Xue Jing had expected danger awaiting them, given the scale of the enemy's operation.
electromagnetic pulses and inhuman monsters didn't suggest a simple attack. Yet, to his surprise, the journey to the hotel lobby was peaceful. Under his leadership, everyone safely descended the stairs.
When they reached the brightly lit lobby, the entire group exhaled in collective relief.
There had never been a moment when they appreciated the light more.
"Is it safe now?"
"Thank God, I'm done with this hotel. I just want to go home and forget this nightmare."
"Wait, let's not rush out. We need to call our families and the police—make sure someone comes to get us!"
Excited chatter filled the air as they discussed their next steps.
The female receptionist, who had been yawning after a slow day, screamed when she saw the blood-soaked figure leading a large group out of the stairwell.
"Ahhh!"
"Would you shut up?!" Ye Chenglin snapped, his foul mood worsened by the shrill sound. His harsh tone cut through the lobby, silencing the terrified receptionist. He glanced at Xue Jing nervously, only to see that he remained indifferent to the outburst. Breathing a sigh of relief, Ye Chenglin's face twisted in confusion. 'Why do I feel like I'm standing in front of my father...?'
The receptionist, trembling, covered her mouth, trying to suppress her fear. Xue Jing approached her, his voice calm but firm.
"Hey, can I borrow your phone?"
Despite his terrifying appearance with wounds covering his body, and drenched in blood—the receptionist shakily handed over her phone, as if she were being robbed.
Xue Jing took it without complaint, unlocked the screen, and dialed the police while contemplating the situation.
Was the EMP limited to the banquet hall? The lobby lights seem unaffected. No wonder no one noticed anything unusual up here.
If that's the case, the device that triggered the EMP should still be upstairs. I'll have the authorities check it out.
When the call connected, Xue Jing gave a brief report of the situation. The Public Security Bureau responded quickly, promising to send help immediately.
Next, he called an ambulance. His injuries weren't life-threatening, but they needed attention, especially with the unknown effects of the monster's fluids. Others had also been wounded, either by the cockroach man or in their frantic escape.
After arranging medical assistance, Xue Jing handed the phone to Ye Chenglin and the others so they could contact their families. Then, he walked over to the lobby sofa, sinking into it with a sigh of relief.
No one dared disturb him, though many subtly moved closer, feeling safer in his presence.
Xue Jing ignored their attention and focused on opening his panel.
---
You have experienced a fierce fight to the death. Your physical potential has been stimulated, fitness experience +1027.
You have experienced a fierce fight to the death, tasted the taste of victory, and are in a very good mood. Health preservation experience +829.
You have experienced a fierce fight to the death, and gained a new understanding of running. Running experience points +538.
You have experienced a fierce fight to the death, and have been tainted with a bit of murderous aura, making you more attractive to some people. Charm experience +551.
You have experienced a fierce fight to the death. Your accuracy has improved, aiming experience +518.
You have experienced a fierce fight to the death and gained a greater understanding of combat. Fighting experience +1539.
You have experienced a fierce fight to the death, successfully learned a new killer move, and gained a deeper understanding of energy use. Strength experience +1347 (specialization conditions met).
You have experienced a fierce fight to the death and visualized a true dragon sweeping the sea of clouds. Visualization experience +1211.
---
Xue Jing's eyes widened in surprise as he absorbed the notifications. He had expected a significant boost, but the sheer amount of experience exceeded his expectations.
Four-digit increases across multiple skills.
His body responded immediately. Bones crackled and shifted as his flesh and muscles regenerated, healing the deep wounds almost visibly. The blood oozing from his injuries thickened, a bright red hue like glowing rubies. A faint, sweet fragrance began to emanate from him.
Yet Xue Jing paid no mind to the physical transformation. His focus remained on the notification regarding his strength
Strength Lv6 (Optional Specialization).
"Optional specialization? What does that mean?"
Curious, he clicked on Strength, and a new description appeared:
The conditions have been met to convert basic energy into special energy. Do you want to specialize?
"Conditions... does this mean mastering 'Sealing Cloud Tail'?" Xue Jing thought. "So, this 'special energy' is tied to the Hidden Dragon Style?"
His eyes brightened. This was the second time the panel had unlocked a new function after upgrading his Fitness skill.
Unlike previous upgrades that required extra conditions, this time he could specialize immediately.
"Special energy has to be better than basic energy, right?" Without hesitation, Xue Jing chose to specialize.
---
Specialization Success.
Strength Lv6 (2080/3000), total 6880 experience points, converted to Hidden Dragon Strength Lv4 (1880/4000).
---
Hidden Dragon Strength.
Xue Jing immediately activated his breathing technique, channeling his internal energy. The effect was instantaneous—silky smooth, like a well-oiled machine after years of wear. Energy flowed through him with ease, potent and unhindered.
Anyone standing near him would have heard the faint sound of rushing water mixed with a subtle dragon's roar emanating from deep within. It was as if a colossal dragon used his body as a river, twisting and surging with immense power.
In the lobby, a young man talking to his family suddenly went quiet, his words dying on his lips. The questioning voice from the phone went unanswered as he, along with everyone else in the hall, turned to stare at Xue Jing.
Even Pei Tiancheng, seasoned in martial arts, was speechless. The pressure radiating from Xue Jing was overwhelming—an invisible force that made it hard to breathe.
It felt as though they were in the presence of an ancient emperor, a true dragon of old, and the weight of that presence left them mute.
Xue Jing's eyes gleamed faintly with a dark golden hue as the dragon energy surged through him.
The ultimate goal of the Hidden Dragon Style is to harbor the power of a true dragon. Every movement carries the might of a dragon's roar.
"My true dragon has finally awakened."