Jinuo's Strong Push, "Ashamed of Oneself"

Black Iron Five Stars!

That felt good.

Rising ratings had their pros and cons.

Still, filling in all the blank stars on the back of his hand was something that brought Zhou Zhe, who had a touch of OCD, a sense of satisfaction.

The onlookers from the Supernatural Affairs Department and the reserve cadets of the Swift Wind Pavilion weren't slow to react, quickly noticing the change in Zhou Zhe.

"Black Iron Five-Star Gladiator! Just one step away from Bronze!"

"Isn't the strongest Cosmic Gladiator in China currently only Bronze Two Stars?"

"Feels like he's about to overtake them with a late surge! Exciting!"

"Given Mr. Zhou's willpower, talent, and effort, as 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! Don't talk, just look at Zhou Zhe!"

After completely digesting and absorbing the medicinal effects of the Power of Chiyou, Zhou Zhe's superior Extraordinary Organ, the Heart of Heavenly Tribulation, let out a cheer.

In the void, faint, imperceptible cracks appeared.

Spiritual energy of wind and lightning attributes emanated from them, captured and refined by the Heart of Heavenly Tribulation, transforming into Qianfeng Tribulation Lightning.

A few stray lightning sparks coiled around his body, his fringe hair dancing in the wind. Zhou Zhe felt an immense comfort, his smile widening.

This was a chain reaction.

Besides the increase in basic attributes, his mana pool had also increased by a point.

The mysterious notebook transformed into a stream of light, appearing before his eyes.

[Extraordinary Organ: Heart of Heavenly Tribulation (Qianfeng Tribulation Lightning), from the low-magic Xianxia world, Cangxin Continent, Development: 1%.]

The development had increased by a full percentage point!

He had to give a shout-out to the scientists who developed the Power of Chiyou potion!

Providing materials and obtaining items felt a bit like playing Monster Hunter.

Effort yielded rewards, and that was what kept the motivation going.

Just as Zhou Zhe was about to exchange a few pleasantries with Director Huang, a red-haired man, about 1.9 meters tall, stepped in front of him.

"You, not bad."

The red-haired man's expression was defiant, and he looked at Zhou Zhe with approval. "My name is Dugu Xiu."

"Let's fight!"

"If you win... I'll follow your lead from now on!"

"If you lose, you'll join me!"

As he spoke, Dugu Xiu exuded an air of arrogance.

Ordinary people didn't catch his eye.

Scanning his surroundings, the only ones who managed to impress him were Zhou Zhe and that Mobile Game Guy, who was hiding behind a otaku facade.

With that thought, Dugu Xiu took another serious look at Zhou Zhe.

This guy...

He's alright.

Just a tiny bit... a tiny bit cooler than me.

"Interesting."

Facing the red-haired man's challenge, Zhou Zhe chuckled, his tone gentle. "Time and place?"

Dugu Xiu stated decisively and without hesitation, "Now! Right here!"

"You go first!"

"Let me see what you're made of!"

"Don't hold back! Use whatever trump cards or finishing moves you have!"

"I don't want you making excuses after you lose!"

Upon finishing his words, Dugu Xiu put his right hand in his pocket and clenched his left hand in front of his chest.

A ball of bright red flame began to spin and dance in his palm, emitting a dazzling, scorching glow!

The air around him seemed to warp as if being roasted.

Although middle school physics told them this was merely the natural expansion and contraction of air due to heat, it didn't stop Dugu Xiu from putting on a show!

Was this stylish pose something just anyone could pull off?

Moreover, Dugu Xiu had the confidence and reason to say what he did.

His head full of red hair wasn't dyed!

With the advent of the supernatural era and the changes in Earth's environment, under the stimulation of external high-energy particles, Dugu Xiu's genes had mutated, and he had naturally awakened superpowers.

Fire cannot burn him!

By simply consuming flames every day, he could continuously strengthen himself!

He, Dugu Xiu!

The Flame Controller!

What is a favored child of heaven?

This is a favored child of heaven!

No need to exchange points from the Cosmic Arena, no need to rely on science, no need for lucky encounters!

His strength was natural!

The goodwill of the world allowed Dugu Xiu to stand out.

His strength was so formidable that even within the Supernatural Affairs Department, he was absolutely top-tier!

In the entire department, aside from that shut-in playing on his phone next to him, no one was a match for Dugu Xiu in a single move!

Zhou Zhe glanced playfully at Dugu Xiu, who was showing off, and said with a strange expression, "As for a finishing move or trump card, forget it. I don't have those yet."

"As for making me go first..."

"Are you sure?"

The Flame Controller was brimming with confidence, his expression cold. "Sure!"

"Alright then, I'll make my move. Are you ready?"

"Let's begin!"

In an instant, wind and thunder surged, and afterimages appeared between them.

Bang!

Zhou Zhe's fist was deeply embedded in the upper abdomen of Dugu Xiu.

He slowly withdrew his hand, took two steps back, and appeared at ease.

In stark contrast was Dugu Xiu, who had been arrogant and overconfident moments before.

At this very moment...

The flames in his palm had dissipated, his entire face was contorted in pain, his face was flushed red, and his body was hunched over like a cooked shrimp.

It was as if the playback speed was set to 0.5x. His pride and arrogance made Dugu Xiu want to endure, but his spirit couldn't control his body, and he could only sadly collapse slowly.

Not far away, words of encouragement from the Mobile Game Guy arrived belatedly, "Go, Xiu'er! Don't disgrace the Supernatural Affairs Department!"

"Huh? You've already fallen?"

"Never mind then."

"Lie there for a while longer, don't rush to get up, lest you throw up. It'll be so unsightly..."

"Ah! There's something I almost forgot to tell you!"

"I recently discovered a super, super great song that's perfect for you!"

"Black Panther's 'No Place to Hide'! I highly recommend it!"

Dugu Xiu, who had finally endured the pain and regained control of his body, was about to get up. Upon hearing this, his legs went weak, his red hair touched the ground, and he collapsed into a heap.

He forced himself to lift his head, so angry that flames flickered around his eyes, and he shot a death glare at the Mobile Game Guy.

"Jinuo!"

You motherf*er!

You're messing with my head!

Director Huang, standing nearby, had been a little worried that Zhou Zhe wouldn't be able to handle these troublemakers. Now, a look of schadenfreude appeared on his old face.

He smacked his lips and first looked at the Mobile Game Guy. "Little Ji, didn't you just say you wanted to test Master Zhou's skill? Now it's your turn."

The Mobile Game Guy finally put down his phone, his expression unusually serious. "Don't call me Little Ji. Please call me Arno, thank you!"

"Also, you must have misheard."

"Personally, I am very convinced by Mr. Zhou Zhe right now!"

As he said this, he chuckled with a strange confidence. "After I develop stealthily for a while and become stronger, I'll challenge him again! It won't be long before I can definitely defeat this... Curator Zhou!"

The first part of his statement brought Director Huang a sense of relief, but the latter part almost gave him a stroke.

"You little brat, you're good at everything, except you haven't been beaten down by society enough!"

After angrily scolding Jinuo a couple of times, Director Huang, exasperated, couldn't be bothered to argue with him any further.

He turned to Dugu Xiu. "There's always someone better, and there's always a higher heaven. Are you convinced now?"

The red-haired man stubbornly got to his feet.

He leaned lightly against the wall, supported his forehead with his hand, exuding a melancholic aura, and snorted coldly, "Nothing special."

"I... haven't unleashed my full strength yet."

"However, I must admit, Zhou Zhe is a worthy opponent."

"I, Dugu Xiu, acknowledge him!"

Hearing this, the Mobile Game Guy Jinuo standing beside him nodded earnestly and said sincerely, "Yeah, what's so great about Master Zhou?"

"Even though he's been involved with the supernatural for less time than you, and even though he could crush you with a single punch, you still aren't convinced."

"Sigh! Xiu'er, don't let your legs shake when you're showing off in front of people! You're about to shake all your prestige away!"

Dugu Xiu snapped a handful of his red hair, glaring ferociously at Jinuo, his face filled with murderous intent.

This level of sarcasm...

He's definitely a spy sent by the enemy, right?!

(Dugu Xiu: Offering recommendation votes, I acknowledge you!)

(Zhou Zhe: Humble protagonist, looking for a reading list online!)