[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-lawful-tyrant":3,"chapter-lawful-tyrant-lawful-tyrant-chapter-23":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"chinese","Lawful Tyrant",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},2284907,4469,"Chapter 23: Deterrence","lawful-tyrant-chapter-23",23,"\u003Cp>Power awakening.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tan Yanwen smiled and said, “Though it’s only legend, I’ve heard our Chaoyang Martial Arts Hall’s founder once experienced power awakening—and there truly are methods to communicate with the universe and awaken power, so it must be real.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Methods exist, ‘should’?” Lin Qing felt Tan Yanwen’s words were contradictory.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Because the methods exist, but no one can accomplish them.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tan Yanwen shook his head slightly, then studied Lin Qing again. “As far as I know, if a Patrol System officer accumulates enough merit, they can also learn these three methods of awakening.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Three methods of awakening?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing this, Lin Qing immediately understood what Tan Yanwen meant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When he studied in the Patrol Bureau’s secret chamber, that hoarse voice had said that with a first-class merit, besides freely learning four series of combat techniques, he could also read three special cultivation methods.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So, were those three special cultivation methods the three methods of awakening?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Qing couldn’t help but feel curious.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Methods exist but cannot be achieved?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Theoretically, as long as he could enter the threshold, as long as it was possible, he could bypass all resource constraints and directly pre-claim the results.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So, he was quite tempted to try.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Too bad he needed first-class merit just to read them—he’d have to wait.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Don’t think too much.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing Lin Qing seemed somewhat eager, Tan Yanwen chuckled in surprise. Clearly, ignorance breeds fearlessness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He shook his head and laughed, “Power awakening is still just legend. It’s said to be direct control over energy. Mind power awakening is rare too. Even the most promising genetic awakening requires you to complete the original Chaoyang Training Method, approaching the true human limit, before you have even a slim chance.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The original Chaoyang Training Method?” Lin Qing finally understood how difficult it was.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Chaoyang Training Method has three versions: the 4-6 version, the 7-7 version, and the final original version, also called the 8-9 version—each progressively harder.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The 4-6 version approaches the first human limit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The 7-7 version is the second limit; mastering two more combat techniques qualifies you to become a branch squad leader.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Those who complete the original Chaoyang Training Method and master several more combat techniques are nearly at the level of city bureau chief.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It’s really hard.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tan Yanwen sighed, “Don’t look at me being rated ‘excellent’ by the martial arts hall—I’ve pushed myself hard enough, yet I still haven’t completed the original Chaoyang Training Method, let alone the distant genetic awakening.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Qing understood the difficulty.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though elite talents are mostly sent to urban zones, with so many people in Lin’an City, few have completed the original Chaoyang Training Method.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The escaped prisoner Chen Yanan encountered on Qinghu Island might have been at that level—truly terrifying.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After chatting briefly with Tan Yanwen, Lin Qing didn’t delay further. He’d already learned the 7-7 version and needed to return to repay his debt for the combat technique “Agility,” so he took his leave.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ten minutes later, the autonomous vehicle dropped him off at the entrance of Junyuan Community.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Qing stepped out of the vehicle and was about to head home—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>【Current Order Level decreased by 0.5 levels】\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A line of blood-red text suddenly appeared before his eyes!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A danger directed at him!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And… it had dropped by as much as 0.5 levels?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hmm?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Qing’s pupils contracted slightly. He feigned indifference, hands in his pockets, gripping the retractable knife inside while preparing to activate a combat technique.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At that moment, he saw a tall man in a black trench coat standing at the community gate, slicked-back hair, visibly pale face, wearing sunglasses that hid his eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The man in the trench coat simply stood at the gate, as if watching him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Qing studied him curiously and said, “Hello, please move aside.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then, the man in the trench coat suddenly reached up and removed his sunglasses, revealing his eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Boom!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In that instant of eye contact, Lin Qing felt an oppressive pressure radiating from the man’s gaze—a strange chill surged from his tailbone upward, forcing him to instinctively step back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Combat technique? At that moment, he suddenly recalled the “Eye” technique from the Divine Transformation series—it had a similar instinctive intimidation effect?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Qing watched the man in the trench coat warily, ready to unleash a burst technique instantly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But the man in the trench coat made no attack—only studied Lin Qing briefly, then smiled faintly and said, “Don’t be tense, Lin Qing. I’m a government-appointed investigator. I’m just here to check on you because of recent events.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Government-appointed investigator?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just to check on him?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If not for the 0.5-level drop in Order Level—clearly indicating murderous intent—Lin Qing might have believed him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Government-appointed? How do you prove it?” Lin Qing frowned slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No proof needed.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The man in the trench coat smiled. “I don’t intend to investigate you. Just checking. I won’t disturb you further.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With that, he walked out the community gate and left down the road without looking back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>【Order Level increased by 0.5 levels】\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the same time, a line of green text appeared before Lin Qing’s eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It just returned to normal?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was surprised.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It seemed the mysterious man in the trench coat had come specifically for him, had no intention of staying on Tieshi Street—or perhaps he himself had no impact on public order.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thus, when not targeting him, the Order Level didn’t drop.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Qing glanced at the man’s retreating back, then turned and walked into the community, lost in thought.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Just to check on me? Hmph…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He naturally didn’t believe the man’s lies.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Order Level restored—meaning the man’s murderous intent had vanished. Perhaps that intimidation during eye contact was merely a test?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“This man is dangerous… Order Level dropped by 0.5 levels…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Qing took a deep breath, calmed his emotions, and walked silently toward his home, expressionless.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At this moment, his desire for power and security grew stronger.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I must complete the 7-7 version as soon as possible… learn more combat techniques…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On the desolate street, the man in the trench coat walked along the sidewalk, tapping his earlobe to activate the wireless earpiece inside.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Boss, it’s me.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes, I just met Lin Qing, the one with some suspicion—but I can confirm he didn’t kill Camel and Tie Wuluo.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“First, he had no motive.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Second, I just used the Divine Transformation techniques ‘Eye’ and ‘Intent’ to apply intimidation. If he had truly mastered the ‘Agility’ technique in such a short time, his instinct would have triggered it under threat—this instinct is nearly impossible to suppress.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Only by refining the technique until it becomes instinctive can one suppress it. But learning a technique for only half a month—even mastering it is astonishing; achieving instinctive level is impossible.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Under the intimidation of ‘Eye’ and ‘Intent,’ he didn’t trigger any technique by instinct—he’s clearly still at the beginner stage.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Also, using the transmitter hidden in the coins Camel carried, I traced the target to a low-level Blue Scarf Gang thug. I interrogated him thoroughly—he only stole Camel’s money out of greed after Camel’s death.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“This proves the killer of Camel and Tie Wuluo didn’t care about Camel’s money at all.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“According to intelligence, Lin Qing is currently short on funds. His sister needs money, his training needs money—buying just two sets of high-energy slow-release fluid is far from enough.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Normally, an eighteen-year-old boy accustomed to poverty would be tempted to grab these bait coins left by Camel.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The headquarters also checked his phone GPS trajectory—he stayed home last night. I hacked into his usual video apps’ access logs—he watched the entire night’s drama ‘The Gunman.’”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Therefore, all evidence excludes Lin Qing as a suspect.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>(End of Chapter)\u003C\u002Fp>",1288,"2026-06-20T02:41:34.488Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","c1802c012b40331bafe28b07af84b529d3203d203c3a87ab2d558619362a21b7","lawful-tyrant-chapter-24","lawful-tyrant-chapter-22",442,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Flawful-tyrant-cover.jpg"]