Chapter Ninety-Nine: How to Become a Superpowered Being

The status of the Kunlun Mountains in the Great Qin Empire is extraordinary, and its significance in mythology is even greater, with numerous legends tied to it.

It is said to be the dwelling place of immortals, known as the "Immortal Mountain of Kunlun."

Of course, there are also chilling tales that describe it as perilous beyond measure, housing a Valley of Death and serving as a gateway to the underworld.

These various legends have cloaked Kunlun Mountain in an aura of profound mystery.

One must admit, the Ascension Society truly knows how to choose a location—or perhaps their ambitions are enormous. They genuinely believe they can "ascend to immortality," as evidenced by their decision to establish headquarters here.

Because this is a covert operation, Zhou Shu did not take a military or chartered plane to the rendezvous point. Instead, he first flew commercially to a nearby area, then took a train to a designated station, after which someone from the meeting point picked him up by car.

Currently, inspections at airports and train stations are extremely strict. Military personnel have replaced guards, and every passenger must undergo a blood test via a needle prick upon entering the station. Those with normal red blood are allowed in, while those with abnormal blood colors face intense scrutiny.

The prick location varies to prevent "infiltrators" from preparing in advance, though the sites are chosen for convenience and cause little pain.

Because these places are heavily guarded, disturbances are rare.

Everyone must endure these special measures, for if a monster were to infiltrate a confined space, the danger would be immense.

The government even plans a nationwide screening, akin to mass testing during a pandemic, but this time the screening carries greater risks and requires the cooperation of enforcement agencies.

At present, the military and Demon Suppression Bureau are busy "extinguishing fires" nationwide and have little time to assist in local screenings. Therefore, checkpoints are set up at key points to prevent monsters from moving rapidly between regions.

This is the situation within Great Qin, and it is similar abroad, where they also face the problem of some citizens refusing to cooperate.

There have even been street protests against these measures, leading to clashes with patrol units.

Humanity is indeed diverse.

Zhou Shu arrived promptly at the airport, using a special passage.

Martial law at the airport during this special period has its advantages; exorcists no longer need to adhere to previous regulations, so Zhou Su carried weapons with him.

Not only did he bring a handgun for self-defense, but also his usual heavy sniper rifle onto the plane.

Previously, exorcists were prohibited from carrying firearms, which led to the use of disguised polearms.

Now, under these special circumstances, those old rules no longer apply.

Moreover, with military personnel conducting inspections at checkpoints, security is quite reliable.

Since the plane had not yet taken off, Zhou Shu checked the global situation online.

The streets are now filled with fixed and mobile surveillance cameras, and videos of superpowered warriors and military forces battling monsters have begun circulating widely.

Successful monster kills bring jubilation online, with netizens proclaiming humanity unconquerable.

Conversely, videos showing groups of people barely defeating a single monster often elicit despairing comments, with many declaring humanity doomed.

Watching these contrasting videos side by side is quite interesting.

Beyond combat footage, there are also numerous videos claiming "I am a superhuman."

Some claim to be superpowered themselves, others say their friends have powers, and some even claim to have seen superhumans.

There are even tutorials on how to become superpowered.

These methods fall into two categories: self-training and external assistance.

Self-training is straightforward—rigorous physical exercise like push-ups and running, along with various martial arts manuals for sale that supposedly grant superpowers upon mastery.

Even the infamous Sunflower Manual is among them.

External assistance is far more chaotic—a veritable pandemonium.

"I heard that District 11 recently launched a 'Tritium Treasure' drink, claiming that consistent consumption can turn you into a superhuman."

(Viewing the image)

"That's fake, right? I recall someone saying it's highly dangerous; it's basically radioactive wastewater. The chance of turning into a monster is much higher than becoming a superhuman."

"Wow, is it like dumping that stuff into a pool to summon Godzilla?"

"Damn, compared to that, the Ganges water from the Peacock Dynasty seems safer."

"Indeed, people in the Peacock Dynasty really dare to drink Ganges water. So far, no one in District 11 is drinking the 'Tritium Treasure.'"

"Why even compare? What's the point? I'm dying of laughter!"

"I think plain water suits me best; simplicity is the ultimate."

"I have a friend who insists he has superpowers, but no one believes him. So, he jumped off the third floor and is now lying in the hospital."

"Holy smokes, ask your friend if the hospital's internet speed is good."

"What nonsense is this? I heard the priests of the Mayan Kingdom developed a sacred water that grants the favor of the Feathered Serpent God, bestowing superpowers."

"Huh, I thought it was the Aztec sorcerers who created it, also claiming to receive the Feathered Serpent God's favor."

"Suggest the two kingdoms fight it out. The winner gets to keep the claim."

"They haven’t fought yet, but Babylon is already a mess. The Eagle Federation has been warring there for decades, supposedly over a mysterious substance that can make people stronger."

"Wasn't it said to be about oil? Their leaders have openly admitted it..."

When the outside world grows dangerous and immediate protection is unavailable, people seek ways to strengthen themselves to face potential threats.

In reality, ordinary people cannot simply become stronger at will, which explains the online phenomena.

Buying a useless martial arts manual is tolerable—most people lack internal energy anyway, so they simply end up with a book.

Unless someone truly believes the nonsense and harms themselves.

More severe are those deceived into taking "evolution" pills, only to become monsters rather than superhumans, then get killed.

Despite official efforts to debunk such claims, many fall victim, becoming destabilizing factors in society, eventually targeted for elimination.

If there is a safest and quickest way for ordinary people to gain strength, it is by acquiring powered exoskeleton armor to become an "Iron Man."

Unfortunately, the "Super Soldier" suits have yet to enter mass production, and even then, they would be allocated first to frontline units.

Therefore, ordinary people still must rely on the state during catastrophes; facing disaster alone leaves one vulnerable and powerless.

Thanks to strict inspections at every checkpoint, Zhou Shu passed through smoothly and soon reached the rendezvous point—a military base nearest to the Ascension Society headquarters.

When Zhou Shu arrived, a group of exorcists had already gathered, most of whom were beast whisperers sent to locate the exact position of the Ascension Society headquarters.

The authorities feared alerting the enemy, so they avoided carpet searches and drone deployments, instead relying on beast whisperers to control local animals for reconnaissance.

Some beast whisperers were from nearby areas and had access to superpowered local fauna, while those from afar had to temporarily tame local creatures.

The combatants were momentarily idle, their task being to familiarize themselves with their comrades to ensure better coordination during battle.

Zhou Shu, however, faced an entirely different challenge: thirty "Super Soldier" powered exoskeleton suits.

He stood there, clutching his 12.7mm tungsten-core armor-piercing sniper rifle, stunned on the spot.