137. The Goddess of Fate Smiles
Li Aozi didn't hesitate. He wasn't skilled with guns, and the potential of the [Assassin] path in future endeavors was limited. It couldn't compare to the [Domination] system's [Bishop] or the [Eerie] system's [Ferryman] in handling backline targets.
Only the [Martial Artist] path offered the most opportunities and maximized returns for a small account.
[Welcome to the Martial Path.]
[You have acquired the class talent • Way of Qi—Your cultivation of qi will continuously push your physiological limits. Each time you cultivate the"Qi Refinement Technique", you gain the 'Qi Surge' effect: [Constitution] check +5, lasting one natural day.]
[Class Growth: For every 5 levels in your primary class, gain 3 points of [Strength] and 2 points of [Constitution].]
[You have acquired the class skill • [Qi Burst].]
Look, just look.
This is the [Martial Artist] class. Such a fantastic starting panel—even a dog could train it up. The growth attributes speak for themselves: 3 Strength and 2 Constitution, both durable and powerful.
Meanwhile, the [Mutant] only gets a measly 2 points of [Charisma].
"It seems relying solely on the white obelisk isn't enough to expand the basic scope of the [Mutant] class. I need to find a way to enhance its positive feedback and initial perks."
Li Aozi pondered for a moment but couldn't come up with a solution, so he continued cultivating qi.
Currently, his qi points were at 1. Fortunately, the"Baphomet's Clan Qi Refinement Technique"was high quality; each session raised his limit by one point until it reached his [Strength] cap at 80 points.
"Hah..."
Sitting on the sleeper berth, Li Aozi exhaled a breath of turbid air, opened his eyes, and a hint of red flickered in his gaze before fading away.
"The cultivation speed is quite remarkable, and the recovery rate of qi is fast. With other techniques, after completing one set of forms, the qi would be exhausted, requiring several hours of rest to recover."
The train lacked a gym, so those cultivating qi resolved their training at their seats or sleeper berths. It was already 4 a.m., and most retired soldiers had fallen asleep. Li Aozi left his compartment to stretch his legs.
Cultivation was energy-intensive. After a few steps, Li Aozi felt a bit unsteady and decided to head to the dining car for food.
The Red Arrow soldiers were disciplined; no one smoked on the train. However, many played poker, chatted, and joked around. While they restrained themselves in the barracks, they let loose outside. Some of Isaac's comrades invited Li Aozi for a few rounds, but he declined, eager to eat.
After downing two kilograms of buttered bread, a Red Arrow-style fried chicken cutlet, and a large bowl of meat-laden thick potato chips, Li Aozi picked up an ice-cold beer and drained it. Finally, he felt rejuvenated.
Gazing at the Calamity clouds outside the window, Li Aozi recalled the scene when he left.
Watching the news and comments, many people assumed 'Li Aozi' had died. In reality, he hadn't ventured into space; he lacked the resources to reach the nearest planet. Conspiracy theorists even claimed 'Li Aozi' never existed, calling it a farce orchestrated by the Four Nations.
He read the news, noting that his former friends seemed unaffected.
After David Lin took office, he actively negotiated peace with the Grant Republic, restoring diplomatic relations. Currently, David Lin was working to bring Grant into the Frost-Plated Federation, although President Sisron was uneasy and unfamiliar with David Lin's policies and character.
Alexia was now the Grant Republic's Chief Prosecutor. She no longer wielded a warhammer but upheld fairness and justice. People respected this 'ancestor' greatly. She was fundraising to rebuild the nuclear fallout zone.
Sisron fulfilled his promise to Li Aozi. In the Education Bureau's construction plans, a university named 'Qiu Ran University' was opening bids to construction firms.
Turning his gaze to Tianhuan, after a brief rise, the Akaban Squad resumed underground activities, actively resisting the financial conglomerates and aristocratic clans. Meanwhile, Gretorvo Nighsong and Xia Jianjing began appearing frequently on the international stage.
"Never forget to fight!"
Gretorvo opened a video channel, delivering speeches on peace, the future, and the economy. His words inspired many. Though the Akaban Squad operated covertly, they seemed to be gathering strength.
Leveraging the bonuses from Li Aozi and the players, Triangle Town had become a bustling hub, especially after the public beta launched. A massive influx of players arrived. Forum posts claimed that at least 120 guilds had set up there, with 14,000 players stationed long-term. Lord Auckland probably smiled himself awake at night.
However, no matter how hard Li Aozi searched, he found no trace of Du Zexin.
The Frost-Plated Federation's news didn't mention him, and forum posts only briefly referenced an alpha tester who piloted a formidable mech.
It seemed as though everything about Du Zexin had vanished.
Li Aozi fell silent, recalling Du Zexin's words of caution:
...
"This stores my soul and personality. If this mech can't withstand the pressure, take this lotus chip back to Twin Star City, West Road of Heroine Square, Hive Apartments, Unit 210. The room code is 1204."
...
Li Aozi had carefully placed the lotus chip in a temporal fracture. He hoped he'd never have to touch it.
"You better not die too soon, damn it."
Back then, he was too arrogant, leaving behind many regrets. Only Du Zexin remained level-headed, always leaving a backup plan.
After eating and drinking to his heart's content, Li Aozi wiped his mouth, feeling a bit groggy. He headed to the bathroom to wash his face and resume cultivation.
The swaying train reminded him of unpleasant memories. Back then, the armored train braved countless beast tides to cross the Outside World. They led a group out of the Abyss Humanitarian Relief, but in the end, only Li Aozi survived.
"Was it fate's favor, giving me a chance to take revenge and face the impostors head-on?"
Click.
Standing at the junction between train cars, Li Aozi froze.
Slowly lifting his head, his violet eyes reflected another pair of violet eyes.
Before him stood another 'Li Aozi.'
"Heh heh..."
Li Aozi smirked. The other 'Li Aozi' inexplicably mirrored his expression but failed to replicate the genuine malice and glee in the real one's gaze.
"Looks like fate truly smiles upon me!"
Crack!
Clenching his fist, Li Aozi erupted in motion, delivering a punch straight to the other 'Li Aozi's face.