Chapter 219: Phoenix Force (Request Monthly Tickets! Request Subscription!)

A second S-rank exchange enhancement?

Upon hearing this, everyone paused slightly, surprised that Chu Xuan had proposed this suggestion again.

They still remembered that the last S-rank exchange had come after the Curse battle, when the team had wiped out two Lunhui teams and reaped a massive reward, ultimately pooling resources to exchange for the Kryptonian bloodline enhancement requiring an S-rank Zhixianjuqing.

Is the S-rank bloodline strong? The answer is undoubtedly yes!

Just look at Wu Xian's own performance to see it.

Even before exchanging for the Kryptonian bloodline, Wu Xian had possessed the strength to single-handedly defeat the entire Zhongzhou team, but achieving it fully would still have been somewhat difficult—not utterly overwhelming—and a moment's carelessness might have left him with minor injuries.

But since exchanging for the Kryptonian bloodline, things were different: during the Curse training year, Wu Xian could truly knock out a child with one punch; even Zheng Zha, ranked second in overall strength, couldn't withstand more than a few rounds against him.

Keep in mind, at that time Wu Xian was still at the third-level gene lock and hadn't fully unlocked the bloodline's power—yet even so, he was already terrifyingly strong, making the other Zhongzhou team members secretly yearn for the chance to one day receive an S-rank enhancement themselves.

And now, the opportunity seemed to be arriving.

Thinking this, several of them involuntarily turned to Zheng Zha, their faces filled with envy.

In their eyes, Zheng Zha was the second-strongest member of the Zhongzhou team and the second to awaken the third-level gene lock; no matter how you looked at it, he should be the one to receive this S-rank enhancement.

"Don't look at him—I'm not referring to Zheng Zha for this S-rank enhancement."

At that moment, Chu Xuan spoke, then turned to look at Zhan Lan, who stood beside Wu Xian.

"It's you, Zhan Lan. I recommend you undergo the S-rank enhancement."

Everyone froze again, utterly stunned that Chu Xuan had recommended Zhan Lan.

It wasn't that Zhan Lan was unworthy—in fact, in terms of combat power alone, she was among the top five and could contend for the top three in the entire Zhongzhou team; combined with the critical importance of a psychic user, an S-rank enhancement falling to her was entirely reasonable.

But in previous horror films, Zhan Lan's role had mostly been supportive, with few situations requiring direct combat, so when Chu Xuan mentioned the S-rank enhancement, everyone had unconsciously overlooked her.

Yet none of them noticed that when Chu Xuan finished speaking, the expressions of Wu Xian, Zhan Lan, and Zhao Yingkong—the three of them as a family—had all become slightly unnatural.

Earlier that morning during their routine, Wu Xian had already informed Zhan Lan and Zhao Yingkong that he intended to have the entire Zhongzhou team pool together another S-rank side quest to enhance Zhan Lan.

On one hand, it was out of personal desire; on the other, Wu Xian had thought of an S-rank enhancement that was perfectly suited to her—and if fortune favored them, it might even grant Zhongzhou another stable fourth-level combatant.

But he had never mentioned this to anyone except the two women; why would Chu Xuan bring it up now? If this were coincidence, it was far too convenient.

Could this guy have secretly read the script?

Thinking this, Wu Xian decided to test him. After clearing his throat twice, he feigned curiosity and asked: "So, what enhancement are you suggesting for Zhan Lan? It's not a bloodline, is it?"

Chu Xuan glanced at Wu Xian, then adjusted his glasses and said: "Not a bloodline—but close enough."

As he spoke, he pulled open a semi-transparent screen. The others stared at the information and gradually looked enlightened, while Wu Xian and Zhan Lan both grew even more astonished.

【Phoenix Force Fragment: Originating from the Marvel Multiverse. The complete Phoenix Force embodies life and psychic energy, symbolizing life and emotion, the nexus connecting all spiritual minds, and the creator and source of psychic power. As a fragment of the Phoenix Force, it still possesses immense power, ideal for those with psychic talent... Exchange requirement: One S-rank side quest, 40, 00 reward points】

Coach! Someone's cheating! He really can read the script!

Wu Xian internally screamed in protest, when Chu Xuan spoke beside him.

"For a Lunhui team, the importance of a psychic controller goes without saying—I'm sure everyone understands this, so I won't elaborate further.

I recommend Zhan Lan exchange for the Phoenix Force Fragment not only because it's ideal for a psychic controller, but also because Zhan Lan possesses a high-tier mutant bloodline.

In Marvel's lore, most historical hosts of the Phoenix Force have been mutants; combining these two factors, Zhan Lan is unquestionably the most suitable candidate. Once she successfully fuses the Phoenix Force fragment, her power will surge dramatically, and she may even break through directly to the third-level gene lock due to her bloodline's evolution.

S-rank Phoenix Force paired with third-level gene lock—even against a true fourth-level, she won't necessarily be at a disadvantage, especially on the psychic level, where she can utterly dominate the other three Lunhui teams. With this, we'll already have won half the next team battle, greatly compensating for Wu Xian's combat absence."

"Lastly, the Phoenix Force is called the source of life force, possessing immense group healing abilities in the comics—nearly equivalent to resurrection. With this power as a foundation, we can guarantee the team's survival rate..."

Chu Xuan had rarely spoken so long at once; everyone listened, stunned. Only Wu Xian had already raised his hand to cover his face, feeling as if someone had stolen his lines—he was utterly speechless.

【Don't be upset—Chu Xuan might be doing this on purpose.】

Suddenly, Zhan Lan's voice echoed in his mind.

【Though this enhancement choice truly helps greatly for the next team battle, everyone knows our relationship. If you proposed it yourself, it would feel like favoritism—but Chu Xuan is different. He has no emotions, always acts based on facts, pursues maximum benefit—no one would suspect anything wrong.】

Wu Xian paused slightly—he'd forgotten to consider this angle. But for Chu Xuan to care about others' perceptions? That was just too un-Chu-Xuan.

Shaking his head internally, Wu Xian let go of the thought and scanned the thoughtful Zhongzhou team members, smiling as he asked:

"What do you all think of Chu Xuan's suggestion? If everyone agrees, then it's settled—we'll pool one S-rank side quest to exchange for the Phoenix Force Fragment for Zhan Lan."

"I'm fine with it!"

Zheng Zha spoke first, meeting everyone's gaze with a bright grin: "S-rank enhancements are great, but my current bloodline is only A-rank. To upgrade to Vampire Emperor, I'd need at least five A-rank side quests—that's far too costly. Other S-rank items probably won't suit me either."

As he spoke, he raised his right hand, where a crimson lotus flame, like polished luli, ignited in his palm. He murmured: "Besides, I have a feeling—this flame, not a bloodline, is my true path forward. If I can elevate it once more, perhaps I'll gain the power to fight a fourth-level."

(End of Chapter)