Planet Pulverizer: A Mortal's Ascent-Chapter 335: Protection

The entire region surrounding Molong Country and the dozens of factions centered around it came to a standstill following the fall of Great Shang's three Top-Tier Astral Cultivators.

Molong Country ceased its efforts to suppress the internal rebellions.

The Astral Cultivators who had once loudly called for the extermination of the Great Moon remnants fell silent.

Everyone knew a terrifying storm was about to sweep across this land, which had been left forgotten for decades.

These factions remained quiet out of fear, knowing that the storm could obliterate even the most powerful warlords.

In this tense atmosphere, the Dragonfist Sect settled into a rare calm, like the eerie stillness before a storm.

***

On the eve of the storm.

Li Pin carried on with his usual life. He trained as he always did and made regular trips to the Black Gold Mines, as if Great Shang's Martial God Hall wasn't planning any retaliation.

In contrast, Shi Shihu, Xing Ying, Xing Hui, Yue Ying, and the others were growing more anxious by the day, desperately trying to think of a solution.

However, they were simply not on the same level as the higher-ups of the Martial God Hall. Or rather, the so-called Martial God Hall had, in truth, been always under the control of Master Astral Cultivators like Ying Zhao.

At its core, the faction was ruled by Master and Top-Tier Astral Cultivators. As for the so-called Martial Saints, Quasi-Martial Gods, and Martial Gods within it, they were no different from the official members, core members, and Dragon Princes of the Dragon Gate Hall.

Despite their apparent prestige and special training, they were nothing more than fodder for the true powerhouses.

***

On this day, Shi Shihu approached Li Pin with a grim expression. "Sect Master, perhaps we need to acquire more power."

"Oh?" Li Pin responded, setting aside the freshly crafted Skill Crystal in his hand. "You mean that Heavenly Martial Alliance that's behind you?"

Shi Shihu replied solemnly, "Yes. The Heavenly Martial Alliance is different from other factions. It's a force solely for martial artists, without any internal divisions. The ancient martial arts legacies you've studied, like the Heavenly Scripture of Primal Chaos, were all given away almost for free by individual martial arts lineages.

“They feel genuine joy when anyone dedicates themselves to these teachings.

"Over the years, the number of Quasi-Martial Gods in the Alliance has grown significantly. And they've all, without exception, relied on their own talent to condense their Lifeform Force Fields."

"Someone contacted you? They must've heard about the fall of the three Top-Tier Astral Cultivators and learned that the Dragonfist Sect now has a new Martial God," Li Pin remarked.

"Yes, six Quasi-Martial Gods have secretly reached out, hoping to join the Dragonfist Sect," affirmed Shi Shihu, nodding. "I believe we need more strength, which is why I've come to you, Sect Master."

He paused. "Of course, whether you choose to accept them or not, the entire sect will follow your decision."

"They condensed their Lifeform Force Fields through their own efforts...." mused Li Pin.

He didn't mind seeing others pursue the Martial God path. In fact, he welcomed those who chose it, so long as it didn't require too much of his time to teach them.

These six individuals had relied on their own talents to condense a Lifeform Force Field. All he needed to do was give them a Skill Crystal, and they could train by themselves. He wouldn’t need to offer any guidance. In this case, allowing them to join the Dragonfist Sect seemed reasonable.

Not to mention that, deep down, Li Pin had already considered turning the sect into a sacred ground for martial arts.

"Let them come," Li Pin decided. "But make sure they understand this: conflict between the Dragonfist Sect and Great Shang's Martial God Hall is inevitable.

"Compared to the Great Shang Dynasty, or even the Martial God Hall, the Dragonfist Sect is insignificant.

"If they truly wish to join at this time, they must be ready to stand with us, even to the point of facing destruction at the hands of the Martial God Hall."

Shi Shihu couldn't help but smile at Li Pin's words. "Sect Master, these six Quasi-Martial Gods had already come to this understanding when they approached me."

His eyes carried a hint of carefree determination. "Condensing a Lifeform Force Field may not be as perilous as achieving Extreme Transcendence, but more than half of Martial Saints fail on this path.

"Yet these six stepped forward without hesitation, proving their unwavering devotion to martial arts. What we fear isn't the difficulty of the road ahead, but the possibility that no road exists at all."

Li Pin glanced at Shi Shihu, who respectfully bowed, his eyes filled with sincere gratitude.

The one Shi Shihu truly admired the most was the pioneer of the Martial God path—Li Pin. However, his respect for his sect master, who continued walking the path Li Pin paved, was no less profound. This was especially the case with the suspicion that their sect master might even be Li Pin's father.

This bow was clearly meant for the founder of the Martial God path, for the ancestor of Martial Gods.

"Then..." Li Pin smiled. "let them all come."

He arranged the Celestial Martial God Manual he had compiled not long ago in his spare time. Since it was impossible for everyone to enjoy the privilege of receiving a Skill Crystal, preparing this martial manual was necessary.

After setting the book down, he said, "Everyone—martial arts masters, grandmasters, and Martial Saints—can come, as long as... they are prepared to face life and death with Dragonfist Sect."

Shi Shihu was taken aback. "Martial art masters!? Grandmasters!? Martial Saints!?"

Everyone is welcome?!

"There's a saying, 'true loyalty is proven in adversity.' If they're willing to join the Dragonfist Sect now, while we're about to face the storm brought by Great Shang's Martial God Hall, they likely won't betray us," Li Pin said with a soft chuckle.

Though... even if they did betray us, it wouldn't matter much. At most, the Celestial Martial God Manual would be leaked.

Some might view his actions as arrogant, but they genuinely reflected the grand and dignified style of a true king.

Back then, Li Pin didn’t hesitate when he published the method for achieving Martial God. Now that he had created the Celestial Martial God Manual, he wasn’t planning to keep it a secret either.

Shi Shihu respectfully bowed once again. "Thank you, Sect Master, for taking them in. If any of these people dare show even the slightest disloyalty, I will be the first to act and cleanse the sect."

Li Pin waved his hand dismissively.

In the following days, Shi Shihu contacted the Quasi-Martial Gods of the Heavenly Martial Alliance.

However, Li Pin neither saw any Martial Gods brought by Shi Shihu, nor witnessed a thunderous retaliation from Great Shang. Instead, what he encountered was Lin Yusheng paying another visit, despite the cold stares from Xing Ying and the others.

Accompanying Lin Yusheng was Wen Li, who had once taught him the Great Shang language. It was precisely because of Wen Li that Li Pin agreed to meet the lord of Xiangye Territory.

Lin Yusheng bowed respectfully as soon as they met. "Greetings, Sect Master Li."

He now addressed him as Sect Master Li, not as Martial God Li of Xiangye, as he had before. It was clear Lin Yusheng understood that their personal connection had come to an end once Li Pin had mentored Lin Xingchen to become a distinguished figure.

"If you've come to ask for my help, Lord Lin, there's no need to speak further," Li Pin said calmly.

His tone carried no particular emotion, as if he was receiving an acquaintance.

Lin Yusheng smiled bitterly, not surprised by the response. He took out a box, opened it, and revealed a crystal resembling a Primordial Electric Crystal.

"Sect Master Li, I've heard you've been acquiring the Primordial Electric Crystals in large quantities. I have something similar and came to offer it to you."

Li Pin sensed it. He quickly discerned that while the lightning energy within this mineral was inferior to the Primordial Electric Crystals, its magnetic power far exceeded them.

For those practicing lightning-based attacks or astral techniques, this mineral paled in comparison to Primordial Electric Crystals. However, for those cultivating Martial God techniques based on the Celestial Magnetic Field, its effectiveness was about twenty to thirty percent better.

"I'll purchase it at the same price as Primordial Electric Crystal," Li Pin replied.

"Sect Master Li, we know we have no right to ask for your assistance. We merely hope you would allow us to integrate into the Dragonfist Sect and become part of it."

Lin Yusheng pointed to the stone in the box. "We call this mineral Thunder Stone. It's mined from a vein.

"While the vein yielded few Thunder Stones, with sufficient investment of manpower and resources, an annual output of at least ten thousand pieces is achievable. The total reserve is estimated to be over 100,000 pieces."

He cupped his hands respectfully. "We're willing to offer this vein to you, along with additional valuable gifts, in exchange for your protection."

A mineral vein?

Li Pin's gaze shifted back to the Thunder Stone.

For the past six months, he had been searching for an alternative to Primordial Electric Crystal.

The Primordial Electric Crystal, this resource that greatly shortened a Martial Gods' training time, was monopolized by the Great Shang, creating a major obstacle for those seeking to walk this path.

At first, he had pinned his hopes on the Majins. When that didn't work out, he turned his attention to finding a Primordial Electric Crystal vein. That didn't work out either.

Now, Lin Yusheng had brought news of a Thunder Stone vein.

"Sect Master Li, the Lin clan branch is unlike the main lineage. We only have 146 people, and none of us are Top-Tier Astral Cultivators. We won't be too much trouble for you—"

Li Pin cut him off. "So, your clan leader has already made the decision to sacrifice everything?"

Lin Yusheng nodded bitterly. "The Great Moon royal family... no longer exists."

Li Pin shook his head, not bothering to comment further on Lin Langya or the remnants of the Great Moon.

The dynasty had been gone for decades, yet they still clung to the pride of their royal heritage. It was no surprise their restoration efforts had failed.

"I can protect around ten individuals from your direct line. As for the others, that's out of the question," agreed Li Pin. "As for the Thunder Stone vein, there's no need to offer it to me. Like I said before, I can buy it from you."

Lin Yusheng remained silent for a moment, then asked, "What if we abandon the Lin surname and take the Wen surname?"

Li Pin's tone remained calm. "It doesn't matter."

Lin Yusheng fell quiet, then said, "I see now. Sect Master Li, to you, betrayal is never forgiven."

He took out a badge. With a wave of energy, a large chest, nearly a meter in diameter, appeared in the study.

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This sight caught Li Pin by surprise. Something like this exists!?

Without a word, Lin Yusheng opened the box. Instantly, a powerful wave of astral energy surged forth.

Li Pin's eyes locked onto the box. "What's this?"

"A legendary astral equipment," Lin Yusheng solemnly said. "So, may I trade a mineral vein and four legendary astral equipment for the safety of all 146 of us?"