Chapter 137: Awakening

Chapter 137: Awakening

At Lu Changkong's mansion district.

Lin Yuzhi was less than a hundred meters away from Lu Changkong's mansion, seated in a scenic pavilion.

Lin Yuzhi sat and pondered, reflecting on where he had gone wrong.

So, how did I end up here?

Did he underestimate Lian Hongchen, this deputy chairman he had always suppressed, leading to Lian Hongchen outsmarting him?

No, that wasn’t it.

Did he trust Lu Changkong too much, forgetting that mutual respect was based on recognizing each other’s value and leading to his current predicament where no one was willing to help him?

Not that either.

Was it because of Li Pin? Did opposing Li Pin, and facing the rise of this martial arts prodigy, push him into making a series of wrong decisions that ultimately trapped him?

No, still not it.

What was his real mistake....

Lin Yuzhi carefully reviewed his actions over the years. Ten years ago, he earned Lu Changkong's appreciation and headed to Jiang Province to serve as the martial society chairman.

Back then, his situation was far from stable. The previous chairman had been reluctant to relinquish power, and he had colluded with local martial arts influence to oppose him. There were even attempts to kill Lin Yuzhi.

However, alone, he responded with a sword. He wielded the Thirty-Six Paths of Infinite Sword Technique and swept through Jiang Province, leaving a bloody trail in the martial arts world. In just one month, he killed no fewer than ten grandmasters and even two Martial Saints.

Finally, he used his ultimate move, the Infinite Way of Heaven, to send the former president to his grave. Amidst the blood and bones, he ascended to the chairman position, leaving everyone in Jiang Province silent.

Since then, Jiang Province knew peace. No one dared to stand in Lin Yuzhi's way ever since.

As for Lin Yuzhi, he always remembered this glory and never dared to slack off in his martial practice.

However, humans had their limits. No matter how hard he worked or how consistently he trained his swordsmanship, he could only watch himself age bit by bit.

Advancing further and condensing his Martial Will to become a Martial Saint was out of the question. He had only been able to maintain his peak condition because of the many favors he had exchanged for precious resources.

Nevertheless...age was inevitably catching up with him. To cope with this, he had to engage with more people and participate in more social affairs.

When the Gu Family approached him with an opportunity to join the Dragon Gate Hall, he agreed without hesitation.

"Social affairs...."

After a few moments, he questioned, "Who am I?"

He declared, "I am Lin Yuzhi!"

A mysterious light shone in Lin Yuzhi's eyes at these moments of desperation.

"Back then, when my swordsmanship was just beginning to gain recognition, I was praised and respected by many. The flattery was overwhelming, especially after I got married, and my swordsmanship stagnated. Then, I had an epiphany and changed my name to Yuzhi, which means 'cease desires!'"

In Jiang Province, his name had taken on an even deeper meaning. It meant "to cease killing!"

That had been the peak of his life. But now... bearing the name Yuzhi, he was mired in social entanglements, like falling into a boundless abyss from which he could not extricate himself. The result was... he lost his true self![1]

It was from that moment that mistakes were made. The recent incidents involving Li Pin and Lian Hongchen only served to fully expose these mistakes.

Lin Yuzhi closed his eyes. "Wrong! Wrong! Wrong!"

With that, he set his phone aside.

At that moment, a commotion was heard outside. Soon, Cao Tianyou, Zhao Yuan, Lian Hongchen, and Lian Xiyue arrived.

Li Pin walked out of his training room and into the living area.

He saw Cao Tianyou placing down a finely crafted sword case.

Cao Tianyou beckoned and said, "Grandmaster Li, please take a look."

As Li Pin opened the case, a sword that was not particularly long but appeared quite heavy with a dark yellow blade came into view.

"This sword, besides the Astral Crystal, is primarily made from Eight Desolate Stones. Therefore, the astral equipment of this type is often named after the Eight Desolates," Cao Tianyou introduced.

"‘Eternal Through the Ages, Across the Eight Desolates’, that’s quite a fitting name," Li Pin remarked.

"Astral equipment is generally designed for fighting ferocious beasts, so they tend to be heavy. The Eight Desolate Sword is no exception, weighing twenty-five pounds. It may be cumbersome in chaotic battles or prolonged fights, but in one-on-one or short-term fights, its heavy weight can become an advantage.

"Additionally, as an astral equipment, it possesses extraordinary qualities; not only does it accurately transmit the martial artist's qi and blood but it also amplifies it."

Cao Tianyou added, "Of course, the specifics are for you to explore."

Li Pin nodded in acknowledgment.

The spirit weapon, costing over a hundred million, was undeniably expensive. However, its heavy price was understandable. While fighting martial artists empty-handed wasn't an issue, fighting ferocious beasts and demonic creatures with tough hides and resilient life forces was a different story. A spirit weapon's role becomes crucial in such situations.

"Grandmaster Li, please examine this sword to see if it needs any repairs," Cao Tianyou said. "Additionally, you can choose a new name for it if you prefer."

"Alright," Li Pin replied.

At that moment, Lian Hongchen stepped forward and opened the two boxes beside him.

"Grandmaster Li, I’ve used my connections to acquire two sets of martial arts techniques for you," Lian Hongchen said, pointing to one of the boxes. "Inside here is the Taibai Fist Manual, which is the most widely circulated Martial Saint's legacy in the Taibai Kingdom. It is divided into four parts, the training techniques, combat methods, and nurturing techniques, with the nurturing techniques divided into the Qi-Nurturing and Spirit Cultivation Chapters."

He then pointed to the other box. "This one contains the Great Sun True Radiance Technique, which focuses solely on refining and nurturing the spirit. Unlike the Taibai Fist, this technique does not enhance qi and blood or provide fighting techniques.

"However, the Fist Intent developed through this practice possesses attributes such as intense and violent energy, resembling the radiant sun and giving it an innate advantage. Similarly, the spirit cultivated by this technique can affect the cultivator’s emotions, making them prone to anger and agitation."

Feeling a bit guilty, Lian Hongchen added, "With my authority, these are the only two techniques I could obtain. However, I have already used my connections to search for other techniques. If I find something better, I will deliver it to you as soon as possible."

"Thanks for your thoughtfulness," Li Pin replied.

It was not unusual for martial arts techniques to affect a cultivator's temperament.

While this was more manageable for martial artists, Astral Cultivators faced different challenges. To maintain their so-called "purity" and "innocence," some Astral Cultivators tend to act without restraint.

In Great Shang, such Astral Cultivators were considered to have taken the path of the demons, and their practices were strictly forbidden.

In contrast, in Tianyuan, as long as their actions weren’t excessive or caused major disturbances, there was some leniency to help them grow stronger as quickly as possible.

"Grandmaster Li, there is nothing much left that we can help for now," Lian Hongchen reflected. "From now on, it will be up to you."

With a smile, he added, "By the way, the first batch of invitations for the World’s Top Martial Competition has been confirmed, and you are on the list. It won’t be long before someone brings the invitation to you."

"Have I been accepted?" Li Pin asked.

"We look forward to your outstanding performance in the World’s Top Martial Competition!"

1. The term Yuzhi refers to self-control and preventing desires from overtaking one's thoughts in Chinese. ☜

2. Expressing a desire to escape reality and return to the thrill of battle. ☜