High Martial: I Grind Professions

Chapter 295: Chapter 174: Mid-stage Great Sun Realm, Shocking God Stab 7th Layer

”Old Zhao, you should be able to break through before next New Year’s Eve, right?” a middle-aged Godfiend specializing in defense asked with a smile, holding his cup.

He was referring to the key step of condensing a Primordial Spirit and stepping into the Baron Realm.

Captain Zhao Zheng laughed heartily, his eyes holding both anticipation and a hint of solemnity. ”The Primordial Spirit is profound and mysterious. It’s hard to say. Plenty of people get hopelessly stuck at this final step, so I can’t make any guarantees.”

He then turned to Li Wen, his tone filled with undisguised admiration and envy.

”On the other hand, Junior Brother Li has already condensed his Primordial Spirit at such a young age. Talent like that is a true gift from the heavens, letting you bypass a chasm that countless people can never cross in their entire lives.”

Ever since Li Wen reached the Great Sun Realm, he had announced the news that he had condensed a Primordial Spirit.

The Great Sun Realm is the stage where one aims to condense a Primordial Spirit. Plus, Li Wen’s Spiritual Sense was already peerless, so when he announced the news, it didn’t cause much of a stir.

Hearing Zhao Zheng’s words, Li Wen shook his head slightly, his tone peaceful.

”Everyone has their own path. Senior Brother Zhao, you have a solid foundation and your Dao realm is already established. The Primordial Spirit is just the final step, a natural progression. It’s only a matter of time.”

His words were sincere, bringing a pleased smile to Captain Zhao’s face.

The atmosphere at the table was harmonious, and the camaraderie between comrades-in-arms felt especially precious on this special day.

...

After the rich and warm luncheon, Li Wen returned to his private courtyard deep within the underground fortress.

Without the slightest delay, he walked straight to the training grounds.

In the afternoon, snow was falling in the world outside.

Inside the training grounds, special lighting simulated the cold light of a winter day.

Li Wen drew his silver long-blade. With a slight shift in his thoughts, the [Absolute Focus] ability activated instantly.

The world suddenly changed in his perception.

The trajectories of the moving air, the arc of falling light particles, the rhythm of every single muscle fiber in his body, the paths of the True Essence surging within him, and the Blade Intent contained within every form of his bladework—as fine as silk threads yet as vast and mighty as an ocean... Everything was infinitely magnified, becoming incomparably clear.

His thoughts flowed like an icy spring, purged of all stray notions, leaving only the ultimate insight into and refinement of the origin of the Way of the Blade.

He sank his consciousness into his sea of consciousness.

The Five Forms of the Profound Firmament—the piercing speed of Star Rush, the explosive brilliance of Thunderclap, the ultimate defense of Celestial Gate, the dense, flowing rotation of Star Core, and the profound annihilation of Soul Abyss.

Five distinct yet fundamentally connected strands of Blade Intent were deconstructed, analyzed, combined, and guided again and again under his extreme mental focus.

Like five surging rivers, they repeatedly tried to converge and merge between the dams of his will, attempting to find the one riverbed that could contain them all and flow into the sea.

Five hours might seem long to an outsider, but in this state of ultimate focus where even the flow of time seemed to thicken, it passed in a flash.

When Li Wen withdrew from that profound state and sheathed his blade, the training grounds became exceptionally quiet.

Sweat had soaked his training uniform, only to be evaporated by the heat radiating from his body, leaving behind faint salt stains.

Only the simulated snowflakes drifting slowly through the air silently testified to the passage of time.

...

Leaving the fortress and passing through several strict security checks, Li Wen returned to the villa district in the core surface area of Changning City.

Just as the great population migration from Bluestone County had foretold, every inch of land in the core area was worth a fortune.

This tranquil, secure villa complex with its top-tier facilities was one of the symbols of power and strength in Changning City.

The fact that Li Wen could make his home here was in itself the most direct endorsement of his status and contributions.

Pushing open the door to his home, a wave of warmth mixed with the aroma of food washed over him.

Exquisite New Year’s dishes were already set on the dining table.

When his parents saw him return, genuine smiles appeared on their faces.

”You’re back? Quick, wash your hands. We were just waiting for you,” his mother called out, deftly arranging the bowls and chopsticks.

His father smiled and asked, ”How was the food over there today? Are Captain Zhao and the others doing well?”

Li Wen changed into casual clothes and sat down at the table. ”It was great. The cafeteria served extra dishes today, it was a real feast. The captain and everyone are doing fine.”

The atmosphere at the table was warm and peaceful.

His mother occasionally placed food in his bowl, while his father asked with concern about his recent work schedule.

The home’s decor was simple and elegant. In a prominent spot in the living room sat a token of appreciation sent recently by the Changning City government.

It was an exquisite set of energy-infused teaware and a box of special-grade rare ingredients. The attached card clearly read: ”Thanking Godfiend Li Wen for guarding the Star Gate and protecting Changning.”

Halfway through the meal, his mother put down her chopsticks. After a moment of hesitation, she finally spoke, testing the waters.

”Xiaowen... now that life is a little more stable, have you given any thought to your own future? To settling down?”

Li Wen’s hand, which was reaching for food, paused. He looked up and saw the expectation in his parents’ eyes.

He gave a slightly apologetic smile, his tone gentle but firm.

”Mom, Dad, the threat from the Demon Race isn’t gone yet. The front lines are in constant turmoil, and every ounce of the Human Race’s strength is needed to ensure the safety of countless families back home. We can only truly secure our own small families by first protecting this much larger one. As for my personal life... let’s wait until things are more stable.”

His parents exchanged a look. Though their eyes still held a trace of regret, they understood the burden on their son’s shoulders. They nodded, and the conversation shifted to other household trifles.

The stroke of midnight seemed to pierce through space, its faint chimes announcing the end of the old year.

Li Wen stood up. ”Dad, Mom, Happy New Year. I should head back to the fortress.”

”Happy New Year. Be safe.” His parents walked him to the door, watching his upright figure disappear once more into the night.