Chapter 95: Fifteen Supreme Paths, Return to the Provincial Examination

What shocked Jiang Ming was not the presence of two types of artistic intent, but that both had merged completely into the void, transforming into the celestial phenomenon’s oppressive might. Only then did the terrifying heavenly power form, so overwhelming that even he felt its weight.

“Can multiple kinds of artistic intent be imprinted upon the void?” Jiang Ming asked.

The lightning figure replied with a single word, “Yes.”

“The more, the stronger? The more, the better?” Jiang Ming pressed further.

The first part was certain, as it had already been proven, but the second was a question.

“Only perfected artistic intent can be imprinted upon the void, transforming into the authority of the world under your control,” the lightning figure replied again. “The more you integrate, the greater the burden. If you surpass your own limits, at best your cultivation stagnates under the weight, at worst your will collapses—or rather, your will is assimilated by the heavens.”

“How can one judge their limit?” Jiang Ming inquired humbly.

“Measure it by the number of apertures you’ve opened, by the strength of your will, by the intensity of your soul. The more, the firmer, the stronger—so too is your capacity to bear.”

“I see!” Jiang Ming understood.

The meaning was clear: the more apertures you open, the more you can bear; the firmer your will, the greater your endurance; the stronger your soul, the more you can withstand.

“Is there a true ultimate limit?”

“The fifteen strongest artistic intents!”

“Fifteen? Isn’t ten the supposed maximum?” Jiang Ming was stunned.

Whether in textbooks, online, or according to Elder Tang, the strongest artistic intents numbered only ten. Yet now the lightning figure claimed fifteen?

Jiang Ming was bewildered.

Still, he chose to trust the lightning figure, realizing it was imparting wisdom in its own unique way.

This time, the lightning figure did not answer, but its aura grew ever stronger. The pressure it radiated distorted the space around Jiang Ming, even opening cracks in reality.

It was too powerful—beyond imagination. At least ten times stronger than the first lightning figure. Clearly, it was about to make its move.

“Hongyi, Yunshuang, Liuli—the world’s shackles have been broken. In the future, when you reach your limits, you can shatter the void and ascend. Jinmie, you must strive as well. May we meet again in another world. Take care!” Jiang Ming’s gaze shifted to Yan Hongyi and the others. With those words, he returned to the main world.

Kill the lightning figure before him?

He wasn’t confident. In fact, he might be the one to fall. There was no need to risk it.

Once Jiang Ming vanished, the lightning figure collapsed into nothingness, and the rolling clouds above dispersed swiftly.

The moon shone bright, stars sparse—a serene night once more.

But Yan Hongyi and her companions were anything but calm. Jiang Ming’s strength and the terror of the lightning figure made them truly realize their own insignificance.

“To break the void and ascend… Jiang Lang, wait for me, you must wait for me!” Yan Hongyi murmured softly.

“That hateful little man, he’s taken my heart with him,” Yunshuang said, face full of reluctance.

“Brother Jiang, wait for me!” Little Liuli clenched her fists. To her, Jiang Ming’s place in her heart was truly special.

When she was about to be killed, Jiang Ming descended from the heavens and saved her. From then on, she was like a pampered princess.

Jinmie and the others were even more astounded.

“So a human can be this powerful!”

“The lightning figure—is that the will of the heavens?”

“Even the will of the heavens can be struck down? Even if another appears!”

“The world’s shackles have been broken, we can ascend? I could feel, when Saint Jiang struck down the first lightning figure, that some mysterious restraint lifted from me—I felt lighter, freer, almost as if I could fly.”

“Saint Jiang, you’re opening the immortal martial path for us!”

“I must protect the Great Jiang Dynasty, guard the Emperor and all others, and strive in cultivation, so that one day I can ascend and become your student again!”

This was Jinmie’s heartfelt resolve.

He had once been utterly despairing, never imagining that Jiang Ming, infamously called the demon from beyond, would eradicate the Ghost Abyss, pacify Ten Thousand Monster Mountain, and bring order to the world.

After the dynasty changed, Jiang Ming guided new policies, letting the people truly become human. From that moment, Jinmie was utterly devoted.

Main world, Myriad Worlds Tower, fourth floor.

Jiang Ming stepped out.

“You’re back?” Elder Tang, who hadn’t left, had been watching the time. Seeing Jiang Ming’s figure, he breathed a deep sigh of relief and broke into a broad smile. “Back at last, thank goodness!”

Then he sensed the vast energy contained within Jiang Ming, making him tremble with awe and delight. “Good, good, good. Truly a peerless talent our Pyongyang City hasn’t seen in a thousand years!”

“No celestial phenomena, not at the Celestial Manifestation stage—fifth level? But this fifth level…” Elder Song couldn’t help but grin.

Jiang Ming had not fully concealed his aura on return, since he’d just faced the lightning figure. This allowed Elder Song to glimpse it, leaving him deeply moved.

“Such endless accumulation and profound foundation—that’s what marks true genius!” Elder Tang said with a laugh. “Come, let’s head to Old Song’s office and have a proper talk.”

Jiang Ming agreed.

Top floor, office.

Elder Song personally poured him a cup of Snow Mist Tea, refreshing and calming—a fine brew.

Jiang Ming took a sip and liked it immediately, then briefly recounted his experiences in the secret realm. This time, there hadn’t been much.

“Destroyed the Ghost Abyss, eradicated Ten Thousand Monster Mountain, cut off sect gates, bloodwashed the dynasty, martial rule across the land.” Elder Song listened, unable to resist scratching his head.

The rest was understandable, but to break sect gates and bloodwash a dynasty? That was truly outrageous.

He never imagined this young man could be so ruthless!

“Excellent!” Elder Tang praised, “Decisive and bold—that’s the essence of our martial way. If you see injustice, act; if you see evil, destroy. As for foreign races, those who commit evil and feed on humans must be exterminated—slaughter them to the last!”

“That’s just how I see it!” Jiang Ming nodded, then asked, “Are monster and ghost races really so common? They’re terribly cruel!”

“Not so common now, but for you, they’ll become frequent,” Elder Tang’s tone grew grave. “When you reach the Battlefield of Ten Thousand Worlds, you’ll see how many races there are—far more than you imagine. Savage, wicked, brutal, cruel—there are countless types. Ghosts are just one, not even the worst!”

Jiang Ming’s heart sank.

A few words made clear how cruel the outside world was—utterly terrifying.

“In truth, the secret realm worlds are much safer. Within the levels, the world’s strongest powers are capped, and those entering are generally geniuses who’ve learned in advance how to act in the secret realm. Danger is not that great—except for some fools!” Elder Tang explained. “But for students with no real combat experience, it’s still perilous. In high school, entering secret realms is not recommended.”

Jiang Ming nodded.

For inexperienced high schoolers, it was indeed dangerous. If they stirred trouble, they’d likely die.

They chatted for a long time. Elder Song reminded him, “Today is the fifth; the seventh is the provincial exam. The round-robin matches will be publicly broadcast. That’s the time of greatest honor for students—if you soar, you’ll be famous across the Federation. Spend the next two days consolidating your studies and prepare to show your strongest self.”

“With your strength, topping the provincial exam won’t be hard, but still, prepare just in case!” Elder Tang advised.

Jiang Ming nodded, understanding the logic.

Sharpening your spear at the last moment may not make you faster, but it does make you shine.

Preparation must still be made.

Then he left with Elder Tang, staying temporarily at the same place to avoid outside interruptions.

Back at his lodgings, he bathed, changed clothes, and looked at his long hair. After considering, he trimmed it a bit and tidied up.

Dressed in robes, he still cut a dashing, refined figure.

He unlocked his phone.

Even with restrictions on unknown callers, there were plenty of missed calls. After a glance, he opened the class group chat.

It was lively as ever.

They discussed the martial exam and the upcoming provincial test.

Many students felt nostalgic—graduation was imminent, and they’d soon go their separate ways. Some reminisced, some proposed gatherings, others confessed crushes they'd never dared reveal, now opening their hearts.

“Student days…” Jiang Ming reflected.

Some say it’s the most beautiful stage of life—free from the responsibilities of being a son, husband, or father.

Just focus on studies; everything else can be ignored.

University is even better: youth, freedom, dreams, no burdens, barely any supervision, and money to spend.

After that, graduation brings work, office politics, bosses’ oppression—most of the time, silence is the only response.

And once you have a partner and children, there are chains upon you—freedom? What’s that?

Private chat.

Jiang Ming: “Fatty, how are you?”

Wang the Fatty: “Getting a massage and scrub, feels amazing!”

Jiang Ming: “Damn, you really went for the full package!”

Wang the Fatty: “Hehe, martial exam’s over, no chance at the provincial test, so I’m enjoying myself! Anyway, I’m a little genius too, and your best buddy. Here, they gave me everything for free—a month’s worth, with the best masseur, those little hands, so soft, so tender, I almost fell asleep.”

Jiang Ming: “You really know how to live it up!”

Wang the Fatty: “One must seize joy when it comes! Ming, are you coming? They said if you come, you’ll get lifetime free service—the best treatment.”

Jiang Ming: “Forget it.”

Wang the Fatty: “Knew you wouldn’t come. What a pity. They said if I could get you to show up, I’d get a three hundred thousand reward! Three hundred thousand, just gone—Ming, my heart aches!”

Wang the Fatty: “But if you did come, and I snapped a pic of you getting a massage, then posted it: ‘With our softest hands and most attentive service, he’s reached peak condition—Student Jiang galloped to victory and became martial champion.’”

Jiang Ming: “……”

Wang the Fatty: “Hahaha, if that happened, would you become the laughingstock of the Federation?”

Jiang Ming: “Get lost!”

Wang the Fatty: “Alright, I’ll roll—roll in the sheets. Envious, aren’t you? Want me to send some pics?”

Wang the Fatty: “Hehe, I can picture you—eyes shining but acting reserved. Okay, I won’t provoke you further.”

Wang the Fatty: “Go for it! Strive for the real martial champion. Then I can brag—see, that guy on TV, online, in the photos? He’s my best bro. My mate is the martial champion—so how could I be anything less? My waist’s strength could topple three mountains!”

Jiang Ming was speechless.

After bantering for a bit, he noticed a message from Qin Zhiyan: “Provincial test—top hundred fight for ten spots in the Federation’s grand exam. I’m not confident—no, my chances are slim. I plan to enter the secret realm again. Jiang Ming, are you free?”

“I just, just…”

“Alright then.”

“I still want your guidance, and to learn some unique skills.”

“Am I too ambitious?”

She hesitated.

“So strong, reserved, shy, and a bit proud,” Jiang Ming smiled, then replied.

In the afternoon, Qin Zhiyan arrived. Jiang Ming led her to the courtyard. Elder Tang winked at him and went out for a stroll.

“Last time in the preliminary round, you ranked around twentieth in the province, already very strong. You can get into any martial university in the Federation. Following the curriculum, your future will be limitless—why risk it?” Jiang Ming invited her to sit, puzzled.

“But I still can’t control my own fate,” Qin Zhiyan smiled bitterly.

“Even with this strength?” Jiang Ming frowned deeply.

He only knew her family was decent, with some background, but this was just a small city. What kind of entanglement could leave an eighteen-year-old martial talent unable to steer her destiny? Once at martial university, she’d advance rapidly, with school support and protection.

“Still lacking—too uncertain,” Qin Zhiyan sipped her tea, sighed, then looked at Jiang Ming. “Jiang, I’ve come to seek guidance. Please teach me. In the future… whatever I can do, I’ll go through fire and water for you.”

Her tone was resolute.

“We’ve been classmates for three years. Within my ability, I’ll help. But…” Jiang Ming said seriously, “Today I journeyed to another world—very dangerous!”

“You went again?” Qin Zhiyan was astonished.

She truly hadn’t known.

She’d hesitated for a long time before deciding to venture forth, and to add a layer of security, she sought Jiang Ming for help.

During the preliminary, she’d seen how monstrous Jiang Ming was, reaching the sixth floor—unbelievable.

But she never imagined he’d go to the secret realm again, which only firmed her resolve.

“Yes!” Jiang Ming nodded, then shared his experience in the last secret realm—divine cultivation, vengeful spirits, monster races, and more.

“Ghost Abyss, raising humans for blood, shadow god manifestations…” Qin Zhiyan was shocked, speechless, slowly digesting it all. Then her eyes brightened. “I’m only at the third martial stage; the secret realm I enter is far less dangerous than yours.”

“Very well,” Jiang Ming saw he couldn’t dissuade her, so asked, “Which path are you taking?”

“You taught me the ‘Raindrop Sword’ technique, which let me touch the threshold of Rain’s artistic intent, so I’ll pursue this path. Using rain as a stepping stone, I’ll seek the artistic intent of cold and mist, fuse them, and aim for a greater Water artistic intent—that’s my goal!” Qin Zhiyan confessed, holding nothing back.

“The goal is too modest!” Jiang Ming advised. “At the fourth martial stage, try to remain longer—it’s the best phase for comprehending artistic intent, crucial for building your foundation!”

“Water’s artistic intent is still small?” Qin Zhiyan was surprised.

She thought that, among the five elements, Water’s artistic intent was already impressive.

“The stronger the artistic intent, the deeper your foundation, and the broader your future path!”

“I know, but…” Qin Zhiyan smiled bitterly and gazed at Jiang Ming.

But human ability has its limits!

“I’ll teach you two sword arts—do your best to comprehend them!” Jiang Ming smiled, touching her brow with his finger.

Rain? Water?

He imparted related Five Elements Sword Dao and Yin-Yang Sword Dao techniques.

Each sword art contained myriad sword principles; if fully understood, she might even realize the Five Elements and Yin-Yang artistic intents.

After a while, Qin Zhiyan opened her eyes, her face full of shock and disbelief.

The intricacy of these two sword arts was beyond her imagination; at the moment, she couldn’t fathom even a fraction.

She stood, clasped hands in salute, then bowed again, and joked, “Young Master Jiang, should I offer myself in gratitude?”

Jiang Ming was speechless.

Qin Zhiyan waved and left.

As night fell, he received her message: “Perfect. See you in two days, Jiang.”

“Congratulations, see you then!” Jiang Ming replied. “I truly didn’t expect this little girl to succeed again. What has she experienced, what stage has she reached?”

Martial Calendar Year 9918, June 7th.

Eight in the morning.

Jiang Ming arrived at the City Lord’s mansion, where the provincial exam would be held. Entering the battle network, all the province’s top talents gathered for ranking duels.

Elder Tang arrived.

Teacher Chen arrived.

Principal Chang came too.

Of course, Qin Zhiyan was there.

The happiest were Teacher Chen and Principal Chang. Their school had two students in the province’s top hundred—a tremendous honor.

Usually, provincial-level cities take most of the top hundred, with the rest divided among each city and school.

This year, besides Jiang Ming and Qin Zhiyan, only one student from First High entered the top hundred, ranking eighty-sixth.

They gathered in a room to wait.

“Zhiyan, what world did you experience?” Jiang Ming asked via transmission.

Qin Zhiyan’s face was pale. “The Path of the Strange.”

“The Path of the Strange?”

“Yes! The power levels weren’t high, but it was terrifying. I first arrived by a ruined temple at dusk, crows cawing, deathly still. I planned to rest inside and adjust to the power changes, but…” Qin Zhiyan took a deep breath, slowly exhaled, and continued, “Inside the ruined temple, I was nearly scared to death.”

This chapter is a bit late.

But it’s a five-thousand-word long chapter.

The side quest is over, and the second phase of the martial college entrance exam begins. I sketched a brief outline.

The main world’s geniuses will all make their appearance.

Lastly, please support!

(End of chapter)