Chapter 278: Metamorphosis
Chapter 278: Metamorphosis (Requesting Monthly Vote)
Lin Qi nodded. Enhanced martial artists truly possessed formidable power—those at the same stage were exceptionally strong. His opponent today had been a perfect example: a fifth-realm body constitution at the fourth boundary, only slightly lacking in martial arts mastery. Unless they faced B-rank geniuses or above, such warriors were nearly unbeatable at their stage.
"The Vermin God Cult has been steadily weakened by our Xia Kingdom's relentless efforts, but their numbers keep replenishing because new members keep joining", Yue Feng explained. "Thankfully, you faced an ordinary enhanced martial artist this time. If a Vermin Race warrior had attacked, you wouldn't have escaped."
Yue Feng switched the screen to show three towering, muscular figures—identical to the ones Lin Qi had seen months ago. Though resembling humans, their skin and certain organs were distinctly different.
"True Vermin Race warriors possess extraordinary innate talent and special abilities", Yue Feng continued. "They're on par with awakened human prodigies. If you encountered them, survival would be impossible."
Lin Qi understood. Against such primal forces, his current strength would have been overwhelmed. If Xiaochan hadn't shielded him during the explosion, he'd have suffered severe injuries.
"Uncle Yue, what about the explosion at the parking garage? All those destroyed cars—" Lin Qi suddenly asked, recalling the collateral damage from his fight.
Yue Feng chuckled. "Don't worry. Martial Arts Pavilion and the government will handle compensation. This isn't the first time Tianhai City's seen such incidents in the past decade."
Lin Qi exhaled in relief. He couldn't afford to pay for that kind of damage.
"Yue Feng advised before leaving the hospital room."
...
After midday chaos, Yue Feng returned home for lunch with his wife and daughter. Half an hour later, alone in his study, a blue-hued holographic screen flickered to life for a video conference. Crimson Vault Martial Arts Pavilion's acting leader, commanders from Abyssal Maw and Black Radiance Pavilions, police officials, and government representatives joined sequentially.
"Since Master Wu is unavailable, I'll temporarily assume command", Yue Feng began solemnly. A middle-aged police officer in uniform concluded the meeting: "We've identified the assassin from Rongshan Residential District, though he's deceased now."
"By tonight, we'll locate his contacts and eliminate every Vermin God Cult member in Tianhai City", Yue Feng declared.
After ending the call, Yue Feng reviewed intelligence reports. Lin Qi had withheld critical details—specifically, how he'd killed the enhanced martial artist. Fourth-circle cultivators enhanced to fifth-realm body constitution were notoriously hard to defeat, yet Lin Qi had not only survived their self-destruction but emerged alive.
"Lin Qi certainly has secrets", Yue Feng mused. But prying wasn't his style. Every genius had their mysteries. As long as mutual respect remained, boundaries wouldn't be crossed. The stronger Lin Qi became, the greater his potential.
His gaze darkened. "Twice now... this time, the Vermin God Cult will be eradicated."
...
Meanwhile, a heavily wrapped figure in a dim apartment crushed his fist watching the news. "A worthless failure! Though Lin Qi surviving self-destruction is impressive..." He slung a backpack over his shoulder. "I must leave—staying risks capture by the Three Pavilions."
As he opened the door, a black-uniformed figure appeared in the threshold.
"Hello", the middle-aged man smiled, releasing a terrifying mental pressure. The fugitive's heart sank.
...
At dusk, Lin Zhen escorted his son Lin Qi and Sun Manager to their villa.
"Thank you for the ride", Lin Zhen said.
"No trouble at all", Sun Manager replied. "Feel free to reach out if you need anything."
As the car departed, Jiang Tao and Jiang Miaoyin greeted them. "Brother Qi, I knew you'd be safe!" Jiang Tao exclaimed.
Fang Huiyi ushered them inside where dinner waited. "Eat well", she encouraged.
"Lin Qi, don't leave home until school resumes", Lin Zhen warned. His son nodded.
In the training hall, Lin Qi examined his weapon—scorch marks and scratches from the explosion. Opening his status panel, battle memories replayed:
[You've engaged a fourth-circle martial artist in life-or-death combat. Spear Techniques proficiency increased by 3%]
[You've engaged a fourth-circle martial artist in life-or-death combat. Body Techniques proficiency increased by 3%]
[Spear Techniques: 3rd Tier 34% → 37%]
[Body Techniques: 3rd Tier 15% → 18%]
He drank an energy brew, then resumed cultivation. His cells screamed for primordial energy like starving men devouring food.
...
The assassination attempt remained under wraps while Tianhai City's Three Pavilions launched a citywide purge of Vermin God Cult remnants.
Meanwhile, Guo Heng jumped up at the news: "Brother Qi was attacked?!" His brother Guo Yi shrugged, "He's no ordinary student—ranked ninth among 14 candidates at Crimson Vault's Ten Institute. School provided life-saving equipment."
"Visit him", urged Mr. Guo. Mrs. Guo and Guo Yi agreed. Similar conversations unfolded across the city—Wan Ming, Zhang Cheng, Principal Jiang Zhiguang, and others all made plans to visit the recovering prodigy.
...
That night, Lin Qi's household buzzed with activity. His parents played mahjong while he cultivated in the training hall. Consciousness expanding, the Golden Vajra Tiger roared awake, drawing primordial energy particles like a magnet. Energy surged through his pores, revitalizing his damaged body.
...
(End of Chapter)
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