AITAMITB Chapter 113

The sudden release of “Super Soldiers” caught people off guard.

Countries that had good relations with Huaxia were in a better position, having received early information. They utilized ample resources, exchanged cultivation techniques in Huaxia, made thorough preparations, and even collaborated with the promotion of “Super Soldiers,” initiating preparations for the emergence of a new human movement in their own countries.

However, for countries in conflict with Huaxia, the situation was grim. While they were still keeping superhuman abilities under wraps, Huaxia suddenly released such news, instantly fueling public discontent.

Upper-tier rulers wanted to continue holding superhuman powers in their hands and maintain control. However, the lower-tier populace was no longer as easily deceived as it was a hundred years ago. The internet connected every corner of the planet, and although foreign rulers tried to conceal the information, how could such matters remain hidden?

In the past, it was Huaxia that had restrictions, with a Great Wall preventing easy access to foreign websites. Now, it seemed like other countries were building their own walls to block their citizens from seeing information from Huaxia.

This undoubtedly intensified the people’s rebellious mentality.

“We want the truth!”

“We want to become superhumans like the people in Huaxia!”

“Superhuman powers shouldn’t be the privilege of a few!”

Watching the videos circulating on foreign social media platforms, the Huaxia audience nearly burst into laughter.

In the past, they envied others for having something they didn’t. Now, the tables had turned, and others envied them for what they possessed.

Compared to the fervor on foreign websites, Huaxia’s social media platforms seemed rather laid-back.

But there was a subtle sense of excitement.

“Ah, today I felt the flow of qi! There’s really a warm stream flowing inside me!”

“I successfully entered a meditative state! I persisted for a whole month. I believe in my own talent, and I never thought I would actually achieve it…”

“Ah, look, I can summon water now! No need to worry about water bills in the future…”

At this point, superhumans in Huaxia emerged like mushrooms after the rain.

Of course, combat-oriented superhumans with clear offensive abilities, like Zhao Xiaokui and her companions, were a rare minority. Most people, practicing methods that only enhanced mental and physical attributes, ended up with improved clarity of mind and better physical health.

Despite this, it was still considered quite miraculous.

Overall, people’s lives didn’t change much.

Even with an increase in superhumans, they were still outnumbered by ordinary people. Anyone could use the cultivation methods, but the effective results were achieved by only a small fraction.

With the launch of Super Soldiers, laws concerning superhumans were promptly enacted in Huaxia, showing thorough preparation.

In Huaxia, superhumans with extraordinary abilities were not treated as special individuals or elevated to a superior status. On the contrary, they were burdened with more constraints and restrictions, often facing fines for minor infractions.

Many hadn’t even had the chance to feel proud of becoming superhumans before experiencing the unique “perks” provided by the state.

Of course, the intensity of social supervision during this period exceeded the imagination of ordinary people. Superhumans from Nightwalkers were even dispersed and integrated into the police system, working alongside regular officers.

Under such high-pressure circumstances, what should have been a chaotic situation was quickly suppressed. Instead, the overall atmosphere became much clearer.

The emergence of superhuman abilities was bound to create a distinct social hierarchy and breed discrimination. Whether it was Zhao Xiaokui or every member of the Nightwalkers, everyone was aware of these potential issues.

However, before the solidification of classes, at least society hadn’t undergone significant changes and remained familiar to everyone.

These days, Zhao Xiaokui’s Weibo is quite lively.

After her identity as a superhuman was revealed, gossip media quickly compared the news reported on the Nightwalkers’ website to deduce Zhao Xiaokui’s schedule, speculating on which operations she might have participated in.

The Xiaokui Flowers are expressing their amazement on Weibo, saying, “What kind of divine idol have I become a fan of? You think your idol is eating, sleeping, and playing games when you can’t see them, but it turns out they’re out there saving the world!”

The phrase “saving the world” struck a chord with many fans.

Humans naturally admire strength, and Zhao Xiaokui, being both good-looking and a superhero, perfectly fits everyone’s imagination.

Currently, there is virtually no criticism of her superhuman form on the internet. Anyone who tries to criticize is quickly silenced by a barrage of comments.

Fans even express sentiments like, “If Xiaokui is saving the world, that’s enough for us. We’re not important. Holding onto the old songs, we can still enjoy the classics.”

However, in reality, Zhao Xiaokui is not as carefree as they imagine.

Before saving the world, she was dragged into countless meetings, discussing various topics related to superhumans.

Zhao Xiaokui, who wasn’t interested in these matters, found it headache-inducing but had to endure it. The rapidly growing Nightwalkers also relied on her. With her experience in the deep-sea world, her casual remarks often brought enlightenment to others.

Finally, after receiving a notification, Zhao Xiaokui was liberated.

“Sheng Boming, Old Sheng, is one of the founders of the Nightwalkers and one of the earliest superhumans in Huaxia. He is ninety-seven years old this year, with a superhuman level reaching six…”

While being summoned by a leader was not surprising to Zhao Xiaokui, it was only through Lin Bai’s explanation that she realized the significance of being personally called by such a high-ranking figure.

A sixth-level superhuman on Earth signifies something self-evident.

If he so wished, he could be considered the deity of this planet.

Despite his high status as a sixth-level superhuman, Sheng Boming’s residence was surprisingly inconspicuous.

When Zhao Xiaokui held the address and arrived at the door, she scrutinized it several times, double-checked the address with a few people, and only then confirmed that she hadn’t mistaken the location.

On the old black wooden door hidden in the alley were mottled marks. She knocked on the door, heard a voice welcoming her in, and pushed it open directly. The wooden door creaked and swayed a couple of times as if it could fall out of the frame and onto the ground at any moment.

As the wooden door opened, she was greeted by a carved screen with the pattern of abundant harvest, quite down-to-earth.

“Come on in, have a seat.”

Turning past the screen, there was a not-so-large courtyard. A tall ginkgo tree stood in the courtyard, and in the current Northern autumn, the ginkgo leaves covered the ground in a golden carpet. An elderly man in a gown and cloth shoes sat under the tree, with an old wooden basin in front of him, picking vegetables.

“Hello, Mr. Sheng.” Zhao Xiaokui glanced at another small stool beside the wooden basin, and without any hesitation, she sat down, picked up some vegetables from the side, and started picking them, imitating Old Sheng’s actions.

“Di San Xian¹ a popular Chinese dish that originated from the Northeastern part of China, particularly in the Shenyang region. The name “Di San Xian” literally translates to “three fresh treasures from the earth.” The dish is known for its use of three main vegetables, which are typically eggplant, potatoes, and bell peppers. The vegetables are cut into bite-sized pieces and stir-fried until they are cooked but still retain some firmness. The dish is seasoned with soy sauce, garlic, and other seasonings, giving it a savory and flavorful taste. Sometimes, additional ingredients like tomatoes or green chili peppers may be included. Di San Xian is a vegetarian dish, making it a popular choice among those who prefer plant-based meals in Chinese cuisine., do you like it? I’ll let you taste my cooking later.” Sheng Boming said, looking just like an ordinary old man with no hint of the arrogance of a sixth-level superhuman.

“Sure.” Zhao Xiaokui was not very talkative in front of strangers, just kept working diligently. She didn’t know why Sheng Boming had invited her, but she simply continued peeling beans and peeling potatoes. Sheng Boming didn’t ask, and she didn’t say anything.

“I heard you just graduated from high school and got possessed by a parasite. After squeezing the parasite out, have you ever thought about going back to school?”

Going back to school?

This question left Zhao Xiaokui stunned.

She glanced at Sheng Boming, who was smiling, looking quite natural as if casually chatting about everyday matters. Without much thought, she replied sincerely, “Never thought about it.”

Sheng Boming continued, “Do you usually read books?”

Zhao Xiaokui honestly said, “I spend more time on Weibo and playing games.”

She thought Sheng Boming would be angry, but to her surprise, he burst into laughter.

He said, “You are indeed honest.”

Zhao Xiaokui shrugged, lifted the basin for him, and said, “There’s nothing to hide.”

Naturally, the two started a conversation.

Although they were strangers meeting for the first time, when Sheng Boming was cooking, Zhao Xiaokui stood by and assisted. They worked together seamlessly as if they had been cooperating for many years. The guards who usually served Sheng Boming were amazed at their tacit understanding.

Sitting at the dining table, Sheng Boming finally asked, “Have you ever thought about what you want to do in the future?”

“In the future?” Zhao Xiaokui said, “Um… if I can retire from the Nightwalkers, I might travel around the world with my girlfriend. If it’s not fun outside, I’ll take her to explore some ruins.”

“Not asking about that future,” Sheng Boming said, “Your superhuman power is approaching the fourth level, don’t you want to do something with it?”

Zhao Xiaokui looked up, her sharp gaze fixed on Sheng Boming.

Sheng Boming looked at her calmly, an almost hundred-year-old man with still bright and clear eyes.

She suddenly realized something—

Sheng Boming knew, and perhaps, as the creator of the superhuman forces in Huaxia, he might have absorbed and used the power of faith.

Otherwise, with the previous Earth, they wouldn’t have been able to nurture a sixth-level superhuman.

“You don’t need to test me,” Zhao Xiaokui calmly picked up a bite of food, “I have no intention of being worshipped as a deity.”

Sheng Boming said, “I thought everyone desired that position.”

Zhao Xiaokui replied, “If I were to travel back in time and become a prince, I would cry and shout that I absolutely don’t want to be the emperor. Some people consider that position a treasure, but I see it as chains, a curse. My shoulders are too weak; I can’t bear such a great responsibility.”

Sheng Boming suddenly laughed and said, “I actually think you could shoulder even more.”

Zhao Xiaokui looked cautious.

Sheng Boming, on the contrary, chuckled.

He found the young girl in front of him amusing.

The moment she entered, he sensed that she was absorbing power from faith.

He obtained a fair share of this power many years ago, studied it for a long time, and felt a connection in the spiritual realm.

These days since the exposure of extraordinary powers to the public, many people have been daydreaming about becoming immortals or gods, ruling the world. However, the person most likely to achieve godhood gives off an air of threatening to call out “fraud” if the topic is directed towards them.

Having lived for so many years, he could easily discern between sincerity and pretense.

Zhao Xiaokui genuinely had no interest in ascending to any godly position.

He served Zhao Xiaokui a spoonful of dishes, saying, “If you like it, eat more.”

Zhao Xiaokui looked down at the dishes in her bowl and suddenly felt that they didn’t taste as good.

“Is there any catch with this dish?” she asked.

Sheng Boming laughed heartily, “Just eat it; I won’t touch your porcelain.”

• 1
  a popular Chinese dish that originated from the Northeastern part of China, particularly in the Shenyang region. The name “Di San Xian” literally translates to “three fresh treasures from the earth.” The dish is known for its use of three main vegetables, which are typically eggplant, potatoes, and bell peppers. The vegetables are cut into bite-sized pieces and stir-fried until they are cooked but still retain some firmness. The dish is seasoned with soy sauce, garlic, and other seasonings, giving it a savory and flavorful taste. Sometimes, additional ingredients like tomatoes or green chili peppers may be included. Di San Xian is a vegetarian dish, making it a popular choice among those who prefer plant-based meals in Chinese cuisine.