Chapter 294: Take It All

Before the Lougong War, Grand Master Cheng Yuexiao had discussed this matter with Xu Jin: if Xu Jin participated in the battle, his brilliance could not be concealed, nor could the fact that he had claimed six Golden Stars remain secret.

Even if a gag order were issued, it could only delay secrecy temporarily.

Therefore, the future must be planned early and arrangements made in advance, so that one may act with greater composure.

At that time, Cheng Yuexiao presented Xu Jin with three options, urging him to choose one early; whichever he selected, Cheng would fully support him and guarantee Xu Jin's safety and smooth growth.

The three options were: Golden Cicada Shedding Its Shell, Focused Ascetic Cultivation, and Foreign Land Heart-Testing.

Focused Ascetic Cultivation was the simplest: for the next three to five years, Xu Jin would cultivate solely within the Chen Guo Dao Academy, never stepping outside its grounds, accompanied always by the seventh-rank powerhouse Peng Lao, until his cultivation base broke through to the mid-stage of the fifth rank.

Once Xu Jin's cultivation base reached mid-stage fifth rank, given his current potential and the star patterns he had acquired, he would possess sufficient self-defense capability even against late-stage sixth-rank cultivators.

Combined with star artifacts and insignias, he would likely escape alive even if confronted by a seventh-rank cultivator.

In roughly three to five years, Xu Jin could resume free movement.

The advantage of Focused Ascetic Cultivation was its simplicity—he could attain high status within Chen Guo—but the drawback was enduring three to five years of solitary cultivation like imprisonment, utterly lonely.

Foreign Land Heart-Testing was another path Cheng Yuexiao had arranged for Xu Jin.

Among the domain lords currently stationed in fifth-rank star realms within the Star River Battlefield, four originated from Chen Guo.

Cheng Yuexiao would select one or two of these fifth-rank star realms, or possibly three or four, and send Xu Jin under their command for training and cultivation.

This option was relatively more interesting and might yield greater rewards.

Based on Xu Jin's performance in the fifth-rank Spirit Martial Star Realm, with the cooperation of the stationed domain lords, he might fully conquer a fifth-rank star realm—or slay its king—to relieve pressure on the domain lord.

Similarly, Xu Jin must remain in seclusion until he reached mid-stage fifth rank, or even the peak of fifth-rank ninth layer, before emerging.

During this period, Xu Jin must maintain secrecy, revealing his whereabouts to no one, and guard against possible assassinations.

Compared to Focused Ascetic Cultivation, this path carried greater danger but was less monotonous and potentially offered greater rewards.

Golden Cicada Shedding Its Shell was the boldest and most radical plan Cheng Yuexiao had prepared for Xu Jin.

It involved faking Xu Jin's death and escaping his former identity.

Then, assuming a new identity—the false one, Qi Tian Sheng, used when Xu Jin killed Hu Zhen—had already been made utterly authentic by Grand Master Cheng Yuexiao.

Xu Jin would then enter the Star River Battlefield under the identity of Qi Tian Sheng for training and cultivation.

Returning to the Chen Guo Dao Academy under the identity of Qi Tian Sheng was impossible.

Too many people knew him; exposure was too likely.

This plan carried the greatest risk and difficulty, but if executed successfully, his safety would become extremely high.

Yet its drawbacks were severe.

For at least three to five years, Xu Jin would have to sever all social ties with his former identity completely.

He could not contact any friends or family.

Friends and family would have to endure the trauma of believing Xu Jin dead.

Even the immense merit and status gained by Xu Jin in the Lougong War would be sealed away.

This period might also last three to five years.

Why were all three plans set for three to five years?

Because within three to five years, Xu Jin's cultivation base could rise to approximately mid-stage fifth rank, granting him sufficient self-defense capability.

Simultaneously, three to five years would allow the Chen Guo Dao Academy to fully absorb the gains from the Lougong War and fully convert the high-rank star patterns Xu Jin had derived into actual strength.

The Chen Guo Dao Academy's power would surge dramatically.

At that point, even if Xu Jin returned and reclaimed his identity amid questioning from all sides, what then?

If anyone objects, let them fight!

Grand Master Cheng Yuexiao had clearly explained all three options to Xu Jin, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.

The first option Xu Jin eliminated was Focused Ascetic Cultivation.

Cultivating in seclusion for a year or half a year, Xu Jin had no objection—he could endure that much time.

But enduring three to five years of imprisonment-like cultivation was too painful.

Most crucially, during this time, Xu Jin realized that static cultivation was the least efficient method of cultivation.

It was like receiving a fixed salary.

Could one become wealthy solely on a fixed wage?

Impossible!

As the saying goes: a horse grows fat only on night grass; a man grows rich only through unexpected wealth!

Since beginning cultivation, had Xu Jin merely secluded himself within the Dao Academy, where would all his gains have come from?

Not to mention the countless Star Will fragments—he could never have dreamed of them.

So he immediately rejected it.

Of the remaining two options—Golden Cicada Shedding Its Shell and Foreign Land Heart-Testing—after several days of deliberation, Xu Jin chose Foreign Land Heart-Testing.

The sole reason he did not choose Golden Cicada Shedding Its Shell was: too much separation!

Once he chose this path, for three to five years, Xu Jin could only live under a new identity, severing all ties with his former friends and family.

Others he could manage.

But his father, Jiang Er, and Ning Yuchan—he could not bear to part with them.

Especially forcing his father and Jiang Er to endure the news of his death, making his father bury his own son—even if he returned alive years later—the thought of that scene made Xu Jin's scalp crawl; he could not endure it.

Therefore, Xu Jin chose Foreign Land Heart-Testing.

It allowed him to grow freely, potentially conquer a fifth-rank star realm, and experience foreign lands.

Previously, Xu Jin had entered many star realms, but always too hastily.

This time, he intended to savor the experience fully.

"Foreign Land Heart-Testing."

Upon learning Xu Jin's choice, Grand Master nodded.

"Then prepare quickly. After the Nine Stars Tide ends, I will secretly send you to one of the fifth-rank star realms."

At that time, only I will know where you are.

I will periodically dispatch messengers to communicate with you and deliver cultivation resources to accelerate your growth," said Grand Master Cheng Yuexiao.

After speaking, Cheng Yuexiao asked, "Regarding this Nine Stars Tide, do you have any thoughts? Do you wish to participate?"

"Grand Master, if possible, I wish to contribute to Chen Guo. I've heard that every Nine Stars Tide brings heavy casualties," Xu Jin said.

"Indeed. Ordinary civilians have virtually no chance against the alien races emerging from those star realms. High-level cultivators capable of holding a region—fourth rank, especially fifth rank and above—are still far too few," Cheng Yuexiao sighed.

"Grand Master, what if I disguise myself, assume a new identity, and take up station in a certain location? My current combat power, combined with my insignia, can handle anyone below ninth layer of fifth rank," Xu Jin said.

Cheng Yuexiao shook his head. "That's too risky. One need not fear ten thousand possibilities—only the one in ten thousand!"

Moreover, changing your identity won't help. During the Nine Stars Tide, disciples of the Dao Academy constantly support each other, frequently communicating and using Star-Picking Tokens to verify identities.

Instead, you'll serve as an emergency reserve.

Stay within the Dao Academy; when support is needed anywhere, I'll dispatch you there.

You'll enter battle via the Star-Picking Tower's teleportation, and the shorter your stay in any location, the safer you'll be.

What do you think?"

"Agreed." To contribute to Chen Guo during the Nine Stars Tide was Xu Jin's wish—and his duty!

"Grand Master, here are the eighth-rank Earth Source Star Pattern and seventh-rank Thunder Source Star Pattern I just deduced," Xu Jin handed over all his recent gains.

Cheng Yuexiao was delighted, yet unsurprised by the eighth-rank Earth Source Star Pattern.

It was to be expected.

Ever since Cheng Yuexiao learned Xu Jin had mastered the Earth Source Star Pattern below seventh rank, he had anticipated this day—though not so soon.

The eighth-rank Earth Source Star Pattern grants the Chen Guo Dao Academy a significantly probable path for sixth-rank cultivators to break through.

Perhaps even several new seventh-rank cultivators will emerge.

Existing seventh- and eighth-rank cultivators, including Cheng Yuexiao himself, could also enhance their strength.

But what surprised Cheng Yuexiao was the Thunder Source Star Pattern.

He had only given Xu Jin the fourth-rank Thunder Source.

"So quickly?"

Xu Jin nodded. "I used exactly ten Silver Stars and two Golden Stars," he said.

Pushing the Thunder Source to seventh rank with ten Silver Stars and two Golden Stars was impressive, yet undeniably extravagant.

Such is the power of Golden Stars.

With just two or so Golden Stars, one can rapidly advance a star pattern beyond seventh rank.

Thus triggering a qualitative leap in the pattern's power.

This is why all factions closely monitor Golden Stars.

Cheng Yuexiao had intended to ask Xu Jin about his remaining Golden and Brilliant Stars—but the words died on his lips.

He wouldn't ask.

Xu Jin likely still had Golden or Brilliant Stars left, but how he used them was no longer Cheng Yuexiao's concern.

Xu Jin had already repaid Chen Guo Dao Academy more than enough.

The eighth-rank Fire Source. The eighth-rank Earth Source.

Just these two alone were worth more than enough.

The rest—whatever Xu Jin chose to give, he would no longer interfere.

"Xu Jin, I was originally to impose a restriction on you to prevent leaks! But given your contributions and sacrifices, from today onward, the Chen Guo Dao Academy imposes no further restrictions on any star patterns you have learned—you may teach them to whomever you wish. This is your due right!"

Before Xu Jin could respond, the Nine Sheng Bells rang out, and Cheng Yuexiao lifted Xu Jin's previous restrictions.

As the Ming Era star patterns rotated, Xu Jin faintly sensed something within him dissipating.

But he could not perceive anything more specific.

Since the Grand Master had said so, Xu Jin did not refuse.

Xu Jin had already grasped part of the Grand Master's meaning.

The gist was that during his exile for spiritual refinement, Xu Jin could cultivate his own loyal followers or core group.

That was why the seal had been fully lifted.

"Master, I have a few questions I'd like to ask."

"What questions?"

"Master, I'm currently a Bronze-level Steward of the Star-Picking Tower. What authority do you hold? Or rather, how does one ascend the rank of Steward?" This was what Xu Jin most wanted to know.

The Grand Master has four hours monthly to meditate in the Starry Void Realm; Xu Jin has only one hour—it's far too little.

"I'm a Silver-level Steward. What, do you want to ascend your Steward rank in the Star-Picking Tower?" Cheng Yuexiao chuckled.

"The meditation time in the Starry Void Realm isn't enough," Xu Jin admitted frankly.

"Based on my own ascent experience, you won't be able to do it anytime soon," Cheng Yuexiao said.

"Why not?"

"I myself earned my Bronze-level Steward authority after defeating a Brilliant Star! But my Silver-level Steward authority came from my position as Grand Master," Cheng Yuexiao said.

"Grand Master's position?" This only deepened Xu Jin's confusion.

"I hold four-tenths of the authority over the main tower of Great Chen's Star-Picking Tower. After I gained those four-tenths, the Star Spirit declared my Bronze-level Steward authority upgraded to Silver-level—and it has remained unchanged ever since." As he spoke, Cheng Yuexiao suddenly smiled warmly at Xu Jin, making Xu Jin feel odd.

After a few breaths, Xu Jin suddenly understood.

The Grand Master meant that if Xu Jin wished to follow his path and upgrade his Bronze-level Steward authority to Silver, he must wait until one day he succeeded him as Grand Master—so it couldn't happen soon.

"No, Master, I didn't mean that," Xu Jin hastily explained.

Cheng Yuexiao merely chuckled, "No need to be so nervous. Let me be frank: if your cultivation base breaks through to the Eighth Stage or peaks at the Seventh Stage, I'll hand you the Grand Master position outright—then I can enjoy a few more years of ease."

As he spoke, a look of longing appeared in Cheng Yuexiao's eyes.

"By the way, Master, you hold four-tenths of the main tower's authority. Who holds the remaining six-tenths?" Xu Jin asked.

The main tower's authority was extremely important; Xu Jin had already learned this, which was why he asked.

"The Left and Right Sacrificial Officers each hold half a tenth; the old Retired Venerable within the Imperial Palace holds one-tenth; the Emperor holds two-tenths; the Great Director Pei Ze of Great Chen's Star-Patrol Guard holds one-tenth; Marshal Mao of the Star River Battlefield holds one-tenth."

Xu Jin listened, lost in thought.

The power structure was quite complex.

Yet all who held authority over the main tower were true power-brokers of Great Chen—and the structure was intricate indeed.

Just the Imperial Palace alone held three-tenths.

Truly so.

"I'll explain these matters to you gradually later! Right now, focus on raising your cultivation base."

"The Nine-Star Tide will arrive in at most six hours—be ready to receive orders for battle," Cheng Yuexiao said.

"Yes."

After Xu Jin bowed and departed, before he even left the door, Cheng Yuexiao's voice rang out again: "Since you've chosen exile for spiritual refinement, some arrangements can now be activated. If anyone comes to you tonight, accept everything they offer—don't refuse, don't overthink. They owe you, and it's not something one or two visits can repay."

"Don't ask questions. Go back now—I have work to do."

These words left Xu Jin deeply puzzled.

Who owed him?

It seemed no one owed him anything.

Though confused, since the Grand Master said he was busy, Xu Jin decided not to press now.

He'd ask later.

See who really owed him.

Back at his small courtyard, Xu Jin had barely sat down and was chatting idly with Jiang Er when Qing Fan reported that Director Ji Bang had come to visit.

Xu Jin was stunned.

Was this the person the Master meant—someone who owed him?

Ji Bang?

When had Ji Bang, Director of the Wan Yi Dao Academy, ever owed him?

Still puzzled, Xu Jin hurried out to greet him.

This old man deserved a personal welcome.

(End of Chapter)