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

Chapter 87 Becoming an Apprentice

As a beam of light descended upon the dormitory of the Tianyi Star Palace reception area, Ji Ming returned to the spot he had been in three days ago. Gazing at his bed, he sighed softly, feeling as if he had been transported to another world.

"Haha, Ji Ming, you beat Yuan Dongqing! Some people are going to be so upset now!" Xia Qiwen, who was in the next bunk, laughed as soon as he came back. His other two roommates weren't there, so they must have been eliminated long ago.

Ji Ming smiled slightly but didn't reply, though his eyes still showed shock as he looked at him.

In the end, Xia Qiwen really challenged Liu Hao, and the result was neither entirely unexpected nor entirely surprising!

Anyway, ten moves!

Liu Hao only lasted ten moves!

"So he really is from the Xia family?" Ji Ming thought to himself, feeling that Xia Qiwen's strength was even greater than when he used Demonic Descent!

This must be the strongest force in this generation of the Great Xia Dynasty, right?

Clenching his fist, Ji Ming felt his strength rapidly fading; the time for his [Heavenly Demon Clan] identity card had run out.

At the same time, he felt extremely weak, his blood and energy were depleted, and his source energy was sluggish and difficult to control.

This is the weakened state that the demon mentioned!

This feature is powerful, but the side effects are also significant. It weakened to such an extent after only a few minutes of use, proving that it's a move that can only be used in desperate situations.

However, Demon Power and Demon Language proved to be very effective in this experiment, even more so than Demon Descent against those with weaker willpower.

Are you alright?

Noticing his unusual behavior, Xia Qiwen asked worriedly, "Is it a side effect of the secret technique? You should rest more!"

Secret technique?

Ji Ming's eyes flashed, and seeing his expression that said "I understand" as he had already imagined the whole thing, he opened his mouth but did not explain.

In the end, Ji Ming didn't get to rest for long before several instructors in Star Palace uniforms knocked on the door and entered the room.

"Flame Emperor, Eternal Night, War?"

Upon seeing the uniforms of these instructors, Ji Ming blinked in confusion. Wasn't he in Tianyi Star Palace?

Seeing this, Xia Qiwen's eyes gleamed with amusement, and he whispered, "You're quite the hot commodity now!"

"Huh?" Ji Ming was confused.

"Ji Ming!"

The moment they saw him, the mentors' eyes lit up.

"What's going on, mentors?" he asked, somewhat puzzled.

"Ha ha!"

One of the burly instructors laughed loudly, "Naturally, we've come to invite you to join our War Palace!"

"Nonsense! Join the Eternal Night Star Palace!" another instructor holding a staff hurriedly said.

Seeing that the group seemed about to fight, Ji Ming quickly spoke up, his expression sincere, "Thank you for your kindness, teachers, but I have already signed a contract with Tianyi Star Palace!"

"It's okay!"

The burly instructor waved his hand dismissively, "I'll pay the penalty for breach of contract. As long as you're willing, who dares to force you to stay at Tianyi Star Palace?"

After speaking, he looked intently at Ji Ming, awaiting his decision.

They didn't care much about ordinary martial artists on the path to godhood, but Ji Ming's progress was too fast. It wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that he had a limitless future. They estimated that there was a greater than 70% chance that Ji Ming would achieve the second step of godhood. This probability was already very high, and it was worth putting aside their pride to compete for him.

As for what Tianyi Star Palace thinks, what does it have to do with them? They've always been competitors.

Ji Ming gave a wry smile, understanding Xia Qiwen's meaning. He never expected that he would receive such treatment. Paying him the penalty for breach of contract sounds easy, but in reality, it's not that simple.

Moreover, he still favors Tianyi Star Palace, because in the martial arts world, no place in the entire Xuanhuang Realm is stronger than this place.

According to Master Luo, in the past thousand years of the new era, more than ten martial artists of the ninth realm have emerged from the Tianyi Star Palace martial arts system!

The key lies in the research on the Path of the Martial God, where Tianyi Star Palace is unparalleled!

As for the hostility of the original school or others?

It's just a little bit of hardship!

Isn't this a kind of tempering?

If he was really afraid, he wouldn't have come to Tianyi Star Palace in the first place. Besides, wouldn't there be no competition if he went to other star palaces?

Staying in Tianyi Star Palace means facing Luo Shi's rivals, but also having access to the connections he left behind. Choosing between them isn't actually that difficult.

As his thoughts raced and he was wondering how to refuse, a handsome young man in white suddenly appeared outside the dormitory door.

"Teacher Ye!" He quickly greeted her, but inwardly he was relieved. With a teacher from Tianyi Star Palace here, he wouldn't be needed anymore, right?

"Ye Zhou?"

Several other star palace instructors turned their heads and saw Ye Zhou leaning against the door, and they all frowned.

"Seniors, it's not fair for you to come to my Tianyi Star Palace's territory to snatch people, is it?" Ye Zhou said, chewing on a blade of grass, looking nonchalant.

"Ye Zhou, what are you doing here, kid?" the burly man snarled.

Ignoring him, Ye Zhou walked straight up to Ji Ming and asked bluntly, "Kid, would you like to be my student?"

"Ye Zhou! What nonsense are you spouting? You're just an assistant instructor, don't mislead the students!" the burly instructor sneered.

"Oh? He's misleading young people, then what about me?"

An elderly man with white hair appeared in the dormitory without anyone noticing his presence until he spoke.

The moment they saw the old man, the instructors all trembled, and even Xia Qiwen showed a look of awe. "He—Elder He?"

"What? Say something?" the old man said with a faint smile.

The mentors shrank back, inwardly groaning. They cursed Ye Zhou mercilessly, thinking, "You're just trying to steal a student, is it really necessary to call the parents?"

"Aren't you leaving yet? Want to stay for dinner?" the old man said calmly, his voice as if he were just an ordinary old man having a casual chat.

"Yes! Yes!"

"Please take care, Elder He. I'll be leaving now!"

The mentors nodded hastily, not daring to look at Ji Ming again. Did they have a death wish to snatch someone from "this person"?

After they left, the old man glanced at Xia Qiwen, who chuckled dryly but didn't dare to say a word.

"snort!"

The old man snorted, ignoring him. He glanced at Ji Ming, nodded, and then vanished abruptly, leaving only the words, "Little Ye, this kid isn't bad. You decide what to do with him!"

Thank you, teacher!

Ye Zhou bowed respectfully to the sky, then looked at Ji Ming with a beaming smile, "So, kid, say something? What's your decision?"

"Ji Ming, say yes!"

Before Ji Ming could speak, Xia Qiwen's voice transmission rang in his ear. Seeing Xia Qiwen's anxious expression, as if he wanted to agree for him, Ji Ming's eyes flickered.

Seeing that he didn't speak, Ye Zhou frowned, pondered for a moment, and said, "How about we talk about this privately?"

The two looked at Xia Qiwen at the same time. The latter shrugged and walked out, leaving them alone.

The moment the door closed, Ye Zhou's first words startled him: "Ji Ming, may I see your ID card?"

"Don't worry, I mean no harm!" Seeing him frown, Ye Zhou quickly waved his hand to explain.

Nodding, Ji Ming summoned his identity card. He wasn't afraid of being seen through anyway, and trying to hide it would only arouse suspicion.

A beautiful purple card appeared in his palm. Ye Zhou looked at it seriously for a few moments, muttering to himself, "Hmm? What's so special about it? How come?"

His expression was a mixture of disappointment and excitement.

After a long while, he came to his senses, smiled sheepishly, and said, "Okay, take it back!"

-

"What are you doing?" Ji Ming asked, puzzled.

But Ye Zhou's words almost made his heart stop beating.

"Ji Ming, how did you discover that you could use the Heavenly Demon Clan's bloodline talent using your essence blood?"

Ji Ming's pupils dilated, and he forcibly controlled his expression.

Ye Zhou looked like he saw right through him. "Hehe, kid! You don't need to hide it from me. My human identity card can indeed bear the bloodline talents of all races. Your naturally special identity card is very rare. If I hadn't studied the Heavenly Demon Clan so deeply, I really wouldn't have been able to discover that you used demonic power in the Grand Examination!"

"Tsk! You're lucky. You actually have such a good match with the Heavenly Demon race. You're much better than those previous special identity card holders."

As he spoke, even he himself felt a little envious.

Ji Ming listened without revealing his thoughts and figured out a bit of the situation. He wasn't so nervous anymore. As long as his identity as a transmigrator wasn't exposed, nothing else mattered.

He looked flustered, as if his secret had been exposed. "How—how did you know?"

"Ha ha!"

Ye Zhou smiled, puffed out his chest, and said, "When it comes to the study of identity cards, our Natural School is undoubtedly the leader!"

"Kid, become my student. Your special identity card must have a lot of potential that can be tapped. Following me is your best choice."

"Don't be nervous about your ability to use the power of the Heavenly Demon Clan. I'll protect you; no one will dare to covet it!"

Ji Ming completely relaxed, wiped the sweat from his brow, and revealed a frank expression. "Teacher Ye, you have a keen eye. To be honest, I myself don't understand what happened. By chance, I discovered the special nature of my identity card, and I—"

"I dare not say who it is!" He put on a dramatic performance, his face full of bitterness.

Ye Zhou nodded in understanding and said reassuringly, "It's normal! Situations like yours are rare, but the Xuanhuang Realm is so vast, there will always be some lucky ones."

"Some people think they are chosen by heaven because their identity card is special, some people are afraid, and some people even doubt themselves and think they have foreign blood."

"But you don't need to worry. After research, this is the power that was originally hidden in my human identity card."

Upon hearing this, Ji Ming fully understood. A small number of people in the human race have special identity cards that allow them to use the identity power of a specific race through their blood essence. Ye Zhou had mistaken him for one of these people.

I think he can use the power of his Heavenly Demon Clan identity!

But Ji Ming knew that he wasn't!

Wanxiang can use the power of all races, and he also has two identity card slots, which are not available to those "special people".

But after a brief moment of thought, Ji Ming readily agreed, which could serve as a convenient excuse.

From now on, we can openly and legitimately use the power of all forms!

"So? What do you think? Our natural school is definitely the most suitable for you," Ye Zhou said with a faint smile. That was the gist of his explanation.

Although Ji Ming did not actively discover the identities and characteristics of other races, he was too special. The Heavenly Demon Clan was too extraordinary. With Ji Ming's help, he felt that his research might make a big step forward!

Ji Ming pretended to be thinking, but in reality he was already somewhat tempted. Judging from his words, the Natural School seemed to know a lot about the identity card and had even actively explored its deeper power. If he joined, it would be reasonable for him to use the power of other races in the future, right?

However, he still did not make a hasty decision because he did not understand Ye Zhou, let alone the natural school. What if they wanted to put him on the experimental table?

The probability is negligible, but it is indeed possible, so—he needs to call for backup!

"Teacher Ye, I can't decide right now. Could you give me a few days to think about it?" Ji Ming said sincerely.

Ye Zhou paused, but knowing this was no joke and he couldn't force them, he could only nod. "Okay, your formal enrollment will be in three days. Just give me your answer before then."

After saying that, he left the dormitory without any further ado.

Ji Ming breathed a sigh of relief. To be honest, he was indeed nervous just now. He didn't expect that Tianyi Star Palace had studied the identity card to such an extent. Fortunately, "As If in Calculation" was very helpful.

However, this is also a good thing, perhaps it can help him better understand the [Transmigrator] identity card!

Ji Ming took out his bracelet and made a call to Master Luo. There was nothing to be embarrassed about.

"Is the Star Realm Exam over?" Luo Zhao asked with a smile the moment he saw him.

Ji Ming nodded and said calmly, "That's right, the student has successfully taken first place in the Eastern Region."

Upon hearing this, a clear look of surprise flashed in Luo Zhao's eyes, but he quickly smiled and said, "Very good!"

"It seems you contacted me this time about choosing a mentor? Tell me, who has their eye on you?"

"Master Luo has a keen eye!" Ji Ming was truly impressed.

"It's the natural school, Professor Ye Zhou!" he said truthfully.

"Naturalism?"

Luo Zhao gave him a deep look, then smiled. "To be honest, I'm quite surprised!"

He slowly exhaled. "Good! Old Man He is good, and no matter what you do, he will protect you. He's better than the one I chose for you!"

Ji Ming was taken aback. "You?"

Luo Zhao laughed and said, "I don't have a good relationship with some people in Tianyi Star Palace, so I naturally have to find you a backer. I originally planned to tell you after the big exam, but now it seems unnecessary. The Natural School is more suitable for you."

'

'

Ji Ming remained silent for a moment, a surge of indescribable emotion welling up in his heart. Regardless of his own reasons, Master Luo truly treated him extremely well.

After a moment's pause, he smiled, then asked with some curiosity, "Which school of thought did you choose?"

"It doesn't belong to any particular school of thought!"

Luo Zhao shook his head. "Besides these schools of thought, the Tianyi Star Palace also has the Education Department in power. They are the strongest force in the Star Palace. For example, the Dean of the Martial Arts Department is directly under the Education Department!"

"I originally intended for you to become an apprentice of one of Dean Wu's students, but since Elder He has taken a liking to you, things are naturally different."

O

"Old He?"

Ji Ming wondered to himself, "Is it that old man from earlier?"

"Why?" Ji Ming asked again, thinking that it would be better to study under the dean of the martial arts department!

"Because the people in the Education Department are very rule-abiding and don't show favoritism, they're less emotionally involved and won't offer you much help. In the Dean's eyes, everyone is his protégé," Luo Zhao explained.

Then he smiled again, "But Elder He is different!"

"This senior is quite protective of his own, and to some extent, he doesn't follow the rules very well."

"Heh, they're not even that shameless; if pushed too far, they might just roll up their sleeves and fight! The key is that they're senior and powerful, and you can't really control them!" Luo Zhao's expression was somewhat strange.

Ji Ming was taken aback. Such a senior would be quite a headache if he were an opponent, but if he was his own grandmaster—he could only say that he was amazing!

"With Elder He around, you can rest easy at Tianyi Star Palace. At the very least, you'll have a fair chance to compete!"

Luo Zhao sighed. "You should understand that fairness is always relative."

Ji Ming nodded. Although the Great Xia system was very comprehensive, and even the strongest in the Nine Realms dared not kill ordinary people indiscriminately, it was still a world where the strong were respected, and absolute fairness was impossible.

Especially in the four major star palaces, the college entrance examination and star realm examination system has only been in place for a thousand years. Most of the powerful people who occupy high positions are not from the lower class. The rules are correct, but people are biased.

"I see!"

Since Master Luo also supports his joining the Natural School, Ji Ming felt relieved, at least he didn't have to worry about safety.

"Ha ha!"

Luo Zhao smiled and nodded, "After you become an apprentice, Elder He, as your grandmaster, should give you a gift. You don't need anything else, just remember, you absolutely must have a basic sword technique manual!"

Basic knife skills?

Ji Ming was a little confused, but seeing Luo Shi's serious expression, he nodded.

"Alright, that's enough! Break through to the Nascent Soul Realm as soon as possible; only then will the martial arts world truly reach a new level!"

After giving him his earnest advice, Luo Zhao hung up the call.

Ji Ming did nothing else, but sent a message directly to Ye Zhou, saying that since a decision had been made, there was no need to be fickle!

If we delay for three days, other schools of thought might contact him, but since Master Luo has said that the natural school is the best choice, then we shouldn't hesitate.

Although Ye Zhou values ​​him, he is by no means indispensable to him. At this time, comparing prices from multiple sources will only leave a bad impression.

He received a reply: "I'll be there right away," and then Ji Ming waited at his dormitory with peace of mind.

Luo Zhao from Shirakawa City hung up the call, a clear smile still in his eyes. He hadn't expected that Ji Ming's special feature was his ID card.

He understood that ordinary geniuses would not be able to catch the eye of Old Man He, and even monstrous geniuses might not be taken seriously by the old man, so Ji Ming must have something extremely special about him!

But is it really an identity card?

Luo Zhao's expression was somewhat intriguing. He knew a lot about the special identity card, and Ji Ming—that kid—didn't quite fit the description!

Their performance far surpassed that of the lucky ones!

Then he smiled and said, "Who cares? Every powerful genius has secrets, as long as they're not spies from other races."

It's wise to play dumb sometimes!

Hopefully the little one will grow up soon!

"Luo Zhao! Luo Zhao! Ji Ming got into Tianyi Star Palace?"

The news reached Shirakawa City at this time, and Gu Tiannian, as the principal, was the first to know. He immediately went outside the school to inquire about it.

"That old man—" Luo Zhao smiled helplessly and shouted loudly outside the courtyard, "That's right!"

"Haha! I'm going to unfurl a banner! Gu Yi got into the Eternal Night Star Palace this time! It's been so many years!"

"Ha ha!"

Gu Tiannian left laughing.

Luo Zhao shook his head, knowing that Elder Gu was happy because there was finally hope for the Cold Moon Secret Realm, but even if he had passed the Star Palace exam for more than two years, it would be difficult to match the spirit of that secret realm!

He believed that Elder Gu was aware of this as well!

"Does this old man have some special trump card?" Luo Zhao wondered to himself, realizing that his understanding of the Cold Moon Secret Realm was indeed inferior to that of the other party.

"Have you made up your mind?"

As soon as he returned to his dormitory, Ye Zhou asked with a smile.

Ji Ming bowed respectfully, "Greetings, teacher!"

"Great! Haha!"

Ye Zhou was overjoyed. "You are my first student. Don't worry, I will definitely mentor you well!"

"Let me first introduce our natural school to you."

Ji Ming listened attentively.

"Our school doesn't have many people; including you, there are only six of us."

Six people?

Ji Ming couldn't believe it. This was supposed to be a school of thought?

"Silly boy!"

Ye Zhou laughed, "What's wrong with six people? Isn't that even better? Anyway, the Star Palace's annual funding won't be reduced by a single penny!"

"Moreover, fewer people mean greater unity, unlike the Original School, which is full of people and therefore prone to infighting."

"Yeah, fewer people definitely make a less impressive impression!"

Ye Zhou said calmly, "But it doesn't matter. When it comes to a fight, we shouldn't interfere if we're of the same level, but if anyone dares to bully the weak, they can come directly to me!"

"If I can't beat him, I'll go find your senior uncle. If your senior uncle can't do it either, I'll have your grandmaster take care of him and cripple him!"

Ji Ming was dumbfounded, feeling as if he had entered a bandit's den.

However, though the words were rough, the principle was sound. He still felt a great sense of security. Master Luo was right after all. In other schools of thought, how could a grandmaster possibly help a mere grand-disciple fight?

"Isn't the Origin School targeting you? No problem, go ahead and fight them without hesitation, you have your grandmaster backing you up!" Ye Zhou patted his chest and said.

Ji Ming immediately felt a surge of emotion. "Thank you, teacher!"

They didn't chat for long before Ye Zhou seemed very busy and left in a hurry, saying he would come back to pick him up to go to the Natural School three days later when he officially enrolled.