Chapter 118: Chapter 118: Breaking Through Second Tier (Seeking Subscriptions)
After learning about the Dawn Disc, Lu Luo’s expression became somewhat strange. He was a person with broad thinking and an active mind.
He immediately thought of the first time he met Han Shiyu.
Han Shiyu’s expression, her actions, and the way she tried to hide the special characteristics of her body.
Could it be that Han Shiyu already knew about the disc back then?
Holding onto his uncertainty, Lu Luo continued to inquire about the Dawn Disc.
"You said the thing inside the Circular is called the Dawn Disc? Can you tell me about its specific function?"
Qi Xinzhu adopted an expression of deep thought, looking a bit dazed and cute. After a long pause, she finally said,
"I’m not very clear about the specific function of the Dawn Disc either. I’ve only seen it a few times. It’s kept right at the center of the Circular.
It looks like a large Dawn emblem, covered with strange patterns and symbols, some shining and some dim.
According to many secret records within the Church, the Dawn Disc is a Divine Artifact from the era when the Wasteland Alliance was founded, a beacon for humanity.
It is said that during the Intelligent Machine Crisis and the Devastating Black Tide, humanity was twice pushed to the Wall of Extinction, retreating to our last stronghold."
"Only when the Dawn Disc burst forth with Holy Radiance did it bestow new power upon us humans—the Sequence Force.
And it continuously emits a gentle Dark Energy for human use. This ultimately allowed humanity to defeat Noah and the Stonemother, granting us a new lease on life.
In short, according to the Church’s secret records, the Dawn Disc is a secret that everyone must protect."
After listening to Qi Xinzhu’s detailed account, Lu Luo began to roughly understand the formidable power and profound significance of the Dawn Disc.
It bestowed humans with the Sequence Force... The disc inside me seems to have a similar function.
My Sequence Chain C-00-Extreme was automatically synthesized when the disc rotated.
I don’t know if my disc is the Dawn Disc. But ’Above Sequence, Unassessable Value’... that means the disc’s worth is definitely higher than a Grade S Sequence.
Han Shiyu must have discovered the disc inside my body. That’s why she left Blue Sky Pharmaceuticals to become a professor at Alliance University.
Then she approached me on her own initiative, repeatedly inviting me to join the Church.
However, after I refused multiple times, she chose to give up and then had Qi Xinzhu follow me.
Lu Luo fell silent for a moment. Although I’m still not very clear on what the disc does or how to operate it, it must be something very powerful. That’s the key point; I have to remember it.
"Thanks for telling me so much. I’m as ignorant as an illiterate person when it comes to matters inside the Wall."
"Don’t worry. Given your talent and growth rate, you’ll learn these things sooner or later."
Traveling nonstop, the two finally managed to return to Qiao Xing’s home before nightfall.
...
"Excuse me!"
Lu Luo knocked and entered. Qiao Xing, who was reading the newspaper, merely glanced at him before returning his gaze to the paper.
He picked up a handmade wooden teacup, slowly sipped his hot tea, and remained completely unruffled, not asking where Lu Luo had been that day.
Lu Luo glanced at the wooden teacup in Qiao Xing’s hand and couldn’t help but offer a reminder.
"Lord Qiao Xing, this handmade wooden teacup looks nice, but if you use it to brew tea for a long time, it can get moldy.
And unlike glass or ceramic cups, it’s hard to clean, which is a bit unsanitary."
Qiao Xing’s hand, holding the teacup, paused mid-air. Clearly, Lu Luo’s words had caused him some offense.
He put down the teacup and looked straight at Lu Luo.
"Are you teaching me how to do things? You seem to know a lot. It looks like I don’t need to teach you anymore. Take a rest today!"
"Ah! What?!"
Lu Luo was stunned. I was just kindly reminding him. This person is being overly sensitive, isn’t he?
Qiao Xing glanced at the Dark Spirit Stone in Lu Luo’s arms and remarked,
"You should have other things to do today. Indeed, you don’t need me to teach you."
Only then did Lu Luo realize that Qiao Xing already knew he was planning to attempt a breakthrough.
"Uh, yes, Lord Qiao Xing. I plan to try to break through to the Second Tier tonight."
"Oh, then go ahead. You can do it nearby, but try not to damage my house. I’m going to spend time with my child."
Lu Luo nodded. Qiao Xing’s words greatly increased the safety of his breakthrough. In the entire East Ring, where could be safer than the Archbishop’s house?
If there were such a place, it would probably be near Protector Ludie, but that guy would rather play cards than watch over my breakthrough.
"Lu Luo, are you really going to use the Dark Spirit Stone for your breakthrough? It’s somewhat dangerous. Do you need my help?"
Qi Xinzhu was still very considerate, even though she disapproved of Lu Luo’s method of using the Dark Spirit Stone for his breakthrough.
But since Lu Luo had already decided, she could only respect his choice.
"No need. I can handle the breakthrough myself. Just give me some private space."
Lu Luo had originally wanted to use Qiao Xing’s bathroom for the breakthrough, but after thinking it over, he decided against it.
With Qi Xinzhu and Bai Yuetong also in Qiao Xing’s house, they would definitely need to use the bathroom the next day, making it inconvenient.
After much consideration, Lu Luo finally chose the rooftop.
Breaking through is a risky affair. If there’s a powerful figure to rely on, one should seize the opportunity. Breaking through at the Archbishop’s home in the East Ring is surely safer than any other place.
Upon reaching the rooftop, Lu Luo took out all his Dark Spirit Stones, totaling over 580 grams.
There was no doubt he could break through to the Second Tier. The issue now was which Qi Point he could open, depending on the Fusioner’s optimization for the Second Tier.
Lu Luo sat cross-legged. His experience from the last breakthrough made him much more adept this time.
"What is the plan for breaking through to the Second Tier?"
"[The host’s physical condition is completely different from that of normal humans, and the Qi Point breakthrough process is also atypical. The Fusioner has designed two plans for the host.]
[First plan: Dense Qi Point Formation. Each Qi Point’s Qi He unit is constant, focusing on increasing the number of Qi Points.
This plan can greatly increase the number of Qi Points, providing strong endurance and lasting power. The downside is that it lacks significant offensive strength.]
[Second plan: Enhanced Qi Point Formation. Each Qi Point’s Qi He unit can be modified, focusing on increasing the quality of the Qi Points.
By enhancing Qi Points based on an average distribution and forming a shared Qi Point channel, this yields great power and decent endurance, but resource consumption is immense.]"
Lu Luo frowned slightly. He had encountered such optional plans before when optimizing his Cultivation Technique.
Any plan optimized by the Fusioner is bound to have its own logic and specific characteristics.
"Which is more suitable for me now?"
"[If it’s to satisfy the host’s current need to practice swordsmanship, the first plan is recommended, as more Qi Points allow for faster Qi He recovery.]
"And the second option?"
"[The second is purely designed to enhance combat capabilities. When the Qi Points and body are fully connected, a Qi He channel can be opened.]
"What does that mean? I’m basically illiterate when it comes to this stuff. Make it clearer."
"[It means that in specific circumstances, you can use two or even multiple Qi Points as if they were a single Qi Point, significantly increasing burst power.]"
Lu Luo pondered for a while. Development speed is certainly important, but ultimate combat strength is fundamental.
He had already witnessed Qi Gefei’s strength. Although there were factors like him being First Tier fighting a Second Tier, and his opponent being at the peak of the Second Tier, the formidable power of the Church’s Holy Seal had still served as a significant wake-up call.
In terms of Cultivation Techniques, secret techniques, and Martial Arts, the Church isn’t weaker than me. I’ve only been able to slightly suppress them by relying on the Fusioner’s optimization of my techniques.
My current advantages mainly lie in the three Grade S Sequences and the C-00-Extreme. In other areas, the gap is minimal or nonexistent.
Now that there’s a chance to widen the gap in combat strength, I definitely can’t miss it.
"I choose the second option."
"[Second option selected: Enhanced Qi Point Formation.]
[Relax your mind. The great Sequence S-11, the Observer, once said that any professional characteristic holds the same significance for you.]"
"Let’s begin!"
The Devourer’s tentacles pierced the Dark Spirit Stone. The Level 2 Devourer now had 120% talent efficiency and four tentacles.
Now, Lu Luo could absorb Dark Spirit Stones several times faster than before.
"[The Devourer is consuming Dark Spirit Stones for the host and filtering pure Dark Energy.]
[It is recommended to simultaneously open the Second Qi Point, Tian Zuo, and the Third Qi Point, Di You, and then strengthen all three Qi Points together.]"
"Alright."
Pure Dark Energy flowed directly into Lu Luo’s body through the Devourer’s tentacles.
A Level 1 Devourer had an 80% talent efficiency; 100 grams of Dark Spirit Stone could only produce 80 units of Qi He. Now, at 120% efficiency, Lu Luo quickly amassed 100 units of Qi He.
However, he didn’t pause and continued to consume Dark Spirit Stones. Including the few units of Qi He he had saved up, he used approximately 160 grams of Dark Spirit Stones to increase his Qi He to 200.
"Preparations complete. Let’s begin."
"[Life Advancement Method: Er Dao.]
[The Fusioner is preparing to initiate, checking all readiness conditions.]
[Readiness Condition 1: A single attribute over 20. Strength, Constitution, and Agility have all reached 20. Qualifies for perfect transformation.]
[Readiness Condition 2: Qi He reaches 100. Qi He level confirmed, purity 100%. Qualifies for perfect transformation.]
[All readiness conditions have been met. Transformation grade: Perfect.]
[Consuming 100 units of Qi He, opening the Second Qi Point, Tian Zuo.]
[Consuming 100 units of Qi He, opening the Third Qi Point, Di You.]
[The Fusioner is integrating the Qi He and Strength Core, preparing for a mutation in vital constitution traits. Please wait...]"
"[Observer’s Friendly Reminder: The commotion from this breakthrough might be substantial. If you don’t want to blow up Qiao Xing’s roof like you blew up the toilet last time, you should change locations.]"
Lu Luo was startled and nodded emphatically.
Hmm, not bad. That useless Observer actually provided some useful advice for once.
Lu Luo shot into the air, landing on an empty plot of land not far from Qiao Xing’s house. His strong physical Constitution and Toughness Effect allowed him to endure the intense pain of the breakthrough.
The wild Qi He shattered the ground around him and continuously tore up the nearby lawn, making Lu Luo seem like an overinflated airbag ready to burst at any moment.
As he was breaking through, Qi Xinzhu sensed something. She hurried to open the window and looked toward Lu Luo’s location, only to see Qiao Xing—who had said he was going to spend time with his daughter—already standing beside Lu Luo.
Qiao Xing clearly felt Qi Xinzhu’s gaze and turned his head to explain,
"Xiaomi fell asleep, so I came out to take a look. I’m worried he might damage my yard."
"Uh, Lord Qiao Xing, there’s no need to explain. I understand."
Suddenly, Qi Xinzhu thought that although Lord Qiao Xing often said annoying things, his tsundere-like behavior of saying one thing but meaning another could sometimes be quite cute.
On Lu Luo’s side, the breakthrough of his Essence of Life was nearing completion.
"[Strength Core integration complete. The Second Qi Point, Tian Zuo, and the Third Qi Point, Di You, have been opened. Essence of Life is ascending.]
[Essence of Life has ascended to Second Tier.]
[The Doomsday Disc has been activated.]"
Host: Lu Luo
Profession: Er Dao (Second Tier)
Strength: 20
Agility: 20
Constitution: 20
Energy: 560
Qi Points: Seven Unions, Tian Zuo, Di You
Talents:
Sequence S-02 Devourer LV2
Sequence S-04 Fusioner LV1
Sequence S-11 Observer LV1
Sequence C-00-Extreme
Sequence D-06 Affinity of Light (Not Activated)
"[Overall Assessment: My Lord, you have finally awakened.]"
The bulging veins on Lu Luo’s forehead, so prominent just a moment ago, gradually receded as he calmed.
Whether it was the ravenous Devourer, the restless Fusioner, or the chattering Observer, all were suppressed by Lu Luo’s spiritual will at this moment.
He could even feel his three Grade S Sequences suddenly fall silent before him, as if kneeling in submission.
The Doomsday Disc, huh!
Lu Luo looked at the Observer’s prompt, then turned his head to look at Qiao Xing, who was still standing on the rooftop.
Qiao Xing and Lu Luo locked eyes, and Qiao Xing’s gaze once again showed a hint of confusion.
But Qiao Xing was no inexperienced youth; he had witnessed too much. He quickly regained his composure and returned to normal.
"Nothing interesting here. I’d rather go home and sleep with my wife and kids."
Qiao Xing concealed some unknown emotion and turned back into the house.
He had indeed left, but Qi Xinzhu remained, staring intently at Lu Luo.
Lu Luo has a Disc! A second Dawn Disc!
No wonder Senior Sister asked me to follow Lu Luo. Had she already seen this? Is Lu Luo the Li Ming?
Lu Luo had already anticipated Qi Xinzhu’s shock and surprise, as they had discussed this very topic earlier in the day.
But the situation now is different. What I have isn’t the Church’s so-called Dawn Disc.
According to the Observer’s prompt, this thing is called the Doomsday Disc. The two might be related, but their effects seem... different.
Han Shiyu definitely saw the Disc. Qiao Xing very likely saw it too. And now Qi Xinzhu has seen it.
But they’re all likely making the same mistake—thinking my Disc is the same as the Church’s Dawn Disc.
Lu Luo quickly calmed his inner turmoil and pretended as if nothing had happened. He smiled and waved dismissively at Qi Xinzhu.
"What are you looking at? Stop staring. We’ve had a tiring day; go and rest."
Qi Xinzhu’s heart was still unsettled. Lu Luo seems no different than before... So how should I treat him now?
Her ability to mask her emotions wasn’t as good as Lu Luo’s, who could maintain his composure regardless of his feelings. She could only nod awkwardly.
"I understand. I’ll go to sleep now."
My Holy Light! Li Ming is right before me! Can I even see the radiance emanating from him? How should I serve him?
Qi Xinzhu’s mind was in chaos, and her hands trembled as she made her way to bed.
Bai Yuetong, who was busy drafting blueprints at her desk, glanced at Qi Xinzhu curiously.
"What’s wrong with you? Why do you look so panic-stricken? Did you get your period on your pants?"
"You...! Forgive me, Li Ming. I sometimes just can’t hold back my anger in front of this person."
Qi Xinzhu took several deep breaths to calm herself and then began to pray internally.
I have found Li Ming. It’s not worth getting angry over such things. The Holy Light is with me, and Li Ming is right before my eyes...
Meanwhile, over twenty large sheets of paper lay before Bai Yuetong, forming a detailed blueprint. At the top of the first page, several words were written:
"Jet-Propelled Mobility Device"
"Ha, mission accomplished! Qi Xinzhu, I’m going to apply for a job at Circle Studio tomorrow!"
"Huh!" Qi Xinzhu, who was reciting holy scriptures, was startled and forgot where she had left off.
That girl is going to Circle Studio? Does that mean we’ll become colleagues? Someone like her will only hinder Lu Luo’s growth and bring him trouble!
Watching Bai Yuetong sit on the bed nearby, Qi Xinzhu was already contemplating how to get this annoying person kicked out of Circle Studio.