Chapter Seventy-Three: Jing Hao’s Explanation

Tang Tian found Jing Hao, who was busy polishing his sword.

When Jing Hao saw Tang Tian, his expression was as calm as ever. “What is it?”

“I want to leave this place,” Tang Tian said straightforwardly. “I want to go to White Rainbow Star.”

“In three months, a coach will come. If you reach fifth-rank strength, you can leave with the convoy.” Jing Hao’s tone was indifferent.

“I want to leave now,” Tang Tian said earnestly.

Jing Hao ignored him, continuing to polish his sword with gentle, focused movements, as if Tang Tian didn’t exist.

“Is there really no way?” Tang Tian asked, unwilling to give up.

“No,” Jing Hao said, not pausing his actions. “If you try to leave Dalin Outer Camp without reaching fifth rank, the Martial Society will hunt you down.”

Frustration flashed across Tang Tian’s face. “Damn it!” The thought that he couldn’t see Qianhui immediately made his mood plummet.

“How did you get here?” Jing Hao put down his sword and asked coolly.

Tang Tian recounted everything that had happened on his journey. When Jing Hao heard Tang Tian mention the Weakness Martial Arena, a flicker of surprise crossed his face. To Tang Tian, nothing particularly noteworthy had happened along the way.

“I see,” Jing Hao said nonchalantly. “Kong Youlin is a very pragmatic man. He’s always been proud of his Weakness Arena. You destroyed it, so it’s no wonder you were sent here.”

He seemed quite familiar with Lord Kong.

“N-no way…” Tang Tian stammered, his face blank with shock. He hadn’t expected the trouble to come from this quarter; he’d thought Lord Kong was quite a decent person.

“If you had outstanding talent and a bright future, he wouldn’t care about that loss; in fact, he’d probably treat you well. But since your talent is mediocre, yet you managed to destroy the Weakness Arena, he’ll likely believe your current strength comes from your bloodline.” For once, Jing Hao spoke at length.

“Bloodline?” Tang Tian looked baffled.

“Kong Youlin misjudged you,” Jing Hao said, but Tang Tian could see a hint of schadenfreude in his eyes.

“What is bloodline?” Tang Tian asked, raising his hand.

Jing Hao frowned. “Where did you study before?”

“I was in Xingfeng City on Martial Peace Star,” Tang Tian replied honestly. “But my grades were poor. I practiced the basic martial techniques for five years. At first I was at Ande Academy, but I was expelled, then I went to Shaqima Academy.”

“You practiced basic techniques for five years?” Jing Hao sat up, his face showing surprise.

“Yes,” Tang Tian nodded.

“What a pity…” There was both regret and admiration in Jing Hao’s eyes. What a shame… he’s not a swordsman…

“It’s not a pity!” Tang Tian shook his head. “I think the basics are very useful.”

“You’re not wrong,” Jing Hao’s expression softened, but then he sneered. “Kong Youlin and those like him only value innate talent and potential. Don’t worry, they’ll regret it. As for bloodline, it refers to the power hidden within your blood. But you’re definitely not bloodline.”

Jing Hao’s voice grew gentler. “It seems I should explain some things about the Bright Martial Society. It’s a massive organization with many internal factions. Some are divided by ideology, others by profit. All told, there are a dozen or so factions.”

Tang Tian was stunned. “A dozen factions… Doesn’t that make it a complete mess?”

“You’re absolutely right,” Jing Hao agreed rather than refuting him. “The Society was loosely organized from the very beginning. It used to be even more so. Generally speaking, most of the local authority rests with the branch leaders. Kong Youlin’s sister, for example, is the branch leader of the Perseus Division. However, if you want to rise quickly, you can go pioneering on the Heavenly Road. It’s dangerous, but the merit you gain there far surpasses what you can earn in the rear.”

Tang Tian shook his head. “I don’t like the Bright Martial Society.”

“Because you were sent here?” Jing Hao glanced at Tang Tian. “Things like this happen everywhere. Didn’t they at school? It’s just a matter of degree.”

“You have a point.” Tang Tian thought of Zhou Peng and felt relieved. He clenched his fist. “But I’ll definitely give them a good beating someday!”

“You’ll have your chance,” Jing Hao said, not the least bit discouraging—in fact, he sounded encouraging. “If you want to leave, I know a way.”

“What way?” Tang Tian instantly perked up.

“They only gave you the status of an Outer Camp member, but that’s actually convenient for you. I can give you the credentials of an Iron Martial Warrior,” Jing Hao said without hesitation. “But you’ll have to join my faction.”

“Join your faction?” Tang Tian eyed Jing Hao suspiciously.

“I think highly of you,” Jing Hao admitted without reservation. “And you’ve inherited the martial techniques of Senior Nong, who was a pillar of our faction when he was alive. No one will object to recruiting you. Our faction is dedicated to the pursuit of strength, and we rarely meddle in trivial matters. We band together only to protect our interests within the Society. As for your grudge with Kong Youlin, the Society won’t care, nor will we. It’s up to you to settle.”

Tang Tian’s heart was pounding. “Isn’t Iron Martial Warrior a fifth-rank position?”

“Normally, yes. But I have faith in you. With my authority, I can give you Iron status without issue,” Jing Hao said, then added meaningfully, “Besides, you’re already at fourth rank—it won’t be long before you reach fifth.”

“Alright!” Tang Tian agreed without hesitation. “But I need to go to White Rainbow Star!”

“No problem. I can get you out,” Jing Hao replied calmly. “But I don’t recommend leaving right now.”

“Why not?” Tang Tian’s tone was tense.

“You’re too weak,” Jing Hao said bluntly. “Your combat ability is above average for fourth rank, but still falls short of the average fifth rank. White Rainbow Star isn’t a particularly formidable place, but even there, those with any strength are at least fifth rank. You’d be at a disadvantage. If you’re patient and stay three more months, I’m confident I can help you advance another rank.”

“Who are you kidding!” Tang Tian didn’t believe him at all. Advancing a rank in three months? Even Uncle Bing wouldn’t dare brag like that.

“Why do you think I’m here?” Jing Hao asked in return.

“The bald guy said you offended someone,” Tang Tian replied.

“I may be only a Bronze Martial Warrior, but no one has the power to send me here as punishment,” Jing Hao said, his tone calm but unmistakably proud. “I came here because this place is excellent for training.”

“Excellent for training?” Tang Tian was taken aback.

Jing Hao nodded. “Come with me tomorrow and you’ll see.”

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In the subterranean world, there was no such thing as day or night. Darkness reigned everywhere. If not for the luminescent moss growing everywhere, the place would have been eternally shrouded in shadow.

When Jing Hao saw Tang Tian’s Bronze Mechanical Ostrich, he was momentarily stunned, a look of curiosity appearing in his eyes for the first time. “Is that… a Bronze Mechanical Ostrich?”

Tang Tian was secretly delighted and answered smugly, “Yes!”

Jing Hao circled the ostrich, inspecting it. His usual calm had vanished; he was like a curious child, touching here and there. Tang Tian was surprised—he hadn’t expected Jing Hao to be so expressive.

“Ancient machines are truly remarkable! I’ve heard about them, but never seen one in person. I used to be skeptical, but now I can only admire the skill of the ancients. Remarkable!” Jing Hao straightened up with genuine admiration, then his tone shifted. “Put it away.”

“Put it away?” Tang Tian was startled and quickly said, “My third-rank lightness skill can’t keep up with you.”

“It’s too noisy, it’ll attract underground Star Soul Beasts,” Jing Hao glanced at Tang Tian. “And as a martial artist, you should focus on developing your own strength rather than relying on external aids. Here—this is your Iron Light Badge, proof that you are now an Iron Martial Warrior. Your monthly benefits will be transmitted to it; it’s essentially a long-distance portable water bottle weapons vault. If you want to sell something, you can use it to transfer items to other Society members.”

Tang Tian took the badge curiously. It was half the size of a palm, extremely hard and heavy, its surface covered in intricate patterns. At the center was a sun.

Jing Hao pointed at the badge. “Once you form your Martial Soul, you can use this to contact others in the Society. It has many other functions as well, so don’t lose it.”

Sure enough, when Tang Tian tried to connect his Martial Soul to the badge, a list of names appeared inside. Jing Hao’s name was among them, but only his was lit; the others were gray. Tang Tian focused and selected Jing Hao’s name.

Jing Hao was startled. He took out his own Bronze Badge, the sun at its center flickering. He connected his mind to it—and was stunned. It was Tang Tian!

Jing Hao could no longer keep his composure. He opened his eyes wide in shock. “You’ve already formed your Martial Soul?”

“Yes, I managed it a while ago,” Tang Tian replied offhandedly. He only had to think, and his words were transmitted straight into Jing Hao’s mind. Tang Tian found it fascinating. He’d never thought much of the Bright Martial Society before, never believed it was as formidable as the rumors claimed, but upon seeing the Iron Badge, he finally realized how formidable the organization truly was.

Jing Hao stared at Tang Tian. He’d already thought highly of him—otherwise he wouldn’t have offered Iron Martial Warrior status. But he hadn’t expected Tang Tian to have already formed his Martial Soul. Since he claimed to have done so recently, that meant he’d formed it at third rank!

Forming a Martial Soul at third rank—Jing Hao would never have believed it if he hadn’t seen it with his own eyes.

Such a feat was impossible for anyone relying on bloodline power alone!

Jing Hao suddenly realized he’d truly stumbled upon a treasure this time.

He took a deep breath to calm his excitement, then looked up. “Let’s go. You’ll have plenty of time to explore its functions later.”

At his words, Tang Tian put away the Iron Light Badge.

The two figures vanished into the darkness.