I will eventually become a divine being through accumulating constantly

Time ticked away second by second, and the start of the U19 finals drew ever closer.

In the competitors' resting room, Yin Muhu, dressed in a training garment, sat cross-legged on the floor, her hands as big as clay pots resting on her knees.

The angular contours of her muscular face faintly revealed feminine features, and her waist-length hair hung loosely, draping straight down to the ground.

At the moment, whisps of white steam rose from her body, curling upward and causing the temperature in the entire resting room to steadily climb.

As time passed, it was unclear if it was an illusion, but her robust physique seemed to have subtly shrunk a little.

...

In a spacious fitness room backstage at the arena, Xue Jing held the Forgotten Greatsword in both hands, swinging it repeatedly to build harmony with the heavyweight weapon.

With his [Combat Skills] at Lv10, like when he practiced with a spear, his solid sword skills terrifyingly radiated into the domain of the giant sword.

Every second, with each swing, his control and proficiency with the giant sword in his hands soared at breakneck speed.

"Hoo——"

The enormous blade and its weight created a fearsome current of air with each swing, whipping up a gale throughout the fitness room.

Not far from Xue Jing, Ning Yuantai was squatting on a weight bench, idly scrolling through videos on his bracelet.

Suddenly, Ning Yuantai's eyebrows rose:

"Oh? They've started broadcasting the pre-match interviews."

He gestured a few times in the air, and a pale blue halo emanated from his bracelet, projecting a holographic video image into the space before him.

Ning Yuantai spread his hands apart, and the holographic video correspondingly enlarged, turning into a three-meter-long by two-meter-high screen.

Xue Jing merely glanced briefly and continued warming up with the giant sword without much concern.

"Hello everyone, I am Wei Junwu, a competitor in this U19 competition..."

As the interview video began to play, Ning Yuantai casually remarked:

"After this one finishes, the opening ceremony will start... Xue, didn't you also go for an interview?"

Without turning his head, Xue Jing responded, "Yes."

Ning Yuantai's eyes lit up, "Then did you throw out any fierce words? These interviews are more fun when you say something bold. It's a pity that most of us Zhuxia people like to pretend to be modest in front of the camera, even though everyone usually acts so high and mighty... "

Xue Jing casually replied, "Fierce words? I don't think so."

The two chatted while the pre-match interviews continued to play in the background.

Soon, after more than twenty competitors were interviewed, someone who made Xue Jing take special notice appeared on the video screen.

"Hello friends from Zhuxia, I am Otogi Suzuka, a competitor from the Far East..."

The ambiguous, gentle voice sounded, and cheers erupted from the spectator seats in the arena.

Ning Yuantai cleaned his ear with his pinky and commented, "This Far Eastern person is so popular... truly worthy of being a world-class Martial Artist."

Watching the beautiful Otogirusu being interviewed, Ning Yuantai couldn't help but wonder:

"But seriously, is he really a guy? He looks too unbelievable."

Xue Jing stopped swinging his giant sword for a moment, propped the blade on the ground, caught his breath, and said:

"He probably is."

Ning Yuantai shook his head uncertainly, "I'm not convinced. With that face… unless he grew up taking female hormones. But then, it would be impossible to reach such levels in Old Martial Arts."

"Those attention-grabbing traps, even when made up and with maxed-out beauty filters, anyone with a keen eye can still detect the clear male features on their faces. But this Otogirusu, without makeup, without beauty filters, dressed in men's clothes, still can't hide the overwhelming femininity. "

Ning Yuantai, looking as serious as if he was engaged in scientific research and stroking his chin, said, "I suspect he's cross-dressing!"

Xue Jing chuckled, "I think he's just good-looking, that's all."

As they chatted, Otogirusu Suzuka's interview video continued.

"So, among the competitors this time, is there any that you particularly pay attention to?"

In the video, the interviewer posed a new question.

Otogirusu Suzuka's lips curved into a smile, like one thinking of a beloved, revealing a tender expression on his face and softly saying:

"Competitor Xue Jing... He is my favorite competitor in this match and the one I look forward to facing the most."

The interviewer expressed surprise, "Eh... an unexpected answer. Your passion for martial arts is well known, and in previous interviews, the competitor you always looked forward to the most was undoubtedly the strongest. Why is your answer different this time? Is it because you and this Xue Jing have a special connection?"

Iron-blooded Ning Yuantai cursed out loud, "What the hell is this idiot talking about? What's with the unexpected answer? The strongest is definitely Xue, no question. What rubbish taste, is he blind or what? If your eyes aren't useful, I suggest you donate them to someone in need, damn it!"

Xue Jing was unconcerned about the interviewer 'underestimating' him, as, to outsiders, Zhou Yinglin, a disciple of Gun Saint and holder of numerous past honors, was undoubtedly the strongest in this competition. This perception could not be shattered until he defeated Ying Lin.

What Xue Jing cared about was Otogirusu Suzuka's excessive attention and favorability toward him, which made the corner of his mouth twitch and his scalp tingle.