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"So these are cosmic energies. No wonder I can sense them whenever I zone out," Xu Qing realized.

He had come into contact with cosmic energy long ago. He simply hadn't realized it.

Without knowing it, Xu Qing had absorbed a tiny amount of cosmic energy, which was why he was so physically fit.

It wasn't that the release of his Spiritual Force had affected his physical fitness, as Xu Xin had guessed.

Rather, when he entered a state of emptiness, he unconsciously absorbed some cosmic energy. That improved his physical fitness, which in turn led to the release of his Spiritual Force.

Only when Spiritual Force was released in large amounts after intense external stimulation would it strengthen the body in return.

But nothing like that had ever happened to Xu Qing, from childhood to adulthood.

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

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

In his sea of consciousness, a ball of light slowly revolved like a star, giving off wisps of mist.

That mist was Spiritual Force.

The cosmic energy entering from outside was also being transformed into mist.

"So the reason I can see this place is that I absorbed cosmic energy," Xu Qing finally understood what was happening to him.

He had liked zoning out and thinking ever since he was little. The truth was, he had been entering a state of emptiness and unconsciously absorbing a tiny amount of cosmic energy.

That had improved his physical fitness, and later his Spiritual Force had awakened as well.

If this were a novel, Xu Qing would be a born cultivation genius, picking up all kinds of things without a teacher.

"Looks like I really am a little genius," Xu Qing thought.

In the blink of an eye, three hours had passed.

"He's been at it for so long. For his very first session practicing the Guidance Technique, Xiao Qing has lasted this long. He's definitely a genius," Qin Lin thought, stunned.

Among all the Warriors in Jiangnan Base City, there were hardly any geniuses. Only those with the potential to become a War God qualified for that title.

Any genius who appeared would be courted by all kinds of powers, especially the Limit Martial Arts Hall and the Thunder Martial Arts Hall, which even had a Training Camp devoted to nurturing geniuses.

Anyone who got into one of the Two Great Dojos' Training Camps had a limitless future ahead of them. Becoming a War God wouldn't be the end of the road, either.

"In that case, should I..." Qin Lin looked troubled.

She was a member of the Limit Martial Arts Hall and took pride in it. She knew how important geniuses were—they were a precious resource for humanity.

Monsters were rampant on Earth. The Base Cities might look peaceful, but outside their walls, monsters were everywhere. Even with the emergence of Hong and Thor, two Beyond War God powerhouses, humanity was still at a severe disadvantage.

If a peerless powerhouse like Hong or Thor could emerge, it would be a blessing for all of humanity.

Qin Lin was torn. Should she tell the Limit Martial Arts Hall's senior leadership about Xu Qing?

If she did, she and Xu Qing might have to spend a long time apart. She couldn't bear it. She'd only just managed to have him in her life.

"Whew. I'll think about it some more." A flicker of conflict crossed Qin Lin's eyes.

She was a university lecturer as well as a Warrior. She had killed countless monsters and witnessed many of her comrades die. She understood all too well that humanity needed more powerful Warriors.

Powerful Warriors could save many people and save many families.

As a lecturer at Jiangnan University, Qin Lin could be selfish and keep Xu Qing by her side, going from lovers to husband and wife and living happily together for the rest of their lives.

But as a Warrior, Qin Lin couldn't be selfish. Xu Qing was a genius. He could become a War God, slay powerful monsters, and protect Huaxia and countless people.

Nation before family. A nation had to come before a home. Only when there was a nation could there be a home. That was a conviction every passionate Warrior in Huaxia should hold.

Even though Qin Lin had retired and become a university lecturer, the fiery blood of a Warrior still ran through her veins, along with a sense of duty.

Her passion and sense of duty reminded her that she couldn't be so selfish.

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

Discovering that Xu Qing was a genius hadn't made her happy. Instead, it had filled her with worry.

The vast amount of cosmic energy entering his body had put Xu Qing through what felt like a grand baptism, and his physical fitness had soared.

A thin layer of gray grime covered his skin. It was the impurities expelled from his body.

Whoosh!

Xu Qing opened his eyes, feeling sticky and uncomfortable.

"Ugh, I'm so dirty. I'm going to wash up." Xu Qing sprang to his feet and rushed into the bathroom.

Qin Lin was still lost in her inner turmoil and hadn't even noticed that Xu Qing had woken up.

In the bathroom, after washing himself clean, Xu Qing looked in the mirror and noticed that his skin had taken on a hint of bronze. It hadn't become any fairer.

"Hehe, not bad, not bad. Now this is the kind of complexion a man should have." Xu Qing was quite pleased. If he'd gotten any fairer, he really would have looked no different from a girl.

Xu Qing studied himself in the mirror for a long time, growing more pleased by the minute. If he'd known cultivation could change his skin tone, he would have practiced seriously instead of slacking off.

Still, it wasn't too late.

"Starting today, I, Xu Qing, am going to take my cultivation seriously." Xu Qing clenched his fist.

He quickly changed into a loose short-sleeved shirt and knee-length shorts, then jogged over to Qin Lin. "Linlin, look at me. Can you tell what's different? Look, look!"

Only then did Qin Lin snap out of it and look at Xu Qing. But he clearly hadn't heard what Xu Qing had just said. "What?"

"I said, look at me and tell me what's different," Xu Qing repeated.

Only then did Qin Lin take a good look at him, then smile. "You've gotten more handsome."

"Of course I've gotten more handsome. That goes without saying! I'm asking if you can see what's changed about me. Come on, I'll give you one more chance," Xu Qing urged.

"Hmm... Your skin looks a lot better, and your complexion looks healthier, too," Qin Lin said after taking a few more glances.

"Correct! You've got a good eye, Linlin," Xu Qing said with a smug grin.

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

Qin Lin's body trembled slightly. Looking at Xu Qing's adorable face, she suddenly pulled him into her arms.

"Linlin really does love hugs, huh?" Xu Qing wrapped his arms around her waist, smiling as he spoke.

His girlfriend really was so clingy. She was adorable.

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

"You figured it out? That's right, I'm a genius. You can be proud to have a boyfriend like me, Linlin." Xu Qing giggled.

"Mm, I am proud. Xiao Qing, you have to grow stronger. Become a War God, then a Beyond War God powerhouse. Then protect Huaxia and everyone else," Qin Lin said solemnly.

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

Qin Lin looked down at him. "Xiao Qing, would you be willing to hear my story?"

"Of course," Xu Qing said, nodding.