205: There is always someone better than you

Inside the Ark starship.

In the combat cabin, Qin Jin stood in place. With a slight thought, the small pagoda flew out, encircling his body in a defensive posture.

He activated the incantation according to the information he obtained after the small pagoda was repaired.

[Defend]

With a thought in his mind, the small pagoda rotated slowly around his body without any immediate change. But in an instant, Qin Jin clearly perceived a soft power surging from above the nine-story small pagoda, which was glowing faintly in front of him, encircling his body and forming a protective barrier.

This protection was not limited to the physical body but also extended to the spiritual aspect.

“It seems simple, but there are also higher-level changes. As it continues to be repaired, the abilities it displays in the future should become stronger and stronger.”

After carefully familiarizing himself with it, Qin Jin retracted the small pagoda into his Spirit Ruins.

Treasures have spirits. The spirituality of this nine-story small pagoda had not awakened like the wudao stele, but after this repair, it seemed to be the beginning of everything. After returning to the Spirit Ruins, its repair speed visibly increased, constantly replenishing itself every moment.

It seemed to have met certain conditions and begun its [self-repair].

After leaving the combat cabin, Qin Jin gave a soft call, and Candle Kite's figure appeared.

During this time, Candle Kite had been the one who accompanied him the longest. Their tacit understanding was constantly growing. The moment she appeared, Candle Kite manipulated a star map to materialize in mid-air, which was precisely the star map of the Liuli Star System.

Most areas of the star map were complete, marking the major life planets, resource planets, and some special areas of the Liuli Star System. However, in the northern part of the star map, everything was obscured, covered by a mosaic-like signal interference that hid everything.

This was not a simple technological concealment, nor was it that the star map did not include it; rather, it was a supernatural concealment of this area!

That was the northern frontier of the Liuli Star System, the frontline of the civilization battlefield, and a truly heavily guarded area.

Qin Jin's destination for this trip was located outside the frontier area, on a planet that appeared mirror-white.

[Lin Yuan Star]

[Level 4 Life Planet]

Qin Jin's gaze fell upon it, and he whispered, “The Mitian Dojo is located here.”

“Hmm.”

Candle Kite hovered beside him and explained, “The Mitian Dojo was originally located in the Myriad Manifestations Star System, which is the core of the Federation.”

“Until that incident occurred, the Mitian Dojo moved out of the core area and came to the Liuli Star System, situated at the frontier.”

“Disciples of the Mitian Dojo, once they achieve true accomplishment, will also go to the battlefield to verify themselves, temper themselves, and carry on the aspirations of their predecessors.”

“Because of the Mitian Dojo's reputation, many outstanding young people from other star systems have come to the Liuli Star System to join the dojo.”

Qin Chi remained silent.

During the journey, through Candle Kite, Qin Jin had gained a basic understanding of his first destination.

The Mitian Dojo, the two characters 'Mitian,' are extremely grand, and its origin is indeed astonishingly vast.

Before the establishment of various Martial Arts academies, Martial Arts traditions were primarily based in dojos. At that time, Martial Artists powerhouses within the Federation either established dojos or sought out disciples themselves to pass on their legacies.

And the Mitian Dojo was precisely the legacy left by a Federation Martial God, the Mitian Martial God!

This was one of the early Martial God predecessors of the Federation, a figure almost contemporary with Mr. Chen Shu of the Martial Abyss. The incident Candle Kite referred to was the fall of the Mitian Martial God. It was after that event that the Mitian Dojo moved to the Liuli Star System, continuing its legacy there and gradually becoming a monument that attracted later generations.

The Martial Abyss, and even the seniors who favored Qin Jin and had high hopes for him, naturally ensured that the destinations on this Martial Saint Map were not ordinary places.

The Ark performed a warp jump.

The southern-central part of the Liuli Star System could be considered prosperous, but as the starship traveled north, the speed of commercial and civilian starships drastically decreased. In their place were military starships patrolling in fleet formations. Upon arriving at each star system, strict identity verification was required.

Within the star systems, giant star fortresses and mega-structures were often seen.

This was not the main battlefield of the Federation's campaigns, yet an air of solemnity and killing intent already permeated the area.

After some travel.

After completing another warp jump, [Lin Yuan Star] came into view.

From the star map, it appeared an unnatural mirror-white. Arriving in person, it became clear the source of this peculiar color: the planet had clearly been arranged with technological means, similar to the Federation's homeworld, Gaia Planet.

This mirror-white was similar to the effect seen when a barrier manifested.

After the starship passed identity verification and entered, the planet's internal intelligent navigation connected with Candle Kite for guidance. Finally, it landed and docked in a sprawling complex of large buildings.

“Let’s go.”

With a soft call, Qin Jin prepared himself, and after confirming everything was in order, he had Candle Kite return to his personal terminal before leaving the starship.

The hatch opened.

Everything outside came into view.

“Ordinary.”

This was the first feeling Qin Chi experienced.

After having lived on the true Gaia Planet, coming to such an ordinary life planet, one could immediately perceive a noticeable difference.

Descending the gangway, Qin Jin could vaguely hear loud shouts from afar, full of passion, as if many people were sparring. In front of the gangway, within this docking area, two figures stood, waiting.

Both were dressed in Martial Arts uniforms embroidered with the dojo's emblem. One was middle-aged, while the other was younger, appearing to be around the same age as Qin Jin.

Seeing Qin Jin descend the gangway, the middle-aged man's gaze fell upon him, confirming, “Martial Abyss Qin Jin?”

Qin Jin nodded.

“Follow me.”

The middle-aged man turned back, his tone steady: “Before your arrival, Martial Abyss had already communicated with us.”

“As for how much you can gain here, that will depend on yourself.”

With that sentence, he prepared to turn around.

Seeing this, Qin Jin spoke, “How should I address you?”

“My surname is Meng, Meng Hongzhe.”

The man replied, “You can just call me Manager Meng.”

He paused, then pointed to the young figure behind him: “This is my unaccomplished disciple, Xiang Yu.”

“He has some free time. If you have any needs during your stay at the dojo, you can contact him directly.”

His words fell.

He sensed something, looked at Xiang Yu, and found that his disciple's eyes held surprise, staring intently at Qin Jin.

A thought flashed through Meng Hongzhe's eyes, and he asked, “Have you two met?”

“Master, I have met this young man.”

Xiang Yu quickly responded, “When the Miracle Corridor first opened, he was also among them.”

“I tried to communicate with him, but it was impossible within the corridor.”

In front.

Qin Jin also recognized him and nodded slightly.

Seventeen people entered the Miracle Corridor when it first opened. Although communication was impossible, his memory was good enough to completely remember everyone.

“You two are acquaintances.”

Meng Hongzhe nodded: “Xiang Yu, since that's the case, you must entertain our guest well.”

“I will.”

Xiang Yu nodded and quickly came to Qin Jin's side.

His tone was quite lively: “Qin Jin, I heard from Master that your Martial Abyss is located on Gaia Planet.”

“Can you tell me what Gaia Planet is like?”

“According to the dojo's rules, I will also have the opportunity to visit Gaia Planet in the future.”

His attitude was friendly, and Qin Jin was not unsociable. Meng Hongzhe led the way, with the two following behind.

They continued forward.

The shouts grew closer, and the collision fluctuations of primal power entered his perception. Ahead was a super-large training ground, where figures were clashing, holding nothing back, truly giving their all.

At both ends of the training ground, several figures, appearing extraordinary, stood ready to handle any unforeseen circumstances.

Stepping forward, just as they were about to enter the training area, an unusual sensation came from the spiritual level.

Qin Jin raised his eyebrows slightly, followed the two, and entered the training area. The moment he stepped in.

On the spiritual level, a surging tide swept through. This was not an attack, as this tide did not contain power; it was merely a spiritual infection—this was battle intent!

A tide of battle intent!

Being in this place, battle intent swept over like a tide, making one's blood boil involuntarily, stirring up the desire for a hearty battle.

In his spiritual perception, this tide was complex yet pure, extremely unique.

“This isn’t a venue actively set up by the dojo.”

Beside him, Xiang Yu's voice rang out.

His eyes gleamed as he looked at the training ground, his tone filled with reverence: “Ever since the Mitian Dojo moved here, our dojo's predecessors have been sparring and training here. Over time, this place has undergone an unusual change.”

“A Martial Artist cultivates intent. Intent can gather oneself and change heaven and earth.”

At this point, his voice involuntarily became a bit more excited. He looked at Qin Jin, his eyes eager to try: “Qin Jin, the ticket to the Miracle Corridor was given to me by the dojo.”

“I entered the Miracle Corridor precisely because I wanted to meet excellent Martial Artists from other places. Unfortunately, our first encounter was limited by time, and we couldn't communicate, so I had to give up.”

“Now, however, we have plenty of time. How about a match?”

Qin Jin's expression was calm, and upon hearing this, he shook his head: “No need.”

In front.

Before Xiang Yu could continue, Meng Hongzhe spoke: “Indeed, no need.”

He looked at Qin Jin: “Martial Abyss communicated with us, and I have therefore learned some information about Qin Jin.”

“He has already entered the Grandmaster realm.”

“Among his peers in the Federation, no one can surpass him.”

“Xiang Yu, if you were in the same realm, you would have reason to fight him, but Qin Jin has already entered the Grandmaster realm and is a genius from the Martial Abyss. In this battle, you truly have no chance of winning.”

Qin Chi did not speak.

This was precisely why he refused.

With mutual progress and advancement, his progress had reached an unimaginable level. What good was being a genius? In Qin Jin's view, he had long since set his sights on higher-level individuals.

An event like the Po Xian Cup, competing for honor for the academy, was already sufficient as a short-term reward.

Meng Hongzhe's words fell.

Under the gaze of the two, Xiang Yu instead nodded: “Master, I know I am not his match.”

He looked at Qin Jin: “In the Miracle Corridor, two people left a deep impression on me, a man and a woman. They delved the fastest, and later on, I didn't even know which area they ultimately reached.”

“Qin Jin is one of them.”

“At that time, I already realized the gap.”

“However, what if there’s a gap?”

“A Martial Artist should challenge stronger opponents, not wield a blade against weaker ones.”

“Furthermore,” Xiang Yu paused slightly, speaking frankly, “Wu Yuan Academy and the dojo have communicated, and presumably, some exchanges have taken place for Qin Jin to be given a spot in the dojo's secret lineage.”

“We cannot participate in the transactions of the upper echelons, but a dojo disciple has indeed lost a spot. Many people will not disregard this and will find the source of the problem.”

“Qin Jin is a guest, coming to our Mitian Dojo for cultivation and self-improvement, not to get involved in various trivial troubles.”

He looked at Qin Jin, his tone becoming more serious: “Among the young disciples of the dojo, I also have some prestige. If you fight me and defeat me, you can avoid many troubles, and you can also cultivate peacefully during your time at the dojo.”

Qin Chi raised his eyebrows slightly.

He hadn't expected that the other party would challenge him for such a reason.

Meeting for the first time, the other party showed a genuine heart, not wanting him, the “guest,” to fall into trouble.

Wherever there are people, there are exchanges of interests. After the Martial Abyss created the Martial Saint Map, it must have arranged everything. However, also belonging to the Federation, even if the Mitian Dojo was not as vast as the Martial Abyss, it was still a Martial God's legacy, extraordinary.

Its foundation was unfathomable, and the Martial Abyss must have had to pay some conditions.

However, the Martial Abyss would not tell him these things.

Thoughts flashed through his mind, and Qin Jin said, “I appreciate your kind intentions.”

“However, there's no need to sacrifice your prestige to pave the way for me.”

Qin Jin's voice was calm and unhurried: “My purpose for this trip is to travel the star river. The Mitian Dojo is merely one stop along the way. Whether it's trouble or good fortune, they are all scenery along the journey, and whether experienced or not, they are worth remembering.”

“I am already prepared to face everything.”

In front.

Watching the two young men converse, Meng Hongzhe's eyes were complex, holding both admiration and satisfaction. He shook his head: “You two young men certainly have good bearing and think quite a lot.”

He first looked at Xiang Yu, then at Qin Jin, pondered for a moment, and then simply spoke: “Xiang Yu, everything you said, do you think the dojo hasn't considered it?”

Xiang Yu turned back, looking at him, “Master, what do you mean?”

Meng Hongzhe simply clarified: “It's just a secret lineage spot. If the dojo truly put in its full effort, would it really have to let Qin Jin take a spot from a dojo disciple, rather than adding an extra one?”

Qin Jin seemed to be deep in thought.

Meng Hongzhe looked at him: “When Martial Abyss approached us, they showed great sincerity.”

“Qin Jin, our Mitian Dojo also wants to witness the rise of a Federation genius and assist him. This is a blessing for civilization.”

“However, this is also an opportunity.”

“Many years ago, when the Mitian Dojo first relocated to the Liuli Star System, it experienced a period of steady decline. Later, it gradually flourished again and gained the admiration of many. To this day, in the eyes of the Federation's people, when Martial Arts dojos are mentioned, the name Mitian is certainly among them.”

“Because of this, generations of dojo disciples have become proud. This is not their fault, but rather the influence of the environment. Young in mind yet strong in power, it is inevitable. Many young disciples have such a mindset. Because of this, we added an insignificant request to Martial Abyss: we need your help during your time at the dojo.”

Hearing this, Qin Jin already understood.

Aside from knowing where his destination was, Qin Jin didn't even know what he needed to do after arriving at the Mitian Dojo. Now, however, he had a clear idea and understood.

“So—”

He mused, looking at the two people in front of him.

Xiang Yu's face showed obvious surprise.

Meng Hongzhe's expression was calm.

Qin Jin continued, “My first role upon coming to the Mitian Dojo is to play the villain who seized an internal spot from the dojo?”

“You could say that.”

Meng Hongzhe nodded: “Arrogance is not a fault; a Martial Artist should be arrogant. But blind arrogance is conceit. Within the dojo, there is ultimately no danger to life, but when they go to the civilization battlefield in the future, any mistake on the battlefield will cost them their lives.”

“Qin Jin.”

“We need you, an outsider, to let the younger generation of the dojo know that there are always people better than you, and there is always a higher heaven to reach!”