Chapter 1

The autumn wind blew fiercely, bringing a chill to the face.

Accompanied by the whistling wind, fine raindrops fell, landing on a semi-elliptical magnetic fortress floating in mid-air. Looking through the rain-soaked tempered glass, the magnetic fortress was bustling with people, a scene of intense activity.

"Luowen, 16 years old, brain domain width 6.89%, seventh rank."

"Han Tiancheng, 16 years old, brain domain width 7.77%, fifth rank."

...

"Ji Min, 17 years old, brain domain width 7.38%, sixth rank."

"Wu Yingjun, 17 years old, brain domain width 8.13%, fourth rank."

...

Dozens of young people lined up in a long queue, entering a giant cylindrical device about three and a half meters tall one by one. As a dark golden 'helmet' descended and was placed on the head of the test subject, it instantly emitted electromagnetic light. A clear set of numbers appeared on the screen in front, which the instructor read out and recorded.

"Hey, genius Lin Feng, what rank do you think you'll get this time?" The speaker was a young man with a sharp face and a mocking tone, his smile tinged with sarcasm and cruelty.

The voice was not loud, but it immediately caused a ripple of whispers.

"Which one is Lin Feng?"

"So he's the legendary Lin Feng. I heard that two years ago, he had an accident, and his brain domain width not only didn't increase but actually decreased. Is that true?"

"Absolutely true, what a pity. Last year, at just sixteen, his brain domain width was already 9.95%, just a hair's breadth from the critical line. I heard that the prestigious Crown Elite Academy, ranked first among the three advanced genetic colleges, had already offered him extremely favorable conditions for early admission, but then that accident... sigh, it's fate."

...

Rumors spread in all directions.

Gazes occasionally fell on a handsome young man standing in the center of the queue, with a neatly trimmed short haircut, a full forehead, and a pair of bright, spirited eyes. He was the protagonist at the center of the rumors—Lin Feng.

"Whoosh~" A flash of determination crossed his eyes, and his chest rose and fell slightly.

Indeed, it hurt!

The pain was not from the accident, the intense, piercing pain, but from the hearts of people. In a single night, everything changed. He went from being the pride of the masses, showered with praise and admiration, to falling to the bottom, becoming a topic of gossip and a laughingstock, a clown for everyone to mock. He still remembered clearly the sudden change in the expression of the deputy dean of the Crown Elite Academy when he saw the numbers on the brain domain width tester.

"What a joke!" These five words, along with the look of disdain and anger, and the back turned in a huff, almost became his nightmare.

But...

All of this is in the past.

"These people are really like gossipy old women, what's the point?" A muscular young man, strong and powerful, with a flash of anger in his eyes, spoke. If it weren't for the strict rule against violence here, a fight might have already broken out.

Lin Feng looked at the muscular young man, a warm current flowing through his heart.

He was his only friend, Yang Li.

"Let them talk, Ah Li." Lin Feng said calmly, "I don't care anymore."

Yang Li's eyebrows twitched, and he cautiously asked, "Really?"

Lin Feng smiled, "Of course, it's true." A faint trace of nostalgia flashed in his eyes. Lin Feng clenched his fists. When he could muster the courage to step back into this place, unafraid of all the idle talk and mocking gazes, it proved that he had truly emerged from the shadow.

Pressing his chest, Lin Feng closed his eyes, feeling his heart gradually calm down, a smile of contentment spreading across his face.

At this moment, he was certain that the dark cloud in his heart had finally dissipated.

"Great!" Yang Li let out a sigh of relief, smiling broadly, "I was so afraid that Ah Feng would sink into despair and never recover."

"How could I?" Lin Feng smiled faintly, a determined look in his eyes, "My goal has never wavered. I want to become a true powerhouse like my brother. Even though my brain domain width has dropped over the past year, I haven't neglected my training."

Yang Li pursed his lips, "You're a lunatic, I was afraid you'd go crazy with your sword practice."

Lin Feng's eyes burned with intensity, his fists clenched so tightly that the veins stood out: "I just can't accept it. Why, despite all my efforts, training harder and longer than anyone else, do I end up with such a result?"

"Ah~" Yang Li sighed, wanting to comfort him but hesitating.

No one knew Lin Feng better than he did. Others only saw his outstanding talent and remarkable achievements, but they didn't know the immense effort and the blood and sweat he had put in. As a child, Lin Feng was weak and the smallest, but from the age of six, he began to train hard, honing his body. By the time he was twelve and selected to enter the Jiaoyang District Junior Genetic Academy, his physical fitness index was already the highest.

Talent is certainly valuable, but effort is even more important!

Yang Li still remembered how the other children of his age used to laugh at Lin Feng for being foolish, but now... who is the fool?

Unfortunately...

"Hmm?" Yang Li suddenly realized, looking at Lin Feng with a hint of confusion, hesitating, "Your genes were damaged, Ah Feng, how can you become a genetic warrior?"

Lin Feng smiled, "To become a true powerhouse, there's not just one path—breaking the critical line and becoming a genetic warrior." He patted Yang Li on the shoulder, "Look, it's your turn to be tested, Ah Li." Yang Li was startled, realizing that there was no one in front of him, and hurriedly moved forward.

Looking at Yang Li, Lin Feng's gaze then fell on the brain domain width tester, a hint of concern in his eyes.

There were only three months left until the admission time for the three advanced genetic colleges. If Yang Li, at eighteen, couldn't reach the second rank, he would have no hope at all.

As for himself...

When he was rejected by the Crown Elite Academy a year ago, all hope was lost.

"Yang Li, 17 years old, brain domain width 8.85%, third rank." The instructor's voice was as cold as ever.

A murmur of discussion arose around him. A third-rank score was actually quite good, with a brain domain width of 8.85% ranking fifth among all the young people who had been tested. But Yang Li, having just finished his test, looked worried and was not happy.

"Phew~" Taking a deep breath, Lin Feng slowly moved forward.

A year had passed since he last entered this place, but he wasn't here to prove anything. He was here to face himself honestly, as his brother had once said, or perhaps...

To accept reality.

Even if it wasn't the reality he wanted.

"Zzz~" As the electromagnetic light flashed, the numbers on the screen became clear.

"Lin Feng, 17 years old, brain domain width 5.00%, tenth rank." The instructor's voice was no longer cold but carried a hint of mockery, even disdain. To him, Lin Feng was a complete waste, a deep disgrace to the Jiaoyang District Junior Genetic Academy.

Tenth rank!

In the Jiaoyang District Junior Genetic Academy, even twelve-year-olds entering the school were stronger than Lin Feng!

"Ha ha!" "Ha ha ha ha!~" Laughter erupted, with many young people laughing so hard that tears were almost streaming down their faces.

"What a genius!"

"Right, a tenth-rank genius!"

"Do you think his brain domain width will keep declining until he becomes a fool? Ha ha~"

...

"Stop laughing!" Only Yang Li, his face contorted with anger, roared, his fists like sandbags ready to strike. But Lin Feng grabbed his wrist, "Let's go, there are only three months left. Don't leave a bad record."

"I'm not afraid!" Yang Li's muscles bulged like steel, veins popping on his forehead.

"Alright." Lin Feng said softly, moved by his friend's loyalty, and dragged the enraged Yang Li away. In terms of physical fitness, Lin Feng had been first when he entered the Jiaoyang District Junior Genetic Academy at twelve, and five years later, he was still the undisputed first.

"Come on! If you have the guts, come and fight!"

"Is it wrong to speak the truth these days?"

"Yang Li, if you keep hanging around this tenth-rank genius, don't blame us when your brain domain width starts to decline."

"Ha ha ha!~"

...

Amidst the mocking and harsh words, Lin Feng forcibly dragged Yang Li away from the brain domain testing center.

"Sorry, Ah Feng, I was impulsive." The drizzle fell on Yang Li's face, and the iron grip on his wrist helped him regain his composure. He hung his head, embarrassed, "My bad temper almost got you into trouble."

"It's no big deal." Lin Feng released his grip on Yang Li's wrist, speaking seriously, "It would be a shame for you to leave a bad record for my sake. You're different from me; you still have a chance to enter the three advanced genetic colleges."

"Not easy." Yang Li smiled bitterly, "My brain domain width is 8.85%, and I need to reach 9% in three months. The genetic fluid provided by the academy isn't enough. Besides, even if I reach the second rank, it only gives me the资格 to apply to the three advanced genetic colleges."

"Don't give up, there's always a way." Lin Feng patted Yang Li on the shoulder.

"Alright, thanks for the encouragement." Yang Li shrugged, clearly lacking confidence, "I'll go home and discuss it with my father, see if we can raise some money to buy genetic fluid." He looked at Lin Feng, smiling broadly, "No matter what, seeing my good friend stand up again is worth more than anything."

"Let's go!" Yang Li patted his chest and pressed the button on his left wristwatch.

Zzz!~ A light projection solidified into a black hover car, and Yang Li leaped onto it, waving back at Lin Feng before speeding away like the wind. Watching Yang Li's departing figure, Lin Feng couldn't help but smile. His good friend had a rough and ready personality, impulsive but with a good heart.

"Hmm?" Lin Feng looked up at the sky.

The drizzle had stopped, revealing a clear blue sky and white clouds. The howling wind had turned into a cool breeze, making the mood much more pleasant.

"The sky has cleared." Lin Feng smiled faintly.

※※※

Jiaoyang District.

Tall buildings of steel and concrete soared into the sky, modern and impressive. The busy streets were filled with people, and various magnetic hover cars zipped through the air.

The air was very fresh, with a refreshing and invigorating quality. In the year 101 of the Martial Era, electromagnetic energy and elemental machinery had become the mainstream technology, with no pollution.

Lin Feng raced down the wide road, like a sleek and agile cheetah. With a powerful right foot and a swift left step, his movements were fluid and seamless. Despite his brain domain width dropping, his genetically enhanced physical fitness had not deteriorated.

His gaze fell on the bustling urban buildings and the rare and precious magnetic hover cars, and a flash of determination crossed his eyes.

It was not envy or jealousy, but a deep desire and determination.

"What my brother couldn't achieve, I will."

"I want my mother and sister to live a good life, in the best villa, driving the most expensive magnetic hover car. Brother, I will make it happen!"

"This is our promise!"

Lin Feng's eyes became slightly misty, remembering his childhood.

The two brothers, hands tightly clasped, made a man's vow to protect their family for life. His brother had achieved it, being the pride of the family and the one he most admired. He entered the Jiaoyang District Junior Genetic Academy with the best grades and broke the critical line at just fifteen, becoming a genetic warrior.

Indeed, he had once been the rising star of Jiaoyang District, but many things were not as they seemed.

His talent was far inferior to his brother's. His current formidable physical fitness was due to the rigorous training he had undergone from the age of six under his brother's guidance. While his physical fitness index was the highest in his class at the Jiaoyang District Junior Genetic Academy, he couldn't break the school record, which was held by his brother at fifteen.

His brother, a truly flawless genius.

Lin Zhan!

"Brother, I won't believe you're really dead until I see your body."

"You must be waiting for me somewhere, waiting for me!"

"I'll be there soon!"

...

Tight-lipped, Lin Feng raced like a fierce cold wind.

A few droplets of water floated in the air. Was it raining again?

...

Ping'an Neighborhood.

This was a very ordinary neighborhood in Jiaoyang District, not the best but not the worst, a place where one could be content. Lin Feng entered the neighborhood, a lingering sadness in his heart, unable to stop thinking of his brother. The house in the neighborhood was bought by his brother, who said he liked the simple and plain name, Ping'an.

But did he give himself peace?

The family's living conditions could have been better, but much of the money his brother earned was spent on genetic fluid, which helped him achieve a brain domain width of 9.95% at sixteen, just a hair's breadth from the critical line. He had never been a naturally gifted genius.

"Ah Feng, you may not know if you have talent, but you already possess two of the most valuable qualities."

"One is persistence, and the other is working harder than anyone else."

...

"Phew~" Lin Feng exhaled softly, closing his eyes.

Pressure, responsibility, guilt—various emotions welled up, leading to his breakdown a year ago.

Fortunately, he had finally emerged from the nightmare.

Just then—

"Boom! Boom boom!~" A loud sound of something breaking through the air caught the attention of all the residents in the neighborhood, who looked up. Lin Feng slowly opened his eyes, knowing without looking that the sound came from a magnetic hover car, and a very rare one at that.

Snap! Moving like a whirlwind, yet making the heart stop, the red, sleek magnetic hover car stopped directly in front of Lin Feng, blocking his path. Lin Feng's gaze met the car, a faint glint in his eyes, his face expressionless.

Whoosh~ The curved sunroof retracted, revealing two figures.

The man was exceptionally handsome, dressed in an expensive silver-white elemental battle suit. The woman was delicate and charming, her smile captivating, especially her clear, bright eyes, which had a mesmerizing charm. She got out of the car with a sweet smile, but her smile froze as she faced Lin Feng, a hint of awkwardness in her eyes.

"I'll go back first." The beautiful woman looked at the handsome man, biting her lip, and tried to leave.

"What, embarrassed to see your ex-boyfriend?" The handsome man sneered, grabbing the woman's wrist and pulling her into his arms.

"No, no." The woman's face turned pale, quickly saying, "Wenlong, there's nothing between us."

Him!

One word, like a sharp needle, pierced Lin Feng's heart.

How strange the term, how direct the response.

Once, she was his childhood sweetheart, living in the same neighborhood and having a close relationship. Though they never explicitly defined their relationship, they had a deep affection for each other. Unfortunately, everything changed a year ago, and everyone, including her—Wang Qian, left him.

"Is that so?" The handsome man laughed coldly, not even looking at Wang Qian, his gaze burning hotly at Lin Feng. He said, "Hey, tenth-rank genius, you finally came out of your shell after a year?"

"You're well-informed." Lin Feng smiled faintly.

Shi Wenlong, whose grades at the Jiaoyang District Junior Genetic Academy were second only to his, with a second-rank brain domain width, had always seen him as a rival. The title of "tenth-rank genius" had just been given, and he had come here, bringing Wang Qian to mock and provoke him.

"Ha ha ha!" Shi Wenlong laughed loudly, tightening his grip on Wang Qian, "The title of tenth-rank genius is so famous, it's hard not to know, isn't it, Qian?"

Wang Qian bit her lip, her face pale, but dared not remain silent, and lightly nodded.

"See, even your ex-girlfriend is laughing at you, Lin Feng?" Shi Wenlong feigned surprise, then shot a disdainful look at Lin Feng, "If I were you, I wouldn't embarrass myself like this. It would be better to find a hole to hide in."

Lin Feng's eyes shimmered, glancing at Wang Qian, who was in pain but dared not speak, and sighed inwardly.

Why bother?

When Wang Qian chose to leave, he didn't blame her. He didn't feel regret about their vague relationship. Losing some things wasn't necessarily a regret. Unfortunately, she had chosen Shi Wenlong, known for his womanizing. From his behavior, it was clear he didn't truly care for her, treating her like a toy.

"Ah~" Lin Feng shook his head and turned to leave, making Wang Qian's face even paler.

As for Shi Wenlong, he was not worth Lin Feng's attention.

"Damn poor bastard!" Shi Wenlong's handsome face twisted with hatred, his eyes filled with unhidden malice as he watched Lin Feng's back. Two years ago, in front of everyone, Lin Feng had beaten him to a pulp, and the deep-seated humiliation was still etched in his heart.

"Lin Feng! Don't think this is over. I will not only take your woman but also make you regret it!"

With a cold snort, Shi Wenlong started the red hover car, which roared to life and sped away, leaving Wang Qian, her face pale and her lips bleeding from biting them.

...

※※※※※※

The new book "Shattered Star River" is now available! I will bring you a grand and novel future world!

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Sincerely, thank you to every reader!

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