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Becoming a Deity from Planting the Bodhi Tree-Chapter 64 - 61: Do Not Go! Don’t Be Fooled!
Ji Jingqiu looked at the idol in front of him that he had been worshipping for almost ten years.
Although he no longer believed in gods, he still ceremoniously offered several sticks of incense.
Don't ask; he had believed once.
In fact, he always doubted whether this god actually existed.
The Federation does indeed have gods, but that doesn't stop most of them from being fraudulent fabrications designed to deceive people.
For example, the temples in the lower sectors, nine out of ten are created by gangs to fool their followers, to strengthen their beliefs, but they simply don't exist.
For a god of this era to emerge and survive, it requires the long-term supplication of a large number of believers' faith.
Both "large number" and "long term" mean that it's not something that can be pulled off by just any grass-roots organization.
The most direct point is, what value can your gods actually bring to their believers?
Why should believers choose to have faith in your gods over others?
As for the god in front of him, Ji Jingqiu hasn't heard of any miracles performed in over a decade, and there were only a few who came to offer incense.
Even if it truly existed, it should have been extinguished long ago.
After finishing the incense offering, upon hearing Grandfather Zhuang's call from outside, Ji Jingqiu promptly got excited and quickly walked out of the inner room.
"Jingqiu, I heard that you've now broken through the Second Limit of the Heavenly Person. It happens that your brother Xiao is also set to control his power at the level of the Second Limit of the Heavenly Person. You can practice sparring with him."
Zhuang Fusheng gave Xiao Shanhe a pat on the shoulder, and the latter immediately felt his Qi and blood locked down tight, the strength and agility he could exhibit roughly at the level of the Second Limit of the Heavenly Person.
He stepped forward, clasped his hands in salute, and with a faint, warm smile on his face, he said:
"Junior Brother Ji, let's just practice a few moves, priority on peace."
Ji Jingqiu also returned the salute:
"Brother Xiao, please take the lead. However, my overall physical quality is somewhat higher than others of the same stage, so you can feel free to go a bit harder."
"Okay." Xiao Shanhe nodded earnestly, thinking to himself that this wasn't up to him...
The two exchanged fist salutes, took a few steps back, and prepared to begin.
Xiao Shanhe did not charge forward to attack but instead assumed a respectful stance, waiting in place.
Ji Jingqiu didn't understand these circuitous tactics, but that didn't prevent him from taking the initiative.
When Xiao Shanhe saw Ji Jingqiu attack, his posture and divine form resembled a ferocious tiger descending the mountain. His gaze flickered, and he immediately recognized that the combat skill being used by Ji Jingqiu was the Divine Tiger Skill from the Dragon Tiger Dojo.
The Dragon Tiger Dojo was ranked among the top five dojos in the Federation, and the Divine Tiger Skill was one of their signature moves.
But having trained in martial arts for only two months, to what extent had Ji Jingqiu grasped it?
Very quickly, Xiao Shanhe got his answer.
As soon as the two exchanged blows and canceled each other's power, Ji Jingqiu did not retreat but advanced instead. His approach seemed risky, but in reality, his momentum was fierce and ruthless, aiming straight for the midsection and determined to settle the score with one move against Xiao Shanhe.
Amidst a fierce whooshing sound.
Ji Jingqiu sidestepped, lifted his shoulder, thrusted his elbow—a savage elbow strike reached the front of Xiao Shanhe's chest in an instant.
It was the Iron Mountain Lean, commonly used in various combat skills.
Xiao Shanhe only took a step back, sidestepping the ferocious blow. His arm whipped out like a long lash, snapping forward like an arrow, snaking at a tricky angle straight for Ji Jingqiu's neck.
Ji Jingqiu raised his hand to block the whip, and his arm instantly stung with pain.
In the blink of an eye, the two exchanged over a dozen moves.
The faint smile on Xiao Shanhe's face had disappeared without a trace.
This physical condition is definitely not just breaking the Second Limit but going far beyond...
At least at the standard of the Third Limit.
Is this guy really just broken through the Second Limit?
Moreover, Ji Jingqiu had been using the basic killing skills from the Divine Tiger Skill all along, so naturally, Xiao could only use combat techniques of the same level.
After all, he was quite a few years older; even if his physical condition was limited to the same level as Ji Jingqiu, he still had an absolute advantage in terms of horizons and combat experience. That aspect could not be restrained.
If he needed to use higher-level combat skills to defeat Ji Jingqiu, wouldn't that suggest he was inferior at the same stage?
Now, Ji Jingqiu's physical condition exceeded the standard Second Limit, making things more fair.
Xiao Shanhe started to take things seriously.
Meanwhile, Zhuang Fusheng was cheerfully guiding Ji Jingqiu on how to counter Xiao Shanhe's moves, one technique at a time.
As the fight continued.
Xiao Shanhe's expression gradually turned serious, and he began to feel the strain.
Master Zhuang's guidance was nothing special; basic killing skills were easy to counter. Ji Jingqiu was just inexperienced.
But his ability to learn and apply his knowledge was somewhat surprising to Xiao.
And in terms of Ji Jingqiu's grasp of the Divine Tiger Skill and the basic combat techniques, it was as if he had been immersed in this art for many years, not at all like a beginner.
Has he really been practicing martial arts for less than two months?
Excluding the time spent on Qi Nourishing and Opening Veins, and breaking through the Second Limit...
How much time was left for him to master the basic killing techniques to such an extent?
Xiao Shanhe finally realized.
Before him stood a youth, a martial arts prodigy who, at least in the Talent Domain, was on the same starting point as himself.
This made him truly excited, and his combat spirit ignited.
His emotions quickly transferred to Ji Jingqiu through their fists and feet.
Communicating with fists is the best way for martial artists to interact.
Ji Jingqiu also found this bout thrillingly satisfying.
Brother Xiao in front of him, despite displaying strength and speed slightly inferior to his, showed combat power that still surpassed his own.
This was the gap in martial skill and vision, like viewing from a lofty building; every engagement brought Ji Jingqiu a sense of surprise, realizing that combat techniques could be twisted and counteracted in such ways!
This was an experience he never had when practicing with his eldest senior brother, significantly expanding his horizons.
In comparison, his eldest senior brother leaned more towards rigidity, while Xiao Shanhe was more dynamic, adapting to the moment.
Gradually, Ji Jingqiu's spirit seemed to enter a strange state, where nothing else in the world could distract him, and all he saw was Xiao Shanhe as his sole opponent.
After another few hundred exchanges, Zhuang Fusheng called to a halt:
"Let's stop here for today; if you continue, these bluestone slabs will be crushed by your fighting..."
The two slowly separated.
Xiao Shanhe let out a quiet sigh of relief.
Continuing to fight, not to mention gaining the upper hand, even maintaining an equilibrium would be difficult.
His pride in his vision and experience, in the realm of Basic Killing Skill, would soon be caught up to by Ji Jingqiu.
The latter, like a sponge, was rapidly absorbing his Martial Arts experience, and was about to stand at the same height as him in Basic Killing Skill.
By then, coupled with Ji Jingqiu's superior physique, he would inevitably be at a disadvantage.
Xiao Shanhe sighed inwardly, hoping this youngster was not his adversary.
Otherwise, it wasn't just a question of not being able to win; he was afraid he wouldn't even have the chance to compete...
He clenched his fist in salute, earnestly saying, "Junior Brother has a talent no less than mine. I look forward to hearing about Junior Brother in the central lands someday!"
Ji Jingqiu also responded in kind, "Thank you, Brother Xiao, for your guidance!"
"Enough, you two youngsters haven't even entered the gates of Martial Arts, yet you've learned a bunch of ceremonious formalities," Zhuang Fusheng said with a grin. "Jing Qiu, what is your Breaking Limit method?"
Upon hearing this, Ji Jingqiu answered, "I'm following the Reserve Power Breaking Method, practicing the 'Ten Thousand Ancient Blade'."
Hearing this, Xiao Shanhe couldn't help but say, "Junior Brother is actually learning the Ten Thousand Ancient Blade? That's the highest in purpose and most difficult among the Reserve Power Breaking Methods."
But Xiao Shanhe quickly came to terms with it.
After all, as a prodigy with a talent domain at the same height as his own, it was not surprising for Ji to study the Ten Thousand Ancient Blade.
Zhuang Fusheng glanced at Ji Wumian and asked, "Jing Qiu, who chose this for you?"
"It was Master Yang, my teacher at the Martial Arts Hall." Mentioning Master Yang, Ji Jingqiu spoke with seriousness, "I received a lot of care from Master Yang; he took good care of me."
Zhuang Fusheng nodded and advised, "It seems that you've met a good Martial Arts mentoring teacher. Remember, you must show extra respect to those who are capable and willing to teach you skills."
Ji Jingqiu nodded.
"Coincidentally, Sir Zhuang has a unique Combat Skill here that is very suitable for the 'Ten Thousand Ancient Blade'. I'll send it to your terminal later, remember to delete it after you've looked at it."
Unexpectedly, this visit to the lonely elder yielded extra gains.
This feeling made Ji Jingqiu feel as though he was back in his previous life, randomly returning to his grandparents' home, always receiving a little pocket money of ten or twenty yuan.
He happily accepted it, treating it as a return gift for the chicken egg cake.
...
On the way home.
Browsing the Combat Skill sent by Sir Zhuang on the terminal, Ji Jingqiu found that even under the enhancement of the Wisdom Light, he didn't understand it at a glance and couldn't help but ask:
"The Master hides in the mundane world; the Grandmaster hides in the city. Could Sir Zhuang be a hidden Martial Arts master in the city?"
"Why do you ask?"
"Because I didn't understand the Combat Skill at first glance."
Listening to Ji Jingqiu's logic, which strictly followed the rationale "If I didn't understand it at once, it must be some extraordinary heritage," Ji Wumian silently thought to himself where this child's confidence came from.
It could only be inherited from himself.
"Jing Qiu," Ji Wumian suddenly called out.
"Hmm?"
"… In a few days, you and I need to have a proper talk, there are some things I need to explain to you."
"Can't you tell me now?"
"No, I need to brew my emotions a bit more," Ji Wumian said seriously.
Ji Jingqiu looked at his grandfather, with whom he had lived for over a decade, and became even more convinced that the old man had secrets he was hiding from him.
The so-called "living together day and night" referred to only seeing each other in the morning and evening, with no sight of one another in between.
"However, I can give you some life advice first."
Ji Wumian stroked his beard and said,
"For example, when you move through the Federation, you should be kind and hold back a third of your strength in fights to avoid killing someone with a single punch and creating a deadly feud."
"You should make many friends. As a Martial Arts prodigy with a future beyond sight, many will want to befriend you, but do not be arrogant because of your talents.
Of course, don't compromise yourself just to make friends.
A man can lose anything, but brotherhood and the essence of humanity cannot be lost!"
...
Yan Lv briskly walked past a corner and suddenly focused her gaze, spotting the youth recommended to her by Zhang Chongba.
Under the twilight sky, an old man and a child seemed to be a grandfather and grandchild returning home together, a harmonious scene that made her a bit sentimental, missing her family back home.
Caught in her thoughts, Yan Lv passed by the pair, still hearing the old man educating the child.
"… Hold back a third of your strength, to avoid killing someone with a single punch…"
Such unique educational style made Yan Lv chuckle involuntarily.
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But as she continued walking, Yan Lv suddenly stopped, sensing something unusual.
In the moment when they brushed past each other, she seemed to detect a mysterious and profound aura from the boy.
This kind of aura was only possessed by Martial Artists who had opened the Heavenly Person Door.
But she distinctly remembered, the last time she saw him, the youth had not yet opened his Veins. It hadn't been long; had he already made a breakthrough?
She looked back in the direction she came, wanting to confirm again, but noticed that the grandfather and grandchild had turned a corner and disappeared from her sight.
With slight hesitation, she decided not to dwell on it.
She had more important things to attend to now.
The reason she came to this planet was not only because of the invitation from Zhang Chongba, but also because of a secret legend.
The Martial Arts Pride that had disappeared a hundred years ago was hiding on this planet!
She wanted to try to find him among millions of people and inform him—
Someone was continually releasing fake news to fish for his whereabouts!
Do not go! Don't be fooled! Absolutely do not act rashly!
Those people were going to extreme lengths just to lure him out! If he went, he would die!
Just wait five more years, just five more years, and there will be a chance for change!!