I Will Grind My Way To Godhood

"Which dojo’s disciple is that? He looks impressive, but isn’t he a bit too young?"

"What’s Li Zhaochuan up to now? Is he really picking on kids?"

Disciples from various schools gathered around, their curiosity piqued as they joined the chatter.

Zhang Daqing interjected from the sidelines, "I heard that's the new personal disciple from the Hidden Dragon Dojo. This is his first public appearance."

"Hidden Dragon Dojo? So he’s the ‘Dragon King’s’ last disciple?"

"Why not throw a grand apprenticeship banquet? Things have been too quiet around here lately; it’d spice things up."

"You must not know this particular master. He has always preferred to keep the induction of his disciples low-key. Aside from his eldest disciple, Meng Boshang, who isn’t privy to the details, the other students were taken in with little fanfare..."

A group of martial artists animatedly discussed among themselves.

The son's reputation precedes him, much like a tree's shadow. Li Qi, the venerable master of the Hidden Dragon Dojo, was a name spoken of with reverence far and wide. Even within the elite circles of the inner city, he commanded respect, a stark contrast to how people viewed Pingcheng, a town they scorned as a ‘backwater’.

More than twenty years had passed since a fierce adversary had shattered his legs, reducing him to a shadow of the fierce warrior he once was. Yet, despite his physical limitations, the echoes of his past glory as the formidable ‘Dragon’ lingered on, shaping the whispered tales and legends that surrounded him.

In the hearts and minds of many, he was a symbol of martial prowess and resilience, a testament to the way strength could manifest not just in body but in spirit. Li Qi’s presence in Pingcheng was not just that of an old man; he was a living relic of an era when legends walked the earth, and his very being inspired both fear and admiration among the local practitioners and students.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows over the dojo, whispers circulated. Was the master simply enjoying his twilight years, or was there more to his story? People wondered if perhaps the years had dulled his once-sharpened edge or if they had simply given birth to an even greater wisdom, one that would reveal itself in unpredictable ways.

King still commanded immense respect in their world.

The murmur of the crowd didn’t faze the two men at the scene.

Xue Jing glanced at the tall, sturdy man before him, a question mark forming in his mind.

Noticing Xue Jing's silence, which appeared to be one of intimidation, Li Zhaochuan grinned and said in a booming voice, “Relax, there’s no need to be scared. It’s work time now; I’m not here to cause you any trouble.”

He then shifted his tone,

"It's just that... now we’re colleagues. If any danger arises later on, we’ll need to work together. It’s essential to understand each other’s capabilities beforehand, don’t you think?"

Xue Jing's expression remained unchanged as he calmly replied, "What exactly are you trying to convey?"

Li Zhaochuan extended his right hand, rolling up his sleeve to showcase muscles as solid as iron, grinning as he said, "Let’s see what you’ve got."

In the old days...

For martial artists, whose very livelihoods depended on their prowess, reputation held immense significance. This understanding prevented renowned fighters from indulging in trivial brawls; a loss could tarnish their hard-earned standing. When conflicts arose, they tended to be discreet, ensuring any outcomes remained closely guarded secrets.

Definitive public duels, on the other hand, were serious matters that risked the honor of entire schools. Such confrontations implied that the opposing sides had reached an impasse, their differences too deep to reconcile. In these instances, it wasn’t just personal stakes on the line; it was the legacy of their respective disciplines that would be at play, intensifying the gravity of their encounters.

As tensions rose within the arena, the atmosphere thickened, morphing this confrontation into a struggle not just of skill but for survival itself. In such dire circumstances, martial artists adopted a tradition known as "gauging hands."

For a true master of martial arts, whose strength was as much a part of them as their very bones, even a simple handshake could convey volumes. This brief exchange of pressure could provide an accurate assessment of an opponent's level, a silent assurance that defied the need for ostentation. It was the essence of what could be described as a "soft duel."

Here, combatants could size each other up—an unspoken agreement that both parties understood the stakes involved. With each subtle grip, they gleaned insights into techniques and skills without uttering a single word. Thus, the collision of combatants unfolded, not in shouts or grand displays, but in the quiet understanding formed through touch, a silent prelude to the chaos that was about to ensue.

Every participant was acutely aware of their surroundings, the air heavy with anticipation, and the outcome hanging delicately in the balance.

When the suggestion to "gauge hands" was put forward, Xue Jing hardly gave it a second thought. Only recently having embarked on his journey in martial arts, he was unaware of the nuances and customs that defined the community. To him, it seemed like just another way for martial artists to greet one another for the first time.

Thus, he too extended his right hand, positioning his forearm against Li Zhaochuan's. At a glance, it was evident that their arms contrasted sharply in size, highlighting the differences between the two fighters standing before each other.

"They're gauging hands! This will be interesting to watch. Li Zhaochuan loves doing this; he uses it to force people to their knees. It’s his specialty, and many have succumbed to it!"

"The Tiger's Soul Dojo focuses heavily on physical strength training, and they excel in muscle conditioning. This young newcomer is bound to face a silent defeat and learn a lesson he won’t soon forget."

Hearing the conversation of several dojo disciples nearby, Pei Youguang felt an urge to intervene and warn Brother Jing. Yet, after casting a glance at his elder brother, Pei Tiancheng, who stood beside him, he hesitated, choosing to hold back his words.

At that moment, a sudden commotion erupted in the arena.

As soon as Xue Jing engaged with his opponent, he felt an overwhelming surge of power emanating from the man's forearm, akin to a tsunami crashing forward, threatening to engulf him.

He was caught completely off guard.

Blinking quickly, he worked to maintain his composure, summoning every ounce of strength to push against his opponent.

“Hmm?” Li Zhaochuan’s expression changed subtly.

Instead of sparring with a teenage boy, it felt as though he had placed his hand on an enormous water buffalo, which was growing increasingly agitated beneath his grip.

‘This is bad, I can’t hold it back!’ Li Zhaochuan gritted his teeth and braced himself.

As Xue Jing intensified his efforts, a faint flush crept onto his face, and he could feel his arm beginning to tremble slightly.

‘This guy's strength is impressive,’ he thought, stealing a surprised glance at his opponent. However, it seemed that his adversary had an underlying intent to dominate him, suggesting that his strength might actually surpass Xue Jing's.

"Interesting," Xue Jing remarked, narrowing his eyes as curiosity sparked within him.

With just a single thought, he activated his Dual Power technique.

Unique, instantly doubling his strength.

“Crack…”

In less than half a second, an almost inaudible cracking sound echoed through the air.

Li Zhaochuan's expression flickered, beads of sweat forming on his forehead as he slowly retracted his right hand.

With an unwavering demeanor, he cupped his fists towards Xue Jing and proclaimed in a booming voice, “As expected from a distinguished student of the Hidden Dragon Dojo, I am Li Zhaochuan!”

e Jing withdrew his hand, smiling as he returned the salute with clasped fists. "Xue Jing."

"Great! Brother Xue Jing, we should have tea sometime when you’re free. But for now, it’s work hours, so no point in lingering. Um... I’m actually in a bit of a hurry to use the restroom!" Li Zhaochuan spoke at breakneck speed.

After seeing Xue Jing nod with a smile in acknowledgment, Li Zhaochuan finally turned around and walked leisurely toward the restroom.

As they approached the entrance, uncertainty hung in the air.

"It’s over just like that?" murmured a spectator, a hint of confusion etched on their face.

Not far off, Zhang Daqing took notice of the unfolding scene, sensing that something was amiss. What’s going on? When did this brute become so courteous?

After mulling it over for a moment, he discreetly followed Li Zhaochuan out the door.

His eyes widened in disbelief as he watched Li Zhaochuan reach a corner in the corridor, where he suddenly crouched slightly and made a gesture, as if signaling to someone.

The sound of air being rapidly inhaled pierced through the tension in the air.

"Hsss!!"

Li Zhaochuan gripped his right forearm tightly with his left hand, desperately rubbing it as if trying to erase the pain.

His right hand shook uncontrollably, reminiscent of someone suffering from Parkinson's.

A grimace contorted his face as he exclaimed, "What kind of monster is this!?"

He cast a fearful glance at his trembling arm, inwardly cursing himself for his recklessness.

There was no trace of a novice martial artist; it felt as though he had bitten off more than he could chew, facing an opponent far beyond his abilities.

this young man started lifting weights in the womb. One could half-believe that the boy was born clutching a dumbbell. How could he possibly be outmatched in sheer physical strength by someone who appeared barely old enough to be called an adult?

"Uh... what are you doing?"

Suddenly, a voice came from behind Li Zhaochuan—one he definitely did not want to hear at this moment. He straightened up instantly, turned around with a casual demeanor, and faced the intruder.

Zhang Daqing's smirk lingered as he looked at Li Zhaochuan.

"Nothing much, just looking for the bathroom. Do you happen to know where it is?"

He attempted to conceal the tremor in his right hand, his voice steady despite the turmoil within.

Zhang Daqing clicked his tongue twice, his eyes narrowing. "Keep up the act; I'm watching you closely."

Li Zhaochuan felt his mouth twitch at the provocation.

"You saw it and still ask?"

He was done pretending, his facade crumbling as he rubbed his right forearm, a grimace of pain crossing his features intermittently.

A sharp hiss escaped the lips of Zhang Daqing, who found the situation both amusing and unsettling.

Who exactly is this new disciple at the Hidden Dragon Dojo?

To have so easily overpowered Li Zhaochuan... could he possibly have taken something?

Is he on drugs? The question loomed over them like a dark cloud, lingering after their grueling training session.

Though no one dared to voice their suspicions, the air was thick with unspoken doubts.

A tense silence enveloped the group, each member stealing furtive glances at one another before their gazes finally converged on Li Zhaochuan. His sudden burst of energy was nothing short of miraculous, yet it cast an uneasy shadow over them.

Fresh bruises littered his skin, a testament to the grueling practice they had just endured, yet he appeared completely unfazed by the pain.

Zhang Daqing, in particular, found himself gripped by a sense of foreboding. Something was clearly amiss, and he was determined to uncover the truth behind Li Zhaochuan's transformation.