The Madman Who Holds Miracles on the Edge of Abyss and Paradise

The Madman Who Stands Between Despair and Miracles

Chen Yanshuo's smile was shy, his eyes tinged with both anticipation and grievance.

At first glance, he looked just like the innocent boy-next-door—pure, untainted, someone untouched by the cruel realities of the world.

But Mike didn't believe a single word this guy said.

Not one.

"We've never met face to face before," Mike mused, idly twirling the short dagger in his hand while giving Chen Yanshuo a once-over. "But we've been at odds for quite some time now."

His gaze sharpened.

"You call yourself strong, came here to behead me, yet the moment I counter you, you start claiming there's someone else behind you?"

Mike scoffed, his lips curling into a mocking smirk.

"You really think I'd buy that?"

"A man who orchestrated a large-scale blood-draining operation across Jiangnan, treating human lives like mere weeds—now trying to play innocent in front of me?"

Chen Yanshuo blinked.

Then, as if something had clicked, his expression shifted ever so slightly, almost as if he were… pleasantly surprised? Like he had just received a compliment.

Mike frowned.

Something about this guy felt off.

Was he overacting? Or was he actually insane?

He glanced at Wang Chen, who remained impassive. "He's strong, but his abilities are… too complex," Wang Chen said flatly. "Not quite like ordinary people."

Is it because of his talent?

Mike narrowed his eyes and activated his Detection skill, focusing on Chen Yanshuo.

Under Wang Chen's overwhelming suppression, there was no resistance at all. Mike could clearly see everything about Chen Yanshuo's abilities.

[Abyss of Despair & Paradise of Miracles]

SSS-Class Shelter Talent

He stands at the edge of both despair and hope—one step could lead to the abyss, the other to paradise. A symbol of the lone wanderer.

Talent Effects: He simultaneously possesses [Mundane] and [Blessing] effects. These can be used an unlimited number of times per day and are immune to suppression effects from any talent of the same rank or lower. If he remains in [Mundane] mode for over a month, both he and his opponent will lose all talents, skills, and abilities—only retaining basic physical stats. If his [Blessing] usage exceeds a hundred times, then in [Mundane] mode, he can autonomously retain n*2 abilities, immune to the effects of Mundane. (n = current shelter level). [Mundane]: He can select any targets within a 1000-meter radius (minimum range: 10 meters) and forcibly render them "Mundane." While in this state, all affected targets lose every single ability, skill, or talent—including himself. (This does not erase their existence; it merely suppresses their talents.) If a single target enters Mundane mode more than three times, their shelter is instantly erased. [Blessing]: Can be cast on any shelter-holder, granting either: Stable talent advancement (up to his own rank). Random talent reshuffling. When bestowing a Stable Advancement, he absorbs 1% of the target's physical attributes (up to n*10,000). When granting a Random Reshuffle, he inherits the target's original talent as a personal skill. [Hidden Data]: Current inherited stats: 30,000 (MAX). Currently possesses 425,123 inherited talents. Excessive talent inheritance leads to mental and spiritual strain, with unknown consequences.

Mike's breath hitched slightly.

This guy really might be insane…

Thanks to Wang Chen's suppression, the Detection skill had revealed everything, and the results were terrifying.

A Level-3 Shelter Holder with maxed-out physical attributes?!

Over 420,000 inherited talents?!

And worst of all—he had no usage limit on either of his abilities.

This was beyond unfair.

No wonder the Nine City elites at the Dantu frontline were all so obedient to him.

For those with weak talents, all it took was a few Blessings, and they could instantly become overpowered warriors.

To Chen Yanshuo, talent evolution wasn't a process.

It was a gift.

One that he controlled.

A gift that could create an entire army of elite, loyal talent holders.

Chen Yanshuo suddenly squinted at Mike.

"Are you… talking sh*t about me?"

He pointed a finger at Mike, his expression shifting from suspicion to outrage.

"Hah! You are talking sh*t about me!" he suddenly exclaimed, his voice rising. "I heard you! You called me insane!"

"You—how could you? Su-sir, I respect you, and you call me a madman?"

His face twisted with emotion, but the moment his gaze met Wang Chen's, he fell silent.

His sudden outburst collapsed into a pitiful, tearful expression—like a child about to cry.

Mike said nothing.

He merely watched the so-called "madman" in silence.

His mind, however, was racing.

If Wang Chen weren't here, Mike wasn't sure he could beat this guy.

My talent, "Homebound Haven," thrives in long-term battles. The longer the fight drags out, the stronger I get.

But this guy…

His ability to forcibly nullify all talents meant that my Homebound Haven would be useless against him.

And that wasn't all.

Every top-tier talent has a fatal weakness.

Mine was being easily influenced by external buffs.Chen Dafeng's was being weak to mental attacks.Old Doctor Yao's was having no direct offensive skills.

But Chen Yanshuo's talent...

I can't figure out his weakness.

What? Just a little mental strain? That's it?

Mike frowned. That doesn't make sense.

Chen Yanshuo had inherited over 420,000 talents, yet he was still functioning like a normal person.

Hell, even Chen Dafeng—who had no mental burden—still occasionally went insane.

Mike thought hard.

Then he noticed something.

His talent isn't perfect.

Despite claiming to nullify all abilities, it clearly didn't affect Wang Chen.

Mike's eyes flickered.

"Tell me, why are you afraid of him?"

Chen Yanshuo flinched.

Then, with a puzzled look, he tilted his head.

"Well, duh. Because he's strong."

His tone was as if he were stating the obvious.

Mike narrowed his eyes.

"If it were me, I wouldn't be afraid."

He leaned forward slightly, his voice lowering.

"Because I don't understand him yet."

But you do.

"You know exactly how strong he is."

Mike smiled coldly.

"Which means there's something you're hiding from me."