"Wei Wen, how did your cultivation go yesterday with the Five Hearts Aligned to the Sky method?" Jiang Nian asked the moment he spotted him, cutting right to the chase.
Given Wei Wen's level of insight, sensing and drawing Genetic Energy shouldn't be an issue. And now that he possessed a Micro-Level movement technique, passing the combat trial was practically guaranteed. That alone would make him a target for major powers—like the Thunder Battle Hall or even the Underground Alliance.
Jiang Nian's real motive was to bring Wei Wen into the Dojo of Limits before anyone else could snatch him up.
"I practiced the Five Hearts method yesterday and, yeah—I managed to sense Genetic Energy." Wei Wen gave a small, reserved smile. "As for how much stronger I've become… hard to say exactly, but it's a big leap. Very big."
Whoosh!
He threw a punch into thin air, generating a gust strong enough to whip Jiang Nian's hair slightly.
Even with his experienced eye, Jiang Nian was visibly shaken. The sheer speed and force behind the strike told him everything: Wei Wen was already stronger than him.
Wei Wen had no plans to hide his power. It was bound to draw attention sooner or later. Showing a portion now would soften the impact later—and might even offer him some protection. But as for his identity as a spiritual cultivator, a Psyker, that stayed under wraps.
Why? Because Psykers were rarer than even Planet-level fighters. Every single one made waves when discovered. That kind of spotlight? Not helpful right now.
"Wei Wen, you're full of surprises. You've already surpassed me," Jiang Nian's eyes practically sparkled. "And the fact that you got such a boost from your very first absorption of Genetic Energy—well, that proves your innate potential is outstanding."
"I always knew you were quick-witted, but it turns out you're a complete package."
How much a person improved after their first exposure to Genetic Energy was a direct measure of talent.
Most average candidates saw a 300-kilogram boost in punching power.
Good ones? Around 600.
Elites? Maybe 1,000.
But geniuses—true combat prodigies—might hit 2,000 kilograms or more.
Wei Wen hadn't measured his output yet, but Jiang Nian could tell from that punch: this kid had blown past genius level.
Wei Wen, however, knew the truth. His talent wasn't the reason he'd come so far so fast. It was because he'd latched onto Luo Feng's rise—benefiting from every step without having to forge his own.
But as long as no one knew that? They'd keep buying the illusion.
Jiang Nian sure did. To him, Wei Wen was a treasure unearthed. An 18-year-old who already had Micro-Level movement technique and enough raw power to classify as a High-Level Warrior? That wasn't a student—that was a monster.
In Jiang Nian's mind, names of past geniuses started flashing. He recalled the upper echelon whispering about the recruitment standards for training camps.
In a city like Jiangnan Base, the Dojo of Limits only scouted two, maybe three, Basic Training Camp candidates per year.
As for the Elite Training Camp? One recruit every five years, if that.
But a monster like Wei Wen? Basic was a given. Elite wasn't out of the question.
Still, those decisions weren't up to him. Only the curator and the high command at headquarters could approve a candidate for the Elite Camp. Even someone like Zhou Zhengyong—the president of the Jiangnan Base City hall and a certified God of War—didn't have final say.
"Let's head to the combat hall and test your raw power. I'll also put in a word for you to enter the Dojo of Limits officially," Jiang Nian said, his voice betraying more than a little excitement.
Wei Wen nodded. "Sounds good."
There was no reason to hide now. Let them think he was a combat genius. That way, if he pulled off something even more impressive in the future, they wouldn't be shocked. They'd already expect it.
On the way to the Dojo of Limits, Yian District
"A warrior like you—a once-in-a-decade phenomenon—needs to be approved directly by headquarters. This test will be your ticket in," Jiang Nian explained, pulling out his phone.
He tapped it once. "Headquarters."
The call connected immediately. On the screen appeared an elderly man with neatly combed white hair, eyes sharp and clear.
"Jiang Nian? What's the matter?" the old man asked casually.
"Uncle Bai," Jiang Nian said, barely able to contain himself, "I've found a prodigy."
He quickly explained, "Yesterday during the combat trials, our Chief Instructor Wu Tong verified that he's already grasped the Micro-Level movement technique. Today I visited him again—he's absorbed Genetic Energy, and he's already stronger than me. At least High-Level Warrior grade. The kid's got insane talent and understanding. This is a next-level genius."
The old man's eyes widened. "Say that again?"
He paused, voice now tight with urgency. "How old is he?"
"The younger, the more potential," the old man added under his breath.
"He's 18," Jiang Nian replied confidently. "Just turned 18."
There was a long silence. Then the old man straightened in his chair, his tone turning sharp.
"Eighteen? Bring him to headquarters now."
"I'm heading to find the president. I want him to personally witness this strength test."
"If this young man's willing to join the Dojo early, we'll offer him more than standard recruits. Most newcomers get a small villa and a million yuan starter grant."
"But for someone like Wei Wen? We'll give him a villa plus hundreds of millions in startup funds."
"And we'll unlock access to rare cultivation techniques and secret skills—free of charge. That's another few hundred million in value."
Normally, you couldn't join a force like the Dojo until after you passed the warrior exam.
But someone like Wei Wen—once the Thunder Battle Hall or Underground Alliance caught wind of him—they'd throw everything they had to recruit him.
Which is exactly why the Dojo of Limits had to act now.
Wei Wen, at just 18, had the potential to reach the level of God of War. That alone was enough to put Zhou Zhengyong on high alert.
"Since the president is involved now, I'll escort him directly to headquarters," Jiang Nian said, visibly thrilled.
The more prized Wei Wen became, the greater the credit Jiang Nian would earn for discovering him—and that meant rewards, prestige, maybe even promotion.
"Wei Wen," Jiang Nian said more carefully now, "I was going to have you test your strength here in Yian. But you heard what they said. Come with me to headquarters instead?"
"Sure," Wei Wen said with a calm smile.
Joining the Dojo of Limits had always been part of his long game. Especially now, when the Dojo was offering so much up front.
Jiangnan Base City – Dojo of Limits Headquarters
Floor 31
The top floor of the building was a vast, open training arena. Everything was sleek, silver-toned, polished to a mirror shine.
At its center sat a man in a white martial arts uniform, barefoot, cross-legged, meditating.
Despite the calm pose, the energy coming off him was oppressive—like standing in the eye of a hurricane.
The man opened his eyes and turned as the elevator chimed. "Old Bai, what brings you here in person?"
His voice was deep, resonant. This was Zhou Zhengyong—the President of Jiangnan Base City's Dojo of Limits and a God of War in his own right.
Old Bai bowed slightly, speaking with respectful urgency.
"President, Jiang Nian has discovered a rare genius. I've come to report the full details…"
He laid it all out—Wei Wen's grasp of Micro-Level movement, his absorption of Genetic Energy, his raw power, his age.
With each sentence, Zhou Zhengyong's expression shifted—calm interest turning into alert focus, then a trace of something rarer: anticipation.