Starforce Warriors

Jiepeng is panicking.

The phrase instantly popped into Li Xiaofei's mind. The Jiepeng people now resembled desperate gamblers who had lost everything and were recklessly going all in a last-ditch attempt to turn the tide.

This was getting interesting. From the very moment Asuka first unsheathed the demonic blade, Li Xiaofei had sensed the presence of an otherworldly force. He was certain that it was connected to Eden. It had not been easy, but at last, he had finally found traces of those rats from Eden on Earth No. 1818.

After a brief moment of thought, he decided to reveal his identity as an official from Chongque City. He intended to use Daoist Sanjue's influence to make Eden's minions aware of his presence.

Next, he was going to deal a heavy blow to those bastards from Eden. Only by doing so would Eden recognize his value and attempt to win him over.

However, he was still unsure whether the request to turn this exchange into a life-and-death battle had come from the Jiepeng people themselves or if Eden's forces had secretly nudged them in that direction.

Who exactly among the Jiepeng people is Eden's lackey?

Li Xiaofei turned to look at the group and said, "Everyone, a life-and-death battle is no trivial matter. I cannot guarantee that I'll be able to heal every injury. Whether you choose to fight or not must be your own decision.

"Those who step forward are warriors. Those who choose not to fight are not cowards. Remember, do not force yourselves. Because you only have one life."

Li Xiaofei's words were solemn. At that moment, everyone who had yet to enter the battle felt immense pressure. In this era of peace, life-and-death struggles were rare, even for superhumans and ancient martial artists. Few had ever truly fought with their lives on the line.

What surprised Li Xiaofei, however, was that the first person to step forward was none other than Li Guorui.

The young university student from a rural area in the northwest was the first to raise his hand. He asked, "Brother Li... Leader, may I enter the battle?"

Li Xiaofei looked at him. When he met the boy's slightly pleading gaze, Li Xiaofei thought for a moment before nodding and replied, "You may."

A sailor could never become skilled by sailing only on calm waters. With Li Guorui's talent and energy, participating in this match would serve as an excellent opportunity for growth.

"That's great!" Li Guorui could barely contain his excitement as he said, "Leader, let me take part in the next match for superhumans."

He had come to understand his own abilities and knew that he was undoubtedly in the upper ranks among the Awakened. His confidence was unwavering.

Zhao Guoqiang and Daoist Sanjue's actions and words had deeply inspired him. He realized that this was not only a valuable training opportunity but also a chance to serve his country. Yes, to serve his country.

Born in a rural village in the northwest, Li Guorui had personally witnessed the nation's changing policies toward rural communities. He had seen how farmers were given more support and how his fellow villagers' lives were improving day by day. He had seen government programs bringing household appliances to the countryside, agricultural technology aiding farmers, and scholarships helping students like him. When he went to university, both his tuition and living expenses were covered by student loans, which took him less than ten minutes to apply for.

He had felt the nation's support and warmth for people of his background. So he wanted to give back. It was only after witnessing Zhao Guoqiang and Daoist Sanjue fighting for their lives in the arena that Li Guorui suddenly realized that perhaps he had awakened his superpowers for this very reason.

Is this the true responsibility of an Awakened?

That was why he had been the first to step forward.

At the same time, he apologized to Daoist Sanjue. Daoist Sanjue smiled and returned the gesture. The two exchanged a look and let go of any past grievances.

Soon, others began stepping forward. One. Two. Six. Seven. Eight. In the end, everyone stood up. Their expressions were solemn, their demeanor filled with a sacred resolve.

Even though Li Xiaofei had witnessed countless stirring moments before, he still felt deeply moved. No matter the time or place, the years might change many things, and those with great power might be able to rewrite countless fates. But the people of Great Xia, their love for their country, and their loyalty to their nation would never change.

"Good." Li Xiaofei turned to the chief referee, Li Hongbing, and said, "Since the Jiepeng people are so eager to die, we shall grant their wish."

Li Hongbing gave a firm nod. Then, he turned and left.

The next match would be a battle between superhumans. Inside the resting hall, the superhumans clamored to be chosen, each eager to fight.

Li Xiaofei swept his gaze over them. The energy within their bodies revealed the extent of their awakenings. After a brief moment, his eyes finally settled on Li Guorui.

"Little Guorui, this match is yours." He patted the young man's shoulder and said, "Be careful. In a life-or-death battle, don't hold back. The moment you step in, use your full strength and take them down."

"Understood," replied Li Guorui, giving him a firm nod.

Then, he turned and strode toward the passage leading to the arena. After taking a few steps, he suddenly stopped. Turning back, he flashed a bright smile and said, "Brother Li, if I fall... Please take care of my parents for me."

"Brat." Li Xiaofei scolded, "Take care of your own parents."

Li Guorui chuckled, then turned away without hesitation and strode confidently toward the arena. Zhang Hongjing did not object to this decision. Although Li Guorui was not an officially registered member of the exchange delegation, Li Xiaofei had the absolute authority to make any adjustments as he saw fit.

Li Guorui stood in the arena. The uniform of Balitai University he wore was strikingly eye-catching under the bright lights. The spotlight shone on him as he took a deep breath.

Then, he looked toward the other side. From the distant passage, the Jiepeng delegation's superhuman slowly walked forward. It was a young girl dressed in a Jiepeng high school-style outfit. She had twin ponytails of bright yellow hair and large, fair, delicate features.

She was beautiful, but her expression was icy cold. She wore the face of someone who had long grown tired of the world. Her large, round eyes held nothing but indifference and disdain for life. There was no warmth in them at all.

Her gaze locked onto Li Guorui as she ascended the stage. Noticing the youthful inexperience in his demeanor, a faint sneer curled the corner of her lips.

"College student? Your life has just begun, yet it will end here. How unfortunate. But I won't show a shred of mercy. Because... All Great Xia pigs deserve to die." The girl spoke in clumsy Great Xia language, deliberately provoking her opponent. Her tone, expression, and gaze were perfectly calculated to strike a nerve.

Li Guorui's eyes narrowed. The moment his opponent stepped onto the stage, a streak of violet lightning suddenly crackled around his body. Then, out of nowhere, he accelerated like a bolt of lightning, charging straight at the girl.

She seemed prepared. A shimmering force field flickered over her body and she thrust her hand forward, unleashing a twisted black energy wave. The space ten meters in front of her instantly transformed into a corrosive, dark energy swamp.

At the same time, she lifted her right hand. A beam of black light shot out, hurtling toward Li Guorui. His reflexes were sharp. Enhanced by lightning, his speed surpassed human limits. In an instant, he executed a Z-shaped evasive maneuver, dodging the incoming dark beam by a hair's breadth. Then, he went all out.

"Shatter the darkness with thunder!" The hot-blooded teenager shouted.

An explosion of violet-black thunderclouds erupted from his body, engulfing the entire arena in an instant. Then, a single streak of violet lightning descended from within the storm. The sheer force of the lightning obliterated everything in its path.

The continuous barrage of thunderclaps sent shivers down the spines of everyone present, as if a true apocalyptic thunderstorm had descended upon them. The girl's figure was instantly swallowed by the ocean of lightning like a fragile blade of grass caught in a raging storm.

"What?!" In the resting hall, Tōan Ritsu sprang to his feet in utter shock.

He couldn't believe what he was seeing. This wasn't Earth Level. It was Sky level. This Great Xia teenager, who had seemingly appeared out of nowhere and wasn't even in Jiepeng's intelligence reports, was a complete monster.

The lightning-based superpower he had displayed was unmistakably of Sky level. A Sky level combatant had emerged from thin air. And not just with any power, he had the most lethal and destructive lightning ability.

This is bad!