Proactive Attack

Lin Yi withdrew his finger, the blue light at his fingertip slowly dissipating.

The banquet hall fell into a deathly silence. Everyone's gaze was locked onto the table that had been reduced to powder, as if they were witnessing something that defied their understanding of reality.

Chen Yu's mouth hung slightly open, his Adam's apple bobbing as he swallowed, though he couldn't manage to make a sound.

Zhou Yuxuan's glasses had slid to the tip of his nose, but he was too preoccupied to notice, his eyes fixed intently on Lin Yi's finger.

"This..."

Zhou Jianjun instinctively took half a step back. His hand, which had weathered many storms and was accustomed to gripping weapons, was trembling slightly.

But Lin Yi did not stop his demonstration.

"Source Energy doesn't just modify offensive capabilities; it also enhances physical constitution."

As if he felt the shock wasn't enough, he added another sentence.

Immediately, he took a deep breath and suddenly lunged toward the wall on the other side of the banquet hall.

The crowd felt a blur before their eyes, and the figure in black armor had already appeared five meters away, moving so fast he left behind a faint afterimage.

Following that, he leaped violently, jumping over five meters high. He first hooked onto the crystal chandelier on the ceiling with one hand, suspending his entire body in mid-air, before suddenly letting go and landing lightly amidst the gasps of the crowd.

It wasn't over yet. After landing, Lin Yi grabbed a sturdy wooden chair nearby. As he applied a slight force with his five fingers, the back of the chair emitted a strained, creaking sound, and he had forcibly pinched five deep indentations into it!

"My god..."

The broken chair leg in Li Jie's hand clattered to the floor. Beside him, Zhao Xiaowen grabbed his arm unconsciously, her nails digging almost into his flesh.

Ye Qingyu, meanwhile, felt her eyes suddenly grow red.

She wasn't afraid; rather, an indescribable emotion surged in her heart.

She suddenly felt that the figure in her memory, who was always quietly doing homework, was now standing on an entirely different dimension.

"This is just the beginning."

Lin Yi's voice pulled everyone back to reality. "I have only just entered the threshold. No, I haven't even reached the threshold; I'm not even considered a novice."

He paused deliberately, his gaze sweeping over the older relatives present before finally settling on Zhou Jianjun.

"According to the knowledge in the Guidance Technique, I've calculated that if one can absorb about 20 Source Energy Crystals, they can complete the initial Source Energy modification of the body and become a 'Stardust Rank.' Not only will they truly enter the path of Source Energy and gain greater power, but they can also extend their lifespan!"

The last four words struck the hearts of the elders like a heavy hammer.

Lin Ruiming and Zhou Jianjun widened their eyes simultaneously, while the pen in Uncle Lin Ruiheng's hand dropped to the floor with a clatter.

Extend their lifespan.

To the young, this might be a vague concept, but to the middle-aged who had been worn down by the passage of time, it held a fatal attraction.

"Xiao Yi, you just said..." Lin Ruiheng's voice was tight, his fingers unconsciously rubbing the cuff of his suit jacket. "It can extend lifespan? Is that for real? No, Uncle isn't doubting you, it's just... how much can it be extended?"

Lin Yi deliberately put on a thoughtful expression. "The Guidance Technique doesn't specify, but it does mention that the base lifespan of a Stardust Rank is at least twice that of an ordinary person."

This statement immediately caused a stir.

The middle-aged men exchanged shocked glances.

Zhou Jianjun was a straightforward man. He walked quickly to Lin Yi, pressed his rough, large hand heavily on his shoulder, and asked the question everyone wanted to know: "Good lad! Can you teach this skill of yours to others?"

Lin Yi was not at all surprised by this question; in fact, it would have been a surprise if no one had asked.

He nodded. "Theoretically, anyone can. You don't even need the Guidance Technique, as long as you have Source Energy Crystals. However, the content of the Guidance Technique is vast, and we don't have the means to record it right now. It would be more convenient to obtain the crystals that contain the recorded techniques."

In the corner, the silent female office worker suddenly raised her head. She hesitated before speaking. "Um... what if someone is older?"

"Age is not an issue," Lin Yi said firmly. "The Guidance Technique mentions that Source Energy prioritizes repairing damage within the body. Theoretically, older people might even feel the improvements more intuitively."

This answer changed the atmosphere in the banquet hall entirely.

The fear that had originally shrouded everyone seemed to be diluted, replaced by a subtle sense of anticipation.

Lin Yi noticed that even Su Xiao, who had been huddled in the corner, had raised her head, a glimmer of light flashing in her red, swollen eyes.

He couldn't help but nod inwardly.

The reason he performed this showy display was primarily to divert everyone's attention away from their grief and terror.

The best way to forget pain is to immerse oneself in something else.

And becoming stronger or extending one's life held immense appeal for both the old and the young.

Lin Yi looked around and noticed the longing in everyone's eyes. He thought for a moment before adding, "But I must give a warning: everyone's talent is different, and the speed of entry will vary."

He knew that after seeing him reach the threshold in three hours, everyone would likely underestimate how difficult it was to learn the Source Energy Guidance Technique. The higher the hope, the greater the disappointment would be, so he had to give them a heads-up.

However, judging by their expressions, it was clear they didn't take his warning to heart.

Lin Yi shook his head inwardly, decided not to dwell on it, and moved straight to the point.

"So, what we need to do now..." Lin Yi scanned the room, paused for a moment, and then raised his voice, "...is to collect more crystals."

He pointed out the window. "Those monsters are terrifying, but every time we kill one, not only do we reduce the threat to our safety, but we might also obtain treasures."

"Kill monsters and get loot!" Chen Yu suddenly slapped his thigh. "Haha, I knew it! It feels just like playing a game!"

Hearing Chen Yu say this, the young people, who were already incredibly envious of Lin Yi's display, now wore expressions of eagerness to try.

"No!"

Lin Yi's expression darkened.

Redefining the Doomsday Assessment as a game might significantly alleviate everyone's psychological pressure, but that was not what he wanted.

"Chen Yu, you must remember, this is not a game. You will get hurt. You will die." He scanned the group sternly. "If you die, there is no respawning. Therefore, I intend to deal with the monsters downstairs alone to see if I can acquire more Guidance Technique crystals and help everyone get started with Source Energy first."

As soon as he finished speaking, a chorus of voices filled with guilt and unease rose from the crowd in opposition.

"That won't do!"

Lin Ruiming was the first to speak, his tone urgent and laced with worry. "You're going alone? That's too dangerous!"

"That's right, Little Yi!" Lin Ruiheng followed immediately, his brows furrowed. "You've only just learned a few skills, and there are so many monsters downstairs. If we all go together, we can at least look out for one another!"

Zhou Jianjun shook his head repeatedly, his tone full of disapproval. "No, no, how can we let you go take such a risk alone!"

"Exactly! Brother Yi, take me with you, I'll go with you!" Chen Yu shouted, waving the makeshift club in his hand excitedly.

"Count me in too!" Zhou Yuxuan, usually a man of few words, also stepped forward.

Although the others remained silent, their gazes were all fixed on Lin Yi, clearly conveying the sentiment that they could not let him face the danger alone.