Chapter 148: Giving It My All, Yet Still Can't Match What Someone Achieved Six Years Ago 【Monthly Ticket Bonus】

Half a month later, Steam Capital, Rust Iron Hell

“Hey, Qian He, how’s the training progress of those two guys?”

With a crisp metallic clang, Yu Qianxia pushed open the alloy door of the Feather Qian Tower, striding toward the nearby private office labeled Qian He.

Unlike her usual tailored suits from the past few days, today she wore a fresh, breezy summer training outfit. A striking tuft of snow-white hair framed her forehead, contrasting sharply with her sleek black crop top and high-waisted shorts. The cut revealed the taut, defined muscles beneath her sun-kissed abdomen—like carved stone—and highlighted the unique martial mark etched at a precise spot on her body.

Though Yu Qianxia still carried that lazy, carefree demeanor, every movement she made exuded an undeniable wildness.

The tigress from Wudou Tian Du stood there, radiating an overwhelming, instinctual pressure—just by being present.

In stark contrast to Yu Qianxia’s fierce, untamed energy, Qian He—the woman in charge of her private office—was dressed like a classic city sophisticate. A custom-tailored black business suit, opaque matte-black stockings, and black stilettos. Standing beside the wild-haired warrior, she seemed worlds away from the brutal ferocity of Wudou Tian Du.

Instead, she carried the calm, calculating aura of an Intelligent Mechanism Class—logical, composed, and coolly detached.

“Report, Miss: Mr. Liu Ma has reached B+ precision level. Mr. Chen Kong is hovering between C and B.”

“Oh? That fast?”

“Yes.”

Yu Qianxia took the tactical tablet from Qian He’s hand, curiosity flickering across her face. On the screen, Liu Ma delivered a single, focused punch—his fist slicing through the air so violently that it sent loose gravel skittering across the floor. Yet, the egg in his grip remained unbroken.

Chen Kong, meanwhile, had a stony expression. Each punch was executed with such intense concentration that even the slightest lapse in focus caused the egg in his hand to shatter with a sharp crack.

Though their current performance was still far from what Yu Qianxia herself had achieved just half a month ago, she didn’t mock them. Instead, a warm smile spread across her lips.

“Hmph, progress faster than expected.”

She whistled low, then tapped the screen with her fingertip—clearly pleased with their advancement.

“Just half a month ago, they were still flailing around with wild, uncontrolled Stellar Energy. Now they’re already grasping the fundamentals. No surprise—after all, they’re both Stellar Prodigies. Natural talent really does set them apart.”

Then, a quiet sigh escaped her.

“Two of the worst performers among the Stellar Prodigies are already this strong… I can’t even imagine what the true peak of the Stellar line would look like if he ever showed up.”

“Miss, you’re referring to Tian Dao Siming, aren’t you?”

“Mm.”

Qian He adjusted her glasses, analyzing calmly: “Based on the video released by the Central Council six years ago, that boy—Tian Dao Siming—was already at S-level precision by age twelve.”

“After all, being able to release a Stellar Energy spell using only his tongue? That level of control over his body and energy… it’s beyond human.”

“Even you, Miss—despite your own extraordinary talent in precision—wouldn’t have managed that at his age.”

Yu Qianxia didn’t argue. Instead, she added, “You’re wrong, Qian He. His talent… is far more extreme than you think.”

“Huh?” Qian He glanced at her, puzzled.

Yu Qianxia slid a toothpick into her mouth, her tone serene. “In the face of death… he managed to do three things simultaneously: maintain a Stellar Energy spell, hide his abnormality, and sustain full combat capability.”

“Even now, I can barely manage two of those.”

“Because achieving what he did requires more than just S-level precision. It demands other top-tier talents—something beyond mere technique.”

“You mean…”

As she stepped into the elevator shaft ahead of Qian He, Yu Qianxia replied with a carefree grin: “I mean that in martial arts alone, his talent surpasses mine. S-level precision? That’s just the tip of the iceberg.”

The elevator doors closed. As it began its descent, the flickering light danced across her deep brown skin.

A moment later, she spoke again, voice low and thoughtful:

“Tian Dao Siming… I can’t even imagine what kind of monster he’d become if he ever reappeared.”

“Maybe… only someone like him is truly worthy of succeeding the Central Council’s leader.”

“After all, even Chen Kong and Liu Ma—those little prodigies—are still nowhere near what he achieved six years ago, even when they’re giving it their all.”

The elevator chimed.

The doors slid open. Yu Qianxia and Qian He stepped out.

And just as they did, the Dimensional Audience stationed at Station 13 couldn’t resist another round of teasing:

> “Tian Dao: Bro’s not here, but he’s everywhere.”

> “Tian Dao—literally the only man who lives entirely in the dialogue.”

> “Come back, my Tian Dao! The proudest of the Stars, the strongest we’ve ever known. Tears are falling, I remember Star-Eclipse Eye, the flawless Vector Control—sending every enemy packing!”

> “Damn it… why did I just start singing along?”

Meanwhile, back in the training zone, Chen Kong and Liu Ma—still mid-practice—turned at the sound of the elevator.

Seeing them look over, Yu Qianxia flashed her signature grin—wild, bold, and full of predatory charm.

“Well? Boys, feel confident enough to pass my test?”

Chen Kong and Liu Ma exchanged glances. In each other’s eyes, they saw the same unwavering certainty.

They couldn’t yet match Yu Qianxia’s legendary one-punch feat—shattering obsidian rock without breaking the egg in her hand.

But they could guarantee that, after several powerful strikes, they’d achieve a similar result.

And Yu Qianxia’s test hadn’t demanded perfection—only progress.

So Liu Ma was certain he’d pass.

Chen Kong felt his chances were strong.

Seeing their confidence, Yu Qianxia’s lips curled into a sly smirk.

She clapped once.

Qian He immediately rolled out two monolithic blocks of obsidian—each towering five meters high.

“Alright,” Yu Qianxia said, eyes gleaming. “Show me what you’ve learned.”

Chen Kong and Liu Ma stared in shock. Cold sweat broke out on their brows.

They’d assumed the final test would involve rocks similar in size to the ones they’d trained with over the past two weeks.

But Yu Qianxia had laid a trap.

A five-meter obsidian block? Without using Stellar Source, they’d be lucky to crack it after a full day of punching.

And then, with a casual shrug, Yu Qianxia added:

“Oh, right. I almost forgot—your half-month deadline is over. You can now use everything—Stellar Source included.”

The moment she said it, their expressions darkened.

Because the last two weeks had been spent without Stellar Source.

Now, suddenly being told to use it? They weren’t just worried about breaking the rock.

They couldn’t even guarantee their eggs would survive the first punch.

And suddenly, a strange thought echoed in their minds:

The prettier the woman, the better she is at lying.

Watching the two boys struggle under Yu Qianxia’s cruel game, the Dimensional Audience couldn’t help but chime in:

> “New Federation’s got deep game—gotta go back to Embers.”

"Give up, Lao Kong, Lao Niu—she’s on a whole different level. You can’t beat her. (dog head)"

> “Wait, hold up—how’d you even get the dog head emoji?!”

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end