Chapter 23: Rejecting Opportunity

With the input of 100 psychic points, the info on the spinning magnetic field changes to (Level 1, 101/359).

Ji Xinghuo made a comparison before and after.

The range for magnetic field sensing expanded by several meters, and the spinning magnetic field’s body enhancement also increased slightly.

Activating the spinning magnetic field would augment strength, speed, and explosive power.

“Amazing!”

Ji Xinghuo couldn’t help but marvel. The rate of power increase was like rocketing up. It felt too good and made him somewhat intoxicated.

“If there were enough psychic points…”

He dared not imagine further.

Looking around the cultivation room, aside from some marks left on the floor from merging with the mutant strains, no other damage was visible.

There was one problem, though.

Ji Xinghuo looked down at himself; he was completely nude, which made him quite embarrassed.

He pressed the service call, and when the store attendant came over, he spoke through the door, “Could you please buy a set of clothes for me? I’ll pay for it. Thank you.”

“Sure.”

Shortly after, as per Ji Xinghuo’s request, the attendant brought a casual outfit.

After dressing, he left the cultivation room and left the store ‘Celestial Brave’ under the curious gazes of the manager and the staff.

He returned home straight away and immediately entered his training room.

He was eager to test his strength.

A moment later.

Ji Xinghuo was shocked; he could now easily lift a 330 kg barbell!

Previously, shortly after becoming a mutant, his bench press was 220 kg. After three weeks of cultivation and the body enhancement following the merging, his strength skyrocketed by over 100 kg. His squat and deadlift also dramatically increased, reaching 415 kg and 471 kg respectively.

The combined weight of his three lifts broke past 1200 kg!

This was stronger than many ‘Giants’.

Giants are one of the strongest profession templates with the core mutant ability being ‘Gigantism’, which temporarily transforms their physique to a large, muscular form, akin to a small giant.

A novice Giant’s combined lifts normally total around 1000 kg, about one ton.

Only the most talented Giants breach 1200 kg.

The spinning magnetic field endowed him with strength comparable to top-tier Giants. This was just in a normal state; if he fully activated the spinning magnetic field…

Ji Xinghuo immediately tested it again.

The spinning magnetic field unleashed power even he found unbelievable, with the combined weight of his lifts smashing past 2000 kg. His home gym barely had enough weights.

In terms of speed, the enhancement was even more exaggerated.

His 400-meter sprint dropped from 38 seconds to just 17 seconds!

However, the spinning magnetic field consumed star power very quickly; within about three minutes, his star power was depleted.

“This is a good time for an endurance test.”

Ji Xinghuo noted the time then started running fast on the treadmill.

Even without star power, his enhanced physique exhibited profound stamina. He ran at the sprint speed of a top athlete, but his breathing remained smooth and lengthy, and he showed no signs of fatigue, his steps fast and steady.

Thumping sounds filled the air…

Over an hour later, Ji Xinghuo finally stopped.

Though sweat-drenched, the interface for his All-Seeing Star Eyes showed that his star power had rebounded to 97/97, a peak state.

“Whew!” he exclaimed.

“To go from depleted to fully replenished, it took 70 minutes.” He quickly calculated, “Previously, when my star power was at 56, full recovery took 100 minutes. Now with stronger star power, recovery is even faster, with an efficiency 2.4 times better than before.”

This is one of the advantages of the spinning magnetic field: greatly accelerated recovery speed.

Faster recovery means shorter cycles.

Thus, the daily cultivation period increases, and one’s star power grows faster than that of other mutants.

Ji Xinghuo’s eyes sparkled, envisioning his swift rise to a mid-level mutant.

“It’s a shame, though…”

He thought to himself, if he could quietly obtain the spinning magnetic field, there would be no need to worry about the Sword Bureau detecting his secret, and he wouldn’t have to flee to the Star Realm.

Just staying home and cultivating calmly for a year or so would surely evolve his life once more.

“I hate cameras!”

Ji Xinghuo looked towards one direction on the floor.

His magnetic field sensing spread instantly; more than a dozen cameras were installed at the building entrance and nearby streets, some openly visible while others were hidden. All were exposed under his magnetic sensation.

“From now on, I must destroy the cameras before doing anything.”

Ji Xinghuo learned this lesson well.

Without further distractions, he immediately resumed training, depleting his star power with physical exercises, then waiting for it to recover before practicing the Level 2 ‘Thousand Skillful Hands’ to adapt to his current hand state.

At three o’clock in the afternoon.

As usual, Ji Xinghuo went to the Qishan Wutong Archery Range for his archery practice.

He had just won the ‘Leaves of Shooting Cup’ yesterday. Many people in the range recognized him, but they did not disturb his concentrated practice, occasionally casting surprised glances.

In the middle of his session, Lu Yunhai approached.

“Xinghuo,” Lu Yunhai seemed to bear great news, his face barely able to hide a smile, whispered, “The director wants to see you.”

“When?” Ji Xinghuo asked after releasing an arrow.

“Anytime today; the director has been here since this morning. He specifically told me he’d be at the archery range all day, probably just waiting for you,”

Ji Xinghuo nodded, “Lead the way now.”

They reached Yang Tianqing’s office at the top of the archery range building. Leaving the shooting area and stepping out of the elevator, Ji Xinghuo deliberately slowed his pace. His magnetic sensation confirmed no one was in the neighboring rooms and no cameras were present. He then switched off his phone and gestured for Lu Yunhai to do the same.

Lu Yunhai complied but was clearly puzzled, asking, “What’s going on?”

“I’m heading to the Star Realm.”

“What?” Lu Yunhai was taken aback, “What happened? Why the rush?”

Any mutant pursuing power and aiming for further evolutionary progress must enter the Star Realm.

In the era just after the Star Gates opened, many pioneers dared to venture into the Star Realm with mere human bodies to swiftly increase their power.

But times have changed.

The Star Realm is extremely dangerous for ordinary people and mutants alike.

For life safety, both the ADC and national Star Realm departments advise reaching an advanced mutant level before entering the Star Realm to ensure a higher survival rate. After all, cultivating on Earth doesn’t differ much below advanced mutant level. Most resources are also accessible without taking risks.

However, most mutants can’t wait to ascend and typically enter the Star Realm upon reaching mid-level.

Very few mutants venture into the Star Realm at the basic level.

Generally, these are either impatient, reckless young individuals with audacity, betting their lives on extraordinary encounters in the Star Realm;

or they are backed by powerful families or forces, protected by strong teams.

Knowing Ji Xinghuo’s character, Lu Yunhai was aware he was neither reckless nor had a powerful background.

Something unexpected must have happened.

“Indeed, there was a bit of an incident, but it’s not a major problem,” Ji Xinghuo didn’t elaborate much, “I won’t wander around in the Star Realm. I’ll stay near Olympia City, so there definitely won’t be any danger. You don’t have to worry.”

Lu Yunhai was full of doubts.

If it really wasn’t a big issue, why did he need to turn off his phone before discussing it?

But since Ji Xinghuo didn’t want to explain, Lu Yunhai had no choice but to sigh, “Alright, just be extra careful. It’s a pity, though. The director wanted to see you. Seems like he was planning to recommend you to those top teams. I heard some are from the A-league clubs.”

Ji Xinghuo was momentarily stunned, then could only regretfully shake his head.

The A-league clubs!

In the past, he would have been eager beyond measure. If he could join a club and be treated as a core talent, his prospects would be limitless.

His second brother, Zhong Ming, was part of a B-league club.

Perhaps they would even face each other in competition.

“Don’t tell anyone else I’m going into the Star Realm,” Ji Xinghuo cautioned, “Pretend you know nothing. After I leave the archery range, I’ll transfer the money to.Reader:

He hadn’t forgotten to lend Lu Yunhai 700,000 yuan.

“I understand,” Lu Yunhai nodded silently.

After concluding their conversation, both reactivated their phones. Ji Xinghuo then entered the director’s office and met with Yang Tianqing.

This super mutant greeted him warmly in his training suit, smiling as Ji Xinghuo entered from the back of the office, “Mr. Ji, it’s good to see you again.”

Ji Xinghuo politely responded, “Director Yang, just call me Xinghuo.”

Yang Tianqing’s magnetic field was exceptionally “bright”. That afternoon in the archery range, he sensed many mutants, but none had a magnetic field strength comparable to Yang Tianqing’s. As of now, Yang Tianqing was the strongest mutant he had encountered.

“Please, have a seat.”

With a warm demeanor, Yang Tianqing instructed his assistant to serve Ji Xinghuo a beverage.

Only then he began, “Xinghuo, even an old fellow like me was impressed by your performance at the Leaves of Shooting Cup. When I was at your age and rank, my archery skills were far inferior to yours.”

“You flatter me, director,” Ji Xinghuo responded modestly, “Many champions emerged from the Leaves of Shooting Cup, all much stronger than me.”

Yet Yang Tianqing shook his head firmly, “They aren’t your match.”

“Uh…”

Ji Xinghuo was somewhat taken aback, clearly the super ranger had also perceived something.

He chuckled to himself, having intended to keep a low profile, but those with a keen eye could always discern his distinctiveness.

Unless he truly stayed hidden at home doing nothing, talent, much like pregnancy, would eventually show.

The two chatted casually, exchanging compliments.

Then they got down to business.

Indeed, as Lu Yunhai mentioned, Yang Tianqing had some connections.

He had sent a video of Ji Xinghuo at the Leaves of Shooting Cup to a few friends, and all responded.

Three were hunting teams, one Star Realm exploration company, and one an A-league club with strong financial clout and an experienced coaching team, currently making a push towards the Super League.

They were all very interested in Ji Xinghuo.

As soon as he was willing, they could arrange interviews and trial trainings, offering very generous contracts.

“Thank you for your kindness, Director Yang, but I currently have no plans to join any companies or clubs,” Ji Xinghuo politely but firmly declined.

He had already signed a contract with the Sword Bureau. Signing another contract with different entities would be illegal.

Moreover, he could not stay on Earth.

Yang Tianqing was taken aback.

He hadn’t expected to be turned down, but seeing Ji Xinghuo’s firm attitude and repeated refusals to change his mind, he had no choice but to let it go, naturally cooling off a bit.

After thanking him again, Ji Xinghuo left the archery range.