Planet Pulverizer: A Mortal's Ascent

Chapter 75: Difference

"Let me go talk to Chairman Lin," Jiang Qingyue said, glancing at Li Pin. "Master Li, come with me to show our sincerity. We've been in Jiang Province City for so many days and haven't visited Chairman Lin yet. We must express our intentions. Whether he meets us or not, that's irrelevant. It would indeed be somewhat disrespectful if we do not."

"It's time we had this discussion," Cao Tianyou said. "Li Pin has already demonstrated sufficient strength. We won't compete for the top three spots, but he must secure one of the fourth or fifth positions."

Listening to the two grandmasters, Wang Zuocai felt a pang of envy. They were willing to advocate for Li Pin because they saw his potential. They were prepared to challenge Chairman Lin Yuzhi's authority if needed to secure Li Pin a spot in the top five and a chance to qualify for the national competition.

He, Wang Zuocai, didn't have what it took to receive such treatment clearly.

"Since when did a martial artist's ranking become a matter of negotiation instead of skill?" Li Pin smiled. "To me, martial arts are simple: in a match, you either stand victorious or you fall."

"A test of skill?" Cao Tianyou shook his head. "How many opponents can you defeat? You had two Core Formation matches today. You'll have two more tomorrow, and potentially another two the day after. Even if you don't use your Blood Core, the qi and blood you expend with each Core Force strike are immense. One misstep could jeopardize your future and leave you with lingering issues."

"I've received information that the Cloud Crest Martial Hall, Solar Vermilion Sect, Cosmic Gem Sect, and the other top-tier factions have stationed guards in the top ten rankings. These individuals are likely peak Core Formation experts. If you were at your peak, you might have stood a chance against them.

"But after seven or eight matches, your qi and blood would have been depleted. How are you planning on competing against these peak Core Formation experts when the time comes?" Jiang Qingyue advised, "Trust me, the martial arts world is complex. Success isn't guaranteed by charging recklessly."

"I want to give it a try," Li Pin said calmly. "I didn't join the Jiang Province Martial Competition just for the rankings. Sure, it would be great to win first place, but if I can't...."

He paused, carefully considering his next words. He had ten million yuan riding on this. Losing it would mean starting from scratch. The dividends from Star Palace Entertainment were promising, but they wouldn't be distributed until the end of the year, and it was only May.

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"I want to try to get to the top spot in Jiang Province."

Cao Tianyou looked at Li Pin and said nothing more. After all, for the Five Elements Sect, it wouldn't necessarily be a bad thing if Li Pin didn't secure the top spot in Jiang Province. Supporting Li Pin was merely a gesture of goodwill.

"Still not giving up?" Jiang Qingyue asked solemnly. "Even knowing you might face four or five Core Formation experts along the way?"

"If martial artists fear challenges, what's the point in practicing at all? I'd be better off heading home to sell sweet potatoes," Li Pin responded with a smile.

Jiang Qingyue studied Li Pin intently. Recalling how Li Pin had killed Zhang Chiyan, a Core Formation expert from the Solar Vermillion Sect, without hesitation, he began to realize that Li Pin might not be on the same path as them. Regardless of this, it was clear that Jiang Qingyue did not agree with the path Li Pin had chosen.

As the saying goes, "A young calf does not fear a tiger."

Without experiencing the harsh realities of life, young people often don't understand the true heights and depths of the world. With things having reached this point, it was better not to speak on it further.

Seeking out Lin Yuzhi himself could already be seen as a potential disrespect to the chairman. What would be the point if he still couldn't gain favor with a promising martial artist like Li Pin? Was it just for the sake of upholding justice?

"Then... I can only wish you smooth sailing in the upcoming matches," Jiang Qingyue responded.

Li Pin gave a slight nod.

At this moment, Jiang Qingyue's disciple entered and whispered something to him.

Jiang Qingyue turned his gaze back to Li Pin and said, "The hall master of the Four Pillars Martial Hall has arrived and wishes to speak with you privately."

"The Four Pillars Martial Hall?"

It was a renowned martial arts influence within Jiang Province, ranked among the top five in Jiang Province City.

Li Pin seemed to have guessed something and replied, "There's no need for that right now. Let's focus our energy on preparing for tomorrow's match."

Cao Tianyou paused briefly before saying, "Hall Master Yun and I have some acquaintanceship. Since he's here, Master Li, it might be worth hearing him out. It might not be a bad thing."

Li Pin glanced at Cao Tianyou and remarked, "Hall Master Cao, since you have spoken, I'll meet with him. However, are you really unaware of what he might want to discuss?"

Cao Tianyou sighed and said, "Favors."

Li Pin said nothing more. This was also why he had previously refused Fang Lingjue's recommendation to join the White Crane Sect.

"Go fetch Hall Master Yun," Jiang Qingyue instructed his disciple.

Within minutes of the disciple's departure, three individuals entered the private room. Leading them was an elderly man, around the same age as Cao Tianyou. The second person was a man in his thirties who had a composed and effortless presence. The third was dressed in a suit, carrying a briefcase. He exuded a refined and genteel demeanor.

Jiang Qingyue, Cao Tianyou, and Yun Kaitai, the elderly man, exchanged pleasantries with each other. They didn't linger on formalities for long before Yun Kaitai turned his attention to Li Pin with a smile. "You must be Master Li Pin, the standout participant in this year's intermediate category of the martial competition. For you to achieve such heights at the age of twenty-two is truly remarkable. Your future prospects are limitless."

Li Pin nodded slightly. "Hall Master Yun, you are too kind."

"Master Li, I suppose you should have guessed my purpose in coming here," Yun Kaitai said. "What are your thoughts on this matter? If you have any difficulties, please let us know without hesitation."

"I'm rather surprised," Li Pin said, shifting his gaze beyond Yun Kaitai to the man in his thirties, Yun Yi, his opponent for tomorrow. "How can you justify winning through such means? Even if you were to claim first place like this, how do you plan to cultivate your Martial Will and become a Martial Saint in the future?"

Yun Yi looked at Li Pin in puzzlement.

He thought to himself. Martial Saint!? Isn't that title something you are bestowed? What need is there for Martial Will!? Besides, out of the hundreds of Martial Saints in the Taibai Kingdom, how many have truly condensed their Martial Will? At most, only one to two percent.

To him, for two Core Formation practitioners to talk about condensing Martial Will when they haven't even obtained their Senior professional title yet was simply absurd.

"Master Li, Yun Yi is not the same as you. He is thirty-four this year and won't have another chance in the next martial competition. Despite making it into the top ten last time, he fell short of the top five, missing out on entry to the national competition. He can't afford to miss it again. Participation in the national competition during one's youth is a crucial factor in the future selection of Martial Saints," Yun Kaitai explained.

He turned and received a cheque from the bespectacled man. "I understand you've wagered ten million at the gambling center. I'll speak with Manager Sun to arrange a refund. Additionally, the Four Pillars Martial Hall is prepared to offer you another ten million yuan. We sincerely hope that you can accommodate us."

Ten million yuan.

Given the fact that Li Pin was being relentlessly targeted and that he had a slim chance of claiming the top spot, withdrawing now would not only recover his initial bet but would also earn him an additional ten million yuan. This... was akin to picking up money.

Especially since Li Pin was only twenty-two, he had the opportunity to compete in four more martial competitions. If he didn't make the top ten this time, he could try again in the next one. In other words, withdrawing now would have no impact on him whatsoever.

For a moment, Jiang Qingyue, Cao Tianyou, Fang Lingjue, and Wang Zuocai all turned their gaze toward Li Pin, awaiting his decision.

"Ten million," Li Pin muttered, staring at the cheque.

Suddenly, Li Pin stood tall, glanced at Yun Yi, and then looked at the hall master of the Four Pillars Martial Hall. In the end, he said slowly, "You've all disappointed me."

Yun Kaitai's expression darkened slightly. However, he remained composed and spoke solemnly. "Master Li, you should know that since you killed Zhang Chiyan, your path in the martial competition will be bumpy.

"The Solar Vermillion Sect has five Core Formation experts competing this time. Besides Jiang Zhenhai, even Han Li has the strength to secure a spot in the top ten, top five, or even top three on his own. Even if you choose not to withdraw—"

Before Yun Kaitai could finish, Li Pin cut him off, addressing Fang Lingjue, "We've finished eating. Let's go."

He then walked out of the private room without looking back.