Chapter 99: Sensory Synchronization Bracelet

Ji Xinghuo chose the “Sensory Synchronization Bracelet.” Its function is to allow the wearer to select a target and share their vision and hearing with them.

This was prepared for Qinghong.

Symbiosis allows for a mental connection with Qinghong, but their senses are not synchronized.

Sometimes, if the distance is too great, timely and correct commands can’t be given, missing combat opportunities.

Synchronizing sight and sound would make coordination much smoother.

The Sensory Synchronization Bracelet is a one-star superpower accessory, hence it’s a bit pricier. It’s listed at 5 million Asian Yuan.

Ji Xinghuo receives a 20% discount, needing only 4 million Asian Yuan.

“Please wait a moment.”

Director Li nodded, glancing towards Jing Ji and Alex. They skimmed the list without interest as they had already purchased the equipment they wanted.

“Mr. Ji, please check your receipt.”

Soon after, Director Li brought the synchronization bracelet, one million Asian Yuan in cash, and a level-three hero medal.

Ji Xinghuo confirmed everything was correct and signed to receive the rewards.

“Jing Ji, I have a few words for you,” Alex suddenly said.

Everyone in the reception room was surprised. Jing Ji turned to Ji Xinghuo: “Brother Ji, please wait for me a moment.”

“Okay.”

Ji Xinghuo exited the reception room and entered the bathroom in the bounty hall, storing the cash and medal in Qinghong’s dimensional stomach.

Then, he took out the sleek, lightweight silver bracelet from a box.

Ji Xinghuo wrapped it around his right wrist, activating it and instantly, a mental target formed—he chose Qinghong on his palm for sensory connection.

Qinghong, having been briefed beforehand, didn’t resist.

The next second, Ji Xinghuo saw an additional perspective—it was from his palm, looking up at himself.

It was Qinghong’s viewpoint. In its eyes, he looked like a giant. He leaned in, and the synced view showed a giant face approaching. It was like looking in a mirror, quite fascinating.

The hearing was synchronized as well.

He hummed softly.

In his ears, the two hums nearly overlapped, like an echo in a room.

“There’s a delay in the sync.”

Ji Xinghuo thought it would be instantaneous but discovered a slight delay of about 0.1 seconds, though it seemed manageable.

The main issue was that his brain had to process both sets of visual and auditory inputs, which could be overwhelming and would require practice to get used to.

Otherwise, it might impact his own vision and hearing.

“How do you feel?”

Ji Xinghuo asked Qinghong mentally.

He realized that Qinghong looked confused; it was synced with his senses but seemed almost frozen.

Several minutes passed before Qinghong got used to the sensation.

Ji Xinghuo sensed its excitement because his vision was much better. During the synchronization, it was like opening a new world for Qinghong, seeing everything differently—further and with more detail!

In the sync, Qinghong had also gained some of the capabilities of the Wanxiang Star Pupils.

Ji Xinghuo chuckled.

“You’ll get used to it, it’s no big deal,” he reassured Qinghong, patting its little head and turning off the bracelet’s effect.

Using superpower equipment consumes star power; the sensory sync doesn’t use much but couldn’t be maintained continuously.

With enough star power in the future, he could maintain it all day.

Ji Xinghuo stepped outside to the bounty hall and waited a few minutes before Jing Ji also appeared, his face unreadable.

“Let’s go have a drink,” Jing Ji suggested with a smile.

They left under the curious gazes of other bounty hunters and soon sat down in a bar in the second-tier city district.

It was early morning, so the bar was quiet.

Jing Ji, clearly a regular, confidently ordered two drinks which were promptly served by the server.

“Big brother Jing…” Ji Xinghuo started.

“Just call me Jing Ji. I’m not much older than you. We can address each other by name from now on,” Jing Ji interrupted with a wave of his hand.

Ji Xinghuo nodded.

“Initially, I invited you for a drink just to make friends,” Jing Ji continued. “But after talking with Alex, there’s actually something I need to discuss.”

“Does it have to do with your bet?” Ji Xinghuo guessed.

“Exactly,” Jing Ji grimaced, taking a big sip of his drink. “Alex is cool on the outside but warm inside, and a bit awkward. I misunderstood him over a minor issue, so we made that bet.”

“It was just a contest between us at first, but it spiraled out as more people paid attention, and now it’s out of hand.”

Ji Xinghuo asked, “Can’t you just cancel it?”

“If it was a few months ago, a single word could have stopped it, but now it’s too late,” Jing Ji shook his head. “It’s no longer just a personal grudge; it’s become a contest between our two nations, each of us representing our country.”

Ji Xinghuo understood.

In this century, the global theme was the competition between the two superpowers, Asia-Comm and the American Federation.

This competition affected all aspects.

Military, economy, culture, entertainment, and more, from personal to international affairs and each side’s alliances, battles were everywhere.

The goal was simple: to prove their system superior.

Even a trivial matter could escalate significantly once it caught public attention.

Even if it wasn’t the intention of those involved, they could end up with great responsibilities.

Success would bring fame and fortune.

Failure, though many would offer consolation, could lead to disdain and scorn by others, making a comeback difficult.

It was a common occurrence.

Ji Xinghuo recalled a decade ago, a domestic super league team triumphed nationally and fought globally, sweeping victories until the final match against an American team.

Carrying the nation’s hopes, their loss in the final garnered global attention, turning the team from heroes to jokes overnight.

The runner-up was a mark of disgrace.

The runner-up was the biggest loser.

Even though most sympathized, believing reaching the finals was an achievement, the few who criticized created immense media pressure, unbearable for ordinary people.

Afterwards, that team never recovered, and the club dissolved years later.

“The bet has made headlines back on Earth, with reporters seeking interviews daily, all of whom I’ve denied,” Jing Ji mentioned.

“Alex just told me someone in the American Federation is stirring this up.”

“The attention is only increasing, and domestic follow-ups are likely.”

Ji Xinghuo sighed.

Both Jing Ji and Alex were in a tough spot, and one could imagine the pressure the loser would face.

“What do you plan to do?” Ji Xinghuo asked.

“No choice but to face it head-on. Neither Alex nor I will back down,” Jing Ji stated confidently. “I have the advantage, and the likelihood of winning this bet is high. If I win, everything will be easier to handle.”

“However, Alex made a suggestion.”

Jing Ji looked at Ji Xinghuo. “Since it’s come to a real competition, elevated to national pride, he proposed letting more people get involved. Both sides could form teams, but limit it to three people. The spoils would have to be evenly split among the team, but the outcome would still be based on our personal scores.”

“Did you agree?” Ji Xinghuo asked.

Jing Ji nodded. “It’s a good proposal. It could spread out the media focus from individuals. Winning would still get attention, and losing, the blame could be shared.”

This was about splitting the blame!

Ji Xinghuo was momentarily speechless. Who would agree to join under these circumstances?

“Don’t rush to refuse,” Jing Ji urged. “I won’t let you exert effort for nothing. We’d share the spoils for points, but I wouldn’t take any of the bounty—it would be split between the two of you.”

“The two of you?”

Ji Xinghuo was puzzled. “Who else is there?”

Jing Ji replied, “Another friend of mine, a terrific bounty hunter, but he’s not at Midpoint Fortress right now. I’ve sent someone to contact him; we should meet him tonight. What do you think? If you join, it’s a sure win.”

Ji Xinghuo hesitated.

He was used to hunting alone, and the bounty wasn’t too enticing—he didn’t lack money for the time being.

“I’ve been at Midpoint Fortress for years and know a lot about the enemy’s defenses,” Jing Ji said. “There are several prime targets that I can’t take down alone. If we team up, we can land a significant blow on the North Luo Master Clan, gaining not just bounty and points but also commendations.”

These were high honors granted by the military.

Ji Xinghuo was somewhat moved.

But what intrigued him more wasn’t the military commendation but Jing Ji’s mention of major targets that required taking down many enemies, giving room to harvest a great deal of psychic energy.

“Alright, I’m in,” Ji Xinghuo decided after thorough consideration.

“Great!” Jing Ji beamed. “I knew you’d agree. Cheers!”

They downed their drinks and agreed to meet again at the same spot that evening, then headed home to rest.

As night fell, Ji Xinghuo returned to the bar.

The place was bustling now, with customers at every table and booth. As Ji Xinghuo entered, a server led him to a private room.

Jing Ji was already there, alongside a tall, thin man.

“Xinghuo, let me introduce you.”

Jing Ji stood, pointing to the man beside him. “This is my good brother, Yuan Chongzhen, a super half-beast and a seasoned bounty hunter. He’s been at the Sword Valley Fortress lately. If you had come last year, you would’ve definitely heard of him.”

Then he introduced Ji Xinghuo to his friend: “Chongzhen, this is Ji Xinghuo, currently the best bounty hunter at the Midpoint Fortress.”