Chapter 120: A Creator-level Shadowflame Activation, the First Shore, Are You Done Messing Around? (

Chapter 120: A Creator-level Shadowflame Activation, the First Shore, Are You Done Messing Around? (4K)



A 'shadow cat' composed of black shadows and stepping on pitch-black flames opened its mouth, revealing jet-black fangs as it seemed to meow silently.

With hollow white eyes, it leaped gracefully onto the bed and snuggled its head against Xueheng's chin, resembling an ordinary kitten affectionate towards its owner.

Xueheng scratched the shadow cat's chin and was surprised to find that his fingers touched something solid.

Now this was getting interesting.

While the Shadowflame skill was inherently different from ordinary flames, its external manifestation resembled that of a plasma flame.

Neither energy nor matter, it existed in a state between the two, a 'semi-physical' entity that was difficult to grasp, much like air.

However, after reaching Level 4, the 'shadow beasts' formed by Shadowflame Activation possessed a tangible substance.

"In that case..."

Xueheng's thoughts stirred, and the shadow cat instantly disintegrated, transforming back into a ball of black flame.

He kept the black flame hovering in the air, gently flickering.

Then, he gently picked up Cat from his chest and placed him on the bed before getting up from the bed and standing on the floor.

The dancing black flame in the air began to morph, shaping itself into a large black cloak according to Xueheng's wishes.

"Swish—"

Xueheng reached out and grabbed the tangible shadow cloak, draping it over himself.

"Interesting."

Xueheng remarked with keen interest.

"When it turns into a cat, it feels like real fur, and when it becomes a cloak, its physical properties mimic those of genuine clothing..."

He willed it again, and black currents surged from the shadows cast by the myriad lights in the room, gathering in his palm.

Finally, it transformed into a sleek and ornate Western-style double-handed broadsword.

Xueheng grasped the hilt of the black shadow broadsword, feeling a slight weight in his palm.

"It even has weight..."

He was astonished.

"This is already... entering the realm of creation, isn't it?"

Xueheng picked up a small white porcelain teacup from the wooden table and tossed it into the air.

Then, he held the black shadow broadsword and swung it horizontally and vertically, performing a cross-shaped slash at the cup.

The teacup split into four evenly balanced petals in the air, which Xueheng quickly caught with one hand and placed back on the table.

The cut edges of the teacup shards were exceptionally smooth, indicating that the black shadow broadsword's sharpness was indeed impressive.

"Absurd. This skill is encroaching on the domain of the gods... As long as there are shadows nearby, I can create objects out of thin air."

Xueheng walked to the corner and picked up the Futu Dagger, unsheathing it with a clang.

"Let's test its strength..."

He placed the black shadow broadsword against the wall.

Then, he raised the Futu Dagger, channeled his might, and slashed at the broadsword's blade.

"Clang—"

The clash of metal rang out, and the black shadow broadsword was cleaved in two, immediately disintegrating into two balls of black flame.

Xueheng nodded as he assessed the resistance he felt when he had slashed the broadsword.

"The strength isn't particularly high... It's probably comparable to steel of the same volume. That's a bit of a letdown... However, as the Shadowflame level continues to increase, the strength of 'Shadow Creations' should also improve accordingly."

A sudden realization struck Xueheng.

"Wait, if this broadsword can mimic the physical properties of steel, can it also extend to the realm of chemistry? For example, could I make a bomb or something?"

Xueheng's heart raced with excitement.

If that were possible, it would be unbelievably awesome!

He could even contemplate creating a nuclear bomb with his hands.

He pondered for a while, gathering all the black flames into his hand.

Following his imagination, the black flames began to transform, strands of it morphing into pitch-black liquid that condensed into a large black water ball in the air.

Xueheng reached out and dipped his hand into the water ball, feeling the same sensation as if he were touching real water, and it even clung to his skin.

He brought his wet hand close to his nose and sniffed... but there was no scent.

"Doesn't work?"

Xueheng frowned.

He hadn't intended to turn the Shadowflame into water; he had envisioned transforming it into ethanol, or alcohol.

He had even visualized the molecular structure of alcohol in his mind.

However, the resulting black liquid lacked the pungent odor characteristic of alcohol.

Xueheng persisted, rummaging through the bedside cabinet and pulling out a lighter. He flicked it on and waved the flame in front of the black liquid.

However, there was no reaction, and not even the lighter's flame went out upon touching the liquid.

"It's not even water, then."

Xueheng sighed in resignation.

"It doesn't possess any chemical properties..."

"Or perhaps, while Shadowflame Activation seems capable of creating many things, its physical nature remains singular and unchanging. This 'Shadowflame Substance' can only interact with real-world matter on a physical level and cannot engage in chemical reactions..."

Xueheng stroked his chin, deep in thought.

"Transforming into a cat, it feels like real fur. Transforming into a cloak, it has the softness of clothing. Transforming into a sword, it possesses the hardness and sharpness of steel."

However, these were only superficial changes; the Shadowflame, from beginning to end, remained the same entity.

"Can't play around with it... Ah well, it's already pretty amazing."

Although he felt a bit disappointed, Xueheng also understood that being able to condense into a solid object was already quite remarkable.

A pitch-black liquid in the air transformed into a black shadow hand, floating forward to open the refrigerator several meters away. It took out a can of chilled Coke, brought it back to Xueheng, and placed it in his hand.

He took the Coke, and a thin tendril extended from the back of the black hand, hooking the tab on the can and popping it open with a 'pop', causing the gas to fizz out.

Xueheng took a long gulp of the soda, letting out a satisfied sigh.

...

"Woo—"

The cruise ship's giant horn reverberated across the sea as the Infinite Nova approached the port of Fengcheng.

Casually dressed, Xueheng leaned against the railing, gazing at the distant city that was unfamiliar to him.

Seagulls circled overhead, squawking noisily, and the gentle sea breeze ruffled his hair, bringing with it a hint of briny scent.

"Hmm? Looks like there's quite a commotion at the dock."

Xueheng suddenly spoke up.

Chen Liang, the security director standing half a step behind him, was taken aback and also glanced in the direction of the Fengcheng port.

But with his eyesight, he could only barely make out the more prominent buildings at the port and was unsure of the specific situation there.

"Fengcheng is a centrally located coastal city with well-developed water transportation, so it tends to be busier," Chen Liang remarked with a smile.

Then, as if remembering something, he added, "By the way, the U19 elimination rounds are about to begin. I almost forgot that you, Mr. Xue, are also here to participate... Some of the famous players usually arrive by ship at this time."

"There tend to be a lot of reporters at the dock trying to interview the competing players, oh, and us as well."

Chen Liang scratched his cheek.

"The news of the Infinite Nova being attacked by a swarm of sea bees a few days ago has already made headlines. Many reporters got wind of the story and knew that the ship would be docking in Fengcheng for repairs, so they'll definitely come to interview the passengers."

Xueheng adjusted his gaze, focusing on the two figures at the port who were moving closer to each other, their faces filled with battle intent.

After a moment's thought, he took out his phone and called his sister, Xue Wan.

After a couple of rings, the call connected.

"Hey there, bro~ Have you arrived yet?"

A cheerful voice came through the receiver.

"Sis, where are you?" Xueheng asked, his eyes fixed on the situation at the dock.

"I'm in the waiting room at the port. What's up?"

Xue Wan sounded a bit puzzled.

Waiting room...

Xueheng paced back and forth on the deck, adjusting his line of sight until he spotted a building with the words 'Waiting Room' on it.

Those two guys who looked about to start fighting were a bit too close for comfort...

"Just in case," Xueheng thought.

Then, he said into the phone, "Just stay inside the waiting room, don't go out to the dock. It might be a bit dangerous out there."

"What kind of danger?"

Before Xue Wan could ask for clarification, Xueheng hung up.

Then, turning to Chen Liang, he said, "Director Chen, I'll go ashore first. Please help me look after my luggage. I'll come back for it once the ship has docked."

"Ah?"

Chen Liang was perplexed.

Go ashore first? How does he plan to do that? We're still at least a nautical mile away from the dock...

Does Mr. Xue intend to swim there? What's the hurry?

Before Chen Liang could figure it out, he saw the young man in front of him effortlessly vault over the railing and, with a few quick strides on the lower deck, rush towards the bow of the ship and into the sea.

Just as Chen Liang thought Xueheng was going to swim, the scene that unfolded before him caused his eyes to widen in astonishment.

As the ship was about to dock, many passengers were gathered at the bow, enjoying the scenery and chatting. Suddenly, one of them pointed at the sea and exclaimed:

"Look over there!"

"Water-walking?"

"Wait, that's Mr. Xue!"

"Oh, it's Mr. Xue. That's not surprising then."

"After all, it's Mr. Xue. This kind of feat is probably normal for him."

Upon recognizing Xueheng, most of the passengers dismissed their surprise and wore expressions of nonchalance, as if this were to be expected.

There, on the sea, a figure seemed to skim across the water like a dragonfly, gracefully and elegantly treading forward without causing so much as a splash, only gentle ripples spreading across the water's surface.

It wasn't the kind of frantic treading that relied on brute force.

Instead, it truly resembled the legendary 'lightness skill', where one gently stepped on the water's surface and glided forward effortlessly, as if defying gravity itself.

With light and quick steps, Xueheng made his way towards the Fengcheng dock.

Of course, this wasn't some kind of martial arts skill or an exhibition of strength.

Each time he stepped on the water, he used his Shadowflame to solidify into a small, thin, black platform beneath his feet, propelling himself forward with each step.

This wasn't true water-walking.

"What a convenient skill..."

Xueheng couldn't help but marvel.

...

At that moment, on the dock.

"Du Mingluan, did they really choose a shorty like you as a seeded player? Has the Xuanqiao Club declined to this extent?"

A youth with gray-white long hair, dressed in black combat attire, with large knuckles and a youthful face, spoke mockingly.

The one being mocked, a boy named Du Mingluan, had a delicate and handsome face, casual t-shirt and shorts, and a height of just over 5 feet.

His eyes narrowed as he said, "Kou Chengjian..."

Looking up at Kou Chengjian, who stood a full head taller than him, Du Mingluan met his gaze, his diminutive stature exuding an aura that was by no means inferior.

"You managed to dodge me during the Southern Exchange Competition last time, but your luck runs out here."

Du Mingluan's voice carried unmistakable malice.

"I'll break your dog legs on the stage."

Kou Chengjian chuckled derisively, clearly amused.

"You shorty, you're so tiny, yet your mouth is so big."

Kou Chengjian crossed his arms, looking down at his opponent.

"On the stage? I'm afraid you won't even get to me before someone else finishes you off!"

"Why don't we do it now, then? Are you chicken?"

Du Mingluan's face wore an expression that clearly said, "Are you out of your mind?"

"Are you crazy? If we fight here, with so many regular people around, we'll be disqualified for causing a scene."

Kou Chengjian laughed.

"Scared, huh?"

"Signed a one-year, 80 million contract, touted as the most expensive young genius from last year's Outer Ring... and this is all you've got?"

"A master of marketing, but both your height and courage are so stunted?"

Du Mingluan took a deep breath.

"I know, you're just jealous of my salary and want me to mess up and violate my contract."

As he spoke, Du Mingluan's hair began to stir as if a wind was blowing through it.

"A very low-level provocation..."

"But, I accept."

"Right here, right now, I'm going to cripple you."

"Boom!"

A loud blast reverberated through the Fengcheng dock, as two figures clashed, sending out ripples of air that caused onlookers to squint and cover their eyes.

Immediately, the surrounding people realized that two seemingly formidable martial artists had started a fight in broad daylight.

They quickly scattered, moving away from the area.

In the waiting room, a beautiful figure sat gracefully on a resting chair, one leg crossed over the other, her posture resembling that of a queen. She played with her phone with one hand while the other rested on her chest.

She wore a milky yellow skirt that exposed her long, jade-like legs, and her feet were adorned with white sneakers. Her long, black hair, which fell like a dark waterfall, was so smooth and shiny that she could have starred in a shampoo commercial without the need for special effects.

Her lovely face held a gentle expression, and her milk-white, delicate skin seemed to glow softly.

"Boom!"

Hearing the loud noise and feeling the vibrations coming from outside the waiting room, Xue Wan turned her head toward the source of the sound, tilting her head in curiosity.

"Bang!"

The wall of the waiting room suddenly exploded.

"Ahh!"

A scream escaped from someone inside.

Countless shards of stone flew in all directions, heading straight for Xue Wan.

She blinked, and the marble floor beneath her feet suddenly cracked, revealing a small gap.

A green sprout emerged from the crack, pushing aside the tiles as it grew rapidly, transforming into a whip that knocked away the incoming debris.

Through the hole in the wall, two figures could be seen entangled in a fierce battle, their fists and feet colliding with explosive force that sent out visible air currents.

As the fight raged on, the two combatants drew closer to Xue Wan's location.

However, she remained seated, seemingly oblivious to the danger.

"Bang, bang, bang, bang!"

Just as the two fighters drew near to Xue Wan...

A figure sped across the sea in the distance, moving at an incredible speed that parted the waters on either side, sending up sprays of water.

Inside the waiting room, the two youths fought fiercely, paying no heed to their surroundings, their battle bringing them right in front of Xue Wan.

The force of their punches and kicks caused her long hair to flutter, and Xue Wan casually reached up to tuck a stray lock of hair behind her ear.

At that moment, a figure moved with unimaginable speed, leaping through the hole in the wall.

Before the two entangled fighters could react, a long, slender palm pressed against the back of each of their heads.

Then, an irresistible, overwhelming force pulled them together, their faces moving closer and closer...

"Have you two had enough?!"

With a rebuke, the two youths' heads knocked together, their lips meeting in an awkward kiss...

...

(Private: I was typing and typing, then fell asleep... Late update again.)

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end