Chapter Fifty-Four: Global Sensation

Even upon a second viewing, Shi Jiang and Zhao Ruo were still deeply shaken.

“If I master the Sky-Stepping Technique, even facing a beast horde won’t be a problem anymore,” Zhao Ruo whispered.

Shi Jiang nodded in full agreement. “And it’s not difficult to learn!”

Qin Ming landed, coming to stand before Hong.

“Excellent,” Hong said with a nod. “Widespread teaching of this method could save countless lives. However, the rules were set long ago—whoever wishes to learn must pay. The true hurdle of this technique lies in the profound mastery over one’s strength. For ordinary warriors, mastering it will require considerable effort.”

“That’s the challenge, and the key,” Qin Ming agreed.

Without exceptional control, it would be impossible to blend the force of recoil as required.

“I’ll give you two choices now,” Hong said after a moment’s thought. “First, we set the Instant Step as an A-level secret technique, priced at one hundred million per person, and Sky-Stepping as an SS-level secret, priced at ten billion per person. Second, we keep the levels the same but price Instant Step at one million per person and Sky-Stepping at one hundred million per person. If you choose the second option, you may select one treasure from my private collection, and I’ll also grant you a reasonable request.”

“I choose the second option,” Qin Ming replied without hesitation.

“Good child,” Hong chuckled.

Liu He nodded in approval as well.

Though these techniques were exquisite, they held no practical value for men of their stature. It was clear Hong was lowering the price from his own pocket to ensure widespread dissemination.

Any warrior could afford a million for Instant Step, and those at the general level could easily earn hundreds of millions. At this price, it was almost as if they were giving it away.

“Wealth doesn’t mean much to us,” Qin Ming said with a smile.

“You’re already at the War God level. Given time, reaching the Transcendent realm shouldn’t be difficult for you. I’ll add this—if you ever find yourself stuck at the threshold of the Transcendent, I’ll lend you a hand,” Hong offered.

“Thank you, Master!” Qin Ming replied, moved.

“Is there anything in particular you desire?”

“I’d like the Black God Armor, and I hope I might ask Thunder God to explain the Ninefold Thunder Blade to me, if that’s possible?”

“You know of the Black God Armor?” Hong was surprised. “That set is among the most powerful battle gear in existence. It’s rare, to the point that even some council members do not possess one. Our current technology can’t replicate it; it can only be found in ancient ruins. Therefore, if you wish to have one, you must someday return it—or replace it with another set found in the ruins. You must keep this in mind.”

“I understand, Master.”

“Good, I’ll have it delivered to you shortly. As for Thunder God, he's easy to invite. However, with Inspector Liu’s expertise in the Ninefold Thunder Blade, he should be more than capable of teaching you—unless... you’ve already reached the seventh tier?”

“Ten days ago, he achieved the seventh tier!” Liu He said with a wry smile. “A student like this leaves me feeling unaccomplished. I suspect he’s at the eighth tier by now, isn’t that right, Qin Ming?”

“Yes, I’ve already grasped the eighth tier, though there are still some unclear aspects about the ninth.”

“You’ve reached the eighth tier?” Even Hong was taken aback. He looked at Qin Ming with even more warmth in his eyes. “Very good, very good. Once I invite Thunder God, he’ll personally explain it to you. With your comprehension, reaching the ninth tier is only a matter of time. It seems a waste to use up your request so soon—are you sure?”

“Thank you, Master,” Qin Ming replied. “To speak plainly, I’ll become Transcendent within half a year. Within three years, I will strive to catch up to the two of you.”

Hong burst into laughter. “Ambitious words! I hope that day comes soon—no, I hope it comes even sooner!”

“I will not disappoint you!”

“You’re already a mid-level War God, you’ve mastered the eighth tier of the Ninefold Thunder Blade, and if you go all out, you can reach Transcendent-level power. There’s little point in you staying in the training camp. Why not graduate early?”

“Master, I’ve only been here for less than a month.”

“Ah...” Even Hong couldn’t help but grin. This was a first for him. “Special talents require special treatment.”

Liu He shook his head with a helpless smile at the side.

Zhao Ruo and Shi Jiang exchanged glances, both of them twitching at the corners of their mouths.

“Master, isn’t next month the time for field training? I’d like to go out and gain some experience. After I return, I’ll graduate.”

“Very well,” Hong nodded and then soared away.

As his figure receded, the oppressive atmosphere in the courtyard dissipated completely.

“A disciple like you makes a teacher proud, but leaves him with no sense of accomplishment,” Liu He said, patting Qin Ming on the shoulder. “Organize the secret techniques quickly and send them to me. The sooner they spread, the fewer lives will be lost.”

“I’ve already finished organizing them.”

“As expected...” Liu He sighed inwardly.

After receiving the email, Liu He also departed.

“Qin Ming, you really are a mid-level War God now?” Zhao Ruo reverted to her usual self, ran over, and sized him up from head to toe, left to right. “Unbelievable, truly unbelievable! You’ve only been here less than a month, and you’re already a War God. Compared to you, I might as well have lived my life as a dog!”

“Jealous and envious,” Shi Jiang clicked his tongue.

“Very envious and very jealous!” Zhao Ruo admitted. “And you’ve developed two secret techniques that even moved Master Hong—these are sure to become the most sought-after movement arts among warriors everywhere. Once they’re listed in the marketplace, just imagine how much money you’ll make every day, Qin Ming!”

“The world’s wealthiest man!” Shi Jiang ground his teeth.

“Definitely the world’s richest!” Zhao Ruo declared. “Even if the price isn’t that high, the number of purchases will be unmatched. Qin Ming, I’m coming after the rich—I expect you to treat us today, and in fact, you have to treat us every day from now on. I won’t rest until I’ve eaten a hundred million’s worth!”

The two bantered back and forth, leaving Qin Ming to nod along helplessly.

By noon, the House of Extremes, the Thunder Realm, the Alliance Marketplace and others all launched the two secret techniques simultaneously. For the first time, these techniques were not offered at half price for members, nor did they include commission splits.

At the same time, Hong left a message: The Sky-Stepping Technique is one of the world’s greatest secret arts, enabling warriors to soar through the air like Spirit Masters.

An appendix followed, describing Qin Ming’s life, along with a video recording of him demonstrating Instant Step and Sky-Stepping.

With the endorsement of Hong—the world's strongest—combined with the promise of flight for warriors, the release caused a worldwide sensation.

“Letting warriors fly? Impossible!”

“I can’t believe it either, but this is verified by Hong himself—it can’t be a lie!”

“If this secret really lets us fly, once I master it, I’ll definitely venture into the Great Ruins!”

“An A-level secret for just a million, an SS-level for a hundred million—it’s practically a gift!”

“Qin Ming, Qin Ming, I’ll remember this name for the rest of my life!”

“Is he really just eighteen years old? Joined the Elite Training Camp less than a month ago?”

Discussion erupted both online and in real life.

In a certain pavilion, William—who had once lost to Qin Ming—watched, purchased both techniques, and then let out a bitter laugh. “I can’t complain about losing.”

“Indeed, we lost to a true genius. Perhaps, in the future, we’ll count it as an honor,” Candice added.

The two exchanged a look, helpless smiles on their faces.

Meanwhile, the world’s great powers once again issued invitations to Qin Ming. Even he was tempted by the terms this time—annual support reaching as high as a hundred billion. Yet he truly no longer cared about money.

His account had already grown by two hundred billion.

That meant at least two thousand warriors had purchased Sky-Stepping, and the numbers continued to climb at a staggering rate.

That afternoon, Liu He delivered the Black God Armor.

“All is ready—only the east wind is missing.”

Once the Black God Armor recognized its master and fused with him, Qin Ming could barely contain his excitement.

Demonstrating the Sky-Stepping Technique had been, above all, to obtain this set of armor.

“August first—it all depends on this attempt!”

Qin Ming could not help but look forward to it.