In the game "High Martial Arts," players start with the blessing of the Martial God.

Chapter 72 The Present Is Not Necessarily Inferior to the Past

After learning how to ascend to godhood from the Jade Purity Realm in the courtyard, Ji Ming felt much more at ease, and since he no longer needed to worry about divine-grade cultivation techniques, his expression relaxed considerably.

Any high-quality cultivation technique will do. You can make plans after you have opened up all eight Heavenly Meridians. If you get a better one along the way, you can always switch to another one.

"Sacred-grade cultivation techniques are hard to come by, and you'll have to go to the Tianyi Star Palace to exchange for them yourself. But I can still help you figure out a way to get a Heaven-grade cultivation technique."

Luo Zhao cautioned, "Don't think you can just pick any high-grade spiritual cultivation technique. You must know that Jade Purity Realm cultivation techniques, besides concerning the Heavenly Meridian, also involve changes in the characteristics of Yuan Qi. If your cultivation technique is too poor, your combat power will be inferior to others at the same realm!"

"Why are divine-grade cultivation techniques so precious? It's not because they allow you to cultivate three more Heavenly Meridians and ascend to godhood, but because of the powerful primordial energy they bestow!"

Ji Ming nodded, his face full of gratitude. "Thank you for your help, teacher!"

If Master Luo doesn't intervene, he really will have no choice but to cultivate spirit-grade techniques first; he's just too poor.

He now only has twelve drops of Yuan Liquid left in his body. The 100 merit points from Tianyi Star Palace will only be redeemed after he enrolls, and they are specifically for these specially recruited geniuses to exchange for divine-grade cultivation techniques.

Yes, just as Master Luo said, it's not to encourage them to take the path to godhood, but to enhance their combat power through high-quality cultivation techniques.

"Go back first, come back to me tomorrow to get the cultivation manual." Luo Zhao waved his hand.

"etc!"

Ji Ming had just turned around when he was called back.

Luo Zhao hesitated for a while before finally speaking, "I asked you to take that little girl Shangguan Yue around, did you go?"

"ah???"

Ji Ming was full of questions. "Are you serious?"

"You idiot!"

Luo Zhao grumbled, "So dense? Get lost!"

Ji Ming looked miserable. Why are you starting to play matchmaker?

Seeing his face grow increasingly dark, Ji Ming immediately turned and ran away.

"hey-hey!"

He hadn't gone far from the hospital gate when he saw Fang Yuan winking at him.

"Uncle Fang!"

Ji Ming bowed respectfully, and his sharp eyes noticed a small booklet tucked into his waistband: "Rebirth of the Martial God in the City".

Goodness, no wonder he was talking so strangely yesterday!

Ji Ming was utterly speechless. "A powerful person like you would watch this kind of stuff?"

Doesn't it seem a bit out of character?

"Hey kid, how was it? Did your senior brother just teach you his real skills?" Fang Yuan put his arm around his shoulder and whispered.

"what?"

Ji Mingxin was taken aback and didn't know what to say.

"You brat, you even kept this from me?" Fang Yuan's face hardened. "Didn't your senior brother tell you to go after Shangguan Yue?"

"Tell me quickly, is there any secret? Senior brother is amazing! He even managed to handle that she-devil in my house, and that icy woman Leng Jianqiu too. His methods are incredible!"

Fang Yuan gave a thumbs up, "Isn't it better than any divine-grade cultivation technique?"

"The Shangguan family is no ordinary family; learning even a move or two will benefit you immensely!"

"6

1

Ji Ming remained silent, as if he had understood something. Master Luo had gotten to where he was today by relying on food—

Cough!

Ji Mingyi declared righteously, "Uncle-Master Fang, I am not that kind of person!"

"Really?" Fang Yuan asked with a doubtful look.

"More real than real gold!"

Ji Ming said firmly, "Furthermore, I didn't hear anything today, and you didn't say anything to me!"

After finishing his speech, Ji Ming turned and ran.

"What's going on?"

Fang Yuan scratched his head, thinking his senior brother had arrived after running so fast!

Seeing a shadow fall beside him, a bead of cold sweat trickled down his temple.

"Senior brother—uh—"

Fang Yuan rolled his eyes, drooling as he collapsed to the ground.

Luo Zhao glanced at the clueless fool, and looked at Ji Ming's departing figure with a sense of loss. He could tell that Ji Ming really had no interest in this, so let it be!

He originally thought this was a good opportunity, so he used the Qingxuan Secret Realm as an excuse to keep him here. Ji Ming needs a backer, and the Shangguan family is powerful enough. It is too difficult to ascend to the fifth step of godhood. It is unrealistic to rely entirely on the Tianyi Star Palace. He wanted to find some off-site assistance for him, but the kid was not happy about it!

"Oh well, never mind!"

Luo Zhao shook his head. Forced relationships are never sweet; let's wait and see.

On the other side, Ji Ming returned to the martial arts training room with a nervous expression. What is Master Luo doing? Am I that kind of person?

There's always trouble in wealthy families, and he doesn't want to get involved. Besides, I really don't need to!

What is the meaning of the five steps to ascending to godhood, each step more difficult than the last?

The God of War's grace will naturally speak for me!

Reaching the limit of godhood from the Jade Purity Realm is indeed much more difficult, requiring breaking the shackles of life three times, but so what?

As long as it dares to show its proficiency level, I'll grind it to the end!

"I'd better continue practicing my swordsmanship!"

Ji Ming sighed, "The level of cultivation techniques in the Jade Purity Realm is linked to the realm. You won't be able to advance any further just by having sudden enlightenment. You can use all your remaining opportunities for sudden enlightenment on cultivating martial arts."

In about a month, that's roughly seven moments of enlightenment, enough to grind out at least two special abilities.

At lunchtime, martial artists at the Jade Purity Realm can abstain from grains to some extent in the school cafeteria, but it's unnecessary, as the spiritual food provided is comparable to some medicines.

The food in the cafeteria for the top class was even better than what he ate at home. It was made with monster meat brought back from the front lines and various spiritual ingredients. The chef was the only spiritual chef in the school, and eating it was very beneficial to cultivation.

Spirit chefs are purely a livelihood profession with virtually no offensive capabilities. Although they can cook various spiritual foods beneficial to cultivation, their status is generally low because their role is completely overshadowed by pharmacists and alchemists.

Scholars have developed a medicine-making machine, which can mass-produce low-level medicines. Countless low-level pharmacists have lost their jobs. Spirit chefs can at least satisfy their appetites with their spiritual food. Although the upper limit is very low, they can make a lot of money.

"Amin!"

As they were eating, Xu Wei walked over with a happy expression, and Gu Yi also sat down next to them with a plate in his hand.

"What's up? Is there some good news?" Ji Ming asked with a smile.

"hey-hey!"

Xu Wei said proudly, "I've already been admitted to Fire Cloud Academy ahead of schedule!"

After hearing this, Ji Ming put down his chopsticks and was happy for his good brother. Although Huoyun Academy was not one of the top ten top academies, it was still quite good. Being specially admitted early meant that they recognized his innate talent.

This is the current situation in Xia Guo. Before the college entrance examination, anyone with a bit of talent was specially admitted in advance. Those who weren't specially admitted either weren't noticed by anyone, or they were dissatisfied with themselves and wanted to try their luck in the college entrance examination.

"That's not bad!"

Ji Ming nodded. "Which province is Huoyun Academy in again?"

"Cangzhou Province in the Central Region!" Gu Yi said from the side.

"One of the eight provinces in central China —"

Ji Ming pondered, "Tianyi Star Palace seems to be in Cangzhou too!"

"By the way, Amin, tell me quickly, has any holy land invited you?" Xu Wei asked expectantly.

Ji Ming smiled. "Does the Yuanwu Holy Land count?"

"certainly!"

Xu Wei exclaimed excitedly, "This is one of the ten holy lands, and it mainly trains martial artists. They invited you?"

"Did you sign it?"

"No!" Ji Ming shook his head.

"Huh? Why?"

Xu Wei grew anxious. "This opportunity is hard to come by. For martial artists, the Yuanwu Holy Land isn't necessarily inferior to the Star Palace!"

"Ahem!"

Ji Ming hurriedly interrupted, "I've already been specially recruited by Tianyi Star Palace!"

After he finished speaking, he suddenly remembered that he hadn't told his parents about this yet. He had been so focused on the ID card yesterday that he had forgotten about it.

"————" Xu Wei looked resentful after hearing this.

Ji Ming was a little embarrassed; he really hadn't planned to show off like that!

"By the way, just keep this to yourselves, and don't spread it before the Star Realm Exam is over."

"Don't worry! I'll keep my mouth shut!" Xu Wei said seriously, pinching his lips shut. Gu Yi nodded as well.

"And you? Where are you headed?"

Unable to bear Xu Wei's glare any longer, he quickly changed the subject and looked at Gu Yi.

The latter paused for a moment, then said, "I'm preparing to participate in the Astral Examination and go to the Eternal Night Star Palace!"

I hope you succeed!

Ji Ming nodded. Although the dream destination for martial artists is usually Tianyi Star Palace, Gu Yi must have his own reasons for wanting to go to Yongye, so he didn't press him further.

"You still haven't told me what happened yesterday?" Gu Yi looked up at him.

Ji Ming was slightly taken aback, then realized that it was because his life strength far exceeded his realm.

"If it needs to be kept secret, then forget it," Gu Yi added immediately.

Ji Ming shook his head. There were various reasons why the Ascension Method had not been widely spread, but there was no need to keep it a secret.

He then tapped a few times on his communication wristband and sent some basic information.

Gu Yi looked at the bracelet, and after a long while, he looked up with a complicated expression. "The Path to Godhood—so that's how it is!"

"What? You regret it?" Ji Ming asked.

Gu Yi shook his head. "I know my own limitations. I'm still a little short of level seven in the Qian Tian Yi Qi Gong. Cultivating the Heaven and Earth Heart in the Mortal Realm is beyond my capabilities. All I can do is walk my own path well."

Ji Ming smiled. His classmate's will was truly unwavering. He had a feeling that his future achievements might not be inferior to some martial artists who had ascended to godhood.

"Alright, I'm leaving now."

After finishing his meal, Ji Ming left with his plate. Compared to enlightenment, his own efforts were insignificant, but they were still effective. In the future, when he went to the battlefield of myriad realms, this might be the difference between life and death.

He practiced his sword until evening, then went to the patrol office building, only to be blocked from entering.

"Ji, please don't make things difficult for us!"

Upon learning of his arrival, a deputy director personally came to greet him, but after he explained his purpose, the deputy director now regarded him as a plague god.

"If anything happens to you, Principal Gu will definitely tear me apart!"

"Director Xu, I promise to follow orders. The Star Realm Trial is coming up soon, and I just want to get some experience," Ji Ming said, raising his finger to assure him.

Director Xu shook his head vigorously, "No, no, there are other ways to gain experience. The people of the Heavenly Demon Sect are extremely cunning. You have no experience in dealing with them and you will easily suffer losses. I can't afford to take that responsibility."

"Student Ji, there's no need to say anything more. I don't have the authority to let you accompany the Patrol Division on missions; this is not a trivial matter!"

Seeing Director Xu's determination, Ji Ming left with a look of regret.

Alas, for now, we can only seek help from Master Luo and Uncle Fang.

He sighed inwardly. Although he didn't want to bother the other party with everything, the method of obtaining the experimental camp value was too important. He couldn't rest easy until it was resolved.

The next day, as soon as Ji Ming arrived at Master Luo's house, the other party tossed him a book.

"This is the 'Azure Flame Meridian Opening Technique,' a high-grade Heaven-rank cultivation method that can open nine meridians. The condensed source energy contains azure flames, and its power is quite good."

Hearing Luo Zhao's explanation, he hurriedly took the document to examine it. All Heavenly Grade cultivation techniques open nine meridians, and the difference between the upper and lower grades lies in the strength of the vital energy after cultivation and the power of the accompanying characteristics.

Thank you, teacher!

Ji Ming bowed respectfully.

"Sacred and divine-grade martial arts techniques should not be passed on lightly, not to suppress or control young professionals."

Luo Zhao slowly explained, "There are two reasons: First, we are worried about the techniques being leaked! This has happened before. Techniques and martial arts techniques were obtained by enemy realms, who then cracked the loopholes and weaknesses, causing the deaths of many powerful individuals. Since then, high-quality techniques have been strictly controlled."

"Secondly, it's to prevent you from reaping rewards without sowing! The Xuanhuang Realm's current status is the result of the hard work of every human being. How could such a vast realm be defended by just a few powerful individuals?"

"Once you arrive at Tianyi Star Palace, the cultivation techniques will be given to you at bargain prices, exchanged for with merit points. Each merit point is not issued randomly; it corresponds to a contribution. Only in this way can the entire human race be united as one."

"The 100 merit points you received as a reward when you enrolled weren't given to you for nothing. They were actually a loan for your future. The Star Palace has high hopes for you and believes you can become a strong person. Once you become strong, you will have to protect your race and make contributions. This is an investment that the entire human race is making in you young professionals. It's not a loss if even one of you succeeds."

"Teacher, I understand."

Ji Ming nodded, his expression serious. This approach was the right thing to do. If everyone developed the habit of not being willing to put in the effort, even if they became strong, it would be of no use to the Xuanhuang Realm.

Seeing that he had taken it to heart, Luo Zhao smiled with satisfaction. The four major star palaces all cultivate top human geniuses. They are not afraid of them not turning out well, but they are afraid of raising ungrateful wretches, as the latter are the real danger.

After carefully putting away the Meridian-Clearing Technique, preparing to return and study it, Ji Ming revealed his true purpose.

"Teacher, I've heard that there are still many members of the Heavenly Demon Cult around Shirakawa City. I'd like to do my part in the extermination."

Luo Zhao glanced at him, frowned, and said, "What are you going to do with this level of skill?"

"Teacher, just as you said, I also want to do my part to improve the safety of Shirakawa City!"

Ji Ming said with a righteous expression.

Luo Zhao was slightly taken aback. He felt gratified that his earlier instruction had been effective, but he still hesitated.

"This is too dangerous. You're already struggling to deal with someone at the late stage of the Second Realm, right? I heard from Fang Yuan that there were Third Realm beings among those who escaped. If you were to run into them—"

"teacher!"

Ji Ming felt a surge of anxiety. "Don't worry, I'll go with the Patrol Division. It'll be good experience for me to prepare for the Star Realm Grand Examination. Besides, I'll be going to the Battlefield of Myriad Realms later, where the situation is even more complicated. I can't stay under your wing forever, can I?"

"This—" Ji Ming's words struck a chord with him. After a moment's thought, he said, "Alright, I'll talk to Fang Yuan."

"No need, I'm here!"

As soon as he finished speaking, Fang Yuan appeared on the courtyard wall and then flashed to Ji Ming's side.

Luo Zhao's face darkened. "Can't you even use the door properly?"

Fang Yuan tossed his hair aside. "Senior brother, you don't understand. This is the demeanor of a strong person. Strong people never take the ordinary path!"

"Oh!"

Luo Zhao sneered, "If you don't use the door next time, I'll have your sister teach you a lesson!"

"No!"

Fang Yuan immediately stood up straight and turned his gaze to Ji Ming. "Ji boy, were you saying you wanted to go to the Patrol Division to hunt down the Heavenly Demon Sect?"

"Good lad!"

He patted Ji Ming on the shoulder heavily, "I knew I hadn't misjudged you! Your martial uncle will get you a temporary identity in the Patrol Division, hmm—Xiao Xu will take care of you. Don't worry, there won't be any danger."

"Thank you, Martial Uncle!"

Ji Ming was all smiles and happy to help him out of the predicament.

"Hmm—let's skip it for the next couple of days."

Fang Yuan pondered, "When you return from the Azure Profound Realm, make good preparations. You must go and see the Azure Profound Stele. If there really is some ancient inheritance, it is most likely there."

Although it was a pity that he couldn't take action immediately, Ji Ming knew that too much talk would lead to mistakes, and being too hasty was also not good, so he nodded.

Upon hearing him mention the Azure Profound Realm again, Ji Ming quickly pressed, "Uncle-Master, if there really is an ancient inheritance, didn't you obtain it?"

Fang Yuan curled his lips, "That's just how ancient inheritances are. It's not about who's stronger. Fate is very important, especially when you encounter a secret realm with inheritances. Talent and age are the key factors."

"Keep it up, I have high hopes for you!"

"Every ancient inheritance is extraordinary, and there are countless stories of people rising to prominence because of a single inheritance. Although we, their descendants, can only glean fragments from the ruins after the ancient times vanished, it is certain that the cultivation level of the Xuanhuang Realm and even the entire myriad realms in ancient times far surpassed that of today!"

Ji Ming nodded. He had the "protagonist's halo," so he might actually get some benefits!

Of course, this is on the premise that there really is an ancient inheritance in the Qingxuan Secret Realm.

Don't boost others' morale while diminishing your own!

Luo Zhao retorted, "The present is not necessarily inferior to the past! For example, the Five Steps to Divinity are a method used today, developed through the joint efforts of many top professionals; they did not exist in ancient times!"

Ji Ming was startled and asked in quick succession, "Were there martial artists in ancient times? Were there martial gods? And how did they seek the path to becoming martial gods?"

"Martial arts have existed since ancient times!" Luo Zhao said slowly. "As for whether there are martial gods, I don't know, nor do I know their martial god techniques!"

Ji Ming paused, wondering why he knew nothing about it.

"You think it was just a joke when you mentioned the ancient annihilation?"

Luo Zhao glanced at him. "If we knew how martial arts practitioners ascended to godhood in ancient times, would we still need to go to the trouble of deriving the five steps to godhood? We could just use it directly!"

"So far, very little information about that era has been found in the ancient ruins that have been opened, as if it has been wiped away by an unseen hand."

"But martial arts have always existed! They have never changed!" Luo Zhao said firmly.

"I understand!" Ji Ming nodded.

"However, Fang Yuan is also right. The ancient traditions that have survived to this day are indeed not weak, and there are examples of people who have reached the pinnacle by relying on them."

"There's no need to overemphasize the power of the ancient times, but we also shouldn't deny their glory. If we can truly obtain some inheritance, we can secretly cultivate it if it proves useful."

Ji Ming understood; it meant that passing on the ancient heritage would be very troublesome, so once he got his hands on it, he shouldn't tell anyone.

Seeing that he understood, Luo Zhao nodded inwardly, knowing that this kid wasn't the type to keep his mouth shut, but he still had to remind him.

There are quite a few people like Fang Yuan who exaggerate the ancient heritage, to the point that nowadays, as long as the ancient times are mentioned, even if it's a pile of shit, people will come and smell it.

If this gets out, Ji Mingzhen might not be able to keep her job!

Thinking of this, Luo Zhao suddenly shook his head and chuckled. They hadn't even gone in yet, and he was already so sure that Ji Ming would receive the inheritance? It seemed like there was something wrong with his head.

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