As he observed Grandmaster Zhu Weiyiās attack, Spear Force and Spear Stance fused, integrating into the Ancient Martial Spear Technique and transforming into a wisp of Ancient Martial Spear Intent.
[Ancient Martial Spear Intent]
[Description: You have grasped a trace of Ancient Martial Spear Intent. You can use this Spear Intent to unleash immense Penetration Power, sufficient for long-range kills.]
Jiang Qiu took a deep breath and looked within his soul. He could see that the body of his Dragon Spirit had grown strong and taken shape, a perfect Dragon Form silhouette. A trace of Spear Intent burst forth from its eyes, its might vast and imposing.
āTo think I could have such an epiphany at a time like this.ā
"Not bad. Your Talent is truly extraordinary."
A weathered yet dignified voice awakened him from his thoughts. In the blink of an eye, the world sharpened into focus. Zhu Weiyiās figure ambled over, a warm smile on his face. "If you can take one more step, you might actually be able to obtain the Golden Token."
He was naturally pleased that the Northwest Province could produce such a genius, especially a Spear System Soldier Cultivator.
If Jiang Qiu could obtain the Golden Token and enter the Great Secret Realm, it would be an honor for the Northwest Province.
Right now, the Jiangnan Province and the Capital City werenāt paying enough attention to the Northwest. They were completely focused on defending against the Demon Race in the East and South, neglecting a Northwest that had seen a change in its Demon King.
When the Red Flame Spider Mother was still dormant, Luo Beixingās power could guarantee relative stability in the Northwest. But after Demon King [Chen] appeared, the Demon Raceās growth rate became astonishing. The methods they revealed were far beyond this era. If they didnāt join forces to eliminate them, they would become a great disaster!
As his thoughts reached this point, Zhu Weiyi clenched his fist, his gaze burning. "In seven days, Tang Guang will arrive in North Border City from Jiangnan Province. I can already sense a trace of Spear Intent from you. Now, you just need to master a powerful Secret Technique, and youāll have a high probability of defeating him, even if he suppresses his Realm."
"Grandmaster Zhu, please tell me."
Jiang Qiu clenched his fists, the blood boiling in his chest.
āHaving just witnessed the power of Spear Intent, I can only imagine how formidable Tang Guang, who grasped Sword Intent long ago, must be. Even going all out, it will be incredibly difficult to win against a so-called Half-Step Grandmaster.ā
āHe defeated my senior brother Zhai Song with a single sword strike, so his Sword Skills must be unparalleled among our peers. In terms of techniques, I probably have no advantage at all.ā
āAnd as for his Dharma Aspect... rumor has it that Tang Guang, already a Half-Step Grandmaster, had a Hundred Feet Dharma Aspect years ago. The strength and capacity of the Spirit Charm within him are incomparable. Thatās why he didnāt even use his Dharma Aspect when he defeated the top prodigies of the other provinces.ā
āAt this point, my only hope for victory lies in an incredibly profound Secret Technique. Thereās no other way!ā
"HUU..." Zhu Weiyi took a shallow breath, his expression hardening, his sharp gaze like a hawk staring down a fledgling. "Among the myriad Secret Techniques, there are also Forbidden Techniques. Some are forbidden because they are too malicious and immoral, while others are forbidden simply because they are too difficult to master."
"I noticed earlier that your Body Technique is quite remarkable; you have few rivals within the same Realm. Even that Sakai Yoshiei, whose Dharma Aspect was larger than yours, couldnāt quite keep up with you. And since you happen to possess a Fiery Flame Spirit Charm, you are perfectly suited to cultivate the Forbidden Secret Technique, [Flaming Illusion]."
"A Forbidden Secret Technique?"
Jiang Qiuās heart shuddered.
He had only barely come into contact with Secret Techniques after enrolling in Northwest Martial University. All he knew was that their cultivation often required extremely demanding and specific conditions.
āBut this is the first time Iāve ever heard of a Forbidden Secret Technique. Iām afraid itās even more difficult to cultivate. Itās not something I can learn in a short time.ā
"Mm. If Iām not mistaken, Sakai Yoshiei just used [Deceitful Escape], a Secret Technique from their Sang Island, to get away," Zhu Weiyi explained seriously. "A technique as profound as [Deceitful Escape] is a Forbidden Secret Technique. Even I would have found it difficult to kill both of them in one go."
A look of realization flashed in Jiang Qiuās eyes. He looked in astonishment toward the spot where Sakai Yoshiei had vanished, the scene replaying in his mind.
Zhu Weiyi had only attacked for an instant, yet the old man with the handlebar mustache had reacted in time. With a single thought, he activated the Forbidden Secret Technique [Deceitful Escape] and saved Sakai Yoshiei.
Zhu Weiyi was no ordinary Grandmaster. He represented Xia Country in North Border City and was on equal footing with the old Patriarch of the Belli Family, who was also the City Lord. He was two whole High Realms above Sakai Yoshiei!
For Sakai Yoshiei to escape even then, [Deceitful Escape] could only be described as astonishing.
If this was the power of a Forbidden Secret Technique, it was enough to make oneās heart burn with excitement.
Jiang Qiu secretly swallowed, his brows furrowing slightly. "Grandmaster Zhu, can I really learn the Forbidden Secret Technique [Flaming Illusion]?"
"You can. A copy of the Forbidden Secret Technique will arrive in North Border City tomorrow. You donāt need to worry about authorization," Zhu Weiyi said, clapping Jiang Qiu on the shoulder, a look of expectation in his eyes. "Itās just that a Forbidden Secret Technique is profound enough to be studied as a major path in itself. For someone not naturally suited for it, they might not grasp it even after decades of trying."
"But if you can truly master it in a few days, you can win that Golden Token."
"Alright. I will give it my all."
Jiang Qiuās gaze was as resolute as a spearās tip. He clenched his fists, his youthful face revealing a soaring ambition.
āEven if itās not just about defeating Tang Guang, before Demon King [Chen] leads the Northwest Demon Clan to its rise, I must master more powerful techniques to improve myself and prepare for the coming war between our two races!ā
āIn half a year, the Northwest will undergo a massive change. I must seize every opportunity to grow stronger!ā
...
After arranging for the colosseumās repairs, Beligi went to find Zhu Weiyi to discuss the next steps. Jiang Qiu, meanwhile, returned to the Xia Country Management District.
Before he even stepped through the doors of the Xia Country Hotel, he heard unfamiliar Martial Artists staying there engaged in a heated discussion in the lobby. The chatter rose and fell in waves. "Grandmaster Zhu actually attacked and blew up the colosseum grounds! That kid, Jiang Qiu, is really something else!"
"Are you kidding? From the very start, that Jiang Qiu went straight for Sang Islandās number one genius, Sakai Yoshiei, and suppressed him at every turn. Heās a peerless prodigy, no doubt about it!"
"Speaking of which, when did our country produce another genius like him? Will he be the one to represent Xia Country in the Great Secret Realm?"
"Probably not. I heard that genius Sword Cultivator from Jiangnan Province has already defeated the top prodigies from seven provinces. Werenāt all the people he defeated stronger than Sakai Yoshiei? Itās highly likely heāll be the one to represent Xia Country in the Great Secret Realm..."
Jiang Qiu passed by the many guests in the lobby who were still watching replays of the live broadcast, their words echoing in his ears.
āThe world is full of powerful experts and countless geniuses; I must never underestimate anyone. Just look at Sakai Yoshiei. He was born on Sang Island, a place smaller than a single province, and became their so-called ānumber one genius,ā but in the end, he was still no match for me.ā
āAnd the Northwest Province is only one of eight in Xia Country. Every province has its prodigies, with the long-renowned Tang Guang being the most exceptional. I still need to work harder on my Cultivation.ā
āFurthermore, there are peerless prodigies among the Demon Race as well, like the Ancestral Great Demon Feng Li. He has slaughtered many famous Dharma Realm Martial Artists from Xia Country in battle after battle, and he holds dominion over Shaxin State.ā
āItās rumored that he is the most talented among all the Northwest Demon Clan. If he doesnāt die, he has a real chance of being promoted to Demon General, and then achieving the rank of Demon Marshal!ā
āBut...ā
A murderous glint flashed in Jiang Qiuās eyes, and his fists cracked ominously.
āNo matter how talented Feng Li is, the matter of him ambushing the Hundred Machines Giant Kite will not be forgotten. If I get the chance, Iāll make sure he dies before he can ever become a Demon General!ā