Essence of Xingtian!

Zhou Zhe nodded slightly, indicating that he understood.

He had already been prepared before the Brand sent its notification.

How much progress and improvement had he made during this time?

He had created the Flame Body Tempering Technique and cultivated it to perfection, making up for his weakness in explosive power.

He had thoroughly mastered Elementary Planar Cryptography, adding another skill acknowledged by the mysterious notebook.

He had raised the development level of the High-Tier Extraordinary Organ, the Heart of Heavenly Tribulation, permanently increasing his Energy Cap.

Each of these could bring considerable improvement. Combined together, they had imperceptibly pushed Zhou Zhe to the peak level of a Black Iron Five Stars Cosmic Gladiator.

"The promotion match in three days..."

"First, I'll deal with what's at hand."

Just as Zhou Zhe was about to use his Plane Traveler ability, the sword-and-shield Brand on the back of his hand suddenly began to heat up.

A humanoid silhouette of light appeared before him.

She was a woman around 1.7 meters tall, draped in milky-white feathered satin and gauze. Her hair was black as a waterfall, its tips gathered into a flying-sword bun. Her skin was like congealed cream, and she carried an ethereal air untouched by worldly dust.

Like the heroine of an immortal cultivation drama, she was pristine from head to toe, not stained by the slightest speck of dust—and gorgeous.

"My name is Wenren Yi. I am your opponent in the promotion match."

After looking Zhou Zhe over from head to toe, she said coldly, "I come from Xuanji Star in the Dongcang Cultivation Star Circle. I am a Sword Cultivator."

Zhou Zhe looked at her as though she were already dead, his voice cold as iron. "So?"

Wenren Yi's expression was still as an ancient well, her gaze calm. "I wish to make a deal with you."

"Interesting."

Zhou Zhe suddenly smiled. "Let's hear it."

"I possess the world coordinate of the world where your master Lin Ye's remains are located."

Wenren Yi said evenly, "That coordinate in exchange for one promise from you."

"What promise?" Zhou Zhe asked with great interest.

Temporary Spatial Abilities were badass, but a place name alone was useless. A coordinate was essential.

No matter what tricks or schemes she was playing, he would take them all!

Originally, Zhou Zhe had planned to spend three days thoroughly comprehending the first stage of his spatial traversal ability, then spend points to purchase spatial coordinates from the Brand.

Now, it seemed that might not be necessary.

Wenren Yi's expression changed for the first time, and a slight tremor entered her voice. "If... I mean, if I lose to you, you may kill me, but do not destroy my soul."

Showing weakness to lure the enemy!

Playing the pig to eat the tiger!

Those two phrases instantly surfaced in Zhou Zhe's mind.

He smiled noncommittally and followed her line of thought. "You specifically mentioned this because you have already arranged a means of resurrection?"

"You don't look like someone afraid of death."

As he spoke, Zhou Zhe casually asked the Black Iron Brand, "Does the deal she mentioned count as a violation? I need to ask in advance. If 'Dao' gets upset and decides we're fixing the match, then directly wipes out Earth civilization, that would be truly miserable."

Brand 4A1220: This is basic information and may be provided free of charge when a Black Iron Gladiator inquires. The response is as follows...

The Cosmic Arena aims to eliminate the opponent's physical body and provide genuine, spectacular battles. It is a contest of intelligence and strength; there is no need to make the opponent's soul scatter and vanish—however... though unnecessary, it may be done.

"So this kind of deal falls within what the rules permit? Then... thanks!"

Zhou Zhe smiled and turned his gaze toward Wenren Yi.

She seemed to be recalling something. Only after a long while did she finally speak. "I do not fear death, but I cannot die. I bear responsibilities you cannot understand."

Hearing this, Zhou Zhe frowned and pondered for a moment before replying, "Fine. Send the spatial coordinate."

The moment Zhou Zhe finished speaking, Wenren Yi immediately sent over the "world coordinate" she had mentioned.

"You believe a verbal promise?" Zhou Zhe looked at her. "Aren't you afraid I'll grow fat on my words?"

Wenren Yi's tone remained calm and indifferent. "First, our transaction has already been recorded and will be preserved."

"There is no hatred between us. We became opponents in a life-and-death struggle only because of Dao's arrangement. You have no reason to destroy your own reputation just to completely eliminate me."

"Second, a world coordinate alone is useless. To teleport there, you must consume Gladiator Points. That weakens your strength and benefits me."

"Lastly, someone skilled in Innate Calculation once said..."

"You, Zhou Zhe, are absolutely not a good person, but your promises..."

"Are worth a fortune."

Hearing that, Zhou Zhe remained noncommittal. "Fine, then no more talk."

"Don't expect me to show mercy."

"Hurry up and prepare your resurrection method."

With that, Zhou Zhe directly severed the communication link, and Wenren Yi's projection instantly dissipated.

The coordinate was in hand!

Through his Plane Traveler ability, Zhou Zhe quickly confirmed that the world corresponding to this spatial coordinate was indeed Dou Lan Continent.

Wenren Yi had not tampered with it in that regard.

So long as Zhou Zhe wished it, he could traverse there in an instant.

The problem was that the energy accumulated within him was only enough for the trip there, not the return.

It was equivalent to a one-way ticket.

"A forthright open scheme? This Sword Cultivator woman has a brain..."

Zhou Zhe closed his eyes and took a deep breath.

This problem was not actually difficult to solve.

Half an hour later.

On the outskirts of the capital, Supernatural Affairs Department, underground secret base.

All four walls were metallic, exuding a dark chill. People in white coats and red-and-black uniforms came and went like the wind, with little communication between them.

Led by Director Huang Tiankai, Zhou Zhe arrived before Room S3.

"Master Zhou, this is our final attempt."

Director Huang wiped the sweat from his forehead, his face pale. "If this doesn't work either, then I truly have no other options."

In just thirty minutes, he had followed Zhou Zhe through six spatial traversals across the country!

Zhou Zhe's requirements were somewhat demanding.

The energy supplied by nuclear power plants was difficult to draw upon, while energy from wind and tides was more suitable for assisting cultivation.

Even the bizarre power of curses currently being researched by the Second Supernatural Affairs Department could not meet Zhou Zhe's requirements!

Director Huang glanced at the vigorous Zhou Zhe and gave a bitter smile. "I truly envy young people like you... These old bones of mine are almost unable to take it."

What did spatial traversal feel like?

Once or twice, it was incredibly fresh—more thrilling than skydiving or unprotected rock climbing.

But after too many times, it became unbearable.

Huang Tiankai now felt top-heavy and light-footed, as though he were walking on cotton. If not for years of training and an iron-forged physique, he would likely have vomited long ago.

"Thank you for your hard work."

"I recently created an extraordinary cultivation method called the Flame Body Tempering Technique. It has no requirements whatsoever for cultivation aptitude, so long as there is a source of fire..."

"Whether it is a match, lighter, liquefied gas, or flames supplied by other fuels, anyone can cultivate it."

"You could say it is very down-to-earth."

Zhou Zhe patted his shoulder. "It's shared in the Swift Wind Group section of the Myriad Heavens Forum. Later, have Dugu Xiu or Jinuo add you."

"This cultivation method can serve as foundational teaching material for popularizing the extraordinary. Later, I will develop other, more advanced cultivation methods."

A flash of delight appeared on Huang Tiankai's face. "Good!"

He had received intelligence regarding the Flame Body Tempering Technique at the first possible moment, but he did not have its exact contents.

If he had wanted it, he could have obtained it long ago.

It was just that...

Most extraordinary individuals were proud and unruly. It was truly not easy to find such an outstanding partner as Zhou Zhe.

Many times, as the person in charge of the Supernatural Affairs Department, Huang Tiankai placed great importance on Zhou Zhe's thoughts.

He entered the password and pushed open the door.

Thump! Thump!

Thump! Thump!

Thump! Thump!

The violent pounding of a heart exploded beside their ears like muffled thunder.

"Its name is..."

"Essence of Xingtian!"

See you tomorrow at 12:20 noon~

Bye-bye!