Change

"So these are cosmic energies; no wonder I could always feel them whenever I spaced out," Xu Qing realized.

He had actually been in contact with so-called cosmic energy for a long time, only he hadn't realized it until now.

Unconsciously, Xu Qing had been absorbing tiny amounts of cosmic energy, which was why his physical fitness was so exceptional.

It wasn't as Xu Xin had guessed—that the release of spiritual force had inversely affected his physical fitness.

Rather, it was because he had entered an ethereal state and unconsciously absorbed some cosmic energy, which led to an improvement in his physical fitness, subsequently triggering the release of his spiritual force.

Spiritual force only reinforces physical fitness when it is subjected to intense external stimulation and released in large quantities.

Yet, Xu Qing had never experienced such a situation from childhood to the present.

A steady stream of cosmic energy entered Xu Qing's body, where it was absorbed and became the fuel that promoted genetic evolution.

At the same time, Xu Qing sensed that a large amount of cosmic energy was entering his mind.

Within his sea of consciousness, a sphere of light rotated slowly like a star, emitting wisps of mist.

These mists were his spiritual force.

The cosmic energy entering from the outside was also being assimilated into this mist.

"The reason I could see this place is also because I absorbed cosmic energy," Xu Qing finally understood his own situation.

He had loved to space out and think since he was a child; in reality, he had been entering an ethereal state and unconsciously absorbing tiny amounts of cosmic energy.

This led to the improvement of his physical fitness, and later, the awakening of his spiritual force.

If one were to use the language of novels, Xu Qing was a natural cultivation genius; he had mastered many things without a teacher.

It seems I really am a little genius, Xu Qing thought to himself.

In the blink of an eye, three hours passed.

"To spend so much time on one's first attempt at a guiding technique—Xiao Qing is definitely a genius," Qin Lin felt a surge of inner shock.

In the entire Jiangnan Base City, if you added up all the martial artists, you wouldn't find many geniuses, because only those with the potential to become a War God were qualified to be called such.

The appearance of any genius would attract the attention of various factions, especially the Limit Martial Arts Hall and the Thunder Martial Arts Hall, as well as the training camps specifically designed to cultivate talent.

If one could enter the training camps of the two major martial arts halls, their future achievements would be limitless; even a War God would not be the end.

"In that case, should I..." Qin Lin's face showed signs of hesitation.

She was a member of the Limit Martial Arts Hall and took pride in it. She understood the importance of geniuses; they were the precious wealth of humanity.

On Earth today, monsters were rampant. Don't let the peaceful appearance of the base city fool you; outside, monsters were everywhere. Even though humanity had produced powerhouses like Hong and Thor who had surpassed the War God level, they were still at an absolute disadvantage.

If a peerless powerhouse similar to Hong or Thor could be born, it would be a blessing for all of humanity.

Qin Lin was conflicted about whether to report Xu Qing's existence to the higher-ups of the Limit Martial Arts Hall.

If she did, she and Xu Qing might have to be separated for a long time. She couldn't bear it; she had only just managed to have him.

"Hoo, let me think about it some more," a look of struggle flashed in Qin Lin's eyes.

She was a university teacher and a martial artist. She had killed countless monsters and witnessed the deaths of many comrades, so she understood one thing deeply: humanity needed more powerhouses.

Powerful martial artists could save many people and preserve many families.

As a teacher at Jiangnan University, Qin Lin could be selfish and keep Xu Qing by her side, living a happy life as a couple forever.

But as a martial artist, Qin Lin could not be selfish, because Xu Qing was a genius. He could become a War God, kill powerful monsters, and protect Huaxia and countless others.

Country, country—the country comes before the home. Only with a country can there be a home. This was a belief that every passionate martial artist in Huaxia should possess.

Even though Qin Lin had retired to become a university teacher, the blood of a martial artist still flowed through her veins, along with a sense of responsibility.

Her passion and responsibility were reminding her not to be so selfish.

"What am I supposed to do with you?" Qin Lin murmured.

Discovering the fact that Xu Qing was a genius did not make her happy; instead, it brought her sorrow.

The massive influx of cosmic energy into his body made it feel as though Xu Qing had undergone a grand baptism, causing his physical fitness to soar.

A thin layer of gray substance covered the surface of his skin—these were the impurities expelled from his body.

Swish!

Xu Qing opened his eyes, feeling a bit sticky and uncomfortable.

"Wow, so dirty. I'm going to wash up," Xu Qing sprang up and dashed into the bathroom.

Qin Lin was still lost in her inner conflict and didn't even notice that Xu Qing had woken up.

In the bathroom, after Xu Qing cleaned his body, he looked in the mirror and found that his skin had taken on a hint of bronze, rather than becoming fairer.

"Hehe, not bad, not bad. This is the skin tone a real man should have," Xu Qing was very satisfied. If he had continued to get fairer, he really wouldn't have been any different from a girl.

Xu Qing looked at himself in the mirror for a long time, becoming more satisfied the more he looked. If he had known that cultivation could change his skin tone, he would have definitely practiced diligently and wouldn't have been lazy.

However, it wasn't too late now.

"From today on, I, Xu Qing, will start practicing seriously," Xu Qing clenched his fists.

He quickly changed into a loose short-sleeved shirt and mid-length pants, then trotted over to Qin Lin. "Linlin, look at me—is there anything different about me? Look, look!"

Qin Lin finally snapped out of her daze and looked at Xu Qing, though it was clear she hadn't heard what he had just said. "What?"

"I said, look at me and see if there's anything different," Xu Qing repeated.

Only then did Qin Lin take a serious look, then she smiled and said, "You've become more handsome."

"That goes without saying, of course I've become more handsome. I'm asking if you can see any changes in my body. Come on, I'll give you one more chance," Xu Qing urged.

"Hmm... your skin seems to have gotten much better, and your complexion is healthier too," Qin Lin said after taking a few glances.

"Correct! Your eye for detail is quite good, Linlin," Xu Qing laughed triumphantly.

After saying that, he walked up to Qin Lin and leaned in to look into her eyes. "What's wrong, Linlin? You don't seem happy."

Qin Lin's body trembled slightly as she looked at Xu Qing's adorable face, and she suddenly pulled him into her embrace.

"Linlin really does love hugs," Xu Qing said with a smile, wrapping his arms around her waist as well.

His girlfriend really seemed to be the clingy type; how cute.

"Xiao Qing, you're a genius, aren't you?" Qin Lin asked.

"You've discovered it already? That's right, I am a genius. With a boyfriend like me, you can be proud, Linlin," Xu Qing chuckled.

"Yes, I am very proud. Xiao Qing, you must become strong, become a War God, become a powerhouse that transcends the War God, and then protect Huaxia, protect everyone," Qin Lin said in a serious tone.

Hearing this, Xu Qing finally sensed that something was wrong. "What's the matter, Linlin? Why are you saying these things?"

Qin Lin lowered her head to look at him. "Xiao Qing, are you willing to listen to my story?"

"Mm, of course I am," Xu Qing nodded.