Chapter 62: Hermit - License Holder

The cosmos, with its breathtaking stars and celestial bodies, remains largely unexplored by humanity, who have barely begun to scratch the surface of its mysteries. Historically, Xuanlan Star seemed destined to follow a path of technological advancement step by step.

However, one day, everything changed. A unique substance appeared in the atmosphere, causing phenomena typically found only in myths to manifest on Xuanlan Star.

Most scientists still believe this was due to a new substance significantly altering the fundamental structure of the world, asserting that overall, it remains within the realm of science. The current human understanding is simply insufficient to explain it. Regardless of differing opinions, the fact remains that Xuanlan Star is undergoing unprecedented transformations and hardships.

Following the first large-scale spiritual tide outbreak, countries in the Eastern Alliance, led by Hanming Country, primarily focused on constructing underground air raid shelters. In contrast, the Far West Alliance dubbed their final refuge as the ‘Ark’.

At present, within a towering skyscraper of the Jindar Empire, Yue Fei, dressed casually yet exuding confidence, gazes through the clean, transparent glass at the bustling crowd below.

Yue Fei found himself at the Twin Towers, located in Margate, the most luxurious city within the Jindar Empire. The Twin Towers stood amidst the world’s largest financial district, where only extraordinary individuals could truly establish themselves.

Just a year ago, Yue Fei was an ordinary university graduate from a modest family, undergoing the societal trials of internship work. Now, he sat in his exclusive, lavish room within the Twin Towers, with wealthy elites, once seen only on news channels, vying for appointments just to meet him.

In a short span of time, he had acquired wealth, influence, and allure - lacking nothing.

Confidently smiling, Yue Fei recalled the incident at the Gate of Sin and Virtue. He had lost one of his substitute puppets during that event, prompting him to swiftly gather his belongings and flee from his rented neighborhood.

Later, he suspected that the owner of the gate symbol might have collaborated with Hanming Country’s government. As Yue Fei pondered further, his urgency to harness the power of his own door symbol grew. Eventually, he made a decisive move and planned to leave Hanming Country to avoid any potential repercussions.

The Jindar Empire was his first choice for refuge, but unfortunately, Wan Ling, whom he had transformed to have near-perfect appearance, refused to accompany him there. She insisted that she couldn’t abandon her parents during these tumultuous times, fearing they would be unable to cope without her, given their age.

Yue Fei initially shared some concern for his own parents, but ultimately, he wasn’t as empathetic as Wan Ling. Wan Ling had always been frail since childhood, with her parents constantly by her side, fostering a deep bond.

In contrast, Yue Fei grew up living at boarding schools, developing independence from a young age, and thus had a more distant relationship with his parents. Before leaving, he merely sent them several thousand yuan along with brief instructions, then altered his appearance and headed to the Jindar Empire.

Initially, luck was not on his side. Soon after arriving, he became entangled in the mysterious events within the Jindar Empire, losing two substitute dolls in quick succession. Mercifully, when fleeing Hanming Country, he had only managed to bring three intact enhancement dolls with him.

Fortunately, it wasn’t all in vain. After resolving the mystery, not only did some influential tycoons in the Jindar Empire view him as a mystic figure and actively seek to gain his favor, but they also believed he possessed regenerative abilities, treating him with utmost deference.

Knock knock.

The polite and rhythmic knocking echoed.

Yue Fei, with hands casually tucked in his pockets, turned slowly. “Come in.”

Moments later, the door opened, revealing a young woman of about twenty, dressed in a white sundress. With a sweet smile, she pushed a serving cart inside.

Her name was Winnebell, possessing exquisite features: blue eyes framed by shoulder-length, slightly curled hair, exuding a charming allure mixed with graceful elegance. To Yue Fei, she held immense appeal.

Wan Ling, too, was stunningly beautiful, almost reaching the pinnacle of human attractiveness. However, Yue Fei had no interest in her whatsoever. While Wan Ling’s beauty might deceive others, to him, it felt contrived. The key difference lay in Winnebell’s natural grace, cultivated from childhood, which could not be matched by artificial beauty.

In Hanming Country, Yue Fei had been solely focused on surviving eternally, giving him a somewhat gloomy demeanor. But since arriving in the Jindar Empire, surrounded by beauties, fine cuisine, and the deferential treatment from once lofty individuals, his initial survival-centric mindset gradually began to fade. Instead, he now radiated confidence, even hinting at pride.

“For lunch today, we have prepared steak along with red wine from the renowned Spiriton Winery. This particular vintage of Spiriton wine once sold for three million Jindar credits at auction.”

Noticing the warm affection in Winnie’s expressive and beautiful eyes, Yue Fei couldn’t help but smile back. “As far as I know, the owner of Spiriton Winery is Nader Bezos, ranked as the second wealthiest person globally. Is he still unsatisfied and hoping for further enhancements to his body?”

Nade had previously suffered from brain cancer, but his immense wealth allowed him to prolong his life. Later, Yue Fei collaborated with Nade’s personal doctor to develop a specialized organ within Nade’s body, which produced antibodies specifically targeting the cancer cells associated with brain tumors.

However, given Nade’s advanced age, the new organ placed considerable strain on his body. As a result, while there was some improvement, it fell short of Nade’s ideal expectation - he wished to restore his body to its youthful state, akin to when he was in his twenties.

Such a feat seemed impossible; body modifications were not conjured from nothingness. They required a solid theoretical foundation and energy drawn from Yue Fei’s symbols.

Winnie had already opened a bottle of fine red wine, “Those wealthy individuals are always incredibly greedy, wanting to restore their bodies to youth every day. Don’t worry too much about it, Little Fei.”

The delicious air-freighted steaks were exorbitantly priced; when Yue Fei first realized how costly his meals were, his surprise was unmistakable. However, he has since grown accustomed to this lifestyle.

If he ever needed money, all he had to do was mention it, and the affluent like Nade would promptly transfer large sums into his account.

With a gentle clink, their wine glasses touched lightly. Yue Fei naturally wrapped an arm around Winne’s waist as they enjoyed their lunch together with evident delight.

“I heard the first spiritual tide is approaching soon. The Ark project has been underway for two days now, correct?”

Winnie gently rested her head against Yue Fei’s chest, “Yes, does Little Fei want tickets for the Ark? Muke delivered three tickets yesterday.”

Each ticket for the Ark cost a staggering ten million Jindas, representing the price wealthy individuals were willing to pay for their lives.

Yue Fei gently stroked Winne’s soft golden hair with his hand, his slightly closed eyes exuding confidence. “No need for me, but don’t let them go to waste. Winnie, give them to your family members instead. The eruption of the spiritual tide is akin to an apocalypse; all sorts of chaos will ensue.

Those cults preaching salvation or doom, and even the Hermit Society… It’ll be incredibly turbulent. For anyone important to you, entering the Ark would be the safest option. If there aren’t enough tickets, just mention my name, and they can arrange for more.”

Winnie lifted her head joyfully, wrapped her arms around Yue Fei’s neck, and gave him a tender kiss on the cheek. “Thank you, Little Fei.”

“It’s nothing. You’re my girlfriend, and I’ll always find ways to fulfill your wishes.” At that moment, Yue Fei truly radiated a sense of grand generosity.

Moved, Winnie kissed him again. “Little Fei, actually, I have a surprise prepared for you today too.”

“What is it?” Yue Fei looked curiously at Winnie.

Like a playful fairy, Winnie gracefully turned and rose from Yue Fei’s lap. As her hair brushed past his nose, its subtle fragrance instantly relaxed him.

“Wait for me.” Winnie pushed the food cart out of the room.

Yue Fei smiled as he watched Winnie’s beautiful figure depart. However, minute by minute passed, and Winnie did not return.

After ten minutes, Yue Fei frowned, intending to grab his phone, but suddenly realized that he felt weak. His hands trembled, and his entire body became sluggish and faintly dizzy. Initially, he thought it was just fatigue or relaxation, but now he recognized the true extent - he had significantly lost strength.

Not good!

A cold sweat broke out on Yue Fei’s back as realization hit him. Before he could compose himself, the door violently exploded open. A group of tall men, dressed in distinctive attire laden with firearms, appeared outside and charged directly towards Yue Fei without hesitation.

Yue Fei immediately understood something was seriously wrong; he had been set up.

The Twin Towers boasted the most secure private security services. After moving in, he had even hired the elite mercenaries recommended by wealthy tycoons to protect him around the clock.

With no prior warning, intruders burst through effortlessly. There was no way this happened without involvement from those same top-tier billionaires who had previously bowed to him in deference. He absolutely refused to believe otherwise.

Instantaneously, Yue Fei’s heart raced, his anger and hatred reaching their peak.

The intruders moved with astonishing speed, leaving Yue Fei barely any time to think. Fueled by immense fury, he recklessly stimulated his adrenal medulla, causing a surge of adrenaline secretion. The rapid heartbeat and increased blood flow granted Yue Fei a burst of strength.

“Let’s die together.”

Yue Fei swiftly turned and pressed down on a concealed switch beneath the chair he was sitting in, activating the bomb he had installed as a precautionary measure. It was something he had casually set up on a whim one day, never expecting it would actually come into use today.

The intense explosion shattered the floor-to-ceiling windows instantly, followed closely by the sound of gunfire nearby.

As soon as Yue Fei triggered the detonation, he leaped towards the glass window. Simultaneously, from under his arms, layers of elongated flesh, not typical for a human, abruptly extended outward. With frantic flapping, although insufficient to make him fly, it significantly slowed his descent.

Unbeknownst to him, a car rapidly approached below at that very moment.

Bang!

Yue Fei crashed directly onto the car, and simultaneously, more explosions erupted around the Twin Towers. Chaos ensued as sirens from police cars, fire trucks, and loud shouts filled the air.

Quickly jumping into the vehicle, Yue Fei shed his blood-soaked clothes and changed into hooded attire to conceal the gore on his head. Within moments, he altered his appearance and opened the car window, blending into the chaotic crowd amidst the pandemonium. Inside the car, another figure, identical to Yue Fei but covered in blood from shattered glass, donned Yue Fei’s discarded clothing.

This was a surrogate doll, the only one remaining for Yue Fei.

The wealthy elites believed Yue Fei possessed an undying ability, but in reality, he had merely the power to evade death temporarily. Just nearby the Twin Towers, this doll had been secretly hidden all along.

Initially, Yue Fei used the doll to interact with the elites as usual. However, later due to his body modifications and budding romance with Winnie, the doll became unsuitable. Ironically, just when he switched back to personally handle matters, he nearly met his demise.

The doll served as a distraction for Yue Fei. As armed special forces swiftly arrived at the scene, mere seconds after Yue Fei left, the doll was captured during its escape attempt. It was then hooded and clandestinely taken away.

In a luxurious building within the Kindal Empire, every person entering was impeccably dressed. Winnie, clad in a white dress, answered a phone call and proceeded with a sweet smile to a conference room.

A massive round table dominated the center of the room, where four of the world’s top hundred wealthiest individuals had already gathered, with more expected to arrive for the meeting.

Though only a few were present, these included Nader Bezos, ranked second globally; Mukelson, ranked fourth; Steve Moore, ranked fifth; and Mary Walton, ranked sixth worldwide. Their actions could send ripples throughout the global economy.

“Ladies and gentlemen, our capture plan has been successful,” Winnie announced with a smile, sharing the good news.

“Brilliant.” Nader stood up and applauded Winnie.

Despite Yue Fei saving his life, Nader remained the most enthusiastic about capturing him. Currently, knowledge of Yue Fei’s existence was confined to these four individuals. They foresaw that Yue Fei might become their most valuable bargaining chip in the future.

The young man from Hanming Country had severely underestimated them. As top-tier billionaires, they couldn’t be deceived by mere words; their previous flattery was merely to assess Yue Fei’s true capabilities.

Now, they understood that Yue Fei possessed a transformative ability, albeit with limitations. His power required logical justification and could not manifest out of thin air.

During the process of analyzing Yue Fei’s physiological data, their scientists discovered that when Yue Fei modified his body, it generated a unique form of energy. This energy significantly reduced the difficulty and potential side effects associated with his transformations.

With this knowledge, they decided to capture the unsuspecting young man and conduct thorough research on Yue Fei, aiming to gain control over his transformation abilities themselves. Relying solely on others was not an option.

As the applause gradually faded, Winnie continued, “Ladies and gentlemen, I shall take my leave now. Let us hope that these newly emerged Hermit Society license holders are not just charlatans seeking attention.”

The Hermit Society and its license holders had emerged as a mysterious organization just within the past couple of days. No one knew their origins; all they discovered was that one day, black business cards bearing the embossed golden character ‘隱’ appeared in the bedrooms of these top-tier tycoons.

Those who received the cards would subsequently dream about being summoned to gather at this location by 3 PM today, with members of the Hermit Society set to arrive. As for those who chose not to come, it was entirely up to them, but they bore the consequences themselves.

Nader’s group responded first, eager to determine if this situation was akin to Yue Fei’s - merely someone fortuitously obtaining certain abilities and pretending to be something extraordinary. If so, they were determined to make this so-called Hermit Society face severe repercussions!

Exchanging glances, the four men quietly took their seats. Soon, familiar top tycoons from various fields, accompanied by bodyguards, entered the circular conference room one after another.