"Gentlemen, please observe, this is currently the most outstanding creation of our 'Constellation Project'."
In the VIP room of the underground base, a high-ranking Embers member, wearing a silver mask and codenamed 'Doctor', spread his arms.
A massive holographic projection, brimming with modern technological flair, slowly unfurled behind him.
On the screen, Tiandao was moving through the training ground at an astonishing speed, every movement as precise as if calculated by a computer.
The Doctor proudly watched Tiandao's various exaggerated performances on the screen, while introducing his information to the distinguished guests unfamiliar with him.
"'Child of the Constellations' Series 001, Tiandao Siming, overall potential rated S-class. Half a year after the Star Core surgery, he possessed the astonishing ability to single-handedly defeat a special tactical squad."
The video switched to a combat log.
On the screen, the young Tiandao, wearing his iconic sunglasses, strolled casually through a dense barrage of gunfire.
Bullets grazed past his clothes, yet couldn't even touch a single strand of his hair.
Every one of his dodges was perfectly timed, as if he could foresee the future.
Before long, he bypassed the special tactical squad's dense network of fire.
"This is impossible!"
A noblewoman wearing a canary mask gasped in surprise, her champagne glass tilting slightly, nearly spilling the liquid onto her luxurious gown.
The Doctor chuckled softly, his finger gliding across the control panel in front of him.
In an instant, the holographic projection froze on the moment Tiandao delivered a beautiful spinning kick, knocking down the last special forces soldier.
"He can achieve this level without a Star Source?"
"Doctor, are you sure this video isn't falsified?"
Facing the skepticism, the Doctor elegantly replied, "I stake my life on it; neither of these two videos has undergone any post-production."
As the Doctor spoke, he tapped on the virtual keyboard in front of him, bringing up a complex set of data.
"Even more astonishing, this battle occurred on the 183rd day after Tiandao underwent the Star Core surgery. In other words, at that time... he wasn't even eleven years old yet."
Upon hearing this, gasps of astonishment rippled through the VIP room as they processed the immense shock these two videos brought them.
The important figures, usually so aloof, now leaned forward, their eyes behind their masks gleaming with avarice.
One must realize that if Tiandao were replaced by a non-combat type first-level Star Envoy with a Star Source, this special squad before them would be fully capable of defeating a superior opponent.
In other words, a mere Star Core surgery had transformed a child as young as ten, Tiandao Siming, giving him strength comparable to a first-level Star Envoy.
If what the Doctor said was true, then the so-called Constellation Project was indeed a great plan, epoch-making in its scope.
Watching the whispering crowd, the Doctor's lips subtly curved upwards beneath his mask.
He manipulated the control panel in front of him, switching to Tiandao's data analysis chart.
Tiandao's 3D model was seen being decomposed layer by layer, finally focusing on the crystal emanating a deep blue glow in the center of his chest.
The Doctor's fingertip lightly touched the crystal in the projection, and the crystal immediately burst forth with dazzling light.
"The Sky-Eyed Beast's Star Core, a rare species rumored to be able to glimpse the future."
"And Tiandao Siming's compatibility with it is..."
A blood-red number popped up on the holographic screen: 100%.
Looking at the cold, blood-red number on the screen, the entire room fell into a deathly silence.
But the Doctor's words didn't stop there; his voice suddenly lowered, as if imbued with a captivating, hypnotic magic.
"Do you all know, actually, before the Star Core surgery, we also gave this child a Star Energy physical examination."
He paused deliberately, then lightly tapped the screen with his finger.
Soon after, a detailed medical report slowly unfurled before everyone.
Upon seeing a crucial piece of data on it, everyone present gasped in astonishment.
[Innate Star Energy Level: S]
"Whoa—"
The moment this data appeared, the VIP room instantly erupted.
The canary-masked noblewoman abruptly stood up, her red lips trembling slightly beneath her mask: "Th-this is impossible... A naturally awakened S-class?"
Looking at Tiandao's data, the important figures present once again fell into a brief silence.
They were all too clear what an S-class innate Star Energy rating meant.
Normally, a Star Envoy's strength depends not only on their 'Star Source Type' but also on the Star Envoy's own 'Innate Star Energy Level'.
If 'Star Source' is likened to a Star Envoy's 'engine', then 'Innate Star Energy' is equivalent to the 'fuel tank' of that engine.
Because the more outstanding the innate Star Energy, the higher the efficiency of the Star Envoy's subsequent absorption of Star Energy, and the more Star Energy they can use at the same level.
Thus, in the Star Envoy world, a saying has always circulated: "There are no wasted Star Sources, only wasted Star Envoys."
The same Star Source, when in the hands of people with different innate Star Energy levels, often produces entirely different effects.
Although there are some special Star Sources that can alter a Star Envoy's innate Star Energy later in life, most Star Sources are still incapable of doing so.
Therefore, in the Star Envoy world, the innate Star Energy level is often considered an important indicator for measuring a Star Envoy's potential.
In some places, it is even the sole indicator.
Thus, Tiandao, with his S-class innate Star Energy, was seen by everyone as a born strongman destined for greatness, even without the Star Core surgery.
And such a super genius, already possessing limitless potential, now acquired a 'Star Core' that no ordinary Star Envoy had ever had.
This would undoubtedly further enhance Tiandao's already exaggerated potential.
The Doctor watched everyone's reactions with satisfaction, as if admiring a meticulously orchestrated play.
He slowly walked to the projection, reaching out to stroke Tiandao's 3D image, his movements as gentle as if caressing a rare treasure.
"Perfect innate conditions, perfect Star Core compatibility, coupled with unparalleled combat talent."
The Doctor snapped his fingers, and the screen switched to a combat recording of Tiandao fighting a 'first-level Star Envoy'.
In the recording, the young Tiandao was evading every attack from a 'first-level Star Envoy' with dazzling movements.
Although the young Tiandao was comprehensively inferior to the first-level Star Envoy in terms of strength, speed, and physique, relying on his exceptional combat talent, every one of Tiandao's movements seemed precisely calculated by a supercomputer, always avoiding the opponent's fatal attacks with the smallest margin.
"Pay attention here."
The Doctor suddenly paused the screen and pointed to Tiandao's blue-glowing eyes beneath his sunglasses.
"One of the Sky-Eyed Beast's abilities, [Future Sight]."
"Although currently Tiandao cannot fully unleash the potential of these eyes, only being able to predict an opponent's movements approximately half a second in advance, this is already enough for him to challenge some veteran combat-type first-level Star Envoys across ranks, even without a Star Source."
With his words concluded, the Doctor said no more, allowing everyone to slowly digest this truly astounding information.
After an unknown period, a man wearing a griffin mask in the VIP room suddenly spoke.
"Doctor, name your price."
His voice was quite hoarse but carried an undeniable toughness.
However, despite his domineering tone, it failed to extinguish the determination of others to compete.
Instantly, the people in the VIP room seemed to have their floodgates opened, and successive bidding sounds began to rise.
The canary-masked noblewoman even directly removed a special gem ring from her hand and slammed it onto the table: "Is this 'Star of Eternal Night' enough?"
Facing the crowd's frenzy, the Doctor ultimately poured cold water on their enthusiasm.
He elegantly shook his head, his silver mask reflecting a cold light: "I regret to inform you, gentlemen, Tiandao Siming is not for sale."
"Although for various reasons, many disagreements and divisions have arisen among us old fellows, on the matter of this child Tiandao's fate, we have rarely reached a consensus."
"That is, no matter the cost, we must keep this child within Embers."
"Because only he can carry the dreams of us old fellows and prove to those who once betrayed, abandoned, and scorned us that the so-called Embers are never just ash that can be swept away after burning out."
"It can also nurture the spark of a new era, and in this brand new age, once again burst forth with a dazzling light capable of overshadowing all stars."
At this point, the Doctor walked directly to the holographic screen, looking at Tiandao's 3D image on display.
"We graciously invited you here today, not only to showcase the value of the Constellation Project,"
"but another very important purpose is to take this opportunity to let you know in advance about Embers' designated successor."
"Because we wholeheartedly believe that under his leadership, Embers will soon bring an end to the so-called Star Source Era and usher in a brand new age."
As his words fell, the Doctor turned to look at the people present, saying with a crazed expression: "Gentlemen, are you ready to welcome a new era?"
"An era... named Tiandao."
Tiandao on the holographic screen seemed to sense something, suddenly turning his head to "look" towards the audience.
His sunglasses reflected a cold light, and a mysterious smile curved at the corner of his lips...
(End of Chapter)
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