Mu Qingxuan's single remark left the burly Hao Zhong red-faced and awkward, so uncomfortable that he could neither sit nor stand still.
"Mom!" Xu Kun called out helplessly.
Ever since he was young, Hao Zhong had been a force to be reckoned with outside, powerful enough to command the winds and clouds. But whenever he faced his mother, he became as obedient as a little white rabbit, even timing his breathing carefully for fear of upsetting her.
Xu Kun had always found this puzzling. He naturally knew just how terrifying his second father and second mother's identities were, so why were they so afraid of his mother?
He had once asked out of curiosity, and Mu Qingxuan's answer had been: "Your father saved their lives!"
That explanation made sense, but beyond that connection, in today's human race where strength was revered above all else, Mu Qingxuan's attitude toward Hao Zhong and Chen Gu was still somewhat unusual.
Yet his second father and second mother seemed perfectly accustomed to Mu Qingxuan's attitude, always treating her with utmost respect and awe.
After Xu Kun called out, the coldness on Mu Qingxuan's face eased slightly.
"Sit down, everyone. Xu Kun cooked personally today, so come taste his handiwork."
"Alright, then! I'll have a taste of my wonderful son's cooking!"
Hao Zhong immediately took the opening and called the family over to sit. The originally small table became unbearably crowded the moment Hao Zhong's broad-built family sat down.
But Xu Kun loved this feeling of the whole family gathered together. The fatherly love he had lacked since childhood, as well as the meticulous motherly care, were things he had felt from Hao Zhong and Chen Gu.
No talking while eating, no talking while sleeping. Hao Zhong's family knew Mu Qingxuan's rules well, so they simply devoured the meat without saying much.
After a fierce battle with the food, the generous spread Xu Kun had prepared was wiped out completely.
Chen Gu tactfully began clearing the table and washing the dishes and pots.
Hao Zhong, meanwhile, acted as though he were in his own home and took charge of pouring tea.
The arrangement was orderly and natural, but if anyone outside who revered the terrifying strength of Hao Zhong and his wife saw this scene, their jaws would probably hit the floor.
Mu Qingxuan turned her gaze toward Hao Jian.
Hao Jian immediately sat up straight, his voice trembling slightly. "A... Auntie..."
"Mhm. How were your results in this trial?"
"I... I... I..."
Hao Jian, usually so eloquent and smooth among his classmates, suddenly became a stutterer!
Even his father could not stand watching any longer and smacked the back of his head without mercy.
"Didn't you hear your aunt asking you a question? Answer properly!"
Hao Jian felt like crying. So the one acting as obedient as a kitten just now was not you? Now you were acting tough in front of your son!
"They... they were alright, I guess. I awakened a pretty good S-tier talent, and with a bit of luck, I got an SS-tier rating in the beginner trial..."
It was an achievement worth being extremely proud of. Compared with Wang Teng, who only had an A-tier talent and had started swaggering around after receiving an A-tier rating, Hao Jian's talent and results would absolutely shock the entire school if they were revealed!
But answering in front of Mu Qingxuan, Hao Jian did not seem nearly as confident.
"Mhm, not bad. Let me see your status panel."
Hao Jian naturally had no objections. Without hesitation, he revealed his greatest secret.
Xu Kun also curiously craned his neck to look.
ID: Jian Talent: S-tier Celestial Might (Stamina + Strength * 320%) Level: Tier 1 Level 0 Class: SS-tier Overlord Strength: 180 Stamina: 676 Agility: 30 Willpower: 130 Luck: 0 Attack: 1800 HP: 43800 Energy: 6500 Physical Defense: 7760 Magic Defense: 2300 HP Recovery: ... Energy Recovery: ... Accuracy: Based on target's evasion Evasion: Based on target's accuracy Attack Speed: Slow Movement Speed: 3M/S Equipment: S-tier (Sacred Shield) Skills: SS-tier (Thorn Armor) S-tier (Reckless Abandon) A-tier (Fountain of Life) ...
After reading Hao Jian's status panel, Xu Kun froze. Fuck, were these even stats a normal person could have? An attack of 1800—even without equipping the Cheng Ying Sword, he could not compare!
The most terrifying part was the more than forty thousand HP, along with that horrifying physical defense which even Xu Kun could not break!
"Jian Jian, how are your stats this ridiculous?" Xu Kun asked, struggling to accept it.
He knew his brother was no ordinary person, but this was far too extraordinary, was it not?
If he did not have special attribute attacks and a pile of skills, even slashing Hao Jian would only deal the forced damage of -1!
Magic Warrior Force: (;´༎ຶٹ༎ຶ`) I'm sorry, The Lord!
Mu Qingxuan narrowed her eyes slightly. "Your talent converts your Strength attribute into Stamina at 320%. Xiao Jian's class bonuses for Strength, Stamina, and Willpower should all be five stars, right? And after resetting your points, you put most of your free attribute points into Strength!"
Hao Jian grinned, recovering his confidence. "Auntie is too smart. You saw through my class traits and point allocation at a glance!"
"My Overlord class is a nineteen-star SS-tier class. Strength, Stamina, and Willpower all have five-star conversion rates, while Spirit and Agility only have two stars!"
"I allocated the 190 free attribute points from changing classes and the 50 free attribute points from reaching level ten as 180 Strength, 30 Agility, and 30 Willpower!"
Those 180 points of Strength alone had produced the 1800 Attack shown on his panel!
More importantly, after adding 180 points to Strength, Hao Jian's talent gave him 3.2 times that amount in Stamina, resulting in an additional 576 points of Stamina without him investing even a single point into it!
By that calculation, the HP gained from talent conversion alone reached a terrifying 576 * 50 = 28800!
As he spoke, Hao Jian removed a piece of equipment from his chest that resembled a heart-protecting mirror.
"This is the S-tier equipment I received after changing classes, the Sacred Shield!"
Although this S-tier equipment only had two advancement opportunities, its current attributes were already explosive!
Stamina +100, Willpower +100, HP +10000, Physical Defense/Magic Defense +1000...
With all those bonuses combined, Hao Jian had achieved his current terrifying status panel.
"Sister-in-law, what do you think? This brat has done pretty well, right?" Hao Zhong said, patting Hao Jian's head, unable to hide the pride in his voice.
Rarely, Mu Qingxuan nodded approvingly. "Although Xiao Jian's talent is only S-tier, it is more practical than even an ordinary SS-tier talent!"
The strength of Hao Jian's talent lay in the fact that he could pour massive amounts of attributes into Strength while also gaining frightening Stamina bonuses!
Even with an SS-tier talent that gave Stamina +640%, one would inevitably have to reduce investment in other free attributes to strengthen that talent. In that case, their HP and defense would be higher than Hao Jian's, but their attack power would leave much to be desired!
That was the strength of a special S-tier talent—trading immense Strength for even higher Stamina. Celestial Might truly lived up to its name!
"However, your attributes also have weaknesses. You should know where they lie, right?"
Hearing that Mu Qingxuan was testing him, Hao Jian immediately answered, "Opponents with high Agility, and people with special attribute attacks!"
Indeed, one type would turn Hao Jian, with his movement speed of only 3M/S, into a lump of meat that could only take hits without striking back. Even if every attack only dealt -1 damage, they could still wear him down to death!
The other type consisted of opponents who possessed special attribute attack methods. Against them, Hao Jian's powerful dual defenses would become mere decorations.
Mu Qingxuan nodded. Although Hao Jian was usually unserious, under the same training she had given Xu Kun, his professional knowledge was still very solid!
Mu Qingxuan looked at Hao Zhong. Hao Zhong shuddered for no reason and immediately stood ramrod straight like a soldier at attention.
"As his father, help him find more defensive equipment with special attribute resistance. Then he will have great prospects in the future!"
"Don't worry, sister-in-law. When I get back, Chen Gu and I will start making arrangements for this brat!"
Hearing his father's answer, Hao Jian felt as sweet as honey. Auntie really had a way with things—did this not mean he now had a chance to live off his parents?
Mu Qingxuan gave no response and looked toward her son. "If you and Xiao Jian work together, there will be plenty of room for you to shine!"
Xu Kun naturally understood his own strengths. With Hao Jian tanking the damage and himself providing explosive output, when brothers worked together, they could cut through metal!
Hao Jian's eyes lit up at those words. He was about to ask Xu Kun about his talent and attributes, but Mu Qingxuan was not finished speaking.
"Give Xiao Jian that artifact you do not need. With it, Xiao Jian's offensive capabilities will become much stronger. At least for a while, it will be difficult for him to find an opponent!"
"Hehe, I was thinking the same thing. You just said it before I could, Mom!"
Hearing the conversation between mother and son, even Chen Gu, who had been listening intently from inside, was stunned.
"An... artifact?" Hao Jian stammered.
Hao Zhong, who was standing, also had his pupils shrink slightly. His sister-in-law naturally knew what an artifact was and would not speak without cause. Could it be that his wonderful son really...
Xu Kun made a motion as though retrieving something, then looked at Hao Jian. "Jian Jian, if you do not call me big brother today, you are not taking this thing!"
Hao Jian stubbornly replied, "I was born before you. No matter what, I'm your big brother. That is beyond dispute..."
But before he could finish speaking, Xu Kun took out the flaming, imposing Rongjin Sunset Blade and tossed it to Hao Jian.
Hao Jian frantically caught the large blade Xu Kun threw at him.
When he looked at the Rongjin Sunset Blade's attributes, his mouth opened wide enough to fit two fists inside.
Rongjin Sunset Blade
Tier: SS-tier Mid-Grade Artifact
Level: Tier 1 Level 0
Strength: +100
Physical Attack: +800
Agility: +20
Fire Attribute Attack: +120
Fire Attribute Penetration: +30
All Attributes: +12
Description: Crimson refinement coils and waits for the setting sun; iron pine melts at its core and splits gold and stone!
An artifact forged by a divine craftsman with the effort of an entire lifetime. Only those skilled in battle may wield it!
Equipment Requirement: Strength > 100
Traits:
Blood Pact: Artifacts possess spirits. After signing a blood pact, others cannot steal it, and it will not drop upon death!
Molten Gold Sunset: When hitting a hostile target, there is a 5% chance to trigger "Mighty Strike," increasing damage by 100%. Stacking effect: Physical Attack +20%, target Physical Defense -20%, lasting 30S!
Artifact Advancement Attempts: 8!
Advancement Requirements: ...
"Holy shit, an SS-tier mid-grade artifact!" Hao Jian cried out in utter excitement.
The next moment, he smoothly dropped to his knees, hugged Xu Kun's thigh, and said, "Brother Kun, from now on, you're my real big brother! Please, you have to give me this blade! If that doesn't work, I can call you Dad!"
"You brat, what nonsense are you talking about?!" Hao Zhong was furious. He kicked Hao Jian to the ground, then casually picked up the Rongjin Sunset Blade that had fallen beside him.
After reading its attributes, he too froze in place.
"This... this... this won't do!"
In the end, Hao Zhong still could not accept it. Under Hao Jian's resentful gaze, he returned the Rongjin Sunset Blade and looked seriously at Xu Kun. "Wonderful son, Xiao Jian cannot accept this. You should use it yourself!"
"Second Dad, what are you talking about? This is for Xiao Jian!" Xu Kun shook his head.
Before Hao Zhong could say anything else, Xu Kun drew the Cheng Ying Sword. "I have something more suitable!"
After the family of three finished looking at Xu Kun's own weapon, they were all petrified.
"Kun Kun, did you go robbing people during this beginner trial?"
Xu Kun's face darkened. "Call me Brother Kun!"
"You already called me that just now. I'm still the older brother now!" After saying that, Hao Jian shamelessly snatched the Rongjin Sunset Blade away, cut open his palm without hesitation, and completed the blood pact.
"Hehehe, now this blade is mine. You have no chance to regret it!"
Hao Zhong opened his mouth from the side, but in the end, he still could not bring himself to refuse.
Xu Kun looked at Hao Jian's shameless behavior and shook his head speechlessly, but he did not feel the slightest bit of regret.
An artifact could only display its true power in the hands of the right person!
With the Cheng Ying Sword, the Rongjin Sunset Blade would only gather dust in Xu Kun's hands or serve as a shovel!
Rongjin Sunset Blade: (;´༎ຶٹ༎ຶ`) Well, fucking thank you!
Xu Kun: Why the fuck are you being polite with me?!
"These three pieces of meat are for you too!" Xu Kun tossed out three pieces of Mountain-Cleaving Buffalo Meat that each gave +1 Strength.
"I originally prepared something else for you, but your Overlord class is already quite good, so I won't give it to you!"
After hesitating for a moment, Xu Kun took out the Lucky Three-Piece Set and looked toward his mother.
Seeing this, Mu Qingxuan nodded. She understood that although the three-piece set was priceless to others, it was useless to Xu Kun.
"I'll give you these three little trinkets as well. Take them all together!"
Hao Jian did not get to take them, because his father snatched them away. After one look, Hao Zhong nearly jumped high enough to break through the ceiling. "Chen Gu, come look! My wonderful son's great treasure!"
Xu Kun rolled his eyes. That phrasing was very suggestive!
After the usually gentle Chen Gu examined the Lucky Three-Piece Set, she also fell silent.
She looked at Mu Qingxuan. "Sister-in-law, isn't this inappropriate?"
Mu Qingxuan calmly said, "These things are useless to Xu Kun."
How could that be?!
Hao Zhong and Chen Gu, who considered themselves worldly and experienced, immediately found it impossible to believe. How could something like this be useless?!
"Hey, Second Dad, Second Mom, what are you doing? This is for Jian Jian!"
Xu Kun gave them no chance to refuse again. He took the Lucky Three-Piece Set and placed it in Hao Jian's hands. "Hold on to it. This is Brother Kun's love for you!"
Hao Jian checked the attributes of the three-piece set. Though surprised, he did not understand its value as clearly as his parents did, so he accepted it without hesitation. "Then I won't stand on ceremony!"
Xu Kun said smugly, "Someone offered me ten billion for these three little trinkets, and I still didn't sell them. You got lucky!"
"What?" Hao Jian, who had not cared much before, instantly widened his eyes.
"Then I..." As he spoke, he tried to take them out again.
"Brother Kun never takes back what he gives away!"
Hao Jian's hand froze in midair. His tiger-like eyes actually brimmed with tears as he gazed lovingly at Xu Kun.
"How can I repay such kindness? Why was I born a man back then? Otherwise..."
Xu Kun shuddered in disgust. "Stop looking at me like that, you creep!"
His body trembled as he hurriedly turned to Chen Gu. "Second Mom, I also prepared a little gift for you and Mom. Try them on and see if they fit!"
He took out two fox-fur coats. Seeing that they were no longer gifts as precious as the one given to Hao Jian, Chen Gu gladly accepted her fine eldest son's thoughtful gesture.
As for how Xu Kun, having only just passed the novice trial, could produce D-grade fox-fur coats, Chen Gu felt that since her fine eldest son could produce two divine weapons, anything he did was perfectly reasonable!
"Big Sister-in-law, shall we go try on the clothes the children prepared for us?"
Mu Qingxuan held the fiery red fox-fur coat. The look she gave her son softened as well, and she let Chen Gu take her hand and lead her into the inner room.
Hao Jian was now like a wild horse breaking free of the reins, immediately reaching for Xu Kun's shoulders.
"Tell your brother everything! Where did you get all these amazing treasures?!"
However, Xu Kun tapped the ground with his toes and dodged Hao Jian's grubby hands at a speed too fast for the naked eye to follow.
"Hehe, little Jian Jian, your brother's strength is beyond your imagination!"
Hao Zhong watched the two of them fooling around, a smile originally covering his face.
But when he saw the speed Xu Kun had just displayed, his brows rose.
It seems my fine eldest son is anything but ordinary!
He was both shocked and gratified.
As expected of Big Brother and Big Sister-in-law's son. He truly did not disappoint!
The two children continued roughhousing until Hao Jian finally begged for mercy. "Brother Kun, just let me see your talent and attribute panel, please!"
"Fine. Since you called me brother, I'll graciously let you have a look!"
Hao Zhong also glanced over at this moment, intensely curious about Xu Kun's talent and attributes!
Just then, a loud shout suddenly rang out from above.
"Humans, hand over Kun, who received this SSSS-tier rating, or Jiangnan Base City will be flooded!"
Before you continue