Chapter 37 Superpower Upgrade

As night fell, only a dim, yellowish lamp remained in the room.

After carefully checking the doors and windows and confirming that they were locked, Ruan Ning vanished from her spot and entered the jade bracelet space.

The space remained tranquil, with gurgling spring water and swirling white mist. Compared to the bloody cruelty of the outside world, this place was like a paradise.

She first walked to the spring, bent down, scooped up a handful of clear spring water, and drank it in small sips.

The cool liquid slid down her throat, quickly transforming into a gentle flow of energy that nourished her tired body and slightly depleted meridians. The tiny wounds on her arms, caused by the mutated plants, also began to tingle and itch, healing at a visible speed.

Today's battle in the forest, though perilous, gave her a completely new understanding of the use of water-based abilities. Water is not only a gentle defense and a sharp attack, but also an all-pervasive control and an unpredictable form.

She sat cross-legged beside the spring, closed her eyes, and began to guide the circulation of energy within her body. Unlike usual, the energy core in her dantian was unusually active at this moment, like a lake about to overflow, with the surging water energy rushing through her meridians, repeatedly impacting an invisible barrier.

She could clearly "hear" the subtle "crackling" sound of the barrier under the impact of energy, as if the ice surface was about to break.

Ruan Ning focused all her attention, no longer merely guiding, but beginning to attempt to compress the energy within her dantian. Under her will, the massive energy flow was forcibly condensed and compressed, transforming from a gaseous state into a more concentrated liquid state.

This process brought a tearing sensation of throbbing pain in her meridians, and fine beads of sweat seeped from her forehead, but she gritted her teeth and remained steadfast.

She recalled the various forms of water in today's battle—its flexibility in defense, its sharpness in attack, its subtlety in controlling the field—and her understanding of the "meaning" of water deepened.

"Water has no constant shape, nor constant flow..."

The moment his mind became clear, the energy core within his body, which had been compressed to its limit, suddenly trembled!

Buzz—

A deafening roar, audible only to herself, exploded deep within her soul!

That sturdy barrier shattered instantly!

The purer and more abundant water energy surged forth like a burst dam, instantly overcoming all obstacles and coursing through her body. Her meridians were widened and strengthened under the influence of this energy, becoming even more resilient. An unprecedented sense of power filled her entire being.

She made a breakthrough!

Water-based superpower, level two!

Ruan Ning opened her eyes, a fleeting glint of pale blue light flashing in them. She raised her hand, a thought stirring within her.

A stream of water surged from her palm, no longer in the form that required effort to condense before, but as if it possessed a life of its own, freely changing form according to her will—sometimes transforming into an incredibly solid shield of light with flowing water patterns on its surface; sometimes dispersing into dozens of thin, hair-like ice needles that shimmered with a cold light, hovering in the air, ready to strike; and sometimes converging into a nimble water whip, cracking crisply in the air.

Her perception and control over the water element have increased several times over! Her energy reserves are also far greater than when she was at level one.

"Finally... Level 2." Ruan Ning exhaled a breath of stale air, feeling the surging power within her body, a sharp glint flashing in her eyes.

The increase in her strength means that she has more power to protect herself in this apocalyptic world, and it also means that she is one step closer to her goal of revenge.

She didn't stop cultivating; instead, she continued to solidify her new realm and familiarize herself with the various changes brought about by the upgrade. She knew that the outside world was undergoing accelerated mutation; plant mutations were just the beginning, and animals were certainly starting to mutate as well. Humanity would face even greater and more numerous difficulties.

She must seize every minute and second to make herself stronger.

In the early morning, Ruan Ning opened her eyes and keenly noticed the difference.

The chill in the air no longer seemed so biting, and the abundant water energy within my body, like a warm current, slowly circulated through my meridians, dispelling the morning's sharpness.

She clenched her fist, feeling the power within her muscles increase slightly compared to yesterday. The upgrade in her superpower not only brought a leap in her abilities, but also a simultaneous improvement in her physical attributes.

She stood up briskly and prepared her luggage. This time, she planned to embark on a week-long journey for training.

Old Dao was already waiting inside the information hall.

“Miss Ruan,” Old Dao greeted her, a hint of helplessness on his face. “There’s still no definite news about the mother and daughter you’re looking for. The base is constantly bustling with people coming and going, and there are many batches of survivors from the North District, like Shi Shenhai. But don’t worry, I’ll keep an eye on this lead and notify you immediately if anything happens.” He handed her a more detailed information registration form. “Perhaps you could provide more details? For example, is it possible they’ve awakened supernatural abilities? That could greatly narrow down the possibilities.”

Ruan Ning remained silent for a moment, then took the form, but simply shook her head: "That's all for now." She didn't want to alert the enemy.

After paying the remaining "consulting fee"—a few pieces of high-energy chocolate—she turned and left. Old Dao watched her departing figure, rubbing his chin thoughtfully.