Staying Alive Cautiously in the Celestial Realm and Becoming the Strongest

"Are you okay?"

Wang Chen had just stepped out of the surgical zone, and Ming Mei, who had been waiting outside, rushed up to him immediately.

Her face was full of worry and concern.

Ming Mei's panic was quite natural, as the surgery for a first-time genetic enhancement usually only took half an hour, but Wang Chen had been inside for over two hours.

If he hadn't come out soon, Ming Mei would have called the police!

"I'm fine."

Wang Chen pulled his girlfriend into his arms and replied with a smile, "It's done. It went really well."

"Well" was an understatement—Wang Chen himself hadn't anticipated the effects of the genetic enhancement would be this outstanding!

First and foremost, his physique had seen a massive improvement—his body was now filled with surging energy, ready to break through to the fourth-layer realm of the Heavenly Dragon Vajra Method at any moment.

Even his spiritual energy had shockingly jumped straight into the Five Rings!

This was an unimaginable outcome, as his spiritual energy had just recently broken into the Fourth Ring, and now had already advanced another tier. Even cheating wouldn't be this fast.

As for the side effects of the genetic enhancement, Wang Chen barely felt a thing.

If there were any, they didn't cause him any trouble!

And if the effects of the first genetic enhancement were this impressive, what about the second or third time?

The future truly held promise!

Ming Mei didn't fully understand, but she was happy for him, saying, "That's wonderful!"

"In a few days, you should head in for a body scan."

Wang Chen walked out of the genetic center with her in his arms, speaking as they moved, "If your data checks out, you can undergo your first genetic enhancement here too. Get the best available—I'll cover the cost for you!"

Ever since mastering the Spirit Snake Body Refining Technique, Ming Mei had been practicing diligently, putting in more effort than even Wang Chen.

Although this cultivation technique wasn't tailor-made for her by Wang Chen, it matched her innate physical talent perfectly. As a result, her progress had been remarkable after entry-level mastery, advancing at an impressive pace.

Adding to that, Ming Mei had been consuming biological supplements prepared by Wang Chen daily, resulting in a complete transformation of her constitution!

She would certainly qualify for the physical examination now.

"Brother Chen..."

Ming Mei's eyes sparkled with emotion, and she felt the urge to melt completely into his embrace.

Wang Chen chuckled, "Once your enhancement is complete, I'll teach you an interesting new skill."

Ming Mei nodded vigorously, "Yes, yes, yes! I'll work hard to learn it!"

Wang Chen laughed heartily and took his girlfriend to the academy cafeteria to replenish their energy.

At that moment, he felt like he could eat an entire cow!

Two days later, Ming Mei went for her physical examination, while Wang Chen headed alone to the Taiwu Star Combatant Association Headquarters.

He was there to apply for tier certification.

War Professionals, shorthand for combat professionals, are divided into seven tiers: S, A, B, C, D, E, and F.

The Combatant Association is the Imperial organization responsible for handling all matters related to registered War Professionals, with tier certification being one of their primary responsibilities.

This certification carries legal validity—once it is passed and officially registered, it is acknowledged by the Empire.

The higher the tier, the greater the privileges of citizenship. An S-tier certified Imperial citizen is comparable to the upper-middle nobility, earning admiration and respect in every circle!

"Wang Chen, currently nineteen years old, enrolled at the Imperial First Military Academy…"

The young woman handling certification at the Taiwu Star Combatant Association Headquarters scanned Wang Chen's application materials and raised her eyebrows in surprise, "You're applying for C-tier certification?"

Wang Chen nodded, "Yes."

Applying for C-tier certification was a decision he had thought through carefully.

Though Wang Chen's understanding of the Empire's War Professional system was mostly surface level, he had grasped enough and watched plenty of combat footage of professionals in real action.

Based on his current strength, passing A-tier certification shouldn't be an issue.

After all, this was a world governed by technology rather than mysticism. Technology reigned over the stars, while individual prowess served merely as a supplement to these war machines—it could never replace them.

Even the strongest War Professional couldn't withstand the destructive force of a high-caliber High-Energy Particle Gun!

So to Wang Chen, even being A-tier wasn't anything exceptional.

The problem was his young age. Jumping straight to A-tier certification might draw too much attention. After contemplating his options, he decided to lower the standard. He could apply for A-tier certification after his second enhancement.

That said, applying for C-tier certification was still considered impressive.

The young woman, kindhearted, thought Wang Chen wasn't familiar with the rules. She kindly reminded him, "If you don't hold any prior tier certification and apply directly for C-tier, failure will prevent you from reapplying for three years."

This rule was meant to prevent individuals from overestimating themselves and wasting the Association's resources.

After all, professionals tasked with C-tier certification were either two C-tier combatants or a single B-tier combatant.

"I'm aware."

Wang Chen insisted, "Please proceed."

Most applicants for War Professional certification start from the lowest tiers and gradually work their way up, akin to earning qualification credentials.

Jump-level applications did exist, but cases like Wang Chen's, directly applying for C-tier, were extremely rare!

The Taiwu Star Combatant Association Headquarters went an entire year without encountering many like him.

Since Wang Chen had submitted his application, the young woman followed protocol and processed the necessary paperwork.

Luck was on Wang Chen's side—today, there happened to be a B-tier War Professional available at the headquarters. After paying the associated fees, Wang Chen was escorted to the combat assessment arena.

The combatant overseeing this arena was a stern-faced middle-aged man. By the time Wang Chen entered, the man had already reviewed his information. He frowned and asked, "Are you certain you want to apply for C-tier?"

Wang Chen replied, "I'm certain."

"Alright."

The B-tier combatant wasted no time and directly activated the monitoring system, "Applicant Wang Chen, under the rules of War Professional certification, you only need to endure one minute under my attacks to pass the assessment."

"Otherwise, you will be disqualified."

Wang Chen nodded, then under the staff's assistance, he donned a set of protective gear and stepped into the arena.

For certification purposes, the combat assessment focused on close-quarters martial arts—no weapons were allowed.

Once Wang Chen had steadied his stance, he bowed to the B-tier combatant, "Please instruct me."

The B-tier combatant responded with a bow in return.

Both of them straightened their postures and locked eyes, an invisible clash of gazes sparking tension in the air.

The B-tier combatant's expression tightened; his presence became akin to an unsheathed sword, erupting with an intimidating aura.

He didn't know Wang Chen, and with the monitoring system watching, there was no way he would go easy in the fight.

Most importantly, the dignity of a B-tier combatant wouldn't allow a teenager to effortlessly seize victory—even if it were just surviving one minute against him.

In the next moment, the B-tier combatant charged Wang Chen like an arrow fired from a taut bow!

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Second update delivered.