Chapter 4: Thunder Martial Hall

A group of fully armed soldiers stormed in, led by a commanding officer with piercing eyes. After scanning the wreckage, he fixed his gaze on Lin Ye. "What happened here? Why was there such a massive explosion?"

"Who are you? What right do you have to break into my home?" Lin Ye replied calmly.

The leader flicked a business card toward him with practiced precision. "This is my credentials. Now, explain."

Lin Ye studied the card: 

National Security Protection Bureau

Qingyang City Branch

2nd Enforcement Team

Captain - Han Guodong

"Captain Han," Lin Ye extended his hand, "I'm Lin Ye. Just had a minor accident while cultivating my special ability. Didn't mean to cause alarm."

"You call this minor?!" Han Guodong screamed internally while shaking hands. Outwardly, he maintained professionalism. "Your ability appears to be A-class?"

The assumption was reasonable. B-class abilities couldn't cause such destruction, and S-class awakenings hadn't been seen in Xia Nation for years. Even within Qingyang's bureau, A-class awakeners were rare. Han himself, a B-class, had clawed his way to leadership through sheer effort.

"You flatter me, Captain." Lin Ye deflected without confirming or denying.

"We'll take our leave then." Han Guodong handed over his contact chip. "Reach out if needed." Recruiting high-potential awakeners was every officer's duty.

As the soldiers filed out, Lin Ye murmured, "National Security lives up to its reputation. Time to test these upgrades." 

Thunder Martial Hall, Qingyang City

The skyscraper resembled a sky-piercing thunder halberd. Above its entrance, holographic displays showcased Hall Master Lei Qianjue's legendary battle - his finger-beam piercing an eighth-tier Star Devourer's core amidst lightning storms.

"S-class power incarnate..." Lin Ye stared in awe before entering. 

Gene scanners at the threshold flared with the hall's lightning emblem. A mechanical voice announced:

"Welcome, Junior Trainee 90762 Lin Ye. Access granted to Floors 2-3."

The third-floor training arena sprawled across crystalline energy-absorbing floors, surrounded by twelve bronze pillars engraved with thunder beasts. Before Lin Ye could begin, a mocking voice cut through:

"Look who's here - the Lin family's portable charger!"

Lin Ye's gloves creaked as he clenched his fists. By the gravity chamber stood Su Qingyue - his cousin - surrounded by affluent peers. Her legs, showcased by denim shorts, outshone the entire group.

"Qingyue." Lin Ye nodded curtly, noting the Breeze Martial Hall insignia on her chest. The rival dojo catered to elites through exorbitant fees and personalized coaching.

"Accompanying friends." Her tone could frost plasma.

As Lin Ye walked away, a pink-haired girl in Su's group cooed, "Who's that hottie? Introduce us!"

"My cousin. E-class awakener taking tomorrow's martial exam." Su's answer extinguished the girl's interest like water on embers.

"E-class? What's he thinking?" snorted an earring-clad youth. "Last year's exam had 9.7% fatalities!"

Su's frost deepened. "Exactly. It's suicide." Her estrangement from Lin Ye hadn't stemmed from his low-tier ability, but his stubborn recklessness.

National Security Bureau, Qingyang Branch

"Director Chen, target shows A-class electrical ability potential." Han Guodong reported to his broad-shouldered superior.

"Monitor closely." Director Chen's knuckles drummed the desk. "Prioritize recruitment if confirmed."

"Understood!" Han saluted sharply, already planning observation strategies. The game of talent acquisition never slept.