Chapter Twenty-Three: The Chapter of the Six Desires and the Severing of Demons

Fang Can took a deep breath, savoring the tingling sensation of growing strength as sunlight bathed his body.

Although the efficiency of the technique was low due to its experimental nature—failing to defy the laws of thermodynamics or even achieve a 100% conversion rate—it was a start. The solar energy he absorbed daily was only enough to match his caloric intake, providing a negligible boost to his power. However, the technique could be upgraded; he could gradually raise the energy ceiling over time.

Besides, Fang Can was no fool. He possessed agency and would never rely solely on solar energy to improve his physique. Whether through traditional martial arts training or, theoretically, inserting a nuclear reactor into his stomach to radiate himself, the sheer volume of energy absorption would dwarf the passive intake of sunlight.

Feeling his body reborn after switching techniques, Fang Can said earnestly to Jiang Ning'an, "Thank you."

"Huh? Thank you?" Jiang Ning'an looked flattered. "What are you thanking me for?"

"For your guidance, of course. Otherwise, I might have remained shackled by conventional martial arts for much longer," Fang Can replied.

"There's no need for that. Just as long as you don't keep acting crazy," Jiang Ning'an said, waving her hands dismissively.

"True, the credit isn't entirely yours," Fang Can agreed with a nod. "It was my own extraordinary destiny that drew you here, so I suppose I should truly thank myself."

Ignoring Jiang Ning'an’s bewildered expression, Fang Can turned his gaze toward the window. After a night of meditation, the morning light had fully broken, and there was little time left before school.

"For the time being, just stay in the room. As long as you don't step outside, you shouldn't be found," Fang Can said, though he felt uneasy. Superpowers were diverse; someone might well possess a tracking ability, provided the authorities deemed the situation important enough.

*And besides...* Fang Can’s eyes darkened, *if she could cross over, it means this phenomenon isn't unique. There will undoubtedly be a second and third person.*

After gathering a day’s worth of food and giving her a few instructions, Fang Can grabbed his backpack and headed for the subway.

Watching the door slam shut, Jiang Ning'an felt a pang of worry. She wasn't just concerned about this lunatic having an episode on the streets; she was worried he might report her. After much deliberation, she decided to take the risk. Pushing aside her distracting thoughts, she sat cross-legged and began practicing, working to recover from the injuries sustained in yesterday's battle.

On the subway, Fang Can found a seat bathed in the best light. He closed his eyes, letting the sun cover his face completely.

After a long night, he finally had a moment of leisure to rest. The morning sun illuminated his soft-featured face, but because the heat and radiation were being absorbed, he felt no burning sensation—only an immense, cool relief. As the ultraviolet rays were also consumed, his skin grew paler and clearer with every passing moment.

At that moment, his already flawless face, under the direct sunlight, seemed almost like that of a child of the sun. The surrounding passengers couldn't help but fix their gazes on him, as if admiring an oil painting, their minds drifting into a trance.

This didn't last long, however, as Fang Can arrived at his stop just minutes later. As he slowly opened his eyes, he found a circle of men and women staring blankly at him. Without making a scene, he ignored their embarrassed, averted gazes and walked off the train with his bag.

Fang Can was not someone oblivious to his own looks. Growing up, the various invisible advantages and troubles his appearance brought him had made him well aware of his charm; he had received mountains of love letters. This level of beauty was at the tier where one could be a protagonist in a world ruled by women, or easily rake in rewards from wealthy admirers on a livestream.

Unfortunately, in this particular reality, being good-looking wasn't always a positive buff. On the contrary, it increased the risk of being locked in a basement and subjected to endless humiliation by some powerful predator. Because he knew he risked being imprisoned by wealthy women with superpowers, Fang Can chose not to show his face on the internet, opting instead to keep a low profile. After all, if he didn't, he might one day be "taught a lesson" in the worst way possible.

*I don't know when the next crossing will happen,* Fang Can thought, glancing at the 3% alienation rate on his panel.

Name: Fang Can
Physique: 4.1
Spirit: 4.1
Energy: 4.1

Though he had never tested it with a system, Fang Can was certain his current strength had surpassed the limits of humanity.

After school, he would find a place to test just how far his seven days of "cheat-like" cultivation had taken him.

...

In the headquarters of the Dragon Group in City A, inside a soundproofed conference room, a dozen people of different ages, genders, and appearances sat around a table. Any enthusiast of superpowers would recognize them as high-level operatives, at least at the state level.

In front of them lay a stack of documents detailing the "Idealistic Martial Arts."

Ji Donglai stated, "Everyone, what you see here is the information gathered by our mental-type psychics regarding the captured inhabitant of the other world. You may now express your views."

"Since this energy tide brought one person over, what about the next? Will it wash them back, or bring more over?" an elderly man with a weary face asked a critical question.

"Intelligence is too sparse; we don't know," Ji Donglai shook his head slightly. "We will have to wait for the next energy tide in a few days to verify."

"Since these Idealistic Martial Arts can be cultivated through memetic infection, I think it's an excellent opportunity to make up for our shortcomings," a young man said with glowing eyes. "Superpowers combined with martial arts—could there be potential there?"

"That is exactly why I gathered you here," Ji Donglai said. "We have successfully captured the martial artist of the Transcendent Realm and used psychic abilities to completely control him, forcing him to hand over his techniques."

"However, these Idealistic techniques are extremely dangerous. I fear you might drive yourselves insane."

"Therefore, I plan to roll out the techniques in a pilot city, having ordinary people attempt to practice them. Once we determine there is no risk, we will allow the super-powered members of the group to try," Ji Donglai said seriously.

"So be it." The super-powered individuals showed little interest, having no objections to using millions of people as test subjects.

After a brief discussion, the matter was settled. Just as they were about to adjourn, a voice spoke up from the corner:

"Hey! I have an idea!"

"Have you ever heard of the 'Six Desires Demon-Splitting Chapter'?"