Taking advantage of the system update, Su Feng opened the Golden Legend gift pack he had obtained.
"Ding! Congratulations to the host for receiving a Golden Legend Shooting Action Lottery Card."
"Ding! Congratulations to the host for receiving a Golden Legend Badge Draw Card."
"Ding! Congratulations to the host for receiving a Golden Legend Stunt Draw Card."
"Ding! Congratulations to the host for receiving 100 units of Supreme Nutrition Solution."
"Ding! Congratulations to the host for receiving a Golden Legend Charm Experience Card."
Three Golden Legend draw cards—one each for shooting action, badge, and stunt.
According to the system's description, the Supreme Nutrition Solution is significantly more potent than the standard version.
It offers enhanced physical conditioning and faster recovery.
As for the Golden Legend Charm Experience Card, Su Feng figured it was mostly just a system gimmick.
After all, charm is such an abstract concept.
And since the card's effect only lasts one day, Su Feng didn't give it much thought and instead focused on the three Golden Legend draw cards.
It's worth noting that after reading the system's explanation of the lottery card, Su Feng even touched his face and muttered,
"A 70% chance of winning a special prize... If I miss out... then it must mean I'm so handsome that even the heavens are jealous of me, right?"
Rubbing his hands together, taking a deep breath, and closing his eyes, Su Feng decided to click one and test his luck.
"Ding! Congratulations to the host for winning the special badge [Nirvana]!"
Oh? Not bad—he got a special one on the first try?
Su Feng opened his eyes curiously, and just as he was about to check the effect of the [Nirvana] badge...
"[Nirvana] Badge — Trigger Condition: Unknown. Trigger Effect: Unknown."
"..."
Staring at the badge, which resembled a sleeping phoenix, Su Feng felt the system was being cryptic again.
Yangyan, Panshi, Nirvana... He didn't know why, but he suddenly felt like going horseback riding and shouting—
"What I want to challenge is the sky itself!"
"Forget it. Even though you're a mysterious badge, since you're a special one, I'll equip you first."
Su Feng thought to himself as he slotted Nirvana into the badge slot.
With that, three of Su Feng's five badge slots were now filled.
Next, feeling lucky, Su Feng clicked another Golden Legend draw card...
"Ding! Congratulations to the host for receiving the S-Class Klay Thompson Shooting Action."
"S-Class Klay Thompson Shooting Action: NBA star Klay Thompson's shooting motion.
When equipped, increases the host's shot speed by 20% and grants a 25% chance to ignore interference."
"..."
"I knew it! If there's an A-Class Curry shooting action, there must be S-Class and SSR-Class ones too!"
The S-Class Klay shooting action was a solid upgrade for Su Feng.
It allowed him to replace the A-Class Curry University shooting motion he usually used.
"I didn't expect fate to tie me and Klay together..."
Thinking back to how he had used Klay as a template before, Su Feng mused—
"Maybe I should ask Klay to call me uncle while I'm still older?"
Although it wasn't a special shooting action, Su Feng felt the S-Class Klay motion suited him better now.
Judging by the special shooting action "Meddy's Pulling," Su Feng suspected that these special moves might come with debuffs.
So, with a hint of mock disgust, Su Feng unequipped the A-Class Curry shooting motion and replaced it with the S-Class Klay shooting action in the system's only shooting slot.
As before, these system-equipped shooting actions wouldn't change Su Feng's real-life form.
But they did give him a noticeable boost in his jump shot.
And that subtle improvement was hard to put into words.
After all, in competitive sports, even a 0.01-second difference can change the outcome.
"Alright, only one left anyway!"
After equipping the shooting action, Su Feng clicked the final Golden Legend draw card.
"Ding! Congratulations to the host for receiving a Normal Original Stunt (Gong Xiaobin Version)!"
"..."
Pfft...
Normal?
Su Feng felt a slight tightness in his chest.
But after realizing that the stunt was actually Gong Xiaobin's "Easy Pace," Su Feng immediately perked up.
Because in the current stunt library, Su Feng's version of Sam Feng hasn't been activated yet.
So this ordinary original stunt is undoubtedly more suitable for his current self.
After all, even if Su Feng were given a magical skill, he suspects it wouldn't align perfectly with all his attributes.
"Xiaoyaobu: The signature move of Chinese basketball legend 'Xiaoyaowang' Gong Xiaobin.
Equipped Effects: When the host is in a one-on-one near the three-second zone, footwork speed increases by 10%.
Equipment Requirements: Back-down ability 60 (requirement met), One-on-one ball handling 85 (requirement met)."
"!!!"
"As I suspected—this system is so detailed it even tracks one-on-one quotient.
That's why some hidden abilities couldn't be unlocked before—my system level hadn't reached the threshold.
It's a very reasonable setup, actually. The more elite the player, the more refined their skills tend to be.
Details determine success or failure... but I didn't expect to be such a perfect match for 'Happy Steps'!"
Su Feng thought for a moment. He had been going one-on-one with Kobe every day—if his ball-handling and back-down skills were low, then... well...
Still, this unexpectedly drawn ordinary original stunt, "Xiaoyaobu," made Su Feng even more curious about the soon-to-be-upgraded [Sky Wizard] system.
Because once it upgrades to [Sky Wizard], the number of new abilities Su Feng can unlock will be crucial for his next evolution.
And what will the [Sky Wizard] ability framework be based on?
Will it be like 2K, where everyone has a reference ability value, and each player differs?
Or will it follow the previous model, where ability values are based on tiers—like regular NBA players versus NBA superstars?
"Forget it. I'll know soon enough, no need to stress."
In the stunt slot, Su Feng equipped "Xiaoyaobu."
Interestingly, this was the first time Su Feng had obtained a stunt that could actually be equipped.
Stunts, like shooting actions, only provide passive bonuses.
For example, although Su Feng often uses Samgard, he doesn't receive Samgard's bonus effects.
…
Two hours—neither too long, nor exactly short...
You might not believe it, but Su Feng read the explanation for "Lifetime Injury and Illness Immunity" 139 times.
After carefully studying it, Su Feng realized that minor injuries like a fractured brow bone couldn't be completely avoided.
However, when facing injuries that would cause serious trauma, the system would automatically exempt him.
Simply put, if Su Feng sprained his ankle, instead of being sidelined for a week, the system would downgrade the injury to a minor abrasion.
"If Barkley challenges me to a one-on-one again, even if I can't beat him, I can wear him down." Su Feng mused.
And if he ever faced Barkley again, Su Feng felt he should let that flying pig beat him to death—just for fun.
Not long after Su Feng officially evolved into "Iron Man," the upgrade to [Sky Wizard] was completed!
"Ding! [Sky Wizard] 1.0 upgrade completed."
"Host capacity values are being updated..."
Host: Su Feng
Nationality: Chinese
Age: 18
Current Iron Value: 47 million points
Height: 198 cm
Height with shoes: 201 cm
Weight: 91.7 kg
Arm span: 219 cm
Current [Sky Wizard] ability values:
Attribute
Current
Potential
Close-range shot
64
70+
Mid-range shot
74
80+
Three-point shot
73
80+-
Mid-range off-dribble
69
73+
Three-point off-dribble
70
79+-
Fadeaway shot
72
80+
Shooting under pressure
81
88+
Pass
35
55
Fancy pass
20
40
Vision
40
55
Dribble
56
58
Ball control
55
58
Lateral movement
77
90+
One-on-one defense
78
91+
Team defense
73
84+
Defensive awareness
80
91+
Steals
60
87+
Blocks
48
68+
Offensive rebounds
35
56+
Defensive rebounds
40
65
Speed
70
74+
Bounce
68
72+
Strength
49
52+
"Ding! [Sky Wizard] Upgrade Reward: Host may choose one ability to maximize its potential."
"Ding! [Sky Wizard] 2.0 upgrade available on July 1, 1999. Required Iron Value: 1.5 billion."
"Note: Attributes with a '+' can be upgraded using Iron Value. Rule changes may affect certain abilities."
"Example: Due to NBA's shortened three-point line, three-point ability values will be adjusted accordingly."
"..."
After reading the update, Su Feng's biggest question was:
Why does my one-on-one defense have a potential of 91+, but my dribbling, ball control, and passing don't have any plus signs?
Real proof that I'm 'dribble-negative'?
Fortunately, while Iron Value couldn't be used to boost those capped abilities, the system had removed the firewall that previously limited his growth.
"Interesting... the three-point stat has both a plus and minus. Makes sense, since the NBA shortened the line."
"Lots of new capabilities added—speed and bounce now have detailed breakdowns!"
After venting a bit, Su Feng decided to use his upgrade reward to max out one ability—his original goal for collecting Iron Value.
But...
After spending 3 million Iron Value to raise his strength from 52 to 53, Su Feng was stunned.
"Three million?!" He wanted to call the cops.
"Ding! Host's matching strength template is Michael Jordan. That's why it costs more!"
Su Feng: "..."
Okay...
That makes sense. I can't argue with that.
Wait a minute...
Did the system just answer me?
But when Su Feng tried asking another question, the system went silent.
"Guess I'll need to rethink my strategy.
As for this 'maximize one ability' reward..."
Su Feng realized it was basically a cheat code to boost one stat instantly—but only available during system upgrades.
And the next one wouldn't come for another three years...
"Wait—if I use it on dribbling, I can finally ditch the 'dribble-negative' label!" Su Feng thought.
"Hold on..."
He realized that boosting dribbling alone would be reckless.
Because...
His speed and agility hadn't improved yet.
And the system was realistic—abilities are interconnected.
You think you'll be unstoppable just by maxing out dribbling?
Wake up—this is the '90s!
If Iverson didn't have jet-like speed, how would he break through defenses?
"Ding! Host's current speed rating: 70 [74]. Breakdown:
Off-ball running speed: 70
Ball-carrying acceleration: 69
Max sprint speed: 71"
"Ding! Host's bounce rating: 68 [72]. Breakdown:
Standing vertical: 68
Bounce speed: 70
Contested jump: 64
Run-up jump: 70"
"If I don't use this reward to boost physical talent, it's basically wasted."
After reviewing the breakdowns, Su Feng reflected:
Technical talent matters, but in basketball, physical talent is often decisive.
If Michael Jordan didn't have insane bounce and speed, would he still be MJ?
And when Su Feng thought about dribbling breakthroughs...
Wake up—Iverson is your teammate!
So what's Iverson best known for?
"Rocket Dribble!"
Now that the firewall is gone, if Su Feng can develop Iverson into his "tool man"...
That's way more reliable than hiring Cannon Baker as his trainer.
Su Feng figured he'd been hanging around Kobe too much lately—his reaction time was slowing.
So what now?
Su Feng's bounce was decent, but if he wanted to maximize both offense and defense...
What's the most important ability?
Speed, of course.
UI.
Su Feng had noticed during a game with Payton that his speed severely limited his defense.
"If I use this reward on speed, will those detailed sub-attributes improve too?" he wondered.
To his surprise, the system answered:
"Yes."
Boom!
As a perimeter player, what good is he without speed?
So, without hesitation, Su Feng used the upgrade reward on speed.
"Ding! Searching for matching templates..."
"Ding! Host's speed potential updated to 70 [120]!"
Hiss!
Su Feng stared at the system panel, stunned.
"Wait—120? Isn't the max supposed to be..."
"Ding! Due to host's sprint and off-ball running matching Usain Bolt, ball-carrying speed was auto-balanced to 120."
"Warning!
Speed is affected by weight and other attributes.
For career longevity, host is advised to develop potential rationally."
Su Feng was shocked, then quickly understood.
Sure, 120 looks amazing.
But unless he quits basketball and trains for sprints for 5–6 years, that potential will remain just that—potential.
He'd already noticed that weight and strength were linked to speed.
So here's the question:
Would Bolt, the world's fastest sprinter, be better at basketball than Jordan?
Obviously not.
Still, Su Feng was curious—if the system allows breaking the 100-point ceiling, how high are Iverson and Jordan's scores?
"Ding! Host has used query function 3 times this month..."
"Michael Jordan's speed: 96
Allen Iverson's speed: 104"
"..."
"Why wasn't this query function included in the update?" Su Feng wondered.
But this time, no matter how much he asked, the system stayed silent.
Don't ask.
Asking is "reasonable."
"Now I'm curious—Curry's three-point stat must start at 110, right?
And average players are probably 80 or 90 tops?" Su Feng speculated.
Thinking it over, it actually seemed plausible.
"Alright, here's the real issue...
This speed potential looks great.
But based on my past experience, the higher the stat, the harder it is to improve."
So now, Su Feng had to find a way to digest that potential.
After calming down, he thought clearly.
There's no doubt—[Sky Wizard] not only maxed out his speed potential, but shattered the ceiling that once held him back.
But...
To truly grow into a basketball star, Su Feng still had a long road ahead.
Especially after reading the new method for earning Iron Value...
He realized that talent alone wasn't enough.
Even with a system that could break ceilings and unlock hidden potential, it was still up to him to train, adapt, and evolve.
The journey wasn't just about stats—it was about becoming the kind of player who could turn potential into performance.
And with [Sky Wizard] now upgraded, Su Feng knew:
The real game was just beginning.
…
Just like that, with dreams for the future in his heart, Su Feng returned to Philadelphia with his parents.
After accompanying Su Feng to the draft, Su Weiguo and Wang Yuanyuan were preparing to return to China.
It's worth mentioning that when Su Feng suggested taking time to visit his grandfather, Su Weiguo firmly declined.
"Forget it. Ever since your grandpa found out you made it to the NBA, he's been as excited as a child.
He gave me a special message for you: don't worry about time or distance.
Just focus on playing well, finish your studies, and bring home an Olympic medal." Su Weiguo said, patting Su Feng on the shoulder.
"Son, your mom and I don't know much about the NBA, but we'll definitely make time to visit you in the U.S. later.
Don't blame us—these past two years have been full of opportunities, and we've truly been too busy to get away." Su Weiguo added before leaving.
What can be said about Su Weiguo and Wang Yuanyuan...
Su Feng no longer felt conflicted.
From his memories, he knew these two had genuinely been busy.
The hearts of parents are always full of quiet sacrifice.
On the 29th, as he saw Su Weiguo and Wang Yuanyuan off at the airport, watching the loving middle-aged couple walk away, Su Feng felt the weight of everything he now carried in this life...