gaze deep, as if staring into the endless void, or as if encompassing the entire universe.

Standing before the statue, even Zhang Lingfeng, who had become a god-king, felt a tremor and a sense of insignificance that came from the depths of his soul.

It was a vast and majestic aura that transcended all boundaries, originating from the essence of life and legendary experiences.

Zhang Lingfeng gazed quietly at the statue, his mind involuntarily becoming immersed in it.

In a daze, he seemed to see the statue's gaze shift slightly and fall on him.

A grand, ancient idea, seemingly from the end of time and space, resounded directly in his heart, not as a sound, but as a resonance that reached his soul.

"The world is as big as your heart."

Rules are not constraints, but paths.

What you see, what you feel, what you understand—that is your universe.

This thought flashed by, yet it was like a sudden awakening, instantly striking a chord deep within Zhang Lingfeng's heart—a realization that had always been vague.

Attaining the status of a God-King represents a leap in the level of life.

Advancing to the fourth level of Divine Inscription Master is a deepening of the resonance between the soul and the rules.

But all of this seems to be within a certain established "framework".

Linley Baruch's words, however, were like a key, opening a new door for him.

The world is as big as your heart.

The rules are the road, not the walls.

He suddenly understood the source of his emptiness and alienation.

He has been "adapting" to and "utilizing" the rules of this world. The "lying flat" system is also an extreme use of the rules, but he has never really thought about what lies above the rules.
What lies beyond the boundaries of this world? Is his "heart," his pursuit, limited to the level of God King, or even just a level four or five Divine Inscription Master?
No.

A powerful, soul-deep longing and call surged forth like a tide.

The call did not come from the Baruch region, nor from the divine continent, but from a more distant, more intimate, and more primal place—the Blackwater Starfield.

He thought of Ao Dagang, Zhao Kuo, Yang Liru, Teacher Zhuge, Wang Dashan, the bits and pieces of the Blackwater Starfield, and his journey so far.

Those faces, those experiences, those emotions are the true source of his strength, the starting point and the destination of his "heart".

"I want to go back."

Zhang Lingfeng spoke softly to Yan Fei, who was also immersed in the majesty of the statue beside him, a warm yet firm smile appearing on his lips.

Yan Fei snapped out of his shock and looked into Zhang Lingfeng's eyes, which held a clarity and depth unlike anything he had ever seen before. He seemed to understand something and nodded emphatically: "I'll go with you."

The news of Zhang Lingfeng's attainment of God King status and becoming a Level 4 Divine Inscription Master, as well as his subsequent refusal of the position of Guild Master, his travels in Baruch, and his enlightenment before the statue of Lin Lei, gradually spread among the upper echelons of the God-level Continent, becoming a new legend.

The legendary protagonist, however, embarked on a journey back to his home planet, the Blackwater Star Region, one morning with his friend Yan Fei.

No one knows exactly where they went. All that is known is that the exceptionally talented young man, after reaching an awe-inspiring height, chose to return to his roots and seek out his original world and what he cared about.

The Divine Inscription Master Tournament in Baidi City was still held. Yun Zhongzi represented Danzhou in the competition. Although he did not win first place, he still achieved remarkable results and defended the dignity of Danzhou.

Huang Youming continued to serve as president, but the status of the Danzhou Association rose due to Zhang Lingfeng.

Under Ma Dashuai's management, the Divine Craftsman's Shop became increasingly prosperous, and Murong Li and others gradually began to stand out in the guild.

Everything seemed to be back on track, but occasionally someone in the city would still mention that young man who liked to play mahjong, sunbathe, and fish, yet who suddenly became famous and eventually left without a trace, his tone filled with endless imagination and respect.

In the Blackwater Starfield, Zhang Lingfeng's story may be another new beginning.

Where the heart leads, there lies the end of the world.

His journey is still long.

(Thank you all for your continued support. This book will be completed within a few days, and I will immediately begin writing a new fantasy novel, which I love. I hope you will continue to support me. Thank you for your company!) (End of Chapter)