First Hearing of Luo Feng

At dusk, a yellow-green taxi stopped outside the entrance to a heavily guarded residential compound.

The door opened, and a figure in white flashed out. His clothes fluttered as though he rode the wind.

He casually shut the door, a faint smile on his handsome face. "Automatic payment. Goodbye."

"Sure thing. Take care, sir."

The taxi driver was extremely polite, his smile even somewhat ingratiating.

It couldn't be helped. He had picked up this passenger from a Limitless Martial Arts School branch, and when he accepted the order, an important notice had appeared.

'Your passenger is a One-Star Citizen. Please arrive as soon as possible, keep the vehicle clean, and do not argue with the passenger.'

The moment he saw the man, he understood. That gentle, confident bearing was anything but ordinary. He was no ordinary martial arts school student—he was a Warrior! And such a young Warrior at that, a genius Warrior!

Only after watching his passenger walk more than ten meters away did the driver start the car and prepare to leave.

"Xiao Ze! Xiao Ze!"

"Wait!"

Having only taken two steps, Ning Ze turned around when he heard someone calling him.

More than twenty meters away on the road, another yellow-green taxi pulled up.

The person calling him had stuck his head out the taxi window and was repeatedly waving.

He was a middle-aged man nearing forty. His beaming expression looked exactly like Ning Hua's from a few days ago, making him seem a little foolish.

He was Ning Ze's neighbor in Bright Moon Residential Area and also belonged to the Limitless Martial Arts School. He served as an instructor, though his strength was lower than Ning Hua's. He could only be an instructor, not a Branch Master.

Ning Ze raised a brow. For the man to be this happy, he had probably discovered a genius.

Had he stopped him just to pass along the news?

But one should not involve family in a feud.

Wouldn't it be better to show off to his father?

Ning Ze smiled. "Uncle Jiang, you seem so happy. Don't tell me you found two geniuses?"

When chatting, one naturally talked about what the other person wanted to hear. Since Jiang Nian had stopped him, his urge to share had to be strong.

After getting out of the taxi, Jiang Nian walked over with the smile still on his face. At the mention of two geniuses, his grin widened even further.

Yet he waved his hand, looking as if Ning Ze had guessed wrong.

"Ha! Two geniuses? Where would we find that many geniuses? If I found a young genius like you, Xiao Ze, I'd laugh in my sleep."

That fit the current situation well enough.

The smile on Ning Ze's face deepened. Since Jiang Nian was using him as an example, the other person's talent was apparently even better than his. That made him a little curious.

"Where's this genius from? Tell me about him."

Jiang Nian grinned and pondered for a moment. Then he lowered his head and chuckled to himself before waving his hand. "Never mind. Better not mention it."

Ning Ze raised a brow and lifted his chin confidently. "What, are you afraid I'll be discouraged? Go ahead and say it. I'm not that fragile."

"Uncle Jiang underestimated you. Old Ning really did raise a fine son."

Only then did Jiang Nian say with a grin, "I got lucky this time and found a little genius."

Ning Ze's eyes were smiling. This did not look like Jiang Nian had merely found a little genius. He was grinning so hard he could barely close his mouth. Judging by how wide that grin was, he had probably found a genius-level Warrior.

And one who, upon first absorbing Cosmic Energy after becoming a Warrior, could increase his strength by over 2,000 kilograms!

"My dad used up all his luck when he had me. He isn't as lucky as you."

"Seeing how happy you are, could he be very young? Eighteen?"

Jiang Nian's eyes widened as he exclaimed, "Good kid, you actually guessed it."

"His name is Luo Feng. He graduated from high school today and is eighteen years old. Today, I took him to Limitless Headquarters to sign an S-level Contract. He's now one of our martial arts school members. He used to live in an old apartment building, but tomorrow he'll be moving into our Bright Moon Residential Area. You're both geniuses, so make sure to have a good exchange when the time comes."

Ning Ze said with a smile, "Uncle Jiang, that's not very fair of you!"

Jiang Nian looked baffled and laughed awkwardly. "How am I being unfair?"

Ning Ze folded his arms and smiled. "The grudges between your generation shouldn't involve ours."

"It's fine for you to show off to my dad when you recruit some genius. You're from different branches, after all. It's healthy competition. I could even cheer you on."

"But you clearly know my situation, and your face is practically screaming that I'm inferior to him."

"And now you want us to have a good exchange. Aren't you deliberately trying to make trouble and laugh at me?"

"I haven't offended you. Aren't you being rather unclear about whose grudge this is?"

Jiang Nian scratched his head and tried to laugh it off. "Haha, I didn't mean it that way. Xiao Ze, you misunderstood me."

Did he look like someone who had been misunderstood?

Ning Ze smiled and shook his head, saying softly, "Uncle Jiang, you'll definitely go looking for my dad afterward. To save the two of you from bickering, I still have a few days before heading to the Wilderness Area, so I have time. If there's an opportunity, I'd be happy to have a proper exchange with my junior."

With that, he gave a slight nod and turned to leave.

Watching that refined figure walk away, Jiang Nian's expression became rather strange. He muttered, "Good kid. He knows I found a genius and still dares to challenge him. He's confident enough!"

"Actually, you're pretty good too. Your strength exceeded 930 kilograms in the Quasi-Warrior test. Your first increase was over 1,200 kilograms, so you should have over 2,200 kilograms of strength now. You're already an Intermediate Warrior."

"But how could you know what Luo Feng is capable of? His strength is 3,100 kilograms, at least 800 kilograms greater than yours... Wait! Didn't this kid go to the Wilderness Area? When did he come back?"

Jiang Nian felt somewhat puzzled for a moment, then shook his head and stopped thinking about it.

A smile returned to his face. "Tomorrow, I'll go have a little chat with Old Ning first. If he still refuses to admit it, I might really have to let these two kids exchange pointers. A little setback won't hurt young people."

Meanwhile.

Ning Ze walked along a quiet path paved with pebbles.

Today, he had remembered a name: Luo Feng.

The other party's talent might be better than his. When Ning Ze graduated from high school, he had only possessed 750 kilograms of strength.

Before becoming a Warrior, one could only passively absorb Cosmic Energy. The closer one came to the Quasi-Warrior level, the more complete one's genes became and the slower Gene Enhancement progressed. Ning Ze had cultivated for nearly a year in university before becoming a Quasi-Warrior, his genes enhanced to the point where he could actively absorb Cosmic Energy.

But as things stood now, even without Force Generation or Micro-level Movement Technique, the gap in their strength should not be that large. Both were around 3,000 kilograms.

He might not be able to defeat Luo Feng with ease, but it should not be too difficult either.

After all, Ning Ze had been beaten since childhood. Ning Hua had personally let him experience the combat skills of a Warlord-level sparring partner. After being beaten for so many years, if his combat experience were still inferior to that of a rookie, that would be a joke.

Their starting points were different.

The moment Ning Ze entered the Wilderness Area, he was already a qualified Warrior. That was Zuo Xingyuan's requirement as well. At most, he needed to get used to bloodshed.

How great was the gap between them?

Ning Ze felt that he could still defeat Luo Feng, even if he used only Basic Movement Technique and Basic Sword Art against Luo Feng, who had cultivated a Warrior Secret Manual. It would just be more difficult.

He only remembered the man because, with such good talent, they might cross paths in the future.

If there was an opportunity, he would not mind helping Jiang Nian properly train Luo Feng—suppressing a genius's arrogance, making him recognize reality, stay away from conceit, and become a genius who lived.

When he returned home.

The enormous crystal chandelier cast a warm yellow glow, while the rich scent of braised meat rushed toward him and stirred his appetite.

Hearing the sound, Ning Hua hurried over.

"How much did your strength improve? Your Force Generation... Forget it, let's go upstairs."

Without getting a word in, Ning Ze was dragged upstairs.

At the dining table in the first-floor living room, Ning Qianqian puffed out her cheeks as she watched the two of them act so mysteriously. She was happy that Ning Ze was talented.

But they told her nothing, making her feel as though no one in this family cared about her anymore.

Especially her father. He was far too practical!

"Qianqian, come serve the food!"

"Coming!"

Second floor, Training Room.

Ning Ze smiled. "Dad, my strength is 2,800 kilograms."

Ning Hua's pupils contracted. Although he had already guessed as much, hearing the exact number still shocked him.

"What about your Force Generation?"

Ning Ze paused slightly. "Two times."

"It really is two times!"

Ning Hua's eyes visibly widened and rounded!

During their sparring sessions, he had already felt that his son had improved greatly. Once Ning Ze used Force Generation in battle, he became ferocious, and his strength increased to an absurd extent.

Ning Hua had vaguely reached the point where he could no longer beat him...

But hearing that it was two times with his own ears!

It made him think of even more things!

Ning Hua's face shifted between green and red. A tree that rose above the forest would be destroyed by the wind. Now, his son had become a peak of his own!

His expression turned ugly. "How is your Gale Sword Master progressing? Can you use Force Generation normally? At a time like this, we can only choose to hide it. Unless it's a life-or-death moment, you absolutely cannot reveal your Force Generation multiplier!"

Ning Ze blinked, surprised. "Dad, didn't you ask me about that on the first day the Secret Manual arrived? My Force Generation was fairly smooth. I could already use it then."

Ning Hua looked stunned. "You learned it on the first day? Why have I never seen you use it?"

Ning Ze's mouth twitched, his gaze innocent. "I wanted to, but I was afraid you'd beat me to death!"

Ning Hua looked extremely embarrassed. What was one supposed to do after discovering that one's son was an unparalleled genius?

He was about to be surpassed, so naturally, while he could still suppress his son, he had to enjoy being the father!

Over the past few days, Ning Hua had completely let loose. He had fully unleashed the strength of a Beginner Warlord and thoroughly enjoyed himself for several days.

He had planned to enjoy himself for another week before stopping.

Because he would probably be unable to beat his son soon.

Ning Hua changed the subject and said seriously, "Since you can comprehend it, that's good. I'll buy you the Second Stage Manual in a bit. Then, your twofold Force Generation will be about the same as the 2.1-fold Force Generation achieved by mastering the second stage. Once your contribution points increase a little, you can buy the later stages. Otherwise, the full price is too expensive."

Ning Ze frowned slightly. Sword Art and Movement Technique were not easy to improve.

Besides, his own realm seemed somewhat different from what the Secret Manual described. His Force Generation alone proved that.

Force Generation had appeared when he specialized in Gale Sword Art. Although Gale Sword Master had now replaced his previous manual, his Force Generation was completely unlike what the Secret Manual described.

He relied on increasing proficiency. He could improve his Force Generation without needing later manuals.

"Would buying the second stage be too exaggerated? I don't think the second stage would improve my hidden strength much. How about waiting until I return from the Wilderness Area? I'll be with the uncles anyway. Even if I encounter danger and expose it, it won't matter. They won't know how many stages I've bought."

Ning Hua raised a brow. "Good kid, you're right. Having people deliver things repeatedly really isn't good."

"Mastering the First Layer in one week is indeed too exaggerated."

As he spoke, he sighed inwardly. He had been so focused on hiding his son's self-created Force Generation technique that he had nearly forgotten how shocking it already was to master a Secret Manual capable of Force Generation.

Then, with a strange expression, he added, "Still, you don't need to worry about these things. Having talent is a good thing. Even if it's exposed, it's no big deal. I already contacted Director Dongfang and told him about your Micro-level Movement Technique. The director's meaning is that you should continue cultivating for a while. When the time comes, he'll give you a great opportunity!"

"A great opportunity?" Ning Ze asked curiously. "A Special Grade contract from Global Martial Arts Headquarters?"

"Maybe?" Ning Hua smiled mysteriously, then continued, "But young people shouldn't be like me, always thinking about hiding their strength. Our situations are different. You're still too cautious. A Warrior should spread his wings and boldly venture forth!"

"How about this? Buy it when you return from the Wilderness Area next time. By then, we can say that you mastered the First Layer in a month. That would be normal enough."

Normal my ass! Even Ning Hua felt bitter inside. He had bought top-tier Secret Manuals before, yet after studying them for a year, he had not even learned a thing!

"Old Ma and the others are still in City 022. Their ten-day plan has them returning for two days of rest, so you should still have a week to cultivate."

"Come on, let's go downstairs and eat."

When they came downstairs.

Ning Ze once again entered rapid-eating mode.

Ning Qianqian was extremely curious. She felt that her brother had changed after returning from the Wilderness Area. She barely saw him all day!

Had he performed too poorly in the Wilderness Area?

But her father's happy expression every day did not seem to support that!

Why was he cultivating like crazy? He even slept in the Training Room!

Her eyes shifted as she leaned closer and tentatively whispered, "Brother, don't you think you've forgotten something?"

Ning Ze glanced at her, then lowered his head and continued eating with all his might. This little sister of his only knew how to interrupt his cultivation. If he had the time, he would definitely teach her a proper lesson.

Ning Qianqian's enthusiasm was met with cold indifference again. She haughtily turned her head away, looking as though she meant, If you won't say it, then neither will I.

"I'm done eating. I'm going to cultivate."

Leaving behind the same words he had said every day for a week, Ning Ze headed toward the stairs.

Ning Qianqian rolled her eyes, then silently took out her phone and sent someone a message before happily continuing her meal.

After entering the Training Room, Ning Ze immediately began cultivating Gene Energy.

His Movement Technique and Sword Art were already highly proficient. Improving those two was difficult, so in the short term, raising his physical fitness would be easier for increasing his combat power.

He would be heading to the Wilderness Area in one week. He decided to raise his strength as much as possible and cultivate Gene Energy with all his effort.

Ning Ze assumed the posture of the Five Hearts Facing Heaven Style. His consciousness gradually became hazy. In that dim state, he seemed asleep yet awake, and his condition was profoundly mysterious.

The room was utterly silent.

His thoughts grew heavy, and an unusual sensation emerged from somewhere beyond perception.

The entire world seemed to come alive. In his senses, the Cosmic Energy filling endless space was vast and boundless.

Cosmic Energy was nimble and light, as though it possessed life.

Because of his unusual cultivation state, specks of energy surged toward him, continuously entering his body and gradually strengthening it.

Threads of Cosmic Energy fused into every cell throughout his body!

Throughout the process, his genes were optimized. His bones, cells, blood, internal organs, skin, and everything else continuously evolved and improved!

The hardness of his bones steadily increased, and his internal organs were continually strengthened. Every cultivation session was like an evolution, as though he were drifting through an endless ocean of Cosmic Energy.

"Hmm~ hmm-hmm~"

An innocent girl hummed a cheerful tune. Her voice was sweet and soft, immediately bringing to mind a charming, pouty face.

"Darling~"

A sweet call rang out. It was his phone's ringtone.

Ning Ze was disturbed during cultivation and gradually withdrew from that mysterious state.

He slowly opened his eyes, his gaze somewhat blank.

Now, he seemed to remember what he had forgotten...