Qian Xunji looked at the four young people before him and nodded in satisfaction. "Very good. You are all quite outstanding."
Then Qian Xunji's expression turned solemn, and his tone sank. "Since you have chosen to join us, everything I tell you next must stay buried in your stomachs. You must never tell a single outsider. Whoever dares leak even half a word, I guarantee that death will be their only end. Understood?"
The genuine killing intent made their hair stand on end. They immediately shed their casual attitudes and nodded repeatedly.
Only then did Qian Xunji withdraw his killing intent and begin telling them about the Surface World.
He explained simply and clearly the existence of another world, as well as the corresponding relationship between that world and this one.
Then Qian Xunji revealed the true purpose of this expedition. "The place we are going next is that world. Once we arrive there, what you need to do will not be merely ordinary combat and cultivation. You must work even harder and do everything you can to display your talent, so as to induce the descent of that world's Godhood."
"Godhood?"
At the mention of those words, everyone was completely stunned. It was not just Dai Zhuqing and the others; even Qian San was dumbfounded. During their private conversation that morning, his father had never mentioned anything about gods.
Watching their shocked expressions, Qian Xunji continued explaining. "When a Soul Master cultivates to level one hundred, they can become a god. This is an open secret on the continent. That world possesses inheritances of its own Godhood. If you can gain the recognition of a Godhood from that world, that will be the first step toward becoming a god at level one hundred."
Looking at this group of exceptionally gifted youths, he painted them a grand vision. "Most importantly, the two worlds are mirrors of one another. Even if you only obtain the inheritance of a second-rank god in that world, there will absolutely be a corresponding Godhood in this world."
"When that time comes, if you are outstanding enough and fortunate enough to win the favor of the same god in this world as well, you will have the chance to fuse the Godhood of both worlds together. With two portions of divine power bestowed upon one person, your strength will far surpass its original level."
Everyone fell silent.
Only minutes ago, their goal had been nothing more than to catch up to Qian San. Yet now that they knew of this ultimate goal, their hearts churned violently, and their blood surged uncontrollably.
On one hand, it was because they yearned intensely for such legendary power.
Becoming a god was a path they had never even heard of. Yet now, a road leading to godhood—and perhaps even greater strength—had been laid out before them.
On the other hand, they were filled with curiosity about that world. Since there was a society identical to this one yet opposite in every way, did that world also contain another version of themselves? What kind of lives were their counterparts living there?
Seeing their excited expressions, Qian Xunji tapped the table and pulled their thoughts back.
"Enough. It is enough for you to understand this matter yourselves. Do not mention it outside again," Qian Xunji warned once more.
"Whoever dares leak it, my words from earlier will absolutely hold true."
The group immediately straightened up and repeatedly promised that they would keep the secret.
Finally, Qian Xunji gave them a special instruction. "Remember, do not tell Zhu Muhei about our departure or any of these secrets."
The group exchanged glances and nodded to themselves.
No one had any objections to this decision.
Within this small group, Dai Zhuqing had been the first to arrive at the academy. She was powerful, quiet in everyday life, and dependable. Niu Lanjun and Ao Shushun usually called her Big Sis with wholehearted respect.
As for Zhu Muhei, he was merely a freshman who had joined recently. The moment he arrived, he started pestering Dai Zhuqing, and his character was not particularly likable either. They were not familiar with him to begin with, so naturally they would not tell him something so important.
Ao Shushun timidly spoke up. "So... is the me over there selling sausages too?"
The others were equally curious, but they had not dared to ask.
Qian Xunji glanced at him. "That's right. You will see when the time comes."
Ao Shushun scratched his head. "Then I have to go take a look."
Dai Zhuqing's voice was somewhat cold. "Your Excellency, then... in the Star Luo Dai Family over there, who inherits the throne?"
"Only men may inherit it, never women."
Dai Zhuqing said nothing more, but her fingers clenched tightly around the hem of her clothes.
Niu Lanjun pressed his palms together and recited, "Amitabha."
"Since that is so, is that benefactor and this little monk two sides of the same whole, or two different leaves? Amitabha. Once we get there, this little monk wishes to meet him."
"You will have the chance." Qian Xunji glanced at Xiao Qing. She had not spoken from the beginning, merely standing quietly beside Qian San. When she heard the words parallel world, her brows had twitched, but she had asked nothing.
Qian Xunji knew what she was thinking—there was also a Sky Azure Bull Python in that world, and he had already killed it and fed its corpse to her.
"Father." Qian San raised his head. "When are we leaving?"
Qian Xunji saw the look in his son's eyes and understood.
"For now, three days from now. During these three days, all of you should settle whatever matters you have at hand."
"Understood," the five of them replied in unison.
"Fine. You may all leave. Tang San, stay behind."
Xiao Qing glanced at Qian San and left the room with the others.
The door closed.
Qian Xunji casually laid down a barrier.
"Sit."
Qian San sat at the edge of the bed. Qian Xunji sat in the chair opposite him and took something out of his storage ring.
It was an External Soul Bone.
Pitch-black all over and emitting a faint purple glow, it was the rare treasure—the Eight Spider Lances.
"This is... an External Soul Bone?"
"Yes." Qian Xunji handed the Eight Spider Lances to Qian San.
"The Eight Spider Lances. I stripped them from a Man Faced Demon Spider that was over two thousand years old."
Qian San accepted the Eight Spider Lances and examined them carefully.
He had read about External Soul Bones in books. They were the rarest type of Spirit Bone. Unlike the six main Spirit Bones, External Soul Bones could evolve along with their host as they grew, giving them an extremely high potential ceiling.
Qian Xunji looked at him. "But the potential of these Eight Spider Lances is beyond doubt. If you absorb them now and nurture them, their value for the investment will be greater than going to find a Ten Thousand Year Soul Bone. They are also highly compatible with your martial soul."
Qian San did not hesitate. He pressed the Spirit Bone directly onto his back.
"Then I'll absorb it now."
Soul Power poured in.
The Eight Spider Lances transformed into a streak of black light and merged into Qian San's back.
A piercing pain like countless needles struck him.
Qian San gritted his teeth, veins bulging across his forehead as the Eight Spider Lances fused into his spine bit by bit.
Qian Xunji sat beside him without offering assistance. He could see that his son could endure it.
A quarter of an hour later.
Qian San opened his eyes.
He exhaled a breath of turbid air and raised a hand to wipe the sweat from his forehead.
"It worked."
With a thought.
Eight pitch-black spider lances shot out from his back. Each was more than a meter long, black from end to end, with only their tips glimmering with a faint purple light.
Qian San controlled the spider lances and moved them gently. The eight lances were as nimble as his fingers, turning completely according to his will.
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