Volume 1 Chapter 11: God-Tier Talent

Page (1/3)

Xin Qiji shrugged and said, “He is dark-skinned and sturdy, wielding two double-edged axes with incredible speed and power. His strikes come like a fierce gale, which is why everyone calls him the Black Whirlwind.”

Bai Chou had already known this and simply nodded without comment.

Xin Qiji continued, “Lei Heng, the Winged Tiger, was once the infantry commander of Qizhou City. However, he was narrow-minded and greedy, involved in schemes like extorting soldiers’ blood and embezzling military funds. After my father investigated him, he was rescued from prison by Wei Tianpeng and then wholeheartedly followed him. Lei Heng possesses extraordinary arm strength; he can easily leap across mountain ravines two or three zhang wide, hence the nickname Winged Tiger. These two are like Wei Tianpeng’s right and left arms. From what I know, both of their power levels are around the 25th Heaven.”

“25th Heaven?” Bai Chou muttered to himself.

Thanks to his “Insight” skill, he knew that “Heaven” was a unit of measurement for power levels in the Third Universe, much like pounds, meters, or hours.

But he wasn’t clear on exactly how much “Heaven” represented or how formidable it was. Now that a grandmaster of martial arts like Xin Qiji was present, he naturally wanted to ask for clarification.

“Yes, both of them have power around the 25th Heaven,” Xin Qiji repeated.

“Brother Xin, I’m not doubting your intel, but what exactly does ‘Heaven’ mean?” Bai Chou asked, puzzled.

“What?” Xin Qiji widened his eyes, looking at Bai Chou incredulously, as if he were staring at a fool.

Not only Xin Qiji, but Zhao Yun beside him was also full of suspicion. He asked, “Brother Bai, are you pretending to be ignorant? You don’t know what ‘Heaven’ means?!”

Bai Chou awkwardly smiled and quickly made up an excuse. “Zilong, you know when you woke me up at Wolong Mountain, my mind was in a haze. I can’t quite recall many of the things that happened before. Sorry, I really don’t know what ‘Heaven’ means…”

“Uh, Brother Bai, I really don’t know what to say. You actually don’t know what ‘Heaven’ means?” Xin Qiji still found it hard to believe, but seeing the genuine confusion in Bai Chou’s eyes, he shook his head and explained:

“‘Heaven’ denotes a person’s power level. For most ordinary people, it’s around the 1st or 2nd Heaven; common soldiers typically exceed the 3rd Heaven; sergeants or similar military officers are usually above the 5th Heaven. Those above the 15th Heaven are undoubtedly experts, often holding ranks like commanders of city troop units or centurions in the army. Beyond the 25th Heaven, one is either a grandmaster from a prestigious martial arts sect or a military commander of ten thousand troops. Levels above that are difficult to describe.”

“So, does a higher Heaven always mean a higher martial skill level?” Bai Chou asked.

“Not entirely. My understanding is that a person’s martial skill is composed of several aspects: first, the martial arts techniques themselves—ordinary methods can’t compare to supreme or divine techniques; second, power level, which acts like an amplifier—the higher the Heaven, the more effectively one can execute techniques; third, the level of battle intent, which ranges from Human, Earth, Heaven, Emperor, to God—those with higher battle intent fight better, unleash greater potential in critical moments, and can even challenge opponents beyond their rank. Of course, weapon quality and combat mindset also play crucial roles,” Xin Qiji elaborated on his insights into martial arts.

Page (2/3)

Thanks to Xin Qiji’s personal explanation, Bai Chou’s understanding of martial arts became as clear as sunlight breaking through clouds. He finally grasped the relationships among the four elements within his “Insight” skill.

“Back at Wolong Mountain, Dong Ping’s power level must have been very strong. Why were you able to dodge his strike?” Bai Chou asked Zhao Yun, puzzled.

“When Dong Ping fought us, he didn’t exert his full strength. I think he only used about the 15th Heaven power, but judging from his terrifying icy energy, he must possess at least 27th Heaven power,” Zhao Yun analyzed.

Bai Chou had used “Insight” to perceive Dong Ping’s power and knew Dong Ping had 29th Heaven strength. Yet, he hadn’t expected Zhao Yun to estimate Dong Ping’s power so closely from a single fight. He couldn’t help but admire Zhao Yun’s perceptiveness.

“You dodged Dong Ping’s 15th Heaven strike with your 8th Heaven power? That’s impressive,” Bai Chou praised.

Zhao Yun blushed at the compliment and wanted to explain but felt awkward in front of a grandmaster like Xin Qiji, so he remained silent.

Xin Qiji was also amazed and said, “Brother Bai, you must understand that martial strength isn’t determined solely by ‘Heaven.’ It’s an important foundational measure, but if there’s a huge power gap, even the most exquisite technique can’t withstand a simple strike from someone with higher Heaven. That’s the truth behind ‘One force overcomes ten skills.’ However, Zilong managing to challenge a 27th Heaven expert with only 8th Heaven power and still dodging attacks is indeed remarkable.”

Zhao Yun’s face reddened as he hurriedly explained, “Dong Ping underestimated me that day, and I was lucky to dodge his attack once. Don’t praise me as if I won the fight... Compared to Brother Xin, I’m not worth mentioning.”

“Ha ha,” Xin Qiji smiled, raising his cup and toasting Zhao Yun alone. “Zilong, don’t belittle yourself. I’m luckier with my background. People like us, from distinguished families, have sect masters or renowned experts guiding us one-on-one from a young age, plus all sorts of elixirs to enhance strength. We carefully study what to learn and when, so our power and techniques naturally improve faster. If I were born like you, I wouldn’t be as strong.”

Zhao Yun understood Xin Qiji’s humility and felt even more favorable toward him. After finishing his wine, he said, “Brother Xin, you come from a noble family yet remain humble, which I truly admire. But I know that even princes of higher birth in various countries don’t necessarily surpass you in skill. Your talent and effort are inseparable from this.”

“Speaking of talent, Zilong, have you tested yours with a Trial Stone?” Xin Qiji asked.

Trial Stone? Though Bai Chou didn’t know what it was, from the conversation he inferred it was an item used to test martial talent.

“It’s said that Trial Stones come from the frigid lands north of the Qing Kingdom, territory of the Demon Nation. They are smuggled into the various Chinese states and cost up to a hundred gold coins each. Moreover, the spiritual energy of one Trial Stone can only test two people; after use, it becomes an ordinary stone. Such a precious item—I haven’t even seen one, let alone used it,” Zhao Yun sighed.

Xin Qiji looked at Li Qingzhao and said, “Qingzhao, does your household have any extra Trial Stones? If so, there’s no need for me to go home to get one.”

Page (3/3)

Li Qingzhao and Xin Qiji had grown up together and greatly admired his talents. The two shared mutual affection, and Xin Qiji’s candidness today helped ease the thin veil between them.

Now, as they spoke of the secret mission to assassinate Wei Tianpeng, they naturally didn’t want servants to witness Bai Chou and Zhao Yun’s contact with their household or Xin Qiji. She stood and nodded, saying, “We do have some. While you talk, I’ll fetch one myself.”

Soon after, Li Qingzhao returned carrying a brocade box.

Opening it revealed a dark stone about the size of an egg. Though it looked like an ordinary stone, it emitted faint, elusive mist-like energy that left Bai Chou mystified.

“How do you use it? Zilong, do you know?” Xin Qiji asked, picking up the Trial Stone.

“Brother Xin, it’s too precious to use,” Zhao Yun quickly waved his hands.

“Hey, true friends are rare through mountains and rivers. A small Trial Stone—I, Xin Qiji, am willing to use it. Besides, Brother Bai defeated me in literature. If you feel uneasy, just consider this a reward worth a hundred gold coins,” Xin Qiji encouraged.

“Exactly, Zilong, I haven’t tested myself either. If you don’t, I will. One Trial Stone can be used twice. How about the two of us test it today?” Bai Chou chimed in.

With that, Zhao Yun took the Trial Stone from Xin Qiji.

“Hold the Trial Stone between both palms, and keep your mind completely clear,” Xin Qiji instructed.

Moments later, a brilliant golden light erupted between Zhao Yun’s palms. The light burst forth like a raging flood, shooting out through his fingers in all directions, enveloping the entire room.

“Divine... divine-level talent!” Li Qingzhao exclaimed in awe.