I Will Grind My Way To Godhood

"Soft force, also known as hidden power, is an advanced application of force."

"It involves the precise control of force, gathering it at a single point, and then unleashing it within the target's body to achieve the desired effect."

"When Xue Jing throws a punch using soft force, all the strength is concentrated on the punching pad of the force measurement machine. It doesn't affect the machine itself, yet the pad is torn to shreds by this hidden power."

"Experts in utilizing soft force, like Meng Qingjiao, can even achieve the skill of retracting and releasing at will. They'll make silent, effortless movements that carry a seemingly substantial weight. A mere tap of the palm can send Xue Jing flying several meters without harming him, as all the force is focused on the 'pushing strength'."

"Ever since Xue Jing's force control reached Level 6 two days ago, he rapidly learned how to harness soft force."

"However, he isn't quite proficient yet, as his punches still produce a dull sound and haven't reached the level of silent, weightless movements."

"'My fellow disciple, could you please fetch a new punching pad from the storage and fit it onto the force measurement machine?'"

Xue Jing patted a fellow disciple's shoulder, smiling as he spoke."

"Suddenly, he felt a bit odd, as if he were a leader causing trouble for others and then expecting them to clean up his mess..."

"He never intended to demonstrate his skills today, but with the enthusiastic invite from his fellow disciples, he couldn't resist showing off a little. Even if you disregard the facts, it’s clear that the disciples egging him on are responsible for the destroyed pad."

"Unaware of the silent criticism from his senior, the disciple nodded earnestly and respectfully said, 'Yes, Senior Brother!'"

It was as if, inadvertently, Xue Jing had established a form of authority...

Xue Jing merely smiled and refrained from speaking further as he leisurely exited the training hall.

Just as he stepped out, he caught sight of Chen Fuguang waiting there, and immediately asked, "Senior Brother Chen, is there something you need?"

Chen Fuguang threw an arm over his shoulder and grinned, "The dojo just received a request that suits you perfectly. Want to give it a try?"

Upon hearing this, a hint of interest flitted across Xue Jing's face.

"Please go on, Senior Brother."

Ever since he began practicing the Shaking Armor Technique, Xue Jing had come to deeply understand the saying 'Poor in Literature, Rich in Martial Arts.'

The various secret elixirs he now consumed daily for training equated to nearly over ten thousand Zhuxia coins each day on average.

And this was merely at cost price! It only accounted for the raw material and processing expenses, essentially meaning the Hidden Dragon Dojo was taking a loss to sustain him.

Many of these elixir ingredients needed to be sourced from the borderlands, involving dealings with the ravenously greedy borderland companies, especially those materials pertaining to 'Dragon Breed,' which had prices soaring sky-high.

As his training deepened, the required materials only increased in quantity and expense…

This is also why the direct disciples are often busy, appearing fleetingly like legendary dragons—it's because they need to make money.

Xue Jing's current steady income is only a monthly salary of two hundred thousand from the containment company, along with bonuses paid for completing containment missions... but the latter is certainly not reliable income.

At this rate, he can't possibly support his martial arts training needs.

Hence, he too needs to start learning from other direct disciples and take on some 'commissions.'

The Hidden Dragon Dojo is well-established, and many issues across various industries that require martial artists often get directed here for resolution. These commissions constitute a significant income source for the dojo, even surpassing the tuition fees paid by ordinary disciples by quite a bit.

By completing these commissions, Xue Jing would earn a considerable share of the profits. So a few days ago, he entrusted Chen Fuguang with the task of sourcing suitable commissions for him. At last, there's news now.

Chen Fuguang pulled out his phone, tapped a few buttons, and handed it to Xue Jing. "617 East District, Jinhai Street, Ruizhu Hotel, Phone: XXXXXXX."

Xue Jing memorized it before returning the phone to Chen Fuguang, who, after receiving it, said, "The commission comes from Ruizhu Hotel. They've reported a mysterious attack on one of their guests last night."

"A mysterious attack?" Xue Jing's face showed puzzlement.

Chen Fuguang nodded, contemplating as he spoke, "A young woman in her twenties, who was on a business trip from out of town, was brutally killed while she stayed safely in her room past midnight—the body was gruesomely disfigured. Whether it's done by a deranged killer or something else entirely is unknown yet."

"The surveillance didn't capture any clues?" Xue Jing asked.

"No," came the reply. "In the hours before and after her death, the hotel's corridor surveillance didn't capture anyone coming to this floor."

"So, it's likely the perpetrator entered the room from somewhere else, like a window or balcony."

Xue Jing nodded. "I see. They suspect the killer might have some martial skills, sneaking in using rooftop maneuver techniques?"

Chen Fuguang grunted in agreement. "Exactly... Actually, murders in hotels are not rare. Usually, you'd just report it to the police for the Public Security Bureau to handle."

"It's just unfortunate timing that Rui Pearl Hotel has a banquet scheduled for tomorrow... It's a gathering organized by the second-generation rich kids of the northern district. Their parents are either governing council members or company executives, and none of them can afford any trouble. Rui Pearl Hotel is forced to request multiple dojos to enhance the protection on-site."

Xue Jing complained, "Someone's died, yet this lot doesn't find it ominous and won't consider changing the venue?"

Chen Fuguang smiled wryly. "The hotel did suggest they change the venue or date, but this bunch heard someone died and seemed excited, claiming it adds a sense of thrill and insisted on holding the banquet tomorrow."

Xue Jing raised an eyebrow at this. "Typical."

Once people have money and power, they naturally lose a lot of things, like worries...

As they say, the more one lacks something, the more one craves it. He wasn't surprised at these privileged kids' quest for troubles—it seemed quite normal.

"The commission this time is to protect these second-gens at the banquet. Besides our Hidden Dragon Dojo, a few other dojos will have disciples present too."

Chen Fuguang patted Xue Jing's shoulder gently.

“I don't think the perpetrator is foolish enough to come seeking death. It's likely they'd simply show up to fulfill their commission without much fuss. However, remain vigilant, and if you encounter any danger you can't handle, don't hesitate—escape immediately. Safety is paramount; let the second generation fend for themselves.”

Xue Jing nodded with a smile.

“Tomorrow night, someone will drive over from Ruizhu Hotel to pick you up. Just follow along when the time comes, little junior brother.”

“Alright, I also have a commission to attend to, so I must leave now. Call me anytime if anything comes up.”

With that, Chen Fuguang gave a few more reminders before departing from Hidden Dragon Dojo.

Xue Jing saw him off at the door, then returned to the training hall to resume recording the disciples' test scores. Unlike before, this time all the disciples obediently and silently took their tests, with none daring to banter with him.

The sponge fragments on the floor had long been cleared away, and the newly replaced punching mats exuded the distinctive smell of fresh leather.