He could keenly sense the subtle fluctuations in the trio’s emotions—from initial vigilance and scrutiny, to later shock and realization, finally settling into calm contemplation.
He didn’t mind, simply nodding calmly and taking the initiative to speak, breaking the silence.
"Hello, Seniors. I’m Qin Feng, the captain for this mission."
Qin Feng’s voice was composed.
The first to snap out of it was Linzhou. He lowered his spear, a hearty smile spreading across his face as he extended a hand. "Hello! So you’re the captain we’ve been waiting for. My name is Linzhou. I’ve been enrolled for sixty-seven years and just had a lucky breakthrough. I’m now a Sixth-Level Soaring Martial Artist. As you can see, I specialize in the long spear."
His gaze held a sense of camaraderie, the look of one who had found a kindred spirit.
Linzhou knew that Qin Feng also specialized in the long spear.
"Carlo."
The eagle-eyed man leaning against the wall walked over, his words brief and to the point. "Life force index 1550. Enrolled sixty-five years. Sixth-Level Soaring. I use Power Claws."
Finally, Yu Lin, the one cradling a long saber and radiating the most domineering aura, spoke. His voice was like the grinding of steel, with a metallic quality. "Yu Lin. Life force index 1580. Enrolled sixty-eight years. Sixth-Level Soaring Martial Artist. I specialize in the long saber."
A flicker of surprise, almost imperceptible, flashed through Qin Feng’s eyes as the three men introduced themselves one after another.
’Sixth-Level Soaring Martial Artists?’
A thought stirred within him.
’I can’t believe all three of my teammates are Sixth-level Martial Artists!’
His mentor, Gu Yue, had previously explained to him in detail the deep connection between levels four, five, and six.
In reality, from the Fourth Level of Enlightenment Realm to the Fifth-level Meridian Realm, and then to the Sixth Level of Soaring Realm—these three major realms could, in a sense, be considered different stages of the same grand level.
Level Four opens the acupoints; Level Five unites the meridians.
And at the Sixth-Level Soaring, one begins to cultivate Mental Power, striving to break through the Four Great Limits and advance to become a Planet-level Life Form!
At this stage, a Martial Artist’s Mental Power is already strong enough to begin affecting the physical world. They can even use their Mental Power to lift their own bodies, briefly defying a planet’s gravity to achieve "Soaring" flight.
This is the origin of the "Soaring" title for Sixth-level Martial Artists.
’In that case, in terms of life force index alone, my current 1730 is on par with, and even surpasses, senior students who have just broken through to become Sixth-Level Soaring Martial Artists.’
’But...’
Qin Feng’s thoughts raced. ’When it comes to overall combat strength, especially factoring in Mental Power, I’m probably still a long way off.’
He was keenly aware of this fact.
Until now, all his experience with Mental Power had been entirely passive.
For example, mental clarity, complete focus, the ability to multitask, and so on.
He could enjoy the benefits of a strong Mental Power, but unlike a true master of it, he had never been able to actively perceive and wield it.
But Linzhou, Carlo, and Yu Lin—as genuine Sixth-Level Soaring Martial Artists—had Mental Power strong enough to affect the physical world!
That was a completely different level of power.
A single glance from them might distort the air, a low shout could shake one’s very soul, and at full power, they could even form a Spiritual Field.
’When I really size things up, my overall strength is probably still slightly inferior to these three seniors.’
This was Qin Feng’s internal assessment.
Although he held an advantage in pure physical strength, his combat methods and versatility paled in comparison to theirs.
’The domain of Mental Power... It’s truly something to aspire to.’
Qin Feng sighed internally, pushing aside his jumbled thoughts. He then stated his own stats, his tone calm and sincere. "Qin Feng. Life force index 1730.0. Enrolled twenty-two years."
The moment he finished, although Linzhou and the other two had been mentally prepared, their eyes couldn’t help but twitch when they heard the staggering number "1730.0" with their own ears.
That number surpassed Yu Lin, the strongest of their trio, by a full 150 points!
His rate of progress was simply too fast.
The three exchanged a look, each seeing the same mix of shock and reassurance in the others’ eyes.
They were relieved that the captain for this mission was such an absurdly powerful monster; the chances of success had just increased dramatically.
"Junior Qin Feng, your reputation precedes you."
Linzhou was the first to break the brief silence, his smile growing much more sincere. "We all still vividly remember your performance in the Newcomer’s Cup twelve years ago. Seeing you today, it’s clear your reputation is well-deserved."
"You flatter me, Senior."
Qin Feng replied politely.
After some brief pleasantries, Qin Feng got straight to the point, laying out the mission details for the three of them.
"...So that’s the situation. Our objective is to travel to Death Planet K-7, which is occupied by the Green-skinned Tribe, and retrieve a Primordial Acupoint left behind by a fallen Sixth-level Martial Artist. According to the intel, the Martial Artist fell thirty years ago, so his Primordial Acupoints should still be quite viable. The Green-skinned Tribe on Planet K-7 is considerable in size. They have a War Lord, under whose command are a large number of ’Big Meks’ and ’Elite Boyz.’ This is all the mission data. Seniors, please take another look."
He projected the data compiled by Hammer into the air. His tone was exceedingly polite, showing no arrogance for being the one who posted the mission or for his own formidable power. Instead, every word conveyed his respect for the three senior students.
This attitude undoubtedly earned him a great deal of goodwill from Linzhou and the other two.
Qin Feng’s composure and humility put them completely at ease.
"The objective is clear, and the risks are manageable."