Planet Pulverizer: A Mortal's Ascent

Chapter 92: Problem

"Mom!" called out Qin Guangming.

He stepped out of the car and enthusiastically assisted Ms. Li with her luggage.

Seeing her warm-hearted son-in-law, Ms. Li felt a sense of relief.

She had been somewhat concerned about Li Yunyan's relationship with Qin Guangming. She hadn't interacted much with the Qin family. Although she found Qin Guangming's parents to be approachable and easy to converse with, she could discern that the Qin family was quite wealthy.

She was worried that her daughter might face difficulties if she married into such a wealthy family. She was worried that her daughter might be mistreated after marriage. That was why she continuously rejected Li Yunyan's attempts to bring things home for over a year, fearing that Li Yunyan's in-laws would look down on her.

But now, judging by her daughter's complexion and her son-in-law's attitude, she could tell they were getting along well.

"I don't have much to carry. I can manage on my own. Guangming, we're family. There's no need to be so formal."

Qin Guangming smiled. "Mom, since you've said we're family, it's only right for me to help you with your belongings. Besides, arranging the luggage properly will prevent it from tipping over on the road. The journey will be more comfortable for everyone this way."

He then turned his gaze toward Li Pin, adjusting his spectacles on the bridge of his nose. "Ah Pin, your performance in the competition was truly extraordinary. I never expected you to have such talent in martial arts. To have mastered the Aura Force at the age of twenty-two is an incredible feat. It seems our family may soon be graced with the presence of a Martial Saint."

From the original Li Pin's memories, Li Pin knew that the Qin family was of noble lineage. Combined with Qin Guangming's earlier introduction of himself as an employee of Starlight Corporation, a company reputedly founded by the legendary Qin Chengyuan and operating as a semi-familial enterprise, Qin Guangming's identity became increasingly apparent.

"You're too kind," Li Pin replied. "I am still far away from becoming a Martial Saint."

"Haha, you're too modest," Qin Guangming chuckled, gesturing toward the girl who had come with him. "This is my sister, Qin Rouran. She's been quite curious about you and insisted on coming along when she heard we were picking you up."

Li Pin greeted her politely, "Nice to meet you."

"Nice to meet you too," Qin Rouran replied directly. "Can you teach me martial arts?"

"Ah Pin has to compete in the Jiang Province Martial Competition, followed by the national competition, and potentially even the World's Top Martial Competition. He doesn't have the time to teach you," Qin Guangming explained. "We'll find a suitable instructor for you."

"He's only twenty-two and already this powerful. He must have a wealth of martial arts experience. He's definitely better than any of those instructors you've hired," Qin Rouran insisted, turning to Li Pin. "So, what do you say?"

Qin Guangming shook his head. "No, it's not the same. Alright, let's get in the car."

Standing nearby, Li Yunyan wanted to persuade her brother to agree, but knowing his personality, she hesitated to speak up.

Meanwhile, Li Pin's eyes lingered on Qin Rouran's fair, delicate, and almost flawless skin for a moment before asking, "Are you an Astral Cultivator?"

"Eh?" Qin Rouran was caught with surprise. "How did you know that? Other than my own family members, I didn't tell anyone...."

She looked at Li Yunyan. "Did you tell him, sis?"

Li Yunyan shook her head. "No."

"I have met an Astral Cultivator before," Li Pin explained. "Martial artists have keen senses. The difference between an Astral Cultivator and a non-Astral Cultivator is quite noticeable."

Astral Cultivators underwent a transformation through astral energy, and their physique and appearance would improve over time. Their skin would take on a jade-like luminescence, appearing flawless and radiant. Some high-level Astral Cultivators even had skin that shimmered with a star-like glow, giving it an ethereal, dreamlike quality.

This unique beauty was why there was a saying, "Astral Cultivators are the top-tier celebrities."

Of course, due to their prestigious status, Astral Cultivators seldom appeared in public like ordinary people, unless they had some personal hobbies which aligned with common folks' activities.

Qin Rouran's skin, with its dewy and luminous quality, was even more radiant compared to Li Yunyan and Lin Xiaolu.

"Really? But I've only been meditating on the Astral God for half a year. The difference shouldn't show up so quickly, right?" said Qin Rouran.

Humble as Qin Rouran was, even she couldn't help revealing a moon-like smile at the corner of her eyes, showing her pride.

"Half a year..." mumbled Li Pin.

It was astounding to experience such a significant change in such a short time. No wonder some Astral Cultivators viewed themselves as a different breed from ordinary people.

Li Pin thought about the legendary rise of the Starlight Corporation, which had grown into a multi-billion-dollar enterprise in less than twenty years. He asked, "Is Uncle Qin also an Astral Cultivator?"

"No," Qin Rouran replied casually, less reserved than Qin Guangming. "But my sister—"

"Xiaoran," Qin Guangming interrupted her.

He then looked at Li Pin apologetically. "Ah Pin, it's not that I don't want to introduce her, but this involves confidentiality agreements. I hope you understand."

Li Pin nodded. "I understand."

Qin Guangming's family structure was very similar to Li Pin's. Both had a single parent, an elder sister, and a younger sister. The difference was that Qin Guangming's father was still alive. Li Pin had only heard of his elder sister but had never met her.

Qin Guangming appeared concerned that Qin Rouran's somewhat disrespectful suggestion might have upset Li Pin, and said, "Ah Pin, Xiaoran was only mentioning it casually. Don't take it to heart. Of course, we are family, and if you can spare the time to guide her in martial arts training, we would be very grateful."

"It's fine. After the martial competition ends, if she still wants to learn, she can join Yaoyao and Xiaolu," Li Pin replied.

Hearing that, Qin Rouran's eyes lit up. "That's settled then!"

She continued, "By the way, the only real opponent left for you in the martial competition is probably Gu Haoran, right? When will you become Jiang Province's number one?"

Li Pin thought about the timing of the round-robin tournament.

"In about half a month."

***

Despite how wealthy the Qin family was, both Qin Guangming and Qin You, the chairman of Starlight Corporation, were very approachable. Qin Guangming even rescheduled all his meetings that evening to have dinner with Li Pin and his family.

Qin You hadn't always been the wealthy man he was. He had experienced much hardship building his fortune from scratch. That's why he found common ground with the Li family, leading to a very pleasant and engaging conversation.

After dinner, the moving company's truck arrived. Ms. Li, Li Yunyao, Lin Xiaolu, Qin Guangming, and Li Yunyan went to Riverscape Marvel to help with the setup, working diligently until eleven at night.

To avoid affecting Li Pin's competition, Ms. Li insisted he not take her out for leisure activities. She even chose not to stay at Riverscape Marvel, instead following Qin Guangming's arrangement to stay at his home.

Additionally, Li Yunyan was pregnant and needed someone to look after her. With Qin Guangming busy with work and a hired nanny less attentive than her own mother, Ms. Li's presence was essential. Li Pin didn't press the matter further.

During the following days, Li Pin taught Li Yunyao and Lin Xiaolu martial arts while continuing in the martial competition.

During this period, he faced another Core Force opponent. His opponent chose to forfeit immediately. Consequently, Li Pin had an easy six days and advanced into the round-robin stage without any difficulty.

Entering the round-robin stage guaranteed him a top-ten finish. The only question was what would be his exact ranking.

***

Time passed swiftly.

With the adult category competition underway, interest in the youth and intermediate categories slightly diminished

Once the ten-day adult category competitions concluded, the round-robin matches for the youth and intermediate categories would begin. Spanning five days, these matches would determine Jiang Province's top contender.

On this particular night, Jiang Zhenhai, having been burning the midnight oil in the Solar Vermillion Sect for some time, suddenly shouted with a mix of excitement and frenzy, "I've found it! I've found it! I've identified Li Pin's weakness! It's over for him! It's over for him!"[1]

1. burning the midnight oil means working tirelessly. ☜