Chapter 00116: Hope
# Hope
Chapter 116
Novel: Above Destiny
Chapter 116: Hope
"I need to practice more since I’m really lacking!"
...
"Get him out of the palace!"
...
"Useless, I want your help with my training!"
...
"Haha! I need to practice the Disconnection Technique ten more times!"
...
For three days straight, the entire workshop echoed with this maddening wailing, day and night, with no moments of peace.
If the soundproofing hadn’t been so good, Ji Jue might have been kicked out by Professor Ye long ago, or worse, beforehand, shot dead by Ye Chun’s rampaging blows.
But as they say,
"The sounds of my roommate's writing are like heavenly music, while the flipping of pages is akin to deafening renovation."
Just watching him manage to forget his meals and sleep, one fellow named Ye, who was rather lazy, was already feeling somewhat mentally drained.
He even dreamed that a certain creature was crazily flipping pages right behind him, cackling and drooling: “Senior sister, senior sister, come to my place tonight; my thesis does somersaults!”
Keep flipping those pages!
Better to die from it sooner!
I've already booked the best view at Tianmen Lake for you; once you turn to dust, it'll become a new scenic spot at Tianmen University—The Fate of a Dog!
Ye Chun, sprawled on the couch, tossed and turned, unable to muster even a sliver of sleep, no matter what.
She just couldn't nap in peace.
Every time she closed her eyes, that image of Ji Jue flipping through pages would vividly appear before her.
Oh heavens, when would this end?
In her intense frustration, Ye Chun let out a furious grunt.
Then, helplessly, she struggled to get off the couch and dragged herself in front of the computer.
She opened a new folder and a WORD file, staring at the blank page, and began silently shedding tears of frustration.
Meanwhile, in the workshop, Ji Jue finally retracted his sinful hands, collapsing onto his chair, feeling utterly drowsy.
Today’s practice could finally come to an end.
The essence of the Disconnection Technique is in the use of one’s own spiritual essence.
As long as it is effective, amounts don’t really matter.
For this inferior technique, using a half-hearted attempt at the Disconnection Technique could only be termed as saving blue (minimizing resources).
According to the practice plan he set for himself these past days, consuming sixty-four percent of his spiritual essence was the target for each session, repeating this three times meant it was wrap-up for the day.
Based on the formula given by Professor Ye, once he input his total spiritual essence and level, sixty-four percent was the best limit for Ji Jue at that moment.
Above this limit, the recovery efficiency of the spiritual essence would peak, allowing him to recuperate naturally in about seven hours, ensuring no damage was sustained due to long-term lack of spiritual essence.
Ji Jue liked to call this the "Golden Ratio for Flipping Pages."
As long as he adhered to it, he could enjoy flipping as much as he wanted.
The leftover time could be used for studying problems and devouring books.
Initially, he might get distracted and slack off, but once he grew accustomed to it, he found it utterly irresistible and joyous.
Now, on the workstation, what once seemed like an elegantly antique pendant was now riddled with cracks, looking as if it had survived countless voracious encounters, on the brink of collapse.
If it could talk, its first words might just be begging Ji Jue to finish it swiftly.
"Killing is but a tap on the head; you've been cutting away at me with that little blade for three days already! No matter how deep the vendetta, this should be long overdue!"
"Well, not bad."
The ghostly worker ball flickered momentarily, then stated, "The main circuit of spiritual essence has basically been completely disconnected. Next, with nothing chaotic getting in the way, it’s time to prepare for unlocking and bestowing blessings."
"I must say, after all these years of working, seeing such a weak Disconnection Technique is quite the first for me... The persistence and determination of a person flipping pages are truly frightening."
"In the future, if I offend you, please be merciful, I truly cannot bear this hardship."
"No, if the target is the Artisan... who knows, this could result in forcing them to submit, trust me, no matter how tight-lipped the Artisan is, after a week of your torment, they’ll yield!"
"As expected of you, you actually developed a brand-new use for the Disconnection Technique!"
"Don’t talk nonsense; how is it weak?"
Ji Jue’s defenses crumbled, and he glared fiercely.
"Don't give me that screeching! This is being cautious, understand? Do you comprehend what it means to handle weight lightly? Don’t worry, when the time comes, I'll definitely manage you swiftly. I’m just afraid you won’t be able to endure it!"
The ghostly worker chuckled, saying no more.
After all, the main reason Professor Ye dared to let Ji Jue take on such delicate work was because… he was too weak.
If the Disconnection Technique was even slightly stronger, it wouldn’t yield such intricate results.
It’s like using a broadsword when just starting, whereas a beginner's Disconnection Technique would be akin to using a brush for archaeology.
Besides, this fine work demands doing less rather than more.
If Ji Jue did delve into the Disconnection Technique, it wouldn’t be until he reached a certain mastery that Professor Ye would trust him with such precision activities.
It's such a simple structure; a rough hand could crush it, ruining the blessings altogether.
“Just scrape, it’s sufficient.”
Furthermore, in such a dismal situation of the Disconnection Technique, the fact that he could still oversee the entire process and accurately pinpoint the effects to several spiritual essence circuits—this unimaginable control over spiritual essence was gradually forming right before the ghostly worker’s eyes.
Four days? Or was it three?
With a total of one thousand seven hundred and seven practice attempts, he had grasped the Disconnection Technique to this extent.
Even with external benefits, it was truly… extraordinary!
Several months ago, he was still an ordinary person, even having lost his way in a realm of cracks, and yet, he had finished the journey that would take others five or six years to complete.
With the Artisan’s already solidified imagination and logic, the ghostly worker could not fully imagine what kind of monster Ye Xian would catalyze.
But… this had nothing to do with him!
He was merely following orders, just a ball here for amusement.
Things were certainly getting interesting!
When Ji Jue stumbled out of the workshop, dizzy and disoriented, he realized it was already afternoon.
Peeking around and noticing the professor was absent, he finally relaxed, tiptoeing toward the kitchen and fridge.
Yet, after a couple of steps, he suddenly remembered.
Things had changed!
Instantly, his confidence surged.
He turned around and walked over to the couch, reclining in Ye Chun’s favorite spot, a devilish smile spreading across his face as he called out, “Ye Chun!”
From the study, hurried footsteps approached, revealing a familiar face wearing a strained sweet smile. “I’m here, just say the word.”
“Tired.”
Ji Jue lazily spread his arms across the armrest.
Ye Chun quickly leaned in to massage his shoulders.
After only two rubs, Ji Jue frowned.
It couldn’t compare to Old Zhang’s massages, but he had to make do.
“I’m thirsty.”
Instantly, a cold soda was brought over. “Here you go!”
“What’s this?” Seeing the label, Ji Jue instantly flared with rage. “No sugar? Not even dogs would drink that! Stop trying to fool me with this trash... Forget it, bring me some chips!”
The sound of teeth grinding filled the air.
Ye Chun slowly approached the snack cart, wheeling it over to Ji Jue for his selection.
As her finger flicked through the options, it landed on the last pack of her favorite spicy beef flavor that she had saved!
“Never mind, let’s keep it light, I’ll take this.”
Ye Chun’s eyes nearly bulged.
“Ji Jue, you…”
Ji Jue casually munched on her chips while sitting on her couch, engrossed in her television, lifting his gaze at her unashamedly: “You got steamed buns? Don’t forget the sauce!”
“No, no.”
Ye Chun struggled to keep a smile, “Being picked by you is the fortune of this old bag of chips.”
“Is that so? So its fortune is quite the boon.”
Ji Jue crunched away, propping his legs up, enjoying the rare delightful experience: “So, Little Ye, how’s your thesis coming along?”
“Thanks to you, the first draft is completed.”
“Ah, you see, the youth today are too impatient. No need to rush; you must practice more.” Ji Jue shook his head, lamenting, “Slow work yields fine results.”
With her eyes twitching in frenzy, Ye Chun gritted her teeth and responded coldly, “You… are absolutely right.”
“Alright, I’m hungry.”
Ji Jue waved his hand, casually saying, “You, cook me two dishes, put less oil and salt.”
Creak!
The sound of knuckles cracking filled the air.
Ye Chun’s little hands nearly crushed the cart’s handle, carefully debating whether she should knock Ji Jue out when once again, she heard a weak cough.
“Cough, cough, that old injury from days back still hasn’t healed.”
Ji Jue sighed, holding his chest as if lamenting, “No worries, no need to fret, after all, the world is like this. What a pity for a lowborn apprentice like me, to suffer the jealousy and persecution of a legitimate senior sister due to working too hard. In this simple outsourcing task, not only did I get targeted head-on by a sniper, but I also ended up with an injury, living a life of despondency. When I close my eyes, I find that I’ve been reborn before that day. I vow to live life to the fullest this time, never to be at the mercy of others again. Tonight, I’ll come to the workshop, and you will hear my revenge plan...”
He was fired up!
His fists clenched tightly!
Is this dog still trying to take advantage of me? Ever since returning that night, he had been playing this act without stopping!
Sitting on my couch, watching my TV, eating my chips, criticizing my soda, making fun of my thesis, and now demanding I help with a new paper...
This resentment must be avenged!
Amidst this raging fury, Ye Chun’s fighting spirit surged, exponentially increasing, until she suddenly grasped a technique called the 'Strong Hand Cracking Skull' punch out of nowhere.
At that moment, looking at Ji Jue's head, she just wanted to crack open his skull and see if it was as dark as his heart!
Yet Ji Jue merely gazed at her with innocent, pitiful eyes.
His wide-open eyes seemed to glimmer with mist, resembling tears.
You, you…
“…”
Ye Chun closed her eyes and took a deep breath.
Before her teeth shattered completely, she stiffly turned and headed for the kitchen.
It wasn’t due to her soft heart or guilt; after all these days, any original guilt had long been inflicted away by this pest.
She just knew if she punched him, Ji Jue would absolutely be on the ground barking for quite a while...
Forget it, forget it.
Ye Chun, endure it, just endure a little longer.
He will give me leverage eventually!
At that time, I, Ye Ze Zhi Chun, will surely return the favor a thousandfold!
Slap!
A bowl of steaming prepared noodles was slammed onto Ji Jue’s table, the noodles gleaming in broth with bits of oil floating atop.
Piled high with red chili peppers, the broth turned a crimsoning shade akin to Ji Jue's blood.
“Eat up, that’s my meat, drink up, that’s my blood.”
Ye Chun’s dark eyes held no warmth. “If you dare leave a single bite out today, you won’t see tomorrow!”
Is that all?
Ji Jue couldn’t help but let out a cold chuckle, even wanting to say: “Add an egg for me!”
But looking into those murderous eyes, in the end, he didn’t dare to say a word.
He obediently picked up his chopsticks.
Diving into the noodles.
He paused for a moment.
Oh dear, did I overestimate senior sister's culinary skills? After so long, how can it still be undercooked?
Should’ve just ordered takeout!
And so, he begrudgingly finished the entire bowl.
A few measly chili peppers? Absurd!
In Shu Province, this wouldn't even count as medium spicy.
However, it seemed the joke had gone too far, and she was about to lose her temper.
But it didn’t matter; he'd dare again next time!
Having been on the receiving end of Ye Chun’s torment for so long, when he finally had a chance to make up for it, how could Ji Jue not seize the opportunity? Otherwise, in a few days, if she denies it, all he’d be left with is cucumber-flavored chips!
Ji Jue leaned back, cherishing the fleeting joy and sweetness before Ye Chun's counterattack came crashing down:
“This life, it certainly has hope!”
Earlier, Ji Jue had asked Professor Ye when would he truly grasp the Disconnection Technique?
The response he received was that he need not be so fixated on achieving it with one hand.
If he could effortlessly cast it with both hands in moments without preparation, effortlessly achieving destruction on his targets, that would count as having grasped it.
Shortly after, Ji Jue’s mouth just had to ask, "So when is it fully mastered?"
Then, he saw the meaningful smile on Professor Ye's face, akin to a teacher giving one last pity before handing down assignments: “Once you’ve dismantled all the scrap in the warehouse, you’ll be almost there…”
Ji Jue swallowed, estimating the terrifying scale of the scrap and dared not think further.
Just as he had experienced and witnessed, aside from the ingrained arrogance, indifference, and disdain, Professor Ye never bothered with trivial interactions, not caring about the opinions of fools, nor would she accept mistakes, whether from others or herself.
Moreover, she would absolutely not permit even a speck of flaw to surface on her creations.
Not even a tiny bit!
Even if a creation in the furnace showed an unexpectedly positive change, as long as it didn’t align with her initial design and requirements, the result would be dire—blessings would be stripped and it would be ruthlessly discarded.
An extreme pursuit of perfection, coupled with this extraordinary talent, had earned her the title of the youngest master in history and a reputation in academia that was both revered and reviled.
A piece from design to completion had to undergo at least a dozen steps and a minimum of ten repetitions, with unending revisions until she found it satisfactory.
A finished product was shadowed by dozens or hundreds of experiments and waste.
Ultimately, the outcome was the shocking scale of scrap gathered in the warehouse—just like the mountain of defeated foes she climbed up to reach the peak of the path of the ashes.
Even though he knew all of that was delightful food, Ji Jue still felt chills running up his spine.
Such an exaggerated amount could potentially be deadly, right?
“What a long road ahead.”
Ji Jue sighed, both annoyed and delighted, when suddenly a crisp sound reached his ears.
Snap!
A glimmer of light surged softly from the cracked pendant; it was the last leftover outer spiritual essence circuit that had been damaged.
Ji Jue finally exhaled, taking a deep breath.
Wiping the sweat from his forehead.
“Very well, just one step from finishing,” the ghostly worker’s voice echoed within his consciousness, “Let’s pause for a moment, rest a little, and calm your spiritual essence and mind.”
“Finally…”
Ji Jue sighed, his numb hands lifted, rubbing his eyes.
The torment was about to end; never had he felt so exhausted…
So painful to the eyes!
If the previous practice of the Disconnection Technique could be seen as learning his teacher’s high-level design perspective from a destructive angle, with deeper comprehension garnered through repeated attempts, then these past few days for Ji Jue felt akin to meticulously sifting through a trash can full of wrong problem sets—all while unable to overlook even a single mistake.
In this nonsensical operation of meal support, he had fully experienced the diversity of craftsman abilities.
The creative mishaps and failures were truly absurd!
Was it really necessary to draw this core circuit today? My hands are shaking, should I get checked at the hospital?
And yet, various transformed spiritual essences mixed together, rendering purification meaningless, and the transformation process was haphazard.
Also, what happened to your harmonization? How could you allow the six-layer structure to come apart and conflict with one another, adding a heavy burden and thus reducing the effectiveness to this pathetic level?
Doesn’t your teacher have proper control?
And here you are, still having the cheek to pretend to have a backdoor?!!!
Where is your dignity? Where is your dignity!!
“Remember, gently now. Be careful, it should be as precise as when cutting open a liver during surgery.”
For the fifth time, the ghostly worker repeated the key points, “Don’t hesitate; with one powerful motion, remove all four sections at the same time. Otherwise, impurities and contamination will remain, interfering with future reformation.”
“I know, I know, stop repeating it!”
Ji Jue didn’t have time to listen to its ramblings, fully focused instead.
As his hands were raised slowly, the familiar low hum began to rise in intensity—spiritual essence vibrated and stilled, flowing smoothly between his palms.
The target was the central core of the pendant.
Four different spiritual essence circuits, intertwining with the symbol of goodness, the wasteland enhanced material properties, and elevation blocked the essence, thus securing the blessings trapped within like iron and stone.
A classic structure mimicking dual locks without a single distinguishing feature.
Its flaw was its rigidity, utterly unchanging.
Its merit was an outrageous level of solidity and stability!
With Ji Jue’s crafting skill, attempting to simultaneously disrupt four different circuits with differing frequencies and intensities was merely a madman’s dream.
But it didn’t matter; speed was essential! If he was quick enough, the chips wouldn’t have time to contaminate the blessings.
As long as he was quick, then…
Perfect enough!
In that fleeting moment, a piercing shrill scream erupted from beneath Ji Jue's hands—the vibrations of spiritual essence under extreme precision cut through the air like a blade, ignoring the ghost worker’s shocked cries and warnings, and struck down!
“Break for me! With crossed hands and interlocking fingers, a tiny blade of disconnection sped forth, racing with terrifying speed akin to lightning. It was like the maddened blades of a grinder, spinning violently and drawing inward layer by layer. Everything it touched, the runes and circuits, shattered entirely, carving deep crevices into the emblem of goodness. All fragments were drawn away by the external spiritual essence manipulation. As if cutting through a veil, it left only a chilling sensation, without leaving a scratch upon the core! In just a moment, amidst the sound of the pendant shattering, the last flimsy prison was broken! Crack! The sound of shattering reverberated, clear as a bell. A dreamlike stream of light rose between Ji Jue's hands. The ghostly worker had no time to complain about Ji Jue's rough handling; the ethereal blue light materialized, and in the void, a brand-new structure of shackles was rebuilt, sealing the flowing light once more and withdrawing it!“Mission accomplished!”Ji Jue cheered in celebration, looking at the fragments rising from the shattered pendant, instinctively reaching out... However, as soon as he recognized what he was grabbing, it was already too late. The mechanical deities within instinctively completed the capturing and absorbing of the essence of goodness, and then, unprecedentedly, they erupted violently! In an instant, they expelled and rejected! Even, faint hints of indignation emerged. What are you consuming? Are you really that hungry? A feeling of sickness and anger surged within Ji Jue’s heart, overwhelming his rational thought, making him nearly scream:“Poop! There’s poop!”And furthermore, it carried poison!!! As the process of forging in the furnace turned into an illusion before his eyes, the creator began demonstrating their ‘special skill’ proudly, Ji Jue fought against the rising waves of nausea.“Yue!!!”Forget it, forget it! I must quickly forget or the shadow will linger for a lifetime! But aside from the nausea and disgust, when he thought back to the previous sensations, he couldn’t help but delve into confusion—earlier, when he reached out, besides grasping that ghastly essence, could it also have possibly been something else? However, that touch was far too faint, like trying to grasp running water in vain; it quickly slipped away beneath the ghostly worker’s pull. Was that… the blessings? In that fleeting moment, he fell into a daze, staring blankly at his hands. Spiritual essence is the fountain of the soul, wielded to summon the power of goodness, creating miracles and destruction, allowing interference and manipulation by human hands, all of this existing within theoretical possibilities. But blessings arise from the cyclical transformations of the world, sprouting splendidly from goodness... How could one ever touch it with their bare hands? Or perhaps, it was simply an illusion born from surprise? He couldn’t tell. However, his gaze couldn’t help but drift to the silent wristwatch that had gone still for many days. If the external essence control could create infinity, then what did it mean if it could even freely extract mutations? The watch remained silent, unchanged as always. The hands steadily moved forward, never ceasing. In the dim afternoon sunlight, deep in the workshop’s basement, before the enormous furnace, flames flickered, and six years of fire continued to rise, unwavering. 【Observation system has completed self-checks; no errors detected.】 The detached persona of the Artisan calmly reported,“Temporary Administrator Ji Jue inadvertently grasped advanced applications while handling the target.
This should be considered a sheer stroke of luck.
Moreover, there’s something more important—Ji Jue captured the essence of goodness with his own hands, even if just for a moment.”Ye Xian shot a dispassionate glance,“The path of external essence relies on hands; it is not surprising to come across blessings.”【This does not match the records in the database. Should this be amended?】“No need.
Command 977, erase this record completely, ensuring there are no backups or recovery options allowed.”
【Understood, execution complete.】
Thus, silence reclaimed the room once more.
After a long time, Ye Xian turned and left.
The lights went out.
In the darkness, only the seemingly eternal flames flickered silently.
Ah, it’s nearly the end of the month.
Please give me some monthly tickets!
(End of Chapter)