Chapter 396: Yesterday

At the Jiang Province City branch of Changfeng Martial Hall.

Li Pin sat in the manager's office and looked out the window, watching the hundreds of disciples practicing martial arts in the branch.

"Quite some progress," Li Pin remarked with a faint smile.

Sitting across from him was none other than Fang Lingjue, the hall master of the Changfeng Martial Hall—a man who, in many ways, had witnessed Li Pin's growth.

Fang Lingjue mirrored his smile. "Jiang Province City has become a sacred place for martial arts in Tianyuan. Every year, countless apprentices flock here from all over the country. Changfeng Martial Hall has benefited greatly because of you.

"We receive tens of thousands of applications annually. Right now, we have over 600 disciples, and that's after I deliberately controlled the intake. If I recruited freely, we could have 60,000 disciples with no problem."

After all, Fang Lingjue had not only achieved the rank of Martial Saint but also held the position of elder in the Divine Martial Sect. Furthermore, with his connection to Li Pin... the demand was endless.

"Then why haven't you expanded enrollment?" Li Pin asked. "The Changfeng Martial Hall only has two branches, in Zanglong and Jiang Province."

"My priorities have changed, that's all." Fang Lingjue glanced at Li Pin. "As for you..."

Although Li Pin's status had shifted drastically, he was still the same person; his essence hadn't changed.

Memories of their conversations years ago at the Zanglong branch surfaced, vivid and nostalgic. Back then, Li Pin had said something that left a deep impression on him.

I am not used to it. I am not used to showing others respect, not used to lowering my head or bending my back for anyone.

Back then, the only thought in Fang Lingjue's mind was that Li Pin was arrogant—arrogant beyond belief! Who did Li Pin think he was, believing he could reach the pinnacle without anyone's help?

Fang Lingjue had been astonished and genuinely concerned when he heard Li Pin's thoughts. Out of friendship, he had even tried to persuade him

However, Li Pin's answer had been simple:

Discovering problems and solving them—that process is fascinating in itself.

Now, as it stood, Li Pin had done it.

The King of the Century, Li Pin.

The number one in martial arts, Li Pin.

The pioneer of the Martial God's path, Li Pin.

The hall master of the Celestial Martial God Hall, Li Pin.

The Supreme Expert, Li Pin.

The council member of the Human Alliance, Li Pin.

And... the Martial Ancestor, Li Pin.

Thoughts of this swirled in Fang Lingjue's mind for a long moment before he finally exhaled deeply. "You did it."

His voice was filled with a hint of awe.

Li Pin glanced at him. He understood what Fang Lingjue meant, and a faint smile rose on his lips.

"You've truly carved out an invincible path," Fang Lingjue added.

"Invincible?" Li Pin chuckled softly. "There's no such thing as perpetual victory or unbeatable strength. Someday, someone will rise and defeat me, proving my path wrong."

Fang Lingjue was taken aback for a moment. He asked, "And then?"

"I'd feel relieved," Li Pin said, looking genuinely expectant. "Truly relieved."

He turned to the window, watching the young faces outside the Changfeng Martial Hall. They were brimming with energy as they poured their youth into hard training, the sweat soaking their clothes.

The spirit of martial arts was passed on, torch to torch.

Li Pin continued, "Because that would mean a stronger path has emerged. It would show me a new direction, giving me the chance to keep evolving... and to keep moving forward."

He reached out his hand as if grasping for something.

The future...

"To always have a path to follow—what a blessing that is!" Li Pin murmured, reflecting not only on himself but also on others.

Fang Lingjue looked at Li Pin, trying to make sense of his words. Things vaguely became clear to him.

What Li Pin sought was a companion.

He knew exactly what he wanted and would not stop for anyone while pursuing his goal. With unyielding resolve, he would walk down that road. Yet, on his path, he would sometimes feel lonely. That's why he had always longed for a companion to walk alongside him.

By then... he would no longer be alone on his journey.

It didn't matter whether that companion was a friend or foe. All that mattered was knowing he wasn't alone on this journey. This was why he never hesitated to share the Martial God path with the world. This was also why he had established the Celestial Martial God Hall despite his usual indifference to daily matters.

He was waiting for that companion to appear.

If that companion were ever able to defeat him and surpass him, it would be the greatest surprise of his life.

Unfortunately... Fang Lingjue knew that person would never be him.

He looked at Li Pin for a long moment before speaking, "There will always be someone stronger. You'll find that person."

Fang Lingjue's expression turned somewhat odd after saying that. He wasn't sure if his words were meant as comfort.

Why did it end up feeling like I am undermining Li Pin?

"I know." Li Pin smiled. "And I firmly believe that."

He paused. "When that happens, I'll step down from my position as the top martial artist, with a smile."

Fang Lingjue found himself at a loss for words.

"Although it was in Zanglong City back then, it was still at the Changfeng Martial Hall that you gave me the gift which greatly aided me in my martial arts journey," Li Pin said.

The gift Li Pin was talking about was Fang Lingjue's experience and insights into the Core Formation stage.

He also took out a box and handed it over to Fang Lingjue. "Now, it's my turn to help you."

Fang Lingjue didn't reach out to accept it. "You've already helped me plenty."

"Then think of it as an investment from me. Train well," Li Pin said with a smile. "I hope that a hundred years from now, when I stand at even greater heights, I won't find myself with no one to talk to."

Having reached the genetic level, Li Pin had no idea how long he would live, but it certainly wouldn't be just a hundred years. Therefore, he meant it sincerely when he mentioned a hundred years later.

Hearing that, Fang Lingjue glanced at the box. After a long pause, he said slowly, "Hiring you at Changfeng Martial Hall was the best decision of my life."

Li Pin smiled. "Joining Changfeng Martial Hall and meeting you, Hall Master Fang, has been the same for me."

𝑓𝓇𝘦ℯ𝘸𝘦𝑏𝓃𝑜𝘷ℯ𝑙.𝑐𝑜𝓂

He then stood up. "The guests are arriving; I must prepare to leave."

Fang Lingjue remained silent for a moment, then nodded. He carefully put the box away.

Before long, a commotion arose at the hall's entrance.

Moments later, a group of martial artists from Jiang Province, including Lian Hongchen, Jiang Qingyue, and Cao Tianyou, quickly gathered.

Li Pin watched them.

The debts had all been repaid. This time... it was truly just a simple meeting.

***

That evening, Li Pin attended a family banquet graciously hosted by the Qin Family.

Perhaps because of the drastic difference in status between Li Pin and the Qin Family, or the unfamiliar aura Li Pin now exuded, the banquet felt quite formal. If it hadn't been for Li Yunyao stepping in to liven up the atmosphere, the evening would likely have passed in silence.

It was then that the Qin Family truly realized the changes in Li Pin. They could no longer relate to him as a family friend or relative.

Afterward, Li Pin entrusted the team brought by Xing Hui to take over the governance of the territory.

The Celestial Martial God Hall wouldn't directly manage it, but it would oversee things strictly. With the lord's control over the territory, they even had the authority to impose the death penalty on criminals if necessary.

While many lords abolished capital punishment to appear impartial, Li Pin chose to retain it. This even sparked a small protest within his territory.

Li Pin's response was simple: he opened the exit for those who wished to leave.

In Zanglong City's territory, he would implement the same system.

***

Finally, having concluded his affairs and met the people he needed to meet, Li Pin did not linger. He set off back to the Celestial Martial God Hall.

Naturally, Su Dongfeng and the others tried their best to keep him from leaving. Even Wan Xinghua, the current Emperor of the Tianyuan Federation, personally arrived in Taibai, expressing his wish for Li Pin to stay.

However, Li Pin remained firm in his decision.

In the end, Su Dongfeng could only wish that Li Pin would visit often, reluctantly seeing him off.

Li Yunyao also left with Li Pin.

***

After several stops for refueling, Li Pin finally returned to the Celestial Martial God Hall on the third day.

Taibai was a developed nation with superior infrastructure and billions of investments in its foundation. In comparison, the Celestial Martial God Hall lagged behind in many ways.

Nevertheless, the moment he set foot on this land, he felt an inexplicable sense of freedom and relaxation. It was as though he had truly returned home —a feeling he hadn't experienced even in Taibai's Zanglong City.

Upon arriving at the Celestial Martial God Hall, he listened to reports from Shi Shihu and the others. He made a few arrangements and then retreated to his training room.

The Special United Squad was already asking when he would meet up with them, but Li Pin delayed, citing his need to refine the Spirit-Essence Orbs. Yuan Zhenchuan expressed understanding for this.

As the saying goes, "sharpening the ax doesn't hinder the cutting of wood."[1]

With a dozen or so Spirit-Essence Orbs, Li Pin had a real chance to advance his cultivation, which would be invaluable when hunting demonic creatures.

Though time had become critical for humanity, a month or two could still be spared. Besides, it was not like they would abandon the campaign on Dark Moon Island without him; it's just that progress would be slightly slower.

***

In the training room.

Li Pin calmly adjusted his mental state. This recent journey had led him to do many things—many of which had little direct significance for his martial path. But they were necessary.

Now, life had returned to its usual rhythm: training, hunting demonic creatures, exchanging loot for resources. This was his routine, a healthy loop only possible after becoming a councilor of the Human Alliance.

Li Pin gazed at the legendary cultivation resource he had exchanged. "Fourteen Spirit-Essence Orbs."

Once his mental state was restored, he quickly took one out and began refining it.

Even with diminishing returns, his "Clairvoyance" gift might still allow him to push his mental spirit into the Legendary realm.

1. Emphasizes the importance of preparation and planning before starting a job. ☜