High Martial: I Grind Professions

Chapter 221: Chapter 155: 3rd Layer Shocking God Stab, Eighth-Layer Perfection, The Peerless Newcomer

Why has it been so rare for anyone from Nine Heavens Peak to even reach the 7th Layer in recent years? It’s definitely not just a matter of resources or comprehension.

He looked inward, his thoughts churning:

’The state of one’s technique is the most fundamental hurdle. The realm of intent is just the beginning. The later the stage of the Nine Heavens Divine Body, the more berserk and unparalleled the divine thunder power it contains becomes.

Without Blade Intent strong enough to restrain, guide, and control it, it’s like trying to tie up a raging river with a rope of straw—you’d be torn apart by the backlash in an instant. The further you go, the required strength and control of your Blade Intent increases exponentially. The overall intent I’ve accumulated from the Dawn Five Forms is substantial, so I should meet the standard on that front.’

’Focus and precise control are even more crucial, essential throughout the entire process.’

He recalled the times in the quiet room of the Thunder Attraction Tower, when he had to meticulously and delicately guide even a single sliver of lightning into his body.

The slightest mistake could cause the violent lightning plasma to erupt inside him, inflicting a grievous injury that would be incredibly difficult to heal.

Breaking through from the Eighth Layer to the Ninth Layer would involve a quality and quantity of divine thunder far exceeding anything before, and the demands on his focus and control would only be higher.

’Thankfully, I have my absolute focus and Third Layer Primordial Spirit as a dual safety net. This is my unique advantage.’

’And then there’s... disposition and willpower.’ Li Wen’s gaze grew deep and solemn.

’For the breakthrough from the Eighth to the Ninth Layer of the Nine Heavens Divine Body, one’s willpower must reach the true standard of a Great Sun Realm god or demon! This means I must completely walk all two hundred steps of the Heart Mirror Hall’s Illusion Array... not a single step less.’

He recalled the disposition test when he first entered Ignition University. He had given it his all to reach one hundred and ninety steps, stunning everyone present and being hailed as having one of the top three potentials in disposition in the past thirty years.

”A year has passed since then.” Li Wen felt the resilience deep within his body.

’I’ve been drawing lightning into my body for years, enduring the excruciating pain of it tempering my bones and refining my marrow every minute of every day. This agony is unimaginable unless you’ve experienced it yourself. It has long since surpassed the realm of ordinary physical torture, striking directly at my soul and will. This day-after-day torment, fighting the instinct to collapse, should have strengthened my willpower considerably.’

He frowned slightly, his rationality suppressing any complacency.

’But how much have I improved? Have I truly reached the two-hundred-step requirement? Without testing it myself, it’s all an unknown.’

This uncertainty put him on high alert. Breaking through to the Ninth Layer was no child’s play; the backlash from failure would be absolutely terrifying.

’If my line of willpower wavers even slightly at the critical moment and is overwhelmed by that ultimate divine thunder, not only will the breakthrough be for naught, but my foundation will also be severely damaged. Even with the protection of my absolute focus and Third Layer Primordial Spirit, it would likely take a year or more to fully recover.’

His sharp awareness of the risk made him instantly dismiss the impulsive thought he’d had that morning of attempting the breakthrough directly in the Thunder Attraction Tower.

’If I’m not certain, there’s no need to take the risk.’ Li Wen had always been level-headed and understood that sharpening the axe doesn’t delay the woodcutting.

’My disposition and willpower are the only uncertain factors. So, I’ll confirm that first!’

He quickly made a plan. That afternoon, he would complete his blade practice as usual to keep his body honed. Afterward, he would immediately head to the Heart Mirror Hall to challenge the two-hundred-step illusion once more.

......

「That afternoon, in the exclusive top-floor training chamber of the martial arts arena.」

There were no spectators, no cheers—only the sharp whistle of a long blade tearing through the air.

Li Wen’s movements were like lightning as he practiced the Dawn Five Forms to a state of perfection, each strike imbued with the intent of a different form.

Sweat soaked through his specially-made training uniform, only to be evaporated by the wisps of electric light circulating around his body.

After his training, he quickly rinsed off the fatigue and grime and changed into a clean, black Ignition University uniform.

Without a moment’s delay, Li Wen headed straight for the flight pad.

”Target: Heart Mirror Hall.” The command was issued. The aircraft lifted off, silently streaking through the magnificent evening glow toward an ancient hall nestled amidst the verdant mountains.

After a year, the heavy, archaic stone gates of the Heart Mirror Hall, etched with the marks of time, once again came into view.

The mountain breeze carried a unique, crisp chill and the scent of plants, seeming to blow away any lingering heat from one’s body.

Stepping into the hall, the scene was just as he had imagined.

Gone was the hubbub of the great examination; the vast, empty hall seemed solemn and silent.

Only the faint scent of sandalwood and an indescribable spiritual pressure filled the air.

A few attendants in gray uniforms were on duty, quietly handling their tasks at their posts.

When one of the attendants on duty saw the visitor’s face clearly, his professional calm was shattered in an instant, replaced by undisguised shock and deep reverence.

One of them, a middle-aged attendant who was clearly a team leader, immediately put down his work and hurried over to greet him.

”Senior Brother Li!” He bowed slightly, his voice filled with palpable excitement.

It was no wonder he was so excited. The young man before him was already one of Ignition University’s most dazzling stars.

The news that someone from Nine Heavens Peak had cultivated the Nine Heavens Divine Body to the Eighth Layer had shaken the entire university months ago.

After all, it had been many years since Nine Heavens Peak had produced a disciple of such a caliber.

Privately, speculation about whether Li Wen would attempt to break through to the legendary Ninth Layer of Great Perfection had already been spreading like wildfire among the disciples of every peak.

Now, this legendary figure had personally come to the Heart Mirror Hall. Considering the key quality required to cultivate the Nine Heavens Divine Body to its peak—willpower...

The connection flashed through the middle-aged attendant’s mind like lightning.

’Could it be... that Senior Brother Li is really here to make the final preparations for that step? He’s going to attempt the Ninth Layer?!’

At this thought, the middle-aged attendant felt his scalp tingle as his heart began to pound uncontrollably.

’Reaching the Eighth Layer already made him one of a kind in recent decades. If he could truly achieve the Ninth Layer of Great Perfection... Genius wouldn’t even begin to describe it. This would be enough to be recorded in the annals of Ignition University’s history for the past century.’

The way he looked at Li Wen was filled with incredulous shock and a thrill at the prospect of witnessing history in the making.

Without another word, he almost instinctively stepped aside to lead the way. ”Senior Brother Li, this way, please!” His attitude was exceptionally attentive, afraid of delaying the young man before him for even a second.

Li Wen could sense the man’s intense emotions, but he simply nodded calmly. ”Mm, thank you for your trouble.”

He followed with steady steps.

The Illusion Array Hall was even more vast and desolate than the antechamber, with only a dozen or so people scattered about.

A few disciples were chatting quietly near the entrance. They glanced over casually as someone entered, but when they saw it was Li Wen, they instantly erupted.

”Hiss... Junior Brother Li!”

”It’s Li Wen! What’s he doing here?”

”Could it be...”

With faces full of disbelief and excitement, these disciples also came forward enthusiastically to greet him, their words filled with respect and curiosity for a powerful figure.

Li Wen was not arrogant despite his fame. He responded politely to each of them, his gaze clear and calm, his demeanor as pleasant as a spring breeze.