160: Exchange meeting

The following evening, at the Training Ground in the core area of Kyoto Base.

The main body of the Training Ground was constructed from high-strength concrete, surrounded by barriers made of bulletproof glass. Multiple sets of high-intensity lighting systems were hung around the perimeter, illuminating the venue as bright as day.

Large numbers of folding tables and chairs were neatly arranged along the edge of the venue. The setup was simple and practical, without a hint of luxury. Some snacks and bottled drinking water were placed on the tables.

Zhang Lei scanned the venue and nodded slightly. He had originally thought that the prestigious families of Kyoto were all extravagantly indulgent, but it seemed he was mistaken. Families that could stand for a century truly had their merits, and the descendants they raised were not all playboys. Even Li Xian, whom he had met before, although arrogant and domineering, did possess some ability and knew how to read the situation.

There were quite a few people in the entire venue, numbering in the hundreds, consisting mainly of First-Tier and Second-Tier Evolvers. In addition to the descendants of prestigious families, there were also many skilled military personnel and experts who had risen from the civilian population. These people gathered in small groups to talk, but they all maintained the discipline characteristic of soldiers, and the scene was orderly.

As soon as Zhang Lei entered the venue, Yang Tian strode over. Yang Tian was still wearing a clean combat uniform, and the Colonel rank insignia on his shoulders glinted under the lights.

"Brother Zhang Lei!" Yang Tian stood at attention and saluted, his movements crisp and neat.

Zhang Lei returned a standard military salute: "Brother Yang Tian."

"Come, let me take you to meet our Captain Lü." Yang Tian enthusiastically patted Zhang Lei on the shoulder, his actions revealing the straightforwardness characteristic of a soldier.

"Then thank you, Brother Yang Tian." Zhang Lei smiled knowingly; he had long wanted to communicate with the possessor of the spirit of Lü Bu.

Yang Tian led Zhang Lei to a round table to sit down. The man in the main seat had a burly physique with bulging muscles, and his bronze skin glowed with a healthy sheen under the lights. He looked to be around thirty, wearing a crisp training uniform, and the Major General rank insignia on his shoulders was particularly eye-catching.

According to the regulations of the National Government, officers at the field grade and below had to address this person as General Lü upon meeting him.

Seeing Zhang Lei approach, Lü Yan immediately stood up and gave a standard military salute: "This must be Your Excellency Zhang Lei." His voice was loud and powerful, carrying the clanging tone characteristic of a soldier.

Zhang Lei immediately returned the salute: "General Lü, I have heard much about you." His gaze involuntarily sized up Lü Yan.

"Brother Zhang Lei is too polite," Lü Yan laughed heartily, revealing his snow-white teeth. "The military leaders were kind and gave me an honorary title. Our strength is comparable, so there is no need for such formalities; just call me Lü Yan." He reached out and shook hands firmly with Zhang Lei, and Zhang Lei immediately felt the astonishing grip strength coming from the other man's palm.

"Alright, Brother Lü Yan," Zhang Lei responded to the handshake without changing his expression. "I would like to ask for some pointers later." A fighting spirit flashed in his eyes, and the energy around his body vibrated involuntarily.

"I couldn't ask for anything better, simply perfect!" A fighting spirit ignited in Lü Yan's eyes as well. "Let's not talk about asking for pointers; we can learn from each other and improve together. Haha!" He patted Zhang Lei's shoulder hard, his actions fully displaying the heroic spirit of a soldier.

Zhang Lei sat down and continued chatting with Lü Yan and Yang Tian.

"Officer Zhang Lei, why didn't you come looking for me!" A crisp female voice interrupted the three of them. Ye Anhe stood behind Zhang Lei and gently tapped his shoulder. She was wearing a form-fitting combat uniform today, and her ear-length short hair was combed impeccably.

"Anhe? Sit," Zhang Lei said with a smile, pulling out the chair next to him. "I was just chatting with your General Lü and Colonel Yang." His movements were natural and fluid, and he did not show any special treatment toward Ye Anhe.

Ye Anhe did not sit down immediately, but first stood at attention and saluted: "General Lü, Officer Yang." Her military salute was impeccably standard.

"Miss Ye is too polite, please sit!" After returning the salute, Lü Yan signaled for Ye Anhe to sit.

Ye Anhe sat down beside Zhang Lei with some embarrassment, and that young maiden demeanor made both Lü Yan and Yang Tian laugh heartily.

At this moment, another person walked over. He was about 1.75 meters tall with a well-proportioned figure, a neatly combed slicked-back hairstyle, above-average looks, an impressive appearance, and elegant manners. He was about the same age as Lü Yan and Yang Tian. He wore a well-tailored officer's wool military uniform, and his rank insignia indicated he was a Colonel.

"Little sister, you promised to introduce me to Officer Zhang Lei, you're not being very fair!" The man walked to Ye Anhe's side with a smile, his voice gentle but carrying the steadiness characteristic of a soldier.

"Big brother," Ye Anhe quickly stood up. "This is Officer Zhang Lei of the Red Alert Legion. A top-tier Third-Tier Expert, known as the ice fire divine lord." When she introduced Zhang Lei, a trace of admiration appeared in her eyes unconsciously.

"Officer Zhang Lei, this is the eldest direct son of our Ye family, the most outstanding among the third-generation disciples, Ye Qingwen. He possesses the Lightning Magic Supernatural Ability. In the latest round of the National Government's expert rankings, he is second only to Captain Lin Yan, the Divine Fire Archmage, and is the fourth-ranked expert in our Kyoto Base." Ye Anhe then introduced Ye Qingwen.

Zhang Lei immediately stood up and saluted: "Oh, Brother Qingwen actually possesses the rare Lightning Element Supernatural Ability; you are indeed a dragon among men." His gaze lingered on Ye Qingwen for a moment, sensing the lightning elements swirling around Ye Qingwen's body.

"Brother Zhang Lei is too flattering," Ye Qingwen returned the salute with elegant and standard movements. "Brother Zhang Lei became famous in the battle against the Zombie Tide in Lujiang, and your prestige resounds across the land of China. Your peerless ice and fire magic is unrivaled in China, and no one can match it. We are just playing around and still have a large gap compared to you." His tone was sincere, without any airs of a big family.

"Brother Qingwen, sit," Zhang Lei laughed and signaled for Ye Anhe to sit as well. "It's good that you're here; tell me about this exchange meeting."

"Alright," Ye Qingwen said seriously. "This exchange meeting is an event organized by the descendants of Kyoto's prestigious families for Evolvers to participate in. It is mainly for getting to know each other, sparring and learning from one another, and exchanging experiences. The main content includes free sparring among the Evolvers and theoretical lectures from some authoritative scholars. We specially invited scholars from the National Government's authoritative team researching Evolvers to give lectures, and top experts like General Lü Yan will also be sharing their experiences later." He paused and looked at Zhang Lei. "Brother Zhang Lei, as one of the only two Third-Tier Experts currently, don't be modest later; get on stage and talk about your own experiences."

"It is my honor to be able to help everyone." Zhang Lei nodded solemnly.

While they were talking, Evolvers were constantly taking the stage in the Training Ground to spar. The sparring took place on the Training Ground, which was shielded by high-strength bulletproof glass, so there was no fear of affecting other parts of the venue. Evolvers of varying strength showed off their various abilities. These Evolvers were mostly newly promoted Tierless Evolvers, though there were also First-Tier and Second-Tier ones, with few Second-Tier. Each match had referees wearing combat uniforms to protect the participants.

After more than a dozen matches, a man in his forties dressed like a scholar walked onto the stage. He wore gold-rimmed glasses and a lab coat from a research institute, but he was wearing military combat boots on his feet, which looked somewhat uncoordinated.

"Everyone," the scholar pushed up his glasses, his voice spreading throughout the venue via the amplification system. "I have been invited to attend this meeting to express some humble opinions. Please point out any shortcomings, and if there is anything you do not understand, you may also ask questions."

He opened a military tablet and projected data into the air. "Not long after the apocalypse broke out, people successively discovered the mystery of the zombie crystal core. The structure of the zombie crystal core has not yet been determined, but what can be confirmed is that it is a crystal possessing special energy that can trigger human genetic locks and allow humans to begin evolution."

The scholar switched slides, displaying a set of data. "According to our research, Evolvers who have unlocked their genetic locks can not only absorb the power of zombie crystal cores, but also absorb cosmic energy for cultivation. However, the absorption of cosmic energy is relatively slow and not immediately effective, but it helps to consolidate one's strength."

"Current data," he continued, "20 Tierless white crystal cores can promote one to First-Tier, 50 First-Tier yellow crystal cores can promote one to Second-Tier, 200 Second-Tier green crystal cores can promote one to Third-Tier, and there is no research yet on subsequent levels."

The scholar paused and scanned the venue. "Furthermore, research shows that the absorption of cosmic energy varies in speed, depending on the Evolver's talent. Among them, pure elemental Evolvers are recognized as having higher potential."

He pulled up a new diagram. "Those who mix in special items, transformations, etc., and possess partial elemental abilities are significantly weaker. The strength of elemental ability mainly depends on the use of the element. The use of elements includes but is not limited to casting spells, manifesting weapons and armor, summoning pets, etc."

"The simpler the manipulation of the element and the more abilities that can be cast, the stronger the Evolver." The scholar's gaze turned to the direction where Zhang Lei was. "The strongest known elemental Evolver is Zhang Lei of the Red Alert Legion at Lujiang Base. He possesses both water and fire Supernatural Ability, which is the only dual-element Supernatural Ability currently registered."

A simulated image of Zhang Lei fighting appeared on the projection. "Moreover, Zhang Lei possesses the ability to summon a Fire Qilin and cast large-scale spells; his control over elements can be described as moving his arms and fingers."

The scholar pushed up his glasses. "Among Supernatural Abilities, there are also abilities such as transformation, strengthening body parts, etc., which are slightly weaker. But among transformation abilities, there is an extremely special Supernatural Ability that can realize the descent of the spirits of ancient famous generals, possessing and strengthening the body and assisting in combat; the combat power is extremely strong, with both offense and defense." He looked at Lü Yan. "But this kind of Supernatural Ability is extremely rare, and the prerequisite is to be a descendant of a famous general, and the famous general must be a historical figure who has incense offerings from the people."

The scholar cleared his throat and continued. "Does anyone have any questions?"

The whole venue was silent for a moment, and then a few Evolvers raised their hands to ask questions, which the scholar answered one by one.

"If there are no more, I would like to invite Captain Lü Yan to come up and talk about his cultivation experience." When the scholar stepped off the stage, he specifically nodded in the direction of Lü Yan and Zhang Lei.

Lü Yan straightened his combat uniform and strode onto the stage. The audience below was immediately in an uproar; this person, who was ostensibly the number one expert in China (he hadn't fought Zhang Lei yet), was quite popular. Many young Evolvers unconsciously straightened their backs.

"Everyone," Lü Yan's voice was loud and powerful, spreading throughout the venue without the need for a microphone. "What I want to say is that while Supernatural Abilities have strengths and weaknesses, people can constantly become stronger." He clenched his fist, and the muscles on his arm bulged. "Even an ordinary strength-enhancement type Evolver can become stronger by honing their own combat skills. If you don't have strong combat consciousness, even the strongest Supernatural Ability is just empty talk."

Lü Yan continued to talk about combat techniques, awareness, on-the-spot reaction, and other experiences with strong practical application.

He scanned the venue, his gaze like lightning. "Today, we are also fortunate to have invited the strongest elemental Evolver, Comrade Zhang Lei. Let us invite Comrade Zhang Lei to talk about the mysteries of elemental Supernatural Ability." Lü Yan bowed modestly, and when he stepped off the stage, he exchanged a look with Zhang Lei; a look of mutual appreciation flashed in both of their eyes.

Zhang Lei did not act coy and went straight to the stage. His handsome face and tall, upright figure immediately caused a commotion among the female Evolvers. When he stood at the podium, the red and blue energy flowing involuntarily around his body made the whole venue go quiet instantly.

"Everyone," Zhang Lei's voice was steady and powerful. "I am Zhang Lei, and I was fortunate enough to awaken dual Supernatural Ability in the early days of the apocalypse." He raised his hands; a fire dragon surrounded by hot flames leaped on his left hand, and an Ice Dragon surrounded by biting cold ice circled his right hand. The exquisite elemental control made all the elemental Evolvers present hold their breath.

"In my humble opinion, this thing called elemental control seems to be inseparable from the talent at the time of awakening." Zhang Lei put away his Supernatural Ability and rested his hands on the podium. "Evolvers of the same tier have different levels of elemental manipulation, but even with the same volume of elemental energy, there are subtle differences in power."

He continued: "I will briefly talk about the casting techniques of elemental skills, how to cause the greatest damage with the least amount of energy..."

Zhang Lei spoke for a full half-hour, sharing a large number of casting techniques. His explanation was profound yet easy to understand, occasionally accompanied by practical demonstrations, making complex energy manipulation intuitive and easy to grasp. The Evolvers present listened with rapt attention, and many even took out recording devices to carefully record. When Zhang Lei demonstrated one complex spell after another, bursts of exclamations could not help but sound throughout the venue.