C11 Little Brother Guo Yuan

"Is that black shadow up there you?" Guo Yuan exclaimed in surprise.

He hadn't ruled out the possibility, but it seemed so unlikely. Still, it was conceivable that even with the most basic Spiritual Energy, one could construct a Spiritual Wall. Given Zhang Heng's level of cultivation, it was certainly within the realm of possibility.

The real challenge, though, was pulling off such a feat in an incredibly short span of time and achieving the effect of instantaneous movement. For any individual, that would be an extraordinary task.

In this world, perhaps only someone with Heaven-tier cultivation could accomplish this. But, there seemed to be no alternative explanation.

"Yes, you're quite astute. That's exactly what happened," Zhang Heng confirmed.

He hadn't intended to keep it a secret. If people found out, so be it. So he spoke openly about it, as it wasn't really a significant issue.

"No... Impossible! How did you manage that?" Su Meng asked, her face a picture of disbelief.

"In truth, it's not that hard to achieve. Using Spiritual Energy to construct a wall is a fairly basic technique. And for Zhang Heng to shape it into bricks is simple for others as well. As for his swift movements, it's probably a combination of his own skills and the boost from a Spirit Talisman," the security guard at the entrance offered.

That was the only plausible explanation. How else could someone with Level 0 ability move so quickly?

"No!" Guo Yuan began, eager to interject, but Zhang Heng cut him off.

"You've got it right, as someone who's been around here for years would. It's exactly as you say," Zhang Heng acknowledged.

Su Meng, regaining her composure, added, "I thought as much. How could someone so unremarkable move so quickly? It makes sense now; he was using a Spirit Talisman."

"Eh? What do you mean by 'unremarkable'?" Zhang Heng asked with a teasing tone.

"If I say you're unremarkable, then that's what you are."

"And how exactly am I unremarkable?"

"You just are."

"What does being unremarkable entail?"

"I'm not going to explain it to you!" Su Meng, clearly ruffled by his teasing, quickly made her exit from the contentious spot.

Zhang Heng watched as Su Meng stormed out with her fur bristled in anger and couldn't help but find her quite adorable.

"I never would have guessed that this wasn't actually his fault. I've misunderstood him, which is pretty embarrassing," Su Meng mumbled to herself.

Once Su Meng had departed, Zhang Heng turned to the security guard with a look of regret. "Sorry for the disturbance. If there's nothing else, I'll be on my way."

Then, another group strutted out confidently.

After their departure, Guo Yuan instructed some individuals to leave ahead of the others.

"Oh? Are you looking to pick a fight with me?" Zhang Heng challenged him.

He had thought the issue was settled, but Guo Yuan seemed intent on confronting him again, though Zhang Heng couldn't fathom why.

"I'm aware that you didn't use a Spirit Talisman."

"You don't know me at all. How can you be so sure I didn't use a Spirit Talisman?" Zhang Heng asked, arching an eyebrow.

"Using a Spirit Talisman would certainly leave some trace, yet I saw no sign of it. Even if you claim to have used it swiftly, I didn't catch a glimpse of any trace during our encounter," Guo Yuan explained.

"Of course, you wouldn't see any trace of my use. If you could, how would I ever manage to beat you?" Zhang Heng retorted, his words laced with a hint of provocation. It was as if he was suggesting they were not on the same level, which is why Guo Yuan couldn't discern whether a Spirit Talisman had been used.

"Provoking me is pointless. I'm confident you didn't use a Spirit Talisman," Guo Yuan asserted.

"Without any proof, your words carry no weight. I certainly won't concede," Zhang Heng replied.

"Then, can you explain where you got your Spirit Talisman from? Just a newcomer like you?" Guo Yuan pressed, his face etched with skepticism as he stared at Zhang Heng.

"Why should I have to tell you? Is it so unbelievable that I could have purchased it myself?" Zhang Heng countered.

"As if you could afford such a Spirit Talisman. They're quite pricey on the market, you know. And Spirit Talismans are exceedingly rare. How did you come by one?" Guo Yuan questioned.

"Don't tell me someone who saved a life and then asked for a reward can afford a Spirit Talisman? Besides, where would you even keep it? Do your clothes have a pocket for a Spirit Talisman?" Zhang Heng was growing impatient with these questions.

"It's my own skill, okay?" Zhang Heng had intended to keep his abilities under wraps, so in front of the crowd, he didn't reveal that his speed was due to his own strength.

"I figured as much."

"Everything good now? If so, I'm going to head out."

Zhang Heng gave the people in front of him a speechless look. Today had been overwhelming, nothing like he had anticipated. He needed to get home, take a shower, get some sleep, and process everything. Tomorrow would be a fresh start.

Unexpectedly, even after Zhang Heng had come clean about everything, Guo Yuan was not ready to let him leave.

For every step Zhang Heng took, Guo Yuan matched it with a step backward.

"What exactly do you want?" Zhang Heng asked, frustrated.

"I don't want anything. How about I become your little brother from now on?"

Zhang Heng was taken aback by the suggestion. The idea of the top student from a prestigious academy wanting to be his subordinate was surprising. If word got out, it would surely stir up gossip, which was the last thing he wanted.

"No way, that's not happening. How could I possibly let you be my little brother?" Zhang Heng protested.

"Why not? With your incredible strength, why can't I be your little brother? Even if your cultivation level isn't up to par, I believe in your abilities. You're bound to succeed. Please, let me be your little brother!" Guo Yuan pleaded.

"Please, I'm begging you. I don't want to take on any followers, and I don't want to get mixed up in all that. Just let me go. I just want to go home and sleep." Zhang Heng's patience was wearing thin from Guo Yuan's nagging.

So, he resorted to using his ability once more, concentrating his Qi to create a wall.

His Spiritual Force was exceptionally strong. While others might struggle to conjure such a formidable barrier, Zhang Heng's abundant Spiritual Energy ensured that his wall was particularly solid.

Guo Yuan spent a considerable amount of time trying to break through the wall. But by the time he managed to breach it, it was all for naught. Zhang Heng had vanished without a trace, having already fled to an unknown location.