Planet Pulverizer: A Mortal's Ascent-Chapter 283: Test

At Tianyuan's Command Center.

Bang!

Fu Qingtian slammed his hand heavily on the table.

"Zhao Kunwu, that old fool."

"Calm down," Yuan Zhenchuan said with a calm expression. "He's just trying to annoy us. The position of the Special United Squad Supreme Commander will be determined by the winner of the King of the Century Competition, and all nations have agreed to it. If Zhao Kunwu insists on calling Li Pin a Martial God rather than a Martial Saint, it will only make Great Shang look untrustworthy."

Mo Wangqing stood silently to the side. He understood why his master was so angry.

Earlier, Fu Qingtian had intended to initiate a six-nation communication line to push the Supreme Commander role onto the agenda, only for Zhao Kunwu from Great Shang to obstruct them.

He knew this was Great Shang being unreasonable and that they couldn't hold back the will of the majority. However, everything had been smooth sailing for Tinayun these past six months, so disruption at a time like this was undeniably frustrating.

"Other countries probably don't want anyone lording over them either. They might try to stall... or even reduce the Supreme Commander's authority," Fu Qingtian added.

"Time is not a concern for us. The fortress within our border has been quiet lately; our biggest threat is only the Degenerate Temple.

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"But Bloodmoon Gorge within the Solar Radiance border, Dark Moon Island in the East Sea, and the Star Alliance's Tenfold Heavenly Domain are all facing imminent threats. They're more desperate than us to use external forces to solve their domestic problems. They can't afford to drag this out for long."

Yuan Zhenchuan paused. "That said, Zhao Kunwu's actions... While they won't stop you from becoming supreme commander, they might indeed weaken the authority of the role—"

Buzz, buzz!

Before he could finish, Fu Qingtian's communication bracelet vibrated gently.

Fu Qingtian looked down, somewhat surprised. "Zhao Kunwu?"

"I was wondering why he tried to block our communication line. It seems he has some terms to negotiate." Yuan Zhenchuan smiled. "Answer it. Let's hear what he has to say. If his demands are minor, why not meet them? After all, thanks to the powerful techniques of the Astral Palace path, their Mages are quite formidable in breaking through perilous regions."

Fu Qingtian nodded.

Soon, a holographic projection appeared, revealing Zhao Kunwu's figure.

He wore a smile

—Oh, Lord Yuan Zhenchuan, you're here too.

"Of course, here to listen to your grand talk, Lord Zhao," Yuan Zhenchuan said.

—However, I would prefer to speak to Lord Fu Qingtian alone, if that's convenient.

Zhao Kunwu wore a kind smile.

"Just say what you need to say," Fu Qingtian responded indifferently.

—I'd like to discuss the Legendary Astral Technique combination of the Astral Palace path.

"Hmm?" Fu Qingtian's eyes lit up. "You're willing to offer the combination method for a Legendary Astral Technique?'"

The Astral Palace path did not rely on Starlight Bodies. At the High-Class Astral Cultivator phase, a practitioner could have up to nine Astral Palaces. By continuously combining, amplifying, resonating, and stacking these Astral Palaces, they could unleash Astral Techniques far beyond their inherent capabilities.

Great Shang, being the pioneer of this path, had perfected it to the point where nine Astral Palaces could resonate, amplify, and release Legendary Astral Techniques.

However, the combination of these Legendary Astral Techniques has been strictly kept secret by Great Shang. While other countries had acquired the training methods for the Astral Palace route and the fastest practitioners have opened nine Astral Palaces, they still know nothing about how to combine, resonate, and stack the Legendary Astral Techniques.

—Of course, as long as Tianyuan is willing to pay the price.

Zhao Kunwu said, leaving the rest to be inferred.

Fu Qingtian frowned, having quickly grasped the situation.

Yuan Zhenchuan, on the other hand, rose to his feet. "Hahaha, Lord Zhao, you don’t seem to want me as a part of this conversation. Very well, I'll take my leave."

Having been friends and fought alongside Fu Qingtian for decades, sharing life and death situations, he trusted that Fu Qingtian would never betray Tianyuan's interests.

Yuan Zhenchuan took his leave, and Mo Wangqing followed suit.

Soon, only Fu Qingtian and Zhao Kunwu were left in the room.

Fu Qingtian set up a barrier to block any perception or eavesdropping before saying, "Go ahead, Lord Zhao Kunwu. What do you want to exchange?"

Zhao Kunwu's smile widened.

—Let's not rush. How about we discuss Li Pin, this Martial God, first?

"Li Pin?" Fu Qingtian was somewhat surprised. "What do you want to discuss?"

—What's your assessment of Li Pin?

Fu Qingtian pondered for a moment. "My assessment..."

Soon, he answered, "A rare talent and an unparalleled genius born for this era. Additionally, he pioneered the path of Martial God... I've seen his explanation on condensing the Lifeform Force Field.

"If it can be promoted successfully, the dangers of Martial Saints transitioning to Astral Cultivators will be greatly reduced. Li Pin... has contributed immensely to our nation and to all of humanity."

With a firm tone, he added, "I have decided to cultivate him vigorously. I aim to push him to the Legendary realm within eight years!"

Zhao Kunwu was stirred. The Legendary realm in eight years!

It was known that Fu Qingtian himself had become a top-tier Astral Cultivator in just half a year, reached the rank of Master Astral Cultivator within four years, and only reached the Legendary realm after ten years.

Now, he intended to push Li Pin to the Legendary realm within eight years.... This would be an even greater achievement than his own.

This pace... would make Li Pin the fastest to have cultivated to the peak of the Astral Path.

—Lord Fu Qingtian, your ambitions are truly remarkable.

"I simply believe Li Pin has the potential to achieve this," Fu Qingtian replied.

—Then, Lord Fu, would you like to hear my evaluation of Li Pin?

Fu Qingtian looked at him. "Hmm?"

—Li Pin: headstrong and unruly.

This evaluation caught Fu Qingtian by surprise.

He quickly recalled the few direct and indirect encounters he had had with Li Pin over the past six months.

Headstrong and unruly... was an incredibly accurate description.

—With the old generation making way for the new, the elders will inevitably step down, allowing the newcomers to rise to power. Lord Fu, I believe that you are fair-minded and have no qualms about nurturing and promoting newcomers. In fact, if this newcomer gains everyone's recognition, you wouldn't hesitate to step aside and let him lead Tianyuan forward. But...

He paused.

—Given Li Pin's temperament... if that day truly arrives, whether it's good or bad to elevate him, and where exactly he will lead Tianyuan... is completely unknown. We might risk the human race, which has only recently unified, fracturing once more and plunging back into an era of turmoil.

Fu Qingtian's expression tightened slightly. Back to an era of turmoil....

However, he soon shook his head. "Lord Zhao, there's no need to fret over events that haven't occurred. This tactic of stirring anxiety isn't new. Let's focus on discussing the Legendary Astral Technique combinations."

—Of course. I can provide you with the Legendary Astral Technique combinations without requiring anything from Tianyuan. However... Lord Fu, I would like to ask you to assess Li Pin's future.

"Assess Li Pin's future? What do you mean?"

—Li Pin! The pioneer! The first Martial God in history! The righteousness and status he holds surpass even that of Legends, especially since martial artists aren't confined to Tianyuan alone but are spread across every corner of the world! If this Martial God were to raise his arm and call upon others to act against our decisions...

Fu Qingtian remained calm, seemingly not affected by Zhao Kunwu’s words. "You’re saying?”

—I want to know whether Li Pin is truly fit to wield this power.

Zhao Kunwu paused.

—Especially since you plan to nurture him into a Legend within eight years. With his influence and Legendary-level strength, should he decide to oppose us, he could pose an even greater threat than the Divine Adoration Sect.

"What exactly are you trying to say?"

—Give Li Pin a test! You already have the intention to groom him as a future leader of Tianyuan, so I must ensure you can guide him correctly, making him one of the pillars supporting our human race. We must ensure that when the Astral Technique combinations fall into his hands, they won't harm humanity.

Zhao Kunwu paused again.

—I will provide you with one Astral Technique combination method. After your test, I'll hand it over as a gift from Great Shang to congratulate you on becoming the supreme commander of the Special United Squad.

Zhao Kunwu smiled slightly.

—Lest you think I have ulterior motives... you may decide the method of the test.

With that, he vanished, cutting off the communication.

Watching Zhao Kunwu's image fade, Fu Qingtian furrowed his brow, lost in thought for a long while.

It wasn't until more than ten minutes later that someone knocked on the door.

Fu Qingtian regained his focus. "Come in."

The door opened, and Mo Wangqing and Yuan Zhenchuan entered together.

"Master, the battleship to pick up the Martial Saints from Crimson Flame Island is ready. Shall I go in your place?" Mo Wangqing asked.

"No! Stick to the original plan!" Fu Qingtian waved his hand. "I will personally go to Crimson Flame Island to welcome back the heroes of Tianyuan."

"But the greatest contributor to this victory... is Li Pin..." Mo Wangqing whispered.

"So what?" Fu Qingtian replied without hesitation. "Though some of Li Pin's past actions may have been less than ideal, the victory in this century-long battle without any additional casualties is thanks to him. He deserves a personal welcome from me."

With that, he stood up. "Let's go. Prepare to board the ship and set sail to greet our heroes."

***

Drones arrived in droves at Crimson Flame Island. Some even hovered close, broadcasting images from just a short distance away.

Seeing this, Li Pin, who had been answering questions from several Martial Saints, paused.

"All right, this concludes the discussion on the path of the Martial God. The direction is clear now, and once a Legend steps in, condensing the Lifeform Force Field will only become easier; it's just a matter of time."

Li Pin scanned the crowd and said calmly, "If you all are interested in walking the path of the Martial God, I suggest you take this time to hone your Vitality, Qi, and Spirit and enhance your mastery over it... In the future, I hope to see you all walking alongside me on this journey."

The Martial Saints exchanged glances and respectfully bowed. "Thank you, Martial God Li, for your teachings."