# Chapter 2: Eagle's Cry
Xu Xin noticed Luo Feng's gaze and turned her head slightly, a gentle smile gracing her delicate features. For a brief moment, their eyes met across the distance.
Luo Feng's face flushed deeper, and he quickly looked away, pretending to be fascinated by something in the opposite direction.
Wei Wen noticed the exchange and grinned mischievously, elbowing Luo Feng in the ribs. "Oho, so that's how it is—"
"Shut up," Luo Feng muttered, his ears turning red.
Luo Sheng couldn't help but smile at his brother's awkwardness. Young love had a way of making even the most composed people act foolish.
At that moment, high above Yian District, approximately one thousand meters in the air, something was descending.
A colossal Black-Crowned Golden Eagle circled above the city, its massive form casting a shadow across the streets below. Its body stretched nearly twenty meters in length—comparable to a large commercial aircraft. The creature's feathers gleamed with a cold, metallic luster that reflected the afternoon sun like polished steel.
The plumage on its head was pitch black, forming what appeared to be a natural crown. Its golden talons, each as long as a grown man, gleamed wickedly sharp. From a distance, the creature resembled a monstrous fighter jet, but infinitely more terrifying.
The Black-Crowned Golden Eagle gazed down at the human city below, and a murderous intent flickered in its sharp, blue-tinged eyes. Its predatory instincts recognized the abundance of prey gathered in this compact space. Thousands of soft, fragile humans moving about in their false sense of security.
"Boom!"
Without warning, the eagle's massive wings vibrated violently, and its speed surged in an instant. The creature broke through the sound barrier with explosive force, reaching a velocity that turned it into little more than a blur against the sky.
Simultaneously, a piercing eagle cry erupted from the beast's throat—a sound so intense and concentrated that it transformed into visible sonic ripples that radiated downward in expanding circles.
"Aang—!"
The sound hit the city like a physical force.
Below, Luo Sheng and his companions stood at a crossroads waiting for the traffic light to change. Suddenly, the eagle's cry—sharp, piercing, and utterly inhuman—assaulted their ears with painful intensity. Luo Sheng instinctively covered his ears, grimacing as the sound seemed to penetrate directly into his skull.
The high-pitched, shrieking cry reverberated through the entire district. The glass windows of a nearby skyscraper began to crack and splinter under the sonic assault, emitting a terrifying, low "Ka ka ka..." sound as thousands of hairline fractures spiderwebbed across their surfaces.
Then the glass began to fall.
Enormous sheets and countless shards of glass plummeted from dozens of stories high, raining down onto the sidewalks and roads below. Some pieces shattered against streetlights and traffic signals, sending razor-sharp fragments spraying in all directions like deadly confetti.
"Pa!"
"Bang!"
"Crash!"
The intersection immediately transformed into a death trap. People screamed and scattered, trying to find cover as glass continued to cascade down around them. Car alarms blared. Chaos erupted in seconds.
Luo Sheng looked up in horror, watching as a particularly large shard—easily the size of a dinner table—tumbled end over end directly toward their position.
His eyes widened. "Move!"
Before any glass shard could reach the students below, a figure suddenly appeared above the street as if from nowhere—standing atop what appeared to be a metallic flying disc that hovered effortlessly in mid-air. The warrior was a man in his thirties, wearing the distinctive dark combat suit of the Extreme Martial Club. His presence radiated power and authority.
With a casual wave of his hand, the warrior generated an invisible force that swept through the air. The massive sheets and countless shards of glass that had been plummeting toward the crowd of students were instantly deflected into empty spaces and side streets where it could cause no harm, shattering harmlessly against pavement and empty vehicles.
The students, who had been bracing for impact, stood in stunned silence as the glass fell all around them but not on them. The warrior had saved dozens, perhaps hundreds, of lives with a single gesture.
His gaze turned upward, fixing on the sky where the sonic boom cloud still lingered—a white contrail marking the path of the Black-Crowned Golden Eagle's passage. His expression hardened with cold fury.
"Beast," the warrior muttered, his voice carrying surprising volume despite his distance from the ground. "You dare attack citizens within the base city?"
Without another word, the warrior shot upward on his flying disc, accelerating to incredible speed as he gave chase to the massive eagle. Within seconds, both he and the beast had disappeared beyond the city's perimeter, their battle destined to take place in the wilderness where collateral damage wouldn't endanger civilians.
The entire encounter had lasted less than thirty seconds.
Luo Sheng stood nearby, his heart still pounding from the sudden danger and equally sudden resolution. He looked up at where the warrior had disappeared, then remarked emotionally to those around him:
"How terrifyingly powerful. Just a single cry from high in the sky caused such destruction. That must have been an extremely formidable flying monster—probably high Warlord level or even God of War level."
Luo Feng looked up at the sky, his eyes burning with an intensity that Luo Sheng recognized instantly. It was the look of someone who had just been reminded of their purpose, their driving motivation. His brother's blood was boiling with excitement and determination.
"One day," Luo Feng said quietly, his voice filled with conviction, "I will become a powerful warrior. I will hunt down these monsters that dare to threaten human base cities. I will protect people so they don't have to live in fear."
Xu Xin, who had been standing nearby in shocked silence, looked at Luo Feng with obvious admiration. His words, spoken with such conviction in the face of real danger, left a lasting impression on her.
Before the moment could grow more awkward, Wei Wen jogged over, having taken cover behind a parked car during the glass storm. "Everyone okay? That was insane! Did you see that warrior? He just flew up like it was nothing!"
Luo Sheng nodded, grateful for the interruption. "We're fine. We should probably get moving before another beast decides to test the city's defenses."
The group began walking again, though the atmosphere had noticeably shifted. The casual Friday afternoon energy had been replaced with a sobering awareness of how quickly normalcy could shatter—literally—in this world.
After a few minutes of walking, Luo Sheng called out to his brother, "Brother, we're almost home."
Luo Feng, who had been lost in thought and walking on autopilot, suddenly stopped and looked around. He scratched his head awkwardly. "Ah, I was walking toward the old place again without thinking."
They had been heading toward the public housing complex where they used to live before Luo Sheng's investments had earned enough money to move the family out. Even after months in their new home, Luo Feng's muscle memory sometimes took over, leading him back toward the cramped apartment where they'd spent most of their childhood.
Wei Wen, who had been walking with them, checked the time on his watch. "Well, I guess this is where we part ways. Oh, by the way—are you two going to the Extreme Martial Club training hall tonight?"
Luo Feng shook his head. "I have a tutoring job tonight. Even though Luo Sheng's investments got us out of public housing, I still want to contribute to the family finances. I might go to the training hall after I finish the session, but it'll be late."
Wei Wen nodded understandingly. "Alright then, I won't wait for you two. I'll head over by myself after dinner."
"Sounds good. Train hard," Luo Sheng said.
They parted ways with Wei Wen at the intersection, and the brothers continued toward their new home.
Their current residence was a detached three-story house in a much better neighborhood than the public housing district. Luo Sheng had purchased it with the profits from his cryptocurrency trading, with additional contributions from his second brother Luo Hua, who had proven surprisingly adept at investment strategies once Luo Sheng had taught him the basics.
As they walked, Luo Sheng allowed himself a small, knowing smile. Luo Feng has no idea that as soon as he finishes his college entrance exam—or rather, fails it due to his spiritual awakening—we'll be moving into something even better. A proper villa in the military family housing district.
The knowledge of the future was both a blessing and a curse. He knew what was coming, but he also knew he couldn't change certain key events without potentially disrupting everything.
When they arrived home, they found their parents and second brother Luo Hua already there. Their father, Luo Hongguo, sat on the living room sofa watching the evening news, which was currently reporting on increased beast activity near the city's outer sectors. Their mother, Gong Xinlan, was in the kitchen finishing dinner preparations.
"Dad, Mom! We're back!" Luo Feng called out as they entered.
Luo Hongguo looked up from the television, his weathered face breaking into a warm smile. "You're back! Good timing. Your mother's just finishing up dinner. Are you hungry?"
Luo Sheng tossed his backpack onto the nearby sofa and grinned. "Not terribly hungry yet, but whatever Mom's cooking smells amazing."
His gaze shifted to Luo Hua, who sat at the dining table completely engrossed in a thick book. "Second Brother, what are you reading?"
Luo Hua turned a page, pushed his glasses up the bridge of his nose, and looked up with a slight smile. "I'm reading Graham's 'The Intelligent Investor.' His value investing philosophy is fascinating—particularly his concept of 'margin of safety.'"
"Ah, Graham," Luo Sheng said, walking over to glance at the page. "The father of value investing. His theories about intrinsic value versus market price are fundamental. Although I'd argue that in the market, traditional value investing principles need significant modification."
Luo Hua's eyes lit up with interest. "That's actually what I wanted to ask you about. Graham emphasizes buying assets below their intrinsic value, but how do you determine intrinsic value for something like cryptocurrency, which has no physical assets or traditional cash flows?"
"That's the important question," Luo Sheng replied, settling into a chair across from his brother. "With crypto, you're not investing in intrinsic value in the traditional sense—you're investing in network effects, adoption rates, technological superiority, and future utility. It's more akin to investing in early-stage technology companies than buying undervalued stocks."
The two brothers fell into a deep discussion about market theory, technical analysis, and the fundamental differences between traditional equities and digital assets. Luo Hua occasionally asked questions, and Luo Sheng answered with the expertise of someone who had spent years studying financial markets in his previous life.
Luo Hongguo watched his two sons with undisguised pride, his smile never wavering. He didn't understand most of what they were discussing—construction work didn't require knowledge of market dynamics—but seeing his sons engaged in such intellectual conversation filled him with satisfaction.
Luo Feng, sitting nearby, opened his history textbook and tried to review the material they'd covered that day. But the financial jargon his brothers were throwing around might as well have been a foreign language. He could handle combat techniques and physical training without problem, but economics? That was a different kind of battlefield entirely.
After about fifteen minutes, their mother's voice rang out from the kitchen: "Dinner's ready!"
As Luo Feng and his brothers started to stand and head toward the kitchen, Luo Hongguo quickly got to his feet with an enthusiastic laugh. "You three keep studying! I'll bring everything out!"
He was already heading toward the kitchen when Gong Xinlan emerged carrying a large serving dish. She rolled her eyes at her husband with obvious affection. "Dinner's ready, what's there to study? The boys have been at school all day. It's time to let them relax!"
She looked at her three sons with a warm smile. "Come on, sit down. Tonight I made your favorites—stir-fried chicken with peppers, white radish stewed with beef, and fresh greens. Plus egg drop soup."
"Sounds perfect!" Luo Sheng said enthusiastically.
The family gathered around the dining table, which was laden with the dishes Gong Xinlan had prepared. Steam rose from each plate, carrying mouthwatering aromas that made Luo Sheng realize he actually was quite hungry after all.
They ate and chatted about everyday matters—school gossip, neighborhood news, upcoming events. It was comfortable and familiar, the kind of simple family moment that Luo Sheng had never truly appreciated in his previous life. Now, having died alone and desperate in that other world, he cherished these mundane interactions more than anything.
After dinner, the three brothers helped clear the table and wash the dishes—a routine they'd established without being asked. As they finished, Luo Hongguo called out from the living room.
"Ah Feng, come here for a moment. Dad wants to talk to you about something."
Luo Feng walked over and sat opposite his father, curiosity evident on his face. "What is it, Dad?"
Luo Hongguo's expression turned serious, though his tone remained gentle. "I've never really asked you about your plans after high school graduation. Can you tell me what you're thinking?"
Luo Feng considered for a moment, then answered confidently. "With my current academic scores and my Senior Student martial ranking, I believe I can get into Jiangnan First Military Academy through the college entrance exam. The academy directly trains officer candidates from among high-performing martial students. Once I'm accepted, you and Mom can move into the military family housing area—much better accommodations than what we have now."
Luo Sheng, who was wiping down the dining table nearby, heard this and muttered to himself, Plans can't keep up with changes, Brother. Your college entrance exam won't go smoothly at all.
He knew what was coming. In the original timeline, during the college entrance examination, Luo Feng would experience a sudden awakening of his spiritual energy—his latent Spirit Master abilities manifesting all at once. The overwhelming sensation would cause him to faint in the examination hall, resulting in a failed exam and dashed dreams of military academy.
Instead, Luo Feng would end up joining the Extreme Martial Club founded by Hong, Earth's strongest warrior, and begin his true journey as a martial artist.
Luo Sheng didn't intend to interfere with that crucial event. But he was somewhat worried. Because of his presence and the butterfly effect he'd created—the improved family finances, reduced pressure on Luo Feng—would his brother still successfully awaken his spiritual energy during the exam? Would the timeline proceed as it should?
He wasn't quite sure. And that uncertainty gnawed at him.
Luo Hongguo listened to his son's explanation and nodded approvingly. "Good, good, very good. Since you've already thought it through carefully, I won't question your decision. But Ah Feng, don't put too much pressure on yourself. Even if you don't get into military academy, it's okay. Our family's financial situation is much better now thanks to your older brother."
Luo Hua chimed in, pushing his glasses up. "That's right, Second Brother. Luo Sheng and I can both earn money now. You don't need to carry the burden of supporting the family. Focus on your training and studies without that added stress."
Gong Xinlan, who had been listening from the kitchen doorway, nodded in agreement. "Your brothers are right. We're proud of you no matter what happens."
Luo Hongguo then turned his attention to Luo Sheng. "And what about you, Ah Sheng? You're graduating soon too. What are your plans?"
Luo Sheng leaned against the wall, his expression thoughtful. "I'm planning to continue with financial investments and trading. My martial talent isn't exceptional—I've accepted that reality. But I have a knack for reading market trends and making profitable decisions. I figure I can contribute more to the family through that route than by trying to force myself up the martial ranks."
He paused, then added with a slight smile, "I'll keep training at the Extreme Martial Club to maintain my fitness and basic combat skills. In this world, you never know when you'll need to defend yourself. But I'm realistic about my limitations. I'd rather excel in one area than struggle to be mediocre in another."
Besides, he thought to himself, keeping his true reasoning hidden, I'm not really worried about my future. Brother Luo Feng has the talent to become truly powerful—he's the protagonist of this world. When he rises in the martial world and becomes stronger, opportunities will naturally present themselves to me as well. I just need to be patient and smart enough to recognize and seize those opportunities when they come.
Gong Xinlan frowned slightly. "But Ah Sheng, don't you want to become a warrior? You've been training for years..."
"I'll continue training," Luo Sheng assured her. "Staying fit and maintaining basic combat ability is important in the world. But I'm realistic about my limitations. I'd rather excel in one area than struggle to be mediocre in another. Financial success can provide security for our family just as much as martial strength—just in different ways."
Luo Hongguo studied his eldest son for a long moment, then slowly nodded. "You've always been mature for your age, Ah Sheng. If that's the path you've chosen after careful thought, then your mother and I support you."
"Just promise you'll stay safe," Gong Xinlan added. "Don't take unnecessary risks."
"I promise, Mom."
After finishing the conversation, Luo Sheng excused himself and headed to his room. The detached villa had enough space that each of the three brothers had their own private bedroom—a luxury that would have been unthinkable in their old public housing apartment.
Once inside his room, Luo Sheng booted up his computer and logged into his various trading accounts. Multiple screens displayed real-time market data, cryptocurrency price charts, and pending orders. His fingers flew across the keyboard as he executed a series of trades—buying here, selling there, shifting positions based on patterns that only someone with his past-life experience could recognize so clearly.
In less than an hour of active trading, his account balance had increased by over 80,000 Chinese yuan, bringing his total liquid assets to just over 1.2 million yuan. Not bad for a seventeen-year-old student.
Downstairs, Luo Feng had returned to his room to review his studies, and Luo Hua continued reading his investment books. The house had settled into its comfortable evening rhythm.
Luo Sheng leaned back in his chair, stretching his arms above his head. He was about to shut down his computer for the night when something unexpected happened.
A strange sensation washed over him—not physical, but mental. It felt like a presence in his mind, something foreign yet not threatening. Then, text appeared in his vision, floating in the air before his eyes like a holographic display:
[System Initialization Beginning...]
Luo Sheng froze, his breath catching in his throat. What... what is this?
[Scanning Host...]
[Compatibility Check: PASSED]
[Beginning Integration...]
[1%... 5%... 12%... 25%...]
His heart pounded. After seventeen years of living in this world without any cheat ability, without any golden finger, without any system—was something finally happening? Had he finally received the transmigrator's blessing that he'd long since given up hoping for?
[40%... 55%... 68%... 79%...]
The percentage steadily climbed, and with each increment, Luo Sheng felt something changing within him. It wasn't painful, but it was deeply, fundamentally strange—as if some new sense or capability was being woven into the fabric of his consciousness.
[88%... 93%... 97%... 99%...]
Luo Sheng gripped the arms of his chair, his knuckles white. Come on... come on...
[100%]
[System Integration Complete]
[Welcome, Host, to the Infinite Growth System]
The words hung in his vision, glowing with an ethereal light. And in that moment, Luo Sheng knew that everything was about to change.
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