Translator: Ashish
Translation Checker: Silavin
The exit of the closed training room was crowded with people.
Ling Er’s breakthrough was no longer a secret. By now, half of China was aware that the seventh prodigy, known as the Flame Princess, had successfully advanced. More importantly, among all the prodigies, Ling Er was one of the only two without a well-known background.
The other prodigies were either from wealthy families or prominent clans. Some were even the sole heirs of those in power. In contrast, Ling Er had emerged from a poverty-stricken mountain village, and thanks to her and her alone, the entire village was squeezed into a city as second-class citizens.
Furthermore, she received gifts worth hundreds of thousands every day.
However, at this moment…
*Click-clack, click-clack…* Clear, crisp sounds of high heels echoed at the end of the corridor. In a flash, the noisy crowd fell silent as their eyes turned toward the enigmatic figure at the far end of the dark and dim passage. Faintly, they could make out an alluring silhouette approaching. Tall and slender, and with long hair cascading over her shoulders
“Ling Er is out.” A cry of astonishment erupted from the crowd, sending everyone into excitement. Yet Ling Er paid them no heed. She was not affected by the ruckus at all, and continued walking with the same determined pace as before.
Before long, the young woman had come into full view of the crowd. She was just eighteen years old, her skin was fair as snow, and her features were exquisitely delicate, almost too beautiful to look at directly.
Some people felt a surge of heat as if her appearance alone could ignite their hearts, causing them to involuntarily step back. However, this was not the most remarkable aspect. What truly captivated the onlookers was the radiant glow emanating from behind Ling Er.
On a closer look, it was actually Ling Er’s long hair that was tied by a pink ribbon. The dancing hair was giving-off a flame-like glimmer.
“Is she… an angel?” one revered professor exclaimed in awe. Be that as it may, his sentiment was in the collective agreement of those present.
Becoming a SuperHuman fundamentally meant departing from Human norms. The resurgence of Spiritual Energy brought on the evolution of all things, including Humans.
A girl like Ling Er was also evolving toward perfection in all aspects. Leaving aside her intrinsic qualities, her external appearance set her apart from ordinary Humans.
Ling Er’s fair as snow, smooth and shiny skin as jade. This was something that conventional cosmetics could never replicate. And the fact that she was young and her innate qualities were pretty good further increased her beauty.
In just half a year, as she transitioned from an ordinary person to a prodigy, her outward appearance also continued to evolve. If she was like a white swan before, the current her was akin to an ethereal being that evoked admiration and reverence, making people feel unworthy in her presence.
Furthermore, her cold yet alluring demeanor, akin to a captivating flame, was captivating in its own right. It drew people’s attention like a moth to a flame.
At this moment, countless men had etched her image into their hearts, and even some young women could not help but have strange feelings for her, while some envied.
“Ling Er greets everyone,” remembering her professors’ teachings, Ling Er greeted the crowd in a gentle voice.
Immediately afterward, she walked toward the familiar professors not far away.
However, just at that moment, a figure suddenly blocked her way.
It was a man.
He had the fortitude of a soldier, and was dressed in an outfit that resembled military attire but was unlike any she had seen before. Additionally, he wore sunglasses that concealed most of his expression.
“Hello, my name is Li Hao. You might have heard of me?”
“Li Hao…” murmuring softly, a piece of information about a person flashed through Ling Er’s mind.
Li Hao, one of China’s prodigies, who had become a Superhuman just a month and a half ago at the age of just 27 years, three days earlier than Ling Er. However, it was said that he came from the wealthy Li family and his father had spent billions on Spirit Flower and Grasses for him.
He was the first to become a Superhuman solely based on financial power.
Of course, Li Hao’s innate talent was beyond question.
“What is it?” asked Ling Er softly, pursing her lips.
“I’ve come on behalf of the Eastern Theater Command to invite you to join us. Of course, before that, please allow me to test if you’ve truly achieved a breakthrough.” While speaking, the robust-looking young man had already taken a stance.
At the same time…
*Crackle, crackle…* Resembling the calls of a thousand birds, a sharp and piercing peals of thunder suddenly reverberated in the narrow space. What was even more astonishing was that numerous lightning arcs surged around Li Hao’s palm.
At a glance, it was jaw dropping.
“Ling Er, be careful. Major General Li has a unique Lightning Elemental Talent. His combat strength is far beyond his peers,” a professor at the sidelines, who had a good relationship with Ling Er, cautioned her.
“Um…” Momentarily stunned, a perplexed expression crossed Ling Er’s face. She was not surprised by the Lightning Elemental Talent, but his rank, Major General.
[What’s going on? Is he one of those elites of China?]
Sensing Ling Er’s confusion, the nearby professor explained further, “As a Superhuman, if your strength is deemed qualified, your rank will be directly elevated to Major. Like General Li, who recently suppressed a coastal beast tide and gained the outstanding merits that made him the youngest Major General in China.”
Having said that, the professor reminded again, “Ling Er, go ahead. Don’t let our laboratory’s prestige fall. Also, Major General Li’s assessment is for your benefit. After all, he’s a veteran Superhuman with more experience than you.”
“Okay!?” Nodding in understanding, Ling Er agreed. Then, her gaze shifted toward the man who held a ball of lightning in his right hand not far away.
[So this is a Superhuman?] She whispered to herself in her mind as a rare sense of anticipation rising within her.
Just at that moment, a voice, seemingly instructive, rang out in Ling Er’s ears, “The battles of Superhuman are always simple and direct, and focuses on delivering fatal blows. After all, we face vast beast tides numbering in the hundreds of thousands, with no time for delays. Therefore, as fellow Superhuman, today I’ll let you experience what we call a deadly strike.”
The moment these words left his lips, a thunderous explosion rang out as a figure shrouded in crackling lightning shot forth like an arrow released from a bow. What was even more astonishing was that he held a ball of lightning in the palm of his hand.
[Lightning Strike — Li Hao had created this move based on certain superpower-themed films and cartoons. And coupled with his extremely fast speed, he arrives before an enemy instantly and delivers a thunderous blow.]
Of course, the reason for using such a move right away was also to decrease Ling Er’s confidence.
It was easy for someone so young to become arrogant upon breaking through.
While Li Hao came from a wealthy merchant family, he relied on his father’s teaching, demonstrating exceptional character and temperament. Even after his breakthrough, he suppressed any thoughts of superiority.
What was most noteworthy here is that individuals from wealthy merchant families or clans, especially the direct descendants, were never what ordinary people consider ‘wastes’ or ‘others’. For a family to thrive for generations, if all of their direct descendents became trash, the family won’t survive in the long run.
To sustain a family over three generations, only the most outstanding individuals can lead and guide the family.
Li Hao is the most brilliant figure of the contemporary Li family.
No, today, he was the most outstanding prodigy in China, acclaimed as the ‘Lightning Tiger.’
Ashish: China is divided into five military regions, also known as military commands or theater commands. These regions are responsible for the defense and organization of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) forces within their respective areas. For more information please refer to https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theater_commands_of_the_People%27s_Liberation_Army.