The Almighty Martial Arts System - Chapter 280

No matter how Jiang Fei had tried to anticipate things, he never expected the system would proactively assign him a mission before Xuanjizi even finished speaking—and worse, one he had to accept!

This wasn’t Jiang Fei’s first system-assigned mission. Back when the Western medicine delegation had come to China for an exchange with traditional Chinese medicine, the system had also issued him a task, complete with generous rewards.

His current Dugu Nine Swords technique had come from that very mission!

But back then, it had only been a side quest—optional, with no obligation to accept. This time? A main quest, mandatory with no opt-out.

Jiang Fei quickly pulled up the system interface and checked the mission log. Sure enough, there it was: [Guard the Heaven’s Secret Diagram (Main Quest)]—already accepted on his behalf, no consent required.

With mixed feelings, Jiang Fei tapped on the mission details for a closer look.

Generally speaking, in-game quests—whether main or side—were beneficial. They offered experience, rewards, and sometimes even unexpected windfalls (like the Dugu Nine Swords). But this time? Jiang Fei had a sneaking suspicion he was about to get scammed.

“Congratulations on obtaining the main quest: ‘Guard the Heaven’s Secret Diagram.’ If the player refuses, all attribute growth and experience gain will be permanently halted.”

The penalty was brutal—essentially strong-arming him into compliance. Refusal meant his system would become useless, freezing his progress and cutting off any chance of learning new supreme techniques.

Well, that’s one hell of a trap, Jiang Fei thought, barely suppressing the urge to swear.

But then he kept reading.

“Upon accepting the quest, the player will receive the following rewards:

• Instant level-up (no level cap or time restriction).

• One-tier upgrade for any martial skill (also unrestricted).”

Jiang Fei: “……!”

His earlier frustration evaporated, replaced by sheer, speechless shock.

An unrestricted level-up? No time or level constraints?

Jiang Fei’s mind raced as he processed the implications. If this reward simply bumped him from Level 4 to 5, it’d be nice—but not groundbreaking. But what if he saved it? What if he cashed it in when he was, say, Level *99*?

The difference between a low-tier and high-tier level-up was exponential.

And the same went for martial skills. His Dugu Nine Swords could be upgraded, sure—but what about North Darkness Divine Art? The first tier alone required fifteen years of internal energy cultivation. The second? Third?

This reward could save him decades of grueling training.

Jiang Fei had initially assumed Xuanjizi’s offer—becoming the Tianji Sect’s leader, inheriting the Tui Bei Tu—was some elaborate scam. But now? It was an unbelievable windfall.

No matter how dangerous guarding the Heaven’s Secret Diagram might be, the system’s rewards made it more than worth it.

So lost was he in his thoughts that he completely zoned out, leaving Xuanjizi to stew in awkward silence.

The Taoist had expected resistance—perhaps even outright refusal. After all, who’d willingly shoulder such a responsibility without incentive?

But this? This was insulting.

Did this brat not realize how many martial artists dreamed of inheriting the Tianji Sect’s legacy? Of even laying eyes on the Tui Bei Tu?

And yet, Jiang Fei had the audacity to ask, “Can I refuse?”

Xuanjizi, a man of near-boundless patience, felt his temper flicker. For the first time in years, he actually considered smacking some sense into someone.

“Why would you refuse?” he asked, voice tight.

Jiang Fei snapped back to reality, hastily masking his excitement. He forced his expression back into reluctant hesitation.

“Simple. Becoming the Tianji Sect’s leader means taking on extra responsibilities—without any tangible benefits. Who’d sign up for that?”

Negotiation 101: Play hard to get for maximum profit.

Xuanjizi’s eye twitched. “You’re… refreshingly honest.”

“Just calling it like I see it,” Jiang Fei said shamelessly.

The Taoist exhaled. “Guardian the Tui Bei Tu isn’t just about personal gain. It’s about safeguarding our nation’s destiny—a duty all descendants of Yan and Huang share. That said…” He leaned forward. “If your fortune and talent align, the Tui Bei Tu can grant unimaginable rewards.”

Jiang Fei perked up. “Like what?”

“Transcending fate. Shattering the void. Achieving the impossible.”

Jiang Fei nearly choked.

Oh, come on. Now the Tui Bei Tu wasn’t just a prophecy book—it was a cultivation manual? Bigger than all his system’s cheat skills combined?

“Then, Master Xuanjizi,” he said dryly, “after guarding it for decades, what ‘impossible’ feats have you achieved?”

The Taoist didn’t even blink. “Perhaps my fortune was lacking. Or my talent insufficient. Twenty years, and I’ve gleaned little.”

Exactly.

This so-called “reward” was pure vaporware.

Thank goodness for the system’s concrete incentives—otherwise, Jiang Fei wouldn’t touch this with a ten-foot pole.

“So… any actual perks?” he pressed.

Xuanjizi’s grip on his teacup tightened. “What more could you possibly want?”

For the first time, he questioned his own judgment.

Yes, Jiang Fei’s fate was unprecedented. Yes, his martial prowess at such a young age was astounding. But this attitude—was he really fit to guard China’s destiny?

Jiang Fei scratched his nose, feigning innocence. “Well, in all the dramas, when a master picks a successor, they usually do this whole ‘enlightenment transfer’ thing—dump all their lifetime cultivation into the disciple. You know, like Wuyazi passing his power to Xuzhu in Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils…”

Xuanjizi closed his eyes, praying for patience.

“First,” he said through gritted teeth, “I’m not on my deathbed. Second, your skills are already top-tier. Have you ever heard of ‘enlightenment transfer’ being real? Cultivation is earned—not donated.”

For normal people, maybe. But Jiang Fei had hacks.

If Xuanjizi willingly transferred his energy, Jiang Fei’s North Darkness Divine Art could absorb it—no resistance.

(Not that he’d say that. One wrong move, and the Taoist might just smite him on principle.)

“Last question,” Jiang Fei said, suddenly serious. “Why me?”

Xuanjizi relaxed slightly. Finally, a sensible inquiry.

“Tianji Sect successors must meet three criteria:

1. Martial prowess and virtue—to protect the Tui Bei Tu.

2. An exceptional, ideally unreadable fate—to decipher its secrets.

3. Destiny’s pull.

You… fit all three.”