Chapter 61: Jiang Province

"Master Li, let me introduce you," Jiang Qingyue said with a smile. "This is Grandmaster Kang Bieyan, mentor to Chairman Fang and a strong contender for the top ten in the adult category this time."

"Don't flatter me," said Kang Bieyan, waving his hand. "I'm already forty-six this year; how can I compare myself to the grandmasters in their prime? Master Li, as for you, I have heard of your achievements. Your future is boundless. The future of Zanglong City's martial arts community rests on your shoulders."

"You're too kind, " Li Pin responded.

A forty-six-year-old grandmaster...

thought Li Pin.

It shouldn't be a problem for him to maintain his current level of strength.

[1]

Jiang Qingyue went on to point at another person seated at the table. "Grandmaster Luo Baihe, a Zanglong City native. He has been practicing martial arts in the capital city. I had to spend a lot of money just to get him all the way here."

"Chairman Jiang, you must be kidding. Back then, I was able to go to the capital city to further my studies thanks to your recommendation. Now that you have an order for me, how would I dare not come?"

Luo Baihe offered Li Pin a friendly nod while speaking.

He had also heard about Li Pin. At just twenty-two, his achievements rivaled those of Martial Saint's disciples. There was no doubt he was destined for great things.

Luo Baihe also thought that with both of them being from Zanglong City, there might even be opportunities for them to collaborate in the future.

Jiang Qingyue declared, "Grandmaster Kang, Grandmaster Luo, the success of Zanglong City in the adult category rests entirely on the shoulders of the both of you."

Then, his gaze then shifted toward Li Pin and the others. "For the intermediate category, we place our complete trust in your exceptional talents, Hall Master Fang, Wang Zuocai, and Zhang Chuge."

The others at the table rose to their feet and declared. "We will definitely do our best to bring glory to Zanglong City."

Among them, the man named Wang Zuocai seemingly took a glance at Li Pin, his eyes gleaming with a spark of interest.

He waited until everyone was seated and spoke up. "Master Li, I have heard about you quite a few times recently. What are your expectations for the upcoming competition? What place do you think you can achieve?"

Li Pin waved his hand and said, "That's not important. I am mainly participating in the competition to build up combat experience."

"Master Li, you're too modest. With your illustrious record, even if you don't claim the top spot in the competition, you're bound to secure at least the top three, right?" Zhang Chuge responded with a smile.

Li Pin glanced at the two of them.

Are they secretly hoping that I'll fail after all this praise?

"I am going to say it once more. I am not particularly concerned with the ranking. My main purpose in competing is to build up combat experience," Li Pin asserted. "If time permits, I hope to engage all the Core Formation experts in battle. If I win, I would be delighted with a win, but I'd find even more joy in a loss. This indicates that my Blood Core is still imperfect and I can learn from others' Core Force to refine my own."

Facing Li Pin's unwavering stance, Wang Zuocai and Zhang Chuge found themselves at a loss for words. In the presence of Jiang Qingyue and other grandmasters, they were also hesitant to express too much opposition.

At the same time, Kang Bieyan examined Li Pin intently after hearing what he had said, as if he was only getting to know him truly now.

This banquet was mainly held for the martial artists participating in the Jiang Province Martial Competition to convene. It was a chance for them to exchange information and share strategies. It was an annual tradition.

Following the banquet's conclusion, Li Pin and Fang Lingjue were prepared to take their leave before Kang Bieyan approached them.

"Master Li, I've heard that you have been curious about Martial Will cultivation methods lately."

Li Pin nodded. "Indeed, I do intend to explore them in advance."

"Perfect. I happened to have come across a manual while antiquing three years ago. It contains a martial arts technique called the 'Astral Fall'. It not only hones Fist Intent but also unveils three distinct pathways for refining Martial Will. While not a masterwork, it should offer valuable insights that align with your recent interest in Martial Will cultivation."

As Kang Bieyan spoke, he handed Li Pin an ancient scroll.

Li Pin was somewhat surprised. However, seeing the goodwill in Kang Bieyan's eyes and recalling his own speculations about "Will'' and "Mental Spirit," he accepted it.

"Thanks."

"Haha, Master Li, with your talent, cultivating your Aura Force is just a matter of time. But what I truly hope for is to see you progress even further in the future. Zanglong City has been established for thirty-six years, yet only two Martial Saints have emerged from it.

"The last Martial Saint was born twelve years ago. I hope that after Martial Saint Mu and Martial Saint Ran, you can become the third Martial Saint of Zanglong City," Kang Bieyan said with a smile.

"Martial Saint?" Li Pin acknowledged with a nod. "I'll definitely strive toward that."

Fang Lingjue looked at Li Pin from the side. By now, he was no longer as astonished as before. He simply wished to observe Li Pin up close and see where his future martial journey would lead him.

***

On the following day, Li Pin boarded a car and set off for Jiang Province.

Compared to the last time when he came to Jiang Province to purchase a house, the entire Jiang Province City has become even more lively due to the upcoming martial competition.

Since Astral Cultivators rarely showcased their strength in public, martial arts competitions, whose participants were serving as the augmentation for the Astral Cultivators, became the largest events not only in the kingdom but also in the entire Tianyuan Federation.

Given that the competition was still in the preliminary round, the situation within the city still wasn't too bad. By the time the top-ten round-robin rolled around, it would be as if the streets had been cleared out, with no one in sight. Everyone in the province would be clustered together at the martial competition. In terms of sheer excitement and popularity, no other sport even comes close.

As a seeded competitor, Li Pin received comprehensive support from the martial society, including accommodation, meals, and transportation. However, Li Pin chose to forgo the pre-arranged hotel room and headed to his own house for an inspection.

The newly renovated house had a faint, new-construction smell to it. However, thanks to high-quality materials, good ventilation, and professional odor removal, it was now ready for Li Pin to move in.

Fang Lingjue wasted no time in entering Li Pin's training room. He examined the various materials and remarked, "This is incredible! The Chang Feng Martial Hall's branch could only dream of such luxury. We'd be lucky to keep our doors open if we tried."

He shot a glance at Li Pin. "When do you plan to move? I can help you arrange a team of chefs to take care of your meals."

"No need for that. I can just move in right away," answered Li Pin.

Li Pin looked toward Fang Lingjue and asked, "Why don't you pick a room?"

"There is no need. I've already reserved a room for myself at the martial hall, so I can stay there if needed," Fang Lingjue replied.

Li Pin nodded, not pressing the matter further.

He cast a comprehensive glance across the mansion, absorbing every detail. Following the Jiang Province Martial Competition, his visits to Zanglong City and Liuchuan County would likely become infrequent, with Jiang Province potentially becoming his new home.

After looking around the mansion, Fang Lingjue asked with a smile, "The martial competition kicks off in two days. How are you feeling? Are you confident?"

"Without a question," Li Pin replied with a smile. "Every martial artist should have unwavering faith in themselves.

Fang Lingjue hesitated for a moment and then nodded. "Alright, I'll be waiting to see you shine in the martial competition."

Li Pin shook his head. "No. It should be, we will shine in the martial competition."

"Yes, we," Fang Lingjue said firmly.

***

Time passed swiftly. In the blink of an eye, three days had gone by.

On May 1, the Jiang Province Martial Competition officially commenced.

1. Referring to Kang Bieyan ☜