Chapter 482 481: It's really you!?

Boom—!

On the computer screen, an entire island vanished in a blinding explosion.

When the smoke cleared, only a lone figure remained—hovering over the vast sea.

Fenric sat before the monitor, his expression solemn.

He was watching a recording of one of humanity's strongest men demonstrating his destructive might.

A single strike.

Enough to obliterate an island spanning more than 75,000 square meters.

(Note: For comparison, it's like the scale of the Vatican City.)

Even Fenric had to admit such destructive force could pose a serious threat to him now.

"If I remember correctly, the strongest human in this world right now should be the president of the Martial Arts Association—Situ Kong. With his talent, he's managed to reach the very edge of divinity with a mortal body."

His eyes narrowed slightly.

"He's a pure warrior, but in order to break through that final step, he willingly descended into the demonic path—trading with the Evil God and becoming its servant. Outwardly, he plays the role of a leader devoted to mankind's prosperity… but in reality, he schemes in secret, pulling many martial artists into the abyss with him."

Fenric leaned back in his chair, recalling the plot he knew all too well.

"In the end, he planned humanity's downfall. It was the protagonist who eventually exposed him, destroyed him, and saved mankind."

The corner of his lips curled into a faint smile.

"According to the timeline, Situ Kong should already have pledged himself to the Evil God. His power has likely advanced further—truly the strongest man alive. Should I expose his conspiracy early?"

He thought for a moment, then shook his head.

"No… it doesn't matter. Once I finish my task, I'll leave this world behind."

Still, a shadow of concern lingered in his heart.

Situ Kong's current body was half-divine, his power monstrous. Fenric wasn't certain he could defeat him.

And unlike the weakling deities of other worlds, the gods of this realm were anything but fragile.

Jingle-jingle!

The ringtone of his cellphone broke his thoughts.

The caller ID showed an unfamiliar local number.

Fenric pressed "accept."

"Hello? Master Kline?"

"Master Zohyan?" Fenric replied calmly.

"Yes, it's me!" came Zohyan's hearty laugh. "Master Kline, I bring good news. My mentor has agreed to recommend you for the Martial Arts Conference. Moreover, he wishes to meet you in person. Would that be convenient?"

"Oh? Of course," Fenric answered without hesitation.

It was only natural for someone offering a recommendation to want to meet him. After all, the recommender would share responsibility if something went wrong.

"Excellent!" Zohyan said enthusiastically. "Then how about tonight? I'll reserve a private room at the Royal Fragrant Garden Hotel. Shall I pick you up around six?"

"No need. I'll head there myself."

"Very well, then I'll await your arrival tonight!"

Zohyan's voice was full of respect, without a trace of arrogance—remarkable, considering his status as master of a renowned Pavilion in the city.

But of course, this was because Fenric had shown him a glimpse of his "strength."

In Zohyan's mind, someone like Fenric had limitless potential—wealth and influence would come as easily as reaching out his hand.

—---

That evening.

As promised, Fenric arrived on time at the Royal Fragrant Garden Hotel.

The moment he stepped into the lobby, Zohyan was already there to greet him, face lit with a smile.

"Master Kline, welcome!"

It was obvious Zohyan had been waiting there for some time.

Fenric gave him a polite nod. "Master Zohyan, you've been waiting here all along? You didn't need to trouble yourself."

"Not at all! With your talent, your future achievements are boundless. It's only right that I show such courtesy."

After a brief exchange of pleasantries, Zohyan gestured forward. "This isn't the place to talk. Please, let's head to the private room."

Fenric followed, asking casually, "When will your master be arriving?"

"He already has," Zohyan replied with a grin. "The old man values this dinner highly."

As they walked, they soon arrived before a private room. Zohyan opened the door and said politely, "Master Kline, please."

Fenric strode in without hesitation. In the world of martial artists, strength commanded respect—there was no need for false modesty.

But the moment he entered, he stopped short.

Inside the room were two people: an elderly man whose aura was unmistakably strong… and a young girl with an elegant bearing.

What startled Fenric wasn't the old man—

It was the girl.

Because he recognized her instantly.

Xiao Ling'er.

His former high school classmate.

For a brief moment, the two simply stared at one another.

Fenric's brows lifted slightly in surprise.

And Xiao Ling'er's eyes… carried a meaning he couldn't quite decipher.