Chapter One Hundred Thirteen: Reaching New Heights

“Grandpa, I won the championship! Haha, yes, yes, I’ll be careful, mm-hmm, I won’t get cocky...”

Gao Wu was exhilarated upon winning the Qilin Cup. Though he had been confident of victory, the reality felt entirely different.

He first called the venerable Elder Shang to share the good news. Watching the live broadcast on television, the elder was equally thrilled.

The happier the elder became, the more he worried, offering Gao Wu earnest advice, fearing he might attract trouble...

Out of genuine concern, the elder’s admonitions were heartfelt, and Gao Wu dared not argue, only able to obediently comply.

After hanging up, Gao Wu exhaled deeply; the earlier excitement had faded somewhat under the elder’s stern lecture.

“Congratulations, champion! Let’s take a photo together...” Zhou Hongying, who had been waiting nearby, hurried over as soon as Gao Wu ended the call, eager for a picture.

She leaned in close, nearly pressing her face to his, then called to Shang Qingjun, “Quick, take our photo.”

With a gentle smile, Shang Qingjun happily snapped the picture.

Gao Wu invited Shang Qingjun to join for a group photo; Song Mingyue, who had been watching from the side, was pulled in by Gao Wu, and Han Yang helped take a photo of the four of them.

The photo was taken with a professional camera Zhou Hongying had brought, resulting in excellent quality.

Gao Wu glanced at the image: all four were smiling—Jun Jie’s smile was gentle, Zhou Hongying’s warm and charming, his own beamed brightly, while Song Mingyue’s expression was serene, her cool eyes holding a hint of a soft smile...

He patted Han Yang on the shoulder. “You’re pretty good at photography, young man. You have potential.”

“Not bad, not bad. Mostly because you’re all so handsome and beautiful,” Han Yang replied modestly. At home, he often fiddled with high-end cameras and had indeed developed some skill.

With the championship secured, everyone was in high spirits. Gao Wu gathered Coach Song Yunhui and all the team members for a group photo, then took individual shots with each member, keeping busy for quite some time.

After tidying up in the locker room, they went out again to attend the award ceremony.

The central stage of the martial arts hall was removed, replaced by a rectangular platform. The entire Dongjiang No.1 High School team stood atop it as Song Yun Zhen, the chairman of the organizing committee, presented them with championship gold medals and a massive gilded trophy engraved with a Qilin image.

Coach Song Yunhui accepted the trophy and handed it to Gao Wu, who, as team captain and chief contributor to their victory, raised the enormous golden cup on behalf of the team.

Surrounding coaches and players wore radiant smiles; Yang Ru was so moved she was nearly in tears...

Above the podium, colorful confetti exploded, bringing the ceremony to a jubilant climax.

Photographers captured the moment with their cameras.

Through the Qilin Cup finals, at least one hundred million people in Beizhou came to know the name Gao Wu, especially the youth, many of whom saw him compete for the first time and were captivated by his feat of defeating four opponents single-handedly.

Among those were two prodigious young warriors whom Gao Wu vanquished with a single strike each.

The dazzling spectacle deeply engraved itself in the hearts of every young spectator, naturally becoming the starting point of their heroic dreams and turning them into Gao Wu’s fans...

Gao Wu had no time to check his Kuaiyin account. After the victory, all members attended the celebratory banquet, including Shen Yue and twenty passionate fan club youths.

The group booked a small restaurant. Though all were young, many drank some beer, their excitement palpable.

It wasn’t until nearly midnight that everyone dispersed.

Gao Wu personally escorted the fans back to their hotel, then spent a long time alone with Shen Yue.

They mainly discussed details of video production; riding the momentum of the Qilin Cup victory, they aimed to quickly produce several high-quality videos to attract more fans.

Shen Yue had some basic ideas, and with abundant footage from Shang Qingjun and Zhou Hongying, they could swiftly assemble several fine short videos.

Shang Qingjun and Zhou Hongying’s participation as staff was thanks to their status at Andong University, which the organizing committee approved. Shen Yue did not have such credentials, but this didn’t materially affect their plans.

Shen Yue was highly motivated, determined to finish editing the videos even if it meant staying up all night.

Opening the Kuaiyin account, Gao Wu saw his follower count had soared by tens of millions, reaching twenty million in total...

Though Kuaiyin fans were not particularly valuable individually, a follower base of twenty million was impressive.

Analyzing backend data revealed most followers were young people, with some from other provinces.

Every province held its own Qilin Cup competition, and during that time, they naturally compared notes. Gao Wu’s stunning performance attracted many fans beyond his home province.

Seeing the rapidly growing fanbase, Shen Yue felt even more invigorated.

Back at Qilin Court, Gao Wu completed his daily regimen.

Due to inconvenience, he did not practice sword or fist forms but focused primarily on cultivating the Dragon Form Nine Styles’ breath control technique, followed by incantations, and finally using the “Hidden Dragon, Do Not Use” posture to fall asleep and rest.

***

At six the next morning, Gao Wu awoke punctually.

Having received the “Hidden Dragon, Do Not Use” secret technique directly from Master An Ziru, Gao Wu made rapid progress with this form.

Entering four hours of deep sleep through this posture allowed him to draw vitality and strength from rest, naturally guiding body and spirit upwards.

Though the Azure Dragon Divine Qi Incantation was wondrous, the power it granted differed greatly from this natural method of recuperation.

Awakening from sleep, Gao Wu felt serene and clear-minded, his entire being in a state of harmonious comfort.

After his daily exercises, he met with Shang Qingjun as planned to escort the fervent fan group.

All twenty had come specifically for him; any mishap en route would be disastrous. Gao Wu took full responsibility for their safety.

Fortunately, Shang Qingjun managed all logistics, arranging a large coach for their transport and making thorough preparations.

After seeing Shen Yue and the group pass security, both Gao Wu and Shang Qingjun finally relaxed.

Checking the time, Gao Wu said to Shang Qingjun, “Jun Jie, you’ll come with me to Beizhou University shortly. I need to collect the prize from the organizing committee.”

“Sure,” Shang Qingjun agreed immediately.

It was Sunday, so she had the whole day free. Gao Wu had been busy preparing for the competition and hadn’t had time to chat; today was perfect to accompany him.

They took a taxi to Beizhou University’s Martial Arts Institute, where they met Song Yun Zhen in the organizing committee’s temporary office.

This year’s Qilin Cup was hosted by Beizhou University, with Song Yun Zhen as the committee chairperson overseeing all matters.

Song Yun Zhen received Gao Wu courteously and had tea prepared for both him and Shang Qingjun.

“Chairman Song, I’m here to receive the Qilin serum injection.”

Gao Wu was straightforward; a figure of such stature had little time for small talk.

He pointed to Shang Qingjun. “The other Qilin serum is for my sister’s injection. Is that alright?”

Song Yun Zhen smiled gently. “This is the committee’s reward to you. You may choose whoever you wish.”

The day before, Song Yun Zhen had communicated with Gao Wu. Having made a significant contribution in the preliminaries, the committee wanted to reward him. The specifics were left to Gao Wu’s discretion.

He had requested a second Qilin serum, to be injected into someone else, which Song Yun Zhen had agreed to.

Who Gao Wu brought for the injection was his business; Song Yun Zhen would not interfere.

She appraised Shang Qingjun and found her martial cultivation quite respectable, with seemingly excellent innate talent. Injecting the Qilin serum could genuinely transform her into a warrior.

She immediately summoned staff to make arrangements.

The Qilin serum was highly specialized and required large, dedicated equipment for injection. One could not simply take the serum and use it independently.

As Song Yun Zhen left, Shang Qingjun looked at Gao Wu with a hint of helplessness. “Why didn’t you consult me on such a big matter?”

“We each get one Qilin serum. We split it evenly,” Gao Wu widened his eyes in mock surprise. “Jun Jie, you’re not trying to hog both serums, are you?”

Shang Qingjun shook her head slightly. “I have no ambitions in martial arts; I don’t want the serum injection.”

“The Qilin serum is meant to help warriors condense their source energy and ascend to warrior rank. I’m already a warrior; injecting it won’t help me. Besides, I can’t transfer my quota either.”

Gao Wu put on a stern face. “You’re my closest kin, and yet you’re so formal with me—it really hurts my feelings...”

Before Shang Qingjun could respond, he added, “You’re my dearest sister. If I don’t give it to you, then who else?”

Shang Qingjun hesitated, sensing the serum quota could be sold for a hefty sum, which would be a valuable resource for Gao Wu’s advancement. But there was no time to dwell on that now.

She earnestly said, “Thank you, Xiao Wu. I will train hard!”

Gao Wu smiled. “Jun Jie, keep it up and become a warrior soon!”

After a while, staff led Gao Wu and Shang Qingjun to a sterile, enclosed laboratory where they changed into sterile clothing.

The room was filled with massive, semi-circular instruments, with a central device designed for a person to lie down.

A staff member explained, “The Qilin serum must be injected deep into the bones at seventy-two specific points. Only with this machine can we precisely locate the bones for accurate injection...”

The process carried some risks, naturally. Gao Wu went first, completing the injection in over ten minutes.

He emerged feeling almost nothing. When Shang Qingjun came out, her face was flushed, as if feverish.

Staff explained, “The Qilin serum stimulates the body, causing fever, dizziness, palpitations, and other reactions in the short term. This lady’s vital signs are normal; there’s no cause for concern...”

Gao Wu supported Shang Qingjun outside, where she rested for over an hour, drinking plenty of water. Her temperature gradually returned to normal, much to Gao Wu’s relief.

His good intentions had inadvertently caused trouble for Jun Jie...

In truth, Shang Qingjun’s martial aptitude far surpassed his. Despite limited resources, she had risen to advanced martial artist. With the Qilin serum, becoming a warrior should be within reach.

He sensed the world was undergoing profound changes, with personal martial prowess growing ever more vital. He didn’t expect Jun Jie to be a powerhouse, but mastering source energy would at least grant her greater self-protection.

Gao Wu had planned to dine with Shang Qingjun and Zhou Hongying, but Coach Song Yunhui suddenly informed him that the entire team would take a train back to Dongjiang that evening.

The sudden return was because Dongjiang had prepared a grand celebration, and as the hero, Gao Wu had to be there.

After escorting Shang Qingjun to her dormitory, Gao Wu felt regretful but promised to see her again during the summer break.

Hearing Gao Wu was leaving so soon, Zhou Hongying was somewhat disappointed. “You’re leaving already? I still wanted to treat you to a meal!”

“You’ve been busy these past days. If anyone should treat, it’s me,” Gao Wu smiled. “When you come to Dongjiang, I’ll take you to try the local specialties...”

“Actually, I bet fifty thousand on you and turned it into sixteen times that. Hehe...” Zhou Hongying’s eyes sparkled mischievously, like a sly fox who had stolen from the old hen—both cunning and charming.

Her family was wealthy, but she had limited cash on hand; eighty thousand was a substantial sum.

Gao Wu said, “In that case, just treat Jun Jie. Let her eat on my behalf.”

“Don’t worry, I’ll make sure Qingjun gets a full meal!”

Zhou Hongying said, then reluctantly hugged Gao Wu. “Good little brother, see you in September!”

The spring breeze lifted Zhou Hongying’s sleek, dark hair, strands brushing Gao Wu’s shoulder and cheek, carrying a fresh fragrance tinged with a slight tickle.

Like Zhou Hongying’s embrace, soft and fragrant, the sensation stirred a gentle itch in his heart.

Out of courtesy, Gao Wu returned the hug. “See you in September, Hongying Jie!”

Back at Qilin Court, Gao Wu felt a bit guilty when he saw Song Mingyue...

Though they shared a spiritual resonance, they needed to actively stimulate their spiritual energy to connect. Song Mingyue could not know what he was doing.

Besides, he hadn’t done anything wrong—why feel guilty? Even if he had, there was no need for shame...

Gao Wu’s mind wandered, but his smile remained radiant as he briefly told Song Mingyue about the Qilin serum injections.

He also showed her the Qilin gold they had received, to give her a glimpse of its rarity.

The ten-kilogram block of Qilin gold was only about the size of a child’s palm, with an earthy yellow hue.

Song Mingyue said, “Qilin gold is highly malleable and harmonizes with source energy. It can be used to forge weapons or woven into special fiber armor. When we return, think carefully about how to use it...”

Gao Wu had no concrete plans yet. He wanted to first see if he could integrate it with the Destiny Sword but couldn’t disclose that to Song Mingyue.

At six in the evening, the group boarded the train back to Dongjiang. As the hero, Gao Wu enjoyed the luxury of a sleeper compartment. He and Song Mingyue each had a bed.

When the lights went out, Gao Wu listened to the rhythmic clatter of the train wheels over the tracks with unusual calm.

He glanced at Song Mingyue across from him; the young girl had already closed her eyes, breathing steady and deep.

Gao Wu, however, did not want to sleep. He opened the Book of Infinite Merits and saw his accumulated merits had reached 1.1 million...

Judging by the surge in fans, he expected to surpass one million merits today.

Seeing the number with his own eyes filled Gao Wu with joy. His gaze shifted to the Azure Dragon Divine Qi Incantation, pondering the long night ahead, comforted by Song Mingyue’s presence beside him, ensuring safety.

As his fundamental great incantation, what changes might the upgraded Azure Dragon Divine Qi Incantation bring?

With this thought, Gao Wu decided not to wait any longer. He poured one million merits into the Azure Dragon Divine Qi Incantation.

A cluster of azure spiritual light condensed at his brow, instantly transforming into a graceful azure dragon soaring upward. Deep in his vast spiritual world, a thunderous dragon’s roar echoed...