Biochemical Martial Arts: Supreme Heavenly Venerate

Lin Rui pointed his blade at Han Xian'er's neck, the corner of his lips slightly rising, "You lost!"

He cared deeply for his own subordinates; how could he allow Han Xian'er's arduously cultivated 8SSS+ Secret Sword to be exposed under the gaze of so many Eighth and Ninth Realm experts present?

However, Han Xian'er's sword style was indeed too slow, with glaring flaws.

It seemed she had barely mastered it, yet not practiced to proficiency. Against ordinary Seventh Realm combatants, perhaps even Eighth Realm fighters, it posed little trouble. But when facing true masters, she might not even have the opportunity to unsheathe the blade. She must further practice and enhance, or awaken a bloodline ability to increase speed.

Han Xian'er, on the other hand, was completely blank-minded. Had she really lost this quickly?

Han Xian'er, a dignified Seventh Realm Emperor Rank master, had trained arduously for months in preparation for this duel, yet she couldn't withstand a single slash from Lin Hao?

Her heart wasn't filled with indignation. She even thought that, had Lin Hao not worn the "Heavenly Decree" Battle Armor or strengthened his Light Trace through conceptual power to over forty-five percent, she could have drawn her blade in time.

Yet Han Xian'er also knew deep down that her thoughts were mistaken.

She had indeed lost—lost to Lin Hao's speed, lost unequivocally!

The entire area in front of the Governor Mansion was now a deathly silence, the gathered spectators deeply shaken.

Initially, it wasn't that no one had faith in the "National Guardian Marquis"; even the 2.4:2.6 odds had indicated that many believed Lin Hao had a chance of winning.

Luo Wangshu wasn't foolish; he would never agree to an unwinnable duel.

But no one had anticipated Lin Hao defeating Han Xian'er with just a single slash!

The two of them—a Sixth Realm against a Seventh Realm—surely a reversal of power dynamics was shocking enough, but was the gap between them truly this vast?

"Holy crap! Damn useless—"

Suddenly, a curse erupted from the crowd.

The attending elite business figures of Sky Extreme Star turned their heads in unison, only to see the Alien form of Kou Xuanwang sour-faced, gritting his teeth as he glared at Lin Hao and Han Xian'er.

Everyone understood Kou Xuanwang's current state was not one to be trifled with. Most quickly withdrew their gaze and began their own hushed discussions.

"Was that the Yang Pulling Slash? What exactly is the relationship between Lin Hao and Lin Rui?"

"It was the Yang Pulling Slash, though there were obvious modifications—more attuned to Lin Hao, incorporating not just 'Light Trace' but also 'Leap,' 'Divine Speed,' and 'Universal Illumination' conceptual powers. He even distorted space-time using his bloodline powers!"

"Looks like the cooperation between these two runs deep. Sharing subordinates previously and now displaying an unhidden alliance that seems astonishingly solid."

"Such quick blade work! Martial Intent, Concept, Divine Soul, sensing power, speed, reflexes—all are exceptionally strong. For someone in the Sixth Realm, he appears almost without weaknesses! Honestly, even without the Battle Armor, this fellow might still have the strength of the Eighth Realm Super Emperor Rank."

"If I had to name a weakness, it'd be pure strength, limited by his cultivation. But this is an utterly terrifying individual; his potential after breaking into the Seventh Realm is boundless!"

"Terrifying indeed, but also unfortunate. Han Xian'er herself is no slouch—if she were to join Lin Hao's banner and undergo enhancement through Heavenly Demon Technology, she might achieve Vice Divine Envoy Level in mere days!"

"I doubt it. This woman lost too miserably; her Dao Heart might just shatter from this defeat."

"Guess how much Old Kou lost? Look at his bloodshot eyes—looks like he's ready to kill someone."

Kou Xuanwang snorted coldly, sharply glancing at the person speaking.

He wished he could slap that guy to death, but alas, that fellow was the Chairman of the Federation Commercial Bank, as well as the Deputy Chairman of the Martial Arts Association, known as the "Financial Sage."

Unlike the Longevity Association, the Martial Arts Association had only one "Deputy," and this "Financial Sage" could rival even Li Xianglong in terms of battle prowess.

Kou Xuanwang could only retract his gaze, refocusing his attention on Lin Hao.

He had wagered on "ten moves," betting that Lin Hao would win within ten moves at odds of 9:1—staking fifty billion federal coins. Instead, Han Xian'er couldn't even draw her sword; she had an Eighth Realm Super Monarch-level sword skill but no opportunity to unleash it.

However, he wasn't quite mad enough to kill over this sum of money—he was mostly puzzled.

Was Lin Rui and Lin Hao merely allies? He felt they resembled the same person.

Yet their Battle Dragons were completely different, and their collaboration was blatantly displayed for all to see, as if daring people to recognize the connection between them.

Kou Xuanwang dismissed his thoughts, pondering what difference it made whether Lin Hao was Lin Rui or not to him.

He sent a message to Li Xianglong: "Old Li, lend me fifty billion federal coins! I need it right now."

Li Xianglong: "Scram!"

Li Xianglong replied instantly but followed up with another message shortly afterward.

Li Xianglong: "Fifty billion federal coins? Didn't you tell me you quit gambling? You haven't secretly spent the emergency military budget Congress allocated to the base defense force, have you?"

Li Xianglong: *****—

His response contained a string of obscenities censored out. Kou Xuanwang awkwardly smiled and was about to close the communication when Li Xianglong sent yet another message.

Li Xianglong: "Anyway, forget about borrowing money from me! And explain which betting platform you wagered on—I want their information."

Kou Xuanwang's expression shifted as he rubbed his chin, considering.

Indeed, running gambling operations was illegal; why play fair with them? Besides, these people were despicable—they had tempted him even though he'd been resolved to quit.

Zong Xiushan, the Third Divine Envoy of Da Cheng Country, was also closely observing Lin Hao, his eyes filled with suspicion.

"This fellow wields an extraordinary range of conceptual powers—it's peculiar. This boy has significant secrets," Zong Xiushan muttered while narrowing his gaze.

Moments earlier, he had declared an interest in observing the divine might of Han Xian'er's Secret Sword. Yet she hadn't been allowed to even unsheathe it.

He paused mid-sentence, suddenly turning his attention behind him. He spotted Cui Peipei, her face ice-cold with fury, flicking her sleeve as she flew off into the distance.

"Divine Envoy Cui, you're leaving already? Not staying for the tax report from Star Port?"

They had lingered this long primarily to witness Han Xian'er challenging Lin Hao on the port's opening day, but also to await the Star Port's first-day tax figures.

"I'm not waiting!"

Cui Peipei was upset beyond measure, her flying light unstable and unsteady.

Her trip to East State had been a series of heavy setbacks, unbearable to recall. "Please notify me with a flying book once you've learned the tax figures, Divine Envoy Zong."

At that moment, Han Xian'er also noticed Cui Peipei's distant figure. This sight made her already-distraught state worse, as if struck by lightning. She stood frozen in place.

Han Xian'er understood deep down that she had no room for regret. The agreement she had made with Luo Wangshu involved pledging to their respective Gods under oath.

Defying the oath would be a severe insult to the West Abyss.

From her defeat onward, her fate as Lin Hao's servant and slave was sealed. Yet her master's rejection and departure struck her heavily, leaving her feeling so miserable she wanted to cry.

Nearby, Han Baxian visibly relaxed.

He had great confidence in Lin Hao, though he couldn't entirely rid himself of worry over the possibility of Lin Hao losing.

"This is truly—" Yu Huaxuan, previously astonished, shook his head with a bitter smile. "The National Guardian Marquis' slash was simply clean and decisive."

No pity was shown for the beautiful challenger, nor was face spared for the visiting delegation from Great Wei.

"Fairy Han's combat prowess is exceptional, boasting Seventh Realm cultivation, and her conceptual powers rival Vice Divine Envoys. This marquis had no choice but to go all out."

Lin Rui felt, given Han Xian'er was now his subordinate, he ought to salvage some dignity for her.

He then pulled out a piece of Ninth Realm Dragon Skin Paper, long prepared. Using True Yuan, he sent it toward Han Xian'er.

"Fairy Han, as per our agreement, please sign this Divine Contract."

Though Han Xian'er had already sworn an oath to her God earlier, Lin Rui was always meticulous.

Han Xian'er stared vacantly, despondent, not bothering to scrutinize the contents of the Dragon Skin Paper as she clumsily signed the Divine Contract.

She thought that, since this man was now her master, whatever Lin Hao said must certainly be correct.

Lin Rui smiled faintly, and after Han Xian'er had signed the contract, he glanced meaningfully at Ji Xueying.

Ji Xueying immediately understood, dragging Han Xian'er away toward Rui Fang's Hospital.

Han Xian'er, still in a state of dazed despair, staggered behind Ji Xueying without conscious awareness, following her steps into a clinical, gleaming room equipped with numerous Heavenly Demon instruments. There, Ji Xueying began removing Han Xian'er's clothes and placed her into a futuristic-looking surgical pod. Han Xian'er jerked awake: "What are you doing?"

"Colonization surgery, of course—what else?" Ji Xueying replied with a confused look. "Your bloodline control is excellent, but given your current state, you should be able to awaken one more Super Monarch-level bloodline. The master expects much from you; he hopes you'll ascend to the Eighth Realm within days."

She pointed toward the adjacent preparation room. "The master even arranged for a top-tier prosthetic doctor to be summoned a day in advance: Sophia, an academician from the Eurasian Union of the Earth Federation, recognized for her SSS-grade surgical skills."

Lin Rui was terribly busy; in a few days, he needed to dedicate an entire day to perform surgery for Lin Tianchen, utilizing the Holy Thunder Tribulation Fire to extract this man's True Spirit from the Abyssal Divine Country.

Besides, for people of Sky Extreme Star, colonization surgery was merely an intermediary for bloodline awakening. The surgical standards required were relatively low; SSS-grade competence sufficed.

"A day in advance? He was certain of victory all along?"

Han Xian'er let out a bitter laugh, curling up in the pod, her expression wooden. "Fine, do whatever you want."

Ji Xueying blinked, sensing that Han Xian'er's Dao Heart had indeed shattered—the woman had evidently given up entirely.

This state wouldn't enable ascension to the Eighth Realm, nor mastery of "Limit Heart Origin."

Lin Rui's expectations for this woman actually surpassed those he had for Xianyu Yan.

"You don't really want to serve my master, right?" Ji Xueying mulled for a moment before reminding: "You can recall the terms of the Divine Contract you signed. Master doesn't like forcing people, so he granted you the possibility of regaining your freedom. As long as you can defeat him in a battle observed by the Divine Law Venerable, under absolutely fair conditions, you'll be free again."

Han Xian'er froze, her mind racing to confirm the contract terms. Indeed, there was such a provision.

Her eyes began to gleam with renewed hope.

Observed by the Divine Law Venerable? Absolutely fair conditions? That meant Lin Hao wouldn't be allowed to use the Heavenly Decree Battle Armor?

If so, there was a chance—a real chance—so long as she could unleash her Eighth Realm Super Monarch-level Secret Sword! Victory was within reach!

Just as Ji Xueying had said, she could still awaken another bloodline and ascend to the Eighth Realm!

What Han Xian'er failed to notice was Ji Xueying's bashful expression as she looked aside, avoiding eye contact out of guilt.

Ji Xueying felt she had deceived Han Xian'er.

Lin Rui was approaching Seventh Realm already—how could Han Xian'er possibly defeat him?

Above all, her master was a God!

If Master deployed conceptual power and the Supreme Divine Artifact, he'd possess Immortal-level combat strength! Though only for ten seconds, it wasn't something anyone could overcome.

Ji Xueying suppressed the tremor in her voice, "By the way, what bloodline power would you prefer? This hospital stores numerous SSS+ grade colonizations; I can prepare a list for you."

Han Xian'er squinted her eyes, "No need! I only desire one bloodline—Super Monarch-level Eternal Thought!"

Ji Xueying pouted slightly, thinking Han Xian'er's choice was just as Master had predicted.

The container holding "Eternal Thought" was right outside!

Meanwhile, at the Governor Mansion, the tax figures reported were displayed before Lin Rui's group.

All their faces bore complex expressions.

"Forty-eight million two hundred thousand Divine Gold!" Yu Huaxuan let out a wry laugh, suppressing the shock on his face. "We might have to inform the Divine Palace as soon as possible—no! We must urgently return to Luojing to report this matter to God!"