The Grandmaster Trial
However, Si Ming did not step forward to talk to them. Otherwise, if the other party asked him for evidence, he would not be able to produce it. If the other party did not ask him for evidence, wouldn't that imply that he was one of the four possibilities. "Gifted ability, soul possession, precognition, or Otherworld Domain being"?
No one approached Yu Shuying until school was over, and she seemed completely at ease, not noticing anything amiss. As soon as the bell rang, she grabbed her bag and went home.
Her classmates' impression of her was mostly limited to "weirdo," and if it weren't for her good looks, they probably wouldn't even bother discussing her.
Si Ming didn't go home; he went to the Mohist Knight Guard base because his master had returned.
"I know everything you did in Li State." Yan Jinghong got straight to the point as soon as they met.
Si Ming asked cautiously, "Isn't this considered interfering in another country's internal affairs? Won't it cause trouble?"
"You don't need to worry about that. The international community doesn't recognize the existence of the Barbarian Hu government at all, and even if it's a sovereign state, it doesn't matter. I only have one question for you: do you want to become Grandmaster?"
Chapter 199 The Grandmaster Trial
Si Ming was stunned and didn't know how to answer. Even though he had lived two lives, at this moment, all that was left in his mind were the questions, "Who am I? Where am I? What am I supposed to do?"
This isn't hard to understand. Just imagine: you're in school all day with your classmates, and in the evening you're going home with your homework. Suddenly, a high-ranking official from the Politburo appears in front of you and asks if you'd like to be the president of the country. Anyone would be stunned in that situation.
Whether or not Grandmaster is not something Yan Jinghong can decide, but his words undoubtedly carry weight and can bring about decisive changes, such as recommending someone to be a candidate for Grandmaster.
Candidates may not necessarily become Grandmaster, but at least they have the right to be voted on.
Si Ming instantly realized that he was at a turning point in his life, and his answer at this moment could very well determine his future, just like filling out college applications after the college entrance examination. After thinking about it this way, he was no longer nervous.
Undeniably, choosing the right major is very important. Some surveys have shown that more than 60% of college graduates regret their choice of major, feeling that they were too young and naive, made a decision without understanding the major, and experienced setbacks in their careers. Less than 20% of them are satisfied with their major.
Even so, life goes on. No one would slit their throat and say they want to do it all over again. The road of life is full of bumps and stumbles as we move forward. There are very few smooth sailing journeys. As the saying goes, nine times out of ten, things don't go as planned.
"I am not yet aware of the corresponding responsibilities, especially such heavy responsibilities as the Grandmaster. I do not believe that my character and abilities are sufficient to make me the leader of all Mohist."
Si Ming didn't hide anything and frankly expressed his inner thoughts, admitting that he lacked responsibility.
Yan Jinghong did not show any disappointment after hearing this, and said, "Don't worry, it's not like I'm going to make you a Grandmaster right now. Abilities can be honed. No Grandmaster in history has ever become one before the age of thirty. As long as you are determined, you can gradually cultivate yourself in this direction."
Si Ming thought for a moment, then shook his head again. "I don't have the strategic vision of a national leader. Perhaps vision can be cultivated, but I have no interest in politics. I only want to be a martial artist; martial arts are my pursuit."
He pursues the principles of punishing evil and promoting good, and seeking vengeance with gusto. If he were to become Grandmaster, he would inevitably have to deal with various forces. With too much on his shoulders, he would have to be cautious in his actions and would not be free.
Yan Jinghong nodded. "I understand, but I have something to tell you. Your Uncle-Master Xiao has recommended you to be Grandmaster Candidate."
"Huh? Wasn't Senior Uncle Xiao wanted by the authorities?"
While Si Ming and his companions were stranded in Li State, news of what happened on Thousand Leaves Island had already spread. Those political enemies who had framed Xiao Xuan had finally found a pretext to expose the incident and issued arrest warrants.
"It is the right of the Heaven's Will Palace members to recommend Grandmaster Candidate. Heaven's Will Palace is not under the jurisdiction of the government. As long as other members do not vote to remove you from office, you, Uncle Xiao, will still be a member of the Heaven's Will Palace, and you will retain the right to recommend Grandmaster Candidate."
What are the obligations of becoming Grandmaster Candidate?
"It's less of an obligation and more of a trial. The only condition for becoming Grandmaster is to travel to various countries and leave behind verifiable achievements in each country. Ability and character are secondary. Even if you are weak and helpless, as long as you meet the conditions, you can still become Grandmaster."
"Uh, does that mean the Grandmaster's duty is to maintain peace in the Nine Realms?"
"It doesn't necessarily have to be about maintaining peace, as long as it's not evil, but it must demonstrate personal value. It can't be that your presence or absence makes no difference. For example, if you participate in rescuing the former crown prince in the Li State, it would have significant meaning and might even change the history of the Li State. That would meet the standards of the trial. However, for that level alone, you would probably only get 30 points, unless you replace General Mu Wu and plan the entire Northern Invasion Plan, then you can get 90 points," Yan Jinghong explained.
Si Ming asked worriedly, "Isn't this interfering in other countries' internal affairs?"
"Yes, but with the government backing you up, as long as you don't commit any crimes, there won't be any problems."
Yan Jinghong's tone revealed a confidence in the strength of her motherland.
"Does everyone who is Grandmaster Candidate have to participate in the trial?"
"It's not mandatory. Grandmaster Candidate is a right, not an obligation. Even if you give up becoming the Grandmaster and instead assist someone else, that's fine. I was also a Grandmaster Candidate back then, but I never had the idea of becoming the Grandmaster from the beginning. I only wanted to assist my elder brother, and that's why I'm looking for you." Yan Jinghong paused for a moment and asked, "There should be a transfer student in your class today, right?"
"Master, are you referring to that girl named Yu Shuying?"
Si Ming recalled that the other person had paid special attention to him in class, and he realized that this was the source of the problem.
Yan Jinghong nodded and said, "She is also a Grandmaster Candidate, and has gained the recognition of many Spirit Transformation experts, including myself. If you really give up on becoming Grandmaster, I hope you can help her pass the trials. After all, some people don't want to see a new Grandmaster emerge."
What should I do?
"It's simple. The two of you will participate in the trial together. During the trial, you will be responsible for her personal safety. On the surface, it will be the other way around. We will release the news that you are the one everyone is optimistic about Grandmaster Candidate, Yu Shuying is just an assistant who will advise you."
Yan Jinghong reached out and patted Si Ming's shoulder, saying earnestly, "I know this arrangement is very unfair to you, and it will make those schemers hiding in the shadows target you, putting you in danger. So this is not an order, but a request from your master. I hope you can understand." After saying that, she lowered her head to express her apology.
Si Ming quickly stopped him, saying, "Master, don't flatter me. It's just being a bodyguard, no problem at all. The Cultivation Method I practice is best suited for taking hits for others, and I'm an expert at attracting the enemy's hatred!" He then patted his chest forcefully.
Whether it was to repay a debt of gratitude or to show respect for Yan Jinghong's character, he had no reason to refuse. Moreover, traveling around the world and appreciating different cultures and landscapes was one of the goals of his life plan. Now that it was being offered as a publicly funded trip, it couldn't be better. With the government backing him up, he could do whatever he wanted, which was much better than his original plan.
"However, after this trip during the winter break, I feel that I still have many shortcomings in combat, and I hope to receive assistance in this area. Only when my strength increases can I play a better supporting role."
Yan Jinghong laughed and said, "Don't worry, I won't let you work for nothing. I've already applied for your exclusive Profound Armor. The Mohist Academy of Science will tailor-make a set for you. You can look forward to it. In addition, there's a Swordsmanship that I went to great lengths to obtain from someone else."
After saying that, he pulled out a book made of platinum from his arms. It contained a strong Sword Intent, and just by looking at it, one could feel a majestic and domineering martial aura emanating from it.
"This is the 'Juntian Sword Art,' the national treasure of the Li State's royal family. Its moves are powerful and domineering, yet seemingly simple yet skillful. Compared to our sect's 'Feng and Shan Sacrifice Sword Technique,' it's more suitable for your current Cultivation Body."
Si Ming took it and flipped through it briefly, finding the back pages blank. He asked, "It seems incomplete?"
"After all, it's a national treasure, a secret passed down through the imperial lineage, and it's extremely well-protected. It's not so easy to collect. If it weren't for the war in Li State more than a decade ago, Barbarian Hu massacred the imperial bloodline, we probably wouldn't even have had the chance to collect this much information. Actually, it's enough for you. With your current level of Internal Cultivation, even if you knew the later moves, it wouldn't matter if you couldn't use them."
Si Ming asked in confusion, "After the martial arts revolution, all kinds of great sects' unique skills have become commonplace. At least in terms of Foundation Establishment Cultivation Method, the country has no secrets. Even the national treasure of Li State might not be more powerful than those sects with thousands of years of tradition. Otherwise, Li State wouldn't have lost half of its territory. At least I haven't heard of any of Li State's princes being famous experts."
Yan Jinghong explained, "This national-level divine skill requires a divine weapon to unleash its extraordinary power. This weapon is the Juntian Divine Sword, which is on par with the Mohist School Sacred Sword of our country. Legend has it that only those of royal blood can wield it. Back then, the founding emperor of Li State, with his Spirit Transformation stage and the Juntian Divine Sword, was able to fight against Void Returning Great Grandmaster without being at a disadvantage. This is why the Barbarian Hu have tried every means to sever the royal bloodline, and it is also why I believe that your rescue of the former crown prince can change the history of Li State."