Chapter 37

Officially joining the Guardian program and gaining authorization from the Azure Dragon marked a monumental shift in Qin Feng's life trajectory. It meant not only access to the nation's most advanced technological resources and secrets tied to civilization's survival, but also the weight of a profound responsibility on his shoulders.

After completing a series of complex and rigorous authorization and confidentiality procedures, he was granted a specially crafted, untraceable and unbreakable encrypted communicator for receiving internal directives and information from the Guardians. He also learned that the Guardian's main base, hidden deep underground somewhere in the Northwest, would open to him next week.

The transformation of his identity and the expansion of his horizons gave Qin Feng a clearer vision for his future path. His wealth accumulation was nearing infinity; the construction of his commercial empire proceeded methodically; his technological ascent was backed by the Technology Core and the entire nation's power. But what about himself?

Before the potential unknown threats he was about to face, would wealth and technology alone be enough? The old man's grave tone regarding the Star Sea Crisis made Qin Feng realize that personal strength was an indispensable component. He needed a more robust physique, sharper reflexes, even… power beyond human limits.

He thought of the system. Besides the Technology Core, the Blessing Key, and the Skill Key, did the system hide other functions related to personal enhancement?

The moment this thought arose, it seemed to trigger some hidden mechanism.

【Ding! Detected host has officially joined a national-level secret guardian organization and encountered a higher-tier civilization crisis! Personal strength requirements have significantly increased!】【Hidden module 【God of War】 activation conditions met!】【Activate 【God of War】 module immediately?】

God of War module!

Qin Feng's heart trembled! Indeed! The system was far deeper than he imagined! Without hesitation, he affirmed in his mind: "Activate!"

In an instant, the system interface underwent another dramatic transformation! Beside the existing Technology Core, Blessing Key, Skill Key, and Technology Key, a new icon slowly coalesced—radiating ancient copper-metallic luster and primordial energy—【God of War】!

The icon depicted an abstract human figure assuming an arcane starting posture, surrounded by swirling waves of Qi and Blood like smoke, brimming with raw power.

Qin Feng immediately sank his awareness into the God of War module.

The interface was simple yet overwhelming:

【God of War Level】: Lv. 0 (0/100) (Level advancement enhances host's physical fundamentals, neural response, cellular vitality, and maximum lifespan) 【Current Skills】: None 【Skill Library】: Locked 【Cultivation Mode】: Unopened 【Energy Sources】: Qi and Blood, Bioenergy, Special Energy Crystal, Tech Points (conversion efficiency low)

The core of the God of War module is skills and cultivation! Enhance personal strength through cultivation and acquiring skills!

So, how to obtain the first skill?

Qin Feng focused his awareness on the Skill Library and immediately received feedback:

【Skill Library unlock requires 1000 Tech Points. After unlocking, randomly draw one initial "God of War Skill." Subsequent skills may be acquired through cultivation insight, special encounters, or consuming Tech Points to draw.】

1000 Tech Points! Expensive! But he had just received a large reward of Tech Points from the success of the Stardust Guardian coating and joining the Guardian program—his current balance stood at a staggering 6200 points!

"Exchange! Unlock the Skill Library!" Qin Feng did not hesitate.

【Consumed 1000 Tech Points!】【Remaining Tech Points: 5200.】【God of War Skill Library unlocked! Beginning random draw for initial skill…】

A phantom wheel, covered in arcane runes and martial imagery, spun rapidly within Qin Feng's mind, then slowed and halted, its pointer landing on a complex rune radiating fierce, deadly energy.

【Congratulations, host! Obtained God of War Skill: "Eight Extremes Collapse"!】

Boom!

A searing stream of energy surged instantly into Qin Feng's body, racing wildly along an arcane, intricate pathway through his meridians. Simultaneously, vast knowledge of the Eight Extremes Collapse—its power generation techniques, Qi and Blood circulation methods, and the unyielding, mountain-shattering, rock-splitting fist intent—implanted itself deep into his soul like a divine awakening.

This was no mere knowledge transfer—it was an inheritance! As if he had trained this brutal fist art for decades!

Unconsciously, he followed the inherited method, channeling the faint yet real "Qi" within him (or rather, the bioenergy guided by the system), and delivered a light, effortless punch toward the empty air before him.

"Hum—"

The air emitted an almost inaudible burst! Along the path of his fist, a barely visible distortion rippled through space! Though there was no target, Qin Feng clearly felt the penetrating force and explosive power of this punch—enough to pierce through steel plates effortlessly. If struck against a human body, the consequences would be unthinkable!

"What a brutal fist art!" Qin Feng retracted his fist, eyes gleaming with sharp light, sensing the ceaseless flow of energy within and his body's renewed state. Though his God of War Level remained Lv. 0, his strength, speed, and reflexes had already surpassed human theoretical limits!

This was merely the initial skill! If he advanced his level and learned more powerful skills, how far could his personal power reach? Body resistant to bullets? Tear apart mechs with bare hands? Even… more absurd?

Personal power and technological might—two paths—unfurled before him, parallel and mutually reinforcing!

He shifted his focus to the Cultivation Mode.

【Cultivation Mode activation requires 500 Tech Points. Upon activation, the system will assist in guiding the host toward efficient cultivation, accelerating Qi and Blood accumulation and skill proficiency.】

"Activate!" Qin Feng spent another 500 Tech Points.

【Cultivation Mode activated!】【Remaining Tech Points: 4700.】

A clearer, gentler sensation of energy guidance appeared within him—as if an invisible master constantly corrected his Qi flow and optimized his cultivation efficiency.

Qin Feng took a deep breath, suppressing his excitement. He walked to the spacious underground gym at Yunshan Manor (now properly called a training hall) and began meticulously practicing the Eight Extremes Collapse, following both the inheritance and the system's guidance.

Fist winds howled; his figure darted. Every punch, every step carried an innate rhythm and a fierce, dominant aura.

He could feel that with each practice, the "Qi" within him grew slowly but steadily, his muscles and bones undergoing subtle yet continuous strengthening.

This tangible sense of growing stronger was intoxicating.

After an unknown duration, Qin Feng slowly ended his practice. Heat steamed from his body; his skin glowed with healthy ruddiness; his eyes grew brighter and sharper.

He wiped the fine sweat from his brow, stared at his clenched fist, felt the explosive power within, and smiled with satisfaction.

Technology granted him the power to move the world. The God of War granted him the blade to protect himself and his convictions.

Now, he possessed both.

He looked forward even more to the upcoming Guardian Base, and to the unknown hidden deep within the Star Sea.