Evolving infinitely from ground zero

"As for the purpose of transporting these exotic beasts, it's still unknown."

"Not only do we not know, but many high-ranking elders of the Divine Plant Cult themselves are also unaware; almost no one knows why the Divine Plant Cult would do such a thing."

"Additionally, many of the smaller heretical sects were basically supported and raised by the Divine Plant Cult."

"For example, the Rat God Cult that suddenly appeared in Shanhai City a few years ago."

"You and Qinghan are both locals from Shanhai, so you should be familiar with the Rat God Cult."

"My understanding of the Divine Plant Cult is about this much; I'm not too clear on anything beyond that."

"..."

After listening to Yuan Dongzhi's introduction to the Divine Plant Cult, Lin Zichen was very surprised.

He had always thought the Divine Plant Cult was just a slightly larger heretical sect.

It was unexpected that the Divine Plant Cult was actually the oldest heretical sect on Earth and the big brother of other heretical sects.

This was indeed a bit surprising.

"Principal Yuan, do you know what biological level the Ninth Elder of the Divine Plant Cult has?"

Lin Zichen thought back to the hunched individual in the mask who had tried to capture him in the coastal forest and was curious about this person's biological level.

That was the strongest enemy he had ever faced.

If it hadn't been for the boost from various biometric attributes like "Confluence of Waters," "Nature's Camouflage," "Advanced Spirit," "Forest Lord," as well as Shen Qinghan's mysterious water-based superpower, he would have been taken by the masked figure back to the Divine Plant Cult by now.

Yuan Dongzhi picked up her teacup and took a sip, her voice completely composed as she said, "Regarding the biological level of the Ninth Elder of the Divine Plant Cult, I don't know."

"For high-ranking fighters, their biological level is an extremely private secret. Unless the person themselves disclose it, it's very difficult for others to know."

"It can only be judged through combat."

"Or, a few powerful individuals with special probing methods might be able to find out."

Yuan Dongzhi put down her teacup and said, "My biological level is at Rare Tier-3, you can use my encounter with him as a reference."

Rare Tier-3, huh?

That's really high.

Thank goodness the Divine Plant Cult wanted to capture me rather than kill me.

Otherwise, I probably would've been done for by now...

Lin Zichen felt a chill run down his spine.

At that moment, Yuan Dongzhi across from him cautioned, "Regarding my biological level, it's best that the two of you keep it to yourselves and not spread it around, understood?"

Shen Qinghan nodded obediently, "Mm, I understand, Master."

Lin Zichen: "Don't worry, Principal Yuan, I won't tell a soul."

Yuan Dongzhi picked up her teacup, finishing the last half of the tea inside.

Then she turned to Lin Zichen, and slowly began the night's main topic, "Zi Chen, I saw the whole process of you single-handedly killing a High-Level Sixth Order fighter without a scratch."

"I was intending to step in and help you, but then you just killed him outright."

"I was truly shocked by you at that moment."

"To think that with the body of an Ordinary Ninth Rank, you single-handedly killed a High-Level Sixth Order fighter without injury, the world must be going mad."

While saying this, disbelief was written all over Yuan Dongzhi's face.

She had been a teacher at Shan University for decades and had never seen such a talented genius with such exaggerated abilities.

The most talented student in the history of Shan University only had the strength comparable to a High-Level Fifth Rank by the time of their senior year graduation.

And Lin Zichen, while still in his freshman year, was able to single-handedly kill a High-Level Sixth Order fighter without injury.

It was simply unbelievable.

Lin Zichen had guessed that Yuan Dongzhi might have witnessed his battle with the masked man.

But still, as Yuan Dongzhi said it outright, his heart skipped a beat.

The strength he had hidden for so long had been exposed.

Thinking this, he corrected her, "Principal Yuan, it wasn't High-Level Sixth Order; the man was severely injured, and his strength had fallen to just a High-Level Fourth Rank."

Yuan Dongzhi was somewhat impressed, "You're really too cautious for your own good, always afraid that others will realize how strong you are, always hiding your skills."

Lin Zichen explained, "Principal Yuan, I really wasn't hiding anything this time; the man's level after being injured was just High-Level Fourth Rank."

"Plus, there was an element of surprise attack."

"Strictly speaking, my strength is at most equivalent to a High-Level Third Rank."

He could accept being underestimated, but being overestimated was something he couldn't abide by.

Being underestimated allowed him to launch surprise attacks.

Conversely, being overestimated could bring about disaster.

Just like the attack by the Divine Plant Cult.

It was because the masked man underestimated his strength that he was able to ambush and take him down without injury.

If the masked man overestimated his strength and went all out from the start, he probably wouldn't have stood a chance.

Yuan Dongzhi said indifferently, "I know you don't have the strength of a High-Level Sixth Rank, and when I say you're hiding your skills, I'm referring to your usual performance."

"Actually, hiding one's skills is a good habit, but that's for the powerful."

"As for you, you're still a student, in the fastest stage of evolution, in dire need of acquiring evolution resources to accelerate your growth."

"Hiding your skills excessively will only result in fewer resources for evolution and slow down your pace of evolution."

Yuan Dongzhi continued, "Of course, I understand why you hide your skills."

"It's simply a lack of security, worrying about being targeted by those with ulterior motives."

"But on the other hand, if you show enough talent, you can also get greater protection."

"Worrying about being targeted by those with ulterior motives is somewhat overthinking it."

"I can't guarantee for other countries, but here in Jiuzhou, the protection for geniuses is the greatest in the world."

"..."

Listening to Yuan Dongzhi, Lin Zichen couldn't help but laugh to himself.

The greatest protection for geniuses in the world?

I was just attacked by the Divine Plant Cult, and it happened while I was participating in a military special training. Is this what you call the greatest in the world?

Honestly, it's a bit of a joke.

Yuan Dongzhi was unaware of Lin Zichen's inner mockery and continued, "As a citizen of Jiuzhou, you can freely showcase your skills without too many concerns."

"In your current situation, whether you show your moves or not isn't important anymore."

"Based on your performance in the special training camp and the Divine Plant Cult's level of interest in you, it's likely you'll soon draw the attention of the higher-ups in our country."

"It shouldn't take long before some influential figures will come to find you."

Yuan Dongzhi then said, "The big shots in our country like to place their bets. When the time comes and a big shot comes looking for you, you can use that as an opportunity to find a powerful backer."

"Make sure to show your strong talent without reservation to win favor from influential figures, to gain greater protection and more evolution resources."

Concerned that Lin Zichen might have reservations, Yuan Dongzhi added with emphasis, "Zi Chen, you've already been targeted by the Divine Plant Cult. Hiding your skills has lost its meaning. Take my advice, show your talent and find a strong backer—it's the right choice."

Lin Zichen nodded, "Hmm, I know what to do."

He thought Yuan Dongzhi was right.

He was already being targeted by the Divine Plant Cult, so whether he hid his abilities or not wouldn't change the fact that he might be attacked by heretics in the future.

Rather than that, it would be better to show his talent openly to seek protection and resources.

Of course, he couldn't show everything.

Just demonstrating his Qi-Blood and spirit strength would be enough. It's best not to show his Biometric Attributes.

Especially "Survival of the Fittest."

The effects of this Biometric Attribute were too advanced and could bring about a deadly disaster.

Not just from the heretics, but it might also come from up high.

The innocent are blameless; it is the possession of the jade that brings guilt—a truth that never changes.

Thinking this, Lin Zichen looked at Yuan Dongzhi with some curiosity, "Principal Yuan, the influential figures you mentioned placing their bets—how influential are they?"

Yuan Dongzhi's response was as calm as a still well, "The most powerful figures in Jiuzhou Country—Legendary-level Strong Persons."

Legendary-level Strong Persons?

Lin Zichen was surprised by this, and an anticipation began to stir within him.

So far, the strongest people he had encountered in real life were Yuan Dongzhi and the hunchbacked masked man.

Both were Rare-level Fighters.

The former could control the seas, and the latter could control the forests.

They were akin to terrestrial immortals from myths and legends.

Stronger than them were the Epic-level Powerhouses, who could withstand nuclear bombs.

So how exaggerated must the existence of Legendary-level Strong Persons be?

...

PS: Begging for monthly and recommendation tickets!