Chapter 100: Great Limit of the Spirit Gate, Borrowing Fire to Preserve Life (First Update!)

When Qin Shi opened his eyes and exited the Thinking Hall, the evening afterglow shone through the gaps in the newspaper-pasted window onto his face.

The warm and gentle light reflected on his cheeks, making his increasingly handsome brows and eyes appear even more bright and clear.

"My whole body feels relaxed, as if shedding iron armor; my spirit seems to have made some progress."

Qin Shi sat cross-legged on the hard wooden board; when he chose to step across that line bounded by law and limited by rules, it was as if he had shed a heavy sense of being shackled and chained.

His whole being breathed freely!

Could this be the legendary 'thoughts reaching through'?

"No wonder the Martial Artist Path, in the end, leads either to a War Corps or the Star Cup.

Only in those places can one achieve ultimate sublimation, burning oneself.

Like a piece of good steel, no matter how much it is forged a hundred times, without that step of quenching, it can never become a true vessel."

Qin Shi carefully sensed, savoring this subtle psychological change.

Super Xiao He's words suddenly popped into his head: 'using martial arts to violate prohibitions.'

Whether New Martial Arts or Old Martial Arts, those who step onto this path.

In their hearts, they always hide a saber.

Since it is a saber, there will come a day when it is drawn in anger, unsheathed in fury.

"Dongxia's prolonged Great Expedition probably has this consideration too. When the Martial Artist Path continuously produces powerhouses with life force breaking through a hundred points, their flesh blocks bullets, their speed is faster than sports cars, ordinary hot weapons cannot cause the slightest harm, and they can drive Divine Machines to roam the Star Sea.

Facing tens of thousands of such strongmen, laws and regulations easily become dead letters; reclaiming the Galactic Empire's lost lands, or going to the Borderlands' arenas, are all means to maintain social structural stability."

Qin Shi pondered; the implicitly existing Citizen Rank System perhaps exists for this very reason.

In the Great Universe Era, Dongxia truly has a supernatural class above the powerful and wealthy; if they cannot obtain higher status and more special treatment, they will become unstable factors destroying harmony.

"Knowing someone intends to endanger my life and making a reasonable counterattack should count as legitimate defense. Lao Chen would understand me too."

Qin Shi stood up, opened the wardrobe, and put on a short-sleeved shirt and long pants.

His gaze swept over the Stele Panel.

【Anchor Point: Qin Shi】

【Growth Stage: Embryo】

【Progress: 1.45%】

With the Martial God Inheritance acting as a super power bank, continuously supplying 'energy' to the progress bar, it is indeed much faster than relying on developing life force to push it.

However, Qin Shi was very curious: if one day he evolves from 'Embryo' to the next stage, what kind of changes would happen to him?

Could it be like the Star Gods sleeping deep in the planetary core, opening their eyes and destroying the world?

His sight moved to the mirror, obtaining physical data through the mirror surface.

Body 20.8→22

Spirit 19.1→30

"The Legendary Talent 【Heart of Steel】, though not yet triggered, provides a not-insignificant amplification."

Qin Shi calculated; relying solely on the 【Worker Warrior】's trait of accelerating cultivation, completing practice methods daily, his life force naturally grows by about one point per day.

Student, Assistant Teacher, Waiter, Fitness Trainer, Footbath Shop Technician.

This is already a 5% bonus.

If he further activates 'Killer', 'Hacker', 'Mechanic', 'Meditation Master'.

Cultivation speed can increase further still.

If the top students of Xin Yi High School's Elite Class knew this, their jaws would drop in shock.

"Pulled to one hundred percent, even just relying on the body's Qi Circulation, life force can naturally grow by about ten points, more fierce than popping pills and injecting drugs."

Qin Shi was full of expectation; he faintly had a premonition that once he breaks through the Great Limit barrier, with the infusion of sufficient resources and the blessing of Achievement Traits.

The next rebirth will usher in a wave of rapid explosion.

Sigh, Qiguang Heng University seems a bit unworthy of him now!

Qin Shi grinned and said:

"Going out to fish for law enforcement, conveniently asking Lao Liang to escort me, and giving him a little surprise on the side."

As He Lanchan's fanboy Lao Liang, if Lao Liang knew his disciple obtained the 【Xu Kong Meditation Method】, a proper Martial God Inheritance, wouldn't he be overjoyed to the point of madness!

"If he sees Super Xiao He who lives in my Thinking Hall, he might get so excited Lao Liang kowtows right on the spot!"

Qin Shi pushed open the door and called out to the eldest sister Lao Yao who was washing vegetables and cooking.

Qin Xiao, sitting by the doorstep, nodded:

"You should bring some things to see Teacher Liang; if not for him teaching you skills, where would today's prospects come from!"

Qin Xiao wiped her wet hands on her apron, then immediately reached for money to let Qin Shi buy some cigarettes and alcohol as gifts, not to visit empty-handed.

"I have money; that huge sum you gave before hasn't been used much."

Qin Shi waved his hand and strode out the door.

Perhaps due to Qin Lihao's accidental death plus Cheng Ze's arrest and imprisonment, the hoodlums who usually roamed Old Factory Street decreased somewhat, making it not so noisy and clamorous.

He picked up two cases of milk from Aunt Zhou's small shop and bought two bottles of wine; as for cigarettes, he skipped them.

Lao Liang said he planned to quit; no need to bring them.

Stepping on the sunset, Qin Shi headed straight for Zi Fu No. 9 Middle School; even though a big incident of electronic demons spreading viruses had broken out, the life rhythm of Old Factory Street residents hadn't changed much; they still kept the leisurely air of commuting, buying vegetables, sitting around doorsteps to enjoy the cool, and listening to the radio while exercising.

As if even if the Star Gods awaken tomorrow and Hengzhou New Star shatters, everyone just carries on living however they always have.

"This is what you call super absolute relaxation. Hey, even if one becomes a Martial God, this life is still lived the same way."

Qin Shi smiled, blending his youth's tall and straight figure into the lively street.

……

……

"Minister, Gao Haipeng's side indeed has movement. He took leave today, changed his attire, and drove toward Old Factory Street."

Secretary Huo, who was checking movement records in the General Affairs Office, dialed the Leader's phone.

"It seems he received quite a large benefit from the Qin Family; otherwise, at this critical juncture, he shouldn't act rashly."

Chen Ruofu's tone was calm, without any surprise:

"Don't treat the Yincheng Qin Family as ordinary merchants, ordinary entrepreneurs. Qin Xie was originally a branch family member; later he rose to prominence and became wealthy, then acknowledged his ancestors and returned to the clan, entering the genealogy. These years they earn all kinds of money, offering tribute wholeheartedly, only seeking a share of the Pioneer Families' quota resources.

This old fellow Qin Renying has grand designs; he's a venomous flood dragon that eats people without spitting out bones. You continue watching Gao Haipeng; if he has any intention of harming Xiao Qin, apprehend him directly, see if you can follow the vine to get the melon and bring out the Qin Family."

Secretary Huo covered the phone mouthpiece, had someone prepare a vehicle to track Gao Haipeng, then said:

"Gao Haipeng is a specialized-rank seventh dan; although he failed to successfully obtain the Martial Artist Title, he has advanced the Action Division's signature martial art 'Great Power Vajra Palm' to the ninth layer; his combat power is not weak.

If we want to capture him alive, I'm afraid... it will take some effort."

Chen Ruofu understood the meaning in Secretary Huo's words, his attitude decisive:

"If Gao Haipeng insists on opposing the Inspection Department, I permit you to execute him on the spot. Regarding the report on Xiao Qin accepting the He Lanchan Transmission, cultivating the 'Xu Kong Meditation Method' to Entry Level, I have already submitted it to Center City; I believe the Hengzhou Martial Association has already received the news.

Next, the Dongxia Martial Association side will also know. Xiao Qin is the future Tai'an Metropolitan Area's political achievement project; whoever wants to move against him is ruining my Chen Ruofu's career!"

Secretary Huo felt the Leader's determination from this, his expression turning solemn:

"Understood! I'll bring people over right now!"

Hung up the phone.

Secretary Huo's expression was serious, looking at Lao Xu with whom he normally had a good relationship:

"Lao Xu, there's a merit for you, want it or not?"

Lao Xu asked in confusion:

"What merit?"

Secretary Huo deliberately kept him in suspense, only saying:

"You now call the Inspection Department Action Division, all Supervision Level and above personnel to come over. Then pick a few from inside who don't get along with Gao Haipeng; speed must be fast, don't delay the matter."

Lao Xu's face showed astonishment, he hesitated:

"Making such a big deal? The General Affairs Office indeed has this authority, to summon inspection personnel from the other Four Great Offices, but without a legitimate reason, there will definitely be complaints afterward..."

Lao Xu spoke halfway, stopping abruptly.

He could sit in the General Affairs Office's number two position; he definitely wasn't a fool.

Everyone knows Secretary Huo represents Minister Chen.

He gave instructions publicly, not avoiding other people.

It seems he precisely obtained Minister Chen's authorization.

"Understood, thanks Secretary Huo! I'll go handle it right now!"

Lao Xu ground his teeth, thinking to himself:

"Just offended the Minister yesterday, today I have to go into the bureau. Lao Gao will probably suffer greatly!"

By the time Qin Shi arrived at the dormitory building behind Zi Fu No. 9 Middle School, the sky gradually darkened; the gorgeous rosy clouds gilded red lost their color, as if falling into thick ink, twilight dim and obscure.

"You come is fine, why bring so many things."

Lao Liang heard the knock, opened the door, saw his own disciple, a smile surfacing at the corner of his mouth.

Immediately his brows slightly furrowed, as if sensing something.

He carefully examined Qin Shi's eyes, then asked in shock and doubt:

"Xiao Shi, you've half a foot stepped into the Spirit Gate Great Limit?"

Qin Shi did not conceal it, saying seriously:

"Probably. Anyway my head went buzz once, like being hit with a sap, then it opened up."

Lao Liang couldn't help sucking in a cold breath, once more marveling at his own luck exploding, picking up a monster.

Among the Seven Great Limits of the Flesh, the four passes of Tendons, Bones, Skin, Membranes — the difficulty of breaking through is not very high.

The requirements are nothing more than a physique that can endure training, able to suffer hardship, withstand torture.

At least they still belong to the realm humans can achieve.

But the Spirit Gate, Qi Pass, Strength Pass — they rise to the profound and illusory level of mind and will, natural principles.

Especially the Spirit Gate.

Mainly about "comprehension".

As for what to "comprehend", "how to comprehend", no one can explain clearly.

Anyway one must comprehend something, condense and sublimate from inside out.

"My Master was stuck at the Spirit Gate Great Limit for a full twelve years, simply couldn't cross it, in the end wasting half a lifetime.

Strong as Master Uncle, he also only broke through the Qi Pass and Strength Pass two Great Limits; uniquely he couldn't kick open the Spirit Gate's door."

Lao Liang's mood was very complex; what three generations of Hong Sheng couldn't do, at his disciple's place was as easy as eating and drinking.

There was somewhat that feeling from back then of a longed-for Goddess, unattainable, being brought home overnight with just a crook of the finger — a strange feeling.

"You go inside first."

Lao Liang took the milk and cigarettes, complaining:

"Keeping this money to buy Nutrient Paste would be better than running here to deliver gifts. Originally planned to help you break the Bone-Joint Great Limit; from then on tendons and bones resonate in unison, tendons like great flood dragons, bones like fierce tigers, the two merging, Life Force breaking through forty points would be no problem.

Really didn't expect you actually half a foot stepped into the Spirit Gate Great Limit ahead of time... this step, I also have no experience."

Lao Liang muttered while sighing; counting up from his generation, estimating no one has broken through the Spirit Gate Great Limit.

"No matter, Master Liang. From now on Hong Sheng will have a Breaking Limit God Pass person. When the time comes I'll write a hand-copied insight, pass it down!"

Qin Shi raised his head, looking quite full of youthful vigor.

The patriarchs of past ages failed to complete this path, so let him take it up!

"Good, good, good! That's what I call spirited! Full of fighting spirit!"

Lao Liang was stunned at first, then clapped his hands and laughed heartily, very gratified.

With such a disciple, what more could one ask for?

A great fortune his Master Uncle and his Master never got to experience.

In the end, he got to enjoy it himself!

"The Divine Gate Great Limit focuses on Spirit Cultivation. According to the masters of Cultivation Heart, when the spirit is complete and qi is abundant, Dao Nature arises naturally."

As the saying goes, those who gain the spirit prosper, those who lose it perish. In the martial arts world of the Old Era, there has always been the saying: 'When spirit is full, the body is strong; when spirit declines, the body weakens; when spirit remains, one can live; when spirit departs, one will die.'

Ancient cultivation methods also regard 'essence, qi, spirit' as the three treasures."

Lao Liang hesitated for a while, finally managed to dig something out from his belly, so as not to damage his dignity and face as a master too much.

"Since ancient times, those who can break the Divine Gate Great Limit are few and far between. From the scattered fragments left behind, we only know they all opened up the 'Spirit Sea,' allowing the mind to reside in the 'Inner Landscape.'"

The Inner Landscape is extremely profound, not only reflecting the outside world but being incredibly real. Comprehending inheritances and deducing techniques is twice the result with half the effort."

Possessing an Inner Landscape allows one to illuminate 'Wisdom,' with comprehension far beyond ordinary, achieving unparalleled talent."

Spirit Sea?

Inner Landscape?

Qin Shi pondered for a moment, these two things, he seemed to already have them?

The Consciousness Space of Combat Retrospection?

Does that count as the Spirit Sea?

And the upgraded Thinking Hall, isn't that just the prototype of the Inner Landscape?

Stele Panel, forever awesome!

"Master Liang, I've only stepped halfway in. Is there any way to truly stand inside the door and break the Divine Gate Great Limit?"

Qin Shi put on an expression of eager learning and asking questions.

"I vaguely heard from my Master Uncle that breaking the Divine Gate requires overcoming the 'Heart Obstacle,' removing the 'Shackle,' and passing the 'Prison Gate.'"

Lao Liang answered vaguely, thinking that after Qin Shi left, he would quickly flip through the handwritten manuscripts of his Master Uncle and Master to make up for his lessons.

Heart Obstacle, Shackle, Prison Gate.

Qin Shi frowned slightly; just now, he seemed to have already overcome the Heart Obstacle, removed the Shackle, only the Prison Gate remained unpassed.

"What does Prison Gate mean? Master Liang..."

He was about to raise his head to ask, but Lao Liang, who was racking his brains, suddenly changed his complexion, and spoke in a gentle voice:

"Xiao Shi, you sit for a while, I'll go downstairs to buy a pack of cigarettes."

"Oh, okay."

Lao Liang propped himself up, leaning on his Lame Leg, and slowly stood up.

He glanced out the window, walked out the room door, and closed it.

"Playing stealth and spying right in front of the Assassination Fist School, without even hiding your killing intent. Today I'll make you kowtow to the patriarchs!"

Lao Liang's eyelids drooped, he casually grabbed the bag of garbage outside the door, and limped downstairs.

The light was very dim; at the stairwell entrance without motion-sensor lights, Gao Haipeng, who had driven here, waited quietly.

Planning to talk face-to-face with that student privately.

He had an Electric Baton tucked behind his waist and handcuffs in his pocket.

Thinking that if Qin Shi didn't know what was good for him later, he'd pull some small tricks to scare him.

Gao Haipeng was very skilled at this line of business.

Not to mention the poor students of Old Factory Street, even ruthless bandits who robbed and killed couldn't withstand it!

Just as this thought arose, his neck suddenly turned cold, as if a yin wind blew.

Mysteriously feeling his hands and feet cold, and his heart feeling empty.

"Who!"

Gao Haipeng was after all an Inspector of the Action Division, having long crawled and rolled on the frontline, with extremely high vigilance.

His gaze suddenly sharpened, like lightning striking, piercing through the pitch-black stairwell!

He saw an ordinary-looking crew-cut man standing on the upper stairs, holding a garbage bag in his hand, limping down.

Gao Haipeng let out a violent shout, and the other party stopped his figure.

"Friend, got a cigarette craving, want to borrow a light, okay or not?"

Lao Liang, who had quit smoking for a while, had a Li Min cigarette in his mouth, lifted his eyelids, and looked at Gao Haipeng's face.

"Borrow the light, and I'll let you scram; unwilling to lend, leave your life behind."

(Chapter End)