Anime: Fight Sukuna at the beginning?.

Chapter 490 [Refining Me from Other Mountains] and the Beginning of the 'Trial'

Chen Qi's words were as follows.

The next second, this 'smart house' was completely dark.

It was like an electrical circuit that had been repaired for several hours.

As soon as the circuit is turned on, the house is filled with the sounds of electrical appliances humming and indicating that they are being turned on and running.

It became brightly lit.

Before he could even squint, Chen Qi subconsciously took a few steps back, seemingly unaccustomed to the light, and uttered his second sentence.

The door in front of them was swung open with a whoosh.

Li Zhi, dressed in a magnificent robe, stepped out.

A very kind and humble remark.

It then drifted into Chen Qi's ears.

"When receiving distinguished guests who come to us on their own initiative, how can we not make more preparations?"
"I didn't expect the guests to be so perceptive, which led to the misunderstanding."

After saying that, he deliberately stuffed the three rings into his pocket.

He gave Chen Qi a fawning smile.

"It has a slight effect on bringing people closer, but it may cause misunderstandings."

Upon hearing the merchant's words, Chen Qi waved his hand.

A space contract verifying merit points was delivered.

"Chen Qi, accumulate at least 800 merit points."

"The 'Chen' before your name is the same 'Chen' as you."

After giving a concise self-introduction.

Chen Qi's gaze then passed over the merchant's body and looked at the house behind him.

"No need for unnecessary pleasantries."

"We have the same goal, and we need your help with something. Come in and talk."

Before he could finish speaking, Li Zhi, realizing the man's strength, took a few steps back.

They voluntarily gave up the space.

"Please, is there anything else you would like, sir?"

The merchant hadn't finished speaking.

Chen Qi, having taken a step forward, gave a reply that left the businessmen somewhat puzzled.

"Turn off the lights."

Despite not quite understanding, Li Zhi still reflexively raised his head.

He spoke loudly towards the ceiling.

"Turn off the lights! Mark the way."

Then, in the darkness, he added a sentence to Chen Qi.

"Guest, the design at the front is somewhat unreasonable."

"To avoid collisions."
Before he could finish speaking, before Li Zhi could utter "You should lower your head slightly,"...

Chen Qi then bent down voluntarily.

Ignoring the shadows, I walked through the rather low doorway.

He calmly repeated what he had said earlier.

"No need for unnecessary pleasantries."

The merchant felt a chill run down his spine, realizing something was amiss.

[He wants to turn off the lights; is it because his lineage or some other trait requires shadows?]

Does sunlight affect him?

He was trying to gauge the other party's abilities.

The merchant wisely kept quiet and quickened his pace.

At the same time, he used his tongue to push against the [deceptive dentures] placed in his mouth.

This activated the effect of the [Wonderful Item]: [Reduces the unpleasantness caused by gazes, making it less noticeable when looking at others].

He touched the ring in his pocket again and activated [Dark Vision], which temporarily enhances his ability to see in dark environments.

He subtly observed the man in front of him out of the corner of his eye.

The more you look at Chen Qi, the more you realize he's a real pro.

The businessman's confusion grew stronger.

[Strange, since they're on the same side, share the surname Chen, have such high accumulated merit points, and even know the temporary codename that was only finalized before this mission.]

"I should remember that."

But why do his name and his person seem so unfamiliar, as if they sprang from a stone?
-
These doubts had just begun to surface in his mind.

Chen Qi walked ahead of Li Zhi with his eyes straight ahead and his expressionless face.

A strange smile curved his lips.

He spoke in a very calm tone.

He said something that sent chills down the spines of the businessmen.

"You don't need to doubt my identity."

Chen Qi turned his head as he spoke.

His pupils constricted sharply, and his body began to tremble.

The businessman's breathing became rapid.

He smiled and uttered the second half of the sentence.

"Because you won't be my teammate."

"You are not qualified to fight alongside me in the operations to come."
-
The image on the man's face showed extreme restraint.

But a sinister smile emanated from the shadows.

Li Zhi's throat bobbed slightly, and he rolled his throat a few times.

Yet, she still couldn't utter a response from her trembling lips.

He found out!?

This perception ability, capable of nullifying the effects of [strange objects], must have already surpassed the limit of Rank 2!

The 800 merit points are definitely just a humble way of putting it!

The opponent's true strength is probably no less than that of Gu Qi!
After vaguely sensing Chen Qi's strength.

A look of extreme confusion flashed in Li Zhi's eyes.

Is it to ensure that Gu Qi is killed?

But that 'monster' that brought destruction should already be a solid safety net!

Who are the teammates he's referring to?

Just how many 'monsters' were crammed into this space during this mission?

However, before the trembling Li Zhi could even get a seat, he began to guide Chen Qi to his seat.

Chen Qi arrived at the reception room.

Then he handed Li Zhi a bulging bag.

"【Old gold coins】."

"I haven't counted them, but the number is probably around 12000."

Despite wondering why the other party could produce so many [old gold coins] at this stage.

But Li Zhi didn't dare to accept it.

"You..."

Seeing the merchant's trembling appearance.

Chen Qi casually handed it forward.

Then, without bias, he placed this heavy money bag on the ground.

It was cleverly embedded in the businessman's coat in a way that defies the laws of physics.

It was hung in front of the merchant.

"I heard you're collecting it."

Consider these as a small gift.

Li Zhi then looked at Chen Qi.

The other party's money is definitely not easy to get; there should be demands involved.

Chen Qi looked at Li Zhi and stated his request.

"Rest assured, as the great man who devised this plan said, a statement I wholeheartedly agree with."

"[The dazzling diamonds have a place to be set in crowns.]"

"[Gold is noteworthy for its use in minting coins.]"

"[Even though brass is ubiquitous, there are occasions where it can be put to good use.]"

Chen Qi pointed at Li Zhi and said with a serious expression.

Gu Qi was Chen Shu's most trusted and seemingly "unbreakable shield".

"Even with the blessing of a 'miracle', I am not entirely confident of defeating my opponent."

After giving a frank and objective assessment of the enemy's strength.

Chen Qi even expressed admiration for the enemy.

"At the same time, gain the approval of that respectable Gu Qi and become someone who can walk alongside him."

"It's more difficult than defeating her."

"Therefore, I will not give you the difficult task of luring Gu Qi out of the 'safe zone'."

"I also won't let you know information you shouldn't know."

Looking at the relaxed businessman.

Chen Qi smiled with satisfaction.

"I need a list of all the people who have had contact with 'God of War' and who may have had conflicts with him."

"And a list of mercenaries from other towns during this period."

The businessman looked somewhat puzzled.

Chen Qi took out a notebook that had turned gray.

He calmly explained the reason.

"The 'God of War' died after leaving the town."

"He is a capable person."

"He won't die at the hands of monsters, nor will he die at the hands of those strong bandits who belong to the [Wolves]."

He watched as the businessman nodded silently and lowered his head.

Chen Qi patted the other person on the shoulder.

He stood up and left quietly.

He only left behind this sentence: "While you're at it, gather information on other outstanding reincarnators, including Fang Yi, who came in first place in the first 'dungeon'."

"The focus is on collecting rumors about whether they have demonstrated skills that are unlikely to appear at this level, enough to be called 'miracles'."

“I am willing to pay extra for it.”

I silently counted the minutes in my mind.

He kept his head down until the sweat on his forehead had completely dried.

Only after confirming that the man named Chen Qi had gone far away did Li Zhi dare to raise his head.

Gently take down the money pouch hanging on your chest.

He opened the money bag, took out several coins, and counted them.

After arriving at the conclusion that "this is an old gold coin with a face value of 13212,"

The merchant picked out a few more coins and weighed them in his hand.

He held it up to his nose and sniffed it.

He activated his [talent].

The money smells of blood and plunder, not from one person, but from a long time ago.

This money wasn't obtained through normal channels; it was stolen.

After reflecting on my conversation with Chen Qi.

He then added this sentence to his mind.

This money likely originated from the gang he mentioned, connected to the "wolves," that operated outside the town.

These people were his or those people's allies; they reached a cooperation agreement.

Thinking of this, a glint of shrewdness flashed in the businessman's eyes.

This won't affect my ability to 'sway with the wind'.

[But they could also obtain information about those precious wines from Fang Yi.]
-
West of Hamlet town.

A camp used for [Training Skills].

Because it was already late at night.

Even if the camp has things like [Night Battle Techniques] and [Darkness Perception].

Training can only be conducted after dark to deepen the mastery of skills.

It remains open to mercenaries at night.

But the mercenaries in the camp.

They were already just like the guards on the side, whose numbers had dwindled considerably.

Very few left.

A limping night watchman with an empty sleeve on his left arm, facing the doorway.

A card was handed out that required 8000 [Old Gold Coins] to obtain.

Behind the card indicating the right to use a private training room for a limited time.

Chen Qi walked into the brightly lit training room.

Looking at the monster's flesh and blood filling the space in front of him.

A test target with defense capabilities reaching the average level of [Champion Level].

He raised his fist as usual.

Take a deep breath.

The man's gaze became unusually focused.

The beating heart in my chest, intertwined with my rhythmic breathing, created a silent drumbeat.

After a sense of tranquility and stillness had arisen in my heart, like a clear mirror reflecting the still water.

Chen Qi threw a right punch.

He used the martial arts he obtained from the 'Kengan Tournament' world.

【Erhu Style Martial Arts - Vajra Form】

【Iron Fragments】

The punch was thrown.

The man's right fist then gleamed with a golden light.

The punch, unleashed when the fist is thrown, has not yet arrived.

The air vibrated and exploded under the force of the punch.

However, despite the overwhelming force of his punches.

The golden light that appeared on the surface of the man's right fist did not solidify.

At the moment of impact with the target.

The fist's power is condensed and refined.

Instead, it lost most of its power, like sparks scattered across the sky.

It only generated a gust of wind pressure, which struck the test target, which was filled with flesh and blood and had defenses comparable to [Champion-level].
-
"boom!"

A dull but clear impact echoed in the training room.

However, the power of the punch was not as shocking as expected.

The target trembled slightly, but no noticeable cracks appeared.

The light, symbolizing "shattered iron," flickered on the target for a moment before quickly disappearing.

Like sparks scattered in all directions when blacksmithing.

Chen Qi frowned slightly as he threw the punch.

But I wasn't upset.

This was entirely expected, just from allocating points to [Skills].

However, it is simply a normal performance that does not require spending points to train and improve mastery, and then apply the [skill].

The next moment, he calmed his breathing.

Following the momentum of his muscles and bones, he once again swung his fists alternately.

"drink!"

The man's second punch was purely a physical blow.

But just as the fist grazed the edge of the target.

A deep, resonant sound burst forth in the air.

The third punch that followed.

Chen Qi skillfully restrained his strength and began to leverage the opponent's momentum.

At that moment, the man also heard a notification sound from the space.

[Affected by the [Module: Skill Refinement], the [Talent] [Forging Myself from Others], and multiple skills including [Ultimate Fist].]

Your mastery of the [Two Tigers Style Martial Arts - Vajra Form] has improved.

Your mastery of the derivative skill [Iron Smash] has improved.

However, Chen Qi did not stop throwing his fist.

At this moment, the man has already entered a unique rhythm.

Even the flow of breath in the [Diamond Form] became more and more natural.

The fourth punch, the fifth punch.

With each punch, the man's muscle activation and power transmission become increasingly skillful.

When the tenth punch is thrown.

The golden glow that had originally surrounded the man's right fist.

It started spreading from the knuckles to the forearm, and finally climbed up to the shoulder and neck.

It was as if a scorching golden pattern had been tattooed on the flesh, running through the bones and muscles.

"boom!"

The fist struck the target again, but this time it was very different from before.

This blow.

It caused the flesh on the target surface to roll back, and a ring of wavy cracks appeared on it.

Originally a target that was fixed to the ground and could not be moved.

It also started to sway back and forth.

This is a standard demonstration of mastering the "Iron Smash" technique.

You have fully mastered the skill [Iron Smash].

[Influenced by the talent "Learning from Others," the trait "Understanding by Analogy," and the mastery of fist-type skills.]

[You have mastered the technique of using rhythmic, continuous punches to break through the opponent's defense [Iron Smash Combo].]

Chen Qi put away his fist.

Sweat dripped from his forehead and landed on his fist, rising into a barely perceptible mist.

He looked at the target, a slight smile appearing at the corners of his mouth.

"Almost there, let's try again."

Before he finished speaking, golden light appeared on his knuckles.

It was more solid and sharper than before.

The fist had not yet approached the target.

The once indestructible target was shattered into several pieces.

He finally heard the notification tone he wanted to hear.

[Your current skill proficiency meets the requirements. Due to the influence of "Refining My Skills from Others," you have gained a "Limit Breakpoint," which allows you to further enhance your skills.]

[You have reached the maximum number of Breakthrough Points. Please select the skill you wish to break through.]

I could feel my right hand getting increasingly hot.

Unrestricted by space, death results in falling.

It can trigger 'miracles' and bring about 'trials' for self-improvement.

Unleash the potential of the Stand, and collect multiple pieces of the Saint's Remains - Right Hand to enhance the Stand.

Chen Qi smiled with satisfaction.

"The stones from other mountains can be used to polish jade."

"I've acquired another skill."

"I've finally gathered enough Limit Break Points before the 'Trial' to acquire the new [Remains]."

After expressing his feelings, the man revealed the skills he wanted to improve.

"The skill I need to improve is..."

"【Stand-in-the-Loop: Shadow Messenger】".
-
At the same moment, Fang Yi sensed the increasing heat in his left and right eyes.

They stopped talking and looked towards the town.

(End of this chapter)