Watching Elder Liu storm off in anger, Ye Qingyi couldn’t have been happier.
He knew Su Mo was doing this to vent his anger on his behalf.
“You’re really something, daring to talk back to an elder like that.”
“It’s not that I’m amazing—it’s just that he never actually intended to reclaim the Yazi Inheritance. He was just here to feel things out.”
“Still, you’re impressive. I said so, so it’s true.”
“Alright, if you say so.” Su Mo’s expression was utterly doting.
Tang Hu, witnessing this, immediately fled the scene, his heart filled with envy: Ah, if only I could enjoy such a fragrant bowl of soft rice like Su Mo…
The key is, even though it’s “soft rice,” the way he eats it is anything but. Truly a role model for our generation!
……
Southwest Border, Daxia.
Deep in the mountains, a group stealthily crossed the national border, gathering at a prearranged meeting point.
Their leader was a man from Nanyang (Southeast Asia), and his team consisted mostly of fellow Nanyang natives.
“Friends, we’ve now entered Xia territory. Everyone, stay sharp—this isn’t like back home. If we’re caught, we’re dead.”
His expression made it clear he was a man who had seen things.
“What’s there to fear? We’ve got the latest superhuman weapons from America. Even if we run into their patrols, it’s not like we can’t fight back.”
The leader’s face turned stern. “If you want to live, listen to me. The people of Xia aren’t pushovers. Do you think America treads carefully around them for no reason?”
He took a sip from his canteen before coldly adding, “There’s an old saying in Xia: ‘Know yourself and know your enemy, and you will never be defeated.’ If you don’t understand your opponent, don’t expect an easy victory.”
No sooner had he finished speaking than an overwhelming pressure descended from above. Looking up, they saw a massive red net falling toward them.
“Shit, we’ve been spotted!”
The group huddled together, scanning their surroundings for the enemy—but after searching frantically, they couldn’t spot a single soul. In desperation, they began firing blindly in all directions.
The red net suddenly constricted, forcing everyone toward the center—all except the leader, who melted into a puddle of water and seeped into the ground unnoticed.
Amidst screams, every other smuggler was captured in one fell swoop.
The red net was the ability of a young man, who then summoned another net to collect the weapons.
“Tsk, there’s been so much military merit lately I can barely keep up,” he muttered, knocking out each captive one by one before radioing his comrades: “Come on over, boys. More work for us.”
Soon, seven or eight young soldiers arrived, their eyes filled with admiration. “As expected of a D-rank! You’re way stronger than us.”
“Piece of cake.” The young man grinned.
After they left, water seeped from the ground, slowly reforming into a human shape.
“Phew… that was close. Nearly got caught. And I’m only a C-rank—can’t afford to be careless next time, or I’m dead.” The Nanyang leader patted his chest, calming himself.
Money’s good, but nothing’s worth your life!
……
Hai City, a Private Club.
A group of white men clinked glasses, one of whom—a middle-aged man with an imposing aura—stood out particularly. His ruggedly handsome features held an almost magnetic allure for women.
A beautiful young woman sauntered over to strike up a conversation. “Hello, I’m—”
Before she could finish, the man turned away impatiently. Undeterred, she followed—only to be blocked by a young woman in a qipao.
“Move. Don’t get in the way of me meeting a handsome man.”
“Apologies, but he’s a guest of our boss and doesn’t wish to be disturbed.”
The woman looked her up and down. “Oh? Just a servant, and you dare talk to me like that? One word from me, and your boss will fire you.”
“Don’t trouble her. She’s just following my rules.” The qipao woman’s “boss” had appeared unnoticed, now standing beside the young woman’s would-be conquest.
The moment she saw him, her defiance vanished. Pouting, she sidled up coquettishly. “Boss Wu~”
The man known as Boss Wu shot her a glance, his tone firm. “Mr. Smith is my honored guest. Don’t bother him.”
The young woman froze. Never before had Boss Wu scolded her over a man. Hurt flashed across her face—but sensing his genuine displeasure, she wisely backed off.
“Mr. Smith, my apologies for the disturbance.”
“No need, Boss Wu. Among friends, such things matter little.” Mr. Smith’s awkward Chinese made his words sound stilted.
Boss Wu led him through the hall, introducing him to the attendees—all of whom, without exception, were his own people.
“Boss Wu, you have so many friends!” Mr. Smith marveled. “Not like me. My only family was my son… and now he’s been murdered.”
“…Life is unpredictable. My condolences.”
Mr. Smith stared blankly for several seconds before replying, “Yes. Condolences. But I’ve found the killer. And I’ll make her pay with her life.”
At the mention of his son, grief twisted his features, his eyes reddening.
“The woman who killed my boy… I’ll make her suffer for eternity to atone for his death!”
…..
ISO International Superhuman Organization Headquarters.
The eight members of the Committee took their seats, representing the world’s major powers. Around them sat other organization members—national delegates, leaders of large factions, and independent superhumans.
Of the eight Committee members, three were Asian, one was Black, and the rest were white.
At the head sat a white man—the Chairman, a man who had topped the global power rankings for years. His name was Fhern, a bona fide A-rank powerhouse.
Today’s assembly had been convened by him. Even without a stated agenda, not a single person dared miss it.
As the clock struck the hour, Fhern cleared his throat and announced in a grave voice: “Order. The assembly begins.”
The vast hall fell so silent only breathing could be heard.
“There are two matters today. First: Regarding Commissioner Long Tianyu’s proposal to establish an ‘Elite Training Camp,’ the Committee has unanimously approved it. Commissioner Long will oversee the project personally.”
The Asian man at Fhern’s right nodded with a faint smile. He was Long Tianyu—Daxia and Beidou’s representative in the ISO, and one of its Commissioners.
“Thank you. I’ll ensure its success.”
His reply was just seven words.
“Second—” Fhern paused, his tone darkening. “Due to the spiritual resurgence, Earth is no longer what it once was. While superhumans grow in number and humanity grows stronger, so too have flora and fauna evolved. Powerful mutated species and colonies have emerged, posing a clear threat to human survival.”
Delegates from the Amazon region nodded vigorously. Mutations were rampant there.
Fhern’s gaze swept over them. “Thus, I propose establishing a Supernatural Biology Research Institute dedicated to studying these mutations—to address the problem at its root. Any objections?”
The vote passed unanimously.
But then, the American representative at Fhern’s left—Howard—raised his hand.
“Chairman, I have a proposal.”