Inside a private dining room, Rowan slowly sampled the dishes Yao Rao had recommended. His chopsticks moved with leisure as he spoke casually.
"Yao Rao, how's the verification of the Heart-Shaped Herb serum going?"
The last time he had met with Hong, Rowan had exchanged several critical technologies and items among them the Heart-Shaped Herb serum, artificial intelligence research, and the Arc Reactor blueprints. By now, some time had passed. He was curious to see how Hong intended to handle these gifts.
"It's still under verification," Yao Rao replied gently, her expression calm. "The Master wants to be absolutely certain that taking the Heart-Shaped Herb won't harm a warrior's potential."
"I see." Rowan immediately understood.
The data from the Doomsday Serum had already proven that, while it could boost one's power tremendously in the short term, it came at the cost of future growth. Anyone who used it would find their path to the Senatorial level completely cut off.
Hong clearly feared the same might be true of the Heart-Shaped Herb. If the serum was mass-distributed and ended up crippling humanity's chances of producing future Planet-rank warriors, the long-term cost would outweigh any temporary gain.
Rowan sighed inwardly. "Hong really does have a broad heart."
This kind of testing showed that Hong wasn't thinking just of himself or even of the martial world, but of humanity's overall strength as a species.
It was reminiscent of Luo Feng, who, only a week after joining, had bought tens of thousands of tons of Purple Light Dew to enhance Earth's warriors.
Rowan said quietly, "I suspect the Heart-Shaped Herb does affect potential. But it can still be paired with the Doomsday Serum. Together, they could reliably produce warriors at the Advanced Fighter level."
That was how he had cultivated his own super-soldier teams in the Marvel world: combining serums, layering strengths, stabilizing their combat power.
In the world of Swallowed Star, advanced students were plentiful. With the two serums in tandem, creating vast numbers of Advanced Fighters was well within reach.
Yao Rao nodded thoughtfully. "I agree. That's probably the most practical use. But the Master insists on testing thoroughly. We've tried persuading him, but he won't budge."
Rowan chuckled and shrugged. "Fair enough. Hong really doesn't give up easily."
And it made sense. If the Heart-Shaped Herb could truly elevate an ordinary person into a warrior without side effects, then within a few short years humanity would reclaim the regions now dominated by monsters.
They finished their meal with lighthearted conversation. Rowan made no advances, no suggestive comments only casual chatter. Yao Rao found it refreshing. In more than a decade, she had rarely shared such a relaxed meal with a man.
Near eleven, Rowan stood. "I've got something else to handle. I'll log out for now, but I'll come find you the next time I enter the Palace of Wargods."
Yao Rao nodded, a faint smile touching her lips.
Meanwhile, in the Extreme Martial Hall, Luo Feng was finishing the final part of his candidate assessment.
"Congratulations, Luo Feng. From today on, you are officially a prospective warrior!"
The branch master of the Yangzhou Extreme Martial Hall, Wu Tong, clapped him on the shoulder, his face brimming with pride.
"Thank you, Chief Instructor. I'll work even harder from now on." Luo Feng bowed slightly, his eyes bright with determination.
Wu Tong's grin widened. Luo Feng was only eighteen, yet his punch strength had already reached 1,300 kilograms, and his speed 36 meters per second. In Yangzhou City, such talent was exceedingly rare.
Looking at Luo Feng, Wu Tong couldn't help but recall Rowan from the year before. The two shared the same steadiness, resilience, and humility.
But Wu Tong didn't lump Luo Feng in as "Rowan's successor." It was too much of a coincidence to believe that Yangzhou could produce another genius of that caliber in back-to-back years.
After passing on the Five Hearts Toward Heaven cultivation method, Wu Tong dismissed Luo Feng.
Jiang Nian, watching Luo Feng leave, hesitated. He wanted to remind the boy to be respectful when meeting Rowan later. But after a moment's thought, he held his tongue. Luo Feng would figure it out on his own.
Following Jiang Nian's directions, Luo Feng walked along the shaded paths of Mingyue District. The neighborhood was filled with elegant villas, manicured like a forest park.
For eighteen years, Luo Feng had lived crammed with his brother Luo Hua in a single room of the South Bank slums. The sudden sight of such luxury overwhelmed him.
"I'm already a prospective warrior. Once I pass the combat assessment, I'll bring my parents and Luo Hua here to live in Mingyue."
The thought filled him with exhilaration.
Soon, he arrived at a secluded villa, half-hidden by towering ancient trees and rare ornamental plants. It wasn't the largest villa, but it radiated peace and refinement. Every breath carried the fresh fragrance of flowers and greenery.
"This environment feels even better than the others," Luo Feng thought curiously. He recognized very few of the plants many were clearly expensive imports.
Looking up, he saw the house number: Villa 175.
"So this is Rowan's place. No wonder."
His heart eased. A Wargod's residence was bound to be extraordinary.
"If only I could be his neighbor one day…"
The lush lawns and well-trimmed shrubs filled Luo Feng with envy. Training here must feel incredible.
"Luo Feng!"
The shout came from above. Rowan had just logged out of the Palace of Wargods and stepped onto his second-floor balcony. He spotted Luo Feng wandering below and waved.
"Rowan!" Luo Feng grinned, hurrying into the yard.
Rowan vaulted from the balcony to the ground in a smooth leap, landing with feline grace. He punched Luo Feng lightly on the chest. "Long time no see, Madman. Congratulations on becoming a warrior candidate."
Grinning, Luo Feng returned the playful punch. "Congratulations? You're already a Wargod. I only just became a candidate."
But there was no bitterness in his smile only determination.
Rowan smirked. "So what if I'm a Wargod? A year from now, you could be one too."
"Impossible. I'll never be as monstrous as you." Luo Feng waved his hands, laughing off the idea.
"Don't be so sure." Rowan gave him a sideways look. "Come on, let's talk inside."
He draped an arm over Luo Feng's shoulders and led him in.
Inside, Luo Feng was awestruck. Pale wooden floors exuded a faint fragrance, handwoven carpets cushioned the steps, priceless antiques and calligraphy adorned the corners. The house was elegant, refined, and cozy all at once.
They eventually settled in the second-floor training room, sunlit and filled with vibrant flowers from the adjoining terrace. Rowan tossed him a beanbag chair, and the two sat side by side, basking in the sun.
"Wu Tong taught you the Five Hearts Toward Heaven technique, right?" Rowan asked casually.
"Yes," Luo Feng nodded. He was curious about the "genetic origin energy," though he wasn't sure what it truly meant.
"Why not try it now? If you hit any problems, I'm here."
Luo Feng blinked, surprised, then grinned. "Alright!"
Sitting cross-legged, he assumed the cultivation posture. The scent of blossoms, the warmth of the sun it all carried him swiftly into meditation.
Twenty minutes passed with no result. Luo Feng frowned.
Rowan's voice came softly. "Your body has always absorbed origin energy unconsciously, but in tiny amounts. Try to sense that faint trickle first."
Enlightened, Luo Feng shifted focus. His talent for mental perception was exceptional, and within minutes he detected a subtle current flowing through his body. Excitement flared as he focused, amplifying the intake.
Soon, energy vortices swirled at his palms, soles, and crown. His bones began to crackle faintly proof that he had awakened his genetic origin energy.
Rowan smiled, satisfied. Luo Feng was ahead of schedule compared to the original timeline.
Hours later, Luo Feng opened his eyes, radiant with energy. He clenched his fists, amazed at the surge of strength only to freeze.
Floating around Rowan were twenty gleaming blue daggers, weaving through the air like living things.
Rowan grinned, the blades aligning in a hovering row. "What's wrong? This is just my training as a spiritual force user."
Luo Feng's eyes lit up. "A spiritual force user?"
"Yes. And don't look so surprised you could be one too."
"Me?" Luo Feng pointed at himself, stunned.
Rowan chuckled. "You've got the strongest spiritual talent on Earth. Try moving a dagger."
Skeptical, Luo Feng fixed his gaze on one blade, silently urging it closer. At first, nothing. Then, with a sudden tremor, the dagger drifted toward him.
His excitement spiked then agony struck. He collapsed, clutching his head, body flushed red and slick with sweat and even blood.
Rowan, watching calmly, produced a vial of leftover jade marrow. A few precious drops slipped into Luo Feng's mouth, easing the pain while further tempering his body.
The transformation raged on for hours before Luo Feng finally awoke at sunset. Dazed, he recalled everything then found himself transported into a vast mental sea, fog swirling endlessly around a golden sphere.
"My sea of consciousness?"
Rowan's voice pulled him back. "So, you've entered your inner world."
Luo Feng's excitement surged. He tested his new powers lifting couches, racks, and mats into the air with a thought.
"I really am a spiritual force user!" he exclaimed, giddy with joy.
Rowan explained the rarity and power of his new identity. Luo Feng's eyes widened further at the revelation: spiritual force users were considered two levels stronger than warriors of the same rank.
When Rowan invited him to test his strength, Luo Feng eagerly struck the wall's built-in sensor.
3,793 kilograms.
Luo Feng froze. That was mid-level Fighter territory bordering on Advanced Fighter. His strength had more than doubled.
Rowan clapped, smiling. "See? I told you your talent was extraordinary."
As the realization sank in, Luo Feng's exhilaration was almost uncontrollable. He could pass the warrior combat exam with ease, move his family into Mingyue District, and stand proudly as Rowan's equal one day.
For the first time, Luo Feng truly believed it.
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