Shang Siteng looked at Han Zhan and the others with envy.

Then, she puffed her cheeks, turning her grief and indignation into appetite.

It must be said, no matter how much she ate, she still managed to grow flesh in all the right places, showing her great potential.

"Siteng, the Awakening Stone is already on its way, but you better be mentally prepared."

As someone aware of Han Zhan's Spirit Contract Master talent, Li Shutong gave Shang Siteng a heads-up.

Shang Siteng had not yet awakened her Contracted Spirit, but Han Zhan could only contract spirits with Divinity, so even if Shang Siteng eventually awakened an SSS level ordinary spirit, they might not be able to successfully form a contract.

Hearing this, Shang Siteng looked defiantly at her "rival," Li Lingzhen.

How infuriating, to think she got ahead of her!

At this moment, a quantum light spot the size of a fingernail appeared in front of Shang Siteng, which she gently touched, turning it into a transparent light screen.

It was Can Shang Technology's latest communicator model.

It could achieve global coverage, instant communication, video calls, semi-implant chip technology, non-physical carrying, and numerous other advanced features, summed up in one phrase—far ahead!

On the other end of the communicator, a middle-aged man with a stern face appeared on the screen.

"How long do you plan to keep this up? Return to Titan City right away."

"Dream on," Shang Siteng responded sullenly.

"Do you think awakening a Contracted Spirit will free you from your status as the Shang family's eldest daughter? You are the only genius in the Shang family who rivals the ancestors; the high-ranking members are all focused on you."

"Don't think that hiding in Deep Blue City, with Li Shutong protecting you, permits reckless behavior."

"What I want to do is my freedom. Who I like is my freedom; who I want to become is also my freedom."

Shang Siteng's firm response infuriated the other end, and not wanting to continue the conversation, the communication was abruptly cut.

"Can Shang Company will find a way to bring you back, just you wait." Before hanging up, the other end threw out a final harsh comment.

Upon hearing this, a trace of defiance and stubbornness appeared in Shang Siteng's eyes.

This was just a small episode.

After learning that Han Zhan and the others had broken through Tier Three, Li Shutong spoke again:

"After reaching Tier Three, there aren't many places left in the rear cities worth training in; do you have any plans of your own?"

"Teacher, I want to continue getting stronger and become a true powerhouse!"

Han Zhan said without hesitation.

After witnessing the Tier Four Wanderer and that Tier Six powerhouse, Han Zhan's desire to get stronger grew even more intense.

"I want to walk a path that truly belongs to me!"

Hearing Han Zhan's response, Li Shutong nodded.

"Originally, my plan was for you to stay in the City Guardian Organization until the end of the year, during which you'd probably gather enough materials to break through Tier Three, then let you venture out for training."

"But your advancement speed surpassed my expectations, and plans can't keep up with changes."

"Aspiring to get stronger is a good thing. But the path of a strong person divides into many kinds."

Li Shutong said, looking at Han Zhan.

"With the Li family's foundation, combined with the Shang family, we could give you enough materials right now to advance to Tier Six, or even Tier Seven, becoming a strong individual."

"What do you think?"

It sounded tempting, enough to be heartwarming, but I can't choose that... Han Zhan refused this proposal.

"A medicinal tub warrior hasn't been tempered through trials and tribulations; such a strong person is hollow and meaningless."

Li Shutong continued:

"Then, you'll have to take another path. We won't provide you with any help, no special privileges.

You must rely on yourself, taking one step at a time, carving out a path in this Insect Race apocalypse. Are you sure?"

"It's the path senior brothers have taken; if they can do it, I can't tarnish your reputation."

Han Zhan said, having made his choice.

Li Shutong said with satisfaction, "In that case, I'll contact Wei Qing now, and arrange for a plane to take you to the front-line battlefield tomorrow."

"As far as I know, the First War Zone is engaged in the last big battle of the year against the Insect Race."

"However, since this is training, they can't go with you."

Li Shutong said, pointing at Xia Youwei and Li Lingzhen.

"Although I know that a Spirit Contract Master and their Contracted Spirit being together daily can cultivate tacit understanding and speed up spiritual power training. But they're awakened special Contracted Spirits, not ordinary swords and spears. How to proficiently harness them requires extra practice.

And you, what I want to say is, improving your realm isn't the entirety of cultivation; you need to undergo trials between life and death, to see the outside world."

"What do you think?"

Han Zhan, Xia Youwei, and Li Lingzhen looked at each other.

"We'll follow the teacher's arrangements in everything!"

...

Late at night, the villa.

Li Shutong had already contacted Wei Qing; tomorrow, a plane from the First War Zone would arrive in Deep Blue City to take Han Zhan to the front line.

This would be the last time they'd stay together for a short while.

In the deep night sky, a round moon hung high.

"The moon is so round." Han Zhan looked up at the starry sky, feeling quite emotional.

"Yes, it is." Xia Youwei walked over, standing alongside him.

The two, a perfect match, would part after tonight, creating a rather heavy atmosphere.

"Tomorrow, you will head to the front-line battlefield alone."

She didn't continue, but Han Zhan knew.

This would be Han Zhan's last chance to gain Divine Talent for a little while.

Without a Contracted Spirit by his side, a Spirit Contract Master alone is in extreme danger; even Han Zhan is no exception.

Thinking of this, Xia Youwei's gaze became determined again.

At this moment, Li Lingzhen suddenly knocked on the door and entered.

"Don't... don't misunderstand... As a realist author, I'm just here to learn and find inspiration!"

The clumsy excuse left the three of them in simultaneous silence.

The night grew deeper,

The moon even rounder.

After a long period of training, Han Zhan lay down exhausted, but he had finally succeeded in acquiring the Fu Xi Zither and Shennong Cauldron's Divine Talent.

To Han Zhan's delight, the Divine Talent he acquired was comparable in strength to that of the original Contracted Spirit!

True indeed, Divine Talent and ordinary Contracted Spirit talent have such a hidden trait!

Because as an Ancient Divine Weapon Contracted Spirit, and with a one hundred percent divine compatibility with Han Zhan, it reached the current effect.

Doesn't this mean, in future battles, there will be two "Qin Masters" dancing on the battlefield? The thought was exhilarating.

Collect your thoughts.

Looking at the peacefully sleeping Xia Youwei and Li Lingzhen, a smile appeared on his face.

The soft moonlight spilled on them.

"In my hometown, such a bright moon is only seen during the Mid-Autumn Festival." Han Zhan mused, "I just wonder, how are my former family and friends doing now?"

The moon is brightest at home, yet he's traveled across worlds and can never return home.

Those images in his memory were also fading.

But here, I've found people I want to protect and a path I want to walk.

My heart's peace is my home.

Seems not too bad.

"Tonight's moonlight is indeed beautiful."

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