Through the "Arrogant Humility's Mouth," stacking buffs to strengthen my Physical Condition, my reactions were as precise and agile as a robot's. With a mind unafraid of danger, I was like a warrior tempered a thousand times over... In retreat, I remained unscathed under Zhao Huo's fierce attacks; in advance, I could beat Zhao Huo so badly he'd drop his stick and grab his crotch. I was swift as the wind, gentle as the forest, aggressive as fire, immovable as a mountain, fierce as thunder, and unpredictable as shade. I even had a mastery of Healing Magic... A Bodhisattva's heart with iron-fisted means. A Second Turn Leader, a Cultivator Elite. Yes, this is my true strength.

Ren Suo shamelessly considered this experience of his clone as his own true strength. "Struggle Warrior (Remnant)" clearly stated that the strength of a clone equals the theoretical combat power of the True Form. Therefore, the achievements earned by the clone also served as proof of Ren Suo's own strength! No, theoretically, Ren Suo's strength should be even superior, since he had yet to use many of his Bond Abilities like "Flame Overlord," "Ice Age," "Demon King's Descent," "Wax and Wane," "Storm Restraint," and so on—his trump cards were still plentiful! And to take ten thousand steps back, even if Ren Suo wasn't as good in actual combat as his clone, he could... summon the clone to fight. The achievements of the clone are my achievements, and my achievements are still my achievements. However, that's what I thought, but not necessarily what others might think.

The clone turned its head and saw Dong Chengling running toward him.

As she approached Ren Suo, Dong Chengling slowed down, her breathing eased, and the white shirt tightly buttoned across her chest rose and fell slightly. She asked, "Are you not feeling well?"

"Yeah, I've used up too much Spiritual Energy and need to rest," the clone nodded and said. "So... see you at noon."

With that, the clone turned to walk into the dormitory building, but Dong Chengling Teleported to the dormitory entrance in a flash, blocking his path.

Black Bell, who was sunbathing at the foot of the dormitory early in the morning, MEOWED, opened its eyes to look at these two poor hair-topped humans, licked its fur, and tilted its head, appearing quite interested.

"You're acting a bit strange today, Ren Suo."

Sure enough, by showing too much strength today, I've aroused Dong Chengling's suspicions...

But Ren Suo had already prepared for this, so he had the clone say, "Actually, the reason I became so much stronger today is that I've been researching my Awakened Spells. I derived a way to strengthen myself, comprehensively transforming me into a Warrior. But this method is a bit risky, and the effect lasts for a very short time. So I want to go home early to see if there are any side effects, and I'm actually really tired. I was just trying to keep up appearances just now, so I had to rush back."

This explanation was logical, and Ren Suo also planned to report it as such, as his sudden increase in strength would definitely draw the school's attention. Ren Suo had no interest in teaching or being transferred to work at the Tactical Bureau, stating clearly that he only became a "five-minute real man" through dangerous applications of Awakened Spells, which held very low tactical value.

Besides, Ren Suo had left a loophole. In case the Tactical Bureau really drafted him for this reason, he could always say, "I found this application too dangerous. After the last time I used it, for the next few days, I suffered from insomnia, nightmares, auditory and visual hallucinations, cramps in my little toe, premature ovarian failure, abnormal vaginal discharge, frequent and urgent urination..."

In short, Ren Suo would insist that he only had a trump card that should not be used at will and that, usually, he could only be an honest Healing Cultivator.

However, after hearing this, Dong Chengling still had an expressionless face and said, "I did not doubt your strength."

"Huh?"

"Everyone has their own experiences, and it's only normal for breakthroughs to lead to significant increases in strength. Awakened Spells are the aspect most prone to qualitative change. Like myself, I've also developed a method for short-range Spatial Movement, thereby establishing a powerful and difficult-to-target combat system.

"Take Zhao Huo, for example. His application of 'Spirit Qi' is likely unrivaled in the nation. His strength is not inferior to that of an average Third Turn cultivator, and even I need to be extra careful when facing him. If I ever have to fight Zhao Huo, I would probably opt to use firearms to keep my distance from him first.

"However..." Dong Chengling pointed to the clone's neck. "Where's your necklace?"

Necklace?

Ren Suo blinked. He knew what she meant—the Blue Crystal Stone necklace, the Spirit Energy Coordinates Dong Chengling had given him and Gu Yueyan!

Although it had been used once before, the surface of the Spirit Energy Coordinates crystal still shimmered brilliantly. Ren Suo could activate these Coordinates, allowing Dong Chengling to sense his relative position. Then Dong Chengling would directly tear through space to Teleport Ren Suo to her side. It was Ren Suo's last means of saving his own life!

Of course, the clone doesn't have this item. It was good enough that I even dressed him; how could I possibly adorn him with gold and silver jewelry? I hadn't expected to reveal a weakness here, and what's more serious is that the clone's remaining duration is now less than two minutes!

"I left it at home," the clone said. "I took it off when I washed my face today and forgot to put it back on. I'll go back and put it on right now."

However, Dong Chengling did not step aside and still frowned intently. "This isn't like you."

She continued, "If one day you suddenly displayed combat skills, or another day forgot to wear your necklace, I wouldn't think there was anything wrong. But two such events happening in succession—I don't believe it's a coincidence. It might be my own arrogance, but I feel there is something very unusual about you today."

Dong Chengling looked at the clone and said, "In this age, where strangeness abounds, although there are the Fairy Palace and the people of the World Tree to protect the Human World, and the Tactical Bureau and the Great Wall to suppress Demons and Ghosts, still... if you're unlucky, it's quite normal for an ordinary person to suddenly meet with disaster and die."

"Ren Suo, are you really Ren Suo? Inside your body, isn't there a Strange Creature, a Demon, or some bizarre soul hidden away?"

Back home, Ren Suo was slightly taken aback. He quickly equipped 'Desire Resonance,' then immediately closed his eyes and calmed his mind completely.

When he opened his eyes again, Ren Suo had fully possessed the clone, completely occupying the vessel—almost the same as swapping a P1 controller for a P2.

In an instant, Dong Chengling noticed that the scrupulously meticulous, robot-like Ren Suo had reverted to the familiar Ren Suo she knew.

It's hard to describe the feeling, but it was as if Ren Suo's spine bent a little, his shoulders slanted slightly, his tense abdomen relaxed, his head tilted slightly, and a silly smile appeared on his face.

The body of Ren Suo, which just moments before seemed ready to explode in retaliation, now seemed lazy.

He naturally raised his right hand to scratch his head, grinned, and said, "Every now and then, I also want to change my image, to let my fellow students know I'm a good doctor and a good teacher."

Then Ren Suo clutched his stomach, a constipated expression on his face, and said, "Cheng Ling, let me pass. I'll definitely remember to wear the necklace next time... Strengthening the body really comes with some side effects. I have to hurry back... otherwise, it'll be too late..."

Ren Suo immediately stepped into the elevator lobby and pressed the elevator button. Dong Chengling also followed him in, looking at Ren Suo with a puzzled expression.

Such a sudden change in appearance was simply too incredible for her, as if he had become a completely different person.

The Ren Suo before was like a war machine with Ren Suo's memories, but now, he's the genuine Ren Suo without any battle skills, Dong Chengling thought.

"Are you really alright?" Dong Chengling couldn't help but grasp Ren Suo's arm and give it a pinch. Hmm, there's actual muscle here, and it's not as firm as mine. It's the real deal.

"I do have something going on, so I need to hurry home." Ren Suo felt that the duration of the clone was almost up and said with a pained expression, "How about we talk more at noon?"

At this moment, Ren Suo, equipped with "Desire Resonance," also heard Dong Chengling's heartfelt echo: "Concern. Appearance. Essence."

It seems Dong Chengling was merely suspicious because today's clone wasn't as handsome as my True Form, nor as charming. That's right. If I discovered my game Character had suddenly become ugly and weak, my first reaction would definitely be to consider if there was a bug in the game. Then I'd complain to the game company, demanding they return my handsome and strong Character. Thinking this, Ren Suo couldn't help but approve of Dong Chengling's discerning eye. Indeed, you have an eye for true talent, Cheng Ling!

Just then, the elevator arrived. Ren Suo, feeling the clone's duration running out, stepped in, but Dong Chengling followed close behind him, seemingly intending to come in as well!

In the blink of an eye, Ren Suo looked at Dong Chengling's outfit for the day and blurted out, "You're dressed exactly like a Truth Seeker today... Your outfit looks great!"

Dong Chengling was slightly taken aback, possibly recalling something, and couldn't help but laugh. "Should I buy a set for you too?"

However, after this distraction, Dong Chengling pulled back the foot she was about to step into the elevator with and asked, "What would you like for lunch?"

"Anything is fine. As long as you cook it, it's delicious." Seeing that he had finally passed the test, Ren Suo was naturally overjoyed. He immediately showered Dong Chengling with endless flattery for her cooking skills, although his right index finger was incessantly pressing the elevator's close button.

Seeing the elevator doors close, Dong Chengling covered her mouth with a smile. She looked at her own outfit and thought that today, after all, the time spent dressing up had not been wasted.

So today, I'll reward him a bit... Hmm, Xianyu mentioned wanting to eat crab, and her taste is similar to his. I'll buy crab today and make crab pot rice. It's a bit troublesome, but...

Just then, the elevator doors, which should have closed, opened again.

Dong Chengling turned her head and found Ren Suo watching her with a smile.

Dong Chengling blinked. "What's the matter? Aren't you in a hurry to go back?"

"Yes, but I suddenly realized that all this time, I've never properly thanked you." Ren Suo scratched his head bashfully, and with a shy but large smile, he said, "Cheng Ling, thank you. Thank you for always being by my side."

Dong Chengling's smile faded, and she looked at Ren Suo with a hint of surprise.

But Ren Suo's bashful smile, the warmth hidden in his eyes, and his usual quirky little movements were just as they had always been.

After saying this, Ren Suo immediately pressed the door close button, waved with a smile, and bid Dong Chengling goodbye. "I'm really looking forward to the crab pot rice at noon."

Once the elevator door was completely closed, Dong Chengling wondered, How did he know I was planning to make crab pot rice? Wait, Dong Chengling, you have to think like Ren Suo to understand this... Whose way of speaking is similar to Ren Suo's just now...?

It took Dong Chengling three seconds to understand Ren Suo's intention. He first thanked me to get on my good side, and then, while I was in a good mood, he mentioned 'looking forward to the crab pot rice at noon' to hint that he wanted to eat crab pot rice... That must be it. Dong Chengling was quite certain of her conclusion.

Because when her six-year-old cousin wants to eat something tasty, he also butters her up the same way: 'Thank you, Cousin, for taking me out today! I'm really looking forward to the KFC family bucket at noon!' Ren Suo... he's probably similar to my cousin, right? Still, this kind of tacit understanding is really nice.

* * *

Seeing the elevator finally reach the fourth floor, an anxious Ren Suo breathed a sigh of relief.

When the elevator doors opened, a figure rushed out and ran straight into Ren Suo's House!

Just as Ren Suo closed the front door, the clone dissipated into a wisp of smoke, leaving only a pile of clothes on the spot.

That was close! Ren Suo inwardly gasped.

He looked at the monitor screen, his gaze focusing on the Ability description of "Struggle Warrior (Remnant)":

'Extra Effect - Combat Merit: Whether its duration ends or it receives a fatal blow, the clone can forcibly survive for 50 seconds. Each clone can only trigger this once.'

Just as Ren Suo had closed the elevator door earlier, the clone's duration had already ended. But at that moment, a thought had crossed Ren Suo's mind: Should I trigger Combat Merit to allow the clone to remain in this world?

Since there are surveillance cameras in the elevator, yes! Ren Suo had naturally chosen 'Yes'.

But in the 'Combat Merit' Status, Ren Suo couldn't control the clone. He could only pray that it would obey his last command and quietly take the elevator home.

However, for some reason, the elevator had stayed on the first floor for over ten seconds, making Ren Suo so anxious he'd wanted to kill the clone. Thankfully, it seemed to have remembered his order, not allowing the elevator lobby cameras to capture the moment it vanished into thin air. Once it reached the fourth floor, it rushed out and safely arrived home just before the last second was up.

Fully understanding the situation, Ren Suo gently patted his head to ease his nerves.

Knowing my true combat power, testing the effects of "Arrogant Humility's Mouth," and making a big name for myself in front of the whole school... What an eventful morning.

Alright, let's continue Cultivating! Ren Suo picked up his phone and walked towards the bedroom. Passing by the clothes on the floor, he used his toes to pick them up and fling them onto the couch.

It's time for a big clean-up tomorrow. The dirty clothes can stay on the couch for now; it'll be convenient for the clone to take them to wash.

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