Chapter 242: Live Broadcast Across the Internet, Testing Strength

Chapter 242: Live Broadcast Across the Internet, Testing Strength

The next day, the news of Song Haitang's ability to achieve Elemental Transformation spread like wildfire.

Under normal circumstances, a Nature-type Devil Fruit ability user mastering Elemental Transformation in just over a year would be groundbreaking news! The previous record holder for the fastest Elemental Transformation among the Extraordinary Beings in history was a Nature-type Devil Fruit user who took more than six years to achieve this feat.

But Song Haitang had done it in just over a year! This wasn't just a record-breaking achievement; it was a legendary feat with no precedent or successor.

Furthermore, the power of a Nature-type Devil Fruit user undergoes a qualitative leap before and after achieving Elemental Transformation.

Before the transformation, they are vulnerable and may perish at any moment, resulting in average strength.

After the transformation, not only does their power increase significantly, but they also gain immunity to conventional physical attacks, making it extremely difficult to kill them. Since records began, no Nature-type Devil Fruit user who achieved Elemental Transformation has died prematurely...

Additionally, once a Nature-type Devil Fruit user reaches Elemental Transformation, they are automatically recognized as a 7th-tier Strong by national standards without the need for testing! The birth of a 7th-tier Strong is a noteworthy event in itself.

However, despite the news of Song Haitang's Elemental Transformation spreading, it failed to cause a sensation.

All the attention over the past two days had been captured by Zhao Zheng.

Online and offline, everyone was talking about Zhao Zheng! The video of his display went viral across the internet, creating a worldwide sensation. Only Zhenwu University hung a banner: "Congratulations to Song Haitang for achieving the Elemental Transformation and becoming a 7th-tier Strong."

Oh, but there were some changes.

The previously furious Song Shang was delighted to hear this news.

Meanwhile, the experts who had been dispatched to protect Song Haitang and were stationed at Zhenwu University were all recalled by their superiors.

Song Haitang no longer needed their protection.

Having achieved Elemental Transformation, she was virtually invulnerable, unless she encountered a top-tier opponent using the Armored Color Domination to launch a surprise attack.

Song Haitang's ability to sense even the slightest hostility in others' eyes demonstrated her heightened spiritual attributes and keen perception, making it impossible for her to be caught off guard.

As long as someone showed hostility in their eyes, Song Haitang would be aware of it.

...

Online, countless people continued to discuss Zhao Zheng's strength.

In reality, the higher-ups had already made their move.

They bestowed upon Zhao Zheng various titles, such as a certain representative, an outstanding Extraordinary Being, and an honorary association president, among others.

While most of these titles were symbolic, some came with tangible benefits.

For instance, Zhao Zheng now possessed a satellite phone, allowing him to directly communicate with the Imperial Capital Core whenever necessary.

He also received a document that, in times of emergency, entitled him to request immediate assistance from the Zodiac Guardian Bureau! It was no exaggeration to say that Zhao Zheng now held special privileges.

Of course, Zhao Zheng himself wasn't interested in these perks.

What intrigued him was the luxurious mansion in the Imperial Capital and the 'Land Grant Privilege' that was offered.

What exactly was this Land Grant Privilege? It meant that Zhao Zheng could claim a piece of land, no larger than 2,000 square meters, anywhere in the country (excluding urban areas) and build whatever he desired.

This land would belong to Zhao Zheng permanently, even after his passing, and could be passed down to his descendants.

The Chinese people's attachment to land ran deep in their bones.

Even Zhao Zheng, with his current status, found this reward enticing.

The higher-ups were pulling out all the stops to win him over.

Zhao Zheng hadn't yet accepted these rewards.

He felt content staying at Zhenwu University for the time being.

Upon learning of Zhao Zheng's intentions, Zhenwu University immediately offered him a building, which he politely declined.

His only reason for staying at the university was to wait for his wife.

Once Song Haitang left the school, he would undoubtedly depart as well, so what use would a building be?

...

In any case, Zhao Zheng had undergone a complete transformation.

His identity and status had changed entirely.

The most noticeable change was that when he walked on campus, everyone he encountered would immediately step aside, stand at attention, and maintain a respectful posture! Even his teacher, Old Chu, was no exception.

To be honest, Zhao Zheng wasn't entirely comfortable with this treatment.

He couldn't help but reflect that he should have kept his strength hidden for a little longer...

Amidst the commotion, four days passed.

The online fervor surrounding Zhao Zheng showed no signs of waning.

Many suspected that the renowned Chen Ye was none other than Zhao Zheng's alias!

The sudden emergence of this 'Chen Ye' was indeed peculiar, as there had been no prior information about such a powerful individual.

This speculation garnered widespread agreement.

However, Zhao Zheng showed no interest and did not intend to respond.

At noon, Zhao Zheng had just finished his meal when Old Chu suddenly arrived.

"Mr. Zhao..."

"Stop!"

Zhao Zheng sighed, "Old Chu, regardless, I still consider you my teacher. Can we go back to how we were before? If you continue like this, I'll have to move out."

Hearing this, Old Chu finally managed a smile.

"Alright, I'll listen to you... I came to tell you that you wanted to test your strength, right? The higher-ups have approved it and found you a very suitable testing ground."

At this, Zhao Zheng smiled and asked, "What? Did the higher-ups draft you to be my dedicated messenger?"

Old Chu nodded helplessly, "The higher-ups said you're a sentimental person, so they assigned me to be your exclusive messenger. You can also convey any requests through me."

This arrangement seemed somewhat troublesome.

They had Zhao Zheng's phone number and could have contacted him directly; there was no need for a messenger.

In fact, this was precisely the higher-ups' clever move.

Direct communication could easily lead to strained relations if conflicting issues arose.

Having a familiar messenger made a difference.

At least there was a buffer, allowing for negotiation and providing the higher-ups with room for adjustments.

This showed that the higher-ups were being extremely cautious with Zhao Zheng.

Zhao Zheng had no objections to the arrangement.

After all, it would benefit Old Chu.

"Where is the testing ground?" Zhao Zheng asked. "By the way, has anyone agreed to be my sparring partner among the King-tier warriors?"

Old Chu shook his head with a smile, "In our country, there are only three King-tier warriors. Currently, two are on the front lines, and one is stationed domestically... The one stationed here watched that video and said you're not his match, so he refused."

"But don't worry about not having an opponent. The testing ground the higher-ups found for you this time is in the Outer Domain Battlefield!"

"That place is the monsters' territory, filled with countless monsters, allowing you to showcase your abilities fully."

"To facilitate your test, they've been arranging troop withdrawals these past few days, leaving only the strong to hold back the monsters."

Upon hearing this, Zhao Zheng's eyes lit up.

He had long wanted to witness the Outer Domain Battlefield.

The arrangement was perfect!

He nodded in agreement, "Okay, when can I depart?"

"Don't rush," Old Chu added, "Regarding your strength test, the higher-ups asked if it could be live-streamed."

At these words, Zhao Zheng's gaze shifted to Old Chu.

Old Chu quickly explained, "It's like this. Recently, you've been all over the internet, and some discordant voices have emerged. We need a powerful demonstration to respond... Also, there's been a sudden surge in doomsday theories, causing public panic. This will be a morale booster!"

Indeed, numerous online bots had been spreading doomsday theories, claiming that monsters were devouring stars, causing widespread fear.

Zhao Zheng was aware of this.

He smiled and nodded, "Alright, I agree."

Hearing this, Old Chu heaved a sigh of relief.

"By the way, there's one more thing."

[Chapter 169: The List]



Old Chu continued, "Regarding the incident on the 15th floor of the Spirit Realm, the investigation team has reported their findings. Those who advocated for your inclusion in the Naval Camp and made the decisions have all been arrested. They face a dead end. Here's the list..."

As he handed over the list, even Old Chu felt a sense of trepidation.

The names on the list were all big shots within the system!

This recent development had sent shockwaves through the community, silencing many.

Zhao Zheng, however, remained calm and nodded, "I understand."

Removing so many influential figures at once was already a severe punishment.

Zhao Zheng knew that the innocent should not be implicated.

But those who made the wrong choices had to face the consequences...

Seeing that Zhao Zheng's expression was normal, Old Chu finally smiled.

"The higher-ups said that if you want to test your strength, you can depart now. The transport is waiting for you on the field."

But Zhao Zheng was eager, "The transport is too slow. Send me the location, and I'll go there myself!"

He walked out of the dormitory and soared into the sky.

"Boom!"

A powerful sonic boom suddenly reverberated above Zhenwu University, startling all the teachers and students.

By the time Old Chu chased after him, even Zhao Zheng's shadow was nowhere to be seen.

Old Chu couldn't help but marvel.

He had never imagined that such an incredibly powerful individual would turn out to be his student.

Despite his amazement, Old Chu didn't forget his duties.

He quickly notified his superiors, urging them to prepare...

...

Zhang Peng was an Extraordinary Being.

However, his innate talent wasn't exceptional. It had been several years since he became an Extraordinary Being, and he had just barely passed the fifteenth level of the Spirit Realm.

Ever since he witnessed Zhao Zheng's powerful display in the fifteenth level of the Spirit Realm, he was not only shocked but also instantly became a die-hard fan of Zhao Zheng, idolizing him.

Oh, that's right!

The video that had gone viral online was posted by him! The Transcendent Recorder he used was given to him by his father.

Seeing the massive buzz his video had created across the entire internet, even going global, Zhang Peng was thrilled.

Initially, though, he felt a bit anxious.

He feared that the video he posted might displease Zhao Zheng, a Royal-class Warrior.

He was well aware that if a Royal-class Warrior took offense, it could bring him a lot of trouble.

Fortunately!

Zhao Zheng seemed to be magnanimous and didn't seem to hold it against him. For several days, nothing unpleasant happened.

Until today, Zhang Peng finally breathed a sigh of relief.

After lunch.

As usual, he turned on his computer, eager to see the comments from netizens.

Unexpectedly.

When he logged into the trending website, a prompt box popped up on his desktop:

The prompt box contained a message stating that Zhao Zheng was preparing to live-stream a test of his strength in the Outer Domain Battlefield!

Following this message was a web link.

Astonishingly, the source of the pop-up was CCTV's official website!! Zhang Peng was taken aback.

Without hesitation, he clicked on the web link.

Subsequently.

The computer redirected to a live-streaming website.

As Zhang Peng entered, the live-streaming website already had over six million viewers.

In the live stream, a female host sitting in a helicopter was eloquently speaking...

"...I'm currently at the Outer Domain Battlefield. Look at how ferocious these monsters are, constantly trying to breach our human defenses... It's these Extraordinary Beings who guard here day and night, blocking the monsters, that allow us to live in peace... I suddenly remember a popular saying: There's no such thing as a peaceful era; it's just that someone is shouldering the burden for us. And they are the heroes who shoulder our burdens..."

The host was incredibly articulate.

Zhang Peng recognized her; she was CCTV's top anchor, a well-known host, known as "THE FIRST Lady of CCTV"!

As the host explained.

Countless comments scrolled across the screen...

"Holy crap! Is this the Outer Domain Battlefield? Are there really that many monsters?"

"Wow, so many monsters? This is too much for people with claustrophobia!"

"It's terrifying. If it weren't for these Extraordinary Beings, we humans might have perished long ago!"

"I'm not interested in this. Weren't they supposed to live-stream Zhao Zheng's strength test? Where is Zhao Zheng? Why hasn't he appeared yet?"

"I want to see Zhao Zheng!"

"I want to see Zhao Zheng +1"

"You bunch of idiots, it was clearly stated that Zhao Zheng's live-streamed strength test would start at 1:30 PM, and there's still ten minutes left! Why the rush?"

"Haha, weren't there many people doubting the video's authenticity, especially those foreigners? They even accused us of fabricating a Royal-class Warrior out of thin air. Now that he's willing to live-stream, isn't that a slap in their faces?"

"Looking forward to Zhao Zheng's performance in the Outer Domain Battlefield..."

...

Zhang Peng discovered.

In just a short while.

The number of viewers in the live-streaming room soared from six million, breaking through the ten million mark!!

And this number was still rapidly increasing.

Each change was in the millions...

The popularity was explosive.

What was even more astonishing was that with so many people in the same live-streaming room, there was no lag at all.

It seemed that the officials had invested heavily in this live-stream. Zhang Peng, too, eagerly anticipated the upcoming live-stream.

Previously, in the Spirit Realm, Zhao Zheng's battle with Whitebeard had been brief, as both of them disappeared from the battlefield and moved to another location.

Zhang Peng regretted not being able to witness the continuation of their battle.

Now, he finally had the chance to truly gauge Zhao Zheng's strength...

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end