First chapter! I’m reading this as I translate and stuff, so I don’t know how the story goes either. It seems interesting enough to me at the moment? Also, this is pretty much unedited, so if there are spelling errors/grammar mistakes, feel free to give me a heads up. I don’t bite (that hard). Enjoy.
PS: The Lin Feng in this novel doesn’t have the same name as the Lin Feng in Peerless Martial G.o.d. The “Lin” is the same word, but the “Feng” is different. 林峰 in this one, and 林枫 for PMG.
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Chapter 1: Lin Feng
The whistling autumn wind brought a slight chill to one’s face as it blew.
Accompanying the sound of rustling wind was a light rain drizzle. The rain fell on a half-oval shaped fort that was kept afloat in mid-air through magnetic force. If one looked through the reinforced gla.s.s that was wet from the rain, one could see that the fort was currently filled with people and buzzing with activity.
“Luo Wen, 16 years old. Depth of brain region: 6.89%, 7th rank.”
“Han Tiancheng, 16 years old. Depth of brain region: 7.77%, 5th rank.”
&h.e.l.lip;&h.e.l.lip;
“Ji Min, 17 years old. Depth of brain region: 7.38%, 6th rank.”
“Wu Yingjun, 17 years old. Depth of brain region: 8.13%, 4th rank.”
&h.e.l.lip;&h.e.l.lip;
Dozens of youths lined up, and in an orderly fashion, successively entered inside a cylindrical apparatus that was roughly three-and-a-half metres tall. Inside, a dark gold “helmet” would come down and be worn by the examinee, followed by a momentary flash of electromagnetic light. Afterwards, a fluorescent curtain of light flashes to reveal clear and distinct figures, which the examiner then announces and records in their log.
“Hey, genius Lin Feng, what’s your guess on your rank this time?” The one who spoke was a youth with a wretched appearance. His words were mixed with sarcasm, and his smile was one of ridicule.
The voice wasn’t loud, but it instantly brought about a slight clamour and discussion.
“Who? Who is Lin Feng?”
“So he’s the legendary Lin Feng. I heard that two years ago he experienced an accident and his brain region depth not only stopped rising, but it actually decreased. Is this true?”
“Absolutely true. It’s a real pity, last year he was only 16 years old and his brain region depth already reached 9.95%, just a mere distance away from the limit. Apparently, of the Three Big Advanced Genetics Inst.i.tutes, the top one–Crown Elite Inst.i.tute–already offered unbelievably, favourable conditions and recruited him in advance. However, it was because of that incident that&h.e.l.lip;alas, Heaven is fickle.”
&h.e.l.lip;&h.e.l.lip;
Rumours and slander were cropping up all around.
Gazes were occasionally glancing over in one direction, falling onto a handsome youth in the middle of the line. A refined head of short hair; a full forehead[1]; a pair of bright, energetic eyes that were full of vitality. Indeed, this was the subject of all the rumours—Lin Feng.
“Swish~”[2] A glimmer flashed in his eye, Lin Feng’s chest slightly fluctuated.
In reality, it hurts!
The pain didn’t come from the accident. The acute, drilling pain came from his heart. In a single night everything changed. He, who was once the chosen one, supported and praised by the people, have now slowly fallen to rock-bottom and become everyone’s topic of gossip; become everyone’s clown to laugh and ridicule. Even now, he still vividly remember the drastic change of expression on the face of Crown Elite Inst.i.tute’s vice princ.i.p.al when he saw the figures displayed by the Brain Region Depth Testing apparatus.
“WHAT KINDA JOKE IS THIS?!” Those five words, the contempt and anger in his eyes, and his figure as he turned his back to leave became my nightmare.
However&h.e.l.lip;
This is all in the past.
“Honestly, these people, all of them just busybodies indulging in idle gossip. What’s the point?” said a st.u.r.dy youth that looked courageous and strong. His eyebrows displayed a hint of anger, if this place did not strictly forbid violence, he would have already burst by now.
Lin Feng looked at the st.u.r.dy youth and felt a bit of warmth in his heart.
He, is his only friend, Yang Li.
“Just let them, Ah Li[3],” said Lin Feng apathetically, “I already stopped caring.”
Yang Li’s brows slightly stirred, and carefully probed, “Truly?”
Lin Feng smiled and said, “Of course it’s true.” A faint look of yearning flashed by in his eyes. Lin Feng clenched his fist. Once I can gather enough courage to step into this place again without fear of all the rumours, slanders, and looks of ridicule, then I can prove that I have truly stepped out from the shadow of my past.
Pressing onto his chest, Lin Feng closed his eyes. Feeling his undulating chest slowly calming down, he let out a cheerful smile.
This instant, he truly believed that the haze shrouding his heart has finally dissipated.
“Wonderful!” Yang Li let out breath of air, as if relieving himself from a heavy load, and said with a laugh, “I was afraid that you would fall into despair with no hope of recovery.”
“How could that happen.” Lin Feng calmly laughed. A shine flitted past his eye, and with strong, unswerving determination he said, “My goal has never wavered. I must become like my older brother; become genuinely strong. This year, despite the depth of my brain region decreasing again and again, I did not forsake my training.”
Yang Li said with his lips twitching, “You madman. I’m afraid you would train with your blade until you get possessed.”
Lin Feng’s gaze lit up, blue veins jutting out from his fists, “I’m unwilling to accept it. Why is it that even though I am putting in so much effort, and training myself more a.s.siduously than any other person, that in exchange for all my hardships, this is the outcome?”
“Ai~” Yang Li lightly sighed, wanting to say words of comfort but stopped.
n.o.body knew Lin Feng more than him. Others just saw his impressive natural talents, and eye-dazzlingly achievements. Yet, no one knew how much effort he put behind the scenes; how much blood and sweat he shed. As a child, Lin Feng had a lean and weak body. He was the skinniest. But from the moment he turned 6, he began to strive hard to train himself, and improve his body. In the end, when he chose to enter Blazing Sun District’s Primary Genetics Inst.i.tute at the age of 12, the stats for Lin Feng’s physical capabilities ranked at number one.
It’s true that natural talents are precious, but, effort is even more important!
Yang Li can remember even now, back then the other kids would laugh at Lin Feng for being foolish. But&h.e.l.lip;who’s the foolish one now?
It’s just a pity that&h.e.l.lip;
“Hm?” Yang Li suddenly reacted, with a slight look of uncertainty, he hesitantly asked, “Didn’t your genes get damaged? Ah Feng, how can you still become a genetic warrior?”
Lin Feng lightly laughed, “To become truly strong, there are more ways than just breaking through the limit. The path to becoming a genetic warrior&h.e.l.lip;” said Lin Feng as he patted Yang Li’s shoulder, “Look, it’s your turn to get tested, Ah Li.” Yang Li was startled when he heard that, there really was no one in front of him, he quickly ran forward.
Looking at Yang Li, Lin Feng’s gaze fell upon the Brain Region Depth Testing apparatus, with a bit of worry for Yang Li.
There’s still three more months until the three big advanced genetics inst.i.tutes recruitment period. When that time comes, if the 18 year old Yang Li’s brain region depth isn’t even 2nd rank then he would have no hope.
As for himself&h.e.l.lip;
Having been already rejected by Crown Elite Inst.i.tute a year ago, his hope has already been dashed.
“Yang Li, 17 years old. Depth of brain region: 8.85%, 3rd rank.” The examiner said with the usual icy voice.
Voices of discussion popped up all around. Achieving 3rd rank is actually considerably good. With regards to all the examinees that have already gone, a brain region depth of 8.85% places 5th in the rankings. Yet, Yang Li who just finished his test had an anxious expression and wasn’t in a cheerful mood.
“Hu~~” Letting out a deep breath, Lin Feng slowly walked forward.
Coming back after one year, it wasn’t to prove anything. Rather, it was like his brother once said: Face yourself with honesty. Or perhaps it should be&h.e.l.lip;
Go accept reality.
Even though this wasn’t the reality I wanted.
“Zi~” Accompanying a flash of electromagnetic light, the fluorescent curtain of light displayed a clear set of figures.
“Lin Feng, 17 years old. Depth of brain region: 5.00%, 10th rank.” The examiner’s voice was no longer ice-cold, it carried along a hint of contempt and ridicule, and even disdain. In his eyes, Lin Feng is completely trash. To Blazing Sun District’s Primary Genetics Inst.i.tute, he was their greatest humiliation.
At Blazing Sun District’s Primary Genetics Inst.i.tute, even the 12 year old new students were stronger than Lin Feng!
“HAHA!” “HAHAHAH!~~” The whole room roared with laughter, many of the youths even laughed until tears came out.
“Truly a genius!”
“Right, right, a 10th rank genius!”
“You guys think if his brain region depth falls even lower, will he become r.e.t.a.r.ded? HAHA~”
&h.e.l.lip;&h.e.l.lip;
“WHAT’S SO FUNNY?!” Yang Li bellowed with rage. With an ashen face, and eyes full of anger, he was ready to brandish his large fists and start hitting people, but was stopped by Lin Feng who grabbed onto his wrists, “Let’s go. There’s only three months left. Don’t leave behind a bad record.”
“I’m not worried!” Yang Li’s arm muscles became steel-like, blue veins popping out on his forehead.
“It’s fine,” Lin Feng said softly. His heart was moved. Grabbing onto the enraged Yang Li’s wrist, he dragged him off. With regards to the quality of one’s body, the 12 year old Lin Feng who just entered Blazing Sun District’s Primary Genetics Inst.i.tute was number one; 5 years later, he was still, without a doubt, number one.
“Come, fight! Fight if you’re so capable!”
“Or is it that speaking the truth nowadays isn’t allowed?”
“Oh, Yang Li, if you keep sticking around that 10th rank genius and your brain region depth starts to degenerate, don’t blame us for not reminding you.”
“HAHAH!~~”
&h.e.l.lip;&h.e.l.lip;
Accompanying all sorts of ridicule and unpleasantries, Lin Feng strongly pulled Yang Li out of the Brain Region Depth Testing Centre.
“Sorry, Ah Feng, I was impulsive.” The light drizzle that fell on Yang Li’s face, along with the steel-like grip on his wrist, Yang Li recovered his clarity. Hanging his head in shame, he said, “This att.i.tude of mine almost got you in trouble.”
“Me getting into trouble isn’t anything important,” Lin Feng relaxed his right hand that was gripping onto Yang Li, and said sternly, “If you left behind a bad record because of me, then that would be a pity. You’re not like me, you still have hope of entering one of the Three Big Advanced Genetic Inst.i.tutes.”
“Easier said than done,” Yang Li said, with a bitter laugh, “Currently, the depth of my brain region is 8.85%. Raising it to 9% in three months time by relying on the genetic fluid allocated by the inst.i.tute, which simply isn’t enough. And moreover, even if my brain region depth reaches 2nd rank, it only qualifies me to take the exam to enter the Three Big Advanced Genetics Inst.i.tute, that’s all.”
“Don’t give up, there will be a way.” Lin Feng patted Yang Li’s shoulder.
“Alright, wishing your words will come true,” Yang Li said as he shrugged, clearly lacking confidence, “I’ll go back home and discuss it with my pops. See if there’s a way to gather a bit of money to go buy some genetic fluid.” His gaze falling onto Lin Feng, Yang Li revealed a cheerful smile, “No matter what, seeing my bro standing up again is worth more than anything.”
“I’m leaving!” Yang Li patted his chest, and pressed down on the crystalline watch on his left hand.
Zi!~ A light projection condensed into a solid ent.i.ty, in mid-air a black, hovercar suddenly appeared. Yang Li jumped in, turned his head to face Lin Feng and waved his hand. All of a sudden, he left like the wind. Looking at Yang Li’s leaving figure, Lin Feng couldn’t help but smile. This bro of his has a carefree personality, sure he’s a bit impulsive, but his character is actually pretty good.
“Oh?” Lin Feng raised his head and stared towards the sky.
The light drizzling rain finally stopped, revealing a blue sky and white clouds, and even the howling gale became a cool, refreshing breeze—improving one’s mood greatly.
“The sky, it’s finally clear.” Lin Feng said with a slight smile.
※※※
Blazing Sun District.
One could see new and extraordinary reinforced concrete buildings towering into the clouds; streets bustling with activity; all sorts of magnetic hovercars shuttling back and forth endlessly.
The atmosphere was fresh and clean, carrying along a feeling that made one’s soul feel relaxed and clear. In the 101st year of the Warring Era, electromagnetic energy and chemical machinery[4] has already become mainstream science and technology. There is no more pollution.
Lin Feng sped along the s.p.a.cious road like a vigorous cheetah. One foot following the other, his actions flowed ever so smoothly and consistent. Even though his brain region depth has fallen, nevertheless, his body strengthened by genetics would not degenerate.
His gaze fell on a rarely seen and valuable magnetic hovercar inside a building in the flourishing urban district. A radiant light flitted across his eyes.
It was feelings of yearning and attachment; but not jealousy, and certainly not envy.
“What big brother wasn’t able to do, let me be the one to do it.”
“I will let my mother and little sister live a good life; live in the best ocean villa; drive the most expensive magnetic hovercar. Brother, I will definitely do it!”
“This is the promise we brothers made!”
Lin Feng’s eyes slightly blurred while reminiscing about his childhood.
Two brothers, hand-in-hand, made an oath as men—that for as long as they live, they would protect their family. Brother already accomplished it. Ever since he was little, he was a chosen one, the pride of the entire family; moreover, his brother was the person he worshipped the most. With the most exceptional scores, he entered Blazing Sun District’s Primary Genetic Inst.i.tute. At merely 15 years old, his brother broke through the limit and became a genetic warrior.
Indeed, Lin Feng was also once Blazing Sun District’s future star, but not everything is like what others’ see.
His innate talents were inferior to brother’s. The reason body is currently so strong is because from the age of 6 onwards, he received brother’s grueling training and tempering. Certainly, the stats for his physical capabilities were high, n.o.body in his cohort at Blazing Sun District’s Primary Genetic Inst.i.tute could compare to it. Yet, it was not able to break the school record—because the school record is still maintained by him, the him who was merely 15 years old at the time.
His own big brother—a genuinely perfect, and flawless genius:
Lin Zhan!
“Big brother, until the day I see your corpse, I refuse to believe that you’re dead.”
“You’re definitely somewhere waiting for me. Wait for me!”
“I will reach you very soon!”
&h.e.l.lip;&h.e.l.lip;
With his lips tightly pursed, Lin Feng moved as fast as lightning, like a violent gust of cold wind.
Several drops of rain drifted in the air, was it raining again?
.&h.e.l.lip;..
Halcyon Neighbourhood.
This was a very ordinary neighbourhood inside Blazing Sun District; not too good, but also not bad. It fell short of the best, but was still better than the worst. Lin Feng stepped into the neighbourhood with a bit of heartbrokenness still remaining in his heart, but this could not stop the longing he had for his brother. The house in the neighbourhood was bought by his brother because he said he liked the plain and simple name: Halcyon.
He gave his family peace and safety, but what about himself?
Originally, the conditions of the home could’ve been much better, but his brother used most of the money he earned to purchase genetic fluid. This was how he, at just 16, came to possess a brain region depth of 9.95%, a mere distance away from the limit. From the start, he was never peerless and gifted genius.
“Ah Feng, you don’t know if you have any innate talent. But, you already possess two very precious traits.”
“One is perseverance, and the other is the ability to try harder than anyone else.”
&h.e.l.lip;&h.e.l.lip;
“Hu~~” Letting out a light breath of air, Lin Feng closed his eyes.
Pressure. Responsibility. Guilt. All sorts of feelings rushed out, this build up caused him to fall apart one year ago.
Luckily, he has finally stepped out from that nightmare.
Just at that moment——
“Rumble!~” A loud sound rang out and immediately attracted all the residents in the neighbourhood to look up. Lin Feng slowly opened his eyes. Without looking, he already knew the sound came from a magnetic hovercar; moreover, a particularly expensive kind.
Pa! Travelling like fierce wind, yet with a stillness that makes one’s heartbeat pause.
Not sure if by coincidence or if done deliberately, the red and extremely streamlined magnetic hovercar stopped exactly in front of Lin Feng—blocking his path. Lin Feng expressionlessly looked over, a faint glimmer flashed in his eye.
Waa[5]~~ A circular sunroof retracted, revealing two figures.
A man, handsome and extraordinary, wearing an expensive silver elemental battle suit. The girl, tender like a flower, with a beautiful and alluring smile; her bright and clear eyes were especially mesmerizing. Exiting the vehicle with a honey sweet smile, the beautiful girl immediately came face-to-face with Lin Feng. Her smile froze in an instant, eyes showing a momentary lingering look, with a look of awkwardness on her face.
“I’ll go back first.” The beautiful girl looked towards the handsome man, lightly bit her lips, as she wished to leave.
“Why? Embarra.s.sed to see your old lover?” The handsome man said with a grim laugh. He grabbed onto the beautiful girl’s wrist and forcefully embraced her.
“N-no,” The beautiful girl’s expression changed drastically, immediate after she said, “Wenlong, there’s nothing going on between him and I.”
Him!
That one word, like a sharp drill, abruptly bore into Lin Feng’s heart.
Calling him with such unfamiliarity; replying with such straightforwardness.
Once upon a time, she was his childhood sweetheart. They lived in the same neighbourhood and had an inseparable relationship. Even though they never explicitly declared their relationship, but they secretly had feelings for each other. It’s just too bad, everything changed one year ago. Everyone had left him, including her—w.a.n.g Qian.
“Really?” The handsome man coldly laughed without even giving so much as a look to w.a.n.g Qian. With a burning look, he stared at Lin Feng, and with his head held high he said, “Hey, 10th rank genius, after hiding inside your turtle sh.e.l.l for a year, you finally willing to come out?”
“News sure travels fast.” Lin Feng said as he laughed calmly.
Shi Wenlong, at Blazing Sun District’s Primary Genetics Inst.i.tute was second only to himself. 2nd rank brain region depth, standing head and shoulders above others. He always viewed Lin Feng as a rival. His “10th rank genius” t.i.tle had just came out a while ago, so he probably came here on purpose and brought w.a.n.g Qian along to ridicule and provoke him.
“HAHAHA!” Shi Wenlong wantonly laughed, the arm embracing w.a.n.g Qian tightening, “With a t.i.tle as resounding as 10th rank genius, even if I didn’t want to know about it it’d be hard. Am I right, Xiao Qian?[6]”
w.a.n.g Qian lightly bit her cherry lips, with a slightly pale expression. Yet, she didn’t dare to not answer and let out a faint “mm”.
“Look, even your ex-lover is laughing at you, Lin Feng.” Shi Wenlong pretended to have an astonished expression, immediately followed by a look of contempt, “If I were you, I wouldn’t be out here making a fool out of myself. In your present condition, you should hurry and find a hole to burrow in.”
Lin Feng’s eyes were clear, glancing over at w.a.n.g Qian who didn’t dare to even make a sound despite her suffering, he couldn’t help but softly sigh in his mind.
Was this all worth it?
On the day that w.a.n.g Qian chose to leave, he actually didn’t blame her. With regards to the ambiguous feelings he had, he didn’t feel unfortunate. There are many things that are lost without feelings of regret. It’s just too bad that she actually chose the infamous playboy, Shi Wenlong. Just from looking at Shi Wenlong words, actions, and mannerisms one could tell he wasn’t being sincere with her—she was just a toy to him.
“Ai~~” Ling Feng shook his head, turned around and left. This immediately made w.a.n.g Qian’s complexion even paler and unsightly.
As for Shi Wenlong, Lin Feng isn’t even interested in paying attention to this type of person.
“f.u.c.king brokea.s.s!” Shi Wenlong’s handsome face turned a bit savage and hideous, looking at Lin Feng’s back, the look of hatred in his eyes was undisguised. The fight two years ago, under everyone’s watchful eyes, Lin Feng had beaten the teeth out of him. That unforgettable humiliation, to this very day, is still branded in his heart.
“Lin Feng! Don’t think this is over, not only will I s.n.a.t.c.h your woman, by the time I’m done with you, it’ll be too late for regrets!”
With a cold snort, Shi Wenlong immediately drove his red, hovercar—leaving in an instant. All that was left behind was a pale and unsightly Wan Qian, lips bleeding from biting down too hard.
[1] A full forehead, 天庭饱满, signifies wisdom. In Chinese fortune telling, parts of the human body correspond with Heaven and Earth. In this case, the forehead corresponds to 天庭. Moreover, the forehead itself can be subdivided into three parts and they are: upper, middle and lower. Each part itself corresponding to a certain trait: reasoning, memory, and intuition, respectively. Hence, for one to have a “full forehead” would mean that they possess all these traits, which signifies wisdom.
[2] I suck with sfx, okay?
[3] Using “Ah” in front of someone’s name is just more casual way, showing a more intimate relationship at times, to call someone. No good English equivalent, so I’m leaving it.
[4] It actually “element machinery”, but what it means by element isn’t like “wind”, “fire” and etc., rather, it’s chemical elements. I wasn’t sure how to put it nicely, so yeah&h.e.l.lip;
[5] Sorry, literally couldn’t come up with the proper sfx, just imagine the noise of a roof retracting&h.e.l.lip;
[6] Xiao = Little. An intimate way to refer to someone. Again, I’m leaving this.