Chapter 69: Unprecedented transformation
Hospital rose like a crown jewel in the city's heart—a towering edifice of white marble and crystal panels that shimmered beneath the afternoon sun. Its grand façade radiated serenity, with arched entryways framed by marble pillars etched in glowing glyphs, each one softly pulsing with healing energy.
Above, the hospital's emblem—a winged caduceus encircled by a golden laurel—glowed with a steady, sacred light, like a beacon of hope to all who approached.
Sunlight spilled across the immaculate grounds, glinting off tranquil fountains and hovering walkways. Trees rustled in the gentle breeze, their leaves whispering softly, as if even nature respected the solemn peace of the place.
Then—
Hum—
A sleek levicar slid into view, gliding soundlessly just inches above the ground. Obsidian black with gleaming gold trim, its design was a seamless blend of advanced tech and refined luxury. Through its tinted windows, only the faintest silhouette could be seen.
It came to a perfect halt at the main entrance.
Snap.
The door unfolded upward with smooth hydraulic grace—and a figure stepped out.
He moved like a storm given human form.
Lei Feng.
Every line of his body radiated controlled intensity. Jet-black hair with silver-tipped ends framed his sharp, striking features. His crystalline blue eyes shimmered with a piercing chill, like frost beneath lightning.
He wore a rune-laced navy hoodie, slim black combat-fit trousers, and obsidian sneakers. A dark leather belt adorned with golden motifs hugged his waist, catching glimmers of sunlight with each step.
The moment his feet touched the ground, the air shifted.
It wasn't just how he looked—his presence carried weight, an electric hum that prickled the skin. His aura rippled outward, subtle yet undeniable, like thunder rumbling just beneath the surface.
A man nearby nudged a hospital staffer. "Who... who is that?"
"I don't know," the attendant whispered, gaze fixed. "But… you can tell he's powerful. It's in the air."
"He must be from a powerful background," another attendant said in awe.
"Woah! So handsome!" a girl nearby squealed, clutching her friend's arm.
More voices rose in excited chatter as several young women crowded near the glass windows and entrance, giggling like characters out of a classic anime. One nearly dropped her phone, while another snapped pictures, face flushed red.
"Is he a celebrity?"
"No way, look at that aura—he's dangerous!"
"I'd let him arrest me…"
Unfazed by the attention, Lei Feng glided through the entrance like a storm cloaked in calm. Though stoic on the outside, a flicker of amusement stirred within him.
Inside, polished marble transitioned to enchanted white tiles. Floating glyphs pulsed softly overhead, guiding patients and staff. Ahead stood a young woman in a nurse's uniform, glasses perched on her nose, a cascade of braided orange hair falling over her shoulders. She carried a stack of files with mechanical precision, amber eyes bright behind her lenses.
Lei Feng approached, voice warm but casual. "Hey, good afternoon, pretty. Where can I find Doctor Ryan's office?"
The nurse froze.
"P-Pretty?" she stammered, color rushing to her cheeks. She nearly dropped her files.
Lei Feng blinked. "Did I say something wrong?"
"N-No, not at all!" she blurted, coughing into her fist. "Ahem. Doctor Ryan's office is across the hall to your left."
"Thanks," Lei Feng said with a charming smile.
Thump-thump.
Her heart skipped. As he walked past, she stared, caught in the afterimage of his presence.
"W-Wait!" she called suddenly.
He turned slightly, brows raised.
"I'm Marie," she said, fidgeting. "Marie Wells."
Lei Feng gave a small nod. "Lei Feng."
She hesitated. Then—"Can I… get your number?"
His eyes widened. "What?"
What kind of world is this?! He thought. Girls court guys openly here?
Marie clutched her files. "S-Sorry! It's fine if you don't want to…"
"No, no—it's fine," Lei Feng said quickly. "I don't have many contacts here. Might be good to start making some."
They exchanged numbers—Marie shakily handing over her wrist device while Lei Feng tapped his phone screen.
As he walked away, Marie stood frozen, cheeks red and mind spinning.
Why did I…? That's never happened before. What's different about him…?
Lei Feng chuckled inwardly. "This world keeps surprising me."
He wandered through the corridor, hands in his hoodie pockets.
"It's only been a week, but it feels like years. I barely even remember where Ryan's office is…"
Eventually, he stopped before a familiar oak door with a golden plaque:
DR. RYAN THORNE – AETHERIC SURGEON
Lei Feng raised a hand to knock.
—
Inside, Dr. Ryan slouched behind his desk, phone just placed back in its receiver. His black-and-white hair was ruffled, his hand dragging down his face in frustration.
"Ahhh! That guy—where the hell is he?" he muttered. "I haven't even examined the Young Miss… and Lady Solstice has been hounding me nonstop!"
Knock. Knock. Knock.
"Who is it?! Come in!" Ryan shouted, clearly irritated.
The door opened.
Lei Feng stepped inside.
Ryan looked up—and froze.
His brows furrowed. His gaze sharpened behind silver-rimmed glasses, as if trying to peer beneath a disguise.
Lei Feng scratched his head, sheepish. "Uh… Dr. Ryan?"
Ryan's stare intensified.
"Ahem." He coughed. "Sorry. I don't recall any appointments. Who are you, and what do you want?"
Lei Feng smiled faintly. "Well, I don't blame you. I almost didn't recognize myself either."
Ryan blinked. "What?"
"It's me," Lei Feng said. "Lei Feng."
BOOM!
Ryan shot up. "WHAT?!"
He slammed his hands on the desk—crack!—hairline fractures spread across the surface.
"Calm down! You're overreacting!" Lei Feng muttered.
"You're Lei Feng?! That's impossible!"
"I really am—"
"Wait." Ryan's eyes narrowed. "That aura…"
In an instant, Ryan didn't see a polite young man. He saw a warrior forged in fire and thunder. His black eyes turned golden eyes sharpened. Sweat formed on his brow.
"Impossible…" he whispered.
A golden aura flared around him. A luminous sword of light materialized in his hand with a hum. He pointed it at Lei Feng's throat.
"Who are you?" Ryan demanded. "Why are you impersonating the Young Master?"
Lei Feng's brow twitched. How did this escalate so fast?!
"I swear, it's a misunderstanding! I'm really him!"
"Then prove it," Ryan growled, blade inches from his skin.
"How?!"
Silence.
Finally, Ryan spoke. "Let me check your pulse. Everyone has a unique body signature—unchangeable. I memorized the Young Master's. One touch, and I'll know."
"Fine!" Lei Feng said, exasperated.
Ryan dematerialized the blade and grasped Lei Feng's wrist, golden energy pulsing.
A beat passed.
Ryan's eyes widened.
"You… it really is you!"
He nearly collapsed into his chair.
"I-I'm so sorry, Young Master!" Ryan stammered. "Lady Solstice and Young Miss Mei would kill me if I hurt you!"
"It's fine," Lei Feng sighed. "Just a misunderstanding."
Ryan rubbed his temples.
"How… how can someone change this much…?"
---
Bang!
The door flew open.
"Master!"
Marie burst into the room, her eyes wide and frantic.
"I heard shouting—is everything okay?!"
Her gaze fell on Lei Feng.
"It's you!" she gasped.
"You two know each other?" Ryan asked.
"We just met in the hallway," Lei Feng said quickly.
"Then let me formally introduce you," Ryan said, rising again. "This is Marie Wells, my student. Marie, this is Lei Feng—former Young Master of the Ling Family."
Marie blinked. "Former… wait. That Ling?"
"Yes," Ryan nodded. "Also he used to be known as Ling Chen."
Marie's mind reeled.
"But… I'm Level 30, and his aura… it feels stronger than mine." she mumbled subconsciously.
"You're wrong," Lei Feng said simply. "I'm only Level 28."
"WHAT?!"
Both Marie and Ryan shouted in unison.
"This doesn't make sense!" Ryan exclaimed. "How have you grown so strong, so fast in such a short time?!"
"Short time?" Marie asked, confused.
Ryan adjusted his glasses, his expression turned solemn.
"Do you know why I said he is the former young master of the Ling Family?" Ryan asked.
"Hmm... Because he is no longer the young master", Marie answered logically.
You are right but do you know why? He asked asked again.
"No," Marie shook her head
"Lei Feng used to be a failure. A boy who couldn't level up or awaken a class. Powerless, discarded by the Ling Family and it has remained like that until about a week ago,"
"WHAT?!"
Her legs gave out.
She collapsed to the floor—
—and fainted.
Lei Feng sighed, sweat dripping. "Her reaction's even more intense than yours…"