Chapter 153: Gift

At Li Pin's residence, Lian Hongchen and Cao Tianyou stood by, filled with excitement. Even Lian Xiyue who was responsible for serving tea and water felt his heart stir.

At this moment, they were in the presence of none other than the highest authority in the Martial Association System, the supreme leader of all the martial societies across Taibai, Liu Xuanfeng. Twenty years ago, Liu Xuanfeng had been a legendary figure in the martial arts world, having reached the top ten in the adult category.

Liu Xuanfeng was sitting in front of Li Pin, smiling as he handed over a five-centimeters-wide, thick, red certificate. He said, "Grandmaster Li, this is the certificate we've decided to award you after a thorough discussion within the martial society."

"For now, it's just a granted Martial Saint title. While it differs slightly from the standard recognized throughout the Tianyuan Federation and the world. I believe that, with your potential, it's only a matter of time before you truly reach that level.

"Perhaps in the next edition, or at most the one after, your Martial Will is destined to shine at the World's Top Martial Competition. Therefore, we're presenting this certificate to you in advance. You are well deserving of it."

Li Pin took a glance at it. "Martial Saint Certificate."

Within the Taibai region, a grandmaster could qualify for the Senior Professional title. This was the highest title a martial artist could attain through regular channels. A Senior Professional title could allow a martial artist to easily establish themselves in a provincial capital. They could open a martial hall and teach disciples.

After a decade or so of hard work, amassing billions in assets wouldn't be an issue.

Even without establishing a martial hall, one could take on roles such as the head of security at a large company or corporation and easily earn an annual salary in the millions.

Alternatively, they could become the director of the martial arts department at prestigious universities. Although the salary might be lower, the honor and prestige gained from such a position would far surpass what could be achieved by running a martial hall or working at a large corporation.

Similarly, entering the martial arts management system was relatively easy. With the right connections, one could start their career as a vice chairman of a city-level martial society. With a bit of luck, they could even ascend to the position of chairman within a few years.

With the Senior Professional title for grandmasters already being such a significant achievement, the Martial Saint title, an even more elusive honor that only a handful of grandmasters could attain, would undoubtedly offer far greater prospects.

Any Martial Saint, be it at the city or provincial level, was undeniably a top-tier figure in the martial arts world. It was no exaggeration to say they were among the top ten powerhouses in a province's martial arts community.

Take Lian Hongchen for example. If he were to be recognized as a Martial Saint, with a little maneuvering, the "acting chairman" could be easily changed into only "chairman."

The same applied to Cao Tianyou. After all these years in Jiang Province, he was still stuck in a mediocre position. While he might not be starving, he hadn't been able to find a way to truly ascend to the same level as the Cosmic Gem Sect, Solar Vermillion Sect, or Cloud Crest Martial Hall. And now...

Li Pin hadn't had to do anything. He hadn't taken the initiative to undergo the evaluation or even apply for it, yet the Martial Association had proactively delivered the Martial Saint certificate to Li Pin. This proved what Li Pin had once told Fang Lingjue: "When the flower blooms, the butterflies come naturally."

"Furthermore, Martial Saint Li, the martial association will provide you with our full support as you represent the Taibai Kingdom in the upcoming World's Top Martial Arts Competition, where you will compete against the Tianyuan Federation's most talented martial artists and bring glory to our nations. I have personally prepared a special gift for you to assist you in your pursuit of comprehending the Martial Will."

The people behind Liu Xuanfeng quickly brought forward three exquisite boxes. When Li Pin opened them, a ring, a necklace, and a bracelet were revealed.

Upon seeing these treasures, each emitting faint astral energy fluctuation, Lian Hongchen couldn't help but exclaim, "These are... high-grade astral equipment!?"

Liu Xuanfeng nodded slightly. "Each of these astral equipment is crafted from Thousand-Year Violet Bamboo, Merit Stone, and Tempered Steel, respectively."

The chairman explained, "The Thousand-Year Violet Bamboo and Merit Stone both have effects that clear the mind and enhance cultivation. They are particularly useful for improving a martial artist's perception and helping them understand the Martial Will sooner.

"As for the bracelet made from Tempered Steel, it not only features strong astral energy fluctuation but also slightly boosts the martial artist's ai and blood, enhancing their explosiveness in combat."

Astral equipment came in many types.

The necklace made from Thousand-Years Violet Bamboo and the ring made from Merit Stone were of the same type as the three top-tier astral equipment in the Astral Hall. They primarily serve to enhance mental spirit and perception, aiding in cultivation. However, their effects were not as potent as those of the three top-tier astral equipment.

However, the bracelet crafted from Tempered Steel was different. It emphasized on the astral energy Fluctuation. The stronger the astral energy fluctuation, the greater the atomic disruption, making it easier to cause malfunctions in attacks from non-astral equipment weapons.

In other words, this was a piece of equipment specifically designed to counter firearms, explosives, and other technological weapons.

As for its accompanying qi and blood activation effect, it was about on par with the low-grade astral equipment ring forged from Mount Shouyang copper that Li Pin acquired back then. Or the astral equipment crafted from Blue Crystals seized from the Solar Vermillion Sect. Neither were particularly impressive, but they were better than nothing.

Quantifying it in terms of combat strength, it would be equivalent to a range between one to five percent, depending on the individual. It varied from one person to another.

Li Pin accepted it without hesitation. "I'll take it. I will do my best at the World's Top Martial Competition, but I can't guarantee a specific ranking."

Liu Xuanfeng smiled slightly upon hearing this. It was always pleasant to talk with intelligent people.

"With your assurances, Martial Saint Li, we can rest easy."

Their biggest concern was that Li Pin might be pulled away by other factions during the competition. If that happened, any glory he achieved would become the glory of another country. This would not only mean Taibai losing a talented martial artist but also result in reputational damage far exceeding the value of a billion yuan's worth of astral equipment.

"Martial Saint Li, the team heading to the Tianyuan Capital will depart in three days. Once there, we will have a dedicated team for travel, nutrition, and medical care to handle all the trivial matters, ensuring you can compete in the best possible condition. Let us know when you're ready, and we can head to the capital together."

After saying that, Liu Xuanfeng suggested with a smile, "It would also be a good opportunity to join the teams traveling to the capital city for the competition."

"Tomorrow. Will you be handling the accommodation arrangements? May I bring my family?"

"Of course. We can arrange for friends as well. Please provide some basic information about them and any additional needs they might have, and we will do our best to accommodate it."

"Just two people," Li Pin said. "My sister and her friend."

After a moment's thought, he added, "Make that three, my brother-in-law's sister."

The reason he included Qin Rouran was mainly because she had become an Astral Cultivator. With her acting as a bodyguard, Li Yunyao and Lin Xiaolu would be safe.

As for Li Yunyan, she was nearing her due date. It wouldn't be appropriate for her to travel. Additionally, Ms. Li would also need to stay by her side to look after her.

"I'll make the arrangements right away. I'll send a car to pick you up tomorrow."

Li Pin nodded.

After exchanging a few more pleasantries, they parted ways.

Not long after the group left the mansion, Li Yunxiao and Lin Xiaolu came out from their room.

"Brother, did they... leave?" Li Yunxiao asked quietly.

"Yes, they've left."

"So, was that really Chairman Liu, Liu Xuanfeng, the authority we often see on martial arts programs?" Li Yunxiao asked again.

Lin Xiaolu was also very curious about it.

Li Pin smiled faintly. "How could it be false?"

"Then... can I really post this picture and text?" Li Yunyao asked, raising her phone.

Li Pin glanced over and noticed that Li Yunyao had secretly taken a photo of Liu Xuanfeng. The photo was accompanied by text that read: Brother's friend is visiting today. Sisters, we won't be going shopping."

Li Pin smiled. "As long as you're happy."

Li Yunyao's eyes lit up. "Does this mean... with this photo, I can walk all over the Jiang Province Martial Arts World from now on?"

"You can even crawl all over it if you want," Li Pin joked.

"

Yay

, that's great!"

Li Yunyao excitedly posted the picture, then urged, "Brother, quickly like and share it!"

She added with a hint of complaint. "You've never liked or commented on my posts before. Xiaolu, quickly bring my brother's phone here."

"Okay."

Lin Xiaolu quickly ran off and soon returned with Li Pin's phone.

Taking his phone from Lin Xiaolu, Li Pin logged into his social media account, which he had neglected for a long time. He was surprised to find that, with only about a hundred friends, he had received several hundred messages.

His former classmates and friends had sent him messages, either inquiring about Li Pin or congratulating him. Some had even sent screenshots of him from the Jiang Province Martial Competition, asking if it was really him.

Li Pin ignored them. He was not the real "Li Pin," and maintaining family relationships was the limit of what he could manage. As for the original "Li Pin's" social circle, he had no intention of maintaining it. When "Li Pin" was subjected to public scrutiny, none of those friends had stood up to say anything on his behalf.

Thinking this over, Li Pin said, "I'll register a new number."

"Okay. Quickly like and comment on my post."

Li Yunyao was eagerly waiting for Li Pin to do it. At her strong insistence, Li Pin made a few adjustments, liked the post and asked, "What should I comment?"

"That depends on you."

Li Pin nodded. "Alright."

He left a comment saying: "Rest well."

He then scrolled through Li Yunyao's feed and saw that she had previously posted about Meng Shan, the Liuchuan Martial Society Chairman, Jiang Qingyue, the Zanglong City Martial Society Chairman, and Lian Hongchen, the current Jiang Province Acting Chairman.

"Are you collecting cards?" Li Pin remarked.

"You won't understand! This represents my growth journey!"

"Alright, pack up your things. We are leaving tomorrow morning." Li Pin paused and smiled slightly. "To the World's Top Martial Competition."

He had only one goal in mind; the grand battle among the world's greatest heroes.