As Incompatible as Fire and Water
Tao Chengsi explained, "The degree of loss of control also depends on the bloodline attribute. Fang Hong's bloodline is that of Mighty Divine Ape, which is why he loses his mind after losing control. My bloodline only controls airflow, so even if I lose control, it's not a big deal."
As he spoke, he stretched out his hand, and soon air currents gathered in his palm, forming a tiny vortex. Then, his body trembled, the vortex suddenly dissipated, the air currents in the room howled, and a strong wind blew, causing a slight stinging sensation on people's faces. Some lighter objects were blown into the air.
In a short while, the gale subsided, and the room was a mess. However, for Si Ming and Si Jingyu, it was like a gentle breeze, and even their hairstyles remained intact.
"That was the destructive power I could cause when my bloodline power went out of control. It might be terrible for ordinary people, but it's nothing to martial artists. Most people's bloodline power is like mine, which controls external forces, so going out of control won't affect them. On the Fang Hong's Divine Ape bloodline is quite rare because it directly affects the body when activated, which is why it drives him into madness," Tao Chengsi explained calmly.
The girl said anxiously, "Why did you tell the other person about your bloodline characteristics? Even if we reveal the secret of having an acquired physique, there's no need to disclose your personal bloodline characteristics. That's like telling the other person what special moves you have."
Tao Chengsi said, "First, I believe Si Ming won't reveal this matter, nor do I think we'll happen to run into each other; second, I never intended to use this as a trump card, it's not such a remarkable ability to begin with."
Si Ming nodded and said, "I promise I will keep my mouth shut."
"That won't do either. I won't allow you to reveal any more of our team's secrets. That's a disciplinary issue." The girl forcefully pulled Tao Chengsi away.
Tao Chengsi did not resist, but waved to Si Ming before leaving.
"Bloodline characteristics, acquired physique... quite interesting things," Si Jingyu commented. "As expected of the Su State, which boasts the world's number one technological strength, they actually thought of stimulating acquired physiques."
"It might be helpful for beginners, but it's not very useful for advanced players."
Si Ming spread his five fingers, and soon the airflow swirled, creating a vortex in his palm. Moreover, the wind speed was dozens of times stronger than Tao Chengsi's vortex.
In Si Ming's view, the so-called special bloodline was simply a superpower. Tao Chengsi's bloodline characteristic was wind control, so he must also have water control, fire control, electricity control, and so on.
However, while superpowers might shine brightly in traditional martial arts worlds, they become rather useless in a mystical world like Sea Continent, since there are always other Cultivation Method that can replace them.
To control wind, one can cultivate the "Wenlin Formless Art"; to control fire, one can cultivate the "Blazing Yang Battle Art"; to control water, one can cultivate the "Water Moon Precious Mirror"; and there are corresponding Cultivation Method for controlling ice, electricity, etc. Even the bloodline of the divine ape is not necessarily stronger than the external martial arts. There is even a Super Martial Dao series called "Scroll of Space" for spatial abilities.
If the so-called bloodline characteristics can only reach the level that Tao Chengsi just demonstrated, even if he uses them in the competition, they probably won't have a surprising effect, because others will only regard them as a martial arts move or Internal Cultivation effect. Unless he can shout "Za Warudo" to freeze time and take the opportunity to move his opponent off the stage, that would indeed be very powerful and impossible to defend against.
But in any science fiction work, time-manipulation abilities are extremely rare and cannot be as common as cabbage. In any case, Si Ming could not imagine how twisted a world would be if everyone possessed time-manipulation abilities.
"Bloodline traits may not seem remarkable on their own, but they are ultimately an additional ability that doesn't conflict with martial arts training. Combining the two might yield unexpected results," Si Jingyu reminded him. "Furthermore, Young Master's classmate didn't reveal his full abilities. Perhaps he deliberately revealed them to you; feigning weakness isn't a particularly clever tactic."
Si Ming nodded and said, "Then I look forward to their performance in the Martial Dao League."
Chapter 769 Water and Fire Cannot Coexist
The entrance to Earth Emperor University.
"We've finally arrived. The trains these days are so slow. It felt like a week to travel from the south to the north. If this continues, the Martial Dao League might never be able to happen," Si Ming remarked, looking at the iconic gate of the Earth Emperor University.
The main gate of the Earth Emperor University is constructed from two large, leaning trees facing each other. The trunks of the trees are intertwined to form a huge archway, and the trunks, guided by Divine Arts, combine to form the four characters "Earth Emperor University".
Wood carvings naturally possess a transcendent and ethereal quality compared to stone carvings, setting them apart from the mundane. Moreover, this is a living wood carving, not a dead one, lush and vibrant with life, and you can even see a flock of sparrows chirping incessantly on the branches.
Not far from the school gate, students had set up tents by the roadside with banners that read "Warmly welcome the representatives of the National Martial Dao League." Clearly, this group was specifically there to receive them.
As soon as Si Ming and Si Jingyu walked over, a beautiful female student immediately came up to them and politely asked, "Are you two also here to participate in the lottery? May I ask which team you are on?"
"Linked Mountains University." After bowing, Si Jingyu corrected, "I'm not representing anyone; I'm the young master's maid."
Si Ming didn't explain. After getting used to this setup, he found it quite enjoyable. Everything was done for him. With Si Jingyu's abilities, she could arrange everything perfectly, and he only needed to pose.
Sure enough, the female student was also taken aback. She gave Si Ming an Anomalies look, thinking to herself, "Where did this young master from the Aristocratic Clan come from? He even needs a maid to go out and draw lots. Why would Linked Mountains University send someone like this as their representative?"
Despite her inner turmoil, the girl didn't show it on her face, maintaining a formulaic smile as she said, "The main hall where the lottery ceremony will be held is further inside. Please follow me, both of you." Along the way, she even acted as a tour guide, introducing the attractions of the Earth Emperor University.
The architecture of the Earth Emperor does indeed have a unique charm, combining humanistic spirit and classical art. Sometimes, seeing a building can remind you of the corresponding historical story. However, Si Ming and Si Jingyu are both people who have seen a lot, so they naturally won't be as surprised as Grandma Liu visiting the Grand View Garden. They will only look at it with appreciation and admiration.
The girl who led the way didn't feel any regret. Although Linked Mountains University's overall evaluation was slightly lower than Heavenly Black Earth Emperor's, the difference wasn't significant, and they were still considered universities of the same level. Their students were naturally not country bumpkins, and in fact, Linked Mountains University was even better than Heavenly Black Earth Emperor University in terms of artistic level.
"The Shennong Grand Auditorium of our school is just ahead. The explanation about the league draw will begin in an hour. Please wait patiently. I'll head back now."
If it were just Si Ming alone, she wouldn't mind staying to chat with this handsome guy. But since there was a beautiful woman beside him who was more outstanding than her in every way, and she was also in a protective stance of "forbidding irrelevant people from disturbing the young master," she didn't want to make a fool of herself. After saying that, she turned around and left.
Si Ming and Si Jingyu entered the auditorium, which was already quite full. However, it still seemed empty in the huge venue. After all, the Martial Dao League only had 64 teams. Even if each team sent three representatives, it would only be 200 people. The auditorium could seat 5,000 people, so this number was barely enough to fill a gap.
Si Ming looked around and immediately saw familiar faces. It wasn't Tao Chengsi, but Liang Fan, the Captain of the martial arts team from the same prefecture, who came from the Glacier Martial Arts School, and his teammates, the Song sisters. He remembered that their names were Song Caishuang and Song Xiaoshuang, but he couldn't tell who was the older sister and who was the younger sister.
The other party noticed the gaze and saw Si Ming, so they came over to greet him. Although they were competitors in the state-level qualifiers, they became fellow countrymen and comrades in the national league. Besides, given the difference in their strength, they weren't really even competing. The Second Martial Arts Club was guaranteed a spot, while the Glacier Martial Arts School would compete with other teams for the remaining spot.
"You're from Linked Mountains University, right? I feel like I've met you before, but you look unfamiliar."
"I only participated in the previous state qualifiers. I didn't participate in the previous national league or this year's state qualifiers, so it's normal that I don't recognize them."
Si Ming was able to remember his opponent thanks to his excellent memory. After all, even in that one encounter, he didn't participate in the fight. The Second Martial Arts Club won all three matches and easily defeated the Glacier Martial Arts School, so he didn't have a deep impression of the opponent.
Liang Fan had participated in the National Martial Dao League twice before, making it his third time, so he was very experienced. He shared a lot of his insights with Si Ming, but unfortunately, Si Ming didn't really listen and just made small talk.
An hour later, more and more people arrived, and almost everyone was there except for representatives from two teams. It seemed that Earth Emperor University, the organizer, did not intend to wait any longer.
"Everyone, please be quiet."
A calm yet powerful voice rang in everyone's ears, completely undisturbed by the murmurs of the crowd. This single gesture alone demonstrated the speaker's profound skill, and many people immediately showed expressions of apprehension. Then, a person strode onto the stage of the auditorium.
"That person is Wei Mengchen, the newly promoted Nascent Spirit Transformation from the Earth Emperor University," Liang Fan introduced.
Si Ming looked up and saw that the man had thick, black hair, and beneath his sharp, sword-like eyebrows were a pair of slender, almond-shaped eyes that were full of affection, making one fall in love with him without even realizing it. He had a high nose bridge and lips that were neither too thick nor too thin, and he smiled in a mesmerizing way. He was truly handsome.
A person's name is like a tree's shadow. Wei Mengchen stood in the center of the stage, and the title of Spirit Transformation Grandmaster stage seemed to cast an idol drama-like glow on him. Many female representatives were instantly captivated, their eyes sparkling with hearts. If they hadn't remembered that they were there to draw lots and not to chase after celebrities, they probably would have screamed out loud.
"Tch, vulgar." Si Ming scoffed dismissively.
Liang Fan asked curiously, "Brother Si Ming, do you have a grudge against this newly promoted Nascent Spirit Transformation?"
Si Ming nodded solemnly and said, "The world may be vast, but it cannot accommodate two unparalleled beauties."