Planet Pulverizer: A Mortal's Ascent

Chapter 182: The Various Parties

The influence of the World's Top Martial Competition was immense, reaching every corner of the Tianyuan Federation.

The event was broadcast, with billions of people tuning in from all around the world to watch this grand spectacle. On one hand, these people wanted to be part of the excitement. On the other, they were eager to see what kind of martial arts prodigies had emerged from the younger generation of the Tianyuan Federation.

No words could truly capture the magnitude of this event. That was especially in Jiang Province, Taibai Kingdom—Li Pin's "hometown." The announcement that Li Pin had advanced to the round-robin competition as the first-place winner in the preliminaries sent the city into a frenzy of excitement.

Countless people spread the news, sharing the happy information with those close to them.

A myriad of shops responded with aggressive marketing campaigns, launching another round of massive discounts and promotional activities.

Entertainment venues such as bars and karaoke lounges were packed to the brim. People were so engrossed in discussing the World's Top Martial Competition that they forgot about the lively dances.

***

At Jiang Province University.

Xie Xilai quickly directed the staff. "Hurry up and put up Director Li's portrait. This is the greatest director the Jiang Province University Martial Arts Academy has ever had... Also, Xiaohe, have the promotions been put up? Banners, social media, and media channels, send them all out.

"Let's warmly celebrate our, Jiang Province University Martial Arts Academy's, Director, Li Pin, for winning first place in the World's Top Martial Competition preliminaries!"

Xiaohe, a man in his thirties, was in disbelief. "It's all been sent out...." "Grandmaster Li—no, Martial Saint Li.... is he really the director of our martial arts academy? Why have we never seen him here?"

"Of course! Can we possibly fake something like this?" Xie Xilai scolded. "What status does Martial Saint Li hold? Does he need to notify you before teaching at the academy?"

The man quickly shook his head. "Yes, yes, Principal. Next time Martial Saint Li comes, can I get an autograph? My daughter and son are huge fans of his..."

"Just handle your duties first," Xie Xilai said, then called over the staff carrying the portrait. "Hang it here. Hang Director Li's portrait here."

At that moment, the bespectacled woman in her thirties whom Li Pin had met before approached. She exuded a scholarly air. "Principal, Mayor Zhang is coming to inspect our school...."

"Again? Can't they come all at once? Tell him we're busy right now. Have them all come together in three days."

"Understood, I'll let him know."

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***

In Jiang Province City.

Two luxury cars hurriedly stopped outside a clothing store.

A young man, a middle-aged man, and a suited business team quickly got out of the vehicles.

The young man pointed to a huge three-meter-tall poster outside the store. The poster featured a photo of Li Pin from the Jiang Province Competition. "Look, Dad, that's really Li Pin, Martial Saint Li! I can't believe the owner managed to get a Martial Saint to advertise for them! This is incredible!"

"It's really true.... Someone actually got Martial Saint Li to endorse them!? We need to acquire this store! We must acquire it!" The middle-aged man's breath quickened, immediately turning to a balding man in the business team. "Old Luo, find out how much this store is worth. We'll offer a fifty percent premium for the acquisition!

"If not, we need to invest! Ten million!? Thirty million!? One hundred million!? Money isn't an issue! If Red Sun Fashion rides on this hype, they can become one of the top brands in the country for sure!"

"We've already investigated. Red Sun Fashion's headquarters is in Zanglong City. They have nine stores in Zanglong City, and six more in surrounding cities. They've recently opened five stores in Jiang Province City, with excellent locations, sizes, and decors. The total value is around thirty million... But given the current situation, the acquisition price will likely be higher..." Old Luo informed.

The two walked into the store as they were speaking.

The middle-aged man waved his hand confidently. "Fifty million! I'll offer fifty million to buy it outright—"

But before he could finish his sentence, a commotion came from the office direction.

"Sixty million! Mr. Yuan, I'll take thirty percent of the shares for sixty million!"

"The White Stripe Corporation will invest a hundred million for thirty-five percent of the initial shares!"

"Mr. Yuan, if there are any conditions you're unhappy with, please let me know. We can negotiate. In business negotiations, it’s all about give-and-take, wouldn't you agree?"

The voices came in waves.

When the middle-aged man reached the office door, he found that the rather modest office was now packed with representatives from several major capital firms. Each one was brandishing their checkbooks, clamoring to invest, offer money, and buy shares.

Yuan Tailai, the owner of Red Sun Fashion, was sitting in the main seat of his office, a far-off look in his eyes.

Who could have imagined that a mere two hundred thousand endorsement could bring him such massive returns!?

This was a... complete win.

***

Similar scenes were unfolding across every corner of Jiang Province and Zanglong City.

In Zanglong City, the Changfeng Martial Hall was practically overwhelmed with applicants, seeing a tenfold increase in enrolment overnight.

Manager Su was counting money until his hands cramped. The courses Shan Hu and Xu Huan taught had been completely booked.

Right now, Fang Lingjue was in front of Li Pin, watching him answer call after call. Calls from Qin You, Qin Guangming, Ms. Li, Li Yunyan, various elders, Zhou Xiuyuan, Cao Tianyou, Lian Hongchen, Jiang Qingyue, etc....

Almost everyone who knew Li Pin had called to offer congratulations. First, to celebrate his victory in the preliminary round; second, to congratulate him on becoming a Martial Saint.

Fang Lingjue felt a mix of emotions while sitting on the sofa. He increasingly understood the words Li Pin had shared with him once.

Being strong was the foundation of everything.

"Chairman of Star Palace Entertainment? Oh, thanks. I'll visit when I have time," Li Pin said, holding the phone.

He had already spoken to the people he truly cared about, as for the rest... even the chairman of Star Palace Entertainment, whom he had never even met had called to congratulate him. It seemed like a waste of time, so...

He turned off his phone.

"Sorry for the wait."

"It's perfectly normal, and this is just the start. When I successfully formed my core back then, I received no less than two hundred calls in just one day. It was almost like dealing with telemarketers.

"And that was just the Core Formation stage. Compared to your achievements in becoming number one in the preliminary round of the martial competition and breaking through to Martial Saint, the difference is night and day."

Li Pin smiled. "I haven't congratulated you on reaching the Aura Cultivation realm."

"Aura Cultivation.... What's there to congratulate?"

When Fang Lingjue reached the Aura Cultivation realm, he had felt a sense of satisfaction. However, compared to Li Pin's accomplishments, including defeating Martial Saint Qiu Chufeng, there was nothing to boast about.

And now, with Li Pin, already a Martial Saint, offering him his congratulations, he found no urge to revel in his achievement.

Fang Lingjue couldn't help but ask again, "Did you really... become a Martial Saint? What... what's it like?"

"What's it like to become a Martial Saint?" Li Pin pondered for a while. Before long, he shook his head. "I can't give you an answer to that."

If it were about the Core Formation or Aura Cultivation realm, Li Pin could offer Fang Lingjue some guidance based on his increasingly powerful perception. But the Martial Saint realm...

It remained profoundly mysterious.

Even he didn't know exactly when he had truly broken through and condensed his Martial Will.

Fang Lingjue nodded. "I understand. Becoming a Martial Saint is extremely difficult. Many grandmasters and great grandmasters struggle at the threshold of the Martial Saint realm, never finding the way forward."

"Focus on practical combat. The only advice I can give is to engage in more real battles. It's been said by those before us that through life-and-death experiences, one's spirit can be elevated, allowing one to see and understand their true self, thereby forging their own Martial Will. Perhaps—"

"Forget it, forget it," Fang Lingjue interrupted with a wave. "I can't follow your ways."

"You're only thirty-six this year and already at the Aura Cultivation realm. You still have hope of reaching the Martial Saint realm."

Fang Lingjue shook his head. "No chance. At my current pace, completing the organs-tempering and Blood Renewal phase will take me at least ten years. Ten years.... Whether I can even maintain my peak state remains questionable."

He sighed with emotion. "Sometimes, we have to admit a fact, humans have limits. We have a lifespan. After forty or fifty years, whether you accept it or not, you must face the reality of aging."

Li Pin did not respond to this. After all, he was only twenty-three.

For an ordinary person his age, catching a cold might be a minor inconvenience. All he’d need would be a good night’s sleep and he’d be feeling better the next day. By the third day, he’d be up and running, full of energy.

In contrast, a thirty-six-year-old might take four or five days to recover. Furthermore, as they aged further, it could take them six, seven, or even eight or nine days. No matter how much one claimed to remain forever young, will alone could not halt the body’s aging.

At that moment, Fang Lingjue thought of something and said, "By the way, I received news that Zhao Yushi has gone into seclusion."

"Is that so?" Li Pin nodded slightly. "That's good."

"Not just her. The Great Sun Chosen One, Cheng Yufeng, and a few others are also undergoing special training from their elders. Even Song Wuya, Duan Yidao, and Nan Lifeng seem to have disappeared recently.... Be careful!"

"It seems my words have had an effect." Li Pin smiled faintly. "I look forward to the surprises they will bring after half a month of special training."

Fang Lingjue looked at him and thought of his earlier attitude toward his enemies....

He was momentarily speechless.

"Anyway, don't let your guard down and underestimate your opponents. With half a month left, you should also continue your training," Fang Lingjue said seriously. "You are now so close to being the best in the world. It would be a great pity to miss this opportunity."

Li Pin nodded solemnly. "Of course, I will face every opponent with utmost seriousness. It's the greatest respect I can show them."