Chapter 85: Descendant of the Great Emperor Li Er?

The night slipped away quietly...

The next morning, the city lord appeared out of nowhere, right on time to wake the two from their slumber and escort them to a high floor in a central city building.

As soon as they stepped out of the elevator, a man with a well-proportioned figure, dressed in loose training attire, approached. Four spirited young men followed behind him.

Upon seeing the city lord, he greeted him with a smile.

"Hey, Old Fu!"

"Old Tian, it's been a while," the city lord replied with a smile, clearly familiar with the other man.

The one called Old Tian glanced at Song Qi and Chu Shaojiang, then remarked with envy, "I heard yesterday you’re only bringing two people this year. I didn’t believe it at first, but now I do. Looks like you’re almost certain to win this time!"

"Not at all," City Lord Fu replied modestly. "The truth is, the others just aren't up to the task."

"How about your Fourth District?"

"What can I say? Every year we have three to five super S-levels, barely hanging on, neither advancing nor retreating—just stuck there. It’s rather awkward."

"As long as one of us makes it into the top ten, I’ll be satisfied. The resources won’t be much less for us then."

City Lord Fu nodded and asked, "I heard the one surnamed Li is competing this year? You're nearby—have you learned anything about his strength?"

City Lord Tian shook his head.

"I haven’t heard specifics, but he’s definitely terrifyingly strong. Old Nie and Vivian from the Second and Third Districts were even planning to give up fighting for first place outright."

City Lord Fu was taken aback. "That serious? Weren’t those two always eager to compete with the First District? This year they’re giving up completely?"

City Lord Tian sneered, "Come on, how can someone born with a profession compare to ordinary folks? And with that background… If it were me, I’d give up too."

"But later, that person said he’d voluntarily suppress his strength, keeping it at the level of a twenty-fifth rank."

"Old Nie and Vivian only perked up a little after hearing that."

"I see..." City Lord Fu chatted a bit more, then each left with their team.

But at that moment, Song Qi’s curiosity was piqued. It seemed some extraordinary figure would be competing this year—so important even the city lords spoke with reverence.

This was no ordinary status.

And his participation was enough to make the other districts abandon their fight for first place? What did it mean to be 'born with a profession'?

A series of questions swirled in Song Qi’s mind. He stepped forward and asked quietly, "City Lord, who were you talking about just now? And what does 'born with a profession' mean?"

The city lord looked at them in confusion, then realized, "You don’t know about this? It caused quite a stir more than a decade ago. But then, you two were just born back then—it’s normal not to know."

He paused and continued his explanation.

"The young man surnamed Li is called Li Zhong. He's a descendant of Emperor Li Er."

Emperor Li Er?!

The moment they heard that name, Song Qi and Chu Shaojiang felt their breath catch!

The Emperor who appeared at humanity’s darkest hour, repelled the armies of the demonic invaders, created supernatural professions, and guided the human race—Emperor Li Er!

And Li Zhong was his descendant?!

"So, the so-called 'born with a profession' is actually..."

The city lord nodded, "Exactly, just as it sounds. Li Zhong didn’t cry at birth—he even used supernatural power to fend off the nurse who tried to spank him."

"After testing, the human authorities discovered that Li Zhong not only was born with a profession, but his talent was of super S-level."

"However, his profession and talent are classified information. The details are known only to the city lord of the First District."

Chu Shaojiang asked, "Wait, his profession is confidential? So it’s not on the profession list we know?"

"That’s right," the city lord replied. "His profession… There are many theories."

"Some say he can wear and use any profession’s skills, equipment, and items. Others claim his growth rate is dozens of times higher than ordinary professionals!"

"There are even rumors that just revealing the name of his profession would be enough to drive the demonic invaders to kill him at any cost."

"So for safety, the human authorities chose to seal almost all information about him."

Good heavens!

The two exclaimed in awe.

Others could only change professions at eighteen.

He awakened his profession from birth?

That meant he had eighteen more years to level up than anyone else!

And that wasn’t all. The strength of his profession was so extreme it bordered on the unbelievable!

Growth stats possibly dozens of times greater than normal? Even the mere disclosure of his profession’s name would prompt the demonic invaders to target him?

How strong must he be for such a reaction?

Even if some of this was false, the fact that his profession information was sealed by the authorities spoke volumes. Even if not as powerful as the rumors, he couldn’t be far behind.

And he was the descendant of Emperor Li Er!

Eighteen years ahead in leveling, combined with his heritage and access to resources—he must be at least a level sixty or above professional by now.

For him, this genius tournament was no different from wrestling in kindergarten.

"No wonder even the people from the Second and Third Districts chose to give up at the start..." Chu Shaojiang sighed.

"If he doesn’t suppress his strength, no one else stands a chance," Song Qi agreed, nodding. This was almost mythical—a born sacred being!

At this point, the three reached the registration point.

After registering the two, the city lord pushed them forward.

The staff produced a bamboo slip-shaped treasure and held it above their heads. Two black pellets dropped from the slip.

"These are life tokens," the staff explained. "They’re imprinted with your soul aura and serve as your anti-counterfeit tickets for the tournament. They’re also your protective talismans. If you encounter danger during the competition and reach the brink of death, the life token will automatically form a healing and defensive array."

"The array can withstand a full-force blow from a level ninety expert, and its healing power rivals the water of life."

"Just swallow it—do it in front of me."

The staff placed the pellets in their palms. Song Qi and Chu Shaojiang swallowed them without hesitation.

Then the staff handed them two booklets.

"These contain the rules and format of the genius tournament. If you’re not familiar, study them when you have time."

"Alright, you’re free to go."