High Martial Arts: Liver Becomes the Master of the Universe

Chapter 169 The Canaan Newcomer Cup Begins! Aiming for the Championship! A Black Hole-Level Martial Artist Arrives to Watch the Match!
When Qin Feng's consciousness returned from the cold torrent of data in the Imperial Arena and settled back into his quiet dormitory, the fierce momentum of his spear thrusting like a dragon gradually subsided, eventually returning to a deep calm.

Six months of grueling training and tens of thousands of life-or-death battles kept his spirit taut like a bowstring.

At this moment, the bowstring slackened, and a long-lost, heartfelt sense of weariness enveloped him like a warm tide.

He didn't immediately immerse himself in the new practice, but instead sat quietly on the sofa, emptying his mind.

His gaze unconsciously fell on the communication terminal, on the profile picture of "Father" that he had pinned to the top for forty years.

The latest comment is from several months ago.

A warm feeling welled up in his heart, along with a touch of guilt.

Over the years, in pursuit of the ultimate martial arts, he has devoted almost all his time to rigorous training and combat, and has had very little contact with his family.

He took a deep breath, calmed himself down, and finally pressed the call button.

Subspace signals spanning countless galaxies were connected in an instant.

"Beep...beep..."

The call was connected after only two rings.

A familiar yet slightly aged face appeared in the holographic projection.

That was his father, Qin Dahai.

Compared to forty years ago, my father's temples are now frosted with age, and the wrinkles around his eyes are much deeper.

But his eyes remained bright and gentle, his back was straight, and he looked energetic, even more composed than when he was in the factory.

"Afeng!"

Upon seeing Qin Feng's face, Qin Dahai's face immediately broke into an incredibly bright smile, the joy and longing from the bottom of his heart almost overflowing from the screen.

"dad."

Qin Feng laughed too, his voice unconsciously softening and lowering, "How have you been lately?"

"Great! It's great!"

Qin Dahai patted his chest hard, making a muffled "thump thump" sound, and said in a strong voice, "Your dad's body is even better now than when I was young! None of the young guys in the factory can beat me!"

The father and son, separated by the distant starry sky, began the most ordinary of "casual conversations."

There was no discussion of any world-destroying killing methods, nor any mention of cosmic wars that could destroy galaxies at any time.

They talked about the hothead new guy at their father's factory, the recent price increase of Qimingxing's housing prices, and what trouble the good-for-nothing son of their neighbor had gotten into.

These trivial yet heartwarming everyday stories, like the most effective medicine, soothed the resentment and coldness that had accumulated in Qin Feng's heart from years of fighting, allowing him to rediscover the most genuine sense of connection called "home."

"By the way, Dad, how's your strength going these days?"

After exchanging pleasantries for a while, Qin Feng still inquired about his father's cultivation progress.

He knew that his father had been passionate about martial arts ever since he regained his arm and began practicing it.

"Hey, don't mention it."

Upon hearing this, Qin Dahai's face revealed a complex expression, a mixture of pride and helplessness. He scratched his head and said, "The enlightenment and the merging of the mind were already completed long ago. All that money you transferred before, and the things your two cousins ​​sent."

"However, that's all for now."

He sighed, looking rather troubled, and said, "Didn't you tell me before that after the fifth level of Qi Integration, there's the sixth level of Soaring Realm, where you have to start cultivating some kind of 'spiritual power'? Ugh, that stuff is really stumping me. I bought several books on mental meditation techniques and practiced them for years, but apart from feeling like I sleep better and my mind is clearer, it's been completely useless! I can't even catch a glimpse of any spiritual power interfering with reality or any kind of soaring flight."

Qin Feng listened quietly, but his mind was completely clear.

Due to limitations in his foundation, my father chose the most widely circulated imperial method, the "Intermediate Acupoint Opening Method," which only required opening seventy-two acupoints in total.

This method is advantageous because it is safe, fast, and consumes fewer resources, making it most suitable for older beginners.

However, its upper limit is also locked.

The foundation of the seventy-two orifices is no match for those geniuses who cultivate superior or top-grade orifice-opening methods.

The meditation techniques I purchased afterward were all the most common, mid-range products on the market.

In addition, his father had long since left the battlefield and had not experienced the continuous, bloody, and fiery life-and-death battles that he had. His will and spirit had not been tempered to the extreme, so it was naturally difficult for him to touch the mysterious threshold of "spiritual power interfering with reality".

The improvement in strength slowed down quickly after the completion of the Qi fusion, and even stagnated.

"Dad, it's nothing."

Qin Feng gently comforted you, "Martial arts cultivation is not something that can be achieved overnight; it requires a natural process. You are healthy and living a stable life, which is better than anything else. As for your cultivation level, there's no need to force it; just let it happen naturally."

"Haha, you little rascal, now you're lecturing your old man."

Qin Dahai chuckled and scolded, but he couldn't hide the satisfaction in his eyes. "Don't worry, your dad is in a great mood! I know my own limitations. I'm only where I am today because of my son. I was just venting to you, that's all."

He paused, then remembered something and said with a smile, "Besides, I'm the one who has the final say in the factory now. Who dares to mess with me? So what if my cultivation is a little slower? It's enough for me anyway."

Hearing his father say this, Qin Feng was completely relieved.

He then asked about his uncle and cousin.

"Your uncle has really made something of himself these days!"

When his younger brother was mentioned, Qin Dahai's face lit up with pride. "He's now one of the top 'Level 3 Power Armor Designers' in our Qimingxing! He just got his certification last year, and several big companies are vying for him! Although we all know that he had a benefactor who gave him the opportunity to further his studies, he also lived up to expectations, studying day and night. I admire his dedication! Now, he's doing very well!"

"As for your two cousins,"

Qin Dahai continued, "They haven't graduated yet. Xingkong Martial Arts University has a longer system than we did back then. But these two lads are really filial. Even though they've become successful, they haven't forgotten their roots. They send things home every few days, like the newest nutrient solution or medicines that are good for the bones and muscles of the elderly. The warehouse is almost overflowing with them."

"Especially for me."

The father's tone became particularly solemn, "They gave me the most things. Many of them specifically addressed them to me. They know very well that if you hadn't been admitted to Qiyi High School and won the 'Qiming General Star' award, you wouldn't be living such a good life today. They were able to get into Xingkong Martial Arts University, which is ultimately thanks to you. So they've come to me to return the favor."

Qin Feng listened quietly, a warm feeling flowing through his heart.

He knew that what his father said was true.

In an empire, a society that highly values ​​elites, the rise of a genius can bring blessings to the entire family.

His past honors did indeed unlock resources and opportunities for his uncle's family that they would never have been able to access in their entire lives.

He was also very gratified that his two cousins ​​were grateful and repaid his kindness.

"Let's prepare some gifts for them after this rookie cup is over."

Qin Feng thought to himself.

The father and son chatted for a long time until Qin Dahai heard his factory assistant urging him on the other end. Only then did he reluctantly say, "Alright, alright, I won't talk to you anymore. I'm going to register some report information. You're out there, so take care of yourself, okay?"

"Okay, Dad. Please take good care of yourself too."

"Okay, okay, I'll hang up now."

"Ah."

The light from the holographic projection slowly faded, and the dormitory returned to silence.

Qin Feng leaned back on the sofa, closed his eyes, and wore a serene smile.

This letter from home, spanning forty years, eased Qin Feng's mood considerably.

He leaned back on the sofa, enjoying a moment of peace, before reopening his subspace communication interface.

Besides his father's message, dozens of unread private messages lay quietly in his contacts.

These pieces of information, like anchor points in time, record the trajectories of those whose lives intersected with his during his long seventeen-year seclusion.

He opened the group chat consisting of Lei Meng, Tie Mu, Shi Potian, and Xiong Yanfu.

The latest comment was initiated by Xiong Yanfu a few months ago.

[Xiong Yanfu]: @All members @Qin Feng, brothers, the new Rookie Cup is about to begin! Old Qin should be out of seclusion this time, right? Let's do our usual routine and get together before the competition at Taotieju! My treat!
[Lei Meng]: Your little bit of secret stash of money isn't even enough to fill a tooth gap. @Qin Feng, Lao Qin, reply as soon as you see this!

【Ironwood】: Seconded.

[Shi Potian]: Wait for him to come out of seclusion.

The brief exchange was filled with the tacit understanding and straightforwardness between men.

Qin Feng looked at these familiar IDs and speaking styles, and the corners of his mouth unconsciously turned up.

These brothers, who forged a deep friendship when they entered university, remain as close as ever even after decades.

He didn't reply immediately, but continued scrolling down.

Next came messages from several of my mentors.

The first thing that catches the eye is the portrait of mentor Lin Yue.

The gentle teacher who gave him countless help and support when he was at Qiming No. 1 High School still has that photo with a faint smile as his profile picture.

Her messages, like the person she is, are full of warmth and liveliness.

[Mentor Lin Yue]: Little monster, I've successfully advanced to the Planetary level! Hooray! You've been out of the public eye for years, so how's your cultivation progressed?

Looking at the comment full of playful emojis, Qin Feng couldn't help but chuckle.

Even though she has become a planetary-level powerhouse who can physically traverse the sea of ​​stars, Teacher Lin Yue's mentality is still like that of the girl next door back then, without any airs of a powerful person.

He smiled, his fingers flying across the virtual keyboard.

[Qin Feng]: Congratulations, Teacher Lin Yue, on your advancement to the Planetary level! I have completed my enlightenment and am preparing to break through to the Harmony Realm.

After replying to Teacher Lin Yue, he opened Wu Shangfeng's chat window.

This mentor, known for his ruthlessness and iron-fisted approach, left a message that, like his personality, was concise and direct, yet contained profound care.

Wu Shangfeng left several messages at different times, mostly his own insights into martial arts cultivation, as well as some of the latest intelligence about alien races and chaos that had been leaked from the Imperial Military.

The most recent one was sent a year ago.

[Wu Shangfeng]: "Qin Feng, remember, power itself is neither right nor wrong, but the will to control power has direction."

Honor, loyalty, and following are the driving forces behind a warrior's struggle, but if one becomes obsessed with them and takes them as the goal to pursue, one will lose one's way and be enslaved by power.

My most revered predecessor, the squad leader who guided my growth, was a decorated war hero, deeply loved by his subordinates. However, he was too obsessed with the honor, the loyalty of his comrades, and the glory of battle... In the end, after a fierce battle, he received Khorne's blessing.

Evil gods are more terrifying than any alien race.

We must be vigilant.

The short sentence sent a jolt through Qin Feng's heart.

Khorne's followers have fallen and ascended to demonic status!
Involuntarily, the terrifying scene from decades ago on the planet Purgatory-IV, where he was nearly bewitched by the corrupted veteran Kro and nearly seduced by the evil god Khorne, surfaced in his mind.

If it weren't for the Blessed Nail pulling him back at the last moment, the consequences would have been unimaginable.

For mentor Wu Shangfeng to be willing to share such a tragic, even confidential, event that had happened around him with me is a profound act of care.

Qin Feng's expression became extremely solemn. He pondered for a long time before slowly replying.

[Qin Feng]: The student will always remember the mentor's teachings. Strength is the boat, will is the rudder, and I will never forget them.

Finally, there was news about Mentor Gu Yue.

The mentor who gave him the most guidance at Qiming No. 1 High School, and who could even be said to have led him onto the true path of martial arts, left a very simple message, just one sentence.

[Gu Yue Mentor]: Qin Feng, how is your cultivation progressing? Do not slack off.

The simplest words contain the deepest expectations.

Qin Feng responded in a similarly solemn manner.

[Qin Feng]: Master Gu Yue, your student has lived up to your expectations and has now fully awakened.

After replying to the messages from his three mentors, Qin Feng continued reading.

The rest of the news was all over the place.

One of them caught his eye for a long time.

The sender was Hou Yuwei, a girl with a mysterious background whom I had met once at the Extreme Martial Arts Gym and later had a brief encounter with at Qiyi High School.

Her message, sent decades ago, was somewhat cryptic and conveyed a strong sense of loneliness.

Qin Feng didn't know how to reply, so he simply stopped replying.

Loneliness is a pain that the strong must endure.

You can only endure it yourself, and slowly transform from enduring the torment of loneliness to enjoying it.

In addition, some classmates I met at Qiyi High School, such as Zou Yun and Qin Lan, have also sent me invitations to team up for tasks.

However, he was in seclusion at the time, so it was impossible for him to see it.

To all of these, Qin Feng simply replied, "I just came out of seclusion. Hope we can meet again someday."

After doing all this, he turned his attention back to the group chat with Lei Meng and the others, and sent his message.

[Qin Feng]: @All members, I'm out of seclusion.

Almost the instant he sent the message, the group chat, which had been silent for months, immediately erupted in chaos.

[Lei Meng]: Holy crap! Old Qin! You finally decided to come out! I thought you were planning to go into seclusion forever!

[Xiong Yanfu]: Qin Beast! You've finally shown up! Quick, quick, Taotie Restaurant, the usual place, I'll make a reservation right away! Tonight, we're not leaving until we're drunk!
[Temu]: Welcome back.

[Shi Potian]: Come quickly.

The four people's replies were as distinctive as ever.

Qin Feng smiled as he looked at the messages constantly popping up on the screen.

[Qin Feng]: Okay, Taotie Residence, I'll be right there.

He stood up, stretched, and his bones cracked with a series of crisp popping sounds.

Seventeen years of meditation had made his body somewhat "rusty".

He quickly washed up, changed into clean casual clothes, and walked out of the dormitory.

The familiar floating board game, the familiar scenery.

When Qin Feng returned to the "Food God Zone," the residential area of ​​Wuhan University in Canaan Starfield, he found it even more prosperous and bustling than it had been decades ago. Restaurants and pubs with an alien flair lined the streets, teeming with vibrant students.

He easily found his way to the restaurant called "Taotieju," which was decorated in an antique style.

As soon as I entered, a loud voice came from the private room on the second floor.

"Old Qin! Over here!"

Qin Feng looked up and saw Lei Meng's signature bald head peeking out from behind the railing, waving excitedly at him.

Qin Feng smiled and stepped up the stairs.

Pushing open the door to the private room, Lei Meng, Tie Mu, Shi Potian, and Shi Dang were already sitting around a huge round table.

The table was already laden with all sorts of delicacies, most of which were the essence of powerful mythical beasts, brimming with spiritual energy.

After forty years apart, all of them have changed quite a bit.

Lei Meng's physique became even more robust, his bronze skin covered with fine scars, and he exuded the fierce aura of a battle-hardened soldier.

Temu was even more composed. He sat there quietly, like a silent iron mountain, his aura extremely restrained. If it weren't for the occasional glint of light in his eyes, one would almost forget his existence.

The one who changed the most was Shi Potian.

He was still as handsome as ever, but his demeanor had undergone a complete transformation.

Gone is the sharp edge of his youth; instead, he exudes the refined elegance of a master who has returned to simplicity. He sits there, seemingly one with his surroundings, natural and harmonious.

As for Shi Dang, he remained sharp and fierce, exuding a powerful aura, and his strength had improved remarkably.

"Old Qin!"

"Qin Feng!"

Upon seeing Qin Feng enter, Lei Meng and Tie Mu both stood up, their faces beaming with the joy of reunion.

Shi Potian nodded to him, a smile in his eyes.

Shi Dang smiled as well.

"Sit down, sit down!"

Xiong Yanfu warmly pressed Qin Feng into a seat and poured him a glass of amber-colored wine. "Come on, let's have a drink to celebrate our great monster Qin's return to seclusion after seventeen years!"

Five people raised their glasses.

The atmosphere inside the private room at Taotieju was lively.

The amber-colored "Dragon's Blood Brew" swirls in the glass, releasing an intoxicating aroma and pure spiritual energy.

Such fine wine, even a small cup is worth tens of thousands of Imperial Coins.

After three rounds of wine, five flavors of food.

The group chatted about their experiences over the years. Lei Meng recounted his harrowing year-long guerrilla warfare against a group of cunning "predators" on a desolate planet.

Xiong Yanfu boasted enthusiastically about how he persuaded a group of space pirates to retreat without bloodshed during a commercial escort mission, all thanks to his silver tongue.
Tiemu doesn't talk much, but when he does, it's always about survival skills in extreme environments, full of practical tips.

Qin Feng listened quietly, occasionally interjecting a word or two, his heart filled with mixed emotions.

These brothers, who once needed his protection, have now grown into strong individuals capable of standing on their own, shining brightly in their respective fields.

Just as the atmosphere was getting lively, a slightly abrupt voice broke in.

"Senior Qin Feng."

The one speaking was Shi Dang.

He stood up, holding his wine glass, and stared intently at Qin Feng. His sharply defined face held an undisguised look of searching and fighting spirit.

"After all these years, your abilities must have undergone a tremendous transformation, right?"

Upon hearing this, the previously lively atmosphere in the private room fell silent.

Xiong Yanfu and the others also stopped eating and looked at Qin Feng with curiosity.

They also wanted to know just how terrifying their dear friend, whom they considered a "monster," had become after disappearing for seventeen years.

Qin Feng's gaze swept across Shi Dang's face.

He keenly sensed that deep within Shi Dang's eyes lay a trace of the same obsessive inquiry he had felt during their last meeting.

It wasn't just simple curiosity between friends, but more like... an eagerness to verify a certain conjecture and to find an answer for oneself.

Qin Feng's heart stirred slightly.

He recalled the reminder he had given to Shi Potian and the others after the last gathering.

It seems that Shi Dang's inner conflict has not truly been resolved.

If Xiong Yanfu and the others were to ask, given Qin Feng's personality, he would probably answer frankly.

There's no need to hide things from friends.

But when faced with Shi Dang at this moment, he changed his mind.

Because Shi Dang is too strange.

"It's not a complete upheaval."

Qin Feng smiled, raised his glass and clinked it against Shi Dang's in the air, and said in a calm tone, "After many years of seclusion, I've finally made a breakthrough. I'm coming out of seclusion this time to participate in the Rookie Cup and try my luck in the Level 4 competition area."

Although there was no direct answer, the information conveyed in the words was clear enough.

—He, Qin Feng, remains at the level of a fourth-level martial artist.

Shi Dang's eyes flickered noticeably.

A fleeting, almost imperceptible glint of relief crossed his eyes, only to be replaced by an even stronger fighting spirit.

He has basically confirmed it.

Qin Feng is still a level four martial artist.

Shi Dang, on the other hand, has already reached the peak of the fifth level of the Harmony Realm and is about to knock on the door of the sixth level of the Soaring Realm!
Once he reaches the sixth level of the Sky Soaring Realm, he can quickly surpass Qin Feng.

"I see."

Shi Dang sat down, his expression returning to calm, but the hidden fighting spirit within him grew even stronger.

He said no more, and just silently drank his wine.

The atmosphere in the private room froze for a moment because of this little incident.

It was Xiong Yanfu who broke the silence in his boisterous manner.

He slapped his thigh and said with a grin, "Hey! Old Qin, you're going to compete in the Level 4 competition too! That's going to be interesting! Let me tell you, that old scoundrel Zhou Run has signed up for the Level 4 competition again! That guy really takes the spirit of exploiting others to the extreme, he's so despicable!"

"I just saw on the forum that he said this is his last time playing, and he wants to use 10,000 contribution points as starting capital. I think the championship of the fourth-level region is probably a foregone conclusion this time."

Xiong Yanfu said with a face full of indignation.

"Old Qin, you'd better step up your game!"

He winked at Qin Feng and said, "If we can't beat the champion, let's try to get second place! It'll be like we've fought our way out of that old monster's dominance!"

"no problem."

Qin Feng laughed heartily, raised his glass, and drank it all in one gulp.

That composure and confidence surprised everyone present, and then they all smiled knowingly.

They knew that Qin Feng never boasted.

If he says there's no problem, then there must be no problem.

In the following time, the group stopped discussing their strength and skill levels, and instead began sharing the strange and unusual things they had encountered in various missions over the years, as well as some valuable combat experience and precautions.

For example, the fatal weakness of a certain alien creature, the hidden resource points in a dead star system, or how to deal with those cunning space pirates...

This information is a more valuable asset than money for those who are on missions year-round.

The meal lasted until the moon was high in the sky.

After everyone had eaten and drunk their fill, they reluctantly dispersed and returned to their dormitories to recover.

They agreed to meet again a few days later at the Canaan Newcomer Cup.

A few days passed in the blink of an eye.

When the bell rang to officially kick off the Canaan Newcomer Cup, echoing throughout the entire Canaan Starry Sky Martial Arts University, a wave of fervor instantly swept through every corner of this top-tier institution of learning.

Qin Feng followed the surging crowd to the main stadium of the Rookie Cup—a magnificent open-air arena that could accommodate millions of spectators.

At the center of the arena are hundreds of floating battle platforms of varying sizes.

At this moment, these platforms are all shrouded in a light blue energy shield, awaiting the contestants' entry.

The surrounding stands were already packed.

Looking down from the sky, the dark mass of heads resembled a swarm of ants, converging into a sea of ​​sound.

Cheers, shouts, whistles, and huge holographic projections cheering on their favorite players intertwined and soared into the sky, almost suppressing the light of the artificial sun in the sky.

This is a grand carnival for the entire Canaan Starry Sky Martial Arts University.

Qin Feng casually found an inconspicuous spot in the audience and sat down, quietly enjoying the long-lost liveliness.

His gaze swept across the crowd, and he quickly spotted many familiar faces.

Not far away, Qin Lan and Zou Yun were gathered together, excitedly discussing something.

When they saw Qin Feng, they all smiled, waved, and greeted him.

Qin Feng smiled and nodded in response.

On the other side, he saw Carlo, Linzhou, and Yulin, his three former teammates.

They were sitting with a group of equally imposing members of the Fearless Battle Group. Sensing Qin Feng's gaze, they all raised their hands and gave him an Imperial military salute.

He even saw his senior, Bayan.

The martial artist who had once guided him during the elite disciple assessment was now sitting in the front row, looking solemn, as if waiting for the arrival of some important figure.

The entire arena is a huge social stage, connecting every "part" of the massive machine that is Canaan Starry Sky Martial Arts University.

Meanwhile, the "Canaan Starry Sky Wuhan University Private Forum" on the subspace network has already been completely ignited.

New posts sprang up like mushrooms after rain, refreshing at such a rapid pace that they were almost blurry.

[#CanaanRookieCupOpeningCeremony# The strongest lineup in history! Click to watch!]

[#ChampionPrediction# Chow Yun-fat's odds in the Tier 4 competition have fallen below 1.05; bookmakers are closing the betting market with tears in their eyes!]

[#DarkHorseTracking# A mysterious newcomer has emerged in the Tier 5 competition zone, achieving a 100% mission completion rate. Could he challenge Shidang's dominance?]

[#LiveFromTheScene# I'm there! The atmosphere is electric! [Video]]

……

Each post has thousands of replies.

The number of online users on the entire forum has broken a historical record.

At this moment, all the students' attention was focused on this once-a-decade event.

The fervent atmosphere reached its peak when the list of "spectator mentors" for this year's Rookie Cup was announced on the holographic screen in the center of the arena!

"My God! Look at the list of mentors!"

"Instructor Lü Lan! Instructor Yue Hong! Instructor Mu Lin! My goodness, these... these are all renowned Stellar-level experts! They've all come!"

"Not only that! Look behind! Instructor Yu Han! Instructor Zai Jing! Those are galaxy-level experts! They're actually interested in the Rookie Cup too?"

A series of incredulous gasps erupted from the crowd.

On the screen, names that were renowned throughout the Canaan Star System, such as Wu Da, slowly scrolled by.

Not only are there dozens of star-level mentors that students rarely see on ordinary days, but there is also mentor Lü Lan, who looks like a middle-aged scholar but has actually shattered a star with a single sword.

Yue Hong, the red-haired female instructor with a fiery temper and stunning beauty, who is most skilled in the extreme cold killing technique;
And then there's Instructor Mulin, who always carries a gourd of wine, his eyes glazed with drunkenness, yet he's hailed as the "Number One Swordsman"...

What shocked everyone even more was the list of seven or eight galaxy-level mentors who were powerful enough to suppress an entire galaxy!

Qin Feng's mentor, Yu Han, was among them!

In addition, there is also Instructor Zai Jing, who is known for his rigorous scholarship and impartiality and is in charge of the academy's Discipline Hall!

A galaxy-level powerhouse—that's already a great existence.

They are usually elusive, and any one of them could make a whole galaxy tremble with a stomp of their foot.

Now, they've all gathered here just to watch a match featuring newcomers?

This in itself is an incredible thing.

However, as the list rolled to the end, and the last name appeared, the entire arena, millions of people, along with the tens of millions of followers on the subspace forum, fell into a deathly silence in an instant.

Then, in the next second, came a roar so powerful it could lift the entire arena's dome, like a landslide or a tsunami!
"Lord Zhou... Lord Zhou Xiong!!!"

"Ultraman Legion! Commander of the 7th Combat Company!!"

"A black hole-level martial artist!!!"

"Am I dreaming?! Company Commander Zhou Xiong is actually here in person!!!"

That name seemed to possess boundless magic.

Guest Mentor: Zhou Xiong!
The meaning behind this name goes beyond the category of "strong".

The Ultramarines are the most elite, core, and loyal armed force of the Empire of Man!
It is the sharpest weapon in the emperor's hands!
And the company commander of the combat company is an elite among elites, a legend among legends!
Black Hole-level martial artist!
That's a god-like existence, one dimension higher than a galaxy!
Such a living legend would actually be watching a... rookie cup match as a "guest mentor"?!

This is even more bizarre than a planet suddenly growing legs and running away!

Okay, some planets are indeed formed from interstellar dust absorbed by some kind of cosmic creature during its slumber, and it's not uncommon for them to grow legs and run away.

But Company Commander Zhou Xiong, a truly elusive figure, actually condescended to come and watch the Canaan Newcomer Cup!
Let alone the Rookie Cup, even the Star Cup is like child's play in front of a black hole-level powerhouse like this.

"Why? Why did Company Commander Zhou Xiong come?"

"Could it be... that among this year's newcomers, there is a peerless prodigy worthy of his personal attention?"

"My God, the level of this year's Rookie Cup is beyond imagination!"

Everyone went crazy.

This news, like a supernova, exploded in everyone's hearts.

The already incredibly fervent atmosphere was completely ignited at this moment, transforming into pure, boiling worship and awe!
Sitting in the corner of the audience, Qin Feng looked at that familiar name, and a complex and unfathomable look flashed in his eyes.

Zhou Xiong.

The powerful figure who once used the Ten Perfect Hands to straighten his meridians and help him absorb the Starry Sky Beast Type II gene potion has also come!
The silence lasted for less than three seconds.

When the name "Zhou Xiong" was branded onto the central holographic screen, the entire arena erupted with unprecedented energy, as if a star had been hit by an antimatter bomb.

"WAAAGH!!!"

Someone, without realizing it, instinctively shouted out a green-skinned war cry, but this war cry was filled with the most extreme fanaticism and worship of mankind.

Immediately afterwards, a roar like a mountain collapsing and a tsunami erupted from the throats of millions of people, converging into a visible torrent of sound waves powerful enough to tear the sky apart. This torrent of sound waves crashed wildly against the energy shield above the arena, causing the pale blue light screen to ripple violently.

Fanaticism, pure fanaticism.

This news, like a level twelve cosmic storm, instantly swept across the entire Canaan Star Martial Arts University.

Some senior students who were not particularly interested in the Rookie Cup, who were in seclusion, on missions, or conducting personal research, all dropped everything they were doing after hearing the news, just like iron filings attracted by a magnet.

Streaks of light shot up from every corner of the academy island, piercing the sky and converging towards the main arena of the rookie cup.

"Quick! To the main stadium! Company Commander Zhou Xiong is here in person!"

"What? Which Zhou Xiong?"

"Nonsense! Does the Empire have another Zhou Xiong?! The company commander of the 7th Combat Company of the Ultramarines!"

"Oh my God!"

In an instant, the lights of the subspace teleportation flashed, flowing like rivers into the sea towards the already bustling arena.

Many senior alumni who had graduated years ago and remained at the college as teaching assistants or researchers also came out of their laboratories and offices, looking excited, and headed to the competition venue.

The reason was simple: Zhou Xiong had arrived.

For these powerful individuals who have already reached a higher threshold in martial arts, being able to see a black hole-level being in person, even just from afar, and to feel that faint aura originating from a higher dimension of life, could be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that might help them break through a bottleneck that has troubled them for many years.

In no time, the Canaan Starry Sky Martial Arts University's rookie cup competition venue was packed with people.

The already packed audience seats were now even more crowded.

Those who arrived later couldn't find seats and were suspended in mid-air, densely packed like a swarm of bees, obscuring the entire sky above the arena.

Looking around, there were countless powerful figures with terrifying auras in the audience.

Those renowned level seven experts in the academy, who usually looked down on everyone, could only obediently squeeze into the crowd with solemn expressions.

There are even many top experts who are about to graduate from level nine.

They suppressed their terrifying aura, which was powerful enough to distort space itself, and sat there quietly like the most devout believers, their eyes fixed intently on the empty mentor's seat, awaiting the arrival of a legend.

This scene is truly spectacular.

A competition for newcomers that only included three divisions—level four, level five, and level six—has attracted such a large number of top-tier players, far exceeding the competition's level.

This is extremely rare in the history of the Canaan Star Martial Arts University.

Meanwhile, on the Canaan Starry Sky Wuda Private Forum in the subspace, the related discussions have already reached a fever pitch.

The posts refresh extremely quickly.

[Pinned Featured Post]: #In-depth Analysis# What is the deeper meaning behind Company Commander Zhou Xiong's personal attendance at the Rookie Cup?
[Original Poster]: Gentlemen, this matter is far from simple! For a Black Hole-level martial artist, time is of the essence. A single second of thought could influence the course of a galaxy-wide battle. He wouldn't be watching a freshman competition for no reason! I speculate that among this year's rookies, there must be a peerless prodigy whose talent is enough to astound the highest levels of the Empire! Their potential might even have been included in the Ultimate Warrior Legion's future "seed" development plan!
……

[Popular Post]: #Rational Analysis# Regarding the matter of Company Commander Zhou Xiong watching the game, perhaps everyone is overthinking it?
[Original Poster]: The post upstairs is full of wild speculation. Everyone, think about it calmly. Is it possible that things aren't actually that complicated? As a pillar of the empire, Company Commander Zhou Xiong has been fighting on the most dangerous Chaotic Frontiers for years. Perhaps this was just a convenient rest day, a return to one of his alma maters, Canaan Star Martial Arts University, for recuperation. And then, it just so happens to coincide with the opening of the once-in-a-decade Rookie Cup.

Isn't it normal for a guest mentor to attend, make an appearance, and encourage the younger generation?
[1L]: I think this statement is reliable! We don't understand the world of the big shots. What might be a huge deal for us is as simple as taking a walk after a meal for Company Commander Zhou Xiong.

[2L]: Yes, yes, I also tend to agree with this explanation. After all, what kind of genius could make a black hole-level being personally make a trip? I can't imagine it.

[3L]: I second that. Let's all stop speculating and just focus on the game. Being able to share the same space and breathe the same air as Company Commander Zhou Xiong is already a tremendous honor.

……

There was much discussion on the forum.

Posts with all sorts of speculations have emerged, each attracting thousands of replies.

Conspiracy theorists and coincidence theorists argued fiercely, pushing the popularity of the Rookie Cup to an unprecedented peak.

However, 99.99% of the students tended to believe the second guess.

—Company Commander Zhou Xiong was most likely just passing by.

After all, this explanation is the most logical.

As for Qin Feng, he didn't think too much about it. If he had the chance, he would like to thank Company Commander Zhou Xiong in person.

Of course, there's a high probability that there won't be that opportunity.

Therefore, Qin Feng was more concerned with snatching first place in the fourth-level competition area from the wool-plucking monster "Zhou Run" and ruthlessly plucking the starting funds for the fifth-level Qi-Merging Realm.

(End of this chapter)