Heart of Heavenly Tribulation, current development: 13%!
This change in the data meant that Zhou Zhe's total reserves of extraordinary power had surged severalfold!
Wisps of flame escaped from his pores, while wind and lightning coiled around his body, making him look quite imposing.
In truth, Zhou Zhe knew perfectly well that this was merely a result of his energy increasing too quickly and his control slipping.
With a thought, Zhou Zhe split his focus in two and simultaneously circulated the non-conflicting portions of the Wind Element Body Tempering Technique and the Flame Body Tempering Technique.
By now, Zhou Zhe's understanding of these two techniques could not be called unparalleled in all ages, but it was certainly unprecedented.
He did not need to maintain a fixed cross-legged posture, form complicated hand seals, or perform obscure visualizations...
Whether walking, sitting, lying down, or standing, Zhou Zhe could cultivate both techniques.
And with extraordinarily high efficiency!
At present, even Jinuo, the person in the entire Swift Wind Pavilion who cultivated extraordinary techniques most efficiently, was still far behind Zhou Zhe's pace.
Three breaths later, the leaking energy was suppressed once more.
Zhou Zhe also regained perfect control over the Qianfeng Tribulation Lightning and Flame Power within his body.
"It seems I've gained its recognition."
As he spoke, Zhou Zhe patted the Essence of Xingtian, a faint smile curling at the corner of his lips. "As long as one can endure it, one can use it perfectly."
Hearing this, Director Huang Tiankai beside him was first startled, then overjoyed. "Good! Very good! Excellent! If those research maniacs heard this news, they'd probably go mad with excitement!"
"I wonder if you have the time to write a report on this encounter with the Essence of Xingtian?"
"Your experience is truly important to the entire research process!"
"Please rest assured! We will certainly provide appropriate compensation!"
The alliance was the alliance, and personal favors were personal favors.
Huang Tiankai had worked for many years, after all, and could clearly distinguish the gulf between the two.
Perhaps even if the Supernatural Affairs Department gave Zhou Zhe nothing, he would not hold any resentment. But when it came time to discuss cooperation again, he might not be so proactive.
He could not treat someone like an ox or horse and work him to death without compensation just because he possessed a sincere heart for the land beneath their feet.
Hearing Director Huang's words, Zhou Zhe smiled gently. "We've worked together for some time now. I trust the reputation of your Supernatural Affairs Department."
"However, I'll probably need half a day before I can begin working on the report concerning the Essence of Xingtian."
The moment those words left his mouth, Huang Tiankai's heart skipped a beat. He asked nervously, "Could it be that 'Dao' assigned you an emergency mission? Or are you going to take the Bronze Gladiator promotion match?"
Both possibilities were entirely real.
Dao stood high above all, ruling the heavens and treating every living being across the Endless Planes as Its toys.
It was nearly omnipotent, yet often displayed the cruel cold-bloodedness of a child.
Simply in pursuit of "fun," It could hurl a star at the planet of a Cosmic Gladiator candidate and exterminate billions of lives—planets without Cosmic Gladiators had no "ball rights."
It acted on every whim. It might grant a Cosmic Gladiator a century-long holiday because of a thrilling slaughter, or directly destroy an entire star system because of a boring gladiatorial match.
Old Huang's worries were not without reason.
According to the intelligence currently gathered by the Supernatural Affairs Department, the mortality rate of the emergency missions issued by "Dao" recently was as high as 95%!
And while the mortality rate for Black Iron Gladiators advancing to Bronze was somewhat lower, it was still as high as 76%!
"In a couple of days, I really will be taking the promotion match."
Zhou Zhe glanced at him, his state of mind exceedingly calm. "But today, I'm going to another world to collect my mentor's corpse."
Hearing this, Huang Tiankai's gaze dimmed. "Brother Lin Ye... Ah, what a pity! Our Supernatural Affairs Department's foundation is too weak. This should have been something we handled, yet you have to personally step in..."
As he spoke, Huang Tiankai drew a deep breath and solemnly saluted Zhou Zhe. "I'm counting on you for this!"
Zhou Zhe nodded slightly. "Don't worry. This is what I should do as his disciple."
"I'll be back soon."
Coordinates locked!
Plane Traveler ability activated!
Whoosh!
In the blink of an eye, Zhou Zhe's figure vanished without a trace, completely slipping into the void.
Dou Lan Continent, Imperial Museum.
Shoulder to shoulder, the tourists observed the museum exhibits from afar.
"The Beta-9 aliens look really terrifying!"
"Can the Rorotan aliens really be classified as 'people'? They're obviously just lumps of iron!"
"Ugh! These corpses feel so scary! Even from this far away, I feel like I can barely breathe!"
"So what? Weren't they still defeated by the First Prince?"
"His Highness the First Prince's divine might covers the world!"
"Sigh... I heard the First Prince went to carry out an exclusive mission assigned by 'Dao.' Who knows how long it'll take? I only hope he returns safely!"
"Shut up! How many times have I told you? Never, ever mention that one's name! Are you trying to get taken away by the Dark Dragon Guards?"
"Wow! Is that an Earthling? It only has two eyes. It looks like its bloodline foundation collapsed and mutated—it looks so disgusting!"
"My heavens! It's an Earthling!"
"I know, isn't it written on the plaque? Before his death, he was even a Bronze Two Stars Cosmic Gladiator... He looks so delicate and weak, not at all like a strong man..."
"To the left! To the left! I mean a real, living Earthling!"
Amid the clamor, nearly every tourist focused their attention on the "living Earthling"—Zhou Zhe.
Zhou Zhe did not spare even the slightest thought for their feelings.
All his attention was focused on transparent crystal display stand Number Nineteen.
His mentor Lin Ye's corpse was secured atop that crystal stand.
His eyes were tightly shut, as though he were asleep.
But he had no breath, no heartbeat. Zhou Zhe could not even sense the slightest ripple of thought from him.
"..."
Zhou Zhe silently stared at Lin Ye's corpse, his eyes reddening slightly.
Flecks of flame flowed from the corners of his eyes like dancing butterflies, dissipating into the air.
The time the two had spent together had been very brief.
Yet Lin Ye's selflessness, kindness, and sincerity had all deeply influenced Zhou Zhe.
It could be said that without Lin Ye, judging from Zhou Zhe's childhood and adolescent experiences, he would most likely have become a hated antisocial individual.
Instead of becoming the second-generation master of the Swift Wind Pavilion as he was now, teaching and imparting knowledge, opening an extraordinary path for Earth.
Zhou Zhe raised his hand, his palm aimed at the crystal display stand.
"Shatter!"
As wind and lightning swirled, the display stand turned to powder.
Zhou Zhe's figure flickered as he carried Lin Ye's remains onto his back.
"You damned bastard, what are you doing? Stop!"
An enraged roar rang out from the entrance of the museum.
Please vote!
Before you continue