I will eventually become a divine being through accumulating constantly

A housewarming banquet came to a close, and apart from a group there to seek old scores, all guests and hosts enjoyed themselves to the fullest.

During the feast, there was a segment where congratulatory gifts were presented and their accompanying lists were recited. Aside from the many gifts from Qingcheng's dojos, companies, and Li Qi's old friends, there were also many unexpected congratulations present.

There were gifts from people whom most in attendance did not recognize, with names such as 'White Crow' and 'Cease-Blades' written on them.

Among them, 'White Crow' presented a long list of gifts, all rare medicinal herbs from the Intersecting Boundaries, extraordinarily beneficial for body cultivation.

Meanwhile, 'Cease-Blades' sent an ancient, yellowed painting, mounted and framed, depicting a Buddha reclining on a lotus pedestal, named—the Lion Lying Nirvana Painting.

Most people present were puzzled by the two names associated with the gifts, but a few upon hearing them had their expressions change, gaining a new appreciation for the power of Hidden Dragon Dojo.

Among these, only a handful of elders with high status in the Rivers and Lakes showed intense eagerness at the mention of the 'Lion Lying Nirvana Painting'.

Even more shocking was the congratulatory gift from the Qing City Government's newly appointed Chief Councillor, Chu Minyi. Although the gift wasn't anything valuable, everyone there knew that the real gift was his openly displayed support for Hidden Dragon Dojo.

There were also many anonymous gifts, among them three that simply read 'from Yuan City', 'from Star City', and 'from Jade City', bearing items that were not particularly expensive, perplexing to some.

Yet the most eye-catching was an unsigned gift, a Nine Chi Great Spear known as—'Night Ice'.

The entire spear was a dark blue color, shimmering slightly differently when tilted under the light; it was stunningly beautiful with an edge supremely sharp.

Martial arts aficionados all around knew at a glance this spear was a divine weapon, precious beyond measure. It was the kind of weapon impossible to purchase with any amount of money, surely crafted by a master.

The giver of this divine weapon remained a mystery even to Li Qi, the honoree himself, but Xue Jing caught a glimmer of understanding with a flash in his eyes.

Thus ended the housewarming banquet, and the next day, Hidden Dragon Dojo officially opened its doors.

Xue Jing's photo was displayed on the gigantic electronic screen outside the venue, beside which was a temporarily patched hole left by Uncle Meng.

At the entrance of the venue, continuously streaming toward the image of the young man on the screen, a multitude of eager individuals vied to enter Hidden Dragon Dojo for martial arts training, recruiting nearly a thousand new students in just one day.

These were largely pre-selected by the direct disciples, guided to choose those most suitable for martial arts practice, while those deemed unsuitable were politely turned away. Find adventures on My Virtual Library Empire

In the cultivation room, Xue Jing sat cross-legged at the center, his hand lightly caressing the Nine Chi Great Spear that lay across his legs.

Under the sunlight streaming through the window, the dark blue color changed slightly with the rotation of the spear. The parts hit by direct sunlight even appeared semi-translucent, with a crystal-clear allure that was exceedingly beautiful.

The giant spear lacked a Red Tassel, its nearly half-meter long sharp spearhead featuring saw-like edges on its lower half, adding a fierce touch to its otherwise elegant appearance.

Xue Jing's hand brushed over the area near the end of the spear, where there was an inconspicuous etched rectangular frame. Inside, the words 'Night Ice' were inscribed in small seal script, and on the lower right inside the frame were even smaller characters—'He Jiuxi'.

"He Jiuxi..." Xue Jing mused with contemplation.

He had heard the name before.

When Zhu had given him the Crouching Rabbit Sword, she mentioned it was forged by a master named He Jiuxi.

Given that the name He Jiuxi was etched upon 'Night Ice', the spear was presumably another creation of this master.

"However, the Crouching Rabbit Sword only had 'Crouching Rabbit' inscribed, and not his name, while Night Ice has it etched..."

After thinking for a moment, Xue Jing had a guess.

"It seems the Crouching Rabbit Sword wasn't a piece that satisfied him, while Night Ice was a work he felt proud enough to sign his name on it."

He lifted the spear, twirled it in the air, creating a flourish. The sharp tip of the spear sliced through the air, emitting a piercing whistling sound and leaving visible white creases in the void.

Xue Jing nodded, "With this spear, my 'Impeccable' technique could be enhanced by an extra fifty percent in destructive power... Indeed, quite remarkable."

He fondly stroked the body of the spear.

"Crouching Rabbit Sword, Forgotten Greatsword, Night Ice..."

"According to Sister Zhu, the Crouching Rabbit Sword came from her grandfather's collection; thus, Night Ice must have as well. By that reasoning, the Forgotten Greatsword is likely from her grandfather too."

"I can almost confirm that the mysterious benefactor behind Sister Zhu, whether aiding or testing me, is her grandfather."

Xue Jing contemplated.

"It appears he's an old man fond of collecting blades... Knowing that I have mastered 'Impeccable' and in need of a suitable weapon, he sent 'Night Ice'... What could this mean, a simple gesture of congratulations?"

"It seems like kindness, but why am I still unable to contact Sister Zhu?"

"Or is it that, just like before, she secretly took his treasured item and sent it to me without permission?"

Lacking too much fundamental information, and unable to draw a conclusion, Xue Jing shook his head.

"Well, it's a benefit either way. I'll simply take it for now and worry about the future later."

He summoned the Nonexistent Beast, opening its invisible maw, and slowly slid the spear into the invisible rift.

Then, looking up, his gaze fell upon the aged painting hanging on the wall.

—The Lion Lying Nirvana Painting.