Chapter 16: Zhu Xiaotian’s Transformation

Tian Xiao made another visit to the twelfth floor, seeking the services of a biomechanical massage therapist for thorough recovery.

Three hours later, he returned to the fifteenth floor, finding that Wu Hao and the others had already departed. Wasting no time, Tian Xiao resumed his training.

The mutant nutrients from the Splitting Wolf's pancreas had nearly depleted. After just two hours of intense exercise, the heat coursing through his body faded completely.

His physical stats settled at:

- Muscle Strength: 11.8

- Muscle Agility: 11.6

- Bioenergy: 134

This level firmly established his position within H4 strength.

In the H-grade combat system, physical stats must surpass 11.5 to qualify for H4. Reaching 12 marks the threshold for H5. Meanwhile, an H9 powerhouse like Luo Fei boasts stats exceeding 14. To break into G-grade, one must push these numbers to 16.

For the elite, such progress is relatively simple. A single G-grade genetic enhancement serum—or two for safety—would suffice. H-grade serums are affordable at around a million credits, with black-market prices doubling to two million. G-grade serums, however, start at five million and are often unattainable even on the black market.

The unique application of beast pancreases remained an untapped secret.

This knowledge was Tian Xiao's greatest rebirth advantage. Alone, it offered him unparalleled growth potential.

But to capitalize on it, he needed to join the Security Squad, granting him hunting privileges for more mutant beasts and higher-grade creatures.

---

Back in his quarters, Tian Xiao encountered Zhu Xiaotian waiting outside his door.

Her long hair was gone, replaced by a chic, ear-length cut that radiated sharpness and vitality. She was the picture of determination as she spoke directly:

"Tian Xiao, I need your help."

Her words carried the edge of a reborn rose with thorns.

In that moment, memories of Zhu Xiaotian in military garb surfaced in Tian Xiao's mind, seamlessly merging with the resolute figure before him. His lips curled into an involuntary smile.

"Zhu Xiaotian… truly resilient," he thought. The harrowing events she'd faced had awakened her potential ahead of time. He could already guess why she'd come.

Indeed, she confirmed his suspicion.

"I want to join the Security Squad," she declared. "Luo Fei, the squad leader, was here yesterday. You seem to have a good rapport with him. I need your recommendation."

"I can recommend you, but joining requires a citizenship chip…" Tian Xiao began.

"I've already sold my parents' house for a million credits," she interrupted. "I've donated the amount to the Earth Alliance and upgraded my chip to H3. I am now an official citizen, eligible to train with and operate basic weapon systems."

Her words left Tian Xiao stunned.

"Impressive," he thought. "Selling her house without hesitation—she's just as decisive as me." No wonder she had risen to the rank of battalion commander in just three years during his past life.

After a moment of contemplation, he replied, "No problem. Head back for now. I'll give you an answer by tomorrow."

"Thank you," Zhu Xiaotian nodded, then paused before adding, "Tian Xiao, I owe you my life."

Without waiting for a response, she turned and left.

Tian Xiao stood frozen, digesting her words. He sighed. "If not for my interference, which disrupted certain events, you wouldn't have crossed paths with Gao Chong…"

---

Piloting his mining flyer, Tian Xiao left the base to meet Chen Wuling at their agreed location. The timing was perfect—Chen Wuling was already there.

The patrol aircraft of the Security Squad, nicknamed "Bluebirds," were equipped with weapon systems. Armed with wing-mounted autocannons and front-and-rear Gatling guns, these low-cost, energy-efficient weapons could lethally wound beasts on the planet.

Chen Wuling, a skilled Bluebird pilot, recognized Tian Xiao's mining flyer (unit 3377) and executed a low-altitude dive. Firing two rounds into the ground, he swiftly departed without a word.

This was caution on Chen's part. Unauthorized mining of company-owned resources carried severe penalties. He had hidden the goods in advance, ensuring plausible deniability if the area was investigated.

Tian Xiao landed near the crater left by the cannon fire and spotted a cleverly concealed pit. Smiling, he thought, "Still the same old tricks."

Using his multi-functional robotic arm, he uncovered a cache of H6-H7-grade raw minerals. The haul was worth a fortune.

A quick assessment placed the value above 600,000 credits—more than enough.

He swiftly collected the loot and headed back to the base.

---

At the logistics department, Tian Xiao ran into Li Ying, whose expression turned awkward upon seeing him.

As Tian Xiao's flyer began unloading the minerals onto the conveyor belt, the valuation system's numbers climbed rapidly. Li Ying's eyes widened, and murmurs erupted among the staff:

"D*mn."

"It's him again."

"Yesterday he pulled in over 20,000 credits worth of ore. Today, he's aiming for 100,000?"

"A hundred thousand? Look at the evaluation—it's past 400,000 already!"

"Another overnight millionaire."

Even the seasoned logistics crew couldn't hide their envy. Luck always seemed to favor others.

"Congratulations," the clerk announced. "Unit 3377, your submitted minerals are valued at 648,000 credits. According to company policy, your payout for today is 216,000 credits, which has been transferred to your account."

"Thank you," Tian Xiao replied, leaving the department in high spirits under the envious gazes of his peers. Li Ying's face was livid.

---

Outside, Tian Xiao received a transfer of 800,000 credits from Chen Wuling, completing his funds. Without delay, he headed to the base's administrative hall to apply for Earth Alliance citizenship and upgrade his chip to H3.

Such transactions were instantaneous on any planet. Within moments, his application was approved, and his chip underwent an upgrade:

"Chip functions unlocked."

"Chip permissions expanded."

"Computational capacity enhanced."

As the process concluded, Tian Xiao received an invitation from the security department of Yunzhong Group's subsidiary, Flying Shadow Corporation:

"Congratulations on becoming a certified Earth Alliance citizen. The Security Department is currently recruiting, and upon the recommendation of Squad Leader Luo Fei, you are invited to join as a security officer."

The invitation bore Luo Fei's signature.

Tian Xiao smiled. Things were falling into place.