Chapter 288: Mingfei, Keisha, and Chu Zihan!

Chapter 288: Mingfei, Keisha, and Chu Zihan!

"You monkey, you truly bring me joy!"

Chu Zihan had just awakened from a deep fog, and the first thing he heard was the familiar sound of a game.

He slowly rose, frowning, and felt something soft beneath him. Looking down, he realized he was lying on a sofa in the Norton Hall lobby.

On another sofa lay Caesar, his eyes tightly shut. Not far away, Lu Mingfei was playing a game with a controller in his hand.

The Heavenborn effortlessly deciphered and countered the attacks, landing a well-timed charged strike. The battle was one-sided, and Purity Source Mystic Sage was left dazed and confused, momentarily unable to distinguish which side was the boss.

Chu Zihan slowly walked over and sat down beside Lu Mingfei, who had just finished his game. Seeing Chu Zihan, he happily tossed aside the controller.

"Chu Shixiong, are you feeling unwell?"

"No."

Chu Zihan had just checked himself, and not only were his external injuries healed, but his damaged internal organs also felt incredibly light and relaxed. The strain on his body from the Blood Burst had vanished, and he felt as if he had been reborn.

It was truly an incredible healing method.

"Where's Lu Ke?"

"He's in the hot spring room. He said you guys worked hard too, and he's preparing a hot spring for us. After this is over, we'll all go for a soak."

"Alright."

Chu Zihan looked at the game screen, where the challenge mode rankings showed him in 13th place. He nodded slightly, "Your observation and reaction skills are excellent."

Lu Mingfei scratched his head shyly, "Really? I guess gaming is my only strong point. By the way, Shixiong, do you play this game too?"

"This game was specially designed by Lu Ke for Halfbreeds. It incorporates a unique physics engine, making the combat almost realistic. Each battle has subtle numerical differences that are hard to notice."

"The damage inflicted varies greatly depending on the hit location. To get on the leaderboard, you need to be familiar with the game mechanics and have precise control over your character."

Chu Zihan spoke in a calm tone, "I'm 'Murasame', ranked ninth, and Caesar is 'Dick Treadwell', ranked tenth. We've pushed our skills to the limit, but we just can't seem to climb higher. It's hard to imagine what kind of monsters are above us."

Blood Burst can purify bloodlines, enhancing physical abilities and Incantations, but it inevitably reduces control and feels like cheating, so he hadn't tried it.

"Impressive, impressive."

Lu Mingfei clapped along, his voice waking up Caesar on the sofa.

"My head hurts..."

A man with flamboyant golden hair rose, holding his head. He sat down casually, crossing his legs, and gave orders to the two as if it were the most natural thing in the world.

"I need a bottle of Haut-Brion, a glass of well-aged Romanee-Conti, and a medium-rare steak. Can you have it ready in half an hour?"

Lu Mingfei and Chu Zihan's gazes shifted to behind Caesar, saying nothing.

Clang!

The sofa was kicked over, and Caesar, sitting with an air of dominance, was flipped.

"Didn't anyone ever teach you to be humble when you're a guest in someone else's home? Caesar, do you really think you're that Caesar from history?"

Holding a fruit platter, Lu Ke maintained his kicking stance.

Caesar, rubbing his waist as he got up, became a bit more sensible. He righted the sofa and sat down, "I don't particularly like Caesar the Emperor. He achieved greatness but died in an assassination, a glorious life with an unremarkable death. Still, his words, 'I came, I saw, I conquered,' are quite impressive."

"You're even mentally reviewing historical figures. Seems like you're recovering well."

Lu Ke placed the fruit platter on the table, "I made some Full Recovery Potions, Tree Fruits, and Experience Cookies. Try them."

"These food names... Boss, are you going to raise us like Pokemon?"

Lu Mingfei picked up a Tree Fruit, his eyes lighting up at the sweet scent. After a few bites, a warm current flowed through his body, dispelling all fatigue.

Amazing! This is a must-have for all-night gaming sessions!

Seeing this, the other two immediately tried some as well, and their faces lit up with surprise.

"Can I take some with me?"

Chu Zihan's expressionless face rarely showed embarrassment, but even he was a bit flustered by this act of taking things without asking. However, with the side effects of Blood Burst, he could significantly reduce the impact, which would be a great help.

"Take as much as you want."

Lu Ke waved his hand nonchalantly, "Although it's a bit showy, considering you guys tackled the main quest without even doing the side quests and still managed to defeat the boss, I'll call it a pass."

Caesar looked at Lu Mingfei with newfound respect, recalling the ice storm that covered the entire field, "I underestimated you. I never thought you could find a loophole and land a hit in that situation."

Lu Mingfei wasn't sure how he managed to shoot and hit the target, and he awkwardly lowered his head.

"It was just luck."

"It wasn't luck," Chu Zihan calmly interjected. "Slaying dragons is extremely dangerous. In that situation, any success can't be attributed to luck. Lu Mingfei, you can be more confident."

Lu Mingfei was touched, "Shixiong..."

It seemed like all the Shixiongs he met were pretty great—Caesar, Chu Zihan, and Fingal too.

When the three had almost finished eating and were in top condition, Lu Ke slowly stood up and opened a door to a reception room, walking inside.

"Let's talk about your wishes, one by one."

Chu Zihan immediately followed him into the room.

The reception room maintained the usual luxurious style of Norton Hall. The paintings on the walls were masterpieces by renowned artists, and the sofas were from the Italian brand Poltrona Frau's "Leather Plus" series, made from top-grade cowhide and hand-stitched for ultimate comfort. On the coffee table was a set of Zwiesel's Z600 series tea set, crafted from pure silver.

Lu Ke took a bottle of Macallan from beneath the table and poured a glass for Chu Zihan. This was not only an expensive and strong liquor but also the 'Odin' that Chu Zihan wanted to kill.

Chu Zihan's eyes grew serious, "Was the previous experience just an illusion?

"Norton Hall doesn't have Nibelheim. If it did, do you think the principal and the others wouldn't have noticed and agreed to offer this place as a Free Day prize? Nibelheim is an alchemist's dream, a sacred land they yearn for."

Lu Ke's expression remained unchanged, as the space he created was indeed not Nibelheim.

"You mean the land of the dead, Nibelheim, from Norse mythology?" Chu Zihan asked in a deep voice.

"Yes, the otherworldly space of the First Generation Sovereign, the land of the dead, Nibelheim. There is no day or night there, and the sky is perpetually bathed in a half-dark, half-light glow."

Lu Ke explained calmly, "Everything inside is dead. The ground and mountains are bronze-colored, the sky is gray, the flames are a cold blue, and water cannot support anything. There is a city built from the bones of the dead, and the Fifth Element, 'Spirit,' is concentrated within. It is said that the Philosopher's Stone, a legendary artifact, can be crafted there."

He glanced at Chu Zihan, who was silently processing the information, and then dropped a bombshell.

"You've been to Nibelheim before, haven't you?"

Chu Zihan's eyes flashed with intensity as he stared at Lu Ke.

After all these years, he was certain that the rainy night wasn't a dream, but not a single witness could confirm it. He never expected Lu Ke to bring it up today.

"How do you know?"

"Those who enter Nibelheim are marked, making it much easier to enter the same Nibelheim a second time."

Chu Zihan exhaled, feeling a sense of direction in his previously aimless journey.

"My wish is to kill 'Odin,' no matter the cost."

Lu Ke nodded, "No problem. But Odin's whereabouts are unpredictable. I'll let you know when I encounter him. I can either handle it myself or cripple him for you to finish off. That would be quicker. If you want to do it yourself... it might take a long time and come at a great cost."

Chu Zihan didn't respond immediately, as this was a significant matter. "Can I think about it?"

"Of course, it's your freedom. Call Caesar in."

Chu Zihan nodded and stood up to leave, pausing briefly with his hand on the doorknob before speaking softly.

"Thank you."

Lu Ke smiled, "It's nothing. Helping you is helping myself."

He was determined to consume 'Odin,' whether it was his Dragon Bone Cross, Nibelheim, or his real-world assets.

A moment later, Caesar entered the room, inhaling the rich aroma of the wine in the air, his expression revealing a hint of surprise.

"Not bad wine. You do have some taste after all."

Lu Ke leaned back and asked, "Do I seem tasteless to you?"

"Yes, I'm surprised by that. Despite your privileged upbringing, you always give off a stingy vibe. For example, you only know a few famous sports cars and expensive wines, can't distinguish between designer clothing styles, and aren't sensitive to food..."

Caesar chuckled softly, "If I were to evaluate you, I'd say you give off the vibe of a nouveau riche second-generation rich kid. You use more luxurious items than I do, but you lack the elegance and poise inherent in the upper class."

"I prefer to call that elegance and poise pretentiousness."

Lu Ke's eyes narrowed, hinting at an underlying danger.

Caesar was grateful for his masculine nature; otherwise, Lu Ke's words would have tempted him to seduce her, play with her heart and body, and then discard her after she became attached to him, leaving her to kneel in tears of repentance.

"What's your wish, Caesar?"

"I joined the Free Day to face off against Chu Zihan. As for my wish, I haven't decided yet. By the way, what's the cost? You mentioned there's a cost to the wish, right?"

Caesar grasped the key point. As the successor of the Gattuso family, he didn't have any urgent wishes to fulfill. Compared to the wish, the cost was what concerned him more.

"Don't worry, it's just a hot spring gathering to foster camaraderie."

Lu Ke's smile was sincere, and he wasn't lying. He genuinely intended for everyone to enjoy a hot spring together.

"If it's just a hot spring..."

Although he wasn't used to bathing with strangers, an occasional dip wouldn't hurt.

Caesar's body shuddered for no apparent reason. Despite it being just a hot spring, he felt a chill down his spine and instinctively crossed his right arm in front of him, shielding his well-developed chest muscles that many girls envied.

"I don't have any particular wish. If I had to say, it would be to surpass you. Can you make that happen?"

"It sounds like a paradox, asking God to create a stone He can't lift."

"Are you comparing yourself to God? That's a bit arrogant."

"Or perhaps you're the more arrogant one."

Lu Ke's lips curved into a smile, "I came, I saw, I conquered. Those who like this quote are all arrogant."

"You haven't made any significant achievements at Cassel Academy these past two years. Since you don't have a specific wish, I can offer you an alternative: the 'Gatekeeper Plan.'"

"Gatekeeper Plan?"

Caesar showed some interest, "Tell me more."

"A massive dragon tomb was discovered upstream, and its owner is most likely 'Bronze and Flame King' Norton. This investigation mission was initially assigned to the top members of the Execution Department, Ye Sheng and Juedaya Ji, but something went wrong, and it ended up in my hands. This test also serves the purpose of selecting talents."

"I see."

Caesar seemed deep in thought and then suddenly laughed, "Why me and not Chu Zihan or Lu Mingfei?"

"Chu Zihan has his own goals. As for Mingfei, he's content being my lackey, enjoying the good life, and finding a sensible, obedient, and devoted girlfriend at school."

"Are you treating him like a son?"

Caesar couldn't help but tease.

"Saving the world doesn't require forcing him. You and Chu Zihan are both elites, while Lu Mingfei is just a neglected child. Let him live a simple life."

Lu Ke took a sip of Macallan, "If he betrays my kindness and insists on being a lapdog, I don't need such a rebellious son. Have you made up your mind?

"I've made up my mind. I wouldn't miss the chance to slay the Dragon King. My wish is to join the Gatekeeper Plan."

"Excellent. Go and get Lu Mingfei."

A moment later, a scrawny head pokes out from the doorway, hesitantly eyeing the luxurious furnishings in the living room.

"Mingfei, what's your wish?"

"Anything?"

Lu Mingfei's face lit up with a shy expression.

"Go ahead, tell us."

He hesitated for a moment, then spoke softly, "I want some pocket money."

"Such a simple wish."

Lu Ke chuckled, "Alright, I'll give you a hundred million."

Thud—

Lu Mingfei's legs went weak, and he fell to the ground, his eyes wide with shock, "O-o-o-o-o-o-o..."

"Don't imitate a clucking chicken."

Lu Ke pulled him up and walked out, where Chu Zihan and Caesar were chatting. They looked surprised at the sight of the two.

"So you finished talking so soon?"

"Yeah, Mingfei's wish is pretty straightforward."

Lu Ke dragged Lu Mingfei, a mysterious smile on his face, leading the way, "Let's go, now that the wish is granted, it's time for the hot springs."

"I can't shake the feeling that your smile has ulterior motives."

Caesar followed awkwardly, while Chu Zihan silently trailed behind.

In the changing room, the group removed their clothes.

Being half-breeds, they all had exceptional physiques. Chu Zihan was lean and slender, with a well-proportioned body and graceful lines. Caesar, on the other hand, was more muscular, his muscles more defined than Chu Zihan's, especially his chest, rivaling even the heroes of American comics.

As for Lu Ke, although not a true half-breed, his charm and physique, enhanced by over a dozen worlds, had sculpted his body into a perfect fusion of wilderness and civilization, akin to a Greek statue of a divine being.

Lu Mingfei hugged his skinny frame, noticing the hint of envy in the others' eyes, especially when it came to a certain male-focused area.

Damn, he's the youngest!

No wonder Zero said he was above average among ordinary people; half-breeds are monsters! Even Chu Zihan, who is already excellent, and Caesar, who has the advantage of his species, is even more formidable. The most outrageous is the boss; he could probably pierce right through someone. Is this normal for a human? Why is there such a huge difference when we're all S-Class?

Lu Mingfei, feeling ashamed, wrapped his towel tightly around himself, hearing Caesar's triumphant smirk as he taunted Chu Zihan.

"I won."

Chu Zihan's face turned cold as he wrapped his towel securely, unaware of Caesar's childish side.

"Boring."

Lu Ke noticed Lu Mingfei's dejected walk and patted his shoulder.

"Don't worry, you'll be the same soon."

Lu Mingfei looked up in confusion, "Same in what way?"

Lu Ke smiled without answering. The group entered the hot spring, and Lu Mingfei struggled several times, wanting to jump out due to the scalding water, but he endured and gradually adjusted.

"So comfortable..."

He sighed, his face turning red from the heat. As the only one in a normal state, he wasn't particularly tolerant of the hot springs.

The others also relaxed, enjoying the soothing warmth of the hot spring.

In this leisurely moment, Lu Ke suddenly spoke up.

"Isn't it a bit boring just soaking here? Why don't I tell you a story?"

Caesar leaned back, waving his hand regally, "Speak, my lord."

Lu Ke didn't seem offended, his smile growing wider.

"In legend, there's a sacred training ground called Curse Spring Village."

"Curse Spring Village has many springs, each filled with magical water..."

Lu Mingfei's face turned pale with fear at the mention of "Curse Spring Village," his voice trembling.

"Boss, don't scare me."

Lu Ke continued calmly, "When a certain creature drowns in the spring, the water gains magical powers, bestowing the characteristics of the drowned creature to those who bathe in it later."

"Fifteen hundred years ago, a girl drowned in a spring in Curse Spring Village. Ever since, anyone who accidentally falls into that spring will turn into a girl, so it's called Maiden Drowning Spring."

Caesar sensed something amiss, recalling the Lamia Dragon from the "Illusion" and Lu Mingfei's reaction, and Lu Ke's mysterious smile. His face paled.

He jumped out of the hot spring, his legs trembling, and hastily untied his towel to inspect his body. Chu Zihan followed, stepping out of the hot spring to confirm that there was no issue, then looked at Caesar with confusion.

"Don't joke around."

Caesar was a bit annoyed.

"It might not be a joke."

Lu Mingfei spoke softly, his face turning pale as he knew more details. He scooped up a basin of cold water and splashed it onto Caesar.

Boom—

The muscular Italian hunk's body instantly shrank, his sharp features softening into a delicate beauty. His impressive muscles disappeared into his fair and smooth skin, his legs becoming long and sexy. His chest, which even girls envied, transformed into a gigantic pair of melons, like summer's end. Caesar had become a sexy and charming beauty.

He touched his chest, his face filled with disbelief, and then let out a scream that could pierce the heavens.

"NO!!!"

Boom! Boom! Lu Mingfei and Chu Zihan were also splashed with cold water, the former transforming into a graceful and delicate beauty, while the latter, with his excellent bone structure and body proportions, became an unparalleled beauty, even his eyes softening slightly.

Lu Ke tossed the two scoops aside, took out a phone from somewhere, and smiled at the three.

"Smile, brothers!"

Chu Zihan's poker face didn't change. She looked at the devastated Caesar, her gaze moving from Caesar's chest to her own.

"You did win, Caesar."

"NO!!!"

Caesar shook his head in despair, letting out a second scream.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end