Black Iron Five Stars!
That felt good.
Higher ratings had both advantages and disadvantages.
Still, seeing every blank star on the back of his hand filled was enough to bring Zhou Zhe, with his slight obsessive-compulsive tendencies, considerable pleasure.
The onlookers from the Supernatural Affairs Department and the reserve trainees of Swift Wind Pavilion were quick to react, swiftly noticing Zhou Zhe's change.
"Black Iron Five-Star Gladiator! He's only one step away from Bronze now!"
"Our country's strongest Cosmic Gladiator is only Bronze Two Stars right now, isn't he?"
"Looks like he'll soon overtake them on the curve! This is exciting!"
"With Mr. Zhou's willpower, talent, and diligence, so long as he doesn't fall in the Cosmic Arena, it won't be long before we witness the birth of the nation's strongest!"
"Yeah! Stop talking, look at Zhou Zhe!"
After completely digesting and absorbing the effects of the Power of Chiyou, the High-Tier Extraordinary Organ within Zhou Zhe's body, the Heart of Heavenly Tribulation, let out a jubilant cheer.
Fine, threadlike rifts invisible to the naked eye appeared in the void.
Wind- and lightning-aspected spiritual power spilled out from them, caught and refined by the Heart of Heavenly Tribulation, then transformed into the power of Qianfeng Tribulation Lightning.
Stray arcs of lightning coiled around his body. The loose strands before his forehead fluttered without wind, and Zhou Zhe felt utterly at ease, the smile on his face growing ever brighter.
This was a chain reaction.
Besides the increase in his basic attributes, his maximum mana had also risen by one point.
The mysterious notebook transformed into a stream of light and appeared before his eyes.
Extraordinary Organ: Heart of Heavenly Tribulation (Qianfeng Tribulation Lightning), from the low-magic xianxia world, Cangxin Continent. Development rate: 1%.
Its development rate had risen by a full percentage point!
He absolutely had to give a thumbs-up to the scientists who had developed the Power of Chiyou potion!
Provide materials, reap items—it had a bit of that "Monster Hunter" flavor.
Only when effort brought rewards could motivation keep burning.
Just as Zhou Zhe was preparing to exchange a few pleasantries with Director Huang, a red-haired man standing one meter ninety tall planted himself in front of him.
"You're not bad."
The red-haired man looked arrogant as he regarded Zhou Zhe with approval. "My name is Dugu Xiu."
"Fight me!"
"If you win... from now on, I'll listen to you!"
"If you lose, come roll with me!"
As he spoke, Dugu Xiu radiated arrogance.
Ordinary people did not even merit his notice.
Looking around, the only ones who caught his eye were Zhou Zhe and that Mobile Game Guy wearing the outer shell of a shut-in nerd.
At that thought, Dugu Xiu studied Zhou Zhe seriously once more.
This guy...
He was alright.
Only a hundred million... tiny little bits more handsome than himself.
"Interesting."
Facing the red-haired man's challenge, Zhou Zhe chuckled. "Time and place?"
Dugu Xiu answered decisively, without the slightest hesitation, "Now! Here!"
"You make the first move!"
"Let me see what you're made of!"
"Don't hold back! Whatever trump cards or killing moves you have, use them all!"
"I don't want you making excuses after you lose!"
With that, Dugu Xiu slipped his right hand into his pocket and loosely clenched his left before his chest.
A ball of scarlet flame began to spin and dance in his palm, radiating scorching, dazzling brilliance!
Even the air around him seemed to warp from the heat.
Although middle-school physics told them this was merely the natural manifestation of air expanding and contracting with heat, that did not stop Dugu Xiu from putting on a holy display before the masses!
Could just anyone pull off a look with style points this full?
What was more, Dugu Xiu truly had the confidence and grounds to say such things.
That full head of red hair was not dyed!
After the Supernatural Era descended, Earth's environment changed. Stimulated by high-energy particles from the outside world, Dugu Xiu's genes mutated, and he naturally awakened superpowers.
Fire could not burn him!
As long as he devoured flames every day, he could continuously strengthen himself!
He, Dugu Xiu!
The Flame Controller!
What was a favored son of heaven?
This was a favored son of heaven!
No need to rely on Cosmic Arena points for exchanges, no need to depend on science, no need for fortuitous encounters!
Being strong was only natural!
The goodwill of the world had allowed Dugu Xiu to stand out from the crowd.
His strength was so formidable that even within the Supernatural Affairs Department, he was unquestionably among the very best!
In the entire department, aside from that shut-in beside them currently playing on his phone, no one could withstand even a single exchange with Dugu Xiu!
Zhou Zhe gave the showboating Dugu Xiu an amused glance, his expression strange. "Let's forget about killing moves and trump cards. I don't have anything like that yet."
"As for having me attack first..."
"Are you sure?"
The Flame Controller's confidence overflowed, his expression icy. "Sure!"
"Alright, then. I'm attacking. Are you ready?"
"Begin!"
In an instant, wind and lightning surged, and an afterimage appeared between the two men.
Bang!
Zhou Zhe's fist sank deeply into the upper part of Dugu Xiu's abdomen.
He slowly withdrew his hand and stepped back two paces, looking utterly at ease.
In stark contrast was Dugu Xiu, who had been so unruly and brimming with confidence moments ago.
At this very moment...
The flames in his palm had already dispersed. His entire face was twisted in pain, flushed crimson, and his body bent over like a cooked shrimp.
As though the scene were playing at half speed, Dugu Xiu's dignity and pride made him want to hold on, but his mind could not control his body. He could only slowly collapse in sorrow.
Not far away, encouragement from Mobile Game Guy arrived belatedly. "Axiu, go! Don't disgrace our Supernatural Affairs Department!"
"Huh? You're already down?"
"Then never mind."
"Lie there a little longer. Don't rush to get up, or you might throw up. How ugly would that be..."
"Ah! There's something I nearly forgot to tell you!"
"I recently discovered a super, super good song. It suits you perfectly!"
"Black Panther's 'No Place to Hide.' I solemnly recommend it!"
Dugu Xiu had only just endured the pain and regained control of his body. He was about to climb back up when his legs went weak at those words, his red hair hitting the ground and spreading into a mess.
He forced himself to raise his head, flames swirling at the corners of his eyes as he cast a death glare at Mobile Game Guy.
"Ji! Nuo!"
Fuck your mother!
You're messing with my head!
Director Huang, standing nearby, had originally been somewhat worried that Zhou Zhe would not be able to keep these thorns in line. Now, a delighted smile appeared on his aged face.
Smacking his lips, he first looked toward Mobile Game Guy. "Little Ji, didn't you say you wanted to test Master Zhou's level? It's your turn now."
Mobile Game Guy finally put down his phone, his expression more serious than ever. "Don't call me Little Ji. Please call me Arno, thank you!"
"Also, you must have misheard."
"Personally, I'm completely convinced by Mr. Zhou now!"
At this point, he chuckled, carrying a mysterious air of confidence. "Once I develop in a sneaky, low-key way for a while and get stronger, I'll challenge him again! It won't be long before I can definitely defeat this... Master Zhou!"
The first sentence greatly comforted Director Huang's old heart; the second nearly gave him a cerebral hemorrhage from rage.
"You little brat, everything about you is fine except that society hasn't beaten you up nearly enough!"
After Director Huang angrily blasted him with a couple of insults, he could not be bothered to keep babbling with Jinuo.
He turned to Dugu Xiu. "There are always people beyond people, and heavens beyond heavens. Are you convinced now?"
The red-haired man stubbornly forced himself upright.
He leaned lightly against the wall, one hand supporting his forehead, his gloomy aura in full bloom. With a cold snort, he said, "Nothing special."
"I... haven't used my full strength yet."
"But I must admit, Zhou Zhe is a decent opponent."
"I, Dugu Xiu, acknowledge him!"
Hearing that, Jinuo, the Mobile Game Guy beside him, nodded solemnly and said in an earnest tone, "Yeah, what's so impressive about Master Zhou?"
"Though he's been in contact with the supernatural for even less time than you, though he could hammer you to death with one punch, none of that can convince you."
"Hey! Axiu, don't let your legs shake when you're putting on a holy display! You're shaking all your swagger away!"
Dugu Xiu tore off a handful of red hair, glaring viciously at Jinuo, his face filled with murderous intent.
That level of sarcastic needling...
He was definitely an undercover agent sent by the other side, wasn't he?!
(Dugu Xiu: Offer your recommendation votes, and I shall acknowledge you!)
(Zhou Zhe: Humble protagonist, seeking booklist recommendations online!)
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