Chapter 185: The Breakthrough of a Loophole

In the midst of speaking, Zhang Meng silently advanced a couple of paces toward Yenir, his entire aura subtly radiating pressure.

His words were blunt—unlike Commissar Hu, who preferred to leave some room for negotiation.

In his eyes, he wished Yenir’s resistance burned even fiercer, forcing the higher-ups to resort to extreme measures!

He knew all too well that geniuses like Yenir are proud and can’t stand even the slightest challenge!

The more defiant he remained, the better! If he stubbornly refused to explain, they could break him during interrogation—ideal!

Besides, under the Military’s methods, he wasn’t worried about not uncovering flaws in Yenir. With stakes this high, the upper echelon wouldn’t hesitate to act ruthlessly.

Sensing Zhang Meng’s undisguised threat, Yenir’s expression turned icy as he fixed his gaze on Li Xuanguo, the leader.

“Flaws?”

“You suspect me?”

“What, that I cheated?!”

Locking eyes with Li Xuanguo—though he wasn’t very familiar with the top leader of the Huaxia Battle Zone—Yenir needed to know his stance.

He could understand the Capital’s shock and confusion, but it must not be suspicion!

Are they doubting his potential? Denying his prowess?!

Even though he hadn’t been deeply involved in high-level power struggles, he knew that being labeled as someone who exploited a loophole would lead to a disastrous end!

“Yenir! That’s not it! Let us explain!”

Fang Hao, who never wished to force Yenir, felt a sudden heaviness in his heart as he glared at Zhang Meng. They had already agreed in a meeting not to corner Yenir—an arrangement that now bred resentment in anyone.

“Yenir, we don’t suspect you; we just want to…”

Before Fang Hao could finish, Li Xuanguo’s deep, steady gaze fell on the young man, and he raised a hand to cut him off.

Though Zhang Meng’s tone was harsh, the facts remained unchanged.

“Yenir, we did suspect you exploited a loophole.”

“After all, your performance did raise some concerns.”

“Of course, I’m delighted and proud that you brought honor to the Huaxia Battle Zone. But you know as well as I do—if you truly discovered a loophole, its worth to all of China would be astronomical.”

“At this moment!”

“I urge you to cooperate with the inquiry! I, Li Xuanguo, as Prime Minister, guarantee that your talent details will remain strictly confidential.”

“Moreover, if you confess, you’ll still remain in the top tier—your privileges won’t drop an iota!”

His words rang with unwavering authority.

With sincere eyes, Li Xuanguo laid out his terms—the greatest compromise he could offer.

When had he ever wanted to resort to such measures? But at his position, too many factors had to be weighed.

“Prime Minister?!”

“We can’t let Yenir be exposed! If any Awakener from another battle zone contacts him, there’s no guarantee…”

“Enough!”

Cutting off Zhang Meng’s attempts at persuasion, Li Xuanguo admonished in a low voice.

What was coming next? Li Xuanguo knew all too well what Zhang Meng was aiming for—aligned with national interests, albeit reluctantly accepted.

Yet, as long as it didn’t burn bridges, he still wanted to ease the gap in Yenir’s heart.

His expression darkened.

Seeing that Li Xuanguo had spoken, Zhang Meng kept his silence.

But still… retaining Yenir in the top tier? Wouldn’t that render his efforts futile?

He had already revealed his hostility by breaking ties with Yenir. If he didn’t finish the job now, his future was bound to be grim.

Observing Yenir’s silent stance, he was nearly certain that Yenir had indeed exploited a loophole! Otherwise, in such a tense situation, displaying the information panel would have taken only seconds—in a clear conscience, he would have already done so!

An oppressive atmosphere settled as a hint of quiet disappointment flickered in Yenir’s heart.

Or rather… disillusionment.

Though Li Xuanguo seemed determined only to verify the facts without hurting him, suspicion is suspicion. He knew that if Yenir dared refuse, the other’s attitude would shift dramatically, caring little for his fate.

Even though Zhang Meng had stoked the flames, from one angle, he could understand the Military’s harsh approach.

Yet what disappointed him most was the stark reminder of his past life.

He seldom laid blame on others for failure. But the setbacks of his former life were marred by misplaced trust…

Not due to imminent doom or dead ends—human infighting never ceases.

The same tired script. The same human nature.

To think one man like Zhang Meng could sway so many senior officials…

This time they doubted his talent. So what will be questioned next? With the loophole’s benefits enormous, the Authorities would act. And what if it were a Fourth Stage secret? Isn’t it just like his past life?

Realizing some things could never change, deep within, Yenir’s steadfast beliefs began to shift.

This time, he vowed never to let history repeat itself!

Then, after a pause…

Yenir suddenly lifted his head and fixed his steady gaze on Li Xuanguo, enunciating each word:

“Fine, I’ll tell you what the loophole is!”

“Chairman Fang, please fetch a Test Crystal for me—of the highest grade!”

In an instant, his aura transformed completely.

Hearing Yenir’s proclamation, everyone present was stunned. Upon learning he was willing to disclose the loophole, excitement gave way to profound suspicion.

What do loopholes have to do with a Test Crystal!?

Meanwhile, Zhang Meng, who had been watching Yenir closely, felt a sudden surge of unease.

Somehow, he detected a trace of mockery and absolute confidence in Yenir’s eyes!

Quickly regaining his composure, Li Xuanguo gave the young man a long, scrutinizing look and said nothing further.

“Fine!”

“Chairman Fang, please fetch it for Yenir!”

In his gut, he sensed something was off.

Test Crystal?

Could it be that Yenir intends to prove his talent is comprehensive? Is that why he clinched first place? But that alone is insufficient—even a comprehensive SS-level talent doesn’t guarantee victory. With so many SS-level talents, unless it’s an extreme case, there’s no reason for such abnormal performance!

To be on the safe side, they would still opt to scrutinize Yenir’s information.

……..

In less than a few minutes, Fang Hao hurried back with a dark purple Test Crystal, accompanied by a roaring sound.

Striding purposefully toward Yenir, Fang Hao cast a conflicted glance at the cold, distant young man and shook his head slightly.

In a brief exchange of glances, he silently sighed inwardly.

Perhaps Yenir hadn’t yet grasped the crucial point, but regardless of the outcome, Fang Hao would protect him as best as he could. In Yenir, he saw a reflection of himself.

Watching as Yenir took hold of the Test Crystal, Hu Zhiping shook his head and couldn’t help but advise:

“Yenir, you really only need to display the information panel.”

“The Prime Minister has already assured you…”

To him, Yenir’s move to re-test his talent was as if he were proving their suspicions right. But it was like a cheater caught red-handed—what’s the point of proving that the words are your own when the result remains open to manipulation…?

Why waste everyone’s time…

Without further comment, Yenir ignored Commissar Hu’s advice and placed his right hand directly on the Test Crystal.

Amid the myriad of gazes, he chuckled softly:

“Aren’t you all curious about the loophole?”

“Let me tell you…”

“The loophole is…”

“SSS-level!!”

“Boom!”

As he channeled all his Spirit Energy into the dark purple Test Crystal, an overwhelmingly brilliant light burst forth in an instant.

With the Test Crystal’s level skyrocketing, the vast room lit up as if a fierce sun had risen!