Chapter 18: Celestial Human Martial Arts Diagram

Amidst the gazes of the assembled guests, a woman of striking stature, surrounded by a throng of admirers, gracefully made her entrance.

Her silver hair, cascading down her back, shimmered with a metallic sheen. Zhang Yu, ever the pragmatist, wondered if this lustrous mane was crafted from a deceased cultivator's remains, pondering the monetary worth of a single strand.

The woman's crimson evening gown seemed to writhe with dancing flames, each spark radiating an aura of formidable arcane energy. Zhao Tianxing surmised that the dress itself was a treasured artifact, likely of inestimable value.

Simultaneously, the director of the Celestial Rhythm Conglomerate, practically gilded in an aura of prosperity, proactively stepped forward to greet Li Xue Lian. Soon, two more Foundation Establishment realm financiers joined their conversation, adding to the confluence of power and influence.

The surrounding throng consisted of affluent magnates and socialites, each yearning for even a fleeting exchange with the quartet, hoping to gain some recognition. However, Li Xue Lian didn't afford them ample opportunity. After exchanging a few pleasantries with the three financiers, she approached the tapestry of the Celestial Martial Evolution.

"Esteemed guests, thank you for attending today's exhibition."

Amidst the applause, Li Xue Lian offered a graceful smile and continued, "At this auspicious moment, where creativity and inspiration converge..."

As Li Xue Lian's speech droned on, Zhang Yu yawned, wondering if he should take the time to cultivate. Abruptly, his eyes lit up. He had become more diligent in his training, he realized. Was it the relentless pressure of the ritualistic powers, or the subtle, pervasive influence of this society?

Thankfully, Li Xue Lian's oration was brief. As Zhang Yu pondered, she broached the topic of utmost interest to the assembled prodigies of cultivation.

Li Xue Lian: "For years, my esteemed father has sought a disciple to inherit his mantle, to carry on his martial arts and mystical techniques."

"Regrettably, his standards are exceedingly high. Despite his earnest search, he has yet to discover one truly worthy."

"Thus, he personally painted this Celestial Martial Evolution, concealing within it a complete martial art."

"Should a prodigy under the age of eighteen master this hidden art, my father would gladly accept them as a disciple, nurturing them to the pinnacle of academic excellence."

"However, this painting contains a sliver of my father's martial intent. Contemplation of this painting carries the risk of being overwhelmed by that intent, potentially damaging one's Dao Heart."

"Therefore, I implore you to temper your ambitions and proceed with caution, lest you be injured by the painting's potent martial intent..."

As Li Xue Lian concluded her introduction, her hand gently drew back the curtain, revealing the Celestial Martial Evolution.

Encased within an imposing frame, over two meters in height, a hazy silhouette gradually materialized within the canvas.

"This is the masterpiece of a Golden Core powerhouse?" Zhang Yu scrutinized the painting, feeling it was akin to a crude scribble, barely surpassing the artistic merit of a child's drawing.

No sooner had Zhang Yu entertained this thought than a voice boomed, "Magnificent work!"

"The painting possesses vibrant energy, employing bone method and masterful brushwork. Starfire True Immortal's artistry is truly sublime, leaving us mortals humbled."

A chorus of sycophants chimed in, "Exquisite! The painting appears simple, yet it conceals profound artistic intent. The more one gazes upon it, the more one appreciates its endless depth."

As the praises for the Celestial Martial Evolution escalated, Li Xue Lian cleared her throat, interjecting the fervent admiration.

She then explained, "Esteemed guests, to prevent unintended harm, my father incorporated a subtle enchantment. Only within five meters can the true content of the painting be perceived, but even then, one will be affected by its martial intent."

"Any aspiring prodigies are welcome to step forward and contemplate the painting."

Upon hearing Li Xue Lian's explanation, those who had so readily showered praise upon the painting flushed with embarrassment, their voices silenced.

However, one individual had already taken the initiative, striding toward the Celestial Martial Evolution: Lian Tianji, from the Purple Cloud High School, who had spoken earlier.

"Haha, let Lian Tianji see what wonders the Celestial Martial Evolution holds!"

With a laugh, Lian Tianji eagerly approached the painting.

Qian Shen watched intently, inwardly remarking, "That's Lian Tianji from Purple Cloud High School. He is a formidable individual who scored 670 in the monthly exams. He's one of the opponents I plan to challenge after defeating Bai Zhenzhen."

As Lian Tianji approached the Celestial Martial Evolution, the figure within the painting became increasingly clear, revealing a middle-aged man meticulously demonstrating an intricate martial art.

Lian Tianji became captivated, his mind drawn into the scene, until the man in the painting abruptly unleashed a fist, hurtling toward him from across the divide.

*Bang!*

A dull thud seemed to resonate in the air.

Lian Tianji halted abruptly, his eyes widened, fixated on the Celestial Martial Evolution.

Witnessing his motionless state, the crowd assumed that Lian Tianji had become immersed in the painting, deciphering its arcane martial secrets.

Nearby, Li Xue Lian casually explained, "To identify disciples of unwavering will and exceptional spirit... contemplation of the Celestial Martial Evolution will force the participant to confront their deepest fears."

"Only by steadfastly confronting and overcoming one's inner weaknesses can the secrets of the painting be unlocked."

The assembled guests gasped, their gazes riveted on Lian Tianji, wondering what visions he was witnessing.

In Lian Tianji's eyes, the world around him warped, and he found himself back in his classroom, seemingly oblivious to the exhibition, Li Xue Lian, or the Celestial Martial Evolution.

The class monitor was announcing the scores of the recent monthly examination.

Yet, starting with the top student, his name was nowhere to be found.

He wasn't in the top ten...

He wasn't in the top twenty...

He wasn't even in the top fifty...

As the called-out scores grew lower, Lian Tianji grew increasingly anxious.

Back at the exhibition, watching Lian Tianji’s rapt contemplation of the Celestial Martial Evolution, Li Xue Lian said, "The Celestial Martial Evolution allows simultaneous contemplation. Any other aspiring prodigies are welcome to step forward and join."

Qian Shen and the other students exchanged glances before collectively advancing toward the Celestial Martial Evolution.

Simultaneously, other young martial talents present began to approach the Celestial Martial Evolution.

Zhang Yu glanced at Zhou Tianyi beside him, inquiring curiously, "Aren't you going to give it a try?"

Zhou Tianyi chuckled, shrugging his shoulders. "I'm just here for the spectacle. No point in embarrassing myself."

Zhang Yu turned his attention to Bai Zhenzhen. "What about you? Not going either?"

Bai Zhenzhen regarded the Celestial Martial Evolution and remarked with slight reluctance, "I'm still hesitating."

Zhang Yu was curious. "Hesitating about what?"

Bai Zhenzhen explained, "I'm not looking to acquire a master."

She contemplated, "Becoming a disciple means inevitably signing a contract with that Starfire True Immortal, selling myself in servitude."

Bai Zhenzhen internally sighed, "Beyond other considerations… his control over my choice of university and major is guaranteed. I would accrue immense debt, and I'm uncertain about the interest rates…”

Zhang Yu, upon hearing Bai Zhenzhen's concerns, interjected, "Well, if you don't manage to master the martial art, you won't become Starfire True Immortal's disciple."

Zhang Yu gazed towards the Celestial Martial Evolution with a slight grin, "The martial art left by a Golden Core True Immortal, even if designed for those at the Qi training stage, would cost tens of thousands if we were to purchase usage rights. Why wouldn't we seize this free opportunity to learn?"

"If we're unwilling to become Starfire True Immortal's disciples, then we simply fail to master the art today."

Zhao Tianxing, overhearing the exchange, inwardly scoffed, considering Zhang Yu and Bai Zhenzhen both equally full of hot air. He subtly edged away, wary of being associated with such braggadocio.

However, witnessing Zhang Yu stride forward, he felt a reluctant admiration for Zhang Yu's audacity.

At that moment, the walkie-talkie on Zhao Tianxing's belt crackled, with the security chief bellowing, "What is the meaning of this? You're security personnel. Who allowed him to abandon his post to contemplate the Evolution Diagram? Get him back here immediately!"

Zhao Tianxing, covered in cold sweat, started shouting and running, in an attempt to drag Zhang Yu back.

As Zhao Tianxing drew nearer to the Celestial Martial Evolution, the figure within the painting sharpened, and he could hear snickers all around him.

Turning his head, Zhao Tianxing discovered that everyone in the exhibition was staring at him, pointing, judging, and mocking his hubris, deriding a mere security guard daring to contemplate the Evolution Diagram.

Amidst the barrage of ridicule, Zhao Tianxing came to an abrupt halt, awkwardly uncertain what to do, scratching his head and ears, flustered.

Simultaneously, as Zhang Yu, Bai Zhenzhen, and Zhou Tianyi stepped closer to the Celestial Martial Evolution, the hazy figure within coalesced into a man of stern countenance, and ultimately, he unleashed a fist towards them.

Bai Zhenzhen felt her sight dim as her phone began to vibrate frantically.

Upon inspection, it revealed a collection of debt collection messages from a lending platform.

"Regarding your outstanding debts on ‘Credit-Overdraw’, multiple payment requests have been ignored, resulting in a serious violation. You are to settle the debts within three days of receipt of this message. Continued delinquency will result in legal action..."

"Continued default will trigger a thorough investigation of your location of residence..."

"Deadbeat! You have no shame for such petty debts! Your entire family could collect bottles to settle this!"

The number of debt collection messages mounted, their content growing increasingly unrestrained, transitioning from simple payment demands to all-encompassing insults, verbal abuse, and threats.

Reading the relentless messages, Bai Zhenzhen was drenched in perspiration, her entire body tense. The phone then began to ring.

Regarding the ringing phone, Bai Zhenzhen hesitated to answer.

However, despite her inaction, the phone connected automatically.

As Bai Zhenzhen watched in terror, a cold, masculine voice echoed from the device.

"Due to your credit fraud and continued delinquency, you have committed a grave breach of contract. The Celestial Network has locked onto your location. Failure to settle all debts within three days will result in divine retribution..."

A rumble of thunder reverberated.

Bai Zhenzhen immediately looked up, and saw flashes of lightning gathering above.