On Blue Star in the present era, ability levels are divided into ten tiers: Shi, Ren, Tu, Xuan, Kong, Wu, Huan, Huang, Xu, and Po, with each tier further divided into ten levels.
If one were to speak of the former Dark Light, according to today’s system he would have been at the Kong tier. In this world, that would already place him among the top experts.
But that was in the past.
Now he was no longer the Dark Light of before. Even with these days of forced training, he had only reached Shi tier level 5. Meanwhile, Xiahou Hetian had already reached Ren tier level 3.
By the old classification, Lian Qiguang was equivalent to level 5, while Xiahou Hetian was level 13.
The gap between each ability level was like heaven and earth. And between them was a full eight-level difference.
In the open training ground at the Xiahou estate’s backyard, a crowd had gathered.
Lian Qiguang and Xiahou Hetian stood facing each other. Defensive barriers had already been erected around them.
Xiahou Shaoxuan stood with his arms crossed, face dark as he watched the two. Though he appeared calm, both hands were already secretly gathering energy, ready to rush in and save Lian Qiguang the moment he was at a disadvantage—and then beat the hell out of that troublemaker.
In a corner, Lian Yucheng watched with a face so cold it seemed frozen. His clenched fists dug nails into his palms, drawing blood.
That fool—is he insane?
Xiahou Hetian’s talent was known to all. At only twenty years old, he had already reached Ren tier level 3. Meanwhile, Lian Qiguang was a so-called dual “waste” of both physique and ability. This was suicide.
Lian Yucheng wanted to step forward to stop him, but a single glance from Lian Qiguang froze him in place: Don’t interfere. Stay there.
Lian Qiguang expressionlessly looked at Xiahou Hetian and tightened his grip on his dao.
Right now, he was no match for Xiahou Hetian. To win, he had to rely on surprise and unpredictability.
His three advantages.
First, more than forty years of experience from the apocalypse.
Second—his triple-system abilities.
And third…
A faint glint darkened his eyes.
The crystal cores stored in his space.
He could use a secret method he once obtained—using high-grade crystal cores as a catalyst to temporarily convert them into explosive power.
“Hey, kid!” Xiahou Hetian had already recovered from his injuries and returned to his arrogant demeanor. He sneered at Lian Qiguang.
“You still have time to regret this. If you give up this marriage now, I might spare you for my brother’s sake.”
This brat itching for a beating.
Xiahou Shaoxuan’s face darkened further. His eyes locked onto Xiahou Hetian’s head like he was already considering how to skin him alive.
“My wife gets upset and I’m going to deal with him.”
Lian Qiguang tilted his head slightly. “Hmm, someone you know.”
Xiahou Shaoxuan pressed a hand lightly on his face. “I’ll handle it later.”
Lian Qiguang nodded and continued watching.
“Fire ability,” he said flatly as Xiahou Hetian ignited flames in his palm.
“Afraid now?” Xiahou Hetian sneered.
“No.”
Lian Qiguang shook his head.
Then, under everyone’s gaze, he slowly loosened his collar, removed his outer coat, and tossed it to Steward Qi.
“I won’t use weapons,” he said calmly, rolling up his sleeves.
Gasps echoed through the crowd.
“You’re insulting me?!” Xiahou Hetian roared.
Lian Qiguang ignored him.
“Start. My time is expensive.”
“The rules: no killing,” Steward Qi announced, stepping back.
Xiahou Hetian cracked his knuckles. Flames burned brighter.
“Fire ability,” Lian Qiguang said again.
“So what? Scared?”
“No.”
A second later—
Flames also rose in Lian Qiguang’s hand.
The crowd froze.
“Impossible!”
Xiahou Hetian’s eyes widened.
Not only him—everyone present was stunned. Even Xiahou Shaoxuan showed a flicker of surprise. In another corner, Lian Yucheng was speechless.
“You’re not supposed to be an ability user…”
Xiahou Hetian’s voice shook.
“No fluctuation at all…”
“That’s because you’re stupid,” Lian Qiguang said flatly.
In the next instant, he struck.
Flame snakes surged forward, overwhelming Xiahou Hetian and forcing him into constant retreat. He had no chance to counterattack.
Boom!
A fireball exploded behind Xiahou Hetian. He staggered, breathing heavily, eyes now fully serious.
Lian Qiguang’s expression remained unchanged, but inside, his heartbeat was accelerating and his body was already strained.
He was still too weak.
“Hidden strength?” Xiahou Hetian sneered. “But that’s not enough. Your level is only Shi tier level 5, right?”
“Now it’s my turn.”
He gathered power.
“Is that so?” Lian Qiguang glanced at the fireball.
He knew it wasn’t full strength.
But if it were full strength, he’d likely be reduced to ash immediately.
I’ll go easy on you.
A green crystal core appeared silently in his hand, along with a seed between his fingers.
His grip tightened.
Blood seeped out, soaking the crystal core.
A burst of green light erupted.
A massive force spread outward.
The barrier trembled.
Everyone outside the barrier staggered, gasping for air as pressure bore down on them.
“Wood ability!!”
“Xuan tier level five!!?”
Panic erupted.
“Xiahou Hetian! Dodge!!”
Boom!!!
The barrier was engulfed in dust and shockwaves.
Everything inside vanished from sight.
“Xiahou Hetian!!”
“Xiaotian!!!”