Following the address the Professor and the others had given him, Li Ge headed to the Xavier Institute on his own.
His mom and dad had not come with him.
They felt quite at ease about their genius son, Li Ge.
Looking over the academy-or rather, the estate-before him, Li Ge muttered inwardly, Professor X really is rich!
His own assets alone could easily support keeping this mutant academy running while also feeding so many mutants.
Then there were the high-tech training grounds, medical rooms, equipment research labs, and Cerebro chamber hidden beneath the academy...
Only such substantial wealth could support Professor X in continuing to uphold his naive idea of peaceful coexistence with humans.
If not for his deep pockets, the X-Men's game of playing house, running around everywhere as unpaid emergency responders, probably would have fallen apart long ago.
After paying the taxi fare, Li Ge strode straight toward the entrance of the Xavier Institute.
Having already sensed Li Ge's distinctive energy signature approaching, the Professor had brought a group to wait at the academy's entrance.
"Li Ge, welcome aboard!"
"This is Logan, and this is Ororo Munroe. She's also one of our X-Men."
"There are also some others who aren't here. I'll introduce you to them another time."
"There are also plenty of mutant students like you at the academy. I'm sure you'll grow to like them."
With Phoenix pushing his wheelchair, the Professor was at the front of the group. He welcomed Li Ge's arrival and introduced the new faces beside him.
"Hello, Li Ge! It's a pleasure to meet you."
Storm greeted Li Ge.
"So you're the Li Ge the Professor and the others have been raving about. Didn't expect you to be a kid, but welcome aboard anyway. Just don't come bothering me when you've got nothing to do!"
Wolverine was as crude as ever.
Li Ge did not mind Logan's words. He knew Logan was a tough guy with a cold exterior and a warm heart.
"Professor, everyone, hello! I believe there's no need for me to introduce myself."
"If anything comes up, you can all come to me for help. I'm sure you'll need my ability."
Li Ge greeted them briefly and went straight to the subject of his ability.
He knew what they most wanted to establish was whether his ability could really help other mutants resolve their flaws.
"Ah! Of course!"
"We're one big family now. We certainly won't stand on ceremony if anything comes up."
They chatted as they walked. Passing the academy's athletic field, Li Ge also saw several mutant students playing basketball using all sorts of abilities.
This was his first time seeing so many superpowered people using their abilities together. Although none of their abilities amazed him, it still felt rather novel.
"Aren't they full of life?"
"I truly hope all our fellow mutants can live as happily as they do."
"Unfortunately, many mutants awaken abilities with flaws of varying degrees, making it impossible for them even to hide what they are."
Li Ge caught the hidden meaning in the Professor's words.
Perfect!
I can put my earlier idea into practice!
"Professor, I very much agree with you. It seems many of our fellow mutants need some help."
"I'm honored that my ability can help them, and I'm willing to do my part."
"But there's a saying in the ancient East-heaven does not bless those who abandon themselves, and rain does not nourish rootless grass."
Li Ge had made himself quite clear. He would only help those who came to him seeking assistance.
He could not possibly go eagerly offering those people help himself.
"Ah, of course!"
"People must always seek their own salvation. Even God won't help those who willingly fall into depravity."
The Professor naturally understood what Li Ge meant. He would only help those who came to him seeking assistance.
The Professor did not expect Li Ge to resolve the flaws of every fellow mutant, either.
He greatly admired the maturity and composure in Li Ge's words and manner.
Mutants needed outstanding people like him. He felt that Li Ge might become a leader of the younger generation of mutants.
The others following along all understood the conversation between Li Ge and the Professor, and they very much agreed with Li Ge's thinking.
At the same time, they were also considering whether they needed to ask Li Ge to address the flaws in their own abilities.
"Thank you so much, Li Ge!"
"I was wondering if I..."
"Jean!"
Phoenix looked dazed. At the thought that she could escape the predicament of her ability going out of control from now on, she could not help wanting to make a request of Li Ge.
But Cyclops interrupted her.
Cyclops had his own considerations, too. He felt that Li Ge had only awakened his ability recently and might not be able to resolve Phoenix's problem.
After all, Phoenix was an Omega-level mutant.
Even if Li Ge was also an Omega-level mutant, resolving Phoenix's problem would not be so easy.
If something happened to Phoenix because of this, they would be unable to handle the aftermath.
"Professor! Li Ge!"
"I'd like to give it a try!"
Yes!
Cyclops's real thought was that, as the leader of the X-Men, he ought to test Li Ge's solution for them.
Besides, even if his ability went completely out of control, he could still control the direction of his gaze and avoid hurting everyone.
"Scott, shouldn't you reconsider? After all, Li Ge only awakened his ability recently!"
"Li Ge, I'm not saying your ability isn't good enough. I just think we should play it safe."
Storm tried to persuade Cyclops. She had always been cautious and levelheaded.
Wolverine said nothing. He merely pulled a cigar from his jacket and held it at the corner of his mouth without lighting it.
Phoenix wanted to say something, but Cyclops stopped her once again.
The Professor saw what Cyclops had in mind. He pondered for a moment but said nothing either.
"What do you think, Li Ge?"
"Can you help resolve my flaw now?"
"I can't control when my optic blast ability turns on or off, and I can't adjust its energy output myself. I can only keep wearing special glasses like these to help me use it."
Without hesitation, Cyclops told Li Ge about the flaws in his ability.
Although Li Ge could not see his eyes, he knew Cyclops must be looking at him.
"Of course!"
"Scott, you don't mind me calling you that, do you?"
"As it happens, there's something I'd like your help with, too. We can help each other."
What a joke!
Of course Li Ge would not miss such a good opportunity.
He had already decided how he would radically modify Cyclops's ability.
This would be the very first work he designed!
Before he had even begun, Li Ge was already filled with excitement.