Realm-Hopping Martial Master

After practicing Martial Arts for so long, this was the first time Jiang Shu had ever felt the fear of death looming over him!

All along, possessing the ability to traverse between the Two Realms, he had always believed he had the absolute power to escape any predicament.

Therefore, when he encountered threats emerging from the black market, he could counter-kill those in a higher Realm. Knowing full well that Qiu Yushan's banquet for young Martial Artists was a trap, he still dared to ascend the mountain alone. He ventured deep into it with the strength of the Skin Grinding Realm, seizing a portion of python meat before a group of second-order Mutant Beasts arrived. In the Heaven and Earth Secret Realm, he dared to battle a severely injured third-order leopard-shaped Mutant Beast.

But in the frigid pond, he suddenly realized that the Bone Forging Realm had too many shortcomings. What use was the ability to traverse the Two Realms then? Danger often arrived silently! Only upon reaching the Refining Internal Realm could one see clearly in the dark and discern true danger in the depths of the frigid pond!

Even now, Jiang Shu's heart pounded like a drum!

Tiger Bone Mad Demon Fist!

This set of fist techniques was approaching Great Success.

Jiang Shu practiced it twice in succession and gradually calmed down. In his heart, the desire to ascend to the Refining Internal Realm reached its Peak.

On the panel, the Famished Tiger Roar Mountain Strength had only just broken through to Great Success. To Break the Limit, it's clear much more time is needed. For the time being, I can put aside other Martial Arts and focus entirely on making a breakthrough! After all, the points I've amassed from this trip to the Heaven and Earth Secret Realm are definitely enough for me to use for a good while.

His mind resolute, Jiang Shu swiftly made his way toward the periphery.

「On the periphery.」

Zhu Qingyun, though she rarely took action in this Heaven and Earth Secret Realm, was also reflecting and improving her own abilities while watching Shang Jibei and Jiang Shu battle Mutant Beasts.

"If Jiang Shu hasn't returned in two days, Qingyun, you go back first, and I'll go look for him." Shang Jibei's aura was refined. He turned his head to look at the passage, speaking to Zhu Qingyun.

The passages between the Heaven and Earth Secret Realm and Xuanxing were usually only stable for about one to three months. Now, nearly a month had passed. It was also time to head back.

"Jiang Shu is so powerful, and with Brother Shang's heavy sword, he should be fine," Zhu Qingyun said, as if sensing Shang Jibei's concern, trying to reassure him. Her words had barely left her lips when a figure approached amidst howling winds and swirling snow.

"It seems I've arrived just in time," Jiang Shu said with a slight smile, seeing that both of them were there. This time, to hasten his journey, he hadn't even stopped to slaughter the second-order Mutant Beasts he encountered along the way.

"I was about to go looking for you in two more days," said Shang Jibei, taking back his heavy sword from Jiang Shu without asking what Jiang Shu had been doing these past few days.

The three of them exited the passage.

The moon hung high in the sky. Even in the dead of night, near the rift between worlds, dense formations of soldiers still stood at attention. In an instant, countless red dots converged on the three of them. The floodlights switched on. Only after their identities were confirmed did the red dots gradually dissipate.

"It's their duty. We Martial Artists have to go through this when we come out; it's for safety," Shang Jibei emphasized. Some Martial Artists avoid planes and high-rise buildings, all to safeguard their own lives. And exiting the Heaven and Earth Secret Realm, that sensation of being targeted... it's like entrusting one's life to the decisions of others! How many Martial Artists could feel at ease about this? The higher-ups in Xia Country are aware, but it's necessary. Firstly, for safety. Secondly, as a deterrent.

"I understand," Jiang Shu nodded as his thoughts turned. Even the most formidable Dark Force Martial Artists are only strong in flesh, sinews, and bones. Facing ordinary small handguns, they might even predict the shot and dodge with a burst of speed. Even if hit, they can rely on their muscles to clamp down on the bullet and retain combat capability. But when facing a sniper rifle aimed directly at the forehead or heart, any misstep means certain death!

"Good, as long as you understand," Shang Jibei said after rechecking the important materials and handing them over to the designated personnel.

The helicopter flew out of the forest and landed.

Jiang Shu bid farewell to Shang Jibei and Zhu Qingyun, spent a night at a hotel, and then took a high-speed train back to Jiangnan City alone.

I can understand, but that doesn't mean I can accept it!

Outside the train window, the scenery rapidly swept by. Jiang Shu closed his eyes. He became even more determined to quickly advance to the Refining Internal Realm and head to the Yongning County seat. Only a higher Martial Arts Realm can fill this sense of insecurity! Sniper rifles... The Refining Internal Realm would definitely struggle against them. But what about the Blood Exchange Realm, the limit of the physical body?

The journey was long. Jiang Shu didn't waste any time cultivating, continuously circulating the Famished Tiger Roar Mountain Strength.

He didn't know how long he had been sitting when his cultivation was suddenly interrupted by a gentle voice. "Are you hungry? Did you forget to bring food? I have some cookies here, would you like some?"

Jiang Shu frowned and opened his eyes, looking beside him. He saw a girl, probably around eighteen or nineteen, holding out a small box of cookies to him. She wasn't wearing any brand-name clothes; they looked like they were from a street stall. She wore no jewelry. But her face was quite pretty, with delicate features—a graceful forehead, arched eyebrows, and skin as smooth as fine cream.

"Thank you, I'm fine," Jiang Shu declined politely.

As the Famished Tiger Roar Mountain Strength circulated, and without enough meat to replenish his energy on the high-speed train, his stomach naturally began to growl. I didn't expect such faint sounds to be noticed and misunderstood.

"It's okay, don't be polite. It's normal to forget to bring food when you're out. I've had to ask others for food on the high-speed train before too," the girl said with a generous smile, raising her hand and stuffing the cookies into the seat pocket in front of Jiang Shu.

"Xixi, what am I going to do with you? You only brought a little food for yourself, why worry about others? If he doesn't want it, he doesn't want it. Honestly, there's no point talking to you; you never listen."

"You always donate any spare cash you get. Wouldn't buying something nice for yourself make you happy?"

"I don't donate much, but every little bit is a gesture of goodwill. People helped my family the same way in the past."

The two girls in the seats next to Jiang Shu continued their hushed conversation. Their voices were very soft, but every word reached Jiang Shu's ears.

"Sigh, I know I can't change you. So, listen to me this time, okay? When we get to the Tidal Cup Martial Arts Competition, we'll bet on Kang Hanmo. He might not be from Jiangnan Academy, but he graduated from a key university in Jiangnan City! He's incredibly strong. I think he's a dark horse. If he makes it into the top eight, our bet will double!"

"I don't understand any of this. Didn't you just say you wanted me to come with you?"

"Accompanying me is one thing, but don't you want to make some money too? With the little you earn from odd jobs, what will you eat at school after your donations? We both took time off for this. Let's go big this time! If we really win, you can make another donation and still have some left for yourself."

"I think I'll pass. I'm fine with the little money I have," Xixi replied with a smile, not continuing the topic. Their voices were indeed quiet; after all, the high-speed train was a public place, and it was best not to disturb others.

"Dear passengers, the train will soon be arriving at Jiangnan City Station..."

Upon hearing the announcement, passengers getting off at the station began to rise and gather their luggage.

Jiang Shu took the cookies from the seat pocket in front of him and handed them back to the girl. "The Tidal Cup," he said, "if you really want to bet, you could watch Yang Kai from Jiangnan Academy. With his strength, reaching the top eight should be a certainty. Betting on him won't lose you money."

"There's also a Shou Junming worth noting. With his ability, getting through the second round is definitely not a problem. Beyond that, it's hard to say."

He said this without regard for their stunned expressions, then picked up his backpack and got off the train.

Even though I'm from Jiangnan Academy, I don't usually pay attention to current events. But I still hear Shou Junming, the king of gossip, commenting on all sorts of major happenings from time to time. The Tidal Cup is one of them. It's said Jiangnan City wants to develop it into a prestigious tournament, one that can be held annually. That's why many Open Strength Martial Artists from the academy are preparing to participate.

Of course, with my abilities, I naturally wouldn't care about this competition that others see as so grand. Right now, I just want to get back to the Jiangnan Academy cafeteria and have a proper meal!

「On the high-speed train platform.」

Xixi's companion, the girl with her hair in a bun, was still scrolling through her phone. After Jiang Shu had spoken, she had immediately muttered, "Crazy." In her eyes, Jiang Shu seemed like some kind of eavesdropping maniac, listening in on their private conversation. It wasn't until Xixi commented on how well-maintained his hair was that the girl with the bun frowned, as if suddenly realizing something.

She searched on her phone, and information about the University Martial Arts Youth Tournament appeared.

The next moment, a sharp cry burst from her. She hugged Xixi excitedly, her words tumbling out incoherently, "Holy crap! Jiang Shu! That's Jiang Shu!"

"Xixi... that's Jiang Shu! Jiang Shu, you know? The one who was super famous, first place in the Genius Tournament!"

"Aaaaah! I'm so lucky! I saw Jiang Shu! A living Jiang Shu!"