Essence of Xingtian!

Zhou Zhe nodded slightly, indicating he understood.

He had been prepared even before the Brand sent a prompt.

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

He had created the Flame Body Tempering Technique and cultivated it to perfection, filling the gap in his explosive power.

He had thoroughly mastered Elementary Planar Cryptography, adding another recognized skill to his mysterious notebook.

He had increased the development of his high-level Extraordinary Organ, the Heart of Heavenly Tribulation, permanently increasing his energy limit.

Each of these advancements brought significant progress, and combined, they had unknowingly pushed Zhou Zhe to the peak level of a Black Iron Five Stars Cosmic Gladiator.

"The promotion match in three days..."

"I'll finish what I'm doing first."

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

A human-shaped light projection appeared before his eyes.

The figure was a woman about 1.7 meters tall, clad in a milky white feathered gauze. Her hair was as black as a waterfall, tied up in a flying sword bun at the tips. Her skin was like congealed fat, and she exuded an ethereal aura, as if she didn't eat the food of the mortal world.

She was like a female protagonist in a Xianxia drama, unstained by even a speck of dust, and her beauty was striking.

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

After sizing Zhou Zhe up, she said in a cold tone, "I come from Xuanji Star in the Dongcang Cultivation Star Circle, and I am a Sword Cultivator."

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

Wenren Yi's face remained as still as a calm ancient well, her eyes serene. "I want to make a deal with you."

"Interesting."

Zhou Zhe suddenly smiled. "Tell me about it."

"I have the Waymark for the world where your master, Lin Ye's, remains are located."

Wenren Yi said calmly, "In exchange for this Waymark, I want a promise from you."

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

The temporary space ability was powerful, but just having the place name was useless; a Waymark was essential.

No matter what tricks or schemes the other party had in mind, he would accept!

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

Now, it seemed he might not need to go through all that trouble.

Wenren Yi's demeanor changed for the first time, and her tone showed a slight fluctuation. "If... I mean, if I were to lose to you, you can kill me, but please don't destroy my soul."

Trying to show weakness! Playing the pig to eat the tiger!

These two phrases immediately flashed through Zhou Zhe's mind.

He smiled noncommittally and followed her lead. "You specifically mentioned this because you've already arranged for a resurrection method?"

"You don't seem like someone who fears death."

As he spoke, Zhou Zhe casually asked the Black Iron Brand, "Does the transaction she mentioned violate the rules? I need to ask in advance. If it displetes 'the Dao' and is considered match-fixing, and that entity directly annihilates Earth's civilization, that would be truly tragic."

[Brand 4A1220: This is basic information, and can be provided free of charge when a Black Iron Gladiator inquires. The reply is as follows...]

[The Cosmic Arena's purpose is to eliminate the opponent's physical body and provide a real, exciting battle. It is a contest of wit and strength. It is not necessary to completely obliterate their soul—however... while not necessary, it can be done.]

"So, this kind of transaction is within the scope of the rules? Then... thank you!"

Zhou Zhe smiled, turned his head, and his gaze fell upon Wenren Yi.

She seemed to be recalling something. After a long pause, she finally spoke, "I do not fear death, but I cannot die. I bear responsibilities that you cannot comprehend."

Upon hearing this, Zhou Zhe frowned and pondered for a moment before replying, "Alright, send over the spatial coordinates."

As soon as Zhou Zhe finished speaking, Wenren Yi sent over what she called the "World Waymark."

"You believe a verbal promise?" Zhou Zhe looked at her. "Aren't you afraid I'll go back on my word?"

Wenren Yi's tone remained calm and indifferent. "Firstly, our transaction has been recorded and will be kept.

"We have no animosity between us. We are merely opponents destined to fight to the death due to 'the Dao's' arrangement. You have no reason to completely destroy me at the cost of ruining your own reputation.

"Secondly, the World Waymark alone is useless. If you want to teleport there, you will need to expend Gladiator Points, which will weaken your strength and benefit me.

"Finally, someone who is skilled in Innate Calculation once said..."

"You, Zhou Zhe, are by no means a good person, but your promises..."

"Are priceless."

Hearing this, Zhou Zhe said noncommittally, "Fine, then let's not talk about it."

"Don't expect me to go easy on you."

"Hurry up and prepare your resurrection method."

With his words finished, Zhou Zhe directly cut off the communication link, and Wenren Yi's projection instantly vanished.

Coordinates acquired!

Using the ability of "Plane Traveler," Zhou Zhe quickly confirmed that the world corresponding to these spatial coordinates was indeed "Dou Lan Continent."

Wenren Yi hadn't tampered with anything in this regard.

As long as Zhou Zhe was willing, he could travel there in an instant.

The problem was, the energy accumulated within him was only enough to go, not to return.

It was equivalent to a one-way ticket.

"A blatant, open scheme? This Sword Cultivator woman is quite sharp..."

Zhou Zhe closed his eyes and took a deep breath.

This problem wasn't actually difficult to solve.

Half an hour later.

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

All four walls were made of metal, exuding a cold aura. People in white coats and red and black uniforms moved like the wind, with little communication between them.

Led by Director Huang Tiankai, Zhou Zhe arrived in front of 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 traveled with Zhou Zhe six times across the country!

Zhou Zhe's requirements were a bit stringent.

The energy provided by nuclear power plants was difficult to harness, and energy from wind and tidal power was more suitable for auxiliary cultivation.

Even the power of cursed spirits being researched by the Second Supernatural Affairs Department couldn't meet Zhou Zhe's demands!

Director Huang glanced at Zhou Zhe, who was full of vigor, and gave a wry smile. "I really envy you young people... My old bones can hardly keep up."

What was the experience of spatial travel like?

Once or twice, it was very novel, more thrilling than skydiving or rock climbing without safety gear.

But after many repetitions, it became unbearable.

Huang Tiankai now felt lightheaded, as if his feet were treading on cotton. If it weren't for his years of training and a body as tough as iron, he probably would have thrown up by now.

"Thank you for your hard work."

"I recently created a supernatural cultivation technique called 'Flame Body Tempering Technique.' It doesn't have any requirements for cultivation aptitude, only a fire source..."

"Whether it's a fire from a match, a lighter, liquefied gas, or other fuels, anyone can cultivate it."

"You could say it's very down-to-earth."

Zhou Zhe patted the other man's shoulder. "It's shared in the 'Swift Wind Group' section of the Myriad Heavens Forum. Have Dugu Xiu or Jinuo pull you in later."

"This technique can serve as basic teaching material for popularizing the supernatural. I will develop more advanced techniques later."

A look of joy appeared on Huang Tiankai's face. "Great!"

He had received information about the "Flame Body Tempering Technique" at the first opportunity, but he hadn't seen the exact content.

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

However...

Most supernaturals were arrogant and unruly, and finding such an excellent partner as Zhou Zhe was not easy.

Many times, Huang Tiankai, as the head of the Supernatural Affairs Department, placed great importance on Zhou Zhe's ideas.

He entered the password and pushed open the door.

Boom! Boom!

Boom! Boom!

Boom! Boom!

The sound of intense heartbeats exploded in his ears like muffled thunder.

"Its name is..."

"Essence of Xingtian!"

See you tomorrow at noon, 12:20 PM~

Bye!