Chapter Thirty-Four: Divining the Fate of the Future

Having witnessed with her own eyes the transformation that took place on stage, Yan Ruying’s face was filled with shock, and only one thought echoed in her mind: When did this kid manage to master the secret technique?!

One had to know, ordinary demon hunters were simply incapable of using “Spiritual Power Release”—it was a forbidden skill reserved for elite demon hunters. If a regular demon hunter attempted it, their veins and arteries would be unable to withstand the strain, resulting in ruptured blood vessels. Thus, this move was unattainable for low-ranking demon hunters; only after years of arduous training and reaching the elite level could one even attempt to practice it.

If someone lacking the proper aptitude and refinement forced themselves to use this technique, their body would suffer a devastating backlash. The supernatural energy coursing through their meridians would not only cause them to hemorrhage but could leave them permanently crippled—or, in severe cases, dead.

Given Cheng Feng’s current physical condition, it should have been impossible for him to succeed.

And yet, before everyone’s eyes, he unleashed “Spiritual Power Release” without suffering any adverse effects. On the contrary, his black pupils had become silver, and the powerful aura radiating from him made it unmistakably clear: Cheng Feng had succeeded, and on his very first attempt no less.

This was precisely what left Yan Ruying so shocked and puzzled. She clicked her tongue in amazement and chuckled softly, “Just how many tricks has this boy been hiding…”

To the left of the stage, Cheng Feng’s spiritual blade was wreathed in flickering arcs of lightning, his presence awe-inspiring. To the right, Liu Shiyu’s spiritual blade exuded a dreamy, icy mist, cold as snow.

Their dazzling silver and luminous blue eyes met in the air, both brimming with pure fighting spirit, poised to strike at any moment.

Just as the two prepared to clash again and the real battle was about to ignite, Yan Ruying’s voice suddenly rang out: “That’s enough, you don’t need to continue!”

Cheng Feng halted his charge and glanced over at Yan Ruying in confusion. “But the outcome hasn’t been decided yet—why stop us?”

Liu Shiyu, too, looked over in puzzlement.

“It’s no longer necessary,” Yan Ruying replied. “My original intent in having you and Liu Shiyu spar was to make you realize the insurmountable opponents you'll face in the advancement tournament, so you might choose to back down.”

At this point, Yan Ruying couldn’t help but offer her praise. “But never did I expect you to surprise me instead. You’ve even mastered the secret technique. With that combat strength, you’re already ahead of seventy percent of the competition. You’re more than qualified to enter the advancement tournament.”

Though the praise was clear, Cheng Feng listened quietly, feeling no pride in his heart. After all, he hadn’t learned “Spiritual Power Release” through his own effort—it was thanks to the system’s shortcut, granting him direct access to this enhancement skill.

His pupils faded back to black as he withdrew his supernatural energy and exited the release mode. Only then did he ask, “In that case, what about the registration?”

“Don’t worry, leave it to me.” Yan Ruying spread her hands. “If you want to compete, I’ll handle the registration for you. All you need to do is wait for the announcement in seven days.”

“Alright, then.”

Before jumping down from the stage, Cheng Feng tried dispersing the Thunder Sever, and with a thought, the slender blade of electricity broke apart into shimmering starlight, dissipating into the air.

This was one of the spiritual blade’s signature traits: once bonded to its master, it could be summoned or dismissed at will, appearing in the wielder’s hand whenever needed and vanishing into thin air when not.

After leaving the stage, Liu Shiyu approached with a suggestion. “Cheng Feng, since you’re entering the tournament, I recommend you come train regularly from now on, so you’ll be in your best condition.”

“That makes sense,” Cheng Feng agreed.

Suddenly, Yan Ruying reached out her hand. Seeing the confusion on his face, she grinned mischievously. “What are you staring at? The registration fee, of course! Cash or mobile payment?”

“There’s a registration fee?”

Cheng Feng nearly forgot about that. “How much is it?”

Yan Ruying raised two fingers and said nonchalantly, “Twenty thousand.”

“What?!”

Cheng Feng was dumbfounded—so expensive! Where was he supposed to get twenty thousand? Was this daylight robbery?

He rubbed his chin, then suddenly turned to the young woman beside him, grinning slyly. “Liu Shiyu, you know, we’ve known each other a long time, eaten together, trained together… You wouldn’t mind if I asked you for a favor, would you?”

“I…”

Liu Shiyu opened her mouth, but before she could finish, Cheng Feng patted her shoulder, cutting her off. “Glad you don’t mind! You’re so understanding.”

Liu Shiyu: “…”

And so, as a matter of course, Cheng Feng borrowed twenty thousand from Liu Shiyu, handed over the registration fee to Yan Ruying, and rode his motorcycle home.

He planned to test that night just how long he could maintain the “Spiritual Power Release” state. The skill was very much like transforming into a super warrior—extremely taxing on stamina and only through repeated training could he hope to extend its duration.

Driving through a bustling commercial street, he noticed both sides were lined with all sorts of eateries, the delicious aromas drifting through the air and attracting passersby.

Instead of heading straight home, Cheng Feng parked by a small shop selling savory pancakes, intending to buy two—one for himself, and one for his gluttonous little sister.

After placing his order, something caught his eye: in the corner of his vision, he spotted a mysterious, antique-looking storefront with more than a dozen people lined up outside, men and women, young and old.

Curious, Cheng Feng glanced over. Above the peculiar shop’s door hung three bold, swirling characters—Fortune Telling House!

The shop owner, noticing Cheng Feng’s curiosity, continued making pancakes as he spoke. “Hey there, you look intrigued—never been to that fortune-telling place before, have you?”

“No, this is my first time seeing it.” Cheng Feng asked, “With such a long line, business must be booming. Is the fortune-teller really that accurate?”

“Oh yes, young man, that fortune-telling house just opened recently, and it’s uncanny, I tell you.” The owner clicked his tongue in wonder. “That fortuneteller inside knows everything—your past, your troubles, whatever you’re dealing with, they can divine it all. The accuracy is jaw-dropping.”

Cheng Feng was skeptical. “Is it really that magical?”

“Absolutely! The master can even predict your future fortunes. If it turns out you’re down on your luck, as long as you pay enough, the master will give you a solution.”

“That sounds like a scam,” Cheng Feng said, unconvinced. “Have you tried it yourself?”

“Of course I have! My eldest son was staying out all night for a while, and I had no idea what was going on, so I went to consult the fortune-teller.”

“And?”

“Damn it! Turns out the boy was going to nightclubs and picking up girls!” The owner was indignant. “I gave that brat a good beating.”

Seeing the owner’s agitation, Cheng Feng agreed, “He deserved it.”

“Exactly! Damn kid! It’s bad enough he went whoring—but he didn’t even invite his old man!”

Cheng Feng nearly choked. “…”

Suddenly remembering his original question, he asked, “If that fortune-teller is so amazing, could they even predict my future?”

“Of course! That master is practically a living deity—could dig up every last detail of what fate has in store for you.”

The owner was practically singing the master’s praises as he finished the two pancakes, bagged them, and handed them to Cheng Feng.

Taking the food, Cheng Feng looked once more at the not-so-distant fortune-telling shop, his eyes glinting thoughtfully.

He started his bike and rode over, ready to give it a try.