Planet Pulverizer: A Mortal's Ascent-Chapter 602: Transcendent

Nancy wasn't the only one thinking about it. Li Pin had personally instructed President Zhou Guang to deploy a large team to investigate everything about this mysterious figure.

A world-governing federal government had the means to mobilize resources. Hence, despite the Gods' invasion causing many records on Blue Planet to be lost, information about the martial arts community from back then was swiftly unearthed.

As intelligence was compiled and analyzed, specialists arrived at a near-unanimous conclusion—Nancy's age.

At eighty-two, some memory lapses were only natural.

Martial Saints did exist, but they had always been rare, each one a figure of global significance.

As for those beyond the Martial Saint level, the so-called Undying Sight of the Gods Realm, it had only begun to emerge in recent decades, after people started exploring the mental spirit system following the Gods' invasion. Before that, they weren't unheard of, but even in a century, one might not appear.

And without exception, every breakthrough had either come from an accidental entry into the Twin Moon Domain or from acquiring treasures that had made their way out of it. It was only through the power of these heavenly resources that they were able to attain their breakthrough.

Experts at a level beyond the Martial Saint were still far from the Martial God Nancy spoke of. Or rather, far from the mysterious figure Li Pin was truly searching for.

But with Baili Qingfeng as a precedent, he wasn't fully convinced by the experts' conclusions. He had to confirm it himself before giving up completely. Thus, Li Pin took the time to go through all the compiled information once more.

Yet even after a second review, he found nothing.

And that... was precisely what felt off.

Li Pin couldn't shake the sense that something wasn't right. It wasn't just desperation leading him to imagine things. Through repeated study of the records, and with the assumption that a mysterious powerhouse truly existed, he gradually sensed something unusual.

Someone had vanished. A figure who had once made waves across the world, someone who should have left an undeniable mark on history, was gone without a trace. Yet no one found it strange. Not a single reaction, not the slightest sign of doubt.

It seemed as if the traces of his existence had been completely erased, yet an unseen force had patched up the gaps caused by his absence. It was like a healing wound. The missing piece of flesh was replaced by new tissue, making everything seem normal.

"I know he existed, but I just can't find him."

Li Pin thought about the Transcendent Techniques passed down to him from the Void Divine Treasury Hall.

It mentioned how the Transcendents would go to great lengths to erase all traces of their existence, transcending matter, energy, spirit, time, and space. This was to ensure that their observations of the universe and the fabric of time remained entirely unaffected by any external perspective or bias.

Considering Baili Qingfeng has once studied certain legacies here before stepping onto the Transcendent path...

The truth was becoming clear.

"Before the Void Emperor, another Transcendent once emerged in this world," Li Pin said firmly.

Li Pin's gaze pierced through the void, surveying this world. It was astonishing that such a place had produced not one, but two figures of this level. The mysterious Transcendent, and... the Void Emperor.

After a moment, another thought surfaced. Perhaps the Void Emperor is that Transcendent's successor. His rise to the Transcendent Realm, his eventual ascension—it's all closely tied to that figure.

"Transcendents exist beyond the world. No matter how confident I am, I can't claim to have the means to track one down."

Suppressing the thrill of unearthing such a secret, Li Pin forced himself to calm down. "It seems I'll have to wait for Baili Qingfeng. If there's any clue about that Transcendent, it'll be through him."

Fortunately, judging by the time, Baili Qingfeng should be arriving soon.

With that in mind, Li Pin steadied himself. Holding onto the slim chance of uncovering more hidden traces, he continued poring over the manuals while waiting for the main storyline to unfold.

***

Just as he had guessed. Before long, he sensed Baili Qingfeng's presence near the Asura Gate, where he had clashed with the stationed forces.

Unlike his own direct approach, Baili Qingfeng was far more cautious, quickly going into hiding.

Soon after, Li Pin detected Baili Qingfeng entering Tianhua City.

Throughout this, Li Pin remained hidden, patiently watching as events unfolded.

***

Inside a room, Li Pin looked at Nikola Novich, who had come as a representative of President Zhoguang's security department, his expression a little strange. "So, you're saying you want to use my power to fight the God King who infiltrated Blue Planet?"

"We hope to gain your support, Mr. Li. As long as—"

Li Pin waved him off, cutting him short. "You've misunderstood something."

He spoke slowly, "You don't have the right to negotiate with me. Any demands I make, you must fulfill unconditionally. As for what I choose to do... that's none of your business. Understand?"

Cold sweat broke out on Nikola Novich's forehead.

"I'll give you another chance to organize your words," Li Pin said. "Now, repeat what you just said."

"It's... nothing. Mr. Li, it's the Federation's greatest honor to have you here," Nikolai Novich hurriedly responded.

Li Pin nodded. "Good."

Without another word from Li Pin, Nikola Novich, quick to read the room, dared not linger and respectfully took his leave.

Once he was gone, Li Pin shook his head. "Human nature..."

His assertiveness came from a deep understanding that human nature often preys on the weak and fears the strong.

Especially when one party stands to gain immense benefits from the other. If he showed the slightest leniency, the Federation would take advantage, pushing further with each concession.

Perhaps their methods seemed considerate, even pleasant, but... this comfort was nothing more than a carefully constructed "safe zone." The moment Li Pin grew comfortable, their demands would only increase.

Even if it appeared to be a mutually beneficial arrangement, there was no concrete foundation behind such a "win-win" situation.

What he sought wasn't comfort or recognition. What he desired... was evolution!

Through constant battles, through life-and-death struggles, he aimed to break his limits and evolve. Comfort would only rot his spirit and erode his will.

Besides, the Federation was far too small. It could never offer the battles he longed for.

As he pondered the difference between inner and True Spirit, he turned his attention back to the ancient manuals before him.

***

Li Pin observed Baili Qingfeng's changes in secret, while the Federation remained highly cautious of him.

However, a crisis soon unfolded—the God King invasion. The Eternal Night God King, still bitter over Baili Qingfeng's crossing of the spatial gate, gathered his entire pantheon and invaded Blue Planet. A fierce battle broke out.

During the conflict, Baili Qingfeng, unable to stand by as numerous mech fighters fell, decisively entered the fray, defeating the Eternal Night God King and many True Gods.

This battle not only solidified his strength in the eyes of all but also gained him the Federation's initial trust.

As his interactions with his father, Li Xian, deepened, the Federation began to realize that Baili Qingfeng might indeed have always been part of their civilization.

Several days later, Li Pin sensed something unusual.

Nikola Novich was secretly trying to sway Baili Qingfeng, hoping to use his strength against Li Pin.

This time, unlike before, they were extremely cautious, with every word carrying a probing undertone.

However, to Nikola Novich's dismay, the moment Baili Qingfeng heard Li Pin's name, his face lit up with joy. This reaction made the security chief break into a cold sweat, realizing the two were acquainted.

Fortunately, they hadn't explicitly stated their intentions, leaving room for maneuver. Otherwise, things would've taken a terrible turn.

Li Pin wanted to say more but couldn't find the words. "Hmm..."

They should consider themselves lucky. Lucky that he had no intention of destroying this world.

Had it been another top-tier expert from a different faction, someone who meant no harm but was repeatedly provoked, even the best temperament would have been tested. And once that happened, the entire civilization would be doomed.

***

Half a day later, Baili Qingfeng arrived at Li Pin's residence.

"Senior Li, I was looking for you! I didn't expect you to be living right next door!" Baili Qingfeng said cheerfully.

"I sensed your presence long ago, but I figured you'd want some time to catch up with your father, so I didn't disturb you," Li Pin replied.

Baili Qingfeng gave him a warm look. "Have you finished what you came here to do? Do you need any help?"

After all... in a way, Li Pin was a fellow countryman. And now, he was literally his next-door neighbor.

"Not yet," Li Pin answered. "Go ahead and take care of your matters. If I need help, I'll reach out."

"Alright." Baili Qingfeng nodded. He then hesitated and added somewhat sheepishly, "Senior Li, this is my homeland... Could you be a bit more careful when you act here? Please try not to cause too much destruction?"

"Of course." Li Pin chuckled. "I'm a reasonable person. As long as they don't provoke me, I'm easy to get along with."

Baili Qingfeng nodded firmly. "Alright."

Having been neighbors for years, he trusted Li Pin.

Li Pin waved him off. "Go, spend some time with your family."

"Then I'll be going," replied Baili Qingfeng.

He waved back and quickly left.

The atmosphere between them remained completely harmonious.

Afterward, Li Pin continued observing Baili Qingfeng. He saw him exploring biological computing, interacting with his father, Li Xian, and even growing interested in this world's martial arts systems.

Nothing seemed out of the ordinary.

But... just when he thought everything was fine, Baili Qingfeng tested his limits at a Federation-provided facility. His combat power surged severalfold! freēwēbnovel.com

At that moment, Li Pin grew restless. "How is that possible!?"

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