The Strongest Talent Tree

Magic Energy Flying Vehicles had to fly at controlled speeds within the city. Five States City was a major metropolis, after all, and the traffic was quite complex.

The North City New District was a recently built commercial development zone where most of the flying car dealerships were located. Houhuiyao flew all the way over, smoothly docking his Nightingale 360 at a dedicated Flying Car Port.

Stepping into the commercial district, they were hit by a wave of futuristic ambiance. It was like a city of steel.

"Brother Feng, follow me," Houhuiyao said, taking the lead. "The owner of that dealership up ahead is a friend of my dad’s. It’s where I bought my Nightingale." He led the way, and they soon arrived in front of a high-end flying car dealership.

To Feng Hao’s surprise, next door to the flying car dealership was the Wind Clothing Store that Qian Sanduo had opened.

Although the Wind Clothing Store had only recently opened, it was already showing signs of being a huge hit. A steady stream of customers flowed in and out, most of them young people.

Houhuiyao noticed Feng Hao’s expression and explained, "This Wind Clothing Store hasn’t been open long, but business is booming. The gear inside is rumored to be from a mysterious master designer, on par with the equipment of a senior student named Xiong Tianfang."

’Is that so?’ Feng Hao chuckled to himself and turned to enter the flying car dealership.

The dealership’s interior was spacious and open. A single glance revealed a wide variety of flying cars on display. Mages milled about between the platforms, searching for the perfect vehicle.

"Young Master Hou, welcome! Should I inform the owner of your arrival?" a uniformed manager asked, approaching with a smile.

"That’s alright, no need to bother Uncle Ding," Houhuiyao said with a casual wave. "I’m just bringing a friend to have a look. If we find something he likes, you’d better give us a discount, Manager Wang."

"Rest assured, the owner has already given his instructions," Manager Wang said with a faint smile, turning his gaze to Feng Hao. "And how may I address you, sir?"

"Feng," Feng Hao replied with a smile.

Manager Wang nodded with a smile and expertly inquired, "And what are you looking for in a vehicle, Young Master Feng?"

"Something sturdy and durable," Feng Hao mused. "And preferably, with an imposing look."

"Very well. This way, please." Manager Wang nodded in understanding, smiling as he led the two to a display platform. He began his pitch in earnest, "This section features our more rugged models. If you’re concerned about the quality of the chassis, I recommend this model: the ’Mansa’."

Feng Hao instinctively glanced up. An enormous and imposing flying car came into view. It had a military-green body, a solid, heavy-duty build, and its sharp, angular lines were sculpted to perfection.

"Not bad at all," Feng Hao nodded, satisfied.

Manager Wang continued his introduction. "This ’Mansa’ is built to military specifications, making it suitable for combat in the field. Its hull is made from a high-hardness, high-toughness alloy that can withstand up to sixth-rank destructive power. Plus, it’s equipped with the latest Gen-7 Energy Shield. Its safety features are absolutely top-tier."

"This is the one," Feng Hao declared without hesitation after hearing the specs. He clicked his tongue in approval. "What’s the price?"

"It normally sells for thirty Level 5 Magic Crystals, but since you’re with Young Master Hou, we can bring the price down to twenty."

Houhuiyao frowned. "Can’t you go any lower?"

"The ’Mansa’ is already an excellent value. Twenty crystals is our cost price," Manager Wang said with a wry smile.

"Forget it. Twenty crystals it is. I’m not going to haggle over it," Feng Hao said with a light laugh, breaking the awkward silence. He casually took out twenty Level 5 Magic Crystals.

After the payment was made, Manager Wang beamed and presented a black wristband. "This is the ’Mansa’s’ Space Bracelet. From this moment on, she’s all yours."

Feng Hao didn’t waste any time with words. He took the bracelet and vaulted into the ’Mansa’s’ driver’s seat.

The solid, heavy feel of the vehicle left him immensely satisfied. Compared to the ’Mansa’, the other vehicles on display looked like helpless little chicks.

’Haha, I’m a vehicle owner now!’ Feng Hao was visibly excited. He pressed his palm against the control sphere, flooding it with his Divine Sense, and quickly maneuvered the behemoth ’Mansa’ out of the dealership.

Houhuiyao chased after him with a look of exasperation, panting for breath. "Brother Feng, you can’t just take off like that!"

"Cut the chatter and get in," Feng Hao said, buzzing with excitement. "I’ll show you what a veteran driver can do."

"I thought we were going to the Iron Hand Martial Arts Hall?" Houhuiyao asked in confusion as he climbed into the passenger seat.

"No rush. Let’s take her for a joyride first," Feng Hao grinned. He piloted the ’Mansa’ into a rapid ascent and gunned it toward the edge of the city.

Once outside the city, there were no more speed limits. Amidst Houhuiyao’s screams, Feng Hao pushed the vehicle to its top speed.

After taking the ’Mansa’ for a few spins around the northern suburbs, Feng Hao had gotten the hang of the controls. By then, Houhuiyao was deathly pale, huddled and trembling in the passenger seat.

"Brother Feng, this isn’t a race! Can’t you slow down a little?" Houhuiyao pleaded, his mouth and throat parched.

"You’ll get used to it," Feng Hao said with a grin. "So, where is this Iron Hand Martial Arts Hall you were talking about?"

"It’s on the street right behind Uncle Ding’s dealership."

"Alright, hold on tight!" Feng Hao yelled, then floored it and blasted off.

Feng Hao’s excited whoops and Houhuiyao’s desperate screams echoed through the azure sky...

Once they returned to the North City Development Zone, Houhuiyao gave directions, and they soon found the Iron Hand Martial Arts Hall.

He casually retracted the ’Mansa’ into his bracelet and dragged the pale-faced Houhuiyao inside. They had just stepped through the door when two burly men blocked their path. One of them said in a gruff voice, "First-timers, that way."

"Why?" Feng Hao asked, taken aback.

The two men didn’t explain, merely pointing impassively toward an adjacent corridor.

Houhuiyao had finally recovered his wits. He tugged on Feng Hao’s sleeve and said, "You wouldn’t know, Brother Feng, but this is a special rule at the Iron Hand Martial Arts Hall. First-time Mages have to undergo a power assessment."

"Huh? They have a rule like that?" Feng Hao asked, his eyes wide with surprise.

Without another word, Houhuiyao pulled Feng Hao into the corridor. They soon emerged into a room filled with specialized equipment, where several Mages of varying power levels were undergoing tests.

"The pricing here at the Iron Hand Martial Arts Hall is based on your assessment score," Houhuiyao explained patiently. "That machine over there is specifically for testing damage output. After you land three hits, the machine will give you a score based on your genetic level. Generally speaking, the higher your score, the more you pay."

"What a bizarre rule. Shouldn’t it be the higher the score, the lower the price?" Feng Hao mused. "If I deliberately hold back, I could pay less, right?"

Houhuiyao rolled his eyes, exasperated. "Everyone who comes here is an elite. It’s a matter of pride to get a high score. You’ll be despised if you deliberately hold back."

’Hmph. Showing off isn’t as practical as saving money,’ Feng Hao thought with a dismissive pout.

"..." Houhuiyao was speechless.

While they were talking, the few Mages ahead of them finished their tests and walked further inside, looking pleased with their new score badges.

To Feng Hao’s bemusement, one young man was actually sulking because his score was too low. ’A sense of superiority truly is the root of all evil,’ he thought.

Just as their turn was approaching, a serious question occurred to Feng Hao. "Oh, right. What about you?"

"Don’t worry. Healing Mages have their own assessment method," Houhuiyao said with a slight smile.

"That’s good," Feng Hao nodded.