Chapter 11: Taking action

Lin Xinyan heard the sound but didn’t see how the lizard was sent flying. She was acutely aware of the anomaly’s speed and power. Now, the anomaly was sent flying with just one hit, which was beyond her imagination. 

A single strike to easily send a quasi Spirit-level anomaly flying? Could it be an X-rank hero?

As soon as this thought crossed her mind, she dismissed it. S-rank heroes were already rare worldwide. As for X-rank heroes, you could count them on one hand. S-rank and X-rank heroes were world-famous, and she didn’t recall any new hero of such caliber.

Looking at this unfamiliar young man, Lin Xinyan’s feelings were complicated. 

If he wasn’t a top-tier hero, then what was that strike all about? A coincidence? That seemed impossible.

Suddenly, she reacted. Staring at the handsome young man, she said seriously, “You… you were the one sitting next to me earlier.”

There was no mistake. This face was familiar. It was the person who had been sitting next to her on the bus. 

This guy was also a hero, but could a lecherous person really be worthy of the title of hero? Yet, his strength…

The only question in her mind was whether this young man, like her, was a hero whose rank didn’t match his true strength.

Shi Ji had been watching the battle from the side. He knew the outcome from the start but hadn’t intervened immediately. 

The reason was Lin Xinyan.

Gesila, the heavily armored anomaly, was still sprawled on the ground, not yet getting up. Shi Ji didn’t concern himself with it.

He walked towards Lin Xinyan with an air of ease, his face always wearing a confident smile.

“B-rank hero, you knew you weren’t a match for this anomaly. Why be so stubborn?”

Lin Xinyan didn’t hesitate, “Because I’m a hero.”

“…” 

This answer was so resolute that it left Shi Ji slightly taken aback. He couldn’t help but start to think.

“It seems you’re a person of integrity.”

Shi Ji thought back to a few hours earlier when he had beaten up B-rank hero Xian Ning. Despite both being heroes, the difference was vast.

There was no need to ask further because no matter the question, the answer would likely be, “Because I’m a hero.” 

Shi Ji admired this beautiful girl for her determination.

“You did well. Leave the rest to me. You’re a hero, you should be able to handle your shoulder injury yourself.”

As he spoke, the young man passed by Lin Xinyan and walked towards the anomaly.

Gesila had risen from the ground, its formerly arrogant expression now twisted into something much more sinister. Its eyes had turned blood-red.

The lizard was brimming with murderous intent. Despite the heavy blow, it wasn’t too surprised. No longer relaxed, it was now serious, smirking coldly. Its eyes were fixed on Shi Ji, ignoring Lin Xinyan completely.

“Interesting. You sent me flying with just a kick. You’re stronger than this little girl. Freedom is indeed wonderful. It even brings such intriguing encounters.”

Shi Ji turned and gave Lin Xinyan, who was still standing there, a meaningful look. 

She immediately understood. Injured, staying here would be unhelpful and could even cause problems. Without hesitation, she turned to leave. Before departing, she looked back at Shi Ji and said one thing.

“Be careful.”

As Lin Xinyan turned, she saw a weapon appear out of nowhere in Shi Ji’s hand.

“What!? A spear… Soldier rank…”