Program and Honor

"Thump!"

The flying head smashed onto the trash can lid the black cat had just passed, the sound echoing clearly throughout the quiet alley.

The Blood Vein Cord flying sword, now the size of a short sword, circled once.

After confirming there were no other ambushes around and that the cameras had long since been destroyed, it returned to Li Xijun's hand.

The young man, his expression calm, looked at the corpse before him and couldn't help but sigh softly:

"The danger and speed of life-and-death combat between Martial Warriors before reaching the Outer Scenery realm truly exceeded my expectations."

"Originally, I had the idea of using my Tendons and Bones Realm's hardened skin and bones to block a few moves,"

"I didn't expect this Blood God Cult follower's Blood Essence to be far more abundant than that of an apprentice at Blood Essence Level 9.0."

"Along with his robust vitality, the defensive power of his flesh and blood, and the immense strength when his Blood Essence surged,"

"In that moment of life-and-death struggle, even a Martial Warrior at Blood Essence Level 9.0, without a weapon, would have had their head blown off."

"Fortunately, fortunately..."

Li Xijun was extremely fortunate. If he hadn't possessed his Spirit Solidification Realm cultivation and the flying sword Mystic Item, he would likely be in trouble tonight.

[Your Mental Level has increased from 17.3 to 17.4.]

[Your Spirit-Refining System: Spirit Solidification Realm has increased from 83% to 84%.]

[Your 'True Martial Thirty-Six Forms' realm has advanced from Proficient 97% to Master 5%.]

Messages from his vision popped up one after another, causing Li Xijun to exhale deeply.

"This tempering in the face of death seems to be greatly beneficial for my mental cultivation as well."

"Moreover, my True Martial Killing Move: Drooping Cloud Hand from just now has reached perfection."

"It looks like I can now cultivate the third killing move, Void Shock, and aim for 360 points to advance my weapon."

The Blood God Cult follower just now, relying on his overly abundant Blood Essence and vitality, had tanked his Drooping Cloud Hand, leading to that moment of mortal peril.

If he could master the True Martial Killing Move: Void Shock, no matter how tough the opponent's constitution, their life force would be shattered by a single palm, and there would be no subsequent desperate counter-attack.

"However, in terms of future weapon choices, I'll probably need to add sword cultivation to the mix."

Li Xijun looked at the Blood Vein Cord flying sword in his hand, now the size of a short sword, then at the mark of decapitation on the corpse in front of him, and said righteously:

"It's just that I'm actually a hidden sword genius. I've been self-learning sword practice in my free time at home, and today, during a life-or-death struggle, I exploded with power and killed a Blood God Cult follower."

Even if he were exposed, it wouldn't matter. At worst, he could say his mental power was stimulated by the life-or-death crisis, causing him to explode with power and activate the short sword to kill the enemy.

After all, the Blood Vein Cord wasn't some heaven-defying metal. The mythical world produced all sorts of Mithril, Black Iron Essence, and so on. There were countless metal materials. Unless someone understood the Spirit-Refining System and Spirit Solidification Realm techniques to refine it with soul power, they wouldn't be able to tell anything.

Even if they did figure it out, he could just say he picked it up on his way home during the Mythic Rift's surge.

As a genius student from Seven High, a top prodigy on the verge of awakening Psychokinesis, what's wrong with him exploding with power to kill a cultist?

If pushed too far, he'd find his Outer Scenery Expert, Teacher Su from Clear Spring Dawn Palace, and cling to her leg to complain!

Of course, all of this was highly unlikely to happen.

Before Li Xijun called the Prevention Bureau, he had already called Ye Liuyun and Zhang Haifeng to explain the situation.

Especially after confirming with Ye Liuyun that his father would be leading the team and that Zhang Haifeng was already on his way, he felt largely at ease.

A moment later

A whistling sound could be heard from the sky.

First, drones like a flock of birds flew in from the sky, scattering to seal off the aerial view of the entire area.

Following them were twelve figures clad in black and blue standard nano protective suits, descending from a height of over ten meters on flying craft shaped like flying boats.

The man leading them, wearing a black protective mask, leaped from the air. He landed with absolute stability, causing no disturbance to the ground.

The moment Li Xijun saw him, this middle-aged man was already in front of him.

"Student Li Xijun, please cooperate with us for the necessary investigation."

The words were very serious and official, but as the man spoke, he removed his protective mask, revealing his face.

It was Ye Jianhua, Ye Liuyun's father.

Li Xijun understood perfectly that this was the other party going through the necessary procedures. He immediately raised his hands, allowing himself to be checked.

The remaining eleven Prevention Bureau personnel were already taking photos and videos of the scene, examining the corpse to confirm its identity, and so on.

After Li Xijun was processed and checked by Ye Jianhua, Zhang Haifeng also arrived at the scene.

Ye Jianhua handed the Blood Vein Cord flying sword and other items back to Li Xijun. After uploading the detection results to his body camera, he went directly to Zhang Haifeng, the school teacher, to discuss the situation.

"I don't think it's necessary for him to go to the Prevention Bureau for detection and to give a statement."

As a Martial Arts teacher at Bo City's key high school, Zhang Haifeng naturally recognized Ye Jianhua. However, with so many people, cameras, and drones present, they spoke with a tacit understanding.

Student Li Xijun is a student of our Seven High and a key cultivation subject for the 'Ten-Year Cultivation Plan' aiming for 'Imperial Capital Two Heavens.' He just met with Teacher Su for guidance before school today. What's there to investigate?

"On the contrary, Director Ye, since you've confirmed the deceased is a Blood God Cult follower and his strength surpassed Blood Essence Level 9.0, then the missing person case you've been tracking recently should be him, right?"

"Not to mention anything else, there should be the Prevention Bureau's reward, plus an application for an honor for Student Li Xijun for eliminating a major scourge, right?"

Zhang Haifeng, an old hand, shouted loudly, so many citizens who had noticed the commotion and come to watch, as well as martial warriors who came to check the situation, all heard him.

The sound of discussion immediately became very noticeable in the quiet alley.

"Hearing that, that student actually killed a cultist from the Blood God Cult? It looks like he's reached the third stage of martial arts cultivation and is using weapons."

"The culprit behind the missing person cases is dead. Are students this fierce now?"

"He's a genius from a key middle school aiming for the 'Imperial Capital Two Heavens,' and also a rare combat genius."

"I've only read about this in novels before. This is my first time seeing someone in real life defeat a martial warrior with a higher Blood Essence Level."

Seeing the growing crowd of citizens, the personnel from the Prevention Bureau looked towards Ye Jianhua.

Director Ye nodded in response and said:

"The situation is very clear. Student Li, go home and rest well. Don't let it affect your martial arts training tomorrow. Little Zhao, you go write a report, and I'll submit it."

"Everyone, please disperse. Also, have the logistics department come over to clean up."

With the cooperation of Ye Jianhua and Zhang Haifeng, all procedures were completed quickly and legally.

From beginning to end, Li Xijun's explanations about swordsmanship, Blood Vein Cord, and psychokinesis were not needed. He was sent back to the safest private martial arts classroom at school without even giving a statement.

Late that night

At Zhou Xinmin's home

The two brothers, having just finished their cultivation, showered and came to the living room.

A nutritious supper and chilled energy drinks were already laid out on the table.

Zhou Xinmin, who had been eating snacks and watching a competition, received a phone call and switched the TV channel from the previous program to the official Bo City channel, uncorking another bottle of beer as he did so.

Zhou Yibai, starving after his cultivation, didn't pay much attention to this and was constantly shoveling rice into his mouth.

Zhou Shenghao, however, was still somewhat distracted, occasionally glancing at his cousin in front of him.

Until

"Attention all citizens! We interrupt this program with an urgent news bulletin."

The female host from the previous Mythic Rift incident suddenly appeared on the television.

Zhou Yibai and Zhou Shenghao, who had developed psychological trauma, both shivered and turned their heads nervously.

However, this time, the female host on the television displayed an extremely standard, dignified, and bright smile, saying:

"This evening, a major incident occurred in our city. A cultist from the 'Blood God Cult,' who had been lurking for days, was killed on the spot by a senior high school martial arts student from our city's Yan'an No. 7 High School while attempting to commit a crime! It is reported that this cultist was the mastermind behind several recent disappearances, with a Blood Essence Level exceeding 9.0, making him extremely dangerous!"

Zhou Shenghao abruptly turned his head, looking at the television screen in disbelief.

Zhou Yibai also widened his eyes, looking at the scrolling text on the screen, and couldn't help but glance at his cousin across from him.

"No wonder Old Zhou told me to watch the news tonight. To be able to counter-kill a Blood God Cult member with a Blood Essence Level over 9.0 in a life-or-death combat situation, Yan'an No. 7 High School has produced another genius!"

Zhou Xinmin couldn't help but sigh as he read this, and then took another hearty gulp of beer.

The television screen switched to footage from the scene. The Prevention Bureau staff, cleanup crews, and bloodstains in the alley attracted the attention of many.

"It is understood that this student, facing danger without fear, successfully killed the culprit with his outstanding combat talent and calm judgment, protecting the safety of innocent citizens. The Prevention Bureau has confirmed the student's heroic actions and has decided to award him the title of 'City Guardian,' along with a reward of one million yuan as encouragement!"

Zhou Shenghao already had a vague suspicion in his heart. He uncontrollably clenched the spoon in his hand, twisting it out of shape.

But what was coming could not be delayed at all.

As the camera angle shifted, the footage of Li Xijun leaving after completing the procedures, escorted by Ye Jianhua and Zhang Haifeng, appeared on the television.

The female host's tone became increasingly enthusiastic, saying:

"Student Li Xijun's performance not only demonstrates extraordinary martial arts talent but also embodies the responsibility and commitment of our city's younger generation! The spokesperson for the Prevention Bureau stated that they hope the general public, especially the youth, will take him as a role model, cultivate diligently, and bravely defend justice!"

"Pfft, cough, cough, cough!"

Zhou Xinmin sprayed all the beer in his mouth, coughing uncontrollably, making a mess of all the snacks on the coffee table.

But at this moment, he could no longer care about that. He stared at the young face appearing on the television screen, repeatedly confirming the person's appearance.

Zhou Shenghao forcibly suppressed his emotions and quickly turned back to his room, locking the door.

He stared intently at the messages from Chang Ge on his phone, and feelings of fear, dread, anger, and jealousy surged within him, eventually transforming into a complete calmness.

"Crack!"

He crushed the spare phone he had bought from the black market, threw it into the trash can, and covered it with crumpled tissues.

"What does the Blood God Cult have to do with me, Zhou Shenghao?"

"I'm a genius who's going to get into the Nine Schools Alliance!"

"As long as I don't actively consume the Blood Essence and life force of living beings, no one will randomly come to test me. Even if the Blood God Cult slanders me, they won't succeed in testing me!"

Zhou Shenghao made a clean break, intending to wash himself clean and get out.

However, Besides Chang Ge, who was in single-line contact with him, there was another person who already knew his identity and had even used him as a pawn.

"Uncle, I'm going out for a walk too..."

After Zhou Shenghao returned to his room, Zhou Yibai, forcing a smile, also spoke.

Zhou Xinmin nodded in understanding.

After all, it was natural to feel upset when a former friend acted this way and to go for a walk.

After Zhou Yibai changed his clothes in his room, he walked out of the luxurious residential area and into a secluded spot. After looking around, he blew a whistle.

"Hiss."

A leopard-sized Abyssal Blood Predator crawled out of a nearby sewer.

He took out two bottles of Blood Essence Potion from his pocket, opened them, and poured them into the creature's gaping maw.

"Sigh, it's one thing that my cousin is useless, but why is his superior also useless?"

"Now that's just great. I don't even have a scapegoat on the surface. You should just lie low for a while."

Zhou Yibai reached out and touched the creature's body, drawing its Blood Essence like a leech.

He looked at the Abyssal Blood Predator, which was rolling on its back like a puppy, and couldn't help but marvel at the dreamlike nature of life.

Previously, when he and his brother had fled separately, he saw the Blood God Cultist chasing his cousin. Worried that his cousin wouldn't last long, he cleverly decided to double back and escape in the opposite direction of their original route.

He didn't expect that when he passed by that sewer on his way back, he would have such an encounter. He didn't know if it was good or bad.

Li Xijun, who had intended to return to the Great Sheng world to search for dragon-related items, was resting peacefully in his private martial arts classroom that night.

Unable to traverse here, he saw the constant @ messages in the class group while resting.

"Brother Li is awesome!"

"He's truly our Class Six's legendary tank, so strong!"

"If it weren't for the news reports, I would have thought I was reading a novel. A Blood Essence Level 7.3 killing a Level 9.0 cultist, so cool!"

"I only knew Brother Li was a genius in martial arts, but I didn't expect him to be so fierce in actual combat. It's like watching the legendary stories of those seven Martial Sages who fought their way back from behind."

"Martial Arts should be about challenging the superior and killing the strong with weakness, roar!"

"Brother Li was the man who could strike Teacher Su's chest with Drooping Cloud Hand when he was only Blood Essence Level 6, facing someone at Level 9! A combat genius!"

Li Xijun was enjoying himself immensely, but the last message almost made him lose his composure.

Just as he was about to say something and maintain his reputation for going off-track, [Su Nianyi has requested to add you as a friend. Accept?]

Li Xijun clicked accept, and before he could speak, she had already sent a message.

Su Nianyi: "Sister said you performed very well this time. Remember to gather at the entrance of Bo City Zoo tomorrow."