Chapter 25: Have I Become Monk Tang's Flesh?

It is common knowledge that there are two ways for those with supernatural abilities to become stronger. The first is through relentless practice of their powers, and the second is by continuously pushing the limits of their physical bodies. The principle behind both methods is the same: by constantly stimulating the energy within, one can increase its quantity. When the quantity changes, a qualitative change occurs. When the energy in the body reaches its upper limit, the level of supernatural power naturally rises. Of course, this process is exceedingly long and arduous—becoming stronger always demands tremendous effort and hardship.

But now, a brand-new path to strength has emerged… the Water of Civilization! It is almost unimaginable that such a liquid could be so miraculous—not only capable of reviving human statues, but even enhancing supernatural abilities. The lure of becoming stronger is terrifyingly powerful. Even Xiaoyan, at this moment, felt tempted. But as soon as he recalled the recipe for the Water of Civilization, his stomach churned and he nearly vomited.

After all, only Qin Xiaofan and Xiaoyan knew the formula. The others simply found the Water of Civilization unpleasant to drink, but considered paying a small price for greater strength to be perfectly normal. In this perilous, apocalypse-ridden world, being stronger meant a greater chance of survival.

At this moment, Qin Xiaofan felt his scalp tingle. He could sense the fervor in everyone’s eyes. Even though Bald Li Qiang’s claims had not been verified, most people already believed him. Unless Baldy wished for death, he would not dare lie about something like this.

Some clutched their remaining Water of Civilization tightly, licking parched lips, eager to give it a try. Madness! This world had gone mad! Qin Xiaofan had only wanted to expose the traitor among them, yet he had inadvertently uncovered a secret so staggering that he was at a loss for what to do.

Now, the interrogation could no longer continue. After hesitating for a moment, Qin Xiaofan addressed the group: “Li Qiang’s words may not be true. Please, don’t try the Water of Civilization so hastily. There are harmful substances in its recipe. Drinking it… could be bad for your health!” Qin Xiaofan had to force himself to say these words, a strange and indescribable feeling brewing in his heart.

Everyone nodded in agreement, but it was only a show. Most would not abandon this shortcut to strength just because of a few light words from Qin Xiaofan.

The sun set, bathing everything in golden light and stretching everyone’s shadows long across the ground. Scarface A’s corpse was dragged to the underbrush and buried. The long-haired woman, Dai Li, and Bald Li Qiang were taken into custody. But it was more for show—a pair of wooden cages enclosed them, and with their abilities, they could break free easily.

But would they dare? Absolutely not! With the traitor still unmasked, any disobedience would be a death sentence. Even if they escaped thirty-nine meters, Qin Xiaofan’s forty-meter-long blade would teach them a lesson.

For now, Qin Xiaofan set aside the question of who the traitor was. He had a more pressing issue to resolve: to determine whether the Water of Civilization truly could make those with supernatural powers stronger.

Qin Xiaofan led Xiaoyan to a secluded spot. He produced a bamboo tube filled with clear water, then pricked his finger and let a few drops of blood fall into it. Stirring the mixture, the water quickly turned a faint red. Qin Xiaofan took a sip himself, but felt nothing.

“Drink it,” he said, handing the bamboo tube to Xiaoyan with utmost seriousness.

Xiaoyan understood the importance of this experiment and, without a word, drank the liquid in one gulp. Instantly, he felt a strange surge of power within him—a wonderful sensation, as if he could clearly feel himself growing stronger.

After some time, Xiaoyan slowly opened his eyes. Under Qin Xiaofan’s astonished gaze, he suddenly opened his palm, and a fist-sized flame burst forth! It was real… he had truly become stronger!

Stunned by the blazing fire, the two of them were speechless. Previously, Xiaoyan could only produce flames from his fingertips; now, his whole palm could blaze!

Qin Xiaofan collapsed onto the ground, his face ashen. This was no good news for him. If anyone discovered the truth, he would become as coveted as a legendary monk’s flesh—he would never dare sleep soundly again, lest someone try to take a bite out of him.

Secrecy! He must keep this secret! No one could know that his blood was in the Water of Civilization!

Qin Xiaofan stood up, brushing the dust from his clothes as new thoughts formed in his mind. Perhaps this was not entirely a bad thing—used wisely, it might bring him unimaginable benefits…

Evening came, and restlessness spread through the camp. Now, no one cared about the traitor. Except for the new members, everyone clutched their Water of Civilization, torn between hesitation and anticipation over whether to drink it.

Finally… someone took the bold first step! This brave soul was named Zhang Liang, twenty-three years old, male. He was a second-generation member, a combat-type superhuman whose ability allowed him to greatly enhance his physical attributes in the presence of light—the brighter the light, the greater the boost. He was a top-tier C-rank superhuman, just a breath away from B-rank.

Holding his breath, he bravely swallowed the indescribably foul Water of Civilization in one gulp.

In an instant—he broke through!

He laughed with excitement, as pleased as a fool who had stumbled upon a treasure. At that moment, everyone who had been hesitating went wild. One after another, they pinched their noses and gulped down their own Water of Civilization.

“I broke through!”

“I really became stronger!”

Excited shouts rang out one after another, as everyone could clearly feel the changes in their bodies—the surge of energy was far greater than a week of extreme physical training!

Qin Xiaofan and Xiaoyan were left gaping in disbelief.

This… this was utter madness!

Xiaoyan could not hold back any longer, and, clutching the wall, began to retch. Qin Xiaofan’s stomach roiled as well, overcome by a profound sense of guilt—he could not bear to watch as others drank the Water of Civilization.

Not until late into the night did the camp gradually quiet down. Most people had finished their remaining Water of Civilization, though a few, either more rational or unable to bear the taste, still had some left. As for the new members, seeing the old ones grow stronger one after another filled them with envy. They looked at the Water of Civilization as if gazing at some rare delicacy, their mouths watering with longing.

At that moment, everyone looked to Qin Xiaofan as if he were a god. After all, the recipe for the Water of Civilization was in his hands. Following Qin Xiaofan not only guaranteed survival, but the chance to grow stronger as well—he was the perfect leader.

Yet the more Qin Xiaofan felt the admiration in their eyes, the greater his sense of guilt became.

Deep into the night, as everyone drifted into sleep, a sudden wail echoed through the cave. The others woke in confusion.

“Fatty Bubbles, why are you crying?”

The one sobbing was none other than Fatty Bubbles. He sat on the ground, weeping bitterly, his round body trembling uncontrollably. Every time he opened his mouth, he spat out a bubble the size of a fist.

Everyone looked at him in bewilderment.

Qin Xiaofan sat up and asked, “Fatty Bubbles, did someone bully you? Don’t cry, I’ll stand up for you.”

Hearing Qin Xiaofan’s words, Fatty Bubbles only cried harder, his grief impossible to contain.