The elderly officer, known as Old Zhang, was also visibly shocked. But after thinking carefully, he realized that Zhang Hongjing’s reasoning made perfect sense.
Sun Xiaochuan had awakened the Steel Man ability, which had already been confirmed through Dragon Group's investigation. Based on existing intelligence, he was at least Earth Level. Yet, this Mr. Li had crushed him underfoot and disposed of his body effortlessly.
According to Miss Fan’s description, that was merely the tip of the iceberg when it came to Mr. Li's strength.
“Captain, we need to report this immediately,” Old Zhang said gravely.
Zhang Hongjing nodded. They were not ordinary police officers, nor were they part of the criminal investigation division. They belonged to Dragon Group, the newly established National Special Superpower Police Force.
This case had shown extreme irregularities from the very beginning. That was why, after forensic experts had inspected the scene at Tuanbo Lake and confirmed beyond doubt that superpowered individuals were involved, the case had been handed over to their specialized unit.
The one leading the investigation was none other than Zhang Hongjing, the gifted superpower user known as The Hand of Prohibition.
At first, they thought their level of caution was sufficient. But now, it seemed they had still underestimated the situation. If a superpower user beyond Sky Level had truly emerged within the country, then Great Xia could gain a decisive advantage during the potential global power restructuring. The first to act would always be the first to lead. This matter could not be delayed.
The scorching sun blazed overhead at the bus station in Yumen Town, to the northwest. A young farm boy, Li Guorui, pulled an oversized suitcase and carried a 361-degree sports backpack on his shoulders. He waved goodbye to his parents.
“Dad, Mom, don’t worry. This isn’t my first time traveling far from home. I’ll call you as soon as I arrive,” he said.
After placing his luggage securely, he boarded the bus and waved to his parents through the window. The midday autumn sun was still intense. Especially in the northwest, the sun at this hour was particularly harsh.
The middle-aged couple, their skin tanned from years of hard labor, stood under the scorching sunlight at the bus station entrance. They watched as the bus pulled out and sped eastward along the highway.
Their faces showed a mix of anticipation, worry, and relief. Their child had grown up. One day, he would spread his wings and soar.
Seated on the bus, Li Guorui gazed out the window. As they left the city, vast farmland stretched beyond the glass, interwoven with irrigation channels. For decades, the melting snow from Qilian Mountain had nourished this land, feeding countless people and shaping it into the Hexi Granary.
Half an hour later, the farmlands disappeared. In their place, endless stretches of eroded desert and barren Gobi plains unfolded before his eyes. The highly salinized, yellow-white sandy soil stretched endlessly, with sparse patches of camel thorns struggling to grow. The landscape appeared barren and desolate.
Li Guorui’s heart surged with emotion as he watched the scenery pass. His upcoming college life filled him with excitement and anticipation. The bus wasn’t crowded. The seat next to him remained empty. Lowering his head, Li Guorui looked at his hands. With a slight shift in thought—
A faint arc of purple electricity flickered between his fingers, leaping gracefully like a tiny, obedient sprite. Yes. He had awakened a superpower. The power to control lightning.
It had awakened after he accidentally got electrocuted following his college entrance exams. From his initial shock to his gradual adaptation, Li Guorui had already gained some control over this newfound ability.
Though he had no idea how useful it would be, for a young man just about to step into university life, it felt like a sign. It was as if destiny was telling him that he was about to become the protagonist of something greater, embarking on a vibrant and extraordinary journey.
Suddenly, the bus came to a halt, and Li Guorui looked outside. They had arrived at Chijin Town.
By the roadside, a few people waved in an attempt to hitch a ride. Six or seven passengers boarded the bus. Most of them were middle-aged men and women dressed in simple clothes, carrying large woven sacks. They were likely farmers from the nearby town.
There was also a young couple. They both looked under twenty, dressed in matching Hongxing Erke sportswear and sneakers. They gave off a clean and casual impression.
The young man was slightly chubby, fair-skinned, and stood around 1.8 meters tall. The young woman was fair-skinned and stunningly beautiful, with delicate features that instantly gave off the impression of a Jiangnan water-town beauty.
Li Guorui only glanced at her once, but his heartbeat started to pound uncontrollably. He quickly averted his gaze, but his mind couldn’t help but repeat six words. Snow-white skin, flower-like beauty. He had never seen a girl this beautiful even on television or the internet.
She must be some wealthy family's daughter. That guy... maybe he’s her bodyguard? No, that doesn’t make sense. Bodyguards wouldn’t dress exactly like her. They’re probably friends... or maybe even a couple.
Li Guorui silently speculated. However, he felt no disappointment. As someone who had just emerged from the lowest rung of rural life, he knew exactly where he stood. Even with his awakened abilities, he didn’t think he was suddenly destined for greatness. He certainly didn’t believe that just because he had powers, beautiful women would automatically belong to him. The rest of the journey continued in silence.
As more passengers boarded, the bus grew crowded. Li Guorui decided not to practice his lightning ability to avoid unnecessary attention. The bus’s final stop was Jiayuguan Bus Station.
Once there, Li Guorui got off, dragging his suitcase behind him. Outside the station, he hailed a human-powered tricycle and negotiated with the driver. After some back and forth, they settled on a fare of three yuan and fifty cents to Jiayuguan Railway Station.
According to his plan, he would take tomorrow’s train to Lanfu City, where he would meet up with a high school friend before continuing their journey together to Jinshi. After purchasing his ticket, he found a small inn near the station to stay the night. Although Jiayuguan was a well-known tourist city, its train station was small and orderly, with relatively few people. The nearby inns were modest but legitimate businesses.
Everything went smoothly. The only unexpected event occurred the next day, when he boarded the train. To his surprise, he found himself seated right next to the young man and woman in Hongxing Erke tracksuits from yesterday’s bus ride.
“Hello,” said the chubby guy. This time, the fair-skinned, chubby guy was the first to reach out with a friendly handshake. “Little brother, we met on the bus yesterday! Are you headed to Lanfu as well?”
Li Guorui hesitated for a moment before instinctively shaking the man’s hand. He replied, “No, I’m just transiting through Lanfu Base City. I’m actually going to Jinshi.”
The moment he spoke, he regretted it. His father had repeatedly warned him before leaving to never reveal personal travel plans to strangers on the road.
However, the chubby guy looked genuinely surprised and said, “No way! What a coincidence! We’re going to Jinshi too!”
He grinned broadly and patted his chest, saying, “I’m Li Qingchen, and this is my friend Ah Qing.”
He gestured toward the beautiful young woman beside him, who had remained cool and silent the entire time.
Then, his gaze shifted back to Li Guorui’s large suitcase, and he said, “Judging by your luggage, I’d say you’re heading to Jinshi for university, right? Let me guess. You're a freshman, about to start your first year, am I right?”