42: Chapter 42 The Strange Xiao Meng

Standing on the stage, Qian Mo slowly lowered his hand, but no one noticed that his hand was trembling incessantly.

This wasn't due to excitement, but because of fear.

[Ding! Congratulations to the host for Awakening the mythical grade Superpower—Star Body through your own ability. Specific usage must be explored by the host.]

Just now, the instant he awakened this Superpower, he felt as if his heart was suddenly grabbed by a giant hand. It was a threat of death transmitted across countless dimensions of time and space.

He hurriedly swapped in the spiritual energy of his legendary grade Superpower, and only then did that sense of mortal crisis slowly fade away.

"Whew~ It seems I must use this ability with great caution in the future..."

Qian Mo abruptly snapped out of his chaotic thoughts.

He realized the surroundings were terrifyingly quiet—so quiet it felt surreal.

[Ding! Detected that the host has performed an action known as 'Invisible Flexing is the Deadliest.' Flexing points increased by one thousand.]

It wasn't until the System's cold voice rang out that Qian Mo realized his furrowed brow while thinking might have caused others to misunderstand, thinking he was "dissatisfied with this result."

He shrugged helplessly and slowly walked down the stage. People automatically made way for him, casting complex glances mixed with shock, envy, and jealousy.

"Qian Mo, I'm sorry. You... are very strong. After the ceremony ends, could I treat you to a meal? There's something I want to discuss with you privately."

He walked past Yu Linger. To his surprise, she actually apologized directly and even subtly suggested a date in front of everyone.

*Crack, crack.*

No one knew how many men's hearts shattered on the floor upon hearing Yu Linger's words.

"I refuse."

Although the original owner hadn't been bullied by her before, she had never shown him any kindness either. Now, seeing him awaken a legendary grade Superpower, she started saying these nonsensical things—did she take him for an animal that only thinks with its lower half?

"Sigh~ Forget it, you'll come looking for me on your own anyway..."

"Crazy."

Hearing Qian Mo's blunt words, Yu Linger didn't get angry.

She simply stepped aside and cleared the path.

"Hey! Qian Mo, you brat, where are your manners? Goddess Yu kindly invited you to dinner, and even if you don't want to go, you shouldn't be so rude! Even if you awakened a legendary grade Superpower, your character doesn't match your status!"

Many people present were loyal fans of Yu Linger. Hearing their goddess insulted by Qian Mo like this, they immediately became indignant.

"Quiet! Quiet! What is all this shouting? If you keep making noise, get out!"

As soon as Secretary Wu Ming spoke, the clamor in the hall vanished instantly.

Secretary Wu Ming rubbed his temples tiredly. He thought: To think such a Genius would still be mocked by you bunch of trash. It's a good thing I reacted quickly and left him with a good impression of the Youfeng City government.

"Alright, next person please..."

Those who had already finished their Awakening were allowed to move freely within certain areas of the venue.

Thus, Qian Mo began looking for his acquaintances.

"Hey! Qian Mo, you kid were really hiding your light under a bushel!"

A heavy slap landed on his shoulder.

Qian Mo turned his head to see Yun Lan's exaggeratedly smiling face.

"Just luck."

Qian Mo cupped his hands, the corners of his mouth curling slightly.

"Yo yo yo~ 'Just luck.' Are you 'Mr. Lucky' now?" Yun Lan rolled his eyes and teased.

"Alright, a serious question. Have you seen Xiao Meng?"

"Your disciple... I think I saw her staying over there by herself earlier."

Yun Lan dropped his playful act, pondered for a moment, and then pointed in a direction.

"Isn't that next to the Rostrum? She hasn't awakened yet; shouldn't she be staying with you guys?"

Qian Mo was somewhat surprised.

"Eh~"

Yun Lan smiled mysteriously, then made a gesture for Qian Mo to lean in.

"I heard that because she's the first Beastmaster in history to successfully contract a demon, the mayor specifically gave her a Privileged Gold Card. If she wanted to, she could even walk directly into the Rostrum."

"Eh? How did you know..."

Qian Mo knew that the matter of Xiao Meng contracting a fox demon had been suppressed by the authorities to protect her safety.

"Aiya! Don't ask so much... Go find her first. I'll head over once I'm done with my Awakening."

Qian Mo knew his friend's personality well and stopped questioning him.

He said his thanks and walked toward Xiao Meng's direction, eventually finding the girl behind a pillar next to the Rostrum.

"Hi~ my dear disciple, what are you doing?"

This spot happened to be in everyone's blind spot. The girl was staring blankly at the wall.

"Ah! Ah... Master Qian Mo... Why are you here? Have you finished your Awakening?"

Xiao Meng was startled. Seeing it was Qian Mo, she spoke haltingly.

"Sigh~ You don't even know if your Master has finished his Awakening. It seems you don't care about me at all. I'm so heartbroken..."

As he spoke, he feigned a look of utter devastation.

"No... that's not it, Master Qian Mo. I... I have something to do here."

Seeing Qian Mo like this, the innocent Xiao Meng actually thought he was truly sad.

"Oh, oh! It's like this: Little White is suddenly preparing for a Breakthrough, so I'm... I'm acting as a Protector for it here."

Only then did Qian Mo notice that the cheeky fox wasn't on the girl's shoulder.

He then peeked behind Xiao Meng and found the old fox sitting in the shadows with its eyes closed and brow furrowed. He could faintly sense the wisps of spiritual energy fluctuating around it.

This girl clearly doesn't know how to lie...

Qian Mo sighed but didn't expose her.

"Then I'll help you act as a Protector for Little White too. By the way, when did you get that Privileged Gold Card..."

As he spoke, the youth stood beside the girl, blocking the last remaining gap.

Although he didn't know what that old fox was doing, it must be something very important...

From his conversation with Hu Wang a few days ago, he had learned a lot and couldn't help but feel some respect for him.

And while Qian Mo and Xiao Meng were chatting idly...

"Senior Hu Wang, is Camera One off?"

"Five-second window, pass through quickly."

"Done. Door Three has an electronic lock."

"It's ready. The code is 3357. Move fast."

...

Xing Yaoyan was weaving through the intricate mechanical structures beneath the Rostrum.

"I have a question, Senior Hu Wang. Do you think our blatant operations won't be noticed by those Espers on the Rostrum?"

Passing through another coded door, Xing Yaoyan sent a telepathic message.

"It's fine..."

Hu Wang answered her while mapping out the route in his mind.

"There is a massive spiritual energy shielding dome on the Rostrum, and they cannot leave before the Awakening ceremony ends. Besides, those Enforcers outside are just small fries; no need to worry."

"I find it so strange... Clearly, the people on the Rostrum are very powerful, so why arrange high-level Enforcers around them, while leaving the weak ones to protect the students?"

"Isn't that putting the cart before the horse?"

Hearing Xing Yaoyan's casual question, Hu Wang was slightly stunned, not knowing how to respond.

"...Senior, Coded Door Five. The last one."

"Oh... oh! Wait... done. Code 8299, go straight in."