170: this is paradise

Chapter 170: This is—Paradise

Looking at the familiar yet strange scene before him, which was almost identical to what he had seen in the live broadcast room, Barioss couldn’t help but get excited, attempting to release the exhilaration in his heart with a hysterical roar.

Two months.

It had been a full two months!

Heaven knew how he had endured these two months.

Every day, he constantly suffered the torment of Mental Reinforcement Fluid.

At the same time, he consumed large amounts of awakened beast meat to strengthen his physique.

If it weren't for the thought of going to the farm, he wouldn’t have been able to persevere.

That was a double pain of soul and body.

Finally, after two months, he barely reached the point where he could take two people to the farm.

Before Barioss could even breathe a sigh of relief, he suddenly felt a terrifying pressure sweep over his body.

This terrifying pressure, accompanied by immense force, immediately made Barioss, whose physical strength was exhausted, involuntarily kneel down.

However, when this pressure swept over Pavel and Nobles, it mysteriously disappeared, as if it had never existed.

Barioss instantly understood their words.

Smuggling into the farm without Lin Tianwei's permission?

How was that any different from seeking death?

Thinking of this, he was immensely grateful that he had found the best teammates.

Being with them, he had finally arrived at this farm, which was like paradise.

However, just as he was about to pull himself together and stand up again, he found that the two people beside him had actually knelt down voluntarily.

They knelt towards the giant sculpture in the center of the square, muttering countless words of praise for Lin Tianwei, accompanied by devout expressions, which startled Barioss.

They were truly obsessed.

But it didn't matter; he didn't plan to deal with them in the future.

For him, this transaction was complete, and he no longer had much to do with them.

Whatever they wanted to do was their freedom.

He came here to seek refuge, not to be a beast of burden.

If this place wasn't what he imagined, he could even use his Instantaneous Movement ability to leave.

Thinking of this, Barioss calmly stayed put, preparing to integrate into this place as a powerful Esper.

Strangers intruding into the farm, such a serious matter naturally alerted Ouro immediately.

However, upon seeing that the visitors were old acquaintances, Ouro breathed a slight sigh of relief.

The three of them were relatively familiar, and Ouro knew that they would not harm the farm.

They wouldn't dare.

Before long, Ouro appeared before the three of them and asked curiously, “Who is this gentleman?”

Ouro was naturally referring to Barioss.

No matter when or what era, strangers are always the first to be investigated.

Pavel smiled slightly and said, “A powerful Esper.”

“He possesses the terrifying ability of Instantaneous Movement, and his body can also carry certain objects.”

“Admiring the perfect order under the protection of Lord Tiger King, he specifically came with us to seek refuge.”

From Barioss's behavior, it was clear he didn't want to become deeply involved with them.

They had seen too many people with this nouveau riche mentality and were long accustomed to it.

Especially after the world mutated, such people became more and more common.

They happened to Awaken powerful abilities, thinking they were invincible and the masters of this world.

Yet, they completely failed to realize that they still had no chance to rise.

After all, although the upper limit of the abilities they could Awaken was very high, due to limitations in physical fitness, the power they could exert was not much.

On the contrary, those seemingly powerful Awakened Beasts.

They might only possess the simplest abilities, yet they could exert far greater power than humans due to their strong physical fitness.

In this new species war, they gained a greater advantage.

Given this situation, they naturally had no need to fawn over others.

A simple introduction was also a way of showing consideration for their past friendship, helping Barioss one last time.

After all, their transaction was complete, and they owed each other nothing.

Hearing Pavel's introduction, Barioss raised his head, looking at Ouro with pride.

He was a powerful Esper.

Even if you are the manager here, you should treat him well after knowing that.

This was the value of an Esper in this new world.

However, Ouro merely said to Barioss in a lukewarm tone, “Alright, I understand.”

“I will have someone arrange your accommodation properly.”

“Don’t worry, as long as you sincerely pledge allegiance to the Tiger King and have no ulterior motives, we will treat you sincerely.”

After saying this, Ouro loudly called out, “Steven, you take Barioss to arrange his accommodation properly.”

“Arrange the most suitable job for him based on his abilities and requirements.”

This arrangement left Barioss completely dumbfounded.

He was an Esper with outstanding abilities; how could he be so underestimated?

Perhaps they didn’t know his abilities.

Thinking of this, Barioss decided that he would definitely demonstrate his abilities properly later, to show those who underestimated him.

Then, he would eagerly expect to be treated as an important person.

After all, this was Lin Tianwei’s territory, and Barioss dared not be presumptuous in the slightest.

Although he was dissatisfied, he could only follow Steven, who arrived shortly after, and temporarily obey his arrangements.

After sending off the superfluous Barioss, Ouro's expression became much gentler.

He said to Pavel and Nobles, “You two have come a long way; surely there’s an important matter to discuss?”

“How about we go to my villa to discuss it over drinks?”

Their arrival was certainly not without reason.

Ouro believed that life on the farm was quite good.

However, it was far from enough to make the two of them go to such great lengths to seek it out.

After all, with their abilities, they could do very well even in the city.

Facing Ouro's invitation, Pavel and Nobles exchanged glances and said in unison, “Then we shall respectfully obey.”

So, they followed Ouro's steps towards his villa.

Although it was night, there was no nighttime tranquility on the farm.

Near the center of the farm, in a slightly smaller square, countless people were singing and dancing.

Simple tables were piled high with food and fine wine, available for all participants to enjoy.

This joyful scene was quite similar to the Thanksgiving parties before the world changed.

However, after the world changed, even in the wealthy districts, Pavel and the others rarely saw such scenes.

Because even in the city, food was no longer an important resource to be squandered.

Awakened needed more food.

However, due to the reduction in land area, food production also decreased.

This led to food becoming increasingly important.

Not to mention, just by looking from a distance, one could tell that these foods were extraordinary.

They contained a large amount of energy.

It was obvious that this was absolutely top-quality food.

Especially the pure wine, piled up like a small mountain, made Pavel feel incredibly luxurious.

When could ordinary laborers enjoy the pleasure brought by pure wine like this?

However, it was precisely because of such a scene that they confirmed that spending a large sum of money to come to the farm was the most correct choice they had ever made in their lives.

Abundant resources, rich food.

Coupled with Lin Tianwei's protection.

It was not an exaggeration to say that this place was a carefree paradise.

Barioss shared the same thought.

He was brought directly here by Steven and joined the reveling crowd.

Perhaps because no new people had joined for a long time, everyone was extremely enthusiastic towards Barioss.

Steven even patted Barioss’s shoulder and said, “Barioss?”

“Don’t worry, as long as you sincerely join us, we won’t treat you unfairly.”

“As citizens of the Tiger King, this is our paradise.”

“Go on, feast to your heart’s content.”

“Today is the farm’s carnival, all food can be enjoyed freely.”

“This is a gift from Lord Tiger King to us.”

Looking at the incredibly abundant food before him, especially the pure wine he had been longing for, Barioss couldn't help but swallow his saliva.

Without hesitation, he picked up a large skewer of roasted meat and began to taste it.

The extremely tender Awakened pork, sprinkled with fragrant seasonings, was mouth-watering just to look at.

Not to mention, after eating it directly, experiencing the feeling of meat juice and fat exploding in his mouth simultaneously, just one bite was enough to bring tears to Barioss’s eyes.

This, this was food fit for humans!

Although Pavel had once invited him to a grand meal, in order to quickly improve his physical fitness and Mental Power, Barioss had not lived comfortably.

Especially the extremely delicious pure wine, which he had only tasted once on the first night.

Of course, even this life was countless times better than Barioss’s previous life.

Otherwise, purely by willpower, he would have truly struggled to persevere under the torment of the Mental Enhancement Fluid.

Easily opening four bottles of pure wine, Barioss simultaneously poured them into his mouth, beginning to enjoy the feeling of drinking pure wine to his heart's content.

The sweet and refreshing pure wine, colliding with the bottle, produced a large amount of foam, also bringing an incredibly rich and delicate taste.

As four bottles of pure wine went down, Barioss felt incredibly refreshed.

This is paradise!

Barioss used a declarative sentence this time for the same words.

Because even with his refugee-like eating manners, no one criticized or scolded him.

Instead, Steven advised him to slow down.

There was still plenty of food and drink.

Only by savoring it slowly could one enjoy the ultimate pleasure that food could bring.

Looking at Steven’s sincere eyes, Barioss’s eating movements finally slowed down.

However, halfway through his meal, he asked somewhat curiously, “What day is today?”

“Why is there such a grand event?”

“Could it be the day of the Tiger King’s birth?”

After all, the farm had only been established for less than a year, making it difficult to associate it with other festivals.

Barioss’s guess was reasonable but far from the truth.

Steven smiled and said, “Brother Barioss, you’re thinking a bit too much.”

“What day of the Tiger King’s birth?”

“How could mere mortals like us know the day of the Tiger King’s birth?”

“It’s just a simple celebration, no other reason.”

“After all, with such a long night ahead, wouldn’t it be a waste not to celebrate?”

“Things aren't like they used to be. While electricity is still guaranteed, the internet is much worse.”

“The electronic devices left over from the old era lose their appeal after you’ve played with them enough.”

“After all, we ourselves are like Supermen, so why do we need games to fulfill our fantasies?”

“You’re quite lucky; you caught the weekly celebration.”

“Next time, you’ll have to wait another week if you want to attend the celebration.”

At this point, Steven looked reverently at the center of the small plaza.

There was also a sculpture there.

It was also a sculpture of Lin Tianwei.

Though a bit smaller, it was enough to convey his admiration for Lin Tianwei.

Steven murmured, “Thank you, Lord Tiger King.”

“If it weren't for Lord Tiger King’s benevolence, providing us with protection…”

“I really can’t imagine being able to live such a wonderful life in this new world.”

“…”

Steven’s words directly silenced Barioss.

He felt as if he and the other person weren't living on the same Blue Star.

The disparity in their lives was simply too great.

Living on this farm, not only were resources abundant and neighbors harmonious, but there was also a weekly celebration.

This was something Barioss could not imagine at all.

Aside from a persistent Lord Tiger King, Barioss felt this place was paradise.

It was exactly like his ideal happy kingdom.

Perhaps integrating with them and believing in the Lord Tiger King was also a good choice.

A strange thought suddenly arose in Barioss’s mind.

——

On the other side, Pavel and Nobles had already arrived before Lin Tianwei.

Although Ouro really wanted to have a small gathering with the two of them, as soon as he heard that they had something to offer Lin Tianwei, he dared not be careless in the slightest.

He immediately abandoned the plan for a small gathering and instead led them to Lin Tianwei.

However, this time, the two did not have the honor of seeing Lin Tianwei’s true form.

Because Lin Tianwei’s size had now grown to another degree.

A head and body length of ten meters, even without any movement, was enough to strike fear into enemies.

Even if Lin Tianwei had no ill intent, it was not something these fragile humans could withstand.

Perhaps only the massive steel mechs of Legend were qualified to stand before Lin Tianwei.

As an opponent that could make him take a moment to look at them seriously.

So Lin Tianwei once again activated his Stealth Talent, which he hadn't used in a long time.

He directly concealed his form, becoming an unobservable existence.

Although they couldn't see Lin Tianwei’s existence with their own eyes, the terrifying pressure emanating from the air constantly proved Lin Tianwei’s presence.

Without hesitation, the two knelt down directly.

They respectfully said, “Lord Tiger King, after countless hardships, we have finally returned to your embrace.”

“This time, we didn’t return empty-handed from outside.”

“We obtained treasures with immense potential, and we now specially present them to you.”

After speaking, Pavel unhesitatingly opened the small briefcase he carried with him.

Inside was a lump of golden-yellow food.

Pavel explained, “This is an Awakened Plant that mutated from a potato.”

“It’s a treasure I spent a lot of effort to snatch.”

“With it, Lord Tiger King’s farm will become even more fertile.”

“Perhaps it can help Lord Tiger King attract more people.”

After the introduction, without waiting for Lin Tianwei’s reply, Pavel lowered his head again.

And Nobles also took the opportunity to pull out the silver beetle hidden in his chest.

Even through the protection of the Awakened Beast hide, Lin Tianwei could still sense a living creature hidden within.

This might be some kind of Awakened Beast with unique abilities.

Sure enough, Nobles carefully unwrapped the beast hide, revealing the silver beetle hidden within.

The silver beetle was much larger now than the last time Nobles had used it.

A full fifteen centimeters in length, it looked like a pulsating, eerie heart.

The silver beetle at this moment seemed not to have realized it had changed owners and was still sound asleep.

Nobles’ eyes were filled with apprehension towards the silver beetle.

If it weren't for the need to quickly cultivate Barioss and have him lead people back to the farm quickly, he would never have cultivated this silver beetle and allowed it to grow to such an extent.

But luckily, he had successfully reached Lord Tiger King’s territory.

No matter how extraordinary the small silver beetle was, it would never be able to cause any trouble in Lord Tiger King’s hands.

Thinking of this, Nobles explained, “Lord Tiger King.”

“This is an inconspicuous, yet incredibly terrifying silver beetle.”

“It not only possesses extraordinary intelligence but also has the powerful ability to produce Mental Enhancement Fluid.”

“I believe it will definitely be of help to Lord Tiger King.”

Hearing this, Lin Tianwei was somewhat surprised.

Nobles actually acquired such a good item.

It seemed the outside world was definitely full of opportunities.

Perhaps resuming foreign trade and exchanging for various miraculous items would be a good choice for him.

However, the most urgent task was to heavily reward the two who brought him good things.

Although even if Lin Tianwei didn't bestow any rewards, the two wouldn't dare to say anything, this would only reduce their enthusiasm for continuing to find good things for Lin Tianwei.

Thinking of this, Lin Tianwei decided to use the characteristics of the Spirit of Nature to bestow a blessing upon the two.

Although the main function of the Spirit of Nature Talent was to catalyze plant growth, like Black and White’s Life Force, it also had miraculous effects when applied to animals.

Although the effect would be discounted to a certain extent, for Lin Tianwei, who possessed immense energy within his body, this small loss was completely negligible.

And so, the two, bowing their heads in worship, suddenly felt their eyes light up.

A bright and gentle green light erupted from the void, directly merging into their bodies.

The vast Power of Nature, like a boundless ocean, completely engulfed the two.

Their bodies were like small boats, unable to help but drift in the sea formed by Lin Tianwei’s Mental Power.

Soon, a miraculous change appeared on their bodies.

The traces of time left on their bodies were quickly smoothed away.

Under the influence of Lin Tianwei’s immense energy, the two actually began to de-age.

Every cell returned to its peak state, becoming full of vitality again.

And the change was not just this simple.

The energy provided by Lin Tianwei was simply too much, so much that their bodies could not fully withstand it.

If the Power of Nature hadn't been incredibly gentle, they might have been instantly burst by this terrifying energy.

Pavel’s muscles all over his body began to swell uncontrollably.

Soon, he grew into an incredibly muscular man with exaggerated muscles.

And the excess Power of Nature also surged towards his bulging muscles, making them even stronger.

The same was true for Nobles.

Nourished by Lin Tianwei’s incredibly terrifying energy, his body began to involuntarily release his Esper ability.

Soon, countless water droplets began to condense on his body.

Finally, they gathered into a puddle, a sheet of water, completely enveloping Nobles.

Benefiting from his water-element Esper ability, Nobles was not only unharmed but felt exceptionally comfortable.

And his Esper ability continued to grow stronger with the support of the Power of Nature.

Looking at the two who were enjoying themselves immensely, Lin Tianwei secretly thought they were still a bit too weak.

He had only simply released a little Power of Nature, and it could cause such terrifying changes in them.

This was somewhat beyond Lin Tianwei’s expectations.

Indeed, a larger body meant more terrifying energy!

With a thought, it was as if an invisible pair of hands condensed in the void.

With a gentle grab, he sent the two out.

This was Lin Tianwei’s new power.

By releasing his Mental Power, he could condense invisible objects comparable to physical entities for attack or defense.

With the terrifying malleability of Mental Power, Lin Tianwei could accomplish some very incredible things.

Most importantly, this was also a method of training Mental Power.

Constant experimentation and use would allow Lin Tianwei to possess greater power.

Although limited by Lin Tianwei’s not particularly strong Mental Power, the intensity of his Mental Power attacks was indeed average.

However, this was precisely the effect Lin Tianwei wanted.

At this time, his body was in a stage of rapid growth.

And having not made a move for a long time, his control over his power was indeed a bit lacking.

If Lin Tianwei had personally struck just now, he might have directly torn the two to shreds.

Even if they were powerful Espers, they would not be able to stop Lin Tianwei in the slightest.

After sending away the irrelevant people, Lin Tianwei turned his gaze to the silver beetle that was still “sleeping.”

This miraculous creature, said to be capable of producing Mental Enhancement Fluid, was naturally Lin Tianwei’s primary focus, as his Mental Power attribute was somewhat weak.

An invisible blade formed by Mental Power was released, instantly tearing apart the bandages that bound the silver beetle.

Almost the instant the bandages were shattered by Lin Tianwei, this feigning silver beetle spread its wings and flew up.

It had actually been awake the whole time.

It had only chosen to feign death in order to find an opportunity to escape.

Sure enough, it waited for the best opportunity.

Flying quickly, its body turned into a silver speck of light, fleeing outwards.

As long as it left here, left this massive building, then the whole world would be its domain.

Just as the silver beetle was fantasizing, it was horrified to find that its body suddenly couldn’t move.

Losing momentum, it fell straight to the ground.

Without Lin Tianwei’s permission, this silver beetle actually tried to escape?

Then it was truly incredibly naive!